Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

News

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.

ELDERLY MAKUENI RESIDENT HAILS MUTULA CARE AFTER YEARS OF COSTLY ILLNESS

For 74-year-old Elizabeth Munini from Kyuasini Village in Ukia Ward, Kaiti Constituency, receiving a Universal Healthcare Insurance card under the Mutula Care medical scheme marked a significant milestone in her long battle with chronic illness.

Munini has lived with asthma since 1968 and has been managing arthritis and hypertension since 2009. In 2019, she was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, further compounding her health challenges.

Her family’s burden has been made even heavier by her husband’s ongoing battle with prostate cancer.

She said meeting the cost of treatment has been difficult, as the family depends solely on farming for its livelihood and their children are unable to provide substantial financial support.

Munini lauded Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration for prioritising vulnerable members of the community under the Makueni Care programme, saying the medical cover will significantly improve access to healthcare services both within and outside the county.

The county has so far factored about 10,000 households in the medical scheme, with distribution of cards continuing across Makueni.

On Thursday, the Director of Planning in the Department of Health Services, David Kiuluku, issued 370 Makueni Care insurance cards to residents of Ukia Ward during an event held at Mukuyuni ACK Hall.

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.

ECDE TEACHERS IN MAKUENI CONVERTED TO PERMANENT &PENSIONABLE EMPLOYEES.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has walked the talk on improving the standard of Early Childhood Education in Makueni by confirming 358 teachers to Permanent and Pensionable terms.

The elated teachers were handed their confirmation letters by the Governor in Wote on Monday.

The 358 who were employed between 2014 and 2017 form the first cohort of conversion to permanent terms. A second batch will be confirmed by the start of the 2024/2025 Financial Year

This move comes in the wake of a spirited campaign by several education stakeholders to revert ECD Education to the National Government.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has pledged an unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving education environment where teachers are valued partners in the transformative journey of learners.

In a bid to empower the ECDE teachers professionally, the Governor also flagged off ECDE Learning and Instructional Materials worth Kshs 9.8 Million to be distributed to 1,197 ECDE Learning Centers across the county.

ECDE TEACHERS ABSORBED AS PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE.

453 ECDE teachers on contract were on Monday absorbed by Makueni County as permanent and pensionable at a colourful ceremony presided over by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at the county headquarters.

Governor Mutula told the teachers that the appointment was a testament of their hard work as they went about shaping the future of our children. The first cohort of 497 were absorbed by the County in January this year.

The teachers were recruited in 2014 on contract, but could not be absorbed owing to budgetary constraints. Governor Mutula thanked the teachers for perservering since 2014.

The Governor also affirmed his commitment to constructing child-friendly ECDE classrooms in the County.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Chairman County Public Service Board Dr. Nicodemus Muteti, Makueni County Member of National Assembly, Rose Museo, ECMs Elizabeth Muli, ICT, Education and Internships, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, Trade, Japheth Mangoka, Devolution, Nicholas Nzioka, Lands, MCAs Urbanus Manzu, Kee and Deputy Majority Leader Bishop Jonathan Muthoka, Ilima among others.

ECDE KIDS A PRIORITY AS MAKUENI COUNTY UNVEILS FIVE NEW CLASSROOMS IN MTITO ANDEI WARD.

New infrastructure projects in Mtito Andei Ward are set to transform early childhood education and ease the burden on parents, thanks to the efforts of Makueni County leaders. The newly built ECDE classrooms will provide a safe, comfortable, and modern learning environment for young children, ensuring they get the best start in their education journey.

Makueni CECM for ICT, Education, and Internship Elizabeth Muli, alongside MCA Francis Mulwa, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa, Governor’s Adviser Kasamba Kiilu, and Chief Officer for Planning Bonface Mutua, led the commissioning of these key projects.

Key Projects Commissioned & Inspected:

✔ Five New ECDE Classrooms at:

1.Silanga Primary ECDE

2.Mavindini Primary ECDE

3.Kavungwa Primary ECDE

4.Kilumilo Primary ECDE

5.Yindundu Primary ECDE

✔ Inspection of Kwa Kwakawetu Drift – Assessing its role in improving road accessibility and flood control.

Speaking at the event, Elizabeth Muli emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in the first 5 years of a child’s life, linking it to early childhood development. “Investing in ECDE is not just about classrooms; good nutrition is key to a child’s cognitive and physical growth,” she stated.

EASTERN RC LAUDS MAKUENI’S SECURITY COLLABORATION

Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda has praised the working relationship between the Makueni County Government and security agencies, saying the collaboration has strengthened peace, security and service delivery.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday, Muganda urged continued cooperation between the two levels of government to advance development and improve the livelihoods of residents.

Governor Mutula, meanwhile, raised concerns over rising human-wildlife conflict, vandalism of public infrastructure and illegal sand harvesting cartels, calling for concerted action by security agencies.

He also urged authorities to embrace dialogue in resolving social and political disputes instead of using force.

The governor commended local security agencies for their support, citing the success of the Huduma Mashinani outreach programme as an example of effective collaboration.

Mutula further linked cases of gender-based violence, suicide and family disputes to unresolved land succession conflicts, saying the county had initiated interventions to address the problem and appealed for support from security agencies.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM TO HELP MAKUENI FARMERS PLAN FOR MARCH-APRIL-MAY RAINS

The Kenya Meteorological Department, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Support and Extension (ADSE) and the Makueni County Government, has rolled out an early warning system to help farmers prepare for the upcoming March-April-May (MAM) rain season.

According to weather forecasts, Makueni County is expected to receive between 250mm and 500mm of rainfall, with variations across different wards. Farmers are advised to align their planting strategies with localized rainfall patterns to maximize yields.

To ensure a successful harvest, residents are encouraged to:

*Use certified seeds as recommended.

*Practice proper crop spacing for optimal growth.

*Control weeds, pests, and diseases in a timely manner.

Farmers are urged to stay informed and utilize Agro-climate Advisories to enhance food security and resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.

Those who attended included Jacline Kamusa, Assistant Director of Climate Change, County Forester Damaris Mwikali, the Ward Climate Change Planning Committee, among others.

DRIVING MANGO EXCELLENCE: MAKUENI’S EXPORT PUSH

The County Government of Makueni is stepping up efforts to empower mango farmers and strengthen their access to export markets.

On Friday morning, a team of experts from KEPHIS and TradeMark Africa paid a courtesy call to CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Elizabeth Muli, to review ongoing support programs for farmers.

Led by KEPHIS Plant Health Inspector Dorcas Mugambi and TMA’s Programmes Manager on Market Systems Elizabeth Gathogo, the meeting discussed the ongoing countywide programme on identifying and managing pests of concern, and training farmers on export market requirements.

The one-week exercise is being conducted across several wards, bringing training closer to farmers organized in groups.

While speaking to the team, CECM Muli reaffirmed the county’s strong commitment to equipping farmers with continuous training and support, enabling them to produce high-quality mangoes that meet the standards of competitive export markets.

As part of the exercise, KEPHIS officers working alongside county agriculture staff visited selected farms to assess zones mapped as area of low-pest-prevalence for mango production for export market.

During these field visits, farmers benefit from direct pest surveillance, tailored advisory services, and hands-on demonstrations on pest identification and management to improve the health and quality of their orchards.