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The Makueni County Government’s development tour of Kikumbulyu South Ward concluded with a public baraza at Siembeni, providing residents with an opportunity to raise concerns and present their development priorities to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The forum brought together the governor and residents, who highlighted a range of issues affecting the ward, including insecurity, land matters and access to water.

On water access, residents called for the expansion of the water pipeline network to reach more households. In response, the governor said the county government would add water tanks and water points to improve access and ensure more residents can obtain the commodity.

Boda boda riders also raised concerns over hire-purchase arrangements offered by some companies, saying some riders had lost their motorcycles after struggling to meet the terms of the agreements.

Mutula said he would convene a meeting bringing together the relevant stakeholders to address the concerns and seek solutions to the challenges facing riders.

The governor also said the county government would identify land for the establishment of a market in the area, which he said would provide residents with a designated space for trade.

On agriculture, Mutula said the county had secured sufficient markets for Makueni mangoes as the mango season gets underway, providing farmers with outlets for their produce.

Residents also raised concerns over the elephant menace in the area. Mutula said he would engage the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to push for measures to control the problem and protect communities and farms affected by human-wildlife conflict.

The governor was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, members of the County Executive Committee, several Members of the County Assembly led by area MCA Jades Kalunda, and other local leaders.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has concluded his development tour of Kalawa Ward with a public Baraza at Kalawa Market, where residents raised concerns and shared their priorities with the county government.

The Baraza capped a day of activities marked by the commissioning of water projects across the ward, reflecting the county government’s focus on improving access to essential services.

The venue also hosted a day-long medical camp organised by the county government, which attended to more than 500 residents.

During the public forum, the governor listened to residents’ concerns and took note of issues affecting the community, with water access and healthcare infrastructure featuring prominently in his address.

On water provision, Mutula said the county government had invested significantly in addressing water challenges across Makueni County.

Responding to concerns raised by residents, he said the county had opted to treat and purify water from the Athi River, which he described as heavily polluted, to ensure residents could access clean and safe water for domestic use.

The governor urged residents to protect the water infrastructure and investments, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the projects to ensure their continued benefit to the community.

On healthcare, Mutula directed the Department of Health Services to expedite the completion and equipping of an X-ray department at Kalawa Health Centre to strengthen diagnostic services and improve access to healthcare for local residents.

He also announced plans to establish a maternity hospital at Miangeni, a move intended to expand maternal healthcare services for women and families in the surrounding area.

The engagements at Kalawa Market provided residents with an opportunity to raise local concerns directly with the county leadership, as the governor outlined ongoing and planned interventions in water and healthcare.

𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗔 , 𝟯𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿- Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has met with Makueni residents living in Mombasa in an engagement aimed at strengthening their connection with the county government and involving them in shaping the county’s development agenda.

Accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Justin Kyambi, County Executive Committee Members and other officials, the governor listened to residents’ concerns, priorities and proposals while highlighting key projects and programmes undertaken by his administration.

Employment opportunities at Konza Technopolis featured prominently, with residents expressing concern over what they termed limited opportunities for the local community. They called for greater inclusion of Makueni residents in jobs and other opportunities arising from the project.

Religious leaders thanked the county government for waiving hospital and mortuary fees for victims of recent accidents involving faithful from Mombasa that happened in Mombasa road. Other speakers appreciated improvements in healthcare, the recruitment of medical specialists and ongoing efforts to address water challenges in Makueni.

Residents also challenged the diaspora community to help connect young people back home with employment, education and mentorship opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Mutula reaffirmed his administration’s focus on health, agriculture and water, attributing progress in the county to partnerships and collaboration with different development stakeholders.

He thanked the residents for their continued interest in Makueni’s affairs and urged them to remain connected to home, contributing their skills, networks and resources towards its development.

The governor also called on those aspiring for elective positions in Mombasa to unite and rally behind strong candidates.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the county leadership and the diaspora community to exchange ideas, celebrate progress and identify areas where stronger collaboration can create more opportunities for Makueni residents.