Kivutha's scathing letter to Kalonzo

By The Anchor Reporter

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has shot barbs at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka over his opposition to current Ukambani governors working with President William Ruto. 

In a post on his Facebook page, Kibwana accuses Kalonzo of impoverishing over 5 million Akamba since he joined politics in 1985.

The remarks come after Kalonzo reminded Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Machakos GovernorWavinya Ndeti and Mavoko MP Mr. Patrick Makau that he still remains their party leader and would determine their political direction in regard to cooperation with President Ruto.  The three have signaled their readiness to work with Ruto and have boycotted Azimio rallies addressed by Kalonzo and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

Here  is Kibwana's post. "One day when Kalonzo Musyoka we stand before God, you will answer why you enslaved and so hated your community to deny 5M children of God development from 1985 to... He will ask: Why did you bar Wiper leaders from working with the Government of the Day and not  provide alternative sustenance. One day I trust the Almighty will visit the Kamba and open their eyes and minds and evacuate them from Misri and pharaoh-like leadership to the Canaan of plenty, water, tarmac roads, muguka-free youth and employment, etc. Moses did overcome Pharaoh and his witchcraft minions. Ukambani elected leaders should be free to work with  government to change the famine/poverty face of Ukambani. They should embrace the wisdom of Luo Nation. 2022 is gone. How on earth could the Outsider steal elections after Hon. Oburu declared Azimio had handshaked the State?"

Kitui ministers, COs take office

Kitui CECMs and COs sign

ethics and code of conduct

10 County Executive Committee Members in Kitui have been sworn into office today and 22 Chief Officers appointed in a ceremony held at the Governor's office compound at the county headquarters.

The event took place even as the Governor awaits the conclusion of a court case to appoint the four remaining Chief Officers.

The swearing ceremony and the signing of the Ethics and code of conduct was conducted by Kitui Resident Magistrate Justine Amoro Asiago  in an event witnessed by Governor Dr Julius Malombe, County Commissioner Erastus Mbili, Speaker Kinengo Katisya, MCAs, members of the clergy and hundreds of Kitui residents.

The Governor, in his speech, noted that  "the new team will help him in repositioning the County on the path of development and growth to realize the expectations of the electorate".

Governor Malombe expressed confidence in their qualifications and competences to execute the mandate in their respective dockets. 

"Today is a time of great accomplishment. This is the team that will - under my guidance and supervision - drive my development agenda for the next 5 years," the County Chief said.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to work closely with Members of the County Assembly  in order to actualize his development agenda. 

According to the county chief, the team  will help him in transforming the County in terms of development to improve the livelihoods of Kitui people.

At the same time, the Governor hailed the County Development Intergrated Plan (CIDP 2023 - 2027), saying it will provide an overall framework for development and will inform the 16 Sector priorities outlined in the Vision and Agenda for the development and transformation of the County. 

With the gallant  team now in office, Kitui County residents can only sigh with relief as all efforts are pulled together to make their lives better.

The Governor further thanked the outgoing Cabinet for their commitment to serve during the transition period.

On his part, Kitui Resident Magistrate Hon Justine Amoro Asiago called on the new team to observe public service accountability in the execution of their duties as enshrined in the constitution.

Parents want Principal removed

 

Remove Principal,

irate parents demand 

By Daniel Mutinda

Parents at St. Stephen Kanyonga Secondary School today demanded the transfer of the School principal Rhapeal Mwanza for poor Management of the school .

Mr Raphael Mwanza(R)

Speaking to The Anchor, the parents decried poor exam results,  embezzlement of funds and non cooperation of the principal with the parents and school board .

Documents seen by  The Anchor show the school BOM wrote a letter to the County Director TSC dated September,9 2022 requesting for evaluation and audit of the school principal. 

The board wants the TSC director to investigate , alcoholism,  absenteeism,  and misappropriation of funds in the school.

 

The board  alleges that in July 2022, the school withdrew Kes.280,000 illegally with the former signatories which could not be accounted for.

Further the BOM wants TSC to invistigate use of Kes. 91, 200  given to the principal in cash as an open cheque to pay teaching  staff and non teaching staff.

It was confirmed by  an audit report done by the Makueni County  Auditor Scolarstica Malii  dated November 26, 2022 that there was no transparency and accountability therefore  funds could not be accounted for in the school.

Parents want the school principal and the deputy transferred citing incompetence to run the institution.

They expressed disatisfaction over the school's performance of a mean grade of D- (minus ) for two consecutive years. (2021& 2022)

County Director TSC Makueni Alex Cheruiyot confirmed the issues in the school and promised they shall be resolved and  a full report given.

