Kitui County, NHIF sign

Universal Health Care pact 

The MOU  will see over 100, 00O homesteads benefit under the comprehensive super cover.

By Terry Nzau

 Kitui County government  Governor Kaluki Ngilu says her government will use a co-pay  program that will see the county pay 50% of the annual subscription of Ksh 6000 to NHIF while the rest will be paid by the covered household. " Sixty Percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and lack means. With this we have a pocket expenditure to ensure affordable health for all", said Ngilu. 

Governor Ngilu during the signing of the
MOU with NHIF CEO Mr Peter Kamunyo

Kitui County has 262,000 households with currently about 79, 320 household being insurured with different insurances which is less than  thirty percent. 

According to Ngilu over sixty percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and therefore lack the means to meet daily needs such as health. 

" Over  eighty percent of our people  are depended on public health facilities this places a huge demand for our county government to allocate resources to meet the needs", she said. 

"Thirty three percent of annual Kitui budget goes in health but with this MOU we have therefore decided to set aside ten percent of this allocation every year to support our vulnerable households  to enroll to UHC through NHIF", she added. 

Ngilu says that this MOU will ensure as the county government they provide health insurance cover for over 85,000 households for the first time ever in Kitui and largely  Kenya.

" I believe this will be the first time in our country when such a large number of ordinary wananchi in one county get health insurance. This will be a landmark achievement and one for which we are extremely grateful to President Uhuru Kenyatta who has enabled UHC dream come to life in this country", she emphasized. 

NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo says they are geared at  socially protecting all citizens through Universal health coverage. " It gives me pleasure today to be signing an MOU with the county Government of Kitui supporting the healthcare in the county. And why so? because the spirit of UHC is  leave no one behind and the spirit of Universal Health Coverage is to ensure all those who can pay and those who can't are identified and supported" said Kamunyo. 

Kamunyo says they are focused at relieving Kenyans the burden of high cost of health and be productive. " The cost of Healthcare has continued and will continue to increase. This makes us one sickness away from poverty. Indeed it is true because 1 million Kenyans are driven to poverty  every year because of catastrophic health expenditure", he added. 

Kamunyo says it is important as the country goes through the scaleup for UHC they use the output base model known as an insurance model of risk transfer. " Basically what we are saying is that instead of carrying your own risk of health, be covered and the vehicle is NHIF and that you'll be able to transfer risk", said Kamunyo. 

" To ensure that once you have transfer the risk, you'll be able to get adequate services and I thank Governor Ngilu for being a trailblazer on this era of ensuring most vulnerable get the care they need", he emphasized.

Story of the Masai family matriarch

Veronica Wangari Masai

1931-1921

Story of a Matriarch. 

Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother Veronica Wangari Masai was born on 6th September 1931 in Tetu Sub-County Nyeri County.

She was the 3rd born child of the Late Philip Nduhiu and the Late Emily Nyawira. She was sister to the late Ignatius Ndei, the late Alex Gatundu, the late Rose Nyaguthie, the late Paul Wairegi, the late Wallace Githiaga, the late Paul Wairegi, Magdalene Wanjiru Gitonga, Angelica Bidi, and Stanley Gitonga.

She went to Tetu Primary School in 1938 and joined Mugoiri Secondary School in 1944. She later enrolled at the Masai Mission Institute, where she trained in Nursing and Midwifery. Upon completion, she began practising her nursing career in the same institution in 1951.

At the height of the Mau Mau struggle, she was transferred to Machakos in 1953, where she worked at the Machakos General Hospital. As she was working, she met her husband, the Late David Morris Masai, in 1954.

Her stint in the Public Service industry was short-lived as she retired early and ventured into farming and entrepreneurship while taking care of her family.

She set up Tivoli Stores and later Kanga Stores, a general merchandise store that served as an outlet for her farm produce. 

Our mother and Nau were blessed with seven children: Cllr. John Masai, the late Maj. Charles Masai, Idah Muthama, Mutune Masai, Martin Masai, Windsor Bahati and Valentine Kioko.

*Mother in law*

She was mother in law to Agnes Masai, Farida Masai, Grace Musili, Nelson Nyamu, Penelope Mutune, Ascar Ndei, Bahati Mutua and Dr. Henry Kioko

She was grandmother to Mbeti and The Late Enoch Musembi, Laureen Masai, David Masai, Masai Mutune, Wangari Mutune, Musyoka Musili, Maina Gacheche, Nyamu Muthama and Karimi, Mumbe and Eric Ndirangu Museveni and Yvonne, Sauli Bahati, Malasi Ndei, Tiffany Ndei, Steffany Ndei, Roy and Sally Kiema.

David Masai, Philip & Carol Kioko and Winnie Mutisya.

*Great-grandchildren*

She was the great grandmother to Kylee Musembi, Ilaa Nyamu, Yakira Museveni, Zion Museveni, Hozana Kioko, Joseph Kioko and Kwame Kiema.

