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Devolution

MAKUENI AND KWS CHARTS A NEW PATH FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga on Tuesday to discuss critical issues affecting Makueni County.

Top in the discussion was the regularization of the Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme, which is currently a national reserve. It was resolved that the county government will initiate a management plan for excision to allocate 13,860 hectares for human settlement and 7,279 hectares for wildlife conservancy.

It was agreed that the conservancy would remain public land and be designated as a game reserve, to be managed collaboratively by the County Government of Makueni and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Prof. Kanga emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation for biodiversity and sustaining life, as highlighted by UNESCO.

During the meeting, Governor Kilonzo committed to establishing a resource centre with offices for the County Game Warden and Liaison Officer. In turn, KWS pledged to improve road access in Mtito Andei town to enhance connectivity.

Further, he noted that the collaboration would boost revenue by positioning Mtito Andei as a key tourist destination. “This partnership is a win for conservation, development, and the people of Makueni.” Kilonzo remarked

Additionally, the meeting addressed the urgent need for concerted mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in the county with the completion of 20 Kilometre electric fence from Wandei to Gaza set before the end of February 2025. KWS was urged to implement swift intervention measures and expedite compensation for affected residents.

The Governor was accompanied by CEC Members Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Eng. Peter Nyamai (Transport), and Chief Officers Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi (Environment), and Daudi Kyalo (Lands and Urban Planning).

BUILDING A WATER SECURE MAKUENI

In an endeavor to enhance water access to residents of Makueni, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity program, County Executive Member for Finance Damaris Kavoi on Monday launched Mulima dam phase 2 distribution works, on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

This project aims to enhance the pumping system of Mulima’s treated water to Syiluni hill and distribution through the existing pipeline to residents of Mbooni and Tulimani wards.

The launch was witnessed by CECs John Kieti (Water), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution) and area MCA Alexander Mulemba.

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.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUDS MAKUENI’S YOUNG INDUSTRIALISTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has commended Makueni’s budding Industrialists, saying they present the county an opportunity for accelerated economic growth.

He spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of a new animal feeds processing factory at Kwa Kathoka owned by BEFA FEEDS, a local feeds processing company.

The company is owned by young people, who have taken feeds processing to another level, taking on the industrial giants.

BEFA FEEDS Chief Executive Officer Faith Mumo said the company was borne in 2022 as a solution to the high cost of feeds, some of which were of low quality, orchestrating huge losses to farmers.

The company produces all livestock feeds with raw materials sourced from locals.

The company is credited for promoting fish farming in Makueni through quality fish feed. Governor Mutula has pledged support for young people to progress manufacturing in a bid to create jobs.

The event was attended by among others Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Devolution CEC Nicholas Nzioka and Chief Officers Felisters Mutune and Japheth Kiminza

MAKUENI FIRST LADY GIFTS MAKONGO SPECIAL SCHOOL EARLY CHRISTMAS.

Makueni County First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula , extended her generosity to Makongo Special School for the Deaf, providing an early Christmas gift as part of a larger initiative of supporting the needy. This event was part of Anita Mutula Foundation’s outreach program, in collaboration with Mwatu FM, whereby the donations included essential supplies coupled with a heartwarming gesture of sharing a meal with the children.

The First Lady emphasized the importance of giving with love and sustaining efforts to support vulnerable groups through partnerships.

She said there was need for comprehensive care for Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) and quality interventions, such as the provision of assistive devices and addressing the nutritional needs of PWDs.

The event was further supported by Kibwezi Well-wishers and Kaiti Greening Champions, who supported the event by reinforcing their shared mission of environmental sustainability. Additionally , the Kaiti Greening Champions, chairperson Robert Kasimu, donated solar panels and a lighting system which will enhance the school’s energy sustainability and provide reliable lighting for the students and staff.

Those in attendance were treated to fun by their popular Mwatu radio presenters such as Virginia Mwikali (aka Msupa ) and Geoffrey Musyoki (aka Kaprince) among others.Among those who attended the function included CECM Devolution, @Nicholas Nzioka.

