News

TWIN FLLoCA PROJECTS TO TRANSFORM WATER ACCESS AND AGRICULTURE IN MUVAU/KIKUMINI AND KIKUMBULYU SOUTH.

Thousands of residents in Muvau/Kikumini and Kikumbulyu South wards are set to benefit from improved access to water and climate-smart agriculture following the commencement of two major livelihood restoration projects under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

Makueni Climate Change Unit officers, led by Director Jackline Kamusa, on Thursday officially handed over project sites to contractors for the implementation of the Thwake Water Distribution and Livelihood Restoration Project in Muvau/Kikumini Ward and the Ngandani Water Distribution and Livelihood Project in Kikumbulyu South Ward.

The Thwake project is designed to tackle chronic water shortages by enhancing the Thwake Sand Dam and expanding water distribution to several water-stressed villages, including Kyemwole, Nyunzu, Kambi Mawe, Kwa Kathoka, Mulaani, King’uutheni, Mwenyenyo, Kwa Mutune, Mang’auni, Kasarani, Sombi and Kwa Pius.

Beyond improving access to water, the project will boost agricultural productivity through the establishment of a fish hatchery at Kwa Kathoka ATC, pasture and fodder farms, agroforestry through the distribution of citrus and mango seedlings, and the installation of a rain gauge to support climate-informed farming.

Meanwhile, the Ngandani Water Distribution and Livelihood Project will improve access to clean and safe water through the construction of a spring intake at Kithokoosyo, installation of distribution pipelines and water kiosks to serve surrounding communities. The project will also promote climate-smart agriculture through pasture establishment, livestock breed improvement, apiculture, and farmer training on water management, rangeland governance and livestock value chains, helping farmers increase productivity while building resilience to climate change.

KILIFI COUNTY BENCHMARKS MAKUENI’S EXCELLENCE IN MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTHCARE

Makueni County on Wednesday hosted a delegation from Kilifi County at the Makueni County Referral Hospital for a learning visit aimed at sharing best practices in maternal and newborn healthcare.

The delegation, comprising facility management teams and Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) care providers, visited the hospital to benchmark on the innovative approaches that have positioned Makueni County Referral Hospital as a centre of excellence in the delivery of quality maternal and newborn health services.

The bench-marking exercise focused on operational workflows, staffing models, use of health data to drive quality improvement, maternal and perinatal mortality surveillance and response, as well as strategies for sustaining quality care and improving health outcomes.

Health officials noted that the exchange of knowledge and experiences between counties is key to strengthening healthcare systems and accelerating the reduction of preventable maternal and newborn deaths across the country.

The visit reaffirmed Makueni County’s growing reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation, with its successful models continuing to attract learning delegations from other counties seeking to improve service delivery and enhance patient outcomes.

MAKUENI INTENSIFIES MARKET CLEANLINESS DRIVE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH.

The County Government of Makueni, through the Department of Health, on Wednesday conducted a clean-up exercise at Wote Grocery Market as part of ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and promote a healthier trading environment.

Led by County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua, and Wote Municipality Manager Everlyn Mutua, public health officers, traders and community members collected and disposed of solid waste, unclogged drainage channels and cleaned the market surroundings. The team also sensitized traders on proper waste management and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards.

Joyce Mutua reaffirmed the department’s commitment to regular clean-up exercises and public health awareness campaigns across markets and other public spaces to prevent sanitation-related diseases and promote a clean, safe and healthy environment.

The initiative is part of the county government’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation and foster shared responsibility in keeping public spaces clean across Makueni County.

MAKUENI STRENGTHENS DISABILITY INCLUSION THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with CURE Kenya and CBM through the SHINE Project, successfully conducted a two-day training for Health Workers, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and Community Resource Workers to strengthen disability inclusion, early identification, prevention, advocacy, and referral systems across the county.

The training equipped participants with practical skills in disability screening, early detection, rehabilitation, referral pathways, and community linkages, while enhancing their capacity to identify and support persons with disabilities. Participants were also sensitized on common congenital and physical disabilities, underscoring the importance of timely intervention in improving health outcomes.

The training was graced by the Director in charge of preventive and promotive Health,Dr. Stephen Mwatha, who reaffirmed the health workers’ commitment to strengthening disability-inclusive health services through continuous capacity building.

The initiative forms part of Makueni County’s broader efforts to build an inclusive health system by empowering front-line healthcare workers with the skills needed to promote early detection, timely referrals, and access to quality rehabilitation services.

FLLoCA PHASE II WATER PROJECTS TO BOOST WATER ACCESS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Residents of Ivingoni/Nzambani and Mtito Andei wards are set to benefit from two water projects under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, aimed at improving water access while strengthening community resilience to climate change.

On Wednesday, officers from the Makueni County Climate Change Unit officially handed over the project sites to contractors and newly constituted Project Management Committees, paving the way for construction works to begin.

At Kwa Nzoongo in Ivingoni/Nzambani Ward, the County Government will expand and deepen an existing earth dam constructed during Phase I of the programme to enhance rainwater harvesting and storage. The project will also support climate-smart livelihoods through complementary interventions.

