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MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL LAUNCH OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE

Makueni County is hosting the 2024 National Launch of 16 Days of campaign against Gender-Based Violence.

The global campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness and oppose violence against women and children.

The event is graced by among others:Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wangombe, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Nairobi County MP Esther Passaris, Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo and County MP Rose Museo.

As the World begins marking 16 days of fight against all forms of Gender-Based Violence, Makueni County has made strides in this fight through:

1. Development of key policies namely; Makueni County Sexual and Gender Based Violence policy, Makueni County Gender Policy, Makueni County Children Policy, Makueni County Sexual harassment at Workplace Policy, Makueni County Social Protection Policy and Makueni County Disability Policy,

2. Established a Makueni Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre at the Wote Level 5 hospital. The recovery center provides support to survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and their families through the provision of comprehensive free medical treatment and psychosocial support to survivors of physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse;

3. Established an emergency safe shelter in one of the health centres with a 14-bed capacity each (8 for women and 6 for men) for short term placement of most vulnerable survivors of GBV;

4. Signed a 5-year MOU with Gender Violence Recovery Centre of Nairobi Womens hospital- to ensure prevention, reporting and quick response to GBV in Makueni;

5. Signed a 3-year MOU with Equality Now-Africa-to promote response, prevention and management of all forms of GBV in Makueni;

6. Organized safe spaces forums and children conferences targeting children between the ages of 10-17 years where 7,280 out of which 4,049 girls and 3,231 boys were empowered;

7. Developed walking galleries and gallery cards with children voices to enhance awareness on child protection;

8. Developed a duty bearers booklet and a children booklet on child protection and the need for creation of safe spaces;

9. Organized roadshows in all the major markets across the county to sensitize and create awareness on GBV;

10. Established and trained community-based child protection committees across the county that comprise of sub county administrators, social development officers, OCS, ECDE coordinator, volunteer children officers and children coordinators.

MAKUENI HOSTS NATIONAL CELEBRATIONS TO MARK WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY

Makueni County was on Sunday privileged to host the national celebrations to mark World Meteorological Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about weather and climate concerns.

This year’s theme, “closing the early warning gap together” resonates well with Makueni’s desire for proper climate information dissemination to enhance agricultural production and prepare for emergencies that have rocked the county and the region for years.

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Festus Ng’eno, led the celebrations at the Makindu Meteorological Station. The event was also graced by the Director Meteorological serivies-Dr David Gikungu, World Meteorological Organizations Director- Hlobille Shikhosana, MPs Jessica Mbalu, Mwengi Mutuse, Executive Committee Member for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka, County Commissioner, and Makueni Chief Officer in charge of Environment Geoffrey Muthoka.

Mr. Nzioka, representing Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, said the county government is keen on equipping farmers with the knowledge they need to adapt to changing climatic conditions. He highlighted the significance of partnership’s between government and non-governmental organizations in fostering resilience against climate-related challenges.

MAKUENI HOSTS LEGAL AID FORUM BY WATCHDOG COMMISSION

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has launched a two-day legal aid and public education forum in Makueni County aimed at empowering residents with knowledge about their rights and access to justice.

During a courtesy call to the Governor’s office, CAJ Chairperson Charles Dulo emphasized the Commission’s core mandate: addressing complaints related to abuse of power, delays in service delivery, unfair treatment, and ensuring the public’s right to access information. He praised Makueni’s commitment to public participation, noting it as a strong foundation for promoting accountability and transparency.

Deputy Governor H.E. Lucy Mulili echoed the importance of access to information, critical bills like the Makueni County Administrative Justice Bill and the Access to Information Bill which are nearing finalization.

These laws are expected to entrench the right to administrative justice and access to information for all residents.

Nicholas Nzioka, the CECM for Devolution, urged the commission to address specific challenges such as delays in the issuance of national IDs and the growing presence of undocumented foreigners in the region.

Other attendees included County Attorney Stanley Nthiwa, County Solicitor Jenifer Kyumwa, and CAJ Commissioner Hon. Charles Njagua, among others.

MAKUENI HOSTS INDIAN IRRIGATION TECH GIANT FOR TRANSFORMATIVE AGRICULTURE PARTNERSHIP

Makueni County on Thursday welcomed a high-level delegation from Balson Polyplast Pvt. Ltd., a leading global irrigation technology company based in India, to explore strategic areas of collaboration aimed at transforming agriculture and sustainable energy in the region, like agricultural production,water management, fertigation, and renewable energy solutions including solar and wind power.

Speaking at the Makueni County Headquarters in Wote, Sitansu Sekhar Sarangi, Chief Operating Officer and head of the delegation, emphasized the importance of embracing green revolution technologies to combat the growing threat of climate change on global agriculture.

