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Office of the Governor

MAKUENI FARMERS EXPO 2024:EMPOWERING FARMERS FOR GROWTH.

Makueni County Government in partnership with Remington Africa and other key agricultural suppliers on Thursday hosted its first-ever Makueni Farmers Expo in 2024.

The event designed to promote modern farming practices brought together industry experts, farmers and suppliers for an insightful learning experience.

The expo which was attended by Deputy Governor Hon. Lucy Mulili featured live demonstrations, training sessions and exhibits showcasing the latest farming technologies and practices.

Farmers in attendance grabbed the opportunity to learn about innovative ways to improve their agricultural skills and boost productivity.

In her speech, Mulili encouraged farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and technologies to help commercialize farming in Makueni.

She emphasized that this would not only improve farm yields but also empower local farmers economically.

The expo also served as a platform for networking, allowing farmers to connect with businesses and explore potential partnerships for growth.

Mulili was joined by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza, Daniel Ndolo and Felistus Mutune, responsible for Livestock, Devolution and the Office of the Governor, respectively.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. ATTENDS 66TH NATIONAL NURSES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday attended the 66th National Nurses Association International Annual Scientific Conference at Kenyatta University. The three-day event, themed “OUR NURSES, OUR FUTURE,” brought together nurses from all 47 counties to discuss the future of healthcare in Kenya.

The conference aims to provide a platform for nursing professionals to share experiences, address workforce challenges and explore ways to improve the quality of healthcare in the country.

In his speech, Governor Kilonzo emphasized the vital role of nurses in driving healthcare. He noted that Makueni County had introduced a nursing directorate to specifically address the concerns of nurses, ensuring better working conditions and services.

He further stated that Makueni has prioritised career growth of nurses by promoting a considerable number of nurses to higher grades.

The second day afternoon session was also attended by Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilberforce Otchilo, Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Waceke, various health officials and leaders from the National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK)

HONOURING HEROES/HEROINES

During the 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations at Matiliku, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. awarded medals to four individuals for their outstanding service to the community.

Loise Nzilani Muthamia was honored for her exceptional midwifery skills, having safely delivered countless children in Wote since 1986.

Masaku Mutua, a 100-year-old, was recognized for his generous donation of land, which houses Matiliku Sub-county Hospital, Matiliku School, the district headquarters, and the market. He has also donated land to several churches.

Among the other recipients were four-year-old Blessing Maluki, who was named the best national champion in the solo verse category at this year’s Kenya Music Festival, Ken Ouma Sanya,a clinical officer at Kyaani Health Centre whose commitment to his duties has earned him respect and admiration of the community and Peter Mwanthi, a diligent support staff employee of Makueni County.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. AND COUNTY COMMISSIONER HENRY WAFULA ON SUNDAY LED MAKUENI RESIDENTS IN CELEBRATING THE 61ST MASHUJAA DAY AT MATILIKU TOWN.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and County Commissioner Henry Wafula on Sunday led Makueni residents in celebrating the 61st Mashujaa Day at Matiliku town.

During his address, Governor Mutula assured the public that no health facility in the county would close due to understaffing. He announced that the health department is working on a locum program to ensure that facilities run by a single healthcare worker remain operational when the staff member is on leave or attending other official duties.

The governor also revealed ongoing discussions with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to secure sufficient medical supplies for the county, with a target of maintaining a fill rate above 80%. He confirmed that the drug stocking process for the second quarter is already underway, a move aimed at preventing stockouts in health facilities.

On water projects, Governor Mutula highlighted the implementation of key initiatives, including the AKWASH project, which extends to Kalawa, Athi-Tunguni, Mulima, and Ngosini earth dams. He further noted that through partnerships, the Miangeni irrigation scheme in Kalawa Ward is progressing, with the potential to increase water production by 5,000 cubic meters and expand irrigation by at least 500 acres upon completion.

The governor was also flanked by his deputy Lucy Mulili, Makueni MP Susan Kiamba, assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu,Area MCA Francis Mutuku and other county officials.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SECURES KSH. 264 MILLION FROM MOROCCO FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has secured a Ksh. 264 million partnership deal with the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco to support various development initiatives in the county.

The agreement was signed during his recent visit to Morocco, where the governor partnered with Samir Goudar, President of the Marrakech-Safi region.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Farid Chourak, the representative of King Mohammed VI and Governor of Marrakech Region, along with seven other regional governors.

This collaboration is funded through the African Fund for International Decentralised Co-operation of Local Authorities (FACDI), which supports decentralized governments across Africa.

Makueni County will receive the Ksh. 264 million in annual installments over the next five years, bolstering its development projects aimed at enhancing the county’s growth and prosperity.

OVER 600 STUDENTS MOVED TO SOUTH EASTERN KENYA UNIVERSITY – WOTE CAMPUS

Over 600 Students moved to South Eastern Kenya University – Wote Campus

The first batch of Government- sponsored students were on Thursday officially welcomed to the South Eastern Kenya University Wote campus.

