Kisumu County residents are urged to take advantage of the ongoing huduma number registration exercise at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground in Kisumu.
Speaking in Kisumu earlier today, CS for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr. Fred Matiangi emphasized on the need to register for the huduma number as it will help integrate crucial government data in one database.
Kisumu County governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o who accompanied the CS urged residents to turn up and register for the Huduma Number, the governor hailed the exercise as one which will ease the provision of government services to its citizens. The Governor called upon those present at the event to act as ambassadors and help have the message reach everyone in the county, adding that Huduma number is very important and all Kenyans need to consider registering for it.
“If you want a passport, a bank loan or even business registration license, you will need Huduma number,” emphasized governor Nyong’o.
Huduma number registration was launched by President Uhuru on the 3rd of April 2019 in Machakos County and is aimed at getting all Kenyans to register for the number to help ease service delivery.
According to the CS, about 5 million Kenyans have so far registered for the huduma number. Dr. Matiang’i ordered county commissioner of Kisumu to ensure the number of registration kits was added and that registration centers open at 6:00 am to start the exercise. He downplayed the linking of the exercise to the satanic views and urged all Kenyans to turn up and register.
The CS was in the county to oversee the ongoing registration of the Huduma Number. The visit by the CS came days after the suspension of the Kisumu county registration exercise that was to start on the 10th of April 2019. Also present at the event were the deputy governor Dr. Mathews Owili, the Kisumu county women representative Hon. Rosa Buyu and Hon. Jared Okello among other dignitaries.
By Felix Nyabala
Edited By Matilda Atieno
CS Dr. Fred Matiangi,Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Women Rep Rosa Buyu and other County representatives inspecting the Huduma services at e Huduma centre in Kisumu
Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o today launched the much awaited stipend for community health workers (CHWs), a program that is set to boost Primary Healthcare in Kisumu East.
The program is aimed at promoting the wellness of community members by enabling accessibility, inter-sectional collaboration, health promotion and community participation.
In his speech Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, urged Kolwa community members to make use of the local health facilities served by the community health workers. This follows the benefits accorded to the CHWs during the launch.
About 2500 healthcare workers have each received a stipend of Ksh 2000 per month back dated from January 2019 and NHIF cover of Ksh 500 registration. The Governor, mentioned that the national government has set aside 45M to support CHWs across the country.
Speaking during the launch, the County Minister for Health Dr. Rosemary Obara congratulated the CHWs for their unfailing hard work to ensure that community members are at their best in terms of health care. She cited the progress in the health sector, reminding residents of the new theatres available in the sub counties, promising that Gita health centre and Nyakach sub county hospital are set to receive theatre services soon.
The CHWs received their payment in form of a cheque back dated from January, bicycles to facilitate their movement in their line of duty as well as the computer for electronic data recording.
A similar exercise was simultaneously carried out in Nyakach Pap Onditi sub county hospital, steered by the Deputy Governor, Dr, Mathew Owili.
By Benter Anyango
Edited By Matilda Atieno
Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o presents a cheque of Ksh 2,490,000 to Kisumu East Community Health Workers as their three months’ stipend. He also distributed bicycles to ease their transportation in the villages
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili undergoes a screening session during the launch of Community Health workers stipend at Pap Onditi Hospital,Nyakach Sub Count
The Government has announced plans to release quarterly and annual reports on the implementation pace of the big four agenda.
Speaking in Kisumu during the dissemination of the third Medium Term Plan (MTP) forum, ICT Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng said that the government was in the process of aligning the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and the 3rd MTP for effective implementation of development projects.
The National Government launched the 3rd MTP (2018-2022) in November 2018 to succeed the 2nd MTP (2013-2017) which implemented policies, programmes and projects geared towards the realization of the country’s development blueprint, Vision 2030. If implemented the developments will spike economic growth and create over 6.5 million new jobs said the PS.
Giving his address Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili welcomed the move as he called for increased collaborations between counties and the national government to spur economic development.
The 3rd MTP focuses on advancing socio-economic development through the implementation of policies, programmes and projects designed to achieve the “Big Four”, namely; Manufacturing, Enhancing food security and Nutrition, Affordable housing and the 100% roll out of the Universal Health Coverage.
