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MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL IN WOTE RECORDS MAJOR GAINS IN PRETERM BABY SURVIVAL

The Mother and Child Hospital in Wote is registering tremendous strides in improving outcomes for preterm babies, with significant gains recorded from July 2024 to date.

According to the Head of the Newborn Unit, Francisca Kisilu, the introduction and consistent use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines has been a major contributor to these positive outcomes.

The machines support breathing in preterm infants, many of whom are born with underdeveloped lungs.

Preterm babies often lack sufficient surfactant, a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory complications. CPAP machines help keep the air sacs (alveoli) open during breathing and also support the production of surfactant, thereby stabilizing the infants’ respiratory function.

In addition, the Ministry of Health 2023 rollout of Caffeine Citrate, an essential drug used in management of apnea of maturity, has further strengthened neonatal care.

The Nurse in Charge of the Mother and Child Hospital, Christine Muteria, notes that the drug was initially not readily available. However, its consistent supply has since improved care outcomes.

In addition the county got donations of 22000 vials from Clinton Health Access Initiative

Francisca also commends the impact of the drug in reducing mortality rates, explaining that it is administered to babies born before 34 weeks of gestation.

She also highlights the role of infusion and syringe pumps, which have made it easier for neonatal nurses to administer intravenous fluids accurately and efficiently.

Efforts to improve maternal nutrition have equally played a key role. The county has prioritized nutritional screening for expectant mothers during antenatal care (ANC), with those meeting specific criteria receiving fortified blended flour for porridge, alongside other supplements.

According to Anncietta Nduku,a nutrition officer at the County Referral Hospital, these interventions have significantly contributed to better preterm outcomes, while also supporting further management in cases of preterm delivery.

To strengthen capacity, the county government procured five CPAP machines, six infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps. Additional support from Eni Kenya saw the facility receive two more CPAP machines, four infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps.

ENI Kenya also donated incubators, infrared light for Jaundiced babies and Neonatal ICU equipment

Francisca, a neonatal care champion, has also been instrumental in training nurses and clinicians on the effective use of CPAP machines.

She noted that cases of respiratory distress were previously high, but current data from the Makueni County referral Hospital -New born Unit shows that in 2024, survival rate was 81% and increased in 2025 by 10% , therefore recording a 90%.

In the first quarter of the calendar year,the facility is recording a survival rate of 98 %a significant decline in neonatal mortality rates at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, affirmed that Caffeine Citrate has remained consistently available in all delivery facilities across the county since its adoption as an essential component of preterm care by the Ministry of Health.

MAKUENI PREPARES FOR MCEF ROLLOUT TO BOOST GROUP ENTERPRISES

Organized groups engaged in income-generating activities in Makueni are set for a major boost as the county government prepares to roll out the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF).

With a capital outlay of Sh168 million, the fund will support women, youth, PWDs, and other marginalized groups to grow their enterprises and transition into mainstream financial systems.

Initially launched in 2015 as the Tetheka Fund, the initiative faced challenges including high default rates and weak recovery mechanisms.

Under the leadership of Mutula Kilonzo Jr, the fund has been restructured to align with reviewed legal frameworks, reduce default risks, and enhance financial inclusion.

On Tuesday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, alongside Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, presided over the induction of the County Fund Committee ahead of the rollout phase.

Lending will be issued to organized groups through a digital platform developed in partnership with Safaricom.

MAKUENI EYES KYISA TITLE DEFENSE AFTER SUCCESSFUL MKJ SUPA CUP TALENT HUNT

Makueni County has made a significant stride towards defending its Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games title after successfully conducting talent scouting during the MKJ Supa Cup County Finals.

The MKJ Supa Cup served as a platform to select all-star teams in football, volleyball, handball, and basketball that will represent the county at the 11th edition of KYISA, scheduled to take place in Laikipia from 10th to 19th April 2026.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who graced the closing ceremony of this year’s MKJ Supa Cup, said his administration continues to invest in sports infrastructure development to ensure more young people have opportunities to nurture their talents and secure recruitment into elite national clubs.

MUTULA RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS TO BOOST VOTER REGISTRATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has urged a targeted push to register over 54,000 eligible voters in the county.

Speaking at a stakeholder forum convened by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at Wote Technical Training Institute, Mutula called for a data-driven approach to identify and reach unregistered voters. He questioned whether uncollected national IDs account for a large share of those yet to sign up and pressed for their issuance alongside registration drives.

He also emphasized the need to ease voter transfers during the ongoing exercise to improve access.

The forum brought together county government leadership, County assembly leadership, youth leaders, religious groups, civil society, media, community organisations and other key stakeholders.

Officials cited the Huduma Mashinani initiative,through which about 2,000 voters were registered,as an effective outreach model.

County Executive Committee Member Sebastian Kyoni said the county will work with youth groups, boda boda operators, and women’s organisations to scale up mobilisation.

Makueni Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu called for stronger media partnerships to boost awareness.

So far, 4,295 new voters have been registered, far short of the 54,581 target.

