Kisumu Audit Committee Induction Workshop
The National Treasury in partnership with the German Development Cooperation- GIZ, have organized a three-day training workshop for the established Kisumu county audit Committee at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
The Training is focusing on the establishment of the audit committees, roles and responsibilities of the committees, Enterprise risk management, audit committee oversight over financial statements, the PFM Act 2012 and regulations 2015, procurement fraud, fraud and corruption risk management, internal audit and audit committee performance measurement.
While officially opening the training sessions, the County Executive Member for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr. George Okong’o pledged to facilitate the committee to do its work to enable seamless operations of the committee.
He told the committee that it has been granted its independent space to address weaknesses in the system and take corrective action before it gets out of hand into the public domain.
The County executive member also thanked the German Development Cooperation – GIZ and Office of the Auditor General for their immense support on this training and that they look forward to more of such fruitful engagements that strengthen the internal structures of governance.
On her part, the Acting Manager for Good Governance Program from German Development Cooperation- GIZ, Ms Sylvia Aluoch, said their aim was to improve governance structure for service delivery to the people.
They also support the proper function of the established audit committee membership to carry out their work as outlined in the PFM Act 2012 that is to prevent corruption cases, EACC issues and unnecessary audit queries from the auditor general’s office.
The Facilitators from the office of the auditor general to train the audit committee include: Mr. Patrick Owiti, Mr. Daniel Nyaga, and Mr. Abdi Sahal.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item
Kisumu Marks World Food Day
County Executive Member for Agriculture, livestock, irrigation and Fisheries Mr. Gilchrist Okuom addressing the people during World Food Day celebrations in Nyalenda
Farmers and residents of Kisumu County today converged at the united Destiny Shapers in Nyalenda to celebrate the World food day.
The event marked annually every 16th October is themed “Grow, Nourish, Sustain Together” focusing on areas that require action and offering a common objective.
The ceremony which was organised into the farmers field day saw various farmers showcase assortment of locally produced foods, innovative farming technologies recommended for the urban and peri urban farming and value addition on different products for local markets and for exports.
The nutrition sector was not left behind as they sensitized the people on the importance of consuming a balanced diet for nourishment and that it is crucial in the reduction of triple burden of malnutrition which causes obesity, cancer, diabetes among other problems in expectant mothers.
While presiding over the event, the CEC Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation and Fisheries Mr. Gilchrist Okuom challenged the farmers to upscale from subsistence farming to agri business which is sustainable through value addition.
He urged everyone to get to production to ensure they eat quality food which is nutritious and nourishing to help eliminate diseases caused by malnutrition.
The County Executive called on youths and women farmers to access available funding opportunities to expand their production.
He thanked the partners for their continued support to ensure Kisumu is food secure. IFAD has supported the fish sector through aquaculture business development Program which focuses on increasing food security and income among the poor through value addition while FAO Kenya is currently capacity building farmers on agri business as they target youths and women groups in Kisumu West, East, Central and Nyando sub counties.
The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Christopher Siele applauded the women and the youths for the good initiatives showcased and called on participants of the day not to pay lip service to food production but take it seriously since it pays.
He added that failure to invest in farming has a multiplier effect which spirals to the whole country making us net importers.
The Deputy commissioner also advised that irrigation farming is the way to go since the rains are quite unreliable. He thanked the partners who have supported in the reduction of surface run offs which is a challenge in farming in the region.
Eng. Charles Kalomba one of the guests called on the county to pick at least five key innovations exhibited , patent and protect them then scale up the production.He also urged the farmers to think agribusiness.
The Chief Officer crops, Dr Paul Omanga stated that without food we are food insecure hence we need to upscale the production of traditional leafy vegetables which boost immune system thereby reducing the chances of being overwhelmed by diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Corona Virus.
On her part the Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries Madam Rosemary Raluoch encouraged farmers to produce nutritious foods for a healthy living. She also reminded the farmers over a helpline that they need to call the number 0800720696 whenever they counter challenges in farming for a solution to be reached.
The event was also attended by the area Ward administrator Dorothy Okumu, Area Chief, Senior Chief West Kolwa Mr. Kabisaye, the Partners, extension officers Pamela Akech and Monica Rombe, County officials from departments of Agriculture and Health, CBOs, among other invited guests.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Agriculture, News Item
Governor Nyong’o unveils free health insurance cover to support vulnerable families
At least 90,000 vulnerable families within Kisumu County will now be able to access free medical services following the launch of a new Medical Insurance Cover dubbed “Marwa Kisumu Solidarity Health Insurance Scheme” by the County Government.
