Over 1,500 students from grades 6 to 8 in Kibwezi, Makueni, Kaiti, and Mbooni sub-counties will benefit from the Mainstreaming Gender in Adolescent Health and Nutrition Project by Nutrition International. Launched by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili at Watuka Primary School, the project aims to improve adolescent health and nutrition.
Mulili emphasized the project’s focus on providing accurate information on sexual and reproductive health to adolescents. The project covers nutrition, drug abuse, and gender-based violence, aiming for positive behavioral change.
Isaack Wachira, Makueni’s county coordinator for Nutrition International, highlighted the project’s efforts to support pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers with nutrition education and supplementation.
The event was also attended by Assistant County Commissioner for Kako Division Jackline Leah, nominated members of the county assembly Hon. Elizabeth Mutindi Kiio, Hon. Sarah Mbilo, Hon. Josephine Muasa, Majority Whip Hon. Joyce Kamene, Director of Gender Jane Makau, and Director of Youth Affairs Boniface Muting’a.
At least 120 youth from across the county have graduated from a 3-week free advanced ICT training program under “Tusomeei Computer Nduani” initiative fully funded by the County Government of Makueni.
The training was geared at equipping the young people with computational thinking and problem solving skills in order for them to succeed in the ever changing digital world.
They were competitively selected, 4 from each of the 30 wards and intensively trained on Web Design, Computer Hardware and Software, Graphics Design and computer Networks, with each trainee choosing an area of interest.
Konza Technopolis Development Authority CEO Eng John Tanui who addressed the graduands at Wote Technical Training Institute grounds on Friday said that the training was so timely with the Konza city taking shaping that it will provide a myriad of opportunities for the skilled young people.
“Konza Technopolis will be a sustainable, world-class technology hub and a major economic driver for Kenya, with a vibrant mix of businesses, workers, residents, and urban amenities. The skills you have acquired through this program are tools that prepare you to be among the key experts working at Konza as part of the journey to transform Kenya and Africa using ICT,” Tanui said.
Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau who presided over the ceremony urged the graduands to take advantage of the skills they had acquired and exploit them to become resourceful and create job opportunities for other people in the society.
“What we require from you our graduands is focus and exploitation of the opportunities in ICT that will enable you earn income and create jobs. Not just using it in social media-WhatsApp, twitter and Facebook,” stated Mwau.
The over 120 youth who graduated from free advanced ICT training initiative.
Testimonies by some of the graduands tell of a people who have been empowered with technical skills and ready to face the world despite the increasing cases of unemployment among the young people.
Through the department of Education, Youth, Sports and ICT, the county government has trained other 4000 young people on basic ICT knowledge and has also established 15 Community Information Centres across the county where the citizenry are trained on basic ICT programs as well as access government services online.
The County Government of Makueni has installed a water treatment plant at the Kathonzweni Milk Processing Plant, marking a significant step towards its operationalization.
The new treatment facility will supply clean water necessary for processing value-added products such as pasteurized milk, mala, and yoghurt.
Once operational, the plant will help curb milk spoilage for local farmers and increase their income.
On Monday, Agriculture Executive Joyce Mutua and Livestock Chief Officer, Japheth Kiminza visited the plant for pre-testing of the water treatment system to ensure it meets the required quality standards.
In an effort to enhance communication and trading activities in Makueni and Kibwezi West sub counties,Deputy Governor H.E Lucy Mulili on Friday launched construction of the the 31.5 kilometers Kwa Mutula road,a critical road linking Mbitini,Emali all through to Kasikeu wards.
In her speech to the residents at Kwa Mutula Market,Mulili stated that upon completion in three months time,the road is expected to open up Makueni-Kibwezi West’s food basket to the rest of the county.
To urbanize the region even further, the Deputy Governor reiterated Governor Mutula administration ‘s commitment to elevate Emali-Sultan Municipality status.
She reported that roads are an enabler of development and a driver of the economy by providing linkages between farmers and markets.
Deputy Governor was flanked by Speaker Douglas Mbilu, ECMs Sebastian Kyoni(Roads and transport),Daniel Musila(Health), chief officers Stephen Ndolo(health),Eng.James Muli(roads) Mcas, Cosmus Mutunga (Emali-Mulala) Benard Mutua(Mbitini) among other leaders.
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked yet another milestone, as it held it’s second graduation ceremony, proudly awarding certificates to over 200 graduates across various fields to the country’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.
The cohort completed programmes spanning Business and Economics, Education, Entrepreneurship, Economics and Statistics, Technology Education, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Forensics, fields central to Kenya’s emerging knowledge economy.
During the ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba underscored the government’s continued focus on strengthening OUK as a centre of excellence in digital learning, and inclusive education for learners across the country.
Chancellor Dr. James Mwangi highlighted the university’s online learning model as a transformative avenue for Kenyans seeking to advance their skills while balancing work, family, or distance barriers.
Guest speaker Lucy Mulili celebrated the graduating class as a new force in technology-driven growth, research, and innovation.
Her call for increased enrollment from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties was reinforced by Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who encouraged more learners from the region to seize the opportunities provided by OUK’s digital platform.
The Office of the Governor plays a significant role in ensuring efficient and effective service delivery towards realization of county strategic goals. This charter is a critical instrument to improve our client’s and stakeholders’ awareness on the services offered and our commitment to open governance. The purpose of this Charter is to affirm our commitment to ensure that the government of Makueni County provides reliable, high standard and satisfactory services to our clients and stakeholders. It specifies standards for service delivery, rights and responsibilities of both parties and how clients can access the department services. In addition, this Charter is expected to empower Makueni citizenry to be able to be able to make demands on our officers at the various levels of service delivery.
Nziu Vocational Training Centre on Saturday hosted a major fundraising drive to purchase driving school vehicles, drawing strong support from Makueni County leaders and the local community. The event highlighted the centre’s rapid growth and its position as the institution with the highest number of trainees among the county’s 61 vocational centres.
CECM for ICT, Education & Internship Japheth Mang’oka urged parents to enroll more students, saying technical and vocational training offers a pathway to economic empowerment.
The centre is among 15 institutions selected under the KCB Foundation Sponsorship Programme, Cohort 1, a recognition that has boosted its reputation as a hub for hands-on skills training. The vehicles will ease access for learners, aligning with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s manifesto pledge to strengthen vocational training by investing in modern equipment
The event was attended by Chief Officer Irene Makau, County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa alongside area MCA Felix Mateso among others.
Makueni County’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage were on full display today during the inaugural 13-kilometer nature trail hike at Nzaui Hill.
The event organized by the tourism directorate and led by Dr. Sonia Nzilani, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture, and Tourism attracted a diverse group of participants including tour operators, local farmers, hoteliers, and professional hikers.
Participants enjoyed breathtaking views from 1,833 meters above sea level Nzaui Peak and visited the legendary Mulata Ìvia rock, which features human footprints believed to mark the first landing place of the Kamba people.
The six-hour hike included thrilling fun games, health talks, entertainment, and comedy, culminating in a tree-planting ceremony in the forest.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Nzilani emphasized the importance of preserving Makueni’s natural attractions and announced plans to organize similar activities in other regions.
The event was also attended by Eng. Peter Mumo, CECM for Gender, Youth, and Sports, Dr. Faith Mwende of the _No Summit too high_ along with other stakeholders such as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and media representatives.
