Kisumu city could soon benefit from a multi-sectoral urbanization project in readiness for the inaugural 2021 Afro cities summit it will host.
The county government and the city directorate through development partners have already embarked on massive infrastructural strategies in large scale attempts to develop the county.
Speaking at Sovereign hotel during the presentation of the local physical development plan for the county, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili lauded the progress as he pledged to engage investors in transforming the city’s’ fortunes.
In the plan, five zones within the county have been earmarked for rapid infrastructural projects with the city directorate set to play a key role in implementing them.
The 12-month project is set for completion this year with urban planners drawn from Groupe Huite, Planning Systems Services and Branded Solutions Services Limited all on board with the development plans.
Flanked by City Manager Doris Ombara the two agreed that work was still needed to transform Kisumu into a world class.
By Collins Owuor
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili flanked by City Manager Doris Ombara receives the inception report plan for developing five zones within the county. ( Picture by GPU)
Plans are under way to establish agricultural land for production in Kisumu County.
The County government through the department of Agriculture has planned to establish 10,000ha of productive land for agriculture in the county.
A special committee on Agriculture headed by Prof. Raphael Kapiyo of Maseno University and County Director of Agriculture, Mr. Sospeter Oketch, Kisumu East Sub County Agricultural Officer, Lake Basin Development Authority, Great Lakes University and NEMA Representatives paid a visit to the West, East and Central Kolwa wards with the aim of assessing and identifying potential agriculturally productive lands.
The Mboha and Nyamthoe Agricultural Development and Technical Committee was on the ground earlier this week to explore the productivity of lands around Mboha and Nyamthoe and to come up with plans to involve local farmers in commercial agriculture production estimated to feed the Nyanza Region as a whole.
While addressing the committee, the Chairperson of the East, West and Central Kolwa land owners, Mr. Noah Ong’udi expressed member’s commitment to support the project in achieving sustainable food production with the hope that the flooding menace that affects the area will be dealt with once and for all.
The department of Agriculture, has promised to work hand in hand with local farmers over the next farming seasons to achieve economic empowerment through employment of youths in farms while boosting food production for the people of Kisumu.
By Russel Vick
Edited by Matilda Atieno
The Mboha and Nyamthoe Agricultural Development and Technical Committee on fact finding mission ( Picture by Jacob Owiti
The County government is fully committed to the implementation of the 2017 CBA, that calls for increase in allowances allocated to nurses that has not been implemented following the agreement in the most recent strike.
According to County Minister for health and sanitation, Dr. Rosemary Obara, there has been numerous discussions with the union leaders adding that that the nurses’ allowances had been factored in budgetary allocations.
While addressing the nurses at the county headquarters, Dr. Obara stated that the administration is waiting for an advisory through the Council of Governors upon which all payments will be made. She promised the nurses that their arrears will be sorted and paid by the end of February 2019.
The County Minister further called upon the contracted nurses to show dedication in their lines of duty to warrant their permanent engagement by the county government.
She appealed to the union leaders to calm their members for everything was under way waiting for a return to work formula that will be good to both nurses and the county government.
By Kevin Ouko
Edited By Matilda Atieno
County Minister for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Rosemary Obara addressing striking nurses outside the County headquarters where she urged them to return to work as their grievances were being looked at with a view to finding lasting solutions (Picture By Jacob Owiti)
The ministry of labour and national social protection paid a courtesy call on the County government with the aim of fast-tracking the gains made in social protection programs.
Speaking during the meeting, the head of state social protection department, Mr John Gashigi said the County government must formulate appropriate social protection policies and non-statutory services to cater for the welfare of the vulnerable .
Mr. Gashigi urged the County to engage the department of international development, mandated to provide grants, world food programmes, system strengthening and capacity building as well as development of other social protection programmes. He also stated that there is need to move from protection of the individual’s need to production through collaboration with other partners. “The social protection policy has undergone several changes since 2011 and is still being reviewed to elevate protection process” said Mr. Gashigi.
The World Bank through its department of social protection is dedicated towards eradication of poverty levels among Kenyan youths. Mr Kevin Sanya, a social protection specialist from the World Bank, confirmed that the youth intake training program will continue to year 2021.
