ISSUE 004 JANUARY - APRIL HAPPENINGS NEWSLETTER COUNTY

These are the achievements and activities of the County Government of Vihiga from January - April, 2019

Patients receiving services from the newly bought CT Scan at Referral Hospital. For the first time Vihiga residents no longer go to nor to seek CT Scan services.

Bonface Esau, a beneficiary of Governor’s Scholarship studies in their home in Emuhaya.100 bright needy students received full high school scholarship this year.

County Government of Vihiga @VihigaCountyGov www.vihiga.go.ke Vihiga County Government HEALTH HEALTH Blood Transfusion Centre Under CT - SCAN SERVICES Construction MWOKI now available at Vihiga County Referral Hospital Residents will no longer be going to Kisumu and Eldoret RESIDENTS for blood transfusion once the construction of a blood TO HAVE A he number of patients being transfusion centre is complete. referred to other health facilities DISPENSARY Tfor specialised treatment from the Vihiga County Referral hospital has Patients will no longer go to reduced by 80 per cent. This is after the woki residents in “Eldoret and Kisumu for CT County Government installed a 32-slice Masana, South Computed Tomography machine (CT- Scan Services Maragoli ward will M Scan) at the County referral hospital. It not be visiting neighboring was procured at a cost of sh.42million. health centres to seek medical said Dr Mamadi. Mamadi said the ICU attention.This is after the In most cases, patients admitted at the will be able to offer care for 32 patients, county government’s initiative facility who needed emergency care were Isaiah nduka,Emuhaya resident is adding that they want to hire more to construct a dispensary in the normally referred to the Moi Teaching among patients who have received specialists to work at the facility. area. and Referral Hospital (MTRH)-Eldoret for CT scan services. treatment. “Before the installation of the CT scan While addressing the machine at the referral hospital, mortality area residents during the This is part of Governor Wilber Ottichilo’s rate was very high. Worse of it, some of groundbreaking ceremony, manifesto of providing specialized health 170 the patients we used to refer to other Ottichilo said his government services to the people of Vihiga County. hospitals out of the county succumbed will fully equip the dispensary Number of patients who have on the way before reaching to the doctor and employ health workers to Dr Juma said majority of the patients who was supposed to attend to them,” he serve the people of Masana were from Vihiga, while others were received CT Scan Services said. Groundbreaking of satelite blood transfusion centre at the county Referral Hospital area to cut down on the from Busia, , Kisumu and between February - April counties. cost and distance they travel During the launch of the CT-Scan early ihiga County Referral Hospital from the regional transfusion centers in while seeking treatment.The “We are now able to offer prompt they were referred to the referral hospital this year,Vihiga Governor Dr.Wilber will not be borrowing blood Kisumu and Eldoret. dispensary will cost 30 million Ottichilo said that when he came into shillings. diagnosis to stroke patients, those with where after she only paid Ksh.8,000 and from neighbouring counties after her husband (Nduka) undergone several office,he prioritized acquisition of aCT- V Dr. Arnold Mamadi, Chief Officer in charge serious head injuries, accidents victims, construction of satellite blood transfusion cancer, cardiovascular and kidney scans. Scan,a vital equipment at any referral centre. of medical services said the initiative will “Our people in Masana area hospital. ‘Our people can not be going have been suffering for a diseases, adnominal and pelvic scans at a bridge the gap and ensure affordable, “The CT scan showed that his spinal cord all the way upto Eldoret to seek CT Scan long time travelling to other subsidised price,” said Dr Juma. Speaking during a groundbreaking available and accessible services to all. had fractured and the head had serious services.I now want to encourage Vihiga areas which is expensive but ceremony at Vihiga referral injuries. His foot that had swollen was residents to register for NHIF so that they “We have been borrowing blood from from now on they will receive He added: Referrals outside the hospital hospital,Governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo also scanned and it was discovered that can get these services at an affordable neighboring counties because demand in treatment at Mwoki which has significantly reduced. We only refer said the blood transfusion center will be the veins were also fractured. A catheter rates.’ Said Dr.Ottichilo. the county is high, the center will reduce will make services affordable, patients with blood haemorrhage (blood fully operational in a years’ time. was also inserted ion his body to enable the cost incurred and time seeking blood available and accessible to bleeding in the brain) to Moi Teaching the heart to continue pumping,” said Ms According to Vihiga County Referral “Vihiga County will now have a fully from other counties”, Said Dr.Mamadi. them.” Said Dr. Ottichilo. and Referral Hospital since they require surgery and stabilization in an Intensive Amukoa. Hospital (VCR) Medical Superintendent, equipped blood transfusion center. At Dr.Vitalis Juma, by April 2019 170 The center will cost 20 million shillings Care Unit (ICU) which we don’t have,” the moment the referral hospital can Alfred Ukiru,area resident Vihiga County Medical Services Chief patients who needed CT-Scan services at only give 53% of the required amount and it will help in collection of 1,200 pints expressed their gratitude saying According to Allan Sabwe, a radiographer, Officer, Arnold Mamadi, said the CT scan the facility had successfully undergone of blood leaving 47% to the risk of losing per month which is the consumption rate their dream of having a health chest and abdominal scans costs Sh7000, has improved diagnostic services at the treatment since the machine’s installation lives” said Dr. Ottichilo. across the county. facility closer to them is now a head scans Sh5,500, vertebral spinal facility saying it has the capacity of being in February 2019. reality. upgraded to 64-slice CT Scan machine. This will help accident victims along cord Sh6,000 and angiography Sh20,000 Chavakali – Kisumu road who are usually saying all prices are subsidised. The facility is expected to serve Dr Mamadi said a 64-slice CT scan rushed to Vihiga Referral Hospital only for more than 50,000 people in Most hospitals in the region charge machine combines a series of X-ray views some to be referred in the neighbouring and out of Mwoki and it will be between Sh10,000 – Sh40,000 depending taken from many different angles, and counties due to blood shortage in the set up on a three acre piece of on the type of scan being taken. then uses a computer to reconstruct the facility. land donated by Mwoki PAG. “slices” to produce actual pictures. Isaiah Nduka aged 62 years, was among Dr. Ottichilo expressed his satisfaction Health is Vihiga governor’s the first patients to be treated at the “In the next financial year, we will erect saying the center will provide the much priority,hence consuming close Vihiga County Referral hospital after the an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a High needed services close to Vihiga residents. to half of the county’s annual CT scan was installed. Dependency Unit (HDU) so that we Sharon Imali a medic attending to a budget. don’t refer our patients to other health Shuah Makungu a radiographer The center will go a long way in reducing patient donating blood at Vihiga Referral According to his wife, Mical Amukoa aged facilities. This will reduce costs both for examining a patient during a CT scan at the cost and time used to seek blood Hospital. 54, after visiting five hospitals in vain, the referral hospital and the patients,” the Vihiga County Referral Hospital.

