As the rains continue to pound and cause havoc within the county, numbers of the affected persons is on the increase at the designated evacuation centers which calls for quick response on both food and nonfood items for the victims.

It is in the light of this, that the flood response coordinating committee comprising of county government team led by Ruth Odinga who is also the chairperson, development partners such as UNICEF, Care Kenya. World Vision, Red Cross, Makini Schools and Community well-wishers held a meeting to deliberate on how  provide aid  to the displaced persons.

With the growing population at the evacuation centers, assessment should be carried out to inform the needs of the people in the affected areas for accurate response.

Some of the foreseen immediate needs included holding medical camps, distribution of  ready to eat food items, water treatment tabs, buckets for water treatment, mosquito nets and sanitation facilities.

Desegregation of the displaced persons at the evacuation centers  is also key in meeting the different needs of people such as the lactating mothers, children under five, the old and persons with disabilities who are considered vulnerable.

Dredging of the river Nyando and Miriu is critical in reducing the overflow when rivers break their banks and construction of dykes is also key in flood prone areas to mitigate the occurrences of such emergencies.

The Ministry of Devolution was asked to dredge the rivers and construct the dykes during the official visit by the CS Eugine Wamalwa earlier this week.

The office of the County Commissioner has been tasked to beef up security in the night especially for the vulnerable young girls, mothers the and elderly women

The national government through Ministry of Devolution dispatched food items for distribution to affected areas.

Flood disaster has been common to Nyando and Muhoroni but this time round most parts of the county are affected including Nyakach, Kisumu East, Kisumu West, Kisumu Central and Seme.

Madam Ruth Odinga the in charge of County special programs thanked the development partners and the well –wishers from the business community for taking the initiative to support the noble cause. She called on them to put together a concerted effort towards meeting the needs of the affected persons.

The flood response coordinating committee meeting led by Madam Ruth Odinga in the Governor’s boardroom

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.

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)

The Government of Kenya being cognizant of the blue economy as a new frontier for development  and having acknowledged it as the 8^th 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