News

MAKUENI BENCHMARKS SCHOOLTRY VTC SYSTEM IN KILIFI COUNTY.

The Makueni County Department of ICT, Education and Internship is on a two-day benchmarking visit to Kilifi County to study the Schooltry digital system used in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).

The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili alongside CECM ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and Chief Officer Irene Makau, was received by Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule.

She said the county’s main focus is addressing school dropouts by tracking learners and transitioning them into VTCs.

Rolled out in December 2024, the Schooltry system is data-driven and includes an e-library, though internet access remains a challenge in remote areas.

The platform is already operational in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with Cameroon next.

MAKUENI BEGINS ROLLOUT OF INTEREST-FREE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FUND

Hundreds of households in Makueni County are poised to benefit from expanded economic opportunities as the county government accelerates the rollout of the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), an interest-free financing program designed to strengthen community enterprises and improve livelihoods..

On Friday, four groups from Nguu Masumba and Emali/Mulala wards received KSh 50,000 each to support their income-generating activities, bringing the number of beneficiary groups in the pilot phase to 25. A total of 44 groups are expected to benefit by the end of the month.

Speaking during the disbursement, Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, noting that successful groups can gradually increase their borrowing limit from KSh 50,000 to KSh 500,000.

The county has set aside KSh 160 million for the interest-free loan program, which targets registered groups engaged in activities such as poultry farming, goat rearing, table banking, and tree planting, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of empowering the community and improving livelihoods.

MAKUENI BEGINS RELOCATION OF TRADERS AHEAD OF WOTE MODERN MARKET CONSTRUCTION

Makueni County has commenced the relocation of more than 300 small-scale traders to temporary structures to pave the way for the construction of a modern market in Wote town.

The Sh350 million market project is being undertaken by the national government in collaboration with the county government of Makueni. The facility is expected to transform trade in the area by replacing the current congested open-air trading spaces.

Speaking during an impromptu tour of the construction site in Wote, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. thanked stakeholders for facilitating what he described as a smooth and humane relocation process aimed at minimizing business disruption and protecting traders’ livelihoods.

The planned modern market will feature smart stalls, proper sanitation facilities, digital payment hubs and improved waste disposal systems, offering traders a cleaner and more organized working environment.

Traders at the site expressed appreciation to Governor Mutula for securing alternative temporary spaces to allow continuity of their businesses as they await completion of the new market.

To support the initiative, the governor has donated building materials for the construction of the temporary structures that will host traders during the transition period.

MAKUENI BEGINS FORMULATION OF ENERGY POLICY TO BOOST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Makueni has initiated the formulation of its first Energy Policy, a strategic framework aimed at addressing energy challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Led by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works & Energy, an inter-departmental committee has begun drafting the policy with technical support from Strathmore University, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and UK-PACT. These partners are providing expertise to ensure the policy aligns with global best practices in renewable energy and public-private partnerships.

The Makueni Energy Policy seeks to:

• Promote renewable energy by harnessing solar, wind, and biogas resources.

• Improve energy affordability and reliability

• Encourage decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar systems, to ensure stable power supply in remote areas.

• Foster public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment in sustainable energy projects.

County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Eng. Peter Mumo,who chaired the inaugural drafting session in Wote on Wednesday emphasized that reliable and affordable energy is critical for industrial growth, business expansion, and overall socio-economic progress.

Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi said adopting innovative and decentralized energy solutions, will ensure that even the most remote communities have access to electricity.

MAKUENI BEGINS 16 DAYS DRIVE TO STOP ONLINE GENDER VIOLENCE

Makueni County’s human rights champions have kicked off an intensified campaign against gender-based violence under the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s theme, “ *End Online Gender-Based Violence: A Safe Makueni for All* ”, highlights the rising cases of digital abuse, including cyberbullying, online harassment and exploitation.

The launch brought together County and National Government officials, civil society, youth groups, faith leaders and development partners, all committing to work collectively to make digital spaces safer, especially for women, children and young people.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Sebastian Kyoni, who flagged off the campaign in Wote on Friday, said the County is strengthening survivor support services, enhancing reporting pathways and expanding community awareness through the Gender Sector Working Group.

