Farmers get over Sh 200m

Donors fund 322 groups to

Boost farming in Machakos

By The Anchor Reporter 

322 farmer groups in Machakos County have been funded with Kes. 248,404,146 to boost agricultural production.

This comes as three Farmers' Co-operative Societies also received funding to start processing their farm produce. The funding has seen five dams excavated through the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture project (KCSAP), who are part of the donor organisations.

Some of the key partners in the agricultural sector include the World Bank, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, African Development Bank as well as International Fund for Agriculture Development.

Yesterday, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti issued cheques to beneficiaries at an event at Machakos Peoples Park and claimed the event signified the launch of her campaign mantra 'Chakula Mezani,Pesa mfukoni."I am pleased to join you today during this launch of my government's “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni” Initiatives" she said in her opening remarks. 

She said her government has initiated several interventions, among them the issuance of free pasture and crop seeds, seedlings, pesticides and fertilizer, free chicks, goats, incubators, pond liners, chicken transport cages, fruit fly traps, fish fingerlings and feeds, livestock vaccination and free tractor service among others.

She announced that her government will construct 2 grain bulking silos; one to serve Yatta and Masinga sub-counties while the other will cater for Mwala and the neighboring sub counties.

She also announced that the Machakos Agricultural Training Centre would transformed to a modern facility for on-field research, seed propagation, training and farming demonstrations. 

She added "I am glad to inform you that the Machakos ATC is now an accredited Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training Centre (ATVET). 

Governor Wavinya issued cheques  for procurement of different agricultural materials and inputs.

Beneficiaries include Kambusu Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 26,997,570,

Mukuyuni Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 28,315,000,

Kakuyuni Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 16,335,000,

Kola CDDC - Ksh 8,293,150,

Kalama CDDC - Ksh 7,756,027,

Masii CDDC - Ksh 8,059,510,

Muthetheni CDDC - Ksh 7,987,580, 

Katangi CDDC - Ksh 8,347,000 and Ikombe CDDC - Ksh 7,290,000.

Others to benefit are Matungulu North CDDC - Ksh 4,750,000,

Masinga Central CDDC - Ksh 4,250,000,Mbiuni CDDC -  Ksh 4,000,000,

Kivaa CDDC - Ksh 4,000,000,

Masinga Mixed Farmers - Ksh 500,000,

Kayatta Irrigation SACCO - Ksh 500,000, Kalau CBO - Ksh 500,000 and Mwangaza CBO - Ksh 500,000.

Assembly 'vets' Wavinya appointees

MCAs complete ritual
to approve nominees

By Anchor Reporter 

Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have today conducted a vetting exercise for various nominees for the position of The Chairperson, County Public Service Board (CPSB), a Member of the County Public Service Board (CPSB) and Chief Officers of various Departments

Mr Mutisya

It is hoped that due diligence was carried out by the various committees that carried out the vetting.

There are valid fears that the assembly teams are merely rubber stamping appointees from the executive are without scrutinising their documents.

During today's vetting, the assembly Committee for trade and investment vetted Ms Zipporah Kavata Mutunga to replace the current Chief Officer for the docket who was found to have used a fake University of Nairobi degree to secure the job. 

Neither the committee nor the assembly have offered any explanation why this anomaly escaped their attention. Another committee also approved another Chief Officer- Mr Isika- who has an active corruption case with his father.

The Anchor was unable to listen through the vetting process to understand what entails the vetting process.

Those vetted today are:

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

2. Marleen Misco Mwanika - Member, County Public Service Board (CPSB)

3. Bernadette Wavinya Mutiso - Chief Officer, Department of Citizen Management and Customer Service.

4.Kasanga Julius Muindi - Chief Officer, Department of Health Facilities and Infrastructure Development.

5. Winnie Ndunge Musyoki - Chief Officer, Department of Sewerage, Sanitation and Waste Management.

6. Mutunga Zipporah Kavata - Chief Officer, Department of Trade, Economic Planning and Industrialization.

7. Machogu Ian Obare - Chief Officer, Department of Information, Communication and Technology Infrastructure.

8. Mule Daniel Lemba - Chief Officer, Department of Public Communication and E-Government.

9. Sheikh Ifrah Abdi - Chief Officer, Department of Digital Technology.

10. Mulwa Albert Katumo - Chief Officer, Department of Livestock and Fisheries Development.

Hotel ordered to shut down music

The County Government of Machakos has moved to clump down noise pollution coming from  Semara hotel in Machakos Municipality.

The order came amid complaints of noise pollution by residents of Milimani area who share a neighbourhood with the hotel.

The county ministry of Water, Irrigation, Environment and Climate Change, in a notice dated April 24,2023, has ordered the hotel to switch off the sound system with immediate effect and not to operate during the night hours. 

