News

KANGI WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED, BOOSTING CLEAN WATER ACCESS IN KATOLONI

The County Government of Makueni on Tuesday commissioned the Kangi Water Project in Katoloni Village, improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Wote Nziu Ward.

The project, implemented by the Sisters of Hope Self-Help Group with support from the Water Justice Fund through Neighbors Initiative Alliance and in partnership with the county government, rehabilitated the Kangi sand dam along River Ndue Nguu. It also included construction of a water sump, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, pipeline extension, and establishment of a communal water point with a storage tank. A tree nursery was also set up as part of the initiative.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue, Damaris Kavoi, represented Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the commissioning. She said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development and efficient use of public resources, and reaffirmed continued support for partnerships that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.

Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation David Makau called on residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure long-term service delivery, warning that vandalism of public water projects would attract legal action.

Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials attended the event, which included a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation.

Residents welcomed the project, saying it will reduce the burden of fetching water and improve daily life in Katoloni Village.

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.

KALONGO COLD STORE NEARS LAUNCH AS GOVERNOR MUTULA LEADS FINAL INSPECTION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday led an inspection of the nearly-complete Kalongo Cold Store and Pack House during his development tour in Kilungu Ward.

The facility, now 95% ready for commissioning, features a modern cold store designed to preserve farm produce like fruits and vegetables, reducing post-harvest losses and extending freshness.

Once operational, the Pack House will serve as a key aggregation centre, where farmers can bulk their produce for easier market access, value addition, and better prices.

With similar Cold Stores in Tulimani and Kavuthu, farmers will be able to keep produce fresh, fetch premium prices and thrive in a competitive market both locally and internationally.

Kalawa Ward To Get Universal Water Supply.

Kalawa ward, one of Makueni’s water stressed areas is set to achieve atleast 80 percent water supply by end of the year after completion of Athi-Kalawa Water project.

During a working tour of the ward on Friday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr inspected the project and pledged all his government’s support to ensure the project is completed and water distributed to residents.

The project is a joint partnership between the county government and World Vision to draw water from River Athi, treatment and distribution.

Governor Mutula also launched construction works for Kanini Kaseo micro-irrigation project at Thwake sub-location in the ward. The project which draws water from River Thwake will support 34 households and four schools to do irrigation agriculture geared towards food security in the area.

The department of Water and Sanitation will sink five boreholes while World Vision will rehabilitate three existing ones to serve the people before completion of Athi-Kalawa project.

KALAWA MANGO FARMERS EXPLORE NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Mango farmers on Wednesday held a linkage meeting in Kalawa, organized by the County Government in collaboration with stakeholders across the mango value chain.

The forum brought together farmers, exporters, processors, county officials, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the agro-chemical industry to explore ways of boosting commercial mango farming.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Officer for Livestock, Japheth Kiminza said partnerships are key to unlocking the sector’s potential and transforming farmers’ incomes.

He further urged farmers to use the platform to connect with exporters and processors, noting that access to reliable markets remains a major challenge.

The meeting that was attended by Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority Managing Director Joseph Kioko provided farmers with a chance to engage on export opportunities, address production hurdles and build stronger, sustainable value chains.

KALAWA DAIRY FARMERS RECEIVE KSH 850,000 DROUGHT MITIGATION GRANT

Kalawa Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd on Monday received a KSh 850,000 Drought Mitigation Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), aimed at strengthening dairy farming resilience during the ongoing dry season.

Handed over by Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, the grant is intended to support farmers in maintaining milk production amid anticipated feed shortages following the failed October–November–December (OND) rains.

Speaking during the event, Kiminza said the funds will be used to procure high-quality animal feeds to cushion farmers through the current dry spell and into the next rainy season.

He further said the intervention seeks to stabilize dairy productivity, secure livestock nutrition, and protect household incomes.

Beneficiary farmers were urged to strictly adhere to grant implementation guidelines to ensure prudent use of the funds and full accountability.

KAKUSWI TO HOST 3,000-SEATER MODERN SPORTS COMPLEX

Sports lovers and athletes from Mbooni Sub-county are looking at better days ahead, with a state-of-the-art sports complex set to be constructed at Kakuswi Playground.

The 3,000-seater facility, to be developed through a partnership between the Government of Makueni County and the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Charitable Trust, will feature a football pitch, volleyball and basketball courts, and a minimum six-lane running track.

On Monday morning, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation from the Trust, led by Chief Executive Officer Rahul Parekh, for a review of the complex designs and the signing of a memorandum of understanding for its development and maintenance.

As part of the agreement, the Trust will provide KSh 500,000 annually for maintenance for the first three years, and KSh 300,000 thereafter. An existing borehole, which yields 60,000 litres of water per hour, will supply water to the complex and the surrounding community, with the Trust supporting the distribution infrastructure.

Governor Mutula, who was accompanied by Sports CEC Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Sports Director Ambrose Kisoi, termed the partnership a major milestone in sports development in Makueni—one of his key development pillars.

KAITI & KILOME SUB COUNTIES: EMERGENCY EVACUATION CAMPS VISIT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Friday visited areas affected by heavy rainfall as well as evacuation camps sheltering residents who were displaced due to mudslides and flooding.

Through the Department of Devolution, Emergency Services and Special Programs and well wishers, the Governor distributed relief food, mattresses, blankets, clothing, medical supplies and essential personal effects to the displaced.

The evacuation camps visited were; Katulye Primary School, Kya Kituku Primary School, Kavata Nzou Primary School (Kaiti SubCounty) and Kawese Primary in Kilome Sub County.

JUST A FEW METERS FROM NGILUNI DISPENSARY, TSAVO TRUST HAS ONCE AGAIN MADE A REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

The organization has constructed new staff quarters, upgraded the maternity wing, and donated essential medical equipment to enhance service delivery for mothers and infants.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the equipment on behalf of the county government and commended the organization’s continued collaboration, emphasizing that such partnerships play a vital role in promoting accessible and quality healthcare.

Tsavo Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Moller, acknowledged Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s leadership in creating an enabling environment for development partners to thrive and support community-centered initiatives.

The equipment delivered to Nthunguni Dispensary includes an incubator, baby warmers, maternity and delivery beds, and an oxygen machine, all aimed at improving maternal and neonatal care in the area.

MCA’s Francis Mulwa and Brian Nzioka{ Mtoto Andei and Masongaleni)were also present.

JOY LIGHTS UP MAKUENI COUNTY AS SH80 MILLION MATCHING FUND ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS KICKS OFF

Makueni residents have expressed joy and hope as Government of Makueni County in partnership with REREC rolls out rural electrification projects worth Sh80 million across 12 wards in all six sub-counties. The projects, will connect 617 households and public institutions to electricity.

During a launch gathering in Makindu, residents said electricity access will transform their lives by powering homes, schools, and small businesses. Similar excitement was witnessed in Nyunzu, Muvau/Kikumini Ward, where a project worth Sh9.3 million was unveiled.

County Executive for Infrastructure, Roads, and Energy Eng. Peter Mumo said the initiative fulfills Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s pledge to expand energy access and drive local development.

Launches have so far been conducted in Masongaleni and Kukumbulyu South.

Other wards lined up for launch include Kithungo/Kitundu, Kasikeu, Kako/Waia, Kalawa,Ukia,

Kee, and Tulimani wards.

Through the electrification drive, Makueni aims to stimulate business and improve social-economic growth.