News

MAKUENI’S SCENIC HILLS ON THE SPOTLIGHT AT MAGICAL KENYA EXPO 2025

Makueni County is blessed with breathtaking hills that rise gracefully over the landscape, offering therapeutic nature walks, fresh air and unforgettable adventure.

From the iconic Nzaui Hill, the lush Chyullu ranges, the legendary Mbui Nzu Hill, to the tranquil Mbooni and Makuli hills, the county boasts secure and serene hiking destinations for both domestic and international explorers.

These natural treasures not only provide scenic beauty but also peace of mind, making them perfect escapes for adventurers and wellness seekers.

At the MagicalKenya Expo 2025, Makueni’s Tourism Directorate is marketing these attractions to the world, highlighting efforts to brand the county as a top travel destination.

Through tourism marketing, residents benefit economically when visitors explore, stay and transact business in the county, turning natural beauty into shared prosperity.

KALAWA MANGO FARMERS EXPLORE NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Mango farmers on Wednesday held a linkage meeting in Kalawa, organized by the County Government in collaboration with stakeholders across the mango value chain.

The forum brought together farmers, exporters, processors, county officials, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the agro-chemical industry to explore ways of boosting commercial mango farming.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Officer for Livestock, Japheth Kiminza said partnerships are key to unlocking the sector’s potential and transforming farmers’ incomes.

He further urged farmers to use the platform to connect with exporters and processors, noting that access to reliable markets remains a major challenge.

The meeting that was attended by Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority Managing Director Joseph Kioko provided farmers with a chance to engage on export opportunities, address production hurdles and build stronger, sustainable value chains.

MAKUENI SHOWCASES TOURISM AT MagicalKenya EXPO 2025

The Magical Kenya Expo is the country’s leading tourism trade fair, running from 1st to 3rd October at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event brings together tourism players to market Kenya as a top travel destination.

During this year’s Expo, Makueni County is showcasing its vibrant tourism sector with hoteliers, tour companies, service providers and creative wood sculptors participating.

The County Tourism Department has been keen on promoting local sites, supporting guides and uplifting hospitality businesses to attract more visitors.

This year’s expo, themed ‘Creating Business Opportunities Through Tourism’, provides a platform to unlock new markets and partnerships.

By participating, Makueni County showcases itself as an attractive destination for both local and international travelers, boosting its profile in the tourism sector.

The participation also aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s vision of empowering residents through economic growth driven by tourism.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES ‘INSPIRING READERS’ PROJECT

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), has launched the Inspiring Readers Project at Mutyambua Library in Mbitini Ward. The program benefits five schools in Mbitini and Emali/Mulala Wards.

Chief Officer ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau, reaffirmed Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s commitment to strengthening community libraries to enhance reading culture in the county emphasizing the County government’s commitment to embrace virtual reading by ensuring internet connectivity to the County Libraries.

KNLS officials led by Director Preservation Betty Kalugho unveiled plans to roll out virtual libraries in County Libraries. Already, learners are showing improved reading skills and confidence, with the initiative sparking a love for reading. With ten libraries established in partnership with Book Aid International, the success at Mutyambua sets the pace for further expansion across the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY IMPOSES 60-DAY BAN ON SAND HARVESTING IN KILOME SUB-COUNTY

Makueni County has imposed a 60-day ban on all sand harvesting and utilization activities in Kilome Sub-County, effective immediately.

The directive was issued through an Executive Order signed on 1st October, 2025, by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The governor has tasked the Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority with reorganizing sand operations in the area and ensuring full compliance within the specified period.

The moratorium follows sustained public outcry over unregulated sand harvesting in the Sub-County.

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.