The SIAYA CoNewsletterunty Tich Gi Dongruok ISSUE NO. 10 (1ST SEPTEMBER 2018- 30TH SEPTEMBER 2018) Get to know your county 1 , - 10 . 17 M I SS T O U R I S M , S I AYA C O U N T Y 2 0 1 8 UNVEILED Page 17 Siaya Bondo Water and Sewerage Company Miss Tourism Siaya County promised in her maiden remarks after the ceremony, to work with (SIBOWASCO) has different partners in the County Government of Siaya to help manage solid wastes thereby commissioned a KShs. 17 million making Siaya County clean and healthy. . - Page 4. water project in Ugunja Sub County set to benefit more than 2,500 households
TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE 10-YEAR SIAYA COUNTY SPATIAL PLAN
The Lands Chief Officer Jackton Ondiko says the draft County Spatial Plan that will control development planning in the County for the next 10 years is out as a draft awaiting input from the public- See Page 18
INTERCEDE TO RESTORE MORALITY, RASANGA URGES THE CLERGY
By Communication Directorate
Religious leaders have been asked to devote the country and its leadership into prayers to avert inhuman acts and shocking murders that has left Kenyans in deep shock. According to Siaya Governor His Excellency Cornel Rasanga, the spirit of murders that has been witnessed in Migori and which saw 26 year old Ms. Sharon Otieno raped, murdered and dumped in the thicket can only be tamed by prayers.
The Governor noted that the intercession of the clergy will significantly reduce such inhuman behaviour from happening in Siaya or any other part of the country. His Excellency was speaking earlier today at St. Peters ACK Cathedral here in Siaya where he had joined faithfuls for prayers and a fundraiser to help with the church construction.
The Governor used the opportunity to also highlight important projects lined up for implementation and which are underway including the KShs. 400 million Siaya County stadium, the KShs. 1 billion Ugunja water project and the installation of a CT scan machine at the County Referral Hospital.
AMERICAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE FROM TEXAS IN SIAYA TO EXPLORE INVESTMENTS OPTIONS American investors are seeking to inject resources towards supporting various sectors of the economy in Siaya in a bid to address un-employment challenges that has bedeviled the region for years. Led by Jarvis Johnson (House Representative of State of Texas - District 139), Velica Johnson and Glen Johnson have committed to invest and mobilize other investors mainly in the areas of Health, Education, Agriculture and infrastructure in the coming days- STORY ON PAGE 5.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS PROGRESS FUN AND MORE The MOVERS AND SHAKERS; WHAT THEY SAID... SIAYA CountyNewsletter
“More sensitization on cancer and stula “We expect the Project Management “As a representative, I have been "I'll help plant trees in different places ought to be strengthened and hyped Committee to scrutinise the Bill of trained on the culture of giving back to so that my County can be greener and through local media stations. We would Quantities and be ready to question the the society and decided to visit Siaya more beautiful. I'm also planning to do want the experts on the elds to go for contractor incase it is not followed to the specically to scout for investment several anti-jiggers campaign, talk shows in local radio stations and latter. We want you to own the project so opportunities and later ink deals with HIV/AIDS awareness, talks on causes convince those living with the conditions to that its not viewed as a property of the County Government.”te of Texas - f State and effects on early pregnancies and go for check-ups and put on surgery and County bureaucrats. It must be a project of rape cases, motivational talks and treatment.” done to the satisfactory of the public and -Texas District 139 House above all I'll give back to the society.” as per the design initiated.” Representative - Siaya County First Lady Hon Jarvis Johnson -Miss Touriam Siaya County 2018 H.E. Rosella Rasanga -Governance & Administration CECM Miss Letesia Atieno Hon. George Rubik
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 The Health and sanitation SIAYA CountyNewsletter
welcomed the Isiolo Governor noted that through partnerships with various organizations including PATH, CDC, CHS, World Vision, KMET, PEPFAR among others, the Siaya Government have seen increased infrastructure development in the health sector, increased engagement of community health volunteers popularly known as ‘nyamrerwa’ to deepen access to health services and better staffing within Siaya health facilities since devolution began.
According to Siaya County Executive Member for Health Hon. Dorothy Owino, universal access to health care will be Siaya County's flagship in the 2018/2022 County Integrated Plan with the first 14,000 new recruits targeted in 2018/2019 finacial year. A bill is at the drafting stages for processing by the Siaya Assembly to actualize the universal healthcare idea.
Dr. Kamah Rogo, a renown world bank health consultant who traces his roots in Siaya County, Gem Sub County, who gave the key note address emphasized to the participants that attitude and not funds is the main problem in the health care management cycle.
Dr. Kamah decried the fact that with the large number of ISIOLO GOVERNOR OPENS 1ST SIAYA HEALTH His Excellency Dr. Kuti who doubles up as The Chairman of professionals in health and other disciplines per square SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE AT JOOUST, BONDO The Health Committee at The Council of Governors in his kilometer in Siaya County, our health indicators are still opening remarks enumerated the progress made by the almost similar to those in Isiolo with all it's challenges. That 18th September, 2018 Governors Council in promoting research in health. In 2012, technology and use of specialized data is the future of for example, there were 874 doctors and 6,620 nurses in the healthcare with phones as opportunities for access to By Communication Directorate entire Country. Currently, there are over 4,080 doctors universal healthcare funding was another of Dr. Rogo's working at County facilities and 557 doctors at national prophecy. He urged the County to invite professionals back to he inaugural three day Siaya Scientific Conference on referral facilities making a growing total of over 4,637 the County to provide care and support in the health sector. Health has been officially opened by His Excellency doctors according to the Governor. His Excellency noted the TDr. Mohammed Kuti, Isiolo Governor. need for research in the areas of how these improvement in the The conference which will run for the next three days has The conference happening at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga staffing capacity has improved health services within been supported by the County Government of Siaya and its University of Science and Technology has brought together counties. partners in the health sector and is bound to break new ground professionals and academia from across the region with Though the distribution of health care workers across the in the science of health countrywide. interest in health research to inform action. country has not attained global standards, the Governor indicated that the current status of health care workers Themed "Health Research for Evidence-Based Health Care distribution is an improvement from the previous era when in a Devolved System", the conference seeks to discuss over health was a function of the National Government. 150 abstracts from different participants on health care broadly. Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. James Okumbe who
Page 3 The County NEWSLETTER Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