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Over 34,000 learners to join secondary schools in Makueni

 

By Daniel Kituku 

Ovee 34, 000 students  who sat for KCPE in 2022 are set to join secondary schools in Makueni County.

Mr. Kaimba,County Commissioner 

The Makueni County Commissioner William Kaimba  told The Anchor that this is the projection of the 100 percent transition policy to secondary schools . The exact figure stands at 34,373, he added.

Kaimba said it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure children go to go and get education citing government commitment to have every child in school .

 Secondary schools begun to admit 2022 candidates this week in various  schools.

The Anchor visited Mwaani Girls Secondary School that has admitted a total of 450 girls who were very enthusiastic to join the institution. 

The girls expressed satisfaction to joining Mwaani girls for its good performance as they chatted with this reporter.

Ms Joan Muchina the school principal said they have put in place flexible plans for parents to pay school fees .

"Parents have a hard time taking pupils to boarding schools due to harsh economic times " she said.

Parents who spoke to The Anchor asked the government to help cushion them on school fees.

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Kicotec staff go without pay

By Mercy Mueni

Workers at the Kitui County Textile Company are entering the seventh month without pay.

This comes as it emerged yesterday that the current government under Governor Julius Malombe may not have a budget for KICOTEC in his expenditure framework. 

The development has triggered demands from staff that the Kitui governor comes clear over the day he will pay them.

Speaking with press in a condition of anonymity they said many were going hardship times since for the last six months they haven't gotten their dues.

"We are suffering in silence ,we cannot take care of our families,our rental houses are getting locked down since we are not paying,"said one of the work.

They urged the governor to move with speed and address their cries.

Considered one of Governor Charity Ngilu's flagship projects, KICOTEC cut a niche for its self in the Kenyan textile industry having bagged numerous tenders amongst them manufacturing uniform for the police and chiefs countrywide and several county enforcement apparel countrywide.

Its lack of funding from the county government now leaves the company starring at the brink of collapse and closure and its close to 3,000 youth rendered jobless.

Wavinya voices fears over cancer

By Gastone Valusi 

in Machakos

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has decried the high number of cancer cases in the county.

Governor Ndeti, flanked by her Deputy Francis Mwangangi and Health Minister Dr Yumbya during the tour

Today,she urged the commission formed to clean Nairobi River which feeds into the Athi-river to speed up the exercise as the river had been cited as one of the contributors of cancer cases due to industrial pollution.

Ms Ndeti said 465 cases of cancer had been recorded in the county in the year 2022 with Mwala Sub-county where a large section of the Athi-river river flows through recording 54 cases.

Governor Ndeti who spoke at Machakos Level 5 hospital after visiting the hospital,said that 75 per cent of cancer cases are detected at advanced stage with two out of three patients dying and asked residents to go for early testing so as to get treatment.

"I am glad that the President has formed a commission to clean up the Nairobi river and we are asking them to speed up the process because we are now putting money to treatment of cases caused by polluted water,"said Ms Ndeti.

President William Ruto formed the Nairobi River Commission in December 2022 with a mandate to spearhead the clean up and restoration of the river.

Ms Ndeti said the cancer disease could be cured if detected early and proper treatment commenced.

The Cancer Unit at Machakos Level 5 hospital has qualified doctors and modern equipment for diagnosis and treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Governor Ndeti also received  ICU equipment worth Sh30 million from a German firm, Malteser International,which included 20 ventillators and accessories.

Last week, the county government entered into a Sh100 million deal with the African Medical and Research Foundation (Amref)for supply of oxygen in twelve health facilities in the County.

The project which starts in February will enhance service delivery for critical care patients.

The components of the project include; 630 new oxygen cylinders,27 oxygen splitters,12 patient monitors and pipping manifolds in 12 health facilities,Amref Programme Officer Mr Julius Tome revealed.

Ends.

Kitui Chief Officers approved

The Kitui County Assembly today approved  the 26 names of  nominees for County Chief Officers.

Dr.Malombe(5th from left), flanked by Ag County Secretary Agnes Mulewa(Extreme Right) when he received approval the documents from Kitui Assembly leadership 

The approval was done in a special sitting held today during which the assembly also approved Ms Joyce Titus as the County Executive Committee Member for Basic Education, Training and Skills Development.

Immediately after the vote, the County Assembly leadership made a beeline to the Governor's office  and handed the appointment bundles toGovernor Dr Julius Malombe.He will now formally appoint the officials ahead of their swearing in.

