Education

The County Government of Makueni has welcomed 49 new interns into its ranks, marking another key step in equipping young people with practical skills for the job market.

The cohort, comprising 28 men and 21 women, including three persons living with disabilities will be attached to various departments to learn from seasoned professionals.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, while officiating the induction meeting, lauded the programme as a launchpad for the interns’ careers, noting that it is tailored to give them the hands-on experience needed to thrive in the workforce.

Mulili further announced plans to re-advertise an additional 49 internship positions in departments that received low applications during the recent recruitment drive.

Among those who attended the event were CECM Education, ICT and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education Irene Makau, and Chief Officer for Budget, Socio-Economic Planning and Revenue Boniface Mutua.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has fulfilled a pledge he made on July 31 during his tour of Kee Ward by delivering 22 rolls of chain-link wire to Kasunguni Primary School.

The delivery was made today by CECM ICT, Education & Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, accompanied by Chief Officer Irene Makau. The school’s leadership and parents expressed their gratitude, saying the fencing materials will enhance security at the institution.

The departmental leadership also visited Kyanduya Vocational Training Centre, Kee VTC, and Mwea in Kee Ward, to monitor and evaluate development and learning at the institutions.

Nziu Vocational Training Centre on Saturday hosted a major fundraising drive to purchase driving school vehicles, drawing strong support from Makueni County leaders and the local community. The event highlighted the centre’s rapid growth and its position as the institution with the highest number of trainees among the county’s 61 vocational centres.

CECM for ICT, Education & Internship Japheth Mang’oka urged parents to enroll more students, saying technical and vocational training offers a pathway to economic empowerment.

The centre is among 15 institutions selected under the KCB Foundation Sponsorship Programme, Cohort 1, a recognition that has boosted its reputation as a hub for hands-on skills training. The vehicles will ease access for learners, aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s manifesto pledge to strengthen vocational training by investing in modern equipment

The event was attended by Chief Officer Irene Makau, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa alongside area MCA Felix Mateso among others.

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.