The County Government through Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o this morning presented a cheque of Kshs. 67.5 million to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which will execute the scheme on its behalf.
The 67.5 million is expected to cover some vulnerable 45,000 beneficiaries in the first quarter of the scheme. The Marwa Kisumu Solidarity Health cover strictly tailormade for families who for one reason or the other are unable to make contributions into any medical insurance scheme will cover a total of 90,000 vulnerable families across the county starting with 45,000 and later roll out to 90,000 in its second quarter.
Speaking at the launch and unveiling of the scheme’s logo, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o said the realization of the medical cover marks a great milestone in the fulfillment of the promise he made to the people of Kisumu during his campaigns to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
“This unique program will ensure that the most deserving population have access to affordable and quality healthcare at all levels of healthcare delivery particularly the public sector”. The Governor said
Beneficiaries of the medical scheme will now have access to quality, affordable and timely healthcare and will start accessing both inpatient and outpatient care under the NHIF SupaCover benefits package at 45 public health facilities spread across the seven sub counties.
He reported that the county government has invested significant resources to improve on health infrastructure across the county including the modernization of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in order to improve on its services.
“For this to work, we must ensure that our human resources and facilities within the public health delivery system are not only good but of very high quality”. Nyong’o said adding that his administration is focusing on a more holistic approach to reduce cases of hospital visits by continuously strengthening primary healthcare through investments in preventive and promotive healthcare.
He called upon all the relevant stakeholders to work closely with NHIF and help resolve issues surrounding it for improved services.
NHIF CEO Dr. Peter Kamunyo congratulated Governor Nyong’o for committing to support the vulnerable saying it a move that will steer the county towards achieving universal health coverage.
Dr. Kamunyo also mentioned that the ongoing reforms at the National Fund will ensure the previous bottlenecks experienced by members will soon be history.
“The team will work hard to ensure that members have access to quality accessible care and at the same time remain transparent and accountable to the people of Kenya”. He said
He commended JOOTRH for leading the public facilities in terms NHIF reimbursements.
Kisumu County Assembly Chair for the Health Committee Hon. Vincent Jagongo called upon the executive to ensure that the Kisumu County Health Bill is implemented fully so as to realize a productive county.
The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili, County CEC for Roads Dr. Joyce Osogo, Members of JOOTRH Board of Management led by the Chair, among other County Officials.
By: Nancy Juma
Kisumu Marks Handwashing Day A Midst Covid 19 Pandemic
Kisumu County carried on with advocacy on handwashing through demonstration of handwashing techniques and distribution of sanitizers and soap to mark the global handwashing day on the 15th of October 2020.
To commemorate global handwashing day, the county health department in collaboration with partners including, WSUP, Practical Action, Care Kenya, SWAP and KIWASH distributed hand sanitizers, liquid and bar soap, targeting schools, markets and vulnerable population including Omens market, dunga beach, Kasawino, obunga and kibuye market.
The 2020 global handwashing day themed “Hand Hygiene for All” is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives especially in a pandemic.
This year’s celebration presents important opportunities for Kisumu to capitalize on the handwashing message throughout the pandemic and pledge to work towards a partnership to help support advocacy efforts on hand hygiene.
The COVID-19 pandemic provides an important reminder that handwashing with soap and clean water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and germs.
Speaking during the official opening of the Global handwashing day marked at Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH), The chief Officer for health Mr. Alphonse Ouya echoed the Importance of ‘hand hygiene for all and a more important habit to adopt to prevent Covid-19, other viruses, bacteria and germs that spread when we fail to wash our hands with soap and clean, running water. “Observing the global handwashing day is a priority particularly during this pandemic to help contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Mr. Ouya.
On his part, the county director for health Mr. Fred Oluoch explained why hand washing is important, especially at key times such as after using the bathroom, when preparing food, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
The hand washing day focused on highlighting the facts on defeating the virus and to ensure better health outcomes beyond the Coronavirus pandemic which is a blunt reminder that one of the best ways to stop the spread of the virus is hand hygiene.
The County public health officers demonstrated the hand washing technique starting with wetting hands with running water and then apply soap to cover hands. Once done, scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them thoroughly in running water and drying the hands by raising them in the air to avoid germs spreading from the upper arms.
First Lady of Kisumu County Donates Relief Items for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o, yesterday donated relief items for orphans and vulnerable children of Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation, located at Korando B in Kisumu County.
The items were received by the Director and Founder of Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation madam Dolfine Dawa Oliech, who appreciated the first lady’s support, which came at a time when the foundation was in dire need of help due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic, which had hit them really hard.
