News

MUTULA HAILS M-PESA FOUNDATION AFTER SUCCESSFUL MUKAA MEDICAL CAMP

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commended the M-PESA Foundation for honouring its partnership commitment with the county government following the successful medical camp jointly organised at Mukaa Comprehensive School.

The Governor described the exercise as an “amazing concept,” noting that the venue effectively operated like a Level Six health facility due to the wide range of medical services offered to residents.

Speaking after touring various service points to assess the progress of the services offered, Mutula said that 33 patients had already been diagnosed with cataracts and identified for corrective surgery, while others had received prescription spectacles.

He further announced that 23 pints of blood had been collected through the blood donation drive conducted at the blood bank tent, noting that the initiative would significantly contribute to strengthening healthcare services in the county.

Governor Mutula also acknowledged the M-PESA Foundation team for its continued support to the county through various health initiatives, including the construction of state-of-the-art maternity facilities and the donation of medical equipment, among other interventions.

The Governor expressed satisfaction that many residents from Kilome would return home with medication sufficient to last at least three months, easing their access to essential healthcare services.

MUTULA FLAGS OFF 385 BICYCLES FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS, LAUNCHES FREE AMBULANCE SERVICES.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday flagged off 385 bicycles for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Thange, Ivingoni-Nzambani, Kikumbulyu South and Kikumbulyu North wards to improve mobility and strengthen the delivery of healthcare services across the county.

Speaking at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula said CHPs are the first point of contact within communities and often traverse difficult terrain to reach households.

He noted that the bicycles would enable them to cover more homes, improve response time and enhance the quality of healthcare services at the community level.

The governor said the bicycles were prioritized during last financial year’s public participation forums in the four wards, and encouraged other wards to prioritise similar initiatives in future budget planning.

During the event, Governor Mutula also commissioned free ambulance services for patients referred by clinicians and those requiring emergency medical care.

He said 265 patients have already benefited from the service since July 1st this year.

To strengthen emergency medical response, the county has partnered with the Emergency Medical Kenya Foundation through a programme dubbed Ambulensi, which is installing an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system.

The technology will enable dispatch teams to quickly locate callers requesting emergency services, reducing response time and lowering operational costs.

The county currently has 10 operational ambulances, while two are undergoing repairs. It has also received an additional ambulance from St. John Ambulance, with plans to procure two more units during the current financial year.

The governor was accompanied by Kikumbulyu North MCA Jackson Mbalu, Kikumbulyu South MCA Jades Kalunda, Mavindini MCA Japheth Kimongo, nominated MCAs Elizabeth Muthike and Sarah Mbilo, and County Assembly Clerk Ken Mutuku.

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.

MULIMA EARTH DAM TO DRIVE CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN MBOONI WARD

Mulima Earth Dam and its auxiliary water treatment facility in Mbooni Ward are set to anchor a transformative climate resilience initiative under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

Through the Climate Change Unit, the Government of Makueni County has launched the Mulima Water Distribution and Livelihood Restoration Project, an integrated investment designed to enhance water security, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.

The project will distribute treated water from the existing Syiluni distribution tank to five water kiosks and two communal water points, expanding access to safe, potable water under the #LastMileWaterConnectivity programme.

To boost climate-smart agricultural production in the horticulture-rich ward, the project will stock the dam with 10,000 fish fingerlings to improve household nutrition and diversify livelihoods. It will also establish demonstration farms for coffee and macadamia, alongside a Juncao fodder farm to strengthen dairy production.

Speaking during the project site handover to the contractor, Makueni Director of Climate Change Jackline Kamusa said the integrated project is among 17 others across the county geared towards building community resilience to the impacts of climate change through locally led climate action.

MULIMA DAM WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION AS MAKUENI ADVANCES UNIVERSAL WATER ACCESS

The County Government of Makueni is on the brink of a major milestone in water service delivery, with the Mulima Dam Water Treatment Project now 95% complete, promising reliable access to clean and safe water for residents of Mbooni.

Speaking during an inspection visit, Acting CECM for Water and Sanitation Japheth Mang’oka affirmed the county’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated timeline, with commissioning expected before the end of the year.

Once complete, the project will significantly ease access to water for domestic use while advancing the county’s Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda. In the long term, plans are underway to desilt Mulima Dam to increase its storage capacity and expand supply to more households, including parts of Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, reinforcing Makueni’s commitment to achieving universal water coverage.

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.