Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr addressing the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Nguumo in Kibwezi West Sub-County on June 1, 2026. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has outlined an ambitious development agenda centered on education, healthcare, water access, agriculture, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, declaring that the county is steadily transforming the promise of Madaraka into tangible opportunities for its residents.
Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Nguumo in Kibwezi West Sub-County, Governor Mutula said the spirit of self-governance must now translate into prosperity, accountability, and inclusive development for all citizens.
Addressing residents under the national theme, "Education, Skills and the Future," the governor paid tribute to Kenya's freedom fighters and local heroes from Ukambani who resisted colonial rule, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed today.
"The responsibility of our generation is clear: to transform freedom into prosperity, opportunity, and a future worthy of the sacrifices made by those who came before us," he said.
The governor also led mourners in honoring victims of recent tragedies, including the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil and a septic tank accident in Makindu that claimed three lives.
Mutula highlighted significant investments in education, revealing that the county government has constructed 195 modern ECDE centres since the 2022/23 financial year at a cost exceeding KSh 513 million.
He announced that 959 ECDE teachers have been employed on permanent and pensionable terms, while digital learning has been introduced in all public ECDE centres to equip learners with modern technological skills.
The county has also invested KSh 105 million in scholarships, benefiting hundreds of secondary school and university students from vulnerable backgrounds.
In vocational training, the governor celebrated the success of the Makueni-KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri Programme, through which 900 youths completed technical and entrepreneurial training, with many receiving starter toolkits to support self-employment and business creation.
The governor cited improved financial management as one of his administration's key achievements, noting that Makueni recorded seven clean audit reports in the 2024/25 financial year.
He further revealed that the county's Own Source Revenue has grown from KSh 891.6 million in 2022/23 to more than KSh 1.35 billion in 2025/26, representing a 46 percent increase.
According to Mutula, the growth has largely been driven by digitization through platforms such as the ZiZi Revenue Management System, the MyMakueni App, and the Makueni Ardhi System, which have enhanced transparency and reduced revenue leakages.
Water security featured prominently in the governor's address, with Mutula outlining numerous projects aimed at ending chronic water shortages across the county.
Among the flagship initiatives are the rehabilitation of major dams, expansion of bulk water supply systems, drilling of boreholes, and implementation of new water distribution networks.
He announced plans to allocate KSh 17 million for the ALGON-Kiunduani Water Pipeline project to supply Kiunduani Market and surrounding areas with reliable water.
The county has also secured KSh 144 million under the Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (K-WASH), while Kibwezi-Makindu Water and Sewerage Company is set to receive an additional KSh 47 million to improve water service delivery.
Mutula warned against vandalism of water infrastructure, pledging firm action against individuals sabotaging public projects.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to agriculture, describing it as the backbone of Makueni's economy.
He disclosed that over 15,700 farmers received certified maize and bean seeds ahead of the 2025 planting season, while more than 8,800 bags of subsidized fertilizer were distributed through newly established satellite depots.
To strengthen value addition, the county is constructing a KSh 93 million horticultural cold room and pack house in Wote, expected to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers.
Mutula also announced plans to revive export markets for mango farmers and roll out affordable financing through the digitized Makueni County Empowerment Fund.
In healthcare, the governor highlighted the rollout of the county's Universal Health Coverage programme, known as MutulaCare, aimed at supporting vulnerable households.
According to the governor, over 9,200 indigent households have already been enrolled, with the county paying more than KSh 54 million in annual health insurance premiums on their behalf.
Makueni has also expanded specialized healthcare services, including neurosurgery and cancer treatment, while upgrading 173 health facilities and constructing new maternity wards and staff housing units.
In a major announcement, Mutula declared that all internal ambulance transfers within Makueni County will be free from July 1, 2026.
"This intervention reflects our government's enduring commitment to providing compassionate, accessible, and people-centered healthcare for every household across Makueni County," he said
The governor reported substantial investments in roads and infrastructure, including the opening of 121 kilometres of new roads and grading of 1,300 kilometres during the current financial year.
He also highlighted progress in electrification, market modernization, and digital transformation, noting that 50 percent of county services are now automated through 17 digital systems.
Construction of the KSh 74 million Nunguni Modern Market is ongoing, while plans are underway for additional modern markets in Wote, Malili, Kathonzweni, and Kibwezi.
As he concluded his address, Mutula urged residents to embrace unity, integrity, and accountability as pillars of sustainable development.
While acknowledging challenges such as climate change, unemployment, rising living costs, and increasing healthcare demands, he expressed confidence in the county's future.
"Let us renew our commitment to unity, integrity, accountability, and service to one another. Let us reject division and corruption, and instead choose patriotism, collaboration, and progress," he said.
The governor maintained that Makueni's development journey remains firmly on course, pledging continued investment in education, skills development, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure to ensure that no resident is left behind.
