No new taxes in Machakos budget

How Wavinya will fund
County's Kes 14 b budget

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has named sources from which she will fund her  2023/24 budget worth Kes. 14.75 Billion.

Running on the theme, "Building a Resilient Community Through Sustainable Food Security and Socio-Economic Empowerment", the proposed budget consists of Kes. 9.55b from Equitable Share, Kes. 2.99b from Own Source(Local) Revenue, Kes. 1.09b from the Conditional Grant and Kes. 1b from Health revenue. 

She says her framework avoided introducing  new taxes in the budget proposals due to the prevailing economic realities.

Without explaining, Wavinya says "We anticipate stabilization of the economy. Instead, there has been a deliberate effort to tighten financial controls and enforcement of fiscal discipline to seal leakages in revenue collection management." Her claim that revenue collection has grown from the previous KES. 12 Billion to the current KES. 14 Billion could not be verified as a fact.

 The County chief  says the 2023/2024 Budget that is based on the Socio-economic Empowerment Policy of 'Chakula Mezani Pesa Mfukoni.' that seeks to transform the livelihoods of Machakos County residents. 

Kuyu tables Wavinya's Kes. 14b budget

Elements of Gvn Ndeti's 2023/2024 first budget

The Machakos County Government today unveiled its 2023/2024 Budget set at Kes 14.75 Billion.

The budget was presented at the Machakos County Assembly by  the County Executive Committee Member for Finance Mr. Onesmus Kuyu.

It becomes the first budget under  Governor Wavinya Ndeti's leadership.

The budget favours Health, Infrastructure development, agriculture for major funding while education,youth and women empowerment are tail enders in the funding framework. 

15 acre Zion Forest mooted

Ndeti plans a forest
of indegenous trees 

Governor Wavinya Ndeti is holding a consultative meetings with officials from Israel Embassy to establish an indigenous trees forest under The Zara Project.

The Zara Project involves the establishment of a 15-hectare peri-urban indigenous tree forest christened "Zion Forest" near the New Machakos City.

The Zara Project is collaborative partnership mooted by the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Rachael Ruto. It  seeks to catalyze environmental restoration and preservation through strategic partnerships.

The latest delegation to meet Governor Ndeti was led by the spouse of the Israel Ambassador Mrs.Yahel Margovsky.

The plan bolsters Machakos County Government's plan that is dedicated to entrench biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and promote socially and environmentally responsible enterprises.  Ms.Ndeti is personally driving the plan.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governor Mr Francis Mwangangi and Ministers Catherine Mutanu and Philip Kilonzo.

Women's plight cited at fete

Rights abuse feature
at desertification event

By Kitui GPS

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe  said today that his government will continue its collaboration with development partners towards  combating challenges of desertification in the county.

Dr Malombe spoke at this year’s national ceremony against desertification at Waita, Mwingi Central Sub county that was also attended by Environment and Forestry CS Soipan Tuya and Tourism CS Penina Malonza.

Echoing this year's theme "Her Land Her Rights", the Governor noted that women have unequal and limited access to and control over land, yet they are major actors in the global efforts to reduce and reverse land degradation.

The county chief added that women are subjected to discriminatory laws and practices that impede their right to inherit and access to services and resources regarding land calling for change of such practices to enable them to thrive in the modern society.

Malombe also called on the residents to embrace tree growing to complement his government’s efforts to build sand-dams in each ward as an initiative towards sustainable medium- and long-term plan to gradually reverse desertification.

Ms Tuya commended the Governor for his set approach on reversing land degradation noting that trees are key for economic and nutritional value.

Ms. Malonza commended the county government’s commitment in partnering with the national government citing the opportunities available for partnership and cooperation between the two levels of government.

The event was attended by high level development partners among others the National Land Commission, the National Drought Management Authority, the Water Fund and Africa Sand Dam Foundation.

Where do you belong?

Sonko,Kalonzo 
in public spat

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has dismissed Wiper party's  leader allegations that he was prepared to join Azimio One Kenya  demonstrations against high cost of living and the passage of the Finance bill .

Speaking in Nthangu Village Wote Makueni,  during the burial of Mike Sonko's Aunt Monica Kivatu Sonko Said he is the deep state and can't go on demonstration against the government. 

Sonko who had flown in the Burial with Kalonzo sharing the same chopper said Kalonzo had fixed him publicly for lying he had promised to join their demonstrations .

He said Kalonzo has been a great family friend and politics should not divide Kenyans confirming his stand to stay in Government and Kalonzo in opposition. 

However Sonko said the Azimio One Kenya had all the rights to picket but warned them against destroying private property  

Sonko reiterated the unity of purpose for the Kamba Nation.

