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ENERGY DIRECTORATE CONCLUDES  INNOVATIVE ENERGY PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Makueni County Government  in collaboration with Strathmore University (SU) and the World Resource Institute (WRI) has successfully concluded a three-day workshop aimed at shaping the County Energy Plan. This partnership brings together governmental insight, academic expertise from Strathmore University, and the global perspective on sustainable development provided by WRI.

The workshop launched by County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi at Kusyombunguo Wote, emphasized the pivotal role of energy in daily life. Dr. Kyambi stressed the significance in powering homes, fueling industries, and propelling progress. He stated that there was a need for a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that would meet the current County energy needs and lay a foundation for a resilient and sustainable future. He further urged stakeholders to promote the use of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

The workshop delved into critical topics including Bioenergy Findings and Interventions, Energy Access Findings, Electricity Modeling Scenarios, Clean Cooking Modeling, Energy Efficiency and Conservations Findings, and Cross-Cutting Issues with a focus on Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. The collaboration between the Energy Directorate, Strathmore University, and WRI promises a forward-thinking, comprehensive, and implementable energy plan for the sustainable development of Makueni County.

The three-day workshop agenda included project confirmations on the first day, validation sessions for the technical working group, departmental directors, and policy makers on the second day, and a final validation session with 30 community members from various wards on the third day.

EMPOWERING MAKUENI’S TRADERS THROUGH MSME DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

Hundreds of traders in Wote town took part in a transformative training program on Wednesday aimed at empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The program convened by the County Trade Department brought together officers from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), and the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC Makueni) to provide training on product quality improvement and compliance with government regulations.

This training focused on equipping participants with vital entrepreneurial skills, including quality assurance, inspection and testing services, metrology, consumer protection, certifications and standards, business planning, financial management and bookkeeping.

Attending the training, Ag. CECM Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Nicholas Nzioka urged traders to develop networks and partnerships that will serve to strengthen the MSME sector in Makueni, fostering growth, compliance and economic sustainability for local trade.

During the training, KEBS Principal Officer for Quality Assurance Mildred Eboi demonstrated the steps required to obtain a standardization mark for goods. She further cautioned traders against selling substandard products, highlighting that it is illegal and punishable by law.

The forum that was also attended by Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Chief Officer Jossylyn Nzilani and Trade Director Harrison Kiandiko among other officers marks a significant step in promoting quality assurance and protecting consumers while supporting local businesses.

Embrace open contracting to curb corruption-Kibwana

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has asked institutions to adopt open contracting as one of the ways to curb rampant corruption in the country.

Kibwana said that open contracting ensures transparency and accountability in all government’s processes hence locking out any chance for corruption and ill practices.

“There are other ways of dealing with corruption apart from jailing and that is open contracting. Let us get into transparency systems,” Kibwana said.

Kibwana was speaking on Friday when he hosted the Hivos Foundation director Edwin Huizing during an open contracting debriefing on Makueni’s progress.

The county in partnership with Hivos embarked on open contracting in 2018, a move to ensure transparency, accountability and integrity in government processes.

In 2018/2019 financial year, the county government used open procurement for tendering processes.

Hivos East Africa regional director Mendi Njonjo disclosed that Makueni is the second world wide documented case to ever use observers during the evaluation stage in open contracting.

The county invited observers to take part in the evaluation stage during the construction of Wote green park and purchase of reconstitution line for Kalamba Fruit Processing plant tenders.

Makueni together with Hivos are in the final stages to launch the open contracting data standards, a platform that will enable the masses to interact with all the tendering information online.

Electrifying Makueni County

In a remarkable display of commitment, the Government of Makueni County in partnership with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) completed a five day launch of electrification projects that will see transformation of lives across the county. 

Through a matching grant initiative, the program entails installation of power lines, transformers, and meters that is aimed at ensuring reliable supply of electricity to homes, institutions, and business premises.

Leading from the front during the project launch program, the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni emphasized on the importance of the initiative, stating, “Access to electricity is not just about powering homes; it’s about empowering communities. It enhances education, healthcare, entrepreneurial activities and overall quality of life.”

Community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude, recognizing the County Government’s efforts as a game-changer. One resident exclaimed, “This is a new dawn for us, we can work hard to realize our dreams.”

As the one week electrification launch came to an end, the assurance of energy supply left a true picture of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s campaign manifesto on energy, reminding everyone of the transformative power of access to electricity.