The 650 second, third and fourth year students under the faculties of education, humanities and social sciences have been studying at the SEKU main campus at Kwa Vonza in Kitui County.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who was the main guest at the event held at SEKU Wote campus, welcomed the students to the County and promised that the institution will be given more land for expansion.

He asked the students to utilise the Makueni Innovation Hub in Wote to enhance their careers.

The Governor praised local leaders who tirelessly fought for the establishment of the university and also cautioned students against drug abuse.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Douglas Shitanda assured members of the public that the campus will continue offering high-quality training.

Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu called for the upgrading of the Wote campus to a constituent college which will lead to a fully-fledged university in Makueni.

The Wote campus has been operational for the past 8 years and the uptake has been low as most students were self- sponsored.

Among those in attendance were Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Chrispus Kiamba, Makueni County Commissioner Henry Wafula, Makueni Assembly Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, businessman David Lloyd Masika and

Trade ECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani.

PS GENDER, GOVERNOR KILONZO DISCUSS PLANS FOR GBV COURT IN MAKUENI.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, Ann Wang’ombe, Dr.Sam Thenya, Founder Nairobi Women’s Group paid a courtesy call to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at his Wote office on Wednesday.

During their meeting, they explored a potential collaboration with the judiciary to establish a specialized court at the Makueni Law Courts dedicated to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) cases.

Governor Kilonzo emphasized the importance of law enforcement in ensuring GBV laws are strictly upheld.

PS Wang’ombe is in Makueni to attend a gender sensitization forum aimed at promoting gender mainstreaming for a more equitable society.

The forum brings together the county’s CECs, Chief Officers, directors, the Gender Assembly Committee, Makueni High Court presiding judge, County Police Commander, and other key stakeholders in gender and child protection.

MAKUENI GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. HAS EMPHASIZED TO THE SENATE FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE THAT COUNTIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THEIR OWN FINANCE BILLS.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has emphasized to the Senate Finance and Budget Committee that counties are responsible for preparing their own Finance Bills, which must align with national economic policies without undermining them.

Speaking in Nairobi before the committee, chaired by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Mutula cited Article 209 (5) of the Constitution, arguing that counties deserve their equitable share of revenue, as it is a constitutional right, not a favor from the national government.

He explained that under Article 203 (3), the equitable share for counties is based on the last audited accounts approved by the National Assembly, not on projected revenue.

The governor added that Article 203 (1)(I) ensures counties receive stable and predictable allocations, protecting them from revenue shortfalls.

Mutula also pointed out that Section 5 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2024, states that if actual revenue falls short, the national government absorbs the shortfall, and any surplus also accrues to it. Article 219 further mandates that county funds must be transferred without delay or deductions.

The governor expressed concern that the Commission on Revenue Allocation had not provided recommendations for the Finance Bill, 2024, and Parliament had yet to vote on it, as required under Article 205. He also noted that counties’ equitable share is excluded from the national government’s budget estimates, as per Article 221 (7), and is drawn from the Consolidated Fund.

Mutula concluded by stating that national economic policies should not negatively affect county allocations or their operations.

COUNTIES GATHER TO LEARN TELE-SURGERY FROM MAKUENI

Top health officials from Murang’a, Nakuru, and Mombasa counties on Wednesday gathered at the Council of Governors’ offices in Nairobi to learn from Makueni’s successful use of technology in the practice of surgery within the county hospitals.

As a pioneer in integrating Proximie technology, Makueni County has made strides in enhancing surgical procedures through the use of real-time video feeds.

This innovation has not only improved surgical outcomes, but has also facilitated the learning and mentorship of clinicians and medical interns within the county.

The meeting focused on counties coming together to create synergies, explore sustainable implementation strategies, and support the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals for the benefit of local communities. Digital health, as envisioned in the Digital Health Act 2023, will be optimally achieved once modern technology is embraced by all players.

Additionally, there was an emphasis on documenting these processes to share the impact across counties and with the Maarifa center within Council of Governors.

Shannon Shibata Germanos, Head of Proximie Global Health, emphasized that Proximie accelerates surgical training by allowing clinicians to observe procedures, learn new techniques, and exchange feedback from anywhere in the world and on any device.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. highlighted the successes achieved with the cutting-edge technology, stressing that a team-based approach, focused on evidence-based best practices, patient safety, and communication, has been crucial in strengthening surgical outcomes in Makueni.

Governor Kilonzo expressed his hope that modern technology would be adopted nationwide, championed by all 47 governors.

The effectiveness of this technology has already been recognized by Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi, both of which have adopted practices learned from Makueni.

COG’s Director Khatra Ali acknowledged the potential of Proximie technology for county-based training, noting that it could help retain medics who might otherwise take study leave, creating gaps in staffing that counties struggle to fill due to budget constraints.