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Mwau in meeting with women leaders to strategize on stemming children rights abuses

Makueni women leaders on Friday  held a consultative meeting to brainstorm on strengthening coordination, response and prevention of children rights violation.

The forum convened by the Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau brought together women County Executive Committee Members,MCAs,Chief Officers,Sub County Administrators and officials from the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization.

Mwau asked members of the County Assembly to pass child protection policies that will soon be proposed by the executive and forwarded to the assembly for consideration.

“I want to urge the members of the county assembly in Makueni to pass Bills on child protection policies that the executive brings forward,”She said.

The DG who was speaking at the Hunters lodge in Makindu also said that a gender recovery center is also being set up at the Makueni level 4 hospital.

The deputy governor also urged the women leaders to sensitize the local residents to bring out social needs during county public participation for budgeting.

“Water and roads are very important to our lives, but most of the parents cannot afford sanitary towels for their children.So some are enticed into immorality to survive We can budget as a county and save our girls,’’ She said.

Mwau promised to consolidate both the county assembly and the executive so that they create awareness in the society.

“During our public participation  barazas this will be top in the list as we talk development,’’ She said.

The DG also proposed that the ministry of education trains the county ECDE teachers and the training programme be included in their performance appraisals.

She said that ECDE teachers mingle a lot with the baby class pupils whose rights gets violated in most cases.and they go silent on it.

Equality Now campaigns officer Florence Machio who was the facilitator urged the leaders to bring teachers and parents on board,saying that in most cases they are the first people to discover rights abuses against children.

“If teachers and parents are left out in this discussion, we will not have solved the delinquent matter. They need to know steps they need to take in case children are sexually abused’’ She said.

Machio said that corruption sometimes hinders the process, accusing some doctors of receiving bribes from the perpetrators to kill the evidence.

“She pleaded with the county government to create avenues in schools where proper structures can be put in place so that the children can highlight their plight freely.

Janet Kitung’a,a nominated MCA said she has been pushing to have members of the county assembly represented in the Court users committee for public participation in judicial processes.

According to the children’s officer in the county Ms Evelyn Kaluki, Makueni law court in Wote reported 22 cases of defilement, four incest cases and five rape cases to girls over eighteen years old but still in school in 2017.

In 2018 from January to June already 13 defilement cases  have been reported.

MWANGANGI IMPRESSES WORLD BANK DELEGATION WITH ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES.

Makindu: May 13, 2024

Wonder Farm, nestled in Makindu ward, stands out as an inspiration of agricultural innovation and sustainability. At its wheel is Phoebe Mwangangi, a dedicated mixed crop-livestock farmer whose commitment to embracing climate-smart agriculture sets her apart.

Mwangangi stands out as an early adopter of innovative farming methods, thanks to her participation in the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) training program. This initiative has empowered her with the knowledge and tools to thrive amidst the challenges of climate change.

On Monday, she played host to a prominent delegation comprising members from AICCRA and the County Government of Makueni, alongside hundreds of fellow farmers from the region. Their visit to the model farm served as a testament to her remarkable achievements and served to inspire others to follow suit.

Key to Mwangangi’s success is her adoption of conservation agriculture techniques, including minimum tillage, intercropping of legumes and cereals, efficient weed management, and mulching. These practices not only enhance soil fertility but also promote water conservation and resilience to drought.

MUTWEAMBOO, KASIKEU WARD, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI IS SPEARHEADING AN EFFORT TO CONSTRUCT AN KSH. 11-MILLION DRIFT

In Mutweamboo, Kasikeu ward, the County Government of Makueni is spearheading an effort to construct an Ksh. 11-million drift, involving individuals of all demographics.

This project is intended to connect remote villages like Mutweamboo, Kwandiki, Lumu, and Enguli to Kasikeu town and the Mombasa Highway, facilitating access to vital services such as markets, administrative offices, and healthcare facilities.

Expected to open the local economy upon completion, the CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni further disclosed a budget of Ksh 28 million designated for road repair and maintenance in the ward this fiscal year.

The project will encompass contracted works, County Government equipment deployment, and labor-based initiatives, empowering the community and fostering sustainable development.