The one-week programme was also graced by REREC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Eng. Jonathan Mbuttu, Principal Business Development Officer Diana Khalwale, Regional Manager Representative Eng. Mercy Rotich, Makueni County Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, area MCAs Hon. Muthiani Mwangangi (Nguumo), Hon. Harrison Mwanzia (Nzambani/Ivingoni), Hon. Francis Mulwa (Mtito Andei), Hon. Dennis Musyoka (Kako/Waia), Hon. Urbanus Manzu (Kee) and Hon. Joseph Muema (Mukaa), respective area National and County Government Administration officers and a representation of MCAs from NZAKIKA, Emali/Mulala, Kasikeu, Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards among other officers. 

The 12 different projects are expected to be complete within less than three months and projected to benefit at least 780 households/business premises and institutions cumulatively.

ECDE TEACHERS TRAINED ON CHILD NURTURING CARE IN MAKUENI

Over 500 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers drawn from Mbooni, Kaiti, and Makueni sub-counties have undergone a two-day training on Child Nurturing Care, held across various locations in Makueni County.

The workshop, supported by UNICEF, focused on key pillars of early childhood development including health, nutrition, safety, and responsive caregiving for children.

The trained teachers are now expected to champion best practices in nurturing care within their communities.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili lauded UNICEF for its continued support, reaffirming the county’s commitment to delivering quality early childhood education.

Education CECM Elizabeth Muli emphasized the critical role of nutrition in early learning and urged the teachers to actively engage parents in promoting proper nutrition among learners.

The event was attended by a host of leaders including Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, Chief Officer for Education Irene Makau, UNICEF representative Rehema Muniu, nominated MCAs Jennifer Kamanthe and Elizabeth Mutindi.

ECDE TEACHERS IN MAKUENI CONVERTED TO PERMANENT &PENSIONABLE EMPLOYEES.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has walked the talk on improving the standard of Early Childhood Education in Makueni by confirming 358 teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms.

The elated teachers were handed their confirmation letters by the Governor in Wote on Monday.

The 358 who were employed between 2014 and 2017 form the first cohort of conversion to permanent terms. A second batch will be confirmed by the start of the 2024/2025 Financial Year

This move comes in the wake of a spirited campaign by several education stakeholders to revert ECD Education to the National Government.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has pledged an unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving education environment where teachers are valued partners in the transformative journey of learners.

In a bid to empower the ECDE teachers professionally, the Governor also flagged off ECDE Learning and Instructional Materials worth Kshs 9.8 Million to be distributed to 1,197 ECDE Learning Centers across the county.

ECDE TEACHERS ABSORBED AS PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE.

453 ECDE teachers on contract were on Monday absorbed by Makueni County as permanent and pensionable at a colourful ceremony presided over by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the county headquarters.

Governor Mutula told the teachers that the appointment was a testament of their hard work as they went about shaping the future of our children. The first cohort of 497 were absorbed by the County in January this year.

The teachers were recruited in 2014 on contract, but could not be absorbed owing to budgetary constraints. Governor Mutula thanked the teachers for perservering since 2014.

The Governor also affirmed his commitment to constructing child-friendly ECDE classrooms in the County.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Chairman County Public Service Board Dr. Nicodemus Muteti, Makueni County Member of National Assembly, Rose Museo, ECMs Elizabeth Muli, ICT, Education and Internships, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Trade, Japheth Mangoka, Devolution, Nicholas Nzioka, Lands, MCAs Urbanus Manzu, Kee and Deputy Majority Leader Bishop Jonathan Muthoka, Ilima among others.

ECDE KIDS A PRIORITY AS MAKUENI COUNTY UNVEILS FIVE NEW CLASSROOMS IN MTITO ANDEI WARD.

New infrastructure projects in Mtito Andei Ward are set to transform early childhood education and ease the burden on parents, thanks to the efforts of Makueni County leaders. The newly built ECDE classrooms will provide a safe, comfortable, and modern learning environment for young children, ensuring they get the best start in their education journey.

Makueni CECM for ICT, Education, and Internship Elizabeth Muli, alongside MCA Francis Mulwa, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa, Governor’s Adviser Kasamba Kiilu, and Chief Officer for Planning Bonface Mutua, led the commissioning of these key projects.

Key Projects Commissioned & Inspected:

✔ Five New ECDE Classrooms at:

1.Silanga Primary ECDE

2.Mavindini Primary ECDE

3.Kavungwa Primary ECDE

4.Kilumilo Primary ECDE

5.Yindundu Primary ECDE

✔ Inspection of Kwa Kwakawetu Drift – Assessing its role in improving road accessibility and flood control.

Speaking at the event, Elizabeth Muli emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in the first 5 years of a child’s life, linking it to early childhood development. “Investing in ECDE is not just about classrooms; good nutrition is key to a child’s cognitive and physical growth,” she stated.