A Bold Commitment In Support Of County Reproductive Health
Health CEC member Prof. Boaz Nyunya togther with Dr. Monica Oguttu Executive Director Kmet unveils the Kisumu County FPCIP 2019-2023 (Picture by David Wadulo)
The health and sanitation department today unveiled the Kisumu County Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (KCFPCIP) 2019-2023 in a function that was convened in partnership with KMET and stakeholders in support of the FP service delivery commitment.
The first KCFPCIP launch is a bold commitment in support of county reproductive health programs that are set to ensure that family planning is integrated into relevant sectors. The FPCIP is a roadmap to articulating and guiding the who, what, when and how much it takes to achieve the 2019- 2023 commitment.
It is also a great stride in creating increased access to reproductive health, improving the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of reproductive maternal newborn child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) service delivery to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking during the launch, the CEC Member for Health Prof. Boaz Nyunya welcomed the document adding that the department purposes to enhance the reproductive health status of the people by increasing equitable access to reproductive health services, improving quality, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery at all levels.
Most importantly, Prof. Nyunya pointed out areas of concern including addressing the burden of unintended pregnancy among women of reproductive age, improving access to quality family planning services and aligning to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a priority. To realize this, CECM confirmed that the county signed a memorandum of understanding with NHIF which will see 45000 household indigents benefit from the UHC.
“If properly implement the family planning program can enable the county to achieve development goals including improved maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS…” Said Prof. Nyunya
The CFPCIP is a 5-year actionable road-map designed to help Kisumu County achieve its family planning goals that can be realized through the department’s commitment to increasing the total contraceptive prevalence rate in the county. It is developed to address the country’s family planning programming needs as it provides a clear picture of the financial resources needed to reach FP2019-2023 goals.
In her address, the Executive Director of KMET, Dr. Monica Oguttu, acknowledged the critical role of CIPs in transforming family planning commitments adding that FPCIP is a preventive measure that will help prevent most maternal deaths.
Jane Owuor the County Reproductive Health Coordinator indicated that the CIP is an advocacy tool that will help in raising the visibility of family planning in the county provided that family planning is integrated into relevant sectors, in both service provision and advocacy.
The chief Officer Health and sanitation, Dr. Joseph Okweso and his Director Mr. Fredrick Oluoch also echoed their commitment and support of the document, promising to ensure its implementation across the county.
By Matilda Atieno
New Tact Needed to Combat Teenage Pregnancies Says Deputy Governor
Sober discussions on reproductive health must take center-stage in public forums to help reduce teenage pregnancies in the County, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili has said.
Dr Owili said that cases of teenage pregnancies have risen sharply in Kisumu since mid-March when the government ordered the nationwide shutdown of schools following the Covid-19 outbreak, with the county recording at-least 3,500 cases since January.
Speaking at Hippo Point near Dunga beach, during an anti-teenage pregnancy campaign, the Deputy Governor called for a robust approach to address teenage pregnancies, as he expressed concern over the rising numbers.
Dubbed Linda Kesho, the campaign spearheaded by the Mama Ida Odinga Trust aims to halt new cases and stir up national debates against the prevalence.
In her address Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joan Chebet issued a warning to individuals preying on minors.
The government, she said would act swiftly to ensure such individuals are prosecuted, she urged the girls to focus on education and report any harassment cases to relevant authorities.
Joining the discussions were area MCA Joseph Olale, Public Health Director Fred Oluoch, his Trade counterpart Bovince Ochieng, Adah Omondi, from Mama Ida Odinga Trust were Hon. Caroline Ogot,Tuli Tulitu and Hellen Opiyo among other officials.
By: Collins Owuor
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili makes an address during the Linda Kesho Anti-Teenage pregnancy campaign at Hippo Point near Dunga. (photo by: Collins Owuor)
Director Public Health Dr. Fred Oluoch addressing the youths
Madam Adah Omedi the Gender Officer addressing the youths on teenage pregnancies
Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joan Chebet
- Published in Gender and Youth Affairs, News Item
County Village Units Commence First Public Participation
Public participation underway at Rabuor Chief’s camp in Kochieng’ village ( Photo by David Wadulo)
The first public participation under the new County village Units Act of 2019 of the devolved system of governance was convened across the county.
The 10 days exercise created a forum for ‘bottom-up’ engagement through which village representatives selected by the communities spearheaded their project priorities to be incorporated in the upcoming County Annual Development Plan (CADP)2021/2022 which also marks the fifth and final year of implementation of the CIDP 2018/2022.
Being cognizant of the COVID-19 pandemic, the forums adhered to restriction on the number of participants and the MOH regulations on Covid -19 mitigation measures during the exercise in all 70 the county village units.
