Kibwana: Wiper is aiding burial of Kalonzo's long political career

Governor Charity Ngilu 

By Kivutha Kibwana 

It is clear Wiper was never in Azimio. Evidently, it has no intention of joining Azimio. Indeed it is methodically undermining Azimio. Up to now the party has never campaigned for Raila in Ukambani. Only the three governors did so and raised Raila's popularity in the region up to about 65%. Historically the people of Makueni in 2013 and 2017 gave more support to Raila than those of Kitui and Machakos. In 2017, Jubilee made inroads in the two latter counties. 

Today ( 8/5/2022) Wiper used a religious crusade to campaign for Kalonzo's deputy presidency. Curiously the presiding clergy turned himself into a politico. The Christians who had come for prayer had to watch from the Unoa field perimeter fence. Where on earth does a potential running mate blackmail a presidential candidate so as to be made a deputy by attacks, abuse, vitriol, confrontation, guile etc. In which democracy? Such strategy is deployed where one knows they may not qualify but wants to build sympathy among a section of the electorate. Wiper wants to shore up its dwindling fortunes by inciting the Kamba community against Raila Odinga. 

After the Wiper leader has antagonised Raila, Musalia, Wetangula, Ruto, the 3 Kamba governors, HE the President... who else will he work with in the future? Are Senators Kiio, Mutula and MP Maanzo helping Kalonzo to write his political obituary? Wiper is working so hard to alienate the Kamba community from the rest of Kenyans. But the community is wiser than before. 

Wiper had shambolic party nominations even after the cream of the region's candidates had chosen other parties. Her candidates are now part of a second eleven. Democratic elections are about persuasion and fair competition. Wiper leaders are still buried in the one party era. They believe they can establish a one party dictatorship in the Ukambani region and impose their candidates (six piece suit) and the DP demand on Raila.  Azimio must not continue to watch its house burn and not do something about it.

Unmasking Kalonzo Musyoka

By Kivutha Kibwana

 

 LAST weekend, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka jumped the OKA negotiations to enthrone himself as the flag bearer.  Before a gathering of predominantly some Lower Eastern Kenya residents, he declared that he will seek the presidency until the finishing tape. That declaration has all but put the last nail on OKA's coffin. 

Prof Kibwana

Kalonzo Musyoka

 Kalonzo was ostensibly also endorsed by the region's clergy, or so he said. It is however sad to note that the Ukambani Christian Leaders' Forum was not represented. The three key regional Elders' Councils were not in attendance. Both these two groups- clergy & elders- form the Akamba Leaders Forum (APEX). Last time they called him and other regional leaders to a meeting, he chose not to attend. SUPKEM was also not represented. 

 The vote basket of Ukambani stands between 1.6 million to 2 million and possibly with the diaspora vote and more votes from further voter registration the figure of 2.5 million is a real possibility. To win the presidency, one must get support from other regions whose total registered voters in 2017 stood at 19, 611, 423 million. For Kalonzo to appear to be a serious candidate, he must demonstrate that he will marshal huge nationwide support- which demonstration is neither here nor there.

The Kamba community and other Kenyan communities are wiser now and will not be used by individuals who merely want to capture a section of their communities in the name of presidential candidature for subsequent auction. Normally, Kalonzo’s real or perceived reach gravitates around his region. When he ventures out on his own, the crowds are unfortunately lean. 

 Kalonzo has been riding on a myth currently created that he enjoys massive support in Lower Eastern Kenya as he did during the NASA times when many leaders from the region supported NASA. Further, due to continuous state support, the region had come to believe he is the gateway to national goodies. Recent by-elections in Kitui and Makueni have shown that Wiper is a weak party. Even in Machakos, a Wiper Senator won after the Chap Chap candidate was prevailed upon to stand down. His invincibility is being incrementally unmasked.

 In the Yatta meeting Kalonzo claimed that three Ukambani governors stood on his shoulders to gain electoral positions! It is dumbfounding to imagine that he believes he is the sole voter in the region and the population of other 5 million voters is of no consequence. However, in 2013 I was elected under Muungano Party. In 2017 Governor Charity Ngilu was elected through NARC and Governor Alfred Mutua through Maendeleo Chap Chap even as Kalonzo fielded candidates in the two counties who actually rode on his shoulders. In 2017 Kalonzo had to plead with the people of Makueni to allow me to support Wiper and NASA. They called him for negotiations to a meeting at a place called Kambu, in Kibwezi East. In 2017 I helped NASA in Makueni to win decisively. Jubilee was not able to secure any seat as it did in Kalonzo’s Kitui and neighboring Machakos. As a negotiator I helped him to gain the Deputy President slot against Musalia Mudavadi, a gentleman and worthy presidential candidate. Kalonzo has not shown appreciation for the political work that people do for him. As a former chairman of his party, I stood in his place when he had to attend to his spouse’s treatment abroad.

