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GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS RAFT OF WATER PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS IN KIBWEZI REGION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has announced a series of water infrastructure projects worth millions of shillings aimed at expanding access to clean water, strengthening climate resilience and supporting livelihoods across Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West sub-counties.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the county is scaling up investments in water distribution, borehole rehabilitation, dam development and sanitation programmes to address persistent water shortages in arid and semi-arid parts of the county.

Among the projects announced is the extension of the Kiboko Twaandu Distribution and Livelihood Project from Mbiuni to Nthia at a cost of KSh10 million. The project is currently at the procurement stage and is expected to improve household water access while supporting economic activities in the area.

In Kikumbulyu South Ward, the county has initiated the procurement process for the KSh10 million Ngandani Water Distribution Project, while a similar KSh10 million investment has been earmarked for the Athi–Tunguni–Kilisa Water Distribution and Livelihood Project in Kikumbulyu North.

The county is also implementing the Kiboko Twaandu Water Project through a matching grant partnership with World Vision. Under the arrangement, World Vision has contributed KSh79 million while the county government has provided KSh7.5 million.

The project will serve Kiboko Town, Mbiuni and Ngaakaa areas through an expanded reticulation network, with further extension to Nthia planned under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) programme.

The governor further announced plans to rehabilitate the Katheani Borehole and the Makindu KIBWASCO borehole in Makindu Ward to improve water service delivery.

To address water shortages in Nguumo Ward, the county plans to invest KSh17 million in the construction of a direct rising main under the ALGON–Kiunduani Water Pipeline to supply water to Kiunduani Market.

The county also plans to extend water supply to the Syumile Water Point from Miundani kwa Matuku at a cost of KSh8 million. In addition, construction of the Sekeleni/Ndovoini Borehole Project under FLOCCA is expected to begin within the next 20 days.

Meanwhile, the governor revealed that the county has secured KSh144 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) Performance for Results Programme, implemented by the State Department for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation in partnership with the World Bank.

The funds will be used to improve household water access, strengthen institutional water supply systems and support sanitation initiatives, including efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free status across the county.

The Kibwezi-Makindu Water and Sewerage Company (KIBWASCO) has separately qualified for KSh47 million under the same programme to enhance service delivery. The funds will support household water distribution from projects including Athi-Tunguni, Mang’elete and Ilengeni.

The county is also proposing the construction of Mwiini Dam in Nguumo Ward and Ilingoni Earth Dam in Kibwezi South as part of broader efforts to enhance water security and climate resilience.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS NEW FRAMEWORK TO LIFT ULTRA-POOR HOUSEHOLDS OUT OF POVERTY

Makueni County has launched a new framework aimed at lifting vulnerable households out of extreme poverty through the Makueni Ultra-Poor Graduation Act, 2026.

Speaking during the launch of the Act, an initiative jointly implemented by the county government and Village Enterprise, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the programme is designed to make the government more responsive to the needs of the county’s poorest residents, particularly those surviving on less than KSh100 per day.

“This program makes the government humane by directly responding to the needs of the poorest among us,” said the governor.

As part of the rollout, the county has initiated pilot projects in six villages, one in each sub-county, selected based on poverty index scores. Beneficiaries will receive training, grants, and other forms of support to help them establish sustainable livelihoods and achieve economic independence.

Governor Mutula noted that while the six pilot villages mark an important beginning, they represent only a small portion of the county’s 3,663 villages, highlighting the need for gradual expansion of the programme.

Village Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Sazini Mojapelo said the initiative’s success will be measured by its ability to transform lives and enable households to move from poverty to economic self-reliance.

The Ultra-Poor Graduation Programme is expected to play a key role in reducing poverty levels across Makueni by equipping vulnerable households with the skills, resources, and support needed to build resilient and sustainable sources of income.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS MAKUENI’S FIRST COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITALS STRATEGIC PLAN

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched the county’s first-ever Referral Hospital Strategic Plan (2025–2030), marking a major milestone in the region’s journey toward delivering quality, inclusive, and specialized healthcare.

The ambitious six-year plan is anchored on four key pillars: quality and specialized health services, robust systems and skilled personnel, smart infrastructure and technology, and patient-centered care that leaves no one behind.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Mutula emphasized that the strategy is structured around the balanced scorecard approach, aligning internal processes, financial stewardship, and institutional capacity with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction.

According to him,the Referral hospital has already made strides with the recent investment in minimal access surgery following the commissioning of a laparoscopic tower. The governor added that the hospital has also introduced new specialized services such as hemato-pathology and neurosurgery, with plans to expand these into centres of excellence within the next five years.

Governor Mutula was joined at the event by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila,his Lands counterpart CECM Japheth Mang’oka, and several Members of the County Assembly including Jackson Mbalu, Elizabeth Muthike, and Felix Mateso. Also present was the CEO of Makueni County Referral Hospital, Martha Munyao, alongside other senior county officials.

Governor Mutula Unveils Makueni Technical and Vocational College to Enhance Skills Development and Technology Transfer in Agriculture 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr  together with County Director for Technical, Vocational Education and Training John Wamae on Tuesday unveiled the Makueni agriculture TVET  at ATC Kwa Kathoka, to  provide training services and facilities for enhancing agriculture

The first cohort of trainees has already reported and has started learning. They will be trained for a period of 6 months in both school and farm based training.Some of the approved courses are horticulture, Dairy, Poultry, Aquaculture and Apiculture.

Governor Mutula noted that his government  has developed  the Makueni ATC Bill, 2023, in order to establish the center as Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), for efficient running of the institution.

