The World Bank Development Mission in Kisumu County
The World Bank is set to carry out a comprehensive study in Kisumu to
understand the impact of devolution on service delivery.
Earlier this week, County officials led by the Deputy Governor Dr Mathew
Owili and the County Secretary Dr. Olang’o Onudi hosted a delegation from
the Bank to discuss how best the study can be conducted.
Dr. Owili assured the team of good coordination and cooperation from the
County government to ensure a good report is documented.
The World Bank team noted that the study will focus on five thematic areas
namely; health, agriculture, water environment &urban planning.
“We intend to listen to the people of Kisumu so that we are able to
understand how devolution works, it’s challenges. The door is wide open
for suggestions on how we can impact service delivery through
devolution” Said Murathia Kinuthia from the World Bank team.
The delegation was on a two-day mission to engage county stakeholders in
activities central to service delivery. The team scheduled to meet technical
officers from the county government, the city board not excluding the
County Assembly leadership.
The mission will also visit service delivery outlets such as healthfacilities,
ECD Centres and water provision outlets.
Other Counties involved in the study are Nairobi, Making, Nyandarua and
Garissa.
The County Ministers present during the visit included Dixon Obungu,
(Lands) Dr. John Ogone (Education), development partners among other county officials.
Deputy Governor, Dr Mathew Owili chairing the meeting between
County government and the World bank in the County office.
The third edition of the National Universal Health Coverage (UHC) conference kicked off yesterday in Kisumu as stakeholders in the health sector converged at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel to gauge its implementation pace in the pilot Counties
UHC is one of the government’s priority areas, under the Big Four Agenda and its success is crucial in achieving Vision 2030.
In his address Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili called for a multi sectorial approach to strengthen referral systems in the country, sentiments echoed earlier by Ag. CEC Health Nerry Achar.
The three day conference comes to close on Friday as the County gears up to champion its cause as a key player in the UHC rollout.
Kisumu is one of the four Counties selected to pilot the Health program others are Isiolo, Machakos and Nyeri.
Also present were Nyeri Deputy Governor Dr. Caroline Karugu, Senior Goverment Officials from the Health Ministry, Development partners USAID, WHO, WORLD BANK, Roads & Transport CEC Thomas Ondijo, Markets & Cooperatives CEC Richard Ogendo, County Secretary Dr. Olang’o Onudi, Nominated Senator Rose Nyamunga among other representatives from the Private and Public sector.
By Collins Owuor and Matilda Atieno
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew (centre) and his Nyeri counterpart Ms Caroline Karugu ( right) are welcomed to the 3rd Kenya National UHC Conference at the Grand Royal Swiss hotel in Kisumu by Dr Khama Rogo (laft) from the World Bank. ( Photo by Jacob Owiti)
ONE BILLION RADIOTHERAPY CENTER TO BENEFIT KISUMU RESIDENTS
Cancer patients in Kisumu and other neighbouring Counties will soon be able to
access radiotherapy services at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and
Referral Hospital following the launch of construction for Kisumu Radiotherapy
Centre by Kisumu Governor, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.
For a long time, cancer patients within the western circuit have had to travel long
distances to access radiotherapy sessions at the Kenyatta National Hospital, the
only public hospital offering radiotherapy management.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony held at the hospital grounds, Governor
Nyong’o who was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Mathew Owili said that Phase One
of the project valued at Ksh350M shall commence immediately and is expected to
be complete in a record two years or less.
“Our main goal is to establish a one billion centre project by end of 5 years”. He
said.
Once complete, the hospital will be able to offer comprehensive oncology services
such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and palliative care to the cancer patients
across the region, adding that the County will embark on comprehensive outreach
programmes to inform the people on the benefits of early screening, diagnosis and
risks reduction.
Currently, in Kenya alone, an estimated 40,000 new cancer cases and 28,000
cancer deaths occur each year making it the third leading cause of mortality and
accounting for 7per cent of all annual deaths.
The day also saw the Governor unveil the Sickle Cell Anaemia Clinic to help address
its high prevalence among new-borns.
The Ag. Minister for Health and Sanitation Nerry Achar on his part said that the
County will formulate a policy to ensure all Sickle Cell survivors are covered under
the new universal health cover.
Also present at the ceremony were County Ministers Achie Alai and Salmon
Orimba, the Hospital Board of Management, Members of the County Assembly,
Partners Representatives: Ruth Muya- National Cancer Institute, Dr. Ogada and Dr.
Ogendo from Uzima and Maseno Universities, and other County Officials.
