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𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐁𝐎 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬

𝐖𝐎𝐓𝐄, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 –Makueni County has partnered with the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) to protect local artists’ creative works and equip emerging talent with skills to build sustainable livelihoods in the creative industry.

The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will promote copyright awareness, support music registration, enhance music monetisation and strengthen protection against copyright infringement.

Speaking during the partnership engagement, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili reaffirmed the county’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and called for sustained public awareness initiatives, including local radio programmes to educate artists.

KECOBO, led by Acting Executive Director George Nyakweba, committed to training artists and enforcement officers, targeting approximately 100–120 participants before the end of the year.

The partnership builds on previous capacity-building efforts, including the training of 50 gospel and secular musicians in May 2026. County CECM for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, Chief Officer Nicholis Mutua and other county officials attended the engagement.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬.

𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 —Makueni County Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AnyWay Solid Environmental Solutions Limited to improve road planning, maintenance and climate resilience.

The partnership will establish a county-wide road asset management system using satellite imagery, mapping data, rainfall records and information on population, agriculture, flooding and access to markets and essential services.

The system will help the county prioritise road repairs and upgrades based on safety, accessibility, climate risks and cost efficiency, particularly in areas affected by heavy rains.

AnyWay Solutions will also support technology transfer, staff training and resource mobilisation, including assistance in identifying potential funding sources.

Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Gideon Behar welcomed the partnership, highlighting the growing cooperation between Israel and Makueni in areas including health and agriculture. He emphasised the importance of sharing Israeli technology and climate-smart solutions with Kenya to strengthen resilience and development.

The agreement was signed in Nairobi at the Embassy of Israel, with Behar attending.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the partnership, noting opportunities to expand Kenya-Israel cooperation in agriculture, including mango, pepper and honey production.

The agreement provides a framework for collaboration but does not itself commit the parties to specific construction works or financing.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

Makueni County has launched 795 kilogrammes of Bt cotton seeds worth KSh 3.18 million, targeting 530 farmers across eight wards in a renewed push to revive cotton farming and boost agricultural incomes.

The seeds, supported by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), will cover 530 acres, with each farmer allocated one acre. The initiative targets an estimated production of 350 tonnes.

Launching the programme on Tuesday morning, CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Japheth Mang’oka said Bt cotton offers improved yields of up to 700kg per acre, compared to 250–400kg from conventional varieties, while resisting bollworm and reducing pesticide use.

Beneficiaries are drawn from Mavindini, Nguu/Masumba, Mbitini, Ivingoni/Nzambani, Mtito Andei, Emali/Mulala and Masongaleni wards. Through a contract-farming arrangement, Makueni Ginneries Ltd will partner with the Department in seed distribution, extension services and market access, providing farmers with a structured route to market.

The initiative reinforces Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to empowering farmers through strategic partnerships, improved productivity and reliable markets.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟑𝟗𝐩𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Jhpiego, Dr Allyson Bear, has commended Makueni County for allocating 39 per cent of its budget to health services, saying the commitment demonstrates the county’s determination to keep healthcare accessible to its people.

Dr Bear spoke during a cocktail dinner at the Radisson Blu Arboretum in Nairobi, attended by health sector stakeholders, including Kenya’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Judith Awinja, officials from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the US Embassy, among others.

The event was held to celebrate partnerships that have contributed to improved health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili expressed appreciation to Jhpiego for its longstanding partnership with the county, saying the organisation had helped introduce innovative solutions that have improved maternal and child health services.

One of the key interventions introduced through the partnership is heat-stable carbetocin, popularly known in Makueni as “Kausha”, which is used to help prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Through the AMPLI-PPH project, Makueni became one of the first counties to adopt new World Health Organization-recommended interventions for managing postpartum haemorrhage.

These included calibrated drapes for measuring blood loss and a rapid first-response treatment bundle.

The partnership has also transformed care for women living with obstetric fistula.

Together with Jhpiego, Makueni established a comprehensive fistula centre at the County Referral Hospital, which is now recognised as a model for routine fistula care in Kenya.

Beyond surgery, the programme provides counselling, rehabilitation, community integration and support aimed at restoring the dignity of women who have often suffered in silence for years.

In family planning, 55 per cent of mothers in Makueni leave health facilities with a family planning method within 48 hours of delivery, making the county a leading performer in Kenya on the indicator.

