Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

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

GROWING HOPE AT THE MAKUENI AGRI SHOW: ONE HARVEST, ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Arabuko Limited is a company which is a leading supplier of fresh farm produce to homes, institutions and businesses, that not only helps Kenyans eat healthier, but also building a stronger, more inclusive agricultural sector.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Arabuko launched the Aggregator Enhancement Program (AEP) to support young small-scale farmers and aggregators across Kenya.

With the help of county youth department, Arabuko equips youth with skills, resources and market access that drive sustainable livelihoods in agriculture.

One inspiring story shared during the Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair is that of Felisters Katiku, a 24-year-old from Kambi Mawe. Though living with a physical disability, Felisters has become a shining example of strength and determination.

With support from Arabuko Limited and the County Government of Makueni, Felisters received training in modern farming, along with quality seedlings (kale, spinach, and managu), cone bags, farm tools and water tanks. Today, she is growing her own fresh vegetables and building a brighter future—one harvest at a time.

With hard work and the right support, Felisters turned her small vegetable garden into a success story. What started as a few seedlings has now grown into a steady source of food for her family. Even better, she sells the extra vegetables and earns some income.

Her garden is now more than just a farm; it’s a symbol of hope. Felisters’ determination is inspiring others in her community to believe that they too can grow, succeed and change their lives.

Felisters’ story is a proof that when the county government invests in its residents—especially youth and persons living with disabilities, the government unlock potential that transforms communities.

With focus on youth, similar partnerships by the county Government of Makueni County go beyond business into creating real jobs, real change and a healthier, more empowered county.

GREEN GRAMS OF HOPE: MASONGALENI FARMERS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET

In the heart of Makueni’s arid Masongaleni Ward, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one green gram at a time. Traditionally grown in semi-arid regions for their resilience and quick maturity, green grams have long served as a reliable crop for farmers in Makueni County. Now, they are becoming symbols of hope and prosperity.

A 100-acre green gram farm in Kikuumini, tended by four pioneering farmers, has become the centerpiece of an initiative targeting European export markets, with Italy as the primary destination.

The project is spearheaded by Grain Connect, an organization committed to bridging smallholder farmers with global markets through sustainable and high-quality production practices. Under the guidance of Grain Connect Director Alessio Colussi, these farmers have been selected to lead the way in producing export-grade green grams.

The initiative is not only aimed at increasing exports, but about empowering local farmers with better farming techniques, improved market access and fairer pricing.

The initiative grants special attention to the quality of the produce, particularly the grain’s sprouting ability, a trait that has piqued interest among European consumers.

During a visit by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua on Wednesday, she reaffirmed the county’s commitment to agricultural development by announcing the establishment of a County Green Gram Aggregation Centre; A facility that will ensure the produce meets international hygiene and quality standards, preparing it for export.

“It’s important that we don’t just grow crops, but also grow opportunities,” said Mutua.

So far, 200 acres have been cultivated under the program in Masongaleni Ward, with expansion plans already in motion.

“This partnership is a gateway for our farmers to access global markets and improve their livelihoods.” added the CECM.

Cabinet Approves Annual Development Plan, Payment of Authenticated Pending Bills

In his first week in office, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has chaired three Cabinet meetings and approved several plans to steer Makueni County into higher development heights.

 

The plans include:

1. The Makueni Annual Development Plan 2023/2024;

2. 2023/2024 Budget Cycle Plan;

3. Makueni County Valuation Roll. To be presented to the assembly for approval when it begins sittings;

4. Own Source Revenue growth plan, with a target of more than a Billion;

Kilonzo Junior has assured suppliers that his administration will clear all pending bills, amounting to about Sh 700M, once they are audited and authenticated.

Governor’s development tour.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, accompanied by County Commissioner, several MCAs commissions Winzeni micro-Irrigation project at the River bed of River Athi in Kitise/Kithuki ward.
The project once complete will irrigate 30 acres of land. This is one among 11 micro Irrigation projects scattered in dry wards of mavindini, kitise/Kithuki, Kikumbulyu South, kikumbulyu North, mbitini and kalawa.
The Governor also led a food distribution drive to several families from the area.
 
 
 
 
 

Governor visits Wote markets, interacts with business community, customers

The people of Wote town have expressed their excitement while finding the governor among them in a rare occasion when governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr toured the town to listen to issues of traders.
The Governor toured Unoa where floodlight will be erected, Marikiti Market where he promised to ensure better Sanitation for traders in the market that majorly deals with clothes before opening to public a toilet at Kwa Nguku area.
Kwa Nguku which feeds the town with chicken will also be made a better business hub with floodlight bound to be constructed there.
Concrete paving blocks have continued to be constructed along road carriage way surfaces, car parks in the town.

Governor presides over first-ever county enforcement officers pass out parade

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday presided over the first-ever pass-out event for 48 Enforcement Officers at Unoa grounds, Wote, Makueni Sub-County.
The pass out followed a 4-week rigorous training at ATC Kwa Kathoka that involved; first aid, self-defense, customer service, and public relations among other skills.
During the ceremony, the governor expressed his administration’s commitment to recruiting more disciplined officers into the team.
H.E. the governor asked the officers to always work with dedication, and observe integrity while executing their roles.
 
 
 
 

GOVERNOR OTUOMA VISITS MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL

Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma visited Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to benchmark the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital. The facility is renowned for its exceptional maternal and child healthcare services.

Governor Kilonzo emphasized the importance of inter-county collaboration to improve healthcare

Dr. Otuoma aims to replicate the hospital’s model in Busia County.

The visit highlights Makueni’s progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, showcasing the county as a healthcare leader.