By Yoga David
Governor Anyang Nyong’o, KRCS Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris, and CECMs Salmon Orimba and Judith Oluoch, together with County Attorney Otieno Aluoka, during the signing of the MoU./Photos by Calvin Randy
The County Government of Kisumu has today entered into a strategic partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at emergency preparedness, community resilience, water access, food security, public health and enhanced KRCS membership.
The five year MoU, signed by Governor Anyang Nyong’o and Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris, establishes a framework for joint planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes across key development sectors.
Governor Nyong’o hailed the partnership as a major step forward in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges.
“This collaboration will significantly impact access to clean water, sanitation and health services, strengthening our ability to prepare for and respond to disasters, climate change and improving food security and creating opportunities for our youth” the governor said.
The MoU will also strengthen Kisumu’s capacity to mitigate and respond to disasters and climate change.
Kenya Red Cross will take a lead role in the implementation of agreed programmes, Kisumu county and KRCS will jointly fundraise to achieve full implementation of the programmes and Kisumu county will facilitate community access and seconding technical staff.
Dr Idris emphasized the importance of effective partnerships grounded in accountability and resilience.
“Kenya Red Cross is among the few non-governmental organizations legally mandated to manage public resources. This partnership with Kisumu is not about charity, it is about responsibility and service,” he said.
A joint steering committee comprising seven representatives from each party will oversee implementation, meeting quarterly and reporting bi-annually to the Governor and the KRCS secretary General.
The agreement also provides for establishment of operational teams, information sharing and coordinated public communication during emergencies.
The MoU takes effect immediately and will remain active for five years, with provisions for review and extension.
Also present were County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, CECMs Salmon Orimba (Public Service) and Judith Oluoch (Water and Environment), County Attorney Otieno Aluoka, KRCS National Executive Committee member Bob Madanji, and other officials from Kisumu County and the Kenya Red Cross Society.
