News

Kibwana commissions distribution of 50,000 title deeds

Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Friday led local residents in celebrating this year’s madaraka day by commissioning the issuance of 50,000 freehold title deeds at Nunguni.

The two-week distribution exercise, facilitated by the county government, will be conducted across the county.

The event was also attended by County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed, Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau, assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu, MPs Joshua Kimilu Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo as well as County Secretary Paul Wasanga.

Prof Kibwana said the lands department is undertaking several projects with a view to securing land tenure for a majority of the urban and rural populations:

Among these include: Survey for issuance of leasehold titles which has been extended to six markets spread out within all the Sub Counties.

The exercise involves the establishment of survey controls, picking and plotting of all property boundaries and preparation of survey plans from data collected for onwards processing with the Directorate of Land Surveys.

He said Support has also been extended to National Government Departments like the District Land Adjudication and Settlement Office through financing the remainder of activities towards resolution of arbitration board cases and hearings with a view to finalizing the adjudication areas for onwards gazettement and publication of registers.

The department has also facilitated the National Land Commission for the allocation of public land for public use as well as alienating land for public good.

Successful excisions have been done for Kevanda, Ngai Ndethya, Kiboko A, B and C and resolving long standing disputes for Mikululo, Mukaa Mbita among others.

Prof Kibwana said his administration is working on Makueni Big Four Agenda as captured in the County Integrated Development Plan (2018-2022), which include;

Reliable potable water for domestic use, Food security and agricultural commercialization. Youth, Women and persons with disability (PWD) economic empowerment and Institutional strengthening and capacity development.

The county commissioner assured Prof Kibwana of his support in combating illegal sand harvesting and insecurity.

“We will work together to deal with the illegal sand harvesting and insecurity,” said Mr Mohammed.

Kibwana calls on Kenyans to support NIIMS Registration

Governor Kivutha Kibwana has urged all Kenyans to support the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) #HudumaNamba registration exercise.

Speaking during the exercise launch at Masii Boys’ High School, Machakos County, Kibwana said the exercise is important for our country’s planning and development.

“What we are launching today is a very important exercise for planning and development. As Council of Governors, we shall support this initiative wholeheartedly so we can enlist as many Kenyans within the 45-day registration period.”

Kibwana said he would use his position as the Council’s Chief Whip to rally governors to spearhead the registration exercise so it can get the support of all Kenyans.

The #HudumaNamba registration exercise was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta and graced by among others Governors Kivutha Kibwana, Alfred Mutua, Charity Ngilu; Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Margaret Kobia.

Kibwana calls for Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Delivery

Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana has told top county officials that they must subscribe to principles of transparency and accountability in the conduct of business to ensure efficient service delivery.

Prof Kibwana said that public servants are accountable to the citizens for their actions and service delivery adding that it is a great privilege to serve the citizens.

He further said that it was no longer business as usual when it comes to service delivery reminding the officers that he had to fulfill his promises to the citizenry which they together with deputy governor Adelina Mwau committed to through signing of the performance contract with the people of Makueni

“We must be accountable in our delivering of services to the people of Makueni. Serving our people is a great privilege,” the governor said.

The governor spoke on Tuesday at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos where the deputy governor they addressed county executive committee members, chief officers and directors during the Kenya Devolution Support Programme workshop.

Prof. Kibwana further noted that there was need for change of the mindsets of the public servants if transformative results were to be attained.

His sentiments were echoed by Mwau who said that officers must strive to ensure that every minute and shilling spent should be accounted for through results

The DG said: “As public servants, we must be able to accountable of the resources entrusted to us and as such we must strive to ensure that every minute and shilling spent is accounted for.”

The three day workshop is geared towards enhancing public service delivery in the county institutions with focus on public financial management, civic education and public participation, monitoring and evaluation, human resource performance, planning and environment mainstreaming.

Kibwana backs Uhuru’s stand on graft

Makueni County Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana yesterday said he is supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recently launched war on corruption saying if life audits are properly done then high level corruption can be stemed.

Makueni leaders declare support for Kenyatta’s anti-graft war.

Makueni leaders have in one accord declared their unwavering support to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s war against graft.

The leaders who spoke at Wote Catholic Church hall during the second annual county prayer breakfast Tuesday said the country is bleeding from the heavy burden of corruption that has permeated virtually every sector of governance.

“I want to declare my 100 percent support to the president in this war against corruption. It is not an easy task but it is achievable,” said Governor Kivutha Kibwana, the keynote speaker of the event.

Prof Kibwana said the lifestyle audit for all the civil servants recommended by president Kenyatta is a welcome move with a potential to yield results if well conducted.

A lifestyle audit is one of the best forms of fighting this war. Every civil servant should be subjected to this audit and the results published. Any undeserved or illegally acquired assets and wealth should be recovered by the state,” he said.

