7,000 Mwala students get bursaries,MP hits at Wavinya

By Alexander Kieti

Mwala MP Eng. Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has led distributed bursaries for over 7000 university and college students in Mwala Constituency at Makutano DEB Primary School.

In this year's exercise 7123 students from across the 6 wards of Mwala Subcounty are set to benefit from bursaries worth Kes.48 million from the Constituency NG-CDF fund after applying through the constituency's online platform designed by the MP.

The legislator, speaking at the event, faulted the county government of Machakos under Governor Wavinya Ndeti for continuously giving little amount to few needy students as bursary even though the county receives a greater allocation of funds from the national government compared to Constituencies that receive lower amount yet MPs give more money and to more students.

Mbiuni-Kathama ward MCA Peter Kilonzo PK backed the MP stating that the county government has been giving 800,000 per ward which adds up to 2.4 million for Mwala Constituency alone. 

 Kilonzo added that it has been difficult for MCAs across Machakos County to reach the needs of wananchi in the grassroots with such little budget allocation from the county government crippling the efforts to support education.

Besides education, Eng. Kawaya also raised a concern for the increased suicide cases which are higher among the youth particularly the male gender with Mwala recording more than 20 suicide cases in the last quarter of 2023 a lone for different reasons with the cost of living and family feuds as the major causes.

He called upon the youth to take personal initiative and protect their dignities by avoiding stress factors including drugs and seeking assistance when pressed instead of taking their lives.

Further, on the cost of living Kawaya argued that the national government is working tirelessly to harmonize the biting economy to ease the spiking cost of living. He defended the government measures including taxation saying it seeks to reduce national borrowing with the external date hitting a record 11 trillion.

According to Kawaya the current measures will come with many benefits which will fruit with time as it is no haste in relaxing the current economy status asking Mwala residents and Kenyans to be patient with the government.

Ever eaten donkey meat?

By Daniel Kituku. 

Police in Makueni have arrested 10 suspects in connection of slaughter and sale of donkey meat  .

Confirming the incident Makueni Sub County police Commader Winfred  Siele said the suspects admitted trading in Donkey Meat at Shauri  Moyo Market Nairobi. 

 Siele told the press that the incident was reported by Ms Jane Ndawa ,  the Assistant Chief for Kambi Mawe that within the homestead of one Makau Kimolo alias Jones Katiku  within KwaKathoka village  slaughtering of suspected stolen donkeys  was going on and 2  vehicles  were waiting to collect the meat.

Officers stationed at  Kwa Kathoka Police Post  laid an ambush at a feeder road and intercepted two motor vehicles Reg.No. KDB 991U make Toyota Fielder and KCK 434 M make Toyota Wish and inside the vehicles was discovered  suspected donkey meat .

The suspects admitted that they had slaughtered 15 donkeys 

Police visited the scene where the suspects slaughtered the Donkeys  necessary police action  taken and  established that hooves and heads of the donkeys were buried at the said compound.

The suspects and the exhibits were later escorted to Makueni Police Station as investigations begun .

With the admission that the suspects have been slaughtering donkeys, it is difficult for anyone who buys meat between Makueni and Nairobi  to confidently state that they have not fed on donkey meat.

Or can they?

Machakos misses World Bank's Kes 2b

Machakos County has missed out on Kes 2b from the World Bank fund for improvement of its Municipalities. 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti 

Machakos County has  missed out funds for two years running- first being 2022, the last year under former Governor Alfred Mutua and second in 2023, being the first year under current Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

At the centre of the funding fiasco is Kes 89m that the Machakos Municipalities Board earmarked for a road in Machakos Municipality that the two leaders seem to have vested interest. 

The road runs from Kimutwa Workshop and rips behind Lauh Hotel,Women Finance Trust, KFA and links to the road facing Equity Bank.

Our sources say Mutua wanted the funds used for construction of an air strip at the still born New Machakos City but the Board chaired by Mr Malcom Kateta resisted and Mutua ran out of time. 

The board, sources say, is fighting for autonomy to be able to run its programmes without interference from central or the County government. 

Matters have not improved after the arrival of Governor Ndeti at the Machakos White House. Since May when bids were floated for construction of the road by use of cabro, the tender has not been awarded. 

Tired of this administrative dithering,  the World Bank has given an altimatum to recall the Kes 89m and pull out of funding the needy Municipalities of Machakos County. 

WB donates Kes 1b annually to Machakos County under the Kenya Urban Transport Improvement Programme(KUTIP) to be shared between Machakos,Mavoko and Tala / Kangundo urban areas.

The programme targets improvement of Urban roads to bitumen standards to make the Municipalities dust free and boost standards of living.

Sources tell The Anchor that the current stalemate is as a result of cartels that are opposed to the contractor who won the tender.

" Since May, the winner has not been announced and we suspect that a tooth an nail fight is being conducted so that those allied to the current administration are awarded the works", the source added.

This development exposes an administration that failed to deploy a single shilling to development in the last quarter as citizens wait in dire need.

Wavinya's Chief Officer quits

Governor Wavinya Ndeti's Sewerage,Sanitation and Waste Management Chief Officer Mr Paul Wambua has quit his job.

Wambua send a two paragraph letter headed " Notice of Resignation as the County Chief Officer"(sic) to Governor Ndeti to herald his departure. 

The letter, dated December 18

2023, stated he was leaving due to personal reasons- the euphemism used by officials overwhelmed by work conditions and circumstances.

The letter gave a 30- day notice as per Section 45(6) of the County Government Act. He concluded be assuring governor Wavinya of his support 'wherever I will be' and thanked her for the opportunity to serve for almost one year.

He leaves as the wavinya administration battles allegations of massive corruption over works on 80 dams that activists claim were underlined by nepotism, cronyism, corruption and unaccountable procurement processes.

Chief Officer ousted

Kitheka is Suspended

By Brian Malasi

Simeon Kioko Kitheka,the Trade Chief Officer in Governor Wavinya Ndeti has been suspended. 

A letter written to him by County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr. Muia Ndambuki said Kitheka is suspended indefinitely.

He is not authorised to act for the County Government of Machakos, the letter added.

He is the second Chief Officer to leave office in as many months after the exit of his Investments counterpart Peter Mutwiwa who  used fake University of Nairobi papers to get his job.

