Kisumu Governor, Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o this morning received H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, Rt, Honourable, Raila Amolo Odinga, Deputy President, William Ruto and a host of dignitaries at the Kisumu International Airport, ahead of the launch of the national Universal Health Coverage set to take place at the Maboleo Show ground.
The President is also to commission other development projects in the area which include: The Ahero bypass, Maboleo bypass, and Ken Obura Secondary School in Migosi.
By: Emily Mikwa
Governor Nyong’o receiving President Uhuru and a host of dignitaries at the Kisumu Airport
The County Commissioner Madam Pauline Dola,
The Various Heads of the Government Security Departments,
Elected Leaders both from the national and County Governments,
The Religious Leaders Present,
County Government Officers,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Fourth Estate,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we celebrate the second Jamhuri day since we took office last year in September. This is the day that defined us as a sovereign nation 55 years ago! On this day, we forget all our differences, race, creed, ethnic composition and bind ourselves to our maker and reverence to our flag – the symbol of our oneness.
This freedom that we celebrate today, courtesy of the blood of the gallant sons and daughters of yore, must be jealously guarded to be bequeathed to the future of this nation.
The pursuit of freedom must be seen in our success at ensuring food security and nutrition for our children, attainment of free health coverage, accessible quality water, sanitation and safer environment; better governance that start from our doorsteps. This is when we shall know we are improving our lives because of the freedom we fought for. The freedom that will have truly freed our souls and made us proud to be Kenyans living in a free and democratic society.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
How do we pull together so that we all walk the same direction and to the same destination so that we can achieve these noble goals together? We must build an inclusive society,a society that respects the contribution of all and does not tolerate any form of discrimination, based on sex, religion, race, region, ethnicity or colour.
This is why my government has worked on measures to bring parity and equity amongst our people coming from different communities and believing in diverse religions. In our current budget, for example, we have gone a long way to give better opportunities for all attending by expanding training of ECD teachers and equipping the schools betters.
We have also made allocation for the Kisumu Enterprise Fund. This fund seeks to transform our small business people to start-up industries by giving them access to affordable funding that hitherto would not be available in the mainstream lending institutions.
Likewise, we are now ready to implement the Kisumu Roads Maintenance Teams that I proposed in my Manifesto so as to provide jobs for many young people. These Teams will make our roads motorable at all times, thereby promoting trade and commerce in our economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
All this would not have been possible if the County Assembly had not done its work of thoroughly scrutinizing bills and ensuring sound decisions as a basis for good governance. My gratitude goes therefore to the Assembly and its leadership.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
People from far and wide have noticed the progress we have made in transforming our County.
This achievement would not have been possible without the participation of all the actors across the spectrum: the National Government, the people of the great County of Kisumu and our development partners.
It is our responsibility as leaders to cultivate a society that appreciates all stakeholders in our development process. We have realised that working together with the National Government for example, we can synergize and achieve a lot.
In this regard, let me take this early opportunity to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga for bringing calmness to the otherwise turbulent waters of our politics through the Building Bridges Initiative. We are now able to fight corruption, mismanagement of resources, and bad governance without allowing culprits to hide behind the cloak of tribalism for protection.
If we continue to focus on improving the productivity of our economy by eliminating the wastage corruption we shall achieve a lot in terms of development in a very short time.
We must therefore go out of our way to focus on capacity building, skills development, and entrepreneurship particularly among our youth. With access to appropriate technology, our youth can design mobile applications, excel in the performing arts as well as in sports. We must harness this boundless human capital. That is why my Government has focussed on creating incubation and innovation centres over time across all our Wards that will be equipped with the requisite equipment and tools to make our youth what they must be – capital to our nation.
The Universal Health Coverage which will be launched by HE. The President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta is very important in creating a productive work force. Our gratitude to the president is profound for having chosen Kisumu as one of the piloting Counties alongside Isiolo, Machakos and Nyeri. UHC will help us to drastically improve our health statistics in a very short time.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have just come back from the inaugural Sustainable Blue Economy Conference held in Nairobi between 26th – 28th November 2018. This conference that brought together over 18,000 participants from 184 Countries, was called to discuss sustainable ways of harnessing the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers to improve the lives of all of us.
The water towers are dying; the rivers that have been our irrigation enablers are drying up, raw industrial waste flow freely into our lakes, turning our beautiful blue water surfaces into habitats of menaces like hyacinth. We cannot sit by as this blue economy we have survived on for decades gets destroyed by our own foolish industrial and farming activities.
