Kitui gears up for launch of Universal Health Care

Kitui  set for Health Sector  Reform
through CountyHealth Insurance Cover


By BARRACK MULI and
MUNYASYA MUSYA

The Kitui County Health Insurance Cover (K-CHIC) set for launch on 21st this month is designed to revolutionize the health sector in the county and ensure all people have access to high quality health services, Governor Ngilu has said.

Mass held for 10 children killed in crash

Leaders decry 

state of roads 

By Munyasya Musya

Pictures of each of the 10 children were placed on wreaths during the mass

A cross section of leaders in Kitui County today blamed the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of 10 primary school pupils in the area on the bad state of the Nairobi-Garissa highway. Addressing mourners during the requiem mass for the victims of the grisly road accident at St. Joseph's Junior Seminary, Mwingi,  the leaders asked the national government to ensure the road which connects Nairobi to Somalia was built to international standards in order to cater for the busy traffic along the road.

Mt Kenya Wholesalers case dismissed

Why Kitui’s Mount Kenya

Wholesalers will remain shut

By Martin Masai

Machakos

August 9 2018

Mount Kenya Wholesalers premises

The High Court today dismissed a case challenging the closure of Mount Kenya Wholesalers by the County Government of Kitui. Justice George Odunga, sitting in Machakos threw out the case terming it as incompetent. Justice Odunga said the applicant in the matter- Mr. Simon Mwangi had distorted material facts about his status in the matter, misleading the court to grant him leave to proceed with the application.

Kitui conducts first brain surgery

Kitui Referral  Hospital performs

successful, historic brain surgery

By Gabriel Ndeleva

Kitui County under the leadership of Governor Charity Ngilu, has made a ground-breaking with the first ever successful brain surgery. The surgery, performed  last Friday, was to remove a blood clot in the brain of the patient, who was to unable to raise funds to get it done at Kenyatta Hospital.

Gov Ngilu and Health CO Dr Muthoka visiting the patient

Govt. gives funds for Thwake Dam

August 6, 2018

Government releases Sh 3.5 billion for Thwake dam

The government last week released Sh 3.5 billion to finance the construction of Thwake dam Deputy President William Ruto said on Monday.

The money released by the government is part of the Sh 63 billion budget for the construction of the dam, a major investment by the National Government in the county.

“Last week the government released Sh 3.5 billion for the Thwake dam project and President Kenyatta will soon be here to officially launch it,”Mr Ruto said.

He was speaking during the official launch of the International Youth Week at the ATC Kwa Kathoka in Makueni where  he told the residents that the Jubilee government has major plans for the county.

The DP was accompanied by  Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana, Deputy Governor Adelina  Mwau, Public Service,Youth and Gender Cabinet Secretary  Prof Margaret Kobia and her Sports counterpart Rashid Achesa.

Makueni County, the DP said was at the center of the Jubilee government’s development plans.

He took time to explain  the Jubilee government’s agenda four programs adding that towns in rural areas will benefit greatly from the initiative  that includes a multibillion housing plan  meant to improve shelter in the country.

He said young people are  key to the country’s future and that the Jubilee government has decided to invest in their education and manpower development.

“We need safe spaces in our colleges.I am happy am talking to our people here who are college students,”he said.

He said plans have been put in place to  give Sh 30,000 bursary to technical college students while Tvet college scholars will be allowed access to Higher Education Loans Board loans of not more than Sh 40,000 annually.

Prof Kibwana hailed the DP for having found time to grace the youth event in Makueni adding the locals are now ready to work with the government through the handshake initiative to realize tangible development.

“We are happy Mr DP for having found time to grace this event.As the people of Makueni we are now ready to work with the government.This handshake has deradicalised us,”the governor said.

He said his government had come up with a youth led initiative- the Makueni Youth Empowerment Service (M-YES) to help create opportunities for the over 350,000 young people in the county.

Prof Kobia said that the youth had become a global agenda and that her ministry will roll out plans to ensure issues affecting the young people economically and socially are dealt with.

“The theme for this  year’s youth week is safe spaces for the youth and we ask ourselves to what extent are we creating safe spaces for the youth.How do we empower the youth to be able to do what they are able to do,”The CS said.