The donated items which included sugar, cooking oil, bar soap, beans, maize flour and sanitary pads will supplement the efforts of the Director in ensuring that the children get food on the table as well as other essentials.
Mama County, Dorothy congratulated the Director of the foundation madam Dolfine for her kind heart and for ensuring that the children live a normal life. She also pledged to continue offering support to the children as much as she can to see the children through their life journey, and attaining their full potential.
Madam Dolfine on her part, urged the children to continue working hard and strive to reach their desired goals however tough the situation may be, citing that it was not easy for her to see the foundation through until where it is today.
She also added that through hard work, the foundation now has 216 children in primary school, 114 in high school, 10 in university and 11in tertiary colleges.
Madam Janet Winnie Ogot, a member of the board of Directors of KIWASCO and also a member of Kisumu County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee on her part, urged the girls to concentrate much on their studies as they also keep safe during this period of Covid-19 pandemic to avoid unnecessary early pregnancies and early marriages.
Madam Ogot also urged the girls to be more vocal on cases related to defilement and rape, so as to get assisted as soon as possible. She also urged the boys to keep away from drug abuse and concentrate as well on their studies.
Also in attendance were; Mr Caleb Opon,Economic Advisor to the Governor, Mr.Wickliffe Oyugi of Special Program, madam Pamela Abila ,Administrator Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation, Miss Environment Kisumu ,Ms Paulette, among other members of Kisumu County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund Committee and staff members of the Foundation.
By Jackline Apondi Omondi
- Published in News Item
Public Participation on County Budget Review and Outlook Paper 2020 Convened
The Ward Administrator, Mr.Patrick Olweny leading the people of Manyatta B in public participation on CBROP 2020 at Kasawino hall
Kisumu County, Department of Finance and Economic planning organised a seven day public participation on County Budget Review and out look Paper (CBROP) FY 2019/2020 across all the wards within the county.
The exercise was initiated in pursuit to section 118 of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of 2012, which provides for transparency and accountability that include public to access information, citizen participation and feedback.
Its focus was to provide reviews of the fiscal performance of the FY 2019/2020, and how its implementation impacts on the fiscal year objectives and the responsibility principles set in the county fiscal strategy paper ( CFSP) 2020.
The significance of the CBROP is that it links planning with budgeting process within Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)
CBROP reviews previous fiscal performance for the year and identifies any deviations from the budget with an aim of providing realistic forecasts for the coming year.
This was evident with the unprecedented Covid 19 pandemic which had effect on source revenue collection, leading to late disbursement of funds from the national treasury resulting to supplementary budget to cater for its mitigation.
The review also assesses how fiscal responsibility principles were adhered to as provided for in the PFM Act 2012 and forms a basis for any budget revision and sets out broad fiscal parameters for the next budget.
By: Emily Mikwa
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item
Transforming Urban Agriculture through Technology and Innovation
Kisumu County Extension Officer Mr. James Samo instructing other extension Officers on how to construct a key hole garden at the Mamboleo Show ground (Photos by: Mikwa Emily)
The County extension officers (TOTs) converged at the Mamboleo Show ground to practically apply skills learnt on urban food systems, a week after their training in Kakamega courtesy of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The three-day practical lessons are basically to prepare them for the trainings set to begin next week, targeting local farmers across the urban and peri urban sub counties within Kisumu. These include: Kisumu West, Kisumu Central, Kisumu East and Nyando.
The focus is to drive food systems change in the urban context to boost food security, nutrition, and self-sufficiency within the county.
Some of the urban agriculture technology demonstrations the extension officers participated in constructing were: the storeyed micro/ sack garden, the key hole garden, the moist bed and the hanging gardens.
Such gardens are efficient in production of kales, spinach, onions, coriander, traditional green leafy vegetables, cherry tomatoes and each garden especially the sack garden can hold up to 300 plants.
The advantages of such gardens are that they require small parcel of land, create jobs, promotes food quality and security, empowers one economically and community building since it makes people work collectively.
By Mikwa Emily
- Published in Agriculture, News Item
Kisumu County Celebrates World Contraception Day
Residents of Kisumu County joined the global community in commemorating the International Contraception Day (WCD) that is celebrated annually on 26th September around the world.
The event focuses on the vision of a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth celebrated and accounted for and where women, babies children and adolescents survive thrive and reach their full social and economic potential.
The commemoration was presided over by the County Director for Public Health Mr. Fredrick Oluoch representing the CECM for Health, Prof Boaz Nyunya, at St. Benedict Nyang’oma Sec School in Muhoroni Sub County.