Mr Kitheka, an ex- school principal and immediate former chairman of Universal Traders Sacco was also given  24 hours to cause the surrender of his official car keys. It was not clear how he ended up keeping the keys.

No reasons were given for the suspension. The letter of suspension appears to be a follow-up of a memo from Kitheka's boss, the County Minister for Trade Ms Mutua, dated May 19,2023.

Though the contents of the minister's memo remain unclear, a video has emerged from an incident in Kitale where protesters were condemning Kitheka for tempering with Chamber elections in Kitale.

More to follow .

Why Climate Justice is a moral imperative

 A CSO's review of Kenya’s 
amended Climate Change Act

By Mercy John

In May 2016, former President Uhuru Kenyatta introduced the Climate Change Act, the first of its kind in Africa. It was designed not only to establish mechanisms and strategies for achieving low-carbon climate development, but also to mainstream climate change as a central agenda in the development process. The legislation was enacted as a response to a need for a regulatory framework that could address climate change more effectively, especially in the face of challenges, such as a severe drought affecting approximately two million Kenyans at the time.

Verbatim report: Part 2

Verbatim:How  MCAs tried,
convicted County clerk

Committee observations

The Committee observed that the Hansard report dated 23rd May, 2023 presenting the tabling and approval of the Machakos County Supplementary Appropriation Bill (No 2), 2023 shows that amendments done and approved by this Honorable House in schedule R004 of the Machakos County Supplementary Appropriation bill, 2023 were altered in the final published Machakos County Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2023 where the amendments that had been proposed in the House were not captured.

A verbatim report on how Clerk was removed- Part 1

A blow by blow account of  how
 Clerk was  tried and convicted

Assembly votes to remove Clerk

By Anchor Reporter

The  Machakos County Assembly clerk Joseph Mutisya Laban has been send home summarily. 

This came as 41 Members of the County Assembly voted  to dismiss him for claims of gross misconduct, incompetence, altering assembly legislation,  abuse of office among a plethora of other charges.

Speaker Anne Kiusya on the chair

Mutisya snubbed summons to defend himself after he was summoned to do so after expiry of the 14 days he was given to reply to his suspension letter.

However, the assembly committee probing the clerk went ahead and held hearings, called witnesses and convicted the disgraced assembly administrator on all charges.

 So when the entire assembly sat and the Speaker Anne Kiusya called on Majority Leader to table case papers, Mutisya's goose was already cooked.

After a much heated  debate, the motion was put to vote where 41 members voted to oust the clerk. 10 MCAs voted  to save him while ,6 members abstained.Only  2 MCAs were absent.

Mutisya's fate now lies with the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi where he ran to seek refuge after he failed to face his accusers in the assembly. 

The court made orders to halt his ouster even after his replacement had been gazetted.

It is a matter that  will be placed before Justice Nduma Nderi  on December 8 for further directions.

Suspended Clerk halts ouster

The Employment and Labour Relations Court today stopped the suspension and replacement of former Machakos County Assembly Clerk  Mr Joseph Mutisya.

Justice B.Manani issued a  conservatory order, staying the decision made by the Machakos County Assembly Service Board on November 14,2023, 

The board suspended the clerk for 14 days during which he must respond to three allegations of official impropriety. 

The  Nairobi court further stopped the County Assembly Public Service Board from instituting removal proceedings against the Clerk until the matter is heard and determined.

 Mutisya was suspended for altering County legislation, failure to implement county resolutions and incompetence. The stay order however seemed to imply that Mutisya was suspendef fot unspecified reasons.

The order also seemed oblivious of the fact that the litigant had been replaced  the next day and his successor, who was his deputy Mr Dennis Muthui gazetted in his place, albeit on acting basis.

Mutisya  moved to The Employment and Labour Relations Court on Monday, November 27,2023, to challenge the decision by The County Assembly Service Board.

Why Assembly Clerk was ousted

By Anchor Reporter

DETAILS are emerging on the exact reasons that led to the suspension of the Machakos County Assembly Clerk Mr Joseph Mutisya.

Mr Mutisya, the Suspended Assembly Clerk

It now transpires that Mr Mutisya obtained a loan of Kes 100m to fund loans for MCAs at a commercial rate from a local bank without authority of the  County Assembly of Machakos. How the banks acceded to the request deepens the mystery even further, exposing the downsides of devolution.

Informed sources say top authorities from the County Government of Machakos instructed Mr Mutisya to obtain the loan and assuage pressure from the MCAs on the County Executive. 

A source that is privy to the matters boiling at the assembly says Mr Mutisya went blindly to obtain the loan, even without any written instruction from the County Executive. The County Executive is reported to have denied ever giving such instructions. The events are the climax of illicit connivance between individuals within the two arms of government in Machakos County and are likely to split the MCAs down the middle.

" His most grave mistake to failing to seek concurrence with the County Assembly Service Board before executing the directive of the County Executive- begging the question- Whose interest does he serve" said the source, who pleaded to remain anonymous.

Mr Mutisya is also accused of procuring insurance for the Assembly assets and fleet of vehicles including the Speaker's limousine on Third Party General Insurance- instead of a Comprehensive Cover. This means that his actions put at a huge risk not just the buildings but indeed the human resource, including over 60 MCAs who serve the County Assembly.

Worse still, the assembly's procurement office was not consulted over the insurance acquisition and neither was the Service Board's concurrence sought before it was effected. Questions are flying around as to how the previous comprehensive cover lapsed without action being taken on time to renew it.

Mr Mutisya was sent home last week after a session of the Assembly Service Board meeting that gave him a 14 day notice show cause why he should not be summarily dismissed.

 He was accused of incompetence, inaction in implementing Assembly resolutions and altering Assembly Legislation. He is alleged to have been making the alterations in collaboration with the Finance Department of the County Government of Machakos- to an extend that he acted as if he was the assembly itself.

Mr  Dennis Mutui, the Deputy Clerk for Legislative Affairs was appointed to act as Assembly Clerk.

Graft: Ex Minister detained

By Anchor Reporter 

Former Agriculture CECM Mr Urbanus Wambua Musyoka is detained at Machakos GK Prison over corruption charges.

The former minister in Governor Alfred Mutua' s administration was detained after he was arraigned in a Machakos Law Court last Thursday to answer corruption charges.