He pledged the company’s commitment to developing a 100-acre irrigation technology pilot and demonstration project in Makueni County.

Deputy Governor, Lucy Mulili described the proposed irrigation technology as a timely game changer in advancing food security—not only in Makueni but across Kenya.

Her sentiments were echoed by Elizabeth Muli CECM Agriculture, Japheth Mang’oka, Ag. CECM for Water, and Assembly Majority Leader Kisungi Katete, who reaffirmed the county’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance sustainable development.

CECM Finance, Damaris Kavoi, and Tulimani MCA Kyalo Mumo also attended the meeting.

MAKUENI HOSTS EASTERN REGION MUSIC FESTIVALS AS LEARNERS SHOWCASE TALENT

The Eastern Region Music Festivals kicked off today at ACK St. Luke’s Wote Township Primary School, bringing together learners from across the region to showcase their talents in music, dance, poetry, choral verse and other creative performances.

The week-long event, running from June 29 to July 5, has attracted participants from several counties, with winning teams set to advance to the National Music Festivals.

Speaking during the official opening, Chief Officer for Education and Internship Irene Makau said the festivals provide an important platform for nurturing learners’ talents, building confidence and promoting cultural exchange in line with the Competency-Based Education. She commended teachers, parents and education stakeholders for their continued support in developing learners’ abilities beyond the classroom.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme, “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development,” highlighting the role of arts and culture in driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.

MAKUENI HOSTS COUNTIES DIALOGUE AND LAND CLINICS ON LAND GOVERNANCE AND LAND USE PLANNING

Makueni County today hosted the Counties Dialogue and Land Clinics on Land Governance and Land Use Planning, officially opened by Dr. Paul Musila, CECM for Lands, accompanied by the ECM for Trade, CECM for Finance, Chief Officer Lands, County Solicitor, County officials, and Members of the County Assembly Lands Committee.

The forum was organised by the Kenya Institute of Planners in collaboration with the National Land Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Council of Governors, and the Makueni County Government.

While addressing the forum, Dr. Musila emphasised the importance of integrated land use planning as a foundation for development.

The Dialogue sought to:

Address Land succession in the county

Foster partnerships for sustainable and inclusive land use planning.

Address challenges such as land tenure insecurity, urbanisation pressures, and environmental sustainability.

Enhance capacity and knowledge sharing among county stakeholders.

Promote participatory approaches in land governance for equitable development.

Makueni County remains committed to strengthening land governance systems as a key pillar for sustainable socio-economic growth and harmonious communities.

MAKUENI HOSTS 46 COUNTIES FOR LEARNING MISSION ON RENEWABLE ENERGY.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Tuesday hosted 46 counties for the Climate Compatible Growth Conference, aimed at promoting peer-to-peer learning on the productive use of renewable energy and strengthening climate resilience.

The conference, organized by the Council of Governors in partnership with UK PACT, brings together County Executive Committee Members (CECs) and Directors in charge of energy for a three-day learning mission in Makueni County.

Kericho County’s Energy CEC, Rosemary Rop, who also serves as the Chairperson for the Energy CECs caucus, said many counties struggle with building capacity to tackle energy challenges, and need practical guidance in transforming policies into viable solutions.

The conference follows the recent launch of Makueni’s 10-year energy plan, which is designed to guide the development and implementation of sustainable and affordable energy solutions for residents.

Governor Mutula, who officially opened the conference in Wote, noted that Makueni had already begun implementing the solarization project at the Makueni Referral Hospital prior to the launch of the energy plan.

The governor encouraged delegates to prioritize actionable outcomes from the energy policy documents, reminding them that the public is eager to see real development results.

“It is not enough to have sound policies, plans and budgets, what will matter to the citizen is the development outcomes from these policy documents. There must therefore be a deliberate effort to ensure development,” said Governor Mutula.

MAKUENI HOSTS 26 COUNTIES FOR PEER LEARNING ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

Makueni County is hosting Chief Officers in charge of Devolution and Citizen Engagement from 26 counties across Kenya, along with their directors, for a peer-to-peer learning forum on the establishment and operationalization of Project Management Committees (PMCs).

Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili emphasized the power of community involvement in development planning adding that across the county , residents are actively involved in deciding how development funds will be utilized during the financial year.

Mulili further explained that at the close of each financial year, communities evaluate the outcomes, demand accountability, and make new proposals for the following cycle.

PMCs, she said, oversee the implementation of projects in line with the Bills of Quantities and also sign off on minutes that authorize contractor payments.

Counties represented in the forum include Nairobi, Mombasa, Homa Bay, Kirinyaga, among others.

The Deputy Governor was flanked by Nicholas Nzioka, CECM for Devolution, and other senior county officials during the forum.

Makueni holds first Land Conference to address Land Issues

The National Government will work with the County to expedite the issuance of title deeds in order to address land ownership problems in Makueni County.

Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana and Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS)  for Lands Gideon Mung’aro said the two levels of government have resolved to work together to deal with the problems affecting thousands of residents in Makueni who own land but have struggled for years to access documentation.

“We have people here who own huge chunks of land. They have owned such land for years but have never acquired land titles,” Prof Kibwana said.

The governor and the CAS were speaking at the ATC Kwa Kathoka in Makueni where they joined hundreds of delegates in the county’s first Annual Land Conference.

He said the county recently launched a programme to support the issuance of 53,000 titles to locals as part of his government’s strategy to iron out the outstanding land problems in the county.

Prof Kibwana said: “The trouble here is that majority of people facing problems with land documentation are also very poor people who cannot afford the prohibitive charges being levied.”

He said landlords in most of Makueni’s urban areas are unable to access financial facilities using land they own as they don’t have official ownership documents.

The governor also decried land grabbing menace by powerful individuals and appealed to the ministry of lands to help reclaim a piece of land grabbed from the Makindu stadium by a senior public officer.

“Someone has grabbed land in Makindu.We have even written to him as county and he goes bragging that we are a small entity and therefore we can do nothing. The government should help us reclaim the grabbed piece of land,” Prof Kibwana pleaded.

Speaking at the event Mr Mung’aro ordered the ministry staff to work with their county colleagues to ensure reclamation of the Makindu stadium land.

“We will send out officers on Monday to look into the grabbing of the stadium. At the moment we don’t tolerate such acts, no one is allowed to use their big offices to execute grabbing of public property,”Mr Mung’aro said.

Mr Mung’aro also warned corrupt land officers that they will be dealt with ruthlessly following complaints that some were demanding bribes before offering services to the public.

“We have had complaints about some of our officers. I want to summon all of them to come to Nairobi on Monday, so that they can share with us what their problems are,” the CAS said.

He announced that the national government will in the next three months issue an additional 67,000 land title deeds to residents of Makueni County who have for long lived as squatters in their own land.

Ngai Ndethya, Ngiluni, Mbetwani, Kiboko A, B and C are among some of the settlement areas with major outstanding land problems that have hindered issuance of titles for years.

Makueni County Land ECM Joshua Wambua whose department hosted the event said several land clinics were held across the county culminating into the land conference.

“We have held quite a number of clinics.We do believe that the conference we have had today will in a way resolve some of the problems we have faced  even if not all,”Mr Wambua said.

Several land sector reform experts led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Land Alliance Odenda Lumumba were among speakers at the event.

  • June 25, 2018 in News

Makueni, Hivos sign MoU to check corruption in the County

Makueni has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hivos international to adopt Open contracting and tame corruption in the county’s procurement processes.

Hivos is a humanitarian organization advocating for social justice through creative solutions to persistent global problems.

The MoU was signed by Makueni Governor Prof  Kivutha Kibwana, who was accompanied by County Secretary Paul Wasanga and Hivos East African regional director Ms Mendi Njonjo at Wote, Makueni,  Monday evening.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between the two organizations with a view to developing a viable programme taking a multifaceted approach in improving the quality of procurement processes for transparency and eradication of corruption.

Hivos, as part of the MoU,  will assist the county government in capacity building on the open contracting approaches, principles and the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) for designated officers and departments as well as Makueni Project Management Committees.

Ms Njonjo said this approach will assist Makueni in detecting fraud and corruption risks in public procurement while also entrenching fairer competition and a level playing ground for businesses.

Prof Kibwana hailed the open contracting system of procurement as the solution to the endemic corruption plaguing the country. He said the President and the national government should see it as a necessity to adopt this system as an antidote to corruption.

“There should be no secrecy on the expenditure of public money. Public procurement should be like an open shop where all that you sell is on open display,” said Prof Kibwana.

The governor lamented that some people were starting to feel threatened by the open and transparent governance his administration has adopted but said such people will have no place in Makueni.

“Some people think we’re too open that it is starting to threaten their dealings. It is time we all stood by President Uhuru Kenyatta and in one accord declare that Kenya and corruption cannot live together, one has to give way to the other, and that is corruption giving way to Kenya,” he said.

Prof Kibwana said the open contracting  procurement system will outlive his administration in post 2022 as it would be presented to the assembly for ratification and anyone trying to reverse it would face the wrath of the public.

“As the governor, I will be more unrelenting in overseeing operationalisation of this MoU because it will bear fruits even long after my exit. No one will be able to undo the gains then,” Prof Kibwana said.