Mwau said the county was happy to host the major event and urged the national government to create opportunities for young people and women.

Killer Truck driver charged

Driver charged over
death of 11 pupils


By Gabriel Ndeleva


The driver of the truck that killed 10 pupils of a Mwingi School was today charged in court.
Mr Abdallah Hassan faces nine counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

In the dock. Truck driver Abdallah Hassan

Looking lost and speechless, Hassan pleaded not guilty before Mwingi Senior Principal Magistrate Mr. Kibet Sambu. 

Ngilu's vow over Kamba unity

Ngilu, Kalonzo to

cement Kamba unity

By Philip Muteti

KITUI Governor Kaluki Ngilu today joined former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka at a harambee for Ghai Secondary School in Mwingi. Speaking at the event, Governor Ngilu said she will join hands with all elected leaders in the county to move the county in achieving her manifesto.

Kitui's Climate Change Fund Launched

Gov. Ngilu launches 

Climate Change Fund

By Barrack Muli,

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has launched the County Climate Change Fund and regulations that were drafted in collaboration with several stakeholders.The fund will draw support from County Government of Kitui, Adaptation Consortium that is funded by the Department of International development of the UK Government, the Anglican Development Eastern Services, KEFRI, and NEMA among others and will aid in reversing the adverse effects of climate change.

Gov Mutua nominates many Accounting Officers

Gov. Mutua names
27 Chief Officers



By Anchor Reporter

Governor Mutua and his
Deputy Francis Maliti

Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua today  nominated 27 individuals for appointment as Chief Officers in his government, bringing on board probably the largest team of Accounting Officers in any of Kenya's 47 counties.

His nominees are likely to face stiff opposition from the Machakos County Assembly that is yet to come to terms with his mover two weeks ago to appoint his ministers without approval from the assembly.
The governor explained his actions, saying that the Assembly had exceeded the legal limits for approval or rejecting nominees, forcing him to appoint them anyway.
In nominating the new team, Dr Mutua urged the assembly to scritinize the nominees and act swiftly so that they can begin service to wananchi.

Below is the entire statement he issued as he released the names today.

"APPOINTMENTS AND NOMINATIONS OF COUNTY SECRETARY AND CHIEF OFFICERS

Ladies and Gentlemen, the great people of Machakos and Kenya,

In exercise of the powers conferred to me as the Governor of Machakos by the Constitution of Kenya as read together with Sections, 44 and 45 of the County Governments Act and in keeping with established democratic traditions and practices, I have appointed and nominated several suitably qualified and experienced persons for the positions of County Secretary and Chief Officers.

These appointments and nominations are a culmination of a fair and competitive recruitment process. In accordance with applicable laws, I am forwarding the names of the nominees to the County Assembly for vetting.

These appointments and nominations are in line with our new Executive structure of government and are geared towards transforming Machakos to first world economic status by rolling back poverty and improving the quality of life for our people. I expect the County Assembly to fast track and conduct the vetting process within the dictates of the law so that we can accelerate development and service delivery.

The appointees and nominees are as follows:-

1) OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

A) EXECUTIVE OFFICE

CHIEF OFFICER - To be announced later

B) COUNTY SECRETARY AND HEAD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Name : Mrs. Grace Muluki Munguti

Highest Qualification : Master of Business Administration

CHIEF OFFICERS:

(i) Administration and Co-ordination

Name: James Timothy Gutetah

Highest Qualification : Masters in Business Administration, Master of Arts

(ii) Project Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation

Name: Mrs. Catherine Syokau Mutwiwa

Highest Qualification: MA, Organizational Leadership

C) COUNTY LAW OFFICE

Legal Services

Chief Officer

Name: James Musango Kathili (Re-appointment)

Highest Qualification: LL.M (Ongoing), LL.B (Advocate)

2) OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Patrick Voni Kivaya

Highest Qualification : Bachelor of Science (Agriculture)

3) MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING

(i) County Treasury

Chief Officer

Name : Jacinta Mwelu Masila (Re-appointment)

Highest Qualification : Masters of Business Administration, B.Com(Accounting)

