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Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of a Juice Reconstitution and Packaging Line at Makueni Fruit Processing Plant (MFPP)

The Government of Makueni County has obtained a Grant from the European Union, through the Ministry of Devolution and ASAL, under the EU-IDEAS programme, for the Supply, Delivery, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of a Juice Reconstitution and Packaging Line at the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant (MFPP).

The Government of Makueni County invites interested and eligible bidders for the above tender.

Interested firms may download the bid documents below.

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This bid is open to both local and international bidders.

The supplies must adhere to the Rules of Origin as laid down in Annex IV of the Cotonou Agreement as revised by DECISION No 1/2014 of the ACP-EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS of 20 June, 2014 (2014/428/EU).

The duly completed bids should be enclosed in plain sealed envelopes clearly marked with Tender Number and Tender Name and deposited in the tender box situated at the Makueni County Treasury headquarters offices (MAP) and be addressed to:

COUNTY SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI COUNTY

P.O. BOX 78-90300

MAKUENI – Kenya

All tenders should be received on or before Monday, 26th November, 2018 (12 Noon East African Time)

Bids will be opened immediately thereafter in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at Makueni County Treasury headquarters offices (MAP)

The successful bidder will be selected in accordance with evaluation criteria and terms and conditions set out in the bidding documents.

For any additional information, please contact the County Secretary on email: county.secretary@makueni.go.ke

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SULTAN RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS FLOODLIGHTS TRANSFORM MBINDU MARKET

Joy and relief ripple through Sultan as newly installed floodlights light up Masumba Mbindu Market, turning a once-dark and insecure area into a vibrant night hub. Residents say the lights, switched on last week, have significantly improved security and peace of mind.

Local resident Mutua Mutunga says he can now sleep without fear of losing his cattle, a worry that once kept him awake at night. Another resident, Benjamin Wambua, says the transformation is so striking that the market has earned a new name. “It used to be called Masumba ‘Mbindu’, meaning darkness. Now we call it Masumba ‘Kyeni’ Market — the light market,” he said with a smile.

The high-mast, solar-powered lights, an initiative by the Makueni County Government in partnership with REREC through a match-funding model, illuminate a radius of over 100 metres, sparking renewed night-time economic activity.

Residents have lauded the county government, saying the project has directly improved their daily lives. They are now calling for the long-abandoned Mbindu market structure to be operationalized to further boost local economic growth.

Similar initiative has also been undertaken at Utangwa market in Kithungo Kitundu Ward.

SULTAN HAMUD HEALTH WORKERS PRAISED AS COUNTY NEARS COMMISSIONING OF NEW MATERNAL WING

Health Services CECM Joyce Mutua and Chief Officer Dr. Harvey Mulei on Friday commended healthcare workers at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital for outstanding performance, after the facility successfully handled 168 deliveries in December last year despite having a maternity bed capacity of just 11.

The commendation came as the County prepares to commission a new 57-bed Mother and Child Wing at the hospital, a major investment expected to significantly expand access to quality maternal and child healthcare services in the region.

The new facility is being constructed through a partnership initiated by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., with support from the MPESAFoundation. Once completed, the wing will offer a wide range of services, including neonatal care, antenatal services, obstetric and gynecological care, as well as consultative services, among others.

The county health leadership made the remarks during a routine supervisory visit to Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital, where they held a meeting with the health management technical team to assess service delivery and operational challenges.

Dr. Mulei attributed the rising number of deliveries at the facility to its strategic location, noting that the hospital serves not only residents of Makueni County but also patients from neighbouring Kajiado and Machakos counties.

Ag. Director for Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, emphasized the need for enhanced training on family-centred, point-of-care approaches in maternity services to strengthen collaboration and improve maternal health outcomes.

Mutua also commended the hospital for effectively integrating HIV services into routine care, observing that stigma among people living with HIV had significantly reduced as a result of the integrated approach.

The meeting was attended by members of the hospital’s Board of Management, led by Chairperson Major Leonard Kasyoka, who echoed the call for continued investment in infrastructure and capacity building to match the growing demand for services at the facility.

SUCCESSFUL SURGERIES BRING RELIEF TO WOMEN SUFFERING FROM FISTULA IN MAKUENI.

Successful Surgeries Bring Relief to Women Suffering from Fistula in Makueni

At least 11 women suffering from fistula-related complications breathed a sigh of relief following successful surgeries yesterday at the Mother and Child Hospital. Additional surgeries are planned for today.

Dr. Doris Mbithi, the fistula surgeon in Makueni, stated that the hospital has admitted 50 women awaiting surgery. So far, they have screened at least 148 women and are encouraging more to come forward for screening.

The county government has partnered with Jhpiego to address and reduce the prevalence of fistula among Makueni residents. The Department of Health is also offering free fistula screenings from May 17, 2024, to May 24, 2024.

Makueni is set to host the National and International Day of Ending Fistula on May 23, 2024.

STUDY REVEALS HEAVY NCD BURDEN IN MAKUENI, WOMEN CARRY THE CAREGIVING LOAD

A new study by the Department of Health Services and the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Non-Communicable Diseases at the University of Nairobi has revealed statistics on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and caregiving in Makueni County.

According to the research, which was conducted among a study sample size of 155 caregivers, they reported the majority of the recepients of care suffered from comorbidity (more than one non-communicable disease). Majority of the recipients of care were diagnosed with hypertension (74.1%), followed by diabetes at 37.8%, chronic respiratory diseases at 8.4%, cancer at 6.3%, and other cardiovascular diseases at 3.5%.

_NB: These are proportions from a small study sample._

The findings also highlight the disproportionate burden of caregiving, with 69% of caregivers being women compared to 31% men.

