News

MUTULA JNR, CHELUGUI COMMIT TO REVAMP COFFEE SECTOR IN MAKUENI

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday at an event organised by The County Department of Agriculture hosted Co-operatives & Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui who was in Makueni to sensitize farmers on coffee reforms geared towards revamping the sector.

CS Chelugui announced an increment of coffee cherry fund from Shs.2 Billion to Sh. 6 Billion. As a result, he announced a minimum price of a kilo of cherry at Sh 80, a move he said is meant to encourage farmers to invest more in coffee production.

The minister decried a major decline of coffee production nationwide, from 141,000 to 25,000 Metric Tons in the last 3 years, explaining the need for the coffee sector reforms.

Other reforms include reviving the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) and Coffee Board of Kenya. CRF will undertake specialized research in all problems affecting coffee production while the Coffee Board of Kenyawill undertake promotion, market research and product development initiatives for Kenya coffee in the domestic and international markets.

On his part, Governor Mutula Jnr pledged his unwavering support to coffee farmers and committed to partner with the National Government to make the sector a lucrative venture for farmers.

Further, Governor Mutula Jnr beseeched President William Ruto to waive the farmers’ outstanding loans owed by various millers which he revealed run into millions of shillings, terming the loans as a major setback in coffee profitability to local farmers.

MURANG’A COUNTY TURNS TO MAKUENI FOR LESSONS IN MANGO VALUE ADDITION AT KALAMBA PROCESSING PLANT.

Makueni County continues to set the national benchmark in agricultural value addition, proving that when farmers, innovation, and visionary leadership align, agriculture becomes a thriving engine of economic transformation.

This leadership was on full display Wednesday as Murang’a County Assembly Committees on Agriculture and Trade undertook a benchmarking visit to the Kalamba Fruit Processing Plant, hosted by the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority (MCFDMA). The visit reaffirmed Makueni’s position as a trailblazer in transforming the mango value chain from subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness powerhouse.

Murang’a County’s benchmarking visit underscored the growing recognition of Makueni’s integrated approach to agricultural development. From farmer organization and extension services to processing, branding, and market access, Makueni has built an end-to-end value chain model that other counties are now eager to replicate.

The engagement provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange on governance frameworks, public-private partnerships, and sustainable agribusiness models-cementing Kalamba’s role as a national learning hub for fruit processing and value addition.

Municipal Elections Results

Local elections vary widely across jurisdictions. In electoral system that roughly follow the Westminster model, a terminology has evolved with roles such as Mayor or Warden to describe the executive of a city, town or region, although the actual means of elections vary.

MULTISECTORAL TEAM COMPLETES BENCHMARKING TOUR ON TANNERY OPERATIONS.

A multidisciplinary team from the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Environment, Public Health and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has completed a two-day benchmarking programme focused on leather tannery operations.

The tour aimed to equip the team with the technical expertise needed to make informed decisions regarding the stalled Wote tannery project.

Makueni County had previously benefitted from the Economic Stimulus Programme, which established the foundational infrastructure and equipment for the tannery.

The delegation, led by Agriculture and Livestock Executive, Joyce Mutua, visited key facilities including the tannery under development at Machakos School for the Blind, the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and the Ewaso Ng’iro Tannery and Leather Factory in Narok County.

MULIMA-NDUENI WATER PROJECT LAUNCHED

In Mbooni Ward, a high level team from the County Executive on Thursday officially commissioned the Mulima Ndueni Water Project.

The project will provide fresh water to over 8,000 residents, schools and health centers in the area.

The move will enable locals to access water from nearby points. CECM for Water, Eng. John Kieti led the team which comprised of Chief Officers, Felistus Mutune, Naomi Nthambi and Nicholis Mutua.

Area MCA Alex Mulemba also attended the function.

The team also

commissioned drainage structures along the Matundoni-Uvaani-Kithuku-Red Sea Road.

This initiative was undertaken to address long-standing challenges faced by road users, especially during the rainy seasons when floods make transport difficult.

Later, the team inspected the ongoing construction of a dormitory block at AIC Mukaatini Vocational Training Center.

When complete, the facility will provide accommodation for students, creating a conducive learning environment and increasing enrollment at the institution.

