Departments

NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR 400 PWDs AS THEY GET MODERN WHEELCHAIRS

The Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services in partnership with Hope Mobility Kenya has kicked off a 3-day exercise to fit and issue wheelchairs to 400 persons living with disabilities in the county.

The Sh 20M worth of chairs are modified and assembled to fit the specific needs of the beneficiaries in relation to their disability.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday flagged off the exercise at the Makueni Integrated Vocational Education Centre in Wote. He said this is part of his administration’s inclusivity agenda where no one is left behind in the county development agenda, their age, status in society or physical location notwithstanding.

The county government has a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Hope Mobility Kenya which will see more needy residents benefit from mobility assistive devices over the partnership period.

MAKUENI LAUNCHES WATER PROJECTS IN WOTE AND MAVINDINI TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Urban Planning & Development, Environment and Climate Change, Japheth Mang’oka, has unveiled contractors for two water enhancement projects in Wote and Mavindini.

The project in Wote involves the distribution of 100 cubic meters of water per hour from Kaiti 2 sand dam to Camarel in Wote town and Kaseve. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainable provision of water to over 3,000 residents in Wote and its environs.

In Mavindini, the contractor will construct a 100 cubic meters sump and install a 22-kilowatt solar pumping system at the Athi River intake. This project aims to provide clean water for domestic use to 2,500 households and water for irrigation to 400 households in the Katithi, Mavindini, and Ivinganzia sub-locations within Mavindini Sub-Ward.

The projects, co-funded by the county government and the World Bank under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, are designed to enhance community resilience to drought and water scarcity. They also aim to build adaptive capacities to mitigate the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and other environmental stressors.

MAKUENI’S GRADING AND GRAVELLING PROJECTS TO BOOST ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY

To strengthen connectivity and drive local economic growth, the Directorate of Infrastructure and Roads in Makueni County is diligently working to enhance access and mobility across multiple wards.

One of the key projects underway is the transformation of Mutulani- Ngangani road in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward, a stretch that has until now been only a footpath, navigable by bicycles and motorbikes. Through extensive grading, this path is being turned into a fully accessible road, opening it up for vehicle passage and making it significantly easier for farmers to transport their produce to market. Grading works are also ongoing to open up Kwa Vutu-Yumbani road in Mbitini Ward.

The county machinery is also on site at the bustling Machinery Market in Thange Ward, which springs to life every Tuesday with hundreds of traders and customers. Gravelling efforts are in full swing to make market days smoother and more comfortable for everyone. The improved road surface around the market will enable easier access for vehicles, reduce dust and mud and create a safer, more inviting environment for trade.

These road works are part of a larger commitment by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr administration to create a resilient, accessible and prosperous Makueni, where better roads mean stronger communities and a brighter future for local agriculture and trade.

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.

MAKUENI PARTICIPATES AT KAM SUMMIT, SHOWCASING LOCAL INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Makueni has seized an opportunity to participate in the 7th Annual Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Summit, which kicked off on Tuesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The four-day event dubbed the Changamka Shopping Festival is organized by KAM in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.

Under the theme “Celebrating the Ingenuity of Kenya’s Manufacturing Sector,” the summit provides an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products, innovations and technologies, and network with industry players to gain exposure in the wider market.

In an effort to promote Makueni, the county government booth is displaying a variety of items, including value chain addition-farm produce (Kalamba Mango Juice), clothing, accessories, home décor and beauty products that showcase Makueni’s creativity and growing manufacturing industry.

Speaking on Tuesday at the county booth, the Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani lauded the festival’s significance. “This festival is a crucial initiative aimed at raising public awareness, supporting local industries, and creating job opportunities. It aligns with the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya strategy, which encourages the consumption of locally-made products and supports sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Nzilani remarked.

With over 100 SMEs participating, Makueni County’s involvement underscores its commitment to nurturing invention, local talent and entrepreneurship, and driving the county’s economic development through the promotion of homegrown products.

MAKUENI SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDFUND TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Makueni has signed a working partnership with ChildFund and Emali Dedicated Children’s Agency (EDCA) to improve the welfare of vulnerable children in the county.

