News

MAKUENI RESIDENTS TURN OUT FOR BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

Residents from all 60 sub-wards in Makueni County on Wednesday gathered at designated venues to participate in public participation on the 2026/2027 financial year budget estimates and the County Fiscal Strategy Paper.

The forums, scheduled across February, are structured to capture views at multiple levels. Sub-ward meetings are set for 11th and 12th, ward consultations for 17th and 18th, while sessions targeting municipalities and the diaspora will take place on the 19th. A youth-focused virtual forum is planned for the 16th.

The engagements are designed to give citizens an opportunity to influence development planning by identifying priority projects aligned with local needs and livelihoods.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Damaris Kavoi, officially opened the exercise in Nziu Sub-ward before proceeding to Kiteta Sub-Ward, where she attended deliberations by residents.

Participants in Kiteta proposed several priority areas, including the acquisition of a dental chair and an incinerator for Tawa Sub-County Hospital, construction of ECDE classrooms, expansion of water projects, and support for farmers through provision of certified seeds.

Elsewhere, Chief Officers Felistus Mutune and Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi attended public participation forums at Kitundu and Kitise sub-wards, respectively.

Makueni residents in Mombasa officially unveil investment cooperative

A group of Makueni residents based in Mombasa has now unveiled an investment cooperative to pool resources and create wealth both in Makueni and Mombasa.

The cooperative is the first in the county and the country at large to be domesticated under the devolved system of government.

According to its chairperson Richard Kinovi, the overall goal of the cooperative named MDIMA, is to empower its members and citizens of Makueni socially, economically and create wealth for the county.

The 261- member outfit has so far bought shares worth over Sh 5 Million in the Ene Microfinance and is partnering with the county government of Makueni and other development partners in eradicating poverty, budget making process and projects implementation.

The group is also on the verge of securing a grant of USD 200,000 from USAID Kenya and East Africa to train young people in Makueni and mentor them on life skills in a bid to increase their employability levels.

The co-operative movement in the county has grown tremendously post devolution from 83 co-operatives to 224 as at June this year.

Governor Kivutha Kibwana who graced the launch at Changamwe, Mombasa, Saturday evening lauded the members for exemplary unity of purpose, terming the cooperative a model one in the county.

He urged members of the cooperative to take advantage of the county’s Tetheka fund and any other opportunity that will help them pool resources together for group and individual growth.

Makueni residents in Mombasa officially launch Diaspora Group

Makueni residents living in the coast region on Thursday unveiled a Makueni Diaspora-Mombasa chapter with a view to take a united and active role in development of the county.

The outfit has on its inauguration donated 83 pieces of iron sheets to support victims of floods in rebuilding their houses in the occasion graced by governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana.

The community has also contributed Sh 3.3 million to purchase shares in Ene Microfinance with a target of Sh 5 Million before the bank opens its doors.

The objectives of the community, according to its chairman Richard Kinovi include:

Uniting all Makueni residents living in the Coastal region to support economic growth of the members and mobilise resources to invest in their mother county.

Market the county products in Mombasa to spearhead the economic development of the county.

Partnering with other diaspora chapters such as the London based-UK chapter to mobilise resources and exploit potential economic opportunities for members and the county.

“We are very great full for the support we are getting from our people in the diaspora.As a government we are ready and very much willing to work with you,”the governor said.

Prof Kibwana has lauded the Mombasa chapter for demonstrating what a model diaspora community should do to institutionalize its operations and set itself for greater socio-economic and political influence of its mother County.

He said in the near future, diaspora chapters will be opened in Nairobi, London and other cities with the hope that the diaspora community will create links with each other and sustain a vibrant discourse on the development of their mother county.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS, COUNTY TO RECLAIM UNUSED THWAKE DAM LAND

The National Land Commission (NLC) has commenced the final phase of surveying and demarcating land around the Thwake Dam project, paving the way for the return of unutilized land to local residents and the Makueni County Government.

The two-month long mapping exercise will also ensure land is set aside for road access and essential utilities that support both the dam project and the surrounding communities.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. who hosted NLC officials who paid him a courtesy call, lauded the initiative, describing it as a progressive step in public resource accountability.

He said families whose land was partially acquired for the project will now regain access to their parcels.

Sospeter Ohanya, NLC Deputy Director of Survey said 96 per cent of land owners have been compensated.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS CONTINUE INPUT ON DRAFT COUNTY ENERGY POLICY – DAY 2

Makueni County residents on Wednesday participated in the second day of public validation for the draft County Energy Policy, with sessions held in Tawa (Mbooni Sub-County) and Kambu (Kibwezi East).

