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MAKUENI NURSE RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING ISRAEL AMBASSADOR TO KENYA.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has honoured MaryConcepta, a critical care nurse at Makindu Sub-County Hospital, with a commendation letter for her outstanding service.

Her recognition follows an incident last week, when she was on leave and providing locum services at Serena Hotel. During her shift, she attended Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, who had suddenly fallen ill.

The nurse acted swiftly, delivering timely and effective medical assistance that stabilized the diplomat and drew admiration for her professionalism.

MaryConcepta’s calmness under pressure, coupled with her skill and compassion, exemplified the highest standards of nursing practise.

Her conduct also reflected the governor’s emphasis on excellence and integrity in public service, a hallmark of his leadership philosophy, Wauni wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu.

Makueni Shines as Kenya Music Festival Curtains Fall

The annual Kenya Music and Cultural Festival closed its curtains on Monday with a colourful gala performance, marking the end of a vibrant seven-day celebration of creativity.

Attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Dr Josyllyn Nzilani and the County Cultural Officers, the festival brought together cultural groups, choirs, soloists, film producers and exhibitors from across the country—each weaving their story into the national tapestry of art.

Makueni County stood tall, delivering stellar performances across multiple categories.

The Makueni County Choir scooped top positions in Class 442B with “How Beautiful Are Thy Feet”, Class 443D with an adaptation and arrangement, Class 441B, Class 441A and Class 442A.

In solo categories, Ruth Wambua popularly known as ‘Mama Mercy’ topped Class 105 for her captivating chant “Namukawa ni Aka” with Kee Botanical Gardens also securing position one in traditional medicine exhibition—its fourth consecutive win.

Other notable achievements included second positions for Justus Paul (Class 1312C), the County Informercial team (Class 301B), and the choir’s “All We Like Sheep.”

This year’s theme, “Threads of Culture, Weaves of Opportunity,” highlights how arts create not just beauty, but pathways for economic growth, talent development and cultural pride.

BEEKEEPERS BOOST SKILLS IN ONGOING BEE PRODUCTS VALUE ADDITION TRAINING

A transformative Value Addition of Bee Products Course (VABPC) is currently underway in Makueni County, bringing together local beekeepers, and honey processors for an intensive week of practical learning.

The training, jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Makueni County, is equipping participants with hands-on skills to elevate the quality, diversity, and marketability of bee products.

Throughout the week, trainees are engaging in sessions on food safety, legal compliance, and honey-based product development, including the preparation of comb, chunk, cream, and flavoured honey.

Practical lessons on propolis processing and beeswax product making—such as soaps, candles, starter combs, lip balms, and aloe vera or honey-infused creams—are taking centre stage as participants work in groups to refine their craftsmanship.

In addition to technical skills, the programme is strengthening business capacity through modules on budgeting, and debt and credit management.

Additionally, the training empowers participants with post-processing techniques, focusing on proper packaging, labelling and storage to help beekeepers access higher-value markets.

MAKUENI JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY IN HONOURING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni county on Wednesday joined the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3 each year with the aim of increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities.

The 2025 theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who led the county celebrations in Wote town highlighted the steady progress under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, to ensure PWDs are included in all areas of development. From sports to health, social protection, and economic empowerment, the county has continued to open new opportunities for meaningful participation.

Sporting programs such as para-volleyball and the growing amputee football initiative have created space for talent and teamwork, while ward-based budgets have enabled PWDs to directly benefit from local planning and resources.

At Makueni County Referral Hospital, sign language interpreters are now available to help PWDs communicate clearly and receive the care they need without difficulty. Plans are underway to extend these services to all sub-county hospitals.

Through Mutulacare, the county aims to support PWDs by paying their SHA/SHIF subscription premiums, ensuring they can access essential health services without financial strain.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST LIVESTOCK DISEASES

Livestock remains a backbone of livelihood, food security, and economic growth in Makueni, yet recurring zoonotic diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Anthrax, Rabies and brucellosis continue to pose serious risks.

To strengthen early detection and response, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, in partnership with INADES Formation Kenya (I.F.K) through the Brooke East Africa program, on Tuesday opened a two-day training workshop for County Veterinary Officers in Kathonzweni on livestock disease surveillance and reporting.

