Author: Faith Mumo
TEACHERS IN MAKUENI EMPOWERED FOR A STRONG FOUNDATION IN EARLY LEARNING
A new chapter in early childhood education has begun in Makueni as 400 teachers from Kilome, Kibwezi West, and Kibwezi East gathered at Kibwezi Teachers Training College for a transformative capacity building workshop. This bold step, spearheaded by the County Government of Makueni in partnership with UNICEF, reflects a major investment in shaping the future of young learners.
The workshop comes hot on the heels of a historic achievement—Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s confirmation of all 959 participating teachers into permanent and pensionable terms. This landmark decision underscores the County’s strong commitment to the dignity, welfare, and professional growth of educators.
Under the theme “Retooling for Efficient Curriculum Implementation and Improved Caregiving,” the training aims to sharpen teachers’ skills in modern pedagogy, promote nurturing care, and enhance effective delivery of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The event was graced by key leaders including Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili, CECM ICT, Education and Internship Elizabeth Muli, CECM Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, UNICEF Kenya’s Jane Kariuki, KasaMBA Kiilu, Governor’s Political Advisor, and Chief Officer Irene Makau, among others.
Makueni County proudly becomes the first in Kenya to host a retooling workshop of this scale—further solidifying its place as a trailblazer in early learning development. Leaders and partners hailed Governor Mutula’s visionary leadership in making early childhood education a top priority.
The County has also inked a strategic partnership with UNICEF to drive impactful programs in health and nutrition, school feeding, digital learning, kitchen gardens, and social protection—all geared towards holistic child development.
This workshop is more than just training—it’s a movement to build a strong, nurturing foundation for Kenya’s future.
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MAKUENI BEGINS FORMULATION OF ENERGY POLICY TO BOOST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Makueni has initiated the formulation of its first Energy Policy, a strategic framework aimed at addressing energy challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Led by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works & Energy, an inter-departmental committee has begun drafting the policy with technical support from Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and UK-PACT. These partners are providing expertise to ensure the policy aligns with global best practices in renewable energy and public-private partnerships.
The Makueni Energy Policy seeks to:
• Promote renewable energy by harnessing solar, wind, and biogas resources.
• Improve energy affordability and reliability
• Encourage decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems, to ensure stable power supply in remote areas.
• Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sustainable energy projects.
County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Eng. Peter Mumo,who chaired the inaugural drafting session in Wote on Wednesday emphasized that reliable and affordable energy is critical for industrial growth, business expansion, and overall socio-economic progress.
Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi said adopting innovative and decentralized energy solutions, will ensure that even the most remote communities have access to electricity.
MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH KEY INSTITUTIONS TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance healthcare services in the county.
The agreements, signed with The Open University of Kenya,Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and North Star Alliance, will strengthen medical research, capacity building, and disease prevention efforts.
Under the partnership with The Open University of Kenya, the Department of Health will facilitate student placements and research opportunities in health sciences within county health facilities.
The collaboration aims to bolster medical education, enhance research, and apply scientific knowledge to improve patient care.
Meanwhile, the agreement with CHAK will support the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in select faith-based and county health facilities.
This partnership will run until September 2026, emphasizing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region.
North Star Alliance will as well work alongside the County Health Department to reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The partnership will focus on delivering health and safety services at the Roadside Wellness Centre in Emali and integrating key population-friendly services in selected health facilities
PRESERVING HERITAGE, SUSTAINING CULTURE AND INSPIRING GROWTH
Indigenous knowledge [I.K] plays a crucial role in preserving culture in the country by safeguarding traditional practices, languages and customs passed down through generations.
I.K encompasses wisdom in agriculture, medicine, storytelling and rituals that define a community’s identity.
By integrating I.K into education and conservation efforts, the government ensures the continuity of the community’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.
The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program, on Tuesday held a consultative forum with registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project.
The sensitization forum was aimed to prepare participants for an upcoming investment conference and trade fair, where participants will showcase documented and prioritized indigenous knowledge-based assets and products in Makueni.
The forthcoming conference, themed Heritage-Based Enterprises, aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) will serve as a platform to connect exhibitors with potential investors and partners for product development and commercialization.
Speaking at the forum, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, highlighted that the Heritage-Based Enterprise agenda seeks to empower local communities, promote tourism and enhance education on Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
“By leveraging indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.
The program specifically targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, NMK’s Patrick Maundu and Director of Culture Mutua Mulonzya.
MAKUENI TO BUILD ELITE SPORTS ACADEMY IN LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Champions Pathway Academy (CPA) and United States-based Angels at Bat to establish a world-class sports academy in Makueni. The facility will feature modern training infrastructure, aiming to nurture local talent and position the county as a regional and global sports hub.
Governor Mutula described the partnership as one that goes beyond sports, saying it is about equipping youth with leadership, education, and life skills. The initiative will offer professional coaching, international exposure, and mentorship.
CPA Chief Executive Officer Albert Munane emphasized the importance of investing in sports as a tool for discipline, while Angels at Bat’s Justus Musia noted the cultural exchange potential of the partnership.
Sports Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officer Nicholis Mutua, sports director Ambrose Kisoi and senior sports officer Charles Muthoka attended the signing ceremony held at the governor’s office in Wote, Tuesday.