Not only was the number of participants limited to 20, but also the selection was done based on having a representation from each sub locations, having those who can actively debate, opinion leaders, representatives from the thematic sectors and the special interest groups.
This year’s exercise is set to identify and capture priority projects in each sector for every village unit, following the enactment of the Kisumu county village units Act of 2019 by the Kisumu County Assembly which saw the establishment of 70 Village Units for effective coordination, management and supervision of the general administrative functions in the Village Units and for connection purposes.
According to the County Director Public Participation Mr. Wilson Nindo, Previously Public participation was organized at the ward level, but this year it was taken to the village units in form of focused group discussions that has resulted to quality debate as opposed to the ward level that was crowded and sometimes chaotic.
“The exercise was overwhelmingly embraced by the people; hence it is a positive direction to take, an indicator that the strategy of the Governor is working beyond expectation” said Mr. Nindo
He reiterated that going forward, county activities involving the public such as county budget review outlook paper and development of County fiscal strategy paper will follow the same trajectory.
Some of the participants interviewed during the exercise were elated having their views incorporated from the grass roots.
“Previously when the exercise was held at the ward level, the PWDs were not easily identified and given a chance but at the village level, I am happy that my views have been heard and considered. Going forward in the next forums we should have a representation of both male and female PWDs brought on board” said Mr. Charles Ocholla from Kolwa East, representing persons living with disability (PWDs).
On her part, Mrs. Elizabeth Ayugi from Chiga sub location said “Before it was not easy for our opinion to bought in such forums, it is a good move today that our views as women at the grass root have been captured. This will empower more women to air out their views without reservations”.
Subsequently, Mr. Jack Nyumba, a youth representative in the forum said “in the past youths have been misguided by political tussles, involving us youths in such forums will change our mindset to development conscience. I request the Governor that if the projects proposed will be implemented, let us youths get opportunities in our localities for economic empowerment like in the case of road maintenance”.
By: Mikwa Emily
Public Participation going on at the Karanda AIC church compound in Kakola village ( photo by David Wadulo)
Public Participation at Angola Community Hall in Kolwa East ( Photo: David Wadulo)
An interview session with Mr. Charles Ocholla a representative of PWDs from Kolwa East during the public participation exercise ( Photo: David Wadulo)
An interview session with Mr. Jack Nyumba, a youth representative during public participation at Kolwa East ( Photo: David Wadulo)
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item
Kisumu the true reflection of development agenda – CS Kagwe
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe has praised Kisumu for its comprehensive Covid-19 preparedness.
Addressing the Nation from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital today, Mr Kagwe said that besides Covid case management preparedness, Kisumu was operating a successful fully digitized Covid-19 Response Call Centre, which he described as the only one of its kind in the country.
Mr Kagwe praised Governor Anyang Nyongo over high level of cleanliness in Kisumu City. “Kisumu is beautiful, clean and well planned. I thank Prof Nyongo for this great job. You Kisumu people are lucky to have him as your Governor,” said Mr Kagwe who was accompanied by his education counterpart, Prof George Magoha.
Mr Kagwe had earlier visited Kemri/CDC research at Kisian which is the COVID-19 testing centre for the whole region and later toured the Kisumu Covid-19 Response Call center at Maseno University, City campus.
“Kisumu is far ahead of the pack in Covid-19 preparedness. I challenge other counties to borrow a leaf. We have learnt a lot today,” said the CS. He was particularly happy that Kisumu has trained and sensitized over 2400 healthcare workers and 2900 Commumity health workers on how to handle Covid-19 patients on Home Based Care as well as security personnel including police officers manning the county’s 12 border crossing points on a 24-hour basis.
Prof Nyongo said Kisumu’s success story was due to good working relationship between the County, the National government and political leaders.
Kagwe also recognized the gains accrued from the cordial partnership between Maseno University and Kisumu county, that saw the establishment of the Covid-19 Response Call Centre and the CovidConnect or Luscii App, a digital platform for self-assessment of coronavirus symptoms.
CS Kagwe who was on a fact finding tour to appraise himself and Ministry about the County’s preparedness to manage and mitigate Coronavirus infections also used the opportunity to release the daily National government Covid-19 Situational Report.
In today’s briefing, the CS said that the current cumulative number stands at 26,436 with the country having registered 599 new infections and two mortalities. He however noted that the last 24 hours has also seen 1,062 recoveries, the highest ever recorded bringing the total recoveries to 12,961. 983 of those recoveries were recorded from home based care fortifying success of that strategy.
