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Kibwana Tips County Lawmakers on Public Participation and Civic Education

Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has urged counties to invest in civic education and public participation as a way of facilitating mindset change and enabling the people to take charge of devolution.

Prof Kibwana said poverty, dependency syndrome and community pulse cannot be overcome without the change of mindsets.

He told the County Assembly Members’ Forum in Mombasa on Thursday that engaging the people through public participation was an easy way of helping grow confidence in the management of devolved resources.

“Counties need to invest in civic education, community capacity building and mindset change programs,” said Prof Kibwana.

He also said that legislators need to devolve power, authority and mandate to community members so that they can plan and decide on the issues that affect them.

Prof Kibwana stated: “County governments have to relinquish to the development committees powers to design priorities and even to execute what can be done at community level.”

He noted that there was need for the county governments to come up with capacity building plans for the development committees saying that the capacities become the basis upon which poverty eradication measures and techniques are discussed.

Prof Kibwana said that public participation is not just about gatherings in town halls and therefore should be handled systematically to provide the real needs and priorities for the communities.

“Communities have the solutions for their problems. They lack the capacity and opportunities to plan for themselves and defend what clearly belong to them,” said the governor.

He further added: “Let us devolve the powers of participation to the communities and watch the poser of self-governance taking over this country through our counties.”

More than 2,000 members of the county assemblies and senators are participating in the forum which started on Monday.

Kibwana signs Cancer Care Deal with Two International Cancer Organizations

Governor Kivutha Kibwana has signed a cancer management deal with two international cancer organizations which will position the county as a centre of excellence in cancer care.

The deal, signed Thursday at Wote, brings together the International Cancer Institute (ICI) and Roche Kenya Limited (a leading pharmaceuticals and tissue-based cancer diagnostics company) to partner with Makueni on cancer and other Non-Communicable Diseases management.

The deal seeks to undertake an integrated care model in the county for; breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lymphomas, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health at the primary health care level through the referral system to the Makueni County Referral Hospital.


The two organizations will support Makueni CRH as a treatment center for oncology services and a comprehensive screening and outreach center for the same.

International Cancer Institute Chief Executive Officer Prof. Chite Asirwa, a cancer and blood specialist who signed the partnership for ICI said the organization will provide on a rotation basis mentors: 1 oncologist, 1 gynecologic oncologist, 1-2 surgical oncologists, 1 pathologist, 1 medical officer, 2-3 clinical officers, 2-3 nurse educators, 1 community liaison, and 6 community health promoters to support the Makueni treatment centre.

He said the partnership will emphasize on accessible and affordable cancer prevention, cure and improved quality management for those living with the condition, which he says has been elusive and the reason many Kenyans fly to India and other far off destinations for treatment.

Governor Kibwana said the deal will save many residents of Makueni the agony of having to sleep on the floors of Kenyatta National Hospital as they queue for cancer treatment or selling assets to fly out of the country in search of such services.

He said the deal for set up of cancer treatment centres in counties was brokered by the County First Ladies Association (CFLA) chaired by his spouse Nazi Kivutha who was present during the signing of the partnership agreement.

Data from the department of Health Services in Makueni show the county has a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, a growing burden of cervical, prostate and breast cancer as well as sickle cell disease and unchecked mental health issues.

The Makueni CRH registered 253 cases of the above illnesses combined between July 2015 and June 2019.

Kibwana, Senator Meet Leaders Over Flooding Crisis

Makueni County leaders led by Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Wednesday met to deliberate on how to mitigate the effects of heavy flooding in parts of the county occasioned ‎by the current heavy rains.

The leaders discussed emergency response to restore normalcy after several households were affected and at least four people killed by the raging floods.

During the meeting which happened on the sidelines of the Kakamega devolution conference ,Prof Kibwana said that concerted efforts by all elected leaders was required to address the ongoing catastrophic floods.

“Lets bring on board even our members of the national assembly to save our people from this emergency,” said the governor.

While  addressing the meeting, senator Mutula Junior encouraged  MCAs  to initiate talks with the MPs despite their political affiliations to face the catastrophy together for the safety of the people of Makueni.

“I know some of us here talk with the MPs. Go  and start talking with them so that we can solve this menace together,” Mutula said.

  • April 27, 2018 in News

Kibwana roots for Large scale Pulses Production at the Colombo Conference

Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has said the government of Makueni is encouraging residents to grow pulses in order to double the production of the crop and help improve livelihoods.

The governor said that the growing global market should trigger an increased interest in the crop adding that the entire East African region has embarked on an ambitious endeavour to double production of pulses within the next six years.

“By doubling yields, our farmers can earn twice as much for the same amount of land, thus significantly improving their livelihoods,”Prof Kibwana told delegates from across the globe attending the Colombo conference.