MISS TOURISM, SIAYA COUNTY INTEGRATE DISASTER & RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE CIDP; WORLD BANK 2018 UNVEILED 24th September, 2018 16th September, 2018 By Communication Directorate By Communication Directorate World Bank is working with the County Government of Siaya to formulate and integrate a iss Letesia Atieno Oswaga, a comprehensive climate change and disaster risk management programme into the County 24 years old environmental Integrated Development Plan (2018/2022) Mscience degree graduate from Chuka University, is the new Miss Lack of clarity on clear cut disaster and risk management aspects in the CIDP document has Tourism, Siaya County, 2018 edition. made it difficult for the County to effectively respond to disaster due to climate change within Miss Oswaga, who comes from the region. Ugunja Sub County was crowned at the close of the competitive nals in a According to National Director of Climate change Dr. Pacifica Ogolla, Siaya County is prone colorful ceremony attended by a host to disaster and climate change challenges that have strongly hit the region in the past to the of dignitaries over the weekend at the extent of destroying lives, crops and property. Distinction Gardens Hotel, Siaya County. Letesia who likes swimming, Miss Nichole Ochieng, from Alego rape cases, motivational talks and “We want to rope the climate change adaptation and disaster risk management programme in adventure, charity and traveling Usonga Sub County, 27 years of age above all I'll give back to the society", the CIDP so that the county government will give it a priority while developing planning oored up to 18 other nalists to and a graduate of Tourism and Hotel said the beauty pageant while ” clinch the coveted crown and management at Ramogi Institute of addressing hundreds of admirers who processes, Dr. Ogolla said while addressing government and other stakeholders in Siaya Ksh.100,000 cash award. Advanced Technology emerged kept vigil through the Friday night to earlier today second best overall. follow the annual event. Mama Ida Odinga who was the chief The official who led a delegation from the World Bank on Climate change and had ealier paid a guest was adequately represented As Miss Tourism, Siaya County, Letesia The newly crowned Miss Tourism, courtesy call on the County Administration led by County Secretary Mr. Dave Anyona at the by Dr. Cyprine Oduogo, Dean of promised in her maiden remarks after Siaya County 2018 further advices Siaya boardroom noted that, to have Disaster and Risk Management integrated in the CIDP, School of Development and Strategic the ceremony, to work with different the youth to remain persistent and focus must be put on strengthening County Government capacity for climate and disaster risk S t u d i e s, M a s e n o U n i ve r s i t y. partners in the County Government of work hard towards their chosen goals reduction. Accompanying the chief guest were Siaya to help manage solid wastes while putting God rst in everything. principal guests Busia County First thereby making Siaya County clean She attributes her victory to the hand She added that several forums are to be held in Siaya to explore ways of ensuring adequate Lady Mrs. Ojaamong , Siaya County and healthy. of God. She is expected to represent financial resources are allocated to climate and disaster risk management interventions at First Lady Mrs. Rossella Rasanga, the County in National competitions county and community levels supported by relevant policy and legislative frame-works. Siaya County Deputy Governor Dr. "I'll help plant trees in different places pitting her against 46 other beauties James Ouko Okumbe and Alego so that my County can be greener and from across Kenya. The County The official asked County Government of Siaya to designate an executive to deal purely with Usonga Member of Parliament Hon. more beautiful. I'm also planning to do Government of Siaya wishes her the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management and fast track the implementation of the Sam Atandi Onunga. The Siaya several antijiggers campaign, very best. Climate Change Act 2016. Siaya region has experienced climate change related disasters and County Executive was led by Dr. HIV/AIDS awareness, talks on causes Elizabeth Odhiambo CECM Tourism. and effects on early pregnancies and risks such as droughts and flooding with various accompanying negative consequences hitherto. The pilot project on Disaster and Risk Mitigation integration on CIDPs funded by the World Bank targets Siaya, Makueni, Narok and Kwale Counties of Kenya. Page 4 The County NEWSLETTER Governance and administration The SIAYA CountyNewsletter AMERICAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE FROM the County. Such investments will be accompanied by TEXAS IN SIAYA TO EXPLORE INVESTMENTS exchange programs between the Texas state and the County PUBLIC PARTICIPATION KEY TO PROJECTS SUCCESS: - OPTIONS Government of Siaya. RUBIIK Speaking while meeting Barrack Obama University Establishment task-force headed by Prof. Paul Waw Achola at The Siaya ATC, Jarvis said, “We recognise Kenya’s 14th September, 2018 economy as one of the most diversified with a chance to develop the future of an emerging African market thereby By Communication Directorate. presenting investment opportunities in Health, Agriculture and Education". he County Government of Siaya has partnered with AHADI - Kenya to effectively enhance public participation in its “ These our visit offers an opportunity to synthesise projects identication, implementation and measurement Siaya’s ideas into our own thinking and together build T plan. sustainable ideas for the future. “said Jarvis.
He added that despite the challenges such as insecurity, In his speech at a public participation training organized by AHADI corruption and underdevelopment, Kenya is still a key - Kenya earlier yesterday, the County Executive Committee investment hub. Member for Governance and Administration Hon. Rubiik noted that public participation is key in ensuring the success of the county The Deputy Governor who accompanied the visitors during plans and acts as a dening pillar for the success of the county the field visits called on the investors to consider exploring departments. other tourism investment opportunities while at Kogello 13th September, 2018 home of Mama Sarah Obama. The Executive added that public participation promotes efciency, By Communication Directorate The team later paid a courtesy call on the Governor who transparency and accountability of various projects in the county as highlighted the key achievements of his government to date the County Government embraces public opinion before embarking merican investors are seeking to inject resources while noting that the County welcomes exchange programs on their development projects in order to get public opinion on how towards supporting various sectors of the economy and ideas in the best interest of the Siaya people. Several and where the said projects are implemented. Ain Siaya in a bid to address un-employment members of the County Executive Committee were present challenges that has bedeviled the region for years. during the courtesy call. The Governor expressed optimism Public participation brings on board key stakeholders, who give on the visit and noted that his attempts to make overtures to their input in the projects that are to be carried out in their area of Led by Jarvis Johnson (House Representative of State of inventors will ultimately pay off. Texas - District 139), Velica Johnson and Glen Johnson interest, which in turn, makes project implementation less costly, have committed to invest and mobilize other investors During the visits to the various investment platforms, the take shortest time possible and more acceptable to the residents mainly in the areas of Health, Education, Agriculture and leaders were also accompanied by Governance and according to the Executive. infrastructure in the coming days. Administration Executive Hon. George Rubiik, Trade Executive Hon. Jaoko Oburu, Hon. Dorothy Owino The training held in Siaya brought together public participation “As a representative, I have been trained by my mother on (Health), Hon. Elizabeth Adhiambo (Tourism). Hon. focal persons from each of the County's ten departments and ward the culture of giving back to the society and decided to visit Abigael Awino (Central Gem Member of County administrators from across the County. The training is expected to Siaya specifically to scout for investment opportunities and Assembly) and Hon. William Kinyanyi (Yala Township culminate in the further devolution of public participation activities later ink deals with County Government,” said Johnson Member of County Assembly) were also in the delegation. in the upcoming nance bill 2018/2019 and the launch of the public after touring various investment opportunity areas across participation board to coordinate such activities relating to public participation moving forward. Page 5 The County NEWSLETTER The Governance and administration SIAYA CountyNewsletter PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON THE FINANCE BILL that collectors will continue enriching 2018/2019 LAUNCHED themselves with collected tax that ends in their RESOLUTIONS OF THE 3RD expedite the legal frameworks the sugar debate and awake the pockets instead of public coffers if the system is L R E B G O V E R N O R S for the establishment of the region's potent agricultural 22 September, 2018 not automated soon. SUMMIT MEETING HELD AT said bank. prospects. B E A R S C L U B , N A N D I By Communication Directorate Led by South Gem MCA David Audi and Rev. C O U N T Y O N 2 1 S T As a follow up to the process The Lake Region Economic Bishop Arara, they claimed that increasing SEPTEMBER 2018 evenue collection in Siaya County will go revenue base would create more chances for the began yesterday where elders Bloc will be holding The electronic as the government seeks to revenue collectors to loot and deprive the from across the region were I n a u g u r a l T r a d e a n d 21st September, 2018 Rseal corruption loopholes and curb county resources if the manual collection met by a section of the Investment Conference in wastage within this nancial year 2018/2019. process is not immediately stopped. G ove r n o r s f o r m i n g t h e Bomet County between 23rd The County Enterprise Chief Ofcer Mr. Joseph By Communication Directorate summit, the Governors have and 26th October 2018 with Ogutu says the executive and the assembly are “In Akala alone, daily collections go up to at advanced stages of actualizing the electronic KSh.50, 000 but only Sh.10,000 gets recorded o v e r n o r s o f t h e also resolved to propagate the aim of optimizing the revenue process which will see revenue leaks all and yet you are here seeking for more taxes. You four teen counties peace within the region and investment potentials within sealed in due course. Speaking during a public must seal loopholes, mend the gaps before ” for ming the Lake involve women and youth in the region. participation exercise on the Finance Bill seeking more resources, said Audi. G the process. 