Governor, Professor Nyong’o yesterday played host to the Deputy British High Commissioner H.E Susie Kitchens at his office.
Their talks centered on areas of mutual bilateral interests.
Governor Nyong’o appraised Madam Susie on some the developments being implemented in partnership with strategic partners such the World Bank which aims at improving service delivery in the City of Kisumu and the recently gazzetted five new urban centres of Maseno, Kombewa, Ahero, Katito and Muhoroni.
He noted that the cumulative outcome of the investments have encouraged private sector involvement in partnering with the county.
He singled out the building of a small traders market as a strategy that will revolutionize small trading in the County.
H.E the Deputy Commissioner who is in Kisumu to grace the week long Lake Basin Innovation and Investment week was accompanied by the British Vice Consular Mr. George Butunoi and Lucy Kimani, the DIFID Regional representative.
Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o with the Deputy British High Commissioner H.E Susie Kitchens at his office.
H.E Susie Kitchens with her delegation during official visit to Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o in his office
Kisumu County finally gets a substantive County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning following the swearing in of George Omondi Okong’o earlier yesterday..
Mr. Okong’o who previously headed the Special Delivery Unit was sworn into office yesterday afternoon by Kisumu Law Courts Chief Magistrate Julius Nga’arng’ar at a ceremony held at Kisumu City Hall.
As he welcomed the new CEC Member, Kisumu Governor, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o who witnessed the ceremony alongside his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili congratulated Mr. Omondi even as he lauded the County Assembly for their professionalism in the vetting process and the day to day running of the assembly.
He also provided a brief highlight of the developments around the city including the establishment of the Kisumu Small Traders Commercial Centre, which is at an advanced stage with the help of the National Government. He lauded the traders for their patience and overwhelming support as he tries to re plan the city.
The jubilant Mr. Okong’o who now becomes the youngest CEC highlighted his commitments in five key points. At the top of his agenda is the streamlining of Budget and Planning processes with a view to making them more elaborate, timely and inclusive. Secondly, the issue of the wage bill which Mr. Omondi says can only addressed by making strategic and hard choices as opposed to focusing on the numbers.
The other major issue he focused to address is the aspect of own revenue generation promising to conduct proper assessment of the potentials of the various revenue streams. Other measures will include putting into place prudent expenditure and cash flow management and ensuring proper implementation of government projects.
Mr. Okong’o was categorical that most county projects were incomplete due to lack of capacity by certain service providers. He promised to strengthen the procurement process to ensure that only people with sound business standing get to work with government.
He extended a welcoming hand to good businessmen in the county to feel free and work with the county government in delivering the promise to the people of Kisumu.
Dr. Owili reminded the new Finance CECM of the critical role the docket plays as an enabler to other departments urging him to remain true to the task.
Mr. Okong’o takes over the finance docket from Dr. Obiero Ogone who was serving as the Interim Executive following a cabinet reshuffle where the former office holder Mr. Nerry Achar was moved to Energy and Industrialisation.
County Executive Committee Member, Mr George Okong’o takes oath of office
Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o hands over to CECM Finance the appointment letter as he assumes office
The Lake Basin Innovation and Investment Week entered its second day yesterday, as increased calls for adequate funding towards innovation took center stage.
Geared towards the promotion of innovation to develop the lake basin, the five day conference brought together stakeholders and academicians who deliberated on topical issues crucial to the growth of innovation productivity.
In her address, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E Susie Kitchens lauded the important role played by innovation in creating economic growth and inclusive employment opportunities.
The British government she said was working closely with the County government to capacity build 16,000 young people in Kisumu.
The County government has already set aside Sh350 million towards the construction of an innovation and incubation centre at Rotary Vocational Training Centre.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili lauded the developments as he urged participants to solve challenges through innovation and creativity, sentiments echoed earlier by Kenya Industrial Estate Regional Manager Julius Gathage.
According to Gathage, the government recognized the significant role played by innovation in promoting the Big Four Agenda.
Joining the discussions were iGov CEO Ronald Osumba among other participants.
The conference was convened by Winam Capital in partnership with, the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Ukaid, British High Commission, iGov Africa, GIZ, Siemens Stiftung among other partners.
A plenary discussion at the Lake Basin Innovation and Investment Week.
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E Susie Kitchens and Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr .Mathew Owili arriving at the Lake Basin Innovation and Investment conference at Acacia Premier Hotel.
County directorate of Youths in partnership with Kisumu Youth Olympic Center and the State Department of Youth Affairs, yesterday organized a youth discussion forum with the Members of the County Assembly at the yesterday Whirl spring Hotel in Kisumu.
The forum brought on board 35 youth representatives across all sub counties to form a lobbying platform for policy and legislation framework on youth related issues. It is also anticipated to enhance public participation processes and to promote youth related development.
