Machakos acts on Climate Change

Working towards a Climate Action Plan

The Machakos Climate Change Unit has hosted a Multi-Stakeholder workshop towards validation of the comprehensive ward-level Participatory Climate Risk Assessment reports received from all the 40 wards across the county.

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The Multi-Stakeholder workshop brought together members of the local community,Sectoral Staff,Machakos County Assembly Committee on Environment,Civil society Organizations,FLLOCA, NGOs and Various Government Agencies.

The workshop was also attended by the among others  Head of FLLoCA program Kenya Mr.Peter Odhengo, Water Minister Catherine Mutanu and Chief Officer for Climate Change Mr. Stephen Mulei.

Together, the teams intensely looked into all the PCRA reports from diverse wards,examining the current Climate Risks facing the County,exploring exposure, Vulnerability, adaptive capacity and  future strategic adaptation priorities aimed at informing  the formation of County Climate Action Plan.

Malombe's pledge

We will deliver as 
governors-Malombe

 Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has assured the residents of Ukambani that the three governors in the Lower Eastern will deliver in their mandate to grow the livelihoods of the people during their tenure as county CEOs.

While addressing the Yatta Farm prayer gathering on yesterday convened by Wiper Party leader Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka, the Governor said the leaders will remain focused  in the strive to realise their counties' development plans and to address the common regional challenges with a view of growing the electorate and the counties as a whole.

“We have a stand and we will not accept to do that which we were not elected to do. We have a duty to serve our people as we back our leaders in the coalition”. He said.

The event was graced by the former Premier Raila Odinga,  Martha Karua, the three Ukambani governors, Senators and other Azimio leaders among them  Eugene Wamalwa, Jeremiah Kioni and Ukambani County Assembly Speakers and MCAs.

Questions over Kitheka's exit

Details emerge in CO'S
dramatic suspension

By Anchor Reporters

DETAILS are emerging about the suspension last week of Wavinya Ndeti's Trade and External Relations Chief Officer Mr Simeon Kitheka.

Mr Kitheka was suspended on May 22, 2023 via a letter fired to him by County Secretary Dr Muya Ndambuki with a copy to Trade, Industry, Tourism and Innovation minister Ms Mutua, Finance, Revenue Management, Economic Planning and ICT Mr . and Governor Ndeti.

The letter referred to a Memo written to Mr Ktheka by Ms Mutua on May 19,2023, whose contents remain unknown. An analysis on the matter- given the wording of the letter of suspension show that Ms Mutua wrote a forceful, yet inconclusive memo, forcing Dr Ndambuki to enforce it saying …Vide this memo, you are suspended from office until further notice. Take notice that during the period, you are not allowed to transact any business on behalf of your department or represent the Government of Machakos County in any capacity”.

It now transpires that Kitheka’s problems originate from his dalliance with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kitheka, who until his appointment as Chief Officer served as Director representing Eastern region and chairman of the Chamber’s Finance Committee has been involved in the on-going chamber campaigns and supporting Mr Eric Ruto who wants to oust current KNCCI President Mr Richard Ngatia. As we went to Press, the chamber's official website shows he is a bona-fide official.

Top officials enjoy a monthly allowance of at least Kes 40,000 plus a sitting and travel stipend. 

Questions abound over this matter.Could he have been earning two salaries each month; did he resign from KNCCI; was any due diligence done by the County Assembly of Machakos when he was vetted?

Kitheka is alleged to have been traversing parts of the country campaigning for Ruto. He has allegedly visited Mombasa, Embu, Nyeri, Kitui, Makueni, Nakuru and Trans- Nzoia counties.Even then, the Kitheka campaigns in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni have born no fruit as his candidate has lost to Mr Ngatia's side. 

Kitheka hit cross winds in Trans-Nzoia on May 18, 2023 during the KNCCI Branch elections. He ran into trouble for supporting a candidate running against another who is favoured by Governor George Natembeya. 

