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Gender

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI LEADS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN KIBWEZI WEST

Siembeni Market in Kikumbulyu South Ward was a hive of activity on Saturday as women from all walks of life gathered to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

The event, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, was a powerful call to action for gender equality, women’s rights, and empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, Mulili urged leaders in political positions to champion the full spectrum of women’s and girls’ rights, emphasizing the need to foster gender equality and empowerment.

She highlighted Makueni’s strides in advancing gender equity through key policies, including the Makueni County Gender Policy, Children Policy, Disability Policy, Social Protection Policy, Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy, and the Gender-Based Violence Policy, among others.

“This year’s theme, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ is a reminder that we must work collectively to ensure every woman and girl enjoys equal opportunities and a dignified life,” she said.

The event was graced by prominent leaders, including County MP Hon. Rose Museo, who reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment.

Also in attendance were Kibwezi West MP Ecomas Mwengi Mutuse, alongside MCAs Brian Nzioka (Masongaleni) and Francis Mulwa (Mtito-Andei), among other dignitaries.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF CHILD SERVICES TO FAST-TRACK COMPLETION OF CHILD PROTECTION CENTER

In response to the growing number of street families, Makueni County has accelerated efforts to provide shelter and support for homeless children through the completion of the Makueni Child Protection Center.

On Thursday, during an inspection of the facility at Mwanyani in Emali Mulala Ward, Kibwezi West Constituency, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services commended the national government’s Directorate of Children Services for its collaboration and commitment to ensuring the county has a safe space for vulnerable children.

When complete, the facility will transform the lives of children who have been forced to live on the streets in towns like Emali. It will also offer rehabilitation, beisides providing education for children with disabilities.

The inspection was attended by key stakeholders, including Peter Ogindo from the Special Disability Saving Plan (SDSP), Kennedy Owino from the National Council for Children Services (NCCS), Elizabeth Kihoi from the Street Families Trust Fund (SFTF), and Henry Bihoro from the Cerebral Palsy (CP) organization.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVT. TO DISTRIBUTE WATER IN KIIMA KIU- KALANZONI WARD FROM 2 DAMS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has promised Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward residents that the County government will distribute water to local residents from Katilini and Kilombo dams in the area.

The area has suffered prolonged drought, leading to scarcity of water.He spoke on Monday at Kyamuloi village when he handed over 6 tents and 600 chairs to organized groups in the area. The tents have a capacity of holding 100 people each.

Each group received 1 tent and 100 chairs through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

Area MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa and area MCA, Justus Mwanzia attended the function.

COMMUNITY LEADERS URGED TO HANDLE SGBV EVIDENCE WITH CARE TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) advocates have been called upon to exercise utmost caution when handling evidence in cases involving survivors of sexual abuse.

This appeal was made during a one-day sensitization forum held at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Friday, organized to address critical gaps in the fight against SGBV.

Speaking to a gathering of local administrators, county health promoters, Nyumba Kumi officials, and other stakeholders, the county coordinator on GBV matters, Theresia Maweu, emphasized the importance of preserving evidence to ensure the successful prosecution of SGBV cases.

She expressed concern over the loss of critical court cases due to the mishandling or interference with collected evidence.

Christopher Muthama, the County Community Strategy Coordinator, echoed her sentiments, urging CHPs to collaborate closely with community leaders to bridge the knowledge gap on SGBV laws, access to justice, and evidence collection.

The forum also addressed other crucial topics, including channels for reporting SGBV cases, evidence preservation, and the reintegration of survivors into their communities.

The event was part of a broader initiative by the Department of Health Services, in partnership with the World Bank through NASCOP, to provide training and resources to combat SGBV.

GOVERNOR MUTULA GRACES 1ST EDITION OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU WARD SPORTS FESTIVAL

Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday presided over the inaugural Kithungo/Kitundu Sports Festival at Kitundu Green Stadium, an event aimed at uniting the youth through sports while promoting talent, community cohesion, and sportsmanship.

The governor was accompanied by area MCA Hon. Kisungi wa Katete, Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, other county officials, and distinguished guests.

Attendees were treated to an exciting lineup of sporting activities, including soccer, basketball, and athletics. In the soccer finals, Ngai FC emerged victorious after a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout against Utangwa FC after a barren draw in the finals, with Kitundu FC securing third place after defeating Kithungo FC 2-0. In basketball, Kitundu dominated their opponents—Kyandote, Uma, and Utangwa—to claim the championship.

Governor Mutula condemned the ongoing abductions and disappearances of youth in the country. He urged the national government to take swift action and fulfill its duty of providing security to its people and ensuring the safety of our youth.

The festival highlighted the County government’s commitment to empowering young people and fostering community development through sports. Governor Mutula reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating safe spaces and opportunities for the youth to thrive.

KILOME WINS MKJ BODA-BORA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT.

Soon after the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Wote, the stage was set for a thrilling finale as Kibwezi West and Kilome faced off in the finals of the MKJ Boda-Bora Football Tournament finals.

Kilome emerged winners in a hotly-contested match at the Unoa Stadium.

Kibwezi West had on Wednesday secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mbooni in the semi-finals, while Kilome triumphed over Kibwezi East with a hard-fought 1-0 to set up the finals.

