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Author: Faith Mumo

LIVESTOCK INSURANCE PROJECT TO PROTECT MAKUENI FARMERS AGAINST DROUGHT RISKS

Farmers in Makueni are set to benefit from insurance project designed to cushion their livestock against drought risks, enhance financial inclusion, and better connect them to markets, says Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua.

The project allows farmers to insure upto 5 topical livestock units. To be eligible to benefit from financial bonus, farmers must insure at least three tropical livestock units, which is equivalent to three heads of cattle or 30 sheep or goats, at an approximate cost of Sh. 800 per unit. The project will pay 80% of the insurance premiums for the first year while the farmer pays 20 %. Such farmers will receive a one-time savings bonus of Sh. 6000.

The project, named De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement (DRIVE), is funded by the World Bank and global risk financing facility and will also focus on promoting key livestock value chains. These include fodder and livestock feed production, livestock trading, commercial off-takes and feed-lotting, livestock transport, extension services, and infrastructure development for value addition such as abotoirs, milk and ghee, tanneries among others.

Registration of animals to be insured will be done in July, paving the way for the project to start in Makueni in October 2024.

 It will target five specific insurance units, validated by key stakeholders last week. These units are:

Athi zone: Covering Mtito-Andei, Masongaleni, Kikumbulyu North and South, parts of Makindu, Nguu-Masumba, and Emali-Mulala wards,

Thwake zone: Covering Kithuki-Kitise, Nzaui-Kilili-Kalamba, Muvau-Kikumini, Kathonzweni, Mavindini and Wote-Nziu wards,

Kalako area: Covering Kalawa and Kako-Waia wards,

Chyullu zone: Covering Ivingoni-Nzambani, Thange, Nguumo, and parts of Makindu wards, and

Konza zone: Covering lower Mbitini, lower Kasikeu, and Kiima-Kiu-Kalanzoni wards.

MAKUENI, KWS PARTNER TO END HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN KIBWEZI EAST

Makueni, KWS partner to End Human-wildlife Conflict in Kibwezi East

In a bid to mitigate the long-standing human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi East, Makueni has partnered with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to extend the protective electric fence by 20km.

The new 20km Wandei- Ngomano section extends the initial 60km Kamunyu-Wandei fence earlier erected by the county government.

This expansion aims to establish a buffer between Tsavo East National Park and human settlements, effectively curbing the numerous attacks on humans by marauding animals, especially elephants.

The contract for this crucial extension was awarded in a ceremony presided over by KWS representative of Senior Assistant Director for Tsavo conservation area Jeremiah Rono, flanked by Environment Chief Officer Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

GOVERNOR MUTULA CALLS FOR UNIFIED APPROACH TO NAVCDP IMPLEMENTATION IN MAKUENI

May 17, 2024

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has directed the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to embrace a unified governmental approach in implementing the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) for sustainable development in Makueni.

Governor Mutula said adopting a cohesive approach would facilitate integration and bolster capacity, thus ensuring that the project’s intended impact is effectively felt by grassroots citizens.

NAVCDP, a five-year initiative, aims to boost market participation and value addition within the mango, dairy, poultry, tomato, and apiculture value chains across all 30 wards in the county.

The County Assembly has also undergone sensitization sessions to ensure smooth implementation. These forums serve as a precursor for the project’s introduction into the communities scheduled for next week.

The governor spoke on Friday during the Cabinet sensitization meeting on NAVCDP, organized by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the County Project Coordination Unit.

MAKUENI ASSEMBLY SENSITIZED ON NATIONAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR SEAMLESS IMPLEMENTATION.

Makueni Assembly Sensitized on National Value Chain Development Project for Seamless Implementation

Machakos: May 16, 2024

Makueni Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua on Thursday officially inaugurated a 3-day workshop that convened all members of the Makueni County Assembly .

The workshop seeks to introduce the assembly members to the new agriculture project, the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

Mutua emphasized the crucial role of the County Assembly as a major stakeholder in ensuring the successful implementation of the project, especially considering its implementation at the ward levels.

NAVCDP, a five-year initiative, aims to boost market participation and value addition within the mango, dairy, poultry, tomato, and apiculture value chains across all 30 wards in the county.

Representing the County Speaker Mbilu Douglas , Hon. Jonathan Muthoka, the Member of County Assembly for Ilima Ward, expressed steadfast commitment and support to guarantee the project’s benefits reach all farmers in Makueni.

The workshop is being spearheaded by the Department’s leadership in collaboration with the County Project Coordination Unit.

Notable attendee include representative from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), Food Security Advisor Dr. Menjo.

MAKUENI EYES SH 1.2B IN OWN SOURCE REVENUE THROUGH COLLECTION PARTNERSHIP WITH KCB.

Makueni and Kenya Commercial Bank have partnered to enhance the county’s Own Source Revenue collection with a target of Sh 1.2 Billion in the 2023/2024 Financial Year.

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr  and a delegation of KCB managers held a review of the ongoing Market Outreach Last Mile revenue collection which has so far netted Sh 887M.

The team also flagged an accelerated campaign towards the Sh 1.2B mark which also entails a joint coaching of business people on developing bankable ideas, loan and insurance products. 

Governor Mutula said the partnership will be scaled to support the agricultural value chain especially in marketing of mangoes, pixies and green grams.