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Makueni-USAID sign Partnership Agreement

Makueni on Thursday became the first out of the eight Prosper Counties to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to operationalize a US-Kenya trade agreement.

Prosper Counties comprises eight counties selected to participate in a U.S- Kenya trade agreement seeking to partner with counties and the private sector to advance Kenya’s journey to self-reliance by contributing to job creation, improving economic growth, and expanding tax revenues in Kenya’s secondary cities and rural areas.

The eight are Makueni, Kakamega, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Isiolo, Kisii and Kiambu and were selected based on high economic potential, effective governance practices (Makueni), and commitment to create an enabling business environment.

According to Mark Meassick, USAID Mission Director in Kenya who signed on behalf of the agency, USAID will utilize its networks to support workforce development, policy formulation and select public investments in key sectors including agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, technology, finance and health in the county.

Under the Prosper Counties initiative, unveiled by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 30th October 2019 under the US Prosper Africa Presidential Initiative, the US government aims to leverage its expertise and relationships to support county level private sector solutions by investing in Business-to-Business relationships.

Governor Kibwana who signed the MoU on behalf of Makueni county government reiterated his commitment towards implementation of this partnership.

He said his administration will move with speed to ensure a legislation in the county assembly is passed for sustainability and ensure availability of funds where co-funding of projects is required.

  • January 23, 2020 in News

MAKUENI, USAID SIGN KSH.1BILLION JOINT WORK PLAN

Makueni county has inked a joint work plan worth KSh.1 Billion with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to stimulate the growth of the local economy for the 2022/23 financial year.

The partnership was signed by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and USAID Mission Director in Kenya David Gosney on Wednesday in Wote.

Some of the key activities identified for collaborative implementation are:

Provision of nutrition commodities to support treatment of moderate acute malnutrition for the under-fives and pregnant and lactating women , strengthening of Community Health Strategy using Community Health Volunteers (Heath and Nutrition); strengthening child protection committees and operationalization of Makueni Development and Rescue Centre, strengthening integrated GBV prevention and management ( Social Protection); and increase Public Participation on budgeting process as well as conduct civic education in the county ( public participation).

Others are promoting the development of cottage industries, supporting manufacturing-related innovations, promoting and registration of cooperative societies, strengthening institutional capacities in the cooperative movement (Trade and Cooperatives Development); launching tourism circuits in Makueni, documentation and digitization of indigenous knowledge (Tourism and cultural development); and  Crop, Livestock Pests and Disease Control and agricultural Extension Programme ( Agriculture).

MAKUENI UNVEILS COSTED 10-YEAR GREEN ENERGY PLAN

Makueni has unveiled a 10-year Ksh 74B green energy plan touted as the solution to the county’s sustainable, and affordable energy requirements set to transform its economic landscape.

The Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government, Strathmore Energy Centre and the World Resources Institute is a strategic blueprint designed to guide the development and implementation of energy systems and policies in the county, aiming to ensure sustainable, reliable and affordable energy for her residents and businesses.

The plan was launched on Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett, National Oil Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gideon Leparan Morintat among other local leaders.

Governor Mutula outlined his vision for a Makueni powered by clean, sustainable, and affordable energy aiming for complete electrification, extended business hours and improved clean-cooking solutions.

A notable step towards green energy in the county includes a Ksh. 30 million investment in a solar PV system at Makueni County Referral Hospital, expected to save Ksh. 7 million in energy costs annually.

Other notable leaders who graced the event are Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Strathmore University Energy Centre Director Dr. Churchill Saoke, World Resource Institute country representative George Mwaniki, county officials, local clean energy advocates and other energy sector stakeholders.

MAKUENI UNVEILS CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES AT MAKINDU TRADE FAIR

Makueni County has reaffirmed its commitment to climate-smart agriculture as a key pillar for food security and economic growth.

The pledge was made on Friday during the official opening of the Makueni Agriculture Ambitions and Trade Fair at Makindu Showground, presided over by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili.

