Author: Faith Mumo
MAKUENI, ANGLICAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND MICRO ENTERPRISES SUPPORT PROGRAMME TRUST EASTERN INVEST SHS.11 MILLION TO SPONSOR 480 TRAINEES ON AGRICULTURAL SKILLS.
The county Government of Makueni, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust(MESPT) have invested Shs.11 Million to fully sponsor 480 trainees, including youth and women farmers, for agricultural skills training at the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre in Kwakathoka.
This was disclosed by the Agriculture and Irrigation Executive Joyce Mutua on Friday evening during the closing assembly ceremony that marked their transition to industrial attachment opportunities.
According to Mutua, the funds covered tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and exam fees for the 3-month coursework.
“The course cost approximately Shs.11 Million with a 25% contribution from the county government while ADSE contributed 60%. MESPT contributed15%,” said Mutua.
This first cohort of trainees comprises 60 youth and 420 women farmers who underwent comprehensive training on horticulture courses as well as dairy and poultry farming over a duration of three months before proceeding for an additional farm-based practical program lasting another three months in various established agribusiness ventures within and outside Makueni County.
Further, Mutua observed that the women farmers also received extensive training through farmer field schools and will continue until May when both groups will graduate after completing their respective training.
Agriculture and Irrigation Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo who also graced the ceremony added that upon completion, some of the trainees will receive start-up capital for their agri-business investments.
However, Mutua stressed that subsequent cohorts will share training costs with both partners to ensure program sustainability going forward.
AFTER YEARS OF RECURRING FAILED RAINY SEASONS, MAKUENI HAS ACHIEVED A 60% INCREASE IN ITS AGRICULTURAL YIELD.
Farmers are now celebrating their bumper harvests, thanks to the County Government of Makueni and its Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development.
The department provided high-quality seeds for maize, beans, cowpeas and green grams to 27,000 households in need.
Furthermore, the county established seven fertilizer depots which have significantly reduced the distance farmers used to travel to access fertilizers.
These stores include Kikima and Tawa in Mbooni Sub-County; Mukuyuni in Kaiti Sub-County; Kithumani and Kitise in Makueni Sub-County; Kasikeu in Kilome Sub-County; as well as Kilungu situated within Kaiti Sub-County.
GOVERNOR MUTULA ADVOCATES OWN SOURCE REVENUE’S SIGNIFICANCE FOR BETTER PROJECT ADVANCEMENT DURING THE DIASPORA PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo has said that his government will enforce strict utilization of public funds and stringent budgetary planning to realise tangible development. Mutula spoke Wednesday evening at a public participation forum on County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2024-25 for Makueni County diaspora in Nairobi.
With the year’s theme dubbed “Sustaining economic gains for inclusive development”, the participation underscored deliberations towards achieving development agenda in all sectors that comprise of Water, Health services and Agriculture amongst others.
While addressing the diaspora community, Governor Mutula reiterated the importance of own source revenue to be a distinct boost towards project development implementation.
Governor Mutula highlighted of the initiatives in place for the new financial year. He then commended the diaspora community commitment to the county’s progress and assured them their inputs would be considered on fiscal strategy.
MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT
In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.
This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.
Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.
The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.