We are all called to action to uphold the virtues of our freedom by making the right choices in environmental management. Simple choices like 145,000 tree seedlings that we planted across the County in the last financial year can go a long way to improve the environment thereby safeguarding our Blue Economy.
Simple declarations like the one I am making today that henceforth, there shall be no washing of cars in the lake or any rivers within the County will obviously help to safeguard our Blue Economy. And that, believe you me, is an Executive Order.
We shall partner with the National Government agencies like NEMA to rid our waters of the unceasing effluents choking our water bodies to extinction.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The kind and warm welcoming spirit of the people of Kisumu is our strength that we bring to the national and world stage. The time to exemplify this is now as we roll out the red carpet to welcome delegates for the Africities Conference to our lovely city in November 2021.
This conference that is expected to bring about 10,000 delegates from across Africa and the world will substantially revolutionise the face of this county. We must put our best foot forward to reap all those benefits that it portends including the approximate two billion shillings direct injection expected into our economy.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, within the next 2 years, we shall improve on this memorable sports Ground so that it can truly represent the memory of our freedom fighters, people like – MzeeJomo Kenyatta, JaramogiOgingaOdinga – Ogwal bade chieko, Achien’gOneko – Nyakech and many others. Since history is always dynamic, this ground will also be home to the heroes of the Second Liberation and those who have passed on in more recently while promoting the freedoms that are guaranteed in our current constitution.
TICH TIRE
A LUTA CONTINUA
Thank you and God bless you
Kisumu Governor, Professor Nyong’o giving his Speech during the 55th Jamhuri day.
Over three hundred pre primary School teachers in Kisumu County are set benefit from a professional development training programme courtesy of a partnership agreement between the County Government and the Madrasa Early Childhood Program – Kenya (MECP-K).
The Memorandum signing marked the beginning of a long term partnership between the County Government and MCEP-K in promoting Early Childhood Development through training and mentorship in order to enhance classroom practice.
Speaking at the launch, Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o who was the chief guest lauded the partnership as he appreciated the move by MECP-K in complimenting the County Government’s ambitious plan to improve education quality as outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (2018-2022),remarks echoed by County Education Minister Dr. John Obiero Ogone.
On her part MECP-K Program Director Miss Amina H. Mwitu stated that signing the MOU had opened doors for future engagements between the two entities.
The three year long agreement will see MECP-K provide specialized service in hands-on training to three hundred ECDE teachers from one hundred ECD centers attached to public primary schools in Kisumu County.
MCP-K will support further the County Government’s plans by establishing ten model pre-schools that will showcase quality learning opportunities in all spheres.
By: Eric Omollo and Collins Owuor
MECP-K Program Director Miss Amina H. Mwitu makes a demonstration to Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang looking on is Kisumu Central MCA Judy Ogaga.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o this week led County Government Officials in feting this year’s KCPE top performers in a ceremony held at the Jommo Kenyatta sports grounds.
Pupils who scored 400 marks and above were sampled from the entire 35 sub counties; they were accompanied by their respective parents and guardians to the occasion where they received gifts from the government.
Speaking during the function, the Governor congratulated the pupils and said that their relentless effort made the County proud. Professor challenged the pupils to keep the fire of academics burning even more as they look forward to joining various Secondary schools so that in the long run, they would become professors like the Governor. He added that the County was looking forward to revitalize industries in the County and therefore challenged the top performers to tighten their belts even further so that the County would depend on them for manpower in the same industries in future.
A total of 71 top performers were rewarded for their excellence in this year’s KCPE Examinations.
The County Minister for Education, ICT and Human Resources Dr. Obiero Ogone congratulated the students who performed very well and made it clear that the 71 pupils were just a sample of over 400 pupils who scored four hundred marks and above.
The leading boy in the County is Otuke Zachary Mogambi who scored 447 in the recent examination; he is a student at Muhoroni Furaha Academy while the leading girl is Tamasha Amondi who scored 437 marks, she is a student at Maseno Girls Primary School.
By: Collins Owuor
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o ( Center) poses for a group photo with Otuke Zachary Mogambi and Tamasha Amondi the best overall pupils in this year’s KCPE ,they are joined by County Education Minister Dr John Ogone (far left) and Kisumu Central Ward MCA Judy Ogaga (far right)
MASHINANI CLEAN-UP EXERCISE
County Department of Environment, Water, Irrigation and Natural Resources in partnership with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), this week organized a Cleanup exercise dubbed Kisumu County Clean – Up and tree planting awareness campaign across the Sub counties as from 3rd t0 7th December, 2018.
