COUNTY NEWSTAITA TAVETA

MAY - JUN 2015

COUNTY’S NATIONAL SCORE

Our very own Taita Taveta County Governor, H.E. John Mruttu was ranked 7th best nationally in terms of performance according to a recent countrywide poll.The survey ranked leaders based on roads, hospitals, agriculture and helped farmers to transport goods to market, schools and village polytechnics they built or rehabilitated.Taita-Taveta Governor John Mruttu said the survey is a motivation for him to work hard to change the lives of residents. Mr Mruttu, who was ranked 7th nationally, said he was not content with the position and wants to perform even better.“I am very impressed with the ranking. It is an acknowledgement of our efforts to transform the lives of our people because they elected us to do so. We want to improve. We are currently discussing on how to implement the County Integrated Development Master Plan to deliver a wholesome growth by 2020, way ahead of the nation's Vision 2030,” He added.

H.E. Governor Mruttu explains a point during the justconcluded Governors’ Forum held in Kisumu County.

Entertainment:Governor Launches newJ.M. Sounds Recording Studios in Voi to boostlocal talent.

Historic MeetingCounty Assembly and Executive hold the firstinaugural meeting in theCounty and Nationally

Taita Taveta Teachers’ SACCO rebrands to Details of launch inside...QWETU SACCO.

Diplomacy & Interstate protocol Relation Forum

The closing ceremony for the diplomats of Africa e.g. RwandaTanzania, Uganda, Kenya, DRCSouth Sudan & Eritrea was conducted at Sarova Taita Hill Hotel in Taita Taveta County on 13th March 2015.

Chief guest of the ceremony was Her Excellency Deputy Governor Mary K. Ndiga. Other guests included CEC Tourism Environment & Natural resource Hon Alex Mwangeka, Chief of Staff Mr. Jumane Mande and Sarova Hills Hotel Manager Mr. Mwadilo.

More Inside...

H.E. Deputy GovernorMary Kibuka Ndiga

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Both levels of the government of Taita-Taveta, for the first time held an inaugural meeting where MCAs have opportunity to engage and i n t e r r o g a t e m e m b e r s o f t h e executive on all subjects. Governor John Mruttu said the meeting was meant to g ive d i rection to the executive and the legislature to be able to harmonize the running of G o v e r n m e n t .He explained that this meeting is the first one of kind not only in the County but in the whole Republic. The meeting brought together MCAs and C.e.Cs inc luding the Chief O ffic e rs t o b e a b l e t o a n s w e r questions that would arise from Members of the Assembly in regard to all their development projects. The meeting that was attended and addressed by the Deputy Governor the Speaker, his deputy, and both majority and minority leaders in the County Assembly resolved and agreed to work together, promote harmony among County leaders. The Governor announced that, he had given express instructions to County chief officers to brief the Members of Assembly on stages and status of all ongoing development projects. And asked MCAs who had queries, would be given time to ask q u e s tio n s .

Delegates camped in the county with the purpose of Devolution whereby they also programed to tour three areas e.g. Kenyatta Cave, Ngangao Forest and Vuria Hill of the county. On their stay therefore they managed to tour Vuria Hill and Kenyatta cave. During there stay and there the diplomats were guided by miss Rosinna, ward r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f M w a n d a M g a n g e w a r d a n d h e r c o l l e a g u e .The beauty and attractions in the county gave the delegates a great comfort that they pledged to return during their individual holidays. They plan to make occasional visits regularly when they have such occassion. They returned on 15th March 2015 leaving Taita Taveta County with a door open to more and more visitors and tourists that leverage the counties economy hence "county of opportunities"

CECM Tourism, Environment & Natural Resources Hon. Alex Mwangeka addressesthe delegates.

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Chief Officers from the departments of Agriculture, Livestock, Education and the department of Water development had opportunity to make presentations. At some stage roused anxiety among members, who decried the fact that most projects seemed to get stuck within the process of Procurement, and demanded that the Governor review the department. The department however defended the position by explaining that, they were bound by the County Govt. Act Cap 9 part 2 and procurement regulations and announced that, the department had already posted officers to all the four sub-counties, and therefore residents can access s e r v i c e s f r o m g r a s s - r o o t l e v e l s .

Deputy Governor Mary Kibuka, observed that the meeting was a step forward and portrayed maturity in the efforts to harmonize its leadership.

