All businesses in Ahero came to a standstill as traders and residents were caught up in a triumphant procession tuned to Luo traditional beats along the streets in a bid to raise awareness on the official launch of the change project.
The phase II project, focuses on solid waste management and the improvement of the drainage system within Ahero market. With the systematic approach, solutions will be geared towards the reduction of pollution to Nyando River and also improving the livelihoods of the locals by creating opportunities for the youth to engage in economic activities.
The colorful event, anchored on the slogan “My environment my Lifeline” was marked with several activities all focused on sensitizing the people on waste and environmental management for sustainable urban growth. These included a mega clean up exercise, speeches, performances from the local artists, skits and football tournaments for the under 16 years, both boys and girls
In the boys’ tournament, Korea FC beat Vasco FC on penalties and clinched a trophy while the girls clubs, Onjiko Girls talent beat Kasuna Girls FC at 1- Nil and made away with the trophy. The runners up Vasco FC and Kasuna girls FC received a token of appreciation for their spirited participation.
While representing Kisumu Governor during the official launch, the CEC Lands, Housing and Physical planning Mr. Dickson Obungu, reiterated that before the end of this financial year, Ahero is set to have a town administrator who will be mandated to look at the planning of the town, this follows the gazettement of Ahero as a town.
He further applauded the move by the Symbiocity and Council of Governors to implement the change project which he termed a move towards the right direction in changing the lives of the residents of Ahero.
In response to the quest by the area MCA concerning regular clean-up of the town and garbage damping along the highway, the Minister promised to work closely with Symbiocity in order to maintain a clean environment by providing a track to collect garbage.
The Ahero Member of County Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Ooko on his part challenged the stakeholders that the cleaning should not be a onetime event, but should be done regularly. He also requested the CEC to allocate a track that will collect the heaped garbage since Ahero should meet the standards of a town.
The program officer, Maureen Njoga who represented the Symbiocity and Council of Governors, thanked all stakeholders for turning up for the official launch and urged them to support the implementation of the change project that would improve their economy and standards of living.
The project coordinator, Mr. Sospeter Onunga, accredited the rich diverse talents in Ahero and promised to work closely with the groups in order to achieve the goals of the project. He thanked the partners for their unwavering support to ensure the event was successful. “Symbiocity is all about inclusivity, synergy and networking” said Mr. Onunga.
Also in attendance were Muhoroni Sub County Admin Magdalene Wasama, Nyando Sub County Admin Maurice Oricho, Chief Inspector of police, County Director for Environment Mr Ken Koyoo, Ahero Symbiocity Operations Manager Mr. Victor Adero, Stakeholders Chairman Mr. Charles Ogada, the Champions, members of the Technical Working Group, stakeholders and members of the local community.
the procession that marks the official launch of the Change Project in Ahero
Scouts and Ahero town council leading the procession
The area MCA, Kennedy Ooko giving his remarks during the launch
The project coordinator Mr. Sospeter Onunga giving his remarks before the start of the procession and the clean up exercise
The program Officer Maureen Njoga accompanying the young Environmental Champion in awarding the Onjiko Girls FC for their win
County Director for Environment Mr Ken Koyoo giving a token of appreciation to Vasco FC for being the runners up in the boys tournament
Cleaning exercise ongoing along Ahero streets
The stage is set for tomorrow’s official launch of the phase II Symbiocity project, by Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o in the company of high powered delegation from the Council of Governors, Symbiocity pilot Counties, Local political leaders, County top Officials
and the stakeholders in Ahero town.
The move comes after completion of the phase one referred to as the quick win project which comprised of drainage construction, putting up of litter bins in town and trainings on waste management which led to the formation of the project agent Voluntary Champions who are charged with the responsibility of creating awareness and sensitizing the community on the project benefits while advocating for effective community involvement to foster project ownership.
The phase two project also dubbed the change project, focuses on solid waste management and the improvement of the drainage system within the market. With the systematic approach, solutions will be geared towards the reduction of pollution to Nyando River and also improving the livelihoods of the locals by creating opportunities for the youth to engage in economic activities.