Among care recipients, women account for 65%, while only 1% of caregivers receive payment, leaving 99% unpaid.

Speaking during the dissemination meeting on Thursday at the Mother and Child Hospital, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili cautioned against leaving children with caregiving responsibilities, terming it a violation of their right to education.

She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to work with the national government once the proposed national NCD caregiver policy is developed, to ease the pressure on caregivers already stretched to their limits.

Health CECM Joyce Mutua urged political leaders to embrace the study’s findings and use their platforms to advocate for reducing the rising NCD prevalence.

On his part, Professor Charles Nzioka of the University of Nairobi noted that the ultimate goal is to develop a national NCD policy that recognizes, reduces, and redistributes the burden of care work on women and girls, thereby promoting gender equity and improving their well-being.

DELIVERING THE PROMISE MATTERS ECDE.

Today at AIC Kathonzweni Comprehensive School Over 700 ECDE Learners and 91 ECDE teachers participated in the County Kenya Music Festivals.

The Government of Makueni County is fully committed to delivering on the 3 Pillars of ECDE education.

1. Growth and Development of our Learners. Nurturing Talents and provision of ECDE Learning Materials

2. ⁠Human Resources- Converting our ECDE teachers to PNP

3. ⁠ECDE Infrastructure- Ensuring the ECDE Class is the best delivered as per National Government Pre- Primary standards and guidelines.

STROKE SURVIVOR URGES HEALTHY LIVING AS MAKUENI MARKS WORLD HYPERTENSION DAY

At 67, Josaya Mawa knows the high cost of poor lifestyle choices.

A survivor of both diabetes and hypertension since 2009, Mawa lost his right leg to a stroke,a painful consequence he blames on years of heavy drinking and unhealthy eating.

Speaking on Monday at Itumbule Health Center during World Hypertension Day, Muema passionately urged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that neglecting one’s health can have devastating consequences.

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who led locals,leaders and partners in commemorating the day, announced that the county government has significantly increased funding for the procurement of life-saving drugs to ensure a steady supply of antihypertensive medication in Level 2 and 3 health facilities.

As part of strengthening primary healthcare, the county has also equipped Community Health Promoters with blood pressure monitors to conduct regular household screenings, supporting timely referrals, and following up on patients to ensure proper management.

County Health Executive Dr. Paul Musila revealed that the health department is in the process of digitizing records for hypertension patients across public facilities. The move aims to improve drug management and prevent stockouts.

Dr. Musila also noted that the county will ramp up medical outreaches targeting non-communicable diseases to enhance early detection and treatment.

Strides into the creation of the Konza buffer zone

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, CECMs Sonia Nzilani (lands), Elizebeth Muli (ICT & Education) on Monday joined John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS. Principal Secretary – State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Joseph Ole Lenku (Governor Kajiado), Francis Mwangangi Kilonzo (DG Machakos), John Paul Okwiri, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Konza Technopolis Development Authority(KoTDA) among other leaders during discussions on the creation of Konza Technopolis buffer zone to provide a good environment for investments.

The meeting set the following resolutions for the planning of the buffer zone

I. Republish the moratorium as the previous one has expired- This is to remind the stakeholders of the intended planning exercise

II. Enhance stakeholder engagement/ Public participation to understand the interest and rights of the Communities-Political leaders to be part of the agenda to support continued engagement with the members of the public

III. Identify quick wins to be shared with the public- This includes the beneficial effect of the exercise on the 73000 acres area of influence

IV. The moratorium is on- Need to appreciate the approved plan in 2013 which is still valid- Need to create a joint technical committee to start working at the Technopolis for the buffer zone area as a one-stop shop for all development applications

V. Allow now or in the future to develop a periodic schedule of meetings to brief the team/ country leadership on the progress

VI. Road Map- Consider and vote to approve adopt and allow to proceed with the implementation of the roadmap as presented by the chair ICJPLUPC.

STRENGTHENING SERVICE DELIVERY: AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS CHART THE WAY FORWARD

Extension officers serve as the vital link between farmers and modern agricultural knowledge, helping communities adopt better practices and improve productivity.

Their work is key in ensuring farmers access expert guidance that translates to higher yields and sustainable livelihoods.

In Makueni County, where farming remains the backbone of the local economy, the County Government has established a strong network of extension officers spread across wards and sub-counties under the directorates of Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Development.

On Wednesday, over 100 extension officers drawn from across the county convened at Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening service delivery and promoting modern farming techniques.

By enhancing these critical services, the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Department has launched a county free-toll-line ( 0800-722 715 )to enable farmers reach extension officers and get technical advise.

Speaking during the meeting, CECM Liz Muli told the officers that the initiative aims to boost agricultural production, raise household incomes and combat food insecurity in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring Makueni continues to thrive as an agricultural hub.

STRENGTHENING FARMERS’ SACCOS.

Saccos remain vital engines of farmer prosperity, enabling savings, affordable credit access and collective investment that strengthens livelihoods and local economies.

It is in this premise that the Cooperative Development Directorate, through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), has rolled out a targeted monitoring program to strengthen cooperative performance across the county.

The monitoring program, which kicked off on Monday at Mavindini Ward Sacco and Muvau/Kikumini Farmers Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited, brought together Sacco leadership and officers in open, constructive discussions to assess governance structures, financial operations, savings trends, interest rates, and the level of member participation, with a focus on strengthening overall performance and accountability.

The initiative targeting eleven Saccos drawn from across the county seeks to sharpen efficiency, grow membership, and build stronger financial foundations set to benefit and reinforce their role as drivers of inclusive agricultural investment and rural transformation.