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OTTICHILO CARE A program that has increased hospital deliveries in Vihiga

mothers to end maternal deaths. “The program has enabled me attend all the prenatal visits and I am sure to attend all the post-natal visits,” she says.

She says expectant mothers enrolled on the scheme are accorded good care. Maureen Minayo,Ottichilo Care “I am not registered on NHIF but I was beneficiary receives a mattress and other able to get better treatment without pay, goodies from Vihiga governor Dr.Wilber thanks to the program,” says Ms Minayo. Ottichilo during Easter holiday. When we visited the house she is living in, we found she has converted the sitting room into her makeshift bedroom. H.E Dr Wilber Ottichilo with the ottichilocare team visiting maureen minayo who delivery until the child attains 18 months delivered twins at gaigedi village under ottichilocare programme. in addition to free delivery. At this She had an old matress,but when Vihiga point,the county government also issues governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo visited Governor Ottichilo carries baby Winfred during a visit to Emuhaya sub county She enrolled in the scheme in November the child with a birth certificate,which her,among the things he bought her was hospital.She was delivered under the Ottichilo Care program. last year and is home with goodies from gives many mothers a nightmare. Apart a new matress. the plan that was launched during the 21 from maternal care,the program also same time last year. promotes family planning.Couples are ‘We shall continue supporting these Number of Health Care Centres t is a few minutes to 11am and the sun December 2018, enabling her visit advised to have healthy spacing of women.We shall ensure that no woman is already high up, scorching. It has Givudimbuli Health Centre four times Like Minayo, Imali hails the scheme and implementing the program in children. been like this for a while now as the before birth for antenatal care to accord delivers from home and that the life of calls on enhancement to attract more the County I the mother and child is safeguarded.’ mothers to register. skies are yet to open at this time when her the benefits that come with the Dr Ottichilo said the scheme had already long rains are really expected to usher in scheme. Governor Ottichilo said. registered more than 2,500 expectant The two believe by registering all the the planting season. On February 11, Governor Ottichilo women by April 2019. Moreover,21 She calls on the governor to expand the mothers, cases of deaths during births Through the scheme, she got free care into offering more supplements and personally visited another woman health centres are implementing the At Gaigedi village, located about 12 will come to an end. services that included delivery in addition clothing. Rehema Ouma - a member of the scheme program. The scheme that has been kilometres from Mbale town and 4 to the Sh1,000 received every visit to a This is the narrative shared by all the who had just delivered twins at the allocated Sh30 million is a partnership kilometres from Sabatia, people are health facility. A few metres away from Minayo’s home, beneficiaries we spoke to. Community county referral hospital in Mbale. program with UNICEF, Swedish embassy going about their business; some in their it is all joy just in the neighbourhood health workers also hail the scheme that and Liverpool university. farms, others looking after their livestock, where Vella Imali, 30, is reaping another has made them more effective at the Through the scheme, expectant women women fetching water and firewood bundle of joy after giving birth baby girl grassroots. are entised with effects for their infants among other daily chores. through the Ottichilo Care scheme on and a monthly stipent of Sh1,000 from April 1. Everlyn Malesi is one of the many 2500 Others in their groups are walking in community health workers tasked along the murram roads, perhaps going with enrollment of expectant women Women registered on to social places like churches and others in Ottichilo Care program that was Ottichilo care by April 2019 chatting – being a weekend. We shall continue supporting launched on 11th December,2018 at these women.We shall ensure Bugina health centre. But another joyous mood is being felt in that no woman delivers the silent village with no major economic She says many women have registered from home and that the life The ottichilo Care Program Offers: activities away from tea farming that has of the mother and child is and all that have given birth through - Free antenatal clinic for expectant been doing badly lately. safeguarded.’ Dr.Ottichilo the scheme have had safe deliveries. women She says expectant women are - KES 1,000 for every 1st & 4th At the maternal home of Maureen subjected to several tests at no fee to Antenatal Clinic, delivery day, Minayo, 24, it is all joy - the birth of twins ensure their safety and that of unborn 6th week and 18th month (all boys) has caused joy since March 3. infants. after delivery during immunization Their names are Shown Mugamanji and And on delivery, the scheme of offers her - Free Delivery Daren Lumasai. mothers baby effects that include towels, “We make follow-ups to take care of basins and pampers. the mothers. Upon registration, we UNICEF country representative Werner - Post-natal care up to 18 month after Thanks to Ottichilo Care, a program issue them with ‘Boresha number’ for Schultink hands a gift to Patience birth The single mother‘ says the help will H.E Dr Wilber Ottichilo hands a - Birth Certificate started by Governor Wilber Ottichilo to monitoring. We aim at ensuring that they Awinja,Ottichilo Care beneficiary who promote maternal care in the county. enable her raise her twins and pleads towel and other gifts to vellah imari don’t deliver at home,” says Ms Malesi. had delivered at Emuhaya sub county - Family planning. with the governor to raise the goodies a beneficiary of the ottichilocare hospital. Minayo enrolled in the scheme in and make them regular to tap in more programme.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 4 5 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER HEALTH HEALTH ONCOLOGY (CANCER) UNIT Launched at Hamisi Sub County Hospital Health oncology units in all sub-counties to provide services to all residents.

