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Water Agenda

The provision of water to our people continues to be the single most important challenge and opportunity for developing and transforming our communities. It is three years now since we launched the ‘Kutwiikanya Kiwu’ programme as a strategy for enhancing community and household water harvesting in our County.
At the community level we have enhanced water storage infrastructure through construction of 98 earth dams and 45 sand dams and weirs while at the household and institutional levels we have promoted roof catchment as well as drilling of boreholes and extension of water pipeline networks.
Currently, 19 more sand dams are under construction. We have drilled 87 boreholes and equipped 39 others. 9 more boreholes are currently being drilled. Out of these, 24 boreholes have been drilled using the drilling rig that we recently acquired. It is our priority to distribute the water in all our boreholes since we have the resources in the 2017/2018 budget.
Our people are now carrying out irrigation farming using the water from the earth dams and sand dams. Some earth dams are also stocked with fish.
300 women groups have benefited from water tanks through the ‘Nzangule ya Matangi’ programme. 300 more groups are set to benefit from water tanks. This programme is promoting water accessibility and micro-irrigation initiatives in the County. The Department of Youth, Gender, Sports and Social Services has also distributed water tanks to youth and women groups while the Department of Education and ICT has distributed water tanks to primary schools and the Department of Health Services to health facilities.
The County still remains water deficient even with these interventions. This explains our decision to allocate 1 Billion Kenya Shillings for water projects in the 2017/2018 financial year. We are partnering with the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in mapping our water resources especially the location of sand dams and earth dams. A separate research on the capacity of our boreholes is currently being undertaken. This will lead to the development of a water policy and master plan.

Walking the Journey with Makueni Emerging Entrepreneurs at Makueni PWD Vocational and Training Center

The Kenya Small Business Development Centers (KSBDC) in partnership with Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme II (ASDSP II) is currently spearheading a sensitization Workshop for Makueni Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on the existence of Kenya Small Business Development Centers (KSBDC) and services offered in the centers, with an aim of supporting, coaching and mentorship for sustained business growth.
 
KSBDC is a pilot program implemented by Strathmore University Business School (SBS) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with a vision of transferring best practices in business development and advisory services through training, consulting and policy research and market intelligence.
 
Makueni SBDC is located at the Makueni People with Disability Vocational Training Center Offices Off Wote Malivani road and is open for free services to emerging entrepreneurs. 
 
For more information kindly contact 0724679289 or send an email to lwambua@strathmore.edu
 

Walking for mental health

#Power of Humanity walk has been launched in Wote, spearheaded by Kenya Red Cross Society under H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr , branch patron, with the aim of raising funds to address mental health issues.
The Governor affirms the government’s commitment to addressing mental health problems after emerging that an estimated 3000 adults in Makueni county had severe thoughts of suicide in the year 2020/2021/2022 while 700 made suicide plans and 500 attempted suicides.
 
 

VULNERABLE GROUPS EMPOWERED THROUGH LIVESTOCK SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN KIKUMBULYU WARDS.

Vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women and youth from Kikumbulyu North and Kikumbulyu South wards, on Tuesday benefited from a livestock support programme aimed at enhancing economic empowerment and improving household incomes.

Under the ward-based initiative, the Department of Agriculture distributed 51 does and 54 bucks to farmers as part of a continuous breed improvement programme targeting faster-growing goats with higher mature weights. Beneficiaries also received 100 bags of 50kg drought pellets to boost animal productivity, improve nutrition and accelerate breeding.

The exercise was officiated by Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Japheth Kiminza, who said the programme seeks to build resilient livelihoods through sustainable livestock production and improved breeds.

Kiminza urged beneficiaries to embrace proper animal husbandry practices to ensure the project’s long-term success and sustainability.

The event was also attended by Jades Kalunda, who lauded the initiative for creating economic opportunities and strengthening community resilience.

VOLUNTARY HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING ON THE RISE

In recent times, Makueni County has witnessed an increase in the number of individuals voluntarily undergoing HIV testing and counseling, with many stepping forward to know their status and seek related healthcare services.

During the World AIDS Day commemoration held in Makindu on Monday, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili outlined the county’s comprehensive plans and strategies to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and mitigate its impact on the local population.

World AIDS Day, marked on December 1, honors lives lost to HIV/AIDS, celebrates survivors’ resilience, and calls for action to support those affected.

This year’s theme highlighted public education and united efforts to end HIV while tackling issues like new infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence.

