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NEW KSH 45 MILLION LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE IN NGAAKAA-TWAANDU

Over 8,000 residents of Ngaakaa-Twaandu in Makindu Ward are set to benefit from an upcoming state-of-the-art Level 3 hospital, thanks to a KSh 45 million investment by World Vision Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside the World Vision Kenya team, led the groundbreaking ceremony of phase one of the project on Tuesday.

The facility, backed by Mountain Blue Foundation, will feature a mother and child block, a modern maternity wing, a fully equipped laboratory, an administration block, procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and a records office.

Additionally, the project includes the installation of solar energy to power the facility, procurement of essential medical equipment, and implementation of the Kiboko-Twaandu water project to enhance access to clean water.

Beyond healthcare, World Vision Kenya is implementing a water project in Kitise, where 10,000 residents will benefit from the Kwa-Kamaso water project, implemented in partnership with the county government.

To further improve livelihoods, the organization will distribute 250-liter water tanks to local households, supply solar lamps to over 4,000 registered school children in the area, and empower lead farmers through training on Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).

NEW HOPE FOR POOR HOUSEHOLDS AS MAKUENI ROLLS OUT ULTRA-POOR GRADUATION PROGRAM

Picture This!

By 2023, Catherine Kyalo and her husband, Kyalo Kaluma of Muumani in Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, were considered a peasant couple struggling to make ends meet.

In 2024, a national government program, the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP), identified Catherine and other women, enrolling them in business development training and mentorship. Each member later received KES 30,000 to start an income-generating venture. Catherine chose irrigation farming, supported by a nearby spring whose water flows by gravity. She ventured into cabbage farming and made a profit of about KES 45,000.

Fast forward to 2025: Catherine is now one of the most successful irrigation farmers in the area. She is currently growing off-season green maize, which she hopes to sell before December 2025 for over KES 60,000.

The program, commonly referred to as the Ultra-Poor Graduation initiative, equips households in extreme poverty with the foundation they need to build lasting livelihoods. Through a package that includes business training, seed capital/cash transfers, and a strong Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) structure, the program enables participants to grow stable enterprises and achieve self-reliance.

So far, the program has reached 3,000 households in Mbooni and Kibwezi, graduating them from extreme poverty to stable income generation through village enterprises.

The County Government of Makueni, through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services is now benchmarking on these successes as it prepares to roll out its own Ultra-Poor Graduation scheme.

The county initiative also includes Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), which provides financial support to already graduated groups and individuals to further enhance sustainable income generation and financial inclusion under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s inclusive development agenda.

NEW HOPE FOR 220 MAKUENI RESIDENTS AS THEY RECEIVE MODERN WHEELCHAIRS

Over 220 persons with mobility challenges in Makueni have received modern and customised wheelchairs in a life-changing initiative spearheaded by the County Government of Makueni in partnership with Hope Mobility Kenya. The support is anchored on a 5-year working partnership aimed at enhancing the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities

For the beneficiaries, the wheelchairs are a much-needed reprieve, enabling them to move with ease and perform many daily tasks unaided. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration continues to champion inclusivity, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the county’s development journey.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Hope Mobility Kenya Executive Director Jack Muthui and Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni presided over the handing ceremony on Wednesday.

In the last financial year, the county government issued 800 wheelchairs, 400 of which were donated by Hope Mobility.

Looking ahead, plans are underway to transform the Makueni Integrated Vocational Education Centre into a Centre of Excellence for modification of assistive devices, positioning it as a hub for supporting persons with disabilities across the Lower Eastern region.

New County Secretary Sworn into Office

Makueni now has a new County Secretary.

Mr. Benjamin Mutie took oath of office on Friday morning as the new CS.

Mr. Mutie holds a Master’s and Bachelor degree of Arts from the University of Nairobi.

Mr. Benjamin Mutie taking oath of office as the new CS
Mr. Benjamin Mutie taking oath of office as the new CS

He brings to the table a wealth of experience in administration, having previously worked as: Chairperson Makueni County Public Service Board; Director of Programmes, Kenya Institute of Social Work, a leading Institution of Social Work and Community Development in Kenya. He has also worked with several Community Based Development Organizations in Kenya and within the Eastern Region as a Trainer and a Consultant.