MULILI VISITS NGOLUNI CRASH SURVIVORS, CALLS FOR CAUTION ON THE ROADS

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Saturday morning visited survivors of the tragic Ngoluni road accident, which occurred after a speeding lorry veered out of control and rammed into a 14-seater matatu that was stationed at a matatu bay.

Mulili expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six lives in the fatal crash and conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the affected families. She also wished the injured, currently receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, a swift recovery.

The Deputy Governor urged drivers and other road users to remain alert and strictly observe traffic regulations, especially during the festive season when road risks are heightened.

During her tour of the hospital wards, Mulili also visited victims of an earlier incident in which an epileptic driver lost control of a vehicle and crashed into a supermarket, injuring several shoppers.

Mulili commended the medical team at the referral hospital for their prompt and diligent response in handling the emergencies, noting that their professionalism had saved many lives.

She was accompanied during the visit by Wote Ward MCA Felix Mateso and Health Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei.

MULILI STRESSES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT COUNTY STEERING GROUP MEETING”

On Tuesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili represented Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the County Steering Group meeting.

This legal advisory body oversees county initiatives, programs, and projects.

Mulili emphasized the need for community sensitization before project initiation and praised Welt Hunger Hilfe for their successful implementation of water and education infrastructure in the county. She highlighted the organization’s impactful work.

Alice Munyao, the County Drought Coordinator for the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Makueni, supported Mulili’s view, noting that community involvement in the planning stages fosters ownership of projects.

The County Steering Group, which includes the county governors, the county commissioner (co-chairs), and the NDMA as the secretariat, provides leadership and coordination on collaborative issues.

Members also include representatives from county government departments, development partners, and NDMA.

MULILI LAUDS MAKUENI STUDENTS’ EXCELLENCE AT UNIVERSITY MENTORSHIP WORKSHOP

More than 83 students from Makueni participated in a mentorship workshop for the 2024 university cohort at Greenpark in Wote.

This group is part of the 95 students who joined the Makueni scholarship program in 2020. Since its inception, the program has benefited over 758 bright and needy students from Makueni.

This year alone, at least 102 students received full sponsorships for their high school education.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Education Elizabeth Muli and Chief Officer for ICT, Education, and Internship Irene Makau, commended the students for their outstanding performance.

Among them, 18 students achieved As in last year’s KCSE national examinations.

These top performers were rewarded with cash tokens and other gifts as they prepare to join university in September.

Deputy Governor Mulili reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting education through bursaries and scholarships.

She emphasized that the workshop aimed to promote personal and professional growth by providing guidance and support.

Mulili encouraged the students to remain dedicated to learning and to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness in their academic pursuits.

MULILI JOINS RECORDS EXPERTS AT INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES SYMPOSIUM

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Saturday participated in the Family Search International Archives Symposium held at the HYATT Regency Hotel in Nairobi. The event brought together professionals and leaders in records preservation and archiving from across the continent.

The symposium focused on addressing common challenges faced by African record custodians and archivists, while also providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Hosted by Elder Kelvin Hamilton, Executive Director at Family Search International, the symposium emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage under the theme “Connecting the Past to the Future.”

Family Search International is a globally recognized leader in genealogy and records preservation, committed to helping millions around the world discover their heritage and connect with their families.

MULILI CHAMPIONS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN MAKUENI

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Thursday led a women’s empowerment forum in Ivingoni Nzambani Ward, rallying women to take charge of their social and economic growth.

The meeting brought together women from across the ward for discussions on key topics such as healthcare, economic empowerment programs, and leadership participation. The initiative aimed to inspire women to take up active roles in politics, business, and community decision-making.

Mulili reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting women in achieving full empowerment and equitable representation in all spheres of leadership.

During the forum, County Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Coordinator Theresa Maweu sensitized participants on GBV prevention and urged communities to safeguard children from sexual and gender-based abuse, a message reinforced by Chief Officer for Gender, Nicholis Mutisya.

Mulili further called on the community to abandon harmful cultural practices such as gum cutting, which endanger children’s health.

She also encouraged women affected by fistula and other reproductive health complications to seek medical care at county health facilities without fear or stigma.