Kisumu County makes a notch after receiving two ultra-modern ambulances from KENHA. The two moving ICU’s will go to Pap Onditi Hospital and Nyabondo Hospital adding on the number of ambulances in the county.
In addition KENHA is putting up a trauma center at Nyabondo Hospital. The centre will serve patients suffering from major traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, or gunshot wounds.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o flagging of 15 million Ultra Modern Ambulance donated by KENHA to Kisumu to respond to emergency cases in the county.
Ultra modern equipped ambulance
Kisumu is currently undergoing tremendous enterprise transformation evident by; revival of the old Kisumu Port, establishment of a rapid transport system, development of the special economic zone, modernization of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and establishment of a cancer center at the facility.
Currently, Ksh. 60 million has been set aside this financial year. Additionally there is the ongoing construction of the Kisumu Business and Incubation Center and the level preparedness towards hosting AfriCities 2021.
“We meet our ambitions through deliberate interventions to develop niche opportunities for foreign investors to tap. It is against this this backdrop that my deputy and I hosted the newly ambassadors chaperoned by Ambassador Njeru Githae to have a conversation of the available investment opportunities in Kisumu and to keep them abreast of the county’s level of preparedness towards hosting AfriCities 2021” said the Governor.
The idea is to invite the ambassadors to lobby for development partners to flock Kisumu from their respective countries thus revamping the County’s economic base.
Hosting the newly appointed Ambassadors currently in Kisumu for induction to a dinner meeting.
The County Directorate Green of Climate Change in partnership with Community Rehabilitation and environmental protection program (CREP), Suswatch, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) held a climate change workshop in order to sensitize the members on how to link Cimate response to the 17 SDGs at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu.
The deliberations of the workshop was to strengthen the understanding of Climate change working group and the Persons Living with Disabilities on SDGs framework and how to mainstream SDGs in climate change actions in the County, mainstreaming special groups such as Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), Youths, Women and to map out climatic actions in the County from all stakeholders with specific linkages to relevant SDGs.
The Ag. Chief Officer Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Dan Ongor, while officially opening the workshop said it was a timely workshop in discussing the SDG No. 13 on climate which has an impact on the 17 SDGs on environmental issues. He urged the team to strive to achieve some of the indicators locally.
He also acknowledged the fact that PLWDs can be more vulnerable to climate change, hence capacity building to create awareness to the PLWDs is key to enable them adapt and contribute in reduction of climate change risks.
He further outlined that there are about 240 indicators and 169 targets to be met locally and that the County CIDP, work plan and the budget has factored in the engagement of people from all spheres in the community.
The County Director for climate Change, Mr. Evans Gichana on his part emphasized the need to incorporate the PLWDs in order to tap their resources and that the workshop would also provide a platform to discuss how the special groups can be involved on climate change issues.
While speaking on behalf of development partners, Mr Robert from FES commended County for the development of Climate Change Policy and the Technical working Group, however, he challenged them to hold more meetings on mainstreaming and carry out monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all indicators are in line with the SDGs’ reporting levels.
The Ag. Chief Department of Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources , Mr Dan Ongor giving his opening remarks during the official opening of the Climate Change workshop at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu
Mr. Osano who is hearing impaired participant airs his views in sign language during the workshop
Madam Carolyne Agwanda making a presentation on mainstreaming special interest groups at the workshop
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 county government has condemned the brutal murder of Ferdinand Ongeri who until his disappearance last Wednesday, was the deputy chairman for the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), Kisumu branch.
Addressing nurses at the County Headquarters, Health CEC Prof. Judy Etiang called for speedy investigations as she urged the nursing fraternity to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies to bring the culprits to justice.
The deceased was described as a humble and dedicated person who performed his role diligently as a union representative.
In his address, KNUN Kisumu Secretary general Mr. Maurice Opetu petitioned the county commissioner to beef up security in all health facilities to safeguard the welfare of medics.
According to Kisumu County Deputy Commissioner, John Cheruiyot, investigators were already chasing leads to unravel the mystery behind the murder.
He vowed to upscale security in all health facilities as he urged the medics to provide information to aid the authorities in their probe.
By Collins Owuor
Health CEC Prof. Judy Etiang giving a press briefing over the Killing of the Deputy KNUN Mr. Ongeri Ondieki
Kisumu County Nurses stage demonstrations over the murder of their KNUN Deputy Chairman Mr. Ferdinand Ondieki Ongeri
The 53rd ASK Kisumu regional show was officially opened on Wednesday the 24th July 2019, by the Director National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nyanza Region, Mr. Paul Ouma.
The theme for this year’s show “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade “ focuses on new innovations in technology and best practices for the improvement of food security and increased incomes to the stakeholders.