Due to the many deaths caused by cancer that most times is discovered at an advanced level where one cannot get treatment especially in women, the county government of Vihiga has introduced the Human papilloma vaccine at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital to prevent cervical cancer.

Cancer Fact Sheet Chief dentist Dr. Odhiambo(right) Wandei and Isaac Chelimo Dr Ibet Ricardo(left) and Dr Midiale Perez(right) having a chat - It kills more than 30,000 giving dental services to a patient at the recently launched with the Medical Services Chief Officer Dr. Arnold Mamadi at kenyans per year Dental Clinic in Hamisi sub county hospital the Vihiga County Referral Hospital - It is killer disease number 3 in the country A healthcare worker at hamisi sub county hospital examines a patient - About 39,000 people get during the launch of the oncology unit. cancer yearly

Causes of Cancer - Lifestyle-related factors. - Biological or internal factors, such as age, gender, inherited genetic defects and skin type. - Environmental exposure, for instance to radon and UV radiation, and fine particulate matter. Dr Wilber Ottichilo with the healthcare workers at Mbale Dr. Ibet Ricardo,Cuban doctor examining David Mwavali at the - Occupational risk factors, Rural Hospital receiving medical equipment from the national cardiac unit at Vihiga county referral hospital.The clinic that including carcinogens such as government. has served 900 patient since September 2018. many chemicals, radioactive materials and asbestos.

Hamisi residents receive counselling and sensitization services during the world cancer day celebrations at Hamisi sub county hospital.

ore than 32,000 Kenyans die an oncology unit the hospital.Now area every year from cancer.Cancer residents can be screened for cancer Mis number three killer disease in at the facility before they can be given the country after pneumonia and malaria. referrals for treatment,for those who are found to be having cancer symptoms. To help Vihiga fight cancer, the county governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo through In addition,the day was a blessing to many the health department led the county in as they were screened and sensitized on joining the world to mark World Cancer cancer disease.This was largely achieved Day on 4th February 2019 at Hamisi Sub- through partnership between the county H.E Dr Wilber Ottichilo opens Solar panels installed at Vihiga County Referral Hospital by the Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo hands over medical County Hospital. and AMPATH. the oncology unit at Hamisi Sub county government to heat water i.e for bathing for patients in equipment donated by World Bank to Health CECM Dr. Amos County Hospital. the wards. Kutwa at Vihiga County Referral Hospital. The big score of the day was launching of The county government will set up