The notice requires the hotel  to come up with a noise management plan and take a copy of the same to the county office.  

Semara is also required to submit a copy of Environmental Impact Assessment license and environment audit which was submitted to NEMA.

 The locals are also up in arms against the local ATG church for noise pollution. It remains unclear why the residents omitted Garden Hotel that has a Live Band performance from the list of pollutants.

Residents complain that the noise is higher at night and during weekends, making their habitats unbearable.

Pollution activities are said to take place at night when people are resting from strenuous work of the day , depriving them sleep . 

The notice says the hotel is violating Article 42 Of the Constitution and the Noise and Excessive Vibration pollution Control Regulation 2009 .

MP's Birth Certificates drive

Bring registration of births to villages- Basil

By Magdalene Kyalo

Yatta MP Robert Basil today edged towards actualization of his pledge to deliver seamless issuance of birth certificates.

 

Addressing  residents at Katangi Chief's Office during the issuance of Birth  Certificates , Basil said this was part of his manifesto  to bring government services to his electorate.

This exercise will save  parents  time , cost and bearucratic  processeses to  acquire this crucial document. 

A birth certificates is a crucial credential that Kenya citizens require as a primary document to prove citizenship and opens doors to joining schools and acquisition of other documents such as National Identity Card and passports.

Basil, a first term legislator,  said he will transform Yatta sub county and bring more fundamental instruments to the area as he promised during his campaigns .

He added that he will push to ensure that the service is available to all wards .

Other  services that  Basil is partnering with national  government to bring closer to mwanachi is acquisition  of National Identity cards and voting cards .

Safaricom, Makueni county lauch App

Telco,County lauch digital services tool

By Daniel Kituku 

Safaricom in partnership with Makueni County government today launched the first MyMakueni App to digitise all county services. 

This platform shall enable citizens access services from a single  platform by push of a button.

The platform will help  the county manage services such as revenue management systems, agriculture, health, utility bills and SME programs. 

Governor  Makueni  Mutula Kilonzo  Jnr  said  the App is a tool for leadership, inspiring citizens to be bold and visionary to embrace change for betterment of counties for themselves and future generations. 

Mutula added that the App will ease access and payment of county services to the public  saving them time  visiting county  offices .

Speaking at the Launch in Wote  municipality , CEO Safaricom Peter Ndegwa said the App should be accessible to every Kenyan-right from the farmer to everyone seeking the service. 

" We are delighted to partner with Makueni County as they become the first devolved unit in the country to provide all services on myCounty App . myCounty provides provides individuals and organisations with a single, convenient  point where they can access, manage , and pay for all county services ," said Ndegwa . 

 The service will be available for all 47 counties  as a smartphone App , Web portal and Short Code and will intergrate both current and upcoming services irrespective of the county's provider of choice, and lastly provide a management portal, " added  Ndegwa .

In addition to County services the MyMakueni App shall have a " Sema Na Governor " feature that will enable residents to engage their Governor directly  to report on issues  affecting them and performance of county staff.

The App will also enable residents ask for emergency services as ambulance, fire, police  and other services. 

Safaricom company will host the service as part of the safaricom cloud , provide Big Data and Analytics solutions for the App users and digital recipients complete with electronic notifications. Other objectives of MyMakueni App are to bring the world to Wote, and take Wote to the world, ease land payments and building payments, process revenue collection, add visibility and reconciliation of payments, Support application forms in digitization and automation, enable citizen engagement with the governor and help one to explore Makueni in the tourism sector.

Gideon Mutiso- 1932-2023

 

Yatta's coup linked MP dies at 91

By Gastone Valusi
 and Agencies

Former MP for Yatta Constituency in Machakos Gideon Mutiso has died at the age of 91 . He was born in 1932 and was the longest-serving Yatta MP, having been elected four times.

Mutiso’s death was announced by his family who said he died while undergoing treatment at the MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi on Wednesday.

“We, the Mutiso family wish to confirm the passing on of our patriarch on April 26, 2023, while undergoing treatment at the MP Shah Hospital," the family statement reads in part.

The family said they  request prayers, support and privacy during this trying period saying that the updates on the funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.

Mutiso was first elected to Parliament in 1963 on the African Peoples Party(APP) ticket. He was re–elected to office in 1969, 1988 and 1992 on a Kanu ticket, where he served until 1997. He also served as an Assistant Minister in the ministries of Home Affairs, Education, Health, Agriculture, Lands and Housing.

