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MAKUENI, KWS PARTNER TO END HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN KIBWEZI EAST

Makueni, KWS partner to End Human-wildlife Conflict in Kibwezi East

In a bid to mitigate the long-standing human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi East, Makueni has partnered with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to extend the protective electric fence by 20km.

The new 20km Wandei- Ngomano section extends the initial 60km Kamunyu-Wandei fence earlier erected by the county government.

This expansion aims to establish a buffer between Tsavo East National Park and human settlements, effectively curbing the numerous attacks on humans by marauding animals, especially elephants.

The contract for this crucial extension was awarded in a ceremony presided over by KWS representative of Senior Assistant Director for Tsavo conservation area Jeremiah Rono, flanked by Environment Chief Officer Dr. Geoffrey Ngovi and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi.

Makueni – Kisii peer learning

A team of technical officials from Kisii County has visited Makueni County offices in a mission to learn on various aspects of accounting, procurement, health and project implementation terming Makueni as a good study ground on how devolution has worked.

“Peer learning missions should be a dialogue for all to learn and critique one another. This way, devolution will make meaning to the people.” Said Adelina Mwau, Deputy Governor on Tuesday while receiving the Kisii delegation.

The objectives of the visit were; to study the best practices on internal financial control; procurement systems; payment system; documentation; financial reporting system; health matters and project implementation among many other areas of mutual interest.

Makueni has been hailed for implementing an efficient accounting system that has enabled the county to attain a clean audit nod by the Auditor General.

MAKUENI KICKS OFF PLANS TO ESTABLISH TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Makueni’s tourism directorate has set the ball rolling towards establishment of a Tourism Association to unite stakeholders and market the county as a top tourists destination. It will be modeled after the Kenya Coast Tourism Association.

During a stakeholder sensitization forum on Thursday, an interim committee was put in place to oversee the registration process and recruit more members.

The forum was led by Dr. Josselyn Nzilani, Chief Officer of Trade, Industry, Marketing, Culture, and Tourism, and attended by representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and other industry players.

MAKUENI KICKS OFF KIUNDUANI MARKET PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING

The Department of Lands, Urban Planning & Development has kicked off the preparation of the Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan for Kiunduani Market, marking a major step toward structured growth and sustainable urban development.

During a stakeholders’ public participation forum on Tuesday, residents, traders, community leaders, and technical officers were taken through the County’s Land Information Management System and the urban planning process. The engagement aimed to ensure that Kiunduani develops in line with national and county planning laws. The session also provided an opportunity for the public to highlight existing challenges to inform the planning process.

County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Dr. Paul Musila, who led the process, noted that the proposed plan will guide land use, improve road networks, protect public land, enhance investment opportunities, and support future infrastructure development such as markets, water systems, and other public amenities.

He added that the plan will also form the basis for cadastral surveys, increase land value, and strengthen land administration to support orderly growth.

MAKUENI KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO GROW 1 MILLION TREES

The Department of Lands through the Directorate of Environment has launched a campaign to grow 1 million trees in the October-November-December rain season.

The exercise is part of a greater initiative by the County Government of Makueni to plant and grow 344M trees by the year 2032 to restore degraded landscapes and forests.

The exercise was launched by County Executive Committee Member Japheth Mang’oka flanked by Chief Officer Geoffrey Muthoka, representatives of Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forest Research Institute and Community Forest Association at Kalumbi Forest in Mbitini Ward, Makueni Sub-county.

Acting Director Climate Change Jackline Kamusa says a greater percentage of the trees are fruit trees, to be given to farmers to ensure food resilience in the wake of climate change.

To weed out the menacing illegal felling of trees for charcoal and timber, Mang’oka said the county government has enlisted the support of Community Forest Associations for policing and intelligence sharing on the perpetrators of this environmental destruction.

MAKUENI, KIBWEZI WEST WINNERS OF THE MKJ SUPA CUP

Makueni and Kibwezi West Sub-counties are officially the champions of the MKJ SUPA CUP that came to close on Sunday at Unoa grounds in Wote.

Makueni won both Men and women football, Women 5 on 5 Basketball, and Beach Handball Men. Kibwezi West won the Men 5 on 5 Basketball, and the 3 on 3 Basketball both men and Women.