The youths used the platform to outline some of the policy related challenges that hinder their development prowess which included the thirty percent tender allocation, project management committee and control of grass root development funds, consideration of youths during employment, lack of support for Youth Civic Education and recognizing the forum by the County Assembly as voice of the youths among others.
The Members of the County Assembly, while speaking to the youths called on them to be aggressive in making proposals whose framework can be legislated by the County Assembly. They were also urged to attend public participation in order to prioritize projects that are youth friendly and that they should not always shy away from making applications whenever the Public Service Board places advertisements for vacant positions.
The facilitators for the forum included: County Director for youths, Mr. George Orude, Mr Paul Okaka the convener, Coordinator Kisumu Youth Olympic Center, Mr James Waore Diang’a and the in Charge of State Department of Youth Affairs, Mr Kaluoch
A meeting between the MCAs and Youth representatives across the Sub Counties at the Whirl Spring Hotel in Kisumu
The MCAs addressing Youth concerns during a meeting at the Whirl Spring Hotel in Kisumu
Her Excellency Ida Odinga officially launched a cancer screening clinic yesterday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The initiative is part of the County First Ladies Association projects called Empower which was launched in June 2019, geared towards educating and empowering women on health matters spearhead by Makueni first lady,her Excellency Nazi Kivutha.
It is estimated that over 25 per cent of cancer cases in the world affect women and 30 to 50 per cent can be treated if diagnosed early. In Kenya, about 6 out of 1000 die daily of cancer and 2 of the 6 are women.
According to her Excellency Ida Odinga, cancer awareness should not be left to a few people, she said, “I’ll be very willing to join you and to work with you. “This she addressed to the County First Ladies Association in support of their endeavors.
The first Lady Kisumu County, Dorothy Nyong’o hosted the meeting which was attended by Kisumu Governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, first ladies from the various counties amongst other invited guests
By: Stacy Chasimba
Her Excellency, Ida Odinga cutting a ribbon to officially launch the cancer clinic, looking on are Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o, First Lady, Dorothy Nyong’o amomg other dignitaries (photo by Jacob Owiti)
A host of dignitaries who attended the official launch of Kisumu Cancer Clinic (photo by Jacob Owiti)
“Save one life, you are a hero, save 100 lives you are a nurse” a statement that was echoed by the CEC member for health and sanitation Prof. Juddy Miguda Attyang and Mr. Ramesh Meta the chairman board of management of Jaramogi oginga Odinga teaching and referral hospital (JOOTRH).
The JOOTRH training school in partnership with the County government of Kisumu celebrated the inaugural graduation ceremony held this Friday the 15th of November 2019 at the hospital grounds. The inaugural graduation ceremony celebrated fifteen graduands presented with a higher diploma in Nephrology nursing.
The CEC member commended JOOTRH as an institution passionately committed to the provision of quality health services by ensuring equitable access to health and training services. She congratulated the graduands for showing great courage, focus and determination towards attaining powers to give hope to humanity.
According to Prof. Attyang the County Government has consistently released qualified staff through training in High Diploma in Nephrology nursing in partnership with the college of surgeons of Eastern central and southern Africa (COSCESA) and currently provides training in general surgery.
Mr. Ramesh Mate stated that the school is set for expansion as it strives to introduce many training programs to serve the region.
In his remarks, the chief officer Stephen Sewe promised to ensure more funds are released to the health sector following the health bill that is before the County Assembly.
All pomp and Color-marked the celebrations as the graduands of the first class of its kind took a nightingale pledge of service and as they received certificates of successful achievement.
The ceremony was graced by Prof. Attyang’, members of the hospital management board county officials and the well-wishers.
By Matilda Atieno
The JOOTRH graduating class of 2019 taking a nightingale oath during the graduation to mark their successful achievement in Higher Diploma in Nephrology nursing ( Photo by Jacob Owiti)
The Government of Kenya being cognizant of the blue economy as a new frontier for development and having acknowledged it as the 8th economic pillar for the achievement of vision 2030, organized a two day confrence on Sustainable blue economy at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu.
The conference held under the theme, ”Harnessing the Blue Economy Opportunities in the Lake Region” focuses on driving economic development through provision of transportation, exploitation of offshore oil and gas resources, tourism, creation of employment opportunities, provision of food, nutrition and livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people.