During the ensuing skirmish, residents are seen in the video clip admonishing Governor Ndeti for allegedly sending Kitheka on the campaign trail to campaign against their favourite candidate. Police had to intervene to stop a fight between the parties as it was alleged that outsiders were meddling in Kitale affairs.

All these developments were unfolding without Governor Ndeti’s approval. First, she was unaware that Kitheka was in Kitale. Second, she was unaware that he was still involved in Chamber matters. Third, Wavinya was not briefed that a Machakos County vehicle had been deployed to Kitale. To make matters worse, for Kitheka it was outright conflict of interest, being an public official serving the trade docket- to participate in the chamber elections.

So when the riot unfolded in Kitale and phone calls started rocking the networks, Kitheka stood exposed to adverse administrative action at home as his minister could neither account for his absence, his use of official vehicle nor his activities around chamber issues. 

The Anchor's analysis of the issue shows the memo to Kitheka was written a day after the Kitale riot. It may even be fair to speculate that the memo may have accused Kitheka of absconding from duty. 

A clip that circulated in Social Media  a day before the Memo and Letter show an agitated crowd, accusing Governor Ndeti of sending Kitheka to support someone not supported by Governor Natembeya. The violence in Kitale resulted in postponement of the elections to a later date.

Days later, Wavinya issued a warning to unnamed government officials about behavior she termed uncouth, telling them to watch their ways. 

Speaking at the Machakos Convention Centre, the county boss, speaking in a sarcastic demeanor called out those with a tendency of misusing their positions, saying that some are known for hoping from bear hall to another, bragging about the positions they hold in her government. She further advised all the County workers on the importance of maintaining a good county image.

Efforts to reach out to Mr Kitheka for a comment by our reporter bore no fruit as he did not answer or return 2 calls made to him. 

Neither could we confirm whether he had surrendered keys to his official vehicle at the expiry of the 24 hour notice issued by the County Secretary in the suspension letter.

Questions are flying around as to why Kitheka was required to surrender the car keys and not his driver. Could he have been driving his official vehicle? If so, was he authorised to drive it? So where is his official driver?

Stay Anchored!

New officials take office

Ndeti's new officials 
to swell county payroll 

By Brian Malasi 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti today presided over the swearing into office of 10 new officials including the County Public Service Board Chairman Mr Urbanus Mutisya.

Other officials sworn into office include a new member of the board and eight more Chief Officers of the County government of Machakos, bringing the number of Chief Officers to 36, the highest in any of Kenya's 47 counties.

The appointments are certain to grow the payroll of the County, imperilying development programs. 

The officers are:

1. Albanus Paul Mutisya - Chairperson, County Public Service Board

2. Marleen Misco Mwanika - Member.

3. Kasinga Julius Muindi - Health department, Health Facilities, and infrastructure development docket.

4. Winnie Musyoki -Lands, physical planning, housing, urban development & Energy department; Sewerage, Sanitation, and waste management docket.

5. Machogu Ian Obare - Finance, Economic Planning, Revenue Management, and ICT department; Information, Communication & Technology Infrastructure.

6. Sheikh Ifrah Abdi - Trade, innovation tourism, culture, and industrial development department; digital economy docket.

7. Bernadette Wavinya Mutiso - Devolution department; Public participation, citizen engagement and customer service.

8. Mutunga Zipporah Kavata - Trade, tourism culture, and industrial development department; Small and medium enterprise development docket.

9. Mule Daniel Lemba - Devolution department; Public Communication and E-Government docket.

10. Mulwa Albert Katumo - Agriculture, food security, co-operative development, and marketing department; livestock and fisheries development docket.

Wavinya urged the officials to bring a multiplier effect and improve public service.

Mutula, Wavinya, Malombe set targets

Lower Eastern Governors 
close ranks under SEKEB

The three governors from Lower Eastern Kenya have resolved to develop a strategic plan for the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) in order to realise the shared dream and desire to address common regional challenges.

Speaking after their a summit meeting in Kitui, the governors, Dr. Julius Malombe (Kitui), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) said the SEKEB will embark on developing the plan focusing on the key thematic areas that include strengthening the political bargain by speaking in one voice, promoting unity of purpose, infrastructure and industrialization.