According to the acting County director of social services, Mrs. Adah Omedi, the County government of Kisumu has special programmes for the disabled and needy students. She added that several students have benefited from bursaries and scholarship programs; this too is evident in the feeding program in Early Childhood Development Centres. Mrs. Omedi urged different partners to collaborate with the County for the success of the program.
Also present were the stakeholders from Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and The Kenya National Safety Net Programme.
By Benter Anyang’o
Edited by Matilda Atieno
A team from the world bank,state social protection department and county directorate of social services deliberating on county social protection program initiative (Picture by Jacob Owiti)
The county government of Kisumu joined the world in celebrating the world cancer day, an annual event that is observed every 4th of February.
The World Cancer Day 2019, themed ‘I Am and I Will’ was marked by a procession that was flagged off from the JOOTRH to the West End Mall where screening exercise for all cancer conditions was performed with the aim of creating Cancer Awareness among Kisumu residents.
Cancer survivors, patients and well-wishers, including Aga- Khan hospital, KMTC students from Lake Victoria campus, County health officials and Kisumu hospice participated in the walk earlier today as the band led the team and as slogans and encouragement rented the air.
Speaking during the event, the County clinical officer Mr. Charles Ngwalla noted that early detection of cancer helps in treatment as well as reduce the costs involved in treatment. Mr. Ngwalla also affirmed that the County government intends to work together with all the stakeholders to ensure Radiotherapy can easily be accessed within the County, adding that Radiotherapy service will minimize patient’s movement in search for care.
“With the Universal Health Care, services will be brought closer as a sign to this commitment, added Mr. Ngwala.”
According to Dr. Alfred Mayan from Agha Khan hospital, healthy living revolves around a balanced diet, exercise, regular check up that will help in detection of upcoming infections. He urged the public to avoid drug abuse as this leads to bad health. He went ahead to encourage the general public to embrace daily exercise to keep fit.
“Red meat intake as well as too much intake of vegetable oil also leads to cancer infection”. Mrs. Vilembo Olivia a nutritionist from Agha Khan hospital reiterated the need for balanced diet as this would lower chances of infection.
Also present were stakeholders from the central bank of Kenya, Kenya Revenue authority, KenGen, Kenya power and lighting company and the Tumaini La Maisha leadership initiative.
By Benter Queen
Edited by Matilda Atieno
Cancer survivors, patients and well wishers joined the procession from JOOTRH to West End mall as Kisumu marks World Cancer Day 2019
Rice production in the county could soon double up under a new program initiated by the County government and the Ministry of Agriculture where the programme being implemented is Capacity Development Project for Enhancement of Rice Production in Irrigation Schemes (CaDPERP) under technical cooperation agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
This will see new techniques introduced during production with the same replicated in other areas to enhance productivity and open up new markets for rice promotion.
In a stakeholders meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili today, the National Government through the state department for crops development agreed to partner with the County Government with key emphasis placed on up scaling the agricultural value chain.
He was joined by County Ministers, Gilchrist Okuom(Agriculture), Salmon Orimba (Water and Environment), Mr Masahiko Murakami Ph.D (JICA) and representatives from the National Irrigation Board.
By GPU
County Ministers, Gilchrist Okuom (Agriculture), Salmon Orimba(Water and Environment), Mr. Masahiko Murakami Ph. D (JICA) and representatives from the National Irrigation Board. ( Photo by GPU)
The county government has launched its first Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) program in a meeting that was held at the county headquarters earlier this week.
The initiative’s main objective is to fast track service delivery to Kisumu county residents and to implement the governor’s manifesto.
Speaking during the launch, the County Minister for Environment, Water, Irrigation and Natural Resources, Mr. Salmon Orimba said, every directorate has to set up structures that includes, project planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, liaison and mobilization, administration and enforcement, in order to realize the RRI.
Mr. Orimba also noted that there is need for proper documentation that will put in place proper revenue collection plan and a list of all the actors in charge of services in all the 47 sub counties in Kisumu, adding that the procurement office should ensure that all payments made should be captured and recorded.
The RRI is structured in four thematic areas which include, Solid Waste Management, Pollution control, enforcement and administration. Each of the thematic areas have a taskforce that presented implementation strategy to ensure realistic projects and activities to be accomplished.