2018/2019 at Akala Market Centre, Gem Sub R e g i o n E c o n o m i c B l o c The next similar summit County yesterday, the Chief Ofcer disclosed However, the South Gem residents have given meeting in Nandi County or that Governor Cornel Rasanga has formed a task the nance bill a clean bill of health and urged the their representatives have "We will also work together bringing together all the force to re-look into the ailing revenue systems government not to hesitate in collecting taxes today resolved to double their with Members of County region's Governors will be held and come up with a comprehensive system of since its what the Controller of Budget would e f f o r t s t o w a r d s t h e Assemblies to speed up the i n K i s i i C o u n t y o n 7 t h collection that would boost revenue and curb use to determine amounts of funds to remit to wastage. The County is working closely with UAB Siaya for development. establishment of The Lake ratification of the le gal December 2018. The other bloc instruments to actualize the organs including the Counsel bank in the automation process to completely Re gion Economic Bank, stop the manual revenue collection. “ We shall not deny government taxes as register it as a joint venture b l o c " , s a i d G o v e r n o r and the Thematic or Pillar entrenched in the nance bill but we want to see and have in this meeting Oparanya. So far, Kakamega Committees bringing together The Chief Ofcer noted that new collection the value for the taxes. Let our markets have committed KShs. 1.4 billion County Assembly has already the Counties' Secretaries and system will allow for real-time transaction good drainage, toilets, security and also cleared between the citizen paying for a service and the of garbage,” added Audi. amongst themselves towards it ratified the bloc formation C o u n t y E xe c u t ive s w i l l documents while the rest have continue to meet and process government institution receiving the money, i n t h e F i n a n c i a l Ye a r eliminating the need for clerks to receive money To increase the County revenue base, the Siaya 2018/2019. b o u n d t h e m s e l v e s t o these resolutions together with on behalf of the government which has been government seeks to impose tax on roaming completing the process by end the bloc's secretariat based in susceptible to theft and manipulation. animals in town (KShs.500), lack of plan of any Addressing the press after the of October 2018. Kisumu under the leadership new building or residential house (KShs.6,000), Services such as payment of land rates, hospital banners (KShs. 3,000 per year), Boda-boda summit meeting also attended of Chief Executive Abala The meeting that was hosted Wanga. bills, trade fee, cess among others, will be riders (KShs.1,200 per year) and the usage of by D e vo l u t i o n C a b i n e t hosted on the platform enabling government The Siaya County stadium for political rallies and S e c r e t a r y H o n . E u ge n e by Nandi County also agreed to raise revenue collection to facilitate various crusades will cost KShs.20,000 per day among Wamalwa, the Govenors support the sugar industry, development programs in the region. Mr. Ogutu others. committed to work with the lead negotiation with all sugar was reacting to comments from members of the farmers and stakeholders on public who raised concerns over reportedly poor The public participation exercises are expected National Gover nment to revenue collections. to continue next week in Alego Usonga, Ugenya, Ugunja and Bondo sub counties Page 6 The County NEWSLETTER The Akala traders told the government ofcers Enterprise and Industrial Development The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
CRACKDOWN TARGETING FAULTY confiscated have stones tied under them depriving the SAVE TO ENJOY PEACEFUL RETIREMENT WEIGHING MACHINES LAUNCHED IN public of at least 85 grams of any quantity of measured SIAYA meat. - JAOKO OBURU TO WORKERS
19th September, 2018 “Legal action will be taken against those found guilty 26th September 2018 and even persons who fail to comply,” said Angila. By Communication Directorate “We did an impromptu visit to Boro Market recently By Communication Directorate and found a woman trading on maize while exploiting iaya County Department of Enterprise and the customers with its plastic tin. In Hawinga market, a he Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), the regulatory body Industrial Development has launched a massive man owning a pork butchery was found using under the National Treasury, established under Retirement Scrackdown on unscrupulous traders using faulty weighing machines with fastened stone underneath Benefits Act has been in Siaya this week to carry out weighing and measuring machines to fleece customers thereby reflecting wrong weights. T sensitization on its activities and conduct community service through of their hard-earned cash beginning this month of town cleaning within Siaya town. September 2018. “Due to exploitation of farmers by the middle-men they have been left to live in abject poverty. We will Led by Enterprise Executive Mr. Jaoko Oburu and The protect our farmers from such exploitation by ensuring Hon. Jaoko Oburu County Executive Committee Member Trade and Director of Weights and Measures Mr. Philemon the complete formulation and implementation of Enterprise who welcomed the guests from the Retirement Benefit Angila, the department has vowed to crack the whip weights and measures policy,” said Angila. Authority thanked them for visiting Siaya County and encouraged against unscrupulous businessmen found stealing During this interview at their Siaya Offices, The Siaya Traders to practice savings with the pension schemes during the from Kenyans with faulty weighing machines. Enterprise Department further advised citizens to public sensitization session at Ahindi Gardens. always request traders to let the measuring machines in While handling some of the faulty weighing machines the butcheries balance before they are served with any The County Executive who was accompanied by Chief Administrator confiscated from butcheries in town, The Director quantity of meat and that the same is also applied to in charge of Enterprises was impressed by the huge turnout of traders those engaged in cereals enterprises. In October 2018, noted that some business people have tampered with who participated in the outreach event and acquired information on the various weighing equipment, minting millions of officers from the department will be traversing the the various saving facilities at their disposal. shillings from the public by selling goods in quantities county on a sensitization tour to educate the public on less than laid-down market standards. recommended machines and measurements equipment and tins. The executive assured traders that the County Government will “We have ordered for a major crack-down targeting accord them maximum support to enable them carry out their butcheries, cereal traders and fuel stations to verify all “We are also going to inspect fuel pumps in various businesses comfortably. weighing and measuring equipment,” said Mr. Oburu fuel stations to ensure they are at zero levels or at 0.02 adding that every weighing machine used for trade percent on new fuel pumps. If not correctly put, the Mrs. Rose Kwena, Chief Officer, Cooperate Communications at The must be verified and stamped every year.” Angila said pumps will be adjusted and county seal put to prevent Retirement Benefit Authority in her speech noted that Kenya with a nobody including influential businessmen engaged in fraud,” said Angila. The crackdown also targets workforce of 12 million had only 2 million savers covered by the the fraudulent ways that fleeces members of the public adulterated fuel that contribute to break-down of many benefits authority to date. It is against this background that the vehicles including the County vehicles. would be spared. authority is conducting a country wide tour to educate and sensitize people on the importance of registering with the pension schemes “Those engaged in fraudulent businesses in the County would not be spared in the massive inspections fund. and we are optimistic that the courts will ensure justice so that traders get value for their money,” said Angila. The activity ended with a thorough cleanup of the town center with the He added that a few of the machines they have County Executive offering leadership over the same.