Other emphasis will be food Security – moving from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture, climate smart agriculture, agricultural shows in the region, trade partnerships, human resource - Youth, women and PWDS empowerment and ICT and innovation – completion of Konza Techno City, talent search and development, training, and skills development.

Others are natural resources (sand harvesting and management, exploitation of minerals and location of related industries within SEKEB, ballast crushers and Mining), healthcare – establishment of specialized units in each County (Kitui to have a renal unit, Machakos to have a cancer centre and Makueni to have a trauma centre), rural electrification and green energy, development of tourism circuit within the bloc.

Governors Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr said county chiefs from the region must have a common approach in addressing the issues that matter to the people in the region under SEKEB. SEKEB is enacted through an Act that was passed by the three County Assemblies and gazetted. The Act gives the governors the authority to cooperate as counties and provides guidelines on the operations of the bloc.

“Since our last meeting held on 13th December 2022, we have initiated the process to operationalize the Bloc and smoothen its operations, we have nominated members to a Panel of Experts and eminent persons to provide technical, intellectual and professional advice to SEKEB”, Kilonzo Jnr who read the joint statement to journalists after the meeting said.

The governor said they formed two summit committees namely, Infrastructure, Investment, and Trade chaired by Wavinya and the other one on Climate Change, Environment, and Natural Resources chaired by him. The committees will ensure that the matters of trade and environment are given the attention and the support needed to actualize the goals and objectives of the region.

“We are finalising the establishment of the secretariat, which is expected to be fully functional within the 2023/2024 Financial Year,’ Kilonzo Jnr said.

The governors said SEKEB is developing agricultural value chains suitable for the climatic conditions of the region. They said they have started with beef production in partnership with an American investor in Machakos County. So far, the investor has set up a model farm and is testing different feed portions in the first phase. Once the piloting is successfully done, the knowledge will be shared with farmers and other stakeholders within the Bloc.

The initiative will provide opportunities to many people along the value chain that includes (but not limited to): feed production, animal breeding, transport, marketing and processing.

Governors Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr said in partnership with Africa’s Voices Foundation (AVF), SEKEB conducted Public Participation through a local Kamba radio FM station to offer citizens an opportunity to express their views on projects they consider to be of priority in their areas. A report of the issues raised has been shared with the leadership of the bloc and will be incorporated in county plans for consideration.

On the Umaa dam in Changiwthya East, Kitui Central, the governors said the dam, which stalled at the initial stages, has been taken up by the national government for completion on their request to President William Ruto to support the completion of the community dam.

They named a number of priority areas of focus in the next five years with commitment to prioritize developing water infrastructure and other people driven projects to change livelihood.

The SEKEB will continue to engage with the National Government to initiate and complete mega dams projects that provide water for domestic use, irrigation to enhance sustainable food security and generation of hydro-power.

They said Thwake dam which is a multipurpose mega project within the bloc, has its first phase 80 per cent complete. Once fully completed, it will spur economic growth and enhance food security within the bloc while addressing perennial water shortages. The three governors said they have lobbied for the completion of the Lower Thwake.

The governors said they have nominated members to the taskforce on Athi River commission to spearhead cleaning of Athi river. The Kshs.8.5 billion Yatta dam has been identified by the National Government among the dams to be constructed. The investment will spur agricultural activities along the 58-kilometre Yatta Canal and substantially increase the acreage under irrigation. Its completion will transform the region’s food security.

They said county aggregation centres and industrial parks within the bloc, have a competitive advantage of expansive land which is available for mega projects. In collaboration with National Government, the County Governments within the SEKEB Bloc have budgeted for funds to match the National Government Fund for aggregation centres and industrial parks, for instance, the Kanyonyoo aggregation and industrial park located in Kitui Rural Sub-County which borders Machakos County. The centers and parks will spur economic growth while providing job opportunities for our youth.