Executive and County Assembly joint session

The MCA and CEC joint meeting was the first ever to be held not only in Taita Taveta County but in the whole nation as well.

County assembly having a session in the County HQ.

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COAL & GAS MININGThe ongoing exercise of public sensitization on Coal-power, prospecting and mining in Taita Taveta County, will include prospecting for Coal-Methane, a common occurrence in most areas where Coal deposits are found. This was said during a sensitization session at the CDF hall Mwatate. A team of senior government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Hqs confirmed that the informat ion they had so far was very e n c o u r a g i n g a n d t h e G o v e r n m e n t i s conducting civic education to the public so tha t when the cont rac ted prospect ing companies begin work on sites within the County, the public would already be informed and understand their l imits and roles .

Eng. Joseph M Ndolo expounding on the importance of Coal discoveries stated that the relations between the ministry the County government and the Residents is crucial such process and related activities, and therefore need to be are closely related, and need to be done according to the National Constitution.Eng. Muli, cautioned location Chiefs, County and Ward administrators to avoid certain groups that pass through some elements local organizations to spread lies that serve to confuse local residents on the activities that will be carried out by the Coal Prospectors. He added that they will also be studying the possibility of deposits of “Coal Methane” a valuable gas, used directly for provision of e n e rg y i n m a n y p a r t s o f t h e Wo r l d .

The area Deputy County Commissioner Ms Shufaa Mwijuma,in her address assured the team that both the County and National government Administration was looking forward for the discovery to be confirmed and mining to start. She appealed to the meeting that was attended by chiefs, assistant chiefs and county government officials would assist the department in making sure the public understood the value and importance of the ongoing exercise.The team is expected to meet ranchers and other stakeholders in t h e p r o c e s s o f s e n s i t i z a t i o n .

Deputy Governor and also the CEC in charge of lands and Mining, Hon. Mary Ndiga Kibuka visited mining sites in Mkuki in what was aimed at assessing the situation and exploring possible ways of engagement to empower the mining industry in the County. Speaking shortly after being shown around the Bridges Mining Company site, the Deputy Governor expressed her optimism in mining sector terming it a key game changer in turning fortunes of the County. “The potential of this sector cannot be underestimated which explains the continued engagement by the County Government in the same. Its almost obvious that the more the mining sector thrives the more the County t h r i v e s ” .

While addressing miners at Chawia Miners Community Based Org, Hon. Mary Ndiga Kubuka appreciated the efforts of the group that has seen more than 1300 youths employed and earning a living from mining activities adding that the County Government is concerned with the issues of the group. “The work going on here is impressive and am certain that this is the first Community Based Organization engaged in mining activities in the Country. Our commitment to you is to support your activities and thats why H.E the Governor sent the National Youth service crew to come and help in removing the soil dunes that have now become risky as you had and have requested” said the Deputy Governor. She also introduced the four youths trained in Madagascar courtesy of the County Government saying that they're now ready to serve the miners and revamp the mining sector. “With me is the team we sent to Madagascar to acquire requisite skill related to mining. I am glad to present them to you and ask you to utilize them w h e n e v e r y o u n e e d t h e m ”

Mwatate MP, Hon. Andrew Mwadime thanked the County Government for its resolve in empowering the mining sector terming the effort as impressive. “We honestly appreciate the County Government because its obvious it take the mining industry seriously. From compressors, thermoanalyer, provision of water and the gem center that is going to be constructed in Voi its obvious that the sector is headed in the right direction. In the visit was the CEC in charge of Health, Gifton Mkaya, Director of Health service, Dr. Logedi as well as the County security committee members who were on a mission to assess the security and health situation in the mining zone of Mkuki.

COUNTY PUSHES TO BOOST MINING INDUSTRY

The delegation briefing during the Bridges Mining Company Tour

25 BILLIONTonnes of iron ore in

Taita Taveta

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The Late Eng. Joseph Mwakima Mbogho

County Government covers funeral expenses for student lost in recent Garissa terror attack

The recent terror attack at Garissa University has left the country short of 147 promising individuals. The lives of these innocent young people were ruthlessly taken by the Alshabaab t e r r o r i s t g r o u p . Pictured: The Late Gedion Bryson Mwakuleghwa

Gone Too Soon

Taita Taveta County was robbed of one Gedion Bryson Mwakuleghwa who was a 2nd year Bachelor of Education student at the University.

