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RENEWABLE ENERGY BENCHMARK TO KITUI

In a cutting-edge educational program on renewable energy knowledge, the Government of Makueni County through the Energy Directorate led 30 Ward Energy Champions(WECs) drawn from the 30 wards on a 2- day benchmarking visit to Kitui County. 

The benchmarking program led by CECM Infrastructure, Transport , Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni was aimed at equipping the WECs with the latest insights and skills needed to thrive in the evolving green energy sector. Amongst the centers visited are:

1. Kitui Energy Center where WECs learnt about quality and affordable renewable energy technologies e.g green energy, Bio-gas, Solar, wood fuel and cook stove

2. Kenya Water Institute, Kitui Campus.

3. Briquette making machine.

In a bid to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, the educational program aimed at shaping the Makueni County’s future on renewable and sustainable energy solutions. 

#RenewableEnergy #EducationForChange

Governor’s Remarks During Validation of CIDP II

REMARKS BY H.E. GOVERNOR OF MAKUENI COUNTY PROF. KIVUTHA KIBWANA DURING COUNTY PEOPLES’ FORUM ON CIDP 2018-2022 AND FY 2018/19 BUDGET HELD ON 23RD MARCH 2018 AT ATC KWA KATHOKA

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today marks the end of a long and very important journey which as County Government we committed ourselves to. It is a process through which we set out to let our people guide their development.

The process of CIDP and FY 2018/19 budget public participation started on 13th December 2017 in all 3,612 villages in the County. The process progressed to the sub-ward where several clusters met and discussed the views and suggestions from their villages; project appraisal at sub ward levels with sub-ward development committees and technical officers was undertaken before meeting at the ward level for validation.

The process also benefitted from various thematic groups including Nairobi and Mombasa Diaspora, teachers’ fraternity, non-state actors, children, the elderly, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), People with Disability (PWD), faith based representatives and all the elected and nominated leaders in our county.

Today we gather here to validate as County our CIDP 2018-2022 and FY 2018/2019 budget.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the supportive legal framework on devolution have placed strong emphasis on public participation, transparency and accountability as a means of improving efficiency, equity and inclusiveness of Government and service delivery.

As a Government, we are witnessing an increasing desire of our people to participate in their own development. This process witnessed the highest turn up since 2013 of close to 120,000 people out of our population of about 1 million. This is a good indicator that our people now understand their role in development. I am informed that in some sub wards, the people turned out in large numbers, close to 600, this is extremely commendable.

The extensive participation process provides confidence and legitimacy on our second generation CIDP priorities. The CIDP process brings together the needs and aspirations of our people, the challenges and priority interventions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Backward Review

As we gather here today, we need to take stock of the development outcomes from our previous implementation process. What achievements did we have? How did our people benefit from the interventions? What success stories do we have? What challenges did we face? What lessons did we learn? This reflection will be critical for each department as we envision the future. There is no future without reflection of the past journey.

During the last cycle (2013-2017) we faced many challenges. These ranged from time taken to learn and structure devolution, the political wrangles that delayed our development and the high expectation from the citizens. We have now overcome those trying moments that enhanced our resilience and refined our purpose to deliver to our citizens.

Re-orienting our development

The theme of our CIDP 2018-2022 is Improved Household Income for Sustainable Livelihoods. The county will focus on attaining development through four key areas namely; reliable potable water for domestic use, irrigation, food security and agricultural commercialization, youth, women and PWD economic empowerment, universal health care for all.

During the period 2018-2022, the Government will invest in the following enablers to ensure realization and achievement of the key result areas:

Energy, Infrastructure and ICT

Institutional strengthening, capacity development and citizen engagement

Ladies and Gentlemen

Our Vision 2025 aims at social transformation and wealth creation. Our CIDP is aligned to the Makueni Vision 2025, Medium Term Plan III of the Kenya Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. The County is set to benefit from such integrated development planning as it offers an opportunity for coordinated development from all development actors and thus improved effectiveness and efficiency in resource use. The Government seeks to adopt result oriented development as opposed to project led development.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Overtime, the government has been viewed as the sole driver of development in any community, however other sectors and players including non-state actors, private sector and the religious organizations have continually played a great role in service delivery. As a Government we appreciate the critical role played by non-state actors including; project formulation and prioritization; enhancing participatory planning and budgeting; resource mobilization to bridge the funding gap by the government and advocacy and public awareness creation. All partners in the development have been consulted and we will continue to work closely, including our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, both Kenya and abroad to ensure we have the best for our county.

Mainstreaming Cross Cutting Issues in County Development

In the process of preparing the CIDP, we ensured that all cross cutting issues namely; climate change, environment, youth, gender, disability, disaster risk management and HIV have been mainstreamed.

