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TODAY, FARMERS FROM KATHONZWENI, MAVINDINI, AND MUVAU WARDS TOOK PART IN A FIELD DAY AT MUAMBA IKUNGU VILLAGE IN KATHONZWENI WARD, MAKUENI COUNTY.

Today, farmers from Kathonzweni, Mavindini, and Muvau wards took part in a field day at Muamba Ikungu village in Kathonzweni Ward, Makueni County.

The event, organized by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), showcased new drought-resistant sorghum varieties: Smart, Ndume, and Jasiri.

These varieties are known for their high yields, nutritional benefits (rich in calcium and iron), and bird resistance, with potential yields of up to 18 bags per acre. This could generate Ksh. 105,000 per acre against a production cost of Ksh. 20,000 per acre.

Joyce Mutua, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, praised the initiative for its potential to improve nutrition, food security and local livelihoods, assuring that certified seeds would be distributed by reputable institutions to farmers within the County.

The event also saw the attendance of Mary Muteti, Director of Agriculture, Dr. Patrick Ketiem from KARLO, and Dr. Chris Ojiewo from CIMMYT.

MAKUENI LAUDED FOR EXEMPLARY GOVERNANCE AND INNOVATION AT PEER REVIEW SUMMIT

Makueni County has been feted for its outstanding public participation governance model by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) /African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Kenya Secretariat at the inaugural National County Peer Review Mechanism Summit held in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) is a voluntary self-assessment tool for Kenyan counties, designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences, reinforcement of best practices, identification of deficiencies, and assessment of capacity-building needs to promote political stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Makueni, assessed alongside 11 other counties, scored an impressive 71% in public participation. The review, conducted by the CPRM’s Panel of Eminent Persons, involved citizen feedback on devolution since 2013 and covered four main thematic areas: Democracy and Political Governance, Economic Governance and Management, Socio-Economic Development, and Corporate Governance.

The county was also commended for its Green Roads for Water initiative, which integrates water management and re-greening into road design.

Makueni also earned praise for automating its Own Source Revenue (OSR) collection, achieving a revenue target of Kshs. 1 billion in the 2023/24 financial year.

The Maisha Meds Inventory Management System in Makueni also impressed the Panel of Eminent Persons. They urged other counties to adopt similar systems, noting that it has significantly improved the security of commodities in Makueni.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr received accolades for his leadership and pledged to sustain and enhance the county’s performance to ensure continued satisfaction among residents. He was accompanied by Finance CEC Damaris Kavoi and Chief Officer Socio Economic Planning Boniface Mutua.

FIRST COHORT OF SPONSORED STUDENTS COMPLETE EXAMS.

Kwa Kathoka, 6th August 2024

The Agricultural Training College (ATC) celebrated a significant milestone as the first cohort of fully sponsored students successfully completed their exams.

This initiative, supported by the Anglican Development Services (ADS) and the County Government of Makueni, aligns with the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Program (NAVCDP) and aims to enhance skills in key agricultural areas such as poultry, dairy, and horticulture.

The program’s focus on practical training, with a curriculum comprising 20% theory and 80% practical experience, prepares students for real-world applications.

Graduates are equipped to provide extension services or launch entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture.

CEC Member for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, encouraged other wards to follow the example of Kathonzweni Ward, which has already allocated funds to sponsor youths for these training programs.

She emphasized that such initiatives would help bridge the gap in agricultural training and equip the youth with the necessary skills to engage in agri-preneurship.

MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH SAFARICOM FOR DIGITIZATION OF TETHEKA FUND.

On Tuesday, Makueni County’s Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Peter Mumo, along with his ICT counterpart, Elizabeth Muli, led a multi-sectoral team of officers and stakeholders in reviewing the status of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund’s (Tetheka) new digital system, developed in partnership with Safaricom.

This digital system aims to automate the entire process of Tetheka loans—from application and processing to lending and payment. The primary goals are to enhance inclusion, efficiency, transparency, recovery, and overall accountability.

Eng. Mumo said the system is poised to revolutionize affordable credit access for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, improving their financial empowerment.

The review meeting in Nairobi was also attended by representatives of the Makueni County Assembly Committee on Gender, and representatives from the World Food Programme, our key development partner in social empowerment.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR. COMMISSIONS SOLAR PROJECT AT MAKUENI COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday commissioned the solarization project at Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The hospital’s new solar energy system, designed to harness 200 kilowatts at peak capacity, is expected to save the facility Ksh. 7 million annually in electricity bills.Before installing the new system, the monthly power bill was over 1.8M. After installation, June 2024’s bill was 1.1M and July’s was 1.2M, saving the county at least 600k-700k per month.

Governor Mutula emphasized that the solar system will supplement the often unreliable grid electricity, ensuring a consistent power supply and minimizing disruptions to medical services.

Dr. Paul Musila, the Health Services CECM, noted the environmental benefits of the project, saying that it will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint. He also announced that the savings from the reduced electricity bills will be reinvested into enhancing patient care and upgrading hospital facilities.

Governor Mutula further revealed plans to construct a new intensive care unit, surgical center, and a private wing at the county referral hospital to bolster health services.

Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, the CECM for Infrastructure Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy remarked that the project underscores the county’s commitment to fostering a greener future through investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Governor Kilonzo was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Assembly Speaker Hon. Douglas Mbilu,area MCA Felix Mateso and several MCAs, CECMs, and Chief Officers, among others, during the commissioning ceremony.

MAKUENI SIGNS 8 MOUS WITH PARTNERS TO PROMOTE FOOD PRODUCTION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Monday signed Memorandums of Understanding with 8 development partners in the agricultural sector aimed at boosting food production through different value chains development.

The partnerships, Governor Mutula said, aim to among others:

  1. Advancement of agro-based industries and promote food exports through agricultural enteprise development;

2. Support youth- led and youth-driven social economic innovation and entrepreneural activities;

3. Train farmer groups on various organic farming practices, commercial seed production and marketing of drought tolerant crops such as greengrams and pigeon peas;

4.Provide appropriate extension support to farmers and support prevention and management of pests and diseases;

5. Mobilize farmers and train them on Simsim farming as well as offer infrastructure support throughout the county;

6. Provide linkages between farmers and service providers.

The Partners to this cooperation are: Biovision Africa Trust, Alternatives Africa Limited, Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management, SOLIDARIDAD East and Central Africa Expertise Centre, Biodiversity and Biosafety Association, Cereal Growers Association, and Mama Fresh Company Limited.

TOMATO VALUE-CHAIN TRAINING PROJECT IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

This initiative is geared towards enhancing agricultural practices, promoting the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and forming commercial groups to boost productivity, quality, and market access for tomato farmers.

The project also aims to contribute to economic growth and food security.

Addressing concerns about group activity and management, Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries Japheth Kiminza reassured farmers that the Makueni government would collaborate closely with active members of commercial groups to ensure proper management.

Additionally, farmers were encouraged to join Saccos through which the government will provide access to credit,extension services and saving opportunities, further supporting their agricultural ventures.

COUNTY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE FACT-FINDING TOUR.

Today, the Makueni County Assembly Committee on Agriculture conducted a fact-finding tour of the Kathonzweni Dairy Plant to assess its operational status. This visit followed up on concerns raised by Hon. Maneno, the MCA for the host ward, regarding the viability of the milk processing plant.

Several critical issues were discussed during the tour. Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries, Japheth Kiminza informed the committee that the Government had already settled power bills owed to the plant, ensured supply of clean water, planned to deploy technicians,and is in the process of building and equiping a laboratory in preparation for opening the plant to production.The Dairy Plant, when operating at optimum capacity, can process 10,000 litres of milk per day and produce other dairy products like yoghurt and mala for the local market.

This visit underscores the commitment of the County Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation and sustainability of the Kathonzweni Dairy Plant.

Those present included; Chief officer Livestock and Fisheries Japheth Kiminza,The assembly Agriculture committee led by Hon. Jacintah Mwikali (Vice Chair), Hon. Maneno (the Host Mca) , Hon. Serah Mbilo, Hon.Jonathan Kimongo,Hon. Josephine Ndambuki, Hon. Jeniffer Mwanthi, Hon. Mercy Mutuku and the Kathonzweni dairy plant Cooperative committee members among other people.