Urbanus Wambua Musyoka

Musyoka was detained after he failed to raise the stringent bond and cash bail terms he was offered to regain his freedom. Machakos Senior Principal Magistrate  James Omburah released him on a bond of Ksh. 6 Million or a cash bail of Ksh. 3 Million.

He was still holed up in the prison as relatives seek how to raise the cash as we went to press.

Musyoka pleaded not guilty to the offences listed by the State.It is alleged that on diverse dates between January 2019 and May 2022, the accused knowingly held an indirect private interest in a contract award by Machakos County Government to M/S Wisdom Holdings Limited, a private company he was associated with for a contract amounting to a sum of Ksh. 45, 497, 609.

The accused also faces a charge of unlawful acquisition of public property amounting to a sum of Ksh. 19, 600, 000 in diverse dates between January 2019 and April 2021.

He was also charged with fraudulent practice alongside Antony Mbindyo, Fiona Muthoki and M/S Wisdom Holdings Limited.

Other accused persons charged jointly with Urbanus were Thomas Mutinda, Josephat Ndiku and Paul Kimeu.

Mention of the case was set for November 30, 2023.

New Assembly Clerk gazetted

By Martin Masai

Changes in the Office of the Clerk of the Machakos County Assembly have swiftly been published  in the Kenya Gazette, signifying the removal of Mr JL Mutisya.

The notice was published today, November 15, 2023, informing the County Assembly Members,staff and the general public that the former Deputy Clerk in charge of legislative affairs Mr Dennis Mutui has been appointed as Clerk of the Assembly.

The notice, signed by the Speaker of the assembly Mrs Anne Kiusya said the appointment was made by the County Assembly Service Board. Mrs Kiusya is Chairperson to the board. The appointment is effective from November 14, date when the board voted to remove the outgoing Clerk.

Mutisya is on a 14- day suspension arising from allegations of altering County budget legislations, official inaction and incompetence. 

He is to provide his defence within the 14 day window after which the matter will be tabled on the floor of the assembly for debate and action.

martinmasai@gmail.com

Assembly Clerk suspended

The Clerk of the County Assembly of Machakos. Mr Joseph Mutisya was on Tuesday  suspended for  14 days.

The action was the outcome of a County Assembly Service Board session that was chaired by Machakos County Assembly Speaker Mrs. Anne Kiusya. The meeting is said to have had full attendance including two members of the County Assembly and two external representatives. 

Mutisya was served with a letter that asked him to provide a response to at least three grave accusations that sources say may culminate in criminal charges.

The sources  say Mutisya is  accused of, among other issues  altering county legislation on budgets in connivance with the county's Finance. The source said " He is seen as solely acting as the  entire County Assembly". Further charges include failing to implement  assembly decisions actions and exhibiting general incompetence.

The board appointed his deputy Mr Dennis Mutwii to act as clerk during that period. 

Kitui Launches myCountyApp

Kitui today became the  Second County after Makueni toulaunch myCountyApp as a payment platform for all its services. 

The platform enables the county to digitise all services in one place providing a single, citizen access channel.

The platform will include payment for county services, revenue management systems, a citizen reporting and engagement tool and solutions around agriculture, health, utility bills and SME programs.

Kitui becomes the second county to integrate to myCounty.

 Governor  Julius Malombe, speaking at the launch said the ”platform underscores an important milestone in the advancement of technology in Kitui’s service delivery to the residents”.

The Governor said the “launch is in line with SDG (17) which focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development technology”.

“This is also in line with the focus on enhancement of government service delivery through digitization and automation of all government services. It also mirrors out our 16 point development agenda for Kitui County”.

He said the county ministry of ICT has partnered with Safaricom to effectively serve the people of Kitui by creating a digital platform where residents can access services effectively and efficiently in a one stop shop through a single e - citizen access channel.

Governor Malombe further indicated Safaricom’s partnership as key pointing out the network connectivity increase from 36% in 2013 to 83% currently. 

On his part, Safaricom’s Chief Corporate Security Officer representing CEO Peter Ndegwa commended the county for the progressive partnership with focus to transform lives.

“We are partnering with Kitui not as friends but because the county - as an organization has a plan” he said. 

Mulila said Safaricom has plans to gradually include all 47 counties in coming months into the plan.

Ndeti dismisses minister

By The Anchor Reporter

Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Education, Philip Mutua Kilonzo was summarily dismissed yesterday.

His dismissal was announced in a press statement signed by Governor Wavinya Ndeti. 

The statement released on Monday afternoon stated that Kilonzo was found incapable of  discharging  duties delegated to him in the education ministry. 

The docket was immediately re assigned to the Roads, Transport and Public Works Cecm Dr.Consolata Mutisya.

His dismissal comes hardly a week after he was shoved from the Lands docket. It seems Wavinya was mulling over what to do with him when she announced the transfer, which affected a few other ministers. Observers are wondering when she discovered  the minister to be ineffective. 

Kilonzo now becomes the second Cecm member to part ways with the County. The first member was the former Youth and sports Cecm Onesmus Muasya alias 'Sky' who left office under yet unexplained circumstances.

Here is the award winning story

Machakos journalist
receives award in Sydney 

Steffany Ndei was today feted in an event in Australia after emerging among  top three global writers.

The Anchor now brings you the Award Winning Story as written and published. 

Kisilu Mutua dies at 80

He is alleged to have killed
politician Pio Gama Pinto 

By Kivutha Kibwana

Kisilu Mutua, who was jailed in 1965 for allegedly assassinating Pio Gama Pinto, died last Sunday evening at the age of 80.

He hails from Masii in Machakos County,  and also lived in Eastleigh, Kyambiu. 

Kisilu leaves behind a widow, Ruth Minoo, and three children -Stephen Mutuku, Lazarus Munyao and Mariam Ngami.

In 2017, the High Court of Kenya found that he had been tortured by the police in 1965 so as to force him to sign a document which was used as evidence to incriminate him  in his murder trial. 

Kisilu who was 22 years at the time of his arrest spent 36 years in prison before a belated  presidential pardon in 2001.

May his soul rest in peace. 

May the Kenya government begin an investigation into who assassinated  the revolutionary Pinto and the others who faced similar fate in independent Kenya.