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS Meet the only Female Ambulance Driver in Vihiga County Dr. Wilber Ottichilo Governor orn 32 years ago,bred in Izava Lyaduywa ward,Anne Adisa-mother of two is not just a normal driver.She is tasked with driving patients in critical condition as fast as she can to health facilities for medical attention.As she narrates to Communication department’s Lindah Mudaki,driving an ambulances requires more than the normal driving skills. B In my administration my major focus is on Health- care, for one obvious reason, you must have a healthy population if you want to have any development. 5. How many ambulances does the “ So for us in vihiga, we are focusing on healthcare as our county have, are they well equipped? priority. We want to have a healthy population, once you Vihiga county has 3 ambulances of which have a healthy population people can get involved in vari- 2 are fully equipped but the department ous initiatives with probably just minimal support.” is in the process of equipping the remaining one. The county is also in the process of acquiring more ambulances for efficient services so that many people with emergencies can be served.

6. Tell us the day you will never forget as an ambulance driver… We as an assembly There is this day I was rushing a 13year Mwenda pole are working well old girl who had kidney failure from hajikwai.Wengine with the Executive wing Chandumba to Kenyatta National walikua wanataka tukim- “ “ of government.That hospital.When we reached Kinoo, so bie alafu tuanguke chini doesn’t mean our roles close to the hospital she breathed her ndio watukanyage lakini as Legislative arm are last. I was so heartbroken that I had been sisi tukasema tutaenda compromised. We perform driving so fast to save her life only to lose polepole na vile tutaanza our oversight roles for the her. kuzindua wataona mengi. benefit of the people of Ndio sasa tumeanza, Vihiga. What we need is Anne Adisa alighting from the ambulance she drives at the 7. As I finish, what do people say when mutatuona kila mahali your support to enable us County Referral Hospital before this interview. they see you drive an ambulance? tukizindua miradi.” Many people get surprised.They ask me where I get the achieve development goals 1. We tried to have this interview with you sometime back to confidence but I tell them I love what I do.Many think it should Dr. Patrick Saisi Hasna Mudeizi for people of Vihiga.” no avail. Does it mean you are that busy? be a man driving it. Am always very engaged, my job is a little bit tricky because we Deputy Governor Speaker are always on call, even if you are seated somewhere you can’t 8. How do you rate Vihiga County Referral Hospital? be relaxed because you can receive a call anytime to go and a Services at Vihiga County Referral hospital have greatly save a life somewhere. improved which has even made patients from other counties come to the hospital for treatment.Drugs are sufficient and the 2. Tell me,how your day is usually like… rate at which its being equipped,Vihiga residents should have We encourage our My day can start anytime.Normally when I don’t receive that no doubt about the services offered. culture to continue. 3 or 4am call,I wake up,do some house chores then report to “We therefore encourage our work.Upon arriving at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital,I pick 9. Do you think the County Government of Vihiga is committed people of Vihiga County to em- ambulance keys and get to know where Iam supposed to hit the in improving health care of its people? brace their culture and pass it road to. YES, the county government has done a lot to improve Vihiga is the Home- to the generations to come. We healthcare for Vihiga residents, talk of the CT scan, new X-ray land of Bamboo inherited our vegetables such 3. How did you find yourself an ambulance driver machines, medical equipment, satellite blood transfusion “courtesy of the focus lead- as emiroo, omurere , sucha, Growing up I used to admire drivers a lot and to be specific center that is under construction just to mention but a few.If ership of Governor Wilber chisaka, seveve from our fore those driving ambulances.To be precise,Iam living my dream.I given time to perform,our governor will be a pace setter on Ottichilo,” Environment fathers and we are therefore really wanted to save lives especially that of mother and child matters devolution. CS Keriako Tobiko during tasked to preserve such indige- during deliveries. National Bamboo Policy at nous vegetables and teach our 10. Finally,what do you tell that lady who is either selective Sosa Cottages.” children skills on how to grow 4. Are you married,if yes,does your spouse understand nature with careers or one that wants to be like you? and use them.” of your job? I want to tell young ladies out there not to be selective when Yes.Iam married. I must admit I have a very supportive spouse choosing careers.You can always use any career to reach your who understands my job.He knows that my duty is usually to goal in life.Those who want to drive an ambulance always know Keriako Tobiko Josephta Mukhobe rush those in need of medical attention to hospital,and even if I that unlike normal driving,here you are after saving lives and CS, Environment & Foresty PS, Culture & Heritage come back home at 1am,he fully understands. serving humanity. Goodluck!

