The CountyNewsletter Tich Gi Dongruok SIAST YST A ISSUE NO. 9 (1 AUGUST 18- 31 AUGUST 2018) Get to know your county YOUTH FRIENDLY AGRIBUSINESS INITIATIVES ONGOING IN SIAYA COUNTY; KOKOTH- Pg 16 WATER SOLUTIONS IMMINENT IN SOUTH EAST ALEGO, SIAYA S I AYA Y O U T H S H I N E S I N COUNTY Residents of South East Alego Ward KA KA M E G A AG R I B U S I N E SS in Siaya County are set to be treated to increased supply of clean water FORUM. courtesy of the County Government In a contest that sought to assess business originality, innovation, scalability and importance to the of Siaya in collaboration with World youths, Sparrow Processors which deals in production of mango juice and mango products emerged Vision, following finalization of the victors amongst nine other groups.. - Page 4. construction of a major water project in the region. Story on page 5.
FIRST SIAYA COUNTY ATTORNEY SWORN IN
Siaya County Government now has an attorney at law. Ambassador Phillip Richard Owade was today sworn in as the first County Attorney for Siaya bringing to a close a competitive process that was recently approved by the County Assembly of Siaya. Pg 9.
ANNAN REMAINS THE FATHER OF "HANDSHAKE POLITICS" WORLD-WIDE; RASANGA
19th August 2018
His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya County has sent his condolence message to the family and The Foundation of His Excellency Kofi Annan, following the demise of arguably the World's greatest diplomat in recent history. His Excellency described the diplomat as the father of "handshake politics" worldwide following his timely intervention when KENYA was on the verge of destruction after the 2007 election.
His Excellency was speaking in Alego Usonga Constituency, Nyadhi CCA church where he promised the residents that he will fast track the installation of electricity transformer at Magwar area so as to supply electricity in the area.
The Governor was accompanied by County Executives Hon. Dismas Wakla, Lands, Hon. Benard Mboha Roads and Hon. Walter Okelo Chief of Staff, Hon. Elizabeth Ag. Chief Officer, Tourism. Nominated Member of County Assembly Hon. Winnie Mercy Otieno also attended the prayers.
ESTABLISHMENT OF SIAYA MUNICIPALITY BOARD AND CHARTER BOTH ON COURSE Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. James Ouko Okumbe has asked the Kenya Urban Support Programe (KUSP) to hold comprehensive discussion with a technical team from the Lands Department to sort out issues that may derail implementation of urban development projects in the region. Dr. Okumbe while meeting a delegation from KUSP at his office noted with optimism that technical meetings involving the KUSP and lands technical team would be fruitful in prescribing solutions the implementation of the Kenya Urban Support Program. Page 7. DEVELOPMENT PLANS PROGRESS FUN AND MORE MOVERS AND SHAKERS; WHAT THEY SAID...
“From now hence forth, before we begin “We need to continue providing the “GIZ and KFW are supporting selected “Sports is big business at professional any project anywhere in Siaya, the County staffs with the opportunity to value chains in the dairy and sweet potato level and we have talented young people Environment Impact Assessment report share with the rest of the counties their industries, improved soil management in various sports categories who need to must be found in the base of every le to experiences and borrow best practices to aspects and rural infrastructure showcase their talents on such a big incorporate all local views and assess enable them improve service delivery to development including improving rural platform as the KICOSCA games and to their impacts thereto.” the public in Siaya.” roads and the proposed lower Nzoia such an even bigger audience.” Irrigation Project all of which are helping - Siaya County Governor -Siaya County Tourism, Arts, Sports improve service delivery to the people of - Siaya County Director of Sports H.E. Cornel Rasanga and Culture CECM Siaya County.” Mr. Sanmac Okoth Dr. Elizabeth Odhiambo -Siaya County Agriculture CECM Hon. Charles Ogada
County Progress
a. Public Service and Administration b. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries c. Education, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Affairs To Advertise in this space, contact d. Finance and Economic Planning The Department of Communications, e. Health and Sanitation County Government of Siaya f. Lands, Physical Planning, Housing & Urban Development P.O. BOX 8 0 3, SIAYA, KENYA CONTENTS g. Public Works, Energy, Roads and Transport Email: - communication @siaya.go.ke h. Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts i. Enterprise and Industrial Development j. Water, Irrigation, Environment and Natural Resources k. General Pictorial l. Poetry Corner Page 2 The County NEWSLETTER Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts The County ALL SET FOR THE ANNUAL INTER COUNTY SPORTS His Excellency who was accompanied by Siaya County SIAYA Newsletter COMPETITION IN KISII COUNTY Government Executive Committee Member for Tourism, HOMESTAY TOURISM CONCEPT' TO SPICE UP Arts, Sports and Culture Dr. Elizabeth Odhiambo LOCAL TOURISM IN SIAYA 12th August 2018 congratulated sports men and women assembled for demonstrating good citizenship and a strong sense of 1st August 2018 By Communication Directorate nationalism during last year's games despite volatile political temperatures at the time relating to the By Communication Directorate protracted post-election battles. iaya County Department of Tourism is currently on a Siaya County is participating in the intercounty games bench-marking tour on the development of 'home stay for the third time now since the games commenced and concept' in Taita-Taveta County here in Kenya. Taita this is the 6th Edition of the Kenya Youth Inter Counties S Taveta County is amongst the leading Kenyan counties in Sports and Cultural Association (KICOSCA) Games encouraging county residents to offer their residences to scheduled in Kisii County for the better part of this tourists for homestay tourism. week.
