Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

CHIEF OFFICER FELISTUS MUTUNE CALLS FOR TECH-SAVVY PUBLIC RELATIONS AS AI TRANSFORMS THE FIELD

Chief Officer Office of the Governor, Felistus Mutune represented Makueni County at the 20th Annual Public Relations Society of Kenya Summit held in Eldoret.

Mutune, who is also a communication professional, took part in a high-level panel discussion on strategic communication in policy, governance, and diplomacy.

She urged public relations officers to adopt a proactive approach in engaging stakeholders, observing that delayed communication often results in avoidable crises.

Mutune emphasized that communication is a core executive function, central to driving policy, managing crises, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.

She called for the function to be accorded the seriousness it deserves within public service.

She also highlighted her commitment to the communication unit in Makueni where the team has been advancing robust communication strategies in their work, stating that such frameworks are essential for effective governance.

Mutune further observed that Artificial Intelligence has transformed the communication landscape, urging practitioners to keep pace with emerging technologies shaping the industry.

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.

CHAK PARTNERS WITH MAKUENI TO BOOST MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES.

The Department of Health Services in Makueni has joined hands with the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) to roll out a comprehensive reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) project aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in the county.

The partnership seeks to expand universal access to RMNCAH and nutrition services through gender-responsive, inclusive, and sustainable health programs that will significantly improve health outcomes.

In Makueni, CHAK plans to scale up the introduction of innovative maternal and child health products while enhancing access to high-impact interventions.

The initiative is expected to contribute to a sharp reduction in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR).

According to Rhodah Njeru, CHAK’s Technical Advisor on RMNCH, the organization is keen on building the capacity of healthcare workers to align their practices with national MNCH guidelines, particularly in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and neonatal care.

Among the innovations CHAK is introducing in Makueni include:

•PPH management bundle and calibrated drapes.

• IV Iron (Ferric Carboxymaltose): A 15-minute, 1,000mg intravenous injection administered once during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester, to address moderate and severe anemia.

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A critical respiratory support technology for premature infants, often used alongside surfactant therapy to assist babies struggling with breathing difficulties.

Welcoming the partnership, Teresia Maweu, Makueni’s Deputy County Reproductive Health Coordinator, pledged the county’s full support.She said the intervention will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.

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.

CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING FOR COUNTY-WIDE BODABODA SECTOR LEADERSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVISION SACCO

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy has spearheaded a transformative capacity-building training for Bodaboda Sector Leadership from the 30 Wards in partnership with Univision Sacco. Speaking during the training, CECM Eng. Peter Mumo emphasized that an organized public transport sector is the key driver of economic growth and mobility. “Our goal is to transition the Bodaboda sector into a professional, safe and sustainable career path for all,” he noted, adding that leadership training is the first step towards strengthening governance, financial literacy and safety within the sector.

Univision Chief Manager Emmatony Mutunga highlighted the Sacco’s dedication to supporting Bodaboda operators through accessible financial services, training and structured savings models that empower members economically and socially.

Makueni Bodaboda Chairman, Albanus Mutisya applauded the initiative, noting that such trainings are timely and impactful in equipping leaders with knowledge to better coordinate members, address challenges and embrace opportunities within the transport sector.

The training reflects a collaborative effort to professionalize the industry, improve livelihoods and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development. As the leaders return to their respective stages, they carry with them knowledge to foster a culture of responsibility, ensuring that the sector remains safe and reliable across the county.