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of taking me to a boarding school due to lack of money but I insisted,” she MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME narrated. But the cries of the 13-year BRIGHT NEEDY STUDENTS old to the area MCA prompted him to eneficiaries of the Governor’s Scholarship were called for a mentorship Benefit from Governor’s Scholarship push for her to be considered among the programme at Mbale High School during the April holiday.Apart from beneficiaries. BVihiga governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo’s key note address,the students got an opportunity to listen from motivation speakers and some professionals among them “We were overcome with joy and doctors,accountant,architect and an advocate. he old adage: “Lightning never But as luck would disbelief of the news that Esther strike the same place twice” have it, Ms Apondi was among those whose secondary resonates so well with the story of received a call education was to be fully catered for at T a time when we barely had no option,” 15-year-old Bornface Esau from Ebusyubi from Governor village in Emuhaya, Vihiga County. Ottichillo’s office said her mother Martha Ong’ayi. a day to the Having missed an opportunity to benefit The couple who have eight children reporting date, are often bedridden due to their varied from Equity Foundation’s ‘wings to asking her to fly’ scholarship, the newly unveiled ailments as Mr Ong’ayi has suffered present her child from arthritis for the last 20 years while scholarship by Governor Wilbur Ottichillo at the county came at the nick of time. his wife faces frequent attacks of acute offices in Mbale bronchitis. “It gets ugly at times when “We had given up when we did not the following day. the two of us get grounded and have to receive any communication from Equity The caller informed make ends meet as we are the only bread Foundation two days to the date when her that master Governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo diplays books as he winners in our family,” said Mrs Ong’ayi. Form Ones were expected to report to Beatrice Makungu, accountant gives Esau was among But Esther who is optimistic that she will schools,” said Esau’s mother Jackline inspects learning materials given to 100 beneficiaries proffesional advice to students under the the 100 successful use the opportunity to uplift her family Apondi. of scholarship program at County headquarters. Governor’s Scholarship programme at beneficiaries to from the ruins of desperation and giving Deogrious Kikaya of Friends school up in life says she wants to become a Mbale High School. Kamusinga a beneficiary of scholarship This was a devastating moment for a be fully sponsored households have to make do with one lawyer when she grows up. program receives an a ward from mother of five who looked forward to through the Governor’s scholarship fund, meal a day as well as contend with the governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo. having her third born child join Oloolaiser which targets bright but needy students struggles of using kerosene lamps to national school in County. “I from Vihiga County. study at night,” said Mr Esau. wasn’t sure what to tell my son as I had no Most of the recipients were picked from other plans since the father abandoned The family of Esther Andisi from Esong’olo among those who were interviewed the family and has never been seen for village in Emuhaya Sub County is also yet and subjected to home visits by Equity the last four years,” she said. to overcome the joy of joining the school Foundation team to ascertain whether of her choice after emerging top at the The first shoe I wore was a The sad reality dawned on master Esau they merited but were not successful. neighbouring Essong’olo Primary School rubber shoe called ‘Twiga who scored a total of 390 marks in last “Since I had no money for transport, I with 397 marks. Due to the failing health Tanga’ which was bought when year’s Certificate of Primary approached Esau’s teacher who owns of her parents, Esther’s father (Daniel I was joining Form Five when I Education (KCPE) exams at Ebusyubi a boda boda to carry us to the county Ong’ayi) confesses that they were not also boarded a vehicle for the Primary School in Luanda Sub County as headquarters at Mbale where we were able to raise the school fees for their first time. Dr.Ottichilo’ his other classmates were preparing to to be given some funds for shopping, daughter who was admitted at Kaplong Dr. David Olando motivational speaker join various secondary schools. transport and pocket money,” said Ms Girls in County. during mentorship session of the Apondi. governor’s scholarship program Governor Ottichillo while commissioning With the help of the county, they managed the initiative‘ at the county headquarters to secure a place for him at Emusire High in January this year,said that his 100 Education Chief Officer Mary Anyiendah School in Emuhaya Sub County to save government will increase the number of adressing students during the the family the agony of covering the beneficiaries from 100 to 200 next year. Bright Needy Students who mentorship session. long distance to . “I am The county chief said that by 2022,he forever grateful to Governor Ottichillo for received full high school wants the scholarship to benefit 1,000 making it possible for my son to secure Governor’s scholarship in students. an alternative slot at the nearby school 2019 The county spend Sh.7 million on the which has made it easy for us to pay him program. Giving a testimony of himself, a visit whenever it is needed,” said the Dr Ottichilo encouraged students to mother who relies on menial jobs to fend Miss Esther says she was motivated to work hard saying nothing stopped him for her family. work hard when their area Member of from achieving his dreams in spite of But master Esau has promised to work County Assembly promised to buy those coming from a humble background. hard and turn the fortunes of the family, who achieved over 350 and above a pair “The first shoe I wore was a rubber shoe Maritah Agufana,Education CECM Esther Andisi of Kaplong girls studying as he hopes to pursue his dream of of shoes and metal boxes as his support called ‘Twiga Tanga’ which was bought adressing governor’s scholarship at thier home in Essong’olo Village becoming a neurosurgeon and be a to appreciate their effort. when I was joining Form Five when I also beneficeries at Mbale high during during April holidays. She is among 100 boarded a vehicle for the first time,” he mentorship session. pillar to his community. “While I am the Parents following session during the beneficiaries of governor’s scholarship “My mother saw no need of me going to said. only one who has benefitted from the mentorship program. program. Governors initiative in my village, many collect my gifts when they had no plans

