News

MAKUENI BOOSTS CHILD EMERGENCY CARE THROUGH ISRAEL PARTNERSHIP

Makueni County has strengthened its efforts to improve child healthcare services through a new partnership with Israel focused on pediatric emergency and trauma care training for local health workers.

Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, on Thursday visited the Makueni County Referral Hospital to launch a pediatric emergency medicine skills workshop aimed at enhancing child healthcare services in the county.

The training is being facilitated by experts from Hadassah University Medical Center and The Hebrew University. The seminar focuses on pediatric trauma care and seeks to strengthen the ability of healthcare workers to respond to children in emergency and stress situations while promoting knowledge exchange between the institutions.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the partnership places Makueni on the international map in health innovation and health capability. He urged healthcare practitioners to fully utilize the opportunity, saying residents deserve quality healthcare services.

Ambassador Behar l described the partnership as the beginning of broader collaborations between Israel and Makueni. He said the training is intended to enhance the county’s healthcare capacity and improve preparedness for accurate emergency response in pediatric trauma care.

MAKUENI HANDS OVER MODERN FARM EQUIPMENT TO BOOST FRUIT FARMING.

The County Government has handed over modern agricultural equipment to trained service providers under the Sema Kenya 2 Project in a move aimed at strengthening mango and avocado farming.

The initiative, funded by the European Union through CIHEAM Bari is targeting wards known for high mango and avocado fruit production.

During the exercise led by CECM Nicholas Nzioka and attended by Felistus Mutune, beneficiaries received knapsack sprayers, pruning saws, aluminium ladders, loopers, fruit pickers and secateurs to support farmers with turn on efficient and modern farm services.

Nzioka noted that the equipment will improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase household incomes in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda.

900 2JIAJIRI PROGRAMME STUDENTS SET TO GRADUATE

There is a celebratory mood as a procession officially ushered in the 2Jiajiri Programme graduation ceremony, where 900 trainees from Vocational Training Centres across Makueni County are on Thursday celebrating a major milestone in their skills development journey.

The colourful procession was led by the County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, together with the Chief Officer for Education and Internship, Irene Makau, alongside county officials and trainers.

The ceremony marks the culmination of months of intensive training under the transformative 2Jiajiri initiative, aimed at equipping youth with practical and market-driven skills for self-reliance and employment.

The programme is a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and the KCB Foundation, working together to empower youth through technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and skills development opportunities.

Families, partners, and stakeholders have gathered in Wote to witness the celebration of resilience, talent, and the county’s continued commitment to empowering young people through technical and vocational training.

#2Jiajiri #VTCGraduation #SkillsForLife #Makueni

GOVERNOR MUTULA HOSTS JUDICIARY LEADERS ON MATILIKU LAW COURT PROJECT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday hosted High Court Judge Hon. Justice Onyiego John Nyabuto and Chief Magistrate Hon. Peter Gesora during a courtesy visit at his office.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the County Government and the Judiciary, particularaly the proposed construction of the Matiliku Law Court. The judicial leaders sought the County Government’s support in facilitating land acquisition for the project.

Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing access to justice, pledging to support the initiative by ensuring that suitable land is identified, secured, and made available for the construction of the court

COUNTY ROLLS OUT RAPID ROAD REHABILITATION TO RESTORE ACCESS ACROSS MAKUENI

The Government of Makueni County has launched a rapid response programme to rehabilitate damaged roads following recent heavy rains, with CECM for Infrastructure, Transport , Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Peter Mumo leading inspection and intervention works in Ukia and Kasikeu wards.

The exercise will include murraming, grading, installation of bumps, and construction of water drifts and tunnels to improve drainage and road durability. Key areas inspected include Muthekeni in Ukia, Muani and Kilea Primary School roads, and sections near Chief Kiamba Dam water pan in Kasikeu, all aimed at restoring access, especially for learners and local communities.

The county has committed to continuous works across all wards, including weekend operations, to ensure affected areas are reopened and transport is normalized, easing movement for residents, businesses and school-going children.

MAKUENI SETS BENCHMARK AS GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO Jr. CALLS FOR TRANSFORMATIVE AUDIT LEADERSHIP

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., on Tuesday, delivered the keynote address at the 23rd Internal Audit Annual Seminar in Mombasa.

