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MUTULA WARNS AGAINST VANDALISM AND SABOTAGE OF COUNTY PROJECTS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has issued a stern warning against vandalism and sabotage of county development projects, saying his administration will take firm action against individuals undermining public infrastructure.

The governor cited the Sh79 million Kiboko–Twaaandu water project as a key example, noting that sections of the project have suffered vandalism. He revealed that water pipes at the Kiboko River crossing have been deliberately cut , disrupting progress and inflating repair costs.

Governor Mutula condemned the acts, describing them as criminal and detrimental to service delivery, and called for expedited investigations and prosecution of those responsible. He emphasized that the county government will not tolerate vandalism, warning that such actions deprive residents of essential services and waste public resources.

“The destruction of public infrastructure is an attack on the people of Makueni,” Mutula said. “We will not allow a few individuals to sabotage projects meant to improve livelihoods and access to basic services.”

The Kiboko–Twaaandu water project is expected to supply clean water to the newly launched Ngaaka Health Facility and extend services to Kalii, Kavete, and Nthia areas. Once completed, the project is projected to significantly improve water access for households and public institutions in the region.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

He was speaking during the commissioning of the Ngakaa health facility in Kibwezi West Sub County.

MUTULA URGES SENATE TO MAKE A RESOLUTION ON NHIF DUES, WARNS OF HEALTH SYSTEM STRAIN.

Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has urged Parliament to urgently resolve long-standing National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) arrears owed to counties, warning that continued delays could cripple devolved health services.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Investments and Special Funds chaired by William Kipkemoi Kisang, the Makueni governor said counties were struggling with unpaid claims for services already rendered, accusing the national government of dragging its feet in finding a payment solution.

“Without a solution, health systems at the county level risk collapse,” he said, calling on lawmakers to treat the matter with urgency.

Mutula noted that adequate financing remains critical to delivering on the health agenda, arguing that counties can significantly improve services if funding challenges are addressed.

He also raised concerns over the mandatory 35 percent wage bill cap, saying it undermines service delivery. While constructing hospitals is classified as development expenditure, hiring professional staff to run them is treated as recurrent spending, creating a policy contradiction that hampers effective healthcare provision.

The governor further called for the zero-rating of medical equipment to lower costs and support the country’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.

During his presentation, Mutula outlined measures Makueni County is implementing to enhance healthcare access, including automation of health processes and rapid registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He said the county had set aside Sh90 million under its Universal Health Coverage programme to register approximately 11,000 indigent residents, with plans to scale up coverage to 200,000 people. The initiative, he added, is aimed at ensuring sustainability in healthcare financing, particularly for vulnerable populations with no alternative access to medical services.

Mutula also highlighted the use of Proximie technology to bridge gaps in specialised medical manpower, enabling remote support and expertise in local facilities.

Members of the committee commended the county for deploying technology in the health sector and for putting in place systems that promote accountability.

MUTULA UNVEILS BOLD LAND AND DEVELOPMENT REFORMS IN JAMHURI DAY ADDRESS AT KIKIMA

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School grounds to outline sweeping land and development reforms aimed at securing the county’s future prosperity.

The governor announced that his administration has already issued 700 title deeds to safeguard public utilities—among them ECDE centres, health facilities, churches, and boreholes—while 557 more are awaiting issuance.

In partnership with the national government, he said 2,700 freehold titles had been delivered in the Kinyoo, Syumile, Wathini and Kyamuoso adjudication areas, with plans underway to release a further 6,000 titles, including those for Kaunguni Settlement Scheme.

He added that the excision of Ngai Ndethia Game Reserve was being fast-tracked to facilitate human settlement.

Mutula also highlighted progress in tenure regularization, noting that 961 title deeds had been issued in Soko Mjinga, Misongeni and Mjini, while 104 plots in Nunguni had been surveyed and allotted. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim 25 acres of DWA land for a modern bus park and 381 acres for settlement of squatters, alongside opening a new public access road from Kibwezi Town to Kyumani.

On household land ownership, the governor celebrated the expansion of a pilot succession programme now covering 15 additional wards, expected to benefit 2,300 households and more than 10,000 people. He emphasised that the initiative brings justice closer to families, strengthens inheritance literacy and empowers women and vulnerable groups.

Turning to economic investments, the governor reported progress on the Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Kilala, Mutulani and Makindu, with stalled projects in Kikima and Kasikeu being revived. Construction of the Ksh 347 million Wote Modern Market is set to begin after relocation of traders, ultimately benefiting over 6,000 small businesses.

On infrastructure, the governor revealed that projects worth Ksh 146 million will be rolled out across all 30 wards under the Road Maintenance Fuel Levy.

MUTULA RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS TO BOOST VOTER REGISTRATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has urged a targeted push to register over 54,000 eligible voters in the county.

Speaking at a stakeholder forum convened by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at Wote Technical Training Institute, Mutula called for a data-driven approach to identify and reach unregistered voters. He questioned whether uncollected national IDs account for a large share of those yet to sign up and pressed for their issuance alongside registration drives.

He also emphasized the need to ease voter transfers during the ongoing exercise to improve access.

The forum brought together county government leadership, County assembly leadership, youth leaders, religious groups, civil society, media, community organisations and other key stakeholders.

Officials cited the Huduma Mashinani initiative,through which about 2,000 voters were registered,as an effective outreach model.