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125 Million to Empower the Needy Academically YOUTH Students hold the 125M dummy check with Vihiga Governor, Dr.Wilber Ottichilo Vihiga county boss commended at Hobunaka High School county assembly for being Urged to Embrace Technical Training prompt in passing the Vihiga county bursary fund bill that enable education science and vocational training department I received bursary from the county provided through various short courses, allocate 125 million shillings government to enable me join Keveye certificate and diploma programmes the that translates to 4.8 million Vocational Training Centre,” she said. TVETs have on offer. shilling across the 25 wards Her father Mr Isaiah Magumba expressed As a way of motivating and empowering respectively. confidence that the well-equipped instructors, the county under Governor Mary Anyienda, Chief Officer in institution will enable her daughter Wilber Ottichillo used Sh19 million to pay charge of education said that acquire skills that would empower her salary arrears, which had been pending her department submitted a to access opportunities and respond to for years, in addition to purchasing of total of 4.8million to each ward market demands. branded (Vihiga County) TVET textbooks. accounts on time just to ensure Welding students of Hambale Technical “The platform has given my daughter This is besides the instructors undergoing timely distribution across the Vocational Training centre in action. a second chance in life and now has an a two-week training on managerial skills ore than 20 000 students across the county benefited county. in as a way of exposing them and from the Vihiga county bursary fund early this year. sharpening the skills. A total of 125m was disbanded to students pursuing The beneficiaries received between 5,000 to 10,000 shillings n a bid to tame the craze of learners M while those pursuing technical studies in technical vocational joining universities, Vihiga County studies int secondary and tertiary institutions from vulnerable “The exercise helped the department families. centres (TVET) get full scholarship. IGovernment has embarked on a great deal in conducting a suitability a calculated move to transform test for all the tutors as we were able to and strengthen their Technical and implement a smooth restructuring and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) upgrade the quality of technical skills institutions. offered,” noted Ms Agufana. ECDE Classes Construction Boosts Education Sector As local institutions of higher learning, By the end of this financial year, Vihiga the county has not spared any expense County Government is targeting to install However, she cautioned primary headteachers against to invest in building the capacities of all Givigoi TVET electrical students equipment and tools in identified centres converting ECDE classroom’s to class eight and seven the 31 registered TVET institutions as it during their practicals. of excellence. classrooms. aims at establishing itself as a technical skills rich county. While commissioning ECDE centres at Jeblabuk and opportunity to be a role model to the Jebrongo primary schools in Gisambai ward, Vihiga The milestone achieved has already rest of her siblings as she begins the governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said his government has started bearing fruits as the institutions journey to self-reliance,” she said during shifted focus towards initiating solid education foundation have realized a meaningful increase in an interview at their home. to the minors. the number of students’ enrollment in different fields of study. While acknowledging that Rome was not Dr.Ottichilo said through education sector his government built in a day, the county Education boss “It is encouraging to note that the has already procured learning materials inline with the hopes to seize the moment and take the number of students have shot up from new curriculum alongside training ECDE teachers by lead in making institutions in the county 2,895 in the year 2017 to the current Kenya literature bueraue (KBL). places of choice, both nationally and in Mechanical engineering students figure of 4,100 in April 2019,” stated the the region. at Gimomoi TVET centre repairing Education County Executive Committee a motor vehicle. Governor and his deputy dancing during the launch of Member Maritah Agufana. Interestingly, the TVET institutions have Jeblabuk ECDE centre in Gisambai ward. also attracted a number of students For 25-year old Lorna Imari from Givole in with grade C+ and above as they opt to Hamisi Sub County, giving birth did not in Some of the institutions earmarked 05 ECDE centres will be constructed at a tune of 85 undertake technical trainings as opposed any way stop her from returning to school for technological advancement and million shillings in this financial year budget. to joining universities. and pursue a career which she hopes will rehabilitation services include Keveye, 1 help her take care of her daughter and Kaimosi, Maseno, Solongo and Emukunzi Mary Anyienda, Chief Officer Education Science and “Going forward, we want to turn around ageing parents. vocational training centres. Vocational training said construction of three ECDE the institutions which have for a long time centers in every ward across the county will be done Ms Imari who sat for her Kenya Certificate been associated with people who have Among others, the machinery to be before the end of this financial year. of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams at failed and provide a good alternative supplied comprises of automotive and Chango Secondary School in 2012, plans to people who want to access post- electrical gadgets, agribusiness tools, hair “Already 87 ECDE centers have been completed while to be an entrepreneur after completing secondary education,” said Ms Agufana. dressing and beauty therapy tools as well the rest are at thier final stages, I want to assure Vihiga her two-year course in Beauty Therapy as tailoring and masonry devices. people that by April this year all 105 centres will be Jebrongo Early Childhood Education centre (ECDE) However, those still interested to and Hair Dressing. done”, said Mary Anyiendah. operational in Gisambai ward,Hamisi Sub County. pursue university education can still The initiative is intended to attain equity “My dream was made possible after take advantage of the good foundation as the county is aiming to benefit all the

