Construction of the Impala Dunga road is set to continue following the intervention of the County government and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Speaking in Kisumu, where he joined Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili in inspecting the construction of Impala -Dunga road, the Kenya Wildlife Service Director-General, Brigadier (Rtd) John Migui Waweru expressed confidence in the government’s ability to expedite the road’s construction in Kisumu.
Once complete the road is set to open up access and increase tourist traffic within the Impala Sanctuary and Dunga beach and it will also boost the economy of Kisumu.
According to the Deputy Governor, the county government is ready to partner the KWS in stepping up conservancy efforts in the region.
The road works is underway and construction is expected to be completed by mid-November 2019.
The improved road network in the County is aimed at spurring socio-economic development among the residents. This is in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 blueprint and the Governor’s manifesto that pledges to construct and maintain roads within the County.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili and the Kenya Wildlife Service Director General, Brigadier (Rtd) John Migui Waweru during inspection tour of the Impala Dunga road
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
The stage is set for tomorrow’s official launch of the phase II Symbiocity project, by Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o in the company of high powered delegation from the Council of Governors, Symbiocity pilot Counties, Local political leaders, County top Officials
and the stakeholders in Ahero town.
The move comes after completion of the phase one referred to as the quick win project which comprised of drainage construction, putting up of litter bins in town and trainings on waste management which led to the formation of the project agent Voluntary Champions who are charged with the responsibility of creating awareness and sensitizing the community on the project benefits while advocating for effective community involvement to foster project ownership.
The phase two project also dubbed the change project, focuses on solid waste management and the improvement of the drainage system within the 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 anticipated impact as a result of implementation of the phase II project include; the market area being free of solid and liquid waste allowing traders to sell their wares in a clean and safe environment, the park will provide a recreation space for all the locals and visitors of Ahero, innovative waste management and setting up of the compost pit will provide opportunity for locals to engage in income generating activities and the construction of modern stalls along the highway in the market area, will provide a more conducive business environment for the pro- poor and increase the revenue base for the county government
As a curtain raiser to the event, the technical working group, the stakeholders, Champions and the local football teams within Ahero organised a series of clean up exercise dubbed “My Environment my lifeline” and football tournaments for the local teams in a bid to unite and nurture the upcoming talents and also to sensitize the residents of Ahero on matters clean environment for sustainable urban growth.
The football matches were held in Onjiko Primary school yesterday in the afternoon after a clean-up exercise in the market area during morning hours.
The teams that participated comprised of girls and boys. The first round was the boys of Kasuna Vs Vasco FC where they had a draw of Nil- Nil, later Vasco FC thrashed Kasuna on a 5-4 win on penalties .In the second match Korea team beat Oketha at 1-Nil and for the girls team, they had a draw of 1-1 and later Obama beat Kasuna Girls on penalties at 4-3 goals.
The finals are scheduled for tomorrow during the official launch of the change projects where the winners will be awarded. Besides a major clean-up of Ahero town has also been scheduled as a climax to the launch of the change project.
By: Emily Mikwa
The TWG, Champions, Stakehoders and the Local football clubs cleaning Ahero Market
Cleaning Ahero Market
The project coordinator Mr Sospeter Onuga addressing the football clubs before the commencement of the matches at Onjiko Primary School
The Chairman of stakeholders Mr Ken giving words of encouragement to the clubs
A major County face-lift has been commissioned to revamp the Jomo Kenyatta highway and Ang’awa avenue under the ongoing non-motorized transport project in Kisumu city.
The project which is under Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP) is among other two projects which include the construction of modern fire stations and reconstruction of rotary youth centers.
The department of Lands, Housing, Physical planning and Urban Development revealed that the project is aimed at redesigning roads within the city which would take in pedestrians, motorists and cyclists, expansion of drainage systems, putting up of street lights, planting of flowers and green vegetation in the city roundabouts and also the creation of service ducts beneath the roads.
Speaking during an interview with the County directorate of Communications, the chief officer Mr. Steve Gome stated that 240M has been allocated for the project out of the 770M given by the world bank for the financial year 2018/2019.
He also mentioned the relocation of street vendors along the major roads under reconstruction as one of the major challenges they are facing in this transition period.
By Wendy Noel
On going renovation of drainage lines along Jomo Kenyatta highway as Kisumu County embarks on ensuring efficient management of its effluence infrastructure in the city and its environs
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