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NYERI TAPS MAKUENI’S ICT INNOVATIONS TO BOOST SERVICE DELIVERY

Nyeri County is looking to adopt cutting-edge digital systems from Makueni County in a bid to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

A delegation from Nyeri, led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Training and Devolution, Margaret Macharia, and the Director of ICT, Felix Muriuki, is in Makueni for a week-long benchmarking visit focused on ICT integration, innovation, and education systems.

The team was officially received by Makueni Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili at her Wote office, where they were welcomed by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship Elizabeth Muli, Chief Officer Irene Makau, and County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, among other county officials.

The benchmarking tour centres on Makueni’s Project Management and Tracking System (PMTS)—a homegrown digital solution that enhances transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring of development projects—as well as the Education Management Information System (EMIS), which has been instrumental in streamlining operations across vocational training institutions.

The delegation kicked off their field visits at Nziu Vocational Training Centre, a flagship institution showcasing the county’s successful integration of ICT in practical skills training. Here, they interacted with trainers and students to gain insights into how digital tools are being used to empower youth and support technical education.

Speaking during the visit, CECM Margaret Macharia commended Makueni’s innovative approach to public service delivery, noting that the lessons drawn from the visit would inform Nyeri’s journey towards a more digitally enabled county government.

The benchmarking tour underlines Nyeri County’s strategic commitment to embracing ICT solutions to improve efficiency, promote transparency, and drive inclusive development.

MAKUENI COUNTY LEADS IN CHILD WELL-BEING WITH BOLD POLICIES, INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS & SMART INVESTMENTS

Makueni County has demonstrated a strong commitment to the rights and welfare of children through comprehensive policies, programs, and investments.

County First Lady Anita Mutula in her speech during the national celebrations for the Day of the African Child held at Unoa grounds, Wote, in Makueni, said the County has employed a holistic approach to child protection, education, health, and social well-being, aligning with the broader goals of the Day of the African Child.

Key achievements towards protecting rights of children highlighted by the County First Lady include:

1. Establishment of an office to oversee children’s affairs and act as an ombudsman for child rights.

2. Allocation of annual budgets specifically for children’s programs in social protection, education, and health.

3. Development of the Makueni County Children Policy (2021), a framework to safeguard child rights and welfare.

4. Establishment of the Makueni County Child Rescue Center to support child victims of violence, street children, and other vulnerable minors.

5. Provision of dignity packs to needy girls and boys in vulnerable households.

6. Improving access to health commodities and treatment for women and children.

7. Establishment of GBV Recovery Centre with Child Section to assist child survivors of gender-based violence.

8. Construction and equipment of Early Childhood Development and Education centers to enhance early learning.

9. Employed ECDE teachers on permanent terms to improve education quality.

10. Provision of mobility assistive devices to enhance communication and support inclusion.

The national event was graced by Kenya’s First Lady, Rachael Ruto among other high ranking national and county government personalities.

MAKUENI HOSTS STREET CHILDREN FOOTBALL COMPETITION AHEAD OF DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD CELEBRATIONS

Makueni County on Saturday held a special football tournament for street children at Emali, aiming to connect with them and understand their background, needs, skills and areas of intervention towards their life and livelihood improvement.

Gender, Children, Youth, Sports, and Social Services Executive Committee Member Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who flagged off the tournament, stated that the competition serves as a mobilization tool to help get children off the streets.

With support from Social Development and Children Officers, the department will engage with the children to create individualized care plans, including family reintegration where possible.

Children without family support will be rehabilitated at the Makueni Children Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.

The event was also part of activities leading up to the Day of the African Child to be held on Monday 16th June at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

Makueni is set to host the national celebrations for the Day of the African Child, highlighting efforts to protect and uplift vulnerable children.

According to Kyoni, the initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr vision of social inclusion, promoting equity and equality for all Makueni residents.

NEW TOURISM GEM UNVEILED AT MBUI NZAU HILL AS HUNDREDS HIKE TO CELEBRATE

In a push to spotlight local tourism and ecological conservation, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Saturday presided over the launch of a new Ecosystem Tourism Center at Mbui Nzau Hill,an iconic natural landmark now poised to become a magnet for both adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

The scenic launch also transformed into a lively celebration as hundreds of residents and visitors took part in a spirited hike to the hill’s summit, soaking in breathtaking views and reaffirming the area’s potential as a tourist haven.

Mulili lauded the Mbui Nzau community for their dedication to conserving the environment, particularly the springs that flow from the hill and continue to be a vital water source for surrounding households.

Adding to the momentum, County Executive for Tourism Dr. Sonia Nzilani emphasized that the two-day event would culminate in a tree-planting initiative,further rooting the event in sustainable tourism and environmental restoration.

STIRRING GROWTH: MAKUENI FARMERS REJOIN KENYA’S COFFEE COMEBACK

The dream to revive coffee farming in Makueni is gaining fresh momentum with the new nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Enterprises (MSMEs) Development through cooperative societies.

This move seeks to rejuvenate coffee production in both traditional coffee belts and in emerging regions, which have witnessed a decline in the once-thriving cash crop.

On Wednesday, the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU) held a sensitization meeting in Mbooni Subcounty, to engage stakeholders on the revival strategy. The event aimed to create awareness, present program objectives, and share best coffee production practices to guide a new era of innovative, sustainable farming.

The meeting that was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasized the government’s commitment to revamping the coffee sector.

“The government is fully invested in supporting coffee farmers by providing certified seedlings, improving market access, and restoring the value chain through vibrant cooperative societies,” said Oparanya. “We are not just bringing coffee back—we are making it profitable for every smallholder farmer.”

The Permanent Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kiburi Kilemi echoed these sentiments, highlighting sustainable farming as a cornerstone of the strategy.

