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MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES FEEDING PROGRAMME FOR ECDE LEARNERS IN KEE WARD.

The Government of Makueni County today launched a school feeding programme for ECDE learners in Kee Ward, benefiting over 900 children across 28 schools.

The 12-month programme aims to improve school attendance, nutrition, and learning outcomes among young learners.

The launch was led by the CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, Chief Officer for Devolution Daniel Ndolo, and the area MCA Arbanus Manzu, among other departmental officers.

Speaking during the event, CECM Mang’oka urged other ward representatives to consider rolling out similar feeding programmes in their wards, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in enhancing early childhood development and school retention.

The initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to supporting ECDE education and promoting the well-being of learners across Makueni County.

KIKUU–KAWALA WATER PROJECT TO DELIVER CLEAN WATER TO 6,000 NZAUI/KILILI/KALAMBA RESIDENTS

Over 6,000 residents of Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward are set to benefit from clean, safe and reliable water following the launch of the Kshs 16 million Kikuu–Kawala Water Project, funded through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Program.

Construction of the project will commence immediately, following site handover to a contractor by Makueni’s Climate Change Unit officers on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Once completed, the project will provide year-round water supply to residents of Upper and Lower Mutulani, Mutanda, Iuluka, Kawala, Kyaani, Mikooni, Kithukini, Itulu, Ngomano, Kyanguu, Ilingoni, Kwa Mutumia and Kanzili clusters.

Key institutions set to benefit include Kawala Primary and Secondary Schools, Kawala CTTI and Kawala Dispensary. The project entails the construction of a 100,000-litre sump along Kikuu River, a solar-powered pumping system, water distribution lines and storage tanks to ensure sustainable and reliable water access.

To enhance community resilience to drought and food insecurity, the project will also establish a climate-smart agriculture demonstration farm at Kawala CTTI for community sensitization. Additionally, a tree nursery and pasture development initiatives will be implemented as part of the project, which is expected to be completed within six months.

MAKUENI COUNTY USHERS IN NEW PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

Makueni County has ushered in a new Public Service Board following the expiry of the constitutional mandate of the previous board.

On Thursday, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. witnessed the swearing-in of new board members during a ceremony held in Wote, marking the installation of the third Makueni County Public Service Board since the county’s establishment.

During the event, Benjamin Kasamba Kioko took the oath of office as the new Chairperson of the Makueni County Public Service Board, taking over from the outgoing chairperson whose term had lapsed. Distinguished auditor Silvestor Ngei Kiini was also sworn in as a member of the board.

The appointments followed a rigorous vetting exercise by the Makueni County Assembly.

Addressing county employees during the ceremony, Governor Mutula cautioned staff to exercise responsibility when using tools and machinery in the course of their duties. He warned that his administration would not tolerate carelessness, particularly where public equipment meant to serve residents is damaged through negligence.

The governor further challenged the newly sworn-in board and as well as human resource managers to consider rewarding exemplary employees who demonstrate outstanding performance and commitment to duty. He emphasized that public service remains the engine of transformation in Makueni County.

KSHS 13M THANGE INTEGRATED WATER PROJECT SET TO EASE WATER WOES IN THE WARD

For over a decade, residents of Thange Ward have endured persistent water shortages, a challenge compounded by contamination of existing water sources due to oil spills.

To alleviate this suffering and create a sustainable all-year-round access to clean, safe and sufficient water, the Government of Makueni County, through the Climate Change Unit, has officially handed over to a contractor the site for construction of the Thange Integrated Water Project. The Kshs 13M project is funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

The project will involve construction of a 100,000-litre water sump and intake, water distribution lines, four water points, and environmental conservation measures to protect the fragile riparian ecosystem. Water will be sourced from the Thange Springs, an underground flow from the Chyulu Hills, ensuring a clean and uncontaminated supply.

Once completed in approximately six months, the project is expected to benefit at least 730 households in Machinery Town, Moki, Mbulutini, Thange, Kavunye and Ndungi Street, as well as St. Peters Primary and Secondary Schools.

Beyond improving water access, the project will also empower residents through training in climate-smart agriculture. Community members will receive conical gardens and beehives to boost food production and create alternative sources of income.

GOVERNOR MUTULA PLEDGES TO FAST-TRACK FULL OPERATIONALIZATION OF MAKUENI UNIVERSITY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking the establishment of Makueni University College, underscoring the role of a public university in driving the county’s socio-economic development.

Speaking in Wote during a visit by South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) officials led by Professor Jonathan Mwania, the college’s inaugural principal, the governor said Makueni has a strong pool of qualified professionals to support its transition to a fully-fledged university.

The delegation assessed ongoing preparatory works at the Wote campus, including field grading, installation of streetlights and borehole drilling—key infrastructure milestones toward accreditation.