He challenged Kamba leaders to reconsider the communitie's political way in the coming elections  to stop being used by other communities to bring them to power .

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka had warmed up mourners at funeral that he and Sonko are great friends and that Sonko had  promised to join the coming demonstrations if the Finance bill 2023 passed .

Kalonzo asked the parliament to shoot down the Finance bill 2023 citing hight taxes .

Furious Makau warns

Mavoko MP fires
Warning shot

By Anchor Reporter

Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau has fired a warning shot to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for allegedly non delivery of services to Mavoko constituency.

He claimed the services had been deployed to other areas.

Makau, who is a third-term MP for Mavoko, declared to act against whoever is shortchanging his people. He gave an example of the swapping of names of six individuals  he appointed to the Mavoko Land Board as per the National Land Commission Act.

"Land Act states  that the MP shall appoint six people to the constituency land board, I forwarded the names and they were replaced with other people," Makau said

Makau who has shown all indications of  to running for Machakos gubernatorial position in 2027, candidly breathed fire that those trying to mock him. Though he did not name anyone, his fingers were pointing at Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti

"I had chosen to keep quiet but if you want me to shout for Mavoko to get deserved services I will shout, if you want me to shout that Mavoko gets road infrastructure I will speak"Makau thundered.

DCI probes Commissioners

Kitui bosses grilled
for election offences

By Brian Malasi

Two  Deputy County Commissioners from Kitui South Sub Counties were today  questioned for more than six hours by detectives for suspected gross misconduct during the 2023 elections.

The two, Mr. Stephen Omondi Wambura and Mr. Onesmus Ireri Muriuki administrators of Ikutha and Mutomo divisions respectively were summoned by detectives from Serious Crimes Prevention Unit, in the company of two of their office staff and held for questioning at Kitui county police headquarters.

It comes after 12 chiefs and assistant chiefs from the same areas were subjected to the same ordeal last month at the Kitui Police station.

Among the chiefs summoned for questioning include Mr. Kyambati King’ondu (Kyatune location), Mr. Onesmus Mutaula (Ikanga location) Mr. Said Philip (Ilusya location), Mr. Pius Kilunda (Kibwea location) and Robert Kusinga (Mutomo location) who retired from active service September last year.

The investigations are aimed at shading light on how the administrators distributed government relief food between February and August last year among other alleged electoral offenses.

The interrogation team from Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI headquarters in Nairobi, whisked the DCCs from the County Commissioner’s office at 8am and escorted them to Kitui police station for the questioning session.

Police used the same style deployed on the chiefs to nab the assistant county commissioners. They were summoned to the County Commissioner’s office then led to the police station.

While the two administrators declined to discuss the matter after their session with detectives, the County Commissioner Erastus Mbui confirmed the summons and grilling of his two adjutants.

The Anchor  established that they were asked to individually account for certain actions committed between February and August last year.

Mr. Mbui said the matter of how relief food was distributed in Kitui South during the campaign period is still under investigations and his role was merely facilitative for the officials to face the DCI investigators.

He washed his hands from the matter saying; "Any further details on the nature and extent of the investigations against the officers can only be provided by DCI headquarters’’ 

Efforts to get a comment from the head of Serious Crimes Prevention Unit, Mr. Michael Sang were not successful, however, a source privy to the investigations told the Anchor that the two ACCs were implicated by their Chiefs during their questioning last month, specifically on how they allegedly gave directions their juniors to flout government guidelines in distribution of relief food.

The relief food consignments received in the constituency is said to have been distributed only in Jubilee campaign contrary to established government regulations.

The investigations were launched after numerous complaints from members of the public and whistle blowers who documented and shared incriminating evidence with authorities.

That not withstanding,the Chiefs are alleged to have openly engaged in voter bribery and buying of national identity cards from starving Kitui residents at a Sh1,000 fee in Kitui south to prevent voters opposed a particular candidate from voting.

During the election period, social media was awash with video clips showing some chiefs actively participating in partisan campaigns, including distributing campaign materials while others were captured bribing voters on the actual election day. 

County DCI head Samuel Bett confirmed that the investigations on electoral malpractices against the administrators began in January.

Kitui County saved big gas expenses

Benefits of Mwingi
Hospital oxygen unit

Mwingi Level IV facility will save at least Kes. 300, 000 monthly (3.6 million annually) from the costs previously incurred in sourcing oxygen from Nairobi.

 Malombe (left) and Mr Bert Ubamadu (USAID) during the commissioning of the oxygen generating plant in Mwingi Level IV Hospital.

The plant can process enough oxygen for patients in the facility and the rest shared to other hospitals across the county.  