In his remarks, Mr. George Okong’o, the governor’s economic advisor reaffirmed the governors interest in ensuring service delivery to the residents of Kisumu and that projects that are geared towards the same are prioritized.
The RRI initiative is expected to complete all its 47 projects by June this year thus ensuring food security, reduced pollution and clean water for residents within Kisumu county.
By Enos Ambani
County Minister for Environment, Water, Irrigation & Natural Resources, Salmon Orimba addressing the task force during the RRI program launch ( Photo by Collins Owuor)
The county government of Kisumu today donated sets of sports gears in support of the Manyatta United football club, thanks to the directorate of sports.
The Ag. Chief Officer for Tourism Arts Culture Sports and Information, Mr. Thomas Ouko handed out kits and footballs to the team in an effort to support and boost local team morale.
Mr. Ouko told the team founder, Mr. Anthony ‘Mzee’ Obala that the department is open to more positive engagement towards sports development especially amongst local leagues. Chief officer promised to officially visit the club to inspire the young boys and girls.
Manyatta united is a local football club that was founded after the 2007-2008 post-election violence to advocate for peaceful co-existence among youths in the community. The club is linked to Manyatta resource centre which is a community youth group formed to provide space for youths’ empowerment and to nature talents.
In his remarks, Mzee Obala, commended the good gesture by Ag. Chief Officer and Directorate of Sports headed by George Auma, adding that the relationship built between county and Manyatta youth centre has so far bore fruits.
Mr. Obala appreciated efforts made by the department in supporting youths and local football.
Manyatta United is set to participate in the upcoming tournament dubbed Chapa Dimba regional championship on the 9th and 10th of February 2019.
By Matilda Atieno
Ag. Chief Officer for for Tourism, Arts, Culture ,Sports and Information, Mr. Thomas Ouko ( Right) handing out sets of sports gears to Mr. Anthony ‘Mzee’ Obala towards Manyatta United football club (Photo By Matilda Atieno
At least 300 markets in Kisumu will receive title deeds following a joint initiative between the County Government and the Ministry of Lands
Under a program dubbed wizara mashinani the national government through the state department has already made plans to establish land clinics within the county in efforts to end land wrangles.
Speaking in Kisumu, lands Cabinet Administrative Secretary Gideon Mung’aro expressed concern over the large number of uncollected titles; he promised to engage the county government in issuing out the deeds.
According to Mung’aro the government was in the process of reviewing fraudulently obtained land and soon they would be handed over to their rightful owners. He called for immediate standardization of records to clean up the land’s registry.
The lack of land titles is a big blow to investor confidence and drastic measures are needed to reverse the trend said Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili.
“We already have a task force currently preparing a report on land reforms; their findings will be handed over to the governor in fourteen days time. Despite having the required space for the establishment of a special economic zone the lack of proper documentation on the parcel was slowing down efforts to operationalize it”added the Deputy Governor.
Dr. Owili was confident that the government’s renewed interest on land matters would go a long a way in ending conflicts especially around the border areas.
By Collins Owuor
Deputy governor, Dr. Mathew Owili welcoming CAS Gideon Mung’aro in his office (Photo by GPU)
The county government in partnership with Kenya Red Cross organized a two day disaster and emergency management workshop that was held at St John’s Manor Hotel in Kisumu.
The focus of the discussions was on the clear need for accelerated implementation of disaster management tools and equipment, as well as the need to acquire new and upgrading the ones in place including ambulances.
More than anything the flow of information during an emergency will enable quick response and recovery through prevention and mitigation process.
It was also recommended that a joint framework for aligning activities during an emergency would help in developing a dedicated approach towards disaster management.
The departments represented from the county government included health and sanitation, water and irrigation, special programs, agriculture, green energy and climate change and the county fire brigade.
Kisumu West Sub-County Administrator, Mr. Samson Oron (right) makes contribution during the County Disaster Emergency Management Training Organized by the Red Cross at the St John’s Manor Hotel on 29 Th Jan 2019. Looking on is Torchlight Company Project Manager, Mr. Shaun Davis (left) (Photo by Jacob Owiti)