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MAKUENI PARTICIPATES AT KAM SUMMIT, SHOWCASING LOCAL INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Makueni has seized an opportunity to participate in the 7th Annual Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Summit, which kicked off on Tuesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The four-day event dubbed the Changamka Shopping Festival is organized by KAM in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.

Under the theme “Celebrating the Ingenuity of Kenya’s Manufacturing Sector,” the summit provides an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products, innovations and technologies, and network with industry players to gain exposure in the wider market.

In an effort to promote Makueni, the county government booth is displaying a variety of items, including value chain addition-farm produce (Kalamba Mango Juice), clothing, accessories, home décor and beauty products that showcase Makueni’s creativity and growing manufacturing industry.

Speaking on Tuesday at the county booth, the Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani lauded the festival’s significance. “This festival is a crucial initiative aimed at raising public awareness, supporting local industries, and creating job opportunities. It aligns with the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya strategy, which encourages the consumption of locally-made products and supports sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Nzilani remarked.

With over 100 SMEs participating, Makueni County’s involvement underscores its commitment to nurturing invention, local talent and entrepreneurship, and driving the county’s economic development through the promotion of homegrown products.

MAKUENI SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDFUND TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Makueni has signed a working partnership with ChildFund and Emali Dedicated Children’s Agency (EDCA) to improve the welfare of vulnerable children in the county.

Under this five-year agreement, Makueni and the two Non-governmental institutions will fundraise to among others implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in schools and the community; support young people in vocational training; develop child friendly early childhood development centres as well as create safe spaces in the community where vulnerable children are protected and nurtured.

The overall goal, according to the MoU, is to connect children living in extreme poverty to resources, people and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and EDCA Chief Executive Officer Victor Aduda signed the partnership Tuesday morning.

MAKUENI COUNTY KICKS OFF 2024 MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL.

Makueni County Music and Cultural Festival 2024 has officially been launched today at GreenPark Wote. The event highlights the county’s commitment to promoting cultural and musical development.

With 166 entries from various wards, the festival showcases a wide range of local talents including music and dance, elocution, and theatre and film.

The festival themed, “Utamaduni Wetu ni Nguzo ya Utajiri Wetu”, was opened by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani. Nzilani stated that, “the county government is dedicated to safeguarding our cultural heritage and advancing the arts as a pathway to economic prosperity.”

Top performers from todays event will advance to the 97th Kenya Music and Cultural Festival set for December 1-10, 2024, in Taita Taveta.

The CECM was accompanied by Chief Officer, Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani and Culture Director Mutua Mulonzya.

MANGO FARMERS AND BUYERS MEET TO PLAN FOR MARKETING SEASON

Makueni mango farmers’ representatives and buyers came together on Thursday to prepare for the upcoming mango marketing season. The meeting, organized by the county agriculture department aimed to establish clear purchasing guidelines for mangoes from local farmers.

During the discussions, buyers shared their planned purchase quantities and price ranges, offering between Ksh. 12 and 25 per kilogram of mangoes. The prices will vary, with local markets receiving the lowest rates and exporters providing the highest.

Attending the meeting, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua urged farmers to hold firm and avoid selling their mangoes at low prices. “Our department is dedicated to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their hard work,” she emphasized.

She added, “This collaboration between farmers and buyers is expected to strengthen the mango industry in Makueni, benefiting all stakeholders involved.”

Ms. Mutua was accompanied by Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyalo.

CS MVURYA IGNITES COTTON REVIVAL WITH FLAG-OFF of 107 TONNES SEED.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr have flagged off distribution of 107 metric tonnes of premium cotton seeds to Makueni farmers.

Mvurya termed Makueni County as part of the national government’s key priority areas for revitalizing the cotton sector for sustainable fabric production.

Governor Kilonzo on the other hand encouraged farmers to embrace cotton cultivation, highlighting the county’s ideal climate and the lucrative market opportunities presented by the ginnery’s proximity.

The event was attended by State Department of Trade Principal Secretary Abubakar Yussuf, Special Economic Zones Authority Chairperson Fred Muteti, and Kenya Development Corporation Ag. Director General Nora Ratemo.

COUNTY FIRST LADY LAUNCHES BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING INITIATIVE.

County First Lady Anita Mutula officially launched breast and cervical cancer screening initiative in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote on Wednesday.

