News

myMakueni County App Launch

Leaders led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, Terry Mbaika (PS devolution), DG Lucy Mulili, First Lady Anita Mutula, FKF president Nick Mwendwa, speaker Doughlas Mbilu, CEMS, MCAs, during the launch of MyMakueni App, Makueni, an all-in-one App which will support among other services:

1. Bring the world to Wote, and Wote to the world

2. Land payments and building payments

3. Revenue collection, add visibility and reconciliation of payments

4. Support application forms in digitization and automation

5. Citizen engagement I.e sema na Mutula Jnr

6. Help you explore Makueni in the tourism sector

Mwau Visits Elderly GBV Victim as Police Mounts Search for Rape Suspect

Makueni deputy governor on Tuesday visited a 77-year-old woman at the Makueni Referral Hospital who was brutally raped by her 24-year-old grandson the previous night in Mbooni Sub-County.

Confirming the incident, Dr. Lugogo Athman said the woman had several light tissue injuries and bruises at her neck as the perpetrator attempted to strangle her.

Dr Lugogo however said that they were doing everything possible to ensure that she was stable and make sure she gets proper treatment.

Later the victim was referred to Nairobi Women Hospital, GBV recovery wing.

“We have done examination on her and she has serious raptures. We are doing all that we can to ensure that she is safe,” Dr. Lugogo said.

The DG was shocked at the incident and how gender based violence cases have increased in the county saying that women are not safe including the children.

“This means we are not safe including our children,” the DG exclaimed.

According to the gender based violence officer Esther Ndeto who admitted the victim to the recovery unit, the rate of GBV is very high in Makueni with up to five reported incidences recorded daily.

“Gender based violence is very high. We receive up to 5 cases per day and I am even convinced the number could be more due to some which go unreported,”stated Ms Ndeto.

The county government through the Dg’s office is in the forefront towards fighting gender based violence and soon will be officially commissioning a Makueni Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre where victims will be taken care of including psychological counselling sessions.

Recently the county held talks with Equality Now to discuss how we can partner to organise a county marathon, an initiative to help create awareness around GBV since many people do not have any or the right information on how to deal with such cases.

Mwau visits an assaulted woman at Makindu Level 4 Hospital

Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau yesterday visited a 25-year-old woman whose tongue was nearly cut by unknown people at Makindu level 4 hospital.

Grace Mwikali narrated her ordeal to the DG, noting that she went into a comma after the attack only to wake up several hours later outside Tumaini bar with her tongue daggling outside her mouth.

She said that she had walked into the Tumaini pub in Makindu for a drink when the incident happened.

Ms Mwikali told the DG that she was attacked after relocating to an adjacent bar where she had been joined by two other friends.

“What followed after is still a misery to me because I cannot remember anything but I can recall holding up my tongue from falling with blood oozing from my mouth at wee hours,” She said.

She explained to Mwau that friends who have visited her at the hospital have indicated that some suspects have been apprehended.

Ms Mwikali, the mother of two is said to have been picked by police officers on patrol and rushed to Makindu level 4 hospital where she has been receiving medication.

Mwau condemned the attack describing it as part of a sustained abuse against women and called on the police to apprehend all the attackers saying they had no right to abuse her.

“If they are found guilty let them be prosecuted and serve their punishment,” the DG said.

“As leaders we must initiate campaigns against alcoholism and create awareness, if we want Makueni to be a poverty free county,” she noted.

Mwau said that alcohol for women can be dangerous adding that they become more vulnerable for rape and attacks.

Dr. Khalid Kibwezi West sub-county medical officer of health said Ms Mwikali was brought to the hospital on May 25 by the police who picked her by the roadside.

“She wasn’t coherent on the first days but after her tongue stitched that is when she regained consciousness,”Dr.Khalid said.

Mwau talks tough on cruelty against women

Makueni deputy governor Adelina Mwau has warned gender based violence perpetrators in the county saying stern action will be taken against offenders to fight the vice.

Mwau spoke at Unoa grounds where she addressed a women conference convened to discuss gender mainstreaming, women’s financial stability and healthcare among others.

The county had partnered with Musyi FM a Nairobi based vernacular radio station to organise the event that brought together women from different spheres of life.

The deputy governor regretted that incidences of violence against women had become rampant in Makueni terming such acts unfortunate and barbaric.

‘’We are witnessing a lot of defilement and rape cases across the county. This is disheartening and no woman or child deserves to be violated,” Mwau noted.

She repeatedly quoted a recent case where a 77-year-old woman was raped by her 24-year-old grandson.

