The Department of Finance and Socio-Economic Planning in conjunction with the Department of Devolution, public participation, county administration and special programmes has initiated the participatory budgeting process for FY 2023/24.
The FY 2023/24 budget will be guided by the development philosophy of “Wauni wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu” and will be geared towards the following:
1. Enhancing universal water access in the County;
2. Increasing sustainable agriculture production, value addition and market access for targeted value chains;
3. Improving urban and rural infrastructural development socio-economic transformation;
4. Increasing industrialization and enterprise development by creating a conducive environment for investment and employment creation, and;
5. Sustaining and enhancing access to quality and affordable health services.
Public engagement fora at sub-wards are scheduled for 30th-31st March and 5th April 2023 for the ward level.
The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) in Kenya recently hosted its 4th annual HR Awards and Gala dinner on Friday, December 8, 2023. The prestigious event, held at Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road, Nairobi, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of Human Resources.
Event Overview:
The 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards aimed to identify and applaud individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the advancement of HR practices in the country. The event brought together HR professionals, distinguished guests, and notable personalities to commemorate a year of remarkable accomplishments in the HR field.
Makueni County’s Recognition:
In this year’s awards ceremony, Makueni County stood out for its groundbreaking approach to innovation and technology in county governance. The county’s strategic partnership with Safaricom was highlighted as a key factor in automating services and surpassing targets in critical areas. The innovative initiatives spearheaded by the Governor not only enhanced efficiency but also instilled motivation among employees, positioning Makueni County as a trailblazer in shaping the future of county governance.
Award Presentation:
During the 4th Annual HR Awards, Makueni County received special recognition for its exemplary use of innovation and technology in county processes. The award, on behalf of His Excellency The Governor, was graciously received by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) responsible for ICT, Education, Internship accompanied by County Executive Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services, CO Education & Internship and CO ICT. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. David K.A Siele, Chairman of the National Labour Board.
Figure 1 The Award presented to the Government of Makueni CountyFigure 2 CECM Elizabeth Muli , CECM Nicholas Nzioka, CO Nicholis Mutua and CO Alfonce Kanunga during the awarding ceremony
Significance of the Award:
Makueni County’s achievement at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards underscores the critical role played by innovation and technology in advancing county governance. The county’s forward-thinking approach not only enhances service delivery but also establishes a model for other regions to emulate. The award serves as a testament to Makueni County’s commitment to progress and excellence in HR practices.
In conclusion, Makueni County’s recognition at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation and technology in county processes. The strategic partnership with Safaricom and the visionary leadership of the Governor have positioned Makueni County as a leader in the HR landscape. This award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as inspiration for continued excellence in shaping the future of county governance.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila on Thursday flagged off a consignment of nutrition supplies at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.
The four-month supply, donated by Helen Keller International, will be distributed across 121 health facilities in the county that manage cases of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among children.
Currently, the County is caring for 950 children under the age of five diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition, a condition that, if left untreated, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s growth and development.
Speaking during the flag-off, Mulili emphasized the importance of the intervention, noting that the nutrition commodities will go a long way in restoring the health and vitality of affected children.
Dr. Musila lauded the partnership with Helen Keller International, stressing the county’s commitment to ensuring every child has a chance to thrive.
Bill Gates the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation visited Makueni County on a discovery trip to see the impact of Primary Health Care in the County.
Accompanied by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Bill Gates visited the Kathonzweni Level 3 hospital where he met with medical staff and Community Health Volunteers and later toured the mother and Child Care unit at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.
Makueni County has enlisted a significant number of Community Health Volunteers who have contributed to better prenatal care and safer deliveries in the region.
The County health team presented some of the key steps taken to improve service delivery, monitor the purchase and distribution of health commodities as well as steps the County took to ensure the facilities remained open for immunizations even during the Covid -19 pandemic.
Governor Mutula lauded the County health workers for using data to manage health care and health commodities.
Further, the County has shortened access to medical facilities for the residents and introduced a system where health centers can re-invest the cash paid for services in running costs and improvements required.
Makueni has started discussions with Cricket Kenya aiming at opening opportunities to the youth towards earning them livelihood through sports.
The fruits will soon be felt following the launch of the game on Wednesday at Enzai playground, Mukaa, Kilome.
The launch was overseen by Makueni’s sports Director Ambrose Kisoi who doubles as the Secretary General- Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) and Member- Youth Commission (National Olympic Committee of Kenya).
Atleast 35 trainee coaches have been introduced to this game and will be awarded a world class recognized basic coaching certificate; according to Kisoi.
During the same occasion, 25 pupils were excited to have a first hand experience in Bowling with hope of becoming experienced bowlers and all-rounders at long-run.
“We were privileged to host 6 top class Cricket Kenya professionals including David Obuya, former Kenyan cricketer and the national team coach among others,” Kisoi said
Makueni will be embarking on a programme to ensure that the game is introduced in the remaining 5 sub-counties by June, 2023.
On Friday, avocado farmers in Kilungu and Kilome sub-counties completed a four-day training to enhance their export capabilities.
The training, conducted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), an NGO committed to promoting trade and prosperity, with support by the European Union through the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Program (BEEEP), centered on achieving compliance with global export standards.
BEEEP is designed to boost Kenya’s export competitiveness in key agricultural commodities such as avocados, mangoes, vegetables and flowers.
The training aimed to equip participants with essential skills in proper chemical usage and hygiene practices to ensure high-quality farm produce.
Attending the training session, Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo emphasized the importance of farmers organizing themselves into registered groups to access more trainings and market opportunities.
The session ended with plans for a certification exercise under Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and KEBS’ KS1758-2016 standards.
This standardization certification will enhance market access for avocado produce, leading to better prices and improved livelihoods for farmers.
The initiative reflects Makueni County’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural exports.
The long wait for reliable water is nearly over for residents of Nguumo, Makindu and Kikumbulyu North wards as the Athi-Tunguni water project enters its final stages of completion.
The Sh 68M project by the Government of Makueni County aims to draw and treat water from Athi River and supply it to the three wards.
During a routine inspection of ongoing works on Friday, Water Executive Committee Member Eng. John Kieti and his Infrastructure counterpart Eng. Peter Mumo confirmed the pipeline extension works are progressing well, with full completion expected by August 2025.
The Athi-Tunguni initiative is a flagship project under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s Last Mile Water Connectivity Program, which aims to achieve universal water access by 2027.
Athi-Kalawa water project under rehabilitation by Government of Makueni County in partnership with World Vision-Kenya. Rehabilitation works which include Intake at River Athi, booster station and modern treatment facility is 85 percent complete.
Once complete, this project will bring safe, reliable water to 80% of Kalawa Ward residents through the #LastMileWaterConnectivity spearheaded by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr
Over 50 women living with fistula related complications in Makueni County are expected to receive free surgeries and medical advice in a weeklong free Fistula Camp at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.
The execrise which began last week Friday 29th and runs to April 6th was officially flagged off on Monday by Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau, Safaricom Foundation’s Assistant Programmes Analyst Antony Otieno and Council Member, Flying Doctors Society of Africa Illa Devani.
The activity, courtesy of a partnership between the County Government, Safaricom Foundation and Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa aims at creating awareness about fistula and the importance of quality maternal health services.
Since Friday, at least 100 women have been screened and 23 admitted at the Mother and Child Hospital, Wote, for surgeries which commenced on Monday.
Accounts by some of the women admitted for surgery tell of a people who have been living in delibitating conditions with a near withdrawal from all social activities due to stigma.
The Mother and Child Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Doris Mbithi said victims of this condition suffer from depression, rejection and trauma and choose to suffer in silence as the cost for corrective surgery is prohibitive to many.
A normal corrective surgery costs at least Sh 65,000 and requires specialised medical procedures.
The World Health Organization has termed fistula as the single most dramatic aftermath of neglected childbirth estimating that more than 2 million women live with fistula worldwide.
It is estimated that there are 3,000 new fistula cases in Kenya each year, and only 7.5 percent of these are able to access medical care.
This means that every year, more than 2,700 women with new fistula cases do not receive the necessary medical attention.