Mulili outlined the county’s strategy under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration, which prioritizes the adoption of resilient technologies and practices such as drought-tolerant crops, water harvesting, conservation agriculture, and digital advisory services for farmers.

As part of its efforts, the county is partnering with the national government through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The project supports the application of technologies, innovations, and modern management practices across key agricultural value chains including dairy, poultry, beekeeping, mango, and tomato farming.

She highlighted how the program is enabling farmers to embrace modern, climate-resilient techniques, ranging from improved livestock breeds and disease management to post-harvest handling and market access through digital platforms.

To further consolidate these gains, the county has revamped its extension services to adopt a farmer-centered, proactive model.

Mulili also announced the rollout of a Financially Led Climate Action initiative, which equips farmers with practical knowledge and skills to implement climate-resilient practices tailored to their specific local conditions.

In a major boost to the region’s agri-processing capacity, the DG revealed that the Makindu grain processing plant is now operational and ready to handle pulses.

The facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses, promote value addition, and produce market-ready products for both domestic and export markets.

During the event, Lower Eastern ASK Chairperson Lawrence Matolo stated that discussions are underway to formally include the Makindu show in the Agricultural Society of Kenya’s annual calendar.

The event was also attended by County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, several Members of County Assembly, and senior county officials.

Makueni Unveils 200-bed Ultra Modern Mother and Child Hospital

Makueni has unveiled one of a kind Mother and Child Hospital at Wote.

Out of the 200 beds, 120 are for adults and 80 for neonates.

The facility, the first public hospital to offer aqua-birthing services in the country was commissioned on Thursday December 6th by national First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Governor Kivutha Kibwana. The ceremony was also attended by regional leaders among them senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and MPs Daniel Maanzo (Makueni), Patrick Musimba (Kibwezi West) and a host of county first ladies.

The facility is expected to be a regional specialist referral facility for maternal and child health services with a catchment population of close to 100,000.

The facility will provide amenities including:

  • Consultation Services – Gynaecological, Obstetric, Neonatal consultation services;
  • Antenatal wards – for mothers who are not in active labour;
  • Ultra-modern New Born Unit with neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – with baby cots, incubators and phototherapy unit;
  • Post-surgical wards – for patients who have undergone surgical operations;
  • Labour ward with private rooms and 6 delivery beds;
  • Twin operating theatre with capacity for laparoscopic surgeries;
  • Gynaecological wards – for non-pregnant women of reproductive age with clinical issues;
  • Neonatal Ward – for both sick and well neonates;
  • Aqua-birthing facility – a first in public hospitals in Kenya;
  • Laboratory services – for diagnostic support;
  • Pharmacy services;
  • PET room – for mothers with pregnancy related hypertension complications;
  • Conference facilities – for continuous staff medical education; and
  • Kangaroo Mother Care room – for preterm neonates.

According to governor Kibwana, The Makueni Mother and Child Hospital is in line with the county’s priority to ensuring the provision of the highest attainable standards of health as envisaged in our constitution.

He said it is also aligned with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s big four agenda.

“Besides the Mother and Child Hospital, the County Government of Makueni has invested heavily in the improvement of health services especially the maternal and child health,” he said.

“The county government has increased physical access to health care. For example, we have in the last five years doubled the number of the physical facilities from the initial 109 facilities in 2013 to the current number of 232 operational facilities in 2018. This has reduced the average distance to access a health care facility from 9km to 4.5 km currently,” he said further.

The facility has been constructed in phases for the last four financial years at a cost of Sh 135 Million which includes both construction and equipping.

Makueni Universal Health Care receives Funding to boost medical supplies

The Makueni Universal Health Care programme has received a Sh 100 million funding boost from the Ministry of Health to increase the supply of essential medicines and supplies.
 