The anticipated impact as a result of implementation of the phase II project include; the market area being free of solid and liquid waste allowing traders to sell their wares in a clean and safe environment, the park will provide a recreation space for all the locals and visitors of Ahero, innovative waste management and setting up of the compost pit will provide opportunity for locals to engage in income generating activities and the construction of modern stalls along the highway in the market area, will provide a more conducive business environment for the pro- poor and increase the revenue base for the county government
As a curtain raiser to the event, the technical working group, the stakeholders, Champions and the local football teams within Ahero organised a series of clean up exercise dubbed “My Environment my lifeline” and football tournaments for the local teams in a bid to unite and nurture the upcoming talents and also to sensitize the residents of Ahero on matters clean environment for sustainable urban growth.
The football matches were held in Onjiko Primary school yesterday in the afternoon after a clean-up exercise in the market area during morning hours.
The teams that participated comprised of girls and boys. The first round was the boys of Kasuna Vs Vasco FC where they had a draw of Nil- Nil, later Vasco FC thrashed Kasuna on a 5-4 win on penalties .In the second match Korea team beat Oketha at 1-Nil and for the girls team, they had a draw of 1-1 and later Obama beat Kasuna Girls on penalties at 4-3 goals.
The finals are scheduled for tomorrow during the official launch of the change projects where the winners will be awarded. Besides a major clean-up of Ahero town has also been scheduled as a climax to the launch of the change project.
By: Emily Mikwa
The TWG, Champions, Stakehoders and the Local football clubs cleaning Ahero Market
Cleaning Ahero Market
The project coordinator Mr Sospeter Onuga addressing the football clubs before the commencement of the matches at Onjiko Primary School
The Chairman of stakeholders Mr Ken giving words of encouragement to the clubs
Kisumu County has clinched a 66-20 win against Bungoma County in the basketball duel at the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) which is currently on at Kericho County.
The win has propelled them to book space for the finals of which they are optimistic to win.
The table tennis team will soon be locked in a tussle with Narok in the semi -finals after thrashing Samburu 3-1 in the quarter finals
The tennis coach Mr. Antony Onyango says he is upbeat of the victory.
Elizabeth Kakai of Kisumu ( blue Jersey) scores a basket during their match against Bungoma in their Semi- finals
Kisumu basketball team dribbling the basket ball to the finals
Today, Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o affirmed his support aimed at nurturing sporting talent among the youth and empowering them to harness their potential.
“As a county we congratulate Manyatta United once again for their well-deserved victory in the National Chapa Dimba tournament that saw them being crowned as the national champions after beating Rift Valley Al – Ahly 2 – 1” said the Governor
He also lauded the Manyatta United for their sterling performance at the Nyanza Regional Chapa Dimba that earned the runners up position. Both teams having being drawn from Manyatta Youth Resource Centre under the stewardship of Antony Oballah.
“Strengthening sports industry through adequate resource mobilization and infrastructure development is a key to ensuring youths excel in sports and earn a decent living. It’s in the same breathe that we are calling like-minded corporate bodies and individuals to join us in our bid to put up an ultra-modern sporting complex at the Moi Stadium grounds” he acknowledged.
Kisumu Governor thanked Safaricom for sponsoring such tournaments and taking the boys from Manyatta United to Spain for football training. Such initiatives develop the youths to exploit their full potential including joining the ranks of professional sportsmen and women.
Manyatta United both boys and girls football teams presenting to the Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Deputy Dr. Ochieng’ Owili their earned Trophies following their crowning as the National Chapa Dimba winners and Nyanza Region Runners up respectively at the Governor’s office.
Trophies earned by Manyatta United team for both Girls and Boys
Kisumu County makes a notch after receiving two ultra-modern ambulances from KENHA. The two moving ICU’s will go to Pap Onditi Hospital and Nyabondo Hospital adding on the number of ambulances in the county.
In addition KENHA is putting up a trauma center at Nyabondo Hospital. The centre will serve patients suffering from major traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, or gunshot wounds.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o flagging of 15 million Ultra Modern Ambulance donated by KENHA to Kisumu to respond to emergency cases in the county.
Ultra modern equipped ambulance
Kisumu is currently undergoing tremendous enterprise transformation evident by; revival of the old Kisumu Port, establishment of a rapid transport system, development of the special economic zone, modernization of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and establishment of a cancer center at the facility.
Currently, Ksh. 60 million has been set aside this financial year. Additionally there is the ongoing construction of the Kisumu Business and Incubation Center and the level preparedness towards hosting AfriCities 2021.