 Moreover, Kalonzo has over time antagonized key regional leaders such as Johnson Muthama, David Musila, Governor Mutua, Mutua Katuku,  Mrs. Ngilu and myself. His casualties are many. In 2016 I helped to bring some leaders back to support NASA. Unfortunately, those who know him appreciate he is not a unifying, but a very divisive factor- whether in his region, OKA or elsewhere. In 2017 he used to say that the State could not accept Raila Odinga to win while he was his deputy. 

 Even before the Yatta meeting, Kalonzo told some of his inner circle whom we used to work together in the Think Tank that he will be a presidential candidate even if his community remains outside government for 20 years. Already 10 are gone.  He hopes to create a Wiper ' Wave' in Ukambani so he can hoodwink the community and get MPs/ governors, MCAs to use to bargain for himself in the next dispensation. 

 Kalonzo's under-belly is that he cannot show tangible development to his credit from 1985 for almost FOUR DECADES of public service. Whenever this plain fact is mentioned, he goes livid just like his ardent supporters. Even as a Vice President there isn't much to show. On the whole he prefers to recruit leaders who don't question him, extreme loyalists. Since 2004 when Mzee Mulu Mutisya passed on and Kalonzo was informally declared as de facto leader of the community, the crop and quality of leadership has continually deteriorated. He has often been accused of annihilating visionary and development oriented political leaders as well as regional civil servants and key business people who have a capacity to stand up to him now or in the future. On the whole Kalonzo has been unwilling or incapable of LOBBYING for his community at national level. In most spheres, the community representation in the public space has deteriorated substantially. 

 At the Yatta meeting, Kalonzo talked of other presidential candidates having occasioned strife in the past and that he is the man of peace and true safe pair of hands. If in 2007 Kalonzo had supported Mzee Mwai Kibaki or Raila, there would have been a decisive win either way. We would most likely have avoided the blood bath. His "KUPITIA KATIKATI" policy became a very personal and expensive stance for the country.

 Given that Kalonzo has done some diplomacy and peace work abroad, why is he unable to be a uniting factor in his region?  Does he gain from a divided region? 

 In presenting himself as a presidential candidate who cannot win but may garner some votes from Lower Eastern, he wishes to attack a former Raila stronghold. If the strategy is successful, William Ruto stands to benefit. Knowingly or unknowingly Kalonzo would have helped a candidate he could later work with. I guess that is Kenyan politics of intrigue. 

 In Lower Eastern the residents have begun to understand who the real Kalonzo is. People are tired of being used and others dumped or reused. They believe his presidential bid may be a blessing in disguise. Although he said he is God's candidate, God may be planning to retire him from the region's political environment. The Bible says God's ways are truly mysterious.

 Professor Kivutha Kibwana is the Governor of Makueni currently serving his second and last term.

  

IEBC launches final voter registration

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has today launched a mass voter enrollment exercise. A message from IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati

Woman kills 2 daughters then commits siicide

By Vincent Matheka

A 29 -year old woman today committed suicide after  killing her two daughters, leaving a village in shock.

The incident happened in Katitika village, Gituamba sub location in Ithanga, Murang'a County.

The suicide note

Ithanga Subcounty Police boss John Ogolla has  divulged that the woman who is a spouse of Kenya Defence Officer based in Kiunga,Lamu was found having locked herself in a room and hanged herself after poisoning the girls with a pesticides.

The woman had left a suicide note citing marital challenges as the cause of the inhumane act.

The note contained a list of women she alluded to be her tormentors and PIN numbers to help her spouse access nearly Kes. 200,000 in her account.

Snake disrupts Kalonzo meeting

By Terry Nzau 

A reptile  momentarily stamped its authority when it caused pandemonium at the Yatta home of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.

The gathering of politicians organized by  the Wiper Party leader and 2022 presidential aspirant Kalonzo Musyoka at  the  farm house in Machakos County, saw the leaders run helter skelter to avoid the snake.

The special reptile guest appeared uninvited and slithered menacingly until a man wearing Wiper colours confronted it caught it by his right hand and walked away with it as it wagged its tail.

The snake appeared when the crowd had already settled and guests had to scamper for safety, with a few brave ones rattling the reptile which slithered into the tent at 12 noon.

Those in the meeting confirmed that at the time of the unexpected, the chief guest, Kalonzo Musyoka hadn’t arrived at the venue. 

“The snake was big in size,” eyewitnesses said.

The snake was later smashed with a stone be enraged Party functionaries .

