News

THE TOURISM SECTOR IN MAKUENI COUNTY HAS EMERGED AS A PROMISING AVENUE FOR JOB CREATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.

The tourism sector in Makueni County has emerged as a promising avenue for job creation and economic growth.

As the world celebrates the Tourism Week, the cultural heritage, booming agribusiness, scenic landscapes and unique wildlife in Makueni offers vast opportunities for both local and international visitors.

To tap this great potential, the County Government has implemented a strategic plan aimed at growing this sector.

Significant milestones have already been achieved, including the development of key infrastructure, promotion of eco-tourism and enhancement of cultural tourism through community involvement.

#TourismAndPeace

WIN FOR MAKUENI COUNTY IN MTITO ANDEI RATES CASE.

The Court of Appeal has stayed orders which had been issued by a Mombasa Court stopping makueni county from collecting revenue at Mtito Andei town.

The order by the Court of Appeal authorises Makueni County to collect revenue in Mtito Andei and quashes the earlier court order authorising Taita Taveta to collect revenue in Mtito Andei. It also suspends notices issued by Okiya Omtata and Taita Taveta County directing business owners at Mtito Andei to pay rates and permits to Taita Taveta County.

In an appeal, Makueni County argued that the orders from the mombasa court violated the constitution by requiring County government to open commercial account for collecting revenue instead of the County Revenue Fund.

This reprieve which has been welcomed by residents of Mtito Andei comes after National Land Commission had written to the Mombasa Court informing it that Mtito Andei is squarely within Makueni County.

RELIEF FOR NGUUMO RESIDENTS AS COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WHH COMMISSION KWA KAWAWA WATER PROJECT.

It is a sweet relief to over 5,000 residents of Nguumo ward who will nolonger trek 7 km to Makindu town to get water, following commissioning of Kwa Kawawa Water Projet.

The project, whose source is a borehole drilled by the county government and distributed by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) for 25Km covers 16 villages in the formerly water stressed area. The distribution system is fitted with solar power to reduce operational costs while ensuring sustainability.

10 water access points have been installed along the 25Km pipeline at Kwa Mailu, Kwa Kimeu, Mlaleo, Kikauni, Wayona, Kilema, Vumbute, Makutano, Mulangi, and Mutantheu. Kilema, Kilongoni and Wayona primary schools have also been connected.

The project was commissioned on Wednesday by Executive Committee Members Japheth Mang’oka (Devolution), John Kieti (Water) and Sebastian Kyoni (Roads) together with officers from WHH.

TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTES IN MAKUENI COUNTY SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS, INNOVATIONS.

The first vocational training centres’ skills exhibition in Makueni County was held in Emali on Thursday at an event presided over by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. Hundreds of residents, trainers and students from technical schools converged at Springhill Kwakakulu CTTI for the event. Trainees from various technical institutes showcased their talent and innovations. They included masonry, tailoring, solar installation and motor mechanics among others.

Speaking at the first vocational training exhibition in Emali, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. described the event as a significant step towards empowering the youth. He emphasized the County’s commitment to supporting technical institutes with necessary resources and infrastructure, ensuring they are fully functional and well-equipped.

The Governor highlighted the importance of nurturing young people’s skills to improve their employability and announced upcoming plans to equip training centers across the county and ensure timely funding. He also addressed the need to facilitate land title acquisition for the people of Kinyoo, demonstrating a broader commitment to community development.

County Commissioner Henry Wafula praised the collaborative efforts between his office and the County Government, promising to make Makueni the safest county in Kenya. He assured residents that any issues, particularly delays in issuing IDs, would be resolved swiftly through local chiefs.

Department of ICT, Education & Internship ECM, Elizabeth Muli, said the County aims at transforming vocational training to empower its youth with practical skills.

Those who attended included County Commissioner Henry Wafula, top County officials and MCAs Francis Mulwa, Mtito Andei, Jonathan Muthoka, Ilima, Cosmas Mutunga, Emali/Mulala, Musau Kavai, Kasikeu and nominated members Jane Mwanthi, Elizabeth Mutindi and Serah Mbilo.

