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MAKUENI LAUDED FOR 39PC HEALTH BUDGET ALLOCATION.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Jhpiego, Dr Allyson Bear, has commended Makueni County for allocating 39 per cent of its budget to health services, saying the commitment demonstrates the county’s determination to keep healthcare accessible to its people.

Dr Bear spoke during a cocktail dinner at the Radisson Blu Arboretum in Nairobi, attended by health sector stakeholders, including Kenya’s Chief Nursing Officer, Dr Judith Awinja, officials from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the US Embassy, among others.

The event was held to celebrate partnerships that have contributed to improved health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili expressed appreciation to Jhpiego for its longstanding partnership with the county, saying the organisation had helped introduce innovative solutions that have improved maternal and child health services.

One of the key interventions introduced through the partnership is heat-stable carbetocin, popularly known in Makueni as “Kausha”, which is used to help prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

Through the AMPLI-PPH project, Makueni became one of the first counties to adopt new World Health Organization-recommended interventions for managing postpartum haemorrhage.

These included calibrated drapes for measuring blood loss and a rapid first-response treatment bundle.

The partnership has also transformed care for women living with obstetric fistula.

Together with Jhpiego, Makueni established a comprehensive fistula centre at the County Referral Hospital, which is now recognised as a model for routine fistula care in Kenya.

Beyond surgery, the programme provides counselling, rehabilitation, community integration and support aimed at restoring the dignity of women who have often suffered in silence for years.

In family planning, 55 per cent of mothers in Makueni leave health facilities with a family planning method within 48 hours of delivery, making the county a leading performer in Kenya on the indicator.

The county has also committed its own-source resources to sustain and scale up the innovations beyond the lifespan of donor-supported projects.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has been recognised as a champion of efforts to prevent and manage postpartum haemorrhage.

MAKUENI HEALTH INNOVATIONS EARN ACCOLADES AT NATIONAL HEALTH SUMMIT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration on Tuesday received accolades for its health innovations showcased at the county’s booth at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the Ministry of Health and partners are holding a two-day health summit.

Health actors from the Ministry of Health, parastatals and global health partners took keen interest in Makueni’s multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, an initiative first launched and introduced in the country by the county.

The supplements aim to improve maternal nutrition and combat anaemia. The programme is being implemented in Makueni in partnership with Vitamin Angels under a four-year initiative.

Another innovation that attracted attention was the ‘Safer Births Bundle of Care’, which is being rolled out in Makueni in partnership with Laerdal Global Health.

The initiative seeks to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through the use of digital tools, including Moyo, a fetal heart-rate monitoring device worn around a pregnant woman’s abdomen during labour, and NeoBeat, a heart monitor placed around a newborn’s chest to monitor the baby’s heartbeat.

The initiative also includes upright and penguin devices to support newborn care.

Makueni is already in the process of procuring the innovative clinical tools to strengthen intrapartum and newborn care across its health facilities.

The county is expected to share its key health innovations and its journey in the adoption of health products and technologies on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday.

ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT SET TO DELIVER SAFE WATER TO OVER 30,000 RESIDENTS.

The Government of Makueni County is in the final stages of completing the Athi–Kalawa Water Distribution Project in Kalawa Ward, marking another major milestone in expanding access to safe and reliable water.

The project, implemented through a partnership between the County Government and World Vision, will deliver clean water to more than 30,000 residents.

Under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, the project has expanded the water distribution network to Katulye, Kimeeni, Katoloka, Ndauni, Syokilati, Kwa Kyule and Syotuvali. Key public institutions, including Itumbule Primary School, Ndauni Primary School, Ndauni Secondary School, vocational training centres, health facilities and market centres, have also been connected.

The project underscores the County Government’s commitment to its Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda by strengthening water security and improving the safety of communities living along the Athi River corridor, who have for years faced the risk of crocodile attacks while fetching water from the river.

GOVERNOR MUTULA VISITS KALEMBWANI ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Monday visited victims of the Kalembwani road accident receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

Governor Mutula commended the medical team, led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kelvin Maweu, for responding swiftly to the victims and providing emergency treatment.

He announced that his administration would waive the medical bills incurred by the accident victims and cater for funeral expenses for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

The County Referral Hospital received 41 patients on Sunday evening, while 28 others were admitted at Matiliku Sub-CountyHospital.

According to Dr Maweu, eight patients had been admitted at the County Referral Hospital, with two expected to be discharged with medication on Monday.

The remaining six patients would continue receiving treatment at the facility.

Governor Mutula has also appointed a task force to oversee funeral arrangements for the seven people who died in the accident. The arrangements will be held in Nthongoni.

He further announced that an interdenominational prayer service for the victims would be held on Wednesday in Nthongoni.

MAKUENI EXPANDS SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS.

Makueni County has signed four agreements aimed at expanding specialized health services, including eye care, HIV treatment, women’s health and maternal and newborn care.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the signing Monday between the county government and AHF Kenya, Sightsavers International, The HEM Practice Ltd. and Jacaranda Health Solutions.

