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CHILLI FARMING SPARKS AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

CHIEF OFFICER VISITS KANYUNGU DISPENSARY, PLEDGES BETTER STAFF WELFARE AND WATER CONNECTION

Chief Officer for Health, Dr. Harvey Mulei, on Monday visited Kanyungu Dispensary in Kikumbulyu North Ward to assess the facility’s condition and interact with the local community.

Dr. Mulei reaffirmed the department’s commitment to enhancing staff welfare, noting that motivated health workers are key to delivering quality services to residents.

He also pledged to facilitate the connection of water to the facility to support smooth operations and improve service delivery.

Area MCA and Chairperson of the Health Committee, Jackson Mbalu was also present.

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.

Championing Early Childhood Education.

Championing Early Childhood Education: Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has commissioned the Methouvini ECDE Centre in Mavindini Ward, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transforming learning environments and investing in the future of Makueni’s children. The project brings new hope to young learners who had been studying in a dilapidated, muddy and unsafe structure. Mutula is in a day long tour of the ward, flagged by deputy governor, Lucy Mulili, county officials, Makueni County Assembly Clerk, Kevin Mutuku, area MCA Jonathan Kimongo, and several MCAs.

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 OUR YOUNG TALENT!

What an incredible display of talent, culture, and pure joy at the Makueni County Level ECDE Music Festivals held in Kathonzweni!

Over 500 brilliant young learners from across the county took to the stage, showcasing immense talent through vibrant traditional dances, modern choral verses, and playing musical instruments.

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Among the winners of the day was Kee School for the Deaf, whose outstanding performance proved that talent knows no bounds as they also advanced to the regionals.

​Speaking during the colorful event, the CECM for ICT, Education, and Internships, Japheth Mang’oka, highly praised parents and teachers for their dedication in guiding and nurturing these young stars. He further reiterated H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s unwavering commitment to supporting and transforming all aspects of education in Makueni County.

​Join us in celebrating our little champions as they head out to represent Makueni at the Regionals!

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.