News

VITAMIN ANGELS COMMENDS MAKUENI ON MATERNAL HEALTH DRIVE

Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer has commended Makueni County for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable women through interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving maternal health.

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in Makueni, Schiffer said the county had demonstrated commitment to supporting women who lack the economic means to adequately address nutrition challenges.

He noted that the partnership between Vitamin Angels and the County Government of Makueni will enhance access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants and children across the county.

Vitamin Angels Africa Technical Director,Dr. Lucy Kanya described the intervention as an equaliser and a global solution in addressing maternal anaemia. She applauded Makueni County for taking the initiative to secure the intervention for women, terming the move monumental for the county.

Dr.Kanya further said the programme is expected to contribute to a reduction in preterm births, cases of babies born underweight, and improve the overall health of mothers and children, describing it as an investment with generational impact.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. acknowledged that a majority of residents rely on public hospitals for healthcare services and said leaders have a responsibility to provide solutions that directly benefit the public.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rolling out interventions aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges in the county.

MAKUENI FLAGS OFF MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on Thursday flagged off 7,200 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), each containing 180 tablets, for distribution to 13 selected health facilities across Makueni County under a pilot programme.

The beneficiaries include Makueni County Referral Hospital, seven sub-county hospitals, three health centres and two dispensaries.

Makueni becomes the first county in the country to pilot the Multiple Micronutrient Supplements programme with support from a consortium comprising Vitamin Angels, IDE and Helen Keller International.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony attended by healthcare workers and members of the public at the Mother and Child Hospital, Governor Mutula highlighted the case of a baby born weighing 800 grams about 50 days ago, who has since gained weight to one kilogram.

The governor described the pain mothers endure while caring for premature babies in hospital as unimaginable, saying the introduction of the supplements would help address prematurity and other complications associated with preterm births.

He noted that the programme would ease the burden on families, as expectant mothers receiving the supplements are likely to deliver healthier babies, reducing the cost of treatment for malnourished children.

Governor Mutula added that teenage mothers, who are among the groups most affected by preterm deliveries, also stand to benefit from the intervention.

The governor further highlighted several healthcare interventions his administration has introduced to address life-threatening conditions, including the use of heat-stable carbetocin medication to prevent excessive bleeding among women after delivery.

He also noted that Makueni County Referral Hospital is now treating hydrocephalus, a condition in which babies are born with excess fluid in the brain.

Previously, patients had to seek treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, but through a specialised clinic established by the county and the employment of a neurosurgeon, treatment is now available within Makueni.

Governor Mutula said his administration remains committed to improving healthcare services and pledged to continue working with development partners to advance the county’s development agenda.

GOVERNOR MUTULA SIGNS DEAL TO EXPAND NUTRITION SERVICES IN MAKUENI.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer on behalf of the people of Makueni County, in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and child nutrition services.

The partnership seeks to accelerate access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants, and children across the county.

Before the signing ceremony, the Vitamin Angels delegation paid a courtesy call on the governor. The team included the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ana Cespedes, among other officials.

The delegation is also in Makueni to flag off a consignment of multiple micronutrient supplements that will benefit pregnant women in the county.

MAKUENI COUNTY EMPOWERS OVER 500 YOUTHS THROUGH SOFT SKILLS TRAINING

More than 500 youths from Ivingoni Nzambani Ward have benefited from a soft skills training programme organized by the Government of Makueni County through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

The training, held at Thongoni area on Thursday, and at Nzambani earlier on Tuesday marked the culmination of a youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and readiness for the job market.

Participants were taken through key areas including CV writing, interview preparation, mental health awareness, prevention of drug and substance abuse, as well as sensitization on employment and job opportunities.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting programmes that empower young people and improve their livelihoods.

The programme forms part of the county government’s broader agenda to strengthen youth capacity, promote economic empowerment and address social challenges affecting young people across Makueni County.

MAKUENI BOOSTS FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN KILOME

The Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the 𝙉𝒂𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏𝙖𝒍 𝑨𝙜𝒓𝙞𝒄𝙪𝒍𝙩𝒖𝙧𝒂𝙡 𝙑𝒂𝙡𝒖𝙚 𝘾𝒉𝙖𝒊𝙣 𝘿𝒆𝙫𝒆𝙡𝒐𝙥𝒎𝙚𝒏𝙩 𝙋𝒓𝙤𝒋𝙚𝒄𝙩 (𝑵𝘼𝑽𝘾𝑫𝙋) on Thursday launched the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development programme in Marwa Watershed, Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni, Kilome Sub-County.

