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MAKUENI LEADS KENYA IN BUDGET TRANSPARENCY, BAGS FIVE NATIONAL AWARDS

Makueni County has been ranked the best-performing county in Kenya in the County Budget Transparency Survey (CBTS) 2025, scoring an impressive 89 out of 100 points, the highest among all 47 counties.

The county also emerged as the biggest winner during the survey’s launch in Nairobi, taking home five prestigious awards, more than any other county.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili represented Makueni at the event, which was organized by Bajeti Hub under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Abraham Rugo Muriu.

The awards recognized Makueni as the most transparent county overall, the best-performing county in the timely publication of budget documents, and the county with the most comprehensive Quarterly Budget Implementation Report, County Fiscal Strategy Paper, and Finance Act.

The achievement underscores the county’s strong performance across all stages of the budget cycle.The latest recognition marks five consecutive years of sustained improvement in budget transparency.

Makueni’s score has steadily risen from 55 points in 2021 to 89 points in 2025, recording progress in every round of the survey during the five-year period.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Mulili attributed the achievement to visionary leadership, robust public participation, and the county’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

She noted that 70 per cent of the county’s development budget is allocated to projects at the community level, with each project overseen by a Project Management Committee (PMC) to enhance accountability and eliminate the possibility of ghost projects.

County delegations attending the event congratulated Makueni on the achievement, with many describing the county as a benchmark for transparency and accountability in Kenya’s devolved system of governance.

Makueni’s performance reflects Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision that openness and transparency in public finance management are essential pillars for effective service delivery and sustainable development.

The award ceremony was attended by Finance CECM Damaris Kavoi and Acting Chief Officer for Planning Geoffrey Ngovi Muthoka, among other county officials and stakeholders.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS RAFT OF WATER PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS IN KIBWEZI REGION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has announced a series of water infrastructure projects worth millions of shillings aimed at expanding access to clean water, strengthening climate resilience and supporting livelihoods across Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West sub-counties.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the county is scaling up investments in water distribution, borehole rehabilitation, dam development and sanitation programmes to address persistent water shortages in arid and semi-arid parts of the county.

Among the projects announced is the extension of the Kiboko Twaandu Distribution and Livelihood Project from Mbiuni to Nthia at a cost of KSh10 million. The project is currently at the procurement stage and is expected to improve household water access while supporting economic activities in the area.

In Kikumbulyu South Ward, the county has initiated the procurement process for the KSh10 million Ngandani Water Distribution Project, while a similar KSh10 million investment has been earmarked for the Athi–Tunguni–Kilisa Water Distribution and Livelihood Project in Kikumbulyu North.

The county is also implementing the Kiboko Twaandu Water Project through a matching grant partnership with World Vision. Under the arrangement, World Vision has contributed KSh79 million while the county government has provided KSh7.5 million.

The project will serve Kiboko Town, Mbiuni and Ngaakaa areas through an expanded reticulation network, with further extension to Nthia planned under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) programme.

The governor further announced plans to rehabilitate the Katheani Borehole and the Makindu KIBWASCO borehole in Makindu Ward to improve water service delivery.

To address water shortages in Nguumo Ward, the county plans to invest KSh17 million in the construction of a direct rising main under the ALGON–Kiunduani Water Pipeline to supply water to Kiunduani Market.

The county also plans to extend water supply to the Syumile Water Point from Miundani kwa Matuku at a cost of KSh8 million. In addition, construction of the Sekeleni/Ndovoini Borehole Project under FLOCCA is expected to begin within the next 20 days.

Meanwhile, the governor revealed that the county has secured KSh144 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) Performance for Results Programme, implemented by the State Department for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation in partnership with the World Bank.

The funds will be used to improve household water access, strengthen institutional water supply systems and support sanitation initiatives, including efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free status across the county.

The Kibwezi-Makindu Water and Sewerage Company (KIBWASCO) has separately qualified for KSh47 million under the same programme to enhance service delivery. The funds will support household water distribution from projects including Athi-Tunguni, Mang’elete and Ilengeni.

The county is also proposing the construction of Mwiini Dam in Nguumo Ward and Ilingoni Earth Dam in Kibwezi South as part of broader efforts to enhance water security and climate resilience.

FREE AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR MAKUENI RESIDENTS:

“As part of our continued commitment to supporting our people and ensuring that no resident is denied emergency healthcare because of financial constraints, I am pleased to announce that, through the provisions of the new Finance Bill, all internal ambulance transfers for Makueni residents within the county will be offered free of charge effective 1st July 2026. To enhance accountability, efficiency, and patient safety, the County Government, in partnership with ENI, will implement a comprehensive ambulance tracking system. This initiative will help monitor ambulance movements, curb fuel misuse, drunk driving, promote responsible driving practices, and ensure that emergency response services are delivered effectively and efficiently. This intervention reflects our government’s enduring commitment to providing compassionate, accessible, and people centred healthcare for every household across Makueni County.” Governor Mutula kilonzo Jr. revealed in his speech during Madaraka Day celebrations.

GOVERNOR MUTULA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ILIMA WARD

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the completion of ongoing development projects in Ilima Ward and delivering additional initiatives aimed at improving the lives of local residents.

Among the projects highlighted are the drilling of a borehole and the construction of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre at Kyamuoso Primary School.

The Governor made the commitment while speaking at the funeral service and celebration of the life of 102-year-old matriarch Mary Mukui, mother of Bishop Jonathan Muthoka, Deputy Majority Leader in the Makueni County Assembly. He pledged to fast-track key development projects in the ward.

He used the occasion to convey his sympathy, as well as that of the county government, to the families and friends of the 16 victims who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil.

Also present were Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete and MCAs among others.

