The COG Resource Mobilisation Committee took stock of the last one year successes, challenges and way forward in their engagement with the partners.
Governor Mutula called on the development partners to ensure equitable distribution of support to counties.
“Devolution was supposed to answer marginalization, therefore support to counties must answer that question.” He said.
This comes barely two weeks after Makueni held it’s 2nd Annual Development Partners Conference aligning to the Governors pillar of Strategic Partnerships.
This Conference is in furtherance of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and the county government’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships for the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Makueni.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Thursday hosted South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters Party President Julius Malema, Pan African Institute Chairman Prof. PLO Lumumba, Former Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and business mogul Jimmy Wanjigi at the launch of The Pan African Institute in Lukenya University, Mtito-Andei, Makueni County.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Wednesday inked a working partnership with Christian Aid Kenya to enhance Climate Justice, Food Security, Health and Nutrition
The Christian Aid team, led by Country DirectorJanet Ngombalu, also visted Kaiti Kwa Kitungu the newly constructed sand dam to witness some of the innovative climate adaption actions the county is employing.
The signing was witnessed by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Executive Committee Member for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sonia Nzilani and Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza.
CS Mutua and Governor Mutula Unveil Comprehensive Measures to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Dr. Alfred Mutua and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr have announced a raft of measures by the two levels of government to resolve the menacing human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi which included:
Rapid Response Initiative: Collaborative efforts between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the local community (Wananchi) to implement real-time interventions designed to keep wildlife away from human settlements.
Electric Fence Completion: An expedited plan to finalize the installation of an electric fence, creating a permanent barrier between human settlements and wildlife. The national government has committed Sh 150 million for the completion of the remaining two sections.
Enhanced Surveillance: A bolstered surveillance system, incorporating additional personnel and vehicles, to monitor and address the presence of marauding animals effectively.
The two spoke at Kyusyani in Mtito-Andei and Kisayani in Kibwezi during a public engagement forum on the wildlife conflict. Others present were MPs Jessica Mbalu and Mwengi Mutuse, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, KWS officials and area MCAs.
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 Jr on Thursday held a one on one session with China – Africa Partnership for Sustainable Investment for Renewable Energy in Africa, Sun Africa, World Resources Institute, and Tool Kit to discuss investment prospectus for Makueni County.
The Investment Prospectus (IP) highlights the Renewable Energy investment opportunities with the aim of attracting finance and investment, by showcasing real opportunities that exists in Makueni County. Identification of the opportunities listed on this IP was based on the following criteria:
• Data collection and analysis through the Energy Access Explorer (EAE);
an online, open-source, interactive platform that uses mapping to visualize and identify priority areas where energy markets can be expanded.
• Literature reviews based on government priorities to scale renewable energy interventions.
• Interviews/consultations with both private sector players and government officers at
national and county levels.
• Site visits to gain on-ground experience of the potential the investment opportunities hold.
The partnership will incorporate solar installations for dairy processing plants, Powering Cold Chains, Powering Value Addition, Expansion and Powering Water Supply, Powering Healthcare, Powering Irrigation, Renewable Energy Power Generation, Training of CTTI Instructors and Trainees to enhance their Technical Skills to International Standards and Empowering the Youth to unlock their Economic Potential.
World Resources Institute (WRI) remains committed to work closely with the Government of Makueni County in building a comprehensive list of bankable projects across the county, which remains a critical part of unlocking finance and investment in the Renewable Energy space.
H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, H.E. Lucy Mulili, County Secretary, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers and other members of county staff.
Medtronic Labs which has been piloting innovative digital health solutions to improve primary health care delivery for Non –communicable diseases (NCDs) on Monday paid a courtesy call to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, giving brief on their NCD support programs- Afya Dumu and Afya Kijijini.
Medtronic Labs, WHO foundation will work with Makueni to scale up NCD care, strengthen digital documentation and reporting systems, resource mobilization, and provide technological support for the innovative digital health solution (SPICE) suite.
Emmanuel Capobianco from WHO Foundation assured of invigorating all existing NCD programs in the County in financing Primary Health Care on NCDs through Medtronic Labs. Medtronic Labs was represented by Dr. Jesse Njunguru, Head of program Operations-Africa and Urbanus Musyoki, Programs operations lead-Makueni.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said the phenomena causes deaths and disabilities which can be prevented by prioritizing early screening through increased outreach programs.
“Diabetes and hypertension is leading in the County. We must be able to explore ways of expanding specialist care for NCD clients which is mostly affecting the aged. We also need to have NCD corners established in our health facilities,” said Mutula
In a significant step towards enhancing support for persons with Disabilities and prevention programs on Gender based violence, Makueni has renewed its partnership with the Gender Violence Recovery Centre; Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
The 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) renewed between Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Alberta Wambua- Executive director-GVRC, will ensure the two parties work together towards resource mobilization, technical coordination, primary prevention and response programs.
Also, Governor Mutula signed an MOU with the Light For The World organization (LFTW) to boost agri-business and skills development among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The LFTW is implementing the “We Can Work Project” with an aim of upskilling young persons enabled differently in pursuit of acquisition of dignified work.
Governor Mutula roots for Investment in Community Health for better healthcare
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has expressed his commitment towards supporting community health provision to bridge the health services access gap by far-to-reach and vulnerable populations in Makueni.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Chief Executive Officer Financing Alliance for Health Dr. Angela Gichaga Thursday, Governor Mutula said investment in community health is the most important health investment his administration is working on.
Makueni County boasts of 3,625 community health promoters working under the Department of Health Services to deliver primary health services at household level.
Through a partnership with Financing Alliance for Health, the county government has succeeded in formulating a County Community Health Services Strategy (2021-2025) and the Makueni County Community Health Policy 2020-2030.
Makueni County boasts of 3,625 community health promoters working under the Department of Health Services to deliver primary health services at household level.