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KCDMS, Makueni Drum for Conservative Agriculture

At least 4,000 makueni farmers will benefit from free deep tillage services, ahead of the short rains in a bid to increase agricultural productivity and profitability.
 
USAID funded Feed the Future Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems Activity (KCDMS) in conjunction with the county government of Makueni will engage 30 Tractor service providers to offer free deep tillage services among farmers.
Deep tillage popularly known as conservative agriculture is a climate adoption methodology where farmers are encouraged to use chisel plough/sub soiler instead of the convectional disc plough.
 
This offer will run for one month before the short rains commence in October and it acts as an incentive to farmers to adopt these practices by providing them with cost-effective solutions that can significantly improve soil health and crop yield.
 
Makueni County Agriculture and Irrigation Chief Officer Daniel Ndolo and KCDMS Senior Technical Advisor  Brenda Aluda on Monday flagged off a 2-day deep tillage campaign to sensitize farmers on conservative agriculture.
Aluda noted that over the last seasons farmers in the region have been reaping low farm produce as a result of drought that had hit the area due to climate change. 
 
“The reason why we are focusing today on soil and water conservation measures is because Makueni, Kitui and Taita Taveta have experienced drought due to climate change in the past two seasons and with insufficient water farmers have been reaping little farm produce,” said Aluda.
 
Ndolo on his part called on farmers to take advantage of the free deep tillage services and adopt conservative Agriculture for increased yield and food security at the household level.

Kaunguni residents urge government to prioritize water projects

Over 500 Residents of Kaunguni – Muuni Sub- Ward in Nguumo Ward have unanimously prioritized and proposed  a mega Water project in a bid to enhance agricultural and livestock productivity for improved livelihoods in their area.

In a public participation forum on Thursday presided by Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau and attended by Gender and Trade  Executives Godfrey Makau and Sebastian Kyoni respectively and a section of Makueni County Assembly members led by MCA Alfred Mutuku, the residents identified water scarcity as the major challenge.

They said if the right interventions are put in place then the problem would be resolved and water network widened to reach  many who lack access today.

Further they lauded the department of health services as the best performing in the county for implementation of the universal health care that has seen the county citizenry access medical services at no cost.

“The department of health is leading in the county because we are being treated for free in our facilities. We urge the other department to step so that we can grow together in every sector in our county, ” said Mutua Masai, a representative from Kaunguni-East cluster.

The DG said: “Like I have said in other forums, we are focusing on mega projects that can impact a larger population. This is what we are calling the paradigm shift.”

KATHONZWENI, KYANDUYA VTCS SCOOP TOP POSITIONS IN SOLO PERFORMANCES.

Makueni’s Vocational Training Centres lit up the stage at Meru School on Day 4 of the Kenya Music Festivals, with breathtaking solo performances that left a mark on the national stage. Representing the Eastern region, our stars didn’t just sing — they conquered!

Patricia Mbithe from Kathonzweni VTC and Teresia Maluni from Kyanduya VTC scooped position 1 in Solo Soprano and Solo Alto respectively, performing “Early One Morning” and “All Through the Night.”

Teresia Munini from Kyanduya VTC emerged position 2 in Solo Soprano, while her counterparts from Nduluku and Kathonzweni VTCs took position 2 and 3 respectively in Solo Alto — a proud moment for Makueni County’s VTCs on the national stage.

KATHONZWENI DEVELOPMENT TOUR

Govenor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr commissions Kwa Mbila earth dam solar power project during his development tour of Kathonzweni Ward.

The 11,760 watts solar system replaces a diesel powered water pump which supplies water to 23 villages in Kathonzweni and Kitise/Kithuki wards. The project serves 13,500 beneficiaries.

KATANGINI BOREHOLE PROJECT TO ENHANCE WATER ACCESS TO RESIDENTS

May 22, 2024

65 households from Katangini Location in Kalawa Ward will access water for household consumption and enhance agricultural production, once Katangani borehole project is completed.

