In a cutting-edge educational program on renewable energy knowledge, the Government of Makueni County through the Energy Directorate led 30 Ward Energy Champions(WECs) drawn from the 30 wards on a 2- day benchmarking visit to Kitui County.
The benchmarking program led by CECM Infrastructure, Transport , Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni was aimed at equipping the WECs with the latest insights and skills needed to thrive in the evolving green energy sector. Amongst the centers visited are:
1. Kitui Energy Center where WECs learnt about quality and affordable renewable energy technologies e.g green energy, Bio-gas, Solar, wood fuel and cook stove
2. Kenya Water Institute, Kitui Campus.
3. Briquette making machine.
In a bid to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, the educational program aimed at shaping the Makueni County’s future on renewable and sustainable energy solutions.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday embarked on a crucial working tour of Sultan Hamud, walking street to street for a development appraisal of the town.
The tour was meant to gather vital insights towards designs of key infrastructure to uplift the town and the Emali-Sultan Hamud Municipality as a whole. An open air market, drainage system, alternative water sources and a sports complex are some of the development initiatives being considered.
During the tour, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr was accompanied by Executive Committee Members of line ministries, engineers and local leaders . The Governor emphasized the importance of community involvement in all development initiatives.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Wednesday inked a working partnership with Christian Aid Kenya to enhance Climate Justice, Food Security, Health and Nutrition
The Christian Aid team, led by Country DirectorJanet Ngombalu, also visted Kaiti Kwa Kitungu the newly constructed sand dam to witness some of the innovative climate adaption actions the county is employing.
The signing was witnessed by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Executive Committee Member for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sonia Nzilani and Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza.
CS Mutua and Governor Mutula Unveil Comprehensive Measures to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Dr. Alfred Mutua and Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr have announced a raft of measures by the two levels of government to resolve the menacing human-wildlife conflict in Kibwezi which included:
Rapid Response Initiative: Collaborative efforts between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the local community (Wananchi) to implement real-time interventions designed to keep wildlife away from human settlements.
Electric Fence Completion: An expedited plan to finalize the installation of an electric fence, creating a permanent barrier between human settlements and wildlife. The national government has committed Sh 150 million for the completion of the remaining two sections.
Enhanced Surveillance: A bolstered surveillance system, incorporating additional personnel and vehicles, to monitor and address the presence of marauding animals effectively.
The two spoke at Kyusyani in Mtito-Andei and Kisayani in Kibwezi during a public engagement forum on the wildlife conflict. Others present were MPs Jessica Mbalu and Mwengi Mutuse, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, KWS officials and area MCAs.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has feted the county’s 3,625 Community Health Promoters as true heroes during Mashujaa Day Celebrations. The County celebration was held at Katulye Primary School, Kaiti Sub-county.
This, he said, will improve services offered at Primary Health facilities and improve access to care through effective promotive and preventive service provision.
The governor also honoured Winfred Mutile YAVI (now running for Bahrain), an international athlete who is from Makueni, started her athletics career in Makueni. She recently won the 3,000 steeplechase Gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Yavi is currently nominated for the World Athletics Awards as World Athlete of The Year 2023.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior together with the First Lady and the Deputy Governor met and held a brief with the Ag. Makueni County Commissioner, security leaders and local politicians ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations in Makueni.
In a remarkable display of commitment, the Government of Makueni County in partnership with Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) completed a five day launch of electrification projects that will see transformation of lives across the county.
Through a matching grant initiative, the program entails installation of power lines, transformers, and meters that is aimed at ensuring reliable supply of electricity to homes, institutions, and business premises.
Leading from the front during the project launch program, the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing and Energy Eng. Sebastian Kyoni emphasized on the importance of the initiative, stating, “Access to electricity is not just about powering homes; it’s about empowering communities. It enhances education, healthcare, entrepreneurial activities and overall quality of life.”
Community leaders and residents expressed their gratitude, recognizing the County Government’s efforts as a game-changer. One resident exclaimed, “This is a new dawn for us, we can work hard to realize our dreams.”
As the one week electrification launch came to an end, the assurance of energy supply left a true picture of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s campaign manifesto on energy, reminding everyone of the transformative power of access to electricity.
The one-week programme was also graced by REREC’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Eng. Jonathan Mbuttu, Principal Business Development Officer Diana Khalwale, Regional Manager Representative Eng. Mercy Rotich, Makueni County Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, area MCAs Hon. Muthiani Mwangangi (Nguumo), Hon. Harrison Mwanzia (Nzambani/Ivingoni), Hon. Francis Mulwa (Mtito Andei), Hon. Dennis Musyoka (Kako/Waia), Hon. Urbanus Manzu (Kee) and Hon. Joseph Muema (Mukaa), respective area National and County Government Administration officers and a representation of MCAs from NZAKIKA, Emali/Mulala, Kasikeu, Ukia and Kithungo/Kitundu wards among other officers.
The 12 different projects are expected to be complete within less than three months and projected to benefit at least 780 households/business premises and institutions cumulatively.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr on Thursday 12th October, 2023 commissioned State-of-the-Art Mukuyuni Business Centre, done by Wote Municipality with support from World Bank.
The Business Centre is not merely a collection of stalls; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity. It stands as a testament to Governor Mutula’s commitment to sustainable development and a better future for all.
Features of the Business Hub include:
1. Solar-powered lighting
2. Lactation room
3. Cold room
4. 132 vendor stalls
5. Rainwater harvesting and waste management systems aimed at preserving the environment.
6. An aggregation centre that will empower the local community by providing job opportunities, nurturing entrepreneurship, and promoting local products.