Governor Nyong’o launching the Kisumu Radiotherapy centre at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and referral Hostpital
Kisumu Weekly E newsletter 10th May 2019
Kisumu County is currently working on a partnership with the Planning department of Maseno University to plan on the recently gazetted towns. This is in line with the Urban Areas and Cities Act that will see the four satellite urban centers i.e. Kombewa, Maseno, Katito and Sondu converted into towns.
This collaboration will be cost effective to the County since it’s a government to government arrangement. The planning exercise is important for purposes of service delivery in those areas such as water, sanitation, infrastructure planning and access to the Kenya Urban Support Program funds.
It’s in the light of this that Kisumu Governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o and the Vice Chancellor of Maseno University, Professor Julius Nyabundi signed an M.O.U to fast track the process.
The planning of the border towns will put to rest the perpetual political upheavals in those areas focus being put on service delivery.
The Vice Chancellor, was accompanied by the University DVC’s; Prof. Catherine Muhoma and Professor Chacha alongside Dr. Kola the department’s Dean.
The initiative was introduced by the County department of Lands under the leadership of CEC, Dickson Obungu and the Ag.Chief Officer, Arch. Steve Gome
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o and Maseno Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyabundi signing an M.O.U. in the presence of County Minister for Lands, Housing and urban Development, Hon. Dickson Obungu
Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Ochieng Owili, joined Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E Mr. Frans Makken for a luncheon meeting at the Capital Club East Africa in Nairobi for a discussion on the Kenya Pooled Water Fund joint initiative.
The discussions focused on ways of opening new funding window for Water Service Providers. Kisumu County government is seeking partnerships for funding to expand water supply within the County.
The meeting was attended by among others Governor Ole Tunai of Narok County, Eddy Njoroge the chairman of KPWF, Embu and Nyeri County Government representatives and USAID officials.
Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr Mathew Owili during a meeting on at the Capital Club East Africa in Nairobi
The Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya Dr. Patrick Ngugi Njoroge called on the Kisumu Governor, Professor. Anyang’ Nyong’o at his office.
The purpose of this visit was to deliberate on how the County Government of Kisumu and the Central Bank of Kenya can improve services rendered to the County. These included: fast tracking the processes of money transfers, promotion of SME’s among many others.
The County Minister for Finance, Nerry Achar on his part, lauded the Central Bank Kenya for their cooperation with the county
Also present was the Central Bank of Kenya Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Nyaoga among other board members.
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o , Central Bank Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge and Central Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Nyaoga
The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) is in the process of modernizing Kisumu showground through development and implementation of a master plan to guide developments.
This will be realized through interaction, development collaboration based on mutual understanding between the County and the ASK.
It’s against this backdrop that ASK Board Members called on Kisumu Governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o at his office.
Some of the improvements and investment projects that are envisaged in the master plan includes;
- . Improvement of infrastructure within the showground and it’s surrounding.
- Exposition hall and conference center.
- Sporting arena
- A business incubation center.
- A recreational facility.
- In offensive light industries (value addition).
- A hotel
Establishment of these facilities will go a long way in attracting more events to Kisumu due to availability of facilities, boost urban tourism, boost local revenue, and create employment opportunities thus uplifting the status of Kisumu County.
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Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o receiving a master plan from a Board Member of the ASK
Farmers are set to experience a reduction in crop production losses, following the launch of the Plant Clinics Programme that tailored to help small holder farmers with the opportunity to diagnose plant pests and diseases as well ways of management for improved crop productivity.
While he officially launched the Programme, Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili noted that food security remains a priority for the County and Kenya at large.
He reiterated Kisumu Governor’s commitment to put all structures in place to ensure the situation of food insecurity is alleviated even as he urged the farmers and stakeholders to make use of the Clinics to get the right information concerning pests and diseases and best agricultural practices.
Dr. Owili also issued a directive to the County Department of Agriculture to put into place a Programme that will ensure proper information dissemination to all local farmers thus ensuring adequate access to necessary information.
The County Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation Gilchrist Okuom on his part, assured the partners that the County will address the issue on staff attrition by ensuring a smooth skills transfer. He however sent a special plea to the local agrovets not to sell expired or unnecessary pesticides to the farmers but instead allow them to buy the recommended products by the plant doctors.
The launch of the Programme will allow small holder farmers access valuable information, share experiences on various crop challenges as well as update themselves on modern technologies they can embrace to ensure increased crop production for improved livelihoods.
The farmers will also be able to access extension services at designated markets across the seven Sub-Counties using modern technologies thus ensuring timely management of crop pests and diseases, a key component in the reduction of crop production losses.
