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GREEN GRAMS OF HOPE: MASONGALENI FARMERS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET

In the heart of Makueni’s arid Masongaleni Ward, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one green gram at a time. Traditionally grown in semi-arid regions for their resilience and quick maturity, green grams have long served as a reliable crop for farmers in Makueni County. Now, they are becoming symbols of hope and prosperity.

A 100-acre green gram farm in Kikuumini, tended by four pioneering farmers, has become the centerpiece of an initiative targeting European export markets, with Italy as the primary destination.

The project is spearheaded by Grain Connect, an organization committed to bridging smallholder farmers with global markets through sustainable and high-quality production practices. Under the guidance of Grain Connect Director Alessio Colussi, these farmers have been selected to lead the way in producing export-grade green grams.

The initiative is not only aimed at increasing exports, but about empowering local farmers with better farming techniques, improved market access and fairer pricing.

The initiative grants special attention to the quality of the produce, particularly the grain’s sprouting ability, a trait that has piqued interest among European consumers.

During a visit by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua on Wednesday, she reaffirmed the county’s commitment to agricultural development by announcing the establishment of a County Green Gram Aggregation Centre; A facility that will ensure the produce meets international hygiene and quality standards, preparing it for export.

“It’s important that we don’t just grow crops, but also grow opportunities,” said Mutua.

So far, 200 acres have been cultivated under the program in Masongaleni Ward, with expansion plans already in motion.

“This partnership is a gateway for our farmers to access global markets and improve their livelihoods.” added the CECM.

Cabinet Approves Annual Development Plan, Payment of Authenticated Pending Bills

In his first week in office, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior has chaired three Cabinet meetings and approved several plans to steer Makueni County into higher development heights.

 

The plans include:

1. The Makueni Annual Development Plan 2023/2024;

2. 2023/2024 Budget Cycle Plan;

3. Makueni County Valuation Roll. To be presented to the assembly for approval when it begins sittings;

4. Own Source Revenue growth plan, with a target of more than a Billion;

Kilonzo Junior has assured suppliers that his administration will clear all pending bills, amounting to about Sh 700M, once they are audited and authenticated.

Governor’s development tour.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, accompanied by County Commissioner, several MCAs commissions Winzeni micro-Irrigation project at the River bed of River Athi in Kitise/Kithuki ward.
The project once complete will irrigate 30 acres of land. This is one among 11 micro Irrigation projects scattered in dry wards of mavindini, kitise/Kithuki, Kikumbulyu South, kikumbulyu North, mbitini and kalawa.
The Governor also led a food distribution drive to several families from the area.
 
 
 
 
 

Governor visits Wote markets, interacts with business community, customers

The people of Wote town have expressed their excitement while finding the governor among them in a rare occasion when governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr toured the town to listen to issues of traders.
The Governor toured Unoa where floodlight will be erected, Marikiti Market where he promised to ensure better Sanitation for traders in the market that majorly deals with clothes before opening to public a toilet at Kwa Nguku area.
Kwa Nguku which feeds the town with chicken will also be made a better business hub with floodlight bound to be constructed there.
Concrete paving blocks have continued to be constructed along road carriage way surfaces, car parks in the town.

Governor presides over first-ever county enforcement officers pass out parade

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday presided over the first-ever pass-out event for 48 Enforcement Officers at Unoa grounds, Wote, Makueni Sub-County.
The pass out followed a 4-week rigorous training at ATC Kwa Kathoka that involved; first aid, self-defense, customer service, and public relations among other skills.
During the ceremony, the governor expressed his administration’s commitment to recruiting more disciplined officers into the team.
H.E. the governor asked the officers to always work with dedication, and observe integrity while executing their roles.
 
 
 
 

GOVERNOR OTUOMA VISITS MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL

Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma visited Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to benchmark the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital. The facility is renowned for its exceptional maternal and child healthcare services.

Governor Kilonzo emphasized the importance of inter-county collaboration to improve healthcare

Dr. Otuoma aims to replicate the hospital’s model in Busia County.

The visit highlights Makueni’s progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, showcasing the county as a healthcare leader.

GOVERNOR OFFICIATES SUPERIOR HOMES GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF KSHS 350 MILLION TRUCKSTOP ZONE

Superior Homes Kenya has today broken ground for the construction of a KSHS 350 million modern roadside stopover complex at Sultan Hamud town along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway that will provide all-in-one safe and secure resting points for long-distance truck drivers; thanks to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr efforts of wooing investors into the County.
Dubbed Supastop, the truck drivers stop will feature modern amenities for long-distance transit drivers, including safe and secure parking, fuel station, decent and affordable accommodation, a variety of affordable eateries, convenience stores, clean restrooms, clean showers, prayer rooms, and a health facility, all in one development. Supastop will also offer other services including truck and other vehicle maintenance and repair, driver training, and logistics services.
Superior Homes intends to tap into the market gap of inadequate and informal truck stop facilities in Kenya by providing self-contained service & rest point areas to truck drivers along the various transit routes within the country, with the development at Sultan Hamud being the pilot for a further 30 proposed locations along the Northern Corridor.
Sultan Hamud is identified as a major parking spot for long-distance trucks with an estimated 300 trucks parking along the roadside every night. It is the center of a 145 km stretch between Mtito Andei and Salama but has been lacking decent accommodation facilities for long-distance transit drivers.
Speaking at the launch ceremony Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr commended Superior Homes Kenya for the timely and innovative initiative that will also help address the issue of driver fatigue – one of the biggest causes of road accidents.
“One of the biggest causes of road accidents is driver fatigue. When you offer long-distance transit drivers a secure parking spot, decent and affordable accommodation that will be a way of ensuring road safety,” the governor said
He continued, “Initiatives like this will always get our support and we encourage other players to join in implementing such long-term initiatives that are key in boosting the growth of Makueni County and the logistics industry at large,”.
 

Governor Mutula’s Walking-Work Tour of Sultan Hamud

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday embarked on a crucial working tour of Sultan Hamud, walking street to street for a development appraisal of the town.

The tour was meant to gather vital insights towards designs of key infrastructure to uplift the town and the Emali-Sultan Hamud Municipality as a whole. An open air market, drainage system, alternative water sources and a sports complex are some of the development initiatives being considered.

During the tour, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr was accompanied by Executive Committee Members of line ministries, engineers and local leaders . The Governor emphasized the importance of community involvement in all development initiatives.