One of the attendees of the event, thereafter, took its remains to an unknown place.

Musyoka met Ukambani leaders, pooled from politics and the business community, who are allied to him.

The purpose of the meeting was to strategically position Wiper and chart the way forward ahead of the August 9 General Election.

The meeting, however, continued after the snake scare.

High fuel prices to persist, says EPRA

By Martin Masai

PREVAILING High fuel prices will remain unchanged for the next one month, the industry regulator announced today.

A Notice by the Energy, Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said petrol, diesel and kerosene will retail in the current prices till February 14,2022.

EPRA said the decision is in

accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019, Legal Notice No.196 of 2010 and Legal Notice No. 26 of 2012.

EPRA Kenya has calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from 15th January 2022 to 14th February 2022.

The prices are inclusive of the 8 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2018, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020. 

Governors Mount pressure on Kalonzo

By Martin Masai

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and his Makueni counterpart Kivutha Kibwana today presided over a meeting that resolved to mobilize ukambani region into playing a significant role in national politics.

The leaders played down a perception that the meeting was aimed at scuttling another one scheduled on January 15 at the home of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. 

Governor Mutua and Kibwana acknowledge
 greetings as they entered the meeting venue

However analysts see the meeting as a local effort to pile pressure on Kalonzo to abandon his quest for the Presidency and support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's final stab for the seat.

Even then, the leaders called for a meeting to be held at a neutral ground to deliberate on the fate of ukambani in the National discourse.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu send apologies through Prof Kibwana.

The following is the full communique issued after the meeting held at the Machakos International Convention Centre. 

"Leaders drawn from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties have met 

today at the Machakos International Convention Centre for a 

consultative leaders meeting. The meeting called by Governors Kivutha 

Kibwana, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua and H.E. Charity Ngilu has deliberated on 

various issues and resolved as follows:

1) That it is imperative that a representative of South/Lower Eastern

region leads Kenya or the community is a KEY part of the next

national government.

2) That the Akamba community has over 2 million votes and going 

forward we shall not agree to be taken for granted.

3) That all political players and political parties present in the region 

including NARC, MCC, WIPER, Muungano and others must mobilize 

to ensure the above over- aching objective is achieved despite their 

competition.

4) That overall, the developmental interests of the community must come

first before the personal interests of any leader. The people want 

development that rolls back poverty and not merely BIG POSITIONS 

for a few individuals.

5) That the three Governors are tasked to offer political direction that 

includes whether to support one of our own for the Presidency, or join 

hands with H.E. Raila Odinga and AZIMIO or any other progressive coalition. 

) That we will mobilize our community to receive Covid-19 vaccination 

and to observe Covid protocols to reduce illness and death.

7) That the three Governors will lead a massive voter registration 

exercise at the grassroots which will also double as consultative 

meetings on the preferred political direction.

8) That we shall request our community elders and religious leaders to

convene a meeting to bring together the different and even competing 

political players, at a neutral venue, to concretize our approach 

informed by the views of wananchi collected at the grassroots latest by 

end of February, 2022.

Wednesday, 12th January, 2022

Woman charged with fraud

By Mwende Kyalo

A woman was today charged with knowingly defrauding another woman Ksh 1,700,000. She is alleged to have defrauded Lucy Chege by pretending to be able to help her invest in an online trade where Chege would earn a 20 percent  monthly interest on the amount.

Ms Jane Karuri

Appearing before Milimani Law Courts magistrate Bernard Ochoi,  Jane Karuri pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of Ksh 1,000,000 or a cash bail of Ksh 500,000

The offence was allegedly committed on diverse dates between January 10, 2020 and March 11, 2020, in Nairobi City.

The case will be mentioned on January 25, 2021

Man who conned Police boss nabbed

By Sharon Mwende

A prime suspect who defrauded Kasarani Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Peter Mwanzo Ksh600,000 will remain in custody for eight days.

The crime was committed through SIM swapping.

The suspect only ominously identified as Gideon Mark was arrested on January 8,2022 at Bomet county.

He was arraigned before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Ms Wandia Nyamu but was not charged with any offence after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations sought to have him detained to enable investigators complete their work.

According to detectives, it is alleged that the suspect executed the crime on diverse dates between January 4 and 5 this year with help of some staff at Safaricom by unlawfully swapping Mr Mwanzo's Safaricom line and using it to fraudulently transfer Sh 600,000 from his Equity Bank account.

The suspect is said to have conned the Kasarani OCPD pretending to be an agent of Safaricom. The suspect is alleged to have called the OCPD several times using a private number only to defraud him of his funds at Equity Bank account after obtaining his private information.

