News

MAKUENI KICKS OFF KIUNDUANI MARKET PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING

The Department of Lands, Urban Planning & Development has kicked off the preparation of the Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan for Kiunduani Market, marking a major step toward structured growth and sustainable urban development.

During a stakeholders’ public participation forum on Tuesday, residents, traders, community leaders, and technical officers were taken through the County’s Land Information Management System and the urban planning process. The engagement aimed to ensure that Kiunduani develops in line with national and county planning laws. The session also provided an opportunity for the public to highlight existing challenges to inform the planning process.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Dr. Paul Musila, who led the process, noted that the proposed plan will guide land use, improve road networks, protect public land, enhance investment opportunities, and support future infrastructure development such as markets, water systems, and other public amenities.

He added that the plan will also form the basis for cadastral surveys, increase land value, and strengthen land administration to support orderly growth.

HEALTH CECM LEADS MATERNAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN KIBWEZI EAST.

Women in Kibwezi East have been urged to deliver in health facilities to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal complications.

The call was made during a meeting at Kibwezi East Sub-County Hospital, which brought together more than 300 women for a maternal health sensitization forum.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua emphasized the importance of skilled birth attendance and cautioned mothers against the harmful practice of gum cutting on infants.

She further encouraged women to embrace modern contraceptives to support healthy spacing, safer pregnancies, and improved outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Mutua also announced an upcoming maternity block at the facility which will significantly expand maternal and newborn care capacity, ease congestion, and enhance access to quality services for mothers in Kibwezi East and surrounding areas.

The hospital also hosted over 100 bodaboda riders as part of a “men in maternity” engagement, urging them to actively support pregnant women, particularly by facilitating timely transport to health facilities.

The riders later led members of the public to a blood donation drive organized by the hospital to help bolster blood supplies for women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.

Masongaleni Ward MCA Brian Nzoka noted the critical role bodaboda operators play in maternal health and called for their continued involvement in community health initiatives.

TIMBUKTOO ALUMNI ANNUAL GATHERING AT KONZA

Konza Technopolis, in partnership with timbuktoo Africa and UNDP Kenya, hosted the 2025 Timbuktoo Alumni Annual Gathering, marking one year since the launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. The event brought together over 50 Kenyan founders who have participated in timbuktoo programmes across the continent, celebrating the growing wave of climate-smart, youth-driven innovation in Africa.

The gathering was graced by the UNDP Administrator, Alexander De Croo, who emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships in accelerating sustainable development, noting that Africa’s youthful talent and green solutions are key to shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.

COUNTY MOVES TO ENHANCE SURGICAL SAFETY WITH NEW EQUIPMENT

Tawa Sub-County Hospital on Tuesday received a new anesthesia machine, a boost expected to strengthen surgical and critical care services at the facility.

The equipment replaces an aging unit that had broken down, a setback that had limited theatre operations.

Speaking at Tawa Sub County Hospital, Dr. Harvey Mulei who delivered the new machine on behalf of governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. noted that it anticipates to enhance the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures, ensuring uninterrupted access to quality anesthesia services for patients in Tawa Sub-County and neighboring areas.

Dr. Mulei also took the opportunity to introduce the hospital’s medical supretendant.

In a related effort to improve healthcare delivery across the county, Kilungu Sub-County Hospital has already installed a similar anesthesia machine, which is now fully operational and supporting theatre services.

The investment reflects an ongoing drive to equip facilities with modern medical technology that enhances patient outcomes and reduces the need for referrals to higher-level hospitals.

INFLUENCERS RALLY BEHIND NEW POSTPARTUM CARE INTERVENTION

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with Jhpiego, on Monday convened a community influencers’ forum from across different wards under the Accelerating Measurable Investments for Postpartum Hemorrhage Impact (AMPLI-PPHI) project.

The forum provided a platform to promote the early adoption and scale-up Heat Stable Carbetocin, a newly recommended drug aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.

Participants reported notable progress in health-seeking behavior among women, with more expectant mothers choosing skilled birth attendance and postnatal care services in health facilities.

The meeting also observed a rise in the uptake of family planning services, a trend that is enabling families to make informed reproductive health decisions and strengthening ongoing efforts to promote safer motherhood.

BUNGOMA HEALTH DELEGATION TOURS MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL TO BENCHMARK INNOVATIONS.

A high-level delegation of 18 senior health officials from Bungoma County visited Makueni County Referral Hospital to assess some of its flagship innovations, including the hospital’s acclaimed solarization project.

The delegation comprising the CECM and the chief officer for Health, members of the County Assembly Health Committee, and other senior representatives was received by Makueni County CECM for Health Services, Joyce Mutua, Chief Officer for Health Dr. Harvey Mulei, and Hospital CEO Martha Munyao.