Also present were Nyakach legislator Hon. Aduma Owuor, The County Secretary Dr.Olang’o Onudi, CEC’s,(Finance and Economic Planning) Nerry Achar,(Agriculture) Gilchrist Okuom, (Health) Dr. Rosemary Obara, (Tourism & Culture) Achie Alai and Education and ICT’s Dr Obiero Ogone, including the County Commissioner Madam Pauline Dola among other officials.
By Collins Owuor
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili briefs the media on the progress of implementing the third Medium Term Plan in the county following a consultative meeting with ICT PS Jerome Ochieng at Kisumu Hotel (Picture by GPU)
Kisumu County nurses have agreed to suspend their strike following a discussion held between the County Department of Health, County Secretary Dr. Olang’o Onudi and the National Union of Nurses Kisumu Branch.
The nurses through their Secretary General Anne Owiti have agreed to return to work bringing an end to the three weeks strike that paralysed the county health sector. The Secretary-General directed all County nurses to resume work at their duty stations by 5:00 pm, Friday the 22nd of February, urging that those not in a position to report back are required to inform their nurses in charge to avoid victimization.
The union agreed to suspend the strike for a period of 60 days giving time to the national reconciliation process set up by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to address the key issues.
On his part, the county secretary assured nurses that the county is committed to paying the enhanced uniform and nursing allowances once approval from the salaries and remuneration commission is obtained.
The county department of health has also promised to release salaries for all nurses for the month of February 2019, as the County Minister for Health, Dr. Rosemary Obara pledged county’s commitment to dialogue with the union in Kisumu on all issues affecting the nurses.
This comes a day after Governor Nyong’o’s official statement to the media reaffirming county government support towards conciliation process initiated by the ministry of labour and social protection, the court order and the codes and regulations guiding public service. In his statement, the Governor urged striking nurses to return to work adding that security has been beefed-up for those who are ready.
By Matilda Atieno
County Minister for health, Dr. Rosemary Obara ( Extreme Right), County Secretary, Dr. Olang’o Onudi ( Second right) and the Secretary General of the Union of Nurses Kisumu County Branch, Anne Owiti ( left) and other Union leaders after consultative meeting that led to commitment to end the three weeks’ nurses strike ( Picture by GPU)
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o this week commissioned two surgical theatres in Kombewa and Muhoroni Sub County Hospitals in an effort to improve health care services and to achieve universal health care.
The two theatres which recorded the first cesarean section, surgical operations that was witnessed by Governor Nyong’o are additional to the three at JOOTRH, KCRH and AHERO which are fully equipped for surgical operations.
In an official statement to the media, the Governor indicated plans to bring to completion and functionality of hospitals and health facilities including Pap Onditi, Chulaimbo and Gita Sub County hospital in order to meet the objectives of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The governor also stated that the new surgical theatres are set to be equipped with dental surgical chairs donated by World Health Relief of Michigan, USA. This he said, would bring quality and accessible health care to the residents, adding that in the coming financial year, the County will complete the establishment of an effective referral system from level one of care to level six hospital.
“Under the implementation of UHC, the County has three main focus areas which include improving access to affordable quality health care for everyone without discrimination and protection from financial catastrophe as a result of ill health.” Said the governor.
In keeping with this effort, Governor Nyong’o on behalf of Kisumu County appreciated the National Government and private partners (Pharm Access foundation, the World bank, UNICEF, GIZ, KMET, USAID) for supporting the UHC pilot in the County where over 800 million is expected to facilitate filling the gaps identified during the assessment before the launch of UHC.
By Matilda Atieno
The newly commissioned operating theatre at Muhoroni Sub County health facility ( Picture by GPU)
In the spirit of promoting film industry in the County, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o accompanied by Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o this week officiated a three-day African Film Workshop that brought together key film makers drawn from Uganda, Kisumu and Kenya at large.
This follows the Governor’s visit to Uganda late last year where he graced the Kabale Film Festival an idea he sought to replicate in Kisumu for promoting County film industry.
County Minister for Tourism, Arts,Sports and Culture, Achie Alai noted that the department is keen on nurturing raw talents evident by the upcoming I Am Kisumu Talent Search to be conducted in all sub counties.
The workshop addresses key areas including short film development, movie production, e – marketing and production management.
Officiating the African Film Workshop at the Mill view Hotel In Kisumu ( Picture by GPU)
Kombewa Hospital recorded the first caesarean section performed in the new operating theatre that was is officially opened by Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang Nyong’o this week.
