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Tourism

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.

MAKUENI TOURISM BOOTH TAKES CENTER STAGE AT MAGICAL KENYA EXPO.

Makueni County is participating in this year’s MagicalKenya Travel Expo, which kicked off on Wednesday in Nairobi.

Makueni’s booth has garnered significant attention, with visitors eager to learn more about the county’s unique tourist destinations, the scenic views, vibrant Akamba culture and available travel packages.

The exhibition was launched by President William Samoei Ruto and has drawn over 300 exhibitors, 160 buyers and more than 70 global media outlets, and seeks to offer a prime platform for the country to showcase its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings.

The theme of the 3-day expo is “Explore, Connect, Celebrate,” and highlights Makueni’s efforts to boost tourism and promote local attractions.

INDIAN RESEARCH SCIENTIST PROF. RAJENDRAN JOINED GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. ON TUESDAY AS HE HOSTED A TEAM FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA (NPI).

Indian research scientist Prof. Rajendran joined Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday as he hosted a team from the National Museums of Kenya (NPI). The meeting focused on finding ways to turn indigenous knowledge into practical innovations that can be marketed.

The visit comes after the completion of the indigenous knowledge documentation in Makueni County. It also sets the stage for the upcoming international investment conference, where key Kamba cultural assets will be showcased to potential investors.

THE TOURISM SECTOR IN MAKUENI COUNTY HAS EMERGED AS A PROMISING AVENUE FOR JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The tourism sector in Makueni County has emerged as a promising avenue for job creation and economic growth.

As the world celebrates the Tourism Week, the cultural heritage, booming agribusiness, scenic landscapes and unique wildlife in Makueni offers vast opportunities for both local and international visitors.

To tap this great potential, the County Government has implemented a strategic plan aimed at growing this sector.

Significant milestones have already been achieved, including the development of key infrastructure, promotion of eco-tourism and enhancement of cultural tourism through community involvement.

#TourismAndPeace

MAKUENI, TSAVO TRUST AGREE TO A JOINT MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN MTITO ANDEI.

Residents in Mtito Andei area are looking at better days free from attacks by wild animals after the County Government of Makueni signed a working partnership with Tsavo Trust, a wildlife conservator, to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

The partnership signed by Mutula Kilonzo Jr and @Tsavo Trust Chief Executive Officer Richard Moller on Friday entails joint implementation of projects that keep animals away from human settlements.

Some of the targeted projects include installation of electric fence in sections bordering wildlife corridors, provision of water for both wildlife and residents, establishment of health facilities and community education and participation in environmental conservation.

Governor Mutula said the efforts are geared towards permanently addressing the perennial cases of wild animals especially elephants straying into people’s homes and farmlands causing crop destruction and at times death and body injuries.

Mutula expressed optimism that the conflict if well managed, can metamorphose into a key economic pillar through tourism development.

Also in attendance was Makueni County Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mtito-Andei MCA Francis Mulwa.

MAKUENI YAADHIMISHA SIKU YA KISWAHILI DUNIANI

Serikali ya Kaunti ya Makueni kupitia Idara ya Biashara, Masoko, Viwanda, Utamaduni na Utalii ikiongozwa na Waziri Sonia Nzilani leo imeadhimisha siku ya lugha ya Kiswahili duniani katika shule ya upili ya mabanati ya Makueni.

Siku ya Lugha ya Kiswahili Duniani ilianza Julai 7, elfu mbili na ishirini na mbili. Maadhimisho haya yalianzishwa na shirika la UNESCO ili kutambua umuhimu wa Kiswahili, lugha inayozungumzwa na watu wengi zaidi barani Afrika. Siku hii inaadhimisha jukumu la lugha katika kukuza tofauti za kitamaduni, kukuza umoja, na kuwezesha mawasiliano katika bara la Afrika na kwingineko.

Daktari Sonia aliwahimiza wanafunzi kutilia mkazo lugha ya Kiswahili kwa masomo yao kwa sababu lugha hii ni tajika na imeweza kufanywa lugha rasmi katika Jumuia ya Afrika Mashariki na Kati na pia kuanzishwa katika mitaala katika nchi za Magharibi. Maadhimisho haya yalihusu michezo ya kuigiza, neno nenwa, hadithi za urafa, utangazaji na nyimbo za Utamaduni.

Kwa kuongezea, lengo kuu la idara ya Utamanduni, Muziki na Sanaa Makueni ni kujenga tamaduni zetu na kuhakikisha lugha ya Kiswahili inaleta hisia za stahiki na ubunifu katika shule zetu na kwingineko.

Baadhi ya waliokuwemo ni mwalimu mkuu Bi. Mary Akoth, mkurungezi wa Utalii Bi. Dianah Muli miongoni mwa maafisa na waalimu wengine. Kwengineko, Maadhimisho kama haya Afrika Mashariki yalifanyika katika Ngome ya Yesu (Fort Jesus) leo kufuatia usiku wa Kiswahili uliosherehekewa hapo jana.

KiswahiliKidumu

SECOND ANNUAL MAKUENI TOURISM CIRCUIT CONCLUDES AT TSAVO

Today marked the conclusion of the second annual Makueni County tourism circuit that kicked off on Tuesday at Alem Hotel in Mbooni sub-county spanning four days. Led by the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the circuit brought together hoteliers, tour operators and cultural enthusiasts from across the county to explore various attractions and facilities aiming to position Makueni as a premier tourism destination.