The final round of consultations will take place tomorrow in:

Nunguni (Kaiti Sub-County)

Sultan Hamud (Kilome Sub-County)

Residents unable to attend in person can review the draft policy and submit feedback online via: https://makueni.go.ke/documents/draft-makueni-energy-policy/

Makueni residents challenged to turn to silkworm farming as demand increases

Makueni Deputy Governor H.E Lucy Mulili has praised a group of women from Kiatine, Wote/Nziu ward, Makueni Sub-County for taking the challenge in silkworm farming which is taking shape in the County.

The Deputy Governor spoke on Saturday when she toured Tosheka Textiles’ Kiatine silkworm cages.

Lucy Lau Bigham, the entrepreneur behind Tosheka Textiles called on the Makueni government to support extension and training services for silkworm farming.

The venture, according to Lau is a sustainable community-empowering textile initiative that bridges the economic gap for women.

Lau observed that Eri silkworms attract a competitive sale price of about Sh. 200 per kilogram.The worms majorly feed on caster beans with farmers at the outskirts of Wote town embracing farming of castor plants in plenty.

Through several degumming processes, silk produces fibre which through spinning is converted into a yarn hence making of clothes.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS HIGH MAST SOLAR FLOODLIGHTS TRANSFORM LOCAL MARKETS

Residents of Makueni County are celebrating improved security and longer business hours following the installation of high mast solar floodlights in key markets.

At Ngutwa Market in Muvau/Kikuumini Ward, traders say a newly erected 20-metre solar-powered floodlight has transformed the trading centre by lighting up previously dark areas. The improved illumination has boosted trader confidence, allowing businesses to operate into the evening and attract more customers.

Similar gains have been reported at Senda Market, where traders describe the project as a major boost to night-time business and public safety.

The installations are part of a partnership between the Makueni County Government and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

Other beneficiaries include Kinyambu, Makutano/Kyumani, Kona, Kithoni, Kitunduani, Kithuki and Kitise markets, as well as Kinguutheni Primary School.

County officials say more projects are underway to expand clean energy access, enhance security and stimulate local economies.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AT UNOA GROUNDS

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with the MPESA Foundation, Zuri Health, and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, has launched a comprehensive medical outreach program at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The initiative is offering a range of medical services, including general check-ups, dental care, eye screening, breast cancer screening, and HPV vaccination for girls aged ten to 14 years.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili commended the impact of the medical camp, noting the positive difference it was making in the lives of Makueni residents.

Health ECM, Dr. Paul Musila underscored the county’s ongoing collaboration with the MPESA Foundation, citing key projects such as the construction and equipping of the Tawa Maternity Wing at a cost of Ksh 28 million, the upgrade of Mutulani Dispensary at Ksh 17 million, and the construction of the Sultan Hamud Maternity Wing at Ksh 60 million.

He further noted that patients with complex cases are being referred to the county referral hospital for specialized care.

MPESA Foundation Program Manager, Sophiah Onyango, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming lives, with a strong focus on maternal and child health.

She emphasized that their support extends beyond the medical camp, as they continue to follow up with patients to ensure they receive proper care.

The outreach program has attracted a large number of residents.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS AS COUNTY MARKS WORLD KIDNEY DAY

Makueni County joined the rest of the world in marking World Kidney Day at Makueni County Referral Hospital, where hundreds of residents turned up to raise awareness about kidney health and access free medical check-ups.

Leading the celebrations, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei Mbithi, underscored the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against chronic kidney disease.

He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, highlighting the construction of over 100 health facilities since the inception of devolution as part of efforts to improve medical access.

The event featured free health screenings, including kidney function tests and assessments for other non-communicable diseases, giving residents an opportunity to detect potential health issues early.

Dr. Mbithi urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, undergo regular check-ups, and seek timely medical intervention to combat kidney disease.

World Kidney Day is observed globally to educate communities on the importance of kidney health, promote early diagnosis, and encourage preventive measures against kidney-related illnesses.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BEGIN VALIDATION OF DRAFT ENERGY POLICY

Makueni residents, through sector representatives, have started validating the county’s draft Energy Policy to ensure it aligns with community needs.

On Tuesday, representatives from Makueni and Kibwezi West Sub-counties reviewed the draft policy, discussing energy usage, challenges, and potential local solutions to achieve universal energy access in the county.

The exercise, led by Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy Executive Committee Member Eng. Peter Mumo and Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, will extend to all six sub-counties. The goal is to create a citizen-centric policy that effectively addresses the county’s energy challenges.

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