News

CLEAN WATER AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE BRING NEW HOPE TO MUKAANGE, MASONGALENI WARD

After years of enduring severe water scarcity—trekking over 7 km to the nearest water point—residents of Mukaange location, Masongaleni Ward, finally have reason to smile.

Once forced to drink salty borehole water, and contaminated water from River Athi, the community now enjoys safe, purified water thanks to a reverse osmosis plant that removes salinity and impurities.

Muliluni-Kiambani Water and Livelihood Enhancement project, implemented under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, has: eliminated long treks for water, reduced crocodile attacks along River Athi, revived honey production through a 50-hive apiary project at Muliluni community forest. A Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) has also enhanced restoration of the community forest.

This project highlights Makueni County’s and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr commitment to building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

CJ Maraga unveils new Makindu Court Block

Chief Justice David Maraga on Thursday unveiled a newly build Court block at Makindu to enhance access to judicial services.

Maraga promised to post a new magistrate to the court station to expedite cases before the court especially those touching on land cases which are overwhelming.

The CJ was joined by governor Kivutha Kibwana, MPs Patrick Musimba (Kibwezi West), Daniel Maanzo (Makueni) and County MP Rose Museo among other Judicial services.

Maraga said the Judiciary is working hard to devolve as many courts as possible. In Makueni alone, he said Tawa Law Courts building is 99 percent complete while Makueni High Court building is 30 percent complete.

Governor Kibwana urged the Courts to expedite resolution of the numerous land, environmental and sexual offences cases that are so prevalent across the county.

He also called for a review of the current procurement law which makes purchases by government and its agencies so expensive in relation to prevailing market prices.

CIVIL SOCIETY, COUNTY OFFICIALS DISCUSS GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN MAKUENI

The Makueni Civil Society Network on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and accelerating social development in the county.

Led by chairperson Daniel Mutunga, the delegation discussed priority areas including capacity building, civic education, and community-led development programmes.

Governor Mutula called on civil society organisations to champion good governance by sharing accurate and timely information with communities.

He urged the groups to advocate for the protection of county projects, noting that damage to public infrastructure strains county budgets and slows service delivery.

The governor encouraged civil society actors to carry out their advocacy and watchdog roles boldly and responsibly, saying independent oversight plays a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency, and order in government.

Members of the Civil Society Network welcomed the engagement and called for deeper involvement in county advocacy initiatives.

Chyulu Valley Borehole Project Commissioning

Governor Kivutha Kibwana and young Brian Mutiso gulp handfuls of water from Chyulu valley borehole project during its commissioning on Friday 16th March 2018.

The project, developed in partnership with Kenya Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project (KIWASH) is set to benefit 11,000 residents of Mukanda, Migingo, Mtito Andei, Mbukoni and Nthongoni within Ivingoni/Nzambani and Mtito Andei wards, Kibwezi East Sub county.

CHRISTAN AID’S INTEGRITY AND ACTION EARN A NOD FROM MULILI.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday commended Christian Aid for its continued partnership with Makueni County in advancing key development initiatives.

Mulili, who spoke during a partners’ dinner in Nairobi marking the launch of the organization’s East and Southern Africa multi-country cluster, recalled the swift support Christian Aid offered in 2023 to assist residents displaced by the El Niño-induced mudslides.

She emphasized the organization’s strong values of transparency, participation, and equity , qualities she said have earned Christian Aid a reputation as a trustworthy steward of the resources placed in its hands.

The organization’s new model aims to build a renewed foundation for global development, one that restores dignity and purpose, particularly in humanitarian interventions.

The dinner drew participation from the organization’s development partners, representatives of the national and county governments, clergy, and civil society groups.

CHILLI FARMING SPARKS AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

CHIEF OFFICER VISITS KANYUNGU DISPENSARY, PLEDGES BETTER STAFF WELFARE AND WATER CONNECTION

Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, on Monday visited Kanyungu Dispensary in Kikumbulyu North Ward to assess the facility’s condition and interact with the local community.

Dr. Mulei reaffirmed the department’s commitment to enhancing staff welfare, noting that motivated health workers are key to delivering quality services to residents.

He also pledged to facilitate the connection of water to the facility to support smooth operations and improve service delivery.

Area MCA and Chairperson of the Health Committee, Jackson Mbalu was also present.

CHIEF OFFICER FELISTUS MUTUNE CALLS FOR TECH-SAVVY PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AI TRANSFORMS THE FIELD

Chief Officer Office of the Governor, Felistus Mutune represented Makueni County at the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya Summit held in Eldoret.

Mutune, who is also a communication professional, took part in a high-level panel discussion on strategic communication in policy, governance, and diplomacy.

She urged public relations officers to adopt a proactive approach in engaging stakeholders, observing that delayed communication often results in avoidable crises.

Mutune emphasized that communication is a core executive function, central to driving policy, managing crises, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

She called for the function to be accorded the seriousness it deserves within public service.

She also highlighted her commitment to the communication unit in Makueni where the team has been advancing robust communication strategies in their work, stating that such frameworks are essential for effective governance.

Mutune further observed that Artificial Intelligence has transformed the communication landscape, urging practitioners to keep pace with emerging technologies shaping the industry.

CHIEF JUSTICE LAUNCHES MOBILE COURT GUIDELINES TO BOOST ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday unveiled the Mahakama Popote guidelines during the 11th Heads of Station Forum held in Wote, Makueni County.

The guidelines are intended to standardize the delivery of mobile court services across the country, with the goal of reducing both geographic and economic barriers to justice.

This initiative is part of broader judicial reforms aimed at expanding access to legal services, especially for marginalized and remote communities.

During the event, the Chief Justice underscored progress in digital case filing, improvements in court infrastructure, and ongoing reforms within the judiciary, all contributing to more efficient and accessible justice delivery.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who also attended the forum, commended the judiciary for its approach in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases, particularly defilement and rape.

She acknowledged the efforts of the Makueni County Government in supporting access to legal services through budgeting for succession matters. Under this program, 50 families per ward benefit from free succession processing and issuance of title deeds.

She further expressed optimism that the Mahakama Popote initiative would significantly benefit underserved and hard-to-reach communities across the county.

CHAK PARTNERS WITH MAKUENI TO BOOST MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES.

The Department of Health Services in Makueni has joined hands with the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) to roll out a comprehensive reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) project aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in the county.

The partnership seeks to expand universal access to RMNCAH and nutrition services through gender-responsive, inclusive, and sustainable health programs that will significantly improve health outcomes.

In Makueni, CHAK plans to scale up the introduction of innovative maternal and child health products while enhancing access to high-impact interventions.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a sharp reduction in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR).

According to Rhodah Njeru, CHAK’s Technical Advisor on RMNCH, the organization is keen on building the capacity of healthcare workers to align their practices with national MNCH guidelines, particularly in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and neonatal care.

Among the innovations CHAK is introducing in Makueni include:

•PPH management bundle and calibrated drapes.

• IV Iron (Ferric Carboxymaltose): A 15-minute, 1,000mg intravenous injection administered once during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester, to address moderate and severe anemia.

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A critical respiratory support technology for premature infants, often used alongside surfactant therapy to assist babies struggling with breathing difficulties.

Welcoming the partnership, Teresia Maweu, Makueni’s Deputy County Reproductive Health Coordinator, pledged the county’s full support.She said the intervention will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.