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DEPUTY GOVERNOR RECEIVES DELEGATION FROM NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL.

On Wednesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili welcomed a high-level delegation from Nutrition International, led by the organization’s Vice President of Program Operations, Dr. Paula Tanaglia.

The delegation was in Makueni to assess the progress of ongoing nutrition programs and more specific on Adolescent Health and Nutrition program that supports adolescent girls and boys in the county.

Nutrition International has partnered with Makueni County to implement a comprehensive health and nutrition program aimed at improving the health of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, newborns, children under five, and adolescents.

The Adolescent health and nutrition initiative involves a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Departments of Health Services, Teacher Service Commission and Gender by providing adolescents with Nutrition education and weekly iron and folic acid supplements (WIFS) to boost their feeding practices and avert anaemia and its symptoms among the girls.

The program is currently being implemented in 590 schools across the County.

Program coordinators reported significant improvements in adolescent health and nutrition, as well as enhanced academic performance among girls and a reduction in absenteeism in schools among others.

Mulili expressed her appreciation for the partnership and announced plans to increase budget allocations to expand the program further.

In addition to the nutrition initiative, Nutrition International has also partnered with the county to implement gender mainstreaming in adolescent health and nutrition, a program spearheaded by the deputy governor.

The initiative has been piloted in 20 schools across Kaiti, Makueni, Mbooni, and Kibwezi West sub-counties.

Dr. Paula Tanaglia, Nutrition International’s Vice President of Program Operations, expressed her delight at witnessing the positive impact the program has had on the children.

GOVERNOR MUTULA ISSUES KSHS. 9 MILLION IN GRANTS TO BOOST LOCAL SACCOS OPERATIONS.

Nine SACCOs from various wards in Makueni County have received Kshs. 9 million in grants from Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The grants will help the SACCOs establish office operations and improve financial management through proper bookkeeping.

NAVCDP, funded by the World Bank, will support small-scale farmers involved in the mango, apiary, dairy, poultry, and tomato value chains, to transition from production to market access.

On Wednesday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. issued the grants and also inaugurated 30 Community-Driven Development Committees (CDDCs).

The committees are designed to foster improved governance and strengthen community participation in local development initiatives.

The governor also distributed ten motorcycles to agricultural extension officers, to ease their mobility for effective service delivery to farmers.

Governor Mutula reiterated his administration’s commitment to support farmers in the county, to access good markets for their produce.

The event was also graced by CECMs Joyce Mutua and Damaris Kavoi, (Agriculture and Finance), Deputy Speaker Francis Mulwa, Majority Leader Kisungi Wa Katete, Area MCA Elizabeth Kawembe, other 15 MCAs and National and County government officials.

REHABILITATION OF THREE WATER SOURCES SET TO ALLEVIATE WATER WOES IN WOTE TOWN.

Residents of Wote town are looking up to taps running 24/7 with clean, reliable and sufficient water at low cost.

The county government with support of one of her development partners, USAID, has embarked on rehabilitation of three water sources around Wote, aiming to increase daily supply capacity from 2,500 cubic meters to meet the current demand of 4,500 cubic meters.

Through Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI) Programme, the county government and USAID on Wednesday handed to contractors sites for solar power installation, piping and distribution of Kaiti 2 sand dam water project; installation of solar power for Mwaani borehole. At Kamunyolo dam, a 300 cubic meters sump will be constructed to increase the treatment capacity.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who hosted a delegation of STAWI officials earlier said it is regrettable that Wote town still struggles with water challenges, 32 years after it was inaugurated as Makueni District headquarters. He said his administration will ensure the county capital becomes an investment hub with all necessary amenities, including sufficient water supply.

NGUUMO RESIDENTS ENDORSE KYANDULU-NDOVOINI WATER PROJECT.

Residents of Nguumo Ward have unanimously endorsed implementation of Kyandulu-Itangini-Kibarani-Ndovoini water project, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

The project is among 13 across the county identified by wananchi through a Participatory Climate Risk Assessment for climate change resilience building.

In a public participation forum held at Kiundwani Chief’s camp, the residents denounced suggestions by some local leaders to distribute water from Kyandulu borehole in one subward, saying it would disadvantage their neighbours.

The Sh 10M project is set to distribute water to more than 6,000 residents in the Last Mile Water Connectivity progamme, geared towards bridging the 30,000 cubic meters water supply gap per day in the county.

THE TOURISM SECTOR IN MAKUENI COUNTY HAS EMERGED AS A PROMISING AVENUE FOR JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The tourism sector in Makueni County has emerged as a promising avenue for job creation and economic growth.

As the world celebrates the Tourism Week, the cultural heritage, booming agribusiness, scenic landscapes and unique wildlife in Makueni offers vast opportunities for both local and international visitors.

To tap this great potential, the County Government has implemented a strategic plan aimed at growing this sector.

Significant milestones have already been achieved, including the development of key infrastructure, promotion of eco-tourism and enhancement of cultural tourism through community involvement.

#TourismAndPeace

WIN FOR MAKUENI COUNTY IN MTITO ANDEI RATES CASE.