On her part, Dr. Elizabeth Odhiambo noted the need to The homestay concept is symbiotic; allowing tourists to continue providing the County staffs with the sample a typical Kenyan home while also economically opportunity to share with the rest of the counties their empowering the locals. The County Executive for Tourism, midst, pomp, colour and ululation, Siaya County experiences and borrow best practices to enable them Sports & Arts Dr Elizabeth Odhiambo accompanied by the Governor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth improve service delivery to the public in Siaya Chief Officer Madam Elizabeth Oduor and key staff have met Ahas this morning agged off The Siaya County their Taita-taveta counterparts County Executive Getrude Sports Team to the 6th Edition of the Inter County She further reiterated the ability of the games to offer Shuwe & Chief Officer Rhoda Mwashigadi. annual games in Kisii County bringing together sports opportunities to promote national unity, integration men and women of all the 47 counties of Kenya. and cohesion and appreciation of cultural diversity. The Tourism Department is keen to see the concept take off in Siaya. In Taita-Taveta County the hotel industry has embraced The Governor, adorned in his sportswear, took the Siaya County has lined up various sports activities to the concept & have a hotel-homestay partnership that either opportunity to congratulate all participants from the compete with against the other 46 counties including helps when they are fully booked or just add value as part of the various departments for their outstanding previous but not limited to athletics, football, netball, music set hotel's package. The Siaya Tourism Department will initiate a participation in the 5th Edition games which were held pieces, tugs of war, the traditional 'ajwa' just to mention mapping strategy with key stakeholders that will culminate in in Machakos County in 2017. but a few. Only the best is wished for every the interested homes getting licensed. Siaya County has a rich participating team. diversity of beaches, heritage sites, hero-shrines amongst He specically commended the teams that previously much more that would interest homestay tourists. The County won various awards in the various disciplines and Government of Siaya is keen on promoting Tourism to earn categories in Sports and Culture and encouraged this revenue & also reinforce the County's image on the global year's team to do even better. map.
The welcoming meeting took place at the Taita-Taveta County Headquarters in Wundanyi. The representatives of the department then proceeded on a guided tour to various homes & heritage sites. Page 3 The County NEWSLETTER Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries The SIAYA CountyNewsletter SIAYA YOUTH SHINES IN KAKAMEGA AGRIBUSINESS FORUM. "KILIMO BIASHARA KWA Aimed at increasing rural youth the youth in the agriculture sector. V I J A N A " C O N F E R E N C E population participation in Mr. Marius Rauh, the Deputy Head 3rd August, 2018. TARGETING KAKAMEGA, Agriculture, increased youth of Cooperation in the German B U N G O M A A N D S I AYA e m p l o y m e n t p o t e n t i a l i n Embassy intimated that with 35% COUNTIES LAUNCHED IN Agriculture and advocacy for of Kenya's population being the By Communication Directorate BUKURA coherent youth friendly policies, youth and 1.4 million of them the conference will also endeavor entering the labor market parrow Processors managed by youth group from Siaya 2nd August 2018 to mentor upcoming youth annually, the need to reorient the County is the winner for the best prize in the just innovators through exhibitions at youth to Agribusiness could not be Scompleted Western Youth in Agribusiness competition By Communication Directorate the conference venue. re-emphasized. He regretted that in Bukura, a summit that brought together competitions on the current farming population ve r 2 0 0 yo u t h s i n In the opening remarks delivered averaged 60 years in age with agribusiness ideas from youth drawn from Bungoma, agriculture from Siaya o n b e h a l f o f K a k a m e g a limited access to land, capital, Kakamega and Siaya counties. OCounty have joined over Governor His Excellency Ambetsa skills and mar ket making 600 other young Kenyans from Oparanya Wycliffe, the Deputy agriculture less friendly to youths. In a contest that sought to assess business originality, Bungoma and Kakamega counties Governor, Kakamega County The German government will seek innovation, scalability and importance to the youths, Sparrow at Bukura Agricultural College, emphasized the central place of to help the Kenyan government Processors which deals in production of mango juice and Kakamega for a two day Youth in Agriculture in the economic map of and the county governments of A g r i b u s i n e s s C o n f e r e n c e Western Kenya counties while Siaya, Kakamega and Bungoma mango products emerged victors amongst nine other groups. beginning today under the theme outlining the various efforts put in through this "Kilimo Biashara Kwa "Kilimo Biashara Kwa Vijana", place by Kakamega County to Vijana" initiative Besides manufacturing mango wine, Sparrow Processors has sponsored by The German bolster participation of youths in as well acted as an avenue of employment for a good number Technical Cooperation (GIZ) and Kilimo Biashara (Agribusiness). Hon. Charles Ogada, the County of youth with main aim being to commercialize the business The German Cooperation here in Executive Committee Member for and franchise it to the public. Kenya. Dr. Kevit Desai, the Principal Agriculture has led ofcials from S e c r e t a r y i n c h a r g e o f the County Government of Siaya The conference scheduled for Vocational, Technical, Education including Agriculture Department The group has also been able to come up with solution plan to closure later tomorrow, Friday, by and Training in his remarks Chief Ofcer Mr. Sylvester Kokoth mango farmers who are faced with loses due to poor harvests His Excellency Cornel Rasanga, emphasized the place of t o s h a r e a n d e x c h a n g e during mango seasons. Siaya Governor was ofcially partnerships, competency based ex p e r i e n c e s o f yo u t h s i n opened by His Excellency Prof. education training, innovative Agribusiness with the neighboring Because of their hard work and commitment to coming up Phillip Museve Kutima, Kakamega a p p r o a c h e s a n d q u a l i t y counties. County Deputy Governor who assurance in making agriculture with agricultural innovations, the County Government of Siaya also doubles up as The County more acceptable to the young has pledged to reward the group with wine filter valued at Ksh. Executive for Agriculture, among us. The PS noted the 50,000. They will also receive business equipment worth Ksh Livestock and Fisheries. centrality of technology as a 116,207 or two weeks workshop trip to Germany or training driver of transformation targeting opportunity in the County.
