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Makueni County 1st Half Budget Implementation Report FY 2018-19

During the first half for FY 2018/19, the County Government received 31percentand 47 percentof the equitable share and Donor and grants respectively. The Government has mobilised 21 percentof the own source revenues and no disbursemnets have been made for the conditional allocations. The total expenditure for the first half amounts to Kshs. 3,154,067,087.00 out of which Ksh 2,542,638,465.00
represents recurrent expenditure and Kshs. 611,428,622.00 represents Capital Expenditure.

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MAKUENI CONVERTS FORMER LAW COURTS BUILDING INTO LEVEL THREE HEALTH FACILITY.

The Makueni County Government has allocated funds for the renovation of the old Makueni Law Courts building, which originally served as the first hospital in Wote Town, to transform it into a Level Three health facility.

The move is aimed at addressing challenges faced by patients seeking healthcare services at Makueni County Referral Hospital, particularly when accessing services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.

Under SHA regulations, patients are required to obtain referrals from lower-level health facilities before accessing services at referral hospitals.

To ease pressure on the county referral hospital and improve access to healthcare services, the county government has invested in the establishment of a Level Three facility within Wote Town.

Speaking on Tuesday during the handover of the renovation project to a contractor, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. urged the contractor to work closely with the local community to help boost economic opportunities for residents during the project period.

The governor also directed the Wote Water Company to ensure the facility is supplied with adequate water to support its 24-hour operations.

He further called on the Department of Health Services to progressively expand the facility’s capacity to accommodate additional services, including maternity and gynaecological care.

Governor Mutula said the facility, which is set to be gazetted soon, will also be fully equipped to provide quality healthcare services to residents.

The event was attended by area MCA Felix Mateso, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services Joyce Mutua, and Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource Dr Harvey Mulei.

Makueni Contemplates International Justice over two KPC Oil Spills

Fear of diseases, loss of water sources, loss of huge tracts of land under irrigation and fish farms, temporary collapse of KALRO-Kiboko research centre are some of the challenges residents of Kiboko area, Makueni County, have to contend with following a massive oil spill from the new oil pipeline by Kenya Pipeline Company.

The spilled oil is feared to have infiltrated into Kiboko river, the major source of water to area residents which besides domestic uses is used for medium scale horticulture and aquafarming.

Although the spillage was discovered on March 30th,2019, it is feared that this might have started immediately after laying of the 450KM Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline late last year.

Acting KPC Managing Director Hudson Andambi says a point of weakness in the pipeline might have been caused by a large boulder hitting it during backfilling of the pipeline trench, which overtime developed into a crack letting out thousands of gallons of oil.

Those not entirely convinced by this theory believe that the leakage could also have resulted from a malicious puncturing of the pipeline by vandals intending to siphon oil from the line.

Without any installed digital or electronic leakage detectors, the leakage is feared to have gone on for days on end until 30th March 2019 when an officer of the Water Resource Users Association (WRUA) Kiboko, on routine patrol discovered it.

In a meeting of top KPC managers led by the MD, Makueni County Government led by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and the affected community on Tuesday at Kiboko, several measures to address the menace were outlined.

Among these include Human and livestock longitudinal study on the possible impact of the hydrocarbons to their health; Joint testing by all stakeholders for possible water pollution by oil, grease, Total Petroleum Hydrocarborns (TPH), and Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene & Xylene (BTEX).

The meeting also saw formation of a taskforce that will spearhead provision of water for domestic use and livestock as well as environmental cleanup by the polluter.

Governor Kibwana who scolded the KPC officials for mishandling the compensation and cleanup exercise of Thange oil spill still within the county two years ago said KPC was taking the oil spill disaster lightly while it posed grave danger to the health and livelihoods of area residents.

 “We are staring at dangers of cancer and grounding of huge economic activities, the only source of livelihoods for thousands of residents.” Said the governor.

 “These two oil spills are a disaster so atrocious that it can even attract legal suit at the International Court of Justice. We may be forced to look that direction because we seem not to get local solutions,” the governor said further.

He said the County Government would write to KPC and the ministry of Petroleum demanding for restoration of the water sources or compensation for loss of livelihoods for the period the affected farms would lay forlorn with a fixed time frame.

