News

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION

Makueni County has taken a bold step to combat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five as well as pregnant & lactating women.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday flagged off nutrition supplies worth KSh 2.6 million at Makueni County Referral Hospital, supported by ENI-Kenya.

The supplies, which include essential nutrition supplements and weighing scales, will be distributed across 121 health facilities-which are sites for managing acute Malnutrition within the county. The initiative targets malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months and pregnant & lactating women.

Recent studies indicate that Makueni’s malnutrition rates exceed national averages, with Kibwezi East and Kibwezi West being the most affected regions.

To address these alarming figures, the county government has partnered with ENI-Kenya in provision of the weighing scales which will ensure accurate monitoring of growth to screen and identify malnutrition timely.

Following the screening, those with acute Malnutrition will be managed appropriately using these nutrition supplies

The flagged-off commodities include 29,083 sachets(200gms each) of supplements for children under five and 2,043 sachets(300gms each) for pregnant and lactating women.

Additionally, the distribution package features 25 baby weighing scales and 25 Salter scales to support accurate and timely growth monitoring.

Dr. Paul Musila, the County Executive for Health Services, emphasized that these efforts would significantly improve nutrition among vulnerable children, pregnant &Lactating women enhance improved maternal health, and better pregnancy outcomes.

Governor Mutula urged mothers to take advantage of the interventions being promoted by health regarding the first 1000 days (from conception to first 2 years of childs life) to ensure optimal growth of their children.

MANGO EXPORTERS MEET GOVERNOR MUTULA TO REVIEW MANGO TRADE

On Friday, mango exporters visited Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to discuss the progress of mango exports and explore opportunities for growth.

The visit comes after the previous launch of the Makueni County Mango Aggregation Centre, which helps local farmers by providing a central hub for collecting mangoes and linking them to exporters.

The meeting, attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua, focused on strategies to expand Makueni mangoes’ reach in the global market.

The discussions focused on ways to collaborate in improving farmer education and expanding market access to help farmers secure better prices for their produce.

UN EYES EXPANSION OF MAKUENI’S SAND DAMS SUCCESS ACROSS KENYA

Makueni’s sand conservation efforts have caught the eye of the United Nations Mission in Kenya, which now seeks to replicate the sand dam conservation technology to the rest of the country.

On Friday, a delegation of 12 UN agencies and the State Department of Devolution trooped to Makueni for an experiential learning mission on the impact of sand dams towards addressing water shortages, food security, climate change and ecological restoration.

The experience, according to UN-Mission Kenya Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson will be key in upscaling sand dams’ construction in Makueni and other parts of the country through a joint working framework with the Ministry of Devolution and counties.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who hosted the delegation said Makueni is heavily investing in sand dams as a solution to perennial challenges of hunger, water shortages and negatives effects of climate change. The county has a total of over a 1,000 sand dams, with potential for 1,000 more across its major seasonal rivers.

Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika who coordinates all development partners in the country led the UN delegation to Makueni.

GOVERNOR MUTULA HOSTS CHRISTIAN AID TEAM.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday hosted Christian Aid representatives from London, Mr. Nick Georgiadis and Elizabeth Walker, at his office in Wote, marking a significant step towards deepening development partnerships in Makueni County.

Christian Aid, a UK-based charity, has been at the forefront of impactful projects in Makueni, working closely with local partners such as Kitise Rural Development (KRD), Cereal Growers Association (CGA), and Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADS-E).

During the meeting which focused on water access and food security, Mutula emphasized on the importance of ensuring safe and clean water is available for both agriculture and households.

“Equitable access to water is essential for the well-being of our residents and the growth of our economy,” he stated.

The meeting, also attended by Christian Aid Kenya Board Member Ms. Pauline Nguyai, further explored on key initiatives including bulk water and irrigation projects, solar-powered water systems and last-mile water connectivity to boost food security and improve livelihoods across the county.

This collaboration highlights a strong commitment towards sustainable development and a brighter future for Makueni.

The governor was flanked by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, alongside County Executive Committee Members for Water and Agriculture, Eng. John Kieti and Ms. Joyce Mutua respectively.

CHILLI FARMING SPARKS AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

COUNTY EMERGENCY TEAM REHABILITATES WATUKA ROAD FOR BETTER CONNECTIVITY

Residents of Wote- Nthangu plying Watuka road will soon enjoy improved access to the exterior parts of Mbooni and back to Wote, thanks to rehabilitation efforts by the county’s emergency response team. The road, which had been rendered impassable by heavy rains, is undergoing upgrades to restore and enhance connectivity.

The project, now 68% complete, includes the construction of a drift slab, installation of cross culverts to manage flash floodwaters, and the erection of gabions supported by backfilling to stabilize the road structure.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who also chairs the cabinet committee on emergency response, on Tuesday led Finance and Roads ECMs Damaris Kavoi and Peter Mumo to inspect the ongoing works. Nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi was also present.