The funding, which will be disbursed annually through Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, will complement the county’s essential medicine and supplies budgetary allocation to ensure that all the public health facilities are sufficiently stocked.
This was revealed on Monday during the signing of the Intergovernmental Participation Agreement on the implementation of universal health coverage in Kenya between the National Government through the Ministry of Health and the county government of Makueni.
 
The agreement was signed by Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki at Afya House in Nairobi.
 
According to the deal, the county will also receive two special portable medical clinics to provide medical services within the informal settlements and hard to reach areas within the county.
 
The Ministry of Health, as part of the agreement, will facilitate the placement of 107 interns through the Public Service Commission in collaboration with the Makueni County Public Service Board, to offer services at Level 2 and 3 facilities.

MAKUENI, TSAVO TRUST AGREE TO A JOINT MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN MTITO ANDEI.

Residents in Mtito Andei area are looking at better days free from attacks by wild animals after the County Government of Makueni signed a working partnership with Tsavo Trust, a wildlife conservator, to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

The partnership signed by Mutula Kilonzo Jr and @Tsavo Trust Chief Executive Officer Richard Moller on Friday entails joint implementation of projects that keep animals away from human settlements.

Some of the targeted projects include installation of electric fence in sections bordering wildlife corridors, provision of water for both wildlife and residents, establishment of health facilities and community education and participation in environmental conservation.

Governor Mutula said the efforts are geared towards permanently addressing the perennial cases of wild animals especially elephants straying into people’s homes and farmlands causing crop destruction and at times death and body injuries.

Mutula expressed optimism that the conflict if well managed, can metamorphose into a key economic pillar through tourism development.

Also in attendance was Makueni County Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mtito-Andei MCA Francis Mulwa.

MAKUENI TRIUMPHS ON DAY 2 OF KYISA ACTION IN KILIFI

Makueni teams at the Kenya Youth Inter-county Sports Association Games on Wednesday continued their winning streak with important wins in men football and women basketball. 

In Men Football, Makueni trounced Embu 1-0 to advance to quarter finals top of group C on 7 points. 

In Basketball, Makueni girls thrashed Busia 20-17 after a narrow defeat by Kilifi on Tuesday. The girls will be hopeful to make it to Semi-finals when they play Lamu on Thursday. 

Our Football girls drew 1-1 against Nyeri and are now two points in the round Robin pool. 

Makueni continues to imprint her mark in these games with a magnificient show of raw talent. 

#KYISAKILIFI2024 

#MakueniIkoTalent

#NurturingTalent

MAKUENI TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT KENYA MUSIC FESTIVALS – DAY 5 HIGHLIGHTS.

Makueni County’s Vocational Training Centres continued to make a strong impression at the ongoing Kenya Music Festivals in Meru County as Day 5 unfolded at Meru School.

Kyanduya VTC took the spotlight as Gregory Uhuru scooped position 1 out of 14 participants in the African Instrumentals category — a remarkable achievement that showcased musical mastery.

Mukatini VTC and Nduluku VTC also brought glory home, each securing position 1 in the Kamba Folk Song and Sacred Own Composition Song categories respectively.

Makueni Integrated Vocational Empowerment Centre (MIVEC) earned position 6 in the Choral Verse category, adding to the county’s growing list of national achievements.

Also representing Makueni County today were Ukia VTC and Nziu VTC, with strong performances that upheld the spirit and talent of the region.

Makueni Trains 900 Community Climate Change Action Champions

The department of Lands, Urban Planning and Climate Change has completed sensitization of over 900 community champions who will lead community-based actions to build resilience against climate change.

The champions, composed of 30 persons from each of the 30 wards, were trained on participatory climate risk assessment and identification of resilience building actions.

The identified ward climate action plans will be implemented through a World Bank funded programme dubbed Financing Locally-led Climate Actions (FLLoCA).

The community engagement also culminated in a County climate risk assessment report and action plan outlining the different risks and hazards, their adaptation strategies and ward climate action priorities.