Figure 2-5 – The three dimensions of inclusion

Demographic Profile

The population of Makueni County is 987,653, which is relatively small when compared with the other SEKEB counties. By comparison, the population of Machakos and Kitui counties were 1,421,932 and 1,136,187 respectively. Wote is the capital of Makueni County, with the Municipal population estimated to be 164,116 in 2020, based on 2019 Census projections. Makueni County has an urban population of around 11.8%, as significant levels of rural-urban migration have elevated this percentage, especially in the urban centres of Mtito Andei, Wote and Kibwezi.

The population density of the County is 82 inhabitants per km2, making it the 29th densest County out of the 47 overall in Kenya. The annual population growth rate of Makueni County is estimated to be 1.3%, including an urbanisation rate of 2%, which means urban populations within the County are growing faster than the population as a whole. If this growth rate continues it is projected that by 2030 the population of the County will reach 1,139,452 inhabitants. However, it is important to note that these projections rely on observed growth rates, but do not take account of other factors likely to impact growth – including fertility rates, land availability, infrastructure and job opportunities.

What’s more, these projected growth figures do not account for the likely implications the Konza Technopolis will have on migration into Makueni County, attracted by the employment opportunities and facilities it is expected to deliver. This will require a detailed approach to planning and social development in order to mitigate against potential threats to the County. Social Inclusion

The social pillar of the Makueni County Vision 2025 is to have “a just, all-inclusive and cohesive society enjoying equitable social development in a clean and secure environment” with a particular focus on generating employment opportunities for youth, women and PWDs. The Makueni County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2018-2022 is aimed at the County’s socio-economic development through, among its strategies, increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing industrialisation.

The plan recognises that this should be done while ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources and an inclusive participation of all in economic activities. The strategies aimed at succeeding in the latter are, for example, focused on strengthening financial inclusion and cooperatives’ work. The CIDP also mentions its aim of “enhancing a cohesive society through sports, culture and provision of quality education and training”.

Despite the County’s plans and successful implementation of social inclusion initiatives and programmes, KIIs and FGDs conducted at the Municipality level established that PWD, women, elderly people, and youth still feel excluded. The approach to the social inclusion study was guided by the World Bank’s multi-dimensional approach to inclusion that considers social, economic, and spatial dimensions as illustrated in Figure 2-5.

Figure 2-5 – The three dimensions of inclusion

Source: Atkins analysis