“This is not about short-term gains,” the PS said. “We are laying the groundwork for long-term, climate-smart farming that guarantees higher yields, quality beans, and better prices.”

Makueni’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Cooperative Development,

Joyce Mutua, expressed strong support from the county administration, pledging to work hand-in-hand with the national government to empower local farmers.

“Our farmers are ready, and so are we,” said Mutua. “We are committed to this partnership that promises not only to revive coffee farming in Makueni but to transform livelihoods.”

With renewed planning and practical training on best practices such as proper pruning, timely harvesting, disease management and cooperative marketing, Makueni’s coffee sector could soon reclaim its place on the global map.

GOVERNOR MUTULA BANS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN MAKUENI COUNTY OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has declared a ban on single-use plastics in all county offices and official functions in a move to combat plastic pollution.

The announcement was made during World Environment Day celebrations in Wote, on Thursday, where the World sought to draw strategies to end plastic pollution.

“Enough is enough! We must act now before plastics choke the life out of us,” declared Governor Mutula. Plastic waste, a major pollutant, has become an eyesore, clogging drainage systems and harming the environment.

Wote Municipality, for example, generates 20 metric tons of waste daily, with plastics accounting for 25% of the total waste. To tackle this challenge in the long-term, the county government has unveiled plans to construct a Sh180 million Material Recovery Facility. The facility will enhance waste segregation, recycling, and reuse, while also creating employment opportunities for youth.

In addition, Governor Mutula launched the County Forest Landscape Restoration Plan, developed in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). The plan will guide the implementation of nature-based solutions to restore degraded landscapes in Makueni.

MAKUENI, NYS ROLL OUT ROAD UPGRADE IN 8 WARDS

Makueni County has kicked off a major road maintenance program targeting eight wards, thanks to a new partnership between the county government and the National Youth Service (NYS).

Beginning in Wote and Ilima Wards on Wednesday, this initiative follows a recent agreement between Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the NYS, known for its disciplined workforce, precision in project execution and use of well-maintained machinery.

NYS’s reputation in road construction stems from its elite training programs and efficiency in delivering durable, high-quality infrastructure.

The wards set to benefit from this countywide road upgrade are: Wote-Nziu, Muvau-Kikumini, Mbitini, Kasikeu, Ilima, Kee, Kithungo-Kitundu and Mtito-Andei.

Each of the eight wards will receive a grader, while one ward will also benefit from a shovel to aid in the works.

The equipment will be used over at least 220 working hours to rehabilitate roads that were damaged or rendered impassable by the recent heavy rains.

The improved roads are expected to ease transport for farmers delivering produce, boost trade, ensure better access to schools and health facilities, and support general mobility for residents attending social functions.

This joint effort marks a significant step in improving rural infrastructure and bringing essential services closer to the people of Makueni.

MAKINDU CHRONIC CARE CENTER COMMISSIONED TO ENHANCE INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Wednesday led the official commissioning of the Makindu Chronic Care Center, a facility designed to offer integrated treatment for chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

The center, constructed with the support of AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global, is set to serve over 2,000 patients. It promotes a model of care that integrates services under one roof, aiming to reduce stigma, especially among people living with HIV, while improving access to quality healthcare.

The facility is a key milestone in Makueni County’s broader health agenda and aligns with global healthcare trends that focus on comprehensive care supported by modern information and communication technologies.

As part of the county’s preventive health efforts, Mulili emphasized the focus on young people, identifying the “triple threat” of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence as critical areas of concern.

The new center is expected to play a crucial role in managing these interconnected health issues through early intervention and support.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global Chief of Operations Laura Boudreau praised the county for embracing integrated healthcare, noting the shift away from fragmented services to more coordinated care that ensures patients receive the treatment they need efficiently and without discrimination.

MAKUENI MOVES TOWARDS GREEN FUTURE WITH ENERGY POLICY VALIDATION

The County Energy Directorate in collaboration with Strathmore University and the World Resources Institute, on Wednesday hosted a validation meeting for the draft Makueni Energy Policy.

The session brought together members of the County Executive Committee to review and strengthen the policy framework.

Anchored in the Energy Act 2019 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the policy is set to guide the county in planning, regulating and rolling out sustainable energy initiatives.

Its goal is to ensure all residents have access to modern energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable and secure.

Present at the validation meeting were CECMs Eng. Peter Mumo (Transport and Energy), Japheth Mang’oka (Lands), Eng. John Kieti (Water), Dr. Sonia Nzilani (Trade), County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa and Chief Officer for Energy Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

HOPE FOR RESTORATION OF NOLTURESH WATER AS PARTNERS MEET TO CHART RESTORATION STRATEGIES

There is renewed hope for the restoration of Nolturesh water supply to consumers, particularly residents of Makueni in areas such as Emali and Kilome along the pipeline corridor.

This follows a multi-stakeholder consultative forum held in Nairobi on Wednesday, chaired by Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Cheruiyot. The meeting resolved to explore swift rehabilitation of the main pipeline to resume water distribution.

Key proposed interventions include:

• Metering all connections along the pipeline to curb wastage, particularly where consumers pay a flat rate of Sh5,000 but engage in flood irrigation.

• Cracking down on cartels operating illegal connections.

• Licensing Nolturesh Water Company as a bulk water service provider to integrate additional water resources into its distribution system.

• Deploying the Critical Infrastructure Police Unit to safeguard the main pipeline and prevent unauthorized access.

The meeting brought together representatives from Nolturesh, Tanathi Water Services Authority, water chief officers from Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni counties, with Makueni represented by David Makau.

Makau urged for the implementation of a rehabilitation assessment survey proposed by Konza Technopolis, a major water consumer. The survey recommends adopting smart technology to improve efficiency.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for June 19, where the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) will analyze the survey report and discuss its implementation strategy.