Trade

302 GRADUATE FROM JOINT HOSPITALITY UPSCALING TRAINING IN MAKUENI

A total of 302 hospitality workers from Makueni and Machakos counties graduated on Friday after completing a two-week upscaling training program aimed at improving service delivery in the tourism sector.

The Tourism Fund-sponsored training equips workers with modern skills in customer service, food and beverage handling, housekeeping, hygiene, and sustainable tourism to meet evolving industry standards and enhance visitor experiences.

The graduation ceremony held at Wote Technical Training Institute was led by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani and attended by distinguished guests, including Scott University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Barante, Tourism Fund Trustee Mr. Patrick Ngere, and Machakos CECM Mr. John Kilonzo among other guests.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Sonia Nzilani said the initiative is a key step in building a skilled workforce. “By equipping frontline hospitality workers with skills, we are directly investing in the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry.”

PRESERVING HERITAGE, SUSTAINING CULTURE AND INSPIRING GROWTH

Indigenous knowledge [I.K] plays a crucial role in preserving culture in the country by safeguarding traditional practices, languages and customs passed down through generations.

I.K encompasses wisdom in agriculture, medicine, storytelling and rituals that define a community’s identity.

By integrating I.K into education and conservation efforts, the government ensures the continuity of the community’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program, on Tuesday held a consultative forum with registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project.

The sensitization forum was aimed to prepare participants for an upcoming investment conference and trade fair, where participants will showcase documented and prioritized indigenous knowledge-based assets and products in Makueni.

The forthcoming conference, themed Heritage-Based Enterprises, aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) will serve as a platform to connect exhibitors with potential investors and partners for product development and commercialization.

Speaking at the forum, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, highlighted that the Heritage-Based Enterprise agenda seeks to empower local communities, promote tourism and enhance education on Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

“By leveraging indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.

The program specifically targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, NMK’s Patrick Maundu and Director of Culture Mutua Mulonzya.

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.

KENYA TOURISM BOARD ENGAGES LOWER EASTERN COUNTIES IN TOURISM PROMOTION

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on Thursday kicked off a two-day county engagement program in Wote, bringing together tourism and culture officers from Makueni, Machakos, Kitui and Nairobi counties.

The initiative aims to identify tourism opportunities and enhance local and international marketing strategies.

Makueni’s Acting CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Nicholas Nzioka, opened the event by appreciating KTB for its partnership with counties.

Nzioka highlighted the importance of proactive efforts in the competitive tourism sector. “The masters of the tourism game are fiercely competing for resources, while only the weak sit idly, waiting to be given a share,” Nzioka remarked.

The forum aims to enhance tourism, identify key focus areas to attract visitors and explore partnership opportunities.

Also present at the program were Stephen Mulei, Chief Officer for Tourism and Culture in Machakos, along with Directors Dianah Muli and Mutua Mulonzya for Tourism and Culture in Makueni.

MagicalKenya

MAKUENI COUNTY TO UNVEIL MANGO MARKETING FRAMEWORK TO PROTECT FARMERS

Makueni, Wote 12th December 2024.

Makueni County is developing a Mango Fruit marketing framework to protect Farmers and ensure proper pricing for the crop.

Governor Mutula Jr says the County has rolled out a series of Business to Business (B2B) meetings involving value-chain stakeholders such as lead farmers and off -takers where a framework for marketing has been developed.

“Beginning this Friday, Ward meetings are going to begin to create awareness on quantities to be off taken by different off takers, pricing and mode of payment”.

He called upon farmers to actively participate and ensure their concerns are noted and addressed through the process.

“We will say no to bad prices, and brokers,” Mutula emphasized.

The Governor was speaking while presiding over Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The governor outlined his government’s commitment on developing Agriculture in the county.

He also presented Ksh. 6 million to six Ward-based Saccos as part of the ongoing National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) where the government seeks to empower 156,000 farmers with skills and resources across key value chains including mangoes, apiculture, tomatoes, dairy and poultry.

County Commissioner Duncan Darusi warned locals against vandalizing critical government infrastructure saying those involved will be dealt with.

Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr Justus Kyambi and other top County officials.

MAKUENI CHOIR TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE PRESTIGIOUS WINNERS CONCERT.