The theatre includes new equipment and improved work flows for transferring patients in and out of theatre.
Governor Nyong’o together with other County Leadership was on hand to cut the ribbon, saying the new theatre ensures the community has access to modernised maternity services.
The Governor also acknowledged the local residents who advocated for the hospital theatre to improving health services in the area. County government worked closely with private partner’s to build and equip the theatre in the spirit of achieving Universal Health Care.
By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o officially opened the new operating theatre at Kombewa Sub County hospital. (Photo By GPU)
Tourism CS Najib Balala on Monday affirmed government‘s support in ensuring that the lake front is developed, packaged and marketed in order to boost tourism within the western Kenya circuit.
The CS emphasized the need for multi sectoral approach in fast tracking the removal of hyacinth and reviving business on the lake since it is the point of focus in boosting tourism activities in the western region.
While addressing the regional Stakeholders forum, the CS reiterated that the County has a number of tourist attraction sites such as Kit Mikayi and the national museum that if well developed, will open the region for business opportunities. He also urged Counties to collaborate using the regional economic bloc to develop and package tourism products for the market ahead of 2021 Africities conference.
The Prime Minister, Raila Odinga who accompanied the CS Tourism and CS Environment on a tour along the Kisumu pier, expressed optimism that the hyacinth menace and dredging of the lake should be a matter of urgency in order to revive the maritime transport hence boost business with the neighbouring countries.
He urged researchers to carry out studies on the hyacinth weed and advise on better methods of dealing with its menace.
The CS Environment, Keriako Tobiko said his ministry will do what it takes to eliminate the hyacinth, he also cautioned the residents against polluting the lake with effluent from factories and car wash business.
Also present were: Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o the host, area MP for Seme Hon. James Nyikal, Tourism PS Joe Okudo, KTB CEO Dr Betty Radier, MD Tourism Finance corporation Jonah Orumoi, CEO Tourism Fund Mr. Joseph Cherutoi, Kisumu West MP Hon. Olago Aluoch, Rarieda MP Hon. Otiende Amollo, Kisumu Central MP, Hon. Fred Ouda , Kisumu County Ministers , among other dignitaries.
By Emily Mikwa
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Nyong’o (left) alongside County Minister for Tourism, Achie Alai( Right) played host to Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Najib Balala ( Centre). ( Photo By Jacob Owiti)
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili has called for an aggressive public participation approach to give communities proper representation in decision-making processes.
The county government he said had already laid down avenues for public engagement and residents could be more decisive if they prioritized such forums.
He was speaking in Nyakach during an official inspection tour of Sigoti Health centre, one of the oldest health facilities in the area.
The county health directorate has already made provisions for the facility to be upgraded from a district facility to a sub county hospital. The center will also receive an ambulance to boost operations ahead of a major facelift operation.
Flanking the Deputy Governor was County Minister for Agriculture Gilchrist Okuom who urged the locals to infuse modern technologies in agriculture to increase food production.
The department has already made plans to provide certified seeds and fertilizers to farmers at subsidized costs. Last year alone saw the county government issue out more than 180 dairy cattle to farmers in the region.
Already a 10,000-litre capacity milk cooling plant has been set up in Muhoroni to sustain the dairy project.
Also present were County Chief of Staff Dr. Omondi Ouno, Ag. Chief Officer Health Stephen Sewe, Sub County Admin, Vincent Orayo, Area MCA Johnson Guya, Ward Admin Kevin Owade among other officials from the county government and the local community.
By Collins Owuor
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili interacts with one of the hospital’s staff (Photo by GPU)
Kisumu isn’t done with captivating events for the year 2019. The department of Tourism and Culture has issued public invite for the upcoming “I Am Kisumu Talent Search” that will be rolled out in all the 7 Sub Counties.
The talent search is an Inter-Ward event where it’s widely expected to provide a bigger platform for the new talents and potential talents in the line-up.
The event’s tag line, “I Am Kisumu Talent Search, “calls for registration of participants at the ward level, in the ward administrators office. The talent search team is set to tour the Sub Counties with the first being Nyando on the 23rd February, 2019 starting 8.00 am to 5.00 pm at Ahero Resources centre.
The talent search is open to children and youth below the ages of 35 years, in the categories including, contemporary music, Dance, Drama Elocution Visual Arts creative writing and freestyle talents.
There will be a lot to appreciate if you’re trying to find pleasure of what is to come.