Page 7 The County NEWSLETTER The Health and sanitation SIAYA CountyNewsletter
NGO’S SUPPORT TO SIAYA HEALTH SECTOR The plan to undertake the medical camps was mooted NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PAC GIVES During a visit to the hospital earlier today as L A U D E D W I T H O V E R 1 5 0 S U R G I C A L last year after an assessment of the major health facilities SI A Y A R E FE R R A L H O SPI T A L part of the committee's field activities to OPERATIONS IN ONE WEEK within the county established a long list of surgical SERVICES A THUMBS UP investigate the findings of The Auditor patients booked for years but not attended to over time. General's Report for the Financial Year 28th September, 2018 Mrs. Obango says that Matibabu Foundation have done 4th September, 2018 2015/2016 on the Health Ministry, Hon. Kuria By Communication Directorate two camps in Yala sub-county hospitals earlier this year Kimani - Molo, Hon. James Gichuru Mwangi - where 90 patients of different surgical ailments were By Communication Directorate Tetu, Hon. Daniel Rono - Keiyo South and on-Government Organizations have invested treated adding already 20 patients has been repaired and Hon. Michael Mwangi - Oljororok all human and financial resources in a one-week discharged. enya's National Assembly members of the committee agreed with Hon. Nsurgical camp at the Siaya County Referral and P a r l i a m e n t a r y A c c o u n t s Wandayi's sentiments and noted that Bondo Sub-County hospitals to repair and correct fistula “Some of the patients we have treated in the camp have patients and other ailments such as fibroid, goitre, come from as far as Chuka, Nyatike and Malindi areas KCommittee led by Ugunja Member collaboration, coordination and cooperation thyroids ending this Friday. but unfortunately, we are overwhelmed and have not of Parliament Hon. James Opiyo WANDAYI remains key between both governments for the Matibabu Foundation and Amref Health Africa have been able to attend to all patients especially those who has lauded the efforts by the County realization of Universal Health Care access. supported the surgical camps and sourced for need special treatment like urology and orthopaedic Government of Siaya and the National gynaecologists and general surgeons from United States cases,” said Mrs. Obango. Government to improve service delivery at The review of medical facilities and of America whom they posted in the two institutions of health to handle patients with different ailments through She however regretted the many patients suffering The Siaya County Referral Hospital with some equipment procured under Management out the week thereby boosting to a great extent the cervical cancer and who could not be treated in these facilities now available at the hospital that are Equipment Scheme by the committee is as a initiatives already put in place by the County medical camps because of their advanced stages of a rarity in most counties in Kenya. But the result of audit queries about processes of Government of Siaya. infection and had to be referred. The Amref Africa doing uptake of these services have been decried by procurement by the Ministry of Health non of surgery camp at Siaya Referral Hospital as from the committee albeit, largely due to lack of which is specific to Siaya County. The Hundreds of patients seeking treatment from various Monday have done over 150 fistula surgery cases within ailments have been flocking the health facilities since the the week. awareness of the availability of the said committee is expected to establish the cost beginning of the week seeking to undergo surgery on services by the general public. effectiveness of the equipment bought for fistula and fibroids goitre cases that have for years been The Amref Health Africa through their regional manager several counties by the Health Ministry. booked and not attended to by the facility doctors. John Kutna have sourced medical practitioners in Through the Management Equipment Scheme According to Matibabu Foundation Surgical Camp various fields to check, treat and prescribe medication to of the National Government, whole units in Molo Member of National Assembly Hon. Coordinator Paschalia Obango, the organization have the patients during the medical camp week. The ongoing formed a tripartite partnership with Amref Africa, TIBA medical camps will end this Friday. various sections of the hospital have been Kuria Kimani noted his impression with Foundation and The Department of Health in the Siaya refurbished, general and specialized purpose Governor Rasanga's assurance on further Government to mount the medical camps with a view to The Siaya County Health Executive Hon. Dorothy X-ray machines installed and staffing levels recruitment of Health Care staff to address reducing long lists of patients suffering cysts, heinous, Owino, while supervising the exercise during the week significantly improved towards acceptable current inadequacies. All the committee and fibroids. hailed the many private public partnership initiatives in standards by the Siaya Government according members present meanwhile agreed that the the region which she lauded for supplementing the to the Hon. Wandayi led committee. Four bed current ratio of only two scans a month for “So far over 200 people with different surgical ailments efforts by the county government to improve the health have been screened with 20 patients already undergoing indicators within the county through reduction of Intensive Care Unit has ready equipment cancer tests was considerably low and that surgical processes, treated and discharged,” said disease burdens. The executive pledged the awaiting staffing for establishment before end there was need to make members of the public Obango adding that the medical camps in the regions government’s help in such efforts and welcomed even of the year 2018. increasingly aware of the services on offer. aims at reversing the negative health indicators that have more partners for related initiatives. painted the region in bad light.
Page 8 The County NEWSLETTER Education, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Affairs The SIAYA CountyNewsletter SIAYA FIRST LADY CROWNED CHAMPION OF services to end the scourge among children and keep mothers GIRL CHILD DREAMS healthy. ECD STAKEHOLDERS MEET TO REVIEW 5th September 2018 “The campaign led by the three First Ladies have key goals PROJECT PROGRESS including improving maternal and childhood HIV/Aids By Communication Directorate programmes across the Counties by building networks and 26th September, 2018 partnerships, advocating for domestic and global resource mobilization, raising awareness around HIV prevention and By Communication Directorate mobilizing support for childhood AIDS programmes,” said Rosella. Siaya Early Child Development (ECD) and Nurturing Care stakeholders met earlier today to deliberate on “Now that I have been crowned the champion of DREAMS agreeable work plan on how to drive and sustain the PROJECT, I will do everything possible to address plights of ECD and nurturing care agenda within Siaya County as the girls who are less fortunate in the society. In fact, I will lobby with the county authorities so that those whose part of a five-year program to improve the lot of sponsors have withdrawn will be enlisted on the County children under three years under the Patronage of Siaya bursary so as to proceed with their education to the next First Lady Her Excellency Rosella Rasanga level”, said Mama Rosella. The ECD multi-sectoral coordination committee, in The project sources for sponsorship through individuals and collaboration with office of the first lady, has planned a companies from time to time and provides assistance as two-day ECD stakeholders’ workshop which will p to three First Ladies have embarked on an necessary. bring together 20 participants (11 from The National aggressive campaign programme that aims at Mrs. Oparanya said the societal issues had driven most of Government and 9 from partners) in not so long to Uprotecting children from acquiring Human Immune adolescent girls in her region to early pregnancies, high provide an opportunity to finalise the Monitoring and Virus (HIV), prevents Acquired Immuno Deficiency school dropout and GBV and appealed to implementing Evaluation frame work and further share progress Syndrome (AIDS) related deaths and keeps mothers healthy agencies like DREAM to pitch tent and not only sensitize the in Siaya, Kakamega and Makueni Counties. teenagers but also introduce Post Exposure Prophylaxis drug made in the scale up of ECD activities in Siaya County. to suppress the virus. Her Excellencies Rosella Rasanga (Siaya), Nancy Kibwana In his opening remarks during this meeting, Dr. Joseph (Makueni) and Priscilla Oparanya (Kakamega), have agreed Mrs Kibwana on her part said she will extend her support to Okweso who stood in for the patron Her Excellency to join hands to support initiatives that aims at prioritizing the Rosella to help facilitate and sustain sensitization programs Rosella Rasanga, Siaya County First Lady, opined that provision of various services to children, adolescents and that address many challenges that has engulfed youths "you never succeed if you cannot identify and achieve mothers in the fight against HIV/Aids in the long term. including Gender based Violence, early pregnancies. The your indicators" as part of his encouragement to the wife to His Excellency Kivutha Kibwana, the Makueni team to ensure that the project is able to measure what The leaders who spoke during a HIV/Aids sensitization Governor, is the Chairperson of The County First Ladys’ its undertaking. forum organized by DREAMS PROJECT and held in Siaya Association bringing together the wives to all the 47 on Monday 3rd September 2018, vowed to stop new Governors of Kenya. The meeting expected to run for two days will share, HIV/Aids infections among children and teenage girls by working on strategies that will sustain the target population in The Regional Representative for National Aids Control deliberate, agree on and come up with indicators of schools including basic needs. Council (NACC) Lucy Awuor Okach, however, noted that performance as stakeholders and implementors in Siaya First Lady Rosella Rasanga noted that the strategies the 2015 data on HIV in Siaya stands at 126, 411 and it’s the Siaya County. they will adopt will link organizations at the local and global boda-boda operators and teachers were adversely mentioned levels to advance progress in ensuring access to HIV/Aids as contributors.