Mbaitu360 hits the market

 

Mbaitu radio launches
inimitable marketing tool

NAIROBI, Monday August 7,  2023

A local radio station Mbaitu FM is launching the market’s novel marketing tool- Mbaitu360 in a leap that seeks to break barriers for clients’ desires amid plummeting advertising revenues.

Mr Masai, during a Mbaitu360 briefing in Nairobi

Dubbed Mbaitu Ndunyu, the tool seeks to provide clients with a wide range of access to Lower Eastern Counties of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni, bringing them face to face with over 7 million people over 20,000 women groups, 60,000 traders, and over 500,000 members of Financial Services Associations(FSAs) each month.

The tool that creates a market place and haul both sellers and buyers to it, providing a 360 approach-On Air, On Ground and a Digital Pitch at a go, is on trial for free but will be loaded for client buy- in come August 2023.

“We have opted to hit the ground in a different way and stay way ahead of the competition- providing our clients with solutions in a market that we know best”, said Martin Masai, the Managing Director of Eastern Broadcasting Corporation, the holding company of Mbaitu FM.

“We are creating a market where clients sell their brands and goods in multiple platforms at a go and stay happy. It is a value based methodology where we expose clients to virtually everyone, everywhere in Lower Eastern where we have stamped our authority for close to 20 years since our inception in 2004”, he added.

The novel tool provides a compounded approach- where clients enjoy more than the traditional offering of On-Air Activation. Mbaitu Ndunyu will also provide the experiential out door engagement- complete with Outside Broadcast support where clients will come face to face with clients in a bold step to demystify radio, combine this will deployment of its Social Media assets including its digital platforms and army of influencers. To ice the cake, Mbaitu Ndunyu will be supported by its brand ambassadors- giving clients a lasting after effect- what sets Mbaitu FM apart from its competitors.

Mbaitu Ndunyu commenced its in-house trials a week ago and is due for launch to clients on August 24, 2023. The move is the radio’s response to the emerging trends where traditional marketing trends are threatened by emerging technology, client desires, a depressed economy and crowded markets where too many players are fighting for a reducing cake.

Worse still, the country is poised for mass smart phone exposure, a development that will further impair radio set listenership and migrate masses to smart phones- hence the spiraling demand for digital astuteness.

Mbaitu FM, covering Lower Eastern with four frequencies has thus invested in an outdoor rig, with a mounted Outside Broadcast unit, acquiring the ability to take the studios out there anywhere and anytime- offering clients a unique experience to strategically penetrate the region.

Ex County Clerk killed

Ex Machakos County 
Clerk found dead 

Mr. Felix Gitari Mbiuki, the first Clerk of the County Assembly was today found killed in his personal vehicle. 

Former Machakos County Clerk and Tharaka Nithi politician was found dead in his vehicle with gunshot injuries at Kanyuambora, Embu County. 

Mr. Mbiuki who was a gubernatorial aspirant in the last general elections was found by villagers of Kanganga with gunshot injuries on his head, inside his vehicle KCT 086H as confirmed by Mbeere- North Sub County Commander Eric Yego. 

Mr. Yego said that residents grew suspicious after they noticed the car that had been parked at the scene for some time only to peep and notice a man lying inside unconscious bleeding from the head. 

“They called us immediately, we came in took the body to the morgue and have since commenced investigation on what transpired,” he added. 

The Deceased who is also a businessman and runs Gitari Mbiuki Foundation  has been mourned by Tharaka Nithi Politicians among them Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, Former VC Chuka University and gubernatorial candidate Prof. Erastus Njoka.

No new taxes in Machakos budget

How Wavinya will fund
County's Kes 14 b budget

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has named sources from which she will fund her  2023/24 budget worth Kes. 14.75 Billion.

Running on the theme, "Building a Resilient Community Through Sustainable Food Security and Socio-Economic Empowerment", the proposed budget consists of Kes. 9.55b from Equitable Share, Kes. 2.99b from Own Source(Local) Revenue, Kes. 1.09b from the Conditional Grant and Kes. 1b from Health revenue. 

She says her framework avoided introducing  new taxes in the budget proposals due to the prevailing economic realities.

Without explaining, Wavinya says "We anticipate stabilization of the economy. Instead, there has been a deliberate effort to tighten financial controls and enforcement of fiscal discipline to seal leakages in revenue collection management." Her claim that revenue collection has grown from the previous KES. 12 Billion to the current KES. 14 Billion could not be verified as a fact.

 The County chief  says the 2023/2024 Budget that is based on the Socio-economic Empowerment Policy of 'Chakula Mezani Pesa Mfukoni.' that seeks to transform the livelihoods of Machakos County residents. 

Kuyu tables Wavinya's Kes. 14b budget

Elements of Gvn Ndeti's 2023/2024 first budget

The Machakos County Government today unveiled its 2023/2024 Budget set at Kes 14.75 Billion.

The budget was presented at the Machakos County Assembly by  the County Executive Committee Member for Finance Mr. Onesmus Kuyu.

It becomes the first budget under  Governor Wavinya Ndeti's leadership.

The budget favours Health, Infrastructure development, agriculture for major funding while education,youth and women empowerment are tail enders in the funding framework. 

15 acre Zion Forest mooted

Ndeti plans a forest
of indegenous trees 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti is holding a consultative meetings with officials from Israel Embassy to establish an indigenous trees forest under The Zara Project.

The Zara Project involves the establishment of a 15-hectare peri-urban indigenous tree forest christened "Zion Forest" near the New Machakos City.

The Zara Project is collaborative partnership mooted by the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Rachael Ruto. It  seeks to catalyze environmental restoration and preservation through strategic partnerships.

The latest delegation to meet Governor Ndeti was led by the spouse of the Israel Ambassador Mrs.Yahel Margovsky.

The plan bolsters Machakos County Government's plan that is dedicated to entrench biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and promote socially and environmentally responsible enterprises.  Ms.Ndeti is personally driving the plan.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governor Mr Francis Mwangangi and Ministers Catherine Mutanu and Philip Kilonzo.

Women's plight cited at fete

Rights abuse feature
at desertification event

By Kitui GPS

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe  said today that his government will continue its collaboration with development partners towards  combating challenges of desertification in the county.

Dr Malombe spoke at this year’s national ceremony against desertification at Waita, Mwingi Central Sub county that was also attended by Environment and Forestry CS Soipan Tuya and Tourism CS Penina Malonza.

