News

MAKUENI’S NEW ENERGY POLICY LIGHTS THE WAY FOR CLEAN, RELIABLE ACCESS

Makueni County has launched an ambitious new energy policy that aims to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable power to homes, schools, health centers, and business across its six sub-counties, cementing its place as a national leader in Kenya’s green energy transition.

Unveiled Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the Energy Policy 2025 builds on a string of successful projects, including 44 solar installations, expanded electricity grid access, and the county’s first clean cooking pilot.

The policy follows the Makueni County Energy Plan 2023–2032, already delivering impact across health, water, agriculture, trade, and gender sectors. In FY 2024/25 alone, the county invested KES 99.38 million in solar energy.

Over 60 market centers have been fitted with solar streetlights, while five towns now boast high-mast floodlights, which has enhanced security and extended trading hours.

The new policy was developed in collaboration with UK PACT, Strathmore University, World Resources Institute, and Just Energy Transition Africa.

The British High Commission to Kenya, through representative Dan Wilcox, called Makueni’s efforts “trailblazing.” Prof. Izael Da Silva of Strathmore University urged the national government to follow suit, calling energy access a driver of GDP growth.

Dr. Rebekah Shirley of the World Resources Institute praised Makueni for crafting energy solutions tailored to local needs.

TOWARDS A UNIVERSAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS IN MAKUENI

Makueni County is today launching its landmark Energy Policy, a framework guiding the realization of universal access to electricity and clean cooking technologies. The aim is to increase electricity coverage and access from the current 29 percent and 17 percent use of clean cooking solutions.

The launch is graced by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Dan Wilcox– Economic Counsellor and Head of Prosperity and Climate at the British High Commission, representatives of the World Resources Institute, Strathmore University, Just Energy Transition Africa and UK-PACT

MAKUENI MARKS WORLD RABIES DAY WITH FREE DOG VACCINATIONS

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that spreads from animals to humans, mainly through dog bites.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention the only way to save lives.

Controlling rabies is critical as the disease not only endangers human health but also affects livelihoods, especially in rural communities like Makueni where dogs play a key role in security and companionship. Kenya records about 2,000 rabies deaths annually, underlining the urgent need for action.

On Monday, the Makueni County Department of Agriculture, Livestock marked World Rabies Day at Kikumini/Muvau Ward led by Agriculture CECM Liz Muli.

Supported by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) Germany, which donated vaccines worth Ksh.3 million, local dog owners benefited from free vaccinations and sterilization services with a certificate for their animals.

Ms. Muli urged residents to bring out their dogs for vaccination, stressing that protecting animals is a sure way of safeguarding loved ones.

The County Veterinary Directorate will extend the campaign in October and November to Wote/Nziu, Kathonzweni, Kithungo/Kitundu, Kalawa, Ukia and Nguu/Masumba wards.

The event was also attended by Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo, VSF Germany representatives, and county veterinary officers.

UNLOCKING LAND RIGHTS

To process land succession, families are required to present essential documents including the death certificate of the deceased, identification documents of the next of kin, and land ownership records. These documents ensure smooth transfer of land rights from the deceased to rightful beneficiaries.

On Tuesday, the County Government of Makueni held free legal awareness clinics in Kalawa and Kathulumbi markets to guide residents on land succession.

Led by County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa , the forums drew hundreds of residents and will fully sponsor 100 less fortunate families to legally inherit land from their deceased relatives.

The awareness drive in Kalawa was also graced by Chief Officer for Agriculture, Japheth Kiminza alongside MCAs Meshack Kalii Ndambuki and Jane Mwanthi.

A similar session was held on Monday in Nguu/Masumba Ward, indicating a clear demonstration of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to empower Makueni families with land security and justice.

MTITO ANDEI FARMERS BENEFIT FROM COUNTY LIVESTOCK INITIATIVE

Agriculture is the backbone of Makueni’s economy, with the county government remaining committed to empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods.

As part of this commitment, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on Monday distributed 54 hardy goats to 14 community groups in Mtito Andei Ward.

The exercise, led by Chief Officer for Livestock Mr. Japheth Kiminza, aims to strengthen livestock farming and increase household income.

“These goats are resilient breeds that will help farmers adapt to climate change and improve their earnings,” Mr. Kiminza noted.

Area MCA Francis Mwania, who attended the event, praised the program as a step towards fulfilling Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s manifesto of supporting farmers for economic growth.

Alongside the goats, five wheelchairs were also issued to persons with disabilities, reflecting the county’s drive for inclusive development.

The initiative is a clear indication of the county’s continued commitment to promoting agriculture, social welfare and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.

MAKUENI RALLIES BEHIND GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO END POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE

Makueni County joined the rest of the world in commemorating World PPH Run Day, raising awareness about postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) — a leading cause of maternal deaths, responsible for nearly 50% of such fatalities globally.

