At least 12,600 learners from needy backgrounds in Makueni are now guaranteed uninterrupted learning through an 85 million investment by the County Government.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Friday led the distribution of bursary cheques to beneficiaries across the 30 wards, ensuring a seamless return to school next week.
Beneficiaries of the bursary scheme were identified through a rigorous vetting ensuring that only the most deserving students benefit from this program.
Additionally, the county government has released an extra 14 million through the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship for the 687 ongoing Scholarship students across the county, bringing it to a whopping 99M.
This year’s form one bursary and scholarship applications close on 8th January 2024.
Makueni County Transport Safety Committee on Thursday held a sensitization meeting among public transport operators and other transport and road safety stakeholders in a bid to bolster road safety, especially during the Christmas holidays.
The focus on strict adherence to speed limits, prohibition of overloading, mandatory insurance coverage, addressing infrastructure concerns, and zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances demonstrated a comprehensive approach to road safety.
The commitment of Deputy County Police Commander SSP Johnstone Mwarigha and CECM Devolution Japheth Mang’oka to implementing stringent measures and taking severe action against offenders sent a clear message that violations will not be tolerated.
The meeting was graced by Transport Executive Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and also attended by Mr. Paul Mbuchi from NTSA.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in his office on Thursday met a delegation of herders from the counties of Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Pokot, Turkana who had pitched camp in Makueni County on a three-day alternative livelihood learning tour and to experience Makueni.
The delegation comprised of 72 youth herders and reformed cattle rustlers from the North Rift region who toured successful youth-led initiatives supported by the county government.
The lessons learnt from the tour can serve as an effective approach to disengage these youths from violence and demobilise them from the perennial cattle raids and conflicts that have impeded development in the North Rift region.
Gratitude to the International Organization for Peacebuilding (INTERPEACE) Interpeace and other stakeholders, including the Parklands Baptist Church, Love EMBRACED initiative for facilitating and supporting the participation of these 72 youths in this exploration and learning experience.
Mary Mathuli, a poultry farmer in Muvau village has unveiled poultry feed dubbed ‘Mama Feeds’ to enhance chicken productivity and profitability.This major stride was made possible by the generous support of Seeds of Change through the Mission Grow project implemented by FIPS-Africa in partnership with the Government of Makueni County.
Through the partners’ efforts, Mama Feeds is now certified by KEBS to formulate and supply feeds.
The feed initiative is a breakthrough for the farmer at a time when many farmers are witnessing a decline in the number of chicken per household due to diseases and high cost of feeds.
Narrating her journey in poultry farming, Mathuli revealed that she started small with 10 indigenous birds which expanded to the current 3000 chicken.The farmer credits her prowess in farming to a 2014 training by Micro Enterprise Support programme Trust, an NGO promoting climate-smart agriculture.
She has also benefitted from various capacity building programs, courtesy of the Government of Makueni County and her partners such as Cereals Growers Association (CGA).
Mathuli, who doubles as a dairy farmer keeps fish, and grows maize and beans. She grows Azolla, an aquatic fern rich in protein which she uses as a supplementary feed for the chicken and fish.
The farmer uses her farm to train locals on enhanced agricultural production and she has mentored over 5000 farmers.In 2022, Mathuli’s farm attracted wider admiration when she hosted American philanthropist and world billionaire Bill Gates, adding to her fortune.
Makueni Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyallo who graced Mama Feeds Launch on Wednesday said that the government’s commitment to developing Mathuli’s poultry feed brand as a quality feed is intricately entrenched in the County Integrated Development Plan.
Kyallo reiterated the county’s commitment to make Makueni food secure by addressing the foundation challenges affecting poultry business and productivity.
Makueni County First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula and Thange Ward MCA Spouse Mercy Katumo today partnered with the Department Of Gender, Children, Youth and Social Services in a christmas donation drive.In attendance was Nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi (a.k.a TinTin) who is a member of the County Assembly Gender Committee and CECM Education & ICT Elizabeth Muli among others.
This drive saw elderly people, orphans and people with disability receive a variety of food stuffs and sanitary pads.The First Lady reiterated the need of parents to take care of their children this holiday season and watch out for defilers and GBV perpetrators.
CECM Gender, Children, Youth & Social Services Nicholas Nzioka added that all GBV perpetrators will not be spared by the authorities. The County Government is working with security agencies and courts to make sure that this vice is eliminated in our society.
On Monday evening, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in the company of county water officers toured two strategic water investment projects – Kamunyolo dam and Ndukuma, recently rehabilitated for spot inspection.