Governor Malombe said the development is a big milestone in the provision of quality healthcare in the county.

Oxygen is a critical element that will enable doctors to deal with diseases such as pneumonia, malaria and other non-communicable ailments.  

By donating these PSA generators, USAID is fulfilling its commitment to support the strengthening of Kenya's healthcare system, support the expansion of its primary healthcare goals, and continue to improve health outcomes for Kenyans so they can lead prosperous fulfilling lives.

The donation by USAID is a contribution to global momentum among donor countries, multilateral organizations, and foundations to work together to collectively address significant shortfalls of oxygen for patients.

Strathmore, WRI ink deal

Makueni's deal on renewable energy 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr  has signed of an MOU with the World Resources Institute (WRI), Strathmore University on renewable energy sources. 

The MOU outlines Makueni's partnership on development and implementation of an Integrated County Energy Plan that gives guidelines on renewable energy resources, productive use of renewable energy and financing of County energy programs in the next 5 years. 

Present during the ceremony were Ms Wanjira Mathai (Managing Director Africa and Global Partnerships -WRI), Prof Izael Da Silva (DVC Reasearch and Innovation - Strathmore University),  Eng. Sebastian Kyoni (CECM Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy),  Stanley Nthiw'a (County Attorney), the county solicitor, among others..

The signing took place as Kilonzo Jr officially closed a two-day training involving chief officers on integrated energy planning and budgeting. 

Malombe receives plant

Mwingi gets Sh 27m oxygen unit from USAID

Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe today received the medical oxygen generating plant at Mwingi Level IV Hospital during the handing over and commissioning ceremony graced by the USAID Kenya East Africa Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu.

In his speech, Governor Malombe commmended the USAID for the Oxygen Generating Plant worth $200,000 (27.7 million) and the development partners JHPIEGO and  Chemonics International for their efforts in implementing the project.

According to the Governor, the project will save the Mwingi Level IV facility at least sh. 3.6 million monthly incurred in sourcing the oxygen cylinders from Nairobi as it has been the trend for many years of operation.

The plant, he says, is expected to increase efficiency of the two operating surgical theatres and Newborn Unit (NBU) which admits over 100 babies monthly.

The county chief noted that the facility was facelifted during his tenure as the pioneer Governor (2013-2017) through construction of new outpatient block, surgical (23 beds) and maternity (47 beds).

The Governor further restated his administration's commitment to improving and sustaining the joint partnership engagements for the betterment of Kitui residents.

Governor Malombe committed to elevate Mwingi Level IV Hospital to a teaching and referral hospital (Level 5 status) by constructing an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), operationalizing the Renal Unit to spur healthcare services and continuous supply of drugs, building a female ward (Mother-Child Centre), equipping the surgical/amenity ward, completing the mortuary, completing construction of the stone wall to improve security and digitization of hospital operations by installing a hospital management information system (HMIS) as anchored in the Kitui County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027 and Kitui Vision for Economic and Social Transformation (KIVEST) 2022-2032.

The USAID Africa Deputy Mission Director Bert Ubamadu called on the health facility to take care of the plant to guarantee maximum benefits and years of service.

Oxygen from the plant will also be distributed to other facilities across the county to improve access to medical oxygen and save lives.

Kitui is among the 5 counties that have benefited from this program keen to eliminate acute oxygen shortage in the country.

The event was also attended by County Assembly of Kitui Ward representatives among other stakeholders.

I will blacklist shoddy,
contractors,Ndeti says

By Nguma Kitone

Machakos Governor Wavinya  Ndeti said today that her government will blacklist contractors who will do dubious work.

Wavinya told traders bieng contracted by the county government to ensure value for money by delivering quality works.

"The Public sacrifices  its money through taxes which we deploye for the implementation of the earmarked projects. There must be prudent use of these taxes", she said.

She spoke as she inspected works on Machakos Buspark and  the Machakos-People's Park road which are being recarpeted .

The bus park is being renovated for Kes 12m in a project that took less than 1 week by Wendano Contractors.

The governor told the contractors on the two projects to implement them according to the specified standards.

Wavinya assured contractors of prompt payment once they complete assigned projects satisfactorily.

"My administration has very good plans on roads.we want to ensure connectivity to major urban centers so that our people can have easy access to the sub counties and beyond", said the governor.

Governor Ndeti was accompanied by her Chief of Staff Lawrence Ngovi,  Ministers Nathaniel Nganga ( Roads) ,Catherine Mutanu(Water), Mr Kuyu(Finance),Dr Daniel Yumbya(Health), Philip Kilonzo(Lands) and several Chief Officers among others.

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.

J

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 .

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