During a development tour of Kathonzweni Ward, Friday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Speaker Douglas Mbilu, and the Project Committee inspected the construction progress of the project. Governor Mutula has proposed the introduction of cattle auctions as a strategy to attract more partners in the livestock value chain
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inspects the renovated Kwa Kavisi dispensary during the development tour of Kathonzweni Ward.The facility serves more than 3,000 people.
During a working tour of Kathonzweni Ward on Friday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. commissioned several projects to improve access to clean water for domestic use and irrigation. These projects include a solar power system at the Kwa Mbila earth dam, Itumbule and Milute boreholes.
The governor also unveiled a backhoe that will facilitate surface run-off water harvesting through construction of water pans. Residents will benefit from this initiative at a cost of only Shs 2,500 per hour, which covers fuel expenses.
In the Financial Year 2024/25, the Department of Water and Sanitation plans to connect atleast 1,000 households per ward to clean and safe water by implementing the last mile water infrastructure programme.
This initiative will increase the proportion of rural households accessing piped water from 30% to 50% and urban households from 7,939 HHs in 2022 to 10,920 HHs in 2025.
Makueni County is set to benefit from an enhanced partnership with the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) focused on improving banking solutions and uplifting the lives of residents.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday hosted a delegation of KCB top managers led by David Nyamu, General Manager Corporate Banking, for consultations on the partnership.
One of the major initiatives discussed was the Mifugo ni Mali program, which seeks to provide funding and financial training to local farmers. Additionally, KCB plans to introduce a program dubbed 2Jiajiri, designed to promote self-employment and enterprise development among the youth.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday met a high powered delegation from the British High Commission Office to discuss potential collaborations and funding opportunities for renewable energy projects in Makueni County.
The discussions highlighted several areas of cooperation, including:
Establishing an enabling environment for renewable energy projects;
Capacity-building initiatives for local administrators in renewable energy management
Resource mobilization for innovative renewable energy technologies and
Transitioning grid-powered projects to solar-powered systems.
Robina Abuya from the British High Commission who led the delegation to Makueni detailed prospective grant programs aimed at supporting these initiatives. She emphasized the importance of accessing international development funds for clean energy, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and stimulate economic growth.
A private investor is set to put up an ultra modern organic Millet and Sorghum processing plant in Kibwezi targeting 1,000 farmers.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Organic Millet Team leader Virendra Karsanji Rawal on Tuesday inked a partnership deal for establishment of the plant.
The project is set to promote cultivation, processing and marketing of millet and sorghum to enhance food security, promote sustainable development and economic well being of farmers
Makueni residents working and residing in Mombasa on Friday evening got a chance to give their valuable insights on the County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2024-25 during the Mombasa diaspora public participation.
The participation, graced by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Deputy Lucy Mulili, is crucial as it ensures that the budgeting process is transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the needs and priorities of the residents.The draft County Fiscal Strategy Paper can be accessed from our website vide: www.makueni.go.ke
The county Government of Makueni, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust(MESPT) have invested Shs.11 Million to fully sponsor 480 trainees, including youth and women farmers, for agricultural skills training at the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre in Kwakathoka.
This was disclosed by the Agriculture and Irrigation Executive Joyce Mutua on Friday evening during the closing assembly ceremony that marked their transition to industrial attachment opportunities.
According to Mutua, the funds covered tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and exam fees for the 3-month coursework.
“The course cost approximately Shs.11 Million with a 25% contribution from the county government while ADSE contributed 60%. MESPT contributed15%,” said Mutua.
This first cohort of trainees comprises 60 youth and 420 women farmers who underwent comprehensive training on horticulture courses as well as dairy and poultry farming over a duration of three months before proceeding for an additional farm-based practical program lasting another three months in various established agribusiness ventures within and outside Makueni County.
Further, Mutua observed that the women farmers also received extensive training through farmer field schools and will continue until May when both groups will graduate after completing their respective training.
Agriculture and Irrigation Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo who also graced the ceremony added that upon completion, some of the trainees will receive start-up capital for their agri-business investments.
However, Mutua stressed that subsequent cohorts will share training costs with both partners to ensure program sustainability going forward.
Farmers are now celebrating their bumper harvests, thanks to the County Government of Makueni and its Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development.
The department provided high-quality seeds for maize, beans, cowpeas and green grams to 27,000 households in need.
Furthermore, the county established seven fertilizer depots which have significantly reduced the distance farmers used to travel to access fertilizers.
These stores include Kikima and Tawa in Mbooni Sub-County; Mukuyuni in Kaiti Sub-County; Kithumani and Kitise in Makueni Sub-County; Kasikeu in Kilome Sub-County; as well as Kilungu situated within Kaiti Sub-County.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo has said that his government will enforce strict utilization of public funds and stringent budgetary planning to realise tangible development. Mutula spoke Wednesday evening at a public participation forum on County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2024-25 for Makueni County diaspora in Nairobi.
With the year’s theme dubbed “Sustaining economic gains for inclusive development”, the participation underscored deliberations towards achieving development agenda in all sectors that comprise of Water, Health services and Agriculture amongst others.
While addressing the diaspora community, Governor Mutula reiterated the importance of own source revenue to be a distinct boost towards project development implementation.
Governor Mutula highlighted of the initiatives in place for the new financial year. He then commended the diaspora community commitment to the county’s progress and assured them their inputs would be considered on fiscal strategy.
