News

Governor Mutula Announces Plans to Equip the Upgraded Kyambeke Hospital

Plans are in top gear to fully equip Kyambeke hospital which has been upgraded from a health centre to a level 4 hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said as a result, the county government will constuct a laboratory, theatre and morgue so the facility matches the standard of its new status in healthcare provision.

He spoke during the burial of Hannah Muthoka, a sister to Ilima MCA, Bishop Jonathan Muthoka. Others who attended the event included area MP Joshua Kimilu, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, MCAs Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Elizabeth Muthike, Joyce Wambua, Sharon Mutinda, Urbanus Wambua and Sarah Mbilo among others.

Governor Mutula announces digital registration of farmers for better service delivery

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has announced that the County Government is targeting to register over 166,000 farming households across the 30 wards.

The exercise is set to be carried out by Local Ward Based enumerators bound to be recruited.

The County has already placed an advert for 503 positions where youth have been encouraged to apply for the opportunities with application forms available at the County Website with 24th August 2023 set as deadline.

Mutula spoke this during the burial of Philip Nzembi, a former teacher and a Councillor at Mutwii Village,Kikima, in Mbooni Sub – County.

GOVERNOR MUTULA AND ASAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY COMMISSION SH 55M UYI EARTH DAM, BRINGING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS

It is a sigh of relief for 7,800 residents of Ngwata and Ulilinzi locations in Masongaleni Ward, who now have access to clean and safe water for domestic use from Uyi earth dam.

The Sh 55 Million earth dam was rehabilitated by desilting, construction of a water treatment plant, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, and establishment of a distribution network through a partnership by the County Government of Makueni and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project at Yikitaa on Wednesday 19^th March, 2025. Area Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu, area MCA Bryan Nzoka, counterparts Eric Katumo, Jades Kalunda and Harrison Mutie also attended the event.

Besides water for drinking, the dam will support 8,000 cattle and 15,000 goats, enable micro-irrigation, and enhance drought resilience in the region. It will spare residents the distress of trekking 15km to Athi River, the only other source of water traversing the region. The dam has an underground well which ensures continuous water pumping even when levels go down, and even before the rains fall.

Mr. Harsama pledged more resources from the national government to further expand the dam reservoir to a capacity of 150,000,000 liters of water. This will enhance the irrigation component for sustainable food security in the drought prone area.

This project bolsters Governor Mutula’s agenda for Universal Water Access in Makueni by 2027, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program.

GOVERNOR MUTULA ADVOCATES OWN SOURCE REVENUE’S SIGNIFICANCE FOR BETTER PROJECT ADVANCEMENT DURING THE DIASPORA PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo has said that his government will enforce strict utilization of public funds and stringent budgetary planning to realise tangible development. Mutula spoke Wednesday evening at a public participation forum on County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2024-25 for Makueni County diaspora in Nairobi.

With the year’s theme dubbed “Sustaining economic gains for inclusive development”, the participation underscored deliberations towards achieving development agenda in all sectors that comprise of Water, Health services and Agriculture amongst others.

While addressing the diaspora community, Governor Mutula reiterated the importance of own source revenue to be a distinct boost towards project development implementation.

Governor Mutula highlighted of the initiatives in place for the new financial year. He then commended the diaspora community commitment to the county’s progress and assured them their inputs would be considered on fiscal strategy.

GOVERNOR, MP URGE EQUITY BANK TO INVEST IN WATER INITIATIVES

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Makueni MP Susan Kiamba have called on Equity Bank to incorporate water-related initiatives into its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

The leaders made the appeal during the official relocation of Equity Bank’s branch to its new premises at Mbau Junction Mall.

Governor Kilonzo commended the bank for its strong track record in supporting health and education through CSR.

He further encouraged the bank to extend affordable credit to youth in the boda boda sector to help them expand their businesses.

Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda highlighted the institution’s ongoing support to farmers through agronomists who assist in improving productivity, aggregating produce, and linking farmers to external markets.

Governor Kilonzo expressed optimism about partnering with the bank to support local farmers, particularly those growing coffee, mangoes, and oranges.

The collaboration is expected to boost agricultural productivity in the region.

This initiative aligns with the Governor’s broader development agenda, which includes forging strategic partnerships to drive economic growth across Makueni County.

In attendance was also Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili , county Secretary Justin Kyambi, Finance ECM Damaris Kavoi , Devolution ECM Nicholas Nzioka MCAs Kyalo Mumo(Tulimani ward), Felix Mateso( Wote ward) business community among others.

GOVERNOR MEETS ROAD CONTRACTORS

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and the Deputy Governor H.E Lucy Mulili today received an update from contractors building roads in parts of Makueni County. The contractors working on the Kikima, Kali, Utangwa, Kyambalasi road, Tawa, Itangini and Emali Nduundune and other roads presented their challenges to the Governor. The main issue is delayed payments from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), a National Government agency that oversees development of rural roads in Kenya. The lack of funds has caused delays in completion of the roads.

The contractors emphasized that delayed payments, some of which are two years old have negatively affected them and slowed progress. They expressed commitment to complete the roads if payments are made in good time. The contractors cited the high cost of credit and negative rating from financial institutions due to late loan repayments on credit facilities advanced to the contractors.