Page 4 The County NEWSLETTER Water, Irrigation, Environment and Natural Resources The SIAYA CountyNewsletter E N V I RO N M E N TA L before we begin any project “I take note of the fact that IMPACT ASSESSMENT anywhere here in Siaya, the KShs. 46 million for capacity EIA report must be found in the building is coming to Siaya and WATER SOLUTIONS IMMINENT IN SOUTH EAST NOW MANDATORY; b a s e o f e v e r y l e t o w e a l s o h a v e a n o t h e r ALEGO, SIAYA COUNTY RASANGA incorporate all local views and KShs.103 million meant for assess their impacts thereto,” A g r i c u t u r e a n d H e a l t h 2nd August 2018 20th August 2018 said the Governor. Department already in place. These funds will go a long way By Communication Directorate “If you are not able to do it we in helping us contribute to By Communication Directorate shall engage specialists to do President Uhuru Kenyatta’s it, to safeguard the social lives Agenda 4,” said the Siaya o v e r n o r C o r n e l esidents of South East Alego Ward in Siaya County are set o f t h e l o c a l s , ” a d d e d Governor. Rasanga AMOTH has to be treated to increased supply of clean water courtesy of Rasanga. Gd i r e c t e d a l l the County Government of Siaya in collaboration with On the Environment Impact R departments to mainstream World Vision, following finalisation of the construction of a major F l a n k e d by A g r i c u l t u r e Assessment, the Governor was E n v i r o n m e n t I m p a c t water project in the region. Assessment (EIA) in all the Executive Hon. Charles Ogada, reacting to comments of the projects being undertaken by Trade Chief Ofcer Hon. World Bank ofcials led by Dr. Joseph Ogutu and Acting R o b e r t O c h i e n g In an impromptu inspection of the project by Hon. Adrian Ouma the County Government of County Executive for Water, and Hon. Joseph Mboha, South East Siaya to comprehensively Health Chief Ofcer Dr. (Environmentalist) and Dr. Samwel Owino, His Excellency Mary Nyamong who had Alego Assembler, the two confirmed that the water project which address risks and problems will serve Nyajuok sub location residents and lower parts of encountered with the locals noted that the public has earlier noted that the multi- suffered greatly especially million projects to be funded in Paporiang sub location around Ochiwa Primary school is complete d u r i n g p r o j e c t s after construction of modern water kiosks, installation of water implementation. those who have previously lost the county will only be done valuables during expansion once proper EIA reports that pumps and installation of 34 solar panels. and repair of roads on projects safeguards interests of locals Speaking earlier today while Hon. Adrian Ouma confirmed his commitment to working with receiving World Bank Ofcials done without environment are done. impact assessment. partners and other leaders to ensure that residents of Siaya are here in Siaya, His Excellency served with adequate water supply. said the absence of the EIA The Governor, meanwhile, reports on some projects Hon. Mboha took cognisance of the heavy burden that women face implemented in the county has hailed the World Bank for travelling long distance in search of the precious commodity and resulted in complaints by considering Siaya in its urban committed to do his best to curb the situation of inadequate water locals on negative impacts of development programs and supply. such projects. asked implementers to ensure every resources are accounted “From now hence forth, for and the intended purposes The two leaders were in the tour inspecting the project before the are achieved. official commissioning by His Excellency Cornel Rasanga, Siaya Governor at a later date.
Page 5 The County NEWSLETTER Agriculture, livestock and fisheries- Feature The SIAYA CountyNewsletter THE HUGE POTENTIAL OF THE MANGO (ASDSP) provides incubation training to upcoming VALUE ADDITION INDUSTRY IN SIAYA COUNTY
*7th August 2018 By Communication Directorate
parrow Processors Group, the youth group from Siaya County that recently won the best award in an SAgribusiness competition pitting Bungoma, Kakamega and Siaya Counties is a classical case study of what young college students can do for themselves with local government support and technological innovation through value addition.
Through their partnership with the Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP) under the support of The Kenyan, Swedish and Siaya Governments, the youth group has innovated a mango fruit processing plant domiciled at the Siaya Agricultural Training Centre, now with a branch off in fruit wine processing additional facility.
The group’s wine and mango fruit processing ideas are Agribusiness initiatives aimed at transforming crop, livestock day from the sales. These profits have helped the youths motivated by the current post harvest losses in the mango and fisheries production into commercially viable enterprises complete their college fee balances and are plotting the industry in Siaya County. Apparently, up to 6,000 households through incubation to boost household income, create expansion of the initiative to increase production volumes, in Siaya County are involved in mango planting for sale with employment and enhance food security. The program adds work force and the attendant profits. more than 4,000 tonnes of mango fruits produced in Siaya value to local products for increased acceptability within a annually. Unfortunately, up to 60% of this harvest goes to wide range of markets at increased pricing. The program has Ramba Fruit Processing Plant in Rarieda Sub County funded waste as post-harvest loss due to market and processing for example trained hundreds of youths in top working, a by The World Bank through the moribund Western Kenya challenges with most of the mango fruits sold at near throw process that involves grafting of mature mango trees to Flood Mitigation Program and currently operated by Ramba away price locally. This portends great potential for the mango improve quality and variety of the trees. The youth groups Mangoes Cooperative Society is the only other existing fruit fruit processing industry, part of which the Sparrows have gone ahead to top work over 2,000 mature mango trees processing plant in Siaya County with quite limited capacities Processors Group is in the initial stages of exploiting albeit in Siaya County alone. To worked mango trees, have no fibre to meet the potential of the mango fruit processing industry in with limited capacity. in the ultimate mango fruits making them even more market the County. acceptable. The Sparrows Group is a modest composition of no more than Apart from providing the youth group with the infrastructural ten young women freshly out of college having been inspired A mango has an average economic lifespan of up to 50 years facilities at The Siaya Agricultural Training Centre for free, the to raise school fees through business while still in college or more. This means that mango production guarantees County Government of Siaya is supporting the group with a around year 2014. The Agriculture Sector Development sustainable household economic income than any other wine filter machine to improve the wine quality produced. The Support Program (ASDSP) then adopted the group and known locally available fruit plant. County Government is also monitoring very closely the incubated the Agribusiness idea by helping them with training ‘Enterprise Development Fund Bill’ due for passage into and basic equipment acquisition according to Rosemary Families with adequate mango trees and guaranteed mango law at the Siaya County Assembly to support fledgling youth Raluoch, the program’s Siaya County Coordinator. fruit markets can easily escape poverty. Agribusiness initiatives as such. Any support from interested Collecting mango fruits from the local farmers, Sparrows investors to work with Sparrows Processors Group or The Agriculture Sector Development Support Program Processors Group process and produce mango fruits juice separately set up a Mango Fruit Processing Plant in Siaya is and wine garnering profits of no less than KShs. 2,800.00 per therefore an idea of great economic sense.