“We meet our ambitions through deliberate interventions to develop niche opportunities for foreign investors to tap. It is against this this backdrop that my deputy and I hosted the newly ambassadors chaperoned by Ambassador Njeru Githae to have a conversation of the available investment opportunities in Kisumu and to keep them abreast of the county’s level of preparedness towards hosting AfriCities 2021” said the Governor.
The idea is to invite the ambassadors to lobby for development partners to flock Kisumu from their respective countries thus revamping the County’s economic base.
Hosting the newly appointed Ambassadors currently in Kisumu for induction to a dinner meeting.
The County Directorate Green of Climate Change in partnership with Community Rehabilitation and environmental protection program (CREP), Suswatch, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) held a climate change workshop in order to sensitize the members on how to link Cimate response to the 17 SDGs at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu.
The deliberations of the workshop was to strengthen the understanding of Climate change working group and the Persons Living with Disabilities on SDGs framework and how to mainstream SDGs in climate change actions in the County, mainstreaming special groups such as Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), Youths, Women and to map out climatic actions in the County from all stakeholders with specific linkages to relevant SDGs.
The Ag. Chief Officer Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Dan Ongor, while officially opening the workshop said it was a timely workshop in discussing the SDG No. 13 on climate which has an impact on the 17 SDGs on environmental issues. He urged the team to strive to achieve some of the indicators locally.
He also acknowledged the fact that PLWDs can be more vulnerable to climate change, hence capacity building to create awareness to the PLWDs is key to enable them adapt and contribute in reduction of climate change risks.
He further outlined that there are about 240 indicators and 169 targets to be met locally and that the County CIDP, work plan and the budget has factored in the engagement of people from all spheres in the community.
The County Director for climate Change, Mr. Evans Gichana on his part emphasized the need to incorporate the PLWDs in order to tap their resources and that the workshop would also provide a platform to discuss how the special groups can be involved on climate change issues.
While speaking on behalf of development partners, Mr Robert from FES commended County for the development of Climate Change Policy and the Technical working Group, however, he challenged them to hold more meetings on mainstreaming and carry out monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all indicators are in line with the SDGs’ reporting levels.
The Ag. Chief Department of Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources , Mr Dan Ongor giving his opening remarks during the official opening of the Climate Change workshop at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu
Mr. Osano who is hearing impaired participant airs his views in sign language during the workshop
Madam Carolyne Agwanda making a presentation on mainstreaming special interest groups at the workshop
County Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with the State Department of Youth Affairs and the Civil Society organizations within Kisumu organised and celebrated this year’s Youth International day at Muhoroni Stadium in Muhoroni Sub County This week.
The event marked annually on the 12th of August, focused on the theme “Transforming education”, which highlights efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves. Rooted in goal 4 of the Vision 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Muhoroni stadium was a beehive of activities as the youths from the County showcased their talents in various fields such as football tonourments among female and male teams, entertainment and dance groups, theatrics, civic education on youth empowerment, awareness on Youth and drugs, Youth and farming empowerment, medical services such as cancer screening, HIV testing among many other activities
The football tournament ended with Koru United thrashing Miwani FC at 3-2 goals while the girl’s team, Tonde from Muhoroni Sub County beating the Star Blues from Kisumu Central at 2- Nil.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest Mr. Dennis Omollo reiterated that education is the heart of sustainable development in any community. He urged the youths to stand out and define the type of education they need in order to improve their standards of living.
“Before the government transforms the education system, it must identify the existing gaps in the current system without which accessibility and inclusivity cannot be attained” said Mr Omollo.
On her part, the Muhoroni Sub county administrator, Nancy Wasamo, urged the youths to enroll at the Vocational training Centers across the County since the County Government supports education by providing 10Million per Year for Youth Education
The event was also attended by representatives the County Youth department Mr. George Orude, State department Youth Affairs Mr. Timothy Kajwang’, Muhoroni Ward admin Mr Victor Opil, Ombeyi Ward admin Mr Patrick Olweny, Red Cross team, Maristopes medical services, Beyond Zero clinic services, NACADA, Focus Youth Alive, Blue Cross among Many others.
Mr George Orude , County Youth Affairs Officer Inviting the Chief Guest Mr. Dennis Omollo to give a speech during the International Youth Day in Muhoroni Stadium.
The black dimensions showcasing thier performances at the International Youth Day in Muhoroni
The girls’ football match between Tonde from Muhoroni Sub countyand the Star Blues from Kisumu Central
Youth and drugs awareness creation during the International Youth Day