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Author: Benjamin Kiendi

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO Jr. PARTNERS WITH ILARA HEALTH TO ENHACE ULTRASOUND SERVICES IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ilara Health Limited to improve access to critical ultrasound services, particularly for pregnant women in Makueni County.

Under the agreement, Ilara Health will provide Butterfly ultrasound machines,advanced, handheld point-of-care devices capable of performing a wide range of scans that were previously carried out only at the county hospitals.

Dr. Eric Mbuthia, Chief Medical Officer at Ilara Health, noted that these devices are designed to enhance healthcare delivery by making ultrasound services more accessible at the primary care level. He highlighted that the machines can conduct up to 300 scans per month, helping to address the healthcare needs of Makueni residents.

During the event, Dr. Mbuthia demonstrated how the ultrasound devices function, emphasizing their ability to connect radiographers in Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities with specialists at the referral hospital through telemedicine for consultations on complex cases.

Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, stating that the county plans to integrate the technology into its medical outreach programs, aiming to reach as many patients as possible. He also encouraged other counties to leverage such innovations to improve healthcare services for their populations.

This partnership is expected to greatly enhance the quality of care in Makueni, particularly for pregnant women, and strengthen the county’s healthcare infrastructure.

Reviewing 2024 Achievements and Planning for 2025: Makueni ICT, Education, and Internship Department’s Roadmap to Growth

Today, the Department of ICT, Education and Internship gathered at Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Center (MIVEC) to review progress for 2024 and plan for 2025.

The meeting, themed “2024 Progress and Performance Review and Planning for 2025,” reflected on the county’s key achievements and outlined strategies for continued growth.

A highlight of 2024 was the Skills Exhibition on 19th September at Kwa Kakulu CTTI, which showcased student and artisan talents while fostering partnerships to advance vocational training.

Additionally, 61 chairpersons were appointed to oversee the County Technical and Vocational Training Institutes (CTTIs), strengthening governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Seven Managers were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2024 and the focus for 2025 will be on enhancing skills, improving governance and empowering Makueni’s youth to drive economic growth.

The ceremony was officiated by Elizabeth Muli, CECM for ICT, Education and Internship alongside Dr. Justin Kyambi, County Secretary and Head of Public Service and Irene Makau, the Chief Officer.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

Makueni County has taken a bold step to combat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five as well as pregnant & lactating women.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off nutrition supplies worth KSh 2.6 million at Makueni County Referral Hospital, supported by ENI-Kenya.

The supplies, which include essential nutrition supplements and weighing scales, will be distributed across 121 health facilities-which are sites for managing acute Malnutrition within the county. The initiative targets malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant & lactating women.

Recent studies indicate that Makueni’s malnutrition rates exceed national averages, with Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West being the most affected regions.

To address these alarming figures, the county government has partnered with ENI-Kenya in provision of the weighing scales which will ensure accurate monitoring of growth to screen and identify malnutrition timely.

Following the screening, those with acute Malnutrition will be managed appropriately using these nutrition supplies

The flagged-off commodities include 29,083 sachets(200gms each) of supplements for children under five and 2,043 sachets(300gms each) for pregnant and lactating women.

Additionally, the distribution package features 25 baby weighing scales and 25 Salter scales to support accurate and timely growth monitoring.

Dr. Paul Musila, the County Executive for Health Services, emphasized that these efforts would significantly improve nutrition among vulnerable children, pregnant &Lactating women enhance improved maternal health, and better pregnancy outcomes.

Governor Mutula urged mothers to take advantage of the interventions being promoted by health regarding the first 1000 days (from conception to first 2 years of childs life) to ensure optimal growth of their children.

BURSARY LAUNCH, ELIMISHA MAKUENI.

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has demonstrated unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Makueni County’s youth. Under his leadership, the county has allocated Ksh 114.9 million for the January 2025 bursary program, aiming to support bright and needy students across all 30 wards.

The Bursary Launch was presided over by CECM ICT, Education & Internship Elizabeth Muli and CECM Devolution & Administration Nicholas Nzioka at Wote MIVEC Center.

