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MUTULA RANKED FOURTH BEST GOVERNOR AS MAKUENI POSTS STRONG INFOTRAK PERFORMANCE.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has been ranked fourth best-performing governor in Kenya in the latest InfoTrak CountyTrak Performance Index 2026, reinforcing the county’s reputation as one of the country’s top performers in governance and service delivery.

The survey, released on Tuesday, gave Mutula a 66 per cent approval rating, placing him in a tie for fourth position nationally with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. He trails Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who topped the rankings with 68 percent, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who both scored 67 per cent.

The latest rating marks a significant improvement for Mutula, whose approval stood at 57 per cent in the 2024 CountyTrak survey, reflecting growing public confidence in his administration midway through his first term in office.

The report also highlights Makueni’s strong showing across several indicators used to assess county performance.

Makueni was ranked the second-best county nationally in public participation, scoring 48 per cent, behind only Elgeyo Marakwet. The county maintained its standing among Kenya’s leaders in involving residents in governance despite a slight decline from the 56 per cent recorded in the previous survey.

In sectoral performance, Makueni ranked among the country’s top counties in agriculture and health, posting 46 per cent in both sectors. It also recorded strong scores in governance indicators, placing among the leading counties in the management of public funds, prevention of corruption, use of technology in service delivery, decentralisation of county services and efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.

The findings suggest that Makueni continues to distinguish itself in areas that directly affect service delivery and citizen engagement, strengthening its position as one of the country’s best performing devolved units.

The CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 is based on interviews with 36,200 respondents across all 47 counties conducted between January and May this year.

MAKUENI BREAKS GROUND FOR SH90 MILLION KENYA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE CAMPUS.

Construction of a Sh90 million Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA) campus in Makueni County began Tuesday, with leaders saying the institution will strengthen agricultural training, create jobs and position the county as a regional hub for modern farming.

The Makueni campus, the 10th branch of the Kenya School of Agriculture, will serve the Lower Eastern region and is expected to open its first phase by November.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kwakathoka, Makueni Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. described the project as a major investment in the county’s people, particularly youth and farmers, amid rising demand for agricultural skills.

The governor said the institution would become a center for innovation, research and technology transfer, helping farmers adopt modern agricultural practices to address climate change and changing market demands.

He said the project would also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs during construction and operation, supporting local businesses and attracting investment into the county.

Mutula urged the contractor to prioritize local labor and locally available construction materials to maximize economic benefits for residents.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture Paul Kipronoh Ronoh said the project was made possible after sustained lobbying by the county government through the State Department for Agriculture.

Ronoh commended Mutula for his hands-on approach to development, saying the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments.

He said sustainable agricultural development remains critical to Kenya’s economic growth and urged young people and farmers to embrace agriculture as a viable economic enterprise through a change in mindset.

He added that students enrolled at the institution would have an opportunity to benefit from an existing partnership with the United Kingdom government that offers paid agricultural internship opportunities abroad.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Ag. County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Damaris Kavoi, County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Musyoka Mang’oka, Muvau/Kikumini MCA Elizabeth Kawembe Mutinda, Thange MCA Erick Musyoki Katumo and other county and national government officials.

PARTNERSHIPS DRIVE MAKUENI’S HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION AS NEW MATERNITY, OUTPATIENT FACILITIES OPEN.

Partnerships remain a cornerstone of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s development agenda, anchored on the belief that sustainable development is best achieved through collaboration between governments, communities and development partners.

In line with this vision, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Tuesday commissioned a new maternity wing at Kako Health Center, developed through a partnership between the Governments of Finland and Kenya and the County Government of Makueni.

Mulili also officially opened a new outpatient block at the facility, constructed by the County Government of Makueni to enhance access to quality healthcare services.

The new facilities underscore Governor Mutula’s administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by improving the quality of healthcare services and strengthening the county’s referral system.

Makueni records between 20,000 and 21,000 births annually, with approximately 80 per cent of deliveries taking place in the county’s health facilities, reflecting growing public confidence in the health system.

Mulili is also expected to commission the Kikumini Maternity Wing in Nguu Masumba Ward today.

The project was funded through a partnership involving the Government of Finland, the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Makueni.

Mulili was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health led by Dr. Edward Serem, representatives of the Government of Finland, County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Joyce Mutua, County Executive Committee Member Nicholas Nzioka, area MCA Dennis Musyoka, nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi and other county officials.

FLLoCA WATER PROJECTS ADVANCE WATER SECURITY IN MAVINDINI AND KITISE

The Government of Makueni County is making significant strides in strengthening water security through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, with two major water infrastructure projects nearing completion in Mavindini and Kitise wards.

In Mavindini Ward, the Ksh 13 million Athi–Mavindini Water Project is now 95 percent complete. Once operational, it will benefit more than 6,500 residents by reducing the distance to water sources. The works include construction of a 100m³ sump, rehabilitation of the rising main and water treatment plant, installation of four kilometres of irrigation pipeline with 40 tees, and three kilometres of distribution pipeline. CCTV cameras and security lighting have also been installed to safeguard the facility against vandalism.

In Kitise Ward, construction of the Ksh 15 million Londokwe Earth Dam has reached 92 percent completion under Phase I. The works include excavation of the reservoir, construction of a 180-metre embankment and a 120-metre spillway. Upon completion later this month, the dam will store more than 60,000 cubic metres of water, improving access for domestic use, livestock watering and other livelihood activities.

The two projects reflect the County Government’s continued investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure, improving access to safe and reliable water while supporting livelihoods and sustainable development across Makueni

MAKUENI SIGNS DEAL TO BOOST EDUCATION, JOBS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Edu-WISE project, an initiative aimed at expanding access to education and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities.