Ndeti's ministers, advisors in training

Machakos County Executive Committee Members (CEC's) and Advisors to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti today started a 5-day Induction at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), Nairobi. 

Gvn Ndeti's CECMs and advisors

The induction is to build capacity of the Executive arm of Government and enhance efficiency in service delivery. 

Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi officially Opened the Induction Workshop on the governor's behalf.

The training will equip the CECM's and Advisors with knowledge about government operations, functions and practices, as well as other information critical in the execution of their mandates.

KEG Trustee roots for media freedom

Let media do their work,
KEG Trustee tells MPs

By The Anchor Reporter

Parliamentarians have to accept as normal the discomforting work of Kenya's media, a Trustee of the Kenya Editors Guild   has said. 

Making a presentation during the National Assembly Post Election Induction Conference, Mr. Martin Masai explained that an essential component of media work is to scrutinize the actions of leaders, which causes annoyance.

" That is why the framers of our constitution and the people of Kenya ring fenced Media Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Articles 33,34 and 35 to ensure that media does its work", Mr Masai said.

" So therefore Hon Members, there is a necessity to accept that media must be let to do their work", he added, telling the legislators that democracy and journalism are intertwined and that media freedom was necessary for democracy to thrive.

He spoke while representing KEG President Mr. Churchill Otieno.

He said the constitutional guarantees bring tremendous responsibility  upon media. " The Guild lives to raise professional standards to honour these constitutional guarantees".

The presentation was titled "Effective Media Engagement ; Giving Parliamentarians a voice", Mr Masai urged the leaders to take advantage of expanding media space including vernacular FM stations and pitched a case for better funding of the State Broadcaster KBC.

Motor Rally stirs Machakos

Pomp as KNCR
roars in Machakos

By The Anchor Reporter

Rally driver Jeremiah Wahome and co-driver: Victor Okundi is the winner of the Kenya National Rally Championship( KNRC) Machakos season-opener. He emerged first after clocking 01 hour:59 minutes and39,13 seconds.

Bursaries for Makueni students

90 needy learners
secure bursaries

90 pupils from needy backgrounds who sat for their KCPE in 2022 have secured full scholarships to their secondary schools of choice thanks to the County Government of Makueni.

Residents protest against sand harvesting

Storm brews over
sand harvesting

By Daniel Kituku in Makueni

MAKUENI Sand Authority  is under pressure to designate a sand harvesting site as residents resist sand harvesting in majority rivers . 

Mutula puts ministers under strict performance contracts

WOTE: Tuesday  January 31, 2023

Makueni CECs sign Performance Contracts

All Makueni County Executive Committee Members have signed performance contracts committing to deliver the highest possible quality of services and projects implementation within agreeable timelines. 

The CECMs committed to achieve set out targets within their respective departments for the 2022/2023 Financial Year. They will be evaluated against those targets at the end of the Financial Year. 

The performance contracts signing will be cascaded downwards to Chief Officers and Directors while other officers upto the lowest in rank will sign performance appraisals. 

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr who led the exercise at the Office of the Governor compound said performance management will be an integral part of his administration so as to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services to Makueni residents. 

He said performance management will align the workforce, resources and systems towards achieving "Wauni Wa Kwika Nesa na Ulungalu" while also inculcating self drive at the work place.

Machakos Town Schools ranked

 An analysis of KCSE
 in Machakos Sub County

By The Anchor Reporter

The state of education in Machakos Sub County can be cracked from the analysis that has been just concluded on KCSE 2022 performance.

Out of the 4,088 candidates who sat for the examination in the 59 secondary schools in the sub-county, only 776 will proceed to the university, which is far less than a half of the candidates. Out of the 776, only 2 got an A grade. 27, had A-, 78 got B+, 151 b-, 226 had B and 292 had a C+, representing about 32 percent transition to University.

The bulk of the students will now have to sort themselves in Tertiary institutions. The majority in this category got  D-(812). The table below tell the grim story with better accuracy.

Kitui : Vetting Chief Officers enters the second day

*Kitui Chief Officers vetting enters homestretch*

By Philip Muteti 

Communication Officer- CGoK

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

The vetting of  nominees of  Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH for consideration as Chief Officers to the various County Government departments today entered the second and last day.

The constitutional exercise kicked off yesterday where Education, Training and Skills Development Cabinet nominee Joyce Titus was vetted alongside 15 Chief Officer picks. 

The remaining 11 of 26 Chief Officer nominees are set to appear before the various sectoral committees of the Kitui County Assembly for the suitability check.

