News

MAKUENI BRINGS GOVERNMENT SERVICES CLOSER WITH HUDUMA MASHINANI PROGRAMME

Makueni County, in partnership with Huduma Kenya has launched the Huduma Mashinani outreach programme to bring essential government services closer to residents across all 30 wards.

The one-stop initiative will run until February 2026 and will offer ID applications, birth and death certificates, KRA and NTSA services, NSSF, SHA, DCI and HELB services, pension status checks, county revenue and land rates payments, police abstracts, and group registration services.

Speaking during the launch at Kikima Secondary School grounds during Jamhuri Day celebrations, Governor Mutula emphasized that the programme aims to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.

The program benefited over 400 residents in the first day.

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.

MAKUENI BOOSTS YOUTH SKILLS WITH MASSIVE TOOLS INVESTMENT THROUGH CAPITATION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday led an inspection of tools procured by the county government in Wote, marking a significant milestone in the County Government’s efforts to empower youth through technical and vocational training. He was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, among other officials.

The consignment of modern training equipment, procured by the Department of ICT, Education and Internship through capitation, is aimed at enhancing the quality of learning in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) across the county. The equipment will benefit 47 centres, strengthening skills development and improving youth employability.

The tools have been distributed across key Courses, including masonry, carpentry, hairdressing and beauty therapy, garment making and fashion design, ICT, among others, to ensure a comprehensive and industry-relevant training approach.

A wide range of equipment has been procured including sewing and embroidery machines, welding machines, electric grinders, interlocking brick machines, mechanics toolkits, as well as ICT equipment such as computers, laptops, projectors and printers. Beauty and garment-making departments have also been equipped with essential training materials and tools.

This initiative is expected to increase the enrolment of trainees in Vocational Training Centres, enhance the quality of training, and create sustainable pathways for youth to transition into employment, entrepreneurship and improved livelihoods.

MAKUENI BOOSTS WATER WORKERS’ SAFETY

The County Government of Makueni has stepped up efforts to improve water service delivery by equipping staff of Wote Water and Sewerage Company Limited (WOWASCO) with safety gear and identification items.

The equipment, commissioned on Tuesday, includes gloves, helmets, reflectors, gumboots, aprons and first aid kits aimed at protecting workers from occupational hazards during daily operations. The move comes as the utility continues to post steady performance in serving residents within its jurisdiction.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Japheth Mang’oka, said the county is committed to enhancing staff welfare and pledged continued support through additional equipment. He also called for increased funding and grants to expand services.

WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda welcomed the initiative, saying improved safety and proper staff identification would enhance response to customer needs.

MAKUENI BOOSTS IRRIGATION DRIVE TO EMPOWER FARMERS

The Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday held an Irrigation Accelerator Platform forum aimed at strengthening irrigation adoption and improving farmers’ incomes.

Attended by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, the meeting brought together farmers, private sector players, government officials and development partners to unlock challenges and attract investment in irrigation.

The initiative focuses on helping smallholder farmers increase production, access markets and add value to their produce.

Speaking at the forum, Mulili emphasized the county’s commitment to practical solutions noting that investing in irrigation is paramount to secure livelihoods and make farming profitable and sustainable.

The forum was also attended by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Felistus Mutune alongside farmer-led representatives and irrigation officers.

MAKUENI BOOSTS HIV AND TB RESPONSE WITH NEW OUTREACH VEHICLE FROM CIHEB KENYA

Makueni County has stepped up its fight against HIV and TB after CIHEB Kenya handed over a program vehicle to the Department of Health Services. The vehicle will strengthen outreach and boost service delivery as health programs shift to county-led, financed, and fully owned systems.

Chief Officer for Health, human resources management and administration Dr. Harvey Mulei Mbithi, received the vehicle under the Uzinduzi Project.

The handover comes at a critical moment as Kenya adjusts to changes in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding, safeguarding continued access to quality HIV care for communities.

The CIHEB team was led by Dr. Peter Kyalo, the program director PACT Imara project.

MAKUENI BOOSTS HEALTH SERVICES TO EASE WOTE HOSPITAL CONGESTION

Health services in facilities around Wote town are receiving a major upgrade as the Makueni County Government moves to ease the pressure on the County Referral Hospital and the maternity wing at the Mother and Child Hospital.

In collaboration with Eni Kenya, the county has already put into operation a newly equipped maternity block, complete with a septic-tank-linked ablution facility.

The initiative includes the ongoing transformation of Kambi Mawe Dispensary into a Level 3 facility.

The dispensary now boasts a modern ablution block designed with disability-friendly features, ensuring accessibility for persons with mobility challenges.

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership with Eni Kenya also supports maternal and child health programs and strengthens the blood donation unit at the County Referral Hospital.

The new ablution block at Kambi Mawe will be officially commissioned by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in the coming days, marking another milestone in the county’s mission to bring quality healthcare closer to residents.

MAKUENI BOOSTS FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN KILOME

The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the 𝙉𝒂𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏𝙖𝒍 𝑨𝙜𝒓𝙞𝒄𝙪𝒍𝙩𝒖𝙧𝒂𝙡 𝙑𝒂𝙡𝒖𝙚 𝘾𝒉𝙖𝒊𝙣 𝘿𝒆𝙫𝒆𝙡𝒐𝙥𝒎𝙚𝒏𝙩 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒋𝙚𝒄𝙩 (𝑵𝘼𝑽𝘾𝑫𝙋) on Thursday launched the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development programme in Marwa Watershed, Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni, Kilome Sub-County.

The project involves excavation of 30 farm ponds with a capacity of 250M3 each to support irrigation and improve food production. Thirty farmers from the watershed were also trained on mindset change and Sustainable Land Management practices in partnership with Christian Impact Mission (CIM).

Speaking during the launch, CECM Damaris Kavoi said the programme will strengthen climate-smart farming and improve household incomes through reliable water access for farming.

The event was attended by Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other officers in a programme aimed at enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture.

MAKUENI BOOSTS CHILD EMERGENCY CARE THROUGH ISRAEL PARTNERSHIP

Makueni County has strengthened its efforts to improve child healthcare services through a new partnership with Israel focused on pediatric emergency and trauma care training for local health workers.

Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, on Thursday visited the Makueni County Referral Hospital to launch a pediatric emergency medicine skills workshop aimed at enhancing child healthcare services in the county.

The training is being facilitated by experts from Hadassah University Medical Center and The Hebrew University. The seminar focuses on pediatric trauma care and seeks to strengthen the ability of healthcare workers to respond to children in emergency and stress situations while promoting knowledge exchange between the institutions.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the partnership places Makueni on the international map in health innovation and health capability. He urged healthcare practitioners to fully utilize the opportunity, saying residents deserve quality healthcare services.

Ambassador Behar l described the partnership as the beginning of broader collaborations between Israel and Makueni. He said the training is intended to enhance the county’s healthcare capacity and improve preparedness for accurate emergency response in pediatric trauma care.

MAKUENI BOLSTERS VOCATIONAL TRAINING WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT!

In a major boost to technical education, Makueni County Government has today officially received a significant consignment of modern technical equipment. This procurement, spearheaded by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship, is designed to fully kit out our Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the county.

This isn’t just about tools; it’s about future-proofing our workforce. By modernizing our workshops, we are ensuring that Makueni’s young people have access to industry-standard training that meets the demands of the 21st-century job market.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. remains steadfast in his commitment to the economic empowerment of our youth by bridging the gap between education and the marketplace.