Mutiso was jailed in 1971 after he was arrested, tried and convicted over a coup plot to topple Kenya's First President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. He served 9 years and six months in jail before he returned to the political fold to reclaim his seat in 1988.  On September 25,1971, through Kenya Gazette Notice number 2126, the Supervisor of Elections announced a by-election to replace Mr Mutiso. " If 'the Parliamentary election is contested the poll will take place on the 25th day of September,1971. Dated this 5th day'of August,1971- N.J. MONTGOMERY-SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS"

It appears there was no contest in the election. On September 21, 1971, Mr Montgomery published another Gazette Notice " PURSUANT to regulation 54 (2) (c) of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Regulations, 1969,the Supervisor of Election hereby notifies that the person named below has been elected as a Member of the National Assembly for the Constituency shown...Constituency- Yatta. Name: Simeon Kitheka Kiilu. Dated this21st day of September,1971 N. J. MONTGOMERY ,Supervisor of Elections"

Mutiso was initially in  the Army but quit in protest to brutalities inflicted on locals by uniformed people. This marked his nature in politics- he was a n ardent believer in the rights of those he considered down-trodden, leading to his joining the trade union movement when he formed the Cables and Wireless African Workers Union that he affiliated to the Kenya Federation of Labour headed by Joseph Thomas Mboya as Secretary General.

Mutiso was one of the most independent MPs in Ukambani and was a strong ally of Independence Hero Paul Ngei through out his political life. Mutiso, former Mbooni MP Konzollo Munyao, the late Justice Kasanga Mulwa( when he was Makueni MP), the late Iveti South MP Jonesmus Kikuyu, veteran politician Francis Kalinzoya and Kibauni politician Musembi Katuku were high ranking players in this alliance against Ngei's initial opponent in Kamba politics Mbolu Malu.

He suffered a disturbed marital life, marying at leat two times before settling with Pauline Mutiso

Yatta is one of the eight constituencies in Machakos county. 

Meet author of Shaka horror

 

Introducing Paul Nthenge
Makenzi of Shaka Horror

 

By Anchor Reporter

 

So who is this man Paul Makenzi- the cult leader of Shakahola?

As we went to press this afternoon, police had retrieved not 89 people. Today, 16 people were exhumed as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki toured the village now aptly becoming Shaka Horror. Red Cross account is that over 212 people are missing and relatives are worried that they may be among those being exhumed.

Paul Nthenge Makenzi- Courtesy Daily Nation

Pay up for treatment- Yumbya

Minister gives rates to be
paid in County hospitals

By Nguma Kitone 

Machakos County Health Minister Dr Daniel Yumbya today told residents to pay up for treatment. 

He told patients visiting hospitals in the county to prepare to cough specific fees to supplement the county government efforts to offer efficient medical services to the residents.

He said the County Health Management team passed a requirement in 2021 that patients visiting Machakos Level 5 to pay a consultation fee of Kes.150.00, Levels 4 and 3 hospitals -Kes.100.00 and Kes.50.00respectively.

Dr Yumbya added that the fees should be paid through Mpesa paybill and not cash.

He cautioned against politicising the supplementary fees as the proceeds would be used to equip the health facilities with equipments such as CT scans for the benefit of the residents.

Dr Yumbya stressed that Governor Wavinya is committed to ensuring residents  get the best medical care at all the health facilities.

On provision of medicine, Yumbya explained that the County Government is spending between Kes.30- 40 million monthly on drugs for local hospitals and other health facilities.

He encouraged residents to register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund to underwrite a big chunk of their hospital bills when they fall sick.

"When you register with the health scheme,they will reimburse us when you seek treatment in our hospitals.The county government will in turn use the funds to buy drugs and other equipments", said Dr Yumbya.

The minister regretted that Governor Ndeti inherited a debt of more than Kes 200m for drugs owed by KEMSA during the last administration.

"When Governor Wavinya took over office,she found a debt of more than Kes. 200m incurred by the previous administration which she cleared.She is now spending up to almost Kes.40m on drugs for our health facilities every month", said the health boss.

Dr Yumbya spoke at the Machakos Level 5 hospital as he briefed journalists on the current status of local health facilities in terms of drugs supplies.

Flanked by his Chief Officer Health Rashid Mohamed, among others, traced drugs shortages to the end of the national government's Universal Health Care(UHC) pilot program that supported the health system in the county up to the year 2020.

Quit houses, KMTC tells nurses

Threat to paralyze 
running of KMTC 

 By Gastone Valusi

Nurses at Kangundo Level 4 hospital in Machakos County, yesterday have condemned a move by the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Kangundo, to evict some nurses from a rental house at college.

The nurses have threatened to paralyze the supervision of KMTC students attached to various hospitals in the county if the move was not rescinded within 48 hours.

