2600 Avocado Seedlings Distributed to Farmers
Avocado farming in Kisumu has received a boost after the County Director Crops, Mr. Sylvester Okech today presided over the dispatch of 2,600 Hass variety avocado seedlings from Maseno Farmers Training Center (FTC) to local farmers across the wards within the County.
The seedlings were issued through the support program from the USAID Kenya Crops and Dairy Marketing Systems (KCDMS) through an agency called RTI.
The Hass variety is considered suitable for the region due to its high returns in yields and it is also rich in oil.
Emily Mikwa
Avocado seedlings being distributed to farmers across the wards within the County
Besides avocado, the organization is also offering support on banana, African leafy vegetables and the dairy value chains in Kisumu.
This is in line with the Governors manifesto on promoting horticulture value chain and introduction of diversification on agricultural produce within the County.
The seedling distribution was done according to the wards’ suitability in giving high yields: Koru Muhoroni Ward , 500 seedlings, North Kisumu Ward 400 seedlings, North Seme ward, 350 seedlings, Kisumu East Ward, Kajulu 350 seedlings, North West Kisumu Ward, West Kisumu ward, South East Nyakach , South West Nyakach and West Nyakach each received 200 seedlings.
The Sub county Agricultural Officers and the Agricultural Extension Officers have been tasked to sensitize the farmers on how to plant the seedlings in order to get good yields. For example the recommended spacing that should be 8m by 8m. They will also do monitoring and evaluations after the farmers have planted the seedlings.
The Director crop was flunked by Sub county crops officer form Kisumu West, Mr. Simon Obwolo and Sub county Agricultural Officer Kisumu West, Mr. Tobias Olwero.
- Published in Agriculture
Kisumu School Aged Deworming Exercise Targets 390 Thousand
By Matilda Atieno
County Health Promotion Coordinator Mr. Jeremiah Ongwara during the school deworming exercise
- Published in Health
Kisumu Celebrates International Women’s Day 2020
Kisumu County marked the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020, as women come together at a time hallmarked to honor their achievements in the political, economic, and cultural sphere in an event organized in partnership with various organizations advocating for gender equality at the Jomo Kenyatta sports ground.
The event graced by Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o, in the company of Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, this year’s IWD celebrations themed, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,” is aligned with UN Women’s new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
“We must never tire of different advocacy programs to end all kinds of discrimination, violence and harmful practices against women.” Said Mama Kisumu, acknowledging that the Sexual Gender-Based Violence Policy (SGBV) and The Gender Mainstreaming Policy Formulation as a commitment towards the empowerment of women, youth and people living with disabilities.
Mama Kisumu also recognized that Kisumu was the second county nationally to unveil a comprehensive policy framework designed to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence and the local level.
In his remarks, Kisumu governor commended the women of Kisumu led by Mama Kisumu for the great strides that have been achieved.
“We have come a long way to ensure that women have the same access to life’s basic needs as men.” Said Governor Nyong’o.
The Governor also announced that on the 27th of March Kisumu County will receive the biggest prize as the best County in involving women and special interest groups in development issues.
The National Taxpayers association called on the government to make taxes work for women and to ensure gender-responsive budgeting, recognizing that Tax justice is vital to providing gender-responsive public services.
March 8th marks the global annual IWD celebrations; however, Kisumu scheduled its celebrations for the 12th March 2020. The day also serves as a reminder that women around the world still have a long way to go when it comes to obtaining the same opportunities and liberties as their male counterparts.
The colorful event was occasioned by a procession from Kondele, Awarding of recognition certificates to various stakeholders and entertainment from various groups as women, men and special interest groups danced their heart out in celebration to mark the achievements made in realizing gender equality in Kisumu and Kenya at large.
