ICT

EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

The Department of ICT, Education & Internship today marked a powerful and inspiring moment as Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub in collaboration with CITAM Church through the Tuvuke Bridge program, engaged a vibrant group of young people on trending Technologies shaping our world today.

The session took a practical dive into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence across industries and everyday life. Together, we explored how AI is actively transforming sectors such as business, healthcare, education, and finance, while also unpacking real, relatable use cases that connect directly with the realities of young people today.

A key highlight was introducing accessible and impactful AI tools that the youth can begin using to learn, create, innovate, and even generate income. Equally important were our discussions around the ethical and responsible use of AI, emphasizing that as technology evolves, so must our values, accountability, and awareness.

At Makueni Innovation Hub, we remain committed to nurturing a generation that is not only digitally skilled, but also innovative, responsible, and ready to shape the future.

#GovernmentOfMakueniCounty #MakueniInnovationHub #TuvukeBridge #CITAM #ArtificialIntelligence #AIForYouth

MAKUENI COUNTY FOSTERS GRASSROOTS INNOVATION AS MUMBUNI MOTHERS SHINE IN INTER-COUNTY CHALLENGE

The Government of Makueni County, Department of ICT, Education and Internship through Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub, today hosted Ripple Tech Innovation for Rural Development in Muvau/Kikumini Ward during an award ceremony recognizing innovation excellence at the grassroots.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of the Mumbuni Focused Mothers Group, who secured 2nd position out of 12 groups in a highly competitive inter-county innovation challenge involving Makueni, Kajiado, and Embu Counties. The virtual pitching, conducted on 27th March 2026, showcased solutions addressing climate change, while embedding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As the initiative advances into the incubation phase, the County Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems through targeted capacity building, structured mentorship, and strategic partnership positioning grassroots innovators for scalability, sustainability, and long-term impact.

#MakueniInnovation

#RippleTechAndInnovation #ClimateInnovation #InclusiveDevelopment #GrassrootsInnovation

MAKUENI EXPLORES STRATEGIC DIGITAL PARTNERSHIP WITH OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA TO EMPOWER YOUTH AND MSMEs

A team from Open University of Kenya on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to the CECM Department of ICT, Education, and Internship, where strategic discussions on collaboration areas were held to advance digital transformation in Makueni County.

The delegation was led by Dr. Kelvin Wachira Kangethe and Dr. Kikete Wabuya from the school of Business & Economics and school of Science & Technology respectively.

The engagement explored key partnership areas including digital learning across ECDEs, VTCs, ICT Centres, and innovation programs.

Notable proposals included organizing an open day to facilitate youth exposure visits to Konza Technopolis, as well as sourcing trainers in emerging technologies through Open University of Kenya to strengthen local capacity building initiatives.

Following the discussions, the team proceeded to the Makueni Tech and Innovation Hub where they conducted a digital literacy training for MSMEs. The session focused on equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills in digital marketing, use of digital business tools, data-driven decision-making, and inventory management enhancing their ability to compete and grow in the digital economy.

#DigitalTransformation #OpenUniversityofKenya #Makueni #Innovation #YouthEmpowerment #KonzaTechnopolis

MAKUENI BENCHMARKS SCHOOLTRY VTC SYSTEM IN KILIFI COUNTY.

The Makueni County Department of ICT, Education and Internship is on a two-day benchmarking visit to Kilifi County to study the Schooltry digital system used in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside CECM ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Irene Makau, was received by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.

She said the county’s main focus is addressing school dropouts by tracking learners and transitioning them into VTCs.

Rolled out in December 2024, the Schooltry system is data-driven and includes an e-library, though internet access remains a challenge in remote areas.

The platform is already operational in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with Cameroon next.

TIMBUKTOO ALUMNI ANNUAL GATHERING AT KONZA

Konza Technopolis, in partnership with timbuktoo Africa and UNDP Kenya, hosted the 2025 Timbuktoo Alumni Annual Gathering, marking one year since the launch of the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub. The event brought together over 50 Kenyan founders who have participated in timbuktoo programmes across the continent, celebrating the growing wave of climate-smart, youth-driven innovation in Africa.

The gathering was graced by the UNDP Administrator, Alexander De Croo, who emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships in accelerating sustainable development, noting that Africa’s youthful talent and green solutions are key to shaping a more resilient and inclusive future.

MAKUENI’S INNOVATION TRIUMPHS AT #HACKAGREENFUTURE HACKATHON

Makueni’s Mkulima Link team emerged as the overall winner of the #HackAGreenFuture Hackathon held at Konza Technopolis, achieving a top score of 73.67% in their county challenge. Makueni also claimed the second position with the AgroLink team, while Machakos’ Recycle Route Group secured third place with over 70%, and Kajiado’s Osiligi team scored 66%.