Mary Mueni, a nurse at Kangundo level 4 hospital said she had been given a 14-day notice by the KMTC Deputy Principal to vacate her house but the house was locked before the lapse of the notice when she was away attending to patients at the hospital.

Ms Mueni was employed by the County Government of Machakos in 2021 and was allocated the house by National Housing Corporation.

"The Deputy Principal told us last week to vacate the house because I had kept chicken at the premises and that I was interfering with the study of the KMTC students. They  gave me a 14-day notice to vacate and today they came and told my house girl to move out and they locked the house," Ms Mueni the nurse told The Anchor.

Ms Karimi Kanampiu another nurse said she had been given a notice of few days to vacate her house at the college without been given enough time.

Kalonzo fires warning shot

Musyoka voices fears
over Ruto Government 

By Gastone Valusi 
in Machakos.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka  today warned leaders from his party who have recognized Dr William Ruto as President to approach their cooperation with caution. 

He charged that Kenya Kwanza leaders want to capture Machakos County and added "They (Kenya Kwanza government)will come back because they want to capture Machakos. Just be polite to them but  remain firm," he said

He added  "We have not recognized them as government. It is you Machakos( people) who have recognized them,"said Mr Musyoka as he clearly targeted Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and other local leaders who are collaborating with President Ruto. 

He was speaking at the  burial of the late Jeremiah Mulatya, a brother of Senator  Agnes Kavindu at  Ngonda village, Matungulu Constituency. He warned his party members to 'be careful' in their cooperation with President William Ruto. He made reference to last week's  prayer rally at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where President Ruto his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and other government officials were hosted by Machakos County governor Wavinya Ndeti (Wiper) and his Deputy Francis Mwangangi.

Though Mr Musyoka did not come out openly to condemn the governor, the tenor of the usually expressive Kalonzo did not hide that he was unhappy with the cooperation initiative of not just Wavinya but Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. Those who listened to him saw him as a grumbling party leader who is unable to whip the county chiefs to his political activities.

The three Ukambani governors- including Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe have boycotted rallies and demonstrations called by the Azimio la Umoja coalition that brought them to power in their respective counties.

Ms Ndeti and her Deputy have publicly declared their stand to cooperate and work with President Ruto and the national government for the benefit of the people. During the burial, Ms Ndeti, who was present,  attempted to push back Mr Musyoka's stance.

Governor Ndeti  reminded Mr Musyoka that she had consulted him before making her move and that they had agreed on the manner of cooperation with the President. "His  Excellency Mr Musyoka I talked with him and we agreed that I will work in collaboration with the national government. Wavinya Ndeti belongs to Wiper, let's respect each other and work in harmony,"said Ms. Ndeti without showing whom she was targeting with her remarks. Analysts see the remarks as either directed to Mr Musyoka or the Ruto government.

Mr Musyoka said only the opening of the servers showing results from all polling stations will bring closure to the debate on who won the 2022 presidential election, adding that it could reveal a different verdict.

"We want the servers showing results from all polling stations to be opened so that we know whether it is Raila or Ruto who won the election. This is what will bring an end to this matter," said Mr Musyoka.

He said his position was that he  had not recognized the Kenya Kwanza government as legitimate even as leaders from the Wiper Party continue to cooperate with the government.

Noise pollution sparks protest

 

ATG Church, Semara Hotel,
Machakos Golf Club targeted

By Anchor Reporter

Agitation has hit Milimani Estate in Machakos municipality owing to noise pollution from a Church and surrounding hospitality installations.

Picture Courtesy of Semara Hotels

Wavinya's Chief Officers reach 34

 

 Fate of CO with fake papers
 unknown as job is given out
 

By Anchor Reporters

 

MACHAKOS Governor Wavinya Ndeti has apparently axed her aide with a Fake University of Nairobi degree as number of Chief Officers rise to 34.

Mutula flags off youth team

8th KYISA Games begin Monday in Tharaka Nithi

By Daniel Kituku

Makueeni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has today flagged off  Makueni team to the eighth edition of Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) Games slated for next week in Tharaka Nithi.

The KYISA games under theme, “Talanta Mashinani” kick off on Monday and will be played in Kajiunduthi stadium, Kairuni, Kibugua, and Chuka University, Chuka Girls’ High School and Chuka Boys’ High School. 

Addressing the youngsters aged 18-23 years during the flagging off ceremony, the governor assured them of his support in nurturing talents and ensuring Makueni continue producing champions in sports. 

Mutula said his government will invest more funds in sports promising to construct a mega sports stadium that can house all indoor games .

He added that that the department of sports attracts lots of interests and his government shall invest in making more partnerships to develop sports .

The County Executive for Gender, Children, Youth, sports and Social ,Services, Nicholas Nzioka said he was certain that they had a formidable team in the three disciplines of football, volleyball and basketball that will excel in the competition. 

