News

MAKUENI SHOWCASES HERITAGE AT GLOBAL INVESTMENT FORUM

Makueni County Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili on Wednesday joined Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo for the official launch of the first International Investment Conference and Trade Fair at Thika Greens Golf Hotel.

The forum focused on preserving Kenya’s indigenous heritage while unlocking its economic value.

Makueni stood out, proudly showcasing Akamba culture; featuring the ancestral drink kaluvu, usuu wa ukia, kinaa kya mwee, nthùngi (traditional carrier bag), herbal remedies, and unique delicacies.

During the conference, Mulili also presented a symbolic gift to the CS and highlighted Makueni’s booth, rich in traditional medicines. The focus was on how natural assets can be commercialised, citing how India has leveraged in traditional medicine to contribute millions of dollars in the economy.

Key in the event was also the launch of the IKI BANK system to serve as a National repository of the assets led by MD National Museums of Kenya Prof. Mary Gikungu.

Also present was Dr. Evans Teracha – Coordinator Natural Products Industry, Prof. X N Iraki – UoN, ECM Nicholas Nzioka and Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani.

MULIMA DAM WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION AS MAKUENI ADVANCES UNIVERSAL WATER ACCESS

The County Government of Makueni is on the brink of a major milestone in water service delivery, with the Mulima Dam Water Treatment Project now 95% complete, promising reliable access to clean and safe water for residents of Mbooni.

Speaking during an inspection visit, Acting CECM for Water and Sanitation Japheth Mang’oka affirmed the county’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated timeline, with commissioning expected before the end of the year.

Once complete, the project will significantly ease access to water for domestic use while advancing the county’s Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda. In the long term, plans are underway to desilt Mulima Dam to increase its storage capacity and expand supply to more households, including parts of Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, reinforcing Makueni’s commitment to achieving universal water coverage.

LEADERS URGE SWIFT ACTION OVER LOW VOTER REGISTRATION

Stakeholders, including the IEBC, government administrators, county officials, civil society representatives, religious and opinion leaders, as well as political and business figures, convened in Tawa on Thursday to address concerns over low voter registration as the deadline approaches.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Sebastian Kyoni, confirmed that national identity cards issued during the Huduma Mashinani drive have been dispatched and are currently being collected.

However it was established that, more than 2,000 IDs in Mbooni Sub-county remain unclaimed.

He urged stakeholders to amplify voter education efforts within their communities, emphasizing that voter registration is both a fundamental right and a cornerstone of the democratic process.

IEBC officials also highlighted security challenges that are hindering their operations.

Leaders present called for enhanced coordination among agencies, expedited issuance of identity cards, and intensified public awareness campaigns to boost registration numbers.

Current registration rates show Mbooni Sub-county lagging at 43 percent, followed by Kilome at 54 percent and Kaiti at 55 percent.

With only five days remaining, Makueni Sub-county stands at 74 percent, Kibwezi West at 77 percent, and Kibwezi East leads at 78 percent.

The meeting, organized by the IEBC in collaboration with the county government and local leaders, aimed to identify and address the underlying challenges contributing to low registration rates, particularly in Mbooni Sub-county.

GIRLS IN ICT DAY.

The Government of Makueni County, in collaboration with Makueni Youth Network, today marked Girls in ICT Day at Wote Green Park through an impactful initiative focused on empowering the girl child. The event was graced by Chief Officer ICT Naomi Nthambi, Makueni County Solicitor Jeniffer Kyumwa, Program Coordinator Makueni Youth Network Ruth Maingi, Assistant County Commissioner George Lugo, and Director of Gender Services (National Government) Noven Munywoki among other key leaders. The program aimed to equip and build the capacity of girls in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and STEM careers, featuring an engaging panel discussion that provided deeper insights into emerging technologies, future career pathways, touching on cybersecurity and digital safety laws highlighting the importance of responsible technology use, online protection, and legal awareness in the digital space. Makueni Youth Network

LIBRARY WEEK DRIVE BOOSTS READING IN KINYAMBU

Kinyambu, April 22, 2026- Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau on Wednesday led county officials to Kinyambu and Kithasyu libraries to promote reading during Library Week celebrations.

