The task force for mental health today held a public hearing attended by members of the counseling and psychology professionals, organizations, civil society, residents from Kisumu and its neighboring counties.
The task force chaired by Prof. Lukoye Atwoli facilitated the public hearing to listen to individual, organizations submissions and memorandums on mental health issues. Kisumu Countu mental health stakeholders comprising of 45 organisations including the County government submitted a joint memorandum on behalf of the county.
Mental health is a bigger issue for Kenya as some of the major underlying issues included policy formulation to streamline mental health, creation of support groups and medication for the victims, advocacy on mental health, rehabilitation services, monitoring and evaluation among others.
The public hearing follows President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive on the formation of the task force amid rising depression and mental disorder related murder and suicide cases in the country. In line with Cabinet’s resolution, the then Cabinet secretary for health Dr. Sicily Kariuki established the task-force with the mandate to assess Kenya’s mental health systems including the legal, policy and administrative environment to identify areas that may benefit from reform, for optimal service delivery.
The team has so far held public hearings in Meru, Makueni, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisumu counties and thereafter move to Garissa and finally Mombasa county.
Earlier on, Prof. Atwoli and his colleagues paid a courtesy call to the office of the Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili and a debrief to the County Minister for health Prof. Juddy Attyang’ and the county director Mental Health Mr. Jeremiah Okuto.
Prof. Lukoye Atwoli spearheading the public hearing for mental health task force in Kisumu
Activities to actualize the dream of setting up a Special Economic Zone in Kisumu County are in top gear following a two day visit by a special delegation from the World Bank and PWC India.
The team comprising of officers from the State Department of Industrialisation, IFC, which is the private arm of the World Bank and PWC India arrived in the County yesterday and this morning met with Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of the proposed Miwani Special Economic Zone.
The County Government partnered with the World Bank to carry out a detailed feasibility assessment and market demand analytics for the site in Miwani and the region at large. The World Bank Group has since engaged PwC India to undertake pre-feasibility studies, market demand analytics and demand forecasts, sector prioritization and assessment of economic and commercial viability of three proposed SEZ in Kenya including Miwani, Mombasa and Lamu.
In his address to the team, the Governor provided a detailed update on the status of Kisumu Special Economic Zone Flagship project highlighting certain challenges that have since delayed the process including Government budgetary policies and acquisition of adequate land that has since been resolved following the County Government’s identification of 10,000 acres of land in Miwani, Muhoroni Sub – County.
He went ahead to highlight the on-going sector developments geared towards supporting the viability and growth of the Special Economic Zone including Energy where Kenya Transmissions Company (KETRACO) is currently putting up a 4000 kilovolt ring around the region that will help curb the numerous power challenges; efforts by both governments to realize the Koru-Soin Multipurpose dam under Water; Kisumu and the region’s capacity to provide manpower; connectivity provided by the good road networks, availability of an international airport and most importantly the Kisumu Port, a key gateway to the East African Community.
The Governor expressed his confidence on the feasibility study revealing easy access to market, a major concern to any investor adding that the zone sits at a vantage point starting with the Lake Region Economic Bloc to the East African Region and beyond. He therefore urged the investors to worry no more and instead embark on the implementation process through robust interactions and engagements that will help fast track the decisions and hasten the process as well.
The deliberations shall continue with more stakeholder consultations including investor meetings and surveys in Kenya, regionally and globally to assess investors and developer demand.
Sara Ochieng, the IFC Program Manager and the Bank’s Chief Advisor on SEZs and the team leader of the party said that they are extremely impressed by the site location and that this will turn out to be one of the best economic zones in the world. Other senior consultants included Mohammed Athar, a partner at PWC India and Isaac Otolo, a Director at PWC Kenya.
The County Directors and Chief Officers wrapped up their induction week today at the Royal City Gardens.
Speaking during the training, the county’s finance minister who was the guest of honor, Mr. George Okong’o, addressed the individual sector heads systematically outlining which projects needed immediate attention.
Echoing the finance Minister’s sentiments, Mr. James Goro from the Special Delivery Unit challenged the county officials to work on pending projects so that there are visible results and targets are met in the various sectors as he touched on performance contracts and appraisal.
The officials were taken through the importance of involving the public so as to be efficient and effective in running programs.
Among the departments that have targets and are expected to be met during the next six months are Water and Sanitation, Health, Environment, Education Finance, Agriculture, Roads and Tourism.
As a final note the Chief Officers and Directors were encouraged to work as a unit because all departments are interdependent.
