Author: Faith Mumo
HUNDREDS TURN UP FOR CORRECTIVE SURGERIES AT THE MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL
Over 200 patients with varying ailments turned up at the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital, Wote, for screening and corrective surgeries on day one of a one-week surgical camp.
The camp, organized by the Department of Health Services in partnership with the Kenya Surgical Society aims to address pressing health issues within the community. On Monday, they were able to successfully complete surgeries for 17 patients.
The team is set to operate on an additional 20 patients today, with plans to reach a total of 80 to 100 surgeries by the end of the week. The surgical camp will tackle a range of conditions, including goiter, hernias, prostate problems, cataracts, and hearing impairments.
Dr. Paul Musila, the Executive Committee Member for Health Services in Makueni, noted that many patients have endured their ailments for years due to financial constraints preventing them from accessing necessary surgical care.
The Health Services Department is utilizing this camp as an opportunity to register patients into the Social Health Insurance (SHA) program, further ensuring that residents can benefit from ongoing healthcare support.
READY TO DRINK KALAMBA JUICE LAUNCHED
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Sunday officially launched the ready-to-drink Kalamba fruit juice during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Matiliku, Makueni Sub-County.
Governor Kilonzo announced that the County will continue to sell mango puree locally and for export, while the remaining produce will be processed into ready-to-drink juice.
Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Joyce Mutua disclosed that the Kalamba production line has been linked to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) stamp duty system, and the final product has received full certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
She said the County has implemented a quality assurance program to ensure consistent product quality. Additionally, a distribution point for the juice has been established at Green Park, Wote, with plans to stock it in supermarkets and various points of sale soon.
Mutua further noted that the County has identified value-chain champions in every Ward to support mango farmers by facilitating the off-take of their produce at designated aggregation centres.
To regulate the mango trade, all mango buyers in Makueni will now be required to obtain a movement permit, in addition to paying cess, to ensure fair distribution of trade across all areas.
HONOURING HEROES/HEROINES
During the 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations at Matiliku, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. awarded medals to four individuals for their outstanding service to the community.
Loise Nzilani Muthamia was honored for her exceptional midwifery skills, having safely delivered countless children in Wote since 1986.
Masaku Mutua, a 100-year-old, was recognized for his generous donation of land, which houses Matiliku Sub-county Hospital, Matiliku School, the district headquarters, and the market. He has also donated land to several churches.
Among the other recipients were four-year-old Blessing Maluki, who was named the best national champion in the solo verse category at this year’s Kenya Music Festival, Ken Ouma Sanya,a clinical officer at Kyaani Health Centre whose commitment to his duties has earned him respect and admiration of the community and Peter Mwanthi, a diligent support staff employee of Makueni County.
GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. AND COUNTY COMMISSIONER HENRY WAFULA ON SUNDAY LED MAKUENI RESIDENTS IN CELEBRATING THE 61ST MASHUJAA DAY AT MATILIKU TOWN.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and County Commissioner Henry Wafula on Sunday led Makueni residents in celebrating the 61st Mashujaa Day at Matiliku town.
During his address, Governor Mutula assured the public that no health facility in the county would close due to understaffing. He announced that the health department is working on a locum program to ensure that facilities run by a single healthcare worker remain operational when the staff member is on leave or attending other official duties.
The governor also revealed ongoing discussions with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to secure sufficient medical supplies for the county, with a target of maintaining a fill rate above 80%. He confirmed that the drug stocking process for the second quarter is already underway, a move aimed at preventing stockouts in health facilities.
On water projects, Governor Mutula highlighted the implementation of key initiatives, including the AKWASH project, which extends to Kalawa, Athi-Tunguni, Mulima, and Ngosini earth dams. He further noted that through partnerships, the Miangeni irrigation scheme in Kalawa Ward is progressing, with the potential to increase water production by 5,000 cubic meters and expand irrigation by at least 500 acres upon completion.
The governor was also flanked by his deputy Lucy Mulili, Makueni MP Susan Kiamba, assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu,Area MCA Francis Mutuku and other county officials.
CONTROLLER OF BUDGET LAUDS MAKUENI COUNTY FOR INNOVATIVE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION
Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, has lauded Makueni County’s Solarization Project at the Referral Hospital, describing it as a model initiative that could be replicated in other counties to cut energy costs.
The flagship project for the 2023/2024 financial year is projected to save the hospital Ksh. 7 million annually in electricity bills. By reducing the hospital’s energy expenses and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, the project aims to significantly enhance the quality of healthcare services.
Dr. Nyakang’o visited Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to present findings from a monitoring exercise conducted by a team from the Controller of Budget’s office, which evaluated the county’s budget implementation for the 2023/24 financial year.
The team assessed several key projects, including the solarization initiative at the Makueni County Referral Hospital, the Kathuma Borehole Water Project and the Makueni Child Protection Centre. These site visits included discussions with stakeholders to review progress, identify challenges and gather feedback.
The COB delegation also reviewed the administration, management and performance of the county’s Own Source Revenue (OSR). Dr. Nyakang’o praised Makueni for surpassing its Ksh. 1 billion OSR target but encouraged the county to push further and aim for its full potential of over Ksh. 2 billion.
She described the overall monitoring exercise as highly positive, noting that while there are a few challenges, the progress of devolution in Makueni is evident and encouraging.
MUTULA KILONZO JR. BOLSTERS HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN KAITI.
Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., on Thursday, commissioned two utility ambulances and an advanced x-ray machine at Mutungu Sub-county Hospital during a development tour of Kilungu Ward .
These ambulances will improve the mobility of patients, supporting the governor’s ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare for the people of Makueni.
In addition, the governor, alongside his deputy Lucy Mulili, said the ambulances will therefore reduce the referral turnover time hence improving on service delivery while the x-ray would contribute to better diagnostic accuracy and streamlining medical workflows.