Prof Kibwana spoke at the Global Pulse Confederation Convention in Colombo-Sirlanka where he is representing Kenya and East Africa.

He said: “Agriculture in Eastern Africa today, and indeed my own county of Makueni, Kenya, is largely based on cereal crops, which are sold at lower prices than pulses.”

Pulses the governor said is playing an important part in the economies of the three Eastern African communities in terms of providing food security and increasing incomes through higher-value crops.

Said Prof Kibwana:“Many farmers in my county are now opting to grow pulses as they are fast maturing, taking 70-120 days while commonly grown cereals like maize take three to four months depending on the variety.”

Prof Kibwana further said that the other major advantage is that pulses are less affected by afflation, are high in protein and more resilient to drought.

According to the governor, Makueni County and the entire East African region have the potential to significantly expand production and trade of other pulses such as chickpeas, dolichos (faba beans), cowpeas and pinto beans.

He noted that the region has traditionally produced and exported kidney beans and white pea beans, pigeon peas and mung beans.

The governor is accompanied by the Executive Committee Members for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries Lawrence Nzunga and Trade, Industry, Cooperative and Tourism Rosemary Maundu.

Kibwana receives Kibwezi land from Nairobi firm

Makueni County government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dwa Estate Limited to transfer to the County Government a portion of land for the benefit of the local community.

The MoU was signed by Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana, who was accompanied by the Executive Committee Member for Lands and physical planning Joshua Wambua and Dwa Estate Limited managing director Neil Cuthbert at Nairobi.

The piece of land approximately 25 acres located between the existing PCEA church, the old railway line and the Kibwezi – Kitui road will now be accessed and used by the county after the company granted it a license.

According to Prof Kibwana, the land will be used to improve the ability of the local population to enhance their economic productivity so as to increase income and provide employment opportunities to the local community.

“The land donated to us will improve the economy of our people as well as provide job opportunities to them,” said the governor.

Kibwana rally residents to support the Census exercise – 2019

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has pleaded with all the residents to make themselves available and share the required information as demanded of them by the census team during the forthcoming 2019 Kenya population and housing census. The exercise will commence on 24th – 25th August.  

Speaking during a courtesy call, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics delegation head Mr. Stephen Kakungu assured the governor of a continuous monitoring of the collected data through dash boards, comprehensive in-built checks and post enumeration exercise to ensure that the information collected is complete, accurate and factual. For the first time, the census data will be captured electronically through a mobile telephony device.

Kibwana also held talks with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Kenyan alumni that is in Makueni to share knowledge on rural development with a focus on a people centered sustainable development.

“People are responsible for their own development, leaders are just but facilitators. If Kenya wants to experience a radical socio-economic change, then she must borrow from other countries that have made it such as Korea.” Said Kibwana in a meeting held at his office on Tuesday.

KOICA concerns itself with poverty reduction, empowering women in farming, quality and inclusive educational initiatives and youth empowerment.

  • August 13, 2019 in News

Kibwana puts Corrupt Government Officials on Notice as he meets Contractors

Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has told contractors working on county projects that his government will not tolerate any form of corruption and shoddy jobs.

He said the county will deal ruthlessly with staff found engaging in malpractices and urged businessmen awarded contracts to report any extortion attempts by county staff directly to his office.

The governor was speaking at Acacia Hotel in Wote during a meeting with major contractors awarded tenders by the department of roads, transport and infrastructure.

“We will not tolerate incidences of corruption and blackmail. I urge you to report cases of corruption to my office directly. In the past we have been ruthless with corrupt people and even now if we get them we will eject them from the system,”Prof Kibwana said.

He said that they should also report cases of intentional missing files adding that the county government will facilitate contractors to do their jobs and pick their money without any blackmail as long as they have done a good job.

The governor however indicated that the county government has had challenges dealing with some contractors in the past adding that creating a forum where the parties could meet and engage would help address emerging issues.

Said Prof Kibwana:“We have had challenges working with some contractors. It is important to create a platform where we can talk together so that we can understand each other.”

County Secretary Paul Wasanga urged the contractors to employ locals in wards where the contracts are being undertaken as part of the government’s initiative to ensure part of the money goes back to the people.
“When you go to the ground please give some of the jobs to the locals. That way we will get part of the money back to the people.When you do that they will even protect your equipment, ”the CS said.

Roads Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni who was present warned contractors against sub-letting contracts awarded to them without seeking clearance from the county government.

“When we request full compliance with PMC we urge you to cooperate with us and please don’t compromise the supervision. Where you are required to undertake some tests please comply,” he said.

Finance ECM Mary Kimanzi said the Makueni government has had no problem paying contractors explaining that where paperwork has been properly done payments have been processed in good time.

She however said that drip dropping cash flow and a cumbersome technology has made the process more bureaucratic but added that everything has always been done to ensure payments are processed.