Page 9 The County NEWSLETTER The Governance and administration SIAYA CountyNewsletter
COUNTY ASSEMBLIES RESOLVE TO Members from the fourteen counties. The summit THE CHURCH WILL CONTINUOUSLY public participation and must form RATIFY LAKE REGION ECONOMIC meeting happening in Bomet today and tomorrow centers of debate for improved policy BLOC LEGAL INSTRUMENTS is the third summit meeting since the 2017 ENGAGE GOVERNMENT; OLE SAPIT gubernatorial elections. and implementation of Government 20th September, 2018 13th September, 2018 programs. Several Members of County Assembly who spoke By Communication Directorate at the day one of the two-day summit meeting By Communication Directorate The Arch Bishop who is in a pastoral emphasized the need to get over with the visit in Western Kenya and particularly ake Region Economic Bloc governors and formation of the bloc and begin concentration on Maseno Diocese of the Anglican County Assembly leadership from the the other objects of the bloc including the Church of Kenya noted that Siaya Lfourteen counties forming the regional formation of the regional bank, identification and he church will not just stick to bloc meeting in Nandi County today have resolved e x p l o i t a t i o n o f e x i s t e n t i a l e c o n o m i c the pulpit and watch from a County has improved road network to aggressively pursue legal actualization of the opportunities, promotion of cohesion and regional Tdistance but will comment on and linkages to towns compared to bloc through ratification of the necessary legal integration. governance and engage with both the last time he visited Siaya not long instruments by the assemblies within the shortest county and national governments to ago. time possible. The bloc has existed de facto (by Other governors addressing the session with the address matters of the soul, body and fact) but not de jure (by law) since 2015. assembly leadership included Kisumu’s Prof. According to the Arch Bishop, the Anyang’ Nyong’o, Nyamira’s John the spirit, His Eminence Arch Bishop Addressing the preliminary session of the bloc’s Nyangarama, Nandi’s Stephen Sang and Siaya Jackson Ole Sapit, head of The church's contribution to a more summit bringing together the fourteen governors Deputy Governor Dr. James Okumbe all of whom Anglican Church in Kenya has noted. wholesome nation has incuded from Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, emphasised the need for continuous consultation pastoral care, evangelism, health, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Kisii, to ensure the grounding of the regional bloc. The Speaking earlier today when he made w o r s h i p , e d u c a ti o n , e c o l o g y, Nyamira, Bomet, Nandi, Kisumu and Kericho, the assemblies were represented by Majority and a courtesy call on His Excellency governance all of which must be aided Lake Region Economic Bloc Chairman His Minority leaders, Chairmen of their budget Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya by strong governments Excellency Wycliffe Oparanya lauded the committees and House Speakers. leadership pf the various assemblies for the steps Governor, the top cleric emphasized taken thus far in ratifying the legal instruments and The Governor’s later addressed groups of elders the place of wholesome governance The good Arch Bishop who spoke noted that the bloc will proceed with intergration from neighboring counties of Kisumu, Nandi, and administration of the church and briefly from the book of Genesis 41:31 processes awaiting the pending ratifications. The Kakamega and Nyamira over insecurity concerns government to address the varied on measuring what counts was two-day summit will tomorrow Friday see major reported in the regions particularly around needs of the society. accompanied by The Bishop of The resolutions shared with the fourteen-member election periods. It was generally agreed during Diocese of Maseno West His Grace counties for actioning. this security related deliberations that peace and Dr. Joseph Otieno Wasonga among development are birds of a feather and the elders His Excellency Cornel Rasanga while Expected among the resolutions are advanced read resolutions that will bind them to peaceful welcoming His Eminence the Arch several other members of the clergy. preparatory activities towards the bloc’s major coexistence in the future. The conference taking Bishop emphasized the central place Investment and Blue Economy Conference place at Bears Club in Nandi Hills will close of the church in governance and planned for Bomet County between 23rd and 26th tomorrow with the climax being the resolutions shared key areas of envisioned of October 2018 where the regions investment agreed by all the fourteen governors most of partnership with the church as a opportunities are expected to be canvassed, whom are expected to attend the final session. County, particularly on public marketed and advertised to the world. participation. The summit is the apex body bringing together all the fourteen governors and meets periodically to The Governor noted that Faith Based ratify major resolutions discussed by various Organizations are key centers of pillar committees whose membership are the respective County Executive Committee Page 10 The County NEWSLETTER The County Governance and administration SIAYA Newsletter
COLLABORATION AMONG GOVERNMENTS insecurity incidences KEY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY should be prioritized by providing security patrol 3rd September 2018 boats to security officials with the Lake belt. By Communication Directorate That the National espite the fact that provision of security is a Government should national government function, insecurity explore methods of Daffects Siaya directly as a County hence the addressing piracy local and national governments must continuously incidences in Lake work together on security matters according to His Victoria that has led to Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya Governor. fishermen losing their gears, equipment and fish The Governor made this remarks Monday when security officials and political leaders. Also present was thus rendering them destitute was also agreed by both Kenyas Interior and Coordination of National Homabay Women Representative Hon. Gladys parties. Government Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi paid Wanga. him a courtesy call at his Office at The County The Governor noted that the County Government of Headquarters. In light of the persistent insecurity incidences along Siaya is committed to working with all national Lake Victoria, the Governor also advised during this government security enforcement agencies to foster Dr. Matiangi and Inspector General Boinnet were here encounter that, standardized policy and laws peace and prosperity for all the people across the region in Siaya most of today for a series of security related regulating the conduct of fishermen in Lake Victoria on their part. activities including the opening of National from both Kenya and Uganda must be passed and Government Constituency Development Fund implemented moving forward. supported Tingwangi Police Post, a regional security meeting with National Government Administrators The Governor also emphasized to the Cabinet and uplifting of Senator Obama Secondary School were Secretary that standardised taxation for all fishermen also welcomed by Siaya Senator Hon. James Orengo, irrespective of country of origin will go along way in Alego Usonga MP Hon. Samwel Atandi and several curbing conflicts along Lake Victoria and that enhancement of joint border patrol forces to curb any Page 11 The County NEWSLETTER The County Health and sanitation SIAYA Newsletter
SIAYA FIRST LADY CALLS FOR INCREASED FISTULA AND CANCER AWARENESS AMONG LOCAL POPULATIONS
25th September, 2018
By Communication Directorate We would want the experts iaya County First Lady Her Excellency Rosella Rasanga on the fields to go for talk has called on the government, partners and the general shows in local radio stations Spopulation to increase intensity in cervical cancer and to convince‘ those living the fistula screening public awareness to save more lives of women conditions to go for checkups in Siaya and other Counties as both complications remain a and put on surgery and menace to local populations. Apparently, Siaya County have treatment”, Rosella Rasanga. some of the best equipment nationally to help detect and treat some of these health situations.
Her Excellency while assessing fistula patients screening and treatment at Siaya Referral Hospital earlier today said the grassroots have the highest cancer and fistula patients because most of the women are not aware of the screening and treatment Facilities through out this week and members of the public are Mr. Kutna appealed to the County Health Management to options while others are resisting treatment due to stigma. That encouraged to attend. consider retaining the nurse’s under-going trainings to help most patients do not know their status as they never go for check- patients locally into the future. The Amref Health Africa has ups has seen increased incidences in Siaya County to date, The First Lady also used the opportunity to laud the efforts of hired medical practitioners in various fields to check, treat and Amref Health Africa in engendering strong partnership with prescribe medication to the patients. The first lady who was accompanied to the health facility by Siaya County that has seen 19 fistula patients screened and put on County Health Executive Dorothy Owino, Reproductive health treatment and care by the 15 medical specialists in Bondo and Eighteen women who heard the advertisement about the medical Coordinator Elizabeth Ogonji and Amref Health Africa Project, Siaya County referral hospitals. camp through local radio stations managed to walk into the Siaya Manager John Kutna, said more sensitization on the cancer and Referral Facility for screening and treatment and so far, three fistula ought to be strengthened and hyped through local media Mr. Kutna noted that stigma has hampered bids by women to go have undergone successful surgeries, four are under anaesthetic stations. “We would want the experts on the fields to go for talk for check-ups. “Stigma has denied women chance to seek examinations while one was treated and discharged since the shows in local radio stations to convince those living with the treatment or share problems with those close to them including camp began according to Siaya Referral Camp Nurse in Charge conditions to go for check-ups and put on surgery and the Community Health Volunteers. This is risky and must be Madam Christine Oyuga. Others are still under care. treatment,” said Rosella. addressed through increased public education and awareness campaigns,” noted Mr. Kutna. A 35-year-old woman from Central Alego whose fistula The high turnout of women seeking services at the ongoing condition is as a result of a caesarean section process she medical camps sponsored by Amref Health Africa at Siaya Apparently, the doctors and specialists involved in the free underwent earlier, thanked the doctors for quick and effective Referral and Bondo sub-county hospital has proved that most of medical camps are also capacity building the local nurses on treatment. The woman who has lived with the condition for four women in the County suffered cervical cancer and fistula cases in skills needed in conducting surgery to the fistula patients. years said she was reluctant to seek medication due to stigma and silence. “The objective of devolution was to bring services “Apart from screening and offering mentorship programs to asked the health staffs to increase awareness to save lives in the closer to the people and on the health, we have identified the patients, the specialists are also capacity building local nurses in society. cervical cancer and fistula conditions that must be prioritised and the health facilities who shall handle patients with such corrected through treatment,” Her Excellency noted. The conditions in future,” added Mr. Kutna.