Chairman KenyaVolleyball Federation Southern branch Shedrack Mbithi  urged the players to play their best and aim at joining national teams. 

" Do not go to the Kyisa games to win trophies , but for talent identification. "said Mbithi. 

"We have many players from Makueni who have joined national teams , companies and parastatals , so ou can make it " added Mbithi. 

The ceremony was attended by various County staff, and MCAs Felix Mateso (Wote/Nziu) and Elizebeth Muthike Muli (Nominated) who wished the teams success .

GK driver killed in fire ball

One dead, 23 injured 

By Dennis Mwikya 

A Government of Kenya driver died in a ball of fire after he collided head on with a bus as he drove against traffic flow.

 23  passangers in the bus sustained serious injuries after the two vehicles burst into flames on the Mombasa road- near Maanzoni Lodge.

The GK driver was burnt beyond recognition. He drove the double cabin pick up against traffick in a dual carriage road.

Machakos County commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan confirmed the accident whic occurred along Nairobi – Mombasa highway near the Shell filling station, a few metres from Maanzoni Lodge in Athi River, Machakos County.

The deceased wasn’t immediately identified.

The injured persons were rushed to Machakos Level 5 hospital and are undergoing treatment while the deceased was taken to the facility’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy and identification.

Strange Kes 4b in county budget

Speaker declines
to admit document 

By Daniel Kituku 

A staggering  figure of unexplained Kes 4.4b caught Makueni Speaker's eye as deliberations of the Annual Development Plan was brought before the House. 

Speaker Douglas Mbilu questioned the projects under which the money in the ADP were to be undertaken and the source of the funding .

The Chairman of the Budget and Appropriation Committee Mr.Dennis Musyoka helplessly said the said money was to undertake projects in Makueni in partnership with the National government but could not state the specific projects and source of the huge sum.

Responding to his explanation the Speaker said the Kes 4.4b must be attached to a percentage of a certain department. 

" You can not bring a block figure in a budget, that we are not sure we can sustain , yet you want members to take responsibility," said Speaker Mbilu.

" You can't not attach a note of Kes 4 Billion and therefore the ADP document is not admissible in the house and shall fail if a detailed programatic budget of the money is not attached to it .

Nominated MCA Elizabeth Mutindi said the Kes 4.4b is a great confusion and  advised the Chairman not to own the ADP document, saying it may cause trouble to the house. 

"Mr. Speaker, let the chair not own this document as of now because it may have implications to the whole house , let them go and seek clarification regarding the Kes 4B , " said Mutindi.

The Speaker orderd the Chair Budget Dennis Musyoka and his commettee members to liaise with the executive arm of Government and correct the mess .

Makueni Government is set to receive 10Billion from the exchequer.

An ambitious public participation model

Mutula seeks diaspora
support for progress 

By Daniel  Kituku 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr is reaching out to the Diaspora population to claim its stake in the economic development of their home County .

Speaking during the 2023/24  Diaspora Budget Public Participation Forum at Abardeer Hall , KICC Nairobi,  Mutula petitioned them to build partnerships to help in fundraising for key development projects back home . 

The previous day, his deputy Lucy Mulili led a similar meeting in Mombasa and echoed the same message.

Governor Mutula assured the professionals living outside Makueni  that his government is committed to partnering with them to work for the people of Makueni. 

Those accompanying Mutula were Senator Dan Maanzo, Makueni  Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Majority Leader Kyalo  Mumo , Former Makueni  Senator  Sylvia Mueni Kassanga , MCAs, national government officials and top managers of various NGOs.

He asked those with ideas that can spur development to the people of Makueni to share  with the relevant departments. 

Responding Mutula's call , the Diaspora asked Makueni government to fast track all community projects and ensure they benefit Makueni people and desist from Corruption. 

They urged him to deal firmly with wayward staff and weed out all Corrupt officials. 

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Malombe puts Deputy on Performance Contract

Kitui Governor explains why
his Deputy is signing document

By The Anchor Reporter

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has put his top officials, including his deputy Mr Augustine Kanani Wambua on a Performance Contract.

Governor Malombe(R) with his Deputy

Mwaani Girls off to drama fete

Go,go,go,says Mutula
as he flags off the team

Wote:March 17, 2023 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr today flagged off Mwaani Girls High School troop that is competing in Narrative and Play during the 2023 Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, Mombasa. 

The governor challenged youth, often considered "digital natives" to take advantage of the Makueni's professional space-Ajiry Centre in a safe way to showcase their talents, and get earnings.

"It is your turn to go and conquer the nation" Governor Mutula told the jubilant Mwaani Girls team when he stretched out his had, holding aloft his County Flag and handed it over to the jubilant girls as they headed to national festivals.

