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MAKUENI HOSTS LEGAL AID FORUM BY WATCHDOG COMMISSION

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has launched a two-day legal aid and public education forum in Makueni County aimed at empowering residents with knowledge about their rights and access to justice.

During a courtesy call to the Governor’s office, CAJ Chairperson Charles Dulo emphasized the Commission’s core mandate: addressing complaints related to abuse of power, delays in service delivery, unfair treatment, and ensuring the public’s right to access information. He praised Makueni’s commitment to public participation, noting it as a strong foundation for promoting accountability and transparency.

Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili echoed the importance of access to information, critical bills like the Makueni County Administrative Justice Bill and the Access to Information Bill which are nearing finalization.

These laws are expected to entrench the right to administrative justice and access to information for all residents.

Nicholas Nzioka, the CECM for Devolution, urged the commission to address specific challenges such as delays in the issuance of national IDs and the growing presence of undocumented foreigners in the region.

Other attendees included County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, County Solicitor Jenifer Kyumwa, and CAJ Commissioner Hon. Charles Njagua, among others.

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.

REHABILITATION OF KWA KAKUI EARTH DAM TRANSFORMS LIVELIHOODS IN MUKAA WARD

Residents of Mukaa Ward in Kilome Sub-county are witnessing a remarkable transformation following the rehabilitation and expansion of Kwa Kakui Earth Dam under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

The once silted and unreliable water source has been desilted and expanded by 8,000 cubic meters, with the spillway reinforced through stone pitching to enhance its durability. A solar-powered water treatment system, comprising a flocculation unit, sedimentation tanks, filtration, and chlorination, has been installed to ensure safe water for household use.

One of the key beneficiaries is Maiani Girls Secondary School, where students now enjoy reliable access to clean water for sanitation, drinking, and learning—significantly improving school hygiene and academic performance.

This project stands as a shining example of how Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr leadership is steering Makueni County toward climate resilience through smart, community-driven water investments

REFORMED GUM CUTTER LEADS FIGHT AGAINST OUTDATED PRACTICE IN KIBWEZI.

For two decades, Leah Kitheka, now 63, carried out the painful traditional practice of gum cutting on children in her Sub Location of Mbui Nzau. With roughly 150 children subjected to the harmful procedure under her hands, Leah once believed she was offering help. Today, she is on a mission to right the wrong.

Driven by awareness and remorse, Leah now moves from home to home, urging mothers to seek medical care for teething issues instead of resorting to unsafe traditional methods.

Leah is among several reformed gum cutters empowered by the Makueni County Government to become champions of child health and protect future generations from the trauma she once inflicted.

On Thursday, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili led a powerful forum at Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital, bringing together over 500 young women including pregnant mothers, community health promoters, and former gum cutters for a sensitization session aimed at ending gum cutting for good.

Mulili also announced plans to introduce a county policy that will outlaw the brutal practice ,often carried out using sharp objects like nails, razor blades, and bicycle spokes, and promote safer healthcare interventions for infants.

To support the reformed cutters in their new journey, Mulili presented them with 100 one-week-old chicks and poultry feed for two months ,a small but meaningful step toward helping them build alternative livelihoods and continue being voices of transformation in their villages.

NUNGUNI MARKET TRADERS TO BENEFIT FROM MODERN MARKET PROJECT

Nunguni market traders are set to benefit from a modern, well-organized trading space after Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr laid the foundation stone for the construction of a state-of-the-art market shed.

The Kshs. 80 million project, a flagship initiative of the county government, will be implemented in two phases, with Kshs. 50 million allocated in the 2025/26 financial year.

The new market is designed to ease congestion by relocating hawkers from roadside spaces into a centralized, secure, and orderly facility.

Key features of the project include:

• A basement that will serve as both a parking lot and an open-air market,

• A ground floor dedicated to green grocer traders, and

• A first floor for traders from other sectors.

This transformative development is expected to boost business efficiency, improve customer access, and enhance the overall trading experience in Nunguni town.

