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Gender

GENDER OFFICERS EQUIPPED WITH SKILLS TO INTEGRATE SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS IN DEVELOPMENT

The Kenya School of Government continues to play a critical role in strengthening public service by equipping government officers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively deliver development and services to citizens.

In partnership with the World Bank through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP), the Department of Gender sponsored a group of officers for a week-long Social Risks Management in development training at the Kenya School of Government’s Lower Kabete campus.

The programme focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of social inclusion, social risk assessment and safeguarding measures in development planning and implementation.

Speaking during the official closing ceremony, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili said the training was timely, given the growing need to address social inclusion, assess social risks and protect vulnerable groups within communities.

Mulili noted that sustainable and meaningful development can only be achieved when social considerations are fully integrated into planning, decision-making and implementation processes.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring that development interventions are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all members of society, particularly vulnerable populations.

MAKUENI BEGINS ROLLOUT OF INTEREST-FREE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FUND

Hundreds of households in Makueni County are poised to benefit from expanded economic opportunities as the county government accelerates the rollout of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), an interest-free financing program designed to strengthen community enterprises and improve livelihoods..

On Friday, four groups from Nguu Masumba and Emali/Mulala wards received KSh 50,000 each to support their income-generating activities, bringing the number of beneficiary groups in the pilot phase to 25. A total of 44 groups are expected to benefit by the end of the month.

Speaking during the disbursement, Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, noting that successful groups can gradually increase their borrowing limit from KSh 50,000 to KSh 500,000.

The county has set aside KSh 160 million for the interest-free loan program, which targets registered groups engaged in activities such as poultry farming, goat rearing, table banking, and tree planting, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of empowering the community and improving livelihoods.

OVER 500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH RECEIVE BLANKETS AHEAD OF COLD SEASON

More than 500 elderly residents of Kikumbulyu South Ward have received blankets from the Government of Makueni through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of the community.

The distribution exercise covered Kasemeini Cluster, Siembeni, Kalungu and Mikuyuni Cluster, providing much-needed warmth and comfort to senior citizens as the cold season sets in. Speaking during the exercise on Thursday, Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said the initiative aims to protect the elderly from cold-related illnesses while enhancing their wellbeing and dignity.

He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through targeted social protection programmes. Area MCA Jades Kalunda welcomed the initiative and pledged support for increased resource allocation to expand its reach in future.

MAKUENI CONDUCTS FACILITY ASSESSMENT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL GENDER BASED VIOLENCE RECOVERY CENTER.

The Department of health in collaboration with the department of gender,children,youth,sports and social services and Cheshire Disability Services Kenya, on Friday conducted a facility assessment at Mbooni Sub County Hospital towards an establishment of a Gender-Based Violence Recovery Center.

The assessment, led by Health Services Gender-Based Violence Focal person Theresia Maweu, brought together the stakeholders to evaluate requirements for setting up the centre at Mbooni Sub County Hospital, including space, services and coordination mechanisms needed to effectively support victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

The deputy programme manager of Cheshire disability services Kenya Dr.George Shimanyula expressed their commitment to the collaboration emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing Gender Based Violence,noting that the proposed centre will strengthen response systems and ensure victims and survivors receive timely and holistic support.

The assessment will also continue at all the sub county hospitals with the aim of decentralizing the GBVRC at makueni county referral hospital to increase accessibility to residents across the county.

Once operational, the centres are expected to benefit affected residents by improving access to integrated services such as medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

This will reduce the burden of seeking help from multiple facilities and enhancing protection, dignity and recovery for victims and survivors across Makueni County.

KYONI LEADS MWANYANI COMMUNITY IN GREENING MAKUENI CHILD RESCUE CENTRE

Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, on Saturday led the Mwanyani community of Emali-Mulala Ward in a greening exercise at the Makueni County Child Rescue Centre.

The exercise was aimed at establishing a child-friendly, environmentally sustainable and conducive environment that supports the healing and well-being of children hosted at the centre.

A total of 300 seedlings comprising ornamental, indigenous and fruit trees were planted. The fruit trees will play a key role in improving nutrition for the children.

The centre, which only awaits gazettement, will serve as a street children rescue and rehabilitation facility.

The exercise was also championed by ChildFund, Dedicated Children Agency, and Eco Green Initiative.

MAKUENI WOMEN MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH CALL FOR JUSTICE

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Monday led Makueni County in commemorating International Women’s Day during celebrations held at Green Park in Wote.