Winners will represent Makueni County in the Kenya Inter-county Sports Association (KYISA) Games in Kilifi scheduled for 14th- 21st April 2024

MAKUENI, KENAS EXPLORE COLLABORATION ON ACCREDITATION

Makueni County on Wednesday hosted the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) on a courtesy call ahead of a public participation forum on a proposed law that seeks to make accreditation mandatory in Kenya.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili received the delegation, led by Doris Mueni Mengo, Manager for Medical Laboratories Accreditation at KENAS. The team will conduct a public participation exercise in Wote on Thursday as part of consultations on the proposed KENAS Bill.

The Bill proposes to require laboratories, inspection bodies and certification agencies to obtain accreditation in line with internationally recognised standards, strengthening quality assurance, public safety and access to international markets.

The County expressed interest in deepening collaboration with KENAS, particularly in accrediting public health laboratories and agricultural value chains as it would improve the quality and credibility of diagnostic services in its health facilities and enhance competitiveness of its agricultural produce.

Mulili said the process would help ensure that Makueni products, such as mangoes and other horticultural produce, meet international market requirements.

KENAS is the national body mandated to provide accreditation services in Kenya and is a signatory to international mutual recognition arrangements, which allow accredited institutions in Kenya to have their results accepted globally.

MAKUENI, KEMRI REVEAL CONCERNING HPV TRENDS AS COUNTY STEPS UP CERVICAL CANCER RESPONSE

The Department of Health Services on Monday partnered with Kenya Medical Research Institute {KEMRI} to present preliminary findings from a countywide study on high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) and cervical abnormalities among women attending five health facilities within the county.

High-risk strains of the Human papillomavirus are known to alter normal cells, potentially leading to cancer, most notably Cervical cancer.

The study’s findings point to a significant disease burden within the county.

According to the report, 24% of women tested were positive for high-risk HPV.

Nearly half of those with abnormal cervical findings also tested positive for hrHPV, emphasizing the strong link between HPV infection and cervical disease.

The study focused on Mbooni, Kibwezi, Sultan Hamud and Makindu Sub-County Hospitals, as well as Makueni County Referral Hospital, with a sample size of 1,106 women.

The investigation further identified high-risk HPV genotypes, including types 16 and 52, and revealed that younger women, particularly those aged between 14 and 24 years, recorded higher infection rates.

Beyond clinical data, the research uncovered critical social and health system gaps. While general awareness of cervical cancer exists, knowledge about HPV as the causative agent remains limited. Fear, stigma, and persistent misconceptions, such as concerns that vaccination may lead to infertility, continue to influence health-seeking behavior.

Speaking to healthcare workers at the Mother and Child Hospital, Ag. Director in charge of Preventive and Promotive Health, Dr. Mwatha, reiterated the county’s commitment to strengthening both prevention and care.

He noted that the county is scaling up HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, integrating screening into routine services across all health facilities, enhancing community awareness through Community Health Promoters, and building the capacity of healthcare workers while ensuring adherence to national guidelines. KEMRI,RAMPUR.UP

MAKUENI JOINS UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES.

Makueni County has been admitted into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), becoming the fifth county in Kenya to join the prestigious network after Nairobi, Kilifi, Garissa and Laikipia. The milestone is set to strengthen education, skills development and lifelong learning across the county.

The GNLC, launched by UNESCO in 2013, brings together over 350 learning cities and local governments in more than 75 countries worldwide, promoting lifelong learning as a driver of sustainable development. Membership connects Makueni to a global community that shares best practices in education policy, vocational training, digital learning and community-based education.

Speaking at UNESCO offices in Nairobi, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. said the recognition will enhance Makueni’s global profile, attract partnerships and strengthen ongoing investments in education, culture, natural sciences, social and human sciences, among others.

Secretary General Dr. James Njogu said the admission affirms the County’s strong commitment to inclusive and lifelong learning noting that joining the GNLC will open new opportunities for knowledge exchange.

MAKUENI JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY IN HONOURING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Makueni county on Wednesday joined the world in marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3 each year with the aim of increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities.

The 2025 theme is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni, who led the county celebrations in Wote town highlighted the steady progress under the leadership of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, to ensure PWDs are included in all areas of development. From sports to health, social protection, and economic empowerment, the county has continued to open new opportunities for meaningful participation.

Sporting programs such as para-volleyball and the growing amputee football initiative have created space for talent and teamwork, while ward-based budgets have enabled PWDs to directly benefit from local planning and resources.

At Makueni County Referral Hospital, sign language interpreters are now available to help PWDs communicate clearly and receive the care they need without difficulty. Plans are underway to extend these services to all sub-county hospitals.

Through Mutulacare, the county aims to support PWDs by paying their SHA/SHIF subscription premiums, ensuring they can access essential health services without financial strain.