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MAMBO KWA GROUND

On Monday evening, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in the company of county water officers toured two strategic water investment projects – Kamunyolo dam and Ndukuma, recently rehabilitated for spot inspection.

These projects signify Governor Mutula’s unwavering resolve to increase access to improved water sources from 46 percent to 70 percent (by 2027); and reduce the average distance to improved water sources from 3 km to 2 km.

On Ndukuma, the next phase will involve installation of a treatment plant, distribution, and fish stocking.

MAKUENI’S WATER DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO COMBAT VANDALISM OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Department of Water and Sanitation is urgently appealing for community assistance to address the rampant vandalism of water infrastructure, which has caused severe disruptions in water distribution across the county.

Since last year, water installations valued at Sh 45 million have been vandalized, with the vandals targeting solar panels, generators, G.I. pipes, water tanks, gate valves, air valves, and other critical components of water distribution systems. These acts of sabotage have left thousands of residents without reliable access to water.

On Tuesday, County Executive for Water, Eng. John Kieti, inspected the vandalized Kaangi borehole and Kamuthini water projects. The destruction of these facilities has plunged over 1,500 households into a water crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Kieti emphasized that, in addition to collaborating with the community to tackle this issue, the county government will henceforth implement stringent security measures. These include erecting razor-sharp fencing around key water source points, installing CCTV cameras for surveillance, and amending the Makueni Water Act to classify vandalism as an act of economic sabotage, with offenders facing severe penalties.

MAKUENI’S TRIUMPH OVER FISTULA

287 women and girls in Makueni are celebrating this year’s International Day to End Fistula with renewed energy and hope after successful corrective surgeries.

Mary Cosmus, who had endured this condition for 48 years, is one such woman. She was born with the condition and had endured a life of ridicule, neglect, and solitude, as no one wanted to associate with her.

The surgeries, conducted at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, are part of a joint campaign by the Makueni County Government and Jhpiego to end this preventable condition.

County First Lady Anita Mutula, who led Makueni residents in marking this day, reaffirmed her commitment to raise awareness about fistula and advocate for better reproductive, maternal, and child health to prevent incidences of fistula.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Elizabeth Muli said 73 more cases are lined up for surgery while appreciating the tremendous support of partners towards this cause.

Makueni’s Tourism Sector set for Revenue Boom

The tourism sector in Makueni is set for a major overhaul with plans a foot to make the county a hub of tourist attraction, and the sector a major revenue generator for both county and the country.

With support from the National Museums of Kenya, the county government is embarking on an ambitious exercise of documentation, conservation, management, promotion and restoration of heritage sites in the county.

The management of heritage will include the construction of heritage centers and museums, the re-landscaping of open cultural and natural sites, construction of botanical gardens, organizing cultural festivals and fairs, the identification, documentation, mapping and gazettement of important heritage sites.

Some of the important heritage sites for conservation and restoration include religious sites such as Kalamba, threatened biodiversity areas such as Chyulu and Nzaui hills among others.

This revolutionary raft of measures was announced Wednesday by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and the National Museums of Kenya Director General Mzalendo Kibunjia when they signed a partnership agreement in Nairobi.

In the same breath, governor Kibwana signed a working relationship with Global Communities-Kenya, a Non-Governmental Organization, to revamp the cooperative movement in Makueni.

The parties to this agreement will co-operate to:

Develop county co-operative policy and legislation through a participatory approach; 

Build the capacity of the cooperatives officials; to offer business advisory services to the cooperatives including trainings on their needs; and

Design interventions that will enhance access to markets, finance, technical knowledge and relevant information.

The deal was also signed by USAID/ Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and research(CLEAR) program- Chief of Party Kristin Wilcox Feldman in Nairobi.

The County cooperative movement has grown to 230 registered cooperative societies since 2016 which cover activities such as produce marketing, savings and credit SACCOs and housing.

MAKUENI’S SPORTS COUNCILS PRAISED FOR DRIVING SPORTS GROWTH

The MKJ Supa Cup Tournament 2025 which concluded on Sunday 30th has been celebrated as one of the most well-organized sporting events, marked by exceptional discipline and a high level of talent display.

The finals, held at Unoa Grounds in Wote Town drew thousands of enthusiastic fans and local leaders, who commended Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration for the seamless planning and execution of the tournament.

Governor Mutula credited the success to the Ward Sports Councils, which have played a crucial role in managing sports at the grassroots level. He emphasized that these councils are instrumental in talent identification, securing funding for sports development, and ensuring that athletics receive the same priority as other key sectors.

“Thanks to these councils, Makueni is steadily emerging as a sporting powerhouse. Soon, it will be the go-to destination for national clubs scouting for talented athletes,” said Mutula.

To further boost sports development, the county government is accelerating the construction of modern sports infrastructure, including training pitches, to provide aspiring athletes with professional facilities. Additionally, the Department of Sports is collaborating with national sports federations to enhance the skills of local coaches and referees through capacity-building programs.