The campaign which was initiated by the County Minister for Water, Irrigation and Natural Resources, Hon. Salmon Orimba, brought together Stakeholders who included: Lake Basin development Authority, Kenya Medical Training College, Symbiocity International, Water Resource Users Associations, Community Based Organizations among other NGO’s who participated in the cleanup exercise that took place in; Kisumu Central, Muhoroni, Nyando, Nyakach, Seme and Kisumu West Sub-Counties.
The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) supported the exercise by donating 2,000 bamboo tree seedlings which were planted along the riverbanks to conserve the environment.
The objective of the campaign is to mainstream environmental conservation and stewardship among the youth and communities through vibrant and alternative methods such as music, art, dance and other interactive platforms.
The week long clean up exercise culminated into a Mr. and Miss Environment pageant who will be mandated to spearhead green initiatives and address problems related to environmental degradation within the County. The event also saw both individual and corporate environmental champions honored in a high level red- carpet event.
By: Emily Mikwa
C lean up in Ahero town, Nyando Sub County by the SymbioCity waste management champions accompanied by Anna Backman SKL Project Manager , Maureen Njoga Project Manager , Ward Administrator, Mr. George Amimo, and Elvira Hawi Environment Officer
Kisumu County is set to host President Uhuru Kenyatta on 13th, December, on his tour to the County to officially launch the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program which targets 240,000 households within the County.
The UHC program was initiated by the president under the big four agenda aimed at offering free medical services to the citizens. Kisumu County was one among the four Counties earmarked for the pilot .
Speaking during the media briefing in the Governor’s boardroom, the County Minister for Health, Dr. Rosemary Obara said that the County is doing well in terms of registration and that the statistics is at 230,000 households captured.
She added that the County would do their best within their capacity to support the initiative, citing that it is in line with the Governor’s manifesto.
She reiterated that her Ministry has received funds from the National treasury which they have allocated to facilitate the running of the project; Ksh 35 Million for the purchase of equipment, Ksh 82 Million for Health System strengthening , Ksh 4.2 Million for Public Health Support, and Ksh 118 Million for Health System Maintenance.
An allocation of Ksh 800 Million was also put in place to build the capacity of the health services workers and also to hire a contractual personnel to facilitate sufficient manpower.
The minister clarified that the UHC would be free to the residents and no medical charges would be incurred in public hospitals once a registration is done. She appreciated the County Assembly of Kisumu for passing a supplementary budget which would be used to purchase more ambulances to ensure prompt Health service delivery to the residents.
By: Eric Omollo
County Minister for Health, Dr. Rosemary Obara in her office during a press briefing on the UHC Program.
Counties and the National government have made significant steps towards the adoption of effective governance systems to streamline relations between the two.
Speaking at the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) meeting held at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o lauded the move as he encouraged stakeholders to join hands in supporting the initiative.
Improved intergovernmental relations he said was the only sure way of making devolution a success in the counties.
Industry stakeholders jointly agreed on the need to improve relations between the governments in a bid to fastrack rapid infrastructural development at both levels.
In his address Devolution, Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli echoed Nyongo’s sentiments as he vowed to engage the national government in forming unified alliances with the counties
IGRTC is a body established as a framework for consultation and co-operation between the National and County Governments.
By: Collins Owuor
Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Onyango Oloo (Left), Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o (Center) and IGRTC Member Ms. Judith Attyang’ during a workshop at the Grand Royal Swisss Hotel, Kisumu
Kisumu County Government joined the rest of the world in celebrating the international day of persons with disability at the National Industrial Training Authority grounds in Kisumu.
The day falls on the 3rd of December each year, with the aim of promoting empowerment, and helping to create real opportunities for people with disabilities. This enriches their capacities and supports them in setting their priorities.
This year’s theme, ” empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality” focused on empowering persons with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This involves investing in people – in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and social protection. This prepares them to exploit available opportunities hence they become agents of change.
While addressing the gathering, Labour Cabinet Secretary Amb. Ukur Yatani urged Counties to work toward mainstreaming issues of persons with disabilities within their work force in the County. He also called upon Counties to formulate policies and legal frameworks that will help in mainstreaming issues of Persons with Disabilities.
He also commended Kisumu County Government for passing and operationalizing the policy. He also reiterated the issue of access to five percent of the tenders set by the Government to persons with disabilities. He said the Government plans to make the public transport system to be disability friendly.
On his part, Kisumu Governor Professor. Anyang’ Nyong’o promised to ensure that his government will spearhead the mainstreaming issues of persons with disabilities, having passed and now operationalizing the Disability Act.
