The sixth devolution conference in Kirinyanga provided opportunity for drawing lessons and accumulation of experiences and different innovations across all the Counties.
The conference themed “Deliver, Transform, Measure, Remain Accountable” was pegged on the Big 4 Agenda that is focused on Health, Agriculture, housing, trade and manufacturing.
On trade, and manufacturing, the Counties resolved to promote value addition to products as well as creating employment opportunities for the youth by 2022.
On his part, Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o sited the need to establish innovation and incubation centres and establishment of cottage industries that will enable young people to engage in ventures that are income generating. It was also noted that Counties should review multiple taxation to reduce the cost of doing business.
The conference brought together 47 Counties including Kisumu who showcased unique products which included furniture made of hyacinth, among other items and health services at the exhibition booth.
During a health breakaway session, panelist discussed issues on governance, creation of an enabling environment, as well as health financing.
The speakers observed the need for the counties to embrace UHC and that the initiative is set to provide primary healthcare for all beneficiaries “I think we are pretty well-positioned to take full advantage of the political good will following the much popular handshake and community needs on health to ensure that UHC works,” said a participant.
It was noted that having a healthy populace is a priority of every County Government and thus through setting of realistic revenue counties are able to determine the cost and needs of the devolved services.
BY: Matilda Atieno
Governor, Professor Anyang’ Ayong’o speaking to audience during devolution conference at Kirinyaga University
Food security was a more sensitive area that called for all counties to invest in commercialized agriculture in the quest to address food shortages in the country
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A late goal from Shadrack Omondi against visiting side Thika United ensured Kisumu All Stars finished at position four in the first leg of the National Super League.
Both teams shared equal possession of the ball in both halves before Omondi broke the deadlock to keep the hopes of the Blue Eagles title race alive.
The Francis Oduor’s side is currently two points shy league leaders Ushuru,Wazito and Nairobi Stima respectively.
All Stars is seeking to continue with their impressive run when they will be facing Administration Police in the midweek fixture at Camp Toyoyo, Nairobi
By: Innocent Oleche
Kisumu All Stars line up against Green Commandos in Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega
Kisumu County nurses have agreed to suspend their strike following a discussion held between the County Department of Health, County Secretary Dr. Olang’o Onudi and the National Union of Nurses Kisumu Branch.
The nurses through their Secretary General Anne Owiti have agreed to return to work bringing an end to the three weeks strike that paralysed the county health sector. The Secretary-General directed all County nurses to resume work at their duty stations by 5:00 pm, Friday the 22nd of February, urging that those not in a position to report back are required to inform their nurses in charge to avoid victimization.
The union agreed to suspend the strike for a period of 60 days giving time to the national reconciliation process set up by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to address the key issues.
On his part, the county secretary assured nurses that the county is committed to paying the enhanced uniform and nursing allowances once approval from the salaries and remuneration commission is obtained.
The county department of health has also promised to release salaries for all nurses for the month of February 2019, as the County Minister for Health, Dr. Rosemary Obara pledged county’s commitment to dialogue with the union in Kisumu on all issues affecting the nurses.
This comes a day after Governor Nyong’o’s official statement to the media reaffirming county government support towards conciliation process initiated by the ministry of labour and social protection, the court order and the codes and regulations guiding public service. In his statement, the Governor urged striking nurses to return to work adding that security has been beefed-up for those who are ready.
By Matilda Atieno
County Minister for health, Dr. Rosemary Obara ( Extreme Right), County Secretary, Dr. Olang’o Onudi ( Second right) and the Secretary General of the Union of Nurses Kisumu County Branch, Anne Owiti ( left) and other Union leaders after consultative meeting that led to commitment to end the three weeks’ nurses strike ( Picture by GPU)
Kisumu Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o this week commissioned two surgical theatres in Kombewa and Muhoroni Sub County Hospitals in an effort to improve health care services and to achieve universal health care.
The two theatres which recorded the first cesarean section, surgical operations that was witnessed by Governor Nyong’o are additional to the three at JOOTRH, KCRH and AHERO which are fully equipped for surgical operations.
In an official statement to the media, the Governor indicated plans to bring to completion and functionality of hospitals and health facilities including Pap Onditi, Chulaimbo and Gita Sub County hospital in order to meet the objectives of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The governor also stated that the new surgical theatres are set to be equipped with dental surgical chairs donated by World Health Relief of Michigan, USA. This he said, would bring quality and accessible health care to the residents, adding that in the coming financial year, the County will complete the establishment of an effective referral system from level one of care to level six hospital.
“Under the implementation of UHC, the County has three main focus areas which include improving access to affordable quality health care for everyone without discrimination and protection from financial catastrophe as a result of ill health.” Said the governor.
In keeping with this effort, Governor Nyong’o on behalf of Kisumu County appreciated the National Government and private partners (Pharm Access foundation, the World bank, UNICEF, GIZ, KMET, USAID) for supporting the UHC pilot in the County where over 800 million is expected to facilitate filling the gaps identified during the assessment before the launch of UHC.
By Matilda Atieno
The newly commissioned operating theatre at Muhoroni Sub County health facility ( Picture by GPU)
Kisumu All Stars earlier this week shared spoils with Eldoret Youth FC in the eleventh round of the National Super League played at Eldoret ASK grounds.
The Uasin Gishu side were the first ones to make it to the score sheet but their lead was short lived when the NSL top scorer Dennis Ochieng scored from a free kick.
The point moved the Blue Eagles’ to fifth position in the NSL log. The team is set to face Bidco United at Moi Stadium, Kisumu on Monday.