In Mtito Andei Ward, the Ngai Ndethya Sand Dam Project will involve raising the weir, laying an 8-kilometre water distribution network, constructing three water kiosks and installing CCTV surveillance to safeguard the solar-powered water pumping system.

Expected to be completed within three months, the projects will provide reliable water for households, livestock and agriculture, improving livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience across the two communities.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN MAKUENI

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), calling on residents to break the culture of silence and work together to protect the rights and dignity of all.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Anti-GBV Champions Engagement Forum in Wote on behalf of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., the Deputy Governor lauded Anti-GBV champions, community leaders, the Judiciary, security agencies, religious leaders and development partners for their unwavering efforts in preventing violence and supporting survivors.

She said the county has established progressive policy frameworks, including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy, Gender Policy, Children Policy and Disability Policy, and is finalizing the Makueni County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Bill to strengthen coordination and accountability in addressing GBV.

Mulili urged men and boys to champion positive masculinity and called on communities to reject harmful cultural practices that perpetuate violence.

She reaffirmed that the county government will continue investing in community awareness, survivor support systems, capacity building, behaviour change communication and stronger multi-sectoral partnerships to build a GBV-free Makueni.

MAKUENI ECDE LEARNERS SHINE AT EASTERN REGION MUSIC FESTIVALS

Makueni County’s ECDE learners have posted impressive results at the ongoing Eastern Region Music Festivals, with Mii ECDE emerging Position 1 in Class 101 and AIC Kathonzweni ECDE also securing Position 1 in Class 2119G. Kambu ECDE attained Position 2 in Class 2101G, while Kivandini ECDE and Ivoleni ECDE each secured Position 3 in Classes 2101G and 100 respectively.⁣

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The strong performance highlights the county’s commitment to nurturing talent at the foundational learning level and reflects the dedication of learners, teachers and parents in preparing for the regional competitions. The achievements have positioned Makueni among the standout performers in the ECDE category at this year’s festivals.⁣

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As the competitions continue, attention now turns to Wee School for the Deaf and Kakuswi School for the Deaf, which will represent Makueni on Thursday in the special needs education categories as the county seeks to build on its impressive showing at the regional event.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Over 𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 youth in Makueni County are eyeing a life-changing chance as interviews for the prestigious Makueni County – KCB 2jiajiri Programme officially kicked off today!⁣⁣⁣

Following a massive turnout when applications closed last week, the 3-day shortlisting drive is now underway across all eligible Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the county.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣The KCB 2jiajiri initiative, in partnership with the Government of Makueni County, aims to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with vital technical and entrepreneurial skills.⁣⁣⁣

⁣Shortlisted candidates will receive 100% funded tuition to specialize in high-demand technical trades of their choice.⁣⁣⁣

To ensure a smooth transition into the market, top-performing graduates will be gifted startup tools and equipment to launch their own businesses immediately upon graduation.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣Aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr vision, the goal is to transform job seekers into job creators. By focusing on technical vocational training, Makueni County and the KCB Foundation are empowering the next generation of local entrepreneurs and artisans.⁣⁣⁣

⁣#MakueniYouthEmpowerment #2jiajiri #KCBFoundation #YouthInTech #VocationalTraining

IRA BRINGS INSURANCE OPEN DAY TO MAKUENI TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) is conducting a three-day Insurance Open Day in Makueni County aimed at promoting the growth of the insurance industry through consumer education and public engagement.

The event, being held at the Wote Bus Park, has brought together more than 15 insurance companies, the Central Bank of Kenya, and members of the public, providing a platform for direct interaction between consumers and key players in the insurance sector.

Speaking during the event,Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, said the initiative offers significant benefits to residents, particularly those who have had limited interaction with the Authority and insurance service providers.

She also noted that the forum provides an opportunity for members of the public to seek information on insurance products, obtain clarification on claims settlement processes, and share feedback on their experiences with insurance services.

Mulili emphasized the County Government’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and increasing public appreciation of insurance as an essential tool for risk management and protection.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged residents to take advantage of the forum to learn more about available insurance products and services, enabling them to make informed financial decisions.

The Insurance Regulatory Authority was represented by Ms. Emily Pherry, Manager for Consumer Protection, alongside other IRA officials who engaged participants on various aspects of insurance regulation, consumer rights, and industry practices

MAKUENI HOSTS EASTERN REGION MUSIC FESTIVALS AS LEARNERS SHOWCASE TALENT

The Eastern Region Music Festivals kicked off today at ACK St. Luke’s Wote Township Primary School, bringing together learners from across the region to showcase their talents in music, dance, poetry, choral verse and other creative performances.

The week-long event, running from June 29 to July 5, has attracted participants from several counties, with winning teams set to advance to the National Music Festivals.

Speaking during the official opening, Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau said the festivals provide an important platform for nurturing learners’ talents, building confidence and promoting cultural exchange in line with the Competency-Based Education. She commended teachers, parents and education stakeholders for their continued support in developing learners’ abilities beyond the classroom.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the role of arts and culture in driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.