Kilome scored the lone goal at the 44th minute on the first half.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the finals and awarded the winners.

The champions took home Ksh. 50,000 and a trophy, while runners up received Ksh.40,000, with position three, four, five and six receiving Ksh. 20,000, 15,000,10,000, and 5,000 respectively.

Joining the governor were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services), National Boda Boda chairman, Kevin Mubadi and Makueni Boda Boda chairman, Urbanus Mutisya among others.

The MKJ Boda-Bora Football Tournament was organized from the Ward level, involving two teams of 15 members each in all the 30 Wards.

A total of 1,800 Boda Boda riders participated.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI LAUNCHES ULTRA-POOR GRADUATION POLICY IN WOTE

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili today presided over the launch of the Ultra-Poor Graduation Policy at Wote Green Park.

The initiative, spearheaded by the County Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services in collaboration with Village Enterprise, aims to empower the ultra-poor to achieve socio-economic resilience and self-sufficiency. Through the program, beneficiaries have gained financial literacy skills, enabling them to build financial capacity and access banking services from mainstream financial institutions and the Makueni County Empowerment Fund.

The event was graced by key county leaders, including County Secretary Justin Kyambi, Executive Committee Member for Gender Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Makueni Public Service Board CEO Redempta Kavindu, and Chief Officer Nicholis Mutua, among others.

MAKUENI SHINES WITH THREE AWARDS AT GENDER JUSTICE GALA

Makueni County emerged as a top achiever during the inaugural Gender Justice Change Makers Awards held on Thursday night at a Nairobi hotel, bringing home three prestigious honors.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. was honored with the 2024 Gender Justice Award for Enabling Legal Environment, acknowledging his commitment to fostering policies that promote gender equity. The county’s Sector Working Group was recognized as the second runners-up, highlighting its collaborative efforts in advancing gender justice. Additionally, the County Director of Gender, Children and Social Services received an award for outstanding contributions to gender justice initiatives.

The event,organized by Equality Now, celebrated the transformative work of individuals and institutions in addressing sexual and gender-based violence while creating a platform to discuss persisting challenges in the fight for gender equality.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the county, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili lauded Makueni’s progress in policy development, including the implementation of the Social Protection Policy, Gender Policy, Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Policy, and Children Policy, among others.

Mulili underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive society for all, adding that the awards gala brought together stakeholders from across the country, reaffirming a shared dedication to eliminating gender-based violence and advancing justice for vulnerable groups.

MAKUENI COUNTY STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH AIRD TO BOOST DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

Makueni, through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services has formalized its working partnership with Africa Initiative For Rural Development (AiRD) to enhance development co-creation.

The Non-Governmental Organization has been working in the county without any formal framework for collaboration with the county government, even though it has implemented highly transformative and impactful community projects and programs.

Some of the projects include drilling of a 50 cubic meters water borehole at Mutyambua and another in Kiima Kiu. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has said the county government will inject funds for distribution to reach as many households as possible. Other projects include training of 785 young people on entrepreneurship; joint resource mobilization for socio-economic interventions; Research on emerging issues and possible interventions.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and AiRD Chief Executive Officer Fredrick Kasina signed the agreement in Wote, Tuesday, during a round table discussion to enhance the partnership.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL LAUNCH OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE

Makueni County is hosting the 2024 National Launch of 16 Days of campaign against Gender-Based Violence.

The global campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness and oppose violence against women and children.

The event is graced by among others:Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wangombe, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Nairobi County MP Esther Passaris, Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo and County MP Rose Museo.

As the World begins marking 16 days of fight against all forms of Gender-Based Violence, Makueni County has made strides in this fight through:

1. Development of key policies namely; Makueni County Sexual and Gender Based Violence policy, Makueni County Gender Policy, Makueni County Children Policy, Makueni County Sexual harassment at Workplace Policy, Makueni County Social Protection Policy and Makueni County Disability Policy,

2. Established a Makueni Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre at the Wote Level 5 hospital. The recovery center provides support to survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and their families through the provision of comprehensive free medical treatment and psychosocial support to survivors of physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse;

3. Established an emergency safe shelter in one of the health centres with a 14-bed capacity each (8 for women and 6 for men) for short term placement of most vulnerable survivors of GBV;

4. Signed a 5-year MOU with Gender Violence Recovery Centre of Nairobi Womens hospital- to ensure prevention, reporting and quick response to GBV in Makueni;

5. Signed a 3-year MOU with Equality Now-Africa-to promote response, prevention and management of all forms of GBV in Makueni;

6. Organized safe spaces forums and children conferences targeting children between the ages of 10-17 years where 7,280 out of which 4,049 girls and 3,231 boys were empowered;

7. Developed walking galleries and gallery cards with children voices to enhance awareness on child protection;

8. Developed a duty bearers booklet and a children booklet on child protection and the need for creation of safe spaces;

9. Organized roadshows in all the major markets across the county to sensitize and create awareness on GBV;

10. Established and trained community-based child protection committees across the county that comprise of sub county administrators, social development officers, OCS, ECDE coordinator, volunteer children officers and children coordinators.