News

30 PWDS RECEIVE WHEELCHAIRS IN MBOONI AS PARTNERS PUSH FOR INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE

The Department of Health Services, in partnership with Jain Social Group,and Kiteta Kisau MCA Hon. Darius Mainga on Monday donated 30 wheelchairs to persons living with disabilities (PWDs) at Mbooni Sub-County Hospital.

This marks the second phase of the initiative, following an earlier distribution of 50 wheelchairs.

The partners have now set their sights on reaching 100 more beneficiaries, reaffirming their commitment to empowering PWDs through mobility support.

Beyond wheelchair donations, the organization has pledged to fully equip the Ngaa Health Facility as part of broader development efforts in the ward.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource lauded the collaboration, emphasizing the life-changing impact of the donations.

He also took the opportunity to sensitize the public on the importance of registering for the Social Health Authority to enhance access to healthcare services.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF CHILD SERVICES TO FAST-TRACK COMPLETION OF CHILD PROTECTION CENTER

In response to the growing number of street families, Makueni County has accelerated efforts to provide shelter and support for homeless children through the completion of the Makueni Child Protection Center.

On Thursday, during an inspection of the facility at Mwanyani in Emali Mulala Ward, Kibwezi West Constituency, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services commended the national government’s Directorate of Children Services for its collaboration and commitment to ensuring the county has a safe space for vulnerable children.

When complete, the facility will transform the lives of children who have been forced to live on the streets in towns like Emali. It will also offer rehabilitation, beisides providing education for children with disabilities.

The inspection was attended by key stakeholders, including Peter Ogindo from the Special Disability Saving Plan (SDSP), Kennedy Owino from the National Council for Children Services (NCCS), Elizabeth Kihoi from the Street Families Trust Fund (SFTF), and Henry Bihoro from the Cerebral Palsy (CP) organization.

MUTULA LAUDS CATHOLIC CHURCH OVER STRIDES IN EDUCATION SECTOR

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has expressed concern over rampant vandalism of County projects in Kilome for scrap metal and said he had asked the County Commissioner to convene a leaders emergency meeting to discuss how to curb the menace.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of St. Clare Konza Girls Catholic Church, in Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward, the Governor said the activity was affecting service delivery.

He lauded the Catholic Church for its massive investment in the education sector in the country.

The girls’ school started operations in 2024. Catholic Bishop Diocese of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua asked the youth to embrace tenets of hard work early in life in order to be to succeeed.

He expressed concern that many young people in Kenya were addicted to drugs and asked teachers to lay a strong foundation for the youth by highlighting the danger posed by drugs.

He, at the same time, lauded partners from Germany for helping with the construction of the school. The school boasts of modern laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry among others.

The Governor was accompanied by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa, area MCA, Justus Mwanzia, Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Joseph Mbondyo, Kilungu, Joseph Muema, Mukaa, Kyalo Mumo, Tulimani and Magdaline Mulwa.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVT. TO DISTRIBUTE WATER IN KIIMA KIU- KALANZONI WARD FROM 2 DAMS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has promised Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward residents that the County government will distribute water to local residents from Katilini and Kilombo dams in the area.

The area has suffered prolonged drought, leading to scarcity of water.He spoke on Monday at Kyamuloi village when he handed over 6 tents and 600 chairs to organized groups in the area. The tents have a capacity of holding 100 people each.

Each group received 1 tent and 100 chairs through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

Area MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa and area MCA, Justus Mwanzia attended the function.

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KIBWEZI LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL HOSTS FIRST-EVER MATERNITY OPEN DAY TO BOOST MATERNAL HEALTH

In a step towards achieving zero maternal mortality, Kibwezi Level 3 Hospital hosted its first-ever Maternity Open Day on valentine day,a milestone event dedicated to celebrate mothers and newborns while promoting reproductive health, family planning, safe delivery, and postnatal self-care.

The event, which attracted 250 women aged 18-45, grouped participants into antenatal cohorts of 30-40 based on their gestation periods, ensuring targeted and effective engagement.

According to Dr. Kakundi Blustus, medical superintendent of Kibwezi Sub-County Hospital, the hospital has achieved an impressive 90% hospital delivery rate, thanks to focused maternal health initiatives.

During the event, Patricia Mutinda, the hospital’s Nursing Officer, distributed diapers to the attendees while commending lactating mothers and expectant women for their proactive participation.

She also applauded midwives, who have emerged as key hospital ambassadors by shifting from traditional midwifery to modern healthcare practices.

Dr. Kakundi urged transformed midwives and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to remain vigilant in monitoring pregnant women, emphasizing that consistent follow-ups are crucial for ensuring timely antenatal clinic visits throughout all trimesters.

