Pillion bike crash kills three

Endless  motorcycle carnage 

By Gastone  Valusi

in Machakos

Three people among them, a Form Four Student died on the spot on Tuesday, when their motorbike lost control and hit a lorry along Tala -Nairobi road in Matungulu Sub-county. 

How I chased grabbers from taking Kyumbi land, says Ndeti

"Forget Machakos land" 

-Wavinya

Governor Wavinya Ndeti  today fired a warning shot to land grabbers and vowed no inch of Machakos soil will be taken away by fraudsters.

Addressing mourners at the burial of her late aunt, Annah Munee at Katelembo location of Machakos Town constituency, Wavinya decried the increasing appetite for land by grabbers, whom she accused of targeting prime areas within Machakos County.

In an apparent reference to a recent incident in which angry members of public stormed a 260-acre prime land near Kyumbi junction and pulled down a perimeter fence suspected to have been erected by grabbers, the governor said she will not negotiate with anyone plotting to steal public or community land anywhere in Machakos territory.

“Some people are claiming that the residents who staged drama on the Kyumbi land acted on their own volition. It is not the case. It is me who sent them with instructions that no one should be allowed to grab public or community land. My position is that no land belonging to the public or the community will be taken by an individual or entity,” Wavinya declared.

The governor pointed out that the rapidly increasing population of Machakos does not give any room for loss of any land resource to unscrupulous dealers.

Wavinya, who has just jetted back in the country from a week-long official visit to New York, United States, said she will spare no effort to fight off those salivating for Machakos land.

Earlier, her deputy  Francis Mwangangi had accused cartels of colluding with rogue officials in the Ministry of Lands to manufacture fake title deeds in Nairobi, which he warned will not be admitted in Machakos.

 “There is rampant theft of public land in Machakos County. While the governor was away, members of the public evicted suspected grabbers from one of the prime lands and handed it over to the county government. We are telling land grabbers to keep off Machakos,” said Mwangangi.

Even then the land in question remains exposed to grabbers and fuel wood merchants. Villagers have pounced on the property to cut down trees under the watch of local authorities.

Besides, part of the land's perimeter wall was pulled down and building stones carried away as authorities watched.

Observers believe that the previously protected private land is well positioned for grabbing by government functionaries.

Seed donations for needy farmers

KIMA :

Wednesday 

March 22, 2023

150, 000 Households to

Benefit from Seeds Program

Close to 150,000 Makueni households will benefit from 174 Metric Tons of certified seeds, an initiative of the Makueni County government.

The program is targeting vulnerable families to ensure that they have access to certified seeds for planting as the March-April-May rain intensifies.

According to the weather man, farmers are to plant drought tolerant crops which take the shortest time possible to mature, as the rains are predicted to last a month.

As such, 18 Wards in the lowland Sub-Counties will receive sorghum and green grams crop model while 12 Wards in the hill mass will receive maize and beans varieties.

The seeds distribution exercise to different wards across the county was officially launched by Devolution Executive Japheth Mang’oka, flanked by Agriculture and Devolution Chief Officers Daniel Ndolo and Irene Makau respectively, and Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward MCA Justus Muema on Wednesday at Kima Technical Training Institute.

Makueni: Famine hit families get relief food

 

By Daniel Kituku 

The National government in collaboration with  Makueni County Government are distributing  relief food to  1,853 hunger stricken  families.

The food comprising of pulses , Cereals and vegetable oil will benefit Kiima kiu, Kasikeu, Mukaa and Kee wards of Makueni County. 

Speaking in Kilome after flagging off the food distribution,  Permanent Secretary for Devolution Ms Terry Mbaika said the food will cushion families from who are more vulnerable. 

Mbaika added that the government is in a process of ensuring permanent solutions to hunger in the region .

She said the government will rehabilitate several boreholes and disilt dams to benefit more residents. 

