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CHILLI FARMING SPARKS AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

CHIEF JUSTICE LAUNCHES MOBILE COURT GUIDELINES TO BOOST ACCESS TO JUSTICE

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday unveiled the Mahakama Popote guidelines during the 11th Heads of Station Forum held in Wote, Makueni County.

The guidelines are intended to standardize the delivery of mobile court services across the country, with the goal of reducing both geographic and economic barriers to justice.

This initiative is part of broader judicial reforms aimed at expanding access to legal services, especially for marginalized and remote communities.

During the event, the Chief Justice underscored progress in digital case filing, improvements in court infrastructure, and ongoing reforms within the judiciary, all contributing to more efficient and accessible justice delivery.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who also attended the forum, commended the judiciary for its approach in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases, particularly defilement and rape.

She acknowledged the efforts of the Makueni County Government in supporting access to legal services through budgeting for succession matters. Under this program, 50 families per ward benefit from free succession processing and issuance of title deeds.

She further expressed optimism that the Mahakama Popote initiative would significantly benefit underserved and hard-to-reach communities across the county.

CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Executive Committee Member Dr. Sonia Nzilani led the inaugural celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in Wote.

The celebrations highlights the richness of the world’s cultures and role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

Dr. Nzilani noted that the UN-Sanctioned observance day was an enabler and economic driver adding that the event envisaged to give impetus to the institutionalization of culture of observance of international days in the county.

She as well stressed the need to increase budget allocations on cultural activities, noting that the promotion of the respect for diversity and intercultural dialogue is important for the county whose urban centers are increasingly becoming cosmopolitan.

The activity saw the winners of the 96th edition of the Kenya music festivals as well as the cultural festival winners of the plug Mtaani awarded with certificates.

CECM ICT, EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP CALLS ON KESSHA TO ADOPT DIGITAL LEARNING

While addressing the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) members in their ongoing conference, the CECM ICT, Education and Internship has lauded them for the integral part they play in every child’s life and in shaping the nation at large.

Centering her message on Digital Learning, Ms Muli delved into the benefits of embracing technology in the school curriculum.

These include providing a platform for teachers to personalize instructions for each student needs, creating ease in tracking students learning progress via adaptive learning software and data analytics as parents experience greater visibility into their children’s
learning journey at the click of a button through accessing progress reports and
learning platforms.

The County Executive Committee Member added that digital learning is cost effective thus once embraced will reduce textbooks budgetary allocation as all learnning resources are available online. Therefore, education will be accessible to all at affordable rates and will expose learners to different cultures hence broadening their perspectives on education and life in general.

While speaking in the same forum, KESSHA chairman has expressed the union’s gratitude for the shared strategic partnership with the county government which ensured needy students received both bursaries and scholarships.

Present in the two day conference which closed this evening bringing 300 attendees on board was TSC officials and the County director in education.

CECM ENG. SEBASTIAN KYONI INITIATES ROAD UPGRADES IN THANGE WARD, KIBWEZI EAST

Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, the CECM for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy has launched the improvement of critical road networks in Thange Ward, Kibwezi East sub-county.

Emphasizing the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing connectivity for development, Eng. Kyoni highlighted the significance of road infrastructure in facilitating access to vital services and fostering economic growth.

The road enhancement project, slated for completion by the end of February, encompasses approximately 13.6 kilometers of various routes, including:

  1. Kiuukuni – Kwa Kolovoi to Utithi
  2. PCEA Kasasule (Kwa Lilo) – Miuumoni – Mbosinia – Metava – Kwa Lilo
  3. Kiuukuni – Kasasule
  4. Kikunduku – Nzouni
  5. Kavitha – Kwa Maswii – Kyuasini
  6. Ivoleni Primary – Kathekani – Kwa Kivilita

The project combines government own machines and hired equipment, reflecting a collaborative effort to effectively enhance infrastructure for the community’s benefit.

Further, the department will implement the following projects in the same ward within February and March 2024,

  1. Installation of 8 lines of culverts at critical spots.
  2. Heavy grading of Machinery – Makongeni – Nzavoni Ndivuni – Kwa Veneti – Muusini – Maikuu covering 26 KM
  3. Gravelling of Ithaayoni – Kwa Chullu – Kwa Kavuu spanning 2.6 KM
  4. Gravelling of Machinery, Kinyambu and Manyanga towns.

Under the Housing and Energy section, the department is keen to finalize the installation of solar lights in 9 markets within the ward and Usalama rural electrification scheme that targets 178 beneficiaries (households and institutions) under the matching grant program in partnership with REREC before end of March 2024.

CECM ELIZABETH MULI TOURS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KIIMA KIU KALANZONI WARD

CECM ICT, Education and Internship, Elizabeth Muli toured Kiima Kiu Kalanzoni Ward to evaluate the progress of various ongoing projects aimed at enhancing Education and Skill development in the region.

The visit underscores H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s commitment to improving the lives of Makueni County residents through strategic investments in quality Education and Infrastructure. By focusing on transformative projects, Governor Mutula seeks to empower communities, promote economic growth, and ensure access to modern learning facilities for all.

Among the key initiatives inspected was the construction of the Kwa Ndeke ECDE center, designed to offer a modern, supportive environment for early childhood education.

CECM Elizabeth also toured the newly completed Kisse ECDE facility, which is already providing high-quality early education and addressing the needs of the surrounding community.

Additionally, she visited Enzai Community Technical Training Institute (CTTI), a vital hub equipping young people with practical skills to enhance their employability and drive economic empowerment across the region.

Call for Submissions on Pending Bills

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ON PENDING BILLS

Section 148 (1) of the PFM Act, 2012 stipulates that a County Executive Committee member for finance shall, except as otherwise provided by law, in writing designate accounting officers to be responsible for managing the finances of the County Government entities as is specified in the designation. Pending bills form part of the County Government finances which have to be managed.

During the 56th Madaraka Day celebrations held on 1st June 2019, H.E The President called upon the County Governments to settle all genuine pending bills.

The Inter-Governmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) held a meeting on 18th June, 2019 and provided a framework for resolution of the ineligible pending bills. Accordingly, all County Governments were required to establish County Pending Bills Committee.

The Government of Makueni County has already established the Pending Bills Committee with clear mandate as stipulated in the Terms of Reference.

In regard to the above we are calling upon all Suppliers, Contractors and Staff with pending bill/s against the County Government of Makueni as at 30th June 2020 to submit their claim documents addressed to the undersigned and clearly labelled ‘Pending Bills’. The documents should be dropped at the White Box labelled ‘Pending Bills’ located at the County Treasury offices at MAP by close of business on 15th July,2021.

The County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Socio Economic Planning & Head of County Treasury

P.O BOX 78-90300

Makueni

Email:pendingbills@makueni.go.ke