County Government and Biogas International Limited Sign a Memorandum of Understanding
County Government of Kisumu, through the directorate of Environment, and Natural Resources today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Biogas International Limited on waste management, recycling and environmental conservation.
The collaboration underscores the parties shared efforts to pilot an integrated model on solid waste management, recycling and environmental protection within Ahero market, which if successful will be replicated across all the sub counties within Kisumu.
Ahero is a growing town with constant waste generation that has become a source of pollution to the environment. Waste generated per day is about 1.5 to 2 tons out of which 80% is organic while about 10% being non-biodegradable which makes it suitable for the pilot program.
The MOU further seeks to leverage a comparative advantage to support lucrative and sustainable entrepreneurship in the line of value addition among the youths, through effective use of waste as a resource to make products such as fertilizers, biogas from organic waste and makiga interlocking bricks from non-biodegradable wastes for economic growth and for job creation.
The Signing of the MOU took place with a nod from Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o presided over by the County Secretary Mr. Godffrey Kegochi, CEC Member for Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Salmon Orimba, CEC Member for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Dixon Obungu and the CEO Biogas International Limited Mr. Dominic Kahumba.
Witnessed by: The area MCA Hon. Ken Ooko, Sub county Administrator for Nyando Dr. Samuel Oron, Ahero Ward Administrator, George Amimo, Chief Officer Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mr. Geofrey Ochieng, Chief Officer Environment and Natural Resources, Maryline Agwa, Director Environment, Mr. Ken Koyooh, and Director Climate Change, Mr. Evans Gichana among other invited guests.
By Emily Mikwa
- Published in Environment, News Item
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex Unveiled
HE President Uhuru Kenyatta accompanied by the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga and Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o today presided of the official unveiling of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex.
The Complex formerly known as Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, an iconic recreational centre within the City of Kisumu has been renamed to immortalise the first Vice President of the Republic of Kenya.
This exercise follows the county government’s commitment of 100 million shillings to upgade it to a world class sports and recreation centre.
In recognition and appreciation of the good job Governor Nyong’o is doing in Kisumu, the President committed to add Kisumu another 100 million towards Jaramogi Sports Complex.
The President aslo toured the ongoing construction of the 10,000 stall Uhuru Business Park for small traders and the refurbished park expected to change the trade landscape of the Western region.
The two great leaders who have brought calm through their hanshake also led the people in committing to support the BBI report.
The improvement of this sports complex is one the ongoing initiatives by Governor Nyong’o’s administration to revolutionize the face of the city of Kisumu as the city gears to host the Africities Kisumu 2021.
The President and the African Union High Commissioner for Infrastructure were accompanied Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i, Interior and Government Coordination; Amina Mohammed, Sports and Culture; George Magoha, Education; James Macharia, Transport and Raphael Tuju among other state officers.
By Kodera Ager
- Published in News Item
County Government commits to plant 40 million trees by 2022
The County Government of Kisumu has committed to plant 40 million tree seedlings to help achieve the national afforestation agenda of planting at least 2 billion trees by 2022.
In partnership with the National Government and several other state and non- state actors, the PS for Environment and Forestry Dr. Chris Kiptoo alongside Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o earlier today presided over a tree planting exercise along River Nyando in Muhoroni before proceeding to launch the 150,000 Tree Seedling Production and Afforestation Center at Menara in Muhoroni Sub County.
The Menara Center with over 1,600 assorted tree seedlings is part of the County’s efforts to raise the forest cover within its area.
Kenya needs to plant at least 2 billion tree seedlings by 2022 in a bid to increase its forest cover. President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a directive that the country has the 10 per cent forest cover achieved by 2022 as opposed to the earlier vision by 2030. The national forest cover currently stands at 7.2% covering 4.2 million hectares having grown from 6.99% 12 years ago.
In that regard, the county has since intensified its efforts to increase the forest cover from the current 0.44 per cent to the recommended 10 per cent. The department of environment has embarked on an aggressive tree planting campaign having set up tree seedling nurseries at Menara in Muhoroni, Pap Kadundo in Seme, Ogoro in Nyakach and Show Ground in Kisumu East Sub Counties.
Speaking at the launch, PS Kiptoo praised the Governor in his efforts to reclaim public spaces. Already, the County has reclaimed Songo, Koru, Nyatigo, Kisian and Kajulu hills already earmarked for restoration.
The PS also assured the county of his support in delivering the afforestation agenda. He noted that Kisumu was the first county to sign to the County Transition Implementation Plan – a Policy framework of up-taking services that were hitherto run by national government through the ministry of environment; a factor that has led to Kisumu being picked as the pilot county for the national Tree Planting Campaign in the region.