Governor Mruttu, Hon. Omar Ahmed, MCA for Kaloleni Ward and several CECs visited the late Gedion Bryson’s home at Werugha to console the bereaved family.

Addressing the mourners, Eng. Mruttu expressed his sadness, outrage and anger on the unfortunate folding of events at Garissa University where innocent students l o s t t h e i r l i v e s .

“Kenyans should not allow such cowardly acts intimidate them or become a trap to divide us along religious lines,” urged The Governor.

The County governments will relief the parents of all the transport and burial expenses for the late Bryson Gedion M w a k u l e g h w a .

Present were CECs- Mrs Linet Mavu, Dr.Vicent Masawi, Mr. Harrison Mghana, Mr. Stephen Masamo, Mr. A lexander Mwangeka among o ther County Government officers.

Tragedy as County loses CEC Memberthrough grislyroad accident

The Governor Eng. Mruttu and the entire County Government o f Ta i t a Ta v e t a r e g r e t t o announce the sudden demise of Eng. Joseph Mbogho, County Executive Committee Member o f Pub l i c Works , Roads & Infrastructure and formerly Water

rd& Irrigation, on 3 April 2015 through a grisly road accident

Joseph Mwakima Mbogho was thborn on 24 of March 1963 in

Masungunyi village, Kishamba location in Taita Taveta County. He was the fifth child of the lateJezrel Mbogho & Irene Wamachi.

E D U C A T I O NHe went to Sungululu Full Primary School, Wundanyi from 1971 to 1977 scoring 36 points in his CPE the h ighest mark then and proceeded to The Alliance High School from 1978. He did his O level in 1981 obtaining a Division one of 6 points again the highest mark in Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE). In 1983 he sat for his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) and obtained three Principals. In Alliance High School he was the School Library Captain. He joined the University of Nairobi in 1985 and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

W O R K L I F EJoseph taught in Mwangeka High School before joining the pre-University National Youth Service, where he was the best recruit in his barrack, Kifaru barrack. He loved taking pictures and as a photographer he would take pictures in schools and social events. He joined East Africa Industries (choosing this in favor of Tetra Pack and Magadi Soda which had also offered him jobs) in 1988 as a Management Trainee where he rose through the ranks to the level of Factory Engineer. He left East African Industries (Unilever) in 1997 to run his own firm having realized he had a flare for marketing. When the Taita Taveta County Government was formed, he was appointed a County Executive Committee Member for Water & Irrigation. He was moved to Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure in 2014 where he worked till he met his

rduntimely tragic death on 3 April 2015. He worked with passion & dedication in both ministries.

A N E N T E R P R E N U E R Joseph was a visionary and enterprising he was among the many youthful businessmen to set up a vehicle importation & selling company, RIMCO Motors. He made it a one stop shop; where not only would one buy a new or second hand vehicle from, but also offered you motor repairs there if clients needed the service. He mentored mechanics, panel beaters, and electricians, & gave internship to many and helped his mentees to set up and run their own companies. Lenana Road & GIGI Motors are some of the big names that budded from RIMCO Motors. He gave livelihood to so many young men and women who are today earning their living us ing sk i l l s t ha t Joseph nu r tu red .

He passed on to his mentees knowledge he had acquired at EAI now Unilever teaching them through workshops, good practices that have served them in good stead. He was among pioneers in importing mobile phones in Kenya & set- up RIMCO Communications Company in 2001....Continued Pg 7

1963Year The Late Engineer

Joseph M. Mbogho was born

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RIMCO grew and dealt in Mobile accessories, computers, computer accessories, faxes and CCTV systems – in word communication equipment. At one stage he wasthe top-most dealer in Samsung Mobile phones in Kenya that led to his nomination to attend the World-Cup in Seoul, South Korea. One of his companies was a real estate development company, Serengeti Developers. He was great in sourcing, negotiating, s a l e s a n d m a r k e t i n g .

As CEC in charge of water and irrigation he facilitated completion of many water projects in the Taita Taveta County. He was passionate about water harvesting as a means o f a l lev ia t ing water shortages. The County Govt. has desires to have a bulk water project that will move water from Mzima Springs and Lake Chala to the dry parts of the County. The idea was that the water will used for Irrigation.

