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MBOONI MANGO FARMERS RALLY BEHIND COLLECTIVE MARKETING

The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Ahadi Achievers Empowerment – CBO on Thursday convened over 100 mango farmers from Mbooni Subcounty for a sensitization forum aimed at strengthening collaboration in mango farming and marketing.

Ahadi Achievers, a community-based organization championing climate action and sustainable farming, is spearheading initiatives to empower farmers through environmental conservation and improved productivity.

The programme also creates awareness on Farmer Producer Organizations through structured SACCO formation.

Addressing the farmers, CECM Damaris Kavoi noted that mango production remains a key economic driver in the county and urged farmers to unite in production and market access.

During the forum, farmers were sensitized on the importance of working together under a common farming goal and agreed to form a structured organization to strengthen modern farming practices and improve their bargaining power in the market.

This joint forum reflects the county’s commitment to empowering local farmers and advancing sustainable development goals.

MAKUENI DELIVERS LASTING WATER SOLUTION TO OIL-AFFECTED THANGE COMMUNITY

Residents of Thange Ward are finally enjoying reliable access to clean and safe water following the completion of the Thange Integrated Water Project, a transformative initiative implemented by the Government of Makueni County through the Climate Change Unit under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme.

For years, families in the area endured acute water shortages, a crisis worsened by contamination of local water sources caused by oil spills.

Today, that burden has significantly eased.

The project has brought treated and solar powered water closer to residents’ homes through a modern water supply system comprising a 100,000-litre water sump and intake along Thange springs, extensive distribution lines and four strategically located water points.

Residents say the project has restored dignity and improved livelihoods, with households now accessing quality treated water just a stone’s throw from their homes. At least 730 households alongside institutions including Thange Primary and St. Peters Secondary Schools, whose learners and staff now have a dependable water supply.

Beyond water access, the initiative has strengthened household resilience through climate-smart livelihood support, where community members received conical gardens and beehives to enhance food production and generate additional income.

NEW MBONWASCO BOARD TASKED WITH IMPROVING WATER SERVICES IN MBOONI

Four Board Members of Mbooni Water and Sanitation Company Limited (MBONWASCO) were on Wednesday sworn into office by the County Solicitor, in a ceremony presided over by County Secretary Justine Kyambi, marking a new phase in water service delivery in Mbooni Sub-county.

Kyambi challenged the new board to deliver tangible results, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to expanding Last Mile Water Connectivity to increase access to clean and reliable water.

Ag. CECM for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Japheth Mang’oka urged the board to address vandalism of water infrastructure and highlighted the ongoing Mulima Dam Water Project as a key investment expected to boost water supply in the region.

The swearing was also witnessed by Tulimani Ward MCA Kyalo Mumo and Finance CECM Damaris Kavoi.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES MULTI-MILLION SHILLING EQUIPMENT ROLLOUT TO 47 VOCATIONAL CENTERS.

In a significant move to modernize technical education and bridge the local labor market gap, the County Government of Makueni has today launched a massive distribution of high-tech vocational equipment to 47 Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the county.⁣

The exercise, which is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s broader youth empowerment agenda, saw senior county officials accompanied by members of the county assembly fan out across the region to ensure the immediate delivery of tools ranging from ICT hardware to heavy industrial machinery.⁣

⁣Leading the rollout, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education, and Internships, Japheth Mang’oka, visited Tulimani and Kakuswii VTCs. Simultaneously, the department’s Chief Officer, Irene Makau, oversaw deliveries at Masumba and Itaa VTCs, marking the start of a countywide logistical operation.⁣

⁣The newly distributed consignment includes a comprehensive array of tools designed to support modern curricula ranging from: Engineering & Construction, Textiles & Design, Food & Beverage, Digital Skills, Innovative Building among others.⁣

⁣Speaking during the launch at Tulimani VTC, Mr. Mang’oka emphasized that this equipment is not just an administrative upgrade but a strategic investment in the county’s human capital.⁣

⁣”This is about future-proofing our workforce,” Mang’oka stated. “By modernizing these workshops, we are ensuring that Makueni’s young people have access to industry-standard training that meets the demands of todays job & business market.”⁣

