Education

The Government of Makueni County today launched a school feeding programme for ECDE learners in Kee Ward, benefiting over 900 children across 28 schools.

The 12-month programme aims to improve school attendance, nutrition, and learning outcomes among young learners.

The launch was led by the CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka, alongside Chief Officer Irene Makau, Chief Officer for Devolution Daniel Ndolo, and the area MCA Arbanus Manzu, among other departmental officers.

Speaking during the event, CECM Mang’oka urged other ward representatives to consider rolling out similar feeding programmes in their wards, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in enhancing early childhood development and school retention.

The initiative underscores the county government’s commitment to supporting ECDE education and promoting the well-being of learners across Makueni County.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking the establishment of Makueni University College, underscoring the role of a public university in driving the county’s socio-economic development.

Speaking in Wote during a visit by South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) officials led by Professor Jonathan Mwania, the college’s inaugural principal, the governor said Makueni has a strong pool of qualified professionals to support its transition to a fully-fledged university.

The delegation assessed ongoing preparatory works at the Wote campus, including field grading, installation of streetlights and borehole drilling—key infrastructure milestones toward accreditation.

Gazetted last year as a constituent college of SEKU, Makueni University College has marked a critical first step toward full university status. The governor emphasized the need to secure its reserved land in Emali and Mtito Andei to support infrastructure development and meet regulatory requirements.

Professor Mwania commended the county’s support and called for sustained collaboration to achieve full operationalization.

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked yet another milestone, as it held it’s second graduation ceremony, proudly awarding certificates to over 200 graduates across various fields to the country’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The cohort completed programmes spanning Business and Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Statistics, Technology Education, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics, fields central to Kenya’s emerging knowledge economy.

During the ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba underscored the government’s continued focus on strengthening OUK as a centre of excellence in digital learning, and inclusive education for learners across the country.

Chancellor Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the university’s online learning model as a transformative avenue for Kenyans seeking to advance their skills while balancing work, family, or distance barriers.

Guest speaker Lucy Mulili celebrated the graduating class as a new force in technology-driven growth, research, and innovation.

Her call for increased enrollment from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties was reinforced by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who encouraged more learners from the region to seize the opportunities provided by OUK’s digital platform.

The Government of Makueni County has expanded its efforts to tackle youth unemployment by inducting a second large cohort of interns this year. Following the initial onboarding of 49 interns on September 15, 2025, the county government today officially welcomed another 55 young professionals.

The event was graced by CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Chief Officer for Education & ICT Irene Makau and the Director of Revenue, alongside other facilitators who will guide the new recruits. These 55 innterns will be spread across various county departments, marking a substantial commitment by the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship to integrate Makueni’s youth into the public sector workforce.

​The overarching goal of the 12-month internship programme is to equip Makueni’s youth with the necessary employability skills crucial for navigating the competitive job market.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT, Education & Internship highlighted the program’s significance, stating: “This initiative is not just about filling positions; it’s an investment in the future of Makueni County. We are committed to empowering our youth with the hands-on experience and professional discipline that will make them competitive in the modern job market, both locally and internationally.”

This practical exposure within the county public service is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and real-world professional demands, fostering a more skilled and dynamic local workforce.

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.