Page 6 The County NEWSLETTER Governance and administration The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
how certain conditionalities can be met,” said Dr. Okumbe. SIAYA COUNTY Dr. Okumbe was giving feedback to the GOVERNOR remarks made by KUSP Project Manager QUERIES Isaac Mungania who had urged Siaya THE CURRENT County executive to work closely with REVENUE Assembly to quicken the establishment of SHARING the Siaya Municipality Board and Siaya FORMULA BY CRA Charter to pave way for the release of funds to implement Bus Park and Modern
E S T A B L I S H M E N T O F S I A Y A Market Projects in Siaya town. th MUNICIPALITY BOARD AND CHARTER 9 August 2018 BOTH ON COURSE Siaya County should in the first phase get KShs. 40 million under Urban Institutional 2nd August 2018 Capacity Building Grant and then KShs. By Communication Directorate 50 million under Urban Development By Communication Directorate Grants for implementation of various His Excellency Cornel Rasanga The Governor asked the Commission projects within a year. Amoth, Governor Siaya County, has for Revenue Allocation to look for a iaya Deputy Governor Dr. James formula that will see equal distribution Ouko Okumbe has asked the The Assembly Lands Committee expressed his reservations on the methodology currently being used by of funds based on measurable SKenya Urban Support Programe represented by East Gem MCA Samwel strengths of the counties like human ( K U S P ) t o h o l d c o m p r e h e n s i v e Siguru during this courtesy call noted that the Commission for Revenue resource capacities. discussion with a technical team from the the assembly has received the Municipal Allocation (CRA) to allocate funds to Lands Department to sort out issues that Charter Document and would approve it counties. may derail implementation of urban soon. The Siaya Governor was speaking on development projects in the region. His Excellency has noted that the Tuesday morning during a Governors “ We have the Municipal Charter current allocation criteria based on and CRA breakfast meeting at the Document at the Lands Committee stage Dr. Okumbe while meeting a delegation population and revenue collection do Hotel Intercontinental, in Nairobi. from KUSP at his office noted with and it would be tabled for debate and optimism that technical meetings approval as soon as assembly resumes not take into account the very many involving the KUSP and lands technical it's sittings after the current recess,” said professionals that include but are not team would be fruitful in prescribing Hon. Sigulu limited to lawyers, engineers, doctors, solutions the implementation of the Kenya from Counties who are based in Urban Support Program. Other Leaders present included County different parts of the world and do not Secretary Dave Anyona and Lands Chief contribute to the revenue collected in “We thank the team for coming to Siaya Officer Jacton Nyandiko. their counties hence not covered by to monitor the progress on absorption and the said formula. implementation of Urban Development Programme and would like them to discuss expansively and share ideas on
Page 7 The County NEWSLETTER Governance and administration The County "LET'S TONE DOWN ON THE 2022 e d u c a t i o n s t a k e h o l d e r s l i k e SIAYA Newsletter CAMPAIGN POLITICS AND SERVE THE K N U T , K U P P E T a n d N a t i o n a l Council of Governors endorses the counties. PEOPLE " RASANGA Government through the Cabinet Secretary County Peer Review Mechanism Amina Mohammed to take cognisant of the (CPRM) CPRM indepth 26 August, 2018 importance of education and avert any 30th August 2018 C P R M i s a g o v e r n a n c e “ s e l f - issues that might derail the education sector assessment” and peer– review tool for By Communication Directorate such as teachers strikes and students unrest. By Communication Directorate Kenyan counties to share experiences, r e i n f o r c e b e s t p r a c t i c e s , i d e n t i f y deficiencies and assess capacity building he Siaya County Governor H. E On IEBC, the Ugunja legislature said that Based on the learnings from Makueni needs to foster policies, standards and County and working with African Peer Cornel Rasanga Amoth is deeply the "joke we are witnessing must not be practices that lead to political stability, high Review Mechanism Initiative, The Council concerned with the rate at which allowed to continue " He sounded a warning economic growth and sustainable T of Governors under the chairmanship of development. politicians have set county on an early that the IEBC reforms must start as soon as Turkana Governor His Excellency Josephat campaign mood. today, and this should be done in Nanok has welcomed County Peer Review A perception based survey of counties will Mechanism (CPRM) towards achieving accordance to President Uhuru Kenyatta begin next month and eight counties have people-centered governance through a Rasanga who was speaking today at Sipoklo and Honorable Raila Odinga's building been selected for the pilot review. Nomiaya Church in Gem Constituency participatory approach to devolution, bridges initiative. moving forward. advised politicians to focus more on It is proposed that County Governments conduct self-assessments every first and development agenda and service delivery to The council, through its vice chair Ms. Anne Gem Constituency MP, Hon. Elisha third year of the election cycle in order to Waiguru, who is also the Governor of the people. Odhiambo Akuba, in his remarks asked ensure there is sufficient time in-between to Kirinyaga County, endorsed CPRM, a Uhuru Kenyatta, the president to deal with i m p l e m e n t p r e v i o u s p e e r - r e v i e w s program run by the New Partnership for commitments and to avoid fourth and fifth The County boss, weighed in his opinion on impunity with iron gloves. He said the African Development/African Peer Review years as this is usually a build-up period the abrupt come back of the two IEBC commissioners who had resigned cannot be Mechanism (NEPAD/APRM) Kenya towards general elections. commissioners who resigned during the last allowed to come back without due diligence Secretariat, during the first governor’s peer learning mission that was held in Wote hotly contested general election, citing the and proper investigations on why they had His Excellency Cornel Rasanga, Siaya Town, Makueni County on 27th August poor leadership of chairman Wafula Governor, while commenting on his resigned, and if the said reasons have been 2018. Chebukati. addressed. experience in Makueni noted that peer learning does not mean inability among In her address, Governor Waiguru noted the those learning from others. It means we all importance of CPRM and its impact towards While reiterating to president Uhuru Hon. Elisha Odhiambo advised that there have a thing or two to learn from each other service delivery through public participation Kenyatta to stay steadfast in the fight against are many educated young men and women and learning is a continuous process since the mechanism will enable counties to according to Siaya Governor. "Even impunity, H. E Cornel Rasanga questioned who can fill the vacancies, echoing that compare notes on governance strategies, Makueni can learn from us on how to whether the issues that the commissioners allowing the commissioners back will set a successes, and challenges. effectively run Community Health Strategy had earlier raised were solved or not. bad precedence to the people. working with Community Health Volunteers, “Each county will develop a plan for something the United Nations has implementing priority actions based on Ugunja Constituency MP, Hon. Opiyo acknowledged