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Makueni steps up establishment of Food Safety Systems

In a bid to ensure quality agricultural products for both domestic and export markets, Makueni has shifted gears to building food safety systems.

According to governor Kivutha Kibwana, the aim of this campaign is to promote public health, and protecting the consumers against health hazards posed by unsafe agricultural products.

To achieve this feat, Makueni has partnered with Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT), and secured funding from the European Union through DANIDA to implement the campaign dubbed AgriFI Food Safety Programme.

At a meeting in Nairobi on Thursday between the Governor and officials from MESPT and the Royal Danish Embassy, it was agreed the programme will target three major value chains namely; Aquaculture, Dairy and horticulture.

MESPT acting Chief Executive Officer Charles Nyawade said the programme will involve among others:

Supporting the County Government in testing, surveillance and enforcement of Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary (SPS) regulations at the county level. This includes setting up of testing labs and provision of testing and surveillance kits and equipment.

Development and dissemination of value chain-based extension curricula modules, integrating the compliance to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations.

Drive the consumer sensitization on food safety.

MESPT will also support development of the Agricultural Training Centre at Kwa Kathoka as one of the country’s model Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training (ATVET) centre.

The centre will be key in offering a holistic capacity building of all agricultural value chain actors especially farmers and extension officers.

According to Nyawade, the centre has already received two million shillings for basic infrastructural installations, while the county government has already established training infrastructure such as an aquatic hatchery, a fish farm as well as irrigation farm.

MAKUENI STEPS UP EFFORTS TO OPERATIONALIZE EMALI CHILD RESCUE CENTRE

The Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services has intensified efforts to operationalize the Makueni County Child Rescue Centre at Mwanyani, Emali Mulala Ward.

As part of the preparations, County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, on Tuesday received a donation of play and art therapy materials from the Emali Dedicated Children Agency to equip the centre ahead of opening its doors to its inaugural cohort of rescued children.

Once operational, the centre will provide a safe haven for vulnerable children, offering not only shelter but also psychosocial support, counselling, education, and life skills training. It will implement structured rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegrating street-connected children back into society.

The newly donated materials will support professional counsellors and caregivers in addressing trauma while promoting emotional expression and healing among the children.

MAKUENI STEPS UP CAMPAIGN TO DEBUNK VACCINE MYTHS, BOOST IMMUNIZATION

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Vaccines and Immunization Program, on Wednesday hosted a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Wote to push back against vaccine misconceptions and rally support for routine immunization.

These forums are part of our social advocacy efforts for immunization. They are critical in raising awareness about the benefits of vaccines while addressing hesitancy through effective communication and strong community engagement.

Dr. Mwatha noted that the ultimate goal is to boost vaccine uptake across the county by building public confidence, fostering community ownership, and instilling a sense of responsibility in protecting children and families from preventable diseases.

Makueni stall became one among the most visited booths at the conference with a range of products

After the official opening of the Devolution Conference by president William Ruto on Wednesday that was also attended by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr , on Thursday Makueni stall became one among the most visited booths at the conference with a range of products.

The stall was among the most visited with participants particularly curious and eager to know more about MyMakueni County App, successes in mango sector, value addition, promotion of local tourism, among other areas.

Governors from other counties among other delegates were keen to detail the formula behind the Makueni success story.

Makueni sportsmen stamp authority at KYISA

Makueni continues to display its sporting prowess at the ongoing Kenya Inter-County Sports Association games in Busia.

So far, both men and women footballers have qualified for the knockouts as runners up behind Trans Nzoia (Men) and Kwale (Women).

On day three of the games, Wednesday, Makueni volleyball queens hammered their Nyandarua counterparts 3-0 sets thus securing a slot at the knock-out stages with a game in hand against hosts Busia.

In Men’s volleyball, Makueni will be on the pitch Thursday against Nyandarua having thrashed Kakamega 3-1 sets on Tuesday.

Makueni executive for Education, Sports and ICT Joshua Wambua is upbeat that the Makueni sportsmen, all under 23, are well prepared to go for silverware as the curtains draw on the 6th edition of the inter-county games on Saturday.

MAKUENI SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRES (SBDC)’S TRAINING OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES) IN KIKIMA-MBOONI.

The Department of Trade partnered with Kenya Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to support in the establishment of sustainable MSMEs by ensuring their full participation in the economy and creation of jobs. In Kikima-Mbooni, 148 entrepreneurs (116 females and 32 males) were trained on: Business finance management, bookkeeping, business conceptualization, spotting a business opportunity and market penetration. MSMEs were also sensitized on Soko-Makueni, a marketing e-portal platform, to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and utilize the platform effectively.

A Section of Entrepreneurs Attending the Makueni SBDC Business Training Sessions in Kikima-Mbooni.

MAKUENI SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDFUND TO IMPROVE WELFARE OF VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Makueni has signed a working partnership with ChildFund and Emali Dedicated Children’s Agency (EDCA) to improve the welfare of vulnerable children in the county.

Under this five-year agreement, Makueni and the two Non-governmental institutions will fundraise to among others implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in schools and the community; support young people in vocational training; develop child friendly early childhood development centres as well as create safe spaces in the community where vulnerable children are protected and nurtured.

The overall goal, according to the MoU, is to connect children living in extreme poverty to resources, people and institutions they need to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and EDCA Chief Executive Officer Victor Aduda signed the partnership Tuesday morning.

Makueni signs an MOU with Strathmore, WRI, edges in renewable sources of energy

H. E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday officially closed a two-days training involving chief officers on integrated energy planning and budgeting.

The closing ceremony was crowned with the signing of an MOU between the World Resources Institute (WRI), Strathmore University, and the Government of Makueni County.

The MOU outlines Makueni’s partnership on development and implementation of an Integrated County Energy Plan that gives guidelines on renewable energy resources, productive use of renewable energy and financing of County energy programs in the next 5 years.

Present during the ceremony were Ms Wanjira Mathai (Managing Director Africa and Global Partnerships -WRI), Prof Izael Da Silva (DVC Reasearch and Innovation – Strathmore University), Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy), Stanley Nthiw’a (County Attorney), the county solicitor, among others.

MAKUENI SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS TO ENHANCE INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY

Makueni County has entered into a strategic partnership with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) to address infrastructure challenges and improve public safety.

The agreement, signed on Thursday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and IEK President Shammar Kiteme, will provide technical support, policy formulation, capacity building, and consulting services to strengthen infrastructure planning, development, and sustainability.

Governor Mutula emphasized that the collaboration is crucial for ensuring compliance with quality standards, enhancing citizen safety, protecting the environment, and promoting long-term economic sustainability.

MAKUENI SIGNS A DEAL TO STRENGTHEN CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT.

Makueni County has signed a memorandum of understanding with two NGOs to strengthen citizen participation in development.

The agreement was signed on Thursday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and representatives from Makueni Development Trust (MADET) and Kitise Rural Development (KRD) at the Governor’s office in Wote.

Governor Mutula emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening locally-led and locally-managed county development initiatives.

The collaboration is aimed at addressing the development concerns of the citizens through participatory planning, social accountability and community-led resource mobilization.

Kitise Rural Development has been instrumental in piloting the Makueni Governance Project that seeks to promote just and accountable governance through public participation in Kitise/Kithuki and Makindu Wards.

The county government has through this program trained and sensitized the community on their social-economic rights in order to increase their knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions through public participation.