News

MAKUENI LAUNCHES AJIRA KWA VIJANA PROGRAM AS OVER 2,200 YOUTHS SET TO BENEFIT

The Government of Makueni County has launched the Ajira kwa Vijana program, with Wote Nziu Ward becoming the first ward to implement the initiative aimed at empowering youths through short-term employment opportunities.

Speaking during the launch, CECM for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, announced that the county has allocated Ksh 2 million for the program, benefiting over 582 casual workers in the ward.

The initiative involves mitre drain construction, bush clearing, and unclogging of culverts and drainage systems to improve infrastructure while creating income opportunities for young people.

Kyoni noted that the program will also be rolled out in Nguu/Masumba, Makindu, Nguumo and Kikumbulyu North wards this week, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 2,200 youths.

Area MCA Felix Mateso commended the initiative, saying it will empower youths and contribute to environmental conservation and community development.

The program is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior’s commitment to creating opportunities that enhance youth livelihoods and participation in development.

MAKUENI’S SAND DAMS: WHERE CONSERVATION MEETS COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

As the world continues to celebrate progress in environmental conservation and strengthen efforts to reverse environmental degradation, Makueni County is steadily reaping the benefits of strategic river ecosystem restoration spearheaded by the Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority.

Established in 2015 to regulate the previously uncontrolled sand harvesting that had severely degraded river ecosystems and, in some cases, led to loss of lives among environmental advocates, the Authority has made significant strides in restoring and protecting the county’s natural resources.

To date, the Authority has constructed 26 sand dams across 13 wards, transforming degraded riverbeds into productive ecosystems. Beyond the Authority’s interventions, Makueni County, in collaboration with development partners, has constructed over 1,000 sand dams, significantly improving water availability, supporting irrigation, accelerating environmental restoration and strengthening climate resilience.

According to the Authority’s Managing Director, Ndambuki Kioko, the success of the initiative underscores the importance of community-driven and policy-supported environmental conservation efforts in building climate resilience, enhancing livelihoods, and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

MAKUENI INTENSIFIES CLEAN ENERGY PUSH AS GOVERNOR PLEDGES END TO BIOMASS USE IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

Makueni County has stepped up its transition to clean energy, with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. pledging that all new public institutions constructed or renovated under his administration will adopt clean energy solutions instead of biomass fuels.

Speaking during the Green Energy Promotion and Clean Cooking Advocacy Forum at Konza Technopolis on Friday, Mutula said schools, health facilities and technical training institutions remain among the county’s biggest consumers of firewood, a trend he warned is driving deforestation, escalating energy costs and contributing to serious health challenges among residents.

The governor said the County had already initiated efforts to champion clean cooking through strategic partnerships and investments in renewable energy infrastructure aimed at reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal.

He noted that the county’s energy transition is anchored in the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023–2032 and the Makueni Energy Policy 2025, which place clean, affordable and sustainable energy at the centre of development planning.

The governor further highlighted the distribution of 253 LPG cylinders in Kikumbulyu South as part of the county’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies at the household level.

Addressing the forum, Prof. Izael Pereira Da Silva, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation at Strathmore University, described Makueni’s clean cooking transition as a transformative agenda that has positioned the County among Kenya’s leading examples of sustainable energy adoption.

He urged accelerated decarbonisation, warning that renewed investment in coal production and continued dependence on fossil fuels posed a significant threat to the future of the planet.

In addition, Prof. Da Silva called for the democratisation of energy, saying communities should be empowered to participate more actively in energy production and consumption.

The forum brought together county officials, development partners, technology providers, financiers, educators and Ward Energy Champions to explore practical solutions for accelerating clean cooking and renewable energy adoption across Makueni.

DNRC RECEIVES 100-SEATER TENT AND CHAIRS AS KAMBA CULTURE TAKES CENTER STAGE

The rich heritage of the Kamba community came alive on Friday as residents of Kisau Division in Mbooni gathered at the Drylands Natural Resource Centre (DNRC) to celebrate traditional foods, herbal medicine, music and indigenous knowledge.

The cultural event attracted wide participation from local residents and visitors, reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting Kamba traditions.

A key highlight of the day was the handover of a 100-seater tent by the County Government to DNRC to support cultural exhibitions and community events.

Speaking during the occasion, DNRC proprietor Nicholas Syano called on communities to embrace indigenous products and safeguard traditional knowledge as a valuable cultural and economic resource.

In line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda, the County Government has set aside funds in the 2026/27 financial year to support the preservation and commercialization of Kamba indigenous knowledge and products.

The event was attended by Director Mutua Mulonzya of Culture, Music and the Arts directorate.

MAKUENI BEGINS ROLLOUT OF INTEREST-FREE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FUND

Hundreds of households in Makueni County are poised to benefit from expanded economic opportunities as the county government accelerates the rollout of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), an interest-free financing program designed to strengthen community enterprises and improve livelihoods..