“we are going to work with you to fast track the gazzetment of the forests and hills you have earmarked for reforestation”, said the PS
He confirmed that the 2 billion seedlings will be shared by all counties with Kisumu taking up at least 40 million seedlings. To help achieve this target, the national government through Kenya Forestry Research Institute will give the county 1.5 metric tonnes of assorted tree seeds.
The achievement of the 10% forest cover is so critical that a county multi agency committee has been formed to drive its delivery. The County Environment Committee shall be co-chaired by the Governor and the County Commissioner.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on his part said that the county has so far established more than four tree nurseries within its sub counties to help boost afforestation.
“I do hope that this will help boost our forest cover from the current 2 per cent to 10 per cent”. He said
The Governor indicated that the county targets to produce about 500,000 tree seedlings annually from the four tree nurseries established across the county.
He called upon residents to take afforestation more seriously than ever before by allocating parts of their farms to tree growing even as he encouraged them to develop the habit of planting trees in between gardens.
In addition, the Governor says they are working closely with KFS in enhancing afforestation of the 400 hectares Koguta Forest in Nyakach and the 25 hectares Karateng Forest in Kisumu West Sub County.
At the same time, he challenged other counties to work closely with the National Government in order to achieve the national vision for afforestation.
“We in the counties need to work with the National Government in most of these things.
The County CEC in charge of Water and Environment Hon. Salmon Orimba appreciated the role played by partners that have supported the county in its sustainability journey.
He says the county intends to rollout a massive tree planting programme in the schools, forests and public spaces with a target of over 200,000 trees to be planted this season.
He urged community-based organizations to actively engage activities relating to environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation so as to be ready to take part in the upcoming programme.
Forests are vital natural carbon sinks and play a great part in a country’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The exercise brought together participants both state and non-state agencies including Kenya Forest Service, NETFUND, Kenya Water Towers, NEMA, KEFRI, Agro hemicals, Muhoroni and Chemelil Sugar, Kibos Sugar among other Non – State Organizations.
By: Nancy Juma
- Published in Environment, News Item
Kisumu Audit Committee Induction Workshop
The National Treasury in partnership with the German Development Cooperation- GIZ, have organized a three-day training workshop for the established Kisumu county audit Committee at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
The Training is focusing on the establishment of the audit committees, roles and responsibilities of the committees, Enterprise risk management, audit committee oversight over financial statements, the PFM Act 2012 and regulations 2015, procurement fraud, fraud and corruption risk management, internal audit and audit committee performance measurement.
While officially opening the training sessions, the County Executive Member for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. George Okong’o pledged to facilitate the committee to do its work to enable seamless operations of the committee.
He told the committee that it has been granted its independent space to address weaknesses in the system and take corrective action before it gets out of hand into the public domain.
The County executive member also thanked the German Development Cooperation – GIZ and Office of the Auditor General for their immense support on this training and that they look forward to more of such fruitful engagements that strengthen the internal structures of governance.
On her part, the Acting Manager for Good Governance Program from German Development Cooperation- GIZ, Ms Sylvia Aluoch, said their aim was to improve governance structure for service delivery to the people.
They also support the proper function of the established audit committee membership to carry out their work as outlined in the PFM Act 2012 that is to prevent corruption cases, EACC issues and unnecessary audit queries from the auditor general’s office.
The Facilitators from the office of the auditor general to train the audit committee include: Mr. Patrick Owiti, Mr. Daniel Nyaga, and Mr. Abdi Sahal.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item
Kisumu Marks World Food Day
County Executive Member for Agriculture, livestock, irrigation and Fisheries Mr. Gilchrist Okuom addressing the people during World Food Day celebrations in Nyalenda
Farmers and residents of Kisumu County today converged at the united Destiny Shapers in Nyalenda to celebrate the World food day.
The event marked annually every 16th October is themed “Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together” focusing on areas that require action and offering a common objective.
The ceremony which was organised into the farmers field day saw various farmers showcase assortment of locally produced foods, innovative farming technologies recommended for the urban and peri urban farming and value addition on different products for local markets and for exports.
The nutrition sector was not left behind as they sensitized the people on the importance of consuming a balanced diet for nourishment and that it is crucial in the reduction of triple burden of malnutrition which causes obesity, cancer, diabetes among other problems in expectant mothers.
While presiding over the event, the CEC Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Fisheries Mr. Gilchrist Okuom challenged the farmers to upscale from subsistence farming to agri business which is sustainable through value addition.
He urged everyone to get to production to ensure they eat quality food which is nutritious and nourishing to help eliminate diseases caused by malnutrition.
The County Executive called on youths and women farmers to access available funding opportunities to expand their production.
