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MAKUENI HEALTH INNOVATIONS EARN ACCOLADES AT NATIONAL HEALTH SUMMIT.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration on Tuesday received accolades for its health innovations showcased at the county’s booth at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where the Ministry of Health and partners are holding a two-day health summit.

Health actors from the Ministry of Health, parastatals and global health partners took keen interest in Makueni’s multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, an initiative first launched and introduced in the country by the county.

The supplements aim to improve maternal nutrition and combat anaemia. The programme is being implemented in Makueni in partnership with Vitamin Angels under a four-year initiative.

Another innovation that attracted attention was the ‘Safer Births Bundle of Care’, which is being rolled out in Makueni in partnership with Laerdal Global Health.

The initiative seeks to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through the use of digital tools, including Moyo, a fetal heart-rate monitoring device worn around a pregnant woman’s abdomen during labour, and NeoBeat, a heart monitor placed around a newborn’s chest to monitor the baby’s heartbeat.

The initiative also includes upright and penguin devices to support newborn care.

Makueni is already in the process of procuring the innovative clinical tools to strengthen intrapartum and newborn care across its health facilities.

The county is expected to share its key health innovations and its journey in the adoption of health products and technologies on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday.

ATHI-KALAWA WATER PROJECT SET TO DELIVER SAFE WATER TO OVER 30,000 RESIDENTS.

The Government of Makueni County is in the final stages of completing the Athi–Kalawa Water Distribution Project in Kalawa Ward, marking another major milestone in expanding access to safe and reliable water.

The project, implemented through a partnership between the County Government and World Vision, will deliver clean water to more than 30,000 residents.

Under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, the project has expanded the water distribution network to Katulye, Kimeeni, Katoloka, Ndauni, Syokilati, Kwa Kyule and Syotuvali. Key public institutions, including Itumbule Primary School, Ndauni Primary School, Ndauni Secondary School, vocational training centres, health facilities and market centres, have also been connected.

The project underscores the County Government’s commitment to its Last Mile Water Connectivity agenda by strengthening water security and improving the safety of communities living along the Athi River corridor, who have for years faced the risk of crocodile attacks while fetching water from the river.

 MAKUENI TURNS TO TECHNOLOGY TO STRENGTHEN EXTREME WEATHER RESPONSE, PRIORITIZE ROAD REPAIRS. 

Makueni County is turning to satellite imagery, mapping data and rainfall records to identify roads that should receive priority for repair, in efforts to strengthen its response to extreme weather affecting its roads network.

The system will assess factors including population served, agricultural land use, flood and drainage risks, terrain, and proximity to essential services and markets such as schools, health facilities and trading centres.

The initiative, supported by Israeli technology company Anyways Solutions through the Embassy of Israel in Kenya, was discussed Tuesday in Wote during a meeting on a proposed memorandum of understanding between the county and its partners.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the technology would improve Makueni’s climate resilience and capacity to respond to extreme weather, particularly with El Niño rains expected later this year.He thanked Israel for its continued partnership with the county and said Makueni was also exploring opportunities to export its fruit produce to the Israeli market.

The meeting was attended by Arnon Arbel, Minister for Economic Affairs and Head of the Israel Economic and Trade Mission in Kenya.The proposed MoU will provide a framework for implementing the technology and deepening cooperation between Makueni County and Israeli partners.

GOVERNOR MUTULA VISITS KALEMBWANI ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Monday visited victims of the Kalembwani road accident receiving treatment at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

Governor Mutula commended the medical team, led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Kelvin Maweu, for responding swiftly to the victims and providing emergency treatment.

He announced that his administration would waive the medical bills incurred by the accident victims and cater for funeral expenses for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

The County Referral Hospital received 41 patients on Sunday evening, while 28 others were admitted at Matiliku Sub-CountyHospital.

According to Dr Maweu, eight patients had been admitted at the County Referral Hospital, with two expected to be discharged with medication on Monday.

The remaining six patients would continue receiving treatment at the facility.

Governor Mutula has also appointed a task force to oversee funeral arrangements for the seven people who died in the accident. The arrangements will be held in Nthongoni.

He further announced that an interdenominational prayer service for the victims would be held on Wednesday in Nthongoni.

MAKUENI EXPANDS SPECIALIZED HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS.

Makueni County has signed four agreements aimed at expanding specialized health services, including eye care, HIV treatment, women’s health and maternal and newborn care.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. witnessed the signing Monday between the county government and AHF Kenya, Sightsavers International, The HEM Practice Ltd. and Jacaranda Health Solutions.

Under the agreements, Sightsavers will support eye screening and treatment, while AHF Kenya will strengthen HIV testing, prevention and comprehensive care.

