The County directorate of gender in collaboration with Equality Now and other partners held a capacity building training of Members of County assembly and County Executive Committee on legislative drafting and policy formulation processes in gender mainstreaming.
The 2 days’ workshop brought together MCAs and CECs drawn from three counties including Busia, Makueni and Kisumu, with shared experiences on the gender equality and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) progress.
The objectives of the training include, to enhance understanding of legislative drafting principles among the MCAs and CECs, enhance the mastery of knowledge on policy formulation processes, providing a platform to deliberate on the challenges encountered in executing their mandate and introduce the model policy on SGBV to the MCAs and CECs.
Speaking during the official opening of the workshop, County Minister for Education ICT and Human Capacity development, Dr. Obiero Ogone, reiterated that county government remains steadfast in its support and commitment towards promoting programs for gender equality in Kisumu County.
“SGBV is a global human rights problem that is connected to gender inequalities and power imbalances, as a county government of Kisumu we have a responsibility to tackle cases of SGBV and believe that the SGBV Policy is critical,” said Dr. Ogeno,
The county minister challenged stakeholders to take up responsibility to tackle cases of SGBV adding that the gender mainstreaming policy and SGBV policy is critical.
The County Director of Gender, Adah Amedi highlighted the main programs of the directorate including women economic empowerment, fostering of women in leadership and participation in decision making, establishment of safe to protect the survivors of SGBV and the formation of Sub-County integrated technical working groups.
“We have a County GBV Technical Working Group made up of both state and non-state actors whose main mandate is prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence in the county through activities such as linkages, referrals and follow up of cases.” Said Ms. Amedi.
The directorate is also working towards formulation of the SGBV policy and a gender mainstreaming policy which are both on the pipeline.
Also present were members of the Kisumu County assembly gender committee chaired by Hon. Rashid Miruka of Nyakach, CEC members of gender Busia and Makueni.
County Minister Dr. Obiero Ogone addressing stakeholders during the official opening of the capacity building training of Members of County assembly and County Executive Committee on legislative drafting and policy formulation processes in gender mainstreaming.
The County Department of Education, IT and Human Capacity Development in partnership with World Vision and Ecumenical Centre for Justice and Peace (ECJP) organized a stakeholders’ validation meeting for Kisumu County Youth Development plan 2019/23 at St. John’s Manor Hotel, Millimani.
This is one of the initiatives that gives framework to youth empowerment. The youth plan which was developed under the consultancy of Mr. Wilson Nindo will be a guide to service provision in collaboration with development partners.
On his part, the Ag County Director Youth Affairs, Mr. George Orude said they would form a County Technical Working Committee to oversee the implementation framework of the plan, policy and legislation gaps in order to fast track its adoption by the Assembly, coordination mechanism through which the youths can choose their leaders from County to grass root levels and conduct awareness of the existing plan to all youths across the County.
Mr. Timothy Kajwang’ who is in charge of national youth affairs Kisumu County branch, called on the youths to remain committed to the plan and heed to instructions given by their leaders for personal development.
The Nyakach North MCA, Hon Rashid Miruka who is also in charge of the Youth affairs in the County Assembly, said they had initiated a caucus that ensures Youth affairs are considered during budgetary allocations, this will ensure the youths get a substantive amount in relation to the number of youths per ward.
The CEC Member for Education, IT and Human Capacity Development, Dr John Obiero Ogone while officiating the validation meeting said, “In the spirit of the constitution, we are committed to cascading the structures of Youth governance all the way to the village level”.
He also promised to hold more civic education forums for the youths and encouraged them to actively participate in Public participation so that they have a clue of activities and programs taking place in the County.
The Stakeholders who attended comprised of County Chief Officers, County Directors, representatives from partners, youths across the County among other guests.
The Stakeholders who attended the Youth Development Plan validation meeting at the St. John’s Manor Hotel- Millimani
County directorate of Youth affairs in partnership with World Vision and Ecumenical Centre of justice and peace have organized a five day workshop in Nyakach Sub County to empower the youth on economic development.