The project involves excavation of 30 farm ponds with a capacity of 250M3 each to support irrigation and improve food production. Thirty farmers from the watershed were also trained on mindset change and Sustainable Land Management practices in partnership with Christian Impact Mission (CIM).

Speaking during the launch, CECM Damaris Kavoi said the programme will strengthen climate-smart farming and improve household incomes through reliable water access for farming.

The event was attended by Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other officers in a programme aimed at enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture.

MAKUENI MARKS WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY WITH CALL TO EMPOWER GIRLS.

The Department of Health Services on Thursday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Menstrual Hygiene Day through an awareness and empowerment event held at Nziu Primary School grounds under the theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services Joyce Mutua called on society to create a supportive environment for girls free from stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation.

Speaking during the event, Mutua led county health officials in distributing dignity packs to learners from Nziu Primary School, Nziu Vocational Training Centre and neighbouring schools.

She lauded the government for supporting menstrual hygiene programmes aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of school-going girls.

The CECM further urged girls to remain focused on their education and seek proper guidance to avoid early pregnancies, noting that some cases result in childbirth complications and premature births.

She also called on chiefs and local administrators to take firm action against individuals involved in defiling and impregnating school-going girls.

Makueni Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Paul Langat called for increased support for school-going girls, urging schools and stakeholders to improve sanitation and hygiene facilities to enable girls to learn comfortably and confidently during their menstrual cycle.

The event featured health talks, menstrual hygiene awareness sessions and the issuance of dignity packs.

It brought together county officials, education stakeholders, health officers and community leaders in promoting dignity, health and equal opportunities for girls.

MATILIKU SUB COUNTY HOSPITAL RECEIVES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

The County Government of Makueni has stepped up efforts to

strengthen healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care for residents by providing medical equipment to Matiliku Sub County Hospital in Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward.

The hospital on Wednesday received theatre and patient-care equipment aimed at enhancing surgical services, emergency response, and overall patient safety within the facility.

The equipment includes an operating theatre table, theatre lights, an anesthesia machine, infusion pumps, syringe pumps, an electro-surgical machine, a suction bed, and patient monitors.

The County Government under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. is committed to equipping health facilities, expanding access to specialized healthcare services, and ensuring residents receive timely, safe, and quality treatment closer to home.

With the provision of the equipment, medical personnel at the facility say it is now better positioned to handle surgical procedures efficiently.

YOUTHS IN IVINGONI NZAMBANI BENEFIT FROM SOFT SKILLS TRAINING

More than 300 youths from Ivingoni Nzambani Ward have benefited from a soft skills training program organized by the Government of Makueni County through the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services.

The training focused on employability skills, youth employment opportunities, mental health awareness and drug and substance abuse prevention.

Speaking during the session, Chief Officer for Gender and Youth Nicholas Mutua said the initiative comes at a critical time when many young people are facing unemployment challenges across the country. He noted that equipping youths with soft skills is key in improving their confidence, communication abilities and readiness for the job market.

Mutua also warned the youths against drug and substance abuse, describing it as one of the major obstacles preventing many young people from achieving their goals and securing a brighter future.

MAKUENI SAND AUTHORITY PLANTS 2,000 TREES TO BOOST CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.

The Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority on Tuesday led a major tree planting exercise along Masaani River in Ukia Sub-ward, where more than 2,000 trees were planted to restore the river ecosystem and strengthen climate resilience.

The initiative brought together local residents and county officials in efforts aimed at reducing soil erosion, improving water retention, protecting sand harvesting areas and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Speaking during the exercise, Managing Director Ndambuki Kioko said the programme forms part of the County Government’s broader climate change resilience-building efforts through sustainable natural resource management and ecosystem restoration.

MAKUENI HANDS OVER KITISE WATER PROJECT FOR COMPLETION

The County Government of Makueni on Monday officially handed over the Kitise Water Project to a contractor tasked with completing key works, including the construction of a 5.6-kilometre return line, solarization of the treatment plant, and grid connection at the source, among other components.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit more than 11,000 residents, institutions, and water kiosks in the area.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led a county delegation on an inspection tour of the project site, underscored the persistent challenge of water scarcity in arid and semi-arid areas, noting that women bear the greatest burden in searching for water.

She reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to ensuring that the distance between homesteads and water sources is reduced to less than two kilometres.

Mulili also urged the local water management committee to uphold accountability and embrace public participation in discussions surrounding the management of the project.

She described water projects in the county as strategic assets that must be protected from recurring vandalism and called on residents to act as watchdogs in safeguarding the infrastructure.

Among those who accompanied the Deputy Governor were CECMs Japheth Mang’oka(water), Nicholas Nzioka(Devolution ) Damaris Kavoi,(Finance) and area MCA Sebastian Muli, among other county officials.