Under this five-year agreement, Makueni and the two Non-governmental institutions will fundraise to among others implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in schools and the community; support young people in vocational training; develop child friendly early childhood development centres as well as create safe spaces in the community where vulnerable children are protected and nurtured.

The overall goal, according to the MoU, is to connect children living in extreme poverty to resources, people and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and EDCA Chief Executive Officer Victor Aduda signed the partnership Tuesday morning.

MAKUENI COUNTY KICKS OFF 2024 MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL.

Makueni County Music and Cultural Festival 2024 has officially been launched today at GreenPark Wote. The event highlights the county’s commitment to promoting cultural and musical development.

With 166 entries from various wards, the festival showcases a wide range of local talents including music and dance, elocution, and theatre and film.

The festival themed, “Utamaduni Wetu ni Nguzo ya Utajiri Wetu”, was opened by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani. Nzilani stated that, “the county government is dedicated to safeguarding our cultural heritage and advancing the arts as a pathway to economic prosperity.”

Top performers from todays event will advance to the 97th Kenya Music and Cultural Festival set for December 1-10, 2024, in Taita Taveta.

The CECM was accompanied by Chief Officer, Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani and Culture Director Mutua Mulonzya.

MANGO FARMERS AND BUYERS MEET TO PLAN FOR MARKETING SEASON

Makueni mango farmers’ representatives and buyers came together on Thursday to prepare for the upcoming mango marketing season. The meeting, organized by the county agriculture department aimed to establish clear purchasing guidelines for mangoes from local farmers.

During the discussions, buyers shared their planned purchase quantities and price ranges, offering between Ksh. 12 and 25 per kilogram of mangoes. The prices will vary, with local markets receiving the lowest rates and exporters providing the highest.

Attending the meeting, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua urged farmers to hold firm and avoid selling their mangoes at low prices. “Our department is dedicated to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their hard work,” she emphasized.

She added, “This collaboration between farmers and buyers is expected to strengthen the mango industry in Makueni, benefiting all stakeholders involved.”

Ms. Mutua was accompanied by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyalo.

CS MVURYA IGNITES COTTON REVIVAL WITH FLAG-OFF of 107 TONNES SEED.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr have flagged off distribution of 107 metric tonnes of premium cotton seeds to Makueni farmers.

Mvurya termed Makueni County as part of the national government’s key priority areas for revitalizing the cotton sector for sustainable fabric production.

Governor Kilonzo on the other hand encouraged farmers to embrace cotton cultivation, highlighting the county’s ideal climate and the lucrative market opportunities presented by the ginnery’s proximity.

The event was attended by State Department of Trade Principal Secretary Abubakar Yussuf, Special Economic Zones Authority Chairperson Fred Muteti, and Kenya Development Corporation Ag. Director General Nora Ratemo.

COUNTY FIRST LADY LAUNCHES BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING INITIATIVE.

County First Lady Anita Mutula officially launched breast and cervical cancer screening initiative in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Wednesday.

Leading the effort to promote early detection and prevention, Anita is advocating for free screening services for both breast and cervical cancer, aiming to increase access to life-saving care for the community.

During her address, Anita noted the alarming statistics from the Makueni Referral Hospital’s Empower Clinic, where 70.2% of cancer patients are diagnosed at stage 4 and an additional 23.5% at stage 3.

She emphasized the need for routine screenings, stating that regular check-ups for both men and women are essential in addressing these rising cancer challenges and fostering a culture of early detection.

The First Lady also expressed concern about the high prevalence of prostate cancer found among men during a recent medical camp, calling attention to the need for focused awareness and intervention.

Since its establishment, the Empower Clinic has served over 1,000 patients, offering vital support and treatment.

At the launch, cancer survivors Rose Munini and Nicholas Musyoka shared their journey with breast and prostate cancer, respectively, expressing gratitude for the treatment received at the empower clinic, which has brought them into remission.

The First Lady was joined by key partners supporting the cancer clinic, including Savanna Informatics Global Health,Roche-Kenya, the National Cancer Institute, and several members of the County Assembly, Chief Officers Dr.Stephen Ndolo,Dr.Harvey Mulei,Felistus Mutune and other county staff.