MAKUENI COUNTY FOSTERS GRASSROOTS INNOVATION AS MUMBUNI MOTHERS SHINE IN INTER-COUNTY CHALLENGE

The Government of Makueni County, Department of ICT, Education and Internship through Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub, today hosted Ripple Tech Innovation for Rural Development in Muvau/Kikumini Ward during an award ceremony recognizing innovation excellence at the grassroots.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of the Mumbuni Focused Mothers Group, who secured 2nd position out of 12 groups in a highly competitive inter-county innovation challenge involving Makueni, Kajiado, and Embu Counties. The virtual pitching, conducted on 27th March 2026, showcased solutions addressing climate change, while embedding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As the initiative advances into the incubation phase, the County Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening innovation ecosystems through targeted capacity building, structured mentorship, and strategic partnership positioning grassroots innovators for scalability, sustainability, and long-term impact.

#MakueniInnovation

#RippleTechAndInnovation#ClimateInnovation#InclusiveDevelopment#GrassrootsInnovation

MKJ SUPA CUP COUNTY FINALS KICK OFF

The MKJ Supa Cup County Finals have kicked off today, showcasing outstanding talent across five disciplines.

The tournament marks the climax of the Ligi Mashinani ward league, where youth aged 18–23 showcase their abilities and earn opportunities for scouting, recruitment, and commercialization of their talent.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili flagged off the event at Makueni Boys High School, reaffirming Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration’s commitment to strengthening and growing sports as a pillar of youth inclusion.

MAKUENI LEADS NATION IN ROLLOUT OF LIFESAVING MATERNAL NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS

Makueni County has become the first in the country to officially roll out Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), marking a major milestone in the fight against maternal anaemia.

This initiative is between Makueni county and Vitamin Angels through the Transforming Lives initiative, through the nutrition consortium.

The launch was held on Friday at Makindu Sub-County Hospital.

The supplements, packaged in doses of 180 tablets, are to be taken once daily over a six-month period. Each tablet contains 15 essential nutrients designed to address the high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women and reduce the risk of maternal deaths.

Despite nearly universal access to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) among women attending antenatal clinics, many still present with anaemia at the time of delivery. This condition significantly increases the risk of excessive bleeding during childbirth.

According to County Executive Committee Member for Health, Joyce Mutua, investigations revealed that many women found IFAS unpleasant due to its taste, which often caused nausea and reduced adherence.

Unlike IFAS, which contains only two nutrients, the new Multiple Micronutrient Supplement combines 15 essential nutrients in a single tablet. This formulation is expected to improve compliance among expectant mothers while meeting their broader nutritional needs.

During pregnancy, a woman’s daily iron requirement increases significantly. However, many existing supplements provide insufficient iron and lack complementary nutrients that enhance absorption and utilization in the body.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who presided over the launch, praised Vitamin Angels through the Transforming Lives initiative for partnering with the county to integrate MMS into antenatal care services.

She noted that the implementation science-driven initiative positions Makueni at the forefront of advancing maternal nutrition interventions, setting a precedent for other counties to follow.

MUTULA PUTS MAKUENI AT THE CENTER OF AFRICA’S GREEN INDUSTRIAL SHIFT DURING KIICO

At the Kenya International Investment Conference 2026, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. positioned Makueni County as a leader in Africa’s green industrial future, highlighting the county’s energy plan, whose goals are already being realized.

He called for industrialization that is cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive, spotlighting sectors from climate-smart agro-processing to renewable-powered factories.

Mutula emphasized the often-overlooked economic impact of biomass cooking in schools, hospitals, and prisons. The event also saw the launch of the country’s first $589 million Institutional Clean Cooking Sector Pack to scale clean cooking solutions. Makueni partnered with CLASP to accelerate adoption, demonstrating practical, measurable action.

He urged investors, innovators, and development partners to move from resolutions to implementation. He also stressed the need to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in government, noting that Makueni’s transparent governance serves as a model for effective public-private partnerships.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced Africa’s green potential through solar, sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, and critical minerals, highlighting private-public partnerships as essential to progress.

MAKUENI TO PILOT LIFESAVING MATERNAL NUTRITION PROGRAMME

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday morning hosted officials from Vitamin Angels for a courtesy call at the Governor’s Office ahead of the national launch of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) at Makindu Sub County Hospital.

The delegation was led by the organization’s Vice President, Jimmy Grattan.

The visit comes as Kenya prepares to roll out MMS in line with the World Health Organization’s 2020 antenatal care guidelines, which recommend the introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation.

The supplement comprises 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Makueni County has been selected as the first to pilot the systematic integration of MMS into antenatal care services.

The initiative is guided by implementation science and anchored on locally driven solutions, positioning the county at the forefront of advancing maternal nutrition interventions in the country.

MOVING FROM PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION

Makueni County inks MOU with Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) to transform public institutions infrastructure with clean energy. The deal demonstrates the power of partnerships in powering economic and social transformation. The signing was witnessed by HE. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the African Green Industrialization Initiative Forum in Nairobi.