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Majority Leader Kyalo Mumo, Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua, Muvau-Kikumini MCA Elizabeth Kawembe, Bishop Emeritus  Joseph M. Kanuku of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Makueni Diocese.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS MAJOR WATER PROJECTS IN KIKUMBULYU NORTH.

During a working tour of Kikumbulyu North Ward on Friday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and his Deputy Lucy Mulili unveiled a series of water development projects aimed at ensuring safe and adequate water supply across Makueni County for domestic, irrigation, and industrial use.

At Kiaoni area, they commissioned rehabilitation of the Makaani-Kiaoni water pipeline, which will serve 4,800 people within Kiaoni clusters. The project includes rehabilitation of Kiaoni water kiosk, elevating the tank tower, and installing a 10m³ water tank on a 1.2-meter-high plinth. The pipeline will be extended by 4.4 kilometers.

In Athi, Governor Mutula commissioned phase 2 of Athi-Tunguni water project, which will benefit over 100,000 people in Kikumbulyu North, Makindu, and Nguumo wards. The scope of the work includes composite filtration, electromechanical systems for the treatment plant, distribution networks for Makindu, Kikumbulyu North, and Nguumo, as well as construction of four water kiosks.

At Kathyaka, Governor Mutula inaugurated Kathyaka Masonry Water Tank, which will provide water to more than 6,000 residents from the Ngulu and Nyayo clusters.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KISAU/KITETA WARD

During a development tour of Kisau/Kiteta Ward on Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr unveiled a number of development projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Key projects unveiled include:

1. Lung’u Primary School Borehole Water Project: This is expected to provide reliable access to clean water for 720 households in 6 villages within the ward.

2. Solarization and Distribution of Song’eni Water Project: set to ensure sustainable and efficient water distribution to 600 residents at lowered costs.

3. Song’eni Modern ECDE Classes

The governor also handed 12 hundred-seater tents and chairs to organized groups.These tents are intended to support income-generating activities, promoting economic empowerment and social inclusion within the community.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS DIGITAL PROJECTS MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEM

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has unveiled one-of-a-kind digital projects monitoring and tracking system which will give residents and other stakeholders real time information about the status of development in the county.

The web-based portal dubbed Makueni Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), launched on Tuesday, will showcase progress of projects at each stage from Cabinet Paper approval by the governor, allocated budget, procurement, contract award, completion and location of the projects.

Governor Mutula said this system will entrench transparency in development and weed out the problems of unexplained pending bills which have plagued counties, as well as conflict of interests in award of tenders.

The system has been scaled for easy access both on web and android devices. It also features an engagement platform to provide both general and project-based feedback from the public.

The portal can be accessed via https://pmts.makueni.go.ke

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MASONGALENI, PROMISING BETTER HEALTH, WATER, AND EDUCATION FOR RESIDENTS.

During a working tour of Masongaleni Ward on Wednesday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and deputy Lucy Mulili unveiled a series of development goodies geared towards improving the quality of life for residents.

In Ngwata Location, Governor Mutula inspected Ngwata Health Centre maternity wing meant to enhance maternal and neonatal services.

In Kativani, the two commissioned a KIBMAWASCO pipeline extension water point which will benefit 1,800 residents.

At Yikitaa, Governor Mutula launched desilting of Uyi earth dam set to benefit 20 villages and modern ECDE Center.

Later in the day, they commissioned Ulilinzi Stock Yard before addressing wananchi.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS COUNTY TECHNICAL TASKFORCE TO ADDRESS THANGE OIL SPILL.

Thange, Kibwezi East

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a County Technical Working Team to assess the effects of oil spillage in Thange Ward.

The spill, first detected in 2015, has continued to affect community and the environment in Kibwezi East Sub County leading to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and skin conditions, as well as environmental damage such as water contamination, loss of aquatic life and reduced soil fertility.

While addressing a public forum in Thange market, Governor Mutula called on the newly unveiled team to accelerate their investigation into the effects of the oil spillage and submit an interim report within a month.

“Let’s refrain from prioritizing personal and political interests at the expense of affected residents and the damaged local ecosystems,” stated the governor.

The 8 member team, consisting of technical officers from the environment, water, livestock, public health and water analysis sectors, will play a key role in establishing the foundation for filing a formal complaint and determining the way forward for the affected community.

Mutula was joined by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECMs Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Dr. Paul Musila (Health), Eng. John Kieti (Water), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, and MCAs Eric Katumo, Harrison Mwanzia, and Brian Nzoka.

GOVERNOR MUTULA TO COMMISSION STATE-OF-THE-ART HOSPITAL IN MAKINDU

Over 8,000 residents of Ngaakaa–Twaandu in Makindu Ward are set to gain access to advanced healthcare services with the construction of a state-of-the-art Level 3 hospital, funded through a partnership between World Vision Kenya and Mountain Blue Foundation.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. is expected to commission the facility in a month’s time.

The hospital will feature a mother and child block, a fully equipped maternity wing, a laboratory, administration offices, procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and a records unit.

It will replace the area’s small dispensary, which has been operating with limited capacity, marking a major leap in service delivery for the community.

The project also includes the installation of solar power for sustainable energy, procurement of essential medical equipment, and connection to the Kiboko–Twaandu water project to guarantee clean water supply for the facility and surrounding residents.

According to Chief Officer for Health Services Dr. Harvey Mulei, the partnership’s second phase will focus on equipping the hospital, while the county government will provide the necessary staff to ease the pressure on existing health facilities.