H.E the Governor promised that his office would assist in presenting their challenges to the national government to enable them continue to work. The Governor said that as the Chairman of the Council of Governors committee on Legal Affairs and Intergovernmental relations, he would seek a collaborative engagement with the National government to unlock the stalemate. The contractors promised to mobilize their teams to fix problem areas ahead of works to make the roads motorable in the time being.

The County Commissioner Ms Beverly Opwora said that some of the roads lead to security installations and required urgent intervention. The County Commissioner asked traders who have encroached on road reserves to give way for the road contractors.

The contractors prepared the outstanding schedule of payments to seek intervention in settling of their bills. The meeting was attended by Amip Patel from Kabuito Contractors, Geoffery Ndambuki and Ngare Mahinda of Coastal Enterprises, Wan Wengbin of Shengli Engineering, Terene Enterprises, the KERRA Regional Director Eng. Anastasia Ndunda and KERRA Resident Engineers for Emali and Kikima – Kali roads.

GOVERNOR KILONZO MEETS TRADEMARK AFRICA DELEGATION ON EXPORT HUB DEVELOPMENT

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation from TradeMark Africa to discuss the establishment and operationalization of Export Supply Hubs (ESH) in Makueni County.

TradeMark Africa, an Aid-for-Trade organization established with the aim of growing prosperity through increased trade, was led by Acting Country Director Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi.

The discussion centered on market facilitation aimed at streamlining horticultural export supply chains by establishing hubs to serve as county and regional aggregation centers, thereby improving the efficiency of horticultural product exports.

During the meeting, Dr. Ngungi praised Makueni’s value addition efforts, highlighting the processing of mango juice as a key initiative that enhances the economic value of local produce.

Governor Kilonzo expressed his dedication to partnering with Trademark Africa and assured his government’s unwavering support in advancing agricultural development within the county.

This partnership aims to boost Makueni’s competitiveness, increase export earnings, create jobs, ensure regulatory compliance and save foreign exchange.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Trademark Africa’s Director of Standards Andrew Edewa, and CECM Joyce Mutua among other officials.

GOVERNOR KILONZO MEETS BODA BODA OPERATORS TO ADDRESS RISING INSECURITY IN MAKUENI.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has vowed to tackle the exploitation of boda boda operators by motorbike sellers charging exorbitant interest rates.

During a security meeting with hundreds of boda boda operators from Wote town, Governor Kilonzo also accused sellers of using fake trackers on new motorbikes, contributing to increased thefts. He called for stringent penalties for motorbike thieves in the county.

The Governor announced that the county would offer loans to boda boda operators through the Tetheka Fund, which provides low-interest financing.

The meeting was prompted by the operators’ protests following the killing of one of their members, Mwendwa Mung’eu, by suspected thugs in Wote town, along with a surge in motorbike thefts.

Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu urged the police to use confidential drop box methods to gather intelligence from locals .

The event was also attended by Devolution ECM Japheth Mangoka,area MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials.

GOVERNOR KILONZO LAUNCHES PIONEERING HYDROPONIC FARMING PROJECT IN MAKUENI

In the spirit of revolutionizing agriculture in Makueni, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday launched a state-of-the-art Hydroponic Farming Project. This innovative initiative, funded by the World Food Program (WFP) and managed by SelfHelp Africa, is set to transform the agricultural landscape by introducing a soil-free farming method that uses nutrient-rich water, directly benefiting young farmers in the region.

At the official launch, twenty farmers from the wards of Mtito Andei, Mavindini, Kitise/Kithuki, and Masongaleni received cutting-edge greenhouses, water tanks, and irrigation systems. These resources will enable them to cultivate crops in controlled environments, mitigating the risks posed by unpredictable weather and significantly enhancing food security.

The project also bolsters the Farmer’s Service Centre (FSC), a network comprising 57 beneficiaries from 16 wards across Makueni. The FSC serves as a vital link between farmers and suppliers, offering essential farming advice and support. During the event, the FSCs were equipped with mills, feed mixers, threshers, incubators, and solar water pumps provided by the WFP, further supporting grain, pulse, horticulture, beekeeping, and poultry farming ventures.

Governor Kilonzo urged the recipients to maximize the use of the new equipment to drive economic growth and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WFP for their indispensable support.

This initiative highlights Makueni County’s commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and securing a brighter future for its agricultural community.

GOVERNOR KILONZO JR. ENGAGES DSIF ON FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER PROJECTS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met with Madam Tina Kollerup Hansen, Senior Vice President of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries under Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), in Nairobi.

DSIF, a Danish Organization, provides funding for infrastructure projects in developing countries, focusing on sustainability as a key pillar.

Tina expressed interest in Makueni’s water harvesting modes and pledged to support the county with feasibility studies and funding for sustainable water management.

During the discussions, Governor Kilonzo affirmed his government’s commitment in development cooperation to improve the quality of life for Makueni residents.

The meeting was attended by DSIF Investment Director Andrew Githaiga and County officials, including Eng. David Makau (Water), Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Felistus Mutune (Office of the Governor), and Deputy Director Gloria Katheu Mulwa (Partnerships).