Makueni County has partnered with KCEP-CRAL( Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme- Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihood) to rehabilitate Chief Kiamba earthdam in Kasikeu ward in an endeavor to bring water closer to the people.
County Executive Committee Member for Water and Sanitation John Kieti on Thursday presented the contractor to the Project Management Committee and also handed structuctural designs and Bill of Quantities to the PMC for oversight.
Kieti said the county government has embarked on a massive water development agenda targeting to increase Makueni’s water supply from the current 30,000 cubic meters to meet the current demand of 60,000 cubic meters per day.
The Dam is expected to benefit over 600 households.
Makueni County has handed over three sites for construction of ultra-modern markets under the Multi-million Economic Stimulus Program (ESP), a partnership between the national government and county governments.
The sites handed over on Wednesday to contractors procured by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development are Makindu ( Kibwezi West) and Kikima (Mbooni). Kasikeu site in Kilome was handed over on Tuesday by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili.
The Ksh 50M each markets are meant to spur rural economic growth by promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Each market will accomodate 200 traders. Some of their essential componets are lactating rooms, cold storage rooms, SACCO offices, an ICT hub, ATM booths, a social hall, and a kitchen.
In recognition of the role inclusive and quality education plays in achieving SDG 4 and the social pillar in vision 2030, Makueni through the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr is developing and equiping model ecde centres.
This is Ndukuma ECDE Centre, requested by wananchi during commissioning of Ndukuma dam. The mud structure is what learners had for a class before!
Today, Christian Aid, Kenya and their implementing partners paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Governor of Makueni to discuss the progress of their ongoing projects within the county.
The participating partners included ADSE, CGA, and Kitise Rural Development. Key areas of current intervention encompass governance, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian response.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. conducted a surprise visit to the ongoing Wote Stadium today in order to determine the reasons for its slow progress.
Accompanied by Nicholas Nzioka, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Sports, as well as his counterparts in Roads and Devolution, the Governor toured the facility and held discussions with the contractor.
Governor Mutula pledged to investigate the outstanding issues regarding the stadium and contact the appropriate national authorities to ensure its completion within this year.
Today, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama signed a collaboration aimed at enhancing rural electricity accessibility, renewable energy and clean cooking.
The partnership, focusing on a holistic electrification effort, seeks to benefit approximately 624 households across the county, with a pivotal Kshs. 30 Million matching grant from the County Government.
“This fund is dedicated to uplifting households and institutions in the 2023/24 fiscal year, promising improved living standards and economic growth through enhanced access to electricity,” affirmed Governor Mutula.
Kicking off this transformative initiative, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and CEO Dr. Mkalama commissioned the Kako Waia CBO Warehouse electrification scheme in Mbooni Sub-County. Connecting 54 households, the project stands as a symbol of progress and connectivity in the community, marking the shared commitment of the County Government and REREC Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Corporation – Kenya to address the crucial need for electricity in underserved areas.
The Department of Lands, Urban Planning & Development, Environment, and Climate Change in Makueni has officially launched a Climate Change Stakeholders coalition with the aim of orchestrating concerted efforts in climate change adaptation.
This coalition unites various stakeholders, including government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), Academia, and environmental advocates. Its primary objective is to facilitate collaboration among these entities and formulate a comprehensive strategy for coordinated climate change adaptation within the county.
The inaugural event took place on Tuesday in Wote, presided over by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili. It was graced by the presence of County Executive Committee Member Sonia Nzilani, Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, and members of the Makueni Climate Change Fund Management Board.
In a remarkable display of commitment, the Government of Makueni County in partnership with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) completed a five day launch of electrification projects that will see transformation of lives across the county.
Through a matching grant initiative, the program entails installation of power lines, transformers, and meters that is aimed at ensuring reliable supply of electricity to homes, institutions, and business premises.
Leading from the front during the project launch program, the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni emphasized on the importance of the initiative, stating, “Access to electricity is not just about powering homes; it’s about empowering communities. It enhances education, healthcare, entrepreneurial activities and overall quality of life.”
Community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude, recognizing the County Government’s efforts as a game-changer. One resident exclaimed, “This is a new dawn for us, we can work hard to realize our dreams.”
As the one week electrification launch came to an end, the assurance of energy supply left a true picture of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s campaign manifesto on energy, reminding everyone of the transformative power of access to electricity.
The one-week programme was also graced by REREC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Eng. Jonathan Mbuttu, Principal Business Development Officer Diana Khalwale, Regional Manager Representative Eng. Mercy Rotich, Makueni County Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, area MCAs Hon. Muthiani Mwangangi (Nguumo), Hon. Harrison Mwanzia (Nzambani/Ivingoni), Hon. Francis Mulwa (Mtito Andei), Hon. Dennis Musyoka (Kako/Waia), Hon. Urbanus Manzu (Kee) and Hon. Joseph Muema (Mukaa), respective area National and County Government Administration officers and a representation of MCAs from NZAKIKA, Emali/Mulala, Kasikeu, Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards among other officers.
The 12 different projects are expected to be complete within less than three months and projected to benefit at least 780 households/business premises and institutions cumulatively.
The Department of Water and Sanitation on September 22, 2023 commissioned 37 complete water projects to bring quality potable water closer to the people.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr dispatched his entire cabinet to commission the projects in all the six sub-counties, in a move aimed at reducing the distance residents walk to available water sources to less than two kms from their homes.
The commissioned projects are among 54 completed within the first year of Governor Mutula’s administration in 2022-2023 Financial Year.
Kitise Rural Development (KRD) receives a vehicle to assist in their daily operations in value chain development in areas of agriculture, a path to achieving self-reliance as a community.
The event was graced by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr where the van courtesy of Christian Aid got delivered.