He thanked the partners for their continued support to ensure Kisumu is food secure. IFAD has supported the fish sector through aquaculture business development Program which focuses on increasing food security and income among the poor through value addition while FAO Kenya is currently capacity building farmers on agri business as they target youths and women groups in Kisumu West, East, Central and Nyando sub counties.
The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Christopher Siele applauded the women and the youths for the good initiatives showcased and called on participants of the day not to pay lip service to food production but take it seriously since it pays.
He added that failure to invest in farming has a multiplier effect which spirals to the whole country making us net importers.
The Deputy commissioner also advised that irrigation farming is the way to go since the rains are quite unreliable. He thanked the partners who have supported in the reduction of surface run offs which is a challenge in farming in the region.
Eng. Charles Kalomba one of the guests called on the county to pick at least five key innovations exhibited , patent and protect them then scale up the production.He also urged the farmers to think agribusiness.
The Chief Officer crops, Dr Paul Omanga stated that without food we are food insecure hence we need to upscale the production of traditional leafy vegetables which boost immune system thereby reducing the chances of being overwhelmed by diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Corona Virus.
On her part the Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries Madam Rosemary Raluoch encouraged farmers to produce nutritious foods for a healthy living. She also reminded the farmers over a helpline that they need to call the number 0800720696 whenever they counter challenges in farming for a solution to be reached.
The event was also attended by the area Ward administrator Dorothy Okumu, Area Chief, Senior Chief West Kolwa Mr. Kabisaye, the Partners, extension officers Pamela Akech and Monica Rombe, County officials from departments of Agriculture and Health, CBOs, among other invited guests.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Agriculture, News Item
Governor Nyong’o unveils free health insurance cover to support vulnerable families
At least 90,000 vulnerable families within Kisumu County will now be able to access free medical services following the launch of a new Medical Insurance Cover dubbed “Marwa Kisumu Solidarity Health Insurance Scheme” by the County Government.
The County Government through Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o this morning presented a cheque of Kshs. 67.5 million to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which will execute the scheme on its behalf.
The 67.5 million is expected to cover some vulnerable 45,000 beneficiaries in the first quarter of the scheme. The Marwa Kisumu Solidarity Health cover strictly tailormade for families who for one reason or the other are unable to make contributions into any medical insurance scheme will cover a total of 90,000 vulnerable families across the county starting with 45,000 and later roll out to 90,000 in its second quarter.
Speaking at the launch and unveiling of the scheme’s logo, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o said the realization of the medical cover marks a great milestone in the fulfillment of the promise he made to the people of Kisumu during his campaigns to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
“This unique program will ensure that the most deserving population have access to affordable and quality healthcare at all levels of healthcare delivery particularly the public sector”. The Governor said
Beneficiaries of the medical scheme will now have access to quality, affordable and timely healthcare and will start accessing both inpatient and outpatient care under the NHIF SupaCover benefits package at 45 public health facilities spread across the seven sub counties.
He reported that the county government has invested significant resources to improve on health infrastructure across the county including the modernization of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in order to improve on its services.
“For this to work, we must ensure that our human resources and facilities within the public health delivery system are not only good but of very high quality”. Nyong’o said adding that his administration is focusing on a more holistic approach to reduce cases of hospital visits by continuously strengthening primary healthcare through investments in preventive and promotive healthcare.
He called upon all the relevant stakeholders to work closely with NHIF and help resolve issues surrounding it for improved services.
NHIF CEO Dr. Peter Kamunyo congratulated Governor Nyong’o for committing to support the vulnerable saying it a move that will steer the county towards achieving universal health coverage.
Dr. Kamunyo also mentioned that the ongoing reforms at the National Fund will ensure the previous bottlenecks experienced by members will soon be history.
“The team will work hard to ensure that members have access to quality accessible care and at the same time remain transparent and accountable to the people of Kenya”. He said
He commended JOOTRH for leading the public facilities in terms NHIF reimbursements.
Kisumu County Assembly Chair for the Health Committee Hon. Vincent Jagongo called upon the executive to ensure that the Kisumu County Health Bill is implemented fully so as to realize a productive county.
The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili, County CEC for Roads Dr. Joyce Osogo, Members of JOOTRH Board of Management led by the Chair, among other County Officials.
By: Nancy Juma
Kisumu Marks Handwashing Day A Midst Covid 19 Pandemic
Kisumu County carried on with advocacy on handwashing through demonstration of handwashing techniques and distribution of sanitizers and soap to mark the global handwashing day on the 15th of October 2020.
