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MAKUENI PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL TOURISM EXPO, AIMING FOR GLOBAL TOURISM MAP

In a dynamic display of tourism richness and potential, Makueni County took center stage in the just concluded East Africa Regional Expo held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, from 20th to 22nd November 2023.

The County Government, driven by the Tourism Directorate, played a pivotal role by setting up a vibrant booth. This showcased a diverse array of locally crafted products, enticing potential tourists with a glimpse of the region’s unique offerings. Visitors were treated to a preview, where the county’s hospitality facilities and alluring attraction sites were explained in detail.

With an ambitious goal to position Makueni County as a must-visit tourist destination, this strategic participation aimed to secure a spot on both the regional and global tourism maps. The County Government envisions not only promoting its cultural heritage but also fostering economic growth, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens.

Makueni Coffee Farmers Gain Valuable Insights to Enhance Production and Profitability from Meru Educational Tour

A delegation of 32 coffee farmers from Makueni led by the County’s Director of Agriculture Mary Muteti on Tuesday concluded a two-day educational tour in Meru County. The tour to Mukarimu Farm, owned by Charles Mutwiri, a renowned coffee farmer in the country, provided valuable insights into best agricultural practices.

Key highlights of the educational tour include:

1. Proper Crop Establishment and Canopy Management: The emphasis on proper crop establishment and canopy management indicates a focus on optimizing the growth and health of coffee plants. This is crucial for maximizing yield and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee farming.

2. High-Quality Coffee Variety: The promotion of high-quality coffee variety underscores the importance of selecting and cultivating coffee plants that yield superior-quality beans. This can contribute to the production of premium coffee products, enhancing the market value of the local coffee.

3. Good Governance of Cooperatives: The mention of good governance in cooperatives suggests that the tour also addressed the organizational and managerial aspects of coffee farming. Efficient cooperative governance is essential for fair distribution of benefits, transparent decision-making, and overall success in the coffee industry.

The fact that the tour was sponsored by the County Government of Makueni demonstrates a commitment to the development of the local coffee sector. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s  administration’s efforts to revamp the Makueni coffee sector indicate a strategic approach to achieving maximum gains for coffee farmers in the region.

Prior initiatives, such as the disbursement of Sh. 4.7 Million worth of Cherry Fund in partnership with the New KPCU PLC , further highlights the commitment to supporting farmers in adopting modern and sustainable farming practices. This financial support aims to increase coffee yields and improve overall farming practices in the region.

The positive response from the farmers, expressing their commitment to implementing the practices they learned during the tour, indicates that the initiative was well-received. The farmers view the tour as an eye-opener to profitable and sustainable coffee farming, suggesting that they are motivated to apply the knowledge gained to enhance their own coffee production.

Makueni Small Business Development Centres (SBDC)’s Training of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kikima-Mbooni.

The Department of Trade partnered with Kenya Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to support in the establishment of sustainable MSMEs by ensuring their full participation in the economy and creation of jobs. In Kikima-Mbooni, 148 entrepreneurs (116 females and 32 males) were trained on: Business finance management, bookkeeping, business conceptualization, spotting a business opportunity and market penetration. MSMEs were also sensitized on Soko-Makueni, a marketing e-portal platform, to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and utilize the platform effectively.

A Section of Entrepreneurs Attending the Makueni SBDC Business Training Sessions in Kikima-Mbooni.

World Prematurity Day commemoration in Wote, Friday.

National Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula launch the reviewed Kangaroo Mother Care Implementation Guidelines during the World Prematurity Day commemoration in Wote, Friday.

Makueni has trained 25 healthcare workers who offer Kangaroo Mother Care for pre-term babies in six health facilities. This has ensured 99.4 percent survival of all premature births recorded in the facilities.

