Yatta MP Robert Basil Reaffirms Commitment to Education, Urges Learners to Pursue Excellence

Yatta MP Hon. Robert Basil has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education in the constituency, emphasizing the need to create an environment where every learner can access opportunities to succeed and realize their potential.

Speaking during the Prize Giving Day at Mathingau Secondary School, Basil said celebrating academic achievement, discipline and hard work is essential in motivating learners to set higher goals and remain committed to their education.

The legislator congratulated students who were recognized for their outstanding performance, urging them not to be complacent but instead use their achievements as motivation to work even harder in their pursuit of excellence.

Basil said young people need encouragement and recognition because such support gives them the confidence to dream bigger and believe in their ability to achieve their aspirations.

He further stressed that education remains one of the most important investments in the future of Yatta, noting that leaders, teachers, parents and the wider community all have a role to play in ensuring learners are provided with the right environment to thrive.

According to Basil, leadership should go beyond addressing immediate needs and focus on empowering the next generation through education and other opportunities that can transform their lives.

He commended the teachers at Mathingau Secondary School for their dedication and commitment to guiding learners, noting that their work extends beyond classroom teaching to shaping the character, discipline and future of young people.

Basil also recognized parents for their continued support and sacrifice in ensuring their children remain in school and have the necessary support to pursue their studies.

Basil said the achievements celebrated during the Prize Giving Day demonstrate what can be accomplished when learners, teachers, parents and leaders work together towards a common goal.

He encouraged learners who did not receive awards to remain focused, assuring them that success is built through consistency, discipline and determination rather than being defined by a single examination or academic result.

He maintained that every learner has unique potential and should be encouraged to discover and develop their talents while remaining committed to their education.

He reiterated his commitment to working with schools and education stakeholders across Yatta to strengthen the learning environment and ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and discipline required to compete successfully in the future.

The Mathingau Secondary School Prize Giving Day brought together students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community to celebrate academic excellence and recognize learners who had distinguished themselves through hard work and discipline.

Basil said such occasions are important not only for recognizing achievement but also for inspiring the entire school community to maintain a culture of excellence.

He urged the learners to remain disciplined, focused and determined, saying the future of Yatta depends heavily on how well the next generation is empowered today. 

Makueni MP Suzzane Kiamba pledges continued support for education as she delivers new school bus to Kathonzweni Boys School

Makueni Constituency MP Hon. Suzzane Kiamba has pledged continued support for education as she delivers a new school bus to Kathonzweni Boys High School through the Makueni NG-CDF.

Kiamba commissioned and officially flagged off the new bus, describing the investment as a major boost to the school and an important step towards improving the safety, convenience and welfare of learners.

The MP said the bus is more than just a transport facility, noting that it represents an investment in the dreams, safety and future of students. She emphasized that every child deserves to learn in a conducive environment and access education with dignity.

Kiamba said her focus remains on ensuring that schools in Makueni Constituency receive the necessary support to provide learners with better conditions for academic growth and development.

She maintained that education is a critical foundation for building the next generation of leaders and that investing in schools is therefore an investment in the future of the constituency.

The MP also emphasized that development should be measured through tangible projects that directly improve the lives of residents rather than promises that do not translate into action.

“Development is not about promises but about delivering real results that transform lives,” Kiamba said, reaffirming her commitment to projects that address the needs of the people.

She further pledged to continue working with residents and other stakeholders to strengthen education and deliver projects aimed at improving the welfare of families across Makueni.

The new Kathonzweni Boys High School bus is expected to support the institution’s transport needs, including educational activities and other school programmes, while giving students safer and more reliable mobility.

Kiamba said she remains committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Makueni, calling for continued support as she pursues development initiatives focused on improving the lives and future prospects of residents.

MEMA Africa: A Growing Movement Transforming How Creatives are Recognized, Empowered and Supported

Several months after unveiling its expanded Pan-African platform, MEMA Africa continues to gain momentum as it establishes itself as more than just an awards competition.The platform, which evolved from the Myogenic Excellent Music Awards (MEMA), has broadened its reach and vision to create a continental space where creatives can be recognized for their talent while also accessing opportunities designed to support their careers, welfare and livelihoods.

At the heart of MEMA Africa is a commitment to recognize, empower and support creatives through meaningful and life-changing opportunities.

Unlike traditional awards platforms that primarily focus on nominations, voting and trophies, MEMA Africa has developed a benefits structure intended to ensure that participation can translate into tangible support for nominees.

Direct financial empowerment for nominees

One of the standout features of MEMA Africa is its commitment to direct financial empowerment.

Nominees receive 25% of the value of votes cast in their favour, giving creatives an opportunity to benefit financially as they build support for their campaigns.

This model gives voting an added dimension, allowing fans and supporters to contribute not only toward a nominee's chances of recognition, but also toward the nominee's broader financial empowerment.

10,000 votes unlock a range of benefits

For nominees who attain 10,000 votes, MEMA Africa provides access to a range of welfare and empowerment initiatives under its benefits programme.