To commemorate global handwashing day, the county health department in collaboration with partners including, WSUP, Practical Action, Care Kenya, SWAP and KIWASH distributed hand sanitizers, liquid and bar soap, targeting schools, markets and vulnerable population including Omens market, dunga beach, Kasawino, obunga and kibuye market.
The 2020 global handwashing day themed “Hand Hygiene for All” is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives especially in a pandemic.
This year’s celebration presents important opportunities for Kisumu to capitalize on the handwashing message throughout the pandemic and pledge to work towards a partnership to help support advocacy efforts on hand hygiene.
The COVID-19 pandemic provides an important reminder that handwashing with soap and clean water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and germs.
Speaking during the official opening of the Global handwashing day marked at Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH), The chief Officer for health Mr. Alphonse Ouya echoed the Importance of ‘hand hygiene for all and a more important habit to adopt to prevent Covid-19, other viruses, bacteria and germs that spread when we fail to wash our hands with soap and clean, running water. “Observing the global handwashing day is a priority particularly during this pandemic to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Mr. Ouya.
On his part, the county director for health Mr. Fred Oluoch explained why hand washing is important, especially at key times such as after using the bathroom, when preparing food, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
The hand washing day focused on highlighting the facts on defeating the virus and to ensure better health outcomes beyond the Coronavirus pandemic which is a blunt reminder that one of the best ways to stop the spread of the virus is hand hygiene.
The County public health officers demonstrated the hand washing technique starting with wetting hands with running water and then apply soap to cover hands. Once done, scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them thoroughly in running water and drying the hands by raising them in the air to avoid germs spreading from the upper arms.
First Lady of Kisumu County Donates Relief Items for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o, yesterday donated relief items for orphans and vulnerable children of Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation, located at Korando B in Kisumu County.
The items were received by the Director and Founder of Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation madam Dolfine Dawa Oliech, who appreciated the first lady’s support, which came at a time when the foundation was in dire need of help due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic, which had hit them really hard.
The donated items which included sugar, cooking oil, bar soap, beans, maize flour and sanitary pads will supplement the efforts of the Director in ensuring that the children get food on the table as well as other essentials.
Mama County, Dorothy congratulated the Director of the foundation madam Dolfine for her kind heart and for ensuring that the children live a normal life. She also pledged to continue offering support to the children as much as she can to see the children through their life journey, and attaining their full potential.
Madam Dolfine on her part, urged the children to continue working hard and strive to reach their desired goals however tough the situation may be, citing that it was not easy for her to see the foundation through until where it is today.
She also added that through hard work, the foundation now has 216 children in primary school, 114 in high school, 10 in university and 11in tertiary colleges.
Madam Janet Winnie Ogot, a member of the board of Directors of KIWASCO and also a member of Kisumu County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee on her part, urged the girls to concentrate much on their studies as they also keep safe during this period of Covid-19 pandemic to avoid unnecessary early pregnancies and early marriages.
Madam Ogot also urged the girls to be more vocal on cases related to defilement and rape, so as to get assisted as soon as possible. She also urged the boys to keep away from drug abuse and concentrate as well on their studies.
Also in attendance were; Mr Caleb Opon,Economic Advisor to the Governor, Mr.Wickliffe Oyugi of Special Program, madam Pamela Abila ,Administrator Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation, Miss Environment Kisumu ,Ms Paulette, among other members of Kisumu County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee and staff members of the Foundation.
By Jackline Apondi Omondi
- Published in News Item
Public Participation on County Budget Review and Outlook Paper 2020 Convened
The Ward Administrator, Mr.Patrick Olweny leading the people of Manyatta B in public participation on CBROP 2020 at Kasawino hall
Kisumu County, Department of Finance and Economic planning organised a seven day public participation on County Budget Review and out look Paper (CBROP) FY 2019/2020 across all the wards within the county.
The exercise was initiated in pursuit to section 118 of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of 2012, which provides for transparency and accountability that include public to access information, citizen participation and feedback.
Its focus was to provide reviews of the fiscal performance of the FY 2019/2020, and how its implementation impacts on the fiscal year objectives and the responsibility principles set in the county fiscal strategy paper ( CFSP) 2020.
The significance of the CBROP is that it links planning with budgeting process within Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)
CBROP reviews previous fiscal performance for the year and identifies any deviations from the budget with an aim of providing realistic forecasts for the coming year.
This was evident with the unprecedented Covid 19 pandemic which had effect on source revenue collection, leading to late disbursement of funds from the national treasury resulting to supplementary budget to cater for its mitigation.
The review also assesses how fiscal responsibility principles were adhered to as provided for in the PFM Act 2012 and forms a basis for any budget revision and sets out broad fiscal parameters for the next budget.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item