Echoing this year's theme "Her Land Her Rights", the Governor noted that women have unequal and limited access to and control over land, yet they are major actors in the global efforts to reduce and reverse land degradation.

The county chief added that women are subjected to discriminatory laws and practices that impede their right to inherit and access to services and resources regarding land calling for change of such practices to enable them to thrive in the modern society.

Malombe also called on the residents to embrace tree growing to complement his government’s efforts to build sand-dams in each ward as an initiative towards sustainable medium- and long-term plan to gradually reverse desertification.

Ms Tuya commended the Governor for his set approach on reversing land degradation noting that trees are key for economic and nutritional value.

Ms. Malonza commended the county government’s commitment in partnering with the national government citing the opportunities available for partnership and cooperation between the two levels of government.

The event was attended by high level development partners among others the National Land Commission, the National Drought Management Authority, the Water Fund and Africa Sand Dam Foundation.

Where do you belong?

Sonko,Kalonzo 
in public spat

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has dismissed Wiper party's  leader allegations that he was prepared to join Azimio One Kenya  demonstrations against high cost of living and the passage of the Finance bill .

Speaking in Nthangu Village Wote Makueni,  during the burial of Mike Sonko's Aunt Monica Kivatu Sonko Said he is the deep state and can't go on demonstration against the government. 

Sonko who had flown in the Burial with Kalonzo sharing the same chopper said Kalonzo had fixed him publicly for lying he had promised to join their demonstrations .

He said Kalonzo has been a great family friend and politics should not divide Kenyans confirming his stand to stay in Government and Kalonzo in opposition. 

However Sonko said the Azimio One Kenya had all the rights to picket but warned them against destroying private property  

Sonko reiterated the unity of purpose for the Kamba Nation.

He challenged Kamba leaders to reconsider the communitie's political way in the coming elections  to stop being used by other communities to bring them to power .

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka had warmed up mourners at funeral that he and Sonko are great friends and that Sonko had  promised to join the coming demonstrations if the Finance bill 2023 passed .

Kalonzo asked the parliament to shoot down the Finance bill 2023 citing hight taxes .

Furious Makau warns

Mavoko MP fires
Warning shot

By Anchor Reporter

Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau has fired a warning shot to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for allegedly non delivery of services to Mavoko constituency.

He claimed the services had been deployed to other areas.

Makau, who is a third-term MP for Mavoko, declared to act against whoever is shortchanging his people. He gave an example of the swapping of names of six individuals  he appointed to the Mavoko Land Board as per the National Land Commission Act.

"Land Act states  that the MP shall appoint six people to the constituency land board, I forwarded the names and they were replaced with other people," Makau said

Makau who has shown all indications of  to running for Machakos gubernatorial position in 2027, candidly breathed fire that those trying to mock him. Though he did not name anyone, his fingers were pointing at Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti

"I had chosen to keep quiet but if you want me to shout for Mavoko to get deserved services I will shout, if you want me to shout that Mavoko gets road infrastructure I will speak"Makau thundered.

DCI probes Commissioners

Kitui bosses grilled
for election offences

By Brian Malasi

Two  Deputy County Commissioners from Kitui South Sub Counties were today  questioned for more than six hours by detectives for suspected gross misconduct during the 2023 elections.

The two, Mr. Stephen Omondi Wambura and Mr. Onesmus Ireri Muriuki administrators of Ikutha and Mutomo divisions respectively were summoned by detectives from Serious Crimes Prevention Unit, in the company of two of their office staff and held for questioning at Kitui county police headquarters.

It comes after 12 chiefs and assistant chiefs from the same areas were subjected to the same ordeal last month at the Kitui Police station.

Among the chiefs summoned for questioning include Mr. Kyambati King’ondu (Kyatune location), Mr. Onesmus Mutaula (Ikanga location) Mr. Said Philip (Ilusya location), Mr. Pius Kilunda (Kibwea location) and Robert Kusinga (Mutomo location) who retired from active service September last year.

The investigations are aimed at shading light on how the administrators distributed government relief food between February and August last year among other alleged electoral offenses.

The interrogation team from Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI headquarters in Nairobi, whisked the DCCs from the County Commissioner’s office at 8am and escorted them to Kitui police station for the questioning session.

Police used the same style deployed on the chiefs to nab the assistant county commissioners. They were summoned to the County Commissioner’s office then led to the police station.

While the two administrators declined to discuss the matter after their session with detectives, the County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the summons and grilling of his two adjutants.

The Anchor  established that they were asked to individually account for certain actions committed between February and August last year.

Mr. Mbui said the matter of how relief food was distributed in Kitui South during the campaign period is still under investigations and his role was merely facilitative for the officials to face the DCI investigators.

He washed his hands from the matter saying; "Any further details on the nature and extent of the investigations against the officers can only be provided by DCI headquarters’’ 

Efforts to get a comment from the head of Serious Crimes Prevention Unit, Mr. Michael Sang were not successful, however, a source privy to the investigations told the Anchor that the two ACCs were implicated by their Chiefs during their questioning last month, specifically on how they allegedly gave directions their juniors to flout government guidelines in distribution of relief food.

The relief food consignments received in the constituency is said to have been distributed only in Jubilee campaign contrary to established government regulations.

The investigations were launched after numerous complaints from members of the public and whistle blowers who documented and shared incriminating evidence with authorities.

That not withstanding,the Chiefs are alleged to have openly engaged in voter bribery and buying of national identity cards from starving Kitui residents at a Sh1,000 fee in Kitui south to prevent voters opposed a particular candidate from voting.

During the election period, social media was awash with video clips showing some chiefs actively participating in partisan campaigns, including distributing campaign materials while others were captured bribing voters on the actual election day. 

County DCI head Samuel Bett confirmed that the investigations on electoral malpractices against the administrators began in January.

Kitui County saved big gas expenses

Benefits of Mwingi
Hospital oxygen unit

Mwingi Level IV facility will save at least Kes. 300, 000 monthly (3.6 million annually) from the costs previously incurred in sourcing oxygen from Nairobi.

 Malombe (left) and Mr Bert Ubamadu (USAID) during the commissioning of the oxygen generating plant in Mwingi Level IV Hospital.

