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MAKUENI INNOVATIONS DRAW GLOBAL HEALTH STAKEHOLDERS AT EXHIBITION.

The Makueni County exhibition booth on Wednesday continued to attract visitors eager to learn about innovative solutions being implemented by the county to address healthcare challenges.

The visitors who are attending the Health Summit 2026 at Kenyatta International Conference Center, among them global health stakeholders, applauded Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. for his commitment to championing effective innovations aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Among the innovations showcased was Proximie, a technology that enables specialists to provide remote support during surgical procedures through augmented reality and telemedicine.

Makueni pioneered the use of the technology in Africa, integrating Proximie’s augmented reality and telemedicine platform into public health facilities, including the Mother and Child Hospital.

The platform enables remote specialists to virtually “scrub in” during surgeries and support medical teams in real time.

The county’s adoption of the technology has since inspired other counties. Fourteen counties in Kenya have adopted Proximie and are currently implementing the technology in their health facilities.

MAKUENI LAUDED FOR 39PC HEALTH BUDGET ALLOCATION.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Jhpiego, Dr Allyson Bear, has commended Makueni County for allocating 39 per cent of its budget to health services, saying the commitment demonstrates the county’s determination to keep healthcare accessible to its people.

Dr Bear spoke during a cocktail dinner at the Radisson Blu Arboretum in Nairobi, attended by health sector stakeholders, including Kenya’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Judith Awinja, officials from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the US Embassy, among others.

The event was held to celebrate partnerships that have contributed to improved health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili expressed appreciation to Jhpiego for its longstanding partnership with the county, saying the organisation had helped introduce innovative solutions that have improved maternal and child health services.

One of the key interventions introduced through the partnership is heat-stable carbetocin, popularly known in Makueni as “Kausha”, which is used to help prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Through the AMPLI-PPH project, Makueni became one of the first counties to adopt new World Health Organization-recommended interventions for managing postpartum haemorrhage.

These included calibrated drapes for measuring blood loss and a rapid first-response treatment bundle.

The partnership has also transformed care for women living with obstetric fistula.

Together with Jhpiego, Makueni established a comprehensive fistula centre at the County Referral Hospital, which is now recognised as a model for routine fistula care in Kenya.

Beyond surgery, the programme provides counselling, rehabilitation, community integration and support aimed at restoring the dignity of women who have often suffered in silence for years.

In family planning, 55 per cent of mothers in Makueni leave health facilities with a family planning method within 48 hours of delivery, making the county a leading performer in Kenya on the indicator.

The county has also committed its own-source resources to sustain and scale up the innovations beyond the lifespan of donor-supported projects.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has been recognised as a champion of efforts to prevent and manage postpartum haemorrhage.

MAKUENI HEALTH INNOVATIONS EARN ACCOLADES AT NATIONAL HEALTH SUMMIT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration on Tuesday received accolades for its health innovations showcased at the county’s booth at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the Ministry of Health and partners are holding a two-day health summit.

Health actors from the Ministry of Health, parastatals and global health partners took keen interest in Makueni’s multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, an initiative first launched and introduced in the country by the county.

The supplements aim to improve maternal nutrition and combat anaemia. The programme is being implemented in Makueni in partnership with Vitamin Angels under a four-year initiative.

Another innovation that attracted attention was the ‘Safer Births Bundle of Care’, which is being rolled out in Makueni in partnership with Laerdal Global Health.

The initiative seeks to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through the use of digital tools, including Moyo, a fetal heart-rate monitoring device worn around a pregnant woman’s abdomen during labour, and NeoBeat, a heart monitor placed around a newborn’s chest to monitor the baby’s heartbeat.

The initiative also includes upright and penguin devices to support newborn care.

Makueni is already in the process of procuring the innovative clinical tools to strengthen intrapartum and newborn care across its health facilities.

The county is expected to share its key health innovations and its journey in the adoption of health products and technologies on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday.

ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT SET TO DELIVER SAFE WATER TO OVER 30,000 RESIDENTS.

The Government of Makueni County is in the final stages of completing the Athi–Kalawa Water Distribution Project in Kalawa Ward, marking another major milestone in expanding access to safe and reliable water.

The project, implemented through a partnership between the County Government and World Vision, will deliver clean water to more than 30,000 residents.

Under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, the project has expanded the water distribution network to Katulye, Kimeeni, Katoloka, Ndauni, Syokilati, Kwa Kyule and Syotuvali. Key public institutions, including Itumbule Primary School, Ndauni Primary School, Ndauni Secondary School, vocational training centres, health facilities and market centres, have also been connected.

The project underscores the County Government’s commitment to its Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda by strengthening water security and improving the safety of communities living along the Athi River corridor, who have for years faced the risk of crocodile attacks while fetching water from the river.

 MAKUENI TURNS TO TECHNOLOGY TO STRENGTHEN EXTREME WEATHER RESPONSE, PRIORITIZE ROAD REPAIRS. 

Makueni County is turning to satellite imagery, mapping data and rainfall records to identify roads that should receive priority for repair, in efforts to strengthen its response to extreme weather affecting its roads network.

The system will assess factors including population served, agricultural land use, flood and drainage risks, terrain, and proximity to essential services and markets such as schools, health facilities and trading centres.

