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Makueni Absorbs 44 Sand Authority Staff as County Intensifies Conservation Efforts

Makueni County on Monday issued letters of appointment to 44 employees of the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, officially placing them on permanent and pensionable terms. The move marks a significant step in the county’s push to strengthen sand conservation and safeguard critical environmental resources.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, who presided over the ceremony, paid glowing tribute to the staff, praising them for their dedication and exemplary service. He highlighted individuals who have “gone beyond their call of duty” to protect water sources and shield the county’s natural resources from depletion.

Mutula said the transition to permanent terms was not only a reward for their resilience but also an investment in their future. He noted that the decision is expected to boost morale and motivate the team as they continue to play a key role in environmental protection.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Authority’s new Managing Director, Mr. Ndambuki Kioko, who is expected to steer the agency through its next phase of institutional growth and conservation work.

Governor Mutula lauded the Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority as the most improved semi-autonomous government agency in the county, noting its contribution to the growth of Makueni’s own-source revenue in the last financial year.

The newly absorbed staff were urged to uphold professionalism and serve as proud ambassadors of Makueni as they embark on their new roles.

MAKUENI NURSE RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING ISRAEL AMBASSADOR TO KENYA.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has honoured MaryConcepta, a critical care nurse at Makindu Sub-County Hospital, with a commendation letter for her outstanding service.

Her recognition follows an incident last week, when she was on leave and providing locum services at Serena Hotel. During her shift, she attended Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, who had suddenly fallen ill.

The nurse acted swiftly, delivering timely and effective medical assistance that stabilized the diplomat and drew admiration for her professionalism.

MaryConcepta’s calmness under pressure, coupled with her skill and compassion, exemplified the highest standards of nursing practise.

Her conduct also reflected the governor’s emphasis on excellence and integrity in public service, a hallmark of his leadership philosophy, Wauni wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu.

Makueni Shines as Kenya Music Festival Curtains Fall

The annual Kenya Music and Cultural Festival closed its curtains on Monday with a colourful gala performance, marking the end of a vibrant seven-day celebration of creativity.

Attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Dr Josyllyn Nzilani and the County Cultural Officers, the festival brought together cultural groups, choirs, soloists, film producers and exhibitors from across the country—each weaving their story into the national tapestry of art.

Makueni County stood tall, delivering stellar performances across multiple categories.

The Makueni County Choir scooped top positions in Class 442B with “How Beautiful Are Thy Feet”, Class 443D with an adaptation and arrangement, Class 441B, Class 441A and Class 442A.

In solo categories, Ruth Wambua popularly known as ‘Mama Mercy’ topped Class 105 for her captivating chant “Namukawa ni Aka” with Kee Botanical Gardens also securing position one in traditional medicine exhibition—its fourth consecutive win.

Other notable achievements included second positions for Justus Paul (Class 1312C), the County Informercial team (Class 301B), and the choir’s “All We Like Sheep.”

This year’s theme, “Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity,” highlights how arts create not just beauty, but pathways for economic growth, talent development and cultural pride.

MUTULA, KALONZO RAISE ALARM OVER RAISING POLITICAL GOONISM.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Saturday night led a hard-hitting call for stronger legal support for vulnerable Kenyans, urging lawyers to ramp up pro bono services and defend public-interest cases “with renewed courage.”

Speaking at the Lower Eastern Advocates Forum dinner, Mutula praised the legal fraternity for “safeguarding devolution,” but warned that recent election-related violence set a dangerous precedence as the country heads to electioneering period.

The governor decried the acute shortage of courts and lawyers across the country:, noting the need for a court and a lawyer in every corner the country .

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to ensure all advocates hold valid practising certificates to keep standards high.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Mutula’s concerns, urging the Kamba community to stay united as it seeks a stronger national voice. He hailed the community’s contribution to Kenya’s justice system but condemned what he called a rising “culture of goonism,” accusing the government of reluctance in acting against political violence. “This path sets the country up for tension and intolerance as elections approach,” he warned.

Kalonzo challenged lawyers to stand firm for the rule of law and take up more pro bono work for vulnerable citizens.

The forum brought together lawyers, judges, and regional leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

Kibwana lauded the growing strength of Lower Eastern legal professionals and urged intensified civic education to boost youth voter registration ahead of 2027.

The forum aims to promote justice, mentorship and cohesion in the region.