The Makueni County choir had the honor of performing at the Winners Concert, held on Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya.

The concert celebrated creme de la creme performances from the recently concluded Kenya Music and Cultural Festival, highlighting the country’s rich heritage and diversity.

The performance was attended by several senior government officials, including Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Ms. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture & Heritage, and Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Makueni’s CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism.

MAKUENI PRESENTS 342 PARTICIPANTS AT THE 97th KENYA MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS.

The 97th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festivals was officially launched on Tuesday at the Taita Taveta National Polytechnic in Voi, marking the start of a thrilling ten-day celebration of Kenya’s vibrant artistic and cultural heritage.

The event, which was graced by Taita Taveta Deputy Governor H.E. Christine Saru Kilalo, promises a rich array of performances, including music choirs, drama, spoken word, narratives and cultural exhibitions drawn from all over the country.

During the opening ceremony, Kilalo warmly welcomed participants and visitors to Taita Taveta, urging the competitors to celebrate the nation’s diverse cultures through their performances.

Makueni County made a notable contribution to the festival with 342 participants led the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism by Dr. Sonia Nzilani,

Dr. Nzilani expressed confidence in Makueni’s strong performance, highlighting the county’s continued commitment to nurturing and developing its arts, music and cultural sectors.

The launch ceremony also featured a spirited and electrifying modern dance performance by Wote Technical Training Institute, which had previously taken first place in 96th edition of KMCF held in Makueni.

The ceremony was attended by KMCF Chairperson Prof. Emily Akuno, Kenya Cultural Centre Chief Executive Officer Michael Pundo, Makueni’s Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani among other national and county government officials.

EU TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPORT SUPPLY HUB FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN MAKUENI COUNTY

The European Union, in partnership with two entities, Trademark Africa and Rootooba, and Makueni County Government hosted a stakeholder meeting on Thursday to plan for the creation of an export supply hub for fruits and vegetables in Makueni County.

The proposed export hub in Makueni is part of a nationwide initiative to establish three hubs.

It is intended to serve as a central facility for processing, packaging and exporting fresh produce from neighboring counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Taita Taveta and Kajiado.

Speaking during the consultative forum, Makueni’s Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua noted that the hub will help local farmers by improving access to larger markets, offering better prices and boosting their income through increased export opportunities.

Mutua says the initiative aims at streamlining the agricultural supply chain by ensuring that the produce meets international market standards while facilitating efficient distribution to global markets.

Trademark Africa Director for Standards Dr. Andrew Edewa praised Makueni County for its collaboration in establishing the hub, emphasizing that the facility will be a transformative asset for local farmers.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from KEPHIS, TradeMark Africa, Farmer Producer Company, JKUAT, Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, exporters and farmers to discuss challenges in current agricultural practices, ways to improve market compliance and explore collaboration opportunities.

The forum was also attended by Kajiado CECM for Trade and Investment, Leah Marias and Taita Taveta Chief officer for Trade, Nashon Nyali among other representatives.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVERNMENT INITIATES TALKS WITH CHURCH LEADERS TO ESTABLISH A PILGRIMAGE CENTER.

The Tourism Directorate on Wednesday launched consultative meetings with church leaders in the county to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a pilgrimage center.

The meeting attended by representatives from various Christian denominations, including Africa Inland Church, Anglican Church of Kenya, African Brotherhood Church, Salvation Army and Catholic Church focused on creating a framework for the development of a dedicated space for worship and personal spiritual growth and was open to all denominations.

Leading the forum, the County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Sonia Nzilani highlighted the importance of unity in faith emphasizing that once actualized, the center would serve as a touristic platform to bring Christians together for a shared purpose.

Attending the meeting, Bishop Joshua Mativo of the Africa Inland Church lauded the county government’s initiative appreciating the inclusion of the church in planning for an environment of worship and personal reflection.

Upon implementation, the pilgrimage center proposed at Nzaui Hill aims to boost local tourism and create economic opportunities for the community with improved infrastructure.

The meeting attended by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, Rev. Dominic Kasoo of ACK, Captain Patrick Mwangangi of Salvation Army and Reverend Canon Daniel Mutua of ABC marks the beginning of a masterplan series of forums that will help shape the development of the pilgrimage masterplan.