The workshop under the One Health – which is a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals, is a training on continuous monitoring, recording and sharing of any unusual livestock health events.

Attending the training, CECM Agriculture Elizabeth Muli, said the strengthened disease surveillance and reporting system will allow swift intervention on livestock health issues before they escalate into full-blown crises.

With Makueni’s climate variability and frequent droughts increasing disease risks, the program—supported by WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP and the One Health Expert Panel— aims to help veterinarians detect outbreaks early, trace infection sources, and protect both animals and people.

MAKUENI MELODIES LIGHT UP ELDORET

Earlier today, the Makueni County Choir stepped on stage with vibrant a cappella flair, delivering a rhythmic and soulful rendition of “Dot Com Lady” under Class 451, Zilizopendwa Kenyan.

Their voices danced in harmony—smooth, sweet, and stirring—earning warm applause at the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival taking place at Moi Girls Secondary School in Eldoret.

A performance where rhythm met nostalgia, and Makueni’s musical spirit shone bright.

MAKUENI VALIDATES MEDICAL LABORATORY STRATEGIC PLAN TO STRENGTHEN DIAGNOSIS, QUALITY OF HEALTH SERVICES.

Makueni County on Tuesday validated a Medical Laboratory Strategic Plan, marking a major step toward improving the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of diagnostic services across all health facilities in the county.

During the exercise, Health County Executive Committee Member, Joyce Mutua emphasized the central role that laboratories play in ensuring effective patient care. She said when laboratory services are efficient and results are timely and credible, clinicians are able to provide accurate prescriptions and save patients from delayed or incorrect treatment.

Mutua said the strategy comes at a time when the county is prioritizing the adoption of innovative technology and improved turnaround times for test results. She affirmed the county government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure, strengthening human resources, and ensuring that laboratory personnel remain well trained, well equipped and motivated.

The CECM also noted the strong support received from partners such as C-HEB, the Ministry of Health, Amref Health Africa and regulatory bodies.

Makueni currently hosts 242 health facilities, 87 of which operate medical laboratories, all of which depend on reliable diagnostic services for disease detection, treatment monitoring and public health interventions.

The event was attended by the Chief Officer, Health Services Dr. Harvey Mulei among others.

KILIMO MAKUENI: DIGITAL PLATFORM SET TO TRANSFORM FARMING IN THE COUNTY

Makueni County has introduced Kilimo Makueni, an innovative digital platform designed to elevate agricultural service delivery and empower farmers through real-time data.

The platform enables farmers to directly input real-time, accurate data on key agricultural issues and challenges, allowing the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development to provide precise support, interventions, inputs and training exactly where they are needed.

Open to the public, the system (https://kilimo.makueni.go.ke/views/) highlights common farmer interests, tracks progress made in the sector and guides the department on areas that require improvement.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Kilimo Makueni is part of the county’s vision to make agricultural support accessible on any phone—enhancing information access, boosting decision-making and transforming agriculture for economic growth.

YOUTH URGED TO TAKE ACTION AS HIV INFECTIONS RISE

Makueni County on Monday joined the global community in marking World AIDS Day, observed under the theme “End AIDS in Adolescents and Young People.”

The theme reflects concerns raised in the 2024 HIV report, which shows that adolescents and young adults account for 39 percent of new infections, placing them among the most at-risk groups.

During the county’s commemoration event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili called for stronger youth engagement and emphasized the need for health services that are accessible, friendly, and free of stigma.

She underscored the county’s goal of ensuring that no child is born with HIV, noting that effective prevention tools are available.

Mulili further, appealed to men to embrace HIV testing as part of broader efforts to curb transmission.

Health Chief Officer Harvey Mulei announced plans to integrate HIV services into all general health platforms to reduce stigma and encourage more residents to seek care.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged young people to take responsibility for their well-being by prioritizing prevention measures, including abstinence.

She also highlighted adolescent pregnancy, one aspect of the Triple Threat,as a growing concern that requires urgent attention to protect young people from heightened health risks.