Mulili lauded the team for their commendable progress and emphasized the road’s importance in linking the agricultural zone to the county headquarters.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUNCHES STATE-OF-THE-ART HORTICULTURAL AGGREGATION CENTER AND PACKHOUSE IN WOTE.

Makueni County has taken a monumental step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the official launch of an Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The facility is set to enhance the processing, packaging and marketing of mangoes for both export and local markets.

Strategically located near the Wote Police Station, the facility is set to revolutionize the mango value-chain in the county and serve as a central collection point for mangoes from local farmers, reducing post-harvest losses. It will also provide exporters with direct access to high-quality produce.

Export mangoes will fetch Ksh. 12 per piece, while mangoes for the local market will attract between Ksh. 15 and Ksh. 19 per kilo, ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Farmers have been advised to notify their ward agriculture officers or ward administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting. This initiative will facilitate seamless linkage with buyers, maximizing profits for farmers.

The aggregation center is equipped to handle large quantities of mangoes, ensuring efficient sorting, grading and packaging for local and international markets.

The initiative is expected to boost incomes for farmers by providing a direct link to exporters, who previously faced logistical challenges in sourcing quality produce from the region.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr. William Mwangi the agriculture officer in charge through 0756395050.

BURSARY LAUNCH, ELIMISHA MAKUENI.

H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has demonstrated unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Makueni County’s youth. Under his leadership, the county has allocated Ksh 114.9 million for the January 2025 bursary program, aiming to support bright and needy students across all 30 wards.

The Bursary Launch was presided over by CECM ICT, Education & Internship Elizabeth Muli and CECM Devolution & Administration Nicholas Nzioka at Wote MIVEC Center.

The launch brought together key administrative figures, including Sub-County Administrators, Ward Administrators, Sub-Ward Administrators , ECDE Coordinators and County CTTIs Managers. Their collective presence underscored the county’s unified commitment to ensuring that educational opportunities reach every deserving student.

CECM Elizabeth Muli emphasized the dedication to education, stating that this bursary program reflects County’s unwavering commitment to invest in the future of our children by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed academically.

The application process is open from January 3 to January 24, 2025, with forms available at Village or Ward Administrator’s Offices and online for university and college students at www.elimisha.makueni.go.ke

CECM Nicholas Nzioka highlighted the collaborative efforts of the county’s administrative framework, noting that the involvement of our administrators at all levels ensures that the bursary allocation process is transparent, equitable and reaches those who need it most.

The presence of CTTI Managers at the launch also highlights the county’s focus on technical and vocational education, recognizing its vital role in equipping youth with practical skills for the job market.

As the application period commences, the county government encourages all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and contribute positively to the community.

GOVERNOR MUTULA GRACES 1ST EDITION OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU WARD SPORTS FESTIVAL

Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Monday presided over the inaugural Kithungo/Kitundu Sports Festival at Kitundu Green Stadium, an event aimed at uniting the youth through sports while promoting talent, community cohesion, and sportsmanship.

The governor was accompanied by area MCA Hon. Kisungi wa Katete, Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, other county officials, and distinguished guests.

Attendees were treated to an exciting lineup of sporting activities, including soccer, basketball, and athletics. In the soccer finals, Ngai FC emerged victorious after a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout against Utangwa FC after a barren draw in the finals, with Kitundu FC securing third place after defeating Kithungo FC 2-0. In basketball, Kitundu dominated their opponents—Kyandote, Uma, and Utangwa—to claim the championship.

Governor Mutula condemned the ongoing abductions and disappearances of youth in the country. He urged the national government to take swift action and fulfill its duty of providing security to its people and ensuring the safety of our youth.

The festival highlighted the County government’s commitment to empowering young people and fostering community development through sports. Governor Mutula reiterated his administration’s dedication to creating safe spaces and opportunities for the youth to thrive.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL EMPOWERS CANCER PATIENTS WITH GIFT HAMPERS AND ENHANCED CARE PLANS.

Makueni County Referral Hospital on Thursday hosted a special event dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their caregivers, marked by the distribution of gift hampers that were donated by the county First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula

The occasion brought together top health officials, including the Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Paul Musila, and the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Martha Munyao.

The hospital’s oncology department was lauded for its exceptional commitment to patient care, with plans unveiled to expand cancer treatment services.

Among the developments is the construction of a larger facility aimed at accommodating the growing number of patients requiring specialized care.

Patients were also urged to take full advantage of the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance system, which offers expanded healthcare benefits and support.

Health leaders emphasized the critical importance of regular cancer screenings, highlighting early detection as a key factor in improving treatment outcomes.

This initiative reflects the hospital’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients while advancing the county’s overall healthcare services.