Mbooni MP gives Kes 49m bursaries

701 institutions to get cash

By Daniel Kituku.

Mbooni Member of National  Assembly Erastus Kivasu today distributed  Kes 49.28 M  as Constituency Bursary Fund to needy students in Mbooni. 

The funds will benefit over 8,000 students in 701 learning institutions both secondary and tertiary institutions in and out of Mbooni .

Addressing parents,  guardians and headteachers the legislator reiterated his commitment to improving quality of   education and keeping pupils in school in Mbooni.

However,  Kivasu warned school heads of diverting  bursary  funds for benefiting students. 

He urged parents to ensure  they deliver the cheques to respective schools and get fees payment receipts. 

Kivasu has promised to continue increasing Bursary funds allocation to his constituents 

Kivasu has asked the National treasury to expedite release of funds to NGCDf account for development. 

Ndeti's firm act in front of Ruto

Gov. Wavinya shows sticking act of courage

Machakos Governor today delivered a remarkable speech at a Presidential event telling off Kamba leaders who wash their dirty linen in public. 

Kitui opens 33rd parish

Bishop Mwongela
Celebrates a milestone 

Kitui Catholic Bishop- the Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela has officially launched a new parish within the diocese. 

Bishop Mwongela cuts the cake at the launch of a new parish 

It will be known as the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Kweluu, becoming the 33rd Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and the 4th to be opened under the leadership of Bishop Mwongela. 

The Parish is curved from Nguutani Parish and will comprise of 10 stations. They are Blessed Sacrament,  Kweluu St. Peters Mavui, St. Francis  of Asisi- Yenzuva St. Paul- Winzyeei, St. Joseph- Thaana, St. Veronica-Kyangungi, St. Cecelia, Mululini, St. John-Masingani, St. Benedict- Kamutekeoand St. Mary-Tulima Tuthei.

The new parish will be under the leadership of Fr. John Munyoki as the father-in-charge and Fr. John Murange as the curate.

County maps Tourism sites

Makueni targets building
of tourist attraction sites

By Daniel Kituku

Makueni County government through  the department of Trade, Tourism  and Culture has embarked on an intensive campaign to market its Tourism attraction destinations and hospitality  facilities  in the County. 

The County has partnered with  organisations in the hospitality industry to assist  in popularising the Main attractions. 

Speaking to The Anchor, the Executive Committtee Member for Trade and Tourism Egn. Peter Mumo Nyamai said the County enjoys numerous tourist sites that have not been  utilised due to lack of awareness. 

Nyamai said the government wants to get  more income from Tourism and also creat Employment .

He challenged the businesses community in Makueni to invest more in Makueni to attract more tourists .

The County and partners have been keen  on  Marketing sites like   Chyulu National Park, Tsavo West National Park,  Umanyi Springs , Kisula Caves , Mzima Springs , Mbui Nzau and Emali  handcrafts , Kalimbini View Point,  Mbooni Hills, AIC Kalamba The First Missonary Church among other sites .

Partners in the Makueni  Tourism  Circuit Include Wanderlust Diaries Ltd  Ministry of Tourism And Wildlife - Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service and the Tour Operators Society of Kenya - TOSK.

The strategy involves the creation of  slogans such as #ExploreMakueni and

#ExperienceMakueni.

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Ruto visit: Who calls the shots?

Cut throat rivalry
as Ruto visit nears

By Daniel Nzia
Chief Anchor Correspondent 

United Democratic Alliance Organizing Secretary Vincent Musyoka Kawaya and CS Dr Alfred Mutua are enduring nights of long knives ahead of Dr. William Ruto’s first visit as President.  

The leaders are organising the Ruto visit on competing terms as Kawaya asserts his position as the ruling party's most senior politician not just in Machakos but the entire Ukambani.

He has been consulting with the County Commissioner and County Government functionaries and has been seen on several occasions inspecting Kenyatta Stadium, where an interdenominational prayer meeting is planned coming Sunday. 

Dr. Mutua has also engaged himself. He began by summoning Ukambani professionals to appear to be setting an agenda for the region. Thrice now, the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS has held follow up meetings with a frequency that underlines the urgency to be a build up to the Ruto meeting.

At the heart of rivalry is the fact that much as Dr. Ruto is leader of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, he and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua are the leaders of UDA. Kawaya therefore is asserting his legitimacy as among leaders who stood with Ruto in Ukambani while Dr Mutua stood wavering on where to cast his lot.

Kawaya is working closely with CAS Dr Victor Munyaka,formers Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao and other local Ruto diehards. 

