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MUTULA JNR, CHELUGUI COMMIT TO REVAMP COFFEE SECTOR IN MAKUENI

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday at an event organised by The County Department of Agriculture hosted Co-operatives & Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui who was in Makueni to sensitize farmers on coffee reforms geared towards revamping the sector.

CS Chelugui announced an increment of coffee cherry fund from Shs.2 Billion to Sh. 6 Billion. As a result, he announced a minimum price of a kilo of cherry at Sh 80, a move he said is meant to encourage farmers to invest more in coffee production.

The minister decried a major decline of coffee production nationwide, from 141,000 to 25,000 Metric Tons in the last 3 years, explaining the need for the coffee sector reforms.

Other reforms include reviving the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) and Coffee Board of Kenya. CRF will undertake specialized research in all problems affecting coffee production while the Coffee Board of Kenyawill undertake promotion, market research and product development initiatives for Kenya coffee in the domestic and international markets.

On his part, Governor Mutula Jnr pledged his unwavering support to coffee farmers and committed to partner with the National Government to make the sector a lucrative venture for farmers.

Further, Governor Mutula Jnr beseeched President William Ruto to waive the farmers’ outstanding loans owed by various millers which he revealed run into millions of shillings, terming the loans as a major setback in coffee profitability to local farmers.

REHABILITATION OF NGOSINI CONCRETE DAM KICKS OFF ON A HIGH NOTE

Agriculture and Water Executives Joyce Mutua and Engineer John Kieti respectively on Monday graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Ngosini Dam. This event signals the official start of the rehabilitation project, with all necessary machinery and experts from the county government already on-site, indicating a swift and efficient commencement.

Upon completion, the 67,000 cubic meter dam is expected to bring substantial benefits to 640 households in Muvau Kikumini and Mavindini Wards through irrigation. This development holds the promise of enhancing local agriculture, ensuring water access, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for the communities involved.

The funding for this vital project comes from the World Bank through the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), in collaboration with Makueni County Government. This partnership underscores the commitment to sustainable development and addressing key issues related to water resources and agriculture in the region.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR ON FRIDAY DISTRIBUTED TWENTY THREE 100-SEATER TENTS AND CHAIRS IN NZAUI KILILI KALAMBA WARD AND SIX MORE IN KIKUMBULYU NORTH WARD TO 29 DIFFERENT COMMUNITY GROUPS ACROSS THE WARDS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Friday distributed Twenty Three 100-seater tents and chairs in Nzaui Kilili Kalamba Ward and Six more in Kikumbulyu North Ward to 29 different community groups across the wards.

The groups which have been in existence requested for the tents through public participation. This will go a long way in empowering the groups which hire these out during events like burials, weddings traditional meetings etc. The disbursements were made possible through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

AT LEAST 12,600 LEARNERS FROM NEEDY BACKGROUNDS IN  MAKUENI ARE NOW GUARANTEED UNINTERRUPTED LEARNING THROUGH AN 85 MILLION INVESTMENT BY THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

At least 12,600 learners from needy backgrounds in  Makueni are now guaranteed uninterrupted learning through an 85 million investment by the County Government.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Friday led the distribution of bursary cheques to beneficiaries across the 30 wards, ensuring a seamless return to school next week.

Beneficiaries of the bursary scheme were identified through a rigorous vetting ensuring that only the most deserving students benefit from this program.

Additionally, the county government has released an extra 14 million through the Department of ICT, Education, and Internship for the 687 ongoing Scholarship students across the county, bringing it to a whopping 99M. 

This year’s form one bursary and scholarship applications close on 8th January 2024.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR VISITED AND SHARED CHRISTMAS GOODIES WITH FAMILIES RESIDING IN THE EVACUATION CAMPS IN KAITI SUB COUNTY

A total of 554 people (126 families) were moved to the centres following heavy rains that caused destruction of their homes through mudslides and collapsed buildings.

The County Government established 5 centres in areas that were affected by the heavy rains in KyaKituku, Kavata Nzou and Katulye in Kaiti Sub County, Kawese in Kilome Sub County and Mikululo in Kibwezi West Sub County.

Each household will receive monies for re-developing their homes through Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE).

MAKUENI COUNTY TRANSPORT SAFETY COMMITTEE SENSITIZE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO INTENSIFY ROAD SAFETY AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON

Makueni County Transport Safety Committee on Thursday held a sensitization meeting among public transport operators and other transport and road safety stakeholders in a bid to bolster road safety, especially during the Christmas holidays.

The focus on strict adherence to speed limits, prohibition of overloading, mandatory insurance coverage, addressing infrastructure concerns, and zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances demonstrated a comprehensive approach to road safety.

The commitment of Deputy County Police Commander SSP Johnstone Mwarigha and CECM Devolution Japheth Mang’oka to implementing stringent measures and taking severe action against offenders sent a clear message that violations will not be tolerated.

The meeting was graced by Transport Executive Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and also attended by Mr. Paul Mbuchi from NTSA.

GOVERNOR MUTULA KILONZO JR IN HIS OFFICE ON THURSDAY MET A DELEGATION OF HERDERS FROM THE COUNTIES OF BARINGO, TURKANA, ELGEYO MARAKWET, POKOT, TURKANA

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in his office on Thursday met a delegation of herders from the counties of Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Pokot, Turkana who had pitched camp in Makueni County on a three-day alternative livelihood learning tour and to experience Makueni.

The delegation comprised of 72 youth herders and reformed cattle rustlers from the North Rift region who toured successful youth-led initiatives supported by the county government.

The lessons learnt from the tour can serve as an effective approach to disengage these youths from violence and demobilise them from the perennial cattle raids and conflicts that have impeded development in the North Rift region.

Gratitude to the International Organization for Peacebuilding (INTERPEACE) Interpeace and other stakeholders, including the Parklands Baptist Church, Love EMBRACED initiative for facilitating and supporting the participation of these 72 youths in this exploration and learning experience.

KEEPING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr today signed a Memorandum of Understanding, 2023-2027 Plan of Operations and 2023-2024 annual work plan with World Food Programme (WFP).

This signing will allow World Food Programme to accelerate implementation of development activities such as drought emergency response starting early 2024.

WFP Kenya was represented by it’s Country Director, Lauren Landis. Makueni County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa was also present to witness the signing.