*Noble Woman*

Mamy was indeed the noblewoman depicted in Proverbs Chapter 31. Her home and farm had plenty of food and fruits for everyone who visited. A hard worker, Susu was driven by her resilient spirit. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her children, instilling discipline and emphasized the need for togetherness in the family. She loved our father and cared for him till his last days.

Mamy invested well for her old age and always had something from her farm to sell. Mamy remained active and independent, driving her self at a very old age, yet remained beautiful and natural.

*Christian Life*

A dedicated member of the African Inland Church, Mamy was a staunch Christian. She was among the founder members of AIC Bomani and later moved to open AIC Mukalala. At Mukalala, she was part of the Women Local Church Council (WLCC) and the church development committee.

A natural philanthropist, Mamy contributed financially and in-kind to build AIC Mukalala and even mobilized her family to contribute during the fundraising. Until her demise, Susu was dedicated to her faith as she continued to offer tithes and offering. 

She loved God's word, prayer and worship, and she would often call pastors to host prayers in her house.

*Health and Demise*

The matriarch enjoyed good health over the course of her life.  She overcame hypertension diagnosed in 1962 and would routinely visit doctors for treatment. She was never admitted to hospital during her lifetime for illness until 30th March 2021, when she fell ill. She went to be with the Lord on 8th April 2021 in the presence of close family members.

*"You fought the good fight, finished the race remaining faithful to the end, now the prize awaits you, the crown of righteousness kept for you by the LORD Jesus Christ. Amen"*

Kitui's KITWASCO Board Replaced

 

By Gabriel Ndeleva

Governorspress@gmail.com

Friday , March 12, 2021

Kitui Water and Sanitation Company, (KITWASCO) today replaced its  entire Board of Directors

The board has been in place since KITWASCO's inception in 2006.

Kitui County Secretary Dr Chepchieng addresses the session

 During its 4 th Annual General Meeting a new board, under a fresh  Memorandum and Articles of Association was installed.

The new board has representatives from all the Sub Counties under the jurisdiction of KITWASCO including Machakos area.

The new board representatives are; Catherine Nzila- Kitui west, Augustus Mulwa- Kitui South ,Dr. Grace Mutua - SEKU, Peter Wambua - Kitui Rural, Saidi Mutia-Kitui South, David Musau-Kitui East, Gustus Mutio-Kitui East, Harrison Nyumu- Kitui Central, Stanley Mangeli- Masinga and Queen Masila, Kitui south.

The County Secretary Dr. Joshua Chepchieng ratified the new board’s appointment and wished them well as they discharge  their responsibilities. He reminded them that community service is a privilege and not a source of pride, and urged them to serve selflessly.

The water CECM Mr Meshack Muthusi challenged the new board to implement the company’s five themes of the company's strategic plan of Water & Infrastructure Development, Operational Efficiency, Customer Satisfaction, Financial Sustainability, Institutional Development Strengthening and ensuring Effective Corporate Governance.

The Managing Director Mr Geoffrey Kitonga thanked the County Government of Kitui, Water Sector Trust Fund and other people of goodwill for the assistance in handling extra costs incurred during the Covid-19 period, and expressed the company’s focus on reducing non-revenue water which currently stands at 54 percent to 39 percent  this year.

The company has also moved its operations from the sewer treatment plant in Manyenyoni, under the advice of public health officials, to their new offices near the Governor's office.

Kitui Empowerment Fund established

By Gabriel Ndeleva

Monday, March 8, 2021

Kitui.

 Esther Kilonzi

Kitui County Government has passed into law the Kitui  County Empowerment Fund.

The fund is Governor Charity Ngilu's strategy to support people in existing groups and Cooperatives.

Speaking at Ikanga market, Trade, cooperatives and investments CECM Esther Kilonzi called upon women to start drafting proposals for projects they would like to be funded by the County  Government of Kitui  with amounts not exceeding Sh. 1million.

The fund will be a revolving fund where groups will draft proposals for a project of their choice, the government lends them money which they repay with small interest

The CECM spoke during the International Women's Day celebration's at Ikanga, Kitui South Subcounty, where this year's theme is women leadership for an equal future in a Covid-19 world.

She urged women to take up leadership positions in their areas whenever they arise, to show the world the difference women can make in the society.

The event was attended by the Sub county administrative officers, both from the National and County Government.

 Miners to Reap
 Big in Kitui

By Barrack Muli,

Governor's Press Service

Artisanal miners in Kitui County are set to benefit from mining of gemstones following the licensing of the artisanal mining in the county.

Gov Ngilu, flanked by Kitui Environment and Natural Resources
 Minister Mr Koki Musau inspects minerals from Kitui

Speaking at Kitui town when she met the Mutitu Kaliku Multi-artisanal mining officials {MKM}, Governor Charity Ngilu said the exercise will be a significant source of employment and livelihood playing a critical role in poverty reduction and rural development.