This year’s theme is “maintaining family planning services during Covid-19 pandemic, while marching towards sustainable domestic financing for family planning” with the mission to improve awareness on contraceptive methods so that all men, women and the young people around the world can make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
In his speech, the County Director for Public Health, Mr. Fredrick Oluoch said that the county government of Kisumu has prioritized Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in line with the governor’s manifesto among the priority interventions, for improving maternal and child health outcomes and improving access to quality family planning services.
He confirmed that the county is working to improving access to quality family planning services in line with Covid-19 guidelines adding that on 12th August 2020, the County launched the Kisumu County Costed Family Planning Implementation Plan (FPIC-2019-2023) in partnership with KMET and other stakeholders.
In addition, the county ‘s health department has disseminated the Kenya Covid-19 reproductive, maternity, newborn child, adolescent health (RMNCAH) guidelines which will provide a practical guide for the continuity of reproductive, maternal, newborn and family planning care and services in the background of Covid-19 pandemic.
Kisumu County residents were urged to continue adhering to the Covid-19 containment measures to help curb the spread of the virus in the county as Mr. Oluoch lauded all the partners for their continued support in the delivery of the Reproductive Health Services and activities in Kisumu County.
The county government is working to increase awareness on the access to family planning services on the adolescents and the youth, while also striving to reduce sexual gender-based violence in the County.
Special appeal was made to the health care workers taking care of Covid-19 patients to exercise extra care on themselves to avoid contracting the virus.
Mr. Bernard Kigen who represented the National Council for Population and Development reiterated that they intend to ensure that family planning information is received by everyone in need of it. Sentiments echoed by the County Reproductive Health Coordinator Ms. Jane Owuor, who urged all pregnant mothers to attend antenatal care services so as to reduce maternal deaths which she said is still on the rise in Kisumu County as well as eliminating complications related to the same.
Ms. Jane also cited the need to reduce teenage pregnancies by creating awareness for the teenagers on the benefits of family planning adding that at least 16% of pregnant women who visit health care facilities are teenagers.
The partners were: Marie Stopes International, ADS Nyanza, KMET, Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA), Afya Halisi, Sustainable Rural Initiative, Make Me Smile Kenya, Kisumu Progressive Youth and Sexual Reproductive Health Alliance Kenya.
Also, in attendance were:Nyang’oma Masogo Ward Administrator Mr.Apollo Lucy,Muhoroni Sub County MOH Rosebellah Amihanda, the Deputy Principle St.Benedict Nyang’oma Sec School Mr.Okal, Health Representatives from Muhoroni Sub County and Seme Sub County together with members of the local community.
By Jackline Apondi Omondi
Institutional Partnership to Boost Horticultural Farming in Kisumu
By Matilda Atieno
CEC member for Education,ICT and Human capacity Development , Mr. John Awiti rceiving a digital set from Meru University presented by VC Prof. Romanus Odhiambo
Ahero Vocational Training Center (VTC) is set to benefit from a 2 Million ePIVOT project, dubbed Enhancing Partnerships for Industry-led Vocational Training and education in the horticulture value chain, a collaboration project with Meru University.
The ePIVOT project aims at strengthening the capacity of the TVTs through enable practical learning and innovation in the horticulture sector.
The University also donated a Television screen, laptop, LMS system to boost digital learning and a greenhouse for the set horticultural project.
This project is made possible through funding from Orange Knowledge Program through a Netherlands Fellowship Program meant to benefit students and the local community who will undergo training on horticultural farming.
The learning equipment was received by the CEC member for Education, ICT and Human Capacity development Mr. John Awiti, and was presented by VC Prof. Romanus Odhiambo at a workshop organized by Ahero VTC to demonstrate the purpose and benefits of the ePIVOT project.
The one-day workshop brought together the board of Governors, area leadership, the community and County VTC officials and was graced by CEC Member for education.
Mr. Owiti lauded the move by the project managers to ensure food security for the locals through the set training. He also pledged to support VTCs to be able to accommodate students who miss out on the university entries as well as young student mothers in ensuring that they also benefit from the project.
Prof. Odhiambo challenged the Ahero VTC board of governors to own the project and make it work for the community and county at large, saying that horticultural farming is a means to food security.
The target of the project is to reach out to at least 500 farmers within Kisumu county who will undergo sensitization boost horticultural farming in the region.
Also present was the County director for TVETs, Mrs. Pascalia Ouma, Centre Manager, Mr. Martin Owino, BOG Chairman, Mr. Victor Aduma, officials from Meru University and members of the board of Governors.
- Published in News Item