By Stacy Chasimba
Incoming chief officers and Directors wrapping up the induction (Jacob Owiti)
The 5th annual Lake Region Economic Bloc Summit kicked off yesterday in Siaya County with delegates from member counties converging at the Siaya KMTC Grounds to deliberate on issues geared towards fast tracking the implementation process of the association as lake region.
The deliberations starting with the Council of Leaders meeting with the Governors were largely dominated by talks on how the bloc can be used to revamp the region’s economic potential with key highlights being; the sugar sector reforms, revitalization of the cotton industry with top agenda being the revival of KICOMI, improved fish production and climate change as well as youth empowerment among others.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o while addressing the leaders was very categorical on what needs to be done to re-awaken the sugar sector which is, the implementation of the sugar sector reforms as recommended by the Sugar Sector Review Committee earlier set up by the President and him being a member.
The committee that was co-chaired by Kakamega Governor and LREB Chair Wycliffe Oparanya made several proposals to the government on how the sugar industry can succeed including ensuring that farmers become the key persons, putting into place fair farm gate prices for farmers produce and easy access to market.
This has been a challenge overtime resulting from unfair competition from the sugar barons that have flooded the market with cheap imports. Other radical recommendations included the return of Zoning, return of the Sugar Board and the Sugar Development Levy that will help in building requisite infrastructure for the industry and provision of necessary inputs.
The Governor also challenged the bloc to come together and constitute a technical team that will develop a good cotton policy to be implemented across the counties that will ensure a rapid response mechanism to deal with any challenges such as invasion by pests. He made it clear that the revival of KICOMI should be accompanied by a one stop system that brings all services together as a means of job creation for the bloc’s citizenry.
Other key concerns raised by other leaders included the development of a regional climate change policy, creation of factories for value addition for farmers produce like fruits and vegetables, and a change of attitude by members towards technical training.
Members were urged to encourage the youth to take up technical training to equip them with the necessary skills needed for the growing economies. The message was that the region has potential and the bloc should do all it can to empower members on their areas of specialty.
The talks continue today with the Governor’s Summit being a key area of focus and a media engagement forum.
The LREB chairman, H.E Governor Wycliffe Oparanya addressing the audience during the 5th LREB Summit held in Siaya County
Audience at the 5th LREB Summit held in Siaya County
Officials from the Chungcheongamdo Asan Office of Education from South Korea today paid Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili a courtesy call at his office.
The team, led by Ms. Oh Im Seok, are on an International Education Exchange Program in support of ECD centres in Kisumu.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor, recognized the important role played by early childhood education in shaping learners’ future. Under this backdrop, the county department of education has, over time, made significant strides to enhance ECD development across the county, he announced.
Spearheaded by the education ministry, the County has so far distributed learning materials worth Ksh. 20 million to ECD centers countywide.
In attendance during the call were Education, ICT and HRD CEC M. Dr.John Obiero Ogone, County Secretary Godfrey Kigochi, among other officials from the county government and the Korean delegation.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili receiving Korean Delegation in his office
The induction of the incoming chief officers and directors continues on the second day graced by the Ag speaker of county assembly Hon. Elisha Oraro flanked by members of the county assembly.
The speaker passed his congratulatory message to the new successful appointees for being entrusted with the job, urging the officers to consult as often as possible with the assembly.
“The issue of pending bills is a big issue. Give us realistic budgets. You’re the technocrats. Think outside the box& let us give service to our people”, the Speaker concluded.
Members of county assembly present also urged the new officers to work as a team with the focus on the Governor’s manifesto to achieve the county’s objective and that they should give solutions despite various challenges that the county is currently facing.
In his remarks, the chair of the budget committee, Hon. Steve Awiti, MCA Kolwa East implored the officers to work professionally according to the procurement laws and procedures to give people of Kisumu County the value for their money.
Majority leader Hon. Kenneth Onyango echoed the speaker on the need to enhance revenue collection, stating that “Revenue collection is for everyone, not just the finance department.”
The officials were tasked with the immediate implementation of the various Bills that the county government has passed which include; Kisumu county administrative bill, fish and aquaculture bill, transport bill, health bill, crop bill, trade amendment bill and Kisumu county emergency bill.
Other speakers included, Hon. Prisca Auma of Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo ward, Hon. Maureen Otiang’ of Chemelil Ward, Hon. Seth Ochieng’ Kanga of Market Milimani Ward, Hon. Vitalis Otura Kolwa Central, Hon. Rashid Miruka North Nyakach Ward, Hon. Pete B. Ouko, and Hon. Samson Ameso.