Effects of climate change have huge impact on our development which is largely dependent on sectors such as agriculture, water and livestock. It is against this background that urgent climate action is required to ensure sustainable development is realized. Our county is vulnerable and measures geared on enhancing the adaptive capacity of our people have been prioritized.

The CIDP is responsive to youth, gender and disability issues. We are committed to ensure economic and social empowerment of the vulnerable amongst us. Specifically, the youth (18-35 years) in the county constitute 24% of the total population. We are committed to ensuring that our programmes and initiatives empower the youths as well as providing opportunities to earn income.

Key Institutions to facilitate development

During the plan period, the Government will establish and also strengthen key institutions to facilitate effective service delivery. These include; County Audit Committee, County Budget and Economic Forum, an office of Ombudsman, County Attorney, donor and development partners liaison unit and County Irrigation Board. Office of the Ombudsman is a confidential, neutral and independent source of information and assistance to anyone affected by the government operations and activities. The Office will help in addressing the problems and complaints which do not involve litigation, arbitration, or mediation.

County Attorney will help enhance the effectiveness of the legal and policy framework in the county. Specifically this will facilitate preparation of policies required to execute all devolved functions. The County Irrigation Board will be tasked to manage the irrigation infrastructure while the Donor Liaison unit will serve as an interface between the Government and development partners in matters of development. Additionally, our Government will strengthen the Service Delivery Unit in an effort to ensure development results.

It is worth noting that most of economic decisions such as where to work, how much to save and invest, and what education to acquire are most frequently made at the family level. Stable families are a very important ingredient to our development as county. The government will invest in programmes that will endeavour to strengthen families and family leadership.

The government will ensure that all projects began in 2013-2017 CIDP, that had been phased or inadequately funded, are completed and launched for their intended purpose. Further we will endeavour to ensure that going forward project appraisals are done prior to preparation of budget estimates to ensure adequate funding of programmes in CIDP 2018-2022.

Enhancing Service Delivery Mechanism

We are committed to ensure that collectively we deliver the aspirations of all every citizen. The CIDP will forms the basis of resource allocation and performance management. Recently we launched the county performance management system through which everyone knows what needs to be achieved and what is required of them and when.

Every staff member is under performance contract for senior staff and performance appraisal for all staff below directors. The process will culminate today with the performance contract signing ceremony with the people of Makueni. We all have roles and responsibilities in delivering prosperity in our county, as duty bearers, the government officials have a higher responsibility on accountability. The citizens equally as right holders have a critical role to play in delivering our dream and working together we shall deliver.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am greatly honored to witness all these in our county, especially when our people are recognized and involved in shaping the destiny of our County. As we draw towards 2022 when my mandate will expire I will leave office with the confidence that the people of Makueni Mbaa Makueni own their government. I take this opportunity to thank you all for taking part in our County development agenda which will shape our undertaking for the next five years. We fully acknowledge and value your participation and contribution in the development of our great county.

I thank you.

RELIEF FOR NGUUMO RESIDENTS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WHH COMMISSION KWA KAWAWA WATER PROJECT.

It is a sweet relief to over 5,000 residents of Nguumo ward who will nolonger trek 7 km to Makindu town to get water, following commissioning of Kwa Kawawa Water Projet.

The project, whose source is a borehole drilled by the county government and distributed by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) for 25Km covers 16 villages in the formerly water stressed area. The distribution system is fitted with solar power to reduce operational costs while ensuring sustainability.

10 water access points have been installed along the 25Km pipeline at Kwa Mailu, Kwa Kimeu, Mlaleo, Kikauni, Wayona, Kilema, Vumbute, Makutano, Mulangi, and Mutantheu. Kilema, Kilongoni and Wayona primary schools have also been connected.

The project was commissioned on Wednesday by Executive Committee Members Japheth Mang’oka (Devolution), John Kieti (Water) and Sebastian Kyoni (Roads) together with officers from WHH.

RELIEF FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT EASES FINANCIAL BURDEN

Business owners in Makueni County can now pay for permits and licenses in installments, following the enactment of the 2024 Finance Act.

Finance Executive Damaris Kavoi announced the changes during a market outreach at Emali Bus Park on Wednesday, where she also revealed discounts for timely compliance. As part of the incentives, small and medium-sized enterprises will enjoy a 10% discount on their unified invoice bills, while large businesses will receive a 5% discount.

The outreach event also brought good news to tenants of Emali Bus Park and the modern market stalls. Their rent has been reduced, and have also been granted a 50% waiver on arrears accrued during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These measures, effective from December 1, 2024, aim to ease financial strain on businesses and enhance revenue collection efficiency.

Kavoi, however, decried low compliance in property rates and unregistered plots, urging property owners to clear arrears and provide required data to improve service delivery.

