Kisumu County Solid Waste Management Policy and Bill 2020
The department of Water, Environment and climate change in partnership with the Kenya Alliance of Resident Association (KARA) and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) today organised a public participation session with the public to review and provide input to the draft policy and Bill at the Catholic Center in Nyalenda, Kisumu.
The objective of the policy is to minimize waste generation and promote re-use, recovery and recycling of waste materials and sustainable waste disposal.
While giving his opening speech during the session, the County Executive Committee Member for the department Mr. Salmon Orimba called on the public to actively participate by giving their views towards developing
a good policy framework that will promote a sustainable, effective and integrated solid waste management system.
The session was quite interactive as the people were taken through the draft as they also used the platform to have their input incorporated.
Also in attendance were: the Chief Officer Water and Environment, Meryline Agwa, Marie – Anne Serue an expertise from France, Sieiwho Jack from KIWASCO among other top County Officials.
By Emily Mikwa
Public participation forum on the preparation of Kisumu County solid waste management policy and bill 2020 at Pand Pieri catholic center Nyalenda (Picture by John Willis)
- Published in Department of Water, Environment, News Item
Governor Visits Medical Camp
As the world celebrates World Cancer day, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Mama County Dorothy Nyong’o toured Ober Kamoth sub-county hospital in Kisumu west on the second day of the ongoing Free Medical Camp which includes cancer education and free cancer screening.
The governor encouraged residents and beneficiaries of the program to show up for treatment and cancer screening. He also interacted with some of the patients and volunteer doctors as he went around the facility.
Area residents are streaming in large numbers waiting to be attended to. Lillian and her fellow students from Nyang’inja Secondary School said, “We should have more of these camps, at least two to three-yearly as it makes access to cancer screening easier.”
Another resident Rose Akinyi brought the daughter with fungal infections and was grateful as she was finally able to treat her, something she couldn’t do before due to financial constraints.
More residents are expected to show up in the next two days before the camp moves to Nyakach at Nyamarimba Hospital
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o visiting the medical camp at Ober Kamoth in Kisumu West sub county
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o in the company of Mama Kisumu among other medical practitioners at the medical camp in Ober Kamoth hospital during the World cancer day
County Government of Kisumu and USAID Signs an MOU
Governor, Professor Nyong’o and USAID Mission Director, Mark Meassick today presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a joint commitment to Kenyan – led development in Kisumu County, at the Acacia Hotel in Kisumu.
The MOU reflects the shared vision on devolution among the two countries, focusing on meeting the needs of the people.
It provides a framework on how the County and USAID will transact business together including aligning activities, plans and budgets, designing new programs and priorities, monitoring and evaluating programs, working jointly to counter corruption and protect the beneficiaries.
The County Assembly Speaker, Hon. Elisha Oraro said the move will steer development across all sectors, hence enabling environment is key to any development. He promised to work on the required legislation to support the move going forward.
The Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello said the MOU is a vision that will steer the County to greater heights. He called for a concerted effort to find a seed variety that fits the soil in Ahero, and a rice milling plant in Nyando that will put an end the exploitation of farmers by brokers.
Speaking during the event, USAID Mission Director Mark Meassick said the MOU puts to an end the foreign aid and it transforms the trade relationships among the public, civil society and private sectors to generate opportunity for all Kenyans and to accelerate self-reliance.
“The United States Government is shifting the way we work. We want our programs to be co-created, co-implemented, and co-measured to address problems and solve them at the County level,” reiterated the Director.
He further explained that USAID will develop a five-year plan to resonate with the MOU, where resources will be channeled directly to the County government.
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o on his part lauded the move by the USAID, that will spur transformation both in the fields of agriculture and health where the needs of the people are paramount.
He reiterated that the MOU will provide opportunity and the ability to respond to the needs of the people through the established village councils who are mandated to deal with the maintenance of access road, monitoring sand harvesting activities that messes the environment, family healthcare and health preventive measures within the village.
Besides the MOU will provide ready markets locally and internationally for the local products, and it is against this back drop that the County plans to revive the growing of BT cotton and to do value addition to the Ahero rice to stop exploitation of local farmers by the middlemen.
Also, in attendance were the County Executive Committee Members(CECMs) for: Finance and Economic Planning Mr. George Okong’o, Agriculture Irrigation, livestock and fisheries, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom, Health and Sanitation, Professor Judith Attyang’, The County Legal advisor, Mr. Idris Omondi, City Manager Doris Ombara, Majority leader for County Assembly Hon. Kenneth Odhiambo, County Chief Officers, among other invited guests who also welcomed the initiative.
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o and the USAID Mission Director, Mark Meassick signing the MOU, looking on are the Nyando MP, Jared Okello and the legal advisers for the two leaders.