Governor Nyong’o pointed out that the issue of cultural bias against people with disability should be shunned.
“As a County Government, we are prepared to tackle the issues of mainstreaming in so far as the needs of persons with disability are concerned and this is marked by the passing and the operationalization of the Disability Act,” said the Governor.
The event was also graced by: Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owilli, Mama Kisumu Dorothy Nyong’o, Members of Parliament Hon Sharkil Shabir of Kisumu East, Hon. James Koyoo of Muhoroni, Hon Denis Olesankok representing PWDs, Tom Odege of Nyatike, nominated Senator Denita Gati of Migori representing PWDs, Dr Nyakiamo of National Funds for the Disable, CEC Education, Dr. John Obiero Ogone, Director General NITA, Director among other dignitaries.
By: Emily Mikwa
Labour Cabinet Secretary Amb. Ukur Yatani and Mama Kisumu, Dorothy Nyong’o handing a sewing machine to Ms Elizabeth Akinyi Mbori, during the International day of persons living with disability at NITA grounds in Kisumu.
Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o toured Pap Onditi Market and Pap Onditi Sub County Hospital in Central Nyakach Ward to assess the progress of the construction of a modern market and the hospital’s maternity wing respectively.
The construction of the modern market project which received an allocation of Ksh. 35 Million was in its completion stage and according to the Minister for Business, Trade and Energy Hon Allice Moraa, the official commissioning would be done in March 2019.
Speaking during the event, the Governor said that he had a lot of confidence in his administration and promised the residents that all his manifesto would be implemented based on priority. The Governor who later visited Pap Onditi Sub County Hospital expressed his satisfaction with the positive progress at the Maternity wing which received an allocation of Ksh 10 Million for expansion and other necessary adjustments.
The area Member of Parliament, Hon. Aduma Owuor who was also in attendance appreciated the Governor and his able administration and pledged his support to any development initiative in the constituency. He called upon the local leaders and the residents to unite and embrace any positive change initiated in the region.
On his part, the Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, thanked the governor for their good working relations which has made the entire County united for all the development goals and pledged to remain loyal to the governor and the voters to pave way for conducive environment for service delivery.
The tour culminated into the three leaders being crowned Nyakach Elders at Abwao Secondary School in West Nyakach Ward in a function presided over by the elders from eleven clans of Nyakach.
By: Eric Omollo
(From Left) County for Minister Health, Dr. Rosemary Obara, Deputy Govenor Dr. Mathew Owili, Governor Nyong’o and Hon Aduma Owuor at Pap Onditi Hospital during the Governor’s tour to Nyakach
Kisumu based Frontiers Skating club have finished the championships as the 2nd placed team in tie position with Machakos County after the host Kilifi Skating team took top position in the national trials.
The two day tournament attracted contestants from over twelve Counties as both junior and senior teams battled it out to take control of the opening sessions.
In typical fashion, the Frontiers dominated the early proceedings with the team upsetting traditional favorites Nairobi and Machakos outfits.
Presiding over the games, Kilifi North Legislator, Hon. Owen Baya pledged to involve relevant stakeholders in expanding the competition to other parts of the country.
Kisumu Frontiers took home 23 medals comprising 7 gold, 8 silver, 2 bronze. They set a new record by finishing in the top three for two years in a row.
According to Frontiers coach Nickson Oloo, the team has set its sights on new heights as he targets an improved finish in next year’s showpiece in Kisumu and Mombasa.
The team comprised of 15 players and 5 members of the technical bench.
The Under (6-7 yrs) category had three participants Renson Owak, Caesar William and Martin Alpha.
The U (8-9) players were Fasil Achieng and Phiona Nish in the girls’ category with Prince Timon coming in for the boys’ team.
In the under (10-11) Conslates Adhiambo, Phyllis Anne and Leone Oiro joined their peers in the category.
Travis Gavin joined Faith Aurelia in the U (12-13) category and both were impressive in the open races with Tonny Oliver and Toney Owili combining forces in the U (14-15) categories.
In the marathon Eric Mongare impressed in the group whilst Grace Wakio got a podium finish after impressing in the freestyle category.
Coach Oloo technical bench included Norah Ofullah, John Obiero, Christine Ongaro, Molly Josephine and Rose Omosso.and Sports officer Benjamin Nduati who represented the county government of Kisumu in the games.
The Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o sent his congratulations to the team for the great results.
By: Collins Owuor
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya hands over the winners’ certificate to Kisumu’s Leone Oiro.