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BREAKING BOUNDARIES: MAKUENI COUNTY’S TRIUMPH IN HR EXCELLENCE AWARDS THROUGH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY USE IN COUNTY PROCESSES

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 County
Figure 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.

BOOST FOR MATERNAL CARE AS SULTAN HAMUD GETS 50-BED MOTHER AND CHILD UNIT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. is set to commission the Sultan Hamud Mother and Child Wing at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital on Friday.

The 50-bed maternity unit & the second largest mother-and-child facility in the county after the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital, is equipped with an in-built operating theatre, a newborn unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The facility also features a labour ward with three delivery beds, enabling three women to deliver simultaneously. In addition, it includes prenatal and postnatal wards, a post-caesarean section ward, a gynaecology ward and a Kangaroo Mother Care unit.

On the same day, the Department of Health Services has organised a free medical camp that will offer outpatient services, screening for non-communicable diseases, cervical cancer screening and other essential health services.

The Mother and Child Hospital Unit is a partnership between the M-Pesa Foundation and the Makueni County Government. In December alone, 168 mothers delivered at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital. Despite limited space, medical staff successfully managed the mothers and their newborns with care.

BOOST FOR CHILD HEALTH

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 visits healthcare workers in Makueni

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.

BIG TURNOUT AS HUDUMA MASHINANI REACHES 700 RESIDENTS ON DAY ONE

The Huduma Mashinani Outreach program recorded an impressive start on its first day, reaching 700 residents, underscoring the high demand for decentralized service delivery.

The one-stop service program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima on Friday, witnessed a large turnout as residents sought identity documents, birth and death certificates, KRA assistance, NTSA services, pensions support and voter registration, among others.

County and national government officers worked seamlessly to ensure efficient service provision, with many residents completing processes that would ordinarily require multiple visits to different offices. The successful day-one rollout highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration between the County Government, Huduma Centre Wote and National Government Administration Officers in bringing services closer to the people.

The outreach will be rolled out across all wards in the county up to February 2026

BEEKEEPERS BOOST SKILLS IN ONGOING BEE PRODUCTS VALUE ADDITION TRAINING

A transformative Value Addition of Bee Products Course (VABPC) is currently underway in Makueni County, bringing together local beekeepers, and honey processors for an intensive week of practical learning.

The training, jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Makueni County, is equipping participants with hands-on skills to elevate the quality, diversity, and marketability of bee products.

Throughout the week, trainees are engaging in sessions on food safety, legal compliance, and honey-based product development, including the preparation of comb, chunk, cream, and flavoured honey.

Practical lessons on propolis processing and beeswax product making—such as soaps, candles, starter combs, lip balms, and aloe vera or honey-infused creams—are taking centre stage as participants work in groups to refine their craftsmanship.

In addition to technical skills, the programme is strengthening business capacity through modules on budgeting, and debt and credit management.

Additionally, the training empowers participants with post-processing techniques, focusing on proper packaging, labelling and storage to help beekeepers access higher-value markets.

Bat-and-ball game hits Makueni!

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.

BAOBAB INNOVATION SHINES AT NAIROBI TRADE FAIR 2025

The Adansonia Digitata, widely known as the baobab tree (‘namba’ in kamba), is a resilient plant that thrives in drylands, including Kibwezi in Makueni.

Its fruit is packed with nutrients, boosting immunity, aiding digestion and supporting overall body health.

Traditionally cherished for its medicinal and food uses, the baobab continues to stand out as a natural gift with immense value.

Among the young innovators showcasing this potential is Emanuel Kioko Kimeu, a passionate youth from Kee Ward, Kaiti Sub-County.

Through his venture, Kee Botanical Gardens Illustrator, Kioko has dedicated himself to research on local plants, documenting their food and medicinal value while championing their use in modern diets.

His creativity and passion are giving indigenous plants a new life in today’s food systems.

Aligning with this year’s Nairobi Trade Fair 2025 theme of promoting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable trade, the Makueni County Government, in partnership with the Micro Small Enterprise Authority, has provided a stand for local innovators like Kioko to exhibit their work.

One of his unique value addition projects involves processing baobab fruit into bread jam and porridge flour—highly nutritious products that promote healthy living.

Such innovations highlight how local plants are not only protecting community health but also strengthening food security and economic growth.

For Makueni, these efforts showcase the richness of indigenous knowledge, turning climate-resilient resources like the baobab into everyday solutions for the people.

AVOCADO SUMMIT SPARKS NEW HOPE FOR FRUIT FARMERS

Agriculture remains a key pillar in Makueni, contributing about 27.7% to the County’s Gross Product. An estimated 70% of households engage in fruit farming, with mangoes leading the sector.

Though avocado currently accounts for a smaller share, its value and production have been steadily rising—making it a promising venture for farmers seeking growth.

It is against this backdrop that a two-day Avocado Summit is underway in Kikima Town, bringing together farmers from Mbooni, Kaiti and Kilome.

The summit, organized by the County Government in partnership with agricultural stakeholders, focuses on equipping farmers with practical knowledge on soil management, orchard establishment, farm nutrition, pest and disease control, flowering and pollination, fruit development, marketing and export standards.

Speaking during the event, Chief Officer for Agriculture, Japheth Kiminza, encouraged farmers to adopt high-quality Hass and Fuerte avocado varieties to boost yields and income.

The CO who was accompanied by East Africa Marketing Development Authority CEO Eunice Ngina and area MCA Alex Mulemba among other stakeholders reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting the value chain by supplying clean planting materials, promoting certified nurseries, offering grafting and spraying services, and linking farmers to reliable market outlets and exporters.

With avocado production in Makueni rising from 2,100 MTs in 2021 to 2,394 MTs in 2023, the summit signals a growing opportunity, one that promises better incomes, jobs and value addition for households across the county.