KALONGO COLD STORE NEARS LAUNCH AS GOVERNOR MUTULA LEADS FINAL INSPECTION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday led an inspection of the nearly-complete Kalongo Cold Store and Pack House during his development tour in Kilungu Ward.

The facility, now 95% ready for commissioning, features a modern cold store designed to preserve farm produce like fruits and vegetables, reducing post-harvest losses and extending freshness.

Once operational, the Pack House will serve as a key aggregation centre, where farmers can bulk their produce for easier market access, value addition, and better prices.

With similar Cold Stores in Tulimani and Kavuthu, farmers will be able to keep produce fresh, fetch premium prices and thrive in a competitive market both locally and internationally.

WOTE MUNICIPALITY RECEIVES SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL BY-LAWS

Wote Municipality is poised for sustainable urban development, supported by a robust policy framework designed to enhance service delivery.

Through support from UK funded Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) program, the municipality is among 12 others across Kenya selected for support in developing an Urban Economic Plan, undertaking feasibility studies for key value chains and infrastructure projects and development of Bylaws to attract investors.

The SUED team is currently supporting the municipality to develop by laws which will help in service delivery.

The proposed by-laws cover: Land Use and Control, Agricultural Produce Aggregation, Trade Promotion and Regulation,Waste Management, Animal Health & Urban Livestock Management, and Environmental Management

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met with SUED Program Manager Lain Nelson and Governance Advisor Jeremiah Nyambane to discuss the program’s implementation. Also in attendance were Lands and Urban Planning Executive Committee Member Dr. Paul Musila, Wote Municipality Manager Evelyn Mutua and Emali-Sultan Hamud Manager Phillip Ngila

The by-laws will later be customized for Emali-Sultan Hamud and Mbooni-Kee municipalities.

MAKUENI COUNTY STEPS UP EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

The Makueni County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing primary healthcare delivery.

On Wednesday CECM in charge of Health Services Joyce Mutua,led a section of County Health Management team to visit Ivinganzia Dispensary in Mavindini Ward, to assess service gaps and outline strategic interventions.

The county is now moving to introduce a structured framework for deploying relief nurses, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for the community.

Mutua noted that the department is prioritizing to Ensure facilities operate full-time.

The dispensary currently offers key services such as maternity care, routine clinical consultations, deliveries, and access to essential medicines. More complex cases are referred to Mavindini Level 3 Hospital.

GOVERNOR MUTULA DISTRIBUTES 72 WATER TANKS TO BOOST WATER ACCESS IN NZAUI/KILILI/KALAMBA WARD

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday distributed 72 water tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 litres, to support the last mile water connectivity program in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward.

The tanks will be allocated to 23 water schemes to enhance the county’s water distribution agenda, one of Governor Mutula’s top priorities, ensuring up to 90 percent water coverage in the ward.

The targeted schemes include: Isololo, Ng’oi, Kweleli, Kwa Wambua, Kwa Moto, Mandela, Kalima Kalato, Mulenyu, Mbilani, Kawala, Kilinga, Kisinzi, Mwanyani, Ithimani, Yanthooko, Malooni Demonstration Centre, Nduumonithi, Wikwatyo Ikangavya, Kyamusoi, Kikui, Kwa Mbiti, and Kaiani.

Governor Mutula also announced that a borehole will be drilled within the Matiliku Sub-county Hospital compound using the county’s drilling rig to guarantee a reliable water supply to the health facility.

The 72 tanks will ensure 15,000 residents of the ward have access to clean and reliable water.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS UPGRADED MATILIKU SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Residents of Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward and surrounding areas will now benefit from improved quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare services following the commissioning of a new dental unit, digital X-ray machine, and renovated outpatient unit at Matiliku Sub-county Hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inaugurated the facilities on Tuesday, reinforcing his commitment to universal healthcare in Makueni County by strengthening medical infrastructure and service delivery.

The upgrades are expected to reduce referral burdens on Makueni County Referral Hospital, ensuring faster and more efficient healthcare access for local communities.

The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Mbilu Douglas, area MCA Francis Mutuku, MCAs Kyalo Mumo (Tulimani), Majority Kisungi wa Katete (Kithungo/Kitundu) and a host of other local leaders.