Friday, 28 April 2023
Farmers get over Sh 200m
Thursday, 27 April 2023
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 .
Wednesday, 26 April 2023
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.
Tuesday, 25 April 2023
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
Monday, 24 April 2023
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.
Sunday, 23 April 2023
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
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.
Saturday, 22 April 2023
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 .
Friday, 21 April 2023
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.
Thursday, 20 April 2023
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.
Wednesday, 19 April 2023
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
Monday, 17 April 2023
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.
Sunday, 16 April 2023
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.
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