The county has also committed its own-source resources to sustain and scale up the innovations beyond the lifespan of donor-supported projects.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has been recognised as a champion of efforts to prevent and manage postpartum haemorrhage.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

Makueni traders are showcasing the county’s entrepreneurial potential at the 26th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair 2026, popularly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition, underway in Kigali, Rwanda.

The 10-day regional exhibition, running from October 30th to November 8th and attended by Makueni CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Irene Makau Mwilu, brings together entrepreneurs from across East Africa to showcase products, connect with buyers, attract investment and explore new markets.

With a focus on advancing leather and horticulture value chains, the exhibition offers Makueni traders an opportunity to promote mangoes, processed fruit products, honey, handicrafts and locally manufactured goods to regional and international buyers while building strategic business partnerships.

The participation forms part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s broader vision to elevate Makueni businesses, expand market access and position the county’s products competitively beyond Kenya’s borders.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐈, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Makueni County has earned national recognition after its County Solicitor, Jennifer M Kyumwa, received the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Award for 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 during the LSK Legal Awareness Week 2026.

Presented during a ceremony held on Friday evening, the award recognised Kyumwa’s outstanding efforts in advancing legal education and enhancing public understanding of legal matters.

This Award of Merit also highlights the County Government’s commitment to promoting access to justice and making legal knowledge more accessible through the County Attorney Directorate, established in line with the Constitution.

Through legal clinics, countywide public awareness campaigns and legal training programmes, the County Government continues to empower residents with knowledge of their rights and legal obligations, with particular emphasis on property and succession matters.

Futhers, the recognition demonstrates Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of empowering residents through accessible public services, enhanced legal awareness and informed decision-making, while strengthening access to justice for all.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬

𝐊𝐈𝐁𝐖𝐄𝐙𝐈, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ The County Government of Makueni is urging farmers to strengthen cooperatives, embrace a saving culture and encourage young people to join the cooperative movement to secure the future of agriculture and improve household incomes.

Speaking on Tuesday during an engagement with Kibwezi Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Limited, Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Daniel Ndolo called on farmers to involve their children and other young people in cooperative activities to ensure continuity and strengthen the sector.

He also emphasised the importance of regular savings in helping farmers build financial stability and invest in better livelihoods.

The cooperative has benefited from support by the County Government and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), including KSh 2.5 million in cheques to support crop mitigation.

The society is also exploring value addition as a way of managing surplus milk, reducing wastage and creating better income opportunities for its members.

The County Government continues to promote strong and inclusive cooperatives as a pathway to collective investment, improved market access and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

𝐊𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟔𝟎% 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢 , 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-The construction of the Kyanze Road Crossing Sand Dam, also known as Kilolo Sand Dam, in Kaiti is progressing steadily and is now 60% complete, with completion expected by the end of October 2026.

The project comprises a 99.4-metre-long and 3.2-metre-high sand dam with a storage capacity of approximately 76,300 cubic metres, integrated with a river-crossing drift, sump tank and swallow well.

Once completed, the project will provide safe and reliable water for domestic use and irrigation, while also creating a safer crossing across River Kaiti. It is expected to benefit communities in Ilima, Ukia and Kee wards, supporting both household water needs and agricultural activities.

The project is being implemented through a partnership between Kyanze Self Help Group, the Makueni County Government and Africa Sand Dam Foundation (ASDF). The community has contributed labour and locally available materials, while ASDF and the County Government are providing construction materials, equipment and technical supervision.

𝐊𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭.

Kikima was abuzz as Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met residents after inspecting the Mulima Water Project, which supplies part of its water to the market.

Mutula outlined his water agenda for Makueni and highlighted other development initiatives lined up to transform the county.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and steadfast in backing the push for the presidency through H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka, saying the journey requires unity, resolve and sustained support from the people.

𝐊𝐢𝐛𝐰𝐞𝐳𝐢 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲.

𝐊𝐈𝐁𝐖𝐄𝐙𝐈, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Emerging and established musicians from Kibwezi East and West on Wednesday converged in Kibwezi Town for a vibrant forum celebrating the region’s rising creative talent. Bringing together gospel and secular artists, producers and promoters under the Makueni Artists Association, the forum provided a platform for networking, mentorship and collaboration.

Attending the event, Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Irene Makau Mwilu reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where talent can thrive, noting that investing in creatives is investing in jobs, enterprise and Makueni’s cultural identity.

The forum is an indication of a growing ambition: to turn Makueni’s creative talent into a powerful engine for culture, employment, enterprise and economic growth; giving local artists not only a stage, but a future.