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𝗨𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲

𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘, 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗘: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟮𝗻𝗱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 ~Traders in Uvete Market on Thursday engaged the County Government of Makueni on a proposed dedicated market day aimed at attracting more buyers, boosting business and expanding market opportunities for local farmers.

Led by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Irene Makau Mwilu, the engagement sought traders’ views on the proposal and how best to strengthen the market’s role in driving local economic growth.

The initiative aligns with the county’s mandate (County Government Act) to support trade and market development, building on Makueni’s network of more than 46 markets with dedicated market days.

Makau said the proposed market day would improve access to markets for agricultural produce, increase trading opportunities and enhance incomes for farmers and traders.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝘀, 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝗞𝗶𝗯𝘄𝗲𝘇𝗶: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 ~ Eleven ward-based SACCOs in Makueni are strengthening their governance and financial management to protect members’ savings and support sustainable growth.

The training, held at Kibwezi Catholic Church, is funded by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) in partnership with the Cooperative Development Directorate. It covers compliance, the SACCO Toolkit rollout and cybersecurity.

Further, the training aims to equip SACCO leaders with practical skills to improve accountability, strengthen management and boost operational efficiency.

Speaking during the training forum, Livestock and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Daniel Ndolo urged the SACCO leaders to uphold integrity, safeguard members’ funds and embrace sound management practices.

The participants include executive sub-committee members, supervisory committee chairs and bookkeepers from Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West and parts of Makueni Sub-County.

This sensitization forum will help build stable, secure and sustainable SACCOs; hence empowering the financial institutions.

Ongoing construction of the Muuoni–Mbitini Water Distribution

Ongoing construction of the Muuoni–Mbitini Water Distribution for Agriculture and Livelihood Restoration Project under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme, now at 70 per cent completion.

The KSh 13 million project aims to improve access to water for irrigation and strengthen community livelihoods. It features construction of a 100-cubic-metre sump, tapping water from a pre-existing sand dam at Kavuthu, rising mains to Kavuthu and ACK Church, elevated steel towers fitted with water storage tanks, and irrigation distribution lines.

Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit 500 households by supporting agricultural production, enhancing food security and strengthening resilience to climate change in Mbitini Ward.

A muscle-tenderising showdown between Muthyoi FC and Kitikyumu FC

A muscle-tenderising showdown between Muthyoi FC and Kitikyumu FC brought the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Makueni County to a pulsating climax at Nziu Primary School grounds. With Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. leading the dignitaries in attendance, including County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials, spectators were treated to a high-octane, hard-fought encounter that blended raw physicality with flashes of footballing brilliance.

As the young warriors traded tackles, tested their resolve and chased glory, they delivered more than just a match; they offered a compelling portrait of youthful talent, grit and emotional discipline. It was football in its most captivating form: fierce in contest, graceful in spirit and rich in the promise of a generation ready to make its mark. Kitikyumu FC emerged victorious, securing a narrow 1–0 win.

Earlier, teams comprising staff from the County Government and the Makueni County Assembly had kicked off the sporting programme in a curtain-raiser match.

𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝟱𝟬 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗷𝗮𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘇𝗶𝘂

𝗡𝗭𝗜𝗨,𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲—Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has announced a Sh50 million allocation for mango purchases during the current season, while outlining key county government initiatives in agriculture, water, healthcare, infrastructure and employment during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Nziu, Makueni Sub- County.

Addressing residents, the governor highlighted measures to strengthen agricultural markets, expand access to water, improve public services and create employment opportunities across the county.

In agriculture, Governor Mutula said the county was pursuing international markets for Makueni mangoes. He announced a scheduled engagement with representatives of the Oman government to explore export opportunities.

He also outlined plans to establish a mango aggregation centre in Nziu and strengthen cold storage, digital market information and value addition to improve produce handling and reduce post-harvest losses.

On employment and investment, the governor highlighted a Sh2.5 billion initiative involving the county government, Agrione Fresh Produce and the Anglican Church of Kenya, which is projected to create approximately 12,000 jobs and expand market opportunities for local produce.

Water infrastructure featured prominently in his address. The governor cited the Sh450 million Athi-Kalawa project, the ongoing Kaiti IV project supported by the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency, and the 42-acre Londokwe Dam project in Kitise as part of efforts to improve water availability for households and agricultural activities.

