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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.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR JOINS OTHER LEADERS, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND HUNDREDS OF MOURNERS FOR THE FUNERAL SERVICE AND FINAL SEND-OFF OF THE LATE HON. MAGDALENE KALEMBE AT MBUINZAU, KIBWEZI WEST.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr joins other leaders, family, friends and hundreds of mourners for the funeral service and final send-off of the late Hon. Magdalene Kalembe at Mbuinzau, Kibwezi West.

The late nominated MCA was spouse to the late Kalembe Ndile- one time Member of Parliament for Kibwezi and Party Leader TIP.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR JOINS MEMBERS OF THE MAKUENI COUNTY ASSEMBLY AND FAMILY MEMBERS FOR A MEMORIAL SERVICE OF THE LATE HON. MAGDALENE KALEMBE AT THE ASSEMBLY CHAMBERS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr joins members of the Makueni County Assembly and family members for a memorial service of the late Hon. Magdalene Kalembe at the assembly chambers. The late nominated MCA passed on last week. She will be laid to rest later today at her Mbui Nzau home.

In attendance is Senator Daniel Maanzo, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and County Executive Committee Members.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL LABORATORY ACHIEVES ISO COMPLIANCE

Makueni Referral Hospital’s laboratory has proudly attained ISO 15189 compliance, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to excellence. The journey towards aligning the laboratory with the highest international standards began in 2015.

CEO Ms. Martha Munyao emphasized that this compliance ensures the quality and reliability of test results, giving patients confidence in the accuracy and dependability of their diagnoses. Additionally, it will enhance patient safety, boost efficiency, and foster staff development.

Ms. Munyao received the certification on behalf of the county at a celebration in Nanyuki, where other qualifying institutions were also honored.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH FAO TO ENHANCE DIGITAL LAND GOVERNANCE

Makueni’s Department of Lands has partnered with the European Union through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Digital Land Governance Programme to improve land tenure security and enhance land administration effectiveness.

This partnership aims to upgrade the county’s Land Information Management System (LIMS) by auditing its performance, identifying gaps and opportunities, and incorporating emerging Information, Communication, and Technological advancements in digital land governance.

According to Lands and Urban Planning Chief Officer Jackson Daudi, technical optimization of the system will enable users to register, transfer, subdivide, process searches, and place caveats on plots virtually. This will reduce operational costs and increase transparency in land revenue management.

In the Financial Year 2023/2024, Makueni hit the Sh 1 billion mark in Own Source Revenue collection, with land-based revenue through LIMS being a major contributor.

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.

NLC MOVES TO RESOLVE MAKUENI -TAVETA BOUNDARY ROW.

The National Land Commission (NLC) on Friday carried out a site inspection and public engagement forum at Mtito Andei town in Makueni County in a bid to resolve the Makueni -Taita Taveta boundary dispute.

NLC chairperson Mr. Gershom Otachi and a team of surveyors walked the residents of both counties through the exercise which involved identifying key areas of contention between the two parties.

The commission is expected to prepare and present a report of its findings and recommendations about the stalemate to the High Court of Kenya, which recently received and analysed materials and heard both written and oral submissions in the stalemate.

The bone of contention remains the town of Mtito Andei which Taita Taveta County claims to be part of her territory.

The residents of this town have on different occasions expressed their disdain towards these claims as they receive all their socio-economic and adminstrative services from Makueni County Government.

The team from NLC have upto end of July 2024 to present their recommendations to the court.

GOVERNOR KILONZO LAUNCHES PIONEERING HYDROPONIC FARMING PROJECT IN MAKUENI

In the spirit of revolutionizing agriculture in Makueni, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday launched a state-of-the-art Hydroponic Farming Project. This innovative initiative, funded by the World Food Program (WFP) and managed by SelfHelp Africa, is set to transform the agricultural landscape by introducing a soil-free farming method that uses nutrient-rich water, directly benefiting young farmers in the region.

At the official launch, twenty farmers from the wards of Mtito Andei, Mavindini, Kitise/Kithuki, and Masongaleni received cutting-edge greenhouses, water tanks, and irrigation systems. These resources will enable them to cultivate crops in controlled environments, mitigating the risks posed by unpredictable weather and significantly enhancing food security.

The project also bolsters the Farmer’s Service Centre (FSC), a network comprising 57 beneficiaries from 16 wards across Makueni. The FSC serves as a vital link between farmers and suppliers, offering essential farming advice and support. During the event, the FSCs were equipped with mills, feed mixers, threshers, incubators, and solar water pumps provided by the WFP, further supporting grain, pulse, horticulture, beekeeping, and poultry farming ventures.

Governor Kilonzo urged the recipients to maximize the use of the new equipment to drive economic growth and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WFP for their indispensable support.

This initiative highlights Makueni County’s commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable farming practices, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change and securing a brighter future for its agricultural community.