News

MANGO FARMERS AND BUYERS MEET TO PLAN FOR MARKETING SEASON

Makueni mango farmers’ representatives and buyers came together on Thursday to prepare for the upcoming mango marketing season. The meeting, organized by the county agriculture department aimed to establish clear purchasing guidelines for mangoes from local farmers.

During the discussions, buyers shared their planned purchase quantities and price ranges, offering between Ksh. 12 and 25 per kilogram of mangoes. The prices will vary, with local markets receiving the lowest rates and exporters providing the highest.

Attending the meeting, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua urged farmers to hold firm and avoid selling their mangoes at low prices. “Our department is dedicated to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their hard work,” she emphasized.

She added, “This collaboration between farmers and buyers is expected to strengthen the mango industry in Makueni, benefiting all stakeholders involved.”

Ms. Mutua was accompanied by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyalo.

MANGO EXPORTERS MEET GOVERNOR MUTULA TO REVIEW MANGO TRADE

On Friday, mango exporters visited Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to discuss the progress of mango exports and explore opportunities for growth.

The visit comes after the previous launch of the Makueni County Mango Aggregation Centre, which helps local farmers by providing a central hub for collecting mangoes and linking them to exporters.

The meeting, attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua, focused on strategies to expand Makueni mangoes’ reach in the global market.

The discussions focused on ways to collaborate in improving farmer education and expanding market access to help farmers secure better prices for their produce.

MAMBO KWA GROUND

On Monday evening, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in the company of county water officers toured two strategic water investment projects – Kamunyolo dam and Ndukuma, recently rehabilitated for spot inspection.

These projects signify Governor Mutula’s unwavering resolve to increase access to improved water sources from 46 percent to 70 percent (by 2027); and reduce the average distance to improved water sources from 3 km to 2 km.

On Ndukuma, the next phase will involve installation of a treatment plant, distribution, and fish stocking.

MAKUENI’S WATER DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO COMBAT VANDALISM OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Department of Water and Sanitation is urgently appealing for community assistance to address the rampant vandalism of water infrastructure, which has caused severe disruptions in water distribution across the county.

Since last year, water installations valued at Sh 45 million have been vandalized, with the vandals targeting solar panels, generators, G.I. pipes, water tanks, gate valves, air valves, and other critical components of water distribution systems. These acts of sabotage have left thousands of residents without reliable access to water.

On Tuesday, County Executive for Water, Eng. John Kieti, inspected the vandalized Kaangi borehole and Kamuthini water projects. The destruction of these facilities has plunged over 1,500 households into a water crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Kieti emphasized that, in addition to collaborating with the community to tackle this issue, the county government will henceforth implement stringent security measures. These include erecting razor-sharp fencing around key water source points, installing CCTV cameras for surveillance, and amending the Makueni Water Act to classify vandalism as an act of economic sabotage, with offenders facing severe penalties.

MAKUENI’S TRIUMPH OVER FISTULA

287 women and girls in Makueni are celebrating this year’s International Day to End Fistula with renewed energy and hope after successful corrective surgeries.

Mary Cosmus, who had endured this condition for 48 years, is one such woman. She was born with the condition and had endured a life of ridicule, neglect, and solitude, as no one wanted to associate with her.

The surgeries, conducted at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote, are part of a joint campaign by the Makueni County Government and Jhpiego to end this preventable condition.

County First Lady Anita Mutula, who led Makueni residents in marking this day, reaffirmed her commitment to raise awareness about fistula and advocate for better reproductive, maternal, and child health to prevent incidences of fistula.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Health Services Elizabeth Muli said 73 more cases are lined up for surgery while appreciating the tremendous support of partners towards this cause.

Makueni’s Tourism Sector set for Revenue Boom

The tourism sector in Makueni is set for a major overhaul with plans a foot to make the county a hub of tourist attraction, and the sector a major revenue generator for both county and the country.

With support from the National Museums of Kenya, the county government is embarking on an ambitious exercise of documentation, conservation, management, promotion and restoration of heritage sites in the county.

The management of heritage will include the construction of heritage centers and museums, the re-landscaping of open cultural and natural sites, construction of botanical gardens, organizing cultural festivals and fairs, the identification, documentation, mapping and gazettement of important heritage sites.

Some of the important heritage sites for conservation and restoration include religious sites such as Kalamba, threatened biodiversity areas such as Chyulu and Nzaui hills among others.

This revolutionary raft of measures was announced Wednesday by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and the National Museums of Kenya Director General Mzalendo Kibunjia when they signed a partnership agreement in Nairobi.

In the same breath, governor Kibwana signed a working relationship with Global Communities-Kenya, a Non-Governmental Organization, to revamp the cooperative movement in Makueni.