The celebrations focused on five key thematic areas of discussions which included; Enhanced Equality and Non- discrimination, Protection of women from violence, Promoting Rights relating to marriage, Improved Health and Reproductive Rights and Championing Right to peace, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The event was also graced by the County Ministers, Dr. John Obiero Ogone of Education ICT and Human capacity development and his counterpart for health and Sanitation, Prof. Juddy Attyang’, members of the County Assembly led by the gender committee chairperson, Hon. Rashid Miruka, Representative of the County Commissioner, Chief officer Women, Youth and social services Mr. Haggai Kadiri, county officials together with the members of the Gender technical working group stakeholders.
Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o Issuing Certificate in recognition of women and Gender stakeholders of Kisumu
- Published in Education, ICT & HRD, Gender and Youth Affairs
Gender Mainstreaming Stakeholders Validation Workshop
The county department of Women, Youth, People with Disability (PWD) & Social Services and its partners organized a county gender technical working group workshop to validate the Kisumu county gender mainstreaming policy framework in Bondo, Siaya County.
The two-day workshop which was organized in partnership the gender mainstreaming technical working group, gender experts, civil society members and the Sustainable Development Goals forum (SDG Forum) was graced by the chief officer for Women, Youth, People with Disability (PWD) & Social Services, Mr. Haggai Kadiri.
The chief officer emphasized the County Government’s commitment towards the policy formulation adding that the goal of the policy for gender mainstreaming is to address the existing barriers that may hinder equal participation of women, men and special interest groups in expanding access to opportunities.
According to Mr. Kadiri, the policy is set to mainstream gender in the County government programs, projects and initiatives implemented by the states, including large scale infrastructure projects and investments.
The policy is a flagship program for the department with the overall objective to contribute towards increased access to modern, affordable, and reliable services, security and environmental sustainability by tailoring national and regional policies, projects and programs to the gender needs of women and special interest groups.
The representative of the SDG Forum, Ms. Rosemary Oluoch also commended Kisumu County for the efforts towards achieving the gender mainstreaming policy adding that SDG Forum is ready to support the initiative at any given time.
The envisaged output from the workshop include; Validation and endorsed draft of the Kisumu County gender mainstreaming policy framework and a preliminary draft of the Implementation Strategy for the Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in accessing services.
By Matilda Atieno
Chief officer for Women Gender, PWD and social services Mr. Haggai Kadiri addressing TWG during the gender mainstreaming policy framework validation workshop.
- Published in Education, ICT & HRD, Gender and Youth Affairs
Boost For Farmers As Government Introduces High Yielding Cotton Variety
Cotton production in the region is set for a major boost following the introduction of a new seed variety by the government.
BT cotton is a high yielding insect-resistant transgenic crop with high production returns upon maturity.
The introduction of the new variety is in line with the governments agenda to fast-rack and revitalize the textile industry by setting up 1000 BT demonstration farms in cotton growing areas countrywide.
With demand of quality cotton on the rise,counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc counties have already made steps to scale up cotton production.
The Ministry of Agriculture has already set aside funds to revive ginneries and train farmers in planting the new variety.
BT technology has been used to mitigate effects of pests and diseases, drought stress and other challenges facing farmers globally.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew. Owili joined Agriculture CS Hon. Peter Munya, his Devolution counterpart Hon. Eugene Wamalwa and host Governor HE. Sospeter Ojaamong in unveiling the high yielding variety at Alupe University College grounds.
Principal Secretaries Ali Noor, Prof. Hamadi Boga, Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi, LREB CEO Dr. Kodek Omwancha, CEC Agriculture Gilchrist Okuom were among dignitaries present at the launch.
10/3/2020.
BUSIA COUNTY
- Published in Uncategorized
New System to Weed Out Ghost Workers and Streamline Wage Bill
The county government has launched a five-day exercise to streamline its wage bill and weed out ghost workers from its payroll.
All employees are now required to present valid employment documents and academic certifications before their payments are processed. They must also appear in person to collect their dues.
With a human resource audit done in the past, the administration is banking on the developments to save finances and redirect resources to key departments.
According to Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, the county government has set up frameworks to verify genuine workers and force out masqueraders in the workforce.
He stressed further that those who fail to collect their checks by Friday will be struck off the payroll.