The governors added that the SEKEB Secretariat which has been fully operationalized is being constituted. This Secretariat will be located at Machakos Town as is provided for in the SEKEB Act 2022. The Secretariat will support and oversee full operationalization of the SEKEB structures. In addition the Secretariat will coordinate and actualize implementation of projects and programs within the Bloc.

On road infrastructure, the governors said they were aware of the impact of the Kibwezi-Kitui Road which has opened the region. However, the road has stalled at Kwa-Siku in Migwani, Mwingi West. They urged the Government to complete the road and the people affected by this road to be compensated promptly.

They asked the national Government fast-track completion of roads to the Lapset port of Lamu to Ikutha-Kanziku-Mutha-Kona Kaliti-Hola, Chyulluni-zombe-Endau Malalani-Twa Mbui-Hola, Oldonyo-Sabuk, Kinanie-Kangundo, Kenol-Kaani-Kincar.

The governors said SEKEB will continue to lobby for more inter-county major roads that will enhance connectivity within and beyond the Bloc. This will be actualized through strategically reaching out to Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA). This is expected to spur economic growth.

Tourism circuit in realization that SEKEB hosts several game Parks such as Tsavo to the South, South Kitui Game Reserve to the South, Mwingi South Game Reserve to the East and the bordering Meru National Park and Nairobi National Park, they said they will begin lobbying the National Government for the bloc to start benefiting from proceeds of tourism.

The region is endowed with natural features and phenomena which include one of the wonders of the inverted gravity a portion of the Machakos-Mitaboni Road, Fourteen Falls, Yatta Plateau, Ikoo Valley and the larger valley that extends from Miambani to Zombe.

These form a tourist circuit which, if well exploited, will attract investments and create job opportunities through promotion of both local and international tourism.

Land being a very emotive and divisive issue, the three county chiefs asked the National Government and National Land Commission (NLC) to consult SEKEB on matters concerning extension of leases, issuance of titles, adjudication and settlements to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

They said SEKEB is planning to hold a stakeholders forum in October, 2023, at Thwake Dam. The choice of the venue is informed by the need to demonstrate the shared resources, values, challenges and unity of purpose.

The forum is expected to bring together 3,000 people drawn from the three County Governments within the Bloc, including the strategic partners, investors and international communities who share our vision and desire to engage and walk with us in exploiting our great potential.

In addition, the Forum will offer a great opportunity to call upon the national government to fast-track the completion of the multipurpose dams.

Malombe, Wavinya and Kilonzo Jnr urged the county Executive members from all the departments within the bloc to come together and harmonise cross-cutting issues in the CIDPs.

Kes 12m for Bus Park renovation

 

MACHAKOS Bus Park is closed for renovations. It is undergoing renovation for the first time since it was constructed by under the defunct Municipal Council of Machakos in the  90s.

The park is a nerve centre of  human transportation in the region and an engine of revenue for the County Government of Machakos and handles hundreds of Matatus daily.

The clossure was announced by Machakos Roads Minister Mr Nathaniel Nganga as he launched the works on the utility that covers roughly two acres of land at the heart of Machakos. It will take Kes 12 million to recarpet the park.

12 Kitui Chiefs quizzed

12 Chiefs spend hours
Under DCI questioning 

By Anchor Reporter 

A dozen Provincial Administrators from Kitui South were detained yesterday for hours by DCI officers for interrogation.

They are alleged to have been politicking during last year’s General elections.

Those questioned are six locational Chiefs. They are Mr. Pius Kilunda, the Chief of Kibwea location, Kyatune Chief  Sly King’ondu, the Chief of Ikanga Mr. Onesmus Mutaula , Said Philip from Ilusya location and immediate former Mutomo Chief Robert Kusinga. He retired in September 2022.

The Anchor could not establish the names of the Assistant Chiefs or their administrative areas.

A chosen team of detectives from DCI headquarters travelled to Kitui and lay in wait outside the County Commissioner's office and pounced on the administrators once they arrived there on Thursday morning.

They were then escorted to the nearby Kitui police station where the questioning took place. They were let go at 6pm.