The parties to this agreement will co-operate to:

Develop county co-operative policy and legislation through a participatory approach;

Build the capacity of the cooperatives officials; to offer business advisory services to the cooperatives including trainings on their needs; and

Design interventions that will enhance access to markets, finance, technical knowledge and relevant information.

The deal was also signed by USAID/ Cooperative Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy and research(CLEAR) program- Chief of Party Kristin Wilcox Feldman in Nairobi.

The County cooperative movement has grown to 230 registered cooperative societies since 2016 which cover activities such as produce marketing, savings and credit SACCOs and housing.

MAKUENI’S SPORTS COUNCILS PRAISED FOR DRIVING SPORTS GROWTH

The MKJ Supa Cup Tournament 2025 which concluded on Sunday 30th has been celebrated as one of the most well-organized sporting events, marked by exceptional discipline and a high level of talent display.

The finals, held at Unoa Grounds in Wote Town drew thousands of enthusiastic fans and local leaders, who commended Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration for the seamless planning and execution of the tournament.

Governor Mutula credited the success to the Ward Sports Councils, which have played a crucial role in managing sports at the grassroots level. He emphasized that these councils are instrumental in talent identification, securing funding for sports development, and ensuring that athletics receive the same priority as other key sectors.

“Thanks to these councils, Makueni is steadily emerging as a sporting powerhouse. Soon, it will be the go-to destination for national clubs scouting for talented athletes,” said Mutula.

To further boost sports development, the county government is accelerating the construction of modern sports infrastructure, including training pitches, to provide aspiring athletes with professional facilities. Additionally, the Department of Sports is collaborating with national sports federations to enhance the skills of local coaches and referees through capacity-building programs.

After the finals, an all-star team in each of the six disciplines (football, volleyball, basketball 5×5, basketball 3×3, beach handball and beach volleyball) has been assembled to represent Makueni at the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association Games (KYISA) in Homa Bay slated for 13^th -19^th April.

MAKUENI’S SOLAR REVOLUTION SHINES BRIGHT AT DAY 3 OF DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE

Makueni County is once again in the national spotlight, hailed as a model for renewable energy success following the impressive strides it has made in solarization.

Speaking during a side event at the ongoing Devolution Conference, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo singled out Makueni’s solar project at the County Referral Hospital as a shining example for other counties to follow.

He lauded the initiative for not only reducing electricity costs but also freeing up funds to support other hospital services urging other counties to emulate.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who was a panelist in a session on Accelerating Climate-Compatible Planning in Kenya, shared Makueni’s vision of taking solarization a step further.

She expressed optimism that with increased capacity, Makueni could one day sell excess power to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and other partners, taking advantage of the county’s abundant sunshine as a semi-arid region.

In partnership with UK PACT and the World Resources Institute (WRI), Makueni has developed a County Energy Plan (2023–2032), rolled out community training on the productive use of renewable energy, and is preparing to launch a forward-looking energy policy.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the county also introduced an expansive green energy programme aimed at cutting energy costs, boosting economic productivity, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental conservation.

MAKUENI’S SCENIC HILLS ON THE SPOTLIGHT AT MAGICAL KENYA EXPO 2025

Makueni County is blessed with breathtaking hills that rise gracefully over the landscape, offering therapeutic nature walks, fresh air and unforgettable adventure.

From the iconic Nzaui Hill, the lush Chyullu ranges, the legendary Mbui Nzu Hill, to the tranquil Mbooni and Makuli hills, the county boasts secure and serene hiking destinations for both domestic and international explorers.

These natural treasures not only provide scenic beauty but also peace of mind, making them perfect escapes for adventurers and wellness seekers.

At the MagicalKenya Expo 2025, Makueni’s Tourism Directorate is marketing these attractions to the world, highlighting efforts to brand the county as a top travel destination.

Through tourism marketing, residents benefit economically when visitors explore, stay and transact business in the county, turning natural beauty into shared prosperity.

MAKUENI’S SAND DAMS: WHERE CONSERVATION MEETS COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

As the world continues to celebrate progress in environmental conservation and strengthen efforts to reverse environmental degradation, Makueni County is steadily reaping the benefits of strategic river ecosystem restoration spearheaded by the Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority.

Established in 2015 to regulate the previously uncontrolled sand harvesting that had severely degraded river ecosystems and, in some cases, led to loss of lives among environmental advocates, the Authority has made significant strides in restoring and protecting the county’s natural resources.

To date, the Authority has constructed 26 sand dams across 13 wards, transforming degraded riverbeds into productive ecosystems. Beyond the Authority’s interventions, Makueni County, in collaboration with development partners, has constructed over 1,000 sand dams, significantly improving water availability, supporting irrigation, accelerating environmental restoration and strengthening climate resilience.

According to the Authority’s Managing Director, Ndambuki Kioko, the success of the initiative underscores the importance of community-driven and policy-supported environmental conservation efforts in building climate resilience, enhancing livelihoods, and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.