Makueni Executive Member Japheth  Mang'oka  and Devolution and Chief officer Irene Makau expressed interest in collaborating with like minded partners to feed Makueni residents. 

Your time is up, Mutula tells forest destructors

By Daniel Kituku 

Governor  Makueni  Mutula Kilonzo Jnr  today led  Makueni in restoration of Mumbwani Hill Mbitini to  mark the International Day of Forests.

Speaking  at Masokani, Mutula  send a warning to those destroying Makueni  forests with fire that they will face the full force of the law.

Mutula said the 8 suspects who burned Mumbwani Hill weeks  ago must be arrested and  charged. 

The first term Governor said his  government is committed to preserving all water sources and forests to combat climate change. 

County  Executive Committee for Member Lands Urban Planning , Environment and Climate Change Dr. Sonia Nzilani disclosed the county plans to plant 1.2m trees in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation to restore degraded  forests in Makueni. 

Dr. Sonia added that they are training environmental clubs in 18 schools to promote environmental Education and greening programmes.

Needy Kitui learners get Kes.120m

 Each ward to get over Kes. 2m

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today launched the Kes.120 million Pro Poor Fees Support distribution exercise to support needy learners across the county.

Governor Malombe during the launch

Hero of March 20 City demos

The Hero is Felix Ngui, the Member of County Assembly of Machakos Representing Katangi Ward in Mwala Subcounty. 

Kalonzo's turf shuns demos

By Daniel Kituku

 and Dennis Mwikya

Azimio supporters from Kalonzo's backtard today ignored the coalition’s call for demonstrations.

Mr Musyoka during today's demos in Nairobi 

Ukambani counties- Machakos Kitui and Makuemi shunned today's mass action, putting question marks on Kslonzo's grip on the politics of the region. ( See story elsewhere in this blog)

Azimio leader Raila Odinga had planned to lead his supporters in a march to State House to push the government to lower the cost of living and open the servers to confirm who won the 2023 presidential election.

A spot check in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni revealed not a single anti government protest was witnessed.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka command in the region seems to be 

In question as locals defied his call to participate in the protests.

Business went on as usual with many of the residents who are already straining to make a living  sticking ti rhein daily routine.

On the other hand, police officers were spotted in the busy towns patrolling the streets.

Tala, Kangundo shun demos

By Boniface Wambua

 in Kangundo

Matungulu and Kangundo subcounties remained calm as, residents went on with their daily activities.

Being a rainy season,  most residents who are farmers were  busy in their farms. 

Some of the residents we talked to termed the demos a waste of time, urging the Azimio team lead by  Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua to explore avenues of dialogue  with President William Ruto instead of leading demonstrations.

They feel demos can cause more arm to the economy and even deaths to innocent Kenyans. 

Last Sunday, Tele-Evangelist preacher  who also is the General Overseer of Jesus Celebration Center Churches Wilfred Lai, while speaking at a crusade in Tala Subcounty advised Raila and Kalonzo to be cautious not to end their political careers in shame, having fought for this country for a long term.

Bishop Lai also said demonstrations will not bring down the cost of living but would instead complicate lives of Kenyans.

In some parts of the country like Nairobi, Kisumu and Migori, battles have been witnessed between the police and the demonstrators.

No demos,calm in Makueni

By Daniel  Kituku 

Makueni business operations and normal life went undisrupted as Azimio Supporters staged demonstrations in various parts of the country.

Residents appear to have headed the call by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr not to participate in Azimio Rallies until Ukambani is equal in development to Luo Nyanza .

Speaking months ago Mutula vowed never to attend the Raila led demonstrations terming them as self centred sending a  loosing signal   to Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka .

Mutula"s stand and opinion that its time to harvest  from the government is contrary to Wiper  Leader Kalonzo Musyoka who is seen active in Raila led protests. 

Makueni  , Machakos , Kitui a strong hold of Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka remained  calm today comparing to Raila zones as Nairobi  Mombasa and Kisumu among others .