In the battle for supremacy each of the two factions is fighting to catch not just the eye and ears of the Head of State but to capture his heart. 

It is no secret that Kawaya has stuck with President Ruto for the longest time and so is the former Machakos Town MP Dr  Munyaka.

Though the Mwala MP is playing smart in the rivalry saying there is no competition in planning the event, it his his assertion thar he is doing this as the party national Organizing Secretary that depicts the other group as none entities.  

Not quite missing in action is former UDA Chairman Johnson Muthama who is not complementing either side. But he's has also put up his poster, placing himself higher in the leadership hierarchy after Ruto and Gachagua with the other leaders below him. 

Kawaya has released a poster that bears President Ruto’s, Gachagwa's and his picture with prominence- including Dr. Mutua and CS Penina Malonza and other Ruto allied leaders.

Moreover, there was also a picture of Kawaya, Munyaka, PSs Veronica Nduva Jonathan Mueke and David Musila in a planning session with Gachagua- signals that speak louder than words

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has offered support in the event.

Kawaya's side is backed by members of different church denominations Other in this group include James Mbaluka, former MP Joe Mutambu and a UDA politician Fred Muteti among others.

Dr Mutua quest "on where Ukambani is going" is cast in visionary terms but observers see it as a ploy of having an identifiable stake for the Sunday prayers.

This week, he posted on his Facebook page "We welcome the forthcoming tour of the region by President William Ruto and believe that we will reap huge benefits as we focus on development"  

Machakos Girls student resumes classes

Machakos Town CBF
pays a paltry Sh.3,000

By The Anchor Reporter

Two weeks after The Anchor reported the anguish facing a Form Three student -Annastaciah Nduku- who was expelled from Machakos Girls due to ballooning fees balance, action has been taken.

Makueni launches tourism circuit

 

Mutula makes a stab at
Kenya's tourism sector 

Wote: April 12, 2023

By Governor's Press Service 

Makueni today launched its Tourism Circuit to loop the county to Kenya's tourism network. 

Full list of bursary allocations to Machakos Town Schools

Bursaries list out as 
girl remains expelled

By The Anchor Reporter

Below is the list showing how schools in Machakos Town Constituency were allocated  a total of Kes 27,375,000 to the constituency's 85 Secondary Schools. Schools were allocated varying  amounts with some receiving close to Kes 1 Million while one got a paltry Kes 18,000.

Mp Calb Mule giving out bursary funds 

Informed sources say that each applicant was  allocated Kes 3,000 in compliance with instructions from Machakos Town MP and CDF Patron Caleb Mule. He raised the amount per child from Kes 2,000 given by his predecessor Dr. Victor Munyaka. It is not reaching out to the poor. No. It is reaching out to everyone, making the bursary an ideal populist tool.

Officials who presided over the allocations say they dished out the funds without consideration of how needy the case may be. This may well be manifested by the case exclusively reported by The Anchor of  a student now languishing at home after she was expelled for a huge fees balance.  

Her fault is that she comes from a family under a grip of poverty. Her school-Machakos Girls - was allocated Kes 363,000. She most likely is in the list getting the paltry Kes 3,000. So of what help will this amount be to Annastacia Nduku- a form three student; How will the Kes 3,000 resonate with a fee balance of nearly Kes 70,000 school fees balance that has seen her remain out of school since they opened some weeks ago?           

