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Mukuyuni set for big plans

Traders from Mukuyuni market in Kaiti constituency have started vacating from a section of the busy market, along Wote-Machakos road to pave way for the construction of a modern market.
The project, funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) is being implemented by the Wote municipality.
Once completed, the market will benefit more than 150 traders who have been operating in bad conditions.
The traders applauded the county government for initiating the project which will facelift the market and generally improve the hygiene of the market.

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.

MOVING FROM PLAN TO IMPLEMENTATION

Makueni County inks MOU with Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) to transform public institutions infrastructure with clean energy. The deal demonstrates the power of partnerships in powering economic and social transformation. The signing was witnessed by HE. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the African Green Industrialization Initiative Forum in Nairobi.

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.
 

MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL IN WOTE RECORDS MAJOR GAINS IN PRETERM BABY SURVIVAL

The Mother and Child Hospital in Wote is registering tremendous strides in improving outcomes for preterm babies, with significant gains recorded from July 2024 to date.

According to the Head of the Newborn Unit, Francisca Kisilu, the introduction and consistent use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines has been a major contributor to these positive outcomes.

The machines support breathing in preterm infants, many of whom are born with underdeveloped lungs.

Preterm babies often lack sufficient surfactant, a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory complications. CPAP machines help keep the air sacs (alveoli) open during breathing and also support the production of surfactant, thereby stabilizing the infants’ respiratory function.

In addition, the Ministry of Health 2023 rollout of Caffeine Citrate, an essential drug used in management of apnea of maturity, has further strengthened neonatal care.

The Nurse in Charge of the Mother and Child Hospital, Christine Muteria, notes that the drug was initially not readily available. However, its consistent supply has since improved care outcomes.

In addition the county got donations of 22000 vials from Clinton Health Access Initiative

Francisca also commends the impact of the drug in reducing mortality rates, explaining that it is administered to babies born before 34 weeks of gestation.

She also highlights the role of infusion and syringe pumps, which have made it easier for neonatal nurses to administer intravenous fluids accurately and efficiently.

Efforts to improve maternal nutrition have equally played a key role. The county has prioritized nutritional screening for expectant mothers during antenatal care (ANC), with those meeting specific criteria receiving fortified blended flour for porridge, alongside other supplements.

According to Anncietta Nduku,a nutrition officer at the County Referral Hospital, these interventions have significantly contributed to better preterm outcomes, while also supporting further management in cases of preterm delivery.

To strengthen capacity, the county government procured five CPAP machines, six infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps. Additional support from Eni Kenya saw the facility receive two more CPAP machines, four infusion pumps, and two syringe pumps.

ENI Kenya also donated incubators, infrared light for Jaundiced babies and Neonatal ICU equipment

Francisca, a neonatal care champion, has also been instrumental in training nurses and clinicians on the effective use of CPAP machines.

She noted that cases of respiratory distress were previously high, but current data from the Makueni County referral Hospital -New born Unit shows that in 2024, survival rate was 81% and increased in 2025 by 10% , therefore recording a 90%.

In the first quarter of the calendar year,the facility is recording a survival rate of 98 %a significant decline in neonatal mortality rates at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Stephen Mwatha, affirmed that Caffeine Citrate has remained consistently available in all delivery facilities across the county since its adoption as an essential component of preterm care by the Ministry of Health.