The circuit’s goal was to promote interconnected tourism by linking various attractions, activities and services within the county. This initiative provided tourism operators with the opportunity to explore multiple locations, supporting sustainable tourism practices. Dr. Sonia highlighted the program as a key marketing strategy to showcase Makueni’s beautiful landscapes and facilities, boosting the county’s tourism appeal.

Accompanied by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, participants visited numerous facilities including Alem Hotel, Tawa Country Lodge, The Base Hotel and Kyeni Kya Kitoo pottery cottage in Mbooni. The team also toured Kusyombunguo Hotels, Paraiso, Kilimani Fort in Wote, Jambo Afrika, Kijiji, Emali Handicraft, Hunters Lodge, Kambua and Patton Homes in Kibwezi West.

Speaking at the Akamba Cultural Center, the Chief Officer emphasized the department’s commitment to preserving the Kamba culture as a tourist attraction contributing to economic growth. 

The circuit also included a nature trail in Kivale Forest and a visit to Chyullu National Park where participants enjoyed stunning views of the landscape. 

In the final leg of the tour, the team visited Tsavo West National Park exploring the famous volcanic Shetani lava and Chaimu hills and experienced the magical Mzima Springs. They were also treated to an ethnological tale of the Angulya People; a native Kamba sub-ethnic tribe indigenous to Chyullu Hills and Tsavo Park.

The Makueni Tourism Circuit aims to market the county as a prime tourist destination and provide a detailed route for travelers, enhancing Makueni’s visibility on the tourism map.

THE ‘SOKO MAKUENI’ E-COMMERCE PORTAL, AN INNOVATIVE PLATFORM THAT CONNECTS MAKUENI BUSINESSES TO GLOBAL MARKETS LEVERAGING ON TECHNOLOGY, BAGS TWO NATIONAL AWARDS!

Soko Makueni is a Government of Makueni county developed and run online marketing E-portal that accords produce, products and services from the county, a presence in the global market. Soko Makueni participated in the 6th Edition of the Kenya e-commerce awards that was organized by Vibrant Digital Africa under the theme Reimagining E-commerce in Kenya: powering growth with AI, last mile innovation, and secure transactions.

In this competition, Soko Makueni won the following awards; –

1. Gold award – Best Government E-commerce platform category

2. Silver award – Best B2B marketplace category

This competition seeks to recognize innovative efforts by different players in the e-commerce place and in adopting technology for businesses to access markets beyond borders.

The CECM, Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Sonnia Nzilani led the departmental delegation from the Government of Makueni County to receive the awards at a Gala Awards dinner during the Kenya E-commerce Awards 6th. Edition.

Wauni wa kwika nesa na ulungalu.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH STRATHMORE UNIVERSITY TO CAPACITY BUILD MSMES

The Government of Makueni County envisions to transform the livelihoods of her citizens by increasing their household incomes. The Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism through the Directorate of Trade, Marketing and Industry, has partnered with Kenya Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to support in the growth and scalability  of businesses in Kibwezi West and East Sub counties. 

Key reasons why Government of Makueni County through Directorate of Trade, Marketing and Industry is supporting MSMEs :

  • Micro Small and Medium Enterprises are key enablers of economic growth and development in Makueni county.
  • MSMEs represent a core pillar of the economy and play a significant role in innovation, wealth, and employment creation. 
  • So there is need to create an entrepreneurship culture where traders are constantly reminded of good business practices in order to increase their sales and profitability.  
  • The directorate has been supporting MSMEs to access to better markets through programmes such as exhibitions, development of ICT portal, Soko Makueni, formation of member associations, value addition, and development of infrastructure among others. 

The MSMEs were trained on financial planning, marketing needs, financing needs, book keeping and on use of technology in addition to:

  • Empowering the MSMEs toward self-reliance 
  • Provide market outlets, product development, training and market information to the producers.
  • Enable participants to understand simple book keeping methods in relation to their business size. 
  • Ensure the participants understand the advantages of keeping track of business transactions.
  • To instill skill and confidence in managing business finances. 
  • Sensitizing on the use of technology in business operations
  • Spotting a business opportunity
  • Market penetration.
  • It was agreed that a better enabling environment be provided for revitalizing the MSMEs to improve economic growth through addressing inefficiencies in the County licensing regime, formalizing unlicensed MSMEs, and strengthening institutional management capacities
  • It was agreed that advisory, training and consultancy activities to promote business, leadership, and governance capacities sessions be conducted in all sub-counties.

NZAUI NATURE TRAIL SHOWCASES MAKUENI’S SCENIC BEAUTY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Makueni County’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage were on full display today during the inaugural 13-kilometer nature trail hike at Nzaui Hill. 

The event organized by the tourism directorate and led by Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism attracted a diverse group of participants including tour operators, local farmers, hoteliers, and professional hikers.

Participants enjoyed breathtaking views from 1,833 meters above sea level Nzaui Peak and visited the legendary Mulata Ìvia rock, which features human footprints believed to mark the first landing place of the Kamba people. 

The six-hour hike included thrilling fun games, health talks, entertainment, and comedy, culminating in a tree-planting ceremony in the forest.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nzilani emphasized the importance of preserving Makueni’s natural attractions and announced plans to organize similar activities in other regions. 

The event was also attended by Eng. Peter Mumo, CECM for Gender, Youth, and Sports, Dr. Faith Mwende of the _No Summit too high_ along with other stakeholders such as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and media representatives.