Kitui County Commissioner Mr.Erastus Mbui said the DCI called the  chiefs individually to explain complaints  against their conduct during the campaigns last year. 

Mr Mbui said he was unable to offer more details on the nature and extent of the probe, referring journalists DCI headquarters.

He said  the administrators who may have abused their offices will carry their cross, a signal to them that they will face some unspecified music.

County DCIO Mr Samuel Bett said investigations against the chiefs began in January 2023.

 The Chiefs are alleged to have distributed relief food only at Jubilee leaning rallies held by a Kitui South MP Rachel  Nyamai. It remains unknown who the complainant is or if the probe is a ploy to use the Criminal Procedure Code to wrest the seat from the MP

Observers are wondering why DCI is only probing inappropriate actions by administration officers in Kitui South and not in other parts of the country. 

Day Kalonzo cooked his own goose

How Kalonzo Musyoka sealed
his own fate on the Presidency

By Martin Masai 
Editor/ Publisher

There can never be a better way to explain the age old idiom  ' Frying your own goose' than to hear the story of Kalonzo Musyoka's quest to become the President of Kenya as told by Adan Duale in his book " For the Record"

Mr Kalonzo Musyoka

 "To fry your own goose is to do something which gets you into trouble or spoils your chances of success." This could explain why Kalonzo is not about to be President of Kenya.

DISCLAIMER

For the avoidance of doubt, the story is not originated by any of our writers. The Anchor is only focusing on it because of Kalonzo's standing in Kamba politics. Readers in the  counties of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni are the newspaper's principal audience and a large number of them hold him in high regard.

But many more are oblivious of the intrigues that take place at the national level where politicians cut deals on how to share power, manage the country and in other situations, loot the public coffers.

In the foregoing, the Anchor will only publish an excerpt of  the book written by Defense CS Adan Duale, which was launched today.. Duale writes:

" Kalonzo, it had been decided was going to be the President.

So Ruto drove Uhuru to Kalonzo's Karen home.

In the deal, Uhuru was going to be Deputy President and Ruto Majority Leader.

Then Kalonzo messed it up.

" You guys leave the Presidency to me. I have looked at the charges you are facing and as a senior lawyer, my advice to you is, just go to the ICC. You will be jailed a maximum of ten years. When you come back , I will leave the seat to you. I will hand it over to you."

Uhuru walked out of the Gazebo to smoke.

Ruto asked Kalonzo, "is that so?

Kalonzo was dead serious.

Ruto followed Uhuru outside. They chatted and agreed to ignore Kalonzo.

They walked back and Uhuru told Kalonzo they had changed their mind and their final offer was for him to take Majority Leader.

Kalonzo rejected the offer.

"William you are driving me bwana, let us go, said Uhuru, signaling the end of the 

meeting.

Page 125 -126 of the book."

No rebuttal or clarification has been offered by Mr Musyoka. The Anchor will publish it at the earliest opportunity. 

Bold step for Mango fruit

Kenya hosts first mango conference in Makueni

By Daniel Kituku 

The first ever Mango Conference and exhibition is to be hosted in Makueni from 16- 18 May 2023.

Different stakeholders including farmers, exporters , processors among others will have an opportunity to learn best practices to improve Mango production and ensure quality. 

The Conference themed " Winning Markets for Kenyan Mangoes " , is a key event not only for Kenya but all Mango producing countries in the World.

Speaking to the press, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr said the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) of Agriculture and Food Authority in will collaborate to put up Cold Rooms to help in Mango preservation. 

Mutula said this will ensure a continuous supply of raw materials to the Mango Fruit Plant in Kalamba .

" Makueni County is leading in Mango production, both in acreage and value and therefore was chosen to host the conference ", Said Mutula.

The conference will also provide a platform to discuss possible formation of Mango cooperatives within the Mango producing Counties .

Mutula added that counties will discuss mechanisms to brake the Chain of Blockers inthe Mango Marketing .

danielsmth732@gmail.com

Malombe basks in glory of better nutrition

Kitui tops list counties
with improved nutrition 

 By Agencies

KITUI Governor Dr Julius Malombe today basked in the glory of being leader of a county with most improved nutritional status of its population.