USAID ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD SECURITY BOSS VISITS MAKUENI FOR A TOUR OF JOINT WATER PROJECTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosts USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience, Environment and Food Security Mia Beers for a development tour of Makueni.

The envoy is touring water projects developed by USAID through STAWI in partnership with the Makueni County Government to appreciate their community impact.

The projects include Kaiti 2 water project set to provide water to residents of Sarova area near Wote for domestic use and micro- irrigation. Others are solarizarization of Mwaani borehole and construction of a 300 cubic meters treatment sump at Kamunyolo.

The projects are meant to increase access to clean potable water for Wote town and water for climate smart farming to enhance food security.

MAKUENI COUNTY VILLAGE ADMINISTRATORS PROMOTED.

49 Village Administrators in Makueni County were on Tuesday given their letters of promotion at an event held at the Green Park, Wote.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. urged the administrators to rededicate their efforts in serving the people of Makueni County. He hailed the administrators for effectively representing his administration on the ground as they are constantly in touch with the people at the grassroots.

Governor Mutula advised the administrators to constantly upgrade their professional qualifications for career advancement.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili asked the administrators to strive to address issues affecting residents. She said the County is working to re-engineer operations at the Sub County level for effective service delivery.

Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka assured the team of his total support and asked then to work closely with other county units like Sand Authority to restore sanity in public sector.

FAMILIARIZATION MEETING FOR NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE KENYA DEVOLUTION SUPPORT PROGRAM (II) IN WOTE, MAKUENI

Deputy governor Lucy Mulili on Monday chaired a familiarization meeting for new committee members of the Kenya devolution support program (II) in Wote, Makueni.

The committee will be in charge of implementing programs funded by the National government under KDSP to strengthen county performance in key result areas such as public finance management, Monitoring and evaluation,human resources and performance management and public participation and devolution and intergovernmental relations.

Makueni will get an institutional grant of KSh.37.5 M and a service delivery investment grant,directly linked to achievement of predefined tangible and verifiable results under the 4 year KDSP (II).

Mulili was flanked by county assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu, several ECMs,chief Officers,officers from the state department of Devolution and the assembly chair of the Devolution committee and Mbitini ward MCA Bernard Mutua.

MAKUENI COUNTY HOLDS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR OND RAINS

Makueni County is privileged to host over 60 participants from across Kenya’s 47 Counties, gathered to develop and enhance their search and rescue skills.

17 of Makueni firefighters and emergency responders are undergoing the training at Kyamusoi dam to improve their aqua rescue capabilities.The team of trainees is undergoing water rescue simulations ahead of the October-November-December rains.

Key areas of training include adapted swimming endurance, boatriding, navigation, capsized boat rescue maneuvers, deep water search and rescue rock climbing ropes course, large water incident

The training is a collaboration between the KWS, Government of Makueni County, E plus Ambulance, Community Divers and KRCS.

Makueni was selected as the training ground due to her significant investment in disaster preparedness, equipping the Directorate of Special Programs with adequate water rescue equipment.

RELIEF FOR NGUUMO RESIDENTS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WHH COMMISSION KWA KAWAWA WATER PROJECT.

It is a sweet relief to over 5,000 residents of Nguumo ward who will nolonger trek 7 km to Makindu town to get water, following commissioning of Kwa Kawawa Water Projet.

The project, whose source is a borehole drilled by the county government and distributed by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) for 25Km covers 16 villages in the formerly water stressed area. The distribution system is fitted with solar power to reduce operational costs while ensuring sustainability.

10 water access points have been installed along the 25Km pipeline at Kwa Mailu, Kwa Kimeu, Mlaleo, Kikauni, Wayona, Kilema, Vumbute, Makutano, Mulangi, and Mutantheu. Kilema, Kilongoni and Wayona primary schools have also been connected.

The project was commissioned on Wednesday by Executive Committee Members Japheth Mang’oka (Devolution), John Kieti (Water) and Sebastian Kyoni (Roads) together with officers from WHH.