However Ukambani leaders led by Kitui senator Enock Kiio , Kaiti Mp Joshua Kimilu, Makueni Mp Susan Kiamba among others joined Azimio protests in Nairobi 

Azimio Supporters today engaged police in running battles along Nairobi CBD , Kisumu, Migori , Kibra and few others areas agitating for high  cost of living and  opening of IEBC servers .

Raila who was blocked from accessing Statehouse and KICC as planned opted for meet the people tours along Juja Road among other streets that were frequently teagassed   by police .

He expressed dissatisfaction by President  Ruto Administration to use excessive force by police and vowed to sue the government. 

Deputy president Rigathi Gacgagua appealled to organisers of today's demos to call them.off terming them as a risk to peace and economy.

Dr. Malombe flags off drugs and medical supplies worth Kes 81m

Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe (EGH) has flagged off yet another consignment of  an assortment of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical commodities ordered based on the disease patterns in the  county worth Kshs 81.5 million to complement efforts in providing quality healthcare

In his remarks during the flagging off ceremony held at the County Referral Hospital today, Governor Malombe revealed the county had cleared all the accrued debts from KEMSA and MEDS totaling sh. 144 million to facilitate smooth supply from these institutions and cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship and to ensure smooth running of the supply chain.

He said the county will  also receive a consignment of sh. 32.5 million from KEMSA in 3 weeks time.

"Going forward, we expect that drugs and other medical supplies will be supplied in time and in the ordered quantities. This important requirement has been discussed with the two key partners (KEMSA and MEDS)". He said.

The Governor further pointed out that his government will recruit 10 community health volunteers (CHVs) per village totaling 2,470 for the 247 villages in efforts to enhance primary health of preventive and promotive health care, establish teaching and Referral hospitals in both Kitui and Mwingi, continually upgrade healthcare facilities, establish modern maternity facilities in each Level (II) and Level (III) hospitals, equip maternity units in selected healthcare facilities, construct the Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital in Mutitu/Kaliku among others as part of his development plan.

Governor Malombe  flagged off assorted drugs and medical supplies worth Ksh 108 million for distribution in October last year in efforts to improve access to affordable medical supplies and services in the county.

Fish found dead in Athi River

By Vincent Matheka 

Residents of Nguumo village,Kinyaata location,Yatta Subcounty are alarmed by the discovery of dead fish floating on the shores of Athi River.

 This comes two days after the river began experiencing inflow of storm water from upstream.

  Mutiso Kieti, a resident in the Yatta Subcounty laments that industrial effluent directed into River Athi could be the cause of the death of the fish in the river.

It is the second time in as many months for the spectacle to be witnessed along the river that is experiencing the heaviest pollution in history from industries upstream. 

  Residents who also use the water for various needs fear that they may be harmed and are  urgeging the government to intervene to establish what might be killing the fish in River Athi.

 The County Government of Machakos is in the forefront to mount pressure to the national government to undertake a cleaning exercise of the river, even as residents put pressure on the devolved unit to deliver on its duty to stop firms from discharging effluent on the river in order to ensure clean water for domestic use and for irrigation.

Pomp as rebuilt Ikutha Catholic Church opens

The Holy Spirit Ikutha Parish Center Church that was demolished to make way for upgrading and construction of the Kitui-Kibwezi tarmac road was reopened today.

The church was flagged for demolition by the  Kenya National Highways Authority and was brought down after completion.

In 2021, the faithful of Ikutha began to build again. They appeared to be discouraged and downhearted at first, but quickly found strength and propulsion in the same direction.

Today, a  colorful and lively ceremony to open the sanctuary took place, presided over by  the Catholic Bishop of Kitui Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela.

Bishop Mwongela commended the faithful for their bravery, dedication, and generosity in ensuring that Ikutha soars to new heights

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Maanzo, thanked all the Christians for their donations towards the completion of the church and urged them to continue with the same zeal.

