Nyakach residents have praised Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o for championing a transparent and accountable leadership in the county.
Speaking at the ongoing Huduma Mashinani public participation forum at Pap Onditi Hall in Nyakach Sub County today, the residents were happy with the direction the County has taken to handle issues development moving forward. Many residents acknowledged that the open engagement feedback forums will allow them exercise their sovereign power and at the same time grant them the opportunity to mingle, interrogate and raise concerns real time for immediate feedback where possible.
“The government has done a good thing and we are happy to interact with you one on one” said Mwalimu Leonard Odanga of West Nyakach Ward.
Addressing the residents, the County Minister for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development, Madam Judith Oluoch said the objective of the entire exercise was to get feedback on the status of service delivery in Kisumu County. She noted that the team shall follow up on all issues raised and ensure that they are addressed by the respective dockets to help propel the County forward.
“The feedback is crucial as they will help us in making certain critical decisions including; policy, budgetary, legislative and even certain Executive orders”. She said
The residents highlighted key areas of concern especially agricultural extension services that have for a long time been hampered by shortage of personnel. This was addressed by the Minister who confirmed that recruitment of the said officers is at the till end and soon, the matter will be put to rest. Issues around Early Childhood Education was also discussed at length with additional teachers set to join the workforce. No additional construction shall be commenced until all incomplete projects are taken care of.
In the health docket, the Chief Officer Dr. Ojuang Lusi also confirmed that all heath facilities will be supplied with the medical commodities following release of funds by the exchequer. He said that the government plans to equip each sub county hospital to act as hub for the surrounding health facilities in the government health strategy of managing a “Hub-and-Spoke” health system. These “hubs” will be equipped with all the necessary equipment at that level to ease pressure on the referral facilities.
The public also raised concerns with the manner of the composition of the Project Management Committees which they feel tend to disenfranchise the public who are the project owners. They proposed as a rethink in the overall way in which the PMCs are managed and remunerated.
This innovative initiative driven by the department of Public Service for the County Government of Kisumu for a united citizen-based conversation for development with the aim of promoting service delivery will be carried out in all the 8 sub counties across the County with a countywide forum chaired by the Governor held bringing together representation of all the sub counties.
This forum in Nyakach was the fourth station after Muhoroni, Nyando, and Kadibo. Kisumu East is set for Wednesday 14th June, 2023 at the Ragumo Chief’s camp.