Out of 550 applicants, 40 innovators were shortlisted to develop innovative solutions addressing key challenges: waste recycling in Machakos, market access in Makueni, and invasive weed control in Kajiado.

The event was attended by CECM ICT, Education and Internship, Japheth Mangoka, CECM in charge of Youth Engagement, Kyoni, Chief Officer Irene Makau, and Director of Youth, Bonface Mutinga, among others.

Konza Technopolis CEO, John Paul Okwiri, said the winning teams will now enter the post-hackathon phase and pledged continued support for the young innovators.

MAKUENI COUNTY EMPOWERMENT FUND DIGITIZATION WINS PRAISE AT NATIONAL DEVOLUTION CONFERENCE

Makueni County’s digital transformation of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF) procedures has been recognized as a pioneering achievement at this year’s Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, officially opened by President William Ruto on Wednesday.

The digitization, developed in partnership with Safaricom, aligns perfectly with the conference’s focus on leveraging technology to bridge socio-economic gaps.

The re-engineered MCEF platform will streamline access to startup capital for social enterprises and community groups.

The upgraded fund is set for official rollout next month, empowering more beneficiaries with timely, equitable support.

FROM LEARNING TO LEADING: MAKUENI’S COHORT VII INTERNS EXIT WITH JOBS, SCHOLARSHIP

It was a bittersweet moment as Makueni County’s seventh cohort of interns gathered today at Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre for their exit meeting after one transformative year in various county departments.

The internship program, which aims to arm fresh graduates with hands-on skills for the competitive job market, saw 125 young professionals take up placements last July — and the results speak for themselves.

By the time they were concluding their contracts, eight had already secured employment opportunities, one earned a coveted scholarship for further studies, and many left equipped with valuable experience they can leverage moving forward.

The internship, a cornerstone of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s commitment to youth empowerment, offers practical exposure and mentorship to those making their first career strides in public service.

The meeting was presided over by ICT, Education and Internship, CECM, Elizabeth Muli, and attended by CECMs, Nicholas Nzioka, Devolution and Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Trade and Chief Officer Irene Makau.

The county is now turning its attention to the next batch. Applications for the eighth cohort are ongoing and will close on July 3.

NYERI TAPS MAKUENI’S ICT INNOVATIONS TO BOOST SERVICE DELIVERY

Nyeri County is looking to adopt cutting-edge digital systems from Makueni County in a bid to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

A delegation from Nyeri, led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Training and Devolution, Margaret Macharia, and the Director of ICT, Felix Muriuki, is in Makueni for a week-long benchmarking visit focused on ICT integration, innovation, and education systems.

The team was officially received by Makueni Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili at her Wote office, where they were welcomed by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship Elizabeth Muli, Chief Officer Irene Makau, and County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, among other county officials.

The benchmarking tour centres on Makueni’s Project Management and Tracking System (PMTS)—a homegrown digital solution that enhances transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of development projects—as well as the Education Management Information System (EMIS), which has been instrumental in streamlining operations across vocational training institutions.

The delegation kicked off their field visits at Nziu Vocational Training Centre, a flagship institution showcasing the county’s successful integration of ICT in practical skills training. Here, they interacted with trainers and students to gain insights into how digital tools are being used to empower youth and support technical education.

Speaking during the visit, CECM Margaret Macharia commended Makueni’s innovative approach to public service delivery, noting that the lessons drawn from the visit would inform Nyeri’s journey towards a more digitally enabled county government.

The benchmarking tour underlines Nyeri County’s strategic commitment to embracing ICT solutions to improve efficiency, promote transparency, and drive inclusive development.

ECDE TEACHERS TRAINED ON CHILD NURTURING CARE IN MAKUENI

Over 500 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers drawn from Mbooni, Kaiti, and Makueni sub-counties have undergone a two-day training on Child Nurturing Care, held across various locations in Makueni County.

The workshop, supported by UNICEF, focused on key pillars of early childhood development including health, nutrition, safety, and responsive caregiving for children.

The trained teachers are now expected to champion best practices in nurturing care within their communities.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili lauded UNICEF for its continued support, reaffirming the county’s commitment to delivering quality early childhood education.

Education CECM Elizabeth Muli emphasized the critical role of nutrition in early learning and urged the teachers to actively engage parents in promoting proper nutrition among learners.

The event was attended by a host of leaders including Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, Chief Officer for Education Irene Makau, UNICEF representative Rehema Muniu, nominated MCAs Jennifer Kamanthe and Elizabeth Mutindi.