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 12 13 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER EDUCATION EDUCATION

The training of trainers was conducted by Vihiga County TVETs First to International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), an intergovernmental organization PICTORIAL registered with the United Nations that Implement Bamboo Curriculum promotes the growing of bamboo for economic and environmental gains. Agufana, the ministry is piloting the bamboo To ascertain the viability of the venture and curriculum at Hambale encourage its ownership, Environment Cabinet and Mwambeba vocational Secretary Keriako Tobiko called on the county government to roll out an intensive civic education five sub counties of Luanda, Emuhaya, training centres before as a way of highlighting to the public the benefits Vihiga, Sabatia and Hamisi. rolling out the same in the 31 TVET institutions in of bamboo. “I appeal to the county government To cater for the interest of people Vihiga. to closely work with all the stakeholders including entrepreneurs, financial institutions, members of with special needs, the county has The move is also considered renovated Ebukuya TVET school for the civil societies and non-state actors in order Hambale Vocational training centre(TVET) students as a deliberate attempt by the deaf in Luanda Sub County which for them to wholly embrace the move ,” said the constructing a gazebo bamboo.Bamboo curriclum has the county government specialises in hairdressing and beauty CS. He noted as unfortunate that Kenyans could been rolled out in Vihiga TVETs to safeguard and restore therapy. be forced to do their bench-marking activity in the riparian zones and Ethiopia which has advanced in the undertaking wetland ecosystems from Being the first county to receive he introduction of bamboo while the neighbouring country learnt from human encroachment, as farmers have conditional grant from the national curriculum in Technical Vocational Kenya 37 years ago. been called upon to embark on a massive government, the funds also helped Education Training (TVET) Amb. Bruce Madete, member of Environment Committee receiving a T effort and engage in mass production of “The advantage of bamboo is that it has over certificate from Governor Dr.Ottichilo when the committee was unveiled the TVETs to participate in co- institutions in Vihiga County has elicited the ‘green gold’. curricular activities and development high expectations as learners are looking 1,400 species which can grow in almost any part of infrastructure. The county however forward to reap from the new enterprise. The growers have been advised to of the country and thrive in the poorest of soils,” made a significant feat early this Being the first county to bring on board plant along the water catchment areas he said while marking World Water Day in Vihiga year when they rolled out bamboo bamboo curriculum in Kenya, Vihiga due to its environmental benefit in the on March 22. curriculum to become the first in the County Government is positioning itself rehabilitation of degraded hills, river Vihiga County Education Chief Officer Mary country to embrace the concept. to tap from the opportunity presented banks and riparian lands. According Anyiendah on the other hand indicated that by the availability of ready market for to Governor Wilber Ottichillo, the enough funds have been allocated to purchase Implementing institutions will include bamboo products. initiative is expected to reverse the rising tools that will enable students achieve value Hambale, Gavudia, Solongo, Mudete, destruction of riparian lands. Munugi, Maseno, Nzalwa, Mwambeba, Globally, the increasing demand for addition products from the plant through the Ebusiralo, Emukunzi, Kaimosi, Boyani sustainable products in Europe and the “The fact of the matter is that most of new curriculum. The county official also pointed and Karandini. United States has pushed up the demand the riparian areas have been encroached out that the department will develop a policy for bamboo commodities, even as due to the fact that people have towards bamboo curriculum after successful Some of the products of the fastest farming of the giant grass in the country planted eucalyptus in wetland areas conclusion of the pilot programme. growing plant include toothpicks, continues to be on the low. in Vihiga County which contribute to the drying of rivers,” he said during the Governor Ottichillo on his side noted that the role furniture, musical instruments, door Among others, the long list of bamboo graduation ceremony of 68 managers of bamboo in mitigating environmental problems and window frames, medicine, animal products include furniture, door and ECD pupil,Fauzia Kadesa of Emutsuru prim hands over a trophy to Vihiga and instructors at Tiriki Tropical Gardens is going to be even more than the products being fodder, baskets, flooring and use in window blinds, toothpaste holders, mats, governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo after emerging national drama festival in Shamakhokho. anticipated to be derived from bamboo. pulp and paper industry. baskets, toothpicks, pencils, floor tiles as champion in ECDE solo dramatised choral verse well as cardboards, newsprint and toilet Farmers and institutions have already The governor indicated that the county He pointed out that the county is well strategized paper in the paper and pulp industry. been encouraged to plant bamboo has set aside funds in the budget to buy to become the champion of bamboo growing in which also acts as a forest cover As a way of creating awareness in the seedlings of the key raw material as he Kenya as they seek to commercialise bamboo while students of Hambale Vocational local market and advance the economic has committed to go out of his way to farming and benefit from the lucrative green Training Centre have constructed a status for rural communities, the county promote the growing of bamboo trees economy. “Tapping on the aptitude of one of the modern gazebo from bamboo which government has put in place elaborate across the county. world’s fastest growing plant, the county hopes acts as a demo site for learners. plans to construct a showroom for to rapidly increase the forest cover as well as exhibition of bamboo merchandise. exploit the versatility of the giant grass to build a As a way of encouraging TVET sustainable future,” said Mr Ottichillo. graduands, Governor Ottichillo became In the meantime, students from Hambale the first county chief in the country to Vocational Training centre have erected 4100 The move comes at a time when Kenya has preside over a graduation ceremony at a bamboo gazebo which acts as a devoted itself to meet a global commitment to Mbale Municipal Grounds. “I call on the demonstration site ahead of the roll out achieve 10 percent forest cover in the next three youth to change their mindset towards of the ambitious project that is billed to The current population in years. President Uhuru Kenyatta while opening the available TVET opportunities and turn around the fortunes of the residents. TVET centres. An increase the third annual One Planet Summit at the United fill the gap of existing shortage of According to Education, Science and from 2,895 in 2017. Nations Office Complex in in March this skilled human resource in the country,” Vocational Training county executive year underlined the need for the country to Lands Chief Officer Lucy Ijai addressing residents of Luanda he appealed. committee member (CECM) Maritah move from the current level seven percent. during a land clinic