MAKUENI CONCLUDES LANDMARK MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

Makueni County, in partnership with Nutrition International, has successfully concluded the Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (MNCAHN) program, which has been in implementation since 2020.

The multi-faceted initiative aimed at scaling up cost-effective, high-impact nutrition interventions while strengthening the foundation for sustainable nutrition programming.

Through this collaboration, the county effectively rolled out various interventions outlined in the Makueni County Action Plan (2020-2023).

One of the program’s key milestones was the development of the Makueni County Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2024, which is now awaiting cabinet approval before presentation to the county assembly for adoption.

Additionally, the county introduced Kangaroo Mother Care Centers in six hospitals to enhance the management of preterm and underweight infants among other achievements.

The program boosted maternal and child health indicators. Notably:

115% of pregnant women attended at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, surpassing the annual target.

68% of expectant mothers completed four or more ANC visits.

95% of pregnant women received iron and folic acid supplementation.

84% of births were assisted by skilled healthcare providers.

78% of newborns received clean cord care using Chlorhexidine (CHX).

Speaking during the program’s closeout meeting on Friday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged other departments to collaborate with the Health Department to integrate nutrition services and expand their reach.

She was accompanied by County Assembly Health Committee Chair Hon. Jackson Mbalu, as well as Finance and Health Services CECs Damaris Kavoi and Dr. Paul Musila.

WAUTU/KYANGAATI SAND DAM: TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CLEAN WATER, CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE.

Wautu/Kyangaati sand dam in Ilima ward, Kaiti Sub-county, currently 80% complete, is being constructed across Wautu River and is set to transform the lives of the local community.

Once operational in a month, the project will provide clean water for domestic use to 250 households, nearby educational institutions, and Wautu Market. Additionally, it will support irrigation for the cultivation of 5,000 avocado trees, boosting household incomes through sustainable agriculture. As part of the project’s environmental impact, 400 riparian tree species will be planted to restore the land and promote conservation efforts.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Makueni County and the World Bank, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

MAKUENI STEPS UP FIGHT AGAINST MATERNAL DEATHS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JHPIEGO

Makueni is ramping up efforts to eliminate maternal deaths through a strategic partnership with Jhpiego, focusing on reducing mortality and complications caused by postpartum hemorrhage,the leading cause of maternal fatalities.

In a meeting held in Wote on wednesday,key stakeholders convened to deliberate on effective interventions.

The forum brought together representatives from the County Community Health Strategy, County Reproductive Health teams, Sub-County Community Health Strategy focal persons, Health Promotion Officers, Community Health Assistants, chiefs, sub-chiefs, and religious leaders.

Their primary objective was to chart a clear path toward ending preventable maternal deaths.

Data from the county indicate significant progress in reducing maternal mortality.

In 2022, Makueni recorded 23 maternal deaths, 12 of which resulted from excessive bleeding. However, in 2023/2024, the numbers dropped to 11, signaling a positive trend.

Speaking at the meeting, health promotion officer Bretta Mutisya urged chiefs to work closely with community health promoters to ensure pregnant women receive proper antenatal care and are encouraged to deliver in health facilities.

Jhpiego’s Evaluation, Monitoring, and Research Manager, Fridah Nyaga, underscored the need for preparedness, particularly for expectant mothers in remote areas.

She advised that carrying misoprostol,a life-saving drug,could help prevent excessive bleeding if they deliver outside health facilities.

With these concerted efforts, Makueni is steadily advancing towards its goal of safer childbirth and zero maternal deaths, offering hope for expectant mothers across the region.

NEW KSH 45 MILLION LEVEL 3 HOSPITAL TO TRANSFORM HEALTHCARE IN NGAAKAA-TWAANDU

Over 8,000 residents of Ngaakaa-Twaandu in Makindu Ward are set to benefit from an upcoming state-of-the-art Level 3 hospital, thanks to a KSh 45 million investment by World Vision Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside the World Vision Kenya team, led the groundbreaking ceremony of phase one of the project on Tuesday.

The facility, backed by Mountain Blue Foundation, will feature a mother and child block, a modern maternity wing, a fully equipped laboratory, an administration block, procedure rooms, a pharmacy, and a records office.

Additionally, the project includes the installation of solar energy to power the facility, procurement of essential medical equipment, and implementation of the Kiboko-Twaandu water project to enhance access to clean water.

Beyond healthcare, World Vision Kenya is implementing a water project in Kitise, where 10,000 residents will benefit from the Kwa-Kamaso water project, implemented in partnership with the county government.

To further improve livelihoods, the organization will distribute 250-liter water tanks to local households, supply solar lamps to over 4,000 registered school children in the area, and empower lead farmers through training on Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR).