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26,000 MAKUENI YOUTH TO BENEFIT FROM LIVESTOCK VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

Makueni County is set to empower at least 26,000 young people through a transformative livestock value chain project aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

The five-year initiative, dubbed Creating Shared Value in the Livestock Sector with Young People in Kenya’s ASALs (CASHA), is led by the Food and Agriculture Organization and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. The programme spans 15 counties, with Makueni positioned as a key beneficiary.

The initiative seeks to unlock opportunities for youth across the livestock sector, making agriculture a sustainable and attractive source of income.

Speaking during a meeting with FAO Kenya Assistant Country Representative Khamisi Williams, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. welcomed the programme, reaffirming the county’s commitment to youth-driven agricultural growth.

He emphasized that Makueni will actively support and incentivize the initiative to ensure maximum impact for local youth. Williams commended the county’s proactive leadership, noting that Makueni’s strong collaboration will be critical in delivering lasting benefits and expanding employment opportunities.

The delegation also included Hon. Francis Mutuku, Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development.

MAKUENI BOOSTS WATER WORKERS’ SAFETY

The County Government of Makueni has stepped up efforts to improve water service delivery by equipping staff of Wote Water and Sewerage Company Limited (WOWASCO) with safety gear and identification items.

The equipment, commissioned on Tuesday, includes gloves, helmets, reflectors, gumboots, aprons and first aid kits aimed at protecting workers from occupational hazards during daily operations. The move comes as the utility continues to post steady performance in serving residents within its jurisdiction.

Acting County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Japheth Mang’oka, said the county is committed to enhancing staff welfare and pledged continued support through additional equipment. He also called for increased funding and grants to expand services.

WOWASCO Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda welcomed the initiative, saying improved safety and proper staff identification would enhance response to customer needs.

NEW WOTE MUNICIPALITY BOARD SWORN IN

The new Wote Municipality Board has been officially sworn in during a ceremony witnessed by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. The oath was administered by Makueni County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa.

The board is chaired by Gideon Muoki Kimilu, with members James Kamae Kamami, Damaris Ndinda Nduva, David Tei Mbuvi, Elizabeth Mueni Mbevi, Carolyne Katunge Mutanya, and Norman Somba Mutiso.

In his remarks, the Governor welcomed the team and urged them to serve the people of Makueni with diligence and integrity. He emphasized the importance of being hands-on in their roles and challenged them to transform Wote into a functional and prosperous municipality.

Key priorities for the board include advancing urban planning, promoting environmental greening initiatives, and driving efforts to transform Wote into a modern, model urban center.

HOPE FOR THOUSANDS AS MAKUENI UNVEILS SHINE PROJECT FOR DISABILITY INCLUSION AND REHABILITATION CARE

The department of Health Services on Friday hosted the inception meeting for the SHINE Project Kenya, a four-year transformative programme aimed at strengthening rehabilitation healthcare and inclusive social protection systems for persons with disabilities and children with treatable physical conditions.

The project will be implemented through a partnership between the Department of Health Services, CBM Global Disability Inclusion and AIC-CURE Children’s Hospital of Kenya.

It seeks to improve community-based rehabilitation services, enhance access to assistive technology, strengthen Educational Assessment and Resource Centres (EARC), improve disability registration, and build the capacity of rehabilitation staff, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), CHAs and Community Rehabilitation Workers.

Speaking during the meeting, Ag. Director Health Planning and Administration Dr. Chomba emphasized the need to prioritize sustainability from the onset of the project.

He called for improved communication, proper reporting of facility needs and timely supply systems to ensure effective service delivery, while welcoming the project’s strong focus on taking rehabilitation services closer to communities.

MUTULA: POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE A ‘POLITICAL FAILURE’ AS MAKUENI RECORDS ZERO MATERNAL DEATHS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has termed postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) a “political failure,” saying preventable maternal deaths persist because systems have not prioritized the lives of women.

Speaking on Friday at Kusyombunguo Hotel during a Nation Media Group roundtable on maternal health, the governor noted that PPH remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally, not because it is untreatable, but due to gaps in policy, access and prioritisation.

Governor Mutula, a global advocate in the fight against maternal mortality, recounted Makueni County’s efforts to curb PPH-related deaths. He highlighted the introduction of heat-stable carbetocin, a uterotonic medicine used to contract the uterus and prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth.

At the time the county adopted the drug, it cost Sh2,700 per dose. However, following its uptake and subsequent stocking by the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the price has dropped significantly to about Sh95.

The governor expressed pride in Makueni’s progress, noting that the county recorded zero maternal deaths in 2023 and 2024, attributing the achievement in part to the use of Heat-Stable Carbetocin and strengthened maternal health interventions.

In Kenya, maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with an estimated 355 deaths per 100,000 live births, rising to nearly 400 in some parts of East and West Africa.

Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo also challenged counties to consider partnering with the private sector on maternal health conversations to leverage on reducing mortality.

To further address the challenge, Jhpiego has partnered with Makueni County to implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing maternal deaths associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

GOVERNOR MUTULA URGES COUNTIES TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH INVESTMENT

Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday called upon counties to invest more on health noting that Makueni County is redirecting resources towards critical surgical equipment and infrastructure.

Speaking in Mombasa where he was guest speaker during the the Surgical Society of Kenya (SSK) Annual Scientific Conference, the governor, at the same time, urged practitioners to actively engage counties in the budgeting process.

The conference brought together over 400 surgeons, development partners, and health stakeholders to strengthen surgical services under Universal Health Coverage, focusing on coordination, financing, referral systems, and quality improvement.

He highlighted Makueni’s adoption of Proximie technology as a milestone in enhancing surgical care through real-time collaboration, training, and improved patient outcomes, supported by partners including the SSK.

SSK President Dr. Michael Mwachiro called on health practitioners to actively engage in policy spaces and provide data to support increased health budget allocations.

In recognition to his contribution in advancing surgical care, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. was appointed an SSK Honorary Ambassador.

MAKUENI SHOWCASES HERITAGE AT GLOBAL INVESTMENT FORUM

Makueni County Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili on Wednesday joined Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo for the official launch of the first International Investment Conference and Trade Fair at Thika Greens Golf Hotel.

The forum focused on preserving Kenya’s indigenous heritage while unlocking its economic value.

Makueni stood out, proudly showcasing Akamba culture; featuring the ancestral drink kaluvu, usuu wa ukia, kinaa kya mwee, nthùngi (traditional carrier bag), herbal remedies, and unique delicacies.

During the conference, Mulili also presented a symbolic gift to the CS and highlighted Makueni’s booth, rich in traditional medicines. The focus was on how natural assets can be commercialised, citing how India has leveraged in traditional medicine to contribute millions of dollars in the economy.

Key in the event was also the launch of the IKI BANK system to serve as a National repository of the assets led by MD National Museums of Kenya Prof. Mary Gikungu.

Also present was Dr. Evans Teracha – Coordinator Natural Products Industry, Prof. X N Iraki – UoN, ECM Nicholas Nzioka and Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani.

MULIMA DAM WATER PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION AS MAKUENI ADVANCES UNIVERSAL WATER ACCESS

The County Government of Makueni is on the brink of a major milestone in water service delivery, with the Mulima Dam Water Treatment Project now 95% complete, promising reliable access to clean and safe water for residents of Mbooni.

Speaking during an inspection visit, Acting CECM for Water and Sanitation Japheth Mang’oka affirmed the county’s commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated timeline, with commissioning expected before the end of the year.

Once complete, the project will significantly ease access to water for domestic use while advancing the county’s Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda. In the long term, plans are underway to desilt Mulima Dam to increase its storage capacity and expand supply to more households, including parts of Kithungo/Kitundu Ward, reinforcing Makueni’s commitment to achieving universal water coverage.

LEADERS URGE SWIFT ACTION OVER LOW VOTER REGISTRATION

Stakeholders, including the IEBC, government administrators, county officials, civil society representatives, religious and opinion leaders, as well as political and business figures, convened in Tawa on Thursday to address concerns over low voter registration as the deadline approaches.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Sebastian Kyoni, confirmed that national identity cards issued during the Huduma Mashinani drive have been dispatched and are currently being collected.

However it was established that, more than 2,000 IDs in Mbooni Sub-county remain unclaimed.

He urged stakeholders to amplify voter education efforts within their communities, emphasizing that voter registration is both a fundamental right and a cornerstone of the democratic process.

IEBC officials also highlighted security challenges that are hindering their operations.

Leaders present called for enhanced coordination among agencies, expedited issuance of identity cards, and intensified public awareness campaigns to boost registration numbers.

Current registration rates show Mbooni Sub-county lagging at 43 percent, followed by Kilome at 54 percent and Kaiti at 55 percent.

With only five days remaining, Makueni Sub-county stands at 74 percent, Kibwezi West at 77 percent, and Kibwezi East leads at 78 percent.

The meeting, organized by the IEBC in collaboration with the county government and local leaders, aimed to identify and address the underlying challenges contributing to low registration rates, particularly in Mbooni Sub-county.