News

SECURING MAKUENI’S FUTURE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS FOR A RESILIENT ECONOMY

Makueni is staging its third Development Partners Conference 2025, a strategic move aimed at rallying local and external actors around an integrated agenda that links donor support, private investment and knowledge to the county’s evolving development priorities.

Objectives of the conference include:

a) To reflect on the partnership journey in the implementation of the County Integrated Development Plan 2023-2027;

b) To strengthen donor coordination and promote integrated programming to ensure resources are pooled, leveraged for the realization of equity, inclusion and social justice;

c) To identify, co-create and catalyze bankable, community-driven projects, leveraging innovative financing mechanisms to bridge existing funding gaps and scale up transformative initiatives.

PRESIDENT RUTO LAUNCHES SH350M WOTE ESP MARKET

Over 750 small-scale traders in Wote town are set for better days following the ground breaking for construction of a Sh350 million Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market by President William Ruto on Wednesday.

The modern market, designed to replace the congested open-air spaces, will feature smart stalls, proper sanitation, digital payment hubs, and waste disposal systems, providing traders with a clean and organized workspace.

President Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Senator Daniel Maanzo, MP Susan Kiamba, and other leaders, also inspected the ongoing construction of the 700-unit Wote Affordable Housing Project.

He further announced additional development projects for Makueni, including Sh9.3 billion for completion of Thwake Dam by April 2026, Sh770 million for a new stadium, 30 new classrooms for expansion of Unoa Comprehensive Primary School, Sh50 million for expansion of the Wote greengrocer market, and Sh500 million for completion of the stalled civil servants housing scheme.

Governor Mutula pledged to fast-track allocation of 20 acres for the new stadium and facilitate all approvals to harness local sporting talent

PRESIDENT RUTO FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF EMALI–UKIA ROAD

The long-neglected Emali–Ukia Road is finally set for a major facelift after President William Ruto today launched its first phase of reconstruction, marking a significant milestone in Makueni County’s infrastructure development.

The initial 20-kilometer stretch from Emali to Matiliku will be upgraded under the project, which aims to transform the rough, corrugated road into a reliable transport corridor that will boost local business and agricultural trade across the region.

In addition to the road works, the Head of State also addressed land ownership concerns by issuing 2,000 title deeds to beneficiaries from Emali Block 3 (Kinyoo) and Kibwezi/Syumile Settlement Scheme, resolving long-standing land disputes in the area.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who accompanied the President during his Ukambani development tour, welcomed the projects, describing them as a “major economic breakthrough” for the region. He, however, appealed to the national government to speed up the issuance of 6,000 more title deeds and upgrade Makindu Level 5 Hospital into a National Trauma Centre to handle frequent accidents along the busy Mombasa Road.

The Emali–Ukia Road upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and spur overall economic growth in Makueni once completed.

JUST A FEW METERS FROM NGILUNI DISPENSARY, TSAVO TRUST HAS ONCE AGAIN MADE A REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

The organization has constructed new staff quarters, upgraded the maternity wing, and donated essential medical equipment to enhance service delivery for mothers and infants.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the equipment on behalf of the county government and commended the organization’s continued collaboration, emphasizing that such partnerships play a vital role in promoting accessible and quality healthcare.

Tsavo Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Moller, acknowledged Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s leadership in creating an enabling environment for development partners to thrive and support community-centered initiatives.

The equipment delivered to Nthunguni Dispensary includes an incubator, baby warmers, maternity and delivery beds, and an oxygen machine, all aimed at improving maternal and neonatal care in the area.

MCA’s Francis Mulwa and Brian Nzioka{ Mtoto Andei and Masongaleni)were also present.

NGILUNI DISPENSARY GETS MAJOR BOOST IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH EQUIPMENT

Ngiluni Dispensary in Mtito Andei Ward has received a significant boost following a partnership between the Makueni County Government and Tsavo Trust.

The collaboration delivered essential hospital equipment, including a delivery bed, maternal bed, baby warmers, maternal incubators, a laundry machine, and an electric sterilizing unit, all aimed at enhancing maternal and child healthcare services.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the equipment on behalf of the county and lauded the partnership, noting that collaboration remains a key pillar in Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration.

Tsavo Trust’s leadership underscored the importance of accelerating healthcare development in remote areas and expressed commitment to strengthening future partnerships with the county.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua urged Mtito Andei residents to continue enrolling in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, emphasizing its role in reducing the cost of healthcare for families.

The event was also attended by Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Mtito Andei MCA Francis Mulwa.

SENATORS HAIL MAKUENI FOR PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has earned praise from Senators for his county’s sound and transparent financial management and investment.

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds Tuesday commended Makueni County for its exemplary stewardship of public finances, particular special funds and investments.

Appearing before the committee, the Governor outlined measures his administration has implemented to maintain a record of zero non-performing loans.

Senators reviewed and discussed all matters presented before the committee, describing Makueni’s financial policies and management practices as progressive and accountable.

Governor Kilonzo said the recognition and commendation inspires the county government to continue managing public resources responsibly for the benefit of residents.

Committee Chair Godfrey Osotsi, who also serves as the Senator for Vihiga County, said Makueni County stands out as a model of effective funds governance for other devolved units.

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.