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HUNDREDS OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU RESIDENTS ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME BOOST THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART FARMING INITIATIVE

Residents of Kithungo/Kitundu are reaping the benefits of food sufficiency and increased incomes thanks to Kathambalani irrigation scheme, a project supported by the county government’s innovative green roads water harvesting program.

The scheme utilizes water harvested from a road drift constructed across the Kathambalani stream, which captures substantial volumes of sand and underground water. This water is then channeled to irrigate farmlands, enabling year-round crop production.

During a routine inspection of the project on Wednesday, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Eng. John Kieti, announced plans to allocate funds in the upcoming financial year for the construction of a mega sump and distribution tank so as to reach more residents.

Area MCA Kisungi Katete, who accompanied Eng. Kieti during the inspection, praised the initiative for its positive impact on the community.

KITISE WATER AND IRRIGATION PROJECTS MAKE PROGRESS

A water and irrigation project in Kitise, currently 50% complete, is set to positively impact over 1,500 households in the area.

The initiative, which aims to provide clean domestic water, promote conservation agriculture, and enhance climate resilience, is making steady progress in improving the livelihoods of local residents.

Key components of the project include the construction of a 100m³ water sump, solar-powered systems to facilitate efficient water distribution to various points, and the installation of a 3.2 km pipeline leading to a booster station for sustained water supply.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who chairs the Emergency Sub-Committee within the cabinet, visited the site alongside a team of County Executive Committee Members (ECMs) and the area MCA Sebastian Muli to assess the project’s progress.

During the visit, Mulili reassured the community that the county is fully committed to enhancing water accessibility and sustainability, emphasizing the long-term benefits these projects will bring to local residents.

In addition to the water supply project, the team also visited the Kikome Irrigation Scheme Phase 3, which is designed to serve 63 households, each receiving one acre for agricultural use.

This phase of the project will involve the construction of a pipeline network covering 15 acres, the installation of infiltration galleries for the collection sump tank, and the desilting of the existing 100m³ concrete sump tank.

NEWLY GRADED MALILI-ST. CLARE ROAD TRANSFORMS KIIMA-KIU KALANZONI WARD

Residents of Kiima-Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward have a reason to smile after the Department of Transport in Makueni completed grading and murraming of a 6-kilometer road stretching from Malili (near Lake Oil) to St. Clare Girls Secondary School.

The road connects the interior of the Ward to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, significantly improving connectivity and transportation in the area.

Chief Officer Naomi Nthambi says the improved access is expected to ease the cost of doing business, enhance agricultural productivity as well as improve access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

MAKUENI COUNTY LAUNCHES LEGAL CLINIC ON LAND SUCCESSION.

The Office of the County Attorney on Wednesday rolled out a legal clinic in Kathonzweni Ward to educate residents on land succession laws and provide free legal assistance.

The initiative aims at clarifying the law of succession, including procedures for inheritance when a person dies intestate and the legal steps required to transfer property to rightful beneficiaries.

The exercise in Kathinzweni was led by County Solicitor, Jennifer Kyumwa.

The legal clinics will offer vulnerable citizens free legal support on land and succession matters.

Speaking during the exercise, area MCA Hon. Kennedy Maneno noted that the exercise provided residents with vital information on the legal documents necessary for inheritance and land ownership.

This initiative, funded through the Ward Development Fund, will extend to other six wards: Emali/Mulala, Wote/Nziu, Kitise/Kithuki, Kasikeu, Tulimani, and Kithungo/Kitundu.

By addressing land succession challenges, the initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of empowering communities with legal knowledge and ensuring the fair distribution of property among rightful heirs.

MAKUENI ENGAGES TOURISM PROMOTION FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

In a move to enhance tourism growth, officials from the Makueni County Culture and Tourism Directorates held discussions with the Tourism Promotion Fund Kenya (TPF) officials in Nairobi on Tuesday.

TPF, a corporate institution that supports the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector, provides financial assistance for developing tourism products and services, funds the promotion of Kenya as a top travel destination and mobilizes resources to support various tourism-related activities.

The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration in co-funding tourism development and promotion projects.

Leading the county delegation, Chief Officer for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani highlighted Makueni’s tourism potential, citing its strategic proximity to Tsavo and Chyulu National Parks.

The TPF Director for Programmes Management Doreen Okoyana welcomed the engagement stating, “We are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance tourism growth and sustainability across counties.”

This partnership aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of economically empowering residents through tourism.

The meeting was also attended by Tourism Director Dianah Muli, Culture Director Mutua Mulonzya and other county officials.