By Collins Owuor
- Published in Uncategorized
Commissioning and Handover of ECD Centers at Central and North Seme Wards
Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o in furtherance of his mission to promote education, mentor ship and empowerment, today commissioned 5 fully equipped ECD centers at Central and North Seme wards in Seme Sub county.
The 5 ECD centers included Odienya and Milungo in Central Seme ward, Pith Kabongo, Kamonye and Omuya primary in North Seme ward.
In his remarks, the Governor commended the efforts of ECD managers and teachers saying that the centers will go a long way to affect the children and the County at large.
Governor Nyong’o stated that the reason for the gatherings in the 2 wards is for the sake of the children who are the future leaders. He urged the community to count it as a great privilege to be part of building the nation, adding that the county government’s core vision is to make an impact in education to leave a legacy for the future.
The governor stated that the county government took up the responsibility of building, equipping and feeding programs for ECD to have a conducive environment for better learning and concentration so they can have a reason to remain in school.
Present at the commissioning and handover ceremony were County Ministers, Dr. Obiero Ogone of Education, ICT and Human Capacity Development and Prof. Juddy Attyang’ of Health and Sanitation, Area Members of the County Assembly, chief officers and other County officials.
By Matilda Atieno
Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o commissioning ECD classroom at Pith Kabongo primary school in Seme
- Published in Education, ICT & HRD, News Item
Private Sector Key in Boosting Learning Quality
The county government has made tremendous contributions to strengthen the education sector by integrating with private stakeholders to boost access and education standards.
Speaking when he joined Kisumu Junior Academy fraternity in their annual prize-giving day, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili lauded the role played by the community in the education sector.
According to the Deputy Governor, learning institutions must enhance and promote creativity among students to aid their development. With a renewed interest in learning programs, the county government has disbursed already Kshs. 65 million to cater for bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Joining the Deputy Governor were county directors; Junior Omondi, Valerie Kizito, Collins Koremo, sub-county administrator Vincent Jagero among other guests.
GPU
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili receives a bouquet of flowers upon his arrival at Kisumu Junior Academy
- Published in News Item
Kisumu’s quest for urban linkages in the 10th World Urban Forum
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o flanked by PS. for Housing and Urban Development Dr. Charles Hinga held successful deliberations with Abu Dhabi City Director-General to provide affordable housing in Kisumu.
The Governor and his entourage attended the 10th World Urban Forum (WUF10) held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The forum is the foremost international gathering for exchanging views and experiences on sustainable urbanization in all its ramifications. The inclusive nature of the Forum, combined with high-level participation, makes it a unique United Nations conference and premier international gathering on urban issues.
The team also held discussions with the Secretary-General of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) Mr. Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi on the sidelines of the WUF10 in preparations to 2021 Africities conference.
Present were Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o, County Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, Dickson Obungu, City Board Vice-Chair and City Manager Doris Ombara.
GPU
Kisumu County Solid Waste Management Policy and Bill 2020
The department of Water, Environment and climate change in partnership with the Kenya Alliance of Resident Association (KARA) and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) today organised a public participation session with the public to review and provide input to the draft policy and Bill at the Catholic Center in Nyalenda, Kisumu.
The objective of the policy is to minimize waste generation and promote re-use, recovery and recycling of waste materials and sustainable waste disposal.
While giving his opening speech during the session, the County Executive Committee Member for the department Mr. Salmon Orimba called on the public to actively participate by giving their views towards developing
a good policy framework that will promote a sustainable, effective and integrated solid waste management system.
The session was quite interactive as the people were taken through the draft as they also used the platform to have their input incorporated.
Also in attendance were: the Chief Officer Water and Environment, Meryline Agwa, Marie – Anne Serue an expertise from France, Sieiwho Jack from KIWASCO among other top County Officials.
By Emily Mikwa
Public participation forum on the preparation of Kisumu County solid waste management policy and bill 2020 at Pand Pieri catholic center Nyalenda (Picture by John Willis)
- Published in Department of Water, Environment, News Item