News

ATHI-TUNGUNI WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION, BRINGING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS.

The long wait for reliable water is nearly over for residents of Nguumo, Makindu and Kikumbulyu North wards as the Athi-Tunguni water project enters its final stages of completion.

The Sh 68M project by the Government of Makueni County aims to draw and treat water from Athi River and supply it to the three wards.

During a routine inspection of ongoing works on Friday, Water Executive Committee Member Eng. John Kieti and his Infrastructure counterpart Eng. Peter Mumo confirmed the pipeline extension works are progressing well, with full completion expected by August 2025.

The Athi-Tunguni initiative is a flagship project under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s Last Mile Water Connectivity Program, which aims to achieve universal water access by 2027.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH JUDICIARY TO ROLL OUT ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM.

In a significant move to enhance access to justice at the grassroots level, Makueni County has announced a strategic partnership with the Judiciary to establish an Alternative Justice System (AJS). This initiative aims at streamlining justice delivery through culturally grounded and community-led mechanisms that complement formal court processes.

Speaking on Thursday when she paid courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in his office, Lady Justice Mumbua Matheka, Judge of the High Court, emphasized the urgent need for a structured Alternative Justice System to address the root causes of injustice and ensure timely dispute resolution.

She said AJS will be established in every sub-county and that the teams will include local national Government administrators, county grassroots officers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, elders, and representatives from the Court Users Committee (CUC) and undergo specialized training in legal and traditional dispute resolution skills.

Justice Matheka referenced a national survey revealing that only 17% of disputes in Kenya reach formal courts. A significant 67% are resolved informally within communities, while 16% are abandoned altogether. She said this shows the need for a more inclusive justice system that recognizes the important role of traditional dispute resolution.

Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, expressing full support for the judiciary’s efforts to bring justice closer to the people.

Also present at the meeting were High Court Judge, Justice Elijah Obaga, Chief Magistrate P. N. Gesora, Resident Magistrate, F.C. Ngetich, Senior Resident Magistrate, M. Mutua, and CECM, Finance Damaris Kavoi.

HOSPITALITY PLAYERS IN MAKUENI TRAINED ON STANDARDS AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) on Wednesday held a key training session for members of the Makueni Hospitality Association (MHA) to sensitize them on hospitality standards for accommodation and catering establishments.

The training, which also doubled as MHA’s Annual General Meeting, brought together operators from hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, caterers, curio and craft traders, travel agencies and transport service providers.

Graced by H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili, participants were also equipped with skills on financial management, smart investment and leadership trends in the hospitality sector. The aim was to improve service delivery, customer satisfaction and professionalism within Makueni’s fast-growing tourism industry.

The event provided a platform for networking, sharing best practices, discovering new business opportunities and building partnerships across the sector. It also opened discussions on how operators can collaborate to elevate Makueni’s position as a tourism destination.

Speaking during the event, Mulili affirmed the county government’s commitment to creating a friendly and enabling business environment. She encouraged local hoteliers to uphold quality and innovation in their services to drive economic growth in the region.

The forum that was attended by CECM Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Sonia Nzilani attracted key players including banking representatives and other stakeholders.

MAKUENI HOSTS COUNTIES DIALOGUE AND LAND CLINICS ON LAND GOVERNANCE AND LAND USE PLANNING

Makueni County today hosted the Counties Dialogue and Land Clinics on Land Governance and Land Use Planning, officially opened by Dr. Paul Musila, CECM for Lands, accompanied by the ECM for Trade, CECM for Finance, Chief Officer Lands, County Solicitor, County officials, and Members of the County Assembly Lands Committee.

The forum was organised by the Kenya Institute of Planners in collaboration with the National Land Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Council of Governors, and the Makueni County Government.

While addressing the forum, Dr. Musila emphasised the importance of integrated land use planning as a foundation for development.

The Dialogue sought to:

Address Land succession in the county

Foster partnerships for sustainable and inclusive land use planning.

Address challenges such as land tenure insecurity, urbanisation pressures, and environmental sustainability.

Enhance capacity and knowledge sharing among county stakeholders.

Promote participatory approaches in land governance for equitable development.

Makueni County remains committed to strengthening land governance systems as a key pillar for sustainable socio-economic growth and harmonious communities.

OVER 80 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECEIVE ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES IN MAKUENI

More than 80 people living with disabilities in Makueni County today received assistive mobility devices in a drive organized by the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services.

The initiative, led by Executive Committee Members Sebastian Kyoni and Japheth Mang’oka, benefited residents of Kitise/Kithuki, Kathonzweni, Kako/Waia and Ukia wards. In Ukia, 12 groups each received 50 chairs to enhance income generation.

This program is part of the broader social inclusion agenda spearheaded by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BRIEFS SENATE COMMITTEE ON COUNTY’S PLANS TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL SERVICES

Makueni County has rolled out a pilot online system to track expired or unused medical commodities to streamline pharmaceutical procurement.

Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr outlined measures taken by the County to enhance transparency, efficiency and patient care quality.

Governor Mutula informed senators that Makueni health facilities handle nearly 2 million patients annually, highlighting the need for improved service systems and increased healthcare funding.