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o and USAID Mission Director, Mark Meassick holding the signed MOU
The leaders pose for a photo after the signing of the MOU
- Published in Agriculture, Health, News Item
The Lakefront Development Corporation Consultative Meeting
The Chairman Lakefront Development Corporation, Mr. Edward Rakwar Otieno Ouko together with Mr. Amos Mariba who represented the Nyanza regional commissioner Mr. James Kianda, today chaired a consultative meeting with all stakeholders affiliated to the lakefront to discuss and input the roadmap for the lakefront implementation agenda at Acacia Hotel in Kisumu
This comes after the Governor has gazetted the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation as a Special purpose Corporation to drive the rapid development of the Kisumu lakefront.
Also gazetted was the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation Board of Directors who are rich with the expertise relevant to drive the Corporation towards the realization of the objectives set.
Speaking during the meeting, the City Manager Doris Ombara outlined some of the Eight thematic zones along the lakefront slotted for development which included: Commercial and Port area with a cruise viewing site, Golf Course, Pipeline and Jetty, two water fronts (Dunga and Usoma) Hotel and Resorts, International Conference Centre , Lakefront Administrative and fish factory with sites for fish handling and redesigning a sewage drainage system with a road and railways along the lakefront.
She further appealed to the business operators who will be affected by such developments that the County will use legislation to achieve its objectives and asked them to give the lakefront development a chance in order to benefit from the opportunities that will come with the opening of the port.
She stated that the Kenya Urban programs (KUP) used 301 million to construct Impala – Dunga road and currently 700million has been set aside to re-plan Obunga slums.
The Chairman of the Africities secretariat Mr. Joe Ager used the platform to inform the business operators of the Africities Summit to be held in Kisumu as from 16th – 22 November, 2021
He added that the steering committee meeting will be held in Kisumu in March chaired by the CS devolution. He called on the business men to work closely with the steering committee to expand their businesses and to create wealth.
He challenged the professional consultants to consider a wider perspective of investments that can be brought into the lakefront apart from tourism such as the expansion of the runway and its direction for it to meet the international standards.
The Chief Executive Officer, Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Dr Matano, on his part urged the stakeholders on optimum use of the lake resource for wealth creation. He advised that all planning of the lakefront development should be pegged on matters sustainability, hence there is need to balance environmental, social and economic aspects.
He urged the implementers to consider enforcing the regulatory frameworks such as the municipal and urban effluent international standard, accidents framework, leakage and flashing time among others. He however pointed out the major challenge affecting the lake is the climate change resulting from prolonged drought and rains.
The CECM for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Achie Alai said her department presented a branding proposal that would rekindle the face of Kisumu and that currently a color scheme and a logo are being worked on to make the city appealing to investors and tourists.
On Sports, plans are underway to construct a FIFA accredited football stadium in the next two years.
The CECM for Lands, Housing and Physical planning, Mr. Dickson Obungu encouraged everyone to participate positively in the planned lakefront development for the benefit of Kisumu County together with the counties neighboring the Lake Victoria, have also joined the team to ensure it succeeds.
While representing the Regional Commissioner, Mr. Amos Mariba urged the corporation to use a multi-agency approach during implementation for seamless coordination. He also asked them to go out and meet the people so that they are well informed of the developments to be carried out in the area and the available opportunities they can explore.
The CEO lake Victoria Basin Commission Dr. Matano giving a presentation during the lakefront development consultative meeting at Acacia Hotel, Kisumu
The CECM for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning, Mr. Dickson Obungu and his counterpart for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Achie Alai together with stakeholders listening to a presentation at the lakefront development committee meeting at Acacia Hotel, Kisumu
- Published in News Item
Medical Camp for Specialized Care in Kisumu West
Hundreds of residents thronged into Ober Kamoth Sub-County hospital for specialized treatment in the ongoing 4-day medical camp that kicked off yesterday through to the 6th of February 2020.
The medical camp in its third-year running is supported through a partnership between County Government of Kisumu, Bridge to Health foundation, Africa Cancer Foundation and SNAR foundation with attention to medical care on hypertension tension and diabetes, Cancer Screening, Eye Care and Dental care.
With a team of 60 specialized doctors and medical officers, the residents from the young to the elderly men and women receive free specialized care and medication, as well as a visual aid in cases of eye care.
The outreach is intended to bring services closer to the community to ensure primary care through early detection and prevention a practice that is set to be continued in the community through the trained community health workers.
The large number which turned up to seek the medical services offered by the visiting doctors demonstrated a story of hope to the community, as all of the patients were so patient waiting for their turn.
The medical camp is currently on its second day, as the world marks its annual Cancer day today the 4th of February 2020.
In the spirit of Universal healthcare (UHC), Mama Kisumu, Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o urged residents to come in their numbers for the reason that the medical care is an opportunity that has brought health care closer to the community, adding that Kisumu being a pilot county on UHC the extension of the outreach with the focus on primary care aims at achieving UHC.