Health professionals, local residents, and advocacy partners gathered in Wote for the awareness run under the global theme “Run for Her”, emphasizing the urgency of preventing PPH through early intervention and community education.

Leading the event, Martha Munyao, CEO of Makueni County Referral Hospital, called on expectant mothers to attend regular antenatal clinics and ensure hospital deliveries.

Munyao also praised the efforts of Jhpiego and other health partners for their pivotal role in combatting PPH, especially through the introduction of heat-stable carbetocin, a tablet proven to significantly reduce blood loss after childbirth and potentially eliminate PPH-related deaths.

Teresia Maweu, Reproductive Health Coordinator, encouraged the public to support the cause by donating blood, a life-saving resource in managing severe blood loss during and after delivery.

TOURISM DAY MARKED WITH SCENIC NATURE WALK IN MBOONI

Tourism opens doors to culture, adventure, and business, creating jobs and building friendships across communities. World Tourism Day, sanctioned by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is celebrated each year to recognize tourism’s role in development and global unity.

In Makueni County, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili led celebrations in style with a 10-kilometre nature walk that began at Kikima Town, snaked through Kivale Forest, camped at Mulima Dam, and climbed up to Mavindu Hill. The walk brought together hikers, hoteliers, tour guides, residents and partners in the tourism sector.

During the camping at Mulima Dam, Mulili urged residents to conserve the county’s natural gems, noting they hold potential to attract visitors and boost local trade. She further assured hundreds of participants that the county is prioritizing infrastructure and entrepreneurship capacity to grow tourism.

The event was graced by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, CECM Dr. Doc Sonia Nzilani Nzilani, Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, Makueni Public Service Board CEO Redempta Kavindu, MCAs Alex Mulemba, Kyalo Mumo and Elizabeth Mutindi, hoteliers, revelers and community members.

MAKUENI SHINES IN FAMILY PLANNING AS COUNTY RECORDS 64% MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE PREVELENCE RATE UPTAKE

Makueni County has been hailed as a model for family planning in Kenya, boasting a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 64 percent against the National’s 57%.

The recognition came from the Ministry of Health and development partners during the national World Contraceptive Day celebrations held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Albert Ndwiga, the Ministry of Health’s Family Planning Program Manager, praised Makueni’s progressive strides, noting this as a key reason the county was chosen to host the national event.

He urged men to actively support their partners in family planning initiatives and challenged those who undermine the progress.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili highlighted milestones achieved, including integrating family planning into maternal health services, particularly in the immediate postpartum period, leading to reduced maternal deaths linked to unintended pregnancies.

She commended the role of community health promoters who champion family planning at the household level.

Mulili also called on the national government to strengthen data systems and enhance accountability to ensure evidence-based policies and equitable resource allocation.

MAKUENI TO HOST NATIONAL WORLD CONTRACEPTIVE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Makueni County will on Friday play host to the national celebrations of World Contraceptive Day at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote.

The event, themed “A Choice for All: Agency, Intention and Access,” provides a platform to showcase progress, share best practices, and reflect on the gaps that remain in access and use of contraceptives across the country.

Makueni stands out as a model county, having surpassed Kenya’s average modern contraceptive prevalence rate recording an impressive 64 percent uptake compared to the national figure of 57 percent.

This success is attributed to high postpartum family planning adoption through initiatives like the Anita Mbinya Foundation and Jhpiego, innovative community engagement, strong political commitment, and sustainable investment , including the establishment of a dedicated family planning budget line.

The celebration is expected to attract senior Ministry of Health officials alongside Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., among other dignitaries.

THOUSANDS TURN UP ACROSS MAKUENI FOR MUTULACARE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FORUMS.

Thousands of Makueni residents on Thursday turned up at various meeting places in all the 30 wards for public participation on the Makueni Universal Healthcare Coverage, also known as Mutulacare.

The county-wide turnout marked a significant step in shaping the future of healthcare under the Mutulacare program – a locally tailored model aimed at delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to every resident of Makueni.

Thursday’s forums gave citizens a platform to voice their views on how the programme should be structured, financed, and delivered, with a strong focus on community support and inclusivity.

Mutulacare is Makueni’s localized response to the Shared Health Agenda (SHA), a national strategy that emphasizes equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all.

The program draws its mandate from the Social Protection Act, which provides the legal backbone for inclusive health and social systems in Kenya. By rooting healthcare in the principles of mutual responsibility, the county hopes to build a resilient model where communities actively care for one another — especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

The large turnout reflects the public’s strong interest in owning and shaping healthcare delivery.

Residents shared varied opinions, most expressing support for the county’s vision.