The plant can process enough oxygen for patients in the facility and the rest shared to other hospitals across the county.  

Governor Malombe said the development is a big milestone in the provision of quality healthcare in the county.

Oxygen is a critical element that will enable doctors to deal with diseases such as pneumonia, malaria and other non-communicable ailments.  

By donating these PSA generators, USAID is fulfilling its commitment to support the strengthening of Kenya's healthcare system, support the expansion of its primary healthcare goals, and continue to improve health outcomes for Kenyans so they can lead prosperous fulfilling lives.

The donation by USAID is a contribution to global momentum among donor countries, multilateral organizations, and foundations to work together to collectively address significant shortfalls of oxygen for patients.

Strathmore, WRI ink deal

Makueni's deal on renewable energy 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr  has signed of an MOU with the World Resources Institute (WRI), Strathmore University on renewable energy sources. 

The MOU outlines Makueni's partnership on development and implementation of an Integrated County Energy Plan that gives guidelines on renewable energy resources, productive use of renewable energy and financing of County energy programs in the next 5 years. 

Present during the ceremony were Ms Wanjira Mathai (Managing Director Africa and Global Partnerships -WRI), Prof Izael Da Silva (DVC Reasearch and Innovation - Strathmore University),  Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy),  Stanley Nthiw'a (County Attorney), the county solicitor, among others..

The signing took place as Kilonzo Jr officially closed a two-day training involving chief officers on integrated energy planning and budgeting. 

Malombe receives plant

Mwingi gets Sh 27m oxygen unit from USAID

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today received the medical oxygen generating plant at Mwingi Level IV Hospital during the handing over and commissioning ceremony graced by the USAID Kenya East Africa Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu.

In his speech, Governor Malombe commmended the USAID for the Oxygen Generating Plant worth $200,000 (27.7 million) and the development partners JHPIEGO and  Chemonics International for their efforts in implementing the project.

According to the Governor, the project will save the Mwingi Level IV facility at least sh. 3.6 million monthly incurred in sourcing the oxygen cylinders from Nairobi as it has been the trend for many years of operation.

The plant, he says, is expected to increase efficiency of the two operating surgical theatres and Newborn Unit (NBU) which admits over 100 babies monthly.

The county chief noted that the facility was facelifted during his tenure as the pioneer Governor (2013-2017) through construction of new outpatient block, surgical (23 beds) and maternity (47 beds).

The Governor further restated his administration's commitment to improving and sustaining the joint partnership engagements for the betterment of Kitui residents.

Governor Malombe committed to elevate Mwingi Level IV Hospital to a teaching and referral hospital (Level 5 status) by constructing an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), operationalizing the Renal Unit to spur healthcare services and continuous supply of drugs, building a female ward (Mother-Child Centre), equipping the surgical/amenity ward, completing the mortuary, completing construction of the stone wall to improve security and digitization of hospital operations by installing a hospital management information system (HMIS) as anchored in the Kitui County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Kitui Vision for Economic and Social Transformation (KIVEST) 2022-2032.

The USAID Africa Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu called on the health facility to take care of the plant to guarantee maximum benefits and years of service.

Oxygen from the plant will also be distributed to other facilities across the county to improve access to medical oxygen and save lives.

Kitui is among the 5 counties that have benefited from this program keen to eliminate acute oxygen shortage in the country.

The event was also attended by County Assembly of Kitui Ward representatives among other stakeholders.

I will blacklist shoddy,
contractors,Ndeti says

By Nguma Kitone

Machakos Governor Wavinya  Ndeti said today that her government will blacklist contractors who will do dubious work.

Wavinya told traders bieng contracted by the county government to ensure value for money by delivering quality works.

"The Public sacrifices  its money through taxes which we deploye for the implementation of the earmarked projects. There must be prudent use of these taxes", she said.

She spoke as she inspected works on Machakos Buspark and  the Machakos-People's Park road which are being recarpeted .

The bus park is being renovated for Kes 12m in a project that took less than 1 week by Wendano Contractors.

The governor told the contractors on the two projects to implement them according to the specified standards.

Wavinya assured contractors of prompt payment once they complete assigned projects satisfactorily.

"My administration has very good plans on roads.we want to ensure connectivity to major urban centers so that our people can have easy access to the sub counties and beyond", said the governor.

Governor Ndeti was accompanied by her Chief of Staff Lawrence Ngovi,  Ministers Nathaniel Nganga ( Roads) ,Catherine Mutanu(Water), Mr Kuyu(Finance),Dr Daniel Yumbya(Health), Philip Kilonzo(Lands) and several Chief Officers among others.

Machakos acts on Climate Change

Working towards a Climate Action Plan

The Machakos Climate Change Unit has hosted a Multi-Stakeholder workshop towards validation of the comprehensive ward-level Participatory Climate Risk Assessment reports received from all the 40 wards across the county.

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The Multi-Stakeholder workshop brought together members of the local community,Sectoral Staff,Machakos County Assembly Committee on Environment,Civil society Organizations,FLLOCA, NGOs and Various Government Agencies.

The workshop was also attended by the among others  Head of FLLoCA program Kenya Mr.Peter Odhengo, Water Minister Catherine Mutanu and Chief Officer for Climate Change Mr. Stephen Mulei.

Together, the teams intensely looked into all the PCRA reports from diverse wards,examining the current Climate Risks facing the County,exploring exposure, Vulnerability, adaptive capacity and  future strategic adaptation priorities aimed at informing  the formation of County Climate Action Plan.

Malombe's pledge

We will deliver as 
governors-Malombe

 Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has assured the residents of Ukambani that the three governors in the Lower Eastern will deliver in their mandate to grow the livelihoods of the people during their tenure as county CEOs.

While addressing the Yatta Farm prayer gathering on yesterday convened by Wiper Party leader Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka, the Governor said the leaders will remain focused  in the strive to realise their counties' development plans and to address the common regional challenges with a view of growing the electorate and the counties as a whole.

“We have a stand and we will not accept to do that which we were not elected to do. We have a duty to serve our people as we back our leaders in the coalition”. He said.

The event was graced by the former Premier Raila Odinga,  Martha Karua, the three Ukambani governors, Senators and other Azimio leaders among them  Eugene Wamalwa, Jeremiah Kioni and Ukambani County Assembly Speakers and MCAs.