According to the Lead operations and founder of SNAR foundation Dr. James Randiek, the outreach expects to attend to all patients. ” the turnout is good; we expect to attend to 600 people per day for 4 days.”
The 2020 medical camp is set for two locations, in Kisumu west at Ober Kamoth Subcounty hospital and another 4 days in Nyakach at Nyamarimba health center starting 7th through to 11th February.
Mr. Fredrick Oluoch, County public health director assured residents of specialized care and that referral paths have been put in place for all referral cases to JOOTRH and Kisumu County Referral Hospital.
The medical camp is intended to support rural residents who have disproportionately face numerous barriers to accessing quality healthcare services with the primary goal of offering free specialized health services directly to rural populations in their communities and as a way of covering the financial costs associated with transferring patients to hospitals
By Matilda Atieno
Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o interacting with patients as they patiently a wait for treatment offered by the visiting doctors ( Picture by Jacob Owiti)
Integrated Actions for Innovative Food Systems Across Rural-Urban Communities Project
The county department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a one day workshop for the Food Liaison Advisory Group (FLAG) Steering Committee at Vittoria Suites Hotel in Kisumu.
The objectives of the workshop were to come up with mission and vision of the FLAG, develop selection criteria for grantees, present revised work plan dates, validation and signing of commitment forms, establish grantees selection, and proposals/names of value chain actors to be visited.
The Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries madam Rosemary Aluoch while giving her introductory remarks, stated that the food systems are a very complex issue that requires a collaborative and innovative approach. She reiterated the need to create value chains in terms of nutritious and safe food for the consumers.
Madam Aluoch was also optimistic that the rapid analysis of the food systems to be carried out will point out safety gaps that will be addressed since Kisumu is a unique county with 14 wards within urban and 21 other wards in the rural setup. She further urged the implementers of the project to have a transformative mindset and be innovative in engagement with consumers’ needs in order to achieve the objectives of the project.
The Chief Officer Cooperatives Mr. Oganga on his part called on the FLAG members to work as a team. He further advised that much as the team focuses on nutrition and safety aspects of the foods produced, it should also look at a business model that can sustain the project.
While officially opening the workshop, the Chief Officer Agriculture and Irrigation, Dr. Paul Omanga noted that the project has come at a time when Kisumu County is drawing a development plan for the next 100 years and that food system is key in the plan.
He, however, appealed to the residents of Kisumu to minimize the importation of food products and instead increase local production to meet the demands of the local consumers.
“Kisumu must be innovative in the production of local foods other than being chief importers. We, therefore, need to support our producers with innovative ways that can improve food systems in Kisumu.” Dr. Omanga said.
The meeting brought on board the FLAG Committee comprising of technocrats from relevant disciplines from the County, Institutions of higher learning, researchers from both governmental and non-governmental, FAO representatives Rebeccah Wanjiru, Winnie Yegon, local food processors and farmers within Kisumu.
By Emily Mikwa
Dr. Paul Omanga addressing the FLAG steering committee during the workshop held at Vittoria suites hotel in Kisumu ( Picture by John Willys Juma)
- Published in Agriculture, News Item
Engaging County Front-line Health Workers in Managing PPH
Kisumu County is the first beneficiary of the Living Labs project supported by PATH to engage and motivate front-line immunization health workers to increase coverage and make a significant contribution to maternal health following implementation that is set for rollout in public health facilities across the county.
Access to reproductive health in Kisumu county has expanded since the introduction of UHC, however, gaps in outcomes of care remain a challenge. The gaps include maternal mortality which is a high burden in the service delivery.
Recognizing these gaps, PATH Kenya through Living Labs project in partnership with Kisumu County Health Department held a workshop intending to strengthen the motivation and engagement of frontline immunization workers on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
In his official remarks, the County Director for Public health and Sanitation Mr. Fredrick Oluoch appreciated the efforts made to deal with PPH which contribute to maternal mortality. He lauded the workshop supported by the Living labs project for the pending solutions that work within our facilities in Kisumu.
The County maternal health service coordinator, Ms. Jane Owuor noted the challenge of maternal mortality in the county due to PPH, adding that the team looks forward to working with PATH to ensure women survive labor.
Postpartum hemorrhage is a common cause of maternal deaths, thus the need to engage the health workers through the Human-centered Design approach to come up with the most effective strategy to PPH. The officers resolved to ensure active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL) to reduce the risk in maternal health.
The deliberations noted barriers in managing PPH as the major cause of maternal mortality, the barriers included the duration for the referral process and lack of motivation of the front-line workers. They also noted that PPH is beyond the service provider and asked that the health management team ensure service delivery.
The workshop brought together medical officers and health workers from the sub-county facilities, County referral hospital, JOOTRH, and County government health officers.