He shared Makueni County’s journey to earning clean audit reports, noting that it is now the only county among the 47 to attain an unqualified audit opinion for the 2024/2025 financial year.

He said this achievement affirms that strong systems, transparency, and accountability deliver real results for the people.

Under the theme “Beyond Transition: Transformation in an Evolving Landscape,” he challenged internal auditors to rise to the moment, emphasizing that their role must go beyond fault-finding to becoming strategic guardians of governance. He noted that the future demands preventing risks before they occur and embedding audit as a key driver of value and decision-making.

As governance evolves with digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and increasing public expectations, he advocated for a deliberate and intentional approach to transformation. This includes embracing data, innovation, and adaptability,even when it is uncomfortable.

He added that internal auditors deserve a seat at the decision-making table, as their insights are critical in shaping resilient and accountable institutions.

He also called for consideration of a strong legal framework to safeguard the independence and professional space of internal auditors.

He concluded by urging stakeholders to move beyond transition and deliver true transformation.

MAKUENI RAMPS UP WATER PROJECTS TO STABILIZE WOTE SUPPLY

The Makueni County Government has intensified upgrades to its water supply infrastructure in Wote and surrounding areas in a bid to stabilize distribution and ease persistent shortages.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Japheth Mang’oka led an inspection of key projects alongside WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda and other officials.

At the Kamunyolo Water Project, now 80 percent complete, capacity is being expanded from 300 to 500 cubic metres per day to boost supply to Wote. The Kwa Kitungu project will add 90 cubic metres per day through a solar-powered pumping system, targeting improved supply in areas including Kasarani and Kunda Kindu.

Meanwhile, emergency rehabilitation works at the Kaiti 1 Water Project are expected to increase daily supply hours from eight to 14.

County officials say the interventions will improve reliability of water access for households, businesses and institutions, as part of ongoing investment in sustainable water infrastructure.

26,000 MAKUENI YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM LIVESTOCK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

Makueni County is set to empower at least 26,000 young people through a transformative livestock value chain project aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

The five-year initiative, dubbed Creating Shared Value in the Livestock Sector with Young People in Kenya’s ASALs (CASHA), is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The programme spans 15 counties, with Makueni positioned as a key beneficiary.

The initiative seeks to unlock opportunities for youth across the livestock sector, making agriculture a sustainable and attractive source of income.

Speaking during a meeting with FAO Kenya Assistant Country Representative Khamisi Williams, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the programme, reaffirming the county’s commitment to youth-driven agricultural growth.

He emphasized that Makueni will actively support and incentivize the initiative to ensure maximum impact for local youth. Williams commended the county’s proactive leadership, noting that Makueni’s strong collaboration will be critical in delivering lasting benefits and expanding employment opportunities.

The delegation also included Hon. Francis Mutuku, Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development.

MAKUENI BOOSTS WATER WORKERS’ SAFETY

The County Government of Makueni has stepped up efforts to improve water service delivery by equipping staff of Wote Water and Sewerage Company Limited (WOWASCO) with safety gear and identification items.

The equipment, commissioned on Tuesday, includes gloves, helmets, reflectors, gumboots, aprons and first aid kits aimed at protecting workers from occupational hazards during daily operations. The move comes as the utility continues to post steady performance in serving residents within its jurisdiction.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Japheth Mang’oka, said the county is committed to enhancing staff welfare and pledged continued support through additional equipment. He also called for increased funding and grants to expand services.

WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda welcomed the initiative, saying improved safety and proper staff identification would enhance response to customer needs.

NEW WOTE MUNICIPALITY BOARD SWORN IN

The new Wote Municipality Board has been officially sworn in during a ceremony witnessed by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. The oath was administered by Makueni County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa.

The board is chaired by Gideon Muoki Kimilu, with members James Kamae Kamami, Damaris Ndinda Nduva, David Tei Mbuvi, Elizabeth Mueni Mbevi, Carolyne Katunge Mutanya, and Norman Somba Mutiso.

In his remarks, the Governor welcomed the team and urged them to serve the people of Makueni with diligence and integrity. He emphasized the importance of being hands-on in their roles and challenged them to transform Wote into a functional and prosperous municipality.

Key priorities for the board include advancing urban planning, promoting environmental greening initiatives, and driving efforts to transform Wote into a modern, model urban center.