Accompanied by MCA Erick Katumo, she engaged over 100 learners in reading sessions and mentorship activities on the third day of the programme.

The events, held under the theme “Read with us and discover joy,” aim to boost literacy and highlight libraries as key learning hubs.

Makau said the county will continue investing in library programmes and infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to strengthen literacy and support learners.

BUILDING SKILLS FOR COMPLIANCE AND COMPETITIVE EXPORTS

Proper knowledge on pest prevalence, export licensing processes, farm production certification and horticulture traceability remains essential for farmers to unlock full value from their produce.

In Makueni County, mango, orange and avocado farmers increasingly require this information to meet export standards and access global markets.

It is against this backdrop that a capacity-building forum for agricultural extension officers has entered its second day, focusing on strengthening extension systems for export readiness, compliance, and market access.

The forum, attended by Ag. CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Damaris Kavoi is organized by TradeMark Africa through East Africa Market Development Associates.

Facilitated by experts from KEPHIS, HCD, and ICIPE, the training aims to equip officers with practical skills to guide farmers in meeting export requirements.

Kavoi noted that empowering extension officers is key to transforming farmers into competitive exporters.

The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza Mutuku and Felistus Mutune

EMPOWERING MAKUENI FARMERS FOR EXPORT SUCCESS

Makueni County is stepping up efforts to position its farmers for global markets through a focused capacity-building training for Extension Officers.

On Tuesday, a section of Agricultural Officers started a three days’ programme, organized by TradeMark Africa (TMA) through EAMDA in collaboration with the County Government, to sharpen skills in export compliance, traceability and quality assurance.

Delivered by experts from KEPHIS, HCD, certification bodies and ICIPE, the training addresses key gaps in meeting international standards; particularly in the mango value chain, which has faced recent export hurdles.

The programme anchored in the 2025 MOU between the County and TMA, aims to boost farmer incomes and restore market confidence.

It also reflects the commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to empower farmers through sustainable, market-driven agricultural growth.

RIDEENCE AFRICA LIMITED DIRECTOR YIMY YU TUESDAY PAID A COURTESY CALL ON GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR.

Rideence Africa Limited Director Yimy Yu Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., marking a significant step toward unlocking electric mobility within Makueni County.

Positioned as a forward-looking and investor-ready destination, Makueni continues to attract global players, with Rideence Africa, operator of East Africa’s largest EV ride-hailing fleet,expressing strong interest in establishing an electric vehicle assembly plant along the county’s strategic transport corridor. The company is also exploring the rollout of an EV charging network to support the region’s transition to clean, sustainable mobility.

Governor Mutula reaffirmed Makueni’s growing reputation as a critical logistics and transport hub at the heart of Kenya and the wider region, emphasizing the county’s commitment to enabling a conducive environment for green industrial investments.

MAKUENI OPENS THE FLOOR TO CHILDREN’S VOICES WITH LAUNCH OF KENYA CHILDREN’S ASSEMBLY

The Government of Makueni County has taken a significant step in strengthening child participation in governance following the launch of the county chapter of the Kenya Children’s Assembly.

The Assembly is a structured platform that brings children together to deliberate on issues affecting their lives, including education, health, protection, and overall wellbeing. It mirrors formal governance systems, with elected child leaders taking up roles such as Governor, Speaker, and Clerk—offering young people a practical introduction to leadership, representation, and democratic processes as well as influence child policy development.

The establishment of the Makueni chapter means that children in the county now have an organized avenue to participate meaningfully in development. It also opens the door for their representation at the national level, where they join peers from across the country to engage on broader issues and contribute to national discourse.

The launch was graced by County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, alongside officers from the State Department for Children Services, at Wote Greenpark on Tuesday.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. ON TUESDAY MET MR. L. SCOTT COOK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KENYA’S KIDS (USA)

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday met Mr. L. Scott Cook, Executive Director of Kenya’s Kids (USA), to explore ways of advancing vocational and technical skills for the most vulnerable children in the county.

The discussions focused on aligning shared priorities with the aim of developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the AIC Church, which Kenya’s Kids has leveraged to build networks and strengthen institutional support.

The team also discussed potential collaboration in revamping AIC Kima Technical College to enhance its capacity to empower learners.