In an affidavit filed in court by the DCI through Corporal Kapario Lekakeny, DCI sought to be allowed to continue holding Mark,saying the investigations into the case involves weighty issues which require ample time as police are expected to travel to Bomet where they intend to make recoveries of the money.

The court heard that Mark is believed to belong to a syndicate roperating from Mulot within Bomet County that is defrauding members of the public using mobile money platforms.

"The suspect was arrested with the help of the service provider being the person who has been using  the Airtel and Safaricom line that received the money, however the money was not recovered and the investigators require adequate time to travel to parts of Bomet with the help of the suspect with the aim  of making recoveries," the detective informed the court.

Investigations reveal that Mark and his accompliances have turned Mulot into one of the hotspots of mobile phone fraud in the country.

The detective told the court that during the course of their investigations, assorted Sim cards and phones were recovered from the suspect which they require more time to extract information from to enable them arrive at the ideal charges to prefer against the suspect.

"That the DCI would rely on Mark to assist in identifying members of his syndicate who are all using subscribers' numbers registered with other people's national identity cards to disguise their identities," the officer stated.

During interrogation the suspect revealed that he is a member of the sim swap syndicate in Mulot in Bomet county which is known as "Confirmed" which has been swindling members of the public million of shilling through hacking their emails and mobiles number of Safaricom and Airtel. 

Police are also tracking down officials from the two giant mobile service providers (Safaricom and Airtel) who have been colluding with the scammers to siphon money from the members of the public. 

According to police, Mark told investigators that they target the elderly by hacking their emails and phone numbers which enable them to access all their private information and then use it to wipe out the victims' M-Pesa and bank accounts of all cash.

Police further claim that the suspect has since disclosed that in Bomet the syndicate buys the registered numbers at Sh 200 which they use to defraud their victims. The numbers are said to have been registered using Identity cards of the dead or lost ID cards. 

Sim-swapping is a form of fraud in which scammers manipulate unsuspecting mobile phone users to divulge their confidential information.

The scammers then use this information to replace the sim cards without the owners' knowledge, with the new cards then used to wipe out the clients' M-Pesa and bank accounts of all cash.

Rebel AIC Churches return to the fold

By Samson Mutua

OVER 20 rebellious AIC churches have returned to the mainstream Church.

AIC Machakos Area Bishop Philip Muia
welcomes rebel clergymen at AIC Mbaikini

The churches based in Mwala Subcounty broke away from AIC Kenya more than 10 years ago

They re-united after abandoning the separatist African Inland Church headed by Reverend Mbuvi. During the reunion, two suspended  clergymen-  Benjamin Musyoki and Elijah Musyoki  saw their  practicing licenses restored.

In a colourful thanksgiving service held at AIC Mbaikini and presided over by the Machakos Area Bishop Dr Philip Muia, flanked by pastor Benjamin Musyoki who led the sprinter faction, the prelates preached reconciliation in the church.

"Church unity is  symbolic of the body of  Jesus Christ our Lord.It is a great day to oversee and witness the greatness of this new dawn in our church and our congregants ", said Bishop Muia who represented the AIC-Kenya Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa.

Kitui County, NHIF sign

Universal Health Care pact 

The MOU  will see over 100, 00O homesteads benefit under the comprehensive super cover.

By Terry Nzau

 Kitui County government  Governor Kaluki Ngilu says her government will use a co-pay  program that will see the county pay 50% of the annual subscription of Ksh 6000 to NHIF while the rest will be paid by the covered household. " Sixty Percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and lack means. With this we have a pocket expenditure to ensure affordable health for all", said Ngilu. 

Governor Ngilu during the signing of the
MOU with NHIF CEO Mr Peter Kamunyo

Kitui County has 262,000 households with currently about 79, 320 household being insurured with different insurances which is less than  thirty percent. 

According to Ngilu over sixty percent of Kitui residents are classified as poor and therefore lack the means to meet daily needs such as health. 

" Over  eighty percent of our people  are depended on public health facilities this places a huge demand for our county government to allocate resources to meet the needs", she said. 

"Thirty three percent of annual Kitui budget goes in health but with this MOU we have therefore decided to set aside ten percent of this allocation every year to support our vulnerable households  to enroll to UHC through NHIF", she added. 

Ngilu says that this MOU will ensure as the county government they provide health insurance cover for over 85,000 households for the first time ever in Kitui and largely  Kenya.

" I believe this will be the first time in our country when such a large number of ordinary wananchi in one county get health insurance. This will be a landmark achievement and one for which we are extremely grateful to President Uhuru Kenyatta who has enabled UHC dream come to life in this country", she emphasized. 

NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo says they are geared at  socially protecting all citizens through Universal health coverage. " It gives me pleasure today to be signing an MOU with the county Government of Kitui supporting the healthcare in the county. And why so? because the spirit of UHC is  leave no one behind and the spirit of Universal Health Coverage is to ensure all those who can pay and those who can't are identified and supported" said Kamunyo. 

Kamunyo says they are focused at relieving Kenyans the burden of high cost of health and be productive. " The cost of Healthcare has continued and will continue to increase. This makes us one sickness away from poverty. Indeed it is true because 1 million Kenyans are driven to poverty  every year because of catastrophic health expenditure", he added. 

Kamunyo says it is important as the country goes through the scaleup for UHC they use the output base model known as an insurance model of risk transfer. " Basically what we are saying is that instead of carrying your own risk of health, be covered and the vehicle is NHIF and that you'll be able to transfer risk", said Kamunyo. 

" To ensure that once you have transfer the risk, you'll be able to get adequate services and I thank Governor Ngilu for being a trailblazer on this era of ensuring most vulnerable get the care they need", he emphasized.

Story of the Masai family matriarch

Veronica Wangari Masai

1931-1921

Story of a Matriarch. 

Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother Veronica Wangari Masai was born on 6th September 1931 in Tetu Sub-County Nyeri County.

She was the 3rd born child of the Late Philip Nduhiu and the Late Emily Nyawira. She was sister to the late Ignatius Ndei, the late Alex Gatundu, the late Rose Nyaguthie, the late Paul Wairegi, the late Wallace Githiaga, the late Paul Wairegi, Magdalene Wanjiru Gitonga, Angelica Bidi, and Stanley Gitonga.

She went to Tetu Primary School in 1938 and joined Mugoiri Secondary School in 1944. She later enrolled at the Masai Mission Institute, where she trained in Nursing and Midwifery. Upon completion, she began practising her nursing career in the same institution in 1951.

At the height of the Mau Mau struggle, she was transferred to Machakos in 1953, where she worked at the Machakos General Hospital. As she was working, she met her husband, the Late David Morris Masai, in 1954.

Her stint in the Public Service industry was short-lived as she retired early and ventured into farming and entrepreneurship while taking care of her family.

She set up Tivoli Stores and later Kanga Stores, a general merchandise store that served as an outlet for her farm produce. 

Our mother and Nau were blessed with seven children: Cllr. John Masai, the late Maj. Charles Masai, Idah Muthama, Mutune Masai, Martin Masai, Windsor Bahati and Valentine Kioko.

*Mother in law*

She was mother in law to Agnes Masai, Farida Masai, Grace Musili, Nelson Nyamu, Penelope Mutune, Ascar Ndei, Bahati Mutua and Dr. Henry Kioko

She was grandmother to Mbeti and The Late Enoch Musembi, Laureen Masai, David Masai, Masai Mutune, Wangari Mutune, Musyoka Musili, Maina Gacheche, Nyamu Muthama and Karimi, Mumbe and Eric Ndirangu Museveni and Yvonne, Sauli Bahati, Malasi Ndei, Tiffany Ndei, Steffany Ndei, Roy and Sally Kiema.

David Masai, Philip & Carol Kioko and Winnie Mutisya.

*Great-grandchildren*

She was the great grandmother to Kylee Musembi, Ilaa Nyamu, Yakira Museveni, Zion Museveni, Hozana Kioko, Joseph Kioko and Kwame Kiema.

*Noble Woman*

Mamy was indeed the noblewoman depicted in Proverbs Chapter 31. Her home and farm had plenty of food and fruits for everyone who visited. A hard worker, Susu was driven by her resilient spirit. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her children, instilling discipline and emphasized the need for togetherness in the family. She loved our father and cared for him till his last days.

Mamy invested well for her old age and always had something from her farm to sell. Mamy remained active and independent, driving her self at a very old age, yet remained beautiful and natural.

*Christian Life*

A dedicated member of the African Inland Church, Mamy was a staunch Christian. She was among the founder members of AIC Bomani and later moved to open AIC Mukalala. At Mukalala, she was part of the Women Local Church Council (WLCC) and the church development committee.

A natural philanthropist, Mamy contributed financially and in-kind to build AIC Mukalala and even mobilized her family to contribute during the fundraising. Until her demise, Susu was dedicated to her faith as she continued to offer tithes and offering. 

She loved God's word, prayer and worship, and she would often call pastors to host prayers in her house.

*Health and Demise*

The matriarch enjoyed good health over the course of her life.  She overcame hypertension diagnosed in 1962 and would routinely visit doctors for treatment. She was never admitted to hospital during her lifetime for illness until 30th March 2021, when she fell ill. She went to be with the Lord on 8th April 2021 in the presence of close family members.

