News

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: POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE A ‘POLITICAL FAILURE’ AS MAKUENI RECORDS ZERO MATERNAL DEATHS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has termed postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) a “political failure,” saying preventable maternal deaths persist because systems have not prioritized the lives of women.

Speaking on Friday at Kusyombunguo Hotel during a Nation Media Group roundtable on maternal health, the governor noted that PPH remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally, not because it is untreatable, but due to gaps in policy, access and prioritisation.

Governor Mutula, a global advocate in the fight against maternal mortality, recounted Makueni County’s efforts to curb PPH-related deaths. He highlighted the introduction of heat-stable carbetocin, a uterotonic medicine used to contract the uterus and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

At the time the county adopted the drug, it cost Sh2,700 per dose. However, following its uptake and subsequent stocking by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the price has dropped significantly to about Sh95.

The governor expressed pride in Makueni’s progress, noting that the county recorded zero maternal deaths in 2023 and 2024, attributing the achievement in part to the use of Heat-Stable Carbetocin and strengthened maternal health interventions.

In Kenya, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with an estimated 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, rising to nearly 400 in some parts of East and West Africa.

Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo also challenged counties to consider partnering with the private sector on maternal health conversations to leverage on reducing mortality.

To further address the challenge, Jhpiego has partnered with Makueni County to implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing maternal deaths associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

MUTULA, LSK OFFICIALS FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday met officials of the newly elected Law Society of Kenya (LSK) South Eastern Branch and pledged closer collaboration to improve access to justice and legal services in the county.

The delegation, led by Branch Chairperson Priscillah Kioko and Secretary Doreen Mwau, discussed legal aid, expansion of Huduma Mashinani services, settlement of pending bills, land succession disputes and plans to secure land at Matiliku for the construction of a court.

Governor Mutula urged lawyers to embrace a collective approach to addressing community challenges, saying stronger cooperation between the county government and the legal fraternity would enhance service delivery and promote social justice for residents.

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.

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.