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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.

More Women Groups Get Support from Makueni Empowerment Fund

Makindu | 13th November 2026

Upendo Muslim Women Group from Makindu Ward has received KSh65,000 through the Makueni County Empowerment Fund (MCEF), marking progress from its initial KSh50,000 funding under the programme’s pilot phase that benefited 41 community groups.

The group, which has been in operation for 24 years, engages in merry-go-round savings, table banking, catering and other income-generating activities aimed at improving members’ livelihoods.

Speaking during the cheque handover, CECM for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services Eng. Sebastian Kyoni commended the group for its longstanding unity, commitment and active participation in economic activities.

Kyoni urged members to utilise the funds responsibly to strengthen their ventures, expand their income-generating activities and improve their economic wellbeing.

He reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., to empowering grassroots groups through MCEF, an interest-free funding programme designed to promote financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.

Kyoni was accompanied by CECM for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, and Ag CECM for Agriculture and Fisheries Japheth Mang’oka and other county officials.

MKJ SUPA CUP TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF

Makueni’s premier sports tournament, MKJ Supa Cup, has kicked off at the sub-county level, bringing together all-star ward teams drawn from the recently concluded Ligi Mashinani tournament to battle for a place in the county finals.

The kick-off matches were held in Kilome and Makueni sub-counties, while Mbooni, Kibwezi East, Kibwezi West and Kaiti sub-counties will compete on 21st March 2026.

The tournament, which features football, volleyball, basketball and handball for both men and women teams, provides youth aged under 23 with an opportunity to showcase their talents and leverage possible recruitment opportunities into elite teams both nationally and internationally.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. flagged off the Makueni Sub-county finals at Kathonzweni AIC Grounds on Saturday. Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and Sports CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni graced the Kilome Sub-county finals at Enzai in Mukaa.

Governor Mutula said his administration has incorporated scouts from various national sports federations into the tournament to help identify outstanding talents who can join national clubs and commercialize their sporting abilities.

After the county finals, an all-star team will be selected to represent Makueni at the Kenya Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games scheduled to take place in Laikipia County next month.

MKJ SUPA CUP SUB-COUNTY FINALS SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES

The Sub-county finals of the MKJ Supa Cup, Makueni’s premier sporting tournament, have successfully come to a close.

During a closing ceremony of the Mbooni Sub-county finals at Kalawa on Sunday, County Executive Committee Member for Sports Eng. Sebastian Kyoni termed the tourney as highly successful, commending the players, coaches and referees for upholding high levels of discipline and integrity during the campaign.

Kyoni urged teams to intensify preparations ahead of the county finals scheduled for April 1st and 2nd in Wote, emphasizing the importance of integrity in player selection and fair competition.

The MKJ Supa Cup, which features youth aged 23 and below, continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing talent and offering young players an opportunity to be identified and recruited into higher-level clubs.

MKJ SUPA CUP SUB- COUNTY FINALS

Makindu Ward men’s football team (in red kits) in action against Kikumbulyu South at Makindu Railway Grounds on Saturday during the Kibwezi West Sub-county MKJ Supa Cup Finals.

The tournament, which brings together all-star ward teams from the Ligi Mashinani games, provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents. Scouts are on the ground to identify outstanding players for possible trials and transition into Kenya’s elite clubs

MKJ SUPA CUP COUNTY FINALS KICK OFF

The MKJ Supa Cup County Finals have kicked off today, showcasing outstanding talent across five disciplines.

The tournament marks the climax of the Ligi Mashinani ward league, where youth aged 18–23 showcase their abilities and earn opportunities for scouting, recruitment, and commercialization of their talent.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili flagged off the event at Makueni Boys High School, reaffirming Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s administration’s commitment to strengthening and growing sports as a pillar of youth inclusion.

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.