*"You fought the good fight, finished the race remaining faithful to the end, now the prize awaits you, the crown of righteousness kept for you by the LORD Jesus Christ. Amen"*

Kitui's KITWASCO Board Replaced

 

By Gabriel Ndeleva

Governorspress@gmail.com

Friday , March 12, 2021

Kitui Water and Sanitation Company, (KITWASCO) today replaced its  entire Board of Directors

The board has been in place since KITWASCO's inception in 2006.

Kitui County Secretary Dr Chepchieng addresses the session

 During its 4 th Annual General Meeting a new board, under a fresh  Memorandum and Articles of Association was installed.

The new board has representatives from all the Sub Counties under the jurisdiction of KITWASCO including Machakos area.

The new board representatives are; Catherine Nzila- Kitui west, Augustus Mulwa- Kitui South ,Dr. Grace Mutua - SEKU, Peter Wambua - Kitui Rural, Saidi Mutia-Kitui South, David Musau-Kitui East, Gustus Mutio-Kitui East, Harrison Nyumu- Kitui Central, Stanley Mangeli- Masinga and Queen Masila, Kitui south.

The County Secretary Dr. Joshua Chepchieng ratified the new board’s appointment and wished them well as they discharge  their responsibilities. He reminded them that community service is a privilege and not a source of pride, and urged them to serve selflessly.

The water CECM Mr Meshack Muthusi challenged the new board to implement the company’s five themes of the company's strategic plan of Water & Infrastructure Development, Operational Efficiency, Customer Satisfaction, Financial Sustainability, Institutional Development Strengthening and ensuring Effective Corporate Governance.

The Managing Director Mr Geoffrey Kitonga thanked the County Government of Kitui, Water Sector Trust Fund and other people of goodwill for the assistance in handling extra costs incurred during the Covid-19 period, and expressed the company’s focus on reducing non-revenue water which currently stands at 54 percent to 39 percent  this year.

The company has also moved its operations from the sewer treatment plant in Manyenyoni, under the advice of public health officials, to their new offices near the Governor's office.

Kitui Empowerment Fund established

By Gabriel Ndeleva

Monday, March 8, 2021

Kitui.

 Esther Kilonzi

Kitui County Government has passed into law the Kitui  County Empowerment Fund.

The fund is Governor Charity Ngilu's strategy to support people in existing groups and Cooperatives.

Speaking at Ikanga market, Trade, cooperatives and investments CECM Esther Kilonzi called upon women to start drafting proposals for projects they would like to be funded by the County  Government of Kitui  with amounts not exceeding Sh. 1million.

The fund will be a revolving fund where groups will draft proposals for a project of their choice, the government lends them money which they repay with small interest

The CECM spoke during the International Women's Day celebration's at Ikanga, Kitui South Subcounty, where this year's theme is women leadership for an equal future in a Covid-19 world.

She urged women to take up leadership positions in their areas whenever they arise, to show the world the difference women can make in the society.

The event was attended by the Sub county administrative officers, both from the National and County Government.

 Miners to Reap
 Big in Kitui

By Barrack Muli,

Governor's Press Service

Artisanal miners in Kitui County are set to benefit from mining of gemstones following the licensing of the artisanal mining in the county.

Gov Ngilu, flanked by Kitui Environment and Natural Resources
 Minister Mr Koki Musau inspects minerals from Kitui

Speaking at Kitui town when she met the Mutitu Kaliku Multi-artisanal mining officials {MKM}, Governor Charity Ngilu said the exercise will be a significant source of employment and livelihood playing a critical role in poverty reduction and rural development.

Artisanal mining is targeting the fulfillment of  the Governor's fifth pillar  of het manifesto which targets Wealth Creation. It will also meet objectives of creating employment for Kitui residents which cuts across the other pillars of Affordable Healthcare, Food and Water, Education and Youth Development, and Women Empowerment.

Daniel Wambua, a technical engineer and member of the MKM artisanal group said the blue iolite, for instance, has a stretch of over 3 kilometres of the semi-precious stones that is currently a potential economic development opportunity in the sector.
“The blue iolite is of very high quality and can compare with the precious Tanzanite stone”. He said.
Noting that the miners were recently licensed through Governor Ngilu’s efforts, Wambua expresses hope and joy in the county government’s intervention and says mining will now present a primary livelihood employment for many in the area.
“We thank the Governor for helping us acquire a license, artisanal mining in the country has had challenges since 1930. We appreciate this big development”. He said.
The County Government trained 120 artisanal miners across the county in 2018 who will work in their groups with the support of the county and National Government, to engage in the extraction, value addition and marketing of gemstones which exist in big quantities in many parts of the county.
In her tour of the Kawala mining site of Mutitu in Kitui East recently, Governor Ngilu said “the county government will link the miners with relevant agencies for market linkage for the minerals”.
The county Ministry of Natural resources further invited land owners to allow mineral prospection in areas likely to be endowed with the precious stones. With the licensing of artisanal mining in Kitui, the Mining process has been made easy since the exercise only requires the consent of the land owner to allow extraction.
The licensing is a big relief to the miners following the formalization of the process and the withdrawal of middlemen in the business.
kituigovernorspress@gmail.com

