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Year: 2023

96TH EDITION OF THE KENYA MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL (KMCF) ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE

The 96th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF) ended on a high note with the gala in which the creme de la creme of the festival entertained an audience eager to sample the best music and dance, elocution and drama teams from the festival.

Mr. Herman Shambi, Secretary Administration, State Department of Culture, the Arts and Heritage was the chief guest during the gala and closing ceremony of the 9 day festival that started on 1st December 2023 under the theme, ‘Our culture: towards national cohesion, healing and peace’.

The Chairperson of the KMCF, Prof. Emily Akuno, appreciated the generosity and hospitality extend to the festival by the Government of Makueni County. She noted that Makueni had set very high standards for other counties that will seek to host the festival.

Kakamega county emerged the top county in the festival followed by Uasin Gishu the second and Mombasa county in position three.

County First Ladies from Lamu, Nyamira and Wajir led by their host, H.E. Anita Mutula, attended the festival on 8th December 2023 and enjoyed Zilizopendwa tunes from the rest of Africa among other performances. The County First Ladies gave assurance of their support to the festival.

MAKUENI, NAIROBI RIVERS COMMISSION SCALE UP WATER PROTECTION EFFORTS

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday hosted the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) led by chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet for a discussion on joint efforts to safeguard Nairobi river basin water resources against pollution.

Mulili affirmed the county government’s commitment to environmental sustainability while insisting on the importance of inter-county partnerships in tackling contamination of water sources especially through industrial effluents and untreated sewerage.

Makueni is among counties bearing the brunt of water contamination from the upstream of River Athi.

KILOMBO DAM IRRIGATION WATER USERS ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS TRAINED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT

Officials of the Kilombo Dam Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) have undergone a comprehensive 3-day training program to enhance their skills in the maintenance and management of the dam.

The officials are members of the community drawn from Kee and Kiima-Kiu/Kalanzoni wards elected by the residents to ensure proper management of the water resource.

The topics covered during the training, including Irrigation General Regulations 2021, Formation and Management of IWUA, statutory requirements, water structures management, and financial management, are critical for effective and sustainable dam operation. These topics cover legal, organizational, technical, and financial aspects, providing a well-rounded skill set.

The training was organized by the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development through National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).

Kilombo Dam has a capacity of 315,000,000 Litres and is targeting to irrigate 15 hectares of land in the two wards. Some of the residents in the vicinity are already benefiting from irrigated farming, a crucial indicator of the practical impact of the dam on the local economy and livelihoods.

VALIDATION OF MAKUENI COUNTY ENERGY PLAN

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, in collaboration with Strathmore University and WRI, organized a 3-day County Energy Plan Validation workshop at Kusyombunguo Hotel, Wote, from December 6th to 8th, 2023. Led by CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the workshop focused on Energy Access to affordable, sustainable, and clean energy, productive use of energy, clean cooking technologies and sustainable bioenergy.

On the first day, the sensitization and validation of the County Energy Plan by the Members of the County Assembly.

The second day featured the presentation of the draft CEP to the cabinet under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, for their input and validation.

On the third day, Ward administrators were sensitized on the upcoming County Energy Plan and received a briefing on public engagement strategies and the promotion of green and renewable energy.

This workshop signifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable energy in Makueni County. The Makueni County Energy Plan is the 4th of its kind in Kenya, guided by the Integrated National Planning Framework.

MAKUENI RECEIVES SH. 11M MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FROM SHELDRICK TRUST.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday received essential medical equipment worth Sh 11 million from David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to equip Mtito-Andei Sub-county Hospital.

The equipment, presented by Angela Sheldrick- Chief Executive Officer of the Wildlife Protection Trust is meant to enhance the hospital’s capacity to offer quality healthcare services to the community.

Newborn Resucitaire Machine, portable ultrasound machine, portable X-ray machine, automated chemistry analyzer, automated hematology analyzer, baby incubators, oxygen concentrator and beds are some of the equipment donated by the Trust.

Governor Mutula said this donation is a result of his administration’s resolve to work with strategic partners to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve quality of life for Makueni citizenry.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR MARKS WORLD AIDS DAY, CAUTIONS OF UPSURGE OF CASES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, joined by CEC Health Services Dr. Paul Musila, marked World AIDS Day at Kibwezi Township Primary in Kibwezi West Sub-county on Friday. 

Musila highlighted the county’s progress, noting a substantial drop in HIV/AIDS cases from 595 in 2022 to 323 this year. He reaffirmed the commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare, treatment, and preventive services.

Mulili emphasized the importance of health awareness campaigns in eliminating the AIDS scourge and urged the community to reject stigmatization, a major barrier to accessing counseling and testing services. 

She warned of rising HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence, identifying them as triple threats to our communities. Mulili called on all health stakeholders to contribute to building a peaceful society.

500 FARMERS BENEFIT FROM FRUIT SEEDLINGS TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND PROFITABILITY

Over 500 farmers drawn from Tulimani Ward in Mbooni on Friday received 4000  fruit seedlings (2000 Hass avocado and 2000 Apple mangoes). 

This initiative by the County Government of Makueni through the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development is meant to enhance farmers’ income in 2 to 3 years when the seedlings are expected to mature. This will, in turn result in improved livelihoods.

The distribution exercise was graced by the Chief Officer Agriculture and Irrigation Daniel Ndolo, who was flanked by the area MCA and Majority Leader Hon. Kyalo Mumo, Sub County Administrator  Phyllis Kithome and a host of officers from various county departments and the National Government.

KAITI & KILOME SUB COUNTIES: EMERGENCY EVACUATION CAMPS VISIT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Friday visited areas affected by heavy rainfall as well as evacuation camps sheltering residents who were displaced due to mudslides and flooding.

Through the Department of Devolution, Emergency Services and Special Programs and well wishers, the Governor distributed relief food, mattresses, blankets, clothing, medical supplies and essential personal effects to the displaced.

The evacuation camps visited were; Katulye Primary School, Kya Kituku Primary School, Kavata Nzou Primary School (Kaiti SubCounty) and Kawese Primary in Kilome Sub County.

THE MAKUENI COUNTY DEVELOPMENT FORUM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TODAY DONATED A CONSIGNMENT OF FOOD AND CLOTHES TO ASSIST OVER 300 HOUSEHOLDS AFFECTED BY FLOODS IN MAKUENI.

The Makueni County Development Forum Executive Committee today donated a consignment of food and clothes to assist over 300 households affected by floods in Makueni.

The donation was received by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and CECM in charge of Emergency Services and Special Programs Japheth Mang’oka.