Page 12 The County NEWSLETTER Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts The SIAYA CountyNewsletter SIAYA BEATS 45 OTHER MISS TOURISM 2018: -PROMOTING ARTS IN THE COUNTY COUNTIES IN PROMOTING CULTURAL HERITAGE 3rd September 2018
28th September, 2018 By Communication Directorate
By Communication Directorate The County Government of Siaya through the Department of tourism has i a y a C o u n t y h a s been organizing Miss Tourism Kenya, Siaya County Chapter since the emerged as the first inception of the devolved system of Governance in Kenya runners up in the 13th S Miss Tourism Kenya, Siaya County Chapter is a platform to develop brand edition of the Ecowarriors Award for being the best ambassadors, individual personalities, fashion sense, and careers in modeling ’ destination in promoting among six broad objectives of pageantry. To personify Kenya s tourism cultural heritage among the strengths through pageantry with a national participation of talented young 4 7 c o u n t i e s i n Ke n ya . ladies exhibiting a passion for marketing their counties and nation both locally was open for competition three different categories of and internationally is key among the objectives. Awarded at a Gala night held among all counties of Kenya. instrumentation, cultural this week in Nairobi Crown This year's theme for the artefacts and mixed media. Plaza Hotel, Siaya County The other Miss Tourism objectives have included promotion of tourism and i n i t i a t i v e h a s b e e n ; Positions 1, 2 and 3 in all cultural diversity regionally and nationally as well as improving county was pronounced runners up " To u r i s m : - P r o t e c t i n g categories will attend the in this category after Elgeyo branding, to promote environmental conservation and to expand investment Culture and Heritage. Kenya Culture Week in opportunities at both County and National levels. Marakwet County which November 2018 in Paris, scooped the top position. Upon responding to the call France. Siaya qualifies of While the Department will continue promoting this form of arts, it will and submitting the necessary course. Earlier this year on the 6th of broaden it's outreach and create platforms to nurture all other forms of art, like application documents, Siaya visual, applied and performance arts present in the County. July 2018, the Department of emerged second best beating According to the Tourism, Tourism, Culture, Sports and 45 other counties in the stiff Arts and Culture County Arts received a call from Over the years, many youth in Siaya County have engaged in various forms of competition that sought to Executive Dr. Elizabeth arts and some have even excelled in their different talents. In view of the E c o t o u r i s m Ke n ya fo r show case each counties O d h i a m b o, t h i s aw a r d applications to compete in the foregoing, the Department is initiating a talent search within the six sub- potential and abilities in validates Siaya County's counties of Ugenya, Alego- Usonga, Gem, Rarieda, Bondo and Ugunja within 2018 Ecowarrior Awards protecting it's own culture rallying call to it's citizens competition. The call was for Siaya County where upcoming potential talent will be identified for further and heritage. worldwide launched at the development in the coming few weeks. t h e c at e go r y o f " B e s t recent Ramogi Festivals Destination in Promoting O n t h e K N T A C O M summarised as "NYIKWA Cultural Heritage" in Kenya. During this period, the Department will introduce mentorship forums where UNESCO cultural festival RAMOGI DWOG URU accomplished personalities in the identified arts will be invited to mentor the held between 19th to 23rd DALA". Our culture is rich selected youth. The category which was September 2018 in Kisumu, indeed. A come back home t a r g e t e d t o w a r d s Siaya emerged 3rd overall in will easily confirm. d e s t i n at i o n s t h at b e s t The Department will also create platforms for showcasing these talents as a promote culture and heritage way of developing and nurturing arts for the socio-economic benefit of youth in Siaya County. Members of the public are encouraged to look out for dates of Page 13 The County NEWSLETTER this talent search episodes across the County in the next few days. The Finance and Economic Planning SIAYA CountyNewsletter
DELAYED FUNDS DISBURSEMENTS HAMPERING SERVICE DELIVERY: RASANGA TO TREASURY
EXPUNGE FOR GOOD THE 16% VAT LAW FROM KENYAN 6th September 2018 LAWS; SIAYA LEADERS By Communication Directorate 10th September, 2018 Governor Cornel Rasanga Amoth has called on MPs to agitate for the timely release of By Communication Directorate devolved funds by the treasury for effective projects implementation and payment of county staff.
Siaya elected leaders have urged the National Government to expunge the 16% Siaya Governor has noted that even though Governors lack representation at the National VAT law on fuel levy from the Kenyan laws completely instead of postponing assembly, the MPs can help them resolve the devolve funds stalemate by virtue of their its implementation as happened two years ago. This will relieve the taxpayer position as people's representatives at the National level. from the tax burden occasioned by the National Government's attempt to up revenue collection through increased taxation. The release of development funds to the counties a day to the closure of the financial year is hurting local development programs and depriving Kenyans service delivery according to The Siaya leaders led by Governor Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Senator James His Excellency The Governor. Aggrey Orengo, Member of Parliament Hon. Sam Atandi, Central Alego MCA Hon. Oriaro Leonard among others all agreed that postponing the Speaking earlier this week while meeting National Assembly Public Accounts Committee implementation of the fuel tax levy to a later date will not solve the concerns of in his office, the Siaya Governor said counties have been pilling with stalling projects due to the public but merely move it to a later date. lack of funds and unless treasury changes it's workings, counties will be doomed. The County boss reported that Counties face the wrath of suppliers and contractors who feel Speaking at the funeral of Zeruya Oluoch, mother to Alego Usonga ODM short-changed in the payment timelines long after completing projects. Secretary General Charles Apuda Oluoch in West Alego earlier today, the leaders warned the Jubilee Party against attempting to negotiate the 16% VAT "County governments are strained in project implementations. We do not have money for law back to parliament for passage and immediate implementation. development projects in time and such funds only get reflected in the County coffers a day to closure of financial year,” said Rasanga. Senator James Orengo warned against the National Government's excessive obsession with Chinese debts and foresaw Kenya's recolonization if this trend The Governor asked MPs to consider agitating for Counties and push for remittance of is not immediately reversed. The Senator lauded the International Monetary funds early enough for smooth implementation of projects and payments of contractors and Fund for rejecting President Uhuru's attempts to seek loans from the suppliers. Siaya alone has a rollover of KShs.1.8 billion because of the problems emerging institution to finance Chinese debts whose impact are yet to be felt by the from the delayed releases. ordinary folks. "Kenyan's must totally reject neo-colonization by the Chinese", added the Senator. Apparently, the rollover of funds meant for Siaya development started way back in 2013 where a by-election saw project implementation suspended for some time
Page 14 The County NEWSLETTER Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
SPORTS DEPARTMENT HOLDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FORUM ON KSHS. 400 MILLION MODERN SPORTS FACILITY 29 September, 2018 By Communication Directorate iaya County Government's Department in charge of Sports says all is set for the KShs. 400 million ultra-modern stadium project at the County Headquarters in Siaya and is now undertaking public participationS to collate the views of the public and minimize backlash that may be associated with such a humongous infrastructural undertaking. The Governor is set to sign the project contract and simultaneously launch the construction works this October 2018. According to the Director of Sports Mr. Sanmac Okoth, the earlier proposal of KSh.1.6 billion worth of a stadium was dismissed by key stakeholders and top government officials and the Department opted to stick to a KSh. 400 million The County Executive Officers noted that the Project Management Dr. Adhiambo however warned the Project Committee against concentrating stadium project so as not to jeopardize other key development projects meant Committee yet to be initiated must ensure they uphold honesty and much on the allowances that come with the project costs and instead, to define The Governor's legacy term. transparency during the project implementation process arguing that the supervise and see to it that the projects that Siaya people have yawned for is infiltration of corrupt practices has seen many flagship projects stall. completed within the stipulated time. Speaking during a public participation forum held at Siaya Agricultural Training Centre, Mr. Okoth said the department for sports has already put Hon. Rubiik asked the entire sports fraternity to embrace the project adding Mr. Angawa reported that the current county level sporting activities will aside Sh.151 million to start up the ultra-modern stadium in the Financial Year that they are duty bound to monitor the progress of the project through to its temporarily be relocated to Akala or Migwena Sub County Stadia among 2018/2019 as part of the project's ultimate budget of KSh.400 million. completion. other fields as construction on the modern County stadium begins in October 2018. Governance and Administration Executive Hon. George Rubiik, Tourism and “We expect the Project Management Committee to scrutinise the Bill of Sports Executive Dr. Elizabeth Adhiambo, Governance Chief Officer Joseph The public who turned out for the forum hailed the government for investing Omondi and Sports Assistant Director John Angawa all who moderated the Quantities and be ready to question the contractor incase it is not followed to ” in the project that would help nature talents of youths and boost revenue public participation exercise noted that resources have been rolled over since the latter, said Rubik adding the essence of public participation is to get collection. They however asked the department for Sports to play a key role in 2015 and it was time to take off finally. inputs of the public and also build their capacity on how to check if the project to its completion adding that mix ups and interference by other specifications on BQ’s are right. ’ The multi-million stadium project will accommodate 20,000 spectators with department s has led to collapse of big projects. 