Compost Toilets bring relief to students

 Compost toilets bring

relief to students

By GASTONE VALUSI

in Machakos

Pupils at two Primary Schools in Mwala, Machakos County are excited after a local organization built new blocks of orduorless toilets which employ a simple innovative technology.

The compost toilets which use saw dust as cover material provide a clean environment for pupils in rural communities.

The facilities at Ngangani and Maanzoni Primary schools were constructed after a piloting process which lasted for one year.

The initiative is the brainchild of Kenya Connect in partnership with Give Love Organization which have stepped in to enhance sanitation in schools by building toilet blocks and handwashing stations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The toilets are not smelly. The smell from the sawdust absorbs bad odour so the toilets do not attract flies. You feel like you are inside a timber yard or sawmill instead of a smelly toilet,"said Ndile Muia a class 8 pupil at Ngangani Primary school told The Anchor during an interview this week, adding "We have a sanitary bin which we use to dispose off used sanitary pads"

The toilets have a sitting facility like modern flash toilets but the waste covered in sawdust is removed by a cleaner on daily basis and stored elsewhere instead of being flashed down the drain with water. Fresh sawdust which is acquired from the local saw millers is then added.

"I like compost toilets because they are hygienic. We use sawdust instead of water and we disinfect before and after use,"said another Class 8 pupil named Muema Mwatu. Beatrice Mwikali a grade 4 pupil said she liked the compost toilets because they were comfortable and not smelly.

The toilets have been installed with handwashing stations and running water to help maintain high standards of hygiene.

Why compost toilets?

Compost toilets provide a simple technology of composting human waste into rich soil, explains Kenya Connect Executive Director Mr James Musyoka.

The compost toilets also ensure maintenance of a clean water table in the environment as no pit is dug.

According to the WASH joint monitoring program report (2019) by The World Health Organization and UNICEF, it was found that only 59 percent of Kenyans have access to basic water services and only 29 percent have access to sanitary services.

"Kenya Connect is working to change this narrative with the construction and opening of our first banks of compost toilets at two partner primary schools Ngangani and Maanzoni Primary schools after piloting compost toilets with teachers for the past year," says Mr Musyoka.

Teachers, parents, and community members who have used the toilets liked the comfortable design and the cleanliness of the toilet.

Unlike the pit latrines at most schools that smell, are dingy, and not hygienic, the compost toilets provide a stark contrast while producing rich compost that can be used to enrich the soil and cultivate gardens and trees.

Since there is no “pit” for collecting the waste which quite often collapse especially during rain season, students using compost toilets are safe and the water table remains clean.

"As with all Kenya Connect programs, we engaged the community in the process of the project. Teachers were instrumental in providing feedback when we piloted using the toilets and were enthusiastic supporters of our efforts to provide clean sanitation for the students,"Mr Musyoka said.

Prior to students using the toilets, parents were invited to the school to learn about compost toilets and in order to give feedback.

They were excited about the project and pledged to supply toilet paper for students to use instead of the customary leaves, maize cobs or rocks. The block of toilets for girls has a shower room where girls can take a shower or use it .

CAPTION:A pupil at Ngangani Primary school in Mwala Constituency outside the compost toilets built by the Kenya Connect Organization recently. Photo Gastone Valusi.

Raila Launches Kitui's Affordable Housing Program

Mr Odinga cuts the tape to unveil the commemorative plaque of Kitui's Affordable Housing Program 

By Governor's Press Service

Kitui, Monday

December 14, 2020

Mr Odinga, flanked by Kitui Governor Kaluki Ngilu unveils a commemorative plaque at the launch of Kitui's Affordable Housing Project.

Kitui County today launched the construction of 2,000 housing units of its Affordable Housing Program

Mr Odinga signs the visitor's book on arrival in Kitui County as Gov. Ngilu and County Secretary Dr. Joshua Chepchieng look on

The initiative will see low income earners own houses as the county creates jobs and wealth for its residents. 

The program is in line with President Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda and Governor Ngilu's five pillar manifesto.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was the Chief Guest said many Kenyan populations had been deprived of decent housing for long, resulting in the expansion of slums and informal settlements, noting  that the housing program will help solve the problem.

Mr Odinga said "The project will restore hope and decency of the beneficiaries, some of whom are living in harsh conditions".