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.

COUNTY TREASURY CONDUCTS COMMUNITY OUTREACH ON KEY GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning Damaris Kavoi, on Wednesday led a team of staff from the departments of Finance and Lands to Kalawa Market for a community outreach initiative.

The visit aimed to give back to the community and conduct a market clinic focused on land rates and revenue payments.

The day started with a clean-up exercise at the market, aimed at creating a more welcoming and hygienic environment for the residents.

Ms. Kavoi also officially opened the Kalawa Revenue Office, which will now offer residents convenient access to government services related to revenue collection and land rates

The team set up a help desk outside the new office, where they interacted with residents, providing them with information, answering questions and addressing concerns about revenue and other county services.

Ms. Kavoi expressed her intention to replicate this initiative in other major towns across Makueni County.

The market clinics are designed to foster closer interaction with residents, gain valuable insights and enhance the delivery of public services.

MAKUENI UNVEILS COSTED 10-YEAR GREEN ENERGY PLAN

Makueni has unveiled a 10-year Ksh 74B green energy plan touted as the solution to the county’s sustainable, and affordable energy requirements set to transform its economic landscape.

The Energy Plan, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government, Strathmore Energy Centre and the World Resources Institute is a strategic blueprint designed to guide the development and implementation of energy systems and policies in the county, aiming to ensure sustainable, reliable and affordable energy for her residents and businesses.

The plan was launched on Tuesday in Wote by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett, National Oil Corporation Chief Executive Officer Gideon Leparan Morintat among other local leaders.

Governor Mutula outlined his vision for a Makueni powered by clean, sustainable, and affordable energy aiming for complete electrification, extended business hours and improved clean-cooking solutions.

A notable step towards green energy in the county includes a Ksh. 30 million investment in a solar PV system at Makueni County Referral Hospital, expected to save Ksh. 7 million in energy costs annually.

Other notable leaders who graced the event are Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Strathmore University Energy Centre Director Dr. Churchill Saoke, World Resource Institute country representative George Mwaniki, county officials, local clean energy advocates and other energy sector stakeholders.

GOVERNOR OTUOMA VISITS MAKUENI MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL

Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma visited Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Friday to benchmark the Makueni Mother and Child Hospital. The facility is renowned for its exceptional maternal and child healthcare services.

Governor Kilonzo emphasized the importance of inter-county collaboration to improve healthcare

Dr. Otuoma aims to replicate the hospital’s model in Busia County.

The visit highlights Makueni’s progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality, showcasing the county as a healthcare leader.

Governor Mutula Announces Plans to Equip the Upgraded Kyambeke Hospital

Plans are in top gear to fully equip Kyambeke hospital which has been upgraded from a health centre to a level 4 hospital.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said as a result, the county government will constuct a laboratory, theatre and morgue so the facility matches the standard of its new status in healthcare provision.

He spoke during the burial of Hannah Muthoka, a sister to Ilima MCA, Bishop Jonathan Muthoka. Others who attended the event included area MP Joshua Kimilu, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi, Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, MCAs Reuben Kavai, Kasikeu, Elizabeth Muthike, Joyce Wambua, Sharon Mutinda, Urbanus Wambua and Sarah Mbilo among others.

SIX VILLAGES IN KIU/KALANZONI WARD GET CLEAN WATER

Over 3,000 residents of Ngaamba area in Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward now have access to clean water at their doorsteps thanks to a working partnership between Government of Makueni County and Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH).

WHH partnered with the community to install solar power, 100,000-litre masonry tank, six smart-meter water kiosks, and an 11km distribution line for Kwa Mwina borehole, targeting six villages and three schools in the ward.

WHH has a Memorandum of Understanding with the County Government to support the last mile water connectivity by distributing water from boreholes done by the government, and other existing high-yield ones. This project is the 20th to be handed to the community under this partnership.

County Executive Committee Member for Water John Kieti, his Devolution counterpart Japheth Mang’oka, area MCA Justus Mwanzia and representatives of WHH led the handover of the project to the community at Kalembwani on Thursday.