          MACHAKOS TOWN NG‐CDF BURSARY F/Y 2022‐2023  SECONDARY SCHOOLS                                                                                                              

	NAME OF THE INSTITUTION	AMOUNT	CHEQUE NO
`1	ABC IVETI HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL	225,000	`39624
`2	ABC KATELEMBO SECONDARY SCHOOL	78,000	`39625
`3	ABC KIATINENI SECONDARY SCHOOL	18,000	`39626
`4	ABC KONZA SECONDARY SCHOOL	198,000	`39627
`5	AIC KIIMA KIMWE SECONDARY SCHOOL	114,000	`39628
`6	AIC MBEMBANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	378,000	`39629
`7	AIC NGELANI MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL	249,000	`39630
`8	AIC NYAYO GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	240,000	`39631
`9	BARAKA SA KAVYUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	72,000	`39632
`10	IIYUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	168,000	`39633
`11	IKOKANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	42,000	`39634
`12	IKOLENI SECONDARY SCHOOL	123,000	`39635
`13	ILUVYA SECONDARY SCHOOL	309,000	`39636
`14	KALAMA SECONDARY SCHOOL	165,000	`39637
`15	KAMUTHANGA S.A SECONDARY SCHOOL	606,000	`39638
`16	KAMWELENI SECONDARY SCHOOL	57,000	`39639
`17	KANYONGO SECONDARY SCHOOL	396,000	`39640
`18	KASEVE SECONDARY SCHOOL	288,000	`39641
`19	KASINGA SECONDARY SCHOOL	711,000	`39642
`20	KATANGA SECONDARY SCHOOL	246,000	`39643
`21	KATELEMBO CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	156,000	`39644
`22	KATHEKA KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL	897,000	`39645
`23	KATOLONI SECONDARY SCHOOL	474,000	`39646
`24	KATUMANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	267,000	`39647
`25	KEAA ABC SECONDARY SCHOOL	222,000	`39649
`26	KIATUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	231,000	`39650
`27	KIKUMBO SECONDARY SCHOOL	726,000	`39651
`28	KIMUTWA SECONDARY SCHOOL	534,000	`39652
`29	KINOI SECONDARY SCHOOL	114,000	`39653
`30	KISEVENI SECONDARY SCHOOL	129,000	`39654
`31	KITEINI SECONDARY SCHOOL	228,000	`39655
`32	KITHIMA ABC SECONDARY SCHOOL	372,000	`39656
`33	KITONYINI BLESSED GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	84,000	`39657
`34	KITONYINI HIGH SCHOOL	630,000	`39658
`35	KITULU SECONDARY SCHOOL	465,000	`39659
`36	KIUU SECONDARY SCHOOL	303,000	`39660
`37	KIVANDINI SECONDARY SCHOOL	282,000	`39661
`38	KIVANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	195,000	`39662
`39	KOLA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	24,000	`39663
`40	KWA KAVOO SECONDARY SCHOOL	237,000	`39664
`41	KWATHANZE SECONDARY SCHOOL	798,000	`39665
`42	KYAANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	231,000	`39666
`43	KYAMBUKO SECONDARY SCHOOL	414,000	`39667
`44	KYANDA SECONDARY SCHOOL	585,000	`39668
`45	KYANDILI SECONDARY SCHOOL	729,000	`39670
`46	KYANGALA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	78,000	`39671
`47	KYANGALA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	201,000	`39672
`48	KYANGULI MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL	694,500	`39673
	KYANGULI MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL	694,500	`39674
`49	KYANZASU SECONDARY SCHOOL	174,000	`39701
`50	KYASILA SECONDARY SCHOOL	93,000	`39702
`51	KYAVITI SECONDARY SCHOOL	216,000	`39703
`52	KYEMUTHEKE SECONDARY SCHOOL	267,000	`39704
`53	KYENI BAPTIST SECONDARY SCHOOL	441,000	`39705
`54	MACHAKOS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	363,000	`39706
`55	MACHAKOS SCHOOL	183,000	`39707
`56	MACHAKOS TOWNSHIP SECONDARY SCHOOL	726,000	`39708
`57	MAKAKOI SECONDARY SCHOOL	429,000	`39709
`58	MANG'AUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	312,000	`39675

	NAME OF THE INSTITUTION	AMOUNT	CHEQUE NO
`59	MASAANI GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	198,000	`39676
`60	MATHATANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	39,000	`39677
`61	MBUANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	387,000	`39678
`62	MBUKUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	450,000	`39679
`63	METUMA SECONDARY SCHOOL	357,000	`39680
`64	MIKUINI SECONDARY SCHOOL	177,000	`39681
`65	MIWANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	576,000	`39682
`66	MIWONGONI  MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL	138,000	`39683
`67	MUA FARM SECONDARY SCHOOL	258,000	`39684
`68	MUA HILLS GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	237,000	`39685
`69	MUINDI MBINGU ABC  BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	273,000	`39686
`70	MULAANI SECONDARY SCHOOL	294,000	`39710
`71	MUMBUNI BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	636,000	`39711
`72	MUMBUNI GIRLS HIGH SCHOIOL	438,000	`39712
`73	MUNG'ALA SECONDARY SCHOOL	492,000	`39713
`74	MUTUYU SECONDARY SCHOOL	216,000	`39714
`75	MUUMANDU SECONDARY SCHOOL	813,000	`39687
`76	MUVUTI ABC BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	438,000	`39689
`77	MUVUTI GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL	204,000	`39690
`78	NGELANI AGRICULTURE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL	72,000	`39691
`79	NGOMENI SECONDARY SCHOOL	534,000	`39692
`80	NZAINI SECONDARY SCHOOL	213,000	`39693
`81	S.A MUTITUNI SECONDARY SCHOOL	501,000	`39694
`82	ST. BENARD MAKYAU SECONDARY SCHOOL	135,000	`39695
`83	UPPER KITANGA SECONDARY SCHOOL	69,000	`39696
`84	VOTA SECONDARY SCHOOL	348,000	`39697
	TOTAL	27,375,000