The show has attracted about 80 exhibitors from different sectors, such as agriculture, education, trade, health, and finance among many other institutions.
County Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries led by the County Minister, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom and the Ag. Chief Officer, Mr. Aflred Ajulu, took part in the exhibitions and ranked top in the following areas: Best Agro – processing stand, Best County and County Department stand, and Best stand exhibiting Agricultural and/or earth moving equipment.
Food security being one of the County’s top priority, the department is keen in sensitizing the people on the significance of everyone taking part in urban and peri- urban agriculture, so as to avoid eating contaminated foods that cause terminal diseases which impacts negatively on the economic growth.” We need to eat food as medicine not medicine as food”, said the Farm Manager, Mr James Samo.
Some of the new innovations in technology that the department show cased included: the Vicinaqua technology where water can be recycled for both fish keeping and plant growing, commonly known as Aquaponics and also hydroponics which is crop farming using only water.
The use of canvas collapsible ponds that is economical in terms of space and easily portable that can enable farmers produce fish for sale,
Boosting food production through small gardens such as kitchen garden, key hole garden, jeans garden, moist bed garden suitable in dry areas like Nyakach, basketry garden, hanging garden and bridge garden.
Another category of innovation is the integrated farming technology where a structure is put up with plants at the top, poultry cage in the middle and an artificial pond at the bottom such that the droppings from poultry are directed to the pond and the water from the pond is used to boost plant growth.
There is also the healthy living technology dealing with the emerging crops with medicinal value such as Chia seeds, flax seeds, canola seeds, Artemisia, and stavia among others.
The five day annual event is considered important to both Kisumu County residents and the Western region since it provides a learning platform on how to boost food security through new innovations in technology, this will go a long way in spurring economic growth and ensuring that our Counties are food sufficient.
Kisumu County Department of Agriculture ranked top in four categories at the ASK show 2019, Mamboleo Show Ground
County-Director-of-Fisheries-Mr-Kenneth-Luga-left-explaining-about-Vicinaqua-technology-in-Fish-production-at-the-Kisumu-ASK-show.-
The Farm Manager, Mr James Samo taking the Chief Guest through the County ‘s Agriculture Department exhibition stand at the show
Jeans farming technology
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
On 18th July 2019, the first-ever forum focusing on health workers convened with a series of actions to deliberate on Human Resources for Health in the county.
The Human Resources for Health (HRH) Kenya which is USAID Kenya funded project convened an engagement forum which brought together county human resources for health stakeholders with the aim of strengthening health systems for improved health outcomes in Kisumu.
Speaking during the official opening of the forum, the Ag. Chief Officer Health and Sanitation, Mr. Stephen Sewe appreciated the IntraHealth International for the implementing of the HRH, a project that has help the health department to identify gaps in the health work force. Mr. Sewe noted that the HRH Kenya mechanisms has helped the County in keeping track of its health workforce and has informed decisions on human resources for health management.
The Chief Officer also acknowledged that the data generated from the system has enabled the county human resources for health in managing payroll clean up thus controlling the wedge bill.
The series of actions laid out by County health medical officers’ representing the 7 sub counties was geared towards deepening the understating of HRH Kenya work among key County stakeholders, disseminate key HRH Kenya best practices through various knowledge products and to create a strong rapport between the mechanism and to its partners including county governments.
In his speech, the representative from the HRH Kenya, Mr. Tervil Okoko was regretful that despite implementation of Universal health Coverage (UHC), the health workforce has only recently started to receive attention.
As a UHC pilot County, Kisumu has a deficit of about 76% of health workers (County HRH data), thus the need to keep track of the size and composition of the health workforce and formulate plans for future needs for HRH.
According to Mr. Okoko, evidence -based health workforce policies are essential to ensure the provision of high-quality health services that support the attainment of UHC, adding that the achievement of health-related SDGs and UHC remains conditional on the existence of a health workforce that is well-planned, deployed and appropriately managed and supported to meet population needs.
Mr. Akoko who represented the Chief of Party Dr. Wasunna Owino was sure that the USAID-funded HRH Kenya mechanism remains committed to its partnership with the County in improving and strengthening the HRH systems for improved health outcomes through support towards: sustainable interventions that increase the number of market-ready health workers, improving quality of pre-service training, Improving the management and leadership of health workers through the adoption of good HRH practices, encourage exchange of learning and information sharing with other county governments and key stakeholders, and Institutionalize the optimization of data use for effective HRH decision-making.
HRH Kenya celebrated County leadership for their commitment and support of the HRH work council committee and for taking a step further to employ more health workers to respond to the demands of the UHC implementation.
The Forum was the first of its kind to be held among the HRH Kenya project counties is Kenya.