15,000 seating at the main stadium while another 5,000 will be at the “We want you to own the project so that its not viewed as a property of the amphitheatre that is set to host indoor games. It will also have over 500 Led by Nyanza North Athletic - Kenya Chairman Mr. Joseph Ochieng, County bureaucrats. It must be a project done to the satisfactory of the public members of the public noted that delay in payments had previously seen parking slots, gymnasiums, shops, changing rooms and VIP according to the ” Sports Directorate. The stadium will also have flood lights and the football and as per the design initiated, he added. projects collapsing and urged the Sports Directorate to work with the field will have natural grass. timelines in the designs and Bills of Quantities to meet expectations of contract. Page 15 The County NEWSLETTER County Extras The SIAYA CountyNewsletter TAXATION IS ABOUT CONSULTATIONS: RAILA TONE DOWN ON 2022- DR. OKUMBE
22nd September, 2018 24th September, 2018
By Communication Directorate By Communication Directorate
ODM leader Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga says proper negotiations must take place before imposing Siaya Deputy Governor Dr. James Okumbe has asked any tax on the people in the future. politicians engaged in 2022 politics to hold their horses and allow Kenyans to rebuild lives through development projects in Addressing the 8% taxation on petroleum products that has caused a major uproar throughout the mean time. the country Hon. Odinga who was speaking today in Ugenya Constituency, Ukwala Ward during the burial of Francis Onyango Apopa added that expenditure and taxation must be balanced and Dr. Okumbe says it is not logical for Kenyans to continue monies be repatriated back to support the economy. He added that travel expenditures must be politicking at the detriment of development. Speaking in Gem reduced and government officers must use economy class while flying to undertake government constituency over the weekend, the deputy governor said business. previous polls destroyed lives, property and businesses that must be rebuilt, strengthened and stabilised and the ongoing The former Prime Minister warned that Members of Parliament will be moving back to parliament politics of 2022 will jeopardize it. to reduce the tax bill to zero if President Uhuru does not comply to the minimum bargain set by NASA/ODM. “Many people are trying to revive their businesses which were crippled by the pre and post-election tension and do not want to Siaya County Senator Hon. James Orengo insisted that taxation on people is not something to hear about the next general elections that are four years be easily accepted without extremely good explanation to it. He reiterated Raila's sentiments that away,” Okumbe argued. a country cannot grow by taxing it's people. "Taxation cannot be imposed arbitrarily", said the Senator. The DG asked the local leadership and poll losers to embrace the "handshake" between the President and the former Prime Rarieda MP Dr. Otiende Amollo on his part confirmed that despite not reaching Canaan as Minister to restore peace and enhance unity for economic planned during the last election, the journey must continue. He declared total war on corruption development of the region. that has overburdened Kenyan citizenry. According to the Deputy Governor, it is paramount for all Gem MP Hon. Elisha Odhiambo Akuba decried the existence of a government that took a loan leaders to work closely and develop the economy of the region that can't pay back. While raising concern that the lifestyle of some leaders does not relate to and The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta’ their salaries, Hon. Elisha insisted that loans from China are not helpful to the ordinary people. s peace deal has engendered the best environment for doing businesses. Speaking at the same event, Ugenya MP Chris Karan emphasised to his electorates to tone down on elective politics and concentrate on development politics. The MP exuded confidence He also hailed the Jubilee administration for its tough action on that if election was to be called today he would win with a landslide. graft whose proceeds in foreign banks are ready to be repatriated to local financial institutions.
Page 16 The County NEWSLETTER Water, Environment & Natural Resources The SIAYA CountyNewsletter SIAYA STARTS THE JOURNEY TOWARDS public enragement where citizens will be mapped and MODERNIZING ITS WATER AND WASTE consulted on projects being undertaken closer to KSHS. 17 MILLION WATER PROJECT COMMISSIONED IN WATER MANAGEMENT AND FERTILIZER where they stay. UGUNJA FACTORY SET UP On Thursday the team visited Banff Town which is 1st September 2018 20th September, 2018 located in an ecologically sensitive National Park. Here too, the team visited a medium size Waste Water By Communication Directorate By Communication Directorate Treatment Plant with an annex fertilizer factory which uses waste water bio-materials and food wastes from iaya Bondo Water and Sewerage Company (SIBOWASCO) has he Governor of Siaya County His Excellency the town of Banff to produce the fertilizer. This commissioned a KShs. 17 million water project in Ugunja Sub County Cornel Rasanga has been on a four day tour of experience should inspire Siaya County to set up a set to benefit more than 2,500 households. Tduty in the City of Calgary and Town of Banff fertilizer factory using bio-waste from it two Sewer S in Canada from Monday 17th to Thursday 20th treatment works in Bondo and Siaya towns using According to the SIBO WASCO Managing Director Mr. George Alaka, the September 2018. On Monday morning, the Siaya biodegradable waste. To this end a return visit by a company received the funding from Water Sector Trust Fund to revive the delegation engaged with Calgary Economic delegation of experts from Banff was secured by His project that stalled in the year 2016. Development Agency which handles investments Excellency to come and help Siaya re-design its promotions on behalf of the City of Calgary where Sewer Plants to include fertilizer factory components. Speaking during the commissioning of the project at Nyasanda Primary investment opportunities available in Siaya were School yesterday, Mr Alaka said the project targets to have 450 connections shared with the Agency .The Agency handles In the Governor's delegation are two members of his on the line by the end of the year with 150 connections done so far. investments promotions and linkages on behalf of the cabinet namely Hon. Eng. Adrian Ouma, CEC for City of Calgary. Later, the Siaya delegation met with Water, Environment and Natural Resources and Hon. The Managing Director further revealed that SIBOWASCO have received Alberta Environment and Parks Management where Dismas Wakla, CEC for Lands, Physical Planning, funding from the Water Sector Trust Fund to conduct a project of a similar ideas were shared on how to put Siaya on the path Housing and Urban Development together with the magnitude in Bondo Sub County. towards better management of its environment. Governor's Investment Advisor Mr. Walter Ogwindo and The Governor's Personal Assistant, Madam Hon.Eng. Adrian Ouma, County Execative Committe Member for Water, On Tuesday, His Excellency and his members of his Pauline Precious Odongo. Siaya County Government, during the function said that the project is delegation visited Calgary Drinking Water and Waste intended to supplement another KShs. 1 billion water project being funded Water Plants where best practises on Waste Water was The team wound up its visit of Banff town with a by the African Development Bank whose construction is set to kick off in the key focus area. Lessons on protection of meeting of the leadership of the town including the September this year and will cover Ugunja, Sega and Ukwala. Watershed to reduce the cost of water treatment were Mayor and the Planning Manager of the town. also learnt. These lessons will help in enhancing the Dilapidated infrastructure, vandalism of water meters and issues of design of laterals to make Siaya and Bondo towns His Excellency continues with his tour of duty by corruption are, however, some of the challenges that have been facing the latrines free by adopting the latest technology in sewer visiting the town of Taber. water provider according to the minister. connection, management and treatment. It is noteworthy that Calgary Sewer Treatment Plant is the Eng. Adrian Ouma further called on the residents living along Ugunja water largest in Alberta Region of Canada. project to connect with the line in order to access clean and safe water.
