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SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE UTANGWA MARKET.

In a major boost to rural electrification, the Government of Makueni County in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Utangwa Market in Kithungo/Kitundu Ward.

The county government and REREC officially handed over the project site to the contractor on Monday, marking the start of the installation. The modern solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around the market.

Speaking during the handover, county officials noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy and drive economic growth in rural areas.

Once completed, the high mast system is expected to transform Utangwa Market into a safer and more vibrant commercial hub, extending business hours and boosting local trade.

A similar Sh4.5 million project was also launched at Kasikeu, Sultan Hamud, to illuminate the Masumba area.

The solar projects are expected to save the government millions of shillings in electricity costs.

SH4.5 MILLION SOLAR-POWERED HIGH MAST TO ILLUMINATE MASUMBA MARKET

In efforts to improve rural infrastructure and promote renewable energy, the Government of Makueni County, in partnership with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), has launched a Sh4.5 million solar-powered high mast lighting project at Masumba Market in Kasikeu Ward.

The official handover of the project site to the contractor took place on Monday, signaling the commencement of installation works.

The solar-powered lighting system is expected to enhance night-time visibility, improve security, and stimulate business activity in and around Masumba Market.

The initiative is part of Makueni’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and rural economic transformation. Once operational, the high mast lighting system will enable traders to extend their working hours and create a safer, more vibrant marketplace.

The solar-powered system, which harnesses clean and renewable energy, is also expected to reduce electricity costs for the government, saving millions of shillings in the long run.

SH10.26 BILLION PROJECTS DRIVE MAKUENI’S PEOPLE-CENTRED DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday unveiled the County Statistical Abstract 2025 and the County Development Profiles, two key government documents designed to measure progress, track service delivery and anchor decision-making on reliable, up-to-date data.

Speaking during the launch, the Governor reported strong growth in own-source revenue, which rose from Sh891 million in the 2022/23 financial year to Sh1.29 billion in the last financial year, an increase of nearly 45 per cent. He attributed the growth to improved technology, efficiency and public trust.

Over the same period, the county consistently allocated more than Sh3.2 billion annually to development expenditure, ensuring resources were translated into services and infrastructure that directly improve livelihoods.

According to the County Development Profile, 1,430 projects valued at approximately Sh10.26 billion were implemented across all wards and sub-counties.

In the water sector, the county increased water storage by 900,000 cubic metres through flagship earth dams, benefiting more than 225,000 residents and 45,000 households. This investment reduced the average distance to water sources from five kilometres to four kilometres and raised household access to potable water to 44.6 per cent.

The Governor further noted that through partnerships, his administration mobilized over Sh592 million, including climate financing under the FLLoCA programme.

During the review period, the county opened 2,327 kilometres of new roads and maintained 5,160 kilometres, expanded rural electrification to more than 2,100 households, and installed solar systems in health facilities and public institutions.

The Governor was accompanied by his deputy Lucy Mulili, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Senior Manager for National Statistical Systems John Bore, County Assembly Speaker, several MCAs, Finance CECM Damaris Kavoi, and other county government officials.

SH 171M CLIMATE RESILIENCE INVESTMENTS LINED UP IN 13 WARDS

13 Wards in Makueni are poised to benefit from climate resilience investment projects geared towards mitigating climate change risks and shocks in ecologically vulnerable areas.

The projects funded by World Bank through Financing Locally-led Climate Action Programme under National Treasury are expected to enhance the adaptive capacity of communities to climate change threats such as droughts and flash floods.

On Tuesday (30th April, 2024), a delegation of technical teams from the National Treasury Projects Implementation Unit and County Climate Change unit visited Ilima and Mukaa Wards for public participation fora on the environmental, social and economic suitability of suggested projects. 

In Ilima Ward, a sand dam at Kyangati across Wautu River will be constructed. 250 households will benefit from this project. Besides accessing water for domestic use, the households will be supported to grow 5,000 avocado trees to increase their incomes.

In Mukaa Ward, Kwa Kakui earth dam at Maiani is set for expansion and the water treated for community use. 

Leading the field visits were Environment and Climate Change Chief Officer Geoffrey Ngovi and Makueni FLLoCA Coordinator Jackline Kamusa.

Sensitization programme on usage of Soko Makueni, Marketing E-portal.

Sensitization programme on usage of Soko Makueni, Marketing E-portal. The officers in attendance were drawn from the Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism; Directorate of Livestock and Cooperative Development and the Directorate of ICT.

The Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism in a view to enhance market linkages through adoption of technology, has created a versatile platform that offers opportunity to the increasingly young populace of traders and buyers, to trade and market their products. The developed E-marketing solution dubbed ‘Soko Makueni’, will also ensure that investors get to know of the investment opportunities available within Makueni County, offer an opportunity for traders to compare market prices from different markets and give them a chance to advertise their products and produce.

 

SENSITIZATION AND ONBOARDING OF WOTE TOWN VENDORS TO SOKO MAKUENI.

In a recent online development, the County Directorates of Marketing and Trade Development and ICT conducted an intensive training program for traders in the use of Soko Makueni E-Portal platform. The purpose of this initiative was to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and utilize the platform effectively.

During the training sessions, participants were introduced to the various features and functionalities of the E-Portal platform, including user registration, account management, and how to access and utilize the available resources and services.


Speaking during the launch of the training, CECM Trade Eng. Peter Nyamai encouraged traders to embrace digital technology in vision of growing their businesses beyond their trading areas.


Special emphasis was placed on security measures to ensure the protection of user data and privacy. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing increased confidence in using the E-Portal for their daily tasks. The training is seen as a crucial step in promoting a seamless and efficient digital experience for all users. The Department of Trade and Marketing behind the E-Portal platform has plans to continue offering regular training sessions to ensure that users remain well-versed in its capabilities and to foster a digitally literate trading community.

SENATORS PRAISE MAKUENI WATER REFORMS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday appeared before the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, where he outlined reforms aimed at improving water management and reducing non-revenue water in the county.

The governor said the county has embraced automation of water systems, smart metering and smart kiosks, alongside rehabilitation of water networks to curb physical and commercial losses.

He told the committee that over Sh300 million has been spent on water projects through partnerships, helping expand access in the water-scarce county.

Governor Mutula also urged the national government to review the use of underground water resources originating from Makueni, noting that the water currently serves Mombasa City while Makueni residents continue to face inadequate water supply. He added that most borehole water in the county is saline and unfit for human consumption.

Chairing the committee, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipsang William Kipkemoi commended the county government for prudent management of count investments especially water resources.

Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo called for the fast-tracking of the stalled Thwake Dam, saying it remains key to addressing Makueni’s water challenges.

SENATORS HAIL MAKUENI FOR PRUDENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has earned praise from Senators for his county’s sound and transparent financial management and investment.

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds Tuesday commended Makueni County for its exemplary stewardship of public finances, particular special funds and investments.

Appearing before the committee, the Governor outlined measures his administration has implemented to maintain a record of zero non-performing loans.

Senators reviewed and discussed all matters presented before the committee, describing Makueni’s financial policies and management practices as progressive and accountable.

Governor Kilonzo said the recognition and commendation inspires the county government to continue managing public resources responsibly for the benefit of residents.

Committee Chair Godfrey Osotsi, who also serves as the Senator for Vihiga County, said Makueni County stands out as a model of effective funds governance for other devolved units.