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Makueni pens deal with UN-Habitat for sustainable development partnership

Makueni County on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UN-Habitat to collaborate in different development projects in the county.

The MoU, signed by governor Kivutha Kibwana and UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Sharif seeks to:-

Improve county planning practices;
Enhance production and use of appropriate materials for decent housing;
Develop a Green Energy Strategy with an action plan;
Develop a plan for sustainable solid waste management;
Strengthen revenue enhancement capacity and Local Economic Development (LED) and
Empower youth development.

The deal, according to governor Kibwana, will help achieve better quality of life for the people of Makueni with hope that it will open opportunities for partnerships with other UN bodies.

“We are excited about this deal. When we began negotiations last year, we had a list of many things but slowly it has been easy. We hope this is an opening for more partnerships with other UN bodies,” Kibwana said.

Sharif acknowledged the county for its efforts towards achieving the big four agenda in the country citing her happiness to see the signing of deal come true.

She said: ” I acknowledge the contribution of Makueni towards realising of the big four agenda in the country. I’m happy to see this come true today.”

Present to witness the signing of the agreement were deputy governor Adelina Mwau and other top county government officials.

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Makueni Pens Deal with Heifer International to fight hunger

Makueni County has inked a three-year partnership deal with Heifer International, a United States non-profit Corporation with presence in Kenya, to fight hunger and poverty in the county.

The deal aims at creating a framework for joint agricultural value chains development with key focus on dairy, poultry and beef value chains.

According to Heifer International Country Director George Odhiambo, the partnership will seek to leverage on modern methods of livestock development geared towards increased farmer incomes.

Some of the specific areas of partnerships include Research; Farmer trainings and capacity building; Linkage with financial services; Facilitating access to appropriate Technologies; Facilitating access to markets and Collecting, analyzing and monitoring data for decision making.

The two entities will also utilize the local field extension systems to build the capacity of producer organizations and farmers to effectively integrate all factors of crop and animal production which includes breeding, water access, feeds, milk quality, animal health, farmer training and access to financing.

Governor Kivutha Kibwana who signed the MoU on behalf of the County government said it will assist in technology transfer through the county borrowing from Heifer’s Values Based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) model.

He said the deal will go a long way in creating jobs for youths, women while improving rural economies.

Agriculture ECM Lawrence Nzunga who witnessed the signing said the county is in the process of establishing a poultry abattoir at Kitise and the partnership will enable its successful roll out and sustainability.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH PATH TO BOOST OXYGEN PLANT MAINTENANCE SKILLS

The Makueni Department of Health Services has collaborated with PATH to enhance the skills of biomedical engineering technologists across the county hospitals in operating and maintaining Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology.

This five-day intensive training program emphasizes the critical importance of occupational health and safety in oxygen plant setups.

It also equips participants with essential skills in operating and maintaining oxygen plants, including troubleshooting and repair procedures.

This initiative is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure the reliability of life-saving oxygen supply systems.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL TO TACKLE FOOD SECURITY AND MALNUTRITION THROUGH NEW POLICY.

In a strategic effort to address nutritional challenges in Makueni, the Department of Health Services has partnered with Nutrition International to develop a Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

This policy aims to tackle these issues by outlining key strategies, commitments, and an implementation framework designed to enhance nutrition and food security.

On Thursday, the Makueni Health Assembly Committee reviewed the draft policy, offering critical input before it is presented to the County Assembly for adoption.

During the forum, Nutrition International’s Country Director, Martha Nyangaya, urged participants to reconsider the advertising of fast foods near schools, drawing a parallel to the restrictions placed on alcohol and cigarettes. She noted that such marketing contributes significantly to poor nutrition among children.

Health Services Chief Officer, Dr. Stephen Ndolo, emphasized the importance of a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to the policy’s implementation, noting that this synergy is key to fostering social development and improving public health outcomes.

County Executive Committee Member in charge of Devolution,County administration,public participation & special programs Japheth Mang’oka opened the forum.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF CHILD SERVICES TO FAST-TRACK COMPLETION OF CHILD PROTECTION CENTER

In response to the growing number of street families, Makueni County has accelerated efforts to provide shelter and support for homeless children through the completion of the Makueni Child Protection Center.

On Thursday, during an inspection of the facility at Mwanyani in Emali Mulala Ward, Kibwezi West Constituency, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services commended the national government’s Directorate of Children Services for its collaboration and commitment to ensuring the county has a safe space for vulnerable children.

When complete, the facility will transform the lives of children who have been forced to live on the streets in towns like Emali. It will also offer rehabilitation, beisides providing education for children with disabilities.

