Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee on Friday afternoon to respond to the Auditor-General’s report for the 2023/24 financial year.
The meeting was held to ensure all concerns raised in the report are addressed and public funds are properly accounted for.
Governor Mutula assured the committee that his administration is committed to clearing pending bills amounting to Ksh. 151 million. He also revealed that Makueni has made impressive progress in raising its own revenue — growing from Ksh. 849 million to over a billion shillings.
Officers from the Auditor-General’s office, who were present, noted that the county has shown improved financial discipline.
The governor further shared his administration’s focus on putting more resources into value chain development — a move he believes will boost social and economic empowerment for local residents.
The Senate committee led by Vice Chair and Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwarume, praised Makueni as a success story of devolution.
Senators Okongo Omongeni (Nyamira) and Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) echoed the praise, applauding Governor Mutula for development initiatives that bring real change to people’s lives.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dulo highlighted Makueni’s model of public participation in budgeting and project implementation, saying it promotes community ownership of projects.
The senate committee also got a look at Makueni’s online project monitoring system, which allows residents to track government projects in real-time.
Further, governor Mutula urged the Senate committee to anchor the Council of Governors in law, emphasizing that formalizing its status would enhance its effectiveness as a key devolution liaison body; sentiments that were supported by Senator Omongeni.
The session was attended by several county leaders including Senators Daniel Maanzo, and CECMs Damaris Kavoi (Finance), Joyce Mutua (Agriculture), Eng. John Kieti (Water), along with MCAs Jonathan Kimongo (Mavindini) and Cosmas Mutunga (Emali/Mulala).