Mwau thanked police for moving with speed to apprehend the suspect and expressed hope the judiciary will be swift in dealing with the matter.

She urged women not to hide incidences of defilement and incest involving their husbands adding that it was hurting the battle to win justice for the victims.She urged the security apparatus to take action against those hiding such criminals.

‘’What are you still doing with a husband who defiles your daughter and impregnates them?,’’ She posed.

She continued, “ You deserve a legal action and no mercy should be shown to you. You are badly tormenting those young girls.’’

The County Executive Committee Member for gender Dr. Godfrey Makau noted that the community needed more sensitization on measures taken in case of rape or defilement, gender responsive budgeting tools as well as women gender agenda.

‘’Our people need more education on measures they should take incase such barbaric acts are committed against them; the county has done a lot but we still need to reach out to more people,” Dr Makau noted.

At the same time deputy governor announced that her office is keen on promoting women’s participation in leadership, decision making, advocacy as well as implementation of strategies geared towards empowering the woman.

She also said that the county has an already existing revolving fund that has been benefiting organized groups such as women, youth, men and PWDs since 2016.

‘’This interest free loan has achieved a lot so far in empowering these groups economically and soon we will introduce a Nzangule ya Matangi loan so that the county realizes its CIDP rain water harvesting plan’’ Mwau reported.

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo appreciated the office of the deputy governor for championing the gender affairs, adding that Mwau has been on the forefront in the fight against gender based violence.

Mwau lauds NGOs for supporting Schools

Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau on Wednesday lauded various donor organizations for supporting infrastructural development in Makueni schools when reached for support.

Mwau said many schools in the county have received support from donors to improve classrooms.

The DG was speaking when she visited Yikisemi primary school where she was joined by a US based organization, sponsoring the school.

The Osceola arts Youth Orchestra programme director Ms Rachael Nganga applauded the County Government of Makueni for putting up a school at Yikisemei, saying that it had been given a true facelift.

“I found children in grass thatched classrooms when I first visited this school in 2010, At that time I had little to offer but over time I learnt while in the US that the county government had given the school a facelift,”Rachael said.

Rachael stated that her organization is ready to help the school put up more classrooms at Yikisemei considering that the population has increased tremendously from the time she last visited.

“We wish to have a proposal from either the school or the county government, requesting for classrooms or dormitories so that we see where to chip in,” she said.

She said that they have already put up four classrooms at Kawelu primary school, few meters away from Yikisemei.

Mwau appreciated the donors and called on similar charity organizations to come out in large numbers and help the society.

She cautioned parents to be watchful to ensure the little children and growing girls were not attacked by rapists who were on rampage in the area.

“We as parents need to watch out on our kids, if their innocence is stolen at this tender age, life will never be the same again,” She said.

Mwau in talks with NGEC on collaboration

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) today held a consultative meeting on possible areas of collaboration between Makueni County and the Commission.

The commission chairman Dr Joyce Mwikali who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau said the two institutions would partner on a number of relevant areas.

The DG requested for technical support for the development of a guiding tool for SGBV and gender mainstreaming in public participation,development processes, budgeting and implementation that will eventually lead to the creation of a mainstreaming policy.

A memorandum of understanding will be developed and signed during the official commissioning of the Makueni Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre scheduled for October this year.

NGEC Commissioners Dr. Gumati, Florence, Nyokabi and the Ag. Chief Executive Officer Sora Katelo noted that Makueni is the first county to have initiated dialogue on gender and inclusion.

Executive Committee Member for Gender Culture and Social services Dr. Geoffrey Makau was also present.

Mwau in meeting with women leaders to strategize on stemming children rights abuses

Makueni women leaders on Friday held a consultative meeting to brainstorm on strengthening coordination, response and prevention of children rights violation.

The forum convened by the Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau brought together women County Executive Committee Members,MCAs,Chief Officers,Sub County Administrators and officials from the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization.

Mwau asked members of the County Assembly to pass child protection policies that will soon be proposed by the executive and forwarded to the assembly for consideration.

“I want to urge the members of the county assembly in Makueni to pass Bills on child protection policies that the executive brings forward,”She said.

The DG who was speaking at the Hunters lodge in Makindu also said that a gender recovery center is also being set up at the Makueni level 4 hospital.

The deputy governor also urged the women leaders to sensitize the local residents to bring out social needs during county public participation for budgeting.

“Water and roads are very important to our lives, but most of the parents cannot afford sanitary towels for their children.So some are enticed into immorality to survive We can budget as a county and save our girls,’’ She said.

