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Author: Faith Mumo

MAKUENI MKJ SUPA CUP TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF

Makueni’s premier sports competition, MKJ Supa Cup, has kicked off where 360 teams of both men and women are battling it out in six disciplines: football, volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball, beach Handball, and 3×3 basketball.

The Supa Cup, an annual tournament, is a culmination of the county’s Ligi Mashinani sports league where teams from the 30 wards compete for a spot at the Supa Cup, which begins at the Sub-county level.

On 8th and 9th March, 2025, Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West Sub-county finals took place, with scouts on the ground to identify outstanding talents and also select an all-star team to fly the sub-county flag to the county finals. On 15th March, Mbooni and Kaiti will stage their finals while action in Kilome and Makueni will take place on 22nd and 23rd.

From the Supa Cup, each of the six sub-counties will select an all-star team for the county finals scheduled for 29th and 30th March, 2025. From the county final, a county team in each discipline will be assembled to represent Makueni at the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association (KYISA) games in Homabay

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr says the tournament provides a structured pathway for young athletes aged 18-23 to develop their skills, gain exposure, and transition into national and international sports careers.

He says through this initiative, Makueni County continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in grassroots sports development, providing a stage where talent meets opportunity.

To further diversify sports, the county government has set the ball rolling to construct an indoor games arena in Wote town. Governor Mutula says this arena, now at design stage, will put Makueni on the same pedestal with other sporting counties, and produce athletes able to compete at the global space.

In February, the county hosted a successful indoor games tournament featuring chess, darts, draughts and pool table competitions.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI LEADS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN KIBWEZI WEST

Siembeni Market in Kikumbulyu South Ward was a hive of activity on Saturday as women from all walks of life gathered to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

The event, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, was a powerful call to action for gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Mulili urged leaders in political positions to champion the full spectrum of women’s and girls’ rights, emphasizing the need to foster gender equality and empowerment.

She highlighted Makueni’s strides in advancing gender equity through key policies, including the Makueni County Gender Policy, Children Policy, Disability Policy, Social Protection Policy, Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy, and the Gender-Based Violence Policy, among others.

“This year’s theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ is a reminder that we must work collectively to ensure every woman and girl enjoys equal opportunities and a dignified life,” she said.

The event was graced by prominent leaders, including County MP Hon. Rose Museo, who reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment.

Also in attendance were Kibwezi West MP Ecomas Mwengi Mutuse, alongside MCAs Brian Nzioka (Masongaleni) and Francis Mulwa (Mtito-Andei), among other dignitaries.

MULIMA-NDUENI WATER PROJECT LAUNCHED

In Mbooni Ward, a high level team from the County Executive on Thursday officially commissioned the Mulima Ndueni Water Project.

The project will provide fresh water to over 8,000 residents, schools and health centers in the area.

The move will enable locals to access water from nearby points. CECM for Water, Eng. John Kieti led the team which comprised of Chief Officers, Felistus Mutune, Naomi Nthambi and Nicholis Mutua.

Area MCA Alex Mulemba also attended the function.

The team also

commissioned drainage structures along the Matundoni-Uvaani-Kithuku-Red Sea Road.

This initiative was undertaken to address long-standing challenges faced by road users, especially during the rainy seasons when floods make transport difficult.

Later, the team inspected the ongoing construction of a dormitory block at AIC Mukaatini Vocational Training Center.

When complete, the facility will provide accommodation for students, creating a conducive learning environment and increasing enrollment at the institution.

MAKUENI TO PARTNER WITH CIM TO BOOST FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday engaged in a productive discussion with Bishop Dr. Titus Masika of Christian Impact Mission (CIM) to explore collaboration on a farmer-led irrigation initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

CIM, a faith-based development agency, focuses on creating community transformation models and training tools, with a strong emphasis on building resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), CIM is set to roll out an irrigation project in Marwa, Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.

The initiative will involve the excavation of 200 farm ponds, each with a minimum capacity of 250m³, targeting a total of 552 hectares. The project is expected to harvest at least 37,500m³ of water per watershed, ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation.

Once completed, farmers will actively participate by shaping, fencing and dedicating at least one acre each for irrigation.

This piloting initiative is a step geared towards strengthening food security, promoting water conservation, and enhancing climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the region.

The meeting was also attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, as well as Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other county officials.

This collaboration highlights the governor’s commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture solutions that empower farmers and secure livelihoods in the face of climate change.

COUNTY’S LAND SUCCESSION INITIATIVE BRINGS HOPE TO LOCALS WITHOUT TITLE DEEDS

For 72-year-old Gabriel Kimanga from Kiou in Kilome Sub-County, uncertainty has been a lifelong reality.

Despite having lived on his great-grandfather’s land for decades, he has never held a title deed.

The land was passed down through generations,his father and uncles inheriting it from their grandfather,yet the lack of legal ownership has left Kimanga distressed, especially as he struggles to secure a future for his ten children.

However, relief is in sight as the county government rolls out a land succession initiative aimed at resolving such cases.

The county is currently conducting sensitization forums in wards that prioritized land succession during public participation, an exercise funded through the Ward Development Fund.

Among the areas benefitting from the initiative are Kasikeu, Kathonzweni, Emali-Mulala, Wote-Nziu, Tulimani, and Kithungo-Kitundu wards.

Addressing residents separately at Kasikeu Chief’s Camp and Kwothithu Chief’s Camp, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili emphasized that succession laws do not discriminate against women in land ownership.

She urged families to ensure fair distribution of land among all rightful heirs, warning that failure to do so often leads to prolonged court battles.

She also cautioned young men against recklessly selling inherited land, reminding them of their responsibility to care for their aging parents.

County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa noted that the program will support 25 beneficiaries per cluster, assisting them in navigating the complex land succession process.

Meanwhile, area MCA Ruben Musau encouraged residents to allocate additional funds for land succession in the next budget cycle to ensure more families benefit from the initiative.

With governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s intervention, residents like Kimanga can now look forward to securing their land rights, offering stability and peace of mind for their generations.