He challenged them to be part and parcel of all development activities, stating that every effort is vital to any success. He encouraged the youth in school to work smart in their studies so that they are able to eradicate poverty, both material and spiritual.

Makueni partnerships boost mother and child healthcare

Enduring partnerships 

Two partners - Jacaranda Health and Thinkwell  are collaborating with Makueni County Government to implement quality ecosystems to improve maternal and newborn healthcare.

They are providing solutions  and linking them with available budget and data capabilities to aid mother and child health.

Mr.Joseph Mutweleli, Head of Partnerships at Jacaranda Health, this approach will leverage public partnerships and women's voices to help the Makueni County Government drive cost efficiencies in health funds as well as prioritizing investments in innovations and improvements in quality-of-care services.

Mutweleli, noted that the ultimate goal would be to increase available funds for maternal and newborn health solutions by 50 percent  as well as reduce facility-based neonatal mortality and drivers of maternal death rate by 20 percent. 

The Head of Programs at Jacaranda Health, Javan Waita, reported that the institution has been in Makueni since 2019 during which they have  enrolled 95,040 pregnant and new mothers and reached 4,663 male partners across 80 health facilities. The have also empowered them with information to improve health-care seeking services through their PROMPT program.

The institution through a partnership with the health department has also been able to mentor over 250 nurses from 53 health facilities within the county who have successfully delivered over 1700 babies born every month.

Waita added that Jacaranda implemented a blood tracker innovation in 9 healthcare facilities, enabling them to identify the availability of blood.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, Health ECM Dr. Paul Musila, and Stephen Ndolo (Chief officer, health) held collaboration talks with the partners  on Thursday this week at the governor’s boardroom.

Governor Kilonzo Jnr endorsed the program but urged them to hold counseling sessions for teen mothers who would most likely not say much as several of them might have gotten the babies as a result of defilement.

He stressed the need for pediatric wings in public hospitals within the county, indicating the importance of maternal healthcare.

Irish Minister seeks tropical fruits in Machakos visit

 Irish Minister of State for Land use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, today toured aTropical Fruits processing plant in Kasolongo, Mwala Sub County.

DG Mwangangi speaking during the visit by the Irish minister 

Ms Hackett is in the country alongside a delegation from the Republic of Ireland and were keen to visit Machakos County to tour the fruits processing facility.

 The team also paid a courtesy call at the Governor's office where she was hosted the Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi on behalf of Governor Wavinya Ndeti. 

The Deputy Governor and the Irish minister discussed issues touching on establishing a collaboration that will facilitate  access of Kenyan fruit and horticulture produce in the European market.

This, once achieved will not only benefit  local farmers who rely on subsistence agriculture for a living, but will also open a new frontier for trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

Governor Ndeti says her

government will support every opportunity that promotes the well being of the people  of Machakos in all sectors of the economy in line with her manifesto. 

Konza Technopolis to host UoN architecture students

University of Nairobi will use the Konza Technopolis to deliver the second semester course work for architecture students.

The Technopolis  this week hosted  the University of Nairobi  Department of Architecture Bachelor of Architecture 5th year students who made an Academic Visit to Konza Technopolis.

The visit initiates an engagement where the Architecture students in their 5th year will undertake their Advanced Architectural Studio project themed "Urban Sustainability" as part of their Second Semester coursework.  

The students identified  Konza Technopolis as an suitable location to carry out their project focussing on a Mixed Use Development Project. The project will enable the students to appreciate in a practical way the implementation of the master-planned cities.

This project enables the students to undertake an academic requirement that will help them hone their understanding of Urban Planning and Architectural design while contributing to the development of the Technopolis in the within Built Environment field.

Konza Technopolis was established to enable a knowledge-based economy. The Authority is keen to engage the different fields of academia in the development of a smart city.