(ii) Finance and Revenue Collection

Chief Officer

Name : Catherine Ngarachu

Highest Qualification : Masters in Business Administration, B.Com(Accounting)

(iii) Economic Planning and External Resources Mobilization

Chief Officer

Name : Romana Mwende Kimende

Highest Qualification : Masters of Business Administration

4) MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

(i) Medical Services

Chief Officer

Name : Dr. Jacks Ngala Nthanga

Highest Qualification : Masters in Public Health, Bachelor of
Medicine and Surgery

(ii) Public Health and Community Outreach

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Lucas Mulinge Mwove

Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Public Health

5) MINISTRY OF WATER, IRRIGATION, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

(i) Water and Irrigation

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Jackson Muthini Wambua

Highest Qualification : Master of Science

(ii) Environment and Natural Resources

Chief Officer

Name : Dr. Stephen Nzioki Mailu

Highest Qualification : PhD in Environmental Chemistry

6) MINISTRY OF TOURISM, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

(i) Tourism and Culture

Chief Officer

Name : Dr. Mary Wambua Mutisya

Highest Qualification : PhD in Tourism Management

(ii) Youth and Sports

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Carlos Henry Kioko

Highest Qualification : Bachelor of Science in Public Relations

7) MINISTRY OF ENERGY, LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

(i) Energy and Electrification

Chief Officer

Name :Eng. Newton Musyoka Muinde

Highest Qualification : Masters in Strategic Management, BSc in Electrical Engineering

(ii) Lands and Physical Planning

Chief Officer

Name : Ms. Jane Mwikali Muthoka (Re-appointment)

Highest Qualification : Bachelor of Laws (Advocate)

(iii) Housing & Urban Development

Chief Officer

Name : Thomas Mutinda Kavivya

Highest Qualification : BSc in Geomatic Engineering

8) MINISTRY OF ROADS, TRANSPORT AND PUBLIC WORKS

(i) Roads and Transport

Chief Officer

Name : Eng. Michael Muturi Maina

Highest Qualification :Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

(ii) Public Works

Chief Officer - To be announced

9) MINISTRY OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND DECENTRALIZED UNITS

(i) County Administration and Decentralized Units

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Robert Kioko Maitha

Highest Qualification : MBA (ongoing), BA Literature and
Linguistics

(ii) Forensics and Inspectorate Services

Chief Officer

Name : Dr. James Mutuku Mutunga

Highest Qualification : PhD in Forensic Entomology

10) MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRIALIZATION AND INNOVATION

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Justus Kasivu Musau

Highest Qualification : Degree in Business Administration

11) MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE, QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND ICT

(i) Public Service Management

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Joseph Edson Ochwada

Highest Qualification : Masters in Public Administration

(ii) Information, Communication and Technology

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Emmanuel Kata Kimeu

Highest Qualification : Masters in Computer Applications

12) MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT

(i) Agriculture & Food Security

Chief Officer

Name : Mrs. Damaris Nthenya Mativo

Highest Qualification : Masters in Sociology (ongoing), Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

(ii) Co-operative Development and Marketing

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. Stephen Nguli Kilonzo

Highest Qualification : Master of Arts, BSc (Horticulture)

13) MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SKILLS TRAINING AND SOCIAL WELFARE

(i) Education & Skills Training

Chief Officer

Name : Mr. John Muthama Kilonzo (Re-appointment)

Highest Qualification : Master in Education Administration

(ii) Social Welfare and Civic Empowerment

Chief Officer

Name : Mrs. Zuhura Rajab Khamisi

Highest Qualification : Bachelor of Education

I have also appointed the following as Advisors:-

1. Mr. Katua Nzile – Media and Communication

2. Dr. Ann. Mumbua Kalei – Education and Change Management

3. Dr. Ancent Kituku Nzyoka – Health Services

I wish all the nominees and the appointees success in their new assignments.

Thank you.

Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, EBS

GOVERNOR.
31st July, 2018"

Kitui County joins special PFM league

Kitui selected to steer Public 

Finance Management Reforms

By Barak Muli- Governor's Press Service

Kitui County Treasury got a pleasant surprise today when the National Treasury selected it along with 5 other counties in designing the next phase of PFM Reforms Strategy covering the period 2018-2023. 