Accompanied by his deputy H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili , Mutula further said his administration was in the process of finalizing the drafting of a County Waiver Bill to legally structure the waiving of hospital bills for vulnerable residents.

Senators Peris Tobiko (Kajiado) and George Mbungua (Special Elect) commended Makueni County for adopting cashless transactions, a move aimed at improving accountability in health service payments.

Also present during the session chaired by

Migori Senator, Eddy Oketch were Senators Allan Chesang (Trans-Nzoia), Issa Boy Juma Chemelá (Kwale), Daniel Maanzo (Makueni), and Special Elect Senators, Beth Syengo, Agnes Kavindu, and Hamida Ali Kibwana.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH PATH, WITH SUPPORT FROM AMERICAN BIOPHARMACEUTICAL GIANT AMGEN, TO COMBAT THE GROWING THREAT OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs)

Makueni County is set to collaborate with PATH, a global primary healthcare organization, with support from the American biopharmaceutical giant Amgen, to combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

This partnership will focus on breaking down barriers in screening, diagnosis, and care,particularly self-care within the county’s health system and communities.

The initiative follows a 2024 survey by PATH, which revealed alarming data: 98% of residents have limited knowledge about cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs), and nearly 40% are at risk of being overweight or obese.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo stresses the urgency of addressing these findings, calling NCDs a “quiet pandemic” that demands immediate action.

CECM for Health, Paul Musila, welcomed the partnership, noting its timely arrival amid rising NCD cases in the region.

Carolyne Njuguna, PATH Kenya’s Director, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering both the health system and local communities through capacity-building and awareness campaigns focused on self-care and disease management.

Amgen’s Global Head, Sean Lybrand, praised the county’s leadership and emphasized the critical role of accessible NCD care in building a healthier society.

MAKUENI EMBRACES TELE-SURGERY IN NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH PROXIMIE

Department of Health Services is exploring the use of advanced telepresence technology to revolutionize surgical procedures across its health facilities.

The technology will allow surgeries to be recorded in both video and audio formats, enabling real-time collaboration and continuous learning for medical teams.

As part of the initiative, sub-county hospitals are being prepared to adopt the new tele-surgery platform, marking a huge step toward modernizing healthcare delivery in the county.

In a move to further enhance maternal health, the initiative is also introducing the “Run for Her” campaign, which focuses on raising awareness about postpartum hemorrhage,one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.

The campaign seeks to strengthen health systems and safeguard the lives of mothers throughout the county.

A team from Proximie, a global leader in virtual surgical collaboration, held conversation with Makueni’s medical officers and hospital superintendents.

The discussions were led by Shannon Shibata Germanos, Proximie’s Head of Global Health, who demonstrated how the platform empowers healthcare professionals to learn faster, share expertise, and receive real-time surgical guidance,even in remote facilities.

According toHealth Services ECM Dr. Paul Musila, the technology will enable doctors to observe surgeries remotely, adopt modern techniques, and receive instant expert support.

He further said the integration of telepresence tools is expected to transform surgical care and improve patient outcomes across Makueni County.

TANATHI TO ROLL OUT MAJOR WATER UPGRADE IN MAKUENI COUNTY

Tanathi Water Works Development Agency will soon roll out Phase 3 of the Wote Augmentation Project aimed at improving water supply in the County.

The project will feature the solarization of the Makueni Boys School and Kamunyolo Community Water Schemes, solar equipping of Mwaani Borehole No. 4, laying of a 13.5 kilometre pipeline and the supply of two motorbikes and bulk water meters to Wote Water & Sanitation Company (WOWASCO.)

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, on Wednesday, General Manager, Eng. Francis Siva said the new phase will also include drilling and equipping new boreholes at Makindu Town Community – Railways, St. Paul’s Kyaume Primary School, Makindu ABC Primary School and within the Mavivye and Kemuama communities.

The MD confirmed that the procurement process has been finalized and that construction works are expected to be completed within six months, with the launch of the Wote Water Project scheduled before mid-July.

The Governor, reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to supporting efforts to improve access to clean and reliable water for the people of Makueni. CECM, Water, Eng. John Kieti also attended the meeting.

MAKUENI COUNTY TO SCREEN OVER 152, 000 RESIDENTS FOR VISION PROBLEMS, PROVIDE 12,000 SPECTACLES TO BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

Department of Health services in collaboration with sightsavers organised a co- creation workshop to support the implementation of Boresha Macho project.

The initiative is designed to address refractive error challenges and reduce preventable visual impairments across the County.

The two- year initiative seeks to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in eye health.

Sightsavers is introducing the project to help meet the World Health Organisation’ s global target of a 40% increase in effective coverage of refractive error services.

Health Services Ag.Dr. Stephen Mwatha added that the County Government will build capacity of atleast 300 teachers and 365 community health promoters to conduct screenings and create awareness at the community level.

The workshop brought together key health stakeholders including Makueni County Referral Hospital CEO Ms Martha Munyao, Dr. Chomba among other departmental heads, who helped in planning the practical implementation of this transformative project.