The initiative, supported by Israeli technology company Anyways Solutions through the Embassy of Israel in Kenya, was discussed Tuesday in Wote during a meeting on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and its partners.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the technology would improve Makueni’s climate resilience and capacity to respond to extreme weather, particularly with El Niño rains expected later this year.He thanked Israel for its continued partnership with the county and said Makueni was also exploring opportunities to export its fruit produce to the Israeli market.

The meeting was attended by Arnon Arbel, Minister for Economic Affairs and Head of the Israel Economic and Trade Mission in Kenya.The proposed MoU will provide a framework for implementing the technology and deepening cooperation between Makueni County and Israeli partners.

GOVERNOR MUTULA VISITS KALEMBWANI ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Monday visited victims of the Kalembwani road accident receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

Governor Mutula commended the medical team, led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kelvin Maweu, for responding swiftly to the victims and providing emergency treatment.

He announced that his administration would waive the medical bills incurred by the accident victims and cater for funeral expenses for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

The County Referral Hospital received 41 patients on Sunday evening, while 28 others were admitted at Matiliku Sub-CountyHospital.

According to Dr Maweu, eight patients had been admitted at the County Referral Hospital, with two expected to be discharged with medication on Monday.

The remaining six patients would continue receiving treatment at the facility.

Governor Mutula has also appointed a task force to oversee funeral arrangements for the seven people who died in the accident. The arrangements will be held in Nthongoni.

He further announced that an interdenominational prayer service for the victims would be held on Wednesday in Nthongoni.

MAKUENI EXPANDS SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS.

Makueni County has signed four agreements aimed at expanding specialized health services, including eye care, HIV treatment, women’s health and maternal and newborn care.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the signing Monday between the county government and AHF Kenya, Sightsavers International, The HEM Practice Ltd. and Jacaranda Health Solutions.

Under the agreements, Sightsavers will support eye screening and treatment, while AHF Kenya will strengthen HIV testing, prevention and comprehensive care.

The HEM Practice will help expand minimally invasive surgery and specialized women’s health services through training and technical support. Jacaranda Health will support maternal and newborn care through digital health tools, data use and training for frontline health workers.

Mutula said the partnerships would help bring specialized care closer to residents and strengthen the county’s health system.

He urged residents to undergo regular eye screening to enable early detection and treatment of conditions such as cataracts.

The governor also highlighted the need to strengthen maternal and newborn services, particularly care for babies requiring specialized neonatal treatment.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya country program director; Moses Chege, Sightsavers International country director; Faith Wanjeri, CEO of The HEM Practice; and Javan Waita, director of Kenya programs at Jacaranda Health.

County Health Executive Joyce Mutua, Chief Health Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Stephen Mwatha also attended the signing.

37 KALEMBWANI ACCIDENT SURVIVORS DISCHARGED FROM MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Thirty-seven patients injured in the Kalembwani road accident that claimed seven lives on the spot on Friday night have been discharged from the Makueni County Referral Hospital with medication.

According to the facility’s orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Kelvin Maweu, the discharged patients sustained soft-tissue injuries and did not require further hospitalisation. 28 others were admitted at Matiliku Hospital last night and by this morning, only 13 were in hospital.

Dr Maweu confirmed that four patients remain admitted at the facility, where they are receiving medical care.

One of the survivors, Rose Mueni, who is still admitted at the referral hospital, commended the Makueni County Government for its swift response during the rescue operation.

Makueni County Health Chief Officer Dr Harvey Mulei said no further fatalities had been recorded since the evacuation mission began on Friday night.

Dr Mulei attributed the response to the availability of specialist doctors at the county referral hospital, ambulance services and the quality of healthcare provided to the injured.

He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

EMPOWERING MAKUENI’S YOUTH: COUNTY, STUDENTS JOIN FORCES IN KAMBU

The County Government of Makueni, led by CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports, Children and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, has partnered with the Makueni County KU Students Association to empower youths in Kambu, Mtito Andei Ward.

The youths were trained on drug abuse prevention, mental health awareness, financial discipline, career guidance and mentorship, agribusiness and market linkages.

Eng. Kyoni urged young people to take advantage of county programmes including Tujiajiri, Ligi Mashinani, Ujuzi Teketeke and Ajira kwa Vijana, while actively participating in public forums to help shape youth-focused development priorities.

The initiative also saw the distribution of over 2,000 tree seedlings to promote environmental conservation, while girls received sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene.

Kyoni was accompanied by Chief Officer Nicolis Mutua, area MCA Francis Mulwa, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo and other leaders.

MAKUENI YOUTH URGED TO REGISTER SKILLS, TAKE PART IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Makueni Youth have been urged to register their skills on the county’s Youth Information Management System and actively participate in public forums to help shape the county’s future.

Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations in Wote, Chief Officer for Youth Nicholis Mutua said young people should take advantage of available opportunities and actively engage in programmes aimed at supporting their development.

Mutua said the Youth Information Management System enables youth to register their areas of expertise, showcase their skills and access relevant opportunities, programmes and support.

He also urged young people to participate in public participation forums, saying their involvement would help influence decisions affecting the county and their future.