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BREAKING BOUNDARIES: MAKUENI COUNTY’S TRIUMPH IN HR EXCELLENCE AWARDS THROUGH INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY USE IN COUNTY PROCESSES

The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) in Kenya recently hosted its 4th annual HR Awards and Gala dinner on Friday, December 8, 2023. The prestigious event, held at Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road, Nairobi, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of Human Resources.

Event Overview:

The 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards aimed to identify and applaud individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the advancement of HR practices in the country. The event brought together HR professionals, distinguished guests, and notable personalities to commemorate a year of remarkable accomplishments in the HR field.

Makueni County’s Recognition:

In this year’s awards ceremony, Makueni County stood out for its groundbreaking approach to innovation and technology in county governance. The county’s strategic partnership with Safaricom was highlighted as a key factor in automating services and surpassing targets in critical areas. The innovative initiatives spearheaded by the Governor not only enhanced efficiency but also instilled motivation among employees, positioning Makueni County as a trailblazer in shaping the future of county governance.

Award Presentation:

During the 4th Annual HR Awards, Makueni County received special recognition for its exemplary use of innovation and technology in county processes. The award, on behalf of His Excellency The Governor, was graciously received by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) responsible for ICT, Education, Internship accompanied by County Executive Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services, CO Education & Internship and CO ICT. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. David K.A Siele, Chairman of the National Labour Board.

Figure 1 The Award presented to the Government of Makueni County

Figure 2 CECM Elizabeth Muli , CECM Nicholas Nzioka, CO Nicholis Mutua and CO Alfonce Kanunga during the awarding ceremony

Significance of the Award:

Makueni County’s achievement at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards underscores the critical role played by innovation and technology in advancing county governance. The county’s forward-thinking approach not only enhances service delivery but also establishes a model for other regions to emulate. The award serves as a testament to Makueni County’s commitment to progress and excellence in HR practices.

In conclusion, Makueni County’s recognition at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation and technology in county processes. The strategic partnership with Safaricom and the visionary leadership of the Governor have positioned Makueni County as a leader in the HR landscape. This award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as inspiration for continued excellence in shaping the future of county governance.

BOOSTING WATER SECURITY IN MAKUENI COUNTY

In a continued effort to strengthen water security and empower communities, Makueni County has donated water tanks to eight women’s groups under the Path From Poverty Organisation.

The organisation, which brings together 4,600 women, has already supported 1,600 families across the county with water tanks, helping households harvest and store water for domestic use and livelihood activities.

The beneficiary groups which received the water tanks from Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. include: Lucky Kithuiani, Neema Uthiuni, Muuo wa Kinyee SHG, Umu Village SHG, Mbumye Mutoma Muongo, Uumwe wa Kyawandii, Ngwate Kwoko, and Kyeni Kya Yatwa B.

BOOST FOR YOUTH ENTERPRISE AS 17 IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH RECEIVE START-UP KITS

Seventeen young people from Kikumbulyu South Ward are now ready to venture into the business world as self-employed entrepreneurs after receiving tools of trade under the Ujuzi Teketeke Programme, spearheaded by the Government of Makueni County.

The transformative initiative by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration aims to equip young people with practical skills and sustainable sources of income by training and supporting them to start and grow small businesses.

Beneficiaries were issued with a range of equipment, including salon and barbering kits, vending trolleys, welding machines, and other essential tools tailored to their trades, enabling them to become self-reliant and economically productive within their communities.

Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and area MCA Jades Kalunda led the distribution exercise

BOOST FOR MATERNAL CARE AS SULTAN HAMUD GETS 50-BED MOTHER AND CHILD UNIT

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. is set to commission the Sultan Hamud Mother and Child Wing at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital on Friday.

The 50-bed maternity unit & the second largest mother-and-child facility in the county after the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital, is equipped with an in-built operating theatre, a newborn unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The facility also features a labour ward with three delivery beds, enabling three women to deliver simultaneously. In addition, it includes prenatal and postnatal wards, a post-caesarean section ward, a gynaecology ward and a Kangaroo Mother Care unit.

On the same day, the Department of Health Services has organised a free medical camp that will offer outpatient services, screening for non-communicable diseases, cervical cancer screening and other essential health services.

The Mother and Child Hospital Unit is a partnership between the M-Pesa Foundation and the Makueni County Government. In December alone, 168 mothers delivered at Sultan Hamud Sub-County Hospital. Despite limited space, medical staff successfully managed the mothers and their newborns with care.

BOOST FOR CHILD HEALTH

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and Health Services CECM Dr. Paul Musila on Thursday flagged off a consignment of nutrition supplies at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

The four-month supply, donated by Helen Keller International, will be distributed across 121 health facilities in the county that manage cases of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) among children.

