Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

KALONZO VISITS RAILA’S FAMILY, PRESENTS GIFTS TO MAMA IDA.

In a heartwarming ceremony at Opoda Farm, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Wiper Patriotic Front–Kenya Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by the Party’s National Vice Chairperson Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, led a delegation of senior Wiper leaders and supporters in a courtesy visit to the Odinga family.

The delegation presented a herd of cattle and an assortment of gifts to Mama Ida Odinga and her family, symbolizing deep respect, solidarity, and the long-standing friendship between Kalonzo and the late former Prime Minister.

The event was marked by scenes of joy and celebration as residents and supporters welcomed the Wiper team with traditional chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” — a cultural expression of honor and admiration.

Mama Ida Odinga graciously received the delegation and expressed her appreciation for the gesture of goodwill and continued friendship between the two families and their political movements.

The team later visited and laid wreath at the grave of Raila Amolo Odinga whom Kalonzo eulogized as a champion of democracy and devolution.

WIPER LEADERS EULOGISE RAILA

In a visit that sent waves across Kenya’s political landscape, Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka led a delegation of Wiper leaders who included Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to Opoda Farm in Siaya, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the Odinga family.

The colourful visit was highlighted by the presentation of 100 herd of cattle and other assorted gifts — a gesture symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Wiper leader and the Odinga family.

Leaders and followers from across Eastern and Central Kenya regions joined in the solemn yet celebratory occasion, eulogizing the late leader, fondly remembered by millions as “Baba.”

Speaking during the visit, Governor Mutula acknowledged Raila’s immense contribution to his personal and political journey, emphasizing that the history of Kenya’s democracy cannot be complete without mentioning the name of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.

In her remarks, Mama Ida Odinga described Kalonzo as a true friend of the enigma, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture of the cattle and the love shown by Kenyans from all walks of life. She indicated that their home remains open to people who wish to visit and share in honoring the legacy of his late husband.

Siaya Governor, James Orengo, commended Kalonzo for his maturity in national politics, describing him as a man with immense political experience and unwavering loyalty to principle.

EMALI TRAUMA CENTER LAUNCHED TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY ALONG MOMBASA HIGHWAY

Makueni has taken a major step in strengthening emergency response along the busy Mombasa Highway following the launch of a new Trauma Center in Emali, established through a partnership between the county government and St. John Ambulance.

The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with two fully fitted ambulances, will cater to accident victims along the 170-kilometer stretch of the highway passing through the county, one of Kenya’s busiest and most accident-prone routes.

During the launch, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili described the facility as a “game changer” for road safety and pledged the county’s commitment to deploy additional emergency response personnel to sustain its operations.

She further urged the national government to intensify efforts to curb drunk driving, citing it as a key contributor to road accidents in the region.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who presided over the event, lauded St. John Ambulance for the lifesaving initiative and revealed that the national government plans to construct a new trauma hospital in Emali to further enhance emergency medical care along the corridor.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua welcomed the development, noting that it will greatly reduce response time and improve survival rates for accident victims.

According to the chancellor of St. John Ambulance Brigade, Dr. Gome Lenga, the Emali Trauma Center is one of only two major trauma facilities along the Mombasa–Malaba corridor, the other being in Naivasha.

He added that the project will also focus on training and equipping members of the bodaboda sector with basic first aid skills to safely handle accident victims.

St. John Ambulance currently operates 14 trauma centers across the country, underscoring its growing role in improving Kenya’s emergency response network.

AVOCADO SUMMIT SPARKS NEW HOPE FOR FRUIT FARMERS

Agriculture remains a key pillar in Makueni, contributing about 27.7% to the County’s Gross Product. An estimated 70% of households engage in fruit farming, with mangoes leading the sector.

Though avocado currently accounts for a smaller share, its value and production have been steadily rising—making it a promising venture for farmers seeking growth.

It is against this backdrop that a two-day Avocado Summit is underway in Kikima Town, bringing together farmers from Mbooni, Kaiti and Kilome.

The summit, organized by the County Government in partnership with agricultural stakeholders, focuses on equipping farmers with practical knowledge on soil management, orchard establishment, farm nutrition, pest and disease control, flowering and pollination, fruit development, marketing and export standards.

Speaking during the event, Chief Officer for Agriculture, Japheth Kiminza, encouraged farmers to adopt high-quality Hass and Fuerte avocado varieties to boost yields and income.

The CO who was accompanied by East Africa Marketing Development Authority CEO Eunice Ngina and area MCA Alex Mulemba among other stakeholders reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting the value chain by supplying clean planting materials, promoting certified nurseries, offering grafting and spraying services, and linking farmers to reliable market outlets and exporters.

With avocado production in Makueni rising from 2,100 MTs in 2021 to 2,394 MTs in 2023, the summit signals a growing opportunity, one that promises better incomes, jobs and value addition for households across the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES RURAL ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE IN KAKO-WAIA AND KALAWA WARDS

The Makueni County Government has rolled out a new electricity connectivity initiative targeting key public facilities in Kako-Waia and Kalawa Wards.

The program, led by the Department of Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure, will see the installation of transformers to power the Wambiti Warehouse in Kako, Waia Ward, as well as Kathulumbi Dispensary, Mutembuku CTTI, Mutanda CTTI, and Kalawa Market in Kalawa Ward.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday, county officials emphasized that the project aims to boost access to reliable electricity in rural institutions, supporting local economic growth and improving service delivery.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s broader rural electrification agenda implemented in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). Officials noted that the county remains committed to ensuring equitable energy access across all wards to spur development and enhance livelihoods.

