News

192 YOUTH LICENSED IN MAKUENI’S ROAD SAFETY EMPOWERMENT DRIVE

In a bid to enhance road safety and reduce accidents, Makueni County Government through the department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services has implemented a one-month, fully sponsored motor vehicle and motorcycle training program targeting young people.

On Monday, 65 youth from Kilungu Ward were awarded Class B2 driving licenses, while 68 from Nzakika and 59 from Kitise Wards received motorcycle riding licenses after successfully completing the training. This brings the total number of trained and licensed youth to 277 across the county in the 2024/2025 financial year.

The initiative, a key component of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusive development agenda, seeks to empower young people with employable and life-enhancing skills, fostering resilience and self-reliance among the county’s youth.

MAKUENI WELCOMES LATEST COHORT OF INTERNS

The Government of Makueni County has expanded its efforts to tackle youth unemployment by inducting a second large cohort of interns this year. Following the initial onboarding of 49 interns on September 15, 2025, the county government today officially welcomed another 55 young professionals.

The event was graced by CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education & ICT Irene Makau and the Director of Revenue, alongside other facilitators who will guide the new recruits. These 55 innterns will be spread across various county departments, marking a substantial commitment by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship to integrate Makueni’s youth into the public sector workforce.

The overarching goal of the 12-month internship programme is to equip Makueni’s youth with the necessary employability skills crucial for navigating the competitive job market.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education & Internship highlighted the program’s significance, stating: “This initiative is not just about filling positions; it’s an investment in the future of Makueni County. We are committed to empowering our youth with the hands-on experience and professional discipline that will make them competitive in the modern job market, both locally and internationally.”

This practical exposure within the county public service is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world professional demands, fostering a more skilled and dynamic local workforce.

MAKUENI ENTREPRENEUR TURNS BOABAB INTO BUSINESS GOLD

At the ongoing East Africa MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi, Makueni’s Rehema Madega from Kibwezi is showcasing how everyday resources can spark economic growth.

Rehema, the proprietor of Huruma Asili Foods, has transformed the baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata), commonly found in the lower parts of Makueni due to its drought resilience, into commercially appealing products.

She has developed Baobab Jam used as a bread spread .

The fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium and dietary fiber, which help boost immunity and support digestion.

Additionally, Rehema has innovatively processed the fruit into a nutritious flour that can be used to prepare beverages and porridge.

Her innovation reflects the growing cottage industry movement in Makueni, where creativity and value addition are opening new income opportunities.

The Expo provides a platform for such local entrepreneurs to market their products regionally and beyond.

MAKUENI TRADERS DRIVE INNOVATION AT EAST AFRICA MSMES EXPO

Makueni traders are showcasing their innovations at the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trade Fair taking place at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event, organized by Kenya’s Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) under the State Department for MSMEs, brings together exhibitors from across the region to promote trade, skills exchange and market linkages.

With shifting and unpredictable climate patterns affecting farming output in Makueni, the Department of Trade, Marketing and Industry is championing value addition as a key pathway for resilience and market growth—turning local produce into competitive, high-value products.

One standout exhibitor is Elizabeth Mulika a young agripreneur from Mbumbuni and founder of Lisa Farmer Service Center.

Her enterprise promotes Nyota beans—a high-nutrition, drought-tolerant variety. Through training, access to quality seeds and value-added products such as pre-cooked beans, bean flour and Nyota bean snacks, Elizabeth is empowering smallholder farmers to earn more while improving household nutrition.

Nyota beans are rich in iron and zinc, essential in strengthening immunity and supporting healthy growth.

Makueni’s participation reflects Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of an economically empowered, innovation-driven county.

LEADERS DECRY THANGE OIL SPILL NEGLECT, WARN AGAINST KPC SALE

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has renewed calls for justice for residents affected by the 2015 Thange oil spill, describing it as a long-standing injustice that continues to harm livelihoods and the environment.

After visiting Thange with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the governor faulted state agencies for mishandling the cleanup . He questioned earlier NEMA findings that declared local water sources safe, saying the oil effect was still active.

Mutula criticized the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) for slow compensation despite posting a KSh 10 billion profit in the 2023/2024 financial year.

He also urged the national government to disclose all liabilities tied to KPC before proceeding with its planned privatization.

Kalonzo backed the governor’s concerns, warning that the proposed sale of KPC lacked transparency and risked the loss of a profitable public asset and called upon community members to unite and pursue the issue from a common front.

The Thange oil spill occured in May 2015, contaminating farmland and the Thange River.

