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Makueni Launches Key Publications to Enhance Data-Driven Development and Accountability

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched key publications aimed at advancing data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Governor Mutula presided over the unveiling of the County Indicator Handbook for the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, the sixth edition of the County Statistical Abstract (CSA-2024), and the first-ever Ward Development Profiles.

The newly launched Indicator Handbook provides a comprehensive set of metrics to assess progress on the county’s development agenda, while the CSA-2024 enhances access to critical data for informed decision-making.

The Governor also highlighted the county’s innovative Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), a digital platform that allows stakeholders and citizens to monitor the status of county programs and projects in real time. The system, accessible via the county’s website, fosters transparency and provides a channel for public feedback.

Governor Mutula revealed that additional modules are being incorporated into the PMTS to improve its analytical capabilities and usability. “These enhancements, combined with annual data series developed in collaboration with Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), ensure that we have accurate, updated, and actionable data to guide our policies and accountability efforts,” he noted.

The Ward Development Profiles, another key publication, offer a detailed assessment of programs and projects implemented in specific wards over the past two years. Verified by the community and decentralized government staff, the profiles reflect the county’s commitment to grassroots involvement in development planning and assessment.

The Governor urged citizens to actively participate in the county’s development journey. “Development starts with local action. Together, we can build a brighter future for Makueni County.”

The event was also attended by Director Abdulkadir Amin Awes, representing the Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya, representing the County Commissioner; Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Finance, Agriculture and Devolution CECMs Damaris Kavoi, Joyce Mutua and Nicholas Nzioka respectively.

Makueni County Crowned SDG Champion

Makueni County has once again been named Kenya’s best-performing county in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), winning the prestigious award for the sixth consecutive year. The accolade was presented to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. by Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the SDG Forum Kenya, on Wednesday during a ceremony at his Wote office.

The county’s success is anchored on innovative policies like the Makueni Universal Health Policy 2020 and Climate Change Fund Regulations 2015, addressing healthcare access, climate resilience, and social inclusion. By aligning SDGs with its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Annual Development Plans, Makueni ensures precise progress tracking and impactful implementation.

Institutional frameworks, including a dedicated SDGs Coordinating Unit and grassroots SDG champions, have bolstered coordination and community ownership. Creative outreach, such as translating SDGs into the Kamba dialect and the SDG anthem by the Makueni Choir, has deepened public awareness.

Another contributing factor is partnerships with organizations like the World Resources Institute and Strathmore University which have enhanced capacity-building and the integration of global sustainability practices. Robust data tools, including an SDG Indicator Handbook, have also supported evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Lauding Makueni’s leadership, Syevuo noted, “Makueni has proven that sustainable development is achievable through visionary leadership and community involvement, setting a benchmark for others to follow.”

MAKUENI DEPLOYS SMART METERS TO END NON-REVENUE WATER.

While Makueni faces higher water demand than the supply capacity, water service providers have struggled with the menace of unaccounted for water (Non-Revenue water).

Statistics from the three water supply companies: WOWASCO, KIBWASCO and MBOWASCO indicate that non-revenue water accounts for 30 percent of the total water produced and which never reach consumers.

This menace has continued to pile pressure on the county government’s purse as it invests more resources in water infrastructure development to meet the daily demand of 60,000,000 liters. Current water production stands at 30,000,000 according to Water Executive Committee Member John Kieti.

To quell the non-revenue water problem, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has instructed water companies in the county to invest in technology such as smart meters, bulk water meters, high-density polyethylene pipes and leakage detectors.

The roll out of the smart meters has kicked off with 31 water points done in collaboration with Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) and Water Mission already installed. This has recorded a huge success and the water department plans to replicate this in all water dispensing points.

The smart meters have also reduced revenue leakages as customers use prepaid token cards or mobile money wallets to pay for water drawn. This means that all the water one draws is equivalent to the amount of token points swiped, and all the cash goes to a bank account.

To enhance the smart metering program, the county government has secured Sh 39M funding from USAID’s Sustainable, Transformational, and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI) project. The funding will support the three water service providers, each getting Sh 13M, to install the smart meters in all their water points across the county.

KILOME WINS MKJ BODA-BORA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT.