Kibwana said the Thange oil leakage experience had shown that KPC has little regard for humanity despite millions of shillings it makes from the same people.

MAKUENI CONFIRMS 216 CONTRACT HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO PERMANENT TERMS

The Makueni County Government has confirmed 216 healthcare workers, who had served on contract for more than three years, to permanent and pensionable terms.

The confirmation letters were issued on Wednesday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during a ceremony held at the Mother and Child Hospital.

The newly confirmed staff include 50 nurses, 24 registered clinical officers, 18 medical laboratory technologists, 12 pharmaceutical technologists, 11 psychological counsellors, and 4 emergency medical technicians, among other essential health professionals.

The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to strengthening the county’s health system by investing in the welfare of health workers.

As part of this commitment, 917 employees across various cadres have already been promoted after years of stagnation in the same job groups.

Further, 56 doctors, including six consultants, were elevated to Job Group R, while three senior consultants were promoted to Job Group S in recognition of their critical contributions.

In a major boost to specialized care, the county has also hired its first neurosurgeon, who is now stationed at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by healthcare personnel working on contract terms, including job insecurity, disparities in remuneration, limited access to training opportunities, and difficulties in obtaining credit facilities despite being expected to deliver at par with their permanently employed counterparts.

Governor Kilonzo Jr. was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, chairman Public Service Board Dr.Nickodemus Muteti, several Members of County Assembly, and members of the County Executive during the event.

MAKUENI CONDUCTS FACILITY ASSESSMENT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL GENDER BASED VIOLENCE RECOVERY CENTER.

The Department of health in collaboration with the department of gender,children,youth,sports and social services and Cheshire Disability Services Kenya, on Friday conducted a facility assessment at Mbooni Sub County Hospital towards an establishment of a Gender-Based Violence Recovery Center.

The assessment, led by Health Services Gender-Based Violence Focal person Theresia Maweu, brought together the stakeholders to evaluate requirements for setting up the centre at Mbooni Sub County Hospital, including space, services and coordination mechanisms needed to effectively support victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

The deputy programme manager of Cheshire disability services Kenya Dr.George Shimanyula expressed their commitment to the collaboration emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach in addressing Gender Based Violence,noting that the proposed centre will strengthen response systems and ensure victims and survivors receive timely and holistic support.

The assessment will also continue at all the sub county hospitals with the aim of decentralizing the GBVRC at makueni county referral hospital to increase accessibility to residents across the county.

Once operational, the centres are expected to benefit affected residents by improving access to integrated services such as medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance.

This will reduce the burden of seeking help from multiple facilities and enhancing protection, dignity and recovery for victims and survivors across Makueni County.

MAKUENI CONCLUDES LANDMARK MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

Makueni County, in partnership with Nutrition International, has successfully concluded the Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (MNCAHN) program, which has been in implementation since 2020.

The multi-faceted initiative aimed at scaling up cost-effective, high-impact nutrition interventions while strengthening the foundation for sustainable nutrition programming.

Through this collaboration, the county effectively rolled out various interventions outlined in the Makueni County Action Plan (2020-2023).

One of the program’s key milestones was the development of the Makueni County Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2024, which is now awaiting cabinet approval before presentation to the county assembly for adoption.

Additionally, the county introduced Kangaroo Mother Care Centers in six hospitals to enhance the management of preterm and underweight infants among other achievements.

The program boosted maternal and child health indicators. Notably:

115% of pregnant women attended at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, surpassing the annual target.

68% of expectant mothers completed four or more ANC visits.

95% of pregnant women received iron and folic acid supplementation.

84% of births were assisted by skilled healthcare providers.

78% of newborns received clean cord care using Chlorhexidine (CHX).

Speaking during the program’s closeout meeting on Friday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged other departments to collaborate with the Health Department to integrate nutrition services and expand their reach.

She was accompanied by County Assembly Health Committee Chair Hon. Jackson Mbalu, as well as Finance and Health Services CECs Damaris Kavoi and Dr. Paul Musila.