FOUR MAKUENI PARAVOLLEYBALL PLAYERS MAKE NATIONAL TEAM

Four athletes from Makueni County have earned spots on Kenya’s national paravolleyball team that will represent the country at the 2026 International Paravolleyball Championship in China.

The four – Purity Mueni, Florence Manza, Caroline Mueni, and Everline Mutuku—were selected to join the 12-member national squad after delivering standout performances during the national trials held in Wote, Makueni, from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th December 2025.

Makueni County Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi congratulated the athletes, describing their achievement as a result of the county’s substantial investment in sports, particularly under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. He noted that the administration’s commitment to talent development and inclusion continues to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

MAKUENI EMERGES THIRD IN NATIONAL PARAVOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

Makueni County’s men’s and women’s paravolleyball teams clinched second runners-up positions at the just-concluded National Paravolleyball Trials and Team Selection Tournament held in Wote, Makueni.

The three-day event, which ran from Thursday to Saturday, aiming at selecting Kenya’s squad for the 2026 International Paravolleyball Championship in China, attracted top teams from across the country. Siaya County secured the men’s championship title, while Bungoma County lifted the women’s trophy.

Makueni teams displayed impressive resilience, advancing to the semifinals where the men fell to Uasin Gishu and the women lost to Nairobi. However, both teams bounced back strongly in the playoffs, the men defeating Nairobi, and the women edging out Uasin Gishu, to secure their respective third-place trophies.

Makueni County Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi hailed the achievement as a testimony to the county’s strategic investments in disability sports, emphasizing the value of talent identification and nurturing at the grassroots level. He expressed optimism that Makueni athletes will earn spots in the national team to be selected from the tournament

CHIEF OFFICER FELISTUS MUTUNE CALLS FOR TECH-SAVVY PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AI TRANSFORMS THE FIELD

Chief Officer Office of the Governor, Felistus Mutune represented Makueni County at the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya Summit held in Eldoret.

Mutune, who is also a communication professional, took part in a high-level panel discussion on strategic communication in policy, governance, and diplomacy.

She urged public relations officers to adopt a proactive approach in engaging stakeholders, observing that delayed communication often results in avoidable crises.

Mutune emphasized that communication is a core executive function, central to driving policy, managing crises, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

She called for the function to be accorded the seriousness it deserves within public service.

She also highlighted her commitment to the communication unit in Makueni where the team has been advancing robust communication strategies in their work, stating that such frameworks are essential for effective governance.

Mutune further observed that Artificial Intelligence has transformed the communication landscape, urging practitioners to keep pace with emerging technologies shaping the industry.

BEEKEEPERS BOOST SKILLS IN ONGOING BEE PRODUCTS VALUE ADDITION TRAINING

A transformative Value Addition of Bee Products Course (VABPC) is currently underway in Makueni County, bringing together local beekeepers, and honey processors for an intensive week of practical learning.

The training, jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Makueni County, is equipping participants with hands-on skills to elevate the quality, diversity, and marketability of bee products.

Throughout the week, trainees are engaging in sessions on food safety, legal compliance, and honey-based product development, including the preparation of comb, chunk, cream, and flavoured honey.

Practical lessons on propolis processing and beeswax product making—such as soaps, candles, starter combs, lip balms, and aloe vera or honey-infused creams—are taking centre stage as participants work in groups to refine their craftsmanship.

In addition to technical skills, the programme is strengthening business capacity through modules on budgeting, and debt and credit management.

Additionally, the training empowers participants with post-processing techniques, focusing on proper packaging, labelling and storage to help beekeepers access higher-value markets.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL PARAVOLLEYBALL TRIALS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni County is hosting the national Paravolley (sitting volleyball) trials at Makueni Girls High School in Wote, bringing together teams from across the country for the three-day event.

Twelve counties—Makueni, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Siaya, Laikipia, Meru, Nakuru, Vihiga, Migori, Kisumu, Nairobi and Bungoma—are participating in the tournament, which will be used to select Kenya’s national team for the 2026 international paravolleyball championships in China.

In the opening match, Makueni’s men’s team dominated Mombasa with a 3–0 victory, boosting hopes of reaching the finals and contributing a strong contingent to the national squad.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who officially opened the tournament on Thursday, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to promoting sports for persons with disabilities as part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusivity agenda.

Makueni Disability Network chairperson Justus Katumo welcomed the initiative, noting that the event provides an important platform to empower persons with disabilities, many of whom possess exceptional sporting talent and professional abilities.