The swearing in was witnessed by governor Kivutha Kibwana in his office and several members of his cabinet.

Two members of the County Public Service Board were also sworn into office in the same event.

The two are Isaac Savali Sila who takes over as the Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the board and Margaret Musyoka, a member to the board.

  • April 17, 2020 in News

NDULUKU VTC PARENTS’ DAY SPARKS RENEWED CALL FOR SKILLS‑DRIVEN FUTURE

Parents and guardians of students at Nduluku Vocational Training Centre gathered today for the 2025 Parents’ Day — a vibrant celebration of talent, skills, and progress in vocational training.

The colorful event was graced by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, area MCA Hon. Dennis Musyoka and members of the institution’s board.

Families witnessed first‑hand the impact of hands‑on learning, as students showcased their abilities in trades like fashion design, carpentry, beauty therapy, and electrical installation.

In line with the Governor’s manifesto to expand access to quality skills training and uplift the youth, the County Government has partnered with the KCB Foundation through the 2Jiajiri program.

This collaboration has enabled 900 students to join 15 institutions across the county, strengthening access to quality, skills‑based education and reinforcing the county’s commitment to nurturing a generation of highly skilled youth.

Notably, Nduluku VTC emerged as the biggest beneficiary of this initiative, enrolling 159 students — the highest number across all participating institutions — cementing its role as a beacon of vocational training and a catalyst for a more skilled and resilient future.

NDUKUMA ECDE CENTRE, REQUESTED BY WANANCHI DURING COMMISSIONING OF NDUKUMA DAM

In recognition of the role inclusive and quality education plays in achieving SDG 4 and the social pillar in vision 2030, Makueni through the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr is developing and equiping model ecde centres.

This is Ndukuma ECDE Centre, requested by wananchi during commissioning of Ndukuma dam. The mud structure is what learners had for a class before!

Ndukuma Dam – Keeping the promise to the people

Excavation works for desilting of Ndukuma Dam in Muvau Ward, Makueni Constituency, has started.

The works include clearing vegetation, 5-meter deep excavation of the dam basin to remove silt accumulated over decades and raising the embankment by 0.5metres to increase the capacity of the dam.

Once the 58-acre dam is refurbished, it will serve more than 19 villages in the area. The work is being carried out by Makueni County Engineers led by CEC for Water Eng. Kasyoki Kieti and our county machine operators and technicians.

The county has committed a total of Kshs 50 million for this first phase.

NDUKUMA DAM BRINGS RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY TO MUVAU/KIKUMINI RESIDENTS

Residents of Mumbuni, Kwa Kathoka, Kaseve, Kwa Mulele and Senda in Muvau Ward are experiencing a new era of reliable water access thanks to the rehabilitated Ndukuma Dam, which was desilted in 2022/2023 by the Makueni County Dam Construction Unit with support from the National Youth Service (NYS).

For years, households in the area relied on unpredictable and often unsafe water sources. Today, the restored dam has eased the burden of fetching water, with many families reporting shorter distances, steady supply, and improved hygiene.

Beyond water for domestic use, the dam has also become a source of nutritional well-being for the community. To boost local food security, 5,000 fingerlings were stocked in the reservoir, opening opportunities for small-scale fishing that now supplements household diets and supports livelihoods.

Looking ahead, the county government is preparing to rehabilitate the existing water distribution network to serve 16 water points, a move expected to expand coverage and reach more residents across the ward.

#WauniWaKwikaNesaNaUlungalu

#LastMileWaterConnectivity

NCPB COMMENDS MAKINDU GRAIN PLANT QUALITY STANDARDS.

County Executive Committe Member for Agriculture Joyce Mutua in the company of National Cereals and Produce Board representative Joseph Mutahi on Wednesday inspected the Makindu Integrated Grain Processing Plant to assess its efficiency, capacity, and quality standards prior to its official opening.

Impressed by the stringent quality measures put in place, Mutahi pledged to expedite issuance of grading certificates, ensuring produce from the plant hits the market, both locally and internationally.

When fully operational, the facility will process up to 2 metric tonnes of grain per hour. It features a silo storage capacity of 200 metric tonnes, a drying system for optimal moisture levels, and a grading/packaging area catering to diverse market needs. This plant is a crucial component of Governor Mutula’s food security agenda for Makueni County.