The governor also reported that 258 promotions had been undertaken and 279 county employees converted to permanent and pensionable terms.

On infrastructure, he called for closer cooperation between the national and county governments to facilitate the implementation of shared projects, citing the proposed Makueni professional stadium as one initiative awaiting implementation.

The Mashujaa Day celebrations provided a platform to recognise the contribution of local communities and highlight county priorities, including support for mango farmers, water access, healthcare services, job creation and infrastructure investment.

Makueni County kicks off Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nziu Primary School grounds.

Makueni County kicks off Mashujaa Day celebrations at Nziu Primary School grounds. The fete is presided over by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi. Other officials in attendance include Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, executive committee members (ECMs), and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), among other officials.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr inspects ongoing road works

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr inspects ongoing road works along the 400-metre Yang’ang’a–Mulange stretch of the Yang’ang’a–Kalambwa road in Kithungo Kitundu Ward.

The stretch has long been a notorious trouble spot, becoming impassable during rainy seasons and severely disrupting transport and connectivity for residents.

The governor noted that the county government is committing significant resources to road repairs and rehabilitation in response to damage caused by rains and flooding.

He urged residents to remain vigilant amid forecasts of rainfall, take necessary precautions and promptly report any incidents to the relevant authorities.

Project works include:

• Excavation in hard material.

• Hand packing of hardcore.

• Gravelling and compaction.

• Installation of culverts.

• Road runoff harvesting to improve drainage and manage stormwater.

𝐎𝐱𝐟𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤

𝐖𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 , 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 – Oxfam Kenya is exploring potential collaboration with the Government of Makueni County under the upcoming Danida Strategic Partnerships framework for 2027–2032, focusing on climate resilience, inclusive economic development and stronger local institutions.

The proposed collaboration seeks to strengthen fruit cooperatives by improving aggregation, coordination and market access, including the development of strong county-level and national apex structures.

Other priorities include enhancing cooperative operations through annual strategic planning, strengthening business models and exploring innovations to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Kalamba.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of promoting the participation of women and young people across the fruit value chain, while increasing the visibility of Makueni’s cooperative enterprises in national and international markets.

During deliberations , Governor Mutula kilonzo Jr. noted Market access as major concern for farmers in the county.He emphasised his administration’s commitment to securing reliable markets for Makueni’s agricultural produce.

The proposed Oxfam Kenya–Makueni County collaboration could build on existing county initiatives by connecting stronger cooperatives, improved governance and inclusive business development with wider market opportunities.

The Oxfam team was led by Ag. Executive Director Benter Awour.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗮: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 ~ Farmers in Makueni are set to benefit from more effective, practical and technology-driven agricultural training as the county strengthens extension services to boost farm productivity and food security.

On Friday, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili handed over Digital Agricultural Resource Kits (DarKits), funded by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), to support Agripreneurs in delivering Technology, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) training across the county.

The kits comprise smart tablets, power banks, backpacks and smart projectors to enhance digital learning, practical demonstrations and the sharing of modern farming knowledge with farmers.

Each ward will receive a tablet, backpack and power bank, while each sub-county will receive a smart projector for shared use across its wards.

Mulili said the initiative would bring agricultural knowledge closer to farmers, accelerate the adoption of modern farming technologies and empower them to increase production, build climate resilience and improve their livelihoods.

The equipment will be used by Agripreneurs under the supervision of ward officers and mentors to strengthen farmer education and promote better farming practices.

The handover meeting was attended by Agriculture CECM Japheth Mang’oka and Senior and technical officers from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and CooperativeDevelopment.

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐊𝐰𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐚

𝐊𝐢𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐮 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐢 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞; 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday evening inspected ongoing drainage works at Kwa Kavesa along the Ngiini–Kalanzoni Road, aimed at improving all-weather connectivity and easing movement for residents of Malili Sub-Ward.

The project features five lines of 900mm-diameter culverts, gabion protection, murram backfilling and gravel patching on both approaches.

The road surface will also be strengthened through murram spreading, watering and compaction.

Upon completion, the works will improve access between Ngiini, Kalanzoni and neighbouring settlements, supporting safer travel, trade and local livelihoods.

He was accompanied by his deputy, Lucy Mulili.