The function was attended by Ag.Director General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, Deputy Governor Ochieng Owili, County Commissioner Susan Waweru, Mps Aduma Owuor, Shakeel Shabir, Jared Okello and James Nyikal.
By. Kodera Ager
photo by: Lenox Omondi
How Kisumu Is Responding to Climate Change
Established Tree nursery at Pap Kadundo Biotechnology center in Seme Sub-county ( Picture by David Wadulo)
The Kisumu county government recognizes the increased threat of extreme weather and how climate change impacts on the county’s economic and social development.
Just like other parts of the country, Kisumu is facing the vagaries of weather, brought about by Climate change.
Flooding has displaced thousands of people. Rivers are breaking their banks and the water levels on Lake Victoria have risen to an all-time high, destroying investments and affecting fishing activities.
To help mitigate this, it has set up a directorate to deal with climate change. Through this directorate, the county government has set out an ambitious plan to transform Kisumu into a climate-resilient, low-carbon society that is sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive. According to the directorate led by Mr. Evans Gichana, emergency climate change requires adequate and immediate action to mitigate the environmental changes in terms of where we live, how we grow food and other services vital to the well-being.
The devastating effects of climate change, from long periods of drought, more frequent floods, duration, and intensity of rains, are being felt in Kisumu with an intensity that underscores the immediate need for concerted efforts. This indicated a tangible sign that the global climate is changing fast because of human activities.
As the county directorate of climate change, supporting residents in raising their climate efforts to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts. This is an important step to empower the County to respond to the challenge of climate change, in line with county and national priorities and plans.
By playing a leading role in sensitization and capacity building on the new investment opportunities that reduce deforestation and forest degradation. The directorate through its stakeholders is set to establish and equip biotechnology centers in all sub-counties in Kisumu, with a model biotechnology center established in Seme as plans are underway to ope rationalize by equipping and staffing the center in the second phase of the project.
The biotechnology center will be used to facilitate acceleration and promotion of the development of renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency as part of the sustainable energy for all initiative and climate mitigation efforts by the county government of Kisumu.
Kisumu is widely considered one of the most vulnerable counties in Kenya in terms of the impacts of climate change. More intense and frequent floods and droughts have often caused immense loss of life and damage to infrastructure, food security and put its renowned biodiversity and natural resources under increasing pressure.
Compared to many other counties, Kisumu is currently much less prepared to respond to the challenges of global warming especially in investments in climate-friendly actions towards increasing resilience to a recurrent climate- environmental threats.
Since the formation of the directorate over the past few years, Kisumu County climate change directorate has been involved in a project to help integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into county’s policies designed to raise awareness about climate change impacts, build capacity among the county executive and the county assembly to address the impacts of climate change and develop and implement local approaches to identifying and addressing climate change vulnerabilities across the county.
According to the directorate, mainstreaming climate change into the county policy development and reform agenda has not been an easy task given that the program was established during a transition in governance in Kisumu, says County climate change experts. “Implementation had to be able to navigate the changing landscape of governance as a new administration is being developed.”
The achievements of the directorate to date include:
The establishment of an institutional structure to coordinate action on climate change at the county and national level in the form of the Technical Working Group.
Awareness-raising on the importance of incorporating climate change adaptation and mitigation considerations into day-to-day processes of governance and also improving local action to improve resilience to climate change and disasters.
Development of a climate change strategy and policy framework. The project also contributed to the formulation of intended county determined contributions.
The fostering of a group of “champions” for climate change with a greater professional and technical understanding of climate change and its impacts on sectors relevant to Kisumu’s economy.
The mainstreaming of climate change into sectors including urban planning, agriculture, education and natural resources’ development.
Initiating tree planting in-school programs to educate and promote the importance of trees in mitigating carbon emission.
In partnership with the private sector and non-governmental organizations, the climate change directorate has mainstreamed capacity development and training communities and institutions on climate-smart projects and opportunities including flood and drought mitigation strategies.
Meanwhile, the directorate has also stressed the importance of encouraging the community to adopt climate change education to ensure concrete actions for a sustainable future.
The people’s understanding of what climate change is and how to act upon it is central to enacting political regulations financial and technological incentives related to climate change in the region.
By Matilda Atieno
- Published in Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, News Item, Water
DTB Comes Through for Kisumu’s Vulnerable
At least 1000 vulnerable households within Kisumu City will receive humanitarian aid following the donation of food items by Diamond Trust Bank (DTB).
The Sh1 million shillings’ donation received today by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o will help cushion identified households rendered vulnerable by the ravaging effects of the corona virus pandemic.
