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UNOA COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL HAS RECEIVED A GENEROUS DONATION OF 1,325 ASSORTED BOOKS FROM DIE&I, COURTESY OF FAITH MISSION

The collection, which includes storybooks and science books, will enrich the school’s library and supplement existing curriculum materials.

During the handover on February 7, 2025, the Chief Officer for ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau, encouraged students to make the most of the resources to improve their academic performance, creativity, and critical thinking.

The Principal expressed gratitude, stating that the books would greatly benefit both students and teachers by fostering a stronger reading culture and enriching learning experiences.

This donation marks a significant step in supporting education at Unoa Comprehensive School, ensuring students have access to diverse learning materials to enhance their knowledge and skills.

MAKUENI COUNTY IS REINFORCING ITS COMMITMENT TO EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION (ECDE)

Makueni County is reinforcing its commitment to Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) with the construction of state-of-the-art classrooms, aligning with H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s infrastructure agenda.

During an inspection of ECDE projects in Kithasyu (Thange Ward), Yindundu and Silanga (Mtito Andei Ward), CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, urged contractors to expedite ongoing works.

Commending the progress, Elizabeth stressed the transformative impact of modern learning spaces on enrollment and early education quality, reaffirming the County’s dedication to world-class foundational learning.

MAKUENI MARKS WORLD CANCER DAY AS CASES SURGE BY 31%

Makueni County First Lady Anita Mutula on Tuesday led residents in commemorating World Cancer Day at Kathonzweni Health Center, highlighting a worrying rise in cancer cases across the county.

According to statistics from Makueni County Referral Hospital, cancer cases increased from 1,745 in 2023 to 2,270 in 2024, a staggering 31% rise within a year.

In response, the County plans to expand its cancer treatment center to accommodate the growing number of patients.

She revealed that the County’s October 2024 surgical camp uncovered numerous cancer cases, particularly prostate cancer. Additionally, a breast cancer screening week in the same month recorded a 9.8% positivity rate, underscoring the need for regular screening.

Hospital registries further indicate that breast cancer was the most diagnosed type in Makueni in 2024, with 555 cases (552 women and 3 men), followed by prostate cancer at 479 and cervical cancer at 210.

However, the First Lady expressed concern over the county’s low HPV vaccine uptake, emphasizing the urgent need to protect young girls from cervical cancer.

During the event, she also launched a three-month community-based digitalized screening program targeting breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.

Makueni has been partnering with The National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Roche and Savannah Global Health Institute in the fight against Cancer among others.

KYANG’ONDU STOCKYARD COMMISSIONED

Livestock traders and farmers in Kako Waia Ward and surrounding areas have received a major boost with the commissioning of the Kyang’ondu Stockyard.

The facility features two livestock compartments with separate gates, a ticketing and revenue booth, a vaccination crush and a traders’ shed. It is designed to accommodate between 300 to 400 cattle.

Addressing hundreds of residents during the event, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua encouraged locals to embrace the project.

Ms. Mutua further highlighted that the stockyard aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s vision of economic empowerment by creating job opportunities.

Attending the occasion, area Member of County Assembly Hon. Dennis Mutinda commended the Agriculture Department for its ongoing support to farmers and pledged his commitment to furthering agricultural development.

The stockyard is expected to boost livestock trade, generate revenue for the county government and positively impact the local economy.

Also in attendance was the Chief Officer Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives Development, Japheth Kiminza along with other national and local officials.

MAKUENI’S WATER DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO COMBAT VANDALISM OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

The Department of Water and Sanitation is urgently appealing for community assistance to address the rampant vandalism of water infrastructure, which has caused severe disruptions in water distribution across the county.

Since last year, water installations valued at Sh 45 million have been vandalized, with the vandals targeting solar panels, generators, G.I. pipes, water tanks, gate valves, air valves, and other critical components of water distribution systems. These acts of sabotage have left thousands of residents without reliable access to water.

On Tuesday, County Executive for Water, Eng. John Kieti, inspected the vandalized Kaangi borehole and Kamuthini water projects. The destruction of these facilities has plunged over 1,500 households into a water crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Kieti emphasized that, in addition to collaborating with the community to tackle this issue, the county government will henceforth implement stringent security measures. These include erecting razor-sharp fencing around key water source points, installing CCTV cameras for surveillance, and amending the Makueni Water Act to classify vandalism as an act of economic sabotage, with offenders facing severe penalties.

MAKUENI COUNTY INVESTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Makueni County continues to strengthen Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) through the construction of state-of-the-art classrooms, aligned with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s focus on infrastructure development.

During a tour of the new ECDE classrooms in Tulimani Ward, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education, and Internship, Elizabeth Muli, called on contractors to fast-track the completion of ongoing projects.

She praised the progress made at Kyooni and Wambuli and urged for continued efforts to meet the county’s educational infrastructure goals.

She emphasized the importance of modern learning environments for boosting school enrollment and providing young students with the best start to their education.

This initiative supports the county’s broader strategy to enhance education facilities across the region.

She was accompanied by Chief Officer, ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau among other departmental officers.

GLOBAL FUND & NASCOP DELEGATION VISITS MAKUENI TO ASSESS PROGRESS ON DISEASE CONTROL

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday hosted a high-level delegation from the Global Fund, National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP), the National Treasury, Amref, and the Kenya Red Cross.

The team is in Makueni on a week-long tour to evaluate progress in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, assess commodity security in health facilities, and strengthen coordination between the Global Fund, the Kenya Coordinating Mechanism, and the county governments.

The visit comes amid growing uncertainty across Africa following the recent announcement by the U.S. government regarding potential funding cuts for HIV, malaria, and TB programs.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Andrew Mulwa, the head of NASCOP, confirmed that there are adequate stocks of health products and technologies to last the country for 15 months.

Titus Munene from the Global Fund reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Makueni and announced plans to introduce portable digital mobile X-ray units to enhance TB screening services.

Governor Mutula raised concerns over the increase in new HIV infections in Mbooni Sub-County.

He also noted that TB cases are also on the rise, particularly in bus stop areas within Kilome and Mbooni areas, emphasizing that the introduction of portable X-ray technology will improve early detection and treatment.

During the one week visit, the delegation will tour various health facilities across Makueni and engage with healthcare workers to further strengthen disease control efforts.

COMMUNITY LEADERS URGED TO HANDLE SGBV EVIDENCE WITH CARE TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) advocates have been called upon to exercise utmost caution when handling evidence in cases involving survivors of sexual abuse.

This appeal was made during a one-day sensitization forum held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Friday, organized to address critical gaps in the fight against SGBV.

Speaking to a gathering of local administrators, county health promoters, Nyumba Kumi officials, and other stakeholders, the county coordinator on GBV matters, Theresia Maweu, emphasized the importance of preserving evidence to ensure the successful prosecution of SGBV cases.

She expressed concern over the loss of critical court cases due to the mishandling or interference with collected evidence.

Christopher Muthama, the County Community Strategy Coordinator, echoed her sentiments, urging CHPs to collaborate closely with community leaders to bridge the knowledge gap on SGBV laws, access to justice, and evidence collection.

The forum also addressed other crucial topics, including channels for reporting SGBV cases, evidence preservation, and the reintegration of survivors into their communities.

The event was part of a broader initiative by the Department of Health Services, in partnership with the World Bank through NASCOP, to provide training and resources to combat SGBV.