The borehole with an estimated capacity of 25- cubic –meter of fresh water is a project of the county government through Small-scale Irrigation Value Addition Project (SIVAP) and will supply water for domestic use and irrigation.

On Wednesday, Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua inspected the progress of the borehole drilling to ensure its timely completion.

Mutua said that, through SIVAP, a total of 10 boreholes are scheduled to be drilled. Among these, 5 boreholes were drilled in 2023. These boreholes include Nduumoni in Nzakika, Ithanzeni in Ukia, Kimuumo in Muvau Kikumini, Ngai Ndethya in Mtito Andei, and Twaandu in Makindu.

In the next two months, another five boreholes will be drilled. These include Galilee, Katangini location in Kalawa ward (ongoing) Linga in Kako waia, Kanyonga in Mavindini, Utangwa in Kithungo Kitundu ward and Kalaanzoni borehole in Kalaanzoni ward.

The boreholes will be equipped with solar-powered pumping system. to distribute water to farms, kiosks, and livestock watering points. Mutua also inspected ongoing construction works for the Kanini Kaseo micro-irrigation project.

Mutua was accompanied by the Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyallo and County Director for Agriculture Mary Muteti.

Kasikeu Residents Receive Title deeds

At least 3,178 households from Kasikeu ward, Kilome constituency, are now the new holders of title deeds after a 28-year agonizing wait.

The residents were handed over the land ownership documents by governor Kivutha Kibwana and County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed at Kasikeu township Wednesday.

The Kasikeu adjudication section was established in 1992, covering Kiou, Wathini, Mutiswa and Mumela sections.

The issuance of the title deeds, governor Kibwana and Maalim said, was catalyzed by the One-Government-Approach of administration in Makueni county where the national and county governments work harmoniously where necessary.

The county government has facilitated the exercise by paying the processing fees and the issuance exercise.

KANGI WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED, BOOSTING CLEAN WATER ACCESS IN KATOLONI

The County Government of Makueni on Tuesday commissioned the Kangi Water Project in Katoloni Village, improving access to clean and safe water for residents of Wote Nziu Ward.

The project, implemented by the Sisters of Hope Self-Help Group with support from the Water Justice Fund through Neighbors Initiative Alliance and in partnership with the county government, rehabilitated the Kangi sand dam along River Ndue Nguu. It also included construction of a water sump, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, pipeline extension, and establishment of a communal water point with a storage tank. A tree nursery was also set up as part of the initiative.

County Executive Committee Member for Finance, Planning, Budget and Revenue, Damaris Kavoi, represented Governor H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the commissioning. She said the project demonstrates the county’s commitment to sustainable, community-led development and efficient use of public resources, and reaffirmed continued support for partnerships that improve livelihoods and climate resilience.

Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation David Makau called on residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure long-term service delivery, warning that vandalism of public water projects would attract legal action.

Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso and other county officials attended the event, which included a tree-planting exercise to promote environmental conservation.

Residents welcomed the project, saying it will reduce the burden of fetching water and improve daily life in Katoloni Village.

KALONZO VISITS RAILA’S FAMILY, PRESENTS GIFTS TO MAMA IDA.

In a heartwarming ceremony at Opoda Farm, the home of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Wiper Patriotic Front–Kenya Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by the Party’s National Vice Chairperson Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, led a delegation of senior Wiper leaders and supporters in a courtesy visit to the Odinga family.

The delegation presented a herd of cattle and an assortment of gifts to Mama Ida Odinga and her family, symbolizing deep respect, solidarity, and the long-standing friendship between Kalonzo and the late former Prime Minister.

The event was marked by scenes of joy and celebration as residents and supporters welcomed the Wiper team with traditional chants of “Jowi! Jowi!” — a cultural expression of honor and admiration.

Mama Ida Odinga graciously received the delegation and expressed her appreciation for the gesture of goodwill and continued friendship between the two families and their political movements.

The team later visited and laid wreath at the grave of Raila Amolo Odinga whom Kalonzo eulogized as a champion of democracy and devolution.