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WAUTU/KYANGAATI SAND DAM: TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CLEAN WATER, CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Wautu/Kyangaati sand dam in Ilima ward, Kaiti Sub-county, currently 80% complete, is being constructed across Wautu River and is set to transform the lives of the local community.

Once operational in a month, the project will provide clean water for domestic use to 250 households, nearby educational institutions, and Wautu Market. Additionally, it will support irrigation for the cultivation of 5,000 avocado trees, boosting household incomes through sustainable agriculture. As part of the project’s environmental impact, 400 riparian tree species will be planted to restore the land and promote conservation efforts.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Makueni County and the World Bank, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MATERNAL DEATHS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JHPIEGO

Makueni is ramping up efforts to eliminate maternal deaths through a strategic partnership with Jhpiego, focusing on reducing mortality and complications caused by postpartum hemorrhage,the leading cause of maternal fatalities.

In a meeting held in Wote on wednesday,key stakeholders convened to deliberate on effective interventions.

The forum brought together representatives from the County Community Health Strategy, County Reproductive Health teams, Sub-County Community Health Strategy focal persons, Health Promotion Officers, Community Health Assistants, chiefs, sub-chiefs, and religious leaders.

Their primary objective was to chart a clear path toward ending preventable maternal deaths.

Data from the county indicate significant progress in reducing maternal mortality.

In 2022, Makueni recorded 23 maternal deaths, 12 of which resulted from excessive bleeding. However, in 2023/2024, the numbers dropped to 11, signaling a positive trend.

Speaking at the meeting, health promotion officer Bretta Mutisya urged chiefs to work closely with community health promoters to ensure pregnant women receive proper antenatal care and are encouraged to deliver in health facilities.

Jhpiego’s Evaluation, Monitoring, and Research Manager, Fridah Nyaga, underscored the need for preparedness, particularly for expectant mothers in remote areas.

She advised that carrying misoprostol,a life-saving drug,could help prevent excessive bleeding if they deliver outside health facilities.

With these concerted efforts, Makueni is steadily advancing towards its goal of safer childbirth and zero maternal deaths, offering hope for expectant mothers across the region.

NEW KSH 45 MILLION LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE IN NGAAKAA-TWAANDU

Over 8,000 residents of Ngaakaa-Twaandu in Makindu Ward are set to benefit from an upcoming state-of-the-art Level 3 hospital, thanks to a KSh 45 million investment by World Vision Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside the World Vision Kenya team, led the groundbreaking ceremony of phase one of the project on Tuesday.

The facility, backed by Mountain Blue Foundation, will feature a mother and child block, a modern maternity wing, a fully equipped laboratory, an administration block, procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and a records office.

Additionally, the project includes the installation of solar energy to power the facility, procurement of essential medical equipment, and implementation of the Kiboko-Twaandu water project to enhance access to clean water.

Beyond healthcare, World Vision Kenya is implementing a water project in Kitise, where 10,000 residents will benefit from the Kwa-Kamaso water project, implemented in partnership with the county government.

To further improve livelihoods, the organization will distribute 250-liter water tanks to local households, supply solar lamps to over 4,000 registered school children in the area, and empower lead farmers through training on Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES CONDUCTS INTEGRATED HEALTH OUTREACH IN KITISE

The Department of Health Services, in collaboration with World Vision Kenya and Mountain Blue Foundation, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive integrated health outreach programme in Ngunguuni, Kitise-Kithuki Ward.

Hundreds of residents turned up for the free medical camp, which offered essential healthcare services, including cancer screening, HPV vaccination, diabetes management, and nutrition services.

Leading the initiative, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged locals to prioritize their health by seeking regular medical check-ups.

She reaffirmed the County’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and assured that similar outreach programmes would be rolled out across different parts of the County.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUNCHES ONE-STOP DIGITAL LAND SERVICES SYSTEM

Makueni County has gone digital in its land services bringing all land related services under one digital roof—Makueni Ardhi System— accessible from any part of the globe at the click of a button.

The self-service portal launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday is modelled after the national government’s Ardhisasa, and guarantees users 24/7 convenient access of land services such as:

• Payment of property rates and rent,

• Plot searches,

• Application of construction permits, clearance certificates and other development permissions,

• Property owners are provided with flexible payment options where they are able to make partial payments on property rent and rates.

• The system is configured to give users feedback through SMSs and email and promoting paperless transactions.

The system has onboarded 32,332 plots, from 27,000 plots before development of Ardhi Makueni. From this number, Makueni targets to raise Ksh 170 million in Own Source Revenue from land-based revenue streams in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.

The system while increasing efficiency in land resources management will weed out malpractices such public land grabbing and or encroachment.