Siaya County has excelled Flanking the governor were Hon. Kinyanyi, public participation mechanism, structures, in under my government", His Excellency Wandayi emphasised on the need to MCA Yala Township, Hon Oduor and practices for effective delivery of noted during a luncheon at South East support the governor in cementing his legacy services,” she said. Odongo, Hon. Nick Ochola, MCA North Alego in his honor yesterday. The Governor agenda. Gem and Mr. Jerry William Ochieng, directed increased public participation Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, the Governor of Communication Director Siaya County. among departments in future government Makueni County noted that, even though programs to maximize benefits from public Wandayi further asked leaders and other counties have been learning from each investments moving forward. other, it is still important to institutionalize Page 8 The County NEWSLETTER structured peer-to-peer learning among Governance and administration The SIAYA CountyNewsletter LATEST CHANGES IN THE Secretary General of Kenya National Government of Siaya, other County Governments F I R ST S I AYA CO U N T Y SIAYA GOVERNMENT Commission for United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization ATTORNEY SWORN IN (UNESCO), Kenya Office. 30th August 2018 24th August 2018 Her first task in the office will be to sort out the By Communication Directorate KShs.75 million bursary stalemate, that has By Communication Directorate been pending, to ensure hundreds of His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth has beneficiaries in high schools and universities iaya County Government now has an attorney swapped two Executive Committee Members get sustained in schools. Some KShs. 37.5 at law. Ambassador Phillip Richard Owade for Health and Education in a reshuffle that million of the total pending bursaries was Swas today sworn in as the first County aims at enhancing service delivery within the released mid-August 2018. The rest is Attorney for Siaya bringing to a close a competitive said dockets in the long term. expected in time. process that was recently approved by the County Assembly of Siaya. In the changes, Hon. Dorothy Owino, having Madam Dorothy Owino, from Gem Sub and the National Government on legal matters while been the Education Executive, now moves to County, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Congratulating Ambassador Owade on his liaising closely with the office of the Council of the Health and Sanitation docket where she and a Masters of Arts in Population Studies nomination, approval and appointment as the first Governors and the Office of The Attorney General of has recently served as the Chief Officer, both at the prestigious University of Nairobi office holder of The Office of The County Attorney in the Republic of Kenya" Rasanga reiterated. swapping roles with Dr. Mary Omondi Olute has vowed to work closely with various sectors Siaya County, Siaya Governor His Excellency who now goes to the Education docket, where of health to remedy ailing health issues in the Cornel Rasanga Amoth noted the central place of In his maiden speech Ambassador Owade, assured she was initially appointed as the executive in County. Her previous stint running over three legal counsel in effective government operations. the executive that through consultution with relevant the advent of the Governor’s second term. years in the health docket as a chief officer will offices he will ensure legal matters and advisories Dr. Samuel Omondi remains the acting be handy in her new assignment. In the absence of a substantive office holder for the are proffered without delay. He also emphasised that Health and Sanitation Chief Officer, after position, The County Government of Siaya has not through team work with the existing legal team, Hon. Dorothy was appointed to the county Other county executives including Hon. performed up to par in fronting pieces of legislation to results will immediately begin to show. executive from the Health Chief Office. Mr. Charles Ogada (Agriculture), Hon. Odak the county assembly as should be the case. This is Kennedy Orwenjo will act as the Health and Mboha (Roads), Hon. Adrian Ouma expected to change as a result of this milestone Hon. Samuel Atandi, Alego Usonga MP, also Sanitation Director. (Water), Dismas Wakla (Lands), Hon. according to Siaya Governor. congratulated the new County Attorney and asked G e o r g e R u b i i k ( G o v e r n a n c e a n d him to help the county executive to foster a Dr. Olute, who hails from West Ugenya Administration), Hon. Joseph Warega During the swearing in ceremony at The County conducive working relationship with the county Ward, Ugenya Sub County, has a rich (Finance) and Hon. Jaoko Oburu (Trade) has Headquarters, the Governor directed the County assembly. He said that this will help the governor experience as an educationist which is likely been retained in their dockets in these minor Attorney to immediately embark on increased leave an outstanding legacy after his tenure in office. to revitalise the department. With a Master of changes. drafting and publication of legislative proposals for Arts Degree in Leadership and Policy the County Government of Siaya and provide well Hon. George Rubiik, Governance County Executive Education from Moi University in 2011, considered advisory opinions to the County Member noted the vast experience of Ambassador another Masters in Sociology (2003 – 2004) Government and its agencies on legislative and Owade, saying that what the Executive needed to fill from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of other legal matters. in the legal gaps that punctured the functions of the Education Arts (Honours) and a Diploma in executive. Several members of the Executive Counselling Skills from Amani Counselling "I also expect better linkages between the County witnessed the swearing in ceremony. Ambassador Centre, the education sector can only expect Phillip will sit in the County Executive Committee. the very best. She has previously served as the Page 9 The County NEWSLETTER Education, Youth Affairs, The Gender & Social Affairs SIAYA CountyNewsletter
REPRIEVE FOR PARENTS AS SIAYA COUNTY BURSARIES C U R TA I N S FA L L O N Y O U T H Kakamega County Deputy Governor H.E. Prof. COME IN HANDY AGRIBUSINESS CONFERENCE Philip Museve Kutima thanked the youth for their active participation and challenged them to th 28 August 2018 3rd August, 2018 practice skills learnt at the conference when they get back to their respective counties. He also encouraged them to pass on the experience to By Communication Directorate By Communication Directorate other young people who did not get an opportunity to attend. he Siaya County Bursary has now been released after protracted delays relating to treasury disbursements. The KShs. 37.5 million shillings is During the conference, the youth who attended now being disbursed to schools from the County treasury since mid made declarations that Bungoma, Kakamega, T and Siaya County Governments shall enact August 2018 and is meant to benefit over 8,600 students across the County in effective youth agribusiness policies and secondary, tertiary and university colleges countrywide. legislation, in line with the national and international policies and best practices and that The disbursement delays have also been attributed to the changes in the ward the three counties shall consider full youth education committee membership, composition and reconstitution which has involvement and participation in formulation and also been protracted. implementation of the enacted policies and legal frameworks.
