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GOVERNOR KILONZO MEETS TRADEMARK AFRICA DELEGATION ON EXPORT HUB DEVELOPMENT

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation from TradeMark Africa to discuss the establishment and operationalization of Export Supply Hubs (ESH) in Makueni County.

TradeMark Africa, an Aid-for-Trade organization established with the aim of growing prosperity through increased trade, was led by Acting Country Director Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi.

The discussion centered on market facilitation aimed at streamlining horticultural export supply chains by establishing hubs to serve as county and regional aggregation centers, thereby improving the efficiency of horticultural product exports.

During the meeting, Dr. Ngungi praised Makueni’s value addition efforts, highlighting the processing of mango juice as a key initiative that enhances the economic value of local produce.

Governor Kilonzo expressed his dedication to partnering with Trademark Africa and assured his government’s unwavering support in advancing agricultural development within the county.

This partnership aims to boost Makueni’s competitiveness, increase export earnings, create jobs, ensure regulatory compliance and save foreign exchange.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Trademark Africa’s Director of Standards Andrew Edewa, and CECM Joyce Mutua among other officials.

GOVERNOR KILONZO JR. ENGAGES DSIF ON FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER PROJECTS.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met with Madam Tina Kollerup Hansen, Senior Vice President of the Investment Fund for Developing Countries under Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF), in Nairobi.

DSIF, a Danish Organization, provides funding for infrastructure projects in developing countries, focusing on sustainability as a key pillar.

Tina expressed interest in Makueni’s water harvesting modes and pledged to support the county with feasibility studies and funding for sustainable water management.

During the discussions, Governor Kilonzo affirmed his government’s commitment in development cooperation to improve the quality of life for Makueni residents.

The meeting was attended by DSIF Investment Director Andrew Githaiga and County officials, including Eng. David Makau (Water), Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Felistus Mutune (Office of the Governor), and Deputy Director Gloria Katheu Mulwa (Partnerships).

MAKUENI STEPS UP WATER GOVERNANCE REFORMS

Makueni’s Water and Sanitation Department is spearheading a series of governance reforms in the county’s Water Service Providers to ensure residents have access to reliable and sufficient water.

On Wednesday, the County Executive Committee Member for Water, John Kieti, met with the leadership of KIMAWASCO in Kibwezi to address the company’s operational challenges, including the loss of 52 percent of water supplied in the form of unaccounted-for water.

The department is employing a multi-pronged approach to combat this issue, including securing funds to automate all water draw-off points, reducing commercial water supply losses, and enacting a water act that will criminalize infrastructure vandalism.

CECM ELIZABETH MULI TOURS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KIIMA KIU KALANZONI WARD

CECM ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli toured Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni Ward to evaluate the progress of various ongoing projects aimed at enhancing Education and Skill development in the region.

The visit underscores H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s commitment to improving the lives of Makueni County residents through strategic investments in quality Education and Infrastructure. By focusing on transformative projects, Governor Mutula seeks to empower communities, promote economic growth, and ensure access to modern learning facilities for all.

Among the key initiatives inspected was the construction of the Kwa Ndeke ECDE center, designed to offer a modern, supportive environment for early childhood education.

CECM Elizabeth also toured the newly completed Kisse ECDE facility, which is already providing high-quality early education and addressing the needs of the surrounding community.

Additionally, she visited Enzai Community Technical Training Institute (CTTI), a vital hub equipping young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and drive economic empowerment across the region.

MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING EQUIPMENT FROM ASTRAZENECA

The Makueni County Referral Hospital’s oncology department has received a significant boost in its fight against prostate cancer following the donation of 500 Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test kits and a chroma analyzer from AstraZeneca. The equipment, valued at KSh 2.2 million, was handed over today.

The new resources are set to enhance community-based screening for prostate cancer, facilitating early detection and timely treatment within Makueni County.

Dr. Josephat Sua of AstraZeneca officially presented the PSA kits and analyzer to the County Executive Member for Health Services, Dr. Paul Musila, and the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Martha Munyao, during a brief ceremony at the hospital.

MAKUENI AND KWS CHARTS A NEW PATH FOR CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. met with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General Prof. Erastus Kanga on Tuesday to discuss critical issues affecting Makueni County.

Top in the discussion was the regularization of the Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme, which is currently a national reserve. It was resolved that the county government will initiate a management plan for excision to allocate 13,860 hectares for human settlement and 7,279 hectares for wildlife conservancy.

It was agreed that the conservancy would remain public land and be designated as a game reserve, to be managed collaboratively by the County Government of Makueni and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Prof. Kanga emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation for biodiversity and sustaining life, as highlighted by UNESCO.

During the meeting, Governor Kilonzo committed to establishing a resource centre with offices for the County Game Warden and Liaison Officer. In turn, KWS pledged to improve road access in Mtito Andei town to enhance connectivity.

Further, he noted that the collaboration would boost revenue by positioning Mtito Andei as a key tourist destination. “This partnership is a win for conservation, development, and the people of Makueni.” Kilonzo remarked

Additionally, the meeting addressed the urgent need for concerted mitigation of human-wildlife conflict in the county with the completion of 20 Kilometre electric fence from Wandei to Gaza set before the end of February 2025. KWS was urged to implement swift intervention measures and expedite compensation for affected residents.

The Governor was accompanied by CEC Members Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution), Eng. Peter Nyamai (Transport), and Chief Officers Eng. Naomi Nthambi (Energy), Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi (Environment), and Daudi Kyalo (Lands and Urban Planning).

Reviewing 2024 Achievements and Planning for 2025: Makueni ICT, Education, and Internship Department’s Roadmap to Growth

Today, the Department of ICT, Education and Internship gathered at Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Center (MIVEC) to review progress for 2024 and plan for 2025.

The meeting, themed “2024 Progress and Performance Review and Planning for 2025,” reflected on the county’s key achievements and outlined strategies for continued growth.

A highlight of 2024 was the Skills Exhibition on 19th September at Kwa Kakulu CTTI, which showcased student and artisan talents while fostering partnerships to advance vocational training.

Additionally, 61 chairpersons were appointed to oversee the County Technical and Vocational Training Institutes (CTTIs), strengthening governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Seven Managers were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2024 and the focus for 2025 will be on enhancing skills, improving governance and empowering Makueni’s youth to drive economic growth.

The ceremony was officiated by Elizabeth Muli, CECM for ICT, Education and Internship alongside Dr. Justin Kyambi, County Secretary and Head of Public Service and Irene Makau, the Chief Officer.

FARMERS IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH WARD RECEIVE BOOST WITH IMPROVED GOATS

On Monday, Farmers in Kikumbulyu South Ward, Kibwezi West Sub-County, received 166 improved male goats valued at Ksh 2 million.

This initiative by the Department of Agriculture under the Ward budget aims to enhance milk and meat production through crossbreeding, improving market quality and boosting livelihoods.

The goats are expected to mature to a market weight within 12–18 months, with lactating goats producing 500–1,000 milliliters of milk daily.

Speaking during the handover, the CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua, encouraged farmers to embrace the opportunity to improve their livestock breeds. She highlighted the project’s potential to promote growth and economic stability in the community.

Area MCA Jades Kalunda applauded the county government’s efforts, reiterating their dedication to uplifting the livelihoods of Makueni residents.

During the handover, a grateful farmer noted, “When the goats multiply, I will be able to educate my children and provide for them.”

The herd is projected to grow significantly, reaching over 1,200 goats in two years.

The event was also attended by CO Livestock Japheth Kiminza, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo, and other county officials.

MAKUENI COUNTY GOVERNMENT HAS INDUCTED 28 NEWLY EMPLOYED EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION (ECDE) TEACHERS.

Makueni County Government has inducted 28 newly employed Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms. These new recruits will replace those who have retired, marking a major milestone in the county’s commitment to enhancing early childhood education.

The induction event, held at the Makueni Vocational Education Center (MIVEC), was officiated by Elizabeth Muli CECM ICT, Education and ICT. She was joined by
by Dr. Justin Kyambi, the County Secretary and Head of Public Service and Irene Makau, the Chief Officer for Education.

This initiative is part of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda, which prioritizes the development of the ECDE sector through three key pillars: infrastructure improvement, human resource development, and learner advancement.

Welcoming the teachers to public service, Elizabeth Muli, CECM for ICT, Education and Internship, emphasized the critical role ECDE teachers play in shaping young learners. She highlighted their responsibilities, including caregiving, close monitoring of children, promoting healthy growth, fostering early learning opportunities, engaging children in play, identifying talents and ensuring a safe and secure learning environment. She also noted that the performance of ECDE teachers will be closely monitored to ensure high standards are maintained.

For many of the newly inducted teachers, this moment ends a wait of over two decades. They received their deployment letters during the ceremony, officially assigning them to their respective schools and positions.

Department Of Reference,

Wauni Wa Kwika Nesa Na Ulungalu.

BUILDING A WATER SECURE MAKUENI

In an endeavor to enhance water access to residents of Makueni, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity program, County Executive Member for Finance Damaris Kavoi on Monday launched Mulima dam phase 2 distribution works, on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

This project aims to enhance the pumping system of Mulima’s treated water to Syiluni hill and distribution through the existing pipeline to residents of Mbooni and Tulimani wards.

The launch was witnessed by CECs John Kieti (Water), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Nicholas Nzioka (Devolution) and area MCA Alexander Mulemba.