CS Wafula and Dr. Malombe

Governor Malombe received accolades from the Ministry of Health and development partners for the county’s performance in the project that he initiated a year before he left office in 2016. Malombe employed Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) then, now referred to as Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who are the main contributors of the improvement.

Stakeholders were impressed by Kitui’s reduction in stunting from 45.8% to 25.1% presently making the county top in Kenya. Though no attribution was made during the event, it cannot be rebutted that his successor- Mrs. Charity Ngilu carried on the vision, resulting in the current improvement.

The county has made significant strides in improving the nutritional status of its population, according to the latest Kenya Health Demographics report by the Ministry of Health. Observers see this as an indicator in the management of county governments and could be listed among the successes of devolution as it enters its 11th year.

This was announced during the Nutrition Improvement Through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) meeting held in Mombasa today and graced by Health CS Dr. Nakhumicha Wafula, Labour and Social Protection CS Florence Bore and Governors of 5 selected counties (Kitui, Kilifi, Turkana, West Pokot and Marsabit),

The project aims at ensuring most vulnerable children in the intervention areas show improved wellbeing in areas of nutrition, socio protection and child protection.

The rationale for selecting the 5 counties was the prevailing high rates of chronic (stunting) and acute malnutrition affecting children aged below 5 years.

Other Governors in attendance included CoG Vice Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Marsabit’s Mohamud Ali, West Pokot’s Simon Kachapin among others.

Ex KNUT boss to head Machakos Public Service

Mutisya to chair the CPSB

By Anchor Reporter

 The Machakos County Assembly today approved the 10 appointees of Governor Wavinya Ndeti to fill various vacant positions in  her government.

Speaker Kiusya as she read names of  nominees

When appointed, Machakos will have a total of 34 Chief Officers, becoming the only county to have such a large number of COs. The current number stands at 26.

A communique from the assembly issued today said Members of the County Assembly approved the appointment of the Chairperson to the County Public Service Board, a member to the Board and Chief officers to the different County Departments as follows:

1. Albanus Paul Mutisya - Chairperson, County Public Service Board.

2. Marleen Misco Mwanika - Member.

3. Kasinga Julius muindi - Health department, Health Facilities and infrastructure development docket.

4.Winnie Musyoki -Lands, physical planning, housing, urban development & Energy department ;Sewerage, Sanitation and waste Management docket.

5.Machogu Ian Obare - Finance, Economic Planning, Revenue Management and ICT department; Information, Communication& Technology Infrastructure.

6.Sheikh Ifrah Abdi - Trade, innovation tourism, culture and industrial development department; digital economy docket.

7. Bernadette Wavinya Mutiso - Devolution department; Public participation, citizen engagement and customer service.

8. Mutunga Zipporah Kavata - Trade, Tourism Culture and Industrial Development department; Small and medium enterprise development docket.

9. Mule Daniel Lemba - Devolution department; Public Communication and E-Government docket.

10. Mulwa Albert Katumo - Agriculture, food security, co-operative development and marketing department; livestock and fisheries development docket.

The above Officers were vetted by the County Assembly Sectoral Committees on 27th April 2022.

Kavata replaces Peter Mutwiwa who was discovered to have used fake University of Nairobi papers to secure his job.

When naming Kavata for the post, Wavinya remained quiet over the fate of Mr Mutwiwa and The Anchor has not been able to verify what is his status in the government.

County leaders sojourn in Coast

Trip comes as county
decries lack of money

By The Anchor Reporter 

The entire top leadership of Machakos County is visiting Mombasa since Wednesday this week for a conference.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti together with her entire cabinet and 26 Chief Officers, advisors, top officials in the rank of Directors, the entire County Public Service Board, County Assembly leadership complete with close to 60 MCAs are on board.

No official communication has been issued about the purpose of the trip and attendant costs, but The Anchor established that the leaders would be returning home this weekend.

