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
The county government has condemned the brutal murder of Ferdinand Ongeri who until his disappearance last Wednesday, was the deputy chairman for the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Kisumu branch.
Addressing nurses at the County Headquarters, Health CEC Prof. Judy Etiang called for speedy investigations as she urged the nursing fraternity to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to bring the culprits to justice.
The deceased was described as a humble and dedicated person who performed his role diligently as a union representative.
In his address, KNUN Kisumu Secretary general Mr. Maurice Opetu petitioned the county commissioner to beef up security in all health facilities to safeguard the welfare of medics.
According to Kisumu County Deputy Commissioner, John Cheruiyot, investigators were already chasing leads to unravel the mystery behind the murder.
He vowed to upscale security in all health facilities as he urged the medics to provide information to aid the authorities in their probe.
By Collins Owuor
Health CEC Prof. Judy Etiang giving a press briefing over the Killing of the Deputy KNUN Mr. Ongeri Ondieki
Kisumu County Nurses stage demonstrations over the murder of their KNUN Deputy Chairman Mr. Ferdinand Ondieki Ongeri
The 53rd ASK Kisumu regional show was officially opened on Wednesday the 24th July 2019, by the Director National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nyanza Region, Mr. Paul Ouma.
The theme for this year’s show “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade “ focuses on new innovations in technology and best practices for the improvement of food security and increased incomes to the stakeholders.
The show has attracted about 80 exhibitors from different sectors, such as agriculture, education, trade, health, and finance among many other institutions.
County Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries led by the County Minister, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom and the Ag. Chief Officer, Mr. Aflred Ajulu, took part in the exhibitions and ranked top in the following areas: Best Agro – processing stand, Best County and County Department stand, and Best stand exhibiting Agricultural and/or earth moving equipment.
Food security being one of the County’s top priority, the department is keen in sensitizing the people on the significance of everyone taking part in urban and peri- urban agriculture, so as to avoid eating contaminated foods that cause terminal diseases which impacts negatively on the economic growth.” We need to eat food as medicine not medicine as food”, said the Farm Manager, Mr James Samo.
Some of the new innovations in technology that the department show cased included: the Vicinaqua technology where water can be recycled for both fish keeping and plant growing, commonly known as Aquaponics and also hydroponics which is crop farming using only water.
The use of canvas collapsible ponds that is economical in terms of space and easily portable that can enable farmers produce fish for sale,
Boosting food production through small gardens such as kitchen garden, key hole garden, jeans garden, moist bed garden suitable in dry areas like Nyakach, basketry garden, hanging garden and bridge garden.
Another category of innovation is the integrated farming technology where a structure is put up with plants at the top, poultry cage in the middle and an artificial pond at the bottom such that the droppings from poultry are directed to the pond and the water from the pond is used to boost plant growth.
There is also the healthy living technology dealing with the emerging crops with medicinal value such as Chia seeds, flax seeds, canola seeds, Artemisia, and stavia among others.
The five day annual event is considered important to both Kisumu County residents and the Western region since it provides a learning platform on how to boost food security through new innovations in technology, this will go a long way in spurring economic growth and ensuring that our Counties are food sufficient.
Kisumu County Department of Agriculture ranked top in four categories at the ASK show 2019, Mamboleo Show Ground
County-Director-of-Fisheries-Mr-Kenneth-Luga-left-explaining-about-Vicinaqua-technology-in-Fish-production-at-the-Kisumu-ASK-show.-
The Farm Manager, Mr James Samo taking the Chief Guest through the County ‘s Agriculture Department exhibition stand at the show
Jeans farming technology
The Agricultural Society of Kenya, for the first time held a boat and fishing duels at the Paga Beach yesterday, which brought together participants from all beach communities.
The fishing contest was flagged off at 6.00 am in the morning by the representative of the Lake Victoria Commission, Mr Amos Ndolo. By noon the fishermen returned from fishing, with the leading fisherman having 3 Nile perch, followed closely by other two fishermen who had 2 Nile perch each.
Fishing competitors were awarded with the first fisherman receiving sh.5, 000. The 2nd fisherman was awarded sh.3, 000 and the third one sh.2, 000.
In boat racing contest, a total of 5 boats each comprising of 8 participants from Kisumu west, Nyando, Seme, Nyakach and Kisumu central with an additional boat which had 7 women from Paga who showcased their sailing skills as well.
Boat racing competitors who emerged first position were from Seme and the captain was awarded sh.30, 000 followed by Kisumu West who received sh.20, 000 and Kisumu Central who were prized sh.10, 000. The women from Paga beach who had showcased their sailing prowess received sh.5000 for appreciation
Kisumu ASK Chairman, Mr. Caleb Oguya thanked everyone who attended and participated in the event. He also used the platform to extend an invitation to the people to Kisumu ASK show which will officially open on the 26th of July, 2019.
He reiterated that a total of 27 new technological innovations would be show cased during the event, which he termed a positive step to the right direction for this year’s show.
Neighboring countries expected to take part in the exhibitions include: DRC Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
The ASK Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Charles Owelle, sensitized the people on up scaling fishing as a business in the region, assuring every one of unwavering support from the ASK national office.
Mr. Amos Ndoto, a representative from the Lake Victoria Basin Commission also pledged their support in activities around the Lake Victoria especially the Transport Act which encourages the use of life jackets by fishermen.
The Regional Commissioner, Mr. James Kianda who was the Chief Guest, in his remarks was pleased on how boat racing and fishing competition gaining momentum in the region. He urged the Beach Management Unit (BMU) to link up with coast guards in order to boost fishing activities. He further stated that the marine are the people who guard the water region and assured the BMU that they will be based in Kisumu to ensure fishermen are safe while fishing in the lake. He also promised a fully-fledged police station at the show ground to enhance security.