By Matilda Atieno
County Director for public health and sanitation Mr. Fredrick Oluoch giving opening remarks during the Living lab project workshop
Kisumu Hosts the National Urban Forum
As Abu Dhabi prepares to host the World Urban Forum in February this year, Kenya is in top gear putting forward a national conversation to drive the urbanization agenda.
Several stakeholders led by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure James Macharia and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o converged at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu County to discuss and agree on a national position to be presented at the World Forum.
The National Urban Forum provides a platform for stakeholders to review progress made in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, and its impact on communities, cities, economies, and climate change.
The Consultative forum brings together like minded stakeholders and experts in the fields of housing and human settlements, providing them with an opportunity to share experiences and best practices, as well as to forge and strengthen partnerships in promoting sustainable urbanization and human settlements.
Governor Nyong’o while giving his keynote address to the delegates, noted that the forum is a good precursor to the Africities Summit to be held in Kisumu in November 2021 as it lays ground for proper planning and urban development as well as providing opportunity for comparative discussions on how best to do it.
He mentioned two very important aspects of urban development that is; having an environmentally sustainable, equitable and just urban development giving an example of the Kisumu’s Non-motorized transport system that takes care of 67% of its residents.
He outlined that to have an equitable and just system of services, the citizens must be provided by both motorized and non-motorized transport systems.
Secondly, order must be maintained. Governor Nyong’o reiterated that order is vital in any kind of urban planning to give room for proper commercial centres. He lauded the National Government in its efforts to put up the Uhuru Business Park that will bring freedom to traders allowing them to transit from informality to formality by providing more secure, sustainable and environmentally healthy spaces.
He noted that the advantages that come with formal commercial centres are many, and we must be ready to formalize the commercial line in urban centres to allow our traders access better services including credit facilities from commercial banks to boost their businesses.
His remarks were also echoed by CS Macharia who informed the delegates of the government’s intensified efforts to complete roadworks along the Kisumu Boys – Mamboleo junction. He also urged the residents and stakeholders to support the Governor in making Kisumu ready for the Africities.
From the forum, the CS is expected to have a brief tour at the recently rehabilitated Kisumu Port to supervise preparations ahead of the launch, a move that was welcomed by the Governor acknowledging that the opening of Kisumu Port is a very important aspect as it will provide an entry point into the region connecting the East African Countries.
Cognizant of the important role played by the lake in the areas of commerce, trade, entertainment and tourism and Kisumu having turned its back to the lake over the years, the Governor said his administration will cooperate with traders on Obote road to ensure that the trade is friendly to the lakefront environment and adds to the economy of the lake.
Also in attendance were: Nakuru Governor and Chair of the Housing and Urban Development Committee under CoG Lee Kinyanjui, PS State Department of Housing and Development Charles Hinga, Maimunah Mohd Sharif –UN Habitat Executive Director, Amb. Njambi Kinyungu among others.
By: Nancy Juma
A host of dignitaries led by Transport and Infrastructure, CS Macharia and Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o during urban forum held at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu
Transport and Infrastructure, CS James Macharia addressing stakeholders at the national Urban Forum in Kisumu
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o giving his Keynote address at the national Urban Forum in Kisumu
- Published in Africities, News Item
Cervical Cancer Screening
The County government of Kisumu supported by Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o and in partnership with International Cancer Institute (ICI) Eldoret is currently holding a two-day FREE Cancer screening starting today the 24th to 25th of January 2020 at the JOOTRH and Airport health facility.
The two days cancer screening is supported by EMPOWER in partnership with County Government of Kisumu, County First Ladies Association Roche and Africa Cancer Foundation with the aim of advocating and encourage screening among women and to reduce late diagnosis of cervical cancer in Kisumu.
Mama Kisumu urged all women in reproductive age to take advantage of the two-day medical camp organized to commemorate the annual global Cervical cancer marked in the month of January.
“Every woman needs to get checked every year, on your birthday give yourself a treat by going for screening.” Said Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o. In addition, Mama Kisumu encouraged ladies to take advantage of the screening, stating that cervical cancer is preventable if detected early. “What better news is there if not that you can be free of it if you get checked.” She added.
Dr. Peter Okoth also noted that JOOTRH center of excellence is looking forward to main stream screening clinic to strengthen the system.
The CEO emphasized that the two days screening exercise is set to sensitize the community and to promote screening among women in Kisumu adding that the screening is available every day in all health facilities across the county.
Kisumu has higher rate of cancer majorly due to HIV prevalence thus regular screening among residents is encouraged.
Mama Kisumu was also joined by the, Chief Officer County Health and administration Mr. Alphonse Ogik Ouya and Monica Owuor Non-Communicable disease coordinator.
By Matilda Atieno
Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o sensitizing women on the importance of undergoing cervical cancer sreeening at the JOOTRH in Kisumu
Task Force on mental health public participation in Kisumu
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