Gazetted last year as a constituent college of SEKU, Makueni University College has marked a critical first step toward full university status. The governor emphasized the need to secure its reserved land in Emali and Mtito Andei to support infrastructure development and meet regulatory requirements.

Professor Mwania commended the county’s support and called for sustained collaboration to achieve full operationalization.

MAKUENI COUNTY DISTRIBUTES MOSQUITO NETS TO NEW MOTHERS TO STRENGTHEN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

Makueni County Government, through the Department of Health Services, on Wednesday distributed mosquito nets and essential food supplies to new and young mothers at the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital as part of ongoing efforts to protect mothers and newborns from preventable diseases.

The exercise was led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside Health County Executive Committee Member Joyce Mutua, who emphasized the County’s commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The mosquito nets were provided by the County Government to help prevent malaria among mothers and infants, while food supplies and milk were issued to support nutrition for both mothers and children.

Addressing health workers later during an engagement forum, Mulili commended health workers for maintaining quality service delivery during the festive season, citing positive performance reports across health facilities.

She reaffirmed the County’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and ensuring that all mothers receive quality, dignified and accessible healthcare.

NEW NGAKAA DISPENSARY TO BE COMMISSIONED SOON.

Officials from World Vision Kenya on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to review the progress of ongoing water and health projects being implemented under the existing partnership.

During the meeting, the County team reported that the construction of Ngakaa Hospital in Kibwezi West, which is sponsored by World Vision, is 95 per cent complete and is expected to be commissioned soon to serve the local community.

The discussions also reviewed progress on the Kalawa Water Project, which is scheduled for launch in the near future.

Governor Mutula noted that the County Government is keen on leveraging technology to reduce non-revenue water and enhance accountability in water management.

The meeting further resolved to renew the partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to be signed in due course.

Governor Mutula expressed appreciation to World Vision Kenya for its continued support and collaboration in advancing water and health programmes within the county.

The World Vision Kenya delegation was led by its National Director, Mr. Gilbert Kamanga.

MAKUENI GETS READY AHEAD OF MANGO PEAK SEASON.

Are you a mango farmer in Makueni County seeking a reliable and fair market for your produce? The Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority is now ready to receive mangoes from farmers across the county as from Thursday this week.

Under the new arrangement, contracted cooperatives will purchase mangoes directly from farmers at the farm gate at KSh 19 per kilogram.

In the current financial year, the county government plans to purchase mangoes worth KSh 13.9 million, up from KSh 11 million spent in the previous financial year.

Speaking during a meeting chaired by deputy governor Lucy Mulili at the Kalamba fruit processing plant on Tuesday, CECM for Agriculture Elizabeth Muli said seven contracted cooperatives have been allocated specific zones from which to source mangoes.

Each cooperative is expected to deliver at least 50 metric tonnes of mangoes weekly to the factory which has a daily processing capacity of 70 metric tonnes.

The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kioko reported that at least 60 casual workers have been engaged at the plant during the processing period.

To protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen, who previously purchased produce at low prices, the Authority has introduced official pricing schedules.

These schedules will be signed by farmers upon sale of their produce to ensure transparency and accountability.

The initiative is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration’s efforts to grow household incomes and promote trade & industrialization through agro processing.

GOVERNOR MUTULA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing sports across the county, pledging continued investment in the construction and improvement of sporting facilities.

The governor was speaking at the Kitundu Sports Grounds after witnessing a series of thrilling competitions during this year’s annual Kithungo–Kitundu Sports Festival. He described Makueni County as a hotbed of talent, noting that nurturing and developing sports skills among the youth is key to empowering them and driving the county’s social and economic growth.

Governor Mutula praised the high level of competition on display, saying sports play a critical role in promoting discipline, unity, and healthy lifestyles among young people.

The festival brought together teams competing in athletics, football, basketball, and badminton, with both men’s and women’s teams taking part.

Winning teams and outstanding individuals were awarded sports merchandise, including uniforms and sports gear, while overall winners received cash prizes.

GOVERNOR MUTULA CALLS FOR SUPPORT OF ARTS AND SPORTS PATHWAY

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has urged parents to support their children placed in the arts and sports pathway following the recent learner placement exercise by the Ministry of Education.

The governor said he had noted concerns from some parents who were dissatisfied with their children being placed in talent-based pathways in KJSEA under the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Speaking during the annual Kithungo/Kitundu sports Festival at Kitundu Sports Grounds, Governor Mutula emphasized that not all learners are suited for the STEM pathway, adding that sports and the arts offer viable and rewarding career opportunities.

“Many people have excelled through sports. Parents should allow children to pursue what they are good at,” he said.

The festival featured football, basketball, badminton, and athletics, transforming Kitundu into a vibrant arena of competition and talent showcase.

Organizers said the tournament aims to nurture young athletes, identify raw talent, and bring youth together through sport, using athletics as a platform to shape future careers beyond the classroom.