MAKUENI MANGOES ON THE MOVE.

Mango is one of the world’s most popular fruits, and Makueni continues to shine as Kenya’s leading mango-growing region.

In 2023, over 70,000 households in Makueni relied on mango farming, contributing more than 75% of the county’s total fruit production and yielding 199,626 metric tons valued at KSh 4.28 billion.

To further strengthen market access and boost the value of mango produce, the Department of Agriculture has embarked in renovations of Kibwezi Horticulture Crop Directorate (HCD) Pack House storage unit.

The renovations are aimed at maintaining high standards of cleanliness, proper ventilation and organized handling processes to guarantee safe and high-quality fruits for global market.

On Thursday, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Liz Muli, visited to inspect the renovations and assess the ongoing mango export initiative.

The export program which is implemented in partnership with TradeMark Africa has so far facilitated the shipment of 114,000 cartons destined for the international market.

Accompanied by Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo, CECM Muli affirmed that the initiatives are focused on advancing agribusiness and uplifting the economic wellbeing of mango farmers.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE MASUMBA MARKET

In efforts to improve rural infrastructure and promote renewable energy, the Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Masumba Market in Kasikeu Ward.

The official handover of the project site to the contractor took place on Monday, signaling the commencement of installation works.

The solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around Masumba Market.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and rural economic transformation. Once operational, the high mast lighting system will enable traders to extend their working hours and create a safer, more vibrant marketplace.

The solar-powered system, which harnesses clean and renewable energy, is also expected to reduce electricity costs for the government, saving millions of shillings in the long run.

MAKUENI BLOOD CENTER GETS MAJOR BOOST THROUGH ENI KENYA PARTNERSHIP.

The Makueni Blood Satellite Center has received a significant upgrade following a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and ENI Kenya, aimed at strengthening blood collection, processing, and storage capacity under the company’s corporate social responsibility program.

The new equipment delivered to the Makueni County Referral Hospital includes a Blood Bank Refrigerator, which maintains blood at optimal temperatures to prevent spoilage and wastage; a Refrigerated Centrifuge, which separates blood into vital components such as plasma and platelets for specialized treatment; and a Blood Plasma Deep Freezer, which ensures the long-term preservation of plasma for use during emergencies and routine medical procedures.

According to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the installation of the advanced equipment will greatly enhance the center’s capacity to store, prepare, and process various blood components, including platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate.

The development will also enable the preservation of blood and its components for up to two years, guaranteeing patients access to safe and reliable blood supplies both within the county and across the country.

The governor emphasized that the upgraded facility will be a lifeline for patients battling cancer, anaemia, and trauma-related injuries, as well as maternity cases requiring urgent transfusions.

ENI Kenya Managing Director Daniella Morra noted that the initiative reflects the company’s continued commitment to strengthening community health systems and improving access to quality healthcare services in Kenya.

The new investment positions Makueni as a regional hub for efficient blood management and marks a vital step in saving lives through improved healthcare infrastructure.

GOVERNOR MUTULA FLAGS OFF NUTRITION SUPPLIES TO COMBAT MALNUTRITION IN MAKUENI.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off 623 bales of fortified blended flour to benefit children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adults battling malnutrition across the county’s six sub-counties, marking yet another milestone in the county’s quest for a well-nourished population.

Speaking during the flag-off on Tuesday, Governor Mutula underscored nutrition as a cornerstone of human capital development, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving health and nutrition outcomes for all residents.

To strengthen the county’s fight against malnutrition, Makueni has partnered with key organizations including Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels, and ENI Kenya.

Helen Keller International has donated 800 cartons, each containing 150 sachets of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Feed (RUSF), targeting children aged 6 to 59 months suffering from moderate acute malnutrition.

The supplements will be distributed to 121 health facilities designated for managing acute malnutrition.

The organization has also provided weighing scales to aid in nutritional assessment.

ENI Kenya contributed over 28,000 sachets of fortified blended flour for children in the same age bracket and an additional 6,000 sachets for pregnant and lactating mothers.

The nutrition commodities have been delivered to 81 health facilities across all sub-counties, ensuring last-mile delivery and equitable access.

Meanwhile, Vitamin Angels has donated 200,000 doses of dewormers for school-going children, reinforcing efforts to improve child health and reduce nutrient loss caused by parasitic infections.

GROWING SEASON STARTS STRONG

With the rains already setting in, timely fertilizer is more crucial than ever for farmers preparing their fields.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development has begun delivering subsidized fertilizer to satellite depots, providing farmers with timely support as the planting season gets underway.

This follows an MoU between the County Government and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to ensure fertilizer reaches farmers closer to their homes.

The distribution is based on local demand and crop acreage to ensure every farming area receives what is needed for the October–November–December season.

This program is prioritizing the distribution of planting fertilizer in the first weeks of November, with Agricultural Extension Officers already on the ground offering guidance to farmers on proper application to boost yields and improve soil health.

Once planting ends, the county will request additional top-dressing fertilizers to strengthen crops through the growth phase.

During the first phase of delivery, fertilizer has already begun reaching Nunguni, Mukuyuni, Kikima and Kasikeu depots, with more scheduled to follow across the county, as farmers are encouraged to visit their nearest depot for guidance and collection