Under the agreements, Sightsavers will support eye screening and treatment, while AHF Kenya will strengthen HIV testing, prevention and comprehensive care.

The HEM Practice will help expand minimally invasive surgery and specialized women’s health services through training and technical support. Jacaranda Health will support maternal and newborn care through digital health tools, data use and training for frontline health workers.

Mutula said the partnerships would help bring specialized care closer to residents and strengthen the county’s health system.

He urged residents to undergo regular eye screening to enable early detection and treatment of conditions such as cataracts.

The governor also highlighted the need to strengthen maternal and newborn services, particularly care for babies requiring specialized neonatal treatment.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya country program director; Moses Chege, Sightsavers International country director; Faith Wanjeri, CEO of The HEM Practice; and Javan Waita, director of Kenya programs at Jacaranda Health.

County Health Executive Joyce Mutua, Chief Health Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Stephen Mwatha also attended the signing.

MAKUENI YOUTH URGED TO REGISTER SKILLS, TAKE PART IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Makueni Youth have been urged to register their skills on the county’s Youth Information Management System and actively participate in public forums to help shape the county’s future.

Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations in Wote, Chief Officer for Youth Nicholis Mutua said young people should take advantage of available opportunities and actively engage in programmes aimed at supporting their development.

Mutua said the Youth Information Management System enables youth to register their areas of expertise, showcase their skills and access relevant opportunities, programmes and support.

He also urged young people to participate in public participation forums, saying their involvement would help influence decisions affecting the county and their future.

SENATE COMMITTEE COMMENDS MAKUENI FOR PROGRESS IN OPERATIONALIZING MUNICIPALITIES.

The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has commended Makueni County for making significant strides in operationalising municipalities, noting that many other devolved units were still at the early stages of implementing the framework.

The committee, chaired by Wajir Senator Abbas Mohamed, made the remarks when Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. appeared before it to shed light on the progress the county has made in actualising the functions of municipalities.

Governor Mutula informed the committee that Makueni had operationalised three municipalities and allocated funds to support their operations and development.

He also appealed to the Senate to explore legislative mechanisms for ensuring sustainable funding and resourcing of municipalities, noting that adequate resources were critical to enabling them to effectively discharge their functions.

GOVERNOR MUTULA MEETS YOUTH LEADERS, CHARTS FOR GREATER YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion following a consultative meeting with youth leaders drawn from all six sub-counties to discuss solutions to challenges facing young people.

The meeting, attended by representatives of youth groups and associations and led by Makueni University Students Association chairperson Daniel Kisilu , focused on increasing youth participation in county governance, including budget planning, employment, internships, scholarships, and programmes to address drug and substance abuse.

Governor Mutula directed the Directorate of Youth Affairs to establish an 11-member advisory board comprising representatives from all six sub-counties and persons with disabilities to champion youth interests. He also pledged affirmative action in future county employment opportunities while urging young leaders to engage government through established legal and governance frameworks.

The consultative forum forms part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen youth engagement and promote inclusive development.

EASTERN RC LAUDS MAKUENI’S SECURITY COLLABORATION

Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda has praised the working relationship between the Makueni County Government and security agencies, saying the collaboration has strengthened peace, security and service delivery.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday, Muganda urged continued cooperation between the two levels of government to advance development and improve the livelihoods of residents.

Governor Mutula, meanwhile, raised concerns over rising human-wildlife conflict, vandalism of public infrastructure and illegal sand harvesting cartels, calling for concerted action by security agencies.

He also urged authorities to embrace dialogue in resolving social and political disputes instead of using force.

The governor commended local security agencies for their support, citing the success of the Huduma Mashinani outreach programme as an example of effective collaboration.

Mutula further linked cases of gender-based violence, suicide and family disputes to unresolved land succession conflicts, saying the county had initiated interventions to address the problem and appealed for support from security agencies.

MAKUENI TO EXTEND MOBILITY SUPPORT TO 300 MORE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Makueni County Government will provide assistive devices to 300 more persons with disabilities next month under its partnership with Hope Mobility Kenya, as the two institutions deepen efforts to improve mobility and access to rehabilitation services.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a consultative meeting on Wednesday between County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Chief Officer Catherine Katuti, county officials and representatives from Hope Mobility Kenya.

The outreach programme will provide beneficiaries with properly fitted assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, elbow crutches and other mobility aids. The exercise will also include follow-up assessments for previous beneficiaries to evaluate the condition of their devices and ensure they continue to meet users’ mobility needs.

As part of the collaboration, Hope Mobility Kenya donated 10 auxiliary crutches and 20 walking frames to the county to strengthen support for residents requiring mobility assistance.

ECM Kyoni said more than 700 persons with disabilities have benefited from assistive devices and rehabilitation services since the partnership was established.

The programme will also enhance local capacity through the training of 15 artisans and 10 healthcare workers drawn from sub-county hospitals. The trainees will receive skills in the fitting, maintenance and repair of assistive devices to improve access to services at the community level.

The ECM said the initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of promoting inclusion, equal access to services and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities across Makueni County.