Among the benefits are:

MEMA Production – supporting creatives in production and helping them advance their creative projects.

MEMA Afya – providing healthcare-related support as part of MEMA's commitment to the wellbeing of creatives.

MEMA Bundle of Joy – offering support around important family and life moments.

MEMA Lands – creating opportunities aimed at helping beneficiaries pursue long-term asset ownership and financial security.

MEMA School Fees – supporting education needs and helping ease the burden of school fees for beneficiaries.

The platform also offers Travel and Visa Support, opening opportunities for creatives who may need assistance in pursuing international engagements, events and professional opportunities.

Another key component is the MEMA Creative Hub, which is designed to provide a space for creative development, collaboration, networking and growth.

Building a sustainable ecosystem for creatives

MEMA Africa's growing appeal is anchored in its attempt to address some of the realities facing creatives beyond the stage.

For many artists and other creatives, recognition alone does not necessarily translate into financial stability, access to healthcare, education, property ownership or opportunities to expand their careers.

MEMA Africa is positioning its platform to help bridge that gap by connecting recognition with practical empowerment.

The initiative is therefore increasingly being viewed as a movement that seeks to create a stronger ecosystem around creatives — one where talent can be celebrated while the individuals behind that talent are also supported.

A Pan-African vision

With its expanded identity as MEMA Africa, the platform is also embracing a broader continental outlook, bringing creatives from across Africa into one ecosystem.

The vision goes beyond individual awards to create a platform capable of connecting talent, audiences, opportunities and support systems across borders.

As the 2026 awards season continues to attract participation and attention, MEMA Africa is seeking to build on its momentum and strengthen its position as a platform that puts creatives at the centre of its mission.

MEMA Africa is more than a competition. It is a growing movement built around opportunity, empowerment, talent development and transformation. 

Robert Basil’s Development Record Reshapes Yatta as Projects Transform the Constituency

Yatta MP Hon. Robert Ngui Basil is increasingly being associated with a development-focused approach to leadership, with a growing list of projects and programmes taking shape across the constituency. Described by his supporters as a “man on a mission and a servant, not a politician,” Basil has continued to emphasize practical delivery, arguing that leadership should be measured by tangible results rather than promises.

Under his leadership, Yatta has witnessed the implementation and advancement of major projects targeting education,water, roads, markets, sports, digital services and access to government services.

Among the projects highlighted in his development record are the Yatta Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Mathingau TVET Branch, Yatta KMTC, Yatta Land Registry, Yatta Huduma Centre and Kikesa Digital Hub.

The constituency has also seen investments in infrastructure and economic development, including the Kaluluini Multi-Storey Market Building, Yatta Sports Academy, tarmacking of the Matuu–Katangi Road and construction of the Iviani Bridge.

Water and irrigation remain another key area of focus, with projects including the Illumanthi Irrigation Project, NECACA Irrigation Project, Matuu NYS Water Project, Hydrum Water Projects, Ikombe Water Project, Katangi Mweleki Water Project and Kyaani Water Project among initiatives being highlighted.

In education, the development agenda has also included the construction and improvement of modern tiled classrooms, alongside other projects aimed at improving learning environments for pupils and students across Yatta.

For Basil and his supporters, the projects represent a shift from political rhetoric to visible development, with the MP positioning himself as a leader focused on service delivery and long-term transformation.

As Yatta continues to witness the rollout of projects across different sectors, Basil’s supporters maintain that his record demonstrates a leadership philosophy centred on “Kazi Bila Kelele” — letting development speak louder than political noise.

WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME EXPANDS ACROSS MAKUENI AS PS TERESIA MBAIKA RALLIES WOMEN TO EMBRACE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Principal Secretary for the  State Department of Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika CBS, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, saying targeted programmes are increasingly enabling women across Makueni County to strengthen their businesses, improve household incomes and achieve greater financial independence.

Speaking during engagements with women, PS Mbaika said the Women Economic Empowerment Programme has continued to reach more beneficiaries through financial support, entrepreneurship opportunities and initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods.

The programme has so far extended its reach to Kasikeu Ward in Kilome Constituency, Kee Ward in Kaiti Constituency, where women have been encouraged to work through organised groups and make strategic investments that can generate sustainable incomes.

PS Mbaika noted that empowering women has a wider impact beyond individual beneficiaries, arguing that economically empowered women contribute directly to stronger families, resilient communities and vibrant local economies.

She further urged residents to strengthen their collaboration with the Government, saying such partnerships have facilitated the implementation of development projects in roads, water, agriculture, healthcare, education and electricity connectivity, among other essential services.

According to PS Mbaika, the continued investment in these sectors demonstrates that cooperation between communities and Government can translate into tangible development and improved quality of life for citizens.

She challenged women to take advantage of available Government empowerment programmes, use financial support responsibly, work collectively through organised groups and explore opportunities that can help them grow their enterprises.

PS Mbaika said the Government will continue supporting initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, with women remaining a key pillar in efforts to build stronger households, thriving communities and a more prosperous Kenya.