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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).

Governor Kibwana Feted for Outstanding Devolution Implementation

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has been honored by the Kenya Human Rights Commission for his outstanding performance, reformist agenda and fight for human rights in the country.

Together with Zarina Patel an environmental activist, cartoonist Godfrey Mwampembwa (GADO), John Nottingham a former colonial District Commissioner the four were recognized and awarded by the human rights body during its 25th anniversary dinner in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The implementation of model public participation system by Prof Kivutha Kibwana’s government in Makueni County was also cited as reason for the honour.

Prof Kibwana was described as a top performing governor due to the reforms he has introduced in his county.

 

“The Makueni governor has introduced reforms revolving around the implementation of free universal health care, issuance of title deeds and the introduction of processing plants to better accommodate the work of mango and milk farmers.” read a citation by KHRC on Prof Kibwana.

The Makueni governor’s previous work at the National Convention Executive Council, where he pushed for constitutional reforms and national dialogue in the 90’s also contributed to his award as an outstanding reforms champion.

While accepting the recognition, the governor said he dedicated the award to the people of Makueni, who have shaped their government to great heights through participation in the county’s development agenda.

“During the making of the 2018-2022 County Integrated Development Plan, over 120,000 people out of a population of about one Million took part through public participation forums. It is the People’s contribution towards development that has brought us to where we are.” he said.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o who was present hailed Prof Kibwana for his achievements as governor adding that his exemplary performance was admirable and record setting.

“When I grow up. I want to be like Prof Kibwana. He has set the record which all governors must follow,” Prof Nyong’o said.

The anniversary ceremony was graced by among others; Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, KHRC chairman Makau Mutua, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia, former senate speaker Ekwe Ethuro and former Justice and constitutional affairs minister in President Mwai Kibaki’s administration Martha Karua

  • April 3, 2018 in News

Governor inspects ongoing construction works-Kambi Mawe Dispensary Outpatient block

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr inspects the construction progress of Kambi Mawe Dispensary Outpatient block during the ongoing tour of Makueni Sub county.
The facility which currently serves a catchment population of 2500 and an average workload of 600 per month is undergoing face-lift: renovation, Equipment upgrades and infrastructure development to help staff staff deliver quality services.
It will contribute to the primary healthcare strategy by the Department of Health and the country at large to accelerate the goal of provision of Universal Health Care to all citizens of the county.

Governor Honours Makueni’s Vulueni student for emerging top in national Drama festival

May 24, 2023/ H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has today celebrated Oscar Brian, from Vulueni Secondary school for topping nationally during the concluded Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, 2023.
Through the CECM-ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli, the Governor ensured Brian’s school fees is cleared following his triump where his spoken word performance “Number ya Mwisho” won first place in both regionals and nationals.
The delegation also brought a token of appreciation for the school and those who were involved in making the drama team’s success possible.
 

Governor flags off relief food for school feeding programme

On Tuesday mid-morning Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr flagged off a consignment of relief food made to cushion learners from pangs of hunger by providing free lunches.
Primary schools from regions that received inadequate rainfall of Kibwezi East sub county, Lower parts of Kibwezi West, Makueni (Mbuvo/Kathonzweni, Kitise/Kithuki wards) and all the 37 special schools across Makueni County have been identified to benefit from the program.
The flagging off that happened at Kinyambu Primary school was received well by parents from the school that is also a home to hundreds of special needs children with a gesture that the food will enable the pupils to remain in schools with increased class concentration.
Earlier, the County had provided relief food to Kilome and parts of Kaiti sub counties that had been hard hit by drought before the March, April, May Rains.
The government will continue planning on best responses to bridge the gap between emergency assistance and development by promoting children’s education.
He was accompanied by Deputy Lucy Mulili, CECMs, MCAs: Erick Katumo, Francis Mulwa, among other leaders.