Currently, the County is caring for 950 children under the age of five diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition, a condition that, if left untreated, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s growth and development.

Speaking during the flag-off, Mulili emphasized the importance of the intervention, noting that the nutrition commodities will go a long way in restoring the health and vitality of affected children.

Dr. Musila lauded the partnership with Helen Keller International, stressing the county’s commitment to ensuring every child has a chance to thrive.

Bill Gates visits healthcare workers in Makueni

Bill Gates the co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation visited Makueni County on a discovery trip to see the impact of Primary Health Care in the County.

Accompanied by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Bill Gates visited the Kathonzweni Level 3 hospital where he met with medical staff and Community Health Volunteers and later toured the mother and Child Care unit at the Makueni County Referral Hospital.

Makueni County has enlisted a significant number of Community Health Volunteers who have contributed to better prenatal care and safer deliveries in the region.
The County health team presented some of the key steps taken to improve service delivery, monitor the purchase and distribution of health commodities as well as steps the County took to ensure the facilities remained open for immunizations even during the Covid -19 pandemic.
Governor Mutula lauded the County health workers for using data to manage health care and health commodities.
Further, the County has shortened access to medical facilities for the residents and introduced a system where health centers can re-invest the cash paid for services in running costs and improvements required.

BIG TURNOUT AS HUDUMA MASHINANI REACHES 700 RESIDENTS ON DAY ONE

The Huduma Mashinani Outreach program recorded an impressive start on its first day, reaching 700 residents, underscoring the high demand for decentralized service delivery.

The one-stop service program, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima on Friday, witnessed a large turnout as residents sought identity documents, birth and death certificates, KRA assistance, NTSA services, pensions support and voter registration, among others.

County and national government officers worked seamlessly to ensure efficient service provision, with many residents completing processes that would ordinarily require multiple visits to different offices. The successful day-one rollout highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration between the County Government, Huduma Centre Wote and National Government Administration Officers in bringing services closer to the people.

The outreach will be rolled out across all wards in the county up to February 2026

BENEFICIARIES CELEBRATE AS UHC ROLLOUT INTENSIFIES

Christine Muoki, a middle-aged woman from Nziu Sub-Ward, could not hide her joy after being selected as a beneficiary of the Universal Health Coverage programme currently being rolled out across the county. The mass registration exercise, which began on Tuesday, will run until Friday, February 27.

Speaking during a forum in Nziu Sub-Ward, the Chief Officer in charge of Health Human Resource Management and Administration, Dr Harvey Mulei, urged residents to support the programme, describing it as life-changing.

Dr Mulei said the county government’s vision is to eliminate the need for harambees and WhatsApp fundraisers often organized to offset hospital bills. He noted that the Makuenicare card will cater for both inpatient and outpatient services within and outside the county, including at private health facilities.

He further called on residents to turn up in large numbers whenever the department conducts public participation forums, emphasizing that increased engagement would help secure more funding and expand coverage to benefit additional households.

The programme targets to register more than 200,000 residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

BENEFICIARIES CELEBRATE AS UHC ROLLOUT INTENSIFIES

Residents across Makueni County turned out in large numbers on Wednesday for the second day of the ongoing mass registration for the Makueni Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

In Nduumo Village, Mercy Wavinya, who is physically challenged, joined other residents of Kilili.

For much of her life, Wavinya has faced persistent hardships, particularly in meeting medical expenses, a burden made heavier by the fact that her children are also living with disabilities.

She explained that frequent hospital visits and the need for specialized care have repeatedly pushed the family’s limited resources to the brink.

Overjoyed after being enrolled as a beneficiary, Wavinya described the programme as a lifeline for families grappling with the hidden strain of healthcare costs.

She noted that beneficiaries will no longer be forced to choose between buying food and seeking treatment.

BEEKEEPERS BOOST SKILLS IN ONGOING BEE PRODUCTS VALUE ADDITION TRAINING

A transformative Value Addition of Bee Products Course (VABPC) is currently underway in Makueni County, bringing together local beekeepers, and honey processors for an intensive week of practical learning.

The training, jointly implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Makueni County, is equipping participants with hands-on skills to elevate the quality, diversity, and marketability of bee products.

Throughout the week, trainees are engaging in sessions on food safety, legal compliance, and honey-based product development, including the preparation of comb, chunk, cream, and flavoured honey.

Practical lessons on propolis processing and beeswax product making—such as soaps, candles, starter combs, lip balms, and aloe vera or honey-infused creams—are taking centre stage as participants work in groups to refine their craftsmanship.

In addition to technical skills, the programme is strengthening business capacity through modules on budgeting, and debt and credit management.

Additionally, the training empowers participants with post-processing techniques, focusing on proper packaging, labelling and storage to help beekeepers access higher-value markets.