On Wednesday the delegation was hosted by the He on the other hand advised the management of SIBO to consider advancing leadership of the City of Calgary at the City their operations and instead use solar pumps to pump water to their Chambers where issues of governance and budget consumers. processes were exchanged, key amongst areas of mutual interest being latest effective models of public "This will ensure a reduction of water cost that the consumers have to pay and participation and citizen engagement. With this also eradicate the rampant water shortages normally caused by unpaid engagement Siaya will diversify its public electricity bills", said Eng. Ouma. participation model to include open house style of
Page 17 The County NEWSLETTER Lands, Physical Planning, Housing & Urban Development The SIAYA CountyNewsletter
TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE MOU BETWEEN SIAYA GOVERNMENT AND YOUTH 10-YEAR SIAYA COUNTY SPATIAL PLAN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT FUND TO EASE TENDERING FOR YOUTHS 25th September, 2018 13th September, 2018 By Communication Directorate By Communication Directorate iaya County department of lands is seeking to engage the public on the drafted County Funding for youth and women to undertake county government tenders will SSpatial Plan to get their input before its soon be easier when the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and The completion and publication. Among the County Government of Siaya sign a Memorandum of Understanding. challenges the 10-year land use plan seeks to address include regional imbalances in His Excellency Cornel Rasanga, Siaya County Government, and Mr. Ronny infrastructure development, unguided Osumba, Youth Enterprise Fund Chairman, met earlier today in Siaya and urbanization, massive land fragmentation and agreed on the basics of the arrangement that will see Siaya County youth diminishing agricultural land use, encroachment acquire tenders under the special groups category, get funding from the youth into fragile ecosystems and un-tapped and under- "The rapid development witnessed in recent fund to undertake the tenders and have payments for the work done be utilised land resources. times has been happening without requisite tools prioritized by the County Government. to guide such urban growth and development," The Lands Chief Officer Jackton Ondiko says the said Ondiko. The chief officer said this has led to *Deduct payment from source* draft County Spatial Plan that will control mushrooming of incompatible land use and development planning in the County for the next development, lack of space to provide for critical His Excellency however emphasized to the National Youth Fund the need to 10 years is out as a draft awaiting input from the public utilities like storm water and sewerage jointly push the National Government to expedite timely disbursements from public. among others. National Treasury. According to Mr. Osumba, who traces his ancestral roots in Siaya County, it should be possible to even deduct payment from source of The department has, therefore, a planned series of The document is expected to guide the use and funds which is the National Treasury upon completion of work by the youths meetings county-wide to engage members of the management of public and private land and land- and if agreed between the parties. Apparently, this arrangement is already public through public participation forums. based resources and help in achieving equity, working between Nandi County and The Youth Fund. The process of developing the document has been productivity, efficiency and sustainability. "Once structured in five phases namely; inception, data we have the input of the public we shall do a During this courtesy call by The Youth Fund Chairman on His Excellency collection, situation analysis, drafting and comprehensive County Spatial Plan whose The Governor, lack of passion among the youth, failure to identify and publication. implementation will create a more rational develop their talents, inadequate access to markets and the need for mentors organization of land use. and not lack of capital were noted as some of the challenges hindering Ondiko who, earlier this week, met departmental increased youth engagement in business. heads at Siaya Agriculture Training Center to The Spatial Plan is also expected to address key share document progress and receive their input developmental challenges that the county is The Agriculture County Executive Hon. Charles Ogada and The Chief on the formulated County Spatial Plan said the grappling with while recognizing the abundant Officer Mr. Sylvester KoKoth who were present agreed with The Fund on absence of the plan has seen the region and diverse resource endowment available several collaboration areas that will be exploited by the County in the short- experience staggered urbanisations which is not hitherto. and long-term including youth training and incubation for business ideas good for effective development. development.
Page 18 The County NEWSLETTER Life lessons I was forced to learn The Poetry corner @Son Tendenei SIAYA CountyNewsletter Over the years I have learnt lessons Either taught by the world "Short people, tall people, people of all Or the ones I have lived with races make this world a diverse place." Or my close kins They were lessons worthy lived by -Catherine Pulsifer They are lessons worthy forgotten And the more I ran to the sweet ones The more the evils committed clicked on To my weaker heart, It couldn't hold to it.
How does it feel? OUR DEEPEST FEAR A mother fails to cook for her children She didn't have the money to buy them food In a civilized world @Marianne Williamson We sit and watch them suffer
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. How does it feel? A parent burying their only child Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond A sole breadwinner measure. Murdered, found death It is our light, not our darkness Lynched by robbers Left to right in his blood That most frightens us. "The power of the mind We ask ourselves is paramount to And the civilized society Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, In plenty come to share the sorrows understanding and Contribute generously to the bereaved fabulous? acquiring happiness." Speak well if the departed Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. A man who went for days without food Did You Know -Roberts Rivers Was our friend Your playing small He couldn't afford his medication Does not serve the world. Still he was our friend @Breonna There's nothing enlightened about shrinking A young girl born and put in this place So that other people won't feel insecure around We need to appease his spirit You know, give him a nice send off With a warm and distinctive look on her face you. Escort his hearse with our convoy As she got older she was not like the rest We are all meant to shine, A presidential escort is perfect for him She was kind of different and her mother knew best As children do. What a shame society! Though her eyes may despise you for who she is We were born to make manifest What a shame society! Her heart shines like the sun The glory of God that is within us. What have you done to me? And she knows that on this earth there is more that could be done It's not just in some of us; What have you done to humanity? Her achievements and ambition make the stars dance Ooh society, what have you done to life? But if some people would listen and give her a chance It's in everyone. To what she has to say, as she's being critiqued And as we let our own light shine, Passion to love is now hate You just might find out that she's simply unique A heart to care now hurts We unconsciously give other people permission to A hand that we taught to give now takes Did you know she's the person you pass on the street do the same. A mouth that blessed now curses Get to know her As we're liberated from our own fear, You know, one man for himself She just may be the greatest person you ever did meet. The better way to deal with life Our presence automatically liberates others. The life lessons, I was forced to learn. Page 19 The County NEWSLETTER The General pictorial SIAYA CountyNewsletter
Page 20 The County NEWSLETTER INVEST IN THE FUTURE -Siaya County-
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