The Court of Appeal has stayed orders which had been issued by a Mombasa Court stopping makueni county from collecting revenue at Mtito Andei town.

The order by the Court of Appeal authorises Makueni County to collect revenue in Mtito Andei and quashes the earlier court order authorising Taita Taveta to collect revenue in Mtito Andei. It also suspends notices issued by Okiya Omtata and Taita Taveta County directing business owners at Mtito Andei to pay rates and permits to Taita Taveta County.

In an appeal, Makueni County argued that the orders from the mombasa court violated the constitution by requiring County government to open commercial account for collecting revenue instead of the County Revenue Fund.

This reprieve which has been welcomed by residents of Mtito Andei comes after National Land Commission had written to the Mombasa Court informing it that Mtito Andei is squarely within Makueni County.

RELIEF FOR NGUUMO RESIDENTS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WHH COMMISSION KWA KAWAWA WATER PROJECT.

It is a sweet relief to over 5,000 residents of Nguumo ward who will nolonger trek 7 km to Makindu town to get water, following commissioning of Kwa Kawawa Water Projet.

The project, whose source is a borehole drilled by the county government and distributed by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) for 25Km covers 16 villages in the formerly water stressed area. The distribution system is fitted with solar power to reduce operational costs while ensuring sustainability.

10 water access points have been installed along the 25Km pipeline at Kwa Mailu, Kwa Kimeu, Mlaleo, Kikauni, Wayona, Kilema, Vumbute, Makutano, Mulangi, and Mutantheu. Kilema, Kilongoni and Wayona primary schools have also been connected.

The project was commissioned on Wednesday by Executive Committee Members Japheth Mang’oka (Devolution), John Kieti (Water) and Sebastian Kyoni (Roads) together with officers from WHH.

TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES IN MAKUENI COUNTY SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS, INNOVATIONS.

The first vocational training centres’ skills exhibition in Makueni County was held in Emali on Thursday at an event presided over by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Hundreds of residents, trainers and students from technical schools converged at Springhill Kwakakulu CTTI for the event. Trainees from various technical institutes showcased their talent and innovations. They included masonry, tailoring, solar installation and motor mechanics among others.

Speaking at the first vocational training exhibition in Emali, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. described the event as a significant step towards empowering the youth. He emphasized the County’s commitment to supporting technical institutes with necessary resources and infrastructure, ensuring they are fully functional and well-equipped.

The Governor highlighted the importance of nurturing young people’s skills to improve their employability and announced upcoming plans to equip training centers across the county and ensure timely funding. He also addressed the need to facilitate land title acquisition for the people of Kinyoo, demonstrating a broader commitment to community development.

County Commissioner Henry Wafula praised the collaborative efforts between his office and the County Government, promising to make Makueni the safest county in Kenya. He assured residents that any issues, particularly delays in issuing IDs, would be resolved swiftly through local chiefs.

Department of ICT, Education & Internship ECM, Elizabeth Muli, said the County aims at transforming vocational training to empower its youth with practical skills.

Those who attended included County Commissioner Henry Wafula, top County officials and MCAs Francis Mulwa, Mtito Andei, Jonathan Muthoka, Ilima, Cosmas Mutunga, Emali/Mulala, Musau Kavai, Kasikeu and nominated members Jane Mwanthi, Elizabeth Mutindi and Serah Mbilo.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL TO TACKLE FOOD SECURITY AND MALNUTRITION THROUGH NEW POLICY.

In a strategic effort to address nutritional challenges in Makueni, the Department of Health Services has partnered with Nutrition International to develop a Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

This policy aims to tackle these issues by outlining key strategies, commitments, and an implementation framework designed to enhance nutrition and food security.

On Thursday, the Makueni Health Assembly Committee reviewed the draft policy, offering critical input before it is presented to the County Assembly for adoption.

During the forum, Nutrition International’s Country Director, Martha Nyangaya, urged participants to reconsider the advertising of fast foods near schools, drawing a parallel to the restrictions placed on alcohol and cigarettes. She noted that such marketing contributes significantly to poor nutrition among children.

Health Services Chief Officer, Dr. Stephen Ndolo, emphasized the importance of a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to the policy’s implementation, noting that this synergy is key to fostering social development and improving public health outcomes.

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Devolution,County administration,public participation & special programs Japheth Mang’oka opened the forum.

COUNTY TREASURY CONDUCTS COMMUNITY OUTREACH ON KEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning Damaris Kavoi, on Wednesday led a team of staff from the departments of Finance and Lands to Kalawa Market for a community outreach initiative.

The visit aimed to give back to the community and conduct a market clinic focused on land rates and revenue payments.

The day started with a clean-up exercise at the market, aimed at creating a more welcoming and hygienic environment for the residents.

Ms. Kavoi also officially opened the Kalawa Revenue Office, which will now offer residents convenient access to government services related to revenue collection and land rates

The team set up a help desk outside the new office, where they interacted with residents, providing them with information, answering questions and addressing concerns about revenue and other county services.

Ms. Kavoi expressed her intention to replicate this initiative in other major towns across Makueni County.

The market clinics are designed to foster closer interaction with residents, gain valuable insights and enhance the delivery of public services.