“Because we always work with budget we don’t have a problem paying on time. It is the process that sometimes takes a bit longer,” Ms Kimanzi said

  • May 18, 2018 in News

Kibwana, Polish diplomat say growing Makueni ASK show good for Agricultural promotion

Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Friday officially opened the second edition of the county’s agricultural show at Makindu saying that it provides a nearer and convenient venue for exhibition by farmers in Makueni.

Prof Kibwana who was accompanied by Polish ambassador to Kenya  Jacek Bazanski who had earlier  paid a courtesy call to his office toured several exhibition stands where Makueni farmers showcased agricultural products and technological innovations.

” As you are aware Makueni has been served by the Machakos show previously. Our farmers therefore will have a nearer and convenient venue for exhibition, ” Prof Kibwana said.

He further noted that his government has initiated and subsidized several farm inputs including the artificial insemination services in order to support agricultural production which has been a challenge to farmers.

He said: ” We are aware that the cost of production by farmers is a challenge to many. To this end, my government has subsidized several farm inputs..Among them, AI services with farmers now paying sh 300 per insemination down from the  initial Sh 1,300.”

Makueni Deputy governor Adelina Mwau challenged farmers to implement what they had learnt from the show terming it as a very educative event.

 

” I celebrate the exhibitors and organisers of this show. Let’s implement what we have learnt here, ” the DG said.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior who was present during the official opening of the trade fair challenged exhibitors and farmers from Makueni to take advantage of the upcoming Machakos agricultural show and showcase innovations and products from Makueni.

” Different constituencies in our county produce different agricultural products. Let’s take advantage of the upcoming Machakos show and display our products there, ” Mutula stated.

The trade fair was also attended by the County Assembly speaker, Douglas Mbilu, Several county executive committee members and other government officials, members of  the county assembly and officials from Agricultural Show of Kenya.

Kibwana pledges close working relationship with Muslims in Makueni

Makueni governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Saturday evening joined Muslim faithful for an Iftar at Wote.

Speaking at the event hosted at  Jamia-Al-Masjid Mosque Prof Kibwana noted that both Muslims and Christians in Makueni have shown unity and love,adding that such virtues are helpful in building the nation.

He further observed that Islamic madrasa classes are helpful in inculcating spiritual norishment to young ones adding that it helps them understand the teachings of the Quran.

“My administration has in the past helped build ECDE classes, this will be replicated equally we will assist in building  madrasa classes for our muslim children in the County,”Prof Kibwana promised.

The governor encouraged them to apply for competitive county jobs, saying  that all residents across the country stand equal opportunities including access to jobs.

He also said that his government will include members of the Muslim community in the County Economic Forum.

Devolution and public service Executive Committee Member Dr.Julius Kaloi who also graced the occasion, noted that Muslims have demonstrated faithfulness,respect and love always not only during the Holy month of Ramadan.

  • June 4, 2018 in News

Kibwana, NTSA Launch Road Safety Team

Makueni county government and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have launched a partnership on road safety by unveiling a County Transport and Safety Committee.

The county is listed among the top ten in last year’s road accident report where it is ranked fifth after Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa and Machakos with 148 fatalities booked within its road networks last year.

The committee will be responsible for overseeing the management and regulation of the road transport system within the county and to run programs that will sensitize the public on road safety.

The committee will also be tasked to implement county specific road safety strategies in consultation with the county and the NTSA in order to check death causing and paralyzing road crashes.

The committee will in consultation with relevant departments within the county develop a framework for post-crash including pre-hospital care and para-medical services in accident prone areas and also recommend legislative and administrative improvements needed to improve road transport and safety in the county.

The committee was inaugurated by governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana and NTSA deputy director, safety strategies and county coordination Dr.Duncan Kibogog.

“This is an initiative we want to support as a county government since transport is a function shared with the national government,”Prof Kibwana stated.

Prof Kibwana said that his government has nominated representatives from various transport sectors including boda boda and matatu groups to the committee.

He regretted that his county is featured among the worst accident causers and said that a proper campaign to reduce deadly accidents in the area must now be initiated.

He however indicated that the county may have found itself in the accidents’ blacklist because about 150 kilometers of the northern corridor on Mombasa road notorious for some of the worst accidents in the country fall within the county.

Makueni county, the governor said is setting up a trauma center at Makindu which will be of help to accident victims.

Dr Kibogog said that county governments will play a crucial role in the campaign to reduce road carnage adding that new strategies are required to deal with the menace.

He said that the boda boda sector is a major contributor to the number fatal crashes recorded adding that training of cyclists is key to reducing the number of accidents the country.

“It astonishing that road accidents is the ninth leading cause of death globally and that is why we must all be concerned and do something about it,” said the NTSA official.

Dr Kibogog further noted that last year 2,919 fatalities were reported in Kenya.

  • March 20, 2018 in News