Questions over Kitheka's exit

Details emerge in CO'S
dramatic suspension

By Anchor Reporters

DETAILS are emerging about the suspension last week of Wavinya Ndeti's Trade and External Relations Chief Officer Mr Simeon Kitheka.

Mr Kitheka was suspended on May 22, 2023 via a letter fired to him by County Secretary Dr Muya Ndambuki with a copy to Trade, Industry, Tourism and Innovation minister Ms Mutua, Finance, Revenue Management, Economic Planning and ICT Mr . and Governor Ndeti.

The letter referred to a Memo written to Mr Ktheka by Ms Mutua on May 19,2023, whose contents remain unknown. An analysis on the matter- given the wording of the letter of suspension show that Ms Mutua wrote a forceful, yet inconclusive memo, forcing Dr Ndambuki to enforce it saying …Vide this memo, you are suspended from office until further notice. Take notice that during the period, you are not allowed to transact any business on behalf of your department or represent the Government of Machakos County in any capacity”.

It now transpires that Kitheka’s problems originate from his dalliance with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kitheka, who until his appointment as Chief Officer served as Director representing Eastern region and chairman of the Chamber’s Finance Committee has been involved in the on-going chamber campaigns and supporting Mr Eric Ruto who wants to oust current KNCCI President Mr Richard Ngatia. As we went to Press, the chamber's official website shows he is a bona-fide official.

Top officials enjoy a monthly allowance of at least Kes 40,000 plus a sitting and travel stipend. 

Questions abound over this matter.Could he have been earning two salaries each month; did he resign from KNCCI; was any due diligence done by the County Assembly of Machakos when he was vetted?

Kitheka is alleged to have been traversing parts of the country campaigning for Ruto. He has allegedly visited Mombasa, Embu, Nyeri, Kitui, Makueni, Nakuru and Trans- Nzoia counties.Even then, the Kitheka campaigns in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni have born no fruit as his candidate has lost to Mr Ngatia's side. 

Kitheka hit cross winds in Trans-Nzoia on May 18, 2023 during the KNCCI Branch elections. He ran into trouble for supporting a candidate running against another who is favoured by Governor George Natembeya. 

During the ensuing skirmish, residents are seen in the video clip admonishing Governor Ndeti for allegedly sending Kitheka on the campaign trail to campaign against their favourite candidate. Police had to intervene to stop a fight between the parties as it was alleged that outsiders were meddling in Kitale affairs.

All these developments were unfolding without Governor Ndeti’s approval. First, she was unaware that Kitheka was in Kitale. Second, she was unaware that he was still involved in Chamber matters. Third, Wavinya was not briefed that a Machakos County vehicle had been deployed to Kitale. To make matters worse, for Kitheka it was outright conflict of interest, being an public official serving the trade docket- to participate in the chamber elections.

So when the riot unfolded in Kitale and phone calls started rocking the networks, Kitheka stood exposed to adverse administrative action at home as his minister could neither account for his absence, his use of official vehicle nor his activities around chamber issues. 

The Anchor's analysis of the issue shows the memo to Kitheka was written a day after the Kitale riot. It may even be fair to speculate that the memo may have accused Kitheka of absconding from duty. 

A clip that circulated in Social Media  a day before the Memo and Letter show an agitated crowd, accusing Governor Ndeti of sending Kitheka to support someone not supported by Governor Natembeya. The violence in Kitale resulted in postponement of the elections to a later date.

Days later, Wavinya issued a warning to unnamed government officials about behavior she termed uncouth, telling them to watch their ways. 

Speaking at the Machakos Convention Centre, the county boss, speaking in a sarcastic demeanor called out those with a tendency of misusing their positions, saying that some are known for hoping from bear hall to another, bragging about the positions they hold in her government. She further advised all the County workers on the importance of maintaining a good county image.

Efforts to reach out to Mr Kitheka for a comment by our reporter bore no fruit as he did not answer or return 2 calls made to him. 

Neither could we confirm whether he had surrendered keys to his official vehicle at the expiry of the 24 hour notice issued by the County Secretary in the suspension letter.

Questions are flying around as to why Kitheka was required to surrender the car keys and not his driver. Could he have been driving his official vehicle? If so, was he authorised to drive it? So where is his official driver?

Stay Anchored!

New officials take office

Ndeti's new officials 
to swell county payroll 

By Brian Malasi 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti today presided over the swearing into office of 10 new officials including the County Public Service Board Chairman Mr Urbanus Mutisya.

Other officials sworn into office include a new member of the board and eight more Chief Officers of the County government of Machakos, bringing the number of Chief Officers to 36, the highest in any of Kenya's 47 counties.

The appointments are certain to grow the payroll of the County, imperilying development programs. 

The officers are:

1. Albanus Paul Mutisya - Chairperson, County Public Service Board

2. Marleen Misco Mwanika - Member.

3. Kasinga Julius Muindi - Health department, Health Facilities, and infrastructure development docket.

4. Winnie Musyoki -Lands, physical planning, housing, urban development & Energy department; Sewerage, Sanitation, and waste management docket.

5. Machogu Ian Obare - Finance, Economic Planning, Revenue Management, and ICT department; Information, Communication & Technology Infrastructure.

6. Sheikh Ifrah Abdi - Trade, innovation tourism, culture, and industrial development department; digital economy docket.

7. Bernadette Wavinya Mutiso - Devolution department; Public participation, citizen engagement and customer service.

8. Mutunga Zipporah Kavata - Trade, tourism culture, and industrial development department; Small and medium enterprise development docket.

9. Mule Daniel Lemba - Devolution department; Public Communication and E-Government docket.

10. Mulwa Albert Katumo - Agriculture, food security, co-operative development, and marketing department; livestock and fisheries development docket.

Wavinya urged the officials to bring a multiplier effect and improve public service.

Mutula, Wavinya, Malombe set targets

Lower Eastern Governors 
close ranks under SEKEB

The three governors from Lower Eastern Kenya have resolved to develop a strategic plan for the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) in order to realise the shared dream and desire to address common regional challenges.

Speaking after their a summit meeting in Kitui, the governors, Dr. Julius Malombe (Kitui), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) said the SEKEB will embark on developing the plan focusing on the key thematic areas that include strengthening the political bargain by speaking in one voice, promoting unity of purpose, infrastructure and industrialization.