But today, Governor Ndeti posted an update on her Facebook handle detailing her remarks at the meeting but did not disclose that the team was in Mombasa. 

The Assembly's Facebook page was also updated with a similar post but did not disclose that the leaders were on a retreat in the Coastal resort.

The visit comes days after the Council of Governors issued an ultimatum to the National Treasury to release cash to the devolved units or face closure for the 47 units.

The visit also comes after the county government announced levies to be paid by patients seeking treatment in all county hospitals, due to dwindling resources. 

Governor Wavinya called on her ministers to work hand in hand with the respective County Assembly Committees to guarantee efficient service delivery to the residents of the county. 

Describing the meeting as a 'sensitization Workshop' she said the leaders were taken through the procedures for developing and executing the CIDP/ADP as well as the budget making process.

She announced that the County had sealed all corruption loopholes, "leading to steady increase of our revenue collection".

"I called upon all respective County staff to be accountable for every coin spent from the County coffers", she posted.

The Anchor on World Press Freedom Day

 https://youtu.be/GOw5FK9tsBI

How NARIGP project evaded Assembly oversight

Furious MCA condemn county 
officials over Kes 1 b project 

By Daniel Kituku

Makueni Mcas Denied  Value of Money in 574 Projects Under National Agricultural and Rural Growth Inclusive project (NARIGP)

Makueni  County  government  Minister for Agriculture Joyce Mutua appeared before the   Committee of the whole  house Makueni  Assembly  for grilling over  Kes. 1.196  Billion allocated for Agricultural projects in 21 wards of Makueni County .

Miss Mutua who is barely  6  months in office as   minister  was at pains to explain the value of money in  projects undertaken by the NARIGP programme in a period of  5 years 

Makueni MCAs termed the project as a cartel driven to steal public money. The Mcas decried being left out of this project. 

Deputy Speaker Makueni Assembly Francis Mulwa confessed that the Mcas were not allowed to participate in the NARIGP programme accusing the Minister for being ellusive. 

" Personally I went to a meeting,  when NARIGP was starting and it was very clear   from those who were organising it, in this  programme  we don't want politicians, " Said Mulwa the Mca  for Mtito Andei .

"  I was told in the face and I had to walk out, It was systematically planned to exclude us and that's why  there  are so many problems, " added Mulwa. 

Mca Kikumbulyu North Jackson  Mbalu  said the masters of corruption in the department of Agriculture in Makueni must account for their evil  deeds claiming their was a powerful commettee for the project .

" That was a cartel,  let's face it so that we can move on, we  cannot  deny,   that was a game coordinated to chew  alot of money being questioned" Said Mbalu.

Chairman Budget Makueni Assembly and Mca Kako/  Waia,  Dennis  Musyoka accused the NARIGP commettee of not providing bill of quantities (BQ) for various projects in his ward.

He also added that he was excluded from implementation  and planning meetings for the projects. 

Member for Kikumini / Muvau ward Elizabeth Kawembe confirmed they were  excluded from the NARIGP programmes and had serious issues .

She claimed the NARIGP commettees were so powerfull citing some government officials in the department of Agriculture Makueni who were contractors.

Responding to the allegations Agriculture minister  Makueni confirmed there was no proper oversight from the Assembly. 

She accepted lack of inclusion of Mcas in the programme as required as there was no county steering commettee .

" since we came in office,  we constituted that commettee, and we can share minutes of that committee,Said Joyce Mutua minister Agriculture.

Makueni  Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu who chaired the Committee of the whole House wondered why funds not accounted to Makueni County Assembly had part of it approved by the Assembly. 

Mbilu  said the good management of the NARIGP funds go to the good funding name in the national government while the mismanagement of the funds goes to the Members of county assembly and the governor. 

He said this is a policy issue that the committee on Agriculture and the county treasury and governorship must  discuss and find a   way  to complete that  channel. 

" Don't even request for the County  allocation in respect of NARIGP unless we are very sure we are going to get  a report ," commanded Speaker Mbilu.