Big Housing plan for Kitui

Kitui County’s 6 billion

Housing tenders opened

 

Bidding for the Sh 6 billion Kitui Affordable Housing Project has closed and awaits evaluation.

Bidders will assembled at the Boardroom of the Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure and Housing and Urban Development (LIHUD) to witness the opening of the bids.

Engineer Jacob Kakundi

The Ndengu Revolution roars on

Ndengu Revolution booms as

Consignment heads to Mombasa

By Martin Masai and Martin Mwengah

The Ndengu Revolution reverberated today as a consignment Ndengu destined for Mombasa departed from Kitui. It was the culmination of a week of action by two Kitui Cooperative Societies- Endamalalani Sacco and Kitui Grassroots Sacco- as Agriculture Chief Officer Mr. James Songolo flagged off the truck carrying 150,000 kilograms of Ndengu at Kalundu Market this afternoon.

HIV infections surge in Kitui

HIV infections surge in Kitui as 

impact assessment survey launched

By Andrew Munyoki (Governor’s Press Service)

Kitui: Chief Officer for health and sanitation Dr. Richard Muthoka has decried increasing rates of new HIV infections in the county despite heightened efforts by the county government and other partners to reduce HIV prevalence and mortality rates.

Gov Ngilu attends US Governors' conference

Teacher charged with defiling student

By Daniel kituku   

Alois Mailu  Voli, a teacher at Masaani primary school has pleaded not guilty for the offence of defiling a 15 yr old at Masaani Kibwezi sub county.

The case shall be mentioned on August 8, 2018 at Makindu Law Court.

The offense was committed on July 7, 2018 at Makaani primary.

He will stay in custody in Makueni remand prison for failing to pay a Shs 200,000 bond

Seven health facilities upgraded

Gov Mutua ignores Assembly, appoints ministers

Dr Mutua defiantly

appoints has cabinet

By Martin Masai

GOVERNOR Alfred Mutua today appointed the remaining seven members of his cabinet without the approval of the Machakos County Assembly

Governor Mutua and his Deputy Eng. Francis Maliti

 when he announced his cabinet today

Those appointed include Ms. Evelyne Kavuu Mutie - Energy, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Eng. Morris Omuyoma Aluanga - Roads, Transport and Public Works. Mr. Titus Nzeki Matiku Kavila - County Administration and Decentralized Units,Mr. Francis Kiio Mwaka - Trade, Industrialization and Innovation,Mr. Kimeu Mbithi Kimeu - Public Service, Quality Management and ICT. Mr. Urbanus Musyoka Wambua - Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperative Development, and Mr. Lazarus Kivuva - Education, Skills Training and Social Welfare.

Assembly of gangs, leaders and police lead to losses in Athi River

Massive losses as 

structures are demolished 

Controversy over Portland Cement land rages

By Dennis Mwikya 

Several houses have been demolished on the controversial East African Portland Cement Company land in Athi River in Machakos County.The houses and other structures were pulled down by bulldozers under the watch of a contingent of heavily armed police officers Thursday morning.

A Police officer walks in front of a house being demolished by a
bulldozer on the controversial Portland Cement land in Athi River

The officers drawn from several sub counties within Machakos reported at Athi River police station in hundreds before they proceeded to the land where they kept vigil as  bulldozers roared as they knocked down the structures.

Kitui's link to George Adamsom

Kitui moves to activate 

robust tourism circuit

By Barrack Muli

The continued efforts to invest in game reserves is a great boost to the tourism industry in Kitui. The County government intends to make the sector vibrant and contribute significantly to the county’s growing economy. The ministry has demarcated the Proposed Ikime Campsite –a 2.4acre land along the shores of Tana River bordering Meru County to set pace for a long development journey of the area. The area-rich in magnificent canopies and rare riverine beach- is ideal for a tented camp with wobbling bridges connecting the river banks and up for lease to any interested investors.

School Fires; Seven students charged

Seven students 

face arson charge

By Daniel Kituku

Seven students  have been charged in Makindu Law Court with the burning of their school dormitory. They were charged before Makindu Resident Magistrate Damaris Karani.