Other emphasis will be food Security – moving from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agricultural shows in the region, trade partnerships, human resource - Youth, women and PWDS empowerment and ICT and innovation – completion of Konza Techno City, talent search and development, training, and skills development.

Others are natural resources (sand harvesting and management, exploitation of minerals and location of related industries within SEKEB, ballast crushers and Mining), healthcare – establishment of specialized units in each County (Kitui to have a renal unit, Machakos to have a cancer centre and Makueni to have a trauma centre), rural electrification and green energy, development of tourism circuit within the bloc.

Governors Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr said county chiefs from the region must have a common approach in addressing the issues that matter to the people in the region under SEKEB. SEKEB is enacted through an Act that was passed by the three County Assemblies and gazetted. The Act gives the governors the authority to cooperate as counties and provides guidelines on the operations of the bloc.

“Since our last meeting held on 13th December 2022, we have initiated the process to operationalize the Bloc and smoothen its operations, we have nominated members to a Panel of Experts and eminent persons to provide technical, intellectual and professional advice to SEKEB”, Kilonzo Jnr who read the joint statement to journalists after the meeting said.

The governor said they formed two summit committees namely, Infrastructure, Investment, and Trade chaired by Wavinya and the other one on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources chaired by him. The committees will ensure that the matters of trade and environment are given the attention and the support needed to actualize the goals and objectives of the region.

“We are finalising the establishment of the secretariat, which is expected to be fully functional within the 2023/2024 Financial Year,’ Kilonzo Jnr said.

The governors said SEKEB is developing agricultural value chains suitable for the climatic conditions of the region. They said they have started with beef production in partnership with an American investor in Machakos County. So far, the investor has set up a model farm and is testing different feed portions in the first phase. Once the piloting is successfully done, the knowledge will be shared with farmers and other stakeholders within the Bloc.

The initiative will provide opportunities to many people along the value chain that includes (but not limited to): feed production, animal breeding, transport, marketing and processing.

Governors Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr said in partnership with Africa’s Voices Foundation (AVF), SEKEB conducted Public Participation through a local Kamba radio FM station to offer citizens an opportunity to express their views on projects they consider to be of priority in their areas. A report of the issues raised has been shared with the leadership of the bloc and will be incorporated in county plans for consideration.

On the Umaa dam in Changiwthya East, Kitui Central, the governors said the dam, which stalled at the initial stages, has been taken up by the national government for completion on their request to President William Ruto to support the completion of the community dam.

They named a number of priority areas of focus in the next five years with commitment to prioritize developing water infrastructure and other people driven projects to change livelihood.

The SEKEB will continue to engage with the National Government to initiate and complete mega dams projects that provide water for domestic use, irrigation to enhance sustainable food security and generation of hydro-power.

They said Thwake dam which is a multipurpose mega project within the bloc, has its first phase 80 per cent complete. Once fully completed, it will spur economic growth and enhance food security within the bloc while addressing perennial water shortages. The three governors said they have lobbied for the completion of the Lower Thwake.

The governors said they have nominated members to the taskforce on Athi River commission to spearhead cleaning of Athi river. The Kshs.8.5 billion Yatta dam has been identified by the National Government among the dams to be constructed. The investment will spur agricultural activities along the 58-kilometre Yatta Canal and substantially increase the acreage under irrigation. Its completion will transform the region’s food security.

They said county aggregation centres and industrial parks within the bloc, have a competitive advantage of expansive land which is available for mega projects. In collaboration with National Government, the County Governments within the SEKEB Bloc have budgeted for funds to match the National Government Fund for aggregation centres and industrial parks, for instance, the Kanyonyoo aggregation and industrial park located in Kitui Rural Sub-County which borders Machakos County. The centers and parks will spur economic growth while providing job opportunities for our youth.

The governors added that the SEKEB Secretariat which has been fully operationalized is being constituted. This Secretariat will be located at Machakos Town as is provided for in the SEKEB Act 2022. The Secretariat will support and oversee full operationalization of the SEKEB structures. In addition the Secretariat will coordinate and actualize implementation of projects and programs within the Bloc.

On road infrastructure, the governors said they were aware of the impact of the Kibwezi-Kitui Road which has opened the region. However, the road has stalled at Kwa-Siku in Migwani, Mwingi West. They urged the Government to complete the road and the people affected by this road to be compensated promptly.

They asked the national Government fast-track completion of roads to the Lapset port of Lamu to Ikutha-Kanziku-Mutha-Kona Kaliti-Hola, Chyulluni-zombe-Endau Malalani-Twa Mbui-Hola, Oldonyo-Sabuk, Kinanie-Kangundo, Kenol-Kaani-Kincar.

The governors said SEKEB will continue to lobby for more inter-county major roads that will enhance connectivity within and beyond the Bloc. This will be actualized through strategically reaching out to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). This is expected to spur economic growth.

Tourism circuit in realization that SEKEB hosts several game Parks such as Tsavo to the South, South Kitui Game Reserve to the South, Mwingi South Game Reserve to the East and the bordering Meru National Park and Nairobi National Park, they said they will begin lobbying the National Government for the bloc to start benefiting from proceeds of tourism.

The region is endowed with natural features and phenomena which include one of the wonders of the inverted gravity a portion of the Machakos-Mitaboni Road, Fourteen Falls, Yatta Plateau, Ikoo Valley and the larger valley that extends from Miambani to Zombe.

These form a tourist circuit which, if well exploited, will attract investments and create job opportunities through promotion of both local and international tourism.

Land being a very emotive and divisive issue, the three county chiefs asked the National Government and National Land Commission (NLC) to consult SEKEB on matters concerning extension of leases, issuance of titles, adjudication and settlements to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

They said SEKEB is planning to hold a stakeholders forum in October, 2023, at Thwake Dam. The choice of the venue is informed by the need to demonstrate the shared resources, values, challenges and unity of purpose.

The forum is expected to bring together 3,000 people drawn from the three County Governments within the Bloc, including the strategic partners, investors and international communities who share our vision and desire to engage and walk with us in exploiting our great potential.

In addition, the Forum will offer a great opportunity to call upon the national government to fast-track the completion of the multipurpose dams.

Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr urged the county Executive members from all the departments within the bloc to come together and harmonise cross-cutting issues in the CIDPs.