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MAKUENI’S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS STEAL THE SHOW AT AFRICA FERTILIZER SUMMIT 2024

May 9, 2024

The Makueni booth at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit 2024 was a huge success, attracting over 1000 delegates from across Africa who convened at the KICC in Nairobi. 

The summit, themed “Listen to the Land,” brought together over 2000 delegates from across Africa to discuss fertilizer and soil health solutions for better agriculture. 

Makueni showcased a range of technologies for fertilizer and soil health solutions including push and pull, which entails use of legumes to repel pests, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and  use of GIS in natural resource management.

Makueni, supported by  Kenya Cereals Enhancement Programme-Climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods (KCEP-CRAL), conducted  soil analyses for over 16,000 farmers, guiding them on crop choices.

KCEP-CRAL facilitated the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices among farmers, such as deep tillage, and provided essential farm inputs like certified seeds,  hermetic bags and tarpaulins, through the e-voucher system

 Agriculture ExecutiveJoyce Mutua led the county’s delegation in the three-day summit, which concluded with  official closing by President William Ruto on Thursday.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN MASONGALENI, PROMISING BETTER HEALTH, WATER, AND EDUCATION FOR RESIDENTS.

During a working tour of Masongaleni Ward on Wednesday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and deputy Lucy Mulili unveiled a series of development goodies geared towards improving the quality of life for residents.

In Ngwata Location, Governor Mutula inspected Ngwata Health Centre maternity wing meant to enhance maternal and neonatal services.

In Kativani, the two commissioned a KIBMAWASCO pipeline extension water point which will benefit 1,800 residents.

At Yikitaa, Governor Mutula launched desilting of Uyi earth dam set to benefit 20 villages and modern ECDE Center.

Later in the day, they commissioned Ulilinzi Stock Yard before addressing wananchi.

20 VILLAGES IN MASONGALENI TO BENEFIT FROM UYI DAM.

20 villages in Masongaleni Ward are poised to benefit with clean water from Uyi earthdam desilted by the county government in partnership with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday launched the Sh 50M rehabilitation works of the dam during a development tour of Masongaleni Ward.

The dam is a reprieve to hundreds of residents who have to travel long distances to fetch water from River Athi, sometimes risking attacks by crocodiles and hippos.

Some of the targeted villages include Yikitaa, Ngomano, Kyuasini, Maiani, Yimuange, Ngukuni, Nguumo, Kiliani, Makuuni, Yinguvu, Utini, Yimboo, Sokomoto, Ngomeni and Yimavui. Three schools, two market centres and a dispensary will also benefit.

GOVERNOR MUTULA UNVEILS DIGITAL PROJECTS MONITORING AND TRACKING SYSTEM

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has unveiled one-of-a-kind digital projects monitoring and tracking system which will give residents and other stakeholders real time information about the status of development in the county.

The web-based portal dubbed Makueni Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), launched on Tuesday, will showcase progress of projects at each stage from Cabinet Paper approval by the governor, allocated budget, procurement, contract award, completion and location of the projects.

Governor Mutula said this system will entrench transparency in development and weed out the problems of unexplained pending bills which have plagued counties, as well as conflict of interests in award of tenders.

The system has been scaled for easy access both on web and android devices. It also features an engagement platform to provide both general and project-based feedback from the public.

The portal can be accessed via https://pmts.makueni.go.ke

FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM FRUIT FLY MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR EXPORT-QUALITY MANGOES

Wote: May 6, 2024

10,000 farmers in selected wards in Makueni will benefit from fruit fly management technologies, an initiative by the county government to bolster the production of high-quality, fruit fly-free mangoes destined for EU and other lucrative markets.

The 8 wards are the newly established Areas of Low Pest Prevalence(ALPP) by the county government in collaboration with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), as one of the measures to mitigate post-harvest losses due to pest damage. 

The wards are Wote /Nziu, Kisau/Kiteta, Kako Waia, Muvau /Kikumini, Ukia, Kathonzweni, Kitise/kithuki and Mavindini. 

Other ALPP established include upper Makueni (Nzaui-Kilili-Kalamba) and lower Makueni (Kibwezi- Along River Athi production belt).

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Monday flagged off the technologies at the Governor’s Office in Wote, paving the way for distribution to farmers.

Mulili called on mango farmers to embrace recommended practices and adhere to stringent standards to secure access to premium markets for their harvest.

Mulili was accompanied by Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyallo and KEPHIS Entomologist Hellen Heya.

MAKUENI SET TO COMMENCE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR CRUCIAL AGRICULTURAL PROJECT.

Mtito-Andei: May 3, 2024

Agriculture Chief Officer, Dr. Victoria Kyallo has officially concluded a 5-day training workshop for county extension officers on Participatory Integrated Community Development (PICD) for the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). 

The training sought to empower extension officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively introduce the project to their communities, and ensure active community participation by identifying key issues and opportunities and devising suitable interventions.

NAVCDP, a 5-year initiative, is focused on increasing market participation and value addition for farmers in specific value chains including mango, dairy, poultry, tomato, and apiculture (bee-keeping).

The PICD process emphasizes public participation, enabling all members of the community from the 30 wards to contribute to the identification of community problems and suggest potential interventions under the project. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that interventions are tailored to local needs and are thus more effective.

Following the conclusion of the workshop, extension officers will embark on a 21-day interaction period with farmers across all wards in the county. This period aims to foster community ownership and ensure the successful implementation of the project. 

Dr. Kyallo emphasized the importance of the PICD process, describing it as a fundamental activity that forms the foundation of the project. By engaging the community from the onset, PICD ensures that interventions are not only relevant but also sustainable in the long term.

MAKUENI EXPLORES PARTNERSHIP TO ENHANCE MEAT VALUE CHAIN

Masongaleni: May 2, 2024

Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua on Thursday toured Silgama Beef Ltd in Masongaleni, one of Makueni’s pioneering feedlot farms.

The objective of the visit was to exchange knowledge and explore avenues for partnership to enhance the meat value chain in the county.

They exchanged ideas on improving livestock management techniques, optimizing feed formulations, and implementing sustainable farming methods.

Mutua expressed her enthusiasm for potential partnerships between the county government and Silgama Beef Ltd to support local farmers and boost the meat value chain in Makueni.

Silgama Beef Ltd’s representatives showcased their innovative approaches to cattle rearing, emphasizing animal welfare standards, and efficiency in feedlot operations. They also highlighted their commitment to environmentally friendly practices and community engagement initiatives.

Mutua was accompanied by Livestock Director David Musyoki and the Area Member of County Assembly Brian Nzoka.

KITUI COUNTY BENCHMARKS ON MAKUENI’S SYSTEMS AUTOMATION

Kitui County Deputy Governor Wambua Kanani is leading a delegation of county officials on a two-day benchmarking tour in Makueni on automated cashless revenue collection and the automated system of supply and distribution of medical supplies to health facilities.

Makueni has embraced a cashless payment regime in an effort to minimize corruption risks, instill customer confidence and enhance accountability.

The delegation from Kitui was received in Makueni by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Thursday.