He stated that of the big four agenda, health and security were the key for the fishing industry. “It is time we brought back government to government itself.” Said the Regional commissioner. He called on the people to organize mini exhibitions to show case the fishing activities within the sub counties as a build up to the ASK show. and promised a fully-fledged police station at the show ground to enhance security.
He reiterated that of the big four agenda, health and security were the key agenda for the fishing industry. “It is time we brought back government to government itself.” Said the Regional commissioner. He called on the people to organize mini exhibitions to show case the fishing activities within the sub counties as a build up to the ASK show.
As a parting shot, he urged everyone to regulate the waste that goes into the lake by putting concerted effort in the management of waste that is polluting water. “We need a clean environment, we need a clean lake, and we need a clean city.” Emphasized the regional commissioner.
By: Lurie Zwere
The second winner in the fishing contest at the Paga beach
Women from Paga Beach taking part in the bought race with men
The regional Commissioner,Mr. James Kianda awarding winners during the fishing and boat race contests at the Paga beach
It is now official that Kisumu City will go down in history as the first intermediary city in Africa and the World to host the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa Africities Summit come November 2021. The summit will run from 16th to 20th November, 2021.
This comes after the National Government, the County Government of Kisumu and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding this morning giving Kisumu official hosting rights as well as allowing it to begin preparation towards the countdown.
Kisumu is set for many firsts as this will also mark the first time the summit will be held outside a capital city. This therefore presents a great milestone in the growth and maturity of Kisumu as a County and as a City.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and ASAL Eugene Wamalwa said that with the signing of the MOU a lot is expected from Kisumu for the summit to succeed. He assured the UCLGA Secretary General Jean Pierre Mbassi of the National Government’s total support saying that they will immediately convene the national steering committee to allow each related Ministries take different roles towards the preparation.
So far, the Ministry of Tourism has committed Kshs 300 million to put a Convention Centre at the Sunsent grounds. More facilities are expected to cater for the over 8000 delegates expected at the conference. Other infrastructural developments under different Ministries are also in the pipeline key among them being, the Lake Front development agenda by the Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Mining and Petroleum. These will include modernization of the Kisumu International Airport, the Kisumu Dry Port and the development of the Special Economic Zone that will play a big role in terms of industrial development.
The Secretary General Jean Pierre was impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by Kisumu said, Kisumu should do its best to convince the team in selecting it as the host city.
“Kisumu should show we were not wrong to have chosen it. Do what it takes to become the role model”.
He further stressed that they want Kisumu branded far more than Kenya as it will bring the lessons to the world on how to elevate the intermediary cities adding that the Sub-nationals have been neglected by most national policies.
Mr. Mbassi also appealed to CS Wamalwa to ask President Kenyatta to convince his colleagues in the African Union to support the UCLGA agenda in their forums.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Nyong’o on his part said in addition to the National Steering Committee led by CS Wamalwa, the county has established the County Organizing Committee and its secretariat and a joint technical committee between the County, Ministry of Devolution and the Council of Governor’s. He called upon the private sector and the Lake Region Economic Bloc counties to get ready and respond to the needs of the delegates by offering world class services such as registration, accommodation, conference facilities and exhibition adding that there is a lot more to gain.
The County Government also presented the Secretary General of UCLGA with a cheque of Kshs. 50,000,000 as a show of commitment in hosting the event. The National Government will also be putting in a huge financial commitment towards the summit.
By: Nancy Juma
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o, Secretary General , UCLGA Mbassi and CS Devolution and ASAL, Eugine Wamalwa were warmly received as they arrive at Ciala Resort in Kisumu
MOU on Africities hosting rights by Kisumu County signed
CS Devolution and ASAL, Hon. Eugine Wamalwa giving a speech during the launch of preparations for Africities Summit 2021 at Ciala Resort in Kisumu
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o giving a speech during the official launch of Africities Summit 2021 at Ciala Resort in Kisumu
The journey towards hosting Kisumu Africities Summit 2021 is set to be marked today by the official signing of the hosting rights MOU with the National government, the County government and UCLGA at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
The event will be attended by the members of the National Steering Committee comprising CSs for Transport Hon. James Macharia, Finance Hon. Henry Rotich, Tourism Hon. Najib Balala, Foreign Affairs Hon. Monica Juma, Devolution (The committee Chair) Hon. Eugine Wamalwa, Interior and Coordination Hon. Fred Matiangi as well as the COG Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya .among other dignitaries.
E- billboard
Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili joined the Catholic Archbishop, His Grace Philip Anyolo in flagging off the 6th edition of the Mater Heart Run held at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground.
The charity event held annually in the Month of May, attracted hundreds of participants as revelers flocked Kisumu Sports ground to support the drive organised by Mater Hospital.
The exercise that kicked off at 7 am took place simultaneously in cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Machakos with an aim to continually raise money for purpose of funding financially disadvantaged children in desperate need of cardiac surgeries.
In his address, the Deputy Governor assured the Mater hospital of the County government’s support in advocating for healthy, lifestyles, sentiments echoed earlier by their Governing Council, Dr . Peter Igogo.
Dennis Oluoch from Kisumu took the honors after winning the 10 km Heart race.
County Directors Kenneth Otieno & Aloice Ager were among the participants present alongside other officials from the Mater Hospital.
A similar race took place in Nairobi being presided over by legendary Marathoner Kipchoge Keino.
By: Collins Owuor and Mikwa Emily
Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr Mathew Owili and the Arch Bishop, His Grace Bishop Anyolo flagging off the 6th edition of the Mater Heart Run held at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground.
Hundreds of Kisumu residents turned out to mark the Mater Heart led by Dr. Mathew Owili and His Grace, Arch Bishop, Philip Anyolo at the Kisumu Sports ground