All businesses in Ahero came to a standstill as traders and residents were caught up in a triumphant procession tuned to Luo traditional beats along the streets in a bid to raise awareness on the official launch of the change project.

The phase II project, focuses on solid waste management and the improvement of the drainage system within Ahero market. With the systematic approach, solutions will be geared towards the reduction of pollution to Nyando River and also improving the livelihoods of the locals by creating opportunities for the youth to engage in economic activities.

The colorful event, anchored on the slogan “My environment my Lifeline” was marked with several activities all focused on sensitizing the people on waste and environmental management for sustainable urban growth. These included a mega clean up exercise, speeches, performances from the local artists, skits and football tournaments for the under 16 years, both boys and girls

In the boys’ tournament, Korea FC beat Vasco FC on penalties and clinched a trophy while the girls clubs, Onjiko Girls talent beat Kasuna Girls FC at 1- Nil and made away with the trophy. The runners up Vasco FC and Kasuna girls FC received a token of appreciation for their spirited participation.

While representing Kisumu Governor during the official launch, the CEC Lands, Housing and Physical planning Mr. Dickson Obungu, reiterated that before the end of this financial year, Ahero is set to have a town administrator who will be mandated to look at the planning of the town, this follows the gazettement of Ahero as a town.

He further applauded the move by the Symbiocity and Council of Governors to implement the change project which he termed a move towards the right direction in changing the lives of the residents of Ahero.

In response to the quest by the area MCA concerning regular clean-up of the town and garbage damping along the highway, the Minister promised to work closely with Symbiocity in order to maintain a clean environment by providing a track to collect garbage.

The Ahero Member of County Assembly, Hon. Kennedy Ooko on his part challenged the stakeholders that the cleaning should not be a onetime event, but should be done regularly. He also requested the CEC to allocate a track that will collect the heaped garbage since Ahero should meet the standards of a town.

The program officer, Maureen Njoga who represented the Symbiocity and Council of Governors, thanked all stakeholders for turning up for the official launch and urged them to support the implementation of the change project that would improve their economy and standards of living.

The project coordinator, Mr. Sospeter Onunga, accredited the rich diverse talents in Ahero and promised to work closely with the groups in order to achieve the goals of the project. He thanked the partners for their unwavering support to ensure the event was successful. “Symbiocity is all about inclusivity, synergy and networking” said Mr. Onunga.

Also in attendance were Muhoroni Sub County Admin Magdalene Wasama, Nyando Sub County Admin Maurice Oricho, Chief Inspector of police, County Director for Environment Mr Ken Koyoo, Ahero Symbiocity Operations Manager Mr. Victor Adero, Stakeholders Chairman Mr. Charles Ogada, the Champions, members of the Technical Working Group, stakeholders and members of the local community.

the procession that marks the official launch of the Change Project in Ahero

Scouts and Ahero town council leading the procession

The area MCA, Kennedy Ooko giving his remarks during the launch

The project coordinator Mr. Sospeter Onunga giving his remarks before the start of the procession and the clean up exercise

The program Officer Maureen Njoga accompanying the young Environmental Champion in awarding the Onjiko Girls FC for their win

County Director for Environment Mr Ken Koyoo giving a token of appreciation to Vasco FC for being the runners up in the boys tournament

Cleaning exercise ongoing along Ahero streets