Governor Mutula Unveils Makueni Technical and Vocational College to Enhance Skills Development and Technology Transfer in Agriculture 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr  together with County Director for Technical, Vocational Education and Training John Wamae on Tuesday unveiled the Makueni agriculture TVET  at ATC Kwa Kathoka, to  provide training services and facilities for enhancing agriculture

The first cohort of trainees has already reported and has started learning. They will be trained for a period of 6 months in both school and farm based training.Some of the approved courses are horticulture, Dairy, Poultry, Aquaculture and Apiculture.

Governor Mutula noted that his government  has developed  the Makueni ATC Bill, 2023, in order to establish the center as Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA), for efficient running of the institution.

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Majority Leader Kyalo Mumo, Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua, Muvau-Kikumini MCA Elizabeth Kawembe, Bishop Emeritus  Joseph M. Kanuku of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Makueni Diocese.

The National Assembly Water Committee on Friday made a courtesy call on Governor

The National Assembly Water Committee on Friday made a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr to discuss concerns surrounding the slow pace of Thwake Dam construction and pollution of River Athi, the main source of the dam when complete.

Governor Mutula sugggeted creation of Thwake Dam Authority and a Water Policing Unit to enforce compliance of non-pollution of Athi River.

Environment CS, Governor Mutula commission Tree Growing Campaign

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Soipan Tuya together with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Friday led hundreds of residents in a tree growing exercise at Kiu Wetland in Makindu Ward.

The exercise precedes celebration of the National Tree Growing Day to be hosted in the site and graced by President William Ruto on Monday 13th. 100,000 tree seedlings will be planted at the wetland on the same day.

Makueni targets to grow 344 million trees by 2032, with 34 million grown each year. In the current October-November-December rain season, the county will grow 10 million trees.

Vibrant Music and Cultural Festival Sets the Stage for Makueni’s Finest

Wote Green Park came alive on the 9th and 10th of November 2023, as the heart of Makueni County hosted a two-day music and cultural extravaganza. The festival, not only a celebration of artistic expression but was a crucial platform for selecting the best teams to represent the county in the upcoming Kenya Music and Cultural Festival.

The park buzzed with energy as talented performers showcased traditional dances, melodious tunes, and captivating cultural displays. Spectators were treated to a mixture of vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and heartwarming performances that reflected the rich cultural tapestry of Makueni.

The festival served as a rigorous selection ground, with various teams competing for the honor of representing Makueni County in the prestigious Kenya Music and Cultural Festival at Wote Technical Training Institute from 1st to 9th December.

After two days of intense competition, the winners were crowned and celebrated. The triumphant teams were not only awarded with medals but also received certificates of merit, recognizing their exceptional talent and commitment to preserving and showcasing Makueni’s cultural heritage.

The County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture and Tourism Eng. Peter Mumo expressed the Departmental delight at the high level of talent on display and emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cultural pride and unity within the community. The winning teams are now gearing up to represent Makueni County on the national stage, where they will compete with teams from across Kenya in the spirit of friendship and cultural exchange.

60 Trainees Commence an Agricultural Training Program to Enhance their Employability

The first cohort of 60 trainees has reported at ATC Kwa Kathoka ready to commence a 6-month agricultural training program fully sponsored by the County Government of Makueni in partnership with Anglican Development Services Kenya (ADS- Kenya) and Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT).

The training initiative is geared towards creating economic opportunities and enhancing employability for youth and Women of productive age through green skills and capacity development along the horticulture, dairy and poultry value chains.

The trainees underwent orientation on Wednesday, an exercise which was presided over by Agriculture Executive Committee Member Joyce Mutua and flanked by her Education counterpart Elizabeth Muli. 

Soon, the Makueni Agriculture Training Centre at Kwa Kathoka will be an autonomous entity once the proposed bill is passed by the Assembly. The center will provide specialized and high-quality agricultural education, training, and related services, and will play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural knowledge and skills among the community, potentially contributing to local agricultural development.

During the orientation exercise, Mutua announced that the school will be officially inaugurated next week on 14th November 2023 by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr alongside other senior officials from the National Government.