The measures reflect Governor Mutula’s continued efforts to foster a conducive business environment while enhancing revenue mobilisation to fund critical services and development projects.

Rehabilitation of Wote Estates Roads Kicks off

The Department of Transport and Infrastructure in Makueni has launched a two-week Estate Roads rehabilitation program in Wote town to ease transportation and open up the areas for business opportunities.
The program entails grading, murraming and compacting of the targeted roads. By end of the two weeks, the department will have graded 29km of road network.
County Executive Committee Member for Transport Sebastian Kyoni flanked by Wote Ward MCA Felix Mateso and Wote Municipality Manager Joseph Katumo flagged off the exercise on Wednesday.
Some of the Estates targeted for opening up include Town area, Shimo, Calosci, Nguumo/Malawi, Kundakindu, Slaughter, Westlands, Kasarani and Bangladesh.
Kyoni said the county government is in talks with Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) for partnership to progressively upgrade the roads to bitumen standards.

REHABILITATION OF THREE WATER SOURCES SET TO ALLEVIATE WATER WOES IN WOTE TOWN.

Residents of Wote town are looking up to taps running 24/7 with clean, reliable and sufficient water at low cost.

The county government with support of one of her development partners, USAID, has embarked on rehabilitation of three water sources around Wote, aiming to increase daily supply capacity from 2,500 cubic meters to meet the current demand of 4,500 cubic meters.

Through Sustainable, Transformational and Accessible WASH Interventions (STAWI) Programme, the county government and USAID on Wednesday handed to contractors sites for solar power installation, piping and distribution of Kaiti 2 sand dam water project; installation of solar power for Mwaani borehole. At Kamunyolo dam, a 300 cubic meters sump will be constructed to increase the treatment capacity.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who hosted a delegation of STAWI officials earlier said it is regrettable that Wote town still struggles with water challenges, 32 years after it was inaugurated as Makueni District headquarters. He said his administration will ensure the county capital becomes an investment hub with all necessary amenities, including sufficient water supply.

REHABILITATION OF NGOSINI CONCRETE DAM KICKS OFF ON A HIGH NOTE

Agriculture and Water Executives Joyce Mutua and Engineer John Kieti respectively on Monday graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Ngosini Dam. This event signals the official start of the rehabilitation project, with all necessary machinery and experts from the county government already on-site, indicating a swift and efficient commencement.

Upon completion, the 67,000 cubic meter dam is expected to bring substantial benefits to 640 households in Muvau Kikumini and Mavindini Wards through irrigation. This development holds the promise of enhancing local agriculture, ensuring water access, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for the communities involved.

The funding for this vital project comes from the World Bank through the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), in collaboration with Makueni County Government. This partnership underscores the commitment to sustainable development and addressing key issues related to water resources and agriculture in the region.

REHABILITATION OF MAKASA ROAD

Kwa Kiamba – Makasa AIC – Kwa Tumbo – Ngula Road in Nguu/Masumba Ward, a vital 4.5-kilometer route in an agricultural area, has been rehabilitated to improve accessibility and support local livelihoods. Previously impassable during rains and dusty in dry seasons, the road hindered transportation of farm produce to markets.

The project included bush clearing, heavy grading, gravelling with watering and compaction, installation of 64 meters of culverts, which is ongoing and construction of 500 meters of catch water drains. The “road for water” concept will reduce soil erosion and provide water for agriculture.

Roads and Infrastructure Executive Eng. Peter Mumo, accompanied by project committee members, the contractor, and staff, on Wednesday inspected the works. This initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision of improving road networks to enhance connectivity and access to services across Makueni County.

Regenerative Agriculture for improved food security

With the adverse effects of climate change, especially in Ukambani, many farmers are glaring at looming food insecurity.
 
However, this is not the case for 180 farmers drawn from various wards in Makueni County, who have adopted Regenerative Agriculture (RA), through , ‘ Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya’, an ongoing program that is being spearheaded by the County Government of Makueni through the department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock Fisheries and Cooperative Development in partnership with  Alliance for Green Revolution Africa  (AGRA) and Cereal Growers Association ( CGA).
Regenerative Agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that seeks to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by placing a heavy premium on soil health with attention also paid to water management, fertilizer use, and more.
The 180 farmers who are also the Village Based Advisors( VBA)have been capacity built through training, peer to peer activities and farm demonstrations on RA principles.
Some of the principles include conservation tillage, minimum soil disturbance, rotation and crop covers, and diversity.
 
The VBAs are in turn cascading the RA knowledge to other farmers at the village levels, with an aim of enhancing food security at household levels.
 
The program is targeting to reach out to 30, 000 farmers directly through the VBA extension model.