CO nominees Lynn Kitwan for (Public Health & Sanitation), Pauline Kikele Mwalali (Basic Education, ECDE & Childcare Facilities), Bretta Mwangangi (Culture, Gender & Social Services), and Stephen Makau Musili (Trade, Industry, MSMEs & County EIZs) were being vetted as we went to Press.

Dr. Musyoka Benson Wambua, nominee for Medical Services, Aggrey Kinyalili Kamba (Drugs & Medical Supplies), Paul Ngei Monyi (Cooperatives & Citizen Group Economic Empowerment Initiatives), and Nason Kang’alya Kilonzo (Youth, Sports, ICT & Initiatives) are also set to face the respective vetting panels later in the day.

Others include Kennedy Munyambu Mwendwa (Polytechnics, Vocational Centres & Homecraft Centres), David Soi Masai (Environment & Forestry) and Henry Ngilu Nyamai (Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources).

-CGoK-Communications Department 

Global Warming: Lukenya University's 1m trees challenge

By Irene Nyanzi 

Global temperature is warming, weather patterns are changing, and sea level is rising.

The Lukenya University

Climate has changed throughout earth's long history, but this time it's different.

 Human activity is causing worldwide temperatures to rise higher and faster than at any time we previously know of. 

The urgency to find a solution has never been greater. Nations, global organizations, scholars individuals have beeb involved in efforts to find and fund a solution to climate change.

It is a race against time for governments, organizations,and Institutions as they work towards finding a solution to Climate change. In Kenya, Lukenya University has stepped forward with a practical and crucial initiative - to plant 1million trees at its maim Campus in Mtito Andei in Kibwezi East. 

The main Sponsors of the event will be The Kassanga Mulwa Foundation,The Lukenya Schools and the Lukenya college.

The Lukenya University's focuss is ambitious, specific and verifiable;  plant 1million trees to deal with the climate change facing Kenya and the Horn of Africa.

Under the theme ' Running for a Greener Future' the university has organized a Marathon event on the March 26, 2023 at its campus in Mtito Andei,Kibwezi East,Makueni County to achieve its objective. 

The event launch will be done at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on Wednesday February 1, 2023.

The main Sponsors of the event will be The Kassanga Mulwa Foundation,The Lukenya Schools and the Lukenya college.

With improvement of tree cover, the environment must change.Tree cover will curb frequent and intense drought, whirl winds, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans that  directly harm humanity, animals, destroy the places they live, and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and communities. It is a 'stich in time'

Mutula rejects Raila rallies

 

By Daniel Kituku

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr  today dismissed  Raila Odinga  led demos against William Ruto administration. 

Raila rally in Nairobi today

Mutula's stand will certainly put him on a collision path with his Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka who is supporting Mr Odinga's push to seek justice against an allegedly stolen Presidential election.

Speaking at A.I.C Nzeveni Mbooni Sub county,  Mutula distanced himself from the demos citing  underdevelopment  in the Kamba Region. 

He reiterated the major development witnessed in Luo Nyanza and vowed never to attend any of the rallies /demos unless Kamba Region is has equal development as Nyanza .

"It's our time to harvest from government as Nyanza benefited from Uhuru  Kenyatta government. " said Mutula .

Mutula , an Elected Wiper  Governor spoke few weeks after Machakos  Wiper Governor  Wavinya Ndeti declared working  with President William Ruto .

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Mutha residents await the building of police stations

Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe (EGH) has said his administration will work with the national government to address the constant insecurity menace with a view to finding lasting peace following incursions by armed invaders who have terrified the residents for years.

The county, according to the county chief, is consulting with the national government to work on the modalities of implementing various security projects in the area to boost security.

Governor Malombe restated his administration's commitment to protect lives of the residents considering that attackers have allegedly killed and inflicted injuries on the victims following sporadic pasture-related conflicts characteristic of the remote part of Kitui County.

He further thanked President Dr Ruto for his pledge to operationalize the police stations once the structures are done.

The Governor was speaking in Kalambani, Mutha - Kitui South during the laying to rest ceremony of the late Mwikali Kituku.

Expand Children's Spaces- Magistrate

Magistrate wants set up
of a Children's Parliament 

 By Gastone Valusi in Machakos 

 A magistrate wants the government to establish special children’s courts across the country in order to prosecute sexual offenders and deliver justice to the victims. Outgoing Kangundo Senior Principal Magistrate Ms. Monica Nyakundi says this way, the government would enforce strict laws for those who violate children's rights.

Ms. Nyakundi

Turmoil in Machakos Land Registry