MAKUENI RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH AT UNOA GROUNDS

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with the MPESA Foundation, Zuri Health, and Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, has launched a comprehensive medical outreach program at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The initiative is offering a range of medical services, including general check-ups, dental care, eye screening, breast cancer screening, and HPV vaccination for girls aged ten to 14 years.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili commended the impact of the medical camp, noting the positive difference it was making in the lives of Makueni residents.

Health ECM, Dr. Paul Musila underscored the county’s ongoing collaboration with the MPESA Foundation, citing key projects such as the construction and equipping of the Tawa Maternity Wing at a cost of Ksh 28 million, the upgrade of Mutulani Dispensary at Ksh 17 million, and the construction of the Sultan Hamud Maternity Wing at Ksh 60 million.

He further noted that patients with complex cases are being referred to the county referral hospital for specialized care.

MPESA Foundation Program Manager, Sophiah Onyango, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming lives, with a strong focus on maternal and child health.

She emphasized that their support extends beyond the medical camp, as they continue to follow up with patients to ensure they receive proper care.

The outreach program has attracted a large number of residents.

AGRIPRENEURS TAKE OATH AFTER AN INTENSIVE TRAINING

The 210 agripreneurs launched on Thursday have officially taken an oath of service today after completing a two-day intensive training on their field roles.

The training focused on farmer profiling, equipping the agripreneurs with skills to assess farmers’ capacities and identify potential farming areas.

The oath, administered by County Solicitor Ms. Jennifer Kyumwa and witnessed by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, signifies a commitment to safeguarding farmers’ data privacy.

“We count on you to be the bridge that uplifts our farmers and transforms agriculture in Makueni,” urged CECM Mutua.

The event was also attended by Livestock and Fisheries Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, alongside other county officials.

KWS BOSS AND GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEIL TEAM TO DRAFT NGAI NDETHYA RESERVE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

The process of drafting a Land Management Plan for Ngai Ndethya National Reserve has kicked off with unveiling of a multi-sectoral team to spearhead the process.

The team comprising of representatives of Kenya Widlife Service, Makueni Lands Department, NEMA, National and County Government Administrations, NLC, conservancies and local residents was unveiled by KWS Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr at Mtito Andei on Friday.

Governor Mutula also led a citizen engagement forum at Nthunguni market to record the voice of wnanchi on the matter.

The plan aims to harmonize human settlement, conservation, wildlife protection and development.

TRADE DEPARTMENT HOSTS MARKET COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

On Thursday, the county government hosted a Market Governance Forum at Wote Green Park, bringing together market committee chairpersons from across the county to deliberate on issues affecting trading centers.

The forum, led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., focused their discussions on improving market management, enhancing collaboration with the county government on sanitation and revenue collection, monitoring the progress of development projects and ensuring security in trading centers.

While addressing the meeting, Governor Kilonzo urged the market leaders to collaborate with the county government for seamless service delivery to the people of Makueni. “My government will accord you the ultimate support needed to spur economic growth in our trading centres,” stated Kilonzo

The meeting also saw participation from Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi and a host of senior county officials, including CEC Members Nicholas Nzioka, Japheth Mang’oka and Damaris Kavoi, as well as Chief Officers Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, Bonface Mutua, Felistus Mutune and Daudi Kyalo with Municipal managers from Wote and Emali/Sultan Hamud also attending the session.

This forum is part of an ongoing exercise by the Trade Department to formalize market committees and streamline operations across Makueni’s trading hubs.

EMPOWERING MAKUENI’S TRADERS THROUGH MSME DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Hundreds of traders in Wote town took part in a transformative training program on Wednesday aimed at empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The program convened by the County Trade Department brought together officers from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC Makueni) to provide training on product quality improvement and compliance with government regulations.

This training focused on equipping participants with vital entrepreneurial skills, including quality assurance, inspection and testing services, metrology, consumer protection, certifications and standards, business planning, financial management and bookkeeping.

Attending the training, Ag. CECM Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Nicholas Nzioka urged traders to develop networks and partnerships that will serve to strengthen the MSME sector in Makueni, fostering growth, compliance and economic sustainability for local trade.

During the training, KEBS Principal Officer for Quality Assurance Mildred Eboi demonstrated the steps required to obtain a standardization mark for goods. She further cautioned traders against selling substandard products, highlighting that it is illegal and punishable by law.

The forum that was also attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Jossylyn Nzilani and Trade Director Harrison Kiandiko among other officers marks a significant step in promoting quality assurance and protecting consumers while supporting local businesses.