Author: Charline Nduva

IRA BRINGS INSURANCE OPEN DAY TO MAKUENI TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) is conducting a three-day Insurance Open Day in Makueni County aimed at promoting the growth of the insurance industry through consumer education and public engagement.

The event, being held at the Wote Bus Park, has brought together more than 15 insurance companies, the Central Bank of Kenya, and members of the public, providing a platform for direct interaction between consumers and key players in the insurance sector.

Speaking during the event,Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, said the initiative offers significant benefits to residents, particularly those who have had limited interaction with the Authority and insurance service providers.

She also noted that the forum provides an opportunity for members of the public to seek information on insurance products, obtain clarification on claims settlement processes, and share feedback on their experiences with insurance services.

Mulili emphasized the County Government’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and increasing public appreciation of insurance as an essential tool for risk management and protection.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged residents to take advantage of the forum to learn more about available insurance products and services, enabling them to make informed financial decisions.

The Insurance Regulatory Authority was represented by Ms. Emily Pherry, Manager for Consumer Protection, alongside other IRA officials who engaged participants on various aspects of insurance regulation, consumer rights, and industry practices

APPROPRIATION ACTS

MAKUENI HOSTS EASTERN REGION MUSIC FESTIVALS AS LEARNERS SHOWCASE TALENT

The Eastern Region Music Festivals kicked off today at ACK St. Luke’s Wote Township Primary School, bringing together learners from across the region to showcase their talents in music, dance, poetry, choral verse and other creative performances.

The week-long event, running from June 29 to July 5, has attracted participants from several counties, with winning teams set to advance to the National Music Festivals.

Speaking during the official opening, Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau said the festivals provide an important platform for nurturing learners’ talents, building confidence and promoting cultural exchange in line with the Competency-Based Education. She commended teachers, parents and education stakeholders for their continued support in developing learners’ abilities beyond the classroom.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the role of arts and culture in driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: COUNTY DISTRIBUTES TENTS TO SELF-HELP GROUPS ENCOURAGES UPTAKE OF EMPOWERMENT FUND.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has called on organised groups across the county to take advantage of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), describing it as a key county government initiative aimed at accelerating economic empowerment and improving livelihoods.

Speaking during the distribution of tents and chairs to 12 self-help groups in Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward, Mulili said the county government will provide the funds as interest-free loans to eligible groups, enabling them to invest in sustainable income-generating projects.

She noted that the empowerment fund is part of the county administration’s broader commitment to strengthening community-based enterprises, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing financial independence among organised groups.

The programme seeks to equip self-help groups with income-generating assets, including tents and chairs that can be hired out during community events, providing a steady source of revenue for beneficiaries.

Mulili urged the groups to safeguard the county’s investments by properly maintaining the assets and ensuring the projects are managed responsibly to deliver lasting socio-economic benefits.

COMMUNITY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili Monday distributed tents and chairs to 14 self-help groups in Kilungu Ward, demonstrating the County Government’s commitment to strengthening community social and economic empowerment. The beneficiaries received the support with joy and renewed hope, highlighting the County’s continued investment in grassroots development and sustainable livelihoods.

Deputy Governor Mulili also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kilungu Ward Office. Once completed, the new office will improve service delivery and bring essential government services closer to residents.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI MONDAY MORNING INSPECTED THE ONGOING CONSTRUCTION OF THE KSH 74 MILLION NUNGUNI MODERN MARKET

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili Monday Morning inspected the ongoing construction of the KSh 74 million Nunguni Modern Market in Kilungu Ward, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to delivering transformative development projects across the region.

The modern market, a flagship initiative of the county government, officially commenced in February 2026 following the handover of the site to the contractor. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide a modern, safe, and conducive trading environment, boost local commerce, and create new economic opportunities for traders and residents alike.

NDULUKU VTC RECORDS ENROLLMENT GROWTH AS LEADERS BACK TECHNICAL TRAINING

Makueni County Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau on Friday lauded Nduluku Vocational Training Centre for increased enrollment during its Parents’ Day, describing vocational training as key to tackling youth unemployment.

Her remarks were echoed by Kako/Waiya MCA Denis Musyoka, who reaffirmed support for continued county investment in vocational training through infrastructure development, equipment provision and learner support programmes.

Makau urged parents to support their children in pursuing technical education. She noted that the institution has recorded a steady rise in enrollment, reflecting growing confidence in vocational training among youth and parents. The learners are receiving practical hands-on training in various courses.

KSH 9.525 MILLION BOOST TO TRANSFORM NGUU MASUMBA DAIRY FARMING

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), has injected over KSh 9.425 million into the Nguu/Masumba Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society to accelerate dairy value chain development and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.

Presiding over the event, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili presented an Inclusion Grant of KSh 805,500 and Matching grant of KSh 8.6 million for the construction and equipping of the cooperative’s office.

Mulili said the investment will support the installation of a solar-powered milk cooling system to reduce electricity costs, curb milk spoilage caused by power outages, and improve milk quality.

The project will also establish a mechanization hub equipped with modern farm machinery to boost fodder production, lower feed costs, and make mechanization services more accessible to dairy farmers.

Funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank through NAVCDP, the initiative is expected to increase dairy productivity, strengthen market competitiveness, enhance farmer incomes, and promote climate-smart, sustainable agriculture in the region.

The event was also attended by CECM Agriculture Damaris Kavoi, area MCA Daniel Musau and Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza among other officers.