Living Water International has reiterated their commitment to boost water provision in the county.
The developments comes barely months after the NGO partnered the county government in launching a multi-million water project in Nyakach.
Speaking in Houston after meeting the organisations’ Senior Vice President on Programs, Jonathan Wiles, Kisumu Deputy Dr. Mathew Owili lauded the project a game changer as he led discussions to extend their programs for five years in the county.
The expected program extension period will see support in WASH sector to include borehole drilling, equipping, pipeline extension, capacity building of established community water service providers and sanitation component both in schools and churches.
This will allow expansion in the scope and will improve water coverage from the current 22% to over 80%.
Joining the discussions were Water CEC, Salmon Orimba, Living Water Legal affairs Director Natalie Mantel and Bishop Paul Ligono a Board member of Living Water in Kenya.
Deputy Governor,Dr. Mathew Owili (right) , Bishop Paul Ligono a Board member of Living Water in Kenya (Centre)County minister for Water, Salmon Orimba (left) during the teams meeting with Living Water International in Huston, USA
Over 2000 rice farmers from Alung’o and Asunda schemes are set to access adequate water supply from river Abwao intake after the completion of the lining of the supply canal, this financial year, in a bid to boost food security in the County.
Currently, the farmers hardly receive water for irrigation since those who donated land for the construction of the supply canals have since blocked the water ways stating that the current status of the canal causes flooding in their shambas causing loose soils to be washed away hence affecting their crops.
It is in the light of this that the CEC Member, for Agriculture, irrigation Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Gilchrist Okuom and the area MCA, Hon. Vitalis Otura toured the region to affirm the plan to have the project fully completed before the next planting season.
The area MCA however requested those who donated land where the canals were constructed, to take into consideration the plight of other farmers by allowing them to access the supply in the meantime as plans are underway to have the project completed soon. He also confirmed that the allocation for the completion of the weir was factored in the 2019/2020 budget
The Muhoroni sub county agricultural officer, Mr Athur Hongo who addressed the farmers said that after mapping of the schemes, about 480 farmers from Alung’o scheme will get farm inputs such as rice seeds that will cover 125 acres and also 100 of them will receive top dressing fertilizers. This will boost rice farming in the region.
While addressing the farmers, the CEC Member, Mr Okuom stated that rice is one of the flagship projects on matters food security and economic empowerment. He added that he was concerned about the challenges of water supply that has hindered expansion of rice fields, high cost of production due to pumping using electricity, recycling of seeds and lack of adequate farm inputs and promised his support on the same.
He urged the farmers to adopt new methods of farming that will increase the yields and advised them to diversify crops such as soya beans, cotton and yams since ombeyi has the biggest potential for yams production. He also discouraged them from planting at different times and urged to build strong cooperatives that will help them control market prices.
In regards to those who had their crops destroyed during construction, the Minister said they will discuss and agree on Tuesday on the best modalities of compensation.
Also in attendance were Eng. Nyamori from irrigation, and the ward agricultural Officer madam Esther Onyango among others
The CEC Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries addressing the plight of rice farmers in Ombeyi ward
The CEC Member, Mr Okuom flanked by the area MCA Hon. Otura to river Abwao intake that serves Alung’o scheme
Mr. Ben who donated land for the construction of supply canals raising his concerns for blocking the water supply
Eng. Nyamori from directorae of Irrigation giving explanations concerning one of the division boxes in Alung’o Scheme
The stage is set for tomorrow’s official launch of the phase II Symbiocity project, by Kisumu Governor Professor Nyong’o in the company of high powered delegation from the Council of Governors, Symbiocity pilot Counties, Local political leaders, County top Officials
and the stakeholders in Ahero town.
The move comes after completion of the phase one referred to as the quick win project which comprised of drainage construction, putting up of litter bins in town and trainings on waste management which led to the formation of the project agent Voluntary Champions who are charged with the responsibility of creating awareness and sensitizing the community on the project benefits while advocating for effective community involvement to foster project ownership.
The phase two project also dubbed the change project, focuses on solid waste management and the improvement of the drainage system within the market. With the systematic approach, solutions will be geared towards the reduction of pollution to Nyando River and also improving the livelihoods of the locals by creating opportunities for the youth to engage in economic activities.
The anticipated impact as a result of implementation of the phase II project include; the market area being free of solid and liquid waste allowing traders to sell their wares in a clean and safe environment, the park will provide a recreation space for all the locals and visitors of Ahero, innovative waste management and setting up of the compost pit will provide opportunity for locals to engage in income generating activities and the construction of modern stalls along the highway in the market area, will provide a more conducive business environment for the pro- poor and increase the revenue base for the county government
As a curtain raiser to the event, the technical working group, the stakeholders, Champions and the local football teams within Ahero organised a series of clean up exercise dubbed “My Environment my lifeline” and football tournaments for the local teams in a bid to unite and nurture the upcoming talents and also to sensitize the residents of Ahero on matters clean environment for sustainable urban growth.
The football matches were held in Onjiko Primary school yesterday in the afternoon after a clean-up exercise in the market area during morning hours.
The teams that participated comprised of girls and boys. The first round was the boys of Kasuna Vs Vasco FC where they had a draw of Nil- Nil, later Vasco FC thrashed Kasuna on a 5-4 win on penalties .In the second match Korea team beat Oketha at 1-Nil and for the girls team, they had a draw of 1-1 and later Obama beat Kasuna Girls on penalties at 4-3 goals.