MUTULA, KALONZO URGE HONEST ELECTIONS AND RENEWED PAN-AFRICAN UNITY

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections across Africa.

Speaking during the 2nd Pan African celebrations at the Pan-African Institute, Lukenya University in Makueni County, Governor Mutula said lessons from recent elections in Tanzania highlight the need for honesty and integrity in electoral processes.

He commended the Pan-African Institute for promoting the spirit of Pan-Africanism in Makueni, saying the initiative is helping to nurture a generation of Africans committed to unity and good governance.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying the growing agitation among young Kenyans should not be viewed as a threat but as a call for genuine change and responsive leadership.

The event also featured the conferment of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) to former Botswana President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama in recognition of his contribution to leadership and African unity.

MAKUENI COUNTY EXECUTIVE, ASSEMBLY HOLD JOINT CAPACITY- BUILDING SESSION ON KENYA DEVOLUTION SUPPORT PROGRAM

Makueni County convened a 2-day high-level consultative and capacity-building session bringing together members of the County Executive Committee and the County Assembly to deepen understanding and strengthen collaboration on the implementation of the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II).

The sessions focused on equipping legislators with knowledge on the design, objectives, and operational framework of KDSP II — a World Bank–supported program aimed at enhancing county governance, institutional performance, and service delivery.

Speaking during the meeting, the County Executive Committee Member for Devolution, Nicholas Nzioka commended the County Assembly for its continued support in passing policy and legal frameworks that enhance fiscal discipline, planning, and performance management within the county.

He emphasized that joint engagement is critical in achieving the key results areas of KDSP II.

Devolution Chief Officer , Daniel Ndolo noted that through the Governance and Institutional Support Grant, the county will implement reforms in planning, financial management, and human resource systems, while the Service Delivery Investment Grant (SDIG) will finance critical infrastructure in sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, and disaster management.

MAKUENI UNVEILS AGROECOLOGY POLICY TO CHAMPION SUSTAINABLE FARMING

Makueni County on Friday took a major step toward sustainable agriculture with the official launch of the Makueni Agroecology Policy in Wote, presided over by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili.

The new policy provides a framework to guide farmers in producing food sustainably while protecting the environment, conserving soil and water, and reducing dependence on expensive chemical inputs.

Agroecology, a farming approach that harmonizes with nature, emphasizes healthy soils, environmental conservation, and improved food and nutrition security through the use of locally available resources.

Mulili emphasized that the county’s future lies in responsible land stewardship, noting that the policy secures livelihoods today while safeguarding future harvests.

The launch, which brought together development partners, county officials, and farmers highlighted Makueni’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring a resilient, food-secure future for its residents.

The event was also attended by Agriculture CECM Liz Muli and Members of County Assembly drawn from Agriculture Committee led by Francis Mutuku.

MULILI CHAMPIONS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN MAKUENI

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Thursday led a women’s empowerment forum in Ivingoni Nzambani Ward, rallying women to take charge of their social and economic growth.

The meeting brought together women from across the ward for discussions on key topics such as healthcare, economic empowerment programs, and leadership participation. The initiative aimed to inspire women to take up active roles in politics, business, and community decision-making.

Mulili reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting women in achieving full empowerment and equitable representation in all spheres of leadership.

During the forum, County Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Coordinator Theresa Maweu sensitized participants on GBV prevention and urged communities to safeguard children from sexual and gender-based abuse, a message reinforced by Chief Officer for Gender, Nicholis Mutisya.

Mulili further called on the community to abandon harmful cultural practices such as gum cutting, which endanger children’s health.

She also encouraged women affected by fistula and other reproductive health complications to seek medical care at county health facilities without fear or stigma.

KALONZO VISITS RAILA’S FAMILY, PRESENTS GIFTS TO MAMA IDA.

In a heartwarming ceremony at Opoda Farm, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Wiper Patriotic Front–Kenya Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by the Party’s National Vice Chairperson Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, led a delegation of senior Wiper leaders and supporters in a courtesy visit to the Odinga family.

The delegation presented a herd of cattle and an assortment of gifts to Mama Ida Odinga and her family, symbolizing deep respect, solidarity, and the long-standing friendship between Kalonzo and the late former Prime Minister.

The event was marked by scenes of joy and celebration as residents and supporters welcomed the Wiper team with traditional chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” — a cultural expression of honor and admiration.

Mama Ida Odinga graciously received the delegation and expressed her appreciation for the gesture of goodwill and continued friendship between the two families and their political movements.

The team later visited and laid wreath at the grave of Raila Amolo Odinga whom Kalonzo eulogized as a champion of democracy and devolution.