The process for the reconstitution of the bursay committee was guided by the he Western Kenya Youth Agribusiness The youth also declared that the three counties Siaya County Education Bursary Fund Act 2016 (April); part 2 section (7) which Conference 2018 edition has finally come shall cooperate in creating better livelihoods for to an end at the Bukura Agricultural states that, ‘the term of the previous committee shall expire when a new T youth through more gainful employment Training College in Kakamega County. committee is constituted after every general election.’ The previous opportunities in agribusiness and related support services. In addition, they agreed that the youth membership of the committee have therefore been replaced in part, a process that The Conference which witnessed participation of involvement in agri-business development took time, according to Mr. Peter Otieno, the Acting Chief Officer for Education 800 youths from Siaya, Bungoma and projects should be manifested as a 35% quota in the County Government of Siaya. Kakamega counties as well as universities from the County Ministry of Agriculture’s sought to encourage youths in the three counties development budget. and beyond to engage more in agriculture as an The second disbursement of another KShs. 37.5 million will shortly occur upon economic activity as opposed to engaging on part The two day event was attended by senior further disbursements from the County treasury. A total of KShs. 75 million will time basis or depending on white collar jobs for officials from both levels of government, have been disbursed therefore in the pending financial years. employment. development partners and youth among other stakeholders. Applicants can access the list of beneficiaries from their respective ward Siaya County Governor H.E. Cornel Rasanga who presided over the event's official closing administrators' offices and the offices of The Members of the County Assembly or ceremony thanked the German Development the Department of Education office in Siaya. The beneficiaries are advised to also Cooperation (GIZ) for organising a successful forward their school account details to the office of The Chief Officer Education conference for youths in the Western region. immediately as some applications were lacking in such critical details. Governor Rasanga called on both the county and national governments to pull efforts towards successful agricultural sector in the region and The County Government of Siaya will continue issuing bursaries until beyond saying youths needed to be self reliant to stakeholders deliberate and agree on the role of the county and policy paradigm fix the problem of high unemployment. shift in regard to bursary with the advent of the free secondary education. Page 10 The County NEWSLETTER The Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts SIAYA CountyNewsletter
T H E K U O N F E S T I V A L I S m e m b e r s t h a t w i t h t h e w e a l t h o f SIAYA COUNTY READY FOR THE ANNUAL INTER HAPPENING AGAIN professionals drawn from all shades of COUNTY GAMES IN KISII; SANMAC professions, the Siaya Political Forum could 18th August 2018 metamorphose into an alternative 7th August 2018 government to discuss topical issues and By Communication Directorate keep leadership in check through formal By Communication Directorate channels. periodical feasting season offering iaya County Choir has settled on two items (A Set Piece and a the best of traditional and modern Andy Olunga on behalf of the college of the Cultural Dance) that will be presented at the 6th Edition of foods sampled to satisfy the middle A group administrators had earlier welcomed Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association bringing class and organized by professionals from S Siaya Political Forum members to the together all counties in Kenya and slated between 12th and 19th across Siaya County is on going in Sega occasion. August 2018 in Kisii County. Town this evening. This is one of the several seasons of the now ritual KUON FESTIVAL Politicians, both in office and aspiring have The County Head of Choir Mr. Collins Odhiambo says the team that is quickly developing into a local tourism lately sponsored friends and handlers to also have identified the set piece “Tunafurahia Ugatuzi’’ and a brand, rotating across the six subcounties of partake of the social event with the potential cultural dance (Dodo) that would arguably accord the County the Siaya County. Previous seasons have been to get to meet the movers and shakers of the top awards in their categories in Kisii from next week. graced by the mighty in politics and business local economy. Future KUON FESTIVALS including His Excellency Cornel Rasanga can only be better and the County “We have prioritized the two items that we will present at the Kisii AMOTH, the reigning Siaya Governor. Government of Siaya could easily harness County galla. The other songs we have composed and are into it's potential to spur socio-economic take currently practising such as “Jamriambo” will be performed by Hon. Ochanda, the Bondo MP and a off in the tourism and hospitality chain. our team in Mombassa later in the year,” said Mr. Odhiambo. promising county level politician has offered the key note address in today's festival this According to The County Director of Sports Mr. Sanmac Okoth, evening. In his remarks, the two time Bondo Siaya County will also make several other presentations in the other legislature urged the celebrants numbering categories including teams to compete in Tags of War, Volleyball, towards 100 that the Siaya Political Forum Table Tennis and Basketball. that organizes the periodical festival could constructively organize to spearhead debate “Sports is big business at professional level and we have talented and action on topical issues while freely young people in various sports categories who need to showcase advocating the freedom of information. their talents on such a big platform as the KICOSCA games and to The Bondo MP further reminded the such an even bigger audience,” said Okoth. Page 11 The County NEWSLETTER Governance and administration The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
S T A N D A R D I Z E D L AW S A N D MSANDO KILLERS MUST BE HELD TO P O L I C I E S P A S S A G E A N D the people of East Africa ACCOUNT; RT. HON. RAILA ODINGA ENFORCEMENT TO ADRESS CROSS have had long historical, B O R D E R I N S E C U R I T Y WO E S ; economic, social, cultural 17th August 2018 RASANGA bonds and history of shared natural resources By Communication Directorate st 21 August 2018 ev‘ en long before Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga has today assured Chris independence and which Msandos' family that justice will be served to the family. By Communication Directorate should encourage our In a message that was delivered on his behalf by Siaya continued cooperation,” C o u n t y G o v e rnor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, the former Prime Minister said that no matter In light of the persistent insecurity Rasanga how long it took to get justice, all chicken will finally come incidences that have continued to plague the home to roost in the unfortunate murder of the former borders between Kenya and Uganda, it is IEBC ICT boss. Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga's considered established various protocols and best interest of the tens of millions of the The Siaya Governor speaking at the Msando memorial view that The East African Community earlier today in Ugenya Sub County said that himself will should come up with standardized policy and institutions to deepen cooperation in almost residents of The East African Community. only be at peace only when the killers of Chris Msando laws regulating the conduct of fishermen in all spheres from the customs union and free are brought to book. He confirmed that the handshake Lake Victoria from all the partner states and trade area monetary union, legislative Siaya County Commissioner, Mr. Michael between Hon. Raila Odinga and President Kenyatta could standardized taxation for all fishermen assembly and aspiration towards a political Ole Tialal has meanwhile said that KENYA help fastrack justice for the family. irrespective of country of origin and that we federation. aims to ensure that peace and development Ugunja MP, Hon Opiyo Wandayi who also attended the should mutually agree on a rigorous overrides everything else. He asked that the memorial held at Lifunga reiterated that for the county to implementation plan of these laws. The two countries have been having two countries continue to engage each other move forward, the brutal murder of Chris Msando must successive cordial meetings aimed at as brothers as they pursue to improve the be addressed, first by identifying who murdered him and addressing cross border conflicts in the past. livelihood of their people. most importantly why he was murdered. Hon. Wandayi The Governor shared this sentiments today who is also the Parliamentary Accounts Committee with stakeholders from both countries In addition to what has been discussed in the Chairman, took great exception with the fact that the during a cross border security meeting held previous meetings The Governor proposed On his part, Ugandan Regional District government declined offers from friendly nations like the here in Siaya and which was used to shade to the two countries to explore how to Commissioner Mr. Hussein Matanda Kato, United States of America and United Kingdom who had light on grey areas on security between the address piracy incidences in Lake Victoria reported that as a country, Uganda is offered to assist in the murder investigation. border counties and countries along the Lake that has led to fishermen losing their gears, committed to the harmonious growth of The In the spirit of building the bridges, through handshake, Victoria belt. equipment and fish thus rendering them East African Community. The country however, Hon. Wandayi requested the national destitute. intends to increase the number of kilometers government to revisit the offer by the USA and UK. In a speech read on his behalf by Hon. covered by the boarder laws, to give The need to agree on