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o while giving his opening remarks, reiterated that opening of the Kisumu Port will set a new path to economic recovery in both the region and nationally. This will provide an investment opportunity to government and private sectors to tap the potential of leisure, tourism, transport, fishing among other economic activities associated with the lake
While giving his speech during the official opening of the conference, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Mwangi Kiunjuri stated that sustainable utilization of Lake Victoria and other water resources in the region is an integral part of the big four agenda and socioeconomic wellbeing of communities in the five (5) riparian counties namely Busia, Siaya,Kisumu, Homabay and Migori. However, Lake Victoria fishery has experienced a worrying decline in fish stocks and diversity, and subsequent fall in fish catches of 64% from 140 000Mts to 90 000Mts per year in the last five years
This he attributed to unsustainable fishing practices as a result of weak oversight and enforcement; proliferation of water hyacinth; conversion of sensitive shoreline wetlands; political interference in the management of fisheries; and weak collaboration between the National and County Governments
He promised that his Ministry will address the challenges by reviving fisheries in the region, implementing the new policy and institutional framework on fisheries management, enforcement of fisheries regulations, develop incubation of fisheries and aquaculture enterprises to increase fish consumption and food security, livelihoods and wellbeing of the communities in the region
Also in attendance were Principle Secretary Fisheries, Professor Micheni Ntiba, Dr James Nyikal representing MPs in the region, Deputy Governor Vihiga County Dr Patrick Lumumba Saisi ,Vice Chancellors from Maseno University, Bondo University, TUK University, County Ministers from the region, Heads of Technical training institutes, Chief Executive Officers from Parastatals in the region, Chief Officers from Counties within the region, MDs of private sectors among other guests.
Kisumu Governor Nyong’o and Cabinet Secretary Dr Mwangi Kiunjuri having light moments as they dance their way into the conference hall at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu
CS Dr Mwangi Kiunjuri giving his speech at the Blue Economy conference in Kisumu
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o giving his speech at the Nyanza Blue Economy conference
County Ministers and dignitaries attending the Nyanza Blue Economy conference
The 2019 excellence award for town and county cleanest city in Kenya goes to Kisumu City.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has today received the Excellence Award on behalf of County following the city’s led clean-up program.
The awards were presented by the Town and County Planners Association of Kenya (TCPAK) at the World Town Planning Day (WTPD) celebrations held at Acacia Premier Hotel, Kisumu.
The first city manager award was also presented to Ms. Dorice Ombara who is the county’s city manager.
The WTPD is an annual international day that marks the accomplishments of planners and their contributions to their communities. On the 8th of November annually, planners around the world participate in World Town Planning activities. a practice that began in 1949.
Governor Nyong’o receiving the cleanest city award on behalf of Kisumu City
In this season’s Kenya Premier League (KPL) there has been a flurry of action in football, as County directorate of Sports handed out contract extensions for Kisumu all-stars.
The Ag. Chief officer Tourism, Culture, Arts & Sports, Mr. Thomas Ouko this afternoon hosted All-Stars players to address the renewal of the six months contract effective 20th July 2019.
The KPL kicked off in august this year as All Stars agree to an extension under the County public service terms of contract that was signed later this afternoon.
The All Stars are new entrants in the 2019/2020 KPL season after signing in 13 new players
The exercise was witnessed by Kisumu All Stars, C. E. O Mr. Nicholas Ochieng and Team Manager Mr. Alfred Adu were.
Ag Chief Officer, Tourism, Culture, Arts & Sports Mr. Thomas Ouko Issuing contract extension to Bobby Kwaka (Team’s Captain)
8th November 2019 marked yet another great day in the history of Kisumu, as County witnessed the ground breaking ceremony of Ksh. 132 million Kisumu County Dairy Enterprise Development Center, launched in Muhoroni Sub-County
The objective of the project is to improve household incomes and nutrition by strengthening the dairy industry in Kisumu, thereby improving the living standards of the citizens and contributing to the local economic development.
The project is set to enhance job creation, revamp economic activities for actors in the dairy value chain, increase the number of improved dairy cows in the county and increase the incomes of dairy farm households.
The scope of the project includes; Construction of the Dairy Development Enterprise Center, Drilling of a borehole and water connection to dairy center, Capacity building of the dairy value chain actors, Improvement of local dairy herd through artificial insemination (A.I), marketing and promotion of dairy products.
” This project expected to be completed in a span of six months is jointly funded by the European Union at a tune of Ksh 110 million and the County Government of Kisumu at a tune of Ksh 22 million.” Gilchrist Okuom, County Minister of Agriculture.
According the CS Ministry of devolution and ASALs Hon. Eugene Wamalwa the project is set to boost milk production and reduce the 43M litre milk deficit in the County as well as create employment under the Big 4 Agenda.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o together with his Deputy Dr. Ochieng’ Owili joined Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, C.S for Devolution and ASAL and H.E Simon Mordue European Union Ambassador to Kenya at the ground breaking ceremony of the project Muhoroni Sub County.
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and CS for devolution and ASALs Hon. Eugene Wamalwa laying the foundation for the County dairy enterprise development project