By Innocent Oleche
Dismas Amunga fights for the ball with Eldoret Youth defender. (Photo By Oleche)
Schools in Nyakach are the latest beneficiaries of a water project funded by the Sustainable Aid in Africa International (SANA) and the county government through development partners.
The program will see schools, Thurdibuoro, Mbugra and Abwao primary enjoy uninterrupted water supply in their respective areas.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili lauded the developments as he vowed to engage partners in spearheading similar projects across the county. sentiments echoed earlier by Water County minister, Salmon Orimba.
He was speaking in Thurdibuoro secondary school where he was joined by the County minister and SANA team leader Alfred Odongo in commissioning the projects.
According to Dr. Owili plans are already under way to have all households get access to clean water.
“The county government through the environment ministry has already drilled a number of boreholes and more projects would soon be rolled in efforts to improve water access”, added the Deputy Governor.
By Collins Owuor
Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr.. Mathew Owili together with County Minister for Water Salmon Orimba unveiling a water project at Thurdibuoro secondary school.( Photo by GPU)
The county Government of Kisumu led by the health department spearheaded the sensitization forum on shisha following the 2018 ban on the drug.
Speaking during the event, the public Health Officer (PHO) and coordinator tobacco control, from the ministry of health, Mr. Gamaliel Omondi highlighted the components of the legal notice aimed at effective implementation of the ban in the county.
According to the PHO, everyone is entitled to attainable standards of health whose provisions are clear in the constitution. “Statutory instrument Act 5 and 11 gives ground to procedures on the regulations” he added.
Section 36 of the act stipulates that the ministry shall provide rules to control drug abuse. Following this provision, the health department is determined to ensure a total ban on Shisha abuse which has been a constant resistance to tuberculosis drugs thus a risk to its users.
According to the county public health officer Mr. Arthur Shikanda, Shisha addicts have lived in denial of its ban. He urged stakeholders to draw an action plan to ensure that the health department realises total ban of Shisha which includes creating awareness to the public and mapping out hotspots.
The stakeholders also called on the public to support the ban fully as this will lead to assurance of a healthy nation.
By Benter Anyango
Stakeholders during the Sisha sensitization
forum at the county headquarters in Kisumu
The department of Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Fisheries has pledged to work hand in hand with various research organizations to enhance technological advancement in agriculture to promote sufficient food production since agriculture still stands to be the back bone of the Kenyan economy.
Speaking during a field day organized by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) at Kisumu’s Kibos ground, the County Minister for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Gilchrist Owuor Okuom, stated that the County Government of Kisumu is keen in investing more resources in Agriculture since it is the leading pillar for the Country’s big four agenda.
The field day which brought on board a number of stakeholders showcased various farming technologies available for use by the practising and potential farmers to enhance high productivity.
The director General for KALRO Dr. Elude Kirege, urged Kisumu residents to embrace modern farming technologies and also invest more on research findings to boost their agricultural produce. He added that KALRO has 16 research centres nationally dealing with animal services, value edition, and promotion of modern technologies in agriculture,
KALRO receives Ksh 4.8 Billion from the National Government yearly and an addition of Ksh 2 Billion from the Donors to enhance agricultural productivities and sufficient research studies.
By Erick Omollo
County Minister for Agriculture, Gilchrist Okuom and the Director General Dr. Elude Kirege exploring new technologies on Agriculture and Livestock production
Counties and the National government have embarked on a joint initiative that seeks to address the rapid degradation of lake basins across the country.
The move will see the ministry of environment set up a national lake basin management secretariat with county governments mobilizing funds for their respective operations.
In a stakeholders meeting held at the Vic Hotel, Kisumu it was widely agreed that weak policies in environmental management had accelerated pollution levels in the country’s water bodies.
Uncontrolled pollution and effluent discharges from domestic households was highlighted as one of the major contributors to the degradation of water basins.
According to Prof. Daniel Olago, from the Institute for Climate Change and Adoption, the Department of Geology at Nairobi University, Lake Victoria has got enormous potential but weak policies on its management had turned it into a floating dump site.
The pronouncements comes in the wake a of county wide ban by the environment department on washing of all motorized vehicles and equipments on beaches and shores of lake Victoria among other water bodies in the county.
In a proposed draft by the participants, industry players had to think strategically and involve like minded players in organizing awareness campaigns that redressed the issues bedevilling the lake basins.
Kenya consists of five major basins: Lake Victoria, Rift Valley, Athi River, Tana River and Ewaso Nyiro. The renewed support from the national government could be a game changer in changing the basins fortunes.
By Collins Owuor
County Minister for Water, Environment, Irrigation and Natural Resources Mr Salmon Orimba (centre) consults with Lake Victoria Basin Commission Executive Secretary Dr Ally-Said Matano (left) and Prof Masahisa Nakamura of Center for Sustainability and Environment, Japan Chairman of International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) during Kenya National Integrated Lake Basin Management Strategy stakeholders workshop at The Vic Hotel
A score from Dennis Ochieng and other two goals from Shadrack Omondi and Austine Ochieng saw Kisumu All Stars display an impressive comeback against Kangemi All Stars at Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
The Kangemi lead was curtailed when Omondi levelled the scores in the 44th minute. Dennis Ochieng scored from the spot which resulted from a challenge against Muyela Amunga in the penalty area.
He scored another one in the 66th minute before Austine Ochieng wrapped it up in the 80th minute.
A show of might by Kisumu All Stars, playing against Kangemi All Stars