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Mukuyuni market to undergo key modernization

The Mukuyuni market traders in Kaiti Sub-County have something to smile about as the process of modernizing the market place gathers steam.

The project which is implemented by Wote Municipality is funded by World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) and will be ready for use in the next 5 months, Wote Municipal Manager, Urbanus Mbindyo has said.

This was revealed on Tuesday when representatives from the Ministry of Devolution, World Bank, and the Council of Governors met with H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr together with his deputy Lucy Mulili. The meeting sought to brief the governor on the status of KUSP projects and the ongoing preparations for designing a new program to succeed KUSP.

The Mukuyuni modern market will accommodate over 150 traders. Its design has a provision for two floors which will have a cold room, a hybrid solar system, stalls, shops, and a drive-through for road users as well as a solid waste management system. It will also have solar lighting and 30,000-liter rainwater harvesting tank.

Other projects implemented through KUSP in the county are Wote Public Green Park, the upgrading of Wote roads to Bitumen standards, the upgrading of Wote Marikiti market, and the erection of the 27 solar high mast lighting project.

MUKONONI ECDE CENTER IN KIKUMBULYU NORTH COMMISSIONED

Thursday – The Mukononi Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Center was officially commissioned today, marking a significant milestone in enhancing early learning infrastructure.

The commissioning ceremony was led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Eng. John Kieti, alongside Kikumbulyu North MCA Jackson Mbalu and Director of Education Damaris Makau.

The new facility is expected to provide a conducive learning environment for young children, reinforcing the county government’s commitment to improving education standards.

MUANGINI DRIFT UPGRADE TO BOOST CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE AREA

The County Government of Makueni has intensified efforts to improve rural connectivity with the ongoing upgrade of the Muangini–Mbyani–Ngalani Road (Muangini Drift).

On Monday, County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy, Eng. Peter Mumo, inspected the spot improvement works aimed at ensuring all-weather access along the flood-prone section.

The project involves upgrading the Muangini Drift to enhance safety and ease movement for residents, traders, farmers, school children and emergency services, particularly during the rainy season when the area becomes impassable.

Funded by the county government and implemented by Stanfford Construction Company Limited, the project is part of a broader road improvement programme targeting better market access and stronger links between production zones.

MTITO ANDEI FARMERS RECEIVE IMPROVED GALLA GOATS

Farmers in Mtito Andei Ward have received improved Galla goats to enhance livestock productivity and boost household incomes.

The 55 goats, funded through ward projects under the Agriculture Department, are aimed at improving breed quality, increasing resilience to harsh climatic conditions and economic boost.

The issuance exercise, led by Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza together with area MCA Francis Mulwa Mwania, demonstrated a shared commitment to farmer empowerment.

The program aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s agenda to economically empower households and strengthen livestock production across the county.

MTITO ANDEI FARMERS BENEFIT FROM COUNTY LIVESTOCK INITIATIVE

Agriculture is the backbone of Makueni’s economy, with the county government remaining committed to empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods.

As part of this commitment, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on Monday distributed 54 hardy goats to 14 community groups in Mtito Andei Ward.

The exercise, led by Chief Officer for Livestock Mr. Japheth Kiminza, aims to strengthen livestock farming and increase household income.

“These goats are resilient breeds that will help farmers adapt to climate change and improve their earnings,” Mr. Kiminza noted.

Area MCA Francis Mwania, who attended the event, praised the program as a step towards fulfilling Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s manifesto of supporting farmers for economic growth.

Alongside the goats, five wheelchairs were also issued to persons with disabilities, reflecting the county’s drive for inclusive development.

The initiative is a clear indication of the county’s continued commitment to promoting agriculture, social welfare and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.