Log onto https://lims.makueni.go.ke to access these digital services.

MAKUENI SET TO REVOLUTIONIZE WOMEN’S HEALTH WITH CUTTING-EDGE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY.

Makueni County is set to collaborate with the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) and Women in Development to enhance maternal, newborn, and child health services across the County.

This partnership comes amid rising neo-natal mortality rates in Makueni, currently standing at 26 % of deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare interventions.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday hosted officials from Women in Development Initiative, FIGO, (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) and the Centre for Reproductive Health, where discussions centered on eliminating preventable maternal deaths, reducing neonatal and child mortality, and addressing adolescent pregnancies.

According to Prof. Beatrice Kihara, the lead champion of the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative, at least 90% of pregnant women should attend a minimum of four antenatal care (ANC) visits, while 90% of births should be assisted by skilled healthcare professionals.

Further, she emphasized that 80% of mothers and newborns require early postnatal and essential newborn care for optimal health outcomes.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr , an advocate for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), stressed the importance of nutrition for expectant mothers and infants.

The new partnership is expected to strengthen healthcare systems and improve the well-being of mothers and children across Makueni.

MAKUENI SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH OKOA MAMA NA MTOTO INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

Makueni County is set to collaborate with the Okoa Mama na Mtoto Initiative (OMMI) and Women in Development to enhance maternal, newborn, and child health services across the County.

Further, she emphasized that 80% of mothers and newborns require early postnatal and essential newborn care for optimal health outcomes.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr , an advocate for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), stressed the importance of nutrition for expectant mothers and infants.

The new partnership is expected to strengthen healthcare systems and improve the well-being of mothers and children across Makueni.

BUSIA COUNTY SEEKS TO LEARN FROM MAKUENI’S PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Busia County has expressed interest in adopting Makueni’s advanced Project Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS) to enhance project oversight, transparency and service delivery.

A delegation from Makueni, On Invitation of H.E Dr. Paul Otuoma led by CECM ICT, Education and Internship Elizabeth Muli, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, Chief Officer Irene Makau and Acting Director ICT Benjamin Makau, among other officials, is in Busia for a two-day engagement to initiate the process of onboarding Busia County to the PMTS

Under the leadership of H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Makueni has prioritized technology-driven governance, with PMTS playing a key role in enhancing efficiency, accountability and timely project implementation.

Busia’s leadership, represented by County Secretary Oscar Juma and CECM for Public Service Pamela Awori, welcomed the partnership, acknowledging Makueni’s success in using technology to enhance accountability and ensure timely project execution.

This collaboration marks a major step in Busia’s efforts to integrate digital solutions for better governance.

UNOA COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL HAS RECEIVED A GENEROUS DONATION OF 1,325 ASSORTED BOOKS FROM DIE&I, COURTESY OF FAITH MISSION

The collection, which includes storybooks and science books, will enrich the school’s library and supplement existing curriculum materials.

During the handover on February 7, 2025, the Chief Officer for ICT, Education, and Internship, Irene Makau, encouraged students to make the most of the resources to improve their academic performance, creativity, and critical thinking.

The Principal expressed gratitude, stating that the books would greatly benefit both students and teachers by fostering a stronger reading culture and enriching learning experiences.

This donation marks a significant step in supporting education at Unoa Comprehensive School, ensuring students have access to diverse learning materials to enhance their knowledge and skills.

IVIANI FARM PUTS MAKUENI ON THE MAP WITH EXPORT-QUALITY FRUIT CRISPS

Iviani farm, located deep at Kwa Kathoka village, has emerged as an example of how cottage industries are propelling Makueni County’s economy to new heights.

This farm specializes in the production of crunchy dried mango, banana, and pixie crisps which find their market in Europe, Canada, and United States as well as the Kenyan market. In a season, the farm processes up to 150 metric tons of raw mango into these sought-after munchies.

The farm, founded by Faith Mumo and Benjamin Munyao, who are still in their youth, has become a key player in supporting the county government’s efforts to stabilize mango prices, provide a reliable market for local farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.

On Wednesday, during a visit to the farm, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, lauded the initiative for its impact on the local economy. Governor Mutula pledged his commitment to supporting youth-led start-ups through the Makueni County Empowerment Fund, to build a vibrant private sector driven by young entrepreneurs.

Faith also serves as the CEO of BEFA FEEDS—a local livestock feed manufacturing company based at Kwa Kathoka Market Centre. BEFA FEEDS provides affordable, high-quality animal feeds to farmers in the region, further strengthening the agricultural value chain. The two ventures have created hundreds of job opportunities to locals both directly and indirectly.