Kibwezi MP Jessica Mbalu who serves as the vice chair of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said her committee is working round the clock to unravel major corruption scandals that will save the country millions of shillings.

“The Public Accounts Committee will not rest until those involved in dubious dealings meant to fleece Kenyans are brought to book. We have the capacity and commitment to bring to light all those perpetrating corruption,” said the Kibwezi MP.

Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia challenged his colleagues in the national assembly and the executive to embrace public participation in development saying it is one way to curb graft as the public is involved every step of the way.

He said he had copied the Makueni County model of public participation in the implementation of Kilome’s development agenda.

Other speakers who supported this clarion call at the event include Deputy governor Adelina Mwau, Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo and Makueni assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu.

KIBOKO ZOOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EFFICACY TRIAL CENTRE, KIBWEZI WEST

TOMATO FARMING IN MAKUENI: A Hidden Agribusiness Gem.

Tomato farming in Makueni holds untapped potential in agribusiness. Given the county’s semi-arid climate, farmers are advised to select disease-resistant seeds to maximize their yields.

In tomato farming, proper land preparation for adequate soil drainage and aeration, combined with regular weeding, minimizes competition for nutrients and water.

While farmers are advised to use organic manure or balanced fertilizers for healthy plant growth, mulching also helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.

As tomatoes mature, staking provides essential support to the plants, helping to prevent fruit rot. Additionally, farmers should practise timely pest and disease control to reduce losses.

Consistent water management practices are essential for irrigation, particularly during dry seasons, and tomatoes should be harvested at the appropriate maturity stage to maximize market value.

On Thursday, Makueni County’s Ward Agricultural Officers (WAOs) completed an intensive three-day training and practical sessions at the Kiboko Zoological Investigations and Efficacy Trial Centre, aimed at enhancing tomato farming practices to increase its productivity.

The training, conducted under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), aimed to equip WAOs with essential knowledge and skills to support tomato farmers.

It covered key areas such as the economic importance of tomato farming, climate-related challenges, seed varieties, selection, and optimal growing conditions for improved productivity.

Participants gained insights into Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety, as well as pest, weed and disease management in tomato farming. The training also focused on soil fertility and water management strategies to maximize yields.

Additionally, the program introduced mechanization solutions tailored for small-scale farmers to enhance efficiency, while also covering value addition, business management and effective techniques for training and supporting farmers in the field.

The WAOs were well-prepared to disseminate knowledge, promote best practices and support farmers in optimizing tomato farming.

This initiative is expected to enhance food security, improve incomes and strengthen the tomato value chain in Makueni County.

KHF Annual Mashujaa Handball Challenge 2018

The Kenya Handball Federation – Makueni Sub-branch in partnership with the Government of Makueni County will be hosting the Annual Mashujaa Handball Challenge this Saturday 13th October, 2018, at Unoa grounds Wote.

This is the second edition of the tournament following a successful inaugural event staged at the same venue last year.

This tournament is spearheaded by a team of sub-branch officials elected to office in 2017 according to its secretary Alphonse Sila.

“The office has also been able to initiate a County league that has already done three circuits and the finals to be held later in the year,” said Jones Kyumwa, the Technical Director.

At least 14 teams have confirmed their participation in this year’s edition of Mashujaa Handball Challenge.

They include:

Clubs & Colleges

SEKU Main
Wote TTI
Mercenaries H.C
Highway H.C.
Kitandi H.C.
Machakos University
Recce H.C.

High Schools

Kasikeu Boys
Mikuyuni Boys
Kithumba School

Ladies Teams

Wote Queens
Yatta Queens
Wote TTI
Makueni Girls

UPDATE: RESULTS FOR THE MASHUJAA HANDBALL CHALLENGE HELD ON 13TH OCTOBER AT UNOA SPORTS GROUND

Senior Men
Pool A

UoN 14 vs 11 SEKU Main
SEKU Main 14 vs 06 Kitandi H.C.
UoN 21 vs 06 Kitandi H.C.

Pool B

Machakos University 23 v 16 Wote TTI
Reece H.C. 15 vs 14 Wote TTI
Machakos University 15 – 19 Recce H.C.

Semis

UoN 19 vs 18 Machakos University
Recce H.C. 12 vs 08 SEKU Main

Finals

UoN 13 vs 13 Recce H.C. (Postmatch 7-M throws 03 – 05)

Junior Men

Pool A

Nduluni Boys 16 vs 11 St. John’s Malivani
St. John’s Malivani 12 vs 13 Kithumba School
Nduluni Boys 18 vs 07 Kithumba School

Pool B

Makueni Boys 07 vs 12 Mikuyuni Boys

Semis

Nduluni Boys 13 vs 07 Makueni Boys
Mikuyuni Boys 11 vs 06 Kithumba School

Finals

Nduluni Boys 09 vs 10 Mikuyuni Boys

Ladies

Wote Queens 08 vs 01 Makueni Girls
Wote Queens 10 vs 03 Nduluni Girls
Makueni Girls 04 vs 08 Nduluni Girls

WINNERS

Senior Men: Recce H.C.
Runners up: University of Nairobi

Junior Men: Mikuyuni Boys
Runners up: Nduluni Boys

Ladies: Wote Queens
Runners up: Nduluni Girls

Kenyatta lonely in war against graft: Kibwana

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s battle against corruption is lonely and requires good company to sustain if the war against the vice was to be won.

Makueni County Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Monday urged the church to join the President in his war against graft, warning their silence and lack of support is making it a lone range mission against a combative network of corrupt individuals and groups that fight back together.

Prof Kibwana who was addressing Anglican Bishops at the Wholesome Governance Conference held at the St. Paul’s University, Limuru said the battle the President was wading into was isolating and therefore the support and backing of the church and other like- minded persons was crucial.

“I am sure the President is very lonely because corruption fights back. He needs company,” Prof Kibwana told the bishops attending the workshop.

The governor said it was difficult to develop if all the money collected as revenue is stolen by heartless cartels.

“The clergy should approach the President and lend support on war on corruption. The church can help devise ways of fighting it. The President wants to fight it but the war is huge,” Prof Kibwana said.

Negative ethnicity and the youth marginalisation, Prof Kibwana noted are among key issues the church should look into in order to help spur development in the country.

“People should know that we are all children of God. It doesn’t matter whether one is Kikuyu, Kamba, Luo or Kalenjin. This negative ethnicity is dividing our country. The church should come in and save us,” the governor added.

He however hailed the church for playing a crucial role in mediating when Makueni county executive went into a quarrel with the county assembly in 2013.

The ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit praised Prof Kibwana for being an achiever in the implementation of devolution and for ensuring good manners in management of resources in his county.

“Many people have praised the manner in which you stood against blackmail in your county and defended devolution in the last term and the kind of development you are bringing,” The ACK leader said.

The Archbishop said that the church should play a more visible oversight role in order to tame wanton corruption and plunder of public resources.

“It is important that devolution is safeguarded and cascaded further to the village if not the household level without wastage of scarce resources,” the Bishop stated.

Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA)- 7th Edition, 2022

Kajiado County is the proud host of the 7^th Edition of Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) games at Ongata Rongai.

The games were officially launched by H.E Martin Moshisho, the Deputy Governor – Kajiado County, and will run from 9^th to 17^th April, 2022 at the Nekeel Stadium, Nekeel Boys School and Laiser Hill Academy Grounds.

KYISA games were last held in 2019 with Busia as the host, before being interrupted by the infamous Covid-19 pandemic.

Youths aged between 18-23 from across the 47 counties will be competing in three disciplines;

Soccer,
Volleyball and
Basketball

Makueni County will be represented in all the disciplines.

KENYA TOURISM BOARD ENGAGES LOWER EASTERN COUNTIES IN TOURISM PROMOTION

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) on Thursday kicked off a two-day county engagement program in Wote, bringing together tourism and culture officers from Makueni, Machakos, Kitui and Nairobi counties.

The initiative aims to identify tourism opportunities and enhance local and international marketing strategies.

Makueni’s Acting CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Nicholas Nzioka, opened the event by appreciating KTB for its partnership with counties.

Nzioka highlighted the importance of proactive efforts in the competitive tourism sector. “The masters of the tourism game are fiercely competing for resources, while only the weak sit idly, waiting to be given a share,” Nzioka remarked.

The forum aims to enhance tourism, identify key focus areas to attract visitors and explore partnership opportunities.

Also present at the program were Stephen Mulei, Chief Officer for Tourism and Culture in Machakos, along with Directors Dianah Muli and Mutua Mulonzya for Tourism and Culture in Makueni.

MagicalKenya

MAKUENI’S HUGE STRIDES IN PREVENTING MATERNAL DEATHS AFTER BIRTH

Makueni has made significant strides in reducing and preventing maternal deaths after birth due to excessive bleeding popularly known as Postpartum Haemorrhage deaths.

Speaking during the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society 48th Annual Scientific Congress in Mombasa, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr highlighted a raft of measures the county has made to achieve this feat, key among them:

Use of Heat Stable Carbetocin for PPH prevention for all births in 36 facilities (92% of births); Procurement of quality assured medicines from KEMSA and MEDS; Facility and team based training of different cadres of health care providers and Procurement of drapes to facilitate early detection.

Others include procurement of equipment to enhance monitoring of women; Strengthening prevention and treatment of anemia; and Strengthening primary health care networks.

Governor Mutula said his administration’s huge investment in this health sector is motivated by Hillary Clinton’s clarion call that “Every woman, whoever she is, wherever she lives, should be able to give birth without the fear she’s going to lose her baby or that her baby will lose their mother.”