After the finals, an all-star team in each of the six disciplines (football, volleyball, basketball 5×5, basketball 3×3, beach handball and beach volleyball) has been assembled to represent Makueni at the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association Games (KYISA) in Homa Bay slated for 13th -19th April.

MAKUENI’S SOLAR REVOLUTION SHINES BRIGHT AT DAY 3 OF DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE

Makueni County is once again in the national spotlight, hailed as a model for renewable energy success following the impressive strides it has made in solarization.

Speaking during a side event at the ongoing Devolution Conference, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo singled out Makueni’s solar project at the County Referral Hospital as a shining example for other counties to follow.

He lauded the initiative for not only reducing electricity costs but also freeing up funds to support other hospital services urging other counties to emulate.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who was a panelist in a session on Accelerating Climate-Compatible Planning in Kenya, shared Makueni’s vision of taking solarization a step further.

She expressed optimism that with increased capacity, Makueni could one day sell excess power to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and other partners, taking advantage of the county’s abundant sunshine as a semi-arid region.

In partnership with UK PACT and the World Resources Institute (WRI), Makueni has developed a County Energy Plan (2023–2032), rolled out community training on the productive use of renewable energy, and is preparing to launch a forward-looking energy policy.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the county also introduced an expansive green energy programme aimed at cutting energy costs, boosting economic productivity, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental conservation.

MAKUENI’S GRADING AND GRAVELLING PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY

To strengthen connectivity and drive local economic growth, the Directorate of Infrastructure and Roads in Makueni County is diligently working to enhance access and mobility across multiple wards.

One of the key projects underway is the transformation of Mutulani- Ngangani road in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward, a stretch that has until now been only a footpath, navigable by bicycles and motorbikes. Through extensive grading, this path is being turned into a fully accessible road, opening it up for vehicle passage and making it significantly easier for farmers to transport their produce to market. Grading works are also ongoing to open up Kwa Vutu-Yumbani road in Mbitini Ward.

The county machinery is also on site at the bustling Machinery Market in Thange Ward, which springs to life every Tuesday with hundreds of traders and customers. Gravelling efforts are in full swing to make market days smoother and more comfortable for everyone. The improved road surface around the market will enable easier access for vehicles, reduce dust and mud and create a safer, more inviting environment for trade.

These road works are part of a larger commitment by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration to create a resilient, accessible and prosperous Makueni, where better roads mean stronger communities and a brighter future for local agriculture and trade.

Makueni’s Efforts to Power Small and Midsize Enterprises among the Marginalized Groups.

A big problem in the current agricultural sector in the country are high prices for animal/chicken feeds due to high protein prices.
 
The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development in partnership with Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme Phase Two (ASDSP II) has supported innovative ideas with prospects to women and youth in the priority value chains namely; indigenous chicken, mango and green grams.
Edwin Sila of Nguu-Masumba Ward is one of the beneficiaries of such ASDSP II-funded innovations. He now uses Black Soldier Fly Production and Harvesting unit (BSF), to produce protein-rich feed without having to buy expensive indigenous chicken feed.
 
The usage of the black soldier flies larvae as feed would decrease the cost of chicken feed for farmers and can lead to a more food-secure economy.
In the mango value chain, the Makueni County Fruit Processors Cooperative Society Limited, from Wote-Nziu Ward has also received mango de-sapping pallets to improve the quality of the produce for export.
 
The two innovations were commissioned on Wednesday by Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo accompanied by ASDSP II Coordinator Regina Maingi.

MAKUENI’S DEPARTMENT OF ICT, EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP, HAS UNVEILED ITS STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2027.

The Plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap, highlighting the trajectory of Makueni County’s transformative endeavors, propelled by technology and education.

The plans has harmonized objectives of the government’s key policies, including Makueni Vision 2025 and the County Integrated Development Plan III 2023 – 2027.

This Plan outlines the docket’s Strategic Vision for Technology Advancement which seeks to intensify the county’s digital landscape and harness technology in the department mandate.

The Plan was unveiled by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr during the award of ECDE caregivers Permanent and Pensionable confirmation letters in Wote, Monday.

Makuenis’ Botanical Garden tops in the Exhibition Category at the KMCF

Kee Botanical Garden from Kaiti Sub- County has emerged position one in the Exhibitions Category in the National Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF) taking place in Kitui County.
The exhibition curated by Mike Mwendwa, who is also the founder and director of the garden, scored 90% , one of the highest marks ever scored by an exhibitor at the festival.
The adjudicators commended the botanical garden for a well curated exhibition and presentation of a wide variety of live traditional medicinal plants and products.
The exhibition stand attracted many participants in the festival and other visitors were curious to learn about the live traditional medicinal plants and products.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Peninah Malonza and her Director of culture are among the prominent personalities who visited the exhibition and held long discussions with the exhibitor.