Makueni Coffee Farmers To Receive Sh 4.7 Million Worth of Cherry Fund to Enhance Coffee Production

At least 1000 coffee farmers from Kikima Farmers Cooperative Society are beneficiaries of Sh.4.7 Million worth of cherry Fund to boost coffee production and productivity.
This is one of the areas of collaboration between the county government of Makueni and the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union(New KPCU) to revamp the coffee sector in Makueni.
During the official launch of the Cherry Fund at Mulima Coffee factory on Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr announced that his administration will make plans to provide fertilizer and other farm inputs for improved coffee production.
Farmers were sensitized on best agriculture practices for maximum coffee profitability, ahead of a benchmark tour to Mukarimu Farm in Meru, the best coffee farmer in Kenya.

Makueni Coffee Farmers Gain Valuable Insights to Enhance Production and Profitability from Meru Educational Tour

A delegation of 32 coffee farmers from Makueni led by the County’s Director of Agriculture Mary Muteti on Tuesday concluded a two-day educational tour in Meru County. The tour to Mukarimu Farm, owned by Charles Mutwiri, a renowned coffee farmer in the country, provided valuable insights into best agricultural practices.

Key highlights of the educational tour include:

1. Proper Crop Establishment and Canopy Management: The emphasis on proper crop establishment and canopy management indicates a focus on optimizing the growth and health of coffee plants. This is crucial for maximizing yield and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee farming.

2. High-Quality Coffee Variety: The promotion of high-quality coffee variety underscores the importance of selecting and cultivating coffee plants that yield superior-quality beans. This can contribute to the production of premium coffee products, enhancing the market value of the local coffee.

3. Good Governance of Cooperatives: The mention of good governance in cooperatives suggests that the tour also addressed the organizational and managerial aspects of coffee farming. Efficient cooperative governance is essential for fair distribution of benefits, transparent decision-making, and overall success in the coffee industry.

The fact that the tour was sponsored by the County Government of Makueni demonstrates a commitment to the development of the local coffee sector. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s  administration’s efforts to revamp the Makueni coffee sector indicate a strategic approach to achieving maximum gains for coffee farmers in the region.

Prior initiatives, such as the disbursement of Sh. 4.7 Million worth of Cherry Fund in partnership with the New KPCU PLC , further highlights the commitment to supporting farmers in adopting modern and sustainable farming practices. This financial support aims to increase coffee yields and improve overall farming practices in the region.

The positive response from the farmers, expressing their commitment to implementing the practices they learned during the tour, indicates that the initiative was well-received. The farmers view the tour as an eye-opener to profitable and sustainable coffee farming, suggesting that they are motivated to apply the knowledge gained to enhance their own coffee production.

MAKUENI CHOSEN FOR FIRST-EVER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PILOT.

Makueni County has been selected as the pilot site for a groundbreaking four-year Highway Emergency Response Program launched by St. John’s Kenya.

The project, which will stretch along the busy Mombasa–Busia highway, aims to improve emergency medical care at accident-prone zones. It will establish 19 first aid stations, 4 trauma centers, and deploy 4 state-of-the-art ambulances staffed with trained paramedics to deliver timely post-crash care.

Speaking when he visited Makueni County headquarters, Dr. Robert Mutula, Chair of St. John’s Kenya, confirmed that Makueni will receive one ambulance, three First Aid posts, and one trauma center as part of the first phase. The national launch is scheduled for November this year in Emali Town.

Dr. Mutula further committed to making Makueni an emergency response hub for the Lower Eastern region by training local community members, including the Bodaboda operators in basic First Aid and victim assessment. Plans also include setting up a major blood transfusion center to serve accident victims in the region.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hailed the initiative, calling it a God-sent opportunity that will ease the burden of disaster response along the heavily trafficked Mombasa Road, notorious for frequent and often fatal accidents.

Other key officials in attendance included Dr. Alex Muturi (St. John’s Council Member), Paul Ngugi (St. John’s CEO), CECM Health Joyce Mutua, Dr. Harvey Mulei (Chief Officer – Health HR & Admin), and Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi (Acting Chief Officer – Health), among others

MAKUENI CHOIR TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE PRESTIGIOUS WINNERS CONCERT.

The Makueni County choir had the honor of performing at the Winners Concert, held on Wednesday at the Bomas of Kenya.

The concert celebrated creme de la creme performances from the recently concluded Kenya Music and Cultural Festival, highlighting the country’s rich heritage and diversity.

The performance was attended by several senior government officials, including Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Ms. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture & Heritage, and Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Makueni’s CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism.