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EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

The Department of ICT, Education & Internship today marked a powerful and inspiring moment as Makueni Tech & Innovation Hub in collaboration with CITAM Church through the Tuvuke Bridge program, engaged a vibrant group of young people on trending Technologies shaping our world today.

The session took a practical dive into Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing influence across industries and everyday life. Together, we explored how AI is actively transforming sectors such as business, healthcare, education, and finance, while also unpacking real, relatable use cases that connect directly with the realities of young people today.

A key highlight was introducing accessible and impactful AI tools that the youth can begin using to learn, create, innovate, and even generate income. Equally important were our discussions around the ethical and responsible use of AI, emphasizing that as technology evolves, so must our values, accountability, and awareness.

At Makueni Innovation Hub, we remain committed to nurturing a generation that is not only digitally skilled, but also innovative, responsible, and ready to shape the future.

#GovernmentOfMakueniCounty#MakueniInnovationHub#TuvukeBridge#CITAM#ArtificialIntelligence#AIForYouth

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.

EMPOWERING MAKUENI FARMERS FOR EXPORT SUCCESS

Makueni County is stepping up efforts to position its farmers for global markets through a focused capacity-building training for Extension Officers.

On Tuesday, a section of Agricultural Officers started a three days’ programme, organized by TradeMark Africa (TMA) through EAMDA in collaboration with the County Government, to sharpen skills in export compliance, traceability and quality assurance.

Delivered by experts from KEPHIS, HCD, certification bodies and ICIPE, the training addresses key gaps in meeting international standards; particularly in the mango value chain, which has faced recent export hurdles.

The programme anchored in the 2025 MOU between the County and TMA, aims to boost farmer incomes and restore market confidence.

It also reflects the commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to empower farmers through sustainable, market-driven agricultural growth.

EMPOWERING FARMERS THROUGH FIELD-LED LEARNING

A team of 38 Community Based Facilitators (CBFs) and 28 Agriculture Extension Officers supported through National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) are undergoing an intensive training on Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) methodology; an approach for accelerating farmer adoption of Technology, Innovation and Management Practices (TIMPs).

The training equips CBFs—local farmers trained as peer educators—to lead FFBS sites within their wards, turning them into hubs for practical learning, innovation and shared problem-solving.

Speaking during a visit to the training on Wednesday, Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli said the programme focuses on establishing FFBS sites, training of trainers, value addition, market linkages through farmer producer organizations and regular field support to ensure impact at farm level.

Drawn from across the county, the participants will engage farmers in hands-on, participatory sessions that help boost productivity along key agricultural value chains while sharpening essential business and market skills.

The visit was also attended by Ag. Chief Officer Felistus Mutune and Directors Mary Muteti, Esther Kivindyo, and Dr. Musyoki—underscoring the county’s commitment to farmer-centered growth.

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.

EMALI TRAUMA CENTER LAUNCHED TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY ALONG MOMBASA HIGHWAY

Makueni has taken a major step in strengthening emergency response along the busy Mombasa Highway following the launch of a new Trauma Center in Emali, established through a partnership between the county government and St. John Ambulance.

The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with two fully fitted ambulances, will cater to accident victims along the 170-kilometer stretch of the highway passing through the county, one of Kenya’s busiest and most accident-prone routes.

During the launch, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili described the facility as a “game changer” for road safety and pledged the county’s commitment to deploy additional emergency response personnel to sustain its operations.

She further urged the national government to intensify efforts to curb drunk driving, citing it as a key contributor to road accidents in the region.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who presided over the event, lauded St. John Ambulance for the lifesaving initiative and revealed that the national government plans to construct a new trauma hospital in Emali to further enhance emergency medical care along the corridor.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua welcomed the development, noting that it will greatly reduce response time and improve survival rates for accident victims.

According to the chancellor of St. John Ambulance Brigade, Dr. Gome Lenga, the Emali Trauma Center is one of only two major trauma facilities along the Mombasa–Malaba corridor, the other being in Naivasha.

He added that the project will also focus on training and equipping members of the bodaboda sector with basic first aid skills to safely handle accident victims.

St. John Ambulance currently operates 14 trauma centers across the country, underscoring its growing role in improving Kenya’s emergency response network.

EMALI COMES OUT IN NUMBERS FOR HUDUMA MASHINANI OUTREACH

A large turnout has been recorded on day five of the Huduma Mashinani Outreach Programme at Emali town, currently ongoing.

Beneficiaries are being served within five to ten minutes across 23 services offered by both the national and Government of Makueni County through Huduma Kenya

Residents have praised the programme for easing access to government services, citing reduced travel costs and shorter waiting times.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni is leading the exercise which is facilitated by the department.

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.