RELIEF FOR NGUU/MASUMBA RESIDENTS AS IMPLEMENTATION OF MUTHYAMWII WATER PROJECT BEGINS

Residents of Nguu/Masumba Ward are set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe water following the official handing over of the Muthyamwii Water Project site to a contractor by the Makueni County Climate Change Unit.

The project, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, seeks to address persistent shortages that have forced community members to travel long distances in search of water for domestic and livestock use. The intervention is expected to enhance water security, improve public health and support climate resilience in one of the county’s drought-prone areas.

The project will involve drilling of a borehole and distribution to surrounding to the vulnerable community. Once completed, the project is expected to benefit more than 200 households through reliable access to clean water while creating opportunities for irrigation, kitchen gardening and other productive uses.

The initiative, according to Makueni Climate Change Director Jackline Kamusa, is also expected to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, improve household nutrition and support agricultural productivity, helping the community adapt to the impacts of recurrent droughts and erratic rainfall.

VITAMIN ANGELS COMMENDS MAKUENI ON MATERNAL HEALTH DRIVE

Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer has commended Makueni County for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable women through interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving maternal health.

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in Makueni, Schiffer said the county had demonstrated commitment to supporting women who lack the economic means to adequately address nutrition challenges.

He noted that the partnership between Vitamin Angels and the County Government of Makueni will enhance access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants and children across the county.

Vitamin Angels Africa Technical Director,Dr. Lucy Kanya described the intervention as an equaliser and a global solution in addressing maternal anaemia. She applauded Makueni County for taking the initiative to secure the intervention for women, terming the move monumental for the county.

Dr.Kanya further said the programme is expected to contribute to a reduction in preterm births, cases of babies born underweight, and improve the overall health of mothers and children, describing it as an investment with generational impact.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. acknowledged that a majority of residents rely on public hospitals for healthcare services and said leaders have a responsibility to provide solutions that directly benefit the public.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rolling out interventions aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges in the county.

MAKUENI FLAGS OFF MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on Thursday flagged off 7,200 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), each containing 180 tablets, for distribution to 13 selected health facilities across Makueni County under a pilot programme.

The beneficiaries include Makueni County Referral Hospital, seven sub-county hospitals, three health centres and two dispensaries.

Makueni becomes the first county in the country to pilot the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements programme with support from a consortium comprising Vitamin Angels, IDE and Helen Keller International.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony attended by healthcare workers and members of the public at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula highlighted the case of a baby born weighing 800 grams about 50 days ago, who has since gained weight to one kilogram.

The governor described the pain mothers endure while caring for premature babies in hospital as unimaginable, saying the introduction of the supplements would help address prematurity and other complications associated with preterm births.

He noted that the programme would ease the burden on families, as expectant mothers receiving the supplements are likely to deliver healthier babies, reducing the cost of treatment for malnourished children.

Governor Mutula added that teenage mothers, who are among the groups most affected by preterm deliveries, also stand to benefit from the intervention.

The governor further highlighted several healthcare interventions his administration has introduced to address life-threatening conditions, including the use of heat-stable carbetocin medication to prevent excessive bleeding among women after delivery.

He also noted that Makueni County Referral Hospital is now treating hydrocephalus, a condition in which babies are born with excess fluid in the brain.

Previously, patients had to seek treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, but through a specialised clinic established by the county and the employment of a neurosurgeon, treatment is now available within Makueni.

Governor Mutula said his administration remains committed to improving healthcare services and pledged to continue working with development partners to advance the county’s development agenda.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SIGNS DEAL TO EXPAND NUTRITION SERVICES IN MAKUENI.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on behalf of the people of Makueni County, in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and child nutrition services.

The partnership seeks to accelerate access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants, and children across the county.

Before the signing ceremony, the Vitamin Angels delegation paid a courtesy call on the governor. The team included the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ana Cespedes, among other officials.

The delegation is also in Makueni to flag off a consignment of multiple micronutrient supplements that will benefit pregnant women in the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY EMPOWERS OVER 500 YOUTHS THROUGH SOFT SKILLS TRAINING

More than 500 youths from Ivingoni Nzambani Ward have benefited from a soft skills training programme organized by the Government of Makueni County through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

The training, held at Thongoni area on Thursday, and at Nzambani earlier on Tuesday marked the culmination of a youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and readiness for the job market.

Participants were taken through key areas including CV writing, interview preparation, mental health awareness, prevention of drug and substance abuse, as well as sensitization on employment and job opportunities.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting programmes that empower young people and improve their livelihoods.

The programme forms part of the county government’s broader agenda to strengthen youth capacity, promote economic empowerment and address social challenges affecting young people across Makueni County.

MAKUENI BOOSTS FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN KILOME

The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the 𝙉𝒂𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏𝙖𝒍 𝑨𝙜𝒓𝙞𝒄𝙪𝒍𝙩𝒖𝙧𝒂𝙡 𝙑𝒂𝙡𝒖𝙚 𝘾𝒉𝙖𝒊𝙣 𝘿𝒆𝙫𝒆𝙡𝒐𝙥𝒎𝙚𝒏𝙩 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒋𝙚𝒄𝙩 (𝑵𝘼𝑽𝘾𝑫𝙋) on Thursday launched the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development programme in Marwa Watershed, Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni, Kilome Sub-County.

The project involves excavation of 30 farm ponds with a capacity of 250M3 each to support irrigation and improve food production. Thirty farmers from the watershed were also trained on mindset change and Sustainable Land Management practices in partnership with Christian Impact Mission (CIM).

Speaking during the launch, CECM Damaris Kavoi said the programme will strengthen climate-smart farming and improve household incomes through reliable water access for farming.

The event was attended by Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other officers in a programme aimed at enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture.