On Monday evening, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr in the company of county water officers toured two strategic water investment projects – Kamunyolo dam and Ndukuma, recently rehabilitated for spot inspection.
These projects signify Governor Mutula’s unwavering resolve to increase access to improved water sources from 46 percent to 70 percent (by 2027); and reduce the average distance to improved water sources from 3 km to 2 km.
On Ndukuma, the next phase will involve installation of a treatment plant, distribution, and fish stocking.
The Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) in Kenya recently hosted its 4th annual HR Awards and Gala dinner on Friday, December 8, 2023. The prestigious event, held at Safari Park Hotel, Thika Road, Nairobi, served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of Human Resources.
Event Overview:
The 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards aimed to identify and applaud individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to the advancement of HR practices in the country. The event brought together HR professionals, distinguished guests, and notable personalities to commemorate a year of remarkable accomplishments in the HR field.
Makueni County’s Recognition:
In this year’s awards ceremony, Makueni County stood out for its groundbreaking approach to innovation and technology in county governance. The county’s strategic partnership with Safaricom was highlighted as a key factor in automating services and surpassing targets in critical areas. The innovative initiatives spearheaded by the Governor not only enhanced efficiency but also instilled motivation among employees, positioning Makueni County as a trailblazer in shaping the future of county governance.
Award Presentation:
During the 4th Annual HR Awards, Makueni County received special recognition for its exemplary use of innovation and technology in county processes. The award, on behalf of His Excellency The Governor, was graciously received by the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) responsible for ICT, Education, Internship accompanied by County Executive Member for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports & Social Services, CO Education & Internship and CO ICT. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. David K.A Siele, Chairman of the National Labour Board.
Figure 1 The Award presented to the Government of Makueni CountyFigure 2 CECM Elizabeth Muli , CECM Nicholas Nzioka, CO Nicholis Mutua and CO Alfonce Kanunga during the awarding ceremony
Significance of the Award:
Makueni County’s achievement at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards underscores the critical role played by innovation and technology in advancing county governance. The county’s forward-thinking approach not only enhances service delivery but also establishes a model for other regions to emulate. The award serves as a testament to Makueni County’s commitment to progress and excellence in HR practices.
In conclusion, Makueni County’s recognition at the 4th Circle of Excellence HR Awards is a testament to its unwavering dedication to innovation and technology in county processes. The strategic partnership with Safaricom and the visionary leadership of the Governor have positioned Makueni County as a leader in the HR landscape. This award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as inspiration for continued excellence in shaping the future of county governance.
The 96th edition of the Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF) ended on a high note with the gala in which the creme de la creme of the festival entertained an audience eager to sample the best music and dance, elocution and drama teams from the festival.
Mr. Herman Shambi, Secretary Administration, State Department of Culture, the Arts and Heritage was the chief guest during the gala and closing ceremony of the 9 day festival that started on 1st December 2023 under the theme, ‘Our culture: towards national cohesion, healing and peace’.
The Chairperson of the KMCF, Prof. Emily Akuno, appreciated the generosity and hospitality extend to the festival by the Government of Makueni County. She noted that Makueni had set very high standards for other counties that will seek to host the festival.
Kakamega county emerged the top county in the festival followed by Uasin Gishu the second and Mombasa county in position three.
County First Ladies from Lamu, Nyamira and Wajir led by their host, H.E. Anita Mutula, attended the festival on 8th December 2023 and enjoyed Zilizopendwa tunes from the rest of Africa among other performances. The County First Ladies gave assurance of their support to the festival.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Friday hosted the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC) led by chairperson Dr. Pamela Olet for a discussion on joint efforts to safeguard Nairobi river basin water resources against pollution.
Mulili affirmed the county government’s commitment to environmental sustainability while insisting on the importance of inter-county partnerships in tackling contamination of water sources especially through industrial effluents and untreated sewerage.
Makueni is among counties bearing the brunt of water contamination from the upstream of River Athi.
Officials of the Kilombo Dam Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) have undergone a comprehensive 3-day training program to enhance their skills in the maintenance and management of the dam.
The officials are members of the community drawn from Kee and Kiima-Kiu/Kalanzoni wards elected by the residents to ensure proper management of the water resource.
The topics covered during the training, including Irrigation General Regulations 2021, Formation and Management of IWUA, statutory requirements, water structures management, and financial management, are critical for effective and sustainable dam operation. These topics cover legal, organizational, technical, and financial aspects, providing a well-rounded skill set.
The training was organized by the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development through National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).
Kilombo Dam has a capacity of 315,000,000 Litres and is targeting to irrigate 15 hectares of land in the two wards. Some of the residents in the vicinity are already benefiting from irrigated farming, a crucial indicator of the practical impact of the dam on the local economy and livelihoods.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works, Housing, and Energy, in collaboration with Strathmore University and WRI, organized a 3-day County Energy Plan Validation workshop at Kusyombunguo Hotel, Wote, from December 6th to 8th, 2023. Led by CECM Eng. Sebastian Kyoni and Energy Chief Officer Eng. Naomi Nthambi, the workshop focused on Energy Access to affordable, sustainable, and clean energy, productive use of energy, clean cooking technologies and sustainable bioenergy.
On the first day, the sensitization and validation of the County Energy Plan by the Members of the County Assembly.
The second day featured the presentation of the draft CEP to the cabinet under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, for their input and validation.
On the third day, Ward administrators were sensitized on the upcoming County Energy Plan and received a briefing on public engagement strategies and the promotion of green and renewable energy.
This workshop signifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable energy in Makueni County. The Makueni County Energy Plan is the 4th of its kind in Kenya, guided by the Integrated National Planning Framework.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Wednesday received essential medical equipment worth Sh 11 million from David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to equip Mtito-Andei Sub-county Hospital.
The equipment, presented by Angela Sheldrick- Chief Executive Officer of the Wildlife Protection Trust is meant to enhance the hospital’s capacity to offer quality healthcare services to the community.
Newborn Resucitaire Machine, portable ultrasound machine, portable X-ray machine, automated chemistry analyzer, automated hematology analyzer, baby incubators, oxygen concentrator and beds are some of the equipment donated by the Trust.
Governor Mutula said this donation is a result of his administration’s resolve to work with strategic partners to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve quality of life for Makueni citizenry.
Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, joined by CEC Health Services Dr. Paul Musila, marked World AIDS Day at Kibwezi Township Primary in Kibwezi West Sub-county on Friday.
Musila highlighted the county’s progress, noting a substantial drop in HIV/AIDS cases from 595 in 2022 to 323 this year. He reaffirmed the commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare, treatment, and preventive services.
Mulili emphasized the importance of health awareness campaigns in eliminating the AIDS scourge and urged the community to reject stigmatization, a major barrier to accessing counseling and testing services.
She warned of rising HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence, identifying them as triple threats to our communities. Mulili called on all health stakeholders to contribute to building a peaceful society.
Over 500 farmers drawn from Tulimani Ward in Mbooni on Friday received 4000 fruit seedlings (2000 Hass avocado and 2000 Apple mangoes).
This initiative by the County Government of Makueni through the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development is meant to enhance farmers’ income in 2 to 3 years when the seedlings are expected to mature. This will, in turn result in improved livelihoods.
The distribution exercise was graced by the Chief Officer Agriculture and Irrigation Daniel Ndolo, who was flanked by the area MCA and Majority Leader Hon. Kyalo Mumo, Sub County Administrator Phyllis Kithome and a host of officers from various county departments and the National Government.