On Friday, four groups from Nguu Masumba and Emali/Mulala wards received KSh 50,000 each to support their income-generating activities, bringing the number of beneficiary groups in the pilot phase to 25. A total of 44 groups are expected to benefit by the end of the month.

Speaking during the disbursement, Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, noting that successful groups can gradually increase their borrowing limit from KSh 50,000 to KSh 500,000.

The county has set aside KSh 160 million for the interest-free loan program, which targets registered groups engaged in activities such as poultry farming, goat rearing, table banking, and tree planting, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of empowering the community and improving livelihoods.

MAKUENI STRENGTHENS PUBLIC SERVICE THROUGH PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING

The Makueni County Government is intensifying efforts to build a high-performing public service through a five-day Capacity Building Programme on Integrated Performance Management being conducted in partnership with GIZ.

The training, which began on June 8 and concludes on June 12, has brought together more than 120 county officers, including directors, performance management champions, productivity mainstreaming champions, managers of county agencies, and leaders of tertiary institutions.

The programme is aimed at enhancing skills in performance planning, target setting, service delivery monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Speaking when she joined participants on Thursday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili underscored the importance of performance management, noting that it extends beyond contracts and targets.

She said effective performance management is anchored on personal responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to delivering quality services to the people of Makueni.

Mulili challenged county officers to embrace a results-oriented culture and recognize teams that consistently demonstrate excellence in service delivery.

She also commended GIZ for its continued partnership with the county government, saying the collaboration has significantly contributed to strengthening governance systems and enhancing institutional capacity within Makueni.

The capacity-building programme is expected to improve productivity, enhance accountability, and strengthen service delivery across county departments, ultimately contributing to more efficient and citizen-centered public services.

OVER 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH RECEIVE BLANKETS AHEAD OF COLD SEASON

More than 500 elderly residents of Kikumbulyu South Ward have received blankets from the Government of Makueni through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of the community.

The distribution exercise covered Kasemeini Cluster, Siembeni, Kalungu and Mikuyuni Cluster, providing much-needed warmth and comfort to senior citizens as the cold season sets in. Speaking during the exercise on Thursday, Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said the initiative aims to protect the elderly from cold-related illnesses while enhancing their wellbeing and dignity.

He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through targeted social protection programmes. Area MCA Jades Kalunda welcomed the initiative and pledged support for increased resource allocation to expand its reach in future.

KCB BANK KENYA MANAGING DIRECTOR ANNASTACIA KIMTAI PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR.

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai pays a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in Wote. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in health, education, renewable energy, and sports, with both parties committing to jointly develop innovative solutions that enhance service delivery and improve the well-being of Makueni residents.

MULILI BOOSTS WOTE TRADERS, PLEDGES MARKET UPGRADES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday visited traders at the Wote fresh produce market as part of the County Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen support for small-scale businesses and improve trading conditions for market vendors.

During the visit, Mulili distributed 500 aprons to traders and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.

She announced plans to restore non-functional market lighting, improve drainage systems to enhance cleanliness, and explore the establishment of a dedicated breastfeeding space for nursing mothers operating within the market.

Mulili interacted with traders and listened to their views on improving market operations. She emphasized the county government’s commitment to supporting small-scale businesses, recognizing their vital role in driving local economic growth and livelihoods.

She was ccompanied by CECM for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue Damaris Kavoi, CECM for Health Services Joyce Mutua, several Chief officers,Wote/Nziu MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials.

KCB EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AS IT DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH MAKUENI COUNTY.

Women entrepreneurs in Makueni County are now benefiting from enhanced access to financing and business development support through a female-focused initiative by KCB Foundation aimed at narrowing the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

The programme, which targets women-led enterprises, offers unsecured loans of up to KSh10 million, alongside mentorship, green financing opportunities and business advisory services designed to help businesses grow and become more sustainable.

The initiative mirrors the spirit of the Makueni Empowerment Fund, which supports youth, women, men and persons living with disabilities through access to affordable financing and economic empowerment opportunities.

On Tuesday evening, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili attended a dinner hosted by KCB Bank at the Kelvian Hotel in Wote, that brought together women-led and women-made enterprise customers.

The forum provided an opportunity for the bank and county government to explore areas of collaboration, strengthen existing partnerships and discuss issues of mutual interest affecting businesses and communities.

Speaking during the event, Mulili lauded KCB for its continued partnership with Makueni County in programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic growth.

She noted that the bank has been a key development partner in several initiatives that have positively impacted residents across the county.

Among the notable collaborations is the Mifugo ni Mali programme, which focuses on strengthening agricultural livelihoods, as well as the Tujiajiri initiative, which seeks to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with skills and opportunities for self-employment.

Mulili further said such partnerships play a critical role in empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic development.

The engagement underscored the growing role of financial institutions in supporting enterprise development, particularly among women, who continue to face barriers in accessing capital and business support services.

Mulili was accompanied by finance CECM Damaris Kavoi, Energy Chief Officer Nomi Nthambi, County Public service CEO Redempter Kavindu and the County referral Hospital CEO Martha Munyao.