The HEM Practice will help expand minimally invasive surgery and specialized women’s health services through training and technical support. Jacaranda Health will support maternal and newborn care through digital health tools, data use and training for frontline health workers.

Mutula said the partnerships would help bring specialized care closer to residents and strengthen the county’s health system.

He urged residents to undergo regular eye screening to enable early detection and treatment of conditions such as cataracts.

The governor also highlighted the need to strengthen maternal and newborn services, particularly care for babies requiring specialized neonatal treatment.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya country program director; Moses Chege, Sightsavers International country director; Faith Wanjeri, CEO of The HEM Practice; and Javan Waita, director of Kenya programs at Jacaranda Health.

County Health Executive Joyce Mutua, Chief Health Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei and Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Stephen Mwatha also attended the signing.

37 KALEMBWANI ACCIDENT SURVIVORS DISCHARGED FROM MAKUENI REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Thirty-seven patients injured in the Kalembwani road accident that claimed seven lives on the spot on Friday night have been discharged from the Makueni County Referral Hospital with medication.

According to the facility’s orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Kelvin Maweu, the discharged patients sustained soft-tissue injuries and did not require further hospitalisation. 28 others were admitted at Matiliku Hospital last night and by this morning, only 13 were in hospital.

Dr Maweu confirmed that four patients remain admitted at the facility, where they are receiving medical care.

One of the survivors, Rose Mueni, who is still admitted at the referral hospital, commended the Makueni County Government for its swift response during the rescue operation.

Makueni County Health Chief Officer Dr Harvey Mulei said no further fatalities had been recorded since the evacuation mission began on Friday night.

Dr Mulei attributed the response to the availability of specialist doctors at the county referral hospital, ambulance services and the quality of healthcare provided to the injured.

He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

EMPOWERING MAKUENI’S YOUTH: COUNTY, STUDENTS JOIN FORCES IN KAMBU

The County Government of Makueni, led by CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports, Children and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, has partnered with the Makueni County KU Students Association to empower youths in Kambu, Mtito Andei Ward.

The youths were trained on drug abuse prevention, mental health awareness, financial discipline, career guidance and mentorship, agribusiness and market linkages.

Eng. Kyoni urged young people to take advantage of county programmes including Tujiajiri, Ligi Mashinani, Ujuzi Teketeke and Ajira kwa Vijana, while actively participating in public forums to help shape youth-focused development priorities.

The initiative also saw the distribution of over 2,000 tree seedlings to promote environmental conservation, while girls received sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene.

Kyoni was accompanied by Chief Officer Nicolis Mutua, area MCA Francis Mulwa, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo and other leaders.

MAKUENI YOUTH URGED TO REGISTER SKILLS, TAKE PART IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Makueni Youth have been urged to register their skills on the county’s Youth Information Management System and actively participate in public forums to help shape the county’s future.

Speaking during International Youth Day celebrations in Wote, Chief Officer for Youth Nicholis Mutua said young people should take advantage of available opportunities and actively engage in programmes aimed at supporting their development.

Mutua said the Youth Information Management System enables youth to register their areas of expertise, showcase their skills and access relevant opportunities, programmes and support.

He also urged young people to participate in public participation forums, saying their involvement would help influence decisions affecting the county and their future.

SENATE COMMITTEE COMMENDS MAKUENI FOR PROGRESS IN OPERATIONALIZING MUNICIPALITIES.

The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has commended Makueni County for making significant strides in operationalising municipalities, noting that many other devolved units were still at the early stages of implementing the framework.

The committee, chaired by Wajir Senator Abbas Mohamed, made the remarks when Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. appeared before it to shed light on the progress the county has made in actualising the functions of municipalities.

Governor Mutula informed the committee that Makueni had operationalised three municipalities and allocated funds to support their operations and development.

He also appealed to the Senate to explore legislative mechanisms for ensuring sustainable funding and resourcing of municipalities, noting that adequate resources were critical to enabling them to effectively discharge their functions.

GOVERNOR MUTULA MEETS YOUTH LEADERS, CHARTS FOR GREATER YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion following a consultative meeting with youth leaders drawn from all six sub-counties to discuss solutions to challenges facing young people.

The meeting, attended by representatives of youth groups and associations and led by Makueni University Students Association chairperson Daniel Kisilu , focused on increasing youth participation in county governance, including budget planning, employment, internships, scholarships, and programmes to address drug and substance abuse.

Governor Mutula directed the Directorate of Youth Affairs to establish an 11-member advisory board comprising representatives from all six sub-counties and persons with disabilities to champion youth interests. He also pledged affirmative action in future county employment opportunities while urging young leaders to engage government through established legal and governance frameworks.

The consultative forum forms part of the county government’s efforts to strengthen youth engagement and promote inclusive development.