measures to address fishermen more room to do business and Kisumu Central MP Hon. Fred Ouda, in his letter George Rubik, County Executive for addressed to President Uhuru Kenyatta, and read at the Governance, His Excellency Cornel Rasanga insecurity in general caused by armed fishing. memorial also requested that the killers of Mr. Chris Amoth said that it must be remembered that bandits was also proposed by The Governor. Msando be brought to book. the people of East Africa have had long This has been a major challenge in the recent past and it is expected that a sustainable Other leaders present at the memorial service included historical, economic, social, cultural bonds nominated MCA Hon. Benard Adala, who also echoed the and a history of shared natural resources solution will emerge from these and call for justice to the family. Today marked the 1st even long before independence and which subsequent deliberations. anniversary since Chris Msando was buried immediately should encourage our continued cooperation. after the polls of August 2017. The Governor further asked that collectively, The East African countries through the East the negotiating teams from the two countries African Community have over the years must come up with lasting solutions in the Page 12 The County NEWSLETTER The Governance and administration SIAYA CountyNewsletter CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS AND and Trade Chief Officer Mr. Joseph Ogutu YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE IS POSSIBLE: RASANGA deliberated on how to link civil societies on COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF SIAYA st AGREE TO CONSULT MORE thematic areas to give inputs on certain 31 August 2018 policies in the drafting stages. By Communication Directorate 31st August 2018 “Lots of policies drafted by the executive Siaya County has made tremendous progress in articulating the needs of local By Communication Directorate might have lacked input of public and civil communities, despite challenges arising from the advent of devolution process societies but going forward we shall work according to Siaya Governor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth. Civil Society Groups working in Siaya have closely with county to make public know resolved to constructively engage the through our forum, existing policies and Some of the key challenges that the County have faced in implenting people ” county government of Siaya on and extend impacts they have on the locals, said centred programs according to His Excellency have included complex consultations to fix socio-economic and Owala. intergovernmental relations between national and county governments, low technical capacity at counties, delayed flow of funds from the national treasury and political gaps that could derail service high community expectations. delivery in the region. The Governor on his part asked the Department of Governance and Administration to enlist all civil society The Governor was speaking in his office while meeting a powerful delegation from The Groups led by Community Initiative The German Development Cooperation through GIZ and KFW who paid him a Action Group (CIAG) Chairman Chris groups in the County and know their courtesy call in his office. Owala noted in an earlier meeting today thematic areas to ensure they get involved that it's only through such consultations that in the ongoing programs that stands to “The support to develop, implement and domesticate agricultural policy, the the county administration would deliver benefit the public. planning processes relating to it, efficient service delivery and county agricultural services and answer devolution advisory services by the German Government and its affiliates have really helped ” challenges. Governor noted that the groups are improve our output as a government said Rasanga. endowed with resources that can be injected as per requests, to many public His Excellency noted that agriculture has largely remained unattractive to youths for The groups while meeting County a variety of reasons including inadequacy of knowledge on modern farming skills, Executive Officers led by His Excellency participation programs so that the residents do not miss information on the planned and entrepreneurial orientation and marketing approaches all of which need to be Cornel Rasanga committed to continuous addressed by the County and partners like GIZ to increase youth participation and direct engagement with the county ongoing projects or policies. moving forward. executives in charge of various departments to address issues that may He cited the planned construction of Siaya Hon. Charles Ogada, Siaya County Execative Member for Agriculture speaking at hamper realisation of County's blue print Stadium that will consume KShs. 400 the meeting noted that GIZ and KFW are supporting selected value chains in the pegged on vision 2030. million as one of the key projects whose dairy and sweet potato industries, improved soil management aspects and rural design should be made public for the locals infrastructure development including improving rural roads and the proposed lower Nzoia Irrigation Project all of which are helping improve service delivery to the “ to give their views before the actual Going forward, the County government people of Siaya County. should value our respective critics as much implementation. as they value those who support them", “All projects undertaken by my Dr. Stefan Schmitz, Director of Food, Rural Development and Resource of Federal said Owala. German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development concurred with His government are supposed to be owned by Excellency the Governor that there is need to encourage more youths to get The five hour meeting that was attended by locals and its through public participation involved in agriculture as a means of doing business. He assured the Governor that County Secretary Hon. Dave Anyona, Hon. forums that we can embrace views on how the German Government will continue to support Siaya County Government in ” George Rubiik (Governance), Hon. Dorothy they want it done, said Rasanga. areas of agriculture and capacity building. Owino (Health), Hon. Mary Olute (Education), Hon. Elizabeth Adhiambo The Governor urged the groups to engage Other members of The Executive who flanked His Excelency the Governor during the meeting included Hon. George Rubik CECM, Governance, Hon. Dave Anyona, (Tourism) Hon. Charles Ogada (Agriculture) the executives more often to address plights of the people. County Secretary, Hon. Dorothy Owino, CECM, Health and Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chief Officer Trade. Page 13 The County NEWSLETTER Health and sanitation The SIAYA CountyNewsletter S I A Y A C O U N T Y T O H O S T T H E X-RAYS INSTALATION IN UKWALA AND BONDO INAUGURAL COUNTY HEALTH AND Siaya County has been the site of many HEALTH FACILITIES COMPLETE R E S E A R C H C O N F E R E N C E T H I S ground-breaking research activities that have
th SEPTEMBER 2018 informed health policies nationally and 15 August 2018 globally. Some of these include; insecticide 22nd August 2018 treated bed-net use, anti-malaria drug usage, By Communication Directorate rota virus immunization, and the forth By Communication Directorate coming WHO-recommended limited role-out Siaya Governor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth confirmed of a malaria vaccine, among many others. that in less than 100 days, Siaya County will have a functional CT he County Government of Siaya These clearly show that the county is home to Scan to help with related services within the County. through it's Health Department in many research activities with the potential of collaboration with various partners informing policy on health issues. X-ray services will also be available functional in Madiany, Ukwala T have organized the 1st 'Siaya County Health and Ambira Health Facilities before the end of the year according to and Research Conference' between 18th and With over 600 participants expected to His Excellency. 20th September 2018 at Jaramogi Oginga participate, the County Government of Siaya Odinga University of Science and has partnered with Centre for Health X-ray machine already installed in Ukwala Hospital, the only thing Technology, Bondo campus. Services, World Vision Kenya, K-MET, left is the upgrading of power line to three phase. CDC, Impact Research Development The inaugural conference targets all Organization, PATH and Care International in stakeholders working in the Health and Kenya among other partners to make this Sanitation industry in the county and beyond inaugural conference a reality. under the theme *‘Health Research for Evidence-Based Health Care in a Devolved Registration to the conference for groups Health System’* have been earmarked @ KShs. 5,000.00, an individual @ KShs. 2,000.00 and University The three day conference to be opened by His students @ KShs. 1,000.00. Partners Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya interested in exhibiting can book exhibition Governor, envisages capturing all health booths at KShs. 15,000.00 with the technical issues under the various sub-themes based on working group domiciled at the County the health challenges afflicting the county in Government Health Department Offices here the areas of reproductive health, infectious in Siaya town. diseases, non-communicable diseases, water sanitation and health, population and environmental health, technology, innovation and health, agriculture and health, nutrition and health, community and health, social determinants of health, health systems strengthening and social determinants of health. Page 14 The County NEWSLETTER The Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries SIAYA CountyNewsletter
DEVOLVING THE HOUSING COMPONENT OF THE BIG FOUR, FINALLY YOUTH FRIENDLY 9th August 2018
AGRIBUSINESS INITIATIVES 1700hrs
he Siaya County Government has now signed a ONGOING IN SIAYA COUNTY; Memorandum of Understanding with the National TGovernment to consumate a collaboration and KOKOTH partnership agreement on development of affordable housing units in siaya County as part of the Big Four National Government agenda.