The DTB head of delegation at the occasion Ms. Nikita Rehal, the manager Kisumu Branch said that under its Corporate Social Responsibility pillar, the bank has set aside Sh.100 million to support similar initiatives across the country.
The vulnerable families in Kisumu will receive a relief package containing 4 kgs maize flour, 2kgs wheat flour, 4kgs green grams, 2kgs rice, 2kgs sugar, and 500gms cooking fat; enough to last them for two weeks.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor acknowledged the support extended by DTB to help vulnerable people in Kisumu as well as acknowledging Aga Khan business entities commitment to the advancement of social welfare in their areas of business operations.
He made it clear that the pandemic will be with us for a long time and all must embrace for a protracted struggle against it.
He further highlighted that the county through the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team that looks both at the health and socio-economic aspects of the effects of the pandemic has come up with a roadmap on how to deal with household economies by using the household as a center for economic production.
“As a government we continue to take precautionary measures to flatten COVID-19 infections, however, to win the war we need a collective approach to effectively combat the virus”, he said.
He encouraged everyone to support the County even in small ways to help cushion those rendered vulnerable.
The Governor was joined by the City Manager and a host of MCAs led by the majority leader Ken Onyango.
By Nancy Juma
Kisumu Governor receiving food donations by Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) (Picture By Lennox Omondi)
- Published in News Item
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON PREPARATION OF COUNTY ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CADP FY-2021-2022)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON PREPARATION OF COUNTY ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (CADP FY-2021-2022)
Find attached the above by clicking on the below link
FINAL Public Notice_ADP_2021-22
The County Finance & Economic Planning wishes to inform members of the public, stakeholders and all parties of interest departments that the preparation of Kisumu County Annual Development Plan for FY 2021-2022 is on course. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 Article 201 provides for openness and accountability which includes public participation in public Planning and Budget process. The County Government Act 2012 part VIII and XI respectively provides for the principles and guidelines for County Public Participation and County Planning.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent public health restricting crowd gatherings, the County Government of Kisumu wishes to inform stakeholders and members of the public that participation by members of the public will be restricted to limited village representatives who are selected and invited by the respective Ward Administrators (NB. Attendance is strictly on invitation due to Covid-19 measures and regulations).
Written submissions either as organized group or individuals indicating ward, project or programmes of interests strictly in reference to priorities in County Integrated Development Plan 2018-2022 to be presented to respective Sub-County and Ward Administration offices during office hours not later than Friday 7, August 2020.Citizens at the County Villages have this opportunity to present their project/programme needs to be considered in the FY 2021-2022.
Schedule of citizen participation at the county village level,click this link FINAL Public Notice_ADP_2021-22
- Published in Department of Finance and Economic Planning, News Item
Leaders Consultative Forum on Koru – Soin Dam
The County Government of Kisumu in partnership with the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority this afternoon held a Leaders Consultative Forum with the County leadership ahead of the construction of the Koru – Soin dam.
The discussions were geared towards providing a better roadmap for the successful implementation of the Ksh. 25 billion project.
The Koru Soin Dam is a Vision 2030 flagship project expected to serve at least 1.7 million residents of Kisumu and Kericho counties running from the slopes of Got Alila hill in Muhoroni and slopes of Koitatui hill in Soin, Kericho county.
Already, the government has set aside Ksh. 5 billion for the commencement of construction with another 15 billion awaiting National Treasury’s approval in the October 2020 Supplementary budget. At least Ksh. 2 billion will be used towards compensation of project affected persons to acquire the 2500 acres needed for the construction. These include 206 parcels of land from the Kisumu side with Kericho County expected to part with 110 parcels.
The realization of this dam is expected to alleviate the impacts of floods in the lower reaches of river Nyando and provide additional portable water supply of approximately 71,279m3/day. The economic impacts will also be enormous with the project employing at least 1,500 locals as well as availing enough water for irrigation and institutional use that will enhance food security and other infrastructural developments like hydro power generation.
The authority plans to have water gravitate from the hills to the treatment plants downstream into storage tanks at different locations to boost the distribution especially in Muhoroni, Chemelil, Awasi, Ahero, Miwani, Rabuor, and Kibos. Kibos will have a booster tank distributing water to Riat hills and finally Maseno back to Kisumu.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili who spoke on behalf of the Governor reiterated the County’s commitment to ensure that the project is fully implemented owing to the benefits that will accrue upon its completion. The project, he said will help bring a permanent solution to the perennial flooding along the Nyando Basin that has continuously led to destruction of lives and property.
He assured the leaders of the County’s total support by ensuring that all stakeholders are brought on board to deliver the project.
He extended a message of appreciation to H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their role in spearheading infrastructural developments around the region especially Kisumu.