Over the next 16 days, the team will lead countywide engagements, including community dialogues, school and youth sessions, digital safety training and awareness activities in a bid to build a community where everyone lives free from harm and with full dignity.

MAKUENI BATTLES TB AS OVER 40% TO 50% OF CASES GO UNDIAGNOSED

Makueni County recorded 2,200 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, with more than half going undiagnosed, raising concerns over the silent spread of the disease.

Health Services CECM, Dr. Paul Musila, revealed these figures at Matiliku Market on Monday while delivering his speech during World TB Day.

He expressed alarm over childhood TB, noting that 161 children were diagnosed in 2024,just 60% of the expected cases,leaving 40% undetected.

Dr. Musila reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, in partnership with stakeholders, to intensify TB control efforts.

Measures include increasing public awareness, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, conducting outreach screenings, and integrating TB education into school health programs.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei, emphasized that TB treatment and medication are available free of charge at all county health facilities.

He urged locals to take advantage of these services by seeking TB screening at the nearest health center.

Makueni Basketball men through to KYISA Finals

Makueni basketball men are a game away from being crowned Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association games 6th edition champions.

The boys crashed their Turkana counterparts 58-42 in a breath taking semi final at the Busia stadium to advance to the final, where they will meet hosts Busia at 4pm Today.

Through to the top, Makueni edged out Siaya 68-30 and Nakuru 44-37.

Much as Busia enjoys home advantage and loud cheers, coach Frederick Makundi is confident Makueni will have the last laugh going by their vitality and prowess in the pitch.

Makueni Basketball men finish second at KYISA

Makueni basketball men soared high as they finished second in the 6th edition of Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association games held in Busia between 14th and 21st December.

The under 23 boys put up an onerous fight against hosts Busia, under a sea of cheering fans, but fell 51-46 finishing second overall.

Makueni had earlier crashed Turkana 58-42 in a breath taking semi final at the Busia stadium to advance to the final.

Enroute to the finals, Makueni edged out Siaya 68-30 and Nakuru 44-37.

County Executive for Education, Sports and ICT Joshua Wambua is convinced Makueni has what it takes to become a sporting giant. He says the county will continue to invest in talent development With a view to promoting sports as a career for thousands of young people.

MAKUENI ATC, KWAKATHOKA MARKS ST GRADUATION

Seventy-two graduands were on Thursday awarded certificates during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre (MATC) at Kwakathoka, marking a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural skills in the county.

The ceremony, led by Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili, saw the trainees graduate in Dairy Farm Management, Poultry Kienyeji Production, and Horticulture Production.

The training combines school-based learning with field-based practical sessions and is examined and certified under the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC), with support from development partners.

Mulili encouraged the graduands to put the knowledge and skills acquired into practice to unlock opportunities for economic empowerment.

The event was attended by Agriculture Ag. CECM Damaris Kavoi, Chief Officers Felistus Mutune and Japheth Kiminza, County Agriculture Sectoral Committee members and partners.

The ceremony also recognized 21 farmer groups comprising 507 farmers who completed field-based training in agricultural production, further strengthening Makueni’s vision of becoming a hub of skilled and knowledgeable farmers.

MAKUENI ASSEMBLY SENSITIZED ON NATIONAL VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR SEAMLESS IMPLEMENTATION.

Makueni Assembly Sensitized on National Value Chain Development Project for Seamless Implementation

Machakos: May 16, 2024

Makueni Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua on Thursday officially inaugurated a 3-day workshop that convened all members of the Makueni County Assembly .

The workshop seeks to introduce the assembly members to the new agriculture project, the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

Mutua emphasized the crucial role of the County Assembly as a major stakeholder in ensuring the successful implementation of the project, especially considering its implementation at the ward levels.

NAVCDP, a five-year initiative, aims to boost market participation and value addition within the mango, dairy, poultry, tomato, and apiculture value chains across all 30 wards in the county.

Representing the County Speaker Mbilu Douglas , Hon. Jonathan Muthoka, the Member of County Assembly for Ilima Ward, expressed steadfast commitment and support to guarantee the project’s benefits reach all farmers in Makueni.

The workshop is being spearheaded by the Department’s leadership in collaboration with the County Project Coordination Unit.

Notable attendee include representative from the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), Food Security Advisor Dr. Menjo.