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SEKEB Courts USAID for Development Partnerships

The South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) is seeking to partner with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to leverage on its resources for the region’s development.

SEKEB top leadership under the chairmanship of ABC Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, governor Kivutha Kibwana, speakers Douglas Mbilu, Florence Mwangangi and majority leaders from the three counties on Thursday held a consultative meeting with the agency’s Country and East Africa Mission director Mark Meassick to deliberate on possible partnerships.

The meeting, also attended by other top ranking USAID officials, was held at Bomani ABC Church grounds in Machakos.

According to Meassick, USAID invests over $450Million in Kenya annually, and is ready to partner with SEKEB as a co-creator targeting wealth creation especially in Agriculture, water development, health and climate change resilience building.

Meassick said USAID is seeking to take advantage of the devolution system of governance to enhance closer relations with County governments geared towards a transformative development agenda.

Governor Kibwana said SEKEB is in the process of establishing a framework that would guide the shared development partnerships among the member counties and as well with development partners. 

SEKEB 3RD SUMMIT MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday, the three Ukambani Governors Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Wavinya Ndeti and Julius Malombe held the 3rd summit meeting in Makueni where a number of strategies were drawn to improve quality of life for residents of the region.

Key highlights of the meeting include:

1. The three governors received SEKEB’s Economic Blueprint and Investment Plan from a consultant . The Bloc will initiate implementation of the First Phase of the Investment Plan within the next three years.

2. They called on the national government to address the massive pollution of River Athi, which poses a serious threat to the health of the Nation, particularly for the residents of the three SEKEB Counties. They urged for measures to force polluters to bear the responsibility by being compelled to pay reparations for the damages caused to our communities.

3. The three governors agreed to set up an abattoir in one of the counties with an area for value addition on hides, skins and other products through leather processing and other value additions. A joint Feeds’ Processing Zone will also be considered alongside agribusiness funding through the respective ministries of Trade.

4. To enhance the ease of doing business within the Bloc, the three county governments shall find a formula to harmonize and standardize county tariffs and licences.

5. The three counties have resolved to each invest in specialized health services in our main hospitals. Kitui will establish a Renal Centre, while Cancer and Trauma Centres will be built in Machakos and Makueni Counties, respectively. The Trauma Centre will help alleviate the suffering of the road accident victims along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

6. To this effect, the Bloc is in the process of finalizing the development of its 10-year Vision Strategy which will guide in leveraging on economies of scale and concerted efforts to achieve sustainable development for the people.

Seed distribution exercise

At Chief’s Camp, Kibwezi town in Kikukmbulyu South ward, Kibwezi East Sub-County, elated farmers receive planting seeds donated by the County Government.

Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Development Executive Committee Member Ms. Joyce M. Mutua who oversaw the distribution exercise asked the farmers to embrace good agricultural practices including soil conservation during planting and weeding to enhance the productivity of the farming land in Makueni County.

At least 130,000 households will benefit from certified planting seeds. The seeds consist of 149 metric tonnes of maize, 40 tonnes of beans, 127 tonnes of sorghum and 85 tonnes of green grams. The exercise was contacted across the 30 wards. Wards in upper and mid-zones received Maize and beans while ward in the low land areas received Sorghum and green grams. Residents were urged to take advantage of the county donated climate-resilient seeds for sustainable agriculture.

 

SECOND ANNUAL MAKUENI TOURISM CIRCUIT CONCLUDES AT TSAVO

Today marked the conclusion of the second annual Makueni County tourism circuit that kicked off on Tuesday at Alem Hotel in Mbooni sub-county spanning four days. Led by the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the circuit brought together hoteliers, tour operators and cultural enthusiasts from across the county to explore various attractions and facilities aiming to position Makueni as a premier tourism destination.

The circuit’s goal was to promote interconnected tourism by linking various attractions, activities and services within the county. This initiative provided tourism operators with the opportunity to explore multiple locations, supporting sustainable tourism practices. Dr. Sonia highlighted the program as a key marketing strategy to showcase Makueni’s beautiful landscapes and facilities, boosting the county’s tourism appeal.

Accompanied by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, participants visited numerous facilities including Alem Hotel, Tawa Country Lodge, The Base Hotel and Kyeni Kya Kitoo pottery cottage in Mbooni. The team also toured Kusyombunguo Hotels, Paraiso, Kilimani Fort in Wote, Jambo Afrika, Kijiji, Emali Handicraft, Hunters Lodge, Kambua and Patton Homes in Kibwezi West.

Speaking at the Akamba Cultural Center, the Chief Officer emphasized the department’s commitment to preserving the Kamba culture as a tourist attraction contributing to economic growth. 

The circuit also included a nature trail in Kivale Forest and a visit to Chyullu National Park where participants enjoyed stunning views of the landscape. 

In the final leg of the tour, the team visited Tsavo West National Park exploring the famous volcanic Shetani lava and Chaimu hills and experienced the magical Mzima Springs. They were also treated to an ethnological tale of the Angulya People; a native Kamba sub-ethnic tribe indigenous to Chyullu Hills and Tsavo Park.

The Makueni Tourism Circuit aims to market the county as a prime tourist destination and provide a detailed route for travelers, enhancing Makueni’s visibility on the tourism map.