In his remarks while signing the agreement earlier, Siaya Governor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth intimated that descent housing is a fundamental right for all humanity. “ Every Kenyan has a right to a warm, safe, and secure home with equipment in the recent past. access to clean running water, sanitation, electricity, rd 3 August 2018 irrespective of where they live,” said the Governor. Addressing youth participants at the on going Youths By Communication Directorate in Agribusiness Conference at Bukura College, Mr. His Excellency who was accompanied by Siaya County KoKoth mentioned on going trainings for youth on Secretary, Mr. Dave Anyona, Lands County Executive Hon. he County Government of Siaya has engaged fabrication works at Siaya Agricultural Training Centre, Wakla Dismas and Siaya Chief of Staff Hon. Walter OKello further noted that with increased urbanization across the up to 502 pupils from 17 primary schools across up to 12 fish ponds for youth groups across the country, the demand for more and better housing cannot be Tthe County in an ambitious mangoe nurseries County and provision of fingerlings and fish ponds in overemphasized. initiative bound to increase the participation of the the 2018/2019 Financial Year as some of the County young in Agribusiness. The pupils adopt mangoe Government's initiatives in supporting young people The Siaya County Governor alluded to housing as one of the nurseries and pass on the seedlings to other pupils to maximize on Agribusiness. principal sectors that has the potential to spur our growth as a who are expected to take care of the mangoe trees county both socially and economically. His Excellency assured the national government representatives that his government through to maturity according to Siaya Agriculture Apparently, the County projects to employ no less is ready, able and willing to provide requisite support where Department Chief Officer Mr. Sylvester KoKoth. than 532 youth in Agriculture related industries by required to ensure that the housing development under this 2022. The impending partnership on youth exchange collaborative initiative is effectively and efficiently Youth access to government procurement program between Florida Agriculture Mechanization implemented in Siaya County. opportunities (YAGPO) initiative by the Department of University and the County Government of Siaya is also Agriculture has also seen youths awarded tenders to expected to revolutionize agriculture within the So far, Siaya County has identified land within Siaya Municipality as well as in Bondo, Yala and Ukwala towns supply farmers with subsized seeds, and Agriculture County according to The Chief Officer. totalling more than 15 acres for this noble project whose details will unravel in time. Page 15 The County NEWSLETTER The Poetry corner SIAYA CountyNewsletter My Credo Of Life
© Pat A. Fleming The Life Of A Soldier Let me live within the moment. “Fairy tales are more than true: not Let me feel all that I can. because they tell us that dragons exist, © Jodi M. Kucera Let me cherish life for all it's worth, but because they tell us that dragons With everything I am. We have an understanding, you and I. can be beaten.” We sit in silence; nothing needs to be said. Let me see what's right in front of me, With vision crystal clear. ― Neil Gaiman I know the weight you carry. And face what's waiting there for me, You hold your head high, but inside you cry. With no hesitance or fear. The life of a soldier is not an easy one. May I wake each day with gratitude, For all my life may be. And always feel that wonderment Memories haunt you! At the world surrounding me. But you stand tall and show no fear. “Be yourself; everyone May I welcome any strangers The life of a soldier is not an easy one. else is already taken.” With an open heart and mind. And always stand for what is right You hear voices of days past come rushing to your head. ― Oscar Wilde With all the strength that I can find. You think to yourself, "He was a good one; why is he dead?"
Let me forgive myself for my mistakes, You wonder if you should have done things differently. While forgiving others theirs. No time to think, only react. And never grow indifferent But always strive to care. “In an age when nations and individuals The life of a soldier is not an easy one. Let me not forget what matters routinely exchange murder for murder, The guilt is too much to bear. In the scheme of every day, when the healing grace of authentic To live each precious moment spirituality is usurped by the divisive Although you were wounded, you question, In a kind and loving way. politics of religious organizations, and when broken hearts bleed pain in darkness "Why him and not me?" For this moment now is everything, without the relief of compassion, the voice You can't forget the faces that were there. Nothing matters but today. of an exceptional poet producing So I'll willingly embrace it exceptional work is not something the The life of a soldier is not an easy one. And not let it slip away. world can afford to dismiss.” We have an understanding, you and I. For it passes all so quickly, You're a soldier for life; and it has not been an easy one. And one chance is all we get. ― Aberjhani And a life of wasted moments Is a life filled with regrets.
Page 16 The County NEWSLETTER The General pictorial SIAYA CountyNewsletter
Page 17 The County NEWSLETTER -Siaya INVEST IN THE FUTURE County-
www.siaya.go.ke Phone: 0722121670 Email: [email protected]
Published by Communication Directorate of CGS