Artisanal mining is targeting the fulfillment of  the Governor's fifth pillar  of het manifesto which targets Wealth Creation. It will also meet objectives of creating employment for Kitui residents which cuts across the other pillars of Affordable Healthcare, Food and Water, Education and Youth Development, and Women Empowerment.

Daniel Wambua, a technical engineer and member of the MKM artisanal group said the blue iolite, for instance, has a stretch of over 3 kilometres of the semi-precious stones that is currently a potential economic development opportunity in the sector.
“The blue iolite is of very high quality and can compare with the precious Tanzanite stone”. He said.
Noting that the miners were recently licensed through Governor Ngilu’s efforts, Wambua expresses hope and joy in the county government’s intervention and says mining will now present a primary livelihood employment for many in the area.
“We thank the Governor for helping us acquire a license, artisanal mining in the country has had challenges since 1930. We appreciate this big development”. He said.
The County Government trained 120 artisanal miners across the county in 2018 who will work in their groups with the support of the county and National Government, to engage in the extraction, value addition and marketing of gemstones which exist in big quantities in many parts of the county.
In her tour of the Kawala mining site of Mutitu in Kitui East recently, Governor Ngilu said “the county government will link the miners with relevant agencies for market linkage for the minerals”.
The county Ministry of Natural resources further invited land owners to allow mineral prospection in areas likely to be endowed with the precious stones. With the licensing of artisanal mining in Kitui, the Mining process has been made easy since the exercise only requires the consent of the land owner to allow extraction.
The licensing is a big relief to the miners following the formalization of the process and the withdrawal of middlemen in the business.
kituigovernorspress@gmail.com

Compost Toilets bring relief to students

 Compost toilets bring

relief to students

By GASTONE VALUSI

in Machakos

Pupils at two Primary Schools in Mwala, Machakos County are excited after a local organization built new blocks of orduorless toilets which employ a simple innovative technology.

The compost toilets which use saw dust as cover material provide a clean environment for pupils in rural communities.

The facilities at Ngangani and Maanzoni Primary schools were constructed after a piloting process which lasted for one year.

The initiative is the brainchild of Kenya Connect in partnership with Give Love Organization which have stepped in to enhance sanitation in schools by building toilet blocks and handwashing stations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The toilets are not smelly. The smell from the sawdust absorbs bad odour so the toilets do not attract flies. You feel like you are inside a timber yard or sawmill instead of a smelly toilet,"said Ndile Muia a class 8 pupil at Ngangani Primary school told The Anchor during an interview this week, adding "We have a sanitary bin which we use to dispose off used sanitary pads"

The toilets have a sitting facility like modern flash toilets but the waste covered in sawdust is removed by a cleaner on daily basis and stored elsewhere instead of being flashed down the drain with water. Fresh sawdust which is acquired from the local saw millers is then added.

"I like compost toilets because they are hygienic. We use sawdust instead of water and we disinfect before and after use,"said another Class 8 pupil named Muema Mwatu. Beatrice Mwikali a grade 4 pupil said she liked the compost toilets because they were comfortable and not smelly.

The toilets have been installed with handwashing stations and running water to help maintain high standards of hygiene.

Why compost toilets?

Compost toilets provide a simple technology of composting human waste into rich soil, explains Kenya Connect Executive Director Mr James Musyoka.

The compost toilets also ensure maintenance of a clean water table in the environment as no pit is dug.

According to the WASH joint monitoring program report (2019) by The World Health Organization and UNICEF, it was found that only 59 percent of Kenyans have access to basic water services and only 29 percent have access to sanitary services.

"Kenya Connect is working to change this narrative with the construction and opening of our first banks of compost toilets at two partner primary schools Ngangani and Maanzoni Primary schools after piloting compost toilets with teachers for the past year," says Mr Musyoka.

Teachers, parents, and community members who have used the toilets liked the comfortable design and the cleanliness of the toilet.

Unlike the pit latrines at most schools that smell, are dingy, and not hygienic, the compost toilets provide a stark contrast while producing rich compost that can be used to enrich the soil and cultivate gardens and trees.

Since there is no “pit” for collecting the waste which quite often collapse especially during rain season, students using compost toilets are safe and the water table remains clean.

"As with all Kenya Connect programs, we engaged the community in the process of the project. Teachers were instrumental in providing feedback when we piloted using the toilets and were enthusiastic supporters of our efforts to provide clean sanitation for the students,"Mr Musyoka said.

Prior to students using the toilets, parents were invited to the school to learn about compost toilets and in order to give feedback.

They were excited about the project and pledged to supply toilet paper for students to use instead of the customary leaves, maize cobs or rocks. The block of toilets for girls has a shower room where girls can take a shower or use it .

CAPTION:A pupil at Ngangani Primary school in Mwala Constituency outside the compost toilets built by the Kenya Connect Organization recently. Photo Gastone Valusi.