By Matilda Atieno
Ag. Chief officer for health Mr. Stephen Sewe giving official opening speech during the county engagement forum on Human Resources for Health ( Pictures by David Wadulo)
The Agricultural Society of Kenya, for the first time held a boat and fishing duels at the Paga Beach yesterday, which brought together participants from all beach communities.
The fishing contest was flagged off at 6.00 am in the morning by the representative of the Lake Victoria Commission, Mr Amos Ndolo. By noon the fishermen returned from fishing, with the leading fisherman having 3 Nile perch, followed closely by other two fishermen who had 2 Nile perch each.
Fishing competitors were awarded with the first fisherman receiving sh.5, 000. The 2nd fisherman was awarded sh.3, 000 and the third one sh.2, 000.
In boat racing contest, a total of 5 boats each comprising of 8 participants from Kisumu west, Nyando, Seme, Nyakach and Kisumu central with an additional boat which had 7 women from Paga who showcased their sailing skills as well.
Boat racing competitors who emerged first position were from Seme and the captain was awarded sh.30, 000 followed by Kisumu West who received sh.20, 000 and Kisumu Central who were prized sh.10, 000. The women from Paga beach who had showcased their sailing prowess received sh.5000 for appreciation
Kisumu ASK Chairman, Mr. Caleb Oguya thanked everyone who attended and participated in the event. He also used the platform to extend an invitation to the people to Kisumu ASK show which will officially open on the 26th of July, 2019.
He reiterated that a total of 27 new technological innovations would be show cased during the event, which he termed a positive step to the right direction for this year’s show.
Neighboring countries expected to take part in the exhibitions include: DRC Congo, Tanzania and Uganda.
The ASK Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Charles Owelle, sensitized the people on up scaling fishing as a business in the region, assuring every one of unwavering support from the ASK national office.
Mr. Amos Ndoto, a representative from the Lake Victoria Basin Commission also pledged their support in activities around the Lake Victoria especially the Transport Act which encourages the use of life jackets by fishermen.
The Regional Commissioner, Mr. James Kianda who was the Chief Guest, in his remarks was pleased on how boat racing and fishing competition gaining momentum in the region. He urged the Beach Management Unit (BMU) to link up with coast guards in order to boost fishing activities. He further stated that the marine are the people who guard the water region and assured the BMU that they will be based in Kisumu to ensure fishermen are safe while fishing in the lake. He also promised a fully-fledged police station at the show ground to enhance security.
He stated that of the big four agenda, health and security were the key for the fishing industry. “It is time we brought back government to government itself.” Said the Regional commissioner. He called on the people to organize mini exhibitions to show case the fishing activities within the sub counties as a build up to the ASK show. and promised a fully-fledged police station at the show ground to enhance security.
He reiterated that of the big four agenda, health and security were the key agenda for the fishing industry. “It is time we brought back government to government itself.” Said the Regional commissioner. He called on the people to organize mini exhibitions to show case the fishing activities within the sub counties as a build up to the ASK show.
As a parting shot, he urged everyone to regulate the waste that goes into the lake by putting concerted effort in the management of waste that is polluting water. “We need a clean environment, we need a clean lake, and we need a clean city.” Emphasized the regional commissioner.
By: Lurie Zwere
The second winner in the fishing contest at the Paga beach
Women from Paga Beach taking part in the bought race with men
The regional Commissioner,Mr. James Kianda awarding winners during the fishing and boat race contests at the Paga beach
Prof. Judith Miguda Attyang and Mr. Victor Omondi Obondi were sworn-in by the County Chief Magistrate Julius Ng’arng’ ar in the presence of Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, his deputy Dr. Mathew Owili among other County officials.
Tuesday’s swearing-in of the two officers follows approval by county assembly’s committee on appointments that was chaired by the Speaker.
Prof Attyang comes in as the new County minister for health and sanitation as Mr. Odondi takes the office of the County Attorney with immediate effect.
In her remarks, Prof. Attyang expressed gratitude to Governor Nyong’o on the appointment promising to implement the Governors interests
Among the notable changes she will pursue, the County Minister promised to boost staff level and ensure reliable medical facilities as well as management of Health systems to aid supervision. On the other hand, Mr. Obondi promised to guide the County government on matters of law and compliance.
In his speech, Kisumu Governor Prof. Nyong’o pointed out that the appointment of Mr. Obondi as the Attorney shows his commitment to youth representation in his government.
“Postpone not any work, everyday matters,” He said,
The Governor also urged the appointees and other County Ministers to work diligently stating that there is still a lot to be done.
By Vello Wendo
Prof Judith Attyang Miguda (right) takes oath of office as the County Minister for Health and Sanitation. She was sworn by Kisumu Chief Magistrate Mr Julius Ng’arng’ar at the City Hall ground. Looking on is the Ag.County Secretary Dr Olang’o Onudi (centre). (Jacob Owiti)