MSME DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

The Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism through the directorate of Trade, Marketing and Industry is mandated to develop and implement Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development programs in the county.
In this regard, a 2-day training session to assist MSMEs unlock their business potential was organized. The training scheduled for 10th & 11th June 2024 at Acacia Hotel in Wote, Makueni County covered the following areas;
i) Getting started
ii) Business registration and licensing in the county
ii) Capital requirements
iii) Access to financing and financial management
iv) Development of networks and partners
v) Introduction to export trade
vi) Development of export market strategies
vii) Product development, product certification and branding for export
viii) Identifying export markets and linkages
For effective implementation, the department engaged various stakeholders including Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), Kenya Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Makueni Revenue Office.

Move to higher grounds, avert El Nino related disasters, Governor Mutula warns Makueni locals

Makueni County in collaboration with the Kenya Redcross Society conducted an Aqua Rescue Training targeted to Makueni County Fire Brigade and KRCS First responders to enhance their effectiveness in responding to water related emergencies and disasters in preparation to the anticipated El Nno rainfall likely to occur between October and December this year.
The training was conducted by trainers (with technical support from the professional consultant divers ) from the Kenya Redcross Disaster Operations Center
After completing the two days training the team was awarded certificates by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. together with the regional Manager, Eastern KRCS.
He asked those from risky areas like lowlands, and areas previously affected by landslides to migrate to safer grounds.
 

MKJ INDOOR GAMES FINALS KICK OFF IN WOTE

The MKJ Indoor Games finals commenced on Friday morning in Wote, featuring competition in pool table, chess, darts, and draughts.

The competition brought together 360 finalists from across the county, with pool table attracting 180 participants and the other three disciplines each featuring 60 finalists.

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Sports, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who officially opened the finals, described the event as a strategic step towards diversifying sports in Makueni. This initiative aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of promoting social inclusion and ensuring no one is left behind.

The event has attracted officials from national sports federations, who are working with the county government to establish a framework for integrating these disciplines into the annual sports calendar. This move will facilitate the organization of tournaments and the identification and development of raw talent for nurturing and potential monetization.

Minister Tips Teachers on Energy-saving Technology

Secondary Schools in Makueni County have been urged to use environmental friendly rocket stoves in order to save on the cost of fuel and ensure a clean environment. County Executive Committee Member for Roads,Transport and Energy Eng Sebastian Kyoni said that rocket stoves could help schools save millions spent on cooking fuel per annually.

He advised that schools could adopt the usage of rocket stoves known for efficient firewood consumption to protect the environment and cut fuel costs. He said the stoves were good in maximizing heat transfer to the food being cooked and created improved working conditions and production of healthy food.

“This is a new technology that our schools must all move to. It will help a great deal in reducing environmental degradation,”Mr Kyoni said. The ECM who was addressing teachers during this year’s Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association conference for Makueni head teachers in Mombasa also advised schools to use solar as a way of saving on energy.

He said Makueni being one of the counties known for longer sunny seasons could turn the solar menace into a real blessing by investing on solar energy. “Makueni receives sunshine throughout the year making it conducive for solar energy harvesting,” Eng Kyoni said.

MESPT DELEGATION APPLAUDS MAKUENI AGRICULTURE SCHOOL FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

April 23, 2024

MESPT Delegation Applauds Makueni Agriculture School for Innovative Technologies

A high-powered delegation from the Micro Enterprises Programme Trust (MESPT) visited Makueni to assess the Agriculture TVET at Kwa-Kathoka and engage with students on field attachment, as part of their oversight roles for co-funded projects.

These students, sponsored by the County Government of Makueni, ADSE, and MESPT, are part of the inaugural cohort undergoing agricultural courses at the school, expressing hope for a bright future and aspirations to establish their own enterprises.

The 60 trainees are gaining valuable insights from leading agriprenuer enterprises in the county, such as BEFA Feeds, Iviani Farm, RipeGrow Enterprises, Kwa Malika Farm, and Makueni Chicken Queen Enterprise.

The county government, collaborating with like-minded partners, aims to expand the Agricultural school at ATC Kwa-Kathoka to equip more youth with green skills to boost their employability and ensure food security in the region.