During the tour, the officials commended the hospital’s exceptional standards of cleanliness, its growing telemedicine program, and a range of other transformative initiatives that have strengthened service delivery.

They also applauded Makueni’s transparent healthcare systems, noting them as a model worth emulating.

The team further explored opportunities for inter-county collaboration, including potential partnerships with the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant to enhance nutrition and community health programs.

GOVERNOR MUTULA PUTS SAND CARTELS ON NOTICE, VOWS TO INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has issued a stern warning to illegal sand traders, declaring that his administration will not back down in enforcing strict regulations that govern the county’s sand sector.

Mutula said his government remains unwavering in the fight against illegal sand harvesting, despite continued push back by cartels.

He noted that the practice undermines the dignity of the county and exposes residents to the severe risk of water insecurity. He vowed to dismantle rogue networks profiting at the expense of communities and the environment.

Addressing the situation in Kilome, where a total ban on sand harvesting has been in place for two months, the governor reported significant progress. He said local committees are currently reviewing the state of the area, and the county will announce the next steps once it is satisfied that any future harvesting will fully comply with established regulations.

Mutula also revealed plans to take the county beyond conservation by venturing into sand value addition. He said his administration intends to invest in technologies and infrastructure that will enable Makueni to process sand into high-value products once resources allow, an initiative expected to boost county revenue and create jobs for residents.

The governor made the remarks while presiding over the absorption of 44 staff into the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, part of broader efforts to reinforce the county’s environmental protection and sand conservation agenda.

Makueni Absorbs 44 Sand Authority Staff as County Intensifies Conservation Efforts

Makueni County on Monday issued letters of appointment to 44 employees of the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, officially placing them on permanent and pensionable terms. The move marks a significant step in the county’s push to strengthen sand conservation and safeguard critical environmental resources.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, who presided over the ceremony, paid glowing tribute to the staff, praising them for their dedication and exemplary service. He highlighted individuals who have “gone beyond their call of duty” to protect water sources and shield the county’s natural resources from depletion.

Mutula said the transition to permanent terms was not only a reward for their resilience but also an investment in their future. He noted that the decision is expected to boost morale and motivate the team as they continue to play a key role in environmental protection.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Authority’s new Managing Director, Mr. Ndambuki Kioko, who is expected to steer the agency through its next phase of institutional growth and conservation work.

Governor Mutula lauded the Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority as the most improved semi-autonomous government agency in the county, noting its contribution to the growth of Makueni’s own-source revenue in the last financial year.

The newly absorbed staff were urged to uphold professionalism and serve as proud ambassadors of Makueni as they embark on their new roles.

MAKUENI NURSE RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING ISRAEL AMBASSADOR TO KENYA.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has honoured MaryConcepta, a critical care nurse at Makindu Sub-County Hospital, with a commendation letter for her outstanding service.

Her recognition follows an incident last week, when she was on leave and providing locum services at Serena Hotel. During her shift, she attended Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, who had suddenly fallen ill.

The nurse acted swiftly, delivering timely and effective medical assistance that stabilized the diplomat and drew admiration for her professionalism.

MaryConcepta’s calmness under pressure, coupled with her skill and compassion, exemplified the highest standards of nursing practise.

Her conduct also reflected the governor’s emphasis on excellence and integrity in public service, a hallmark of his leadership philosophy, Wauni wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu.

Makueni Shines as Kenya Music Festival Curtains Fall

The annual Kenya Music and Cultural Festival closed its curtains on Monday with a colourful gala performance, marking the end of a vibrant seven-day celebration of creativity.

Attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Dr Josyllyn Nzilani and the County Cultural Officers, the festival brought together cultural groups, choirs, soloists, film producers and exhibitors from across the country—each weaving their story into the national tapestry of art.

Makueni County stood tall, delivering stellar performances across multiple categories.

The Makueni County Choir scooped top positions in Class 442B with “How Beautiful Are Thy Feet”, Class 443D with an adaptation and arrangement, Class 441B, Class 441A and Class 442A.

In solo categories, Ruth Wambua popularly known as ‘Mama Mercy’ topped Class 105 for her captivating chant “Namukawa ni Aka” with Kee Botanical Gardens also securing position one in traditional medicine exhibition—its fourth consecutive win.

Other notable achievements included second positions for Justus Paul (Class 1312C), the County Informercial team (Class 301B), and the choir’s “All We Like Sheep.”

This year’s theme, “Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity,” highlights how arts create not just beauty, but pathways for economic growth, talent development and cultural pride.