The program focuses on sharpening the skills of the youths on resource management, online business promotion to help diversify on the available opportunities, banking institutions and devolved opportunities such as the Uwezo fund, revolving funds and networking in order to emulate best practices from successful youths.
The capacity building program is currently taking place in Siany resource center for Persons with disabilities, which is comprising of youths from Nyakach South East and South West, another venue is at Kolweny which has accommodated youths from Nyakach West and Central and a third venue at Pap Onditi which is taking care of youths from North Nyakach.
This move comes after drafting of the County Youth development Plan which is in the process of validation.
County Ag. Director Youth Affairs, Mr George Orude addressing the Youths from Nyakach sub county during their empowerment workshop at Kolweny
Youths from Siany, Nyakach sub county actively taking part in their training
“You the media, are powerful. You reach millions of people, you have the tools to challenge rigid gender roles and empower both men and women”, remarked Atieno Otieno the County Director of Communications when she joined DW Akademie and two of Kisumu’s esteemed radio stations for the launch of their gender policies.
Sky FM and Radio Lake Victoria on Wednesday made history when they launched their Gender Policies at a ceremony attended by radio journalists from Kisumu, Bungoma, Webuye and Nakuru. The policies are a set of guidelines for the stations to guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all ; tools to advance gender parity in radio programming.
The launch was organized by DW Akademie who are the supporting partners in media development in Kenya.
In attendance, the County Director of Gender and Youth Affairs Ms Adah Omedi said that Gender policy is developed out of the recognition that there still are disparities among men and women in various spheres of life. She announced that the County Government was at an advanced stage in the development of a Sexual Gender Based Violence policy and a Gender mainstreaming policy.
In her remarks, Sigrid Thomsen, DW Akademie’s project lead applauded the two radio stations for fostering an Integrated Policy Agenda which is a big step towards bridging the gender gap.
Also present was the Managing Director of Sky FM, Mr. Daniel Kirathe, Mr. Arthur Okwemba a media consultant for DW Akademie, Association of Media Women in Kenya representative Josephine Wareta, station managers, among other stakeholders.
The policy is in line with the Kenya National Policy on Gender and Development (NPGD), which clearly states that it is the right of women, men, girls and boys to participate in and benefit equally from the development process including appropriate affirmative action at all levels.
“Getting women in front of the camera or the microphone is only half the battle; we also need fundamentally to change the way we interact and the language that we use,” concluded Atieno.
Representative of Sky FM and Radio Lake Victoria together with Deutsche Welle Akademie representative Sigrid Thomsen (Centre) Displays the newly launched Gender Policy in an event held at Mills View Hotel in Kisumu
A bout 30 new cancer cases are reported monthly at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) indicating very high incidences, this is according to report by the health directorate, following the current intervention strategy programs and services put in place to increase screening among undeserved populations in Kisumu.
It is on the basis of the rising cases of cancer that the Counties First Ladies Association (CFLA ) in partnership with Roche, Women 4 Cancer and Africa Cancer Foundation visited JOOTRH earlier this week in a fact finding mission intended to establish the facts and circumstances of the cancer scourge in eight counties, including, Kisumu, Makueni, Bungoma, Kakamega, Meru, Laikipia, TaitaTaveta, and Nakuru.
Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o played host to H. E Nazi Kuvutha together with the partners who pledged commitment to support the fight against cancer through implementation of an Enabling and Motivating Partnership Owned by Women to Engage and Reclaim their lives (EMPOWER).
On their tour to Kisumu’s JOOTRH, the partnership sought to understand facts, challenges and recommendations towards Cancer intervention strategies that will inform the EMPOWER project which seeks to contribute to the prevention, early diagnosis, treatment with standard care and education of women in the community on cervical and breast cancer.
Speaking during stakeholders meeting that brought together, Radiation Oncologists, oncology nurses, specialist and county health officials, H.E Nazi Kivutha of Makueni County expresses her commitment towards the fight against cancer through establishing EMPOWER projects in the Counties in order to prioritize cancer care and treatment as well as strengthening the health care systems for treatment in the counties.
In her remarks, Mama Kisumu pledged support from cancer diagnosis to availability of treatment, adding that in order to kick cancer out of Kisumu, screening must be perfected through treatment.