MUTULA WARNS AGAINST VANDALISM AND SABOTAGE OF COUNTY PROJECTS

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has issued a stern warning against vandalism and sabotage of county development projects, saying his administration will take firm action against individuals undermining public infrastructure.

The governor cited the Sh79 million Kiboko–Twaaandu water project as a key example, noting that sections of the project have suffered vandalism. He revealed that water pipes at the Kiboko River crossing have been deliberately cut , disrupting progress and inflating repair costs.

Governor Mutula condemned the acts, describing them as criminal and detrimental to service delivery, and called for expedited investigations and prosecution of those responsible. He emphasized that the county government will not tolerate vandalism, warning that such actions deprive residents of essential services and waste public resources.

“The destruction of public infrastructure is an attack on the people of Makueni,” Mutula said. “We will not allow a few individuals to sabotage projects meant to improve livelihoods and access to basic services.”

The Kiboko–Twaaandu water project is expected to supply clean water to the newly launched Ngaaka Health Facility and extend services to Kalii, Kavete, and Nthia areas. Once completed, the project is projected to significantly improve water access for households and public institutions in the region.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

He was speaking during the commissioning of the Ngakaa health facility in Kibwezi West Sub County.

MUTULA UNVEILS BOLD LAND AND DEVELOPMENT REFORMS IN JAMHURI DAY ADDRESS AT KIKIMA

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr used the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Kikima Secondary School grounds to outline sweeping land and development reforms aimed at securing the county’s future prosperity.

The governor announced that his administration has already issued 700 title deeds to safeguard public utilities—among them ECDE centres, health facilities, churches, and boreholes—while 557 more are awaiting issuance.

In partnership with the national government, he said 2,700 freehold titles had been delivered in the Kinyoo, Syumile, Wathini and Kyamuoso adjudication areas, with plans underway to release a further 6,000 titles, including those for Kaunguni Settlement Scheme.

He added that the excision of Ngai Ndethia Game Reserve was being fast-tracked to facilitate human settlement.

Mutula also highlighted progress in tenure regularization, noting that 961 title deeds had been issued in Soko Mjinga, Misongeni and Mjini, while 104 plots in Nunguni had been surveyed and allotted. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim 25 acres of DWA land for a modern bus park and 381 acres for settlement of squatters, alongside opening a new public access road from Kibwezi Town to Kyumani.

On household land ownership, the governor celebrated the expansion of a pilot succession programme now covering 15 additional wards, expected to benefit 2,300 households and more than 10,000 people. He emphasised that the initiative brings justice closer to families, strengthens inheritance literacy and empowers women and vulnerable groups.

Turning to economic investments, the governor reported progress on the Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Kilala, Mutulani and Makindu, with stalled projects in Kikima and Kasikeu being revived. Construction of the Ksh 347 million Wote Modern Market is set to begin after relocation of traders, ultimately benefiting over 6,000 small businesses.

On infrastructure, the governor revealed that projects worth Ksh 146 million will be rolled out across all 30 wards under the Road Maintenance Fuel Levy.

MUTULA LAUDS CATHOLIC CHURCH OVER STRIDES IN EDUCATION SECTOR

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has expressed concern over rampant vandalism of County projects in Kilome for scrap metal and said he had asked the County Commissioner to convene a leaders emergency meeting to discuss how to curb the menace.

Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of St. Clare Konza Girls Catholic Church, in Kiima Kiu-Kalanzoni Ward, the Governor said the activity was affecting service delivery.

He lauded the Catholic Church for its massive investment in the education sector in the country.

The girls’ school started operations in 2024. Catholic Bishop Diocese of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua asked the youth to embrace tenets of hard work early in life in order to be to succeeed.

He expressed concern that many young people in Kenya were addicted to drugs and asked teachers to lay a strong foundation for the youth by highlighting the danger posed by drugs.

He, at the same time, lauded partners from Germany for helping with the construction of the school. The school boasts of modern laboratories for physics, biology and chemistry among others.

