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GOVERNOR MUTULA BACKS SH 2.5 BILLION FRUIT PROCESSING HUB IN MAKUENI TO BOOST MANGO PRODUCE UPTAKE.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has pledged county support for a proposed Sh2.5 billion fruit processing and agribusiness hub expected to boost mango and citrus value addition, create jobs and expand market access for farmers.

Mutula made the commitment Thursday during a consultative meeting with the investors, Agrione Fresh Produce Limited and the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Makueni to discuss a strategic partnership for the Makueni Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub.

The project will be developed on a 12-acre site as a phased agro-industrial campus linking farmers to domestic, regional and export markets. It is expected to create about 12,750 jobs while strengthening Makueni’s position as a leading fruit-processing county.

The governor said the county will facilitate land acquisition, improve the investment climate and fast-track approvals to support the project’s implementation. He added that the investment will prioritize local employment, skills transfer and youth training in agriculture.

The county also plans to support the establishment of a container depot in Makindu, strengthen market linkages and promote fair pricing and quality standards to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ earnings.

Agrione Fresh Produce officials said they selected Makueni because of its strong mango and citrus production, adding that the facility has been designed to meet international food safety standards while allowing for future expansion.

ACK Diocese of Makueni Bishop Francis Matui said the investment would transform livelihoods by creating jobs, expanding markets and driving economic growth. The meeting was also attended by ACK Makueni Investment Committee Chairperson John Paul and County Executive Committee members Japheth Mang’oka, Nicholas Nzioka and Paul Musila.

Once completed, the hub is expected to increase fruit uptake, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Makueni’s mango and citrus value chains by connecting farmers to high-value local and export markets.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BACKS KONZA CITY’S VISION, URGES FAST-TRACKING OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday joined President William Ruto at Konza City for the launch of Phase One of strategic infrastructure Projects critical for the development of the city.

The Governor expressed confidence in the realization of Konza City’s vision, describing recent legislation on the Konza Technopolis as a step in the right direction.

He urged the national government to fast-track key components of the city’s development plan.

Governor Mutula further emphasized the importance of constructing the envisioned Konza International Airport and called for the integration of a Standard Gauge Railway station within Konza City to enhance connectivity.

Responding to concerns raised by the governor, President Ruto said the government is implementing plans to dual the Mombasa Highway between Malili and Emali.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to integrating the SGR with Konza Technopolis in the upcoming phase of development.

GOVERNOR MUTULA ASSURES MANGO FARMERS OF SUPPORT, PROMISES AUDIT OF MANGO PURCHASES

The county government will carry out a thorough audit into how savings and credit cooperative societies (Saccos) have been purchasing mangoes, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has said.

Speaking while addressing residents during the commissioning of the Ngaaka Health Centre in Makindu, the governor said the process will audit how the entire process was carried out and warned that anyone found culpable of irregularities in the mango procurement process would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He said the Kalamba fruit processing plant cannot absorb all mangoes produced in the county, particularly during peak harvest seasons.

To address the gap, the county has deployed additional measures to support the mango value chain, including the use of cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.

GOVERNOR MUTULA ASSENTS TO MBOONI-KEE MUNICIPALITY CHARTER

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has officially assented to the Mbooni-Kee Municipality Charter, following its approval by the County Assembly. This marks a significant milestone toward the municipality’s full operationalization, including the transfer of functions, budgetary allocations, and staffing.

The new municipality will oversee key functions such as infrastructure development, solid waste management, and development control—bringing services closer to the people for improved efficiency and accessibility.

Mbooni-Kee becomes Makueni’s third municipality, after Wote and Emali-Sultan Hamud.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, CECM for Lands Paul Musila, CECM for Education Japheth Mang’oka, CECM for Devolution Nicolas Nzioka, and Chief Officer for Lands Jackson Daudi on Thursday morning.

GOVERNOR MUTULA ASKS NGAO OFFICERS TO REIN IN ON VANDALS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has asked National Government Administration Officers in Makueni to check the run-away vandalism which has wrecked havoc in the county’s development agenda.

Kenya Railways and water infrastructure installations have borne the brunt of this wanton destruction with much of their metallic components uprooted for sale to scrap metal dealers.

Mutula spoke when he joined Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki at Kambu for the inauguration of the newly created Kambu Sub-county and installtion of the Deputy County Commissioner Teresiah Mburu on Monday.

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 19th 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.