These projects signify Governor Mutula’s unwavering resolve to increase access to improved water sources from 46 percent to 70 percent (by 2027); and reduce the average distance to improved water sources from 3 km to 2 km.
On Ndukuma, the next phase will involve installation of a treatment plant, distribution, and fish stocking.
The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) in Kenya recently hosted its 4th annual HR Awards and Gala dinner on Friday, December 8, 2023. The prestigious event, held at Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road, Nairobi, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of Human Resources.
Event Overview:
The 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards aimed to identify and applaud individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the advancement of HR practices in the country. The event brought together HR professionals, distinguished guests, and notable personalities to commemorate a year of remarkable accomplishments in the HR field.
Makueni County’s Recognition:
In this year’s awards ceremony, Makueni County stood out for its groundbreaking approach to innovation and technology in county governance. The county’s strategic partnership with Safaricom was highlighted as a key factor in automating services and surpassing targets in critical areas. The innovative initiatives spearheaded by the Governor not only enhanced efficiency but also instilled motivation among employees, positioning Makueni County as a trailblazer in shaping the future of county governance.
Award Presentation:
During the 4th Annual HR Awards, Makueni County received special recognition for its exemplary use of innovation and technology in county processes. The award, on behalf of His Excellency The Governor, was graciously received by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) responsible for ICT, Education, Internship accompanied by County Executive Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services, CO Education & Internship and CO ICT. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. David K.A Siele, Chairman of the National Labour Board.
Figure 1 The Award presented to the Government of Makueni CountyFigure 2 CECM Elizabeth Muli , CECM Nicholas Nzioka, CO Nicholis Mutua and CO Alfonce Kanunga during the awarding ceremony
Significance of the Award:
Makueni County’s achievement at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards underscores the critical role played by innovation and technology in advancing county governance. The county’s forward-thinking approach not only enhances service delivery but also establishes a model for other regions to emulate. The award serves as a testament to Makueni County’s commitment to progress and excellence in HR practices.
In conclusion, Makueni County’s recognition at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation and technology in county processes. The strategic partnership with Safaricom and the visionary leadership of the Governor have positioned Makueni County as a leader in the HR landscape. This award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as inspiration for continued excellence in shaping the future of county governance.
The 96th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF) ended on a high note with the gala in which the creme de la creme of the festival entertained an audience eager to sample the best music and dance, elocution and drama teams from the festival.
Mr. Herman Shambi, Secretary Administration, State Department of Culture, the Arts and Heritage was the chief guest during the gala and closing ceremony of the 9 day festival that started on 1st December 2023 under the theme, ‘Our culture: towards national cohesion, healing and peace’.
The Chairperson of the KMCF, Prof. Emily Akuno, appreciated the generosity and hospitality extend to the festival by the Government of Makueni County. She noted that Makueni had set very high standards for other counties that will seek to host the festival.
Kakamega county emerged the top county in the festival followed by Uasin Gishu the second and Mombasa county in position three.
County First Ladies from Lamu, Nyamira and Wajir led by their host, H.E. Anita Mutula, attended the festival on 8th December 2023 and enjoyed Zilizopendwa tunes from the rest of Africa among other performances. The County First Ladies gave assurance of their support to the festival.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday hosted the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) led by chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet for a discussion on joint efforts to safeguard Nairobi river basin water resources against pollution.
Mulili affirmed the county government’s commitment to environmental sustainability while insisting on the importance of inter-county partnerships in tackling contamination of water sources especially through industrial effluents and untreated sewerage.
Makueni is among counties bearing the brunt of water contamination from the upstream of River Athi.
Officials of the Kilombo Dam Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) have undergone a comprehensive 3-day training program to enhance their skills in the maintenance and management of the dam.
The officials are members of the community drawn from Kee and Kiima-Kiu/Kalanzoni wards elected by the residents to ensure proper management of the water resource.
The topics covered during the training, including Irrigation General Regulations 2021, Formation and Management of IWUA, statutory requirements, water structures management, and financial management, are critical for effective and sustainable dam operation. These topics cover legal, organizational, technical, and financial aspects, providing a well-rounded skill set.
The training was organized by the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development through National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).
Kilombo Dam has a capacity of 315,000,000 Litres and is targeting to irrigate 15 hectares of land in the two wards. Some of the residents in the vicinity are already benefiting from irrigated farming, a crucial indicator of the practical impact of the dam on the local economy and livelihoods.