Mwau promised to consolidate both the county assembly and the executive so that they create awareness in the society.

“During our public participation barazas this will be top in the list as we talk development,’’ She said.

The DG also proposed that the ministry of education trains the county ECDE teachers and the training programme be included in their performance appraisals.

She said that ECDE teachers mingle a lot with the baby class pupils whose rights gets violated in most cases.and they go silent on it.

Equality Now campaigns officer Florence Machio who was the facilitator urged the leaders to bring teachers and parents on board,saying that in most cases they are the first people to discover rights abuses against children.

“If teachers and parents are left out in this discussion, we will not have solved the delinquent matter. They need to know steps they need to take in case children are sexually abused’’ She said.

Machio said that corruption sometimes hinders the process, accusing some doctors of receiving bribes from the perpetrators to kill the evidence.

“She pleaded with the county government to create avenues in schools where proper structures can be put in place so that the children can highlight their plight freely.

Janet Kitung’a,a nominated MCA said she has been pushing to have members of the county assembly represented in the Court users committee for public participation in judicial processes.

According to the children’s officer in the county Ms Evelyn Kaluki, Makueni law court in Wote reported 22 cases of defilement, four incest cases and five rape cases to girls over eighteen years old but still in school in 2017.

In 2018 from January to June already 13 defilement cases have been reported.

MWANGANGI IMPRESSES WORLD BANK DELEGATION WITH ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES.

Makindu: May 13, 2024

Wonder Farm, nestled in Makindu ward, stands out as an inspiration of agricultural innovation and sustainability. At its wheel is Phoebe Mwangangi, a dedicated mixed crop-livestock farmer whose commitment to embracing climate-smart agriculture sets her apart.

Mwangangi stands out as an early adopter of innovative farming methods, thanks to her participation in the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) training program. This initiative has empowered her with the knowledge and tools to thrive amidst the challenges of climate change.

On Monday, she played host to a prominent delegation comprising members from AICCRA and the County Government of Makueni, alongside hundreds of fellow farmers from the region. Their visit to the model farm served as a testament to her remarkable achievements and served to inspire others to follow suit.

Key to Mwangangi’s success is her adoption of conservation agriculture techniques, including minimum tillage, intercropping of legumes and cereals, efficient weed management, and mulching. These practices not only enhance soil fertility but also promote water conservation and resilience to drought.

MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT

In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.

This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.

Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.

The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.

MUTULANI DISPENSARY UPGRADE SIGNALS NEW ERA IN METERNAL CARE

Residents of Kee Ward, Kaiti Sub-County received a major boost in healthcare access following the commissioning of the Mutulani Family Care Unit, a modern maternity wing at Mutulani Dispensary. The facility was officially opened by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in a ceremony that underscored the county’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The KSh 17 million facility, constructed and fully equipped through a partnership between the M-Pesa Foundation and the Makueni County Government, is set to significantly enhance access to quality maternal healthcare services in Kee Ward and the surrounding region.

Speaking during the ceremony Governor Mutula lauded the collaboration, noting that strategic partnerships have become a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda. He highlighted that such initiatives have helped bridge critical funding gaps, particularly after the county experienced a loss of approximately KSh 265 million in allocations following the 2025 Gen Z demonstrations.

The governor expressed deep appreciation for Safaricom and its foundation, describing the relationship as one that goes beyond conventional partnerships. “We consider you as family in Makueni,” he said, emphasizing that the impact of their support cannot be quantified in monetary terms alone.

Significantly , the governor declared that Mutulani Dispensary be upgraded to a Level III facility, with the county government committing to provide all the necessary resources and infrastructure to meet the required standards. This move is expected to further expand service delivery and reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for specialized care.

On his part, Paul Kasimu, the project champion and on behalf of Safaricom commended Makueni County for fostering an enabling environment for partnerships, citing transparency and efficiency as key factors that have attracted investment. He revealed that the M-Pesa Foundation has implemented projects across all 47 counties, with Makueni standing out as a preferred destination.

The County Executive Committee Member for Health, Joyce Mutua, noted that Makueni has already achieved the World Health Organization’s recommended distance to health facilities. She added that the county is now shifting focus toward upgrading and expanding facilities to ensure residents access higher-quality healthcare services.

Mutua also encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The commissioning of the Mutulani Family Care Unit marks yet another milestone in Makueni County’s journey toward accessible, high-quality healthcare for all, particularly for mothers and newborns.