Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior together with the First Lady and the Deputy Governor met and held a brief with the Ag. Makueni County Commissioner, security leaders and local politicians ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations in Makueni.
In a remarkable display of commitment, the Government of Makueni County in partnership with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) completed a five day launch of electrification projects that will see transformation of lives across the county.
Through a matching grant initiative, the program entails installation of power lines, transformers, and meters that is aimed at ensuring reliable supply of electricity to homes, institutions, and business premises.
Leading from the front during the project launch program, the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni emphasized on the importance of the initiative, stating, “Access to electricity is not just about powering homes; it’s about empowering communities. It enhances education, healthcare, entrepreneurial activities and overall quality of life.”
Community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude, recognizing the County Government’s efforts as a game-changer. One resident exclaimed, “This is a new dawn for us, we can work hard to realize our dreams.”
As the one week electrification launch came to an end, the assurance of energy supply left a true picture of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s campaign manifesto on energy, reminding everyone of the transformative power of access to electricity.
The one-week programme was also graced by REREC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Eng. Jonathan Mbuttu, Principal Business Development Officer Diana Khalwale, Regional Manager Representative Eng. Mercy Rotich, Makueni County Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, area MCAs Hon. Muthiani Mwangangi (Nguumo), Hon. Harrison Mwanzia (Nzambani/Ivingoni), Hon. Francis Mulwa (Mtito Andei), Hon. Dennis Musyoka (Kako/Waia), Hon. Urbanus Manzu (Kee) and Hon. Joseph Muema (Mukaa), respective area National and County Government Administration officers and a representation of MCAs from NZAKIKA, Emali/Mulala, Kasikeu, Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards among other officers.
The 12 different projects are expected to be complete within less than three months and projected to benefit at least 780 households/business premises and institutions cumulatively.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday 12th October, 2023 commissioned State-of-the-Art Mukuyuni Business Centre, done by Wote Municipality with support from World Bank.
The Business Centre is not merely a collection of stalls; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity. It stands as a testament to Governor Mutula’s commitment to sustainable development and a better future for all.
Features of the Business Hub include:
1. Solar-powered lighting
2. Lactation room
3. Cold room
4. 132 vendor stalls
5. Rainwater harvesting and waste management systems aimed at preserving the environment.
6. An aggregation centre that will empower the local community by providing job opportunities, nurturing entrepreneurship, and promoting local products.
A deal sealed on Thursday between Makueni and Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC) through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social services under Nicholas Nzioka is likely to give a boost through ensuring the realization of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the County.
WCC is a national organization of women and girls with disabilities in Kenya whereby its main existence is to bring together women and girls with disabilities to champion issues that limit their participation in the development sphere.
H.E governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, a champion for equality for all, expresses his commitment to working with WCC in advocating for the rights of the challenged persons towards living a free and fair world.
The purpose of this MOU is to outline the collaboration and responsibilities of both parties in drafting of the Makueni County Disability Policy, amendment and enhancement of the Makueni County Persons with Disabilities Act 2017.
The signing of the partnership was witnessed: Veronica Njuhi (WCC Chairperson), Jane Kihungi (Director)Jennifer Kamande (Treasurer), Jackline Bartenge (Programs manager)m Daniel Katiku (Finance), Angela Wanjiku (Communication Officer) ,Sophie Onyino (Legal Officer), The County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, CO-Gender Catherine Katuti, County Disability Mainstreaming Officer Abed Mutungwa amongst others.
The ceremony for the installation of R.T Rev. Paul Kariuki as the first Bishop of the newly created Wote diocese at Unoa grounds presided over by H.E Hubertus Van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan is currently underway.
The event is attended by thousands of Catholic faithfuls with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr hosting various top leaders among them: Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper party leader), Cecily Mbarire (Embu Governor), wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) , Julius Malombe (Kitui), Terry Mbaika( Devolution PS), Philomena Mwilu (Deputy Chief Justice), Eugene Wamalwa, a number of Deputy Governors, MPs among others.
The journey to the installation of Bishop Paul Kariuki Njiru, the bishop designated for the newly created Diocese of Wote started in earnest on Friday in a special ceremony at Kola Catholic Church grounds, on the border of Machakos and Makueni Counties.
The bishop was handed over from the Diocese of Machakos by Bishop Norman King’oo accompanied by Francis Mwangangi (Deputy Governor) to Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at Kola Township which bestrides Machakos and Makueni counties.
Addressing hundreds of Catholic members, Governor Mutula said history had been made adding that the new bishop stands a better chance of bringing together the greater eastern communities.
The installation of Bishop Kariuki tomorrow follows the creation of the Diocese of Wote which Pope Francis announced in July.
Other leaders who attended the ceremony include Terry Mbaika (PS Devolution), Francis Mwangangi (Machakos Deputy Governor), Susan Kiamba (Makueni MP), Doughlas Mbilu (Makueni speaker), Andrew Mulwa (CEO KEMSA), Fred Muteti (Chair Special Economic Zones), among others.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has called upon the county government staff to double their efforts to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to the people of Makueni.
Mutula told his staff that servant leadership was an important virtue that they needed to cultivate and asked them to be their own supervisors and report to work consistently.
Governor Mutula addressed the staff on Tuesday when he officially released the results for Performance Contracting for the 2022/2023 financial year at the Green Park in Wote.
The Governor further congratulated the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development and the Makueni County Fruit Development and Processing Plant for being ranked the best in the County Departments and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) respectively.
All the county staff are committed to performance contracting, an initiative by the government to ensure efficient service delivery to the citizens.
Besides the trophies and awards given to different departments and agencies, Mutula was keen to observe that the citizens’ satisfaction is the best performance indicator.
Other departments ranked include Infrastructure and Devolution. Wote Water and Sewerage Company (WOWASCO) and Makueni Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority were ranked the second and third best in the category of SAGAs.
Makueni County Public Service Board topped in independent agencies.
In a recent online development, the County Directorates of Marketing and Trade Development and ICT conducted an intensive training program for traders in the use of Soko Makueni E-Portal platform. The purpose of this initiative was to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and utilize the platform effectively.
During the training sessions, participants were introduced to the various features and functionalities of the E-Portal platform, including user registration, account management, and how to access and utilize the available resources and services.
Speaking during the launch of the training, CECM Trade Eng. Peter Nyamai encouraged traders to embrace digital technology in vision of growing their businesses beyond their trading areas.
Special emphasis was placed on security measures to ensure the protection of user data and privacy. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing increased confidence in using the E-Portal for their daily tasks. The training is seen as a crucial step in promoting a seamless and efficient digital experience for all users. The Department of Trade and Marketing behind the E-Portal platform has plans to continue offering regular training sessions to ensure that users remain well-versed in its capabilities and to foster a digitally literate trading community.