The Chairman of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority Erick Okeyo reported that the procurement process is at evaluation stage and conclude in a month’s time upon which they shall hand over the site to the contractor.
On the issue of land acquisition and compensation of project affected persons, the Chairman said that the National Land commission is already in custody of Ksh. 400 million to kick start the process thus allaying fears of many residents. He NLC is expected to carry out fresh valuation in order to ensure the affected persons are compensated in good time.
Joining the DG was the County CEC in charge of Water and Environment Hon. Salmon Orimba who shared with the team the County’s wish list. He requested the authority to consider having additional water storage tanks in more areas such as Nyakach Sub County like Katito, additional booster tank at Mamboleo and Maseno to supply Riat, Kisumu West and Seme sub counties and finally another tank in Kabonyo Kanyagwal to serve both Kabonyo and Kobura wards. This he said will help increase water supply within the county which now stands at 18,000m3/day against a demand of 66,000m3/day
On the irrigation component, the CEC requested the authority to direct the irrigation channel to cover up to Kisumu East in Kolwa East to increase the area under irrigation. The authority had proposed to increase area under irrigation schemes in Ahero and West Kano by 2,500 Ha and power generation by 2.5 MW.
Other leaders present were; Muhoroni MP Hon. Onyango Koyoo, counterparts from (Nyando) Hon Jared Okello and (Seme) Dr. James Nyikal, County Commissioner Madam Susan Waweru, MCAs and other County and National Government officials.
By Nancy Juma
The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority leadership consultative forum at Sunset Hotel (Picture by Collins Owuor)
Stepping Up Covid -19 Mitigation Measures in the Informal Settlements
Governor Nyong’o warned the County residents against complacency in adherence to mitigation measures in place toward the fight against Covid – 19 pandemic.
Currently, the responsibility of the management of Covid-19 has been shouldered on communities following the opening of the country after 3-months cessation on COVID -19 prone areas.
“You cannot defy death when it comes, take personal responsibility of your health by observing the basic rules” the Governor said during the official launch of the UNHABITAT- CSUDP supported informal settlement Covid -19 response in Kisumu.
Sentiments echoed by His Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili who urged the residents not to drop their guard but observe the basic preventive measures of wearing masks, keeping social distance and hand washing to mitigate the impact of Covid 19.
Governor thanked the UNHABITAT – CSUDP for the donations of 15 dispensers, 50 jerricans, 2,000 litters of hand sanitizers, 3,000 face masks, water supply from KIWASCO and a retainer fee for 30 volunteers who will manage the wash stations for 30 days to be distributed across seven informal settlements namely: Bandani, Manyatta A, Manyatta B, Kaloleni, Nyawita, Obunga and Nyalenda.
It is against the backdrop that the informal settlements in Kisumu are more pre-disposed in the wake of such transmissions due to their dense nature of occupation and special attention has been paid to these areas in the continued fight against the pandemic.
The Chairperson for the Kisumu County Covid -19 Emergency Response Committee Emeritus Deputy Governor, Ruth Odinga urged the UNHABITAT to extend the initiative to the rest of the sub counties and called on other development partners to marshal resources toward the mitigation of Covid- 19 pandemic.
The CEO CSUDP, Mr. George Wasonga on his part thanked both the County Government and UNHABITAT for embracing the initiative that will enlighten the people that Covid -19 is no longer a health problem but also poses economic and social challenges within our communities.
He added that the Production of the state of art hand-washing equipment has impacted positively on nurturing the innovative skills of the youths in the TVET sector.
Persons living with Disabilities were also not left behind since they were the producers of the quality masks donated.
There will also be a Comprehensive database mapping the status of Covid-19 response, facilities and actors in the seven informal settlements in the city of Kisumu.
Also present during the event were: The City Manager Doris Ombara, a host of MCAs, Chief Officer Lands Housing and Urban Development Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng, members of Kisumu Covid- 19 Multi –Agency Technical Group on Informal Settlement (KCMATGIS) among other top county officials.
By: Emily Mikwa
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o Giving a press briefing to the media during the official launch of UNHABITAT – CSUDP supported Informal Settlement Covid-19 Response in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o together with Deputy Governor Dr. Owili being shown how the dispensers made by the TVET sector function ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o during a hand-washing demo during the launch of the UNHABITAT – CSUDP supported Informal Settlement Covid-19 Response in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
An assortment of hand washing equipment and hand sanitizers donated by UNHABITAT- CSUDP to be distributed to the seven Informal settlements in Kisumu ( photo by Mr. David Wadulo)
- Published in Health, News Item, Special Programs