The launch brought together key administrative figures, including Sub-County Administrators, Ward Administrators, Sub-Ward Administrators , ECDE Coordinators and County CTTIs Managers. Their collective presence underscored the county’s unified commitment to ensuring that educational opportunities reach every deserving student.

CECM Elizabeth Muli emphasized the dedication to education, stating that this bursary program reflects County’s unwavering commitment to invest in the future of our children by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed academically.

The application process is open from January 3 to January 24, 2025, with forms available at Village or Ward Administrator’s Offices and online for university and college students at www.elimisha.makueni.go.ke

CECM Nicholas Nzioka highlighted the collaborative efforts of the county’s administrative framework, noting that the involvement of our administrators at all levels ensures that the bursary allocation process is transparent, equitable and reaches those who need it most.

The presence of CTTI Managers at the launch also highlights the county’s focus on technical and vocational education, recognizing its vital role in equipping youth with practical skills for the job market.

As the application period commences, the county government encourages all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and contribute positively to the community.

Makueni Launches Key Publications to Enhance Data-Driven Development and Accountability

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched key publications aimed at advancing data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Governor Mutula presided over the unveiling of the County Indicator Handbook for the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, the sixth edition of the County Statistical Abstract (CSA-2024), and the first-ever Ward Development Profiles.

The newly launched Indicator Handbook provides a comprehensive set of metrics to assess progress on the county’s development agenda, while the CSA-2024 enhances access to critical data for informed decision-making.

The Governor also highlighted the county’s innovative Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), a digital platform that allows stakeholders and citizens to monitor the status of county programs and projects in real time. The system, accessible via the county’s website, fosters transparency and provides a channel for public feedback.

Governor Mutula revealed that additional modules are being incorporated into the PMTS to improve its analytical capabilities and usability. “These enhancements, combined with annual data series developed in collaboration with Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), ensure that we have accurate, updated, and actionable data to guide our policies and accountability efforts,” he noted.

The Ward Development Profiles, another key publication, offer a detailed assessment of programs and projects implemented in specific wards over the past two years. Verified by the community and decentralized government staff, the profiles reflect the county’s commitment to grassroots involvement in development planning and assessment.

The Governor urged citizens to actively participate in the county’s development journey. “Development starts with local action. Together, we can build a brighter future for Makueni County.”

The event was also attended by Director Abdulkadir Amin Awes, representing the Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya, representing the County Commissioner; Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Finance, Agriculture and Devolution CECMs Damaris Kavoi, Joyce Mutua and Nicholas Nzioka respectively.

Makueni County Crowned SDG Champion

Makueni County has once again been named Kenya’s best-performing county in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), winning the prestigious award for the sixth consecutive year. The accolade was presented to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. by Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the SDG Forum Kenya, on Wednesday during a ceremony at his Wote office.

The county’s success is anchored on innovative policies like the Makueni Universal Health Policy 2020 and Climate Change Fund Regulations 2015, addressing healthcare access, climate resilience, and social inclusion. By aligning SDGs with its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Annual Development Plans, Makueni ensures precise progress tracking and impactful implementation.

Institutional frameworks, including a dedicated SDGs Coordinating Unit and grassroots SDG champions, have bolstered coordination and community ownership. Creative outreach, such as translating SDGs into the Kamba dialect and the SDG anthem by the Makueni Choir, has deepened public awareness.

Another contributing factor is partnerships with organizations like the World Resources Institute and Strathmore University which have enhanced capacity-building and the integration of global sustainability practices. Robust data tools, including an SDG Indicator Handbook, have also supported evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Lauding Makueni’s leadership, Syevuo noted, “Makueni has proven that sustainable development is achievable through visionary leadership and community involvement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

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 Mutula Announces Plans to Equip the Upgraded Kyambeke Hospital

Plans are in top gear to fully equip Kyambeke hospital which has been upgraded from a health centre to a level 4 hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said as a result, the county government will constuct a laboratory, theatre and morgue so the facility matches the standard of its new status in healthcare provision.

He spoke during the burial of Hannah Muthoka, a sister to Ilima MCA, Bishop Jonathan Muthoka. Others who attended the event included area MP Joshua Kimilu, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, MCAs Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Elizabeth Muthike, Joyce Wambua, Sharon Mutinda, Urbanus Wambua and Sarah Mbilo among others.