⁣The initiative follows recent county efforts to enhance youth employability, including the 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘪–𝘒𝘊𝘉 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 2𝘑𝘪𝘢𝘫𝘪𝘳𝘪 partnership, which has already seen hundreds of youth transition from training to active employment.⁣

⁣Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration has consistently prioritized VTCs as the “engine rooms” of the county’s economy. By equipping 47 centers—many in remote areas—the government aims to decentralize high-quality technical education, allowing students to gain competitive skills without leaving their home wards.⁣

⁣Chief Officer Irene Makau noted that the equipment would be paired with continued instructor training to ensure the maximum return on investment. “Our focus is the quality of the graduate. We want a student from Masumba VTC to be as competent and tech-savvy as any technician in the country,” she said.⁣

⁣The distribution exercise is expected to continue throughout the week, covering all sub-counties and ensuring that every registered VTC in Makueni is fully kitted for the upcoming term.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO Jr LAUNCHES KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS DURING MBITINI WARD TOUR

In a day marked by joy, appreciation, and gratitude, Mutula Kilonzo Jr toured Mbitini Ward, commissioning and launching a series of flagship development projects aimed at improving local livelihoods.

The projects unveiled included the Mbeletu playing ground, the Ilengeni water project, the Kavuthu cold store and pack house, the Mbulutini drift, and the Mutyambua Safe Water project. The governor moved from site to site, interacting with residents and engaging them on their priorities and development needs.

The tour culminated in the issuance of tents to four community groups in the area., made to support their welfare.

GOVERNOR MUTULA COMMISSIONS KAVUTHU COLD STORE, UNVEILS PLAN FOR WARD COOPERATIVES

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commissioned the Kavuthu Cold Store and Pack House in Mbitini Ward, a 10-metric-tonne facility aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving produce handling for local and export markets.

The project is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and support economic growth through increased agricultural trade.

During the event, the governor announced plans by the county government to champion the establishment of cooperative societies in every ward to address farmers’ challenges and strengthen agricultural productivity.

The governor, who is on a day-long development tour, was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Speaker Douglas Mbilu, CECMs, and MCAs.

He also met residents to discuss challenges affecting the community and possible solutions.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. WEDNESDAY COMMISSIONED THE ILENGENI WATER DISTRIBUTION PROJECT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Wednesday commissioned the Ilengeni Water distribution Project at Kwa Thuku, Mbitini Ward , a transformative investment aimed at expanding access to clean and reliable water for the people.

Drawing water from the 25,000 cubic metre Ilengeni Dam, the project features a modern treatment plant, hybrid-powered pumping system, solar infrastructure, storage facilities, and an extensive distribution network.

The project will supply 160 cubic metres of clean water daily, serving Mbitini and Emali Mulala wards, and benefiting 15 villages through 9 community water points featuring 11 kilometer water pipe line and water storage facilities.

The project is a major step in the governors commitment to sustainable water access and improved livelihoods across Makueni County.

EQUIPPING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS FOR GLOBAL MARKETS

Makueni’s thriving fruit sector continues to stand out as a key pillar for household income, job creation and economic empowerment.

With horticulture farming supporting thousands of families, efforts are now shifting towards strengthening farmers’ access to high-value international markets through improved standards and compliance.

To advance this agenda, the County Government, in partnership with TradeMark Africa with East Africa Market Development Associates as the market facilitator, on Tuesday launched a three-day intensive training for Agricultural Extension Officers on ways to enhance technical capacity in export compliance, traceability systems, pest management, food safety and quality assurance within the horticulture value chain.

Facilitated by experts from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service(KEPHIS), HCD, certification bodies and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the training seeks to bridge critical gaps that have affected export performance and market confidence in recent years.

Opened on Tuesday by CECM Damaris Kavoi, the training is anchored in the 2025 partnership agreement between the County and TradeMark Africa, and reflects the broader commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to promote sustainable, market-driven agriculture and increase farmer earnings through competitive global trade.

ONGOING HUDUMA MASHINANI PROGRAM AT MUTYAMBUA, MBITINI WARD.

The exercise has brought critical services closer to the people, enabling residents to apply for and process documents such as national ID cards, voter’s cards, birth and death certificates, affidavits, police abstracts, HELB services, SHA registration, and various health services among others.