Education

Eighty-one students from Makueni County who sat the 2024 KCSE examinations have secured full scholarships from the county government to pursue studies in universities of their choice. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. on Monday presided over their orientation ceremony.

The governor congratulated the beneficiaries for their exemplary performance and urged them to embrace dedication and determination as they begin their higher education journey. He assured them of the County’s full support, noting that education remained central to transforming livelihoods and households.

Since its inception, the Makueni County Scholarship Programme has supported 758 learners. Currently, 295 are in secondary schools while 217 are in various universities across the country. The initiative targets bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise have missed out on higher education opportunities.

The Governor reminded the students to uphold discipline, remain focused, and represent their families, communities, and the county with pride. He challenged them to keep the flag of Makueni high and to become problem-solvers in society through their academic and professional pursuits.

Makueni County’s Vocational Training Centres continued to make a strong impression at the ongoing Kenya Music Festivals in Meru County as Day 5 unfolded at Meru School.

Kyanduya VTC took the spotlight as Gregory Uhuru scooped position 1 out of 14 participants in the African Instrumentals category — a remarkable achievement that showcased musical mastery.

Mukatini VTC and Nduluku VTC also brought glory home, each securing position 1 in the Kamba Folk Song and Sacred Own Composition Song categories respectively.

Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre (MIVEC) earned position 6 in the Choral Verse category, adding to the county’s growing list of national achievements.

Also representing Makueni County today were Ukia VTC and Nziu VTC, with strong performances that upheld the spirit and talent of the region.

The Senate Education Committee has commended Makueni County for its notable strides in implementing Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Vocational Training Centre (VTC) programs.

Led by Committee Chair Senator Betty Montet, the delegation visited the county on Friday to assess the progress in education infrastructure and service delivery. Speaking when they paid a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the committee praised Makueni for operationalizing 61 VTCs and building 384 well-equipped ECD classrooms since 2014. These efforts have positively impacted over 39,000 learners, who now enjoy improved learning environments compared to the previously dilapidated facilities — a sentiment echoed by Senator Daniel Maanzo.

Governor Mutula welcomed the Senate’s audit and emphasized the need for the national government to provide conditional grants to bolster county education systems, citing limited resources and competing priorities.

Other officials present included Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Senate Committee Vice Chair Prof. Margaret Kamar, and Senators Nderitu Kinyua (Laikipia), James Murango (Kirinyaga), and Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta), alongside CECM for Education Japheth Mang’oka and CECM Finance, Damaris Kavoi.

Makueni’s Vocational Training Centres lit up the stage at Meru School on Day 4 of the Kenya Music Festivals, with breathtaking solo performances that left a mark on the national stage. Representing the Eastern region, our stars didn’t just sing — they conquered!

Patricia Mbithe from Kathonzweni VTC and Teresia Maluni from Kyanduya VTC scooped position 1 in Solo Soprano and Solo Alto respectively, performing “Early One Morning” and “All Through the Night.”

Teresia Munini from Kyanduya VTC emerged position 2 in Solo Soprano, while her counterparts from Nduluku and Kathonzweni VTCs took position 2 and 3 respectively in Solo Alto — a proud moment for Makueni County’s VTCs on the national stage.

WEE School for the deaf scoops position 5 in the ongoing Kenya Music Festivals in Meru County.

The 97th Kenya Music Festival officially kicked off today at Kaaga Girls High School in Meru County, marking the beginning of a vibrant showcase of artistic talent from across the country. The national event brings together learners from ECDE to tertiary levels, all celebrating Kenya’s cultural diversity through music, dance, and drama.

WEE School for the Deaf in Makueni has already made a remarkable impression, securing position 5 in their category — a strong testament to inclusivity and creative excellence.

This year’s festival, which runs until 11th August 2025, is themed: “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Artistic Expression for Sustainable Development.”

As performances unfold across Kaaga Girls, Meru School, and Meru TTC, the atmosphere is alive with rhythm, color, and the boundless potential of Kenya’s next generation.

The Makueni County Government team is led by Chief Officer ICT, Education and Internship, Irene Makau, alongside the Assistant Director for ECDE and other departmental officers.

Wisdom Manna from Mukuyuni Primary School clinched position one in the Kiswahili solo verse “Niwashie Taa” with 90 marks, while Nzambani took second place in Kiswahili choral set verses with the piece “Mbona.”

In the English choral verse “Lavender’s Blue,” Chief Kiamba Primary took first place, with Mukuyuni Primary coming second.

Out of the 10 items from the County that qualified for regionals, seven have secured a spot at the national stage set for next month in Meru.

The five-day music festival is currently underway at Chuka Boys High School in Tharaka Nithi County.

The Makueni team is led by Chief Officer for ICT, Education and Internship Irene Makau and County Assembly representatives including Education Committee Chair, Joseph Mbindyo.

Parents and guardians of students at Nduluku Vocational Training Centre gathered today for the 2025 Parents’ Day — a vibrant celebration of talent, skills, and progress in vocational training.

The colorful event was graced by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, area MCA Hon. Dennis Musyoka and members of the institution’s board.

Families witnessed first‑hand the impact of hands‑on learning, as students showcased their abilities in trades like fashion design, carpentry, beauty therapy, and electrical installation.

In line with the Governor’s manifesto to expand access to quality skills training and uplift the youth, the County Government has partnered with the KCB Foundation through the 2Jiajiri program.

This collaboration has enabled 900 students to join 15 institutions across the county, strengthening access to quality, skills‑based education and reinforcing the county’s commitment to nurturing a generation of highly skilled youth.

Notably, Nduluku VTC emerged as the biggest beneficiary of this initiative, enrolling 159 students — the highest number across all participating institutions — cementing its role as a beacon of vocational training and a catalyst for a more skilled and resilient future.

The Senate Standing Committee on Education was all ears on Thursday as Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr took the spotlight, in explaining bold strides the County has made in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Technical Education.

Appearing before the committee at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, Governor Mutula expounded a picture of Makueni’s education landscape.

Mutula told the committee that the County has so far constructed 354 ECDE centres equipped to accommodate over 43,000 young learners; with each centre including modern infrastructure: two classrooms, an admin office, a store, ablution facilities and two 10,000-litre water tanks — a major step forward in early learning access and quality.

In the governor’s presentation, it was clear that the county’s efforts go beyond bricks and mortar. The Governor proudly reported that 957 ECDE teachers have been absorbed into permanent and pensionable terms, a move that drew praise from the Senate Committee Members for securing job stability and boosting education delivery.

On technical training, Governor Mutula reported that 61 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) under his administration, are active across the county, enrolling close to 4,000 trainees. These institutions are giving Makueni youth a fighting chance in an evolving job market by equipping them with hands-on skills.

The Senator Betty Montet led Committee was quick to applaud the county’s efforts. Laikipia Senator John Kinyua hailed the strong partnerships that have made the projects possible, while Committee Vice Chairperson Prof. Margaret Kamar expressed her admiration for the county’s commitment to empowering youth through skills training. The session was attended by Senator Daniel Maanzo.

The Governor, who was accompanied by CECMS Elizabeth Muli (Education), Damaris Kavoi (Finance), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution) and Chief Officer Irene Makau, urged the Senate committee to support timely and adequate funding for counties to sustain and expand these education gains.

“Education is the backbone of transformation in our county,” Mutula emphasized, calling for increased support from the national government to ensure no learner is left behind.