The Plant Clinics will be operational every month in the following centres: Nyamasaria market – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, Daraja Mbili market- 1st & 3rd Tuesday, Kombewa market -1st & 3rd Friday, Rabuor market – 1st & 3rd Wednesday, Ombeyi Market – 1st & 3rd Wednesday and Katito market – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month.
The event was made possible by the Kisumu County Government through the Department of Agriculture with support from Self Help Africa and the Centre for Agriculture and Bio-Science International which was instrumental (CABI) in the training of the plant doctors.
By: Nancy Juma
The Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr Mathew Owili giving a speech during the official launch of plant clinics at Ahero Multipurpose, Ahero town
Kisumu County through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, yesterday sensitized key stakeholders on the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) implementation at Acacia Hotel in Kisumu.
Kisumu is one of the four Counties identified for piloting of the UHC program. The others include: Machakos, Nyeri and Isiolo.
According to the County CEC for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Rosemary Obara, the main objectives for the sensitization was to equip leaders and partners with the needed knowledge on implementation of the UHC program, facilitate exchange of views and also ensure access to quality health services for all without financial hardships.
She reiterated the fact that all stakeholders including the Members of the County Assembly, County government , National government together with the private sector need to work together to realize affordable health care.
UHC has three key elements: equity in access to healthcare in terms of geographic coverage and the range of available health services; high quality health services; and financial protection against any hardship to users of health services which may arise from out-of-pocket payments.
Dr. Obara also highlighted key areas the county has achieved in terms of improving access to health care. One being operationalizing maternity theaters in all sub counties to reduce referrals and mortalities.
The mobilization started officially in November last year. The County has so far registered 306,697 households with a total of 887,038 persons being captured which reflects 75% above the estimated number of 250,000.
The County director, Dr. Dickens Onyango, highlighted that since the mop up exercise began, the County has had an influx in the number of people seeking for health services in the County hospitals increase significantly with 82% increase in outpatient workload.
The County was allocated Kshs. 217,383,080 in the first half, and it has already spent Kshs. 158,242,582 which reflects 72.79% expenditure of its allocation in just the first quarter.
Other presentations included Health and Nutrition Contingency Plan 2019, Systems Responsiveness to UHC which included cost containment measures and UHC dashboard.
The county is looking forward to addressing human resource deficits which has been brought about by the high enrolment of residents on the program, ensuring adequate commodity supplies in laboratory and pharmaceuticals, expand capacity of existing facilities and also to ensure funds flow, efficiency and accountability.
Other key stakeholders who attended the sensitization were representatives from the National government Ministry of Health, Kisumu County Assembly, and Members of the Health Committee, NHIF, and Community health workers among others.
By Enose Ambani and Felix Nyabala
County Minister for Health Dr. Rosemary Obara engaging stakeholders during UHC sensitization session at Acacia Hotel, Kisumu
INTERNATIONAL HOUSING CONFERENCE IN KISUMU
Kisumu County played host to the three day International Housing Conference held at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel.
The conference that was presided over by the Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o flanked by his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili, focused on the implementation of adequate and affordable housing which is one of the Big Four agenda
The Governor reiterated on the importance of maintaining green space in the County as development takes place, since it is the only way of ensuring that residents of Kisumu have habitable homes
In line with the theme ‘Adequate and Affordable Housing for all’, the noble initiative links different international development partners, the county government of Kisumu and the civil societies to collaborate in the delivery of the key objectives to this agenda.
In respect to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every person has a right to accessible ,adequate housing and sanitation as stipulated in the Kenyan constitution article 43(1-b). This can be attained when the County Government is fully involved as the national government plays the role of policy direction to ensure residents finds quality life and human dignity.
The social expectation of the Kenya vision 2030, adequate housing is given weight to entirely change the face of this nation. It is envisaged that by that then, Kenya will be an urban country, where a lift to livelihood is to be loud.
The conference made the following resolution,
THAT;
There will be an improved system of community mortgage programmes that will help in land acquisition through the community association based on the concept of the community ownership.
Adequate housing is a basic human right that ensure their peace and dignity. This focus on initiating affordable housing especially for the poor.
Effort to strengthen the non-profit community-based organisations to ensure community stewardship.
The need to enlarge public awareness on their rights and lastly the implementation of the housing agenda.
The conference aimed to address and provide strategies that can be used worldwide in thirst to achieve affordable housing.
Governor, Professor Nyong’o addressing stakeholders during the Housing Conference held at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu.
Kisumu Weekly E newsletter 22nd March, 2019 pdf Final