Makueni County has intensified its HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment initiatives by establishing friendly clinics, deploying mobile health units, and conducting community outreach programs, significantly enhancing access to healthcare services.

Additionally, the county has rolled out targeted sensitization campaigns in colleges and among county employees to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

A poignant moment during the commemoration was the testimony of a 54-year-old HIV advocate who has lived with the virus for 28 years. His powerful story of resilience and advocacy serves as a source of inspiration for many.

After being abandoned by his family following his diagnosis in 1994, he overcame immense challenges and has since become a leading voice in HIV awareness, using his journey to empower and encourage others to seek support and embrace hope.

VITAMIN ANGELS COMMENDS MAKUENI ON MATERNAL HEALTH DRIVE

Vitamin Angels Founder Howard B. Schiffer has commended Makueni County for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable women through interventions aimed at addressing malnutrition and improving maternal health.

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in Makueni, Schiffer said the county had demonstrated commitment to supporting women who lack the economic means to adequately address nutrition challenges.

He noted that the partnership between Vitamin Angels and the County Government of Makueni will enhance access to essential nutrition services for underserved pregnant women, infants and children across the county.

Vitamin Angels Africa Technical Director,Dr. Lucy Kanya described the intervention as an equaliser and a global solution in addressing maternal anaemia. She applauded Makueni County for taking the initiative to secure the intervention for women, terming the move monumental for the county.

Dr.Kanya further said the programme is expected to contribute to a reduction in preterm births, cases of babies born underweight, and improve the overall health of mothers and children, describing it as an investment with generational impact.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. acknowledged that a majority of residents rely on public hospitals for healthcare services and said leaders have a responsibility to provide solutions that directly benefit the public.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rolling out interventions aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges in the county.

Visiting Ugandan delegation hail Kibwana for Makueni progress

A delegation of Uganda Members of National Assembly has hailed the Makueni devolved system of governance saying it has led to effective delivery of services to the citizens.

Cecilia Ogwal, who led the delegation on a 3-day benchmarking tour to Makueni observed that though Uganda has a devolved system, the public participation is not functional and resources are not devolved.

“We have read about Makueni and its success stories and that is why we chose to come. However, in Uganda, we have a devolved system up to the districts level but participation of people is not functional, and also the resources are not devolved,” she said.

Governor Prof Kibwana said that it was an honour that the members of the Ugandan Parliament chose to bench mark in the county to learn noting that counties have been learning from each other to enrich their work.

Governor Kibwana further explained to the delegates who paid him a courtesy call in his office on Wednesday, that his government is keen in actualizing article 1 of the 2010 constitution of Kenya which resulted to the institution of the peoples’ government in the county.

The governor also observed that the sovereignty of the people in the county had worked through the public participation model but noted that sometimes it is resisted by leaders who feel threatened by empowered citizens, adding that it requires a lot of transparency.

He said: “Here in Makueni, we believe in actualizing the constitution and that is why we instituted the peoples’ government to implement Article 1 though sometimes it resisted by some leaders. Despite the challenges, it has worked.”

Ogwal noted that the benchmarking tour was aimed at comprehending the devolved system structures and functions before making concrete recommendations to the government of Uganda.

  • November 14, 2018 in News

Vibrant Music and Cultural Festival Sets the Stage for Makueni’s Finest

Wote Green Park came alive on the 9th and 10th of November 2023, as the heart of Makueni County hosted a two-day music and cultural extravaganza. The festival, not only a celebration of artistic expression but was a crucial platform for selecting the best teams to represent the county in the upcoming Kenya Music and Cultural Festival.

The park buzzed with energy as talented performers showcased traditional dances, melodious tunes, and captivating cultural displays. Spectators were treated to a mixture of vibrant costumes, rhythmic beats, and heartwarming performances that reflected the rich cultural tapestry of Makueni.

The festival served as a rigorous selection ground, with various teams competing for the honor of representing Makueni County in the prestigious Kenya Music and Cultural Festival at Wote Technical Training Institute from 1st to 9th December.

After two days of intense competition, the winners were crowned and celebrated. The triumphant teams were not only awarded with medals but also received certificates of merit, recognizing their exceptional talent and commitment to preserving and showcasing Makueni’s cultural heritage.

The County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture and Tourism Eng. Peter Mumo expressed the Departmental delight at the high level of talent on display and emphasized the importance of such events in fostering cultural pride and unity within the community. The winning teams are now gearing up to represent Makueni County on the national stage, where they will compete with teams from across Kenya in the spirit of friendship and cultural exchange.

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