The programme will be implemented in Nduluku, MIVEC and Kisingo vocational training centres.

Under the project, teachers and staff will receive training on disability inclusion, Kenyan Sign Language and life skills, while training centres will be equipped with adaptive learning materials and improved accessibility to support inclusive learning.

The project will also award 105 scholarships to vulnerable students with disabilities in Makueni to support vocational training, internships and small business start-ups. Private sector firms will be trained on disability inclusion and participate in inclusive job fairs to increase employment opportunities for graduates.

Speaking during the signing, Governor Kilonzo thanked the development partners for choosing Makueni, saying the initiative would improve the lives of persons with disabilities through better education, skills development and access to jobs.

Edu-WISE is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and is implemented by CEFA in partnership with several organizations, including the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority.

MAKUENI SIGNS AGREEMENTS TO BOOST WATER SERVICES AND EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE

The Makueni County Government has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening water service delivery and improving early childhood care.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday signed an agreement renewing the county’s partnership with Water Mission to enhance access to sustainable water solutions across Makueni.

Under the new framework, Water Mission will support the county in strengthening oversight of water utilities while promoting sustainability in water projects to improve service delivery to residents.

In a separate agreement, the county partnered with Kidogo Early Years to improve the quality of childcare in informal early learning centres.

The collaboration will focus on training informal childcare providers and supporting the operationalisation of community-based childcare centres to meet safe and sustainable standards. The programme also seeks to provide young children with quality early childhood care and a strong developmental foundation.

Governor Mutula said the partnerships underscore the county government’s commitment to expanding access to essential services through collaboration with development partners.

MAKUENI COUNTY IS PARTICIPATING IN THE 98TH KENYA MUSIC FESTIVAL AT KIBABII UNIVERSITY IN BUNGOMA COUNTY.

Makueni County is participating in the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County, representing the Eastern Region in the national arts and culture extravaganza.

The county opened its campaign with four performances on the first day of the festival, which has brought together thousands of learners, trainers and education stakeholders from across the country under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.”. The event is expected to close on the 14th August.

The county team made an encouraging start after Ruth Samuel of Kambu Township Secondary School secured fourth position among 14 contestants in the Kiswahili solo verse category with her rendition of Sitaficha Dawa.

Leading the Makueni delegation are County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Damaris Makau, who are accompanying the team as the county competes for top honours at the national championships, which run until August 14.

SEVEN MAKUENI SCHOOLS COMPETE AT 2026 KSSSA NATIONAL GAMES.

Seven schools from Makueni County are representing the county at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games in Thika, Kiambu County.

More than 7,200 students from junior and senior schools across the country are participating in the championships, which were officially opened at M-PESA Foundation Academy.

Flagging team Makueni,Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said the county government supported its Team by providing sports kits for players and technical officials, and deploying sports officers to offer technical and logistical support.

The county is represented by Tumaini Secondary School (boys’ football), Misuuni Secondary School (girls’ football), Matiliku Boys Secondary School (boys’ volleyball and boys’ 3×3 basketball), Nduluni Secondary School (girls’ 3×3 basketball), Kitondo School (boys’ rugby 7s), and Moi Kibwezi School (girls’ netball).

The games were officially opened by Principal Secretary for Basic Education John L. Ololtuaa.

MAKUENI CALLS FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION TO UNLOCK YOUTH POTENTIAL.

The County Government of Makueni through the department of Education, ICT and Internship has called on parents, teachers and communities to work together in supporting children’s education to build a skilled and productive generation.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony and Harambee at Matiliku Boys High School, CECM for Education, ICT and Internship Japheth Mang’oka lauded the school’s academic performance, noting that more than 90 students countrywide who were sponsored by the County Government of Makueni attained university entry grades, demonstrating the impact of investing in education.

Mang’oka urged learners to remain disciplined and focused on their studies. He encouraged parents to enrol students who did not attain university entry grades in Makueni County Technical and Vocational Training Institutions (TTIs) to acquire practical skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship.

The CECM also called for unity among parents, teachers and education stakeholders in supporting schools and creating an environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed. The event also rallied support towards strengthening the school’s learning environment, reaffirming Makueni’s commitment to providing quality and inclusive education for all.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH LEARDAL GLOBAL TO STRENGTHEN MATERNAL, NEWBORN CARE

For many parents, the birth of a child is one of life’s most joyous moments. Yet the day of birth can also be one of the most critical periods for both mother and baby.

According to the World Bank, more than 70 per cent of maternal and neonatal deaths occur around the time of labour and delivery, underscoring the need for timely and effective interventions during childbirth.

Complications such as postpartum haemorrhage and newborn asphyxia can occur without warning, requiring healthcare workers to respond swiftly to save lives.

To strengthen emergency response during childbirth, Makueni County has partnered with Laerdal Global Health, a Tanzania-based non-governmental organisation that supports health systems to improve the delivery of lifesaving care.

The partnership seeks to equip frontline healthcare workers with the tools, skills and confidence needed to identify complications and respond quickly and effectively during labour, delivery and the immediate postnatal period.

Through the Safer Births Bundle of Care (SBBC) programme, the county is in the process of procuring innovative clinical tools introduced by the partner to strengthen intrapartum and newborn care across its health facilities.

Among the tools is Moyo, a fetal heart rate monitoring device worn around a pregnant woman’s abdomen to monitor fetal heart rate during labour.

The county is also procuring NeoBeat, a newborn heart rate meter placed around the baby’s chest to monitor the heartbeat, alongside Upright and Penguin devices to support newborn care.

Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Joyce Mutua on Friday officially closed a six-day training for maternal and newborn health experts conducted by the Laerdal Global Health team at the Mother and Child Hospital.

Mutua welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen the county’s efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths and complement other interventions being implemented by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.