Leading the effort to promote early detection and prevention, Anita is advocating for free screening services for both breast and cervical cancer, aiming to increase access to life-saving care for the community.

During her address, Anita noted the alarming statistics from the Makueni Referral Hospital’s Empower Clinic, where 70.2% of cancer patients are diagnosed at stage 4 and an additional 23.5% at stage 3.

She emphasized the need for routine screenings, stating that regular check-ups for both men and women are essential in addressing these rising cancer challenges and fostering a culture of early detection.

The First Lady also expressed concern about the high prevalence of prostate cancer found among men during a recent medical camp, calling attention to the need for focused awareness and intervention.

Since its establishment, the Empower Clinic has served over 1,000 patients, offering vital support and treatment.

At the launch, cancer survivors Rose Munini and Nicholas Musyoka shared their journey with breast and prostate cancer, respectively, expressing gratitude for the treatment received at the empower clinic, which has brought them into remission.

The First Lady was joined by key partners supporting the cancer clinic, including Savanna Informatics Global Health,Roche-Kenya, the National Cancer Institute, and several members of the County Assembly, Chief Officers Dr.Stephen Ndolo,Dr.Harvey Mulei,Felistus Mutune and other county staff.

MAKUENI SET TO WELCOME KENYA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE CAMPUS

Makueni County is poised to gain significantly in agricultural education with the proposed establishment of a Kenya School of Agriculture campus at Kwa-Kathoka.

This is following a public participation meeting held on Monday by stakeholders drawn from Agricultural, Administrative, Business and Education sectors to discuss the project, which will be managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The campus will offer diploma programs and skill-based short courses, designed specifically to meet the needs of local farmers and the regional economy.

Speaking during the forum, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Joyce Mutua emphasized the positive impact on farmers’ skills and local job opportunities that will be created upon establishment of the institution.

The Makueni campus is part of a national plan to expand agricultural education, with four additional campuses slated for Busia, Meru, Kericho, and Kilifi counties.

The meeting featured contributions from various stakeholders including Eng. Gordon Nyakiti from the Kenya School of Agriculture, Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyalo and Majority Leader Hon. Kisungi Wa Katete. They were joined by County Assembly members Hon. Francis Mutuku and Hon. Elizabeth Kawembe, all of whom voiced their strong support for the establishment of the new campus.

MAKUENI DG LUCY MULILI, TOP UNICEF OFFICIALS VISIT PROJECTS IN WOTE

Visiting Unicef delegates on Friday accompanied Makueni Deputy Governor, Lucy Mulili on a visit to Matheani Primary School to explore partnership opportunities between the County and the organisation.

The tour, which began with a visit to Unoa Primary School on Thursday, is focused on identifying how the County government and Unicef can work together to enhance Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) programs.

Key areas of potential collaboration include infrastructure development to improve learning facilities such as classrooms, sanitation and play areas and creating a more supportive environment for young learners. Also on the cards is the strengthening of teacher-training and capacity-building initiatives, equipping ECDE educators with modern techniques and resources aiming at boosting the quality of education for early learners.

Additionally, both parties are considering health and nutrition programs to support the overall well-being of children.

MAKUENI AND WFP LAUNCH MARKET ACCESS STRATEGY TO SUPPORT FARMERS

Makueni County Government in partnership with the UN World Food Program (WFP), has launched a market access strategy aimed at helping smallholder farmers connect with public markets.

The Makueni Smallholder Farmers Access to Public Institutions Markets Strategy, which will be implemented from 2024 to 2028, was officially launched on Friday by WFP Country Director Lauren Landis and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The strategy will allow smallholder farmers to access 30% of the AGPO reserve designated for local products to Public Institutions as outlined in the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

Landis praised the county government for its commitment to supporting farmers with essential resources like seeds and fertilizers, emphasizing that increased food production in Makueni could significantly enhance both the local economy and nutritional outcomes.

The launch event that drew over 200 farmers from organized producer groups across Makueni saw Governor Kilonzo express strong support for the collaboration, stating that it would boost farmers’ confidence by ensuring markets for their produce. He also encouraged them to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming rainy season, crucial for the county’s agricultural success.

The event featured remarks from Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua and Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza, Daniel Ndolo and Dr. Jossylyn Mutua (Livestock, Devolution and Trade respectively), who contributed to discussions on the future of farming in Makueni.