Soon after the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Wote, the stage was set for a thrilling finale as Kibwezi West and Kilome faced off in the finals of the MKJ Boda-Bora Football Tournament finals.

Kilome emerged winners in a hotly-contested match at the Unoa Stadium.

Kibwezi West had on Wednesday secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mbooni in the semi-finals, while Kilome triumphed over Kibwezi East with a hard-fought 1-0 to set up the finals.

Kilome scored the lone goal at the 44th minute on the first half.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the finals and awarded the winners.

The champions took home Ksh. 50,000 and a trophy, while runners up received Ksh.40,000, with position three, four, five and six receiving Ksh. 20,000, 15,000,10,000, and 5,000 respectively.

Joining the governor were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services), National Boda Boda chairman, Kevin Mubadi and Makueni Boda Boda chairman, Urbanus Mutisya among others.

The MKJ Boda-Bora Football Tournament was organized from the Ward level, involving two teams of 15 members each in all the 30 Wards.

A total of 1,800 Boda Boda riders participated.

MAKUENI COUNTY TO UNVEIL MANGO MARKETING FRAMEWORK TO PROTECT FARMERS

Makueni, Wote 12th December 2024.

Makueni County is developing a Mango Fruit marketing framework to protect Farmers and ensure proper pricing for the crop.

Governor Mutula Jr says the County has rolled out a series of Business to Business (B2B) meetings involving value-chain stakeholders such as lead farmers and off -takers where a framework for marketing has been developed.

“Beginning this Friday, Ward meetings are going to begin to create awareness on quantities to be off taken by different off takers, pricing and mode of payment”.

He called upon farmers to actively participate and ensure their concerns are noted and addressed through the process.

“We will say no to bad prices, and brokers,” Mutula emphasized.

The Governor was speaking while presiding over Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The governor outlined his government’s commitment on developing Agriculture in the county.

He also presented Ksh. 6 million to six Ward-based Saccos as part of the ongoing National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) where the government seeks to empower 156,000 farmers with skills and resources across key value chains including mangoes, apiculture, tomatoes, dairy and poultry.

County Commissioner Duncan Darusi warned locals against vandalizing critical government infrastructure saying those involved will be dealt with.

Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr Justus Kyambi and other top County officials.

MAKUENI CHOIR TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE PRESTIGIOUS WINNERS CONCERT.

The Makueni County choir had the honor of performing at the Winners Concert, held on Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya.

The concert celebrated creme de la creme performances from the recently concluded Kenya Music and Cultural Festival, highlighting the country’s rich heritage and diversity.

The performance was attended by several senior government officials, including Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Ms. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture & Heritage, and Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Makueni’s CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism.

WOMEN URGED TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR INFANT TEETHING PROBLEMS

Women in reproductive age have been encouraged to seek medical assistance when their infants face teething challenges instead of resorting to harmful traditional practices.

Speaking on Wednesday in Wote during a meeting with over 150 women from Maendeleo ya Wanawake across the county, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili expressed concern over infant deaths caused by traditional gum cutting.

She urged mothers to prioritize modern medical interventions to safeguard their children’s health.

Mulili also emphasized the importance of regular breast and cervical cancer screenings, which are ongoing at the sub-county hospitals.

Additionally, she called on women suffering from fistula to attend screenings at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote for specialized care and treatment.

In her remarks, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa provided a detailed presentation on the legal aspects of land succession, inheritance, and property management, empowering women to navigate these issues effectively.

Other topics covered during the meeting included combating gender-based violence and accessing the Makueni County Empowerment Fund.

The event was also attended by Finance Executive Committee Member Damaris Kavoi.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI LAUNCHES ULTRA-POOR GRADUATION POLICY IN WOTE

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili today presided over the launch of the Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy at Wote Green Park.

The initiative, spearheaded by the County Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services in collaboration with Village Enterprise, aims to empower the ultra-poor to achieve socio-economic resilience and self-sufficiency. Through the program, beneficiaries have gained financial literacy skills, enabling them to build financial capacity and access banking services from mainstream financial institutions and the Makueni County Empowerment Fund.

The event was graced by key county leaders, including County Secretary Justin Kyambi, Executive Committee Member for Gender Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Makueni Public Service Board CEO Redempta Kavindu, and Chief Officer Nicholis Mutua, among others.