The event, themed “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls,” brought together women from across the county alongside schoolgirls to champion a unified call for justice, equity and empowerment.

Discussions during the event highlighted key issues including economic empowerment, access to education and skills development, climate sustainability, leadership and representation, as well as the importance of solidarity and collaboration among women.

Meryline Mbithe, a mother of five from Mbooni, shared her personal experience of surviving Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Addressing the gathering, she encouraged women facing violence not to remain silent or endure abuse, but to seek help from relevant authorities.

Mulili, reiterated the county government’s commitment to protecting survivors and promoting gender equality. She highlighted several legal frameworks in place to safeguard the rights of survivors, including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence policy, the Gender Policy and the Children’s Policy.

Through partnerships with development partners, she pointed out, the county government’s commitment to invest in the next generation of girls by supporting programs that address adolescent health, nutrition and reproductive health education.

Mulili was accompanied by Gender CECM Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officers’ Nickolis Kaunde (Gender) and Felistus Mutune (Office of the Governor), as well as County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa.

MAKUENI STEPS UP EFFORTS TO OPERATIONALIZE EMALI CHILD RESCUE CENTRE

The Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services has intensified efforts to operationalize the Makueni County Child Rescue Centre at Mwanyani, Emali Mulala Ward.

As part of the preparations, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, on Tuesday received a donation of play and art therapy materials from the Emali Dedicated Children Agency to equip the centre ahead of opening its doors to its inaugural cohort of rescued children.

Once operational, the centre will provide a safe haven for vulnerable children, offering not only shelter but also psychosocial support, counselling, education, and life skills training. It will implement structured rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating street-connected children back into society.

The newly donated materials will support professional counsellors and caregivers in addressing trauma while promoting emotional expression and healing among the children.

MAKUENI TOPS NATIONAL RANKINGS IN GENDER AND DISABILITY INCLUSION.

Makueni County has once again been named the top-performing county in Gender and Disability Mainstreaming for 2025, cementing its reputation as a leader in inclusive and equitable development.

The award, received by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili during a gala dinner held on Thursday evening in Nairobi, recognises institutions that deliberately integrate gender equality and disability inclusion into planning, service delivery and decision-making processes to ensure no one is left behind.

In her keynote address, Mulili said the recognition reflects Makueni’s unwavering commitment to building a society where inclusion is not an afterthought but a foundation for sustainable development.

She noted that the county has prioritised deliberate interventions that empower women, youth and persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in economic, social and governance processes.

Gender and Disability Directorate Council Executive Director Dr Richard Nasong’o commended the Government of Kenya for making notable progress in policy development and legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and persons with disabilities.

Also in attendance was the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Children, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni.

MAKUENI JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY IN HONOURING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni county on Wednesday joined the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3 each year with the aim of increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities.

The 2025 theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who led the county celebrations in Wote town highlighted the steady progress under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, to ensure PWDs are included in all areas of development. From sports to health, social protection, and economic empowerment, the county has continued to open new opportunities for meaningful participation.

Sporting programs such as para-volleyball and the growing amputee football initiative have created space for talent and teamwork, while ward-based budgets have enabled PWDs to directly benefit from local planning and resources.

At Makueni County Referral Hospital, sign language interpreters are now available to help PWDs communicate clearly and receive the care they need without difficulty. Plans are underway to extend these services to all sub-county hospitals.

Through Mutulacare, the county aims to support PWDs by paying their SHA/SHIF subscription premiums, ensuring they can access essential health services without financial strain.

MAKUENI BEGINS 16 DAYS DRIVE TO STOP ONLINE GENDER VIOLENCE

Makueni County’s human rights champions have kicked off an intensified campaign against gender-based violence under the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s theme, “ *End Online Gender-Based Violence: A Safe Makueni for All* ”, highlights the rising cases of digital abuse, including cyberbullying, online harassment and exploitation.

The launch brought together County and National Government officials, civil society, youth groups, faith leaders and development partners, all committing to work collectively to make digital spaces safer, especially for women, children and young people.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Sebastian Kyoni, who flagged off the campaign in Wote on Friday, said the County is strengthening survivor support services, enhancing reporting pathways and expanding community awareness through the Gender Sector Working Group.

Over the next 16 days, the team will lead countywide engagements, including community dialogues, school and youth sessions, digital safety training and awareness activities in a bid to build a community where everyone lives free from harm and with full dignity.