Education

Makueni County is participating in the 98th Kenya Music Festival at Kibabii University in Bungoma County, representing the Eastern Region in the national arts and culture extravaganza.

The county opened its campaign with four performances on the first day of the festival, which has brought together thousands of learners, trainers and education stakeholders from across the country under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.”. The event is expected to close on the 14th August.

The county team made an encouraging start after Ruth Samuel of Kambu Township Secondary School secured fourth position among 14 contestants in the Kiswahili solo verse category with her rendition of Sitaficha Dawa.

Leading the Makueni delegation are County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Damaris Makau, who are accompanying the team as the county competes for top honours at the national championships, which run until August 14.

The County Government of Makueni through the department of Education, ICT and Internship has called on parents, teachers and communities to work together in supporting children’s education to build a skilled and productive generation.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony and Harambee at Matiliku Boys High School, CECM for Education, ICT and Internship Japheth Mang’oka lauded the school’s academic performance, noting that more than 90 students countrywide who were sponsored by the County Government of Makueni attained university entry grades, demonstrating the impact of investing in education.

Mang’oka urged learners to remain disciplined and focused on their studies. He encouraged parents to enrol students who did not attain university entry grades in Makueni County Technical and Vocational Training Institutions (TTIs) to acquire practical skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship.

The CECM also called for unity among parents, teachers and education stakeholders in supporting schools and creating an environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed. The event also rallied support towards strengthening the school’s learning environment, reaffirming Makueni’s commitment to providing quality and inclusive education for all.

Parents in Makueni have been urged to enroll their children in the county’s Technical and Vocational Training Institutions (TTIs) to equip them with practical skills and improve their employment prospects.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony at Kivandini Primary and Junior Secondary School, Education, ICT and Internship CECM Japheth Mang’oka said technical education offers a pathway to self-reliance.

He also announced that the county government will construct an ECDE classroom at the school as part of a programme to build more than 80 ECDE classrooms in the 2026/27 financial year and facilitate water supply to improve learning conditions.

County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu urged parents to work closely with teachers and regulate children’s use of mobile phones to enhance academic performance. Area MCA Felix Mutiso attended the event.

Makueni County’s ECDE learners have posted impressive results at the ongoing Eastern Region Music Festivals, with Mii ECDE emerging Position 1 in Class 101 and AIC Kathonzweni ECDE also securing Position 1 in Class 2119G. Kambu ECDE attained Position 2 in Class 2101G, while Kivandini ECDE and Ivoleni ECDE each secured Position 3 in Classes 2101G and 100 respectively.⁣

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The strong performance highlights the county’s commitment to nurturing talent at the foundational learning level and reflects the dedication of learners, teachers and parents in preparing for the regional competitions. The achievements have positioned Makueni among the standout performers in the ECDE category at this year’s festivals.⁣

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As the competitions continue, attention now turns to Wee School for the Deaf and Kakuswi School for the Deaf, which will represent Makueni on Thursday in the special needs education categories as the county seeks to build on its impressive showing at the regional event.

The Eastern Region Music Festivals kicked off today at ACK St. Luke’s Wote Township Primary School, bringing together learners from across the region to showcase their talents in music, dance, poetry, choral verse and other creative performances.

The week-long event, running from June 29 to July 5, has attracted participants from several counties, with winning teams set to advance to the National Music Festivals.

Speaking during the official opening, Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau said the festivals provide an important platform for nurturing learners’ talents, building confidence and promoting cultural exchange in line with the Competency-Based Education. She commended teachers, parents and education stakeholders for their continued support in developing learners’ abilities beyond the classroom.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the role of arts and culture in driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.

Makueni County Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau on Friday lauded Nduluku Vocational Training Centre for increased enrollment during its Parents’ Day, describing vocational training as key to tackling youth unemployment.

Her remarks were echoed by Kako/Waiya MCA Denis Musyoka, who reaffirmed support for continued county investment in vocational training through infrastructure development, equipment provision and learner support programmes.

Makau urged parents to support their children in pursuing technical education. She noted that the institution has recorded a steady rise in enrollment, reflecting growing confidence in vocational training among youth and parents. The learners are receiving practical hands-on training in various courses.

What an incredible display of talent, culture, and pure joy at the Makueni County Level ECDE Music Festivals held in Kathonzweni!

Over 500 brilliant young learners from across the county took to the stage, showcasing immense talent through vibrant traditional dances, modern choral verses, and playing musical instruments.

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Among the winners of the day was Kee School for the Deaf, whose outstanding performance proved that talent knows no bounds as they also advanced to the regionals.

​Speaking during the colorful event, the CECM for ICT, Education, and Internships, Japheth Mang’oka, highly praised parents and teachers for their dedication in guiding and nurturing these young stars. He further reiterated H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s unwavering commitment to supporting and transforming all aspects of education in Makueni County.

​Join us in celebrating our little champions as they head out to represent Makueni at the Regionals!

Opened by CECM for Education, Japheth Mang’oka assisted by Chief Officer – Education, Irene Makau and ECDE County Director, the competitions feature school groups which made it from the sub-county levels.

A total of over 500 learners are competing today to move on to the regional level where they will compete with learners from the wider eastern region counties.

More updates to follow.

Top students were on Saturday feted during Mitendeu Secondary School prize-giving day presided over by the County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mang’oka.

During the ceremony, the school’s top candidates from the 2025 KCSE class, who attained impressive results, were recognized and awarded.

Continuing students were also honored for their dedication and outstanding academic performance in various categories.

Mang’oka commended the students for their hard work, discipline, and determination, noting that education remains a key pillar in transforming communities.

Chief Officer Irene Makau, encouraged the learners to remain focused on their studies and make good use of the county government’s continued support towards education and skills development.

The event brought together education stakeholders, teachers, parents, and members of the community.