The Governor was accompanied by Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia and MCAs led by Deputy Speaker, Francis Mulwa, area MCA, Justus Mwanzia, Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Joseph Mbondyo, Kilungu, Joseph Muema, Mukaa, Kyalo Mumo, Tulimani and Magdaline Mulwa.

MUTULA KILONZO JR. BOLSTERS HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN KAITI.

Makueni Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., on Thursday, commissioned two utility ambulances and an advanced x-ray machine at Mutungu Sub-county Hospital during a development tour of Kilungu Ward .

These ambulances will improve the mobility of patients, supporting the governor’s ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare for the people of Makueni.

In addition, the governor, alongside his deputy Lucy Mulili, said the ambulances will therefore reduce the referral turnover time hence improving on service delivery while the x-ray would contribute to better diagnostic accuracy and streamlining medical workflows.

MUTULA, KALONZO URGE HONEST ELECTIONS AND RENEWED PAN-AFRICAN UNITY

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has called for greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections across Africa.

Speaking during the 2nd Pan African celebrations at the Pan-African Institute, Lukenya University in Makueni County, Governor Mutula said lessons from recent elections in Tanzania highlight the need for honesty and integrity in electoral processes.

He commended the Pan-African Institute for promoting the spirit of Pan-Africanism in Makueni, saying the initiative is helping to nurture a generation of Africans committed to unity and good governance.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying the growing agitation among young Kenyans should not be viewed as a threat but as a call for genuine change and responsive leadership.

The event also featured the conferment of an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) to former Botswana President Lt. General Seretse Ian Khama in recognition of his contribution to leadership and African unity.

MUTULA, KALONZO RAISE ALARM OVER RAISING POLITICAL GOONISM.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Saturday night led a hard-hitting call for stronger legal support for vulnerable Kenyans, urging lawyers to ramp up pro bono services and defend public-interest cases “with renewed courage.”

Speaking at the Lower Eastern Advocates Forum dinner, Mutula praised the legal fraternity for “safeguarding devolution,” but warned that recent election-related violence set a dangerous precedence as the country heads to electioneering period.

The governor decried the acute shortage of courts and lawyers across the country:, noting the need for a court and a lawyer in every corner the country .

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to ensure all advocates hold valid practising certificates to keep standards high.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed Mutula’s concerns, urging the Kamba community to stay united as it seeks a stronger national voice. He hailed the community’s contribution to Kenya’s justice system but condemned what he called a rising “culture of goonism,” accusing the government of reluctance in acting against political violence. “This path sets the country up for tension and intolerance as elections approach,” he warned.

Kalonzo challenged lawyers to stand firm for the rule of law and take up more pro bono work for vulnerable citizens.

The forum brought together lawyers, judges, and regional leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

Kibwana lauded the growing strength of Lower Eastern legal professionals and urged intensified civic education to boost youth voter registration ahead of 2027.

The forum aims to promote justice, mentorship and cohesion in the region.

MUTULA JNR, CHELUGUI COMMIT TO REVAMP COFFEE SECTOR IN MAKUENI

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday at an event organised by The County Department of Agriculture hosted Co-operatives & Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui who was in Makueni to sensitize farmers on coffee reforms geared towards revamping the sector.

CS Chelugui announced an increment of coffee cherry fund from Shs.2 Billion to Sh. 6 Billion. As a result, he announced a minimum price of a kilo of cherry at Sh 80, a move he said is meant to encourage farmers to invest more in coffee production.

The minister decried a major decline of coffee production nationwide, from 141,000 to 25,000 Metric Tons in the last 3 years, explaining the need for the coffee sector reforms.

Other reforms include reviving the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) and Coffee Board of Kenya. CRF will undertake specialized research in all problems affecting coffee production while the Coffee Board of Kenyawill undertake promotion, market research and product development initiatives for Kenya coffee in the domestic and international markets.

On his part, Governor Mutula Jnr pledged his unwavering support to coffee farmers and committed to partner with the National Government to make the sector a lucrative venture for farmers.

Further, Governor Mutula Jnr beseeched President William Ruto to waive the farmers’ outstanding loans owed by various millers which he revealed run into millions of shillings, terming the loans as a major setback in coffee profitability to local farmers.