F A M I L Y L I F EHe married Prudence Shambi

thMwanyasi on 14 August 1993 at Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley Road. They were blessed with fivechildren, Ethel Wamachi, Late Stephen Mwanyasi, Bill Mbogho, Pauline Wawasi & Mercy Wanjala.

He was b l essed w i t h one g r a n d c h i l d , B a b y R y a n .

...The Late Joseph Mbogho’s life of Service.

May Your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

Taita Taveta County Government will support and work closely with the

Qwetu Sacco formerly the Taita Taveta Teachers’ Sacco. Speaking during

the launch, Governor Mruttu instructed the County Finance and Trade

minister to work together and open an Account with the Sacco as a way

of supporting our own. He further challenged the Board of Management

to embrace technology like the use of mobile banking services, to open

their services in rural areas and provide products that will target the

marginalized groups in the society. “As members of the Sacco we should

now fix our eyes and buy one of the banks in this country and this can

only be possible if we run the Sacco professionally. ” Mruttu advised.

The Sacco will soon start operating in other parts of the country and has

opened its memberships to other sectors including Farmers, small scale

m i n e r s a n d C i v i l s e r v a n t s .

All new QWETU SACCO geared to succeed

Present at the event were the CECM of

Trade & Community Affairs, Flora Mtuweta,

Members of parliament from Mwatate,

Voi and Wundanyi, teachers and Sacco

members

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PICTORIAL

Launch of QWETU SACCO

Malezi Bora Month Commemoration

1. Governor Mruttu arrives at the QWETU SACCO Launch event2. The Governor gives his keynote speech during the launch3. A section of QWETU SACCO members and guests at the launch

1. Dep. Governor H.E. Mary Kibukahands over equipment to Zongwani Health Centre Staff

2 & 3. Chief guests and wananchi at 6the celebrations

4. Deputy Governor has a word withCEC Health Dr. Gifton Mkaya

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Diplomacy and Interstate protocol Relation Conference

1. Dep. GovernorMary Kibukaspeaks to the delegates duringthe Conference

2. Group photoof the delegates

1. CEO of Bridges Mining Company explains a point to the Deputy Governor Mary Kibuka and other guests visiting the Mine in Mkuki2. and 3. Deputy Governor take a tour around the Bridges Mining Company Site in Mkuki4. Part of the mining equipment on site5. CEC in charge of Lands and Mining and Deputy Governor have a look at a sample from the mine

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PICTORIAL

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Touring the Bridges Mining Company Site

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The Governor H.E. John Mruttu recently launched JM Sounds Recording Studio in Voi to uplift local talents by producing both audio and visual recording at a subsidized price as efforts to empower them gears up. Thestudio is stocked with quality equipment said to be worth over K s h . 8 5 0 , 0 0 0 .

Speaking during the ceremony, Eng. Mruttu appreciated the owner, nominated MCA John Maghanga for the investment that is set to empower the local talent and called for local investment in the County with a view of attracting investors from outside.

MCA Invests in recording studio to boost Youth talent in the entertainment industry

“There is need for us to invest locally so that we may attract foreign investors by s h o w c a s i n g t h e p o t e n t i a l o f o u r C o u n t y ” s a i d E n g . M r u t t u .

He also urged local artists to make use of the studio and grow the music industry t e r m i n g i t a t o o l t h a t m a y c h a n g e t h e i r l i v e s f o r b e t t e r .

“We all know how talents have changed lives across the world, its upon you now to make use of the facility for your benefit and that of the County. For this reason, I will support the first four artists to record here by offsetting the expenses of the s a m e ” s a i d G o v e r n o r M r u t t u .

Also present in the ceremony were County Executive Committee Members; Florah Mtuweta and Mr.Alexander Mwangeka, Kaloleni Ward Member of County Mr. Omar Ahmed, officers of both the County and the National Government as well as members of the public drawn from the four sub counties of Voi, Mwatate, Wundanyi and Taveta.

Published by The Taita Taveta County Government:Post Office Address: P.O. BOX 1066-80304, Wundanyi

Phone Number: 0788186436 / 0718988717

Email address: governortaitataveta@gmail.com

Website: www.taitataveta.go.ke

Facebook: The Taita Taveta County Government

Twitter: @taitatavetagovt

Governor cuts ribbon to officially launch J.M. Sounds Recording Studio

850,000Amount in Kshthat the studioequipment is

worth.

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