He praised Kitui's focus on manufacturing, describing it as a tool for growth.

"I have seen notable products made locally here such as hand sanitizers, concrete products,  Kitui made wine and non-pharmaceuticals among others. These are great strides",said  Mr Odinga.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Ngilu said " This launch is a milestone of monumental proportion for Kitui".

She noted that  the pioneer housing estates would be named Chief Kivoi Heights and Nzambani Rockview Estate in recognition of Kitui's rich history and proud heritage.

Governor Ngilu added that the housing requirements in Kitui stood at 250,000 making the county an attractive destination for housing developers.

Noting that Kitui is emerging as a new frontier for business between Mombasa and the Mt. Kenya region, the Governor said the program seeks to meet the different client needs ranging from bed sitters to 4 bedroom maisonettes payable over 15 years.

The launch of the 2000 affordable housing units is an addition to the already existing milestones in manufacturing at Kitui County Textile Centre(KICOTEC), Kitui Youth Skills Enterprise Centre and the Kitui Pharma, which is manufacturing non-pharmaceuticals.

Governor Ngilu said the housing program will spur industrial and job creation in the county through use of local materials from the ballast crusher and also create employment to thousands of people in the next two years.

Both Mr Odinga and  Governor Ngilu commended private developers for their contribution towards growing the country's housing program.

On BBI, the two leaders said time was right for the country to embrace change and strengthen the 2010 constitution,noting it is imperative for Kenya to progress further.

The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Housing Charles Hinga said "Kitui is slowly establishing itself in the country's map as a place of interest and growth".

Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu thanked the County Assembly for supporting the program that will scale up housing in the county.

He hailed the project as one of its kind that will create income for the residents.

The project will kick off at the Manyenyoni and Kalawa road sites in Kitui town.

Kyale Mwendwa dies

Former Cabinet Minister Kyale Mwendwa dies at 94.

He died early Tuesday at 3 am at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi,  where he was undergoing treatment. Kyale is a former MP for Kitui West and brother to former Chief Justice Kitili Mwendwa and ex Cabinet minister Ngala Mwendwa.

The late Kyale Mwendwa

EU envoy lauds Makueni

WOTE:  OCTOBER 28, 2020

The European Union Ambassador to Kenya has commended Makueni’s Agricultural Value Addition Programs

EU Ambassador to Kenya Mr Simon Mordue with Gov.Kibwana during the visit. 

The EU ambassador Mr Simon Mordue spoke on Wednesday when he made a day-long tour of Makueni where he was hosted by Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

The two toured Makueni Fruit Processing Plant and witnessed commencement of tomato pulping at the factory.

Mordue commended the county’s agricultural value chain addition programs and made a commitment to help Makueni secure the EU market for its products.

Governor Kibwana said his administration is investing more in value addition as a way of catalyzing development of the rural economy. He said the Makueni fruit plant will soon commission a ready-to-drink packaging line to increase the value of its products.

The plant has previously been producing mango puree only, and nearly shutting operations when the fruit runs out of season.

With tomatoes and the ready to drink juice production, the factory will now run continuously throughout the year, guaranteeing farmers a steady market and stable prices for their produce.

Kavuvi elected as Chairman of Machakos Golf Club

Mr Kavuvi

Machakos Golf Club members have elected Trade Unionist Boniface Kyuma Kavuvi as the new Chairman. He succeeds businessman Swarn Singh.

The election of Kavuvi has seen the launch a recruitment drive targeting young golfers in its post covid-19 refurbishment plan to grow the sport in the Lower Eastern region.

Speaking after the Annual General Meeting attended by more than 200 members drawn from the larger Ukambani region,the newly elected chairman announced the possible revision of the initial club membership to enlist more young players and nurture talent of either gender.

Mr Kavuvi who was flanked by the new Vice chairman Mr Musembi Katuku and long standing Club Secretary Lawyer Ann Kiusya reiterated the club's commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility saying they have been reaching out to the less privileged organizations in the regions.

"We are endeavouring to inject new blood in the progressive golfing life of our esteemed club," said Mr Kavuvi.

The club which is the only one in the region stands at the heart of gree suburbs of Machakos Town. It has hosted several golf tourneys and open days in the recent past including rugby sport.

Machakos Golf Club is a social place situated in Machakos Town and was established in 1924. 

It has over 600 members and a number of facilities for recreation.

There is a golf course, swimming pool, gym, snooker, rugby field, football field, children play park, steam bath and more recreation sites. 

They offer sufficient festival and events ground and a conference hall. The Golf Club has a modern bar and restaurant served with drinks and foods. 

The cottages are well kept with a dinning area, bathroom and a bedroom.