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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.

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 WARNS AGAINST MISINFORMATION ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, BACKS RESIDENTS ON LAND FEES IN KIBWEZI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has cautioned politicians against spreading misinformation to mislead the public and pledged to support residents opposing planned land payments affecting settlement schemes in Kibwezi East.

The governor spoke on Monday during the burial of Mzee Tom Nzoka in Nzembete Village, Masongaleni. The late Nzoka, grandfather of Masongaleni MCA Bryan Nzoka, was eulogised as a respected elder, community arbitrator and political mentor.

Mutula criticised remarks by some Members of Parliament who described bicycles issued to Community Health Promoters (CHPs) as “bicycle ambulances”, saying the claims misrepresented the programme and could mislead the public.

He also opposed plans requiring beneficiaries in 20 settlement schemes to make payments to settlement trustees despite already holding title deeds. The governor vowed to defend the residents’ land ownership rights and urged those affected to unite in opposing the proposed charges, which he alleged were politically motivated.

Also present were Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu,County Assembly Clerk Kevin Mutuku, several Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and County Executive Committee Members.

Mzee Tom was a respected elder, arbitrator and political Mentor.

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 URGES CLOSER COLLABORATION TO PROTECT WATER PROJECTS FROM VANDALISM

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for stronger collaboration between county governments and water agencies to safeguard public water projects from vandalism, saying the destruction of infrastructure continues to undermine investments in the sector.

The governor made the remarks on Monday when he met the leadership of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA) led by Board Chairperson, Regina Ndambuki and Chief Executive Officer Sammy Lemunke Naporos.

Mutula said security should be incorporated into the design and implementation of water projects to protect critical infrastructure from sabotage and ensure investments deliver lasting benefits to residents.

The governor also urged the agency to fast-track the development of a sewerage system for Wote Town, warning that delays could trigger serious public health challenges once the government’s Affordable Housing Programme becomes operational.

The TAWWDA delegation is in Makueni to oversee the implementation of key water and sanitation projects aimed at improving access to clean water across the county.Among the flagship projects is the construction of a reinforced concrete weir on the Kaiti River, a 400-cubic-metre sump, infiltration galleries, submersible pumps, a 20-kilometre water distribution pipeline and 1,000 household water connections.

The Agency also handed over two motorcycles, office equipment and 10 smart water meters to the Makueni County Government to strengthen water service delivery and improve administration.

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 RANKED FOURTH BEST GOVERNOR AS MAKUENI POSTS STRONG INFOTRAK PERFORMANCE.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has been ranked fourth best-performing governor in Kenya in the latest InfoTrak CountyTrak Performance Index 2026, reinforcing the county’s reputation as one of the country’s top performers in governance and service delivery.

The survey, released on Tuesday, gave Mutula a 66 per cent approval rating, placing him in a tie for fourth position nationally with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. He trails Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who topped the rankings with 68 percent, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who both scored 67 per cent.

The latest rating marks a significant improvement for Mutula, whose approval stood at 57 per cent in the 2024 CountyTrak survey, reflecting growing public confidence in his administration midway through his first term in office.

The report also highlights Makueni’s strong showing across several indicators used to assess county performance.

Makueni was ranked the second-best county nationally in public participation, scoring 48 per cent, behind only Elgeyo Marakwet. The county maintained its standing among Kenya’s leaders in involving residents in governance despite a slight decline from the 56 per cent recorded in the previous survey.

In sectoral performance, Makueni ranked among the country’s top counties in agriculture and health, posting 46 per cent in both sectors. It also recorded strong scores in governance indicators, placing among the leading counties in the management of public funds, prevention of corruption, use of technology in service delivery, decentralisation of county services and efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.

The findings suggest that Makueni continues to distinguish itself in areas that directly affect service delivery and citizen engagement, strengthening its position as one of the country’s best performing devolved units.

The CountyTrak Performance Index 2026 is based on interviews with 36,200 respondents across all 47 counties conducted between January and May this year.