Ag. Speaker of the County Assembly, Hon Elisha Oraro addressing incoming County officers on day 2 of the induction program
The County human resources directorate organized an induction and training program for the incoming chief officers and directors.
The five-day program was officially opened by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili who emphasized the importance of induction to the officers while congratulating them for new positions after a rigorous and competitive exercise.
On behalf of the Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o the deputy governor welcomed the new team on board and called on the inductees to note that as a service-oriented entity, the county government-run on certain ethos, the key of which is zero tolerance to corruption.
The incoming chief officers form a central part of service delivery in line with the Governor’s manifesto.
The County officers present also urged the new officers to get down to work and to be ready to serve the residents of Kisumu diligently.
The induction program is facilitated by the Kenya School of Government to introduce and to integrate the new officers to the county government system.
The induction and training of the new officers was graced by County Secretary Godfrey Kigochi, County Ministers, Nerry Achar, Prof. Juddy Attyang’, Dr. Obiero Ogone, George Akong’o, Dickson Obungu, the City Manager, Ms. Dorice Ombara and the secretary to the Public Service Board Dr. Hesbon Hongo.
Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili addressing the incoming chief officers and directors during the induction.
Kisumu political leadership have to day come together to express their support towards BBI a head of the planned Kisii meeting set for 10th January 2020.
While addressing members of the press, the leadership voiced their full support towards BBI , adding that the meeting is an important opportunity for the region to chart a way forward towards achieving a referendum.
The event brought members of the press, civil society and political leaders together in a joint communique read by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o resolving the following;
1. To unreservedly support the handshake and the harmony that it has brought in the country.
2. To support the BBI fully and the meeting of 10th January 2020 and other subsequent meetings to be used to push the momentum for the BBI agenda countrywide and accept that amendments can be made as the technical team will determine arising from the stakeholders engagement.
3. To support the referendum as the only means of effecting the various recommendations touching on the constitution particularly the governance structure that addresses the ” winner take all phenomenon ” which is responsible for the ills afflicting this nation and inhibiting it’s developmental potential.
4. The time is of the essence for the referendum process, and it is therefore necessary to gazette the technical team as soon as possible in order to take up any suggestions the regional and other consultation levels that are planned.
5. That as a leadership, we shall focus our energy towards ensuring that people at grassroots are mobilised to actively participate in these BBI consultations.
The leaders also vowed to continue with the conversation to the people at the grassroots, in a meeting that will bring together 6 Counties in Nyanza including Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira to give direction towards the mobilization of the agenda.
Governor Nyong’o emphasized that Nyanza region shares the same aspirations, trading and development partners ahus the reason to spearhead the BBI conversations.
The BBI is a resolve of H.E the President of the Republic Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and the Rt. Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga to spearhead and propel the conversation on BBI.
Leaders present included, Deputy Dr. Ochieng’ Owili, nominated Senator Rose Nyamunga, Hon. Olago Aluoch ( Kisumu West) , Hon. Aduma Owuor ( Nyakach) , Hon. James Nyikal ( Seme ), Hon. Elisha Oraro ( Speaker Kisumu County Assembly ) and members of the county assembly.
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and the political leadership addressing memebers of the press in a joint communique on BBI a head of the meeting in Kisii
The county government has set aside sh65 million to assist disadvantaged bright students advance their studies.
A total of 350 pupils are set to benefit from the Governors scholarship program that will see 10 students per ward selected.
Speaking during the official commissioning ceremony of the Elimu scholarship program, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili lauded the important role played by education in nation building.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Equity Bank and the World Bank,165 students were feted and awarded scholarships to join form one after posting exemplary results in last year’s examinations.
According to the Deputy Governor ,the county government was ready to join the national government and development partners to enhance education levels in the county.
Through the department of education, the county government has doubled bursary allocations in the wards to sh4 million. This will supplement education needs of disadvantaged students.
Joining the Deputy Governor were Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joan Chebet, George Onyinno Equity Bank Nyanza & Western Region General Manager, Governors Political Advisor Abballa Wanga, officials from the Education Ministry among other representatives at the Kisumu Polytechnic.
By Collins Owuor
Elimu scholarship program beneficiaries join the Deputy Governor and other officials for a group photo
Governor’s Speech – 56th Jamhuri Day
Governor, Professor Nyongo, giving his speech during Jamhuri Day at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, yesterday