County First Ladies, H.E Nazi Kivutha of Makueni, Mama Dorothy Nyong’o of Kisumu togethet with CEC member for Health Prof. Judith Attyang’ taken through breast cancer screening process.
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 2019 Kisumu ASK show has hosted major exhibitors from the County government, showcasing and demonstrating a number of products and services in Early childhood Education (ECDE), vocational training, gender and youth affairs.
Under the theme “Promoting innovation & technology in Agriculture and trade” the County Department of Education, ICT and Human capacity development is currently showcasing their programs and products in the annual Kisumu ASK show’ set to run through to the 28th of July at Mamboleo show ground.
The Ag. Chief officer Rosemary Otieno stated that the move is set to promote the departments programs and services to establish business relations and to market products by the County Vocational Training Schools. “The show is also a great way to network with other industry members and grow client base.”
The exhibition expects to generate opportunities for the vocational training programs, Gender and youth affairs to access the larger Kisumu consumer market.
By Matilda Atieno
Showcasing products made by the Vocational Training students at the Annual Kisumu ASK show
Showcasing products made by women and youth groups at the Annual Kisumu ASK show
The county directorate of gender and youth affairs in collaboration with Nyanza Initiative for Girls’ Education and Empowerment (NIGEE) expressed commitment in empowering vulnerable girls and young mothers through donations of sanitary towels in Kisumu West Subcounty.
During the official opening of the event, the County Director of Gender and Youth Affairs Ms Adah Omedi led an open forum discussion with the girls and young women from the 5 wards including Southwest, Northwest, Kisumu North, Kisumu West and Central Kisumu wards to deliberate on the challenges faced by the female gender.
The discussions identified a number of challenges such as lack of economic empowerment, gender-based violence, lack of basic needs due to unemployment that leads to commercial sex and lack of parental skills. The young mothers also expressed fear of being discriminated, threats from the perpetrators and poverty as some of the reasons as to why rape cases were not being reported.
Speaking at the event, Ms Omedi encouraged the group to speak out against gender-based violence by reporting such cases to the paralegals within the community. The County director also urged young women to go for family planning to allow them to raise manageable families. Ms Omedi urged the girls to engage in economic activities by applying for loans to venture into small scale businesses.
The event was graced by the project manager NIGEE, Mr. Alex Ouma with the aim of empowering vulnerable girls and young mothers in the community. NIGEE is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to empower young mothers to be self-reliant through vocational training.
On behalf of the young mothers, Mrs. Millicent Awino Ochieng’ and Mrs. Mollesha Awour Owinga expressed gratitude for the guiding and counselling offered by the county government to empower young girls on their rights.
By Beatrice Akinyi
County Director of Gender and Youth Affairs issuing sanitary towels to the young mothers and girls in Kisumu West Subcounty ( Picture by David Wadulo)
Kisumu County Public Service Board wishes to recruit competent and qualified persons to fill the following positions in their respective Departments as listed below: Click the Link below to Access the full Advert
June 2019 Advertisement complete
Note: The positions of County Secretary, Deputy County Secretary, Chief Officers and Directors will be on Contract for a period of three years renewable based on successful performance.
For details on the above advertised positions and how to apply, applicants are asked to visit our website www.kisumu.go.ke .
HOW TO APPLY The candidate should apply by downloading and filling application for employment form available on our website. All dully filled forms should be sent to the undersigned on or before 19th July 2019 at 4.00 pm.
THE SECRETARY PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD P.O. BOX 7792-40100, KISUMU
Hand delivered applications can be dropped at our offices located at Kisumu County Public Service Board Offices (Former M.E.O Office), Okore Rd, Milimani, Kisumu.
All candidates interested in any of the above positions must attach clearance certificates from KRA, HELB, EACC, CID, CRB and Commission for Higher Education for degrees obtained outside Kenya.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
NB: The County Government of Kisumu is an equal opportunity employer and women, the youth and persons with disabilities who meet the specified requirements are encouraged to apply and also indicate so in their applications.
- 1
- 2