Makueni Minister for Agriculture Joyce Mutua committed to provide all reports and close all gaps in the NARIGP programme going forward. 

Kitui's fake Ipsos rating

Governor Malombe is in focuss come over the publishing of fake survey findings allegedly conducted by Ipsos synovate.

The Anchor has authoritatively established that the said document was doctored, possibly by the governor's supporters who feel there exists an image deficit for the county chief that requires patch up by whatever means.

The fake rating was shared to loyalist bloggers for publishing before the posts were pulled down under a barrage of questions.

Speaking to The Anchor, a senior management member of the research company indicated that the company had not yet sunctioned any research of that nature not even through any of its partner companies.

Further, the company revealed it was considering legal action against the county government and the blog that published the fictitious findings.

"It's not only wrong, but unlawful for anyone to use our logo and name in matters we have not been involved in, it puts us in bad light. We will address this through our legal department." She said.

Identifying Governor Malombe as the best performing governor countrywide, the false findings had been doctored by placing the Ipsos logo to hoodwink readers of the findings' authenticity.

This blatant falsification comes in the wake of cancellation of the Community Level Infrustructure Development Program, CLIDP, by the public procurement regulatory authority over lack of clarity of tenders awarded in various wards.

An observer Susan Kalumu posed; "How would a government that cannot successfully organise its CLIDIP plan ever be rated top in any contest?"

In addition, the ethics and anti corruption sleuths have set camp in Kitui investigating county government officers over allegations of graft, falsification of documents and setting up of illegal toll stations targeting sand and charcoal merchants.

Farmers get over Sh 200m

Donors fund 322 groups to

Boost farming in Machakos

By The Anchor Reporter 

322 farmer groups in Machakos County have been funded with Kes. 248,404,146 to boost agricultural production.

This comes as three Farmers' Co-operative Societies also received funding to start processing their farm produce. The funding has seen five dams excavated through the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture project (KCSAP), who are part of the donor organisations.

Some of the key partners in the agricultural sector include the World Bank, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, African Development Bank as well as International Fund for Agriculture Development.

Yesterday, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti issued cheques to beneficiaries at an event at Machakos Peoples Park and claimed the event signified the launch of her campaign mantra 'Chakula Mezani,Pesa mfukoni."I am pleased to join you today during this launch of my government's “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni” Initiatives" she said in her opening remarks. 

She said her government has initiated several interventions, among them the issuance of free pasture and crop seeds, seedlings, pesticides and fertilizer, free chicks, goats, incubators, pond liners, chicken transport cages, fruit fly traps, fish fingerlings and feeds, livestock vaccination and free tractor service among others.

She announced that her government will construct 2 grain bulking silos; one to serve Yatta and Masinga sub-counties while the other will cater for Mwala and the neighboring sub counties.

She also announced that the Machakos Agricultural Training Centre would transformed to a modern facility for on-field research, seed propagation, training and farming demonstrations. 

She added "I am glad to inform you that the Machakos ATC is now an accredited Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training Centre (ATVET). 

Governor Wavinya issued cheques  for procurement of different agricultural materials and inputs.

Beneficiaries include Kambusu Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 26,997,570,

Mukuyuni Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 28,315,000,

Kakuyuni Coffee Cooperative Society - Ksh 16,335,000,

Kola CDDC - Ksh 8,293,150,

Kalama CDDC - Ksh 7,756,027,

Masii CDDC - Ksh 8,059,510,

Muthetheni CDDC - Ksh 7,987,580, 

Katangi CDDC - Ksh 8,347,000 and Ikombe CDDC - Ksh 7,290,000.

Others to benefit are Matungulu North CDDC - Ksh 4,750,000,

Masinga Central CDDC - Ksh 4,250,000,Mbiuni CDDC -  Ksh 4,000,000,

Kivaa CDDC - Ksh 4,000,000,

Masinga Mixed Farmers - Ksh 500,000,

Kayatta Irrigation SACCO - Ksh 500,000, Kalau CBO - Ksh 500,000 and Mwangaza CBO - Ksh 500,000.

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 .

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.