The inspection was attended by key stakeholders, including Peter Ogindo from the Special Disability Saving Plan (SDSP), Kennedy Owino from the National Council for Children Services (NCCS), Elizabeth Kihoi from the Street Families Trust Fund (SFTF), and Henry Bihoro from the Cerebral Palsy (CP) organization.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH KEY INSTITUTIONS TO BOOST HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance healthcare services in the county.

The agreements, signed with The Open University of Kenya,Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), and North Star Alliance, will strengthen medical research, capacity building, and disease prevention efforts.

Under the partnership with The Open University of Kenya, the Department of Health will facilitate student placements and research opportunities in health sciences within county health facilities.

The collaboration aims to bolster medical education, enhance research, and apply scientific knowledge to improve patient care.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CHAK will support the implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs in select faith-based and county health facilities.

This partnership will run until September 2026, emphasizing efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the region.

North Star Alliance will as well work alongside the County Health Department to reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases, including HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The partnership will focus on delivering health and safety services at the Roadside Wellness Centre in Emali and integrating key population-friendly services in selected health facilities

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH FAO TO ENHANCE DIGITAL LAND GOVERNANCE

Makueni’s Department of Lands has partnered with the European Union through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Digital Land Governance Programme to improve land tenure security and enhance land administration effectiveness.

This partnership aims to upgrade the county’s Land Information Management System (LIMS) by auditing its performance, identifying gaps and opportunities, and incorporating emerging Information, Communication, and Technological advancements in digital land governance.

According to Lands and Urban Planning Chief Officer Jackson Daudi, technical optimization of the system will enable users to register, transfer, subdivide, process searches, and place caveats on plots virtually. This will reduce operational costs and increase transparency in land revenue management.

In the Financial Year 2023/2024, Makueni hit the Sh 1 billion mark in Own Source Revenue collection, with land-based revenue through LIMS being a major contributor.

MAKUENI PARTNERS WITH AIC CURE HOSPITAL AND ARD TO BOOST PEDIATRIC CARE, WATER GOVERNANCE, AND CLIMATE ACTION.

On Monday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two key organizations: AIC Cure Children’s Hospital of Kenya and ARD, a prime contractor for USAID’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program.

AIC Cure Children’s Hospital of Kenya, a Christian non-profit organization, specializes in pediatric surgical care, focusing on children with physical and neurological disabilities.

This partnership aims to enhance the provision of ortho-pediatric surgeries and rehabilitation services for children with corrective physical disabilities at the Makueni County Referral Hospital and Makindu Sub-County Hospital.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to improve access to these essential healthcare services.

Additionally, the county has entered into a partnership with ARD (WASH-FIN2) to bolster governance in the water and sanitation sector, improve service delivery, and mobilize financing for the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.

Makueni County is currently implementing FLLoCA activities, which aim to establish a national model for decentralizing funds to counties and empowering local communities to have a greater influence in addressing climate-related challenges.

MAKUENI PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL TOURISM EXPO, AIMING FOR GLOBAL TOURISM MAP

In a dynamic display of tourism richness and potential, Makueni County took center stage in the just concluded East Africa Regional Expo held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, from 20th to 22nd November 2023.

The County Government, driven by the Tourism Directorate, played a pivotal role by setting up a vibrant booth. This showcased a diverse array of locally crafted products, enticing potential tourists with a glimpse of the region’s unique offerings. Visitors were treated to a preview, where the county’s hospitality facilities and alluring attraction sites were explained in detail.

With an ambitious goal to position Makueni County as a must-visit tourist destination, this strategic participation aimed to secure a spot on both the regional and global tourism maps. The County Government envisions not only promoting its cultural heritage but also fostering economic growth, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens.

MAKUENI PARTICIPATES AT KAM SUMMIT, SHOWCASING LOCAL INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Makueni has seized an opportunity to participate in the 7th Annual Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Summit, which kicked off on Tuesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The four-day event dubbed the Changamka Shopping Festival is organized by KAM in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.

Under the theme “Celebrating the Ingenuity of Kenya’s Manufacturing Sector,” the summit provides an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products, innovations and technologies, and network with industry players to gain exposure in the wider market.

In an effort to promote Makueni, the county government booth is displaying a variety of items, including value chain addition-farm produce (Kalamba Mango Juice), clothing, accessories, home décor and beauty products that showcase Makueni’s creativity and growing manufacturing industry.

Speaking on Tuesday at the county booth, the Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture and Tourism CECM Dr. Sonia Nzilani lauded the festival’s significance. “This festival is a crucial initiative aimed at raising public awareness, supporting local industries, and creating job opportunities. It aligns with the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya strategy, which encourages the consumption of locally-made products and supports sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Nzilani remarked.

With over 100 SMEs participating, Makueni County’s involvement underscores its commitment to nurturing invention, local talent and entrepreneurship, and driving the county’s economic development through the promotion of homegrown products.