The finals are scheduled for tomorrow during the official launch of the change projects where the winners will be awarded. Besides a major clean-up of Ahero town has also been scheduled as a climax to the launch of the change project.
By: Emily Mikwa
The TWG, Champions, Stakehoders and the Local football clubs cleaning Ahero Market
Cleaning Ahero Market
The project coordinator Mr Sospeter Onuga addressing the football clubs before the commencement of the matches at Onjiko Primary School
The Chairman of stakeholders Mr Ken giving words of encouragement to the clubs
The County Directorate Green of Climate Change in partnership with Community Rehabilitation and environmental protection program (CREP), Suswatch, and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) held a climate change workshop in order to sensitize the members on how to link Cimate response to the 17 SDGs at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu.
The deliberations of the workshop was to strengthen the understanding of Climate change working group and the Persons Living with Disabilities on SDGs framework and how to mainstream SDGs in climate change actions in the County, mainstreaming special groups such as Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), Youths, Women and to map out climatic actions in the County from all stakeholders with specific linkages to relevant SDGs.
The Ag. Chief Officer Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Dan Ongor, while officially opening the workshop said it was a timely workshop in discussing the SDG No. 13 on climate which has an impact on the 17 SDGs on environmental issues. He urged the team to strive to achieve some of the indicators locally.
He also acknowledged the fact that PLWDs can be more vulnerable to climate change, hence capacity building to create awareness to the PLWDs is key to enable them adapt and contribute in reduction of climate change risks.
He further outlined that there are about 240 indicators and 169 targets to be met locally and that the County CIDP, work plan and the budget has factored in the engagement of people from all spheres in the community.
The County Director for climate Change, Mr. Evans Gichana on his part emphasized the need to incorporate the PLWDs in order to tap their resources and that the workshop would also provide a platform to discuss how the special groups can be involved on climate change issues.
While speaking on behalf of development partners, Mr Robert from FES commended County for the development of Climate Change Policy and the Technical working Group, however, he challenged them to hold more meetings on mainstreaming and carry out monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all indicators are in line with the SDGs’ reporting levels.
The Ag. Chief Department of Water, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources , Mr Dan Ongor giving his opening remarks during the official opening of the Climate Change workshop at Wigot Gardens, Kisumu
Mr. Osano who is hearing impaired participant airs his views in sign language during the workshop
Madam Carolyne Agwanda making a presentation on mainstreaming special interest groups at the workshop
Kisumu County Public Service Board wishes to recruit competent and qualified persons to fill the following positions in their respective Departments as listed below: Click the Link below to Access the full Advert
June 2019 Advertisement complete
Note: The positions of County Secretary, Deputy County Secretary, Chief Officers and Directors will be on Contract for a period of three years renewable based on successful performance.
For details on the above advertised positions and how to apply, applicants are asked to visit our website www.kisumu.go.ke .
HOW TO APPLY The candidate should apply by downloading and filling application for employment form available on our website. All dully filled forms should be sent to the undersigned on or before 19th July 2019 at 4.00 pm.
THE SECRETARY PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD P.O. BOX 7792-40100, KISUMU
Hand delivered applications can be dropped at our offices located at Kisumu County Public Service Board Offices (Former M.E.O Office), Okore Rd, Milimani, Kisumu.
All candidates interested in any of the above positions must attach clearance certificates from KRA, HELB, EACC, CID, CRB and Commission for Higher Education for degrees obtained outside Kenya.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
NB: The County Government of Kisumu is an equal opportunity employer and women, the youth and persons with disabilities who meet the specified requirements are encouraged to apply and also indicate so in their applications.
The county government led by the department of water has commissioned a 15 litre water bowser procured at a cost of Kshs 9.8 Million to be used in providing
water to hospitals schools and the community across the county in the event of water shortage.
The 20-ton truck flagged off by Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o will serve as an intermediate measure to provide water to learning institutions especially
ECD centers and other institutions which are not connected to piped water or those that maybe affected by Drought.
Speaking during the commissioning of the bowser, the Governor stated that the new bowser project is a move that is aimed at enhance water supply in the County,
adding that the County government is set to renovate the Maseno-Kombewa water project that was built in the 90’s in Seme.
The project plans to use Solar Energy to pump water through the Channel, a means that is more cost effective as compared to pumping water by Use of Hydro-Electric power.
Governor Nyong’o also said that his government was focused on achieving its mandate to the People of Kisumu County and was targeting efficient water supply
to rural areas under the County development which aims at delivering quality services to the People of Kisumu.
The County Minister for Water and Irrigation Mr. Salmon Orimba said that the bowser will serve areas worst hit by drought even as they grapple with climate
change and the devastating effects of weather patterns, adding that they are prepared to deal with water disruptions within institutions of learning.
The commissioning of the water bowser comes a week after the launch of a Kshs. 112 million Riat Water Tower that is set to serve over 2500 families.
The minister also stated plans to equip each of the seven sub-counties with a water bowser by end of the year 2021,adding that the current financial year has realized
additional of 12 bore holes bringing to a total of 21 bore holes in the county.
By David Collins Otina and Jack Rachuonyo
Edited By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu Weekly newsletter7th June, 2019
Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o flags off a Ksh 9.8 million Water Bowser with a 15,000ltrs capacity towards increasing water supply in schools and other institutions that are prone to water shortage (Photo By Jacob Owiti)