#architecture #urbanplanning #urbansustainability

A peep into Del Monte farms

Why stolen pineapples
will sale like a hot cake

A SPECIAL REPORT

By Wambua Kavila

In pitch darkness,- that ungodly pre-dawn hour, 30 men dressed in dark trench coats and armed with machetes and concealed sacks disembark from a canter almost a kilometer from the massive Del Monte pineapple plantation in Thika.

They swiftly walk, albeit stealthily, and in silence towards the direction of the plantation before cutting the barbed wire and gaining access to the largest pineapple field in the country.

Speed is everything as security is constantly being reviewed and upgraded at the farm due to sporadic thefts and the intruders have little time to identify the nearest sector that has mature fruit and "harvest" before their cover is blown.

They soon spot an ideal area and harvesting begins with half of the gang going back to locate the canter and have it moved closer to the nearest point outside the fence from their current position. These raiders move in big numbers around the farm with the machetes unconcealed for self defense reasons and to terrify guards on patrol.

Just like in previous raids, they are spotted by guards who are only armed with clubs and powerful flash lights. The guards flee for their lives and subsequently raise alarm and seek reinforcements. The generally flat terrain enables spotting from afar.

Previously, the guards patrolled the expansive plantations accompanied by attack dogs. But the dogs were withdrawn due to public outcry over rising incidents of the canines mauling innocent members of public including children in the vicinity of the vast plantation.

They harvest as much as their sacks can carry but can't make the desired trips as reinforcements will be here in no time. On spotting lights from afar and roaring engines of vehicles coming their direction, they check out in a jiffy, board their canter and speed off in the opposite direction with their edible contraband.

The currency for labour is not cash. Everyone in the team is paid in pineapples; that's the arrangement and it's done as fast as they flee from the plantation. "This time round we each got 100 pieces of the fruit" my source says unflinchingly.

The raiders personally "fence " their contraband and most of them head for neighboring Machakos town which is the most convenient considering proximity and market. Here, pineapples go like a hot cake; almost always, there is never enough supply of it.

It's Monday. A market day in Machakos town, and average sized pineapple is going for Kes. 80-100 inside the main market while the smaller ones go for between Kes. 40-60.

Outside, on the periphery of the market along the wall, there are several young men selling pineapples too. An average and even bigger sized one is being sold at Kes. 50. Before lunch time, they have all been snapped up and my guy is ahead Kes 5,000 along with several of his partners in crime at the loss of the Del Monte firm which supplies the mighty American military along with other international customers around the world.

Special Leadeship school opens in Makueni County

WOTE, THURSDAY,

MARCH 16, 2023

Makueni County on today opened doors  of a Community-led Development School and the first in Africa at Wote.

The school seeks to train citizens, community leaders, civil society professionals, and government officials from across the county and the country to ensure that every person has a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

It will also provide a platform to strengthen the capacity of county officials and community members on how they can be involved to localize sustainable development blueprints by the county.

Presiding over the inaugural function, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr described the school as timely, adding that the center will offer collaborative learning that will be demonstrating the power of government-civil society partners.

In a keynote address, John Coonrod, the Vice President of the Global Hunger Project and the founder of Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD) lauded the county community-led development aspect, saying that it’s the only way to structure society consistently with human dignity as it moves decision-making closer to the people. 

Governor Kilonzo signed afresh an MOU with Jonh Coonrod where its collaboration includes fundraising for county development initiatives, capacity strengthening of county departments on proposal writing, and fundraising among other key areas.

Drones to deliver emergency drugs

Makueni breaks new grounds

 Wote, 
Makueni County
 Thursday

MAKUENI County is breaking new grounds of delivering emergency drugs via drones.

It is an unchartered territory even for the national government. This will be made possible through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and Narma Incl, a Korean Aerospace Research Institute that develops state of the art delivery drones and services.

Malombe seeks support for Mwingi

KUSP team inspects projects

Kenya Urban Support Program team is visiting the Kitui Municipality to inspect projects they are undertaking.