County Executive Committee Member Sebastian Kyoni said the county will work with youth groups, boda boda operators, and women’s organisations to scale up mobilisation.

Makueni Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu called for stronger media partnerships to boost awareness.

So far, 4,295 new voters have been registered, far short of the 54,581 target.

MUTULA PUTS MAKUENI AT THE CENTER OF AFRICA’S GREEN INDUSTRIAL SHIFT DURING KIICO

At the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. positioned Makueni County as a leader in Africa’s green industrial future, highlighting the county’s energy plan, whose goals are already being realized.

He called for industrialization that is cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive, spotlighting sectors from climate-smart agro-processing to renewable-powered factories.

Mutula emphasized the often-overlooked economic impact of biomass cooking in schools, hospitals, and prisons. The event also saw the launch of the country’s first $589 million Institutional Clean Cooking Sector Pack to scale clean cooking solutions. Makueni partnered with CLASP to accelerate adoption, demonstrating practical, measurable action.

He urged investors, innovators, and development partners to move from resolutions to implementation. He also stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in government, noting that Makueni’s transparent governance serves as a model for effective public-private partnerships.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced Africa’s green potential through solar, sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, and critical minerals, highlighting private-public partnerships as essential to progress.

MUTULA LAUDS CATHOLIC CHURCH OVER STRIDES IN EDUCATION SECTOR

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has expressed concern over rampant vandalism of County projects in Kilome for scrap metal and said he had asked the County Commissioner to convene a leaders emergency meeting to discuss how to curb the menace.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of St. Clare Konza Girls Catholic Church, in Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward, the Governor said the activity was affecting service delivery.

He lauded the Catholic Church for its massive investment in the education sector in the country.

The girls’ school started operations in 2024. Catholic Bishop Diocese of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua asked the youth to embrace tenets of hard work early in life in order to be to succeeed.

He expressed concern that many young people in Kenya were addicted to drugs and asked teachers to lay a strong foundation for the youth by highlighting the danger posed by drugs.

He, at the same time, lauded partners from Germany for helping with the construction of the school. The school boasts of modern laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry among others.

The Governor was accompanied by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa, area MCA, Justus Mwanzia, Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Joseph Mbondyo, Kilungu, Joseph Muema, Mukaa, Kyalo Mumo, Tulimani and Magdaline Mulwa.

MUTULA KILONZO JR. BOLSTERS HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN KAITI.

Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., on Thursday, commissioned two utility ambulances and an advanced x-ray machine at Mutungu Sub-county Hospital during a development tour of Kilungu Ward .

These ambulances will improve the mobility of patients, supporting the governor’s ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare for the people of Makueni.

In addition, the governor, alongside his deputy Lucy Mulili, said the ambulances will therefore reduce the referral turnover time hence improving on service delivery while the x-ray would contribute to better diagnostic accuracy and streamlining medical workflows.

MUTULA, KALONZO URGE HONEST ELECTIONS AND RENEWED PAN-AFRICAN UNITY

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections across Africa.

Speaking during the 2nd Pan African celebrations at the Pan-African Institute, Lukenya University in Makueni County, Governor Mutula said lessons from recent elections in Tanzania highlight the need for honesty and integrity in electoral processes.

He commended the Pan-African Institute for promoting the spirit of Pan-Africanism in Makueni, saying the initiative is helping to nurture a generation of Africans committed to unity and good governance.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying the growing agitation among young Kenyans should not be viewed as a threat but as a call for genuine change and responsive leadership.

The event also featured the conferment of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) to former Botswana President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama in recognition of his contribution to leadership and African unity.

MUTULA, KALONZO RAISE ALARM OVER RAISING POLITICAL GOONISM.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Saturday night led a hard-hitting call for stronger legal support for vulnerable Kenyans, urging lawyers to ramp up pro bono services and defend public-interest cases “with renewed courage.”

Speaking at the Lower Eastern Advocates Forum dinner, Mutula praised the legal fraternity for “safeguarding devolution,” but warned that recent election-related violence set a dangerous precedence as the country heads to electioneering period.

The governor decried the acute shortage of courts and lawyers across the country:, noting the need for a court and a lawyer in every corner the country .

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to ensure all advocates hold valid practising certificates to keep standards high.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Mutula’s concerns, urging the Kamba community to stay united as it seeks a stronger national voice. He hailed the community’s contribution to Kenya’s justice system but condemned what he called a rising “culture of goonism,” accusing the government of reluctance in acting against political violence. “This path sets the country up for tension and intolerance as elections approach,” he warned.

Kalonzo challenged lawyers to stand firm for the rule of law and take up more pro bono work for vulnerable citizens.

The forum brought together lawyers, judges, and regional leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

Kibwana lauded the growing strength of Lower Eastern legal professionals and urged intensified civic education to boost youth voter registration ahead of 2027.

The forum aims to promote justice, mentorship and cohesion in the region.

MUTULA JOINS MAKUENI MUSLIMS FOR IFTAR

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday evening joined the Makueni Muslim community for evening prayers and iftar at Wote Jamia Mosque. He used the occasion to engage directly with residents and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

During the visit, the Governor pledged to address key concerns, particularly issues surrounding land ownership and the issuance of title deeds. He reaffirmed that the Muslim community is an integral part of Makueni County and encouraged members to actively participate in civic and development matters, emphasizing their equal rights as residents.

Mutula also called on Muslim leaders to continue championing peace, cautioning against recent regrettable remarks made by some national leaders.