COUNTY14 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER | 14 15 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE

Dairy Farmers Farmers to benefit from Sh.193 Commercialization of Indigenous Vegetables, to Benefit from a Great Boost to Vihiga Farmers Trainings Million for Agribusiness

omen and Youth in Vihiga have a reason to smile as they MY GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE Wwere recently privileged to be “THAT A COTTAGE INDUSTRY IS considered by Welt Hunger Hilife, in their ESTABLISHED TO ENSURE YOUR 5 year project of transforming Dairy Cattle PRODUCTS ARE WELL PACKAGED farming into being more entrepreneurial. BEFORE SALES. THIS WILL The same project is also expected to ENHANCE BETTER SALES elaborate more to the residents of the county on how to adopt the culture of agribusiness. industry is established to ensure your products are well packaged before Speaking during the official launch of sales. This will enhance better sales,’ the project in Vihiga, Governor Wilber The Governor said. Ottichilo assured the stakeholders that his government is dedicated into seeing Vihiga County is among counties that the program succeeds effectively. selected by the National Government “The project is going to promote dairy to pilot the project. The farmers will farming with a major impact that will Beatrice Jerono, an African Indigenous Vegetables farmer from Gamalenga be planting black nightshade (lisuutsa), change the agricultural landscape in the displaying slender leaf vegetables in her farm. Community Driven Development Committee (CDDCs) undergoing training cowpeas (likuvi), spider plant (tsisaga) county,” Said the County Boss. He also and jute mallow (mutere) vegetables. urged the youth to embrace agribusiness. on implementation of National Agricultural and Inclusive Growth Project(NARIGP) at Maseno ATC. ack of market, proper training farmers that there is an already and storage facilities have always established market for the farmers Permanent Secretary for Culture and As a result, the cooperative movement will been a major problem faced by produce among them Tuskys and Heritage Josephtha Mukobe,who be supported by the county government armers are set to benefit from 193 million grants from the National L indigenous vegetable farmers across Carrefour. The farmers will also have a graced the launch in Shamakhokho Agriculture and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP). as the engine of development by the county. cottage industry established for them said that indigenous vegetables can recruiting a chief officer in the cooperative F and their produce dried and packaged for help curb most of the diet related NARIGP is a World Bank funded program aimed at increasing agricultural directorate and more senior staff in the The farmers, whose produce has always sale. diseases affecting a greater population productivity and profitability in rural communities through trainings and department. It is also expected that gone stale for lack of market and proper in the modern society among them micro-project investments. there will be recruitment of more field storage will now have value for their ‘My government will ensure that a cottage anaemia and cardiovascular diseases. extension officers, veterinary services goods following the establishment of The project targets 4 value chains including dairy cow, local chicken, will be improved to manage disease both local and international markets indigenous vegetables and tissue culture bananas. control and artificial insemination will be for their produce under the commercial practiced to upgrade the animals for high project to cultivate African Indigenous Community has already been sensitized and community institutions which production of milk. vegetables. are CDDC have been trained and signed MOU with the County Government. The County Director for WHH Mr. Elvis The project which was launched by The groups have started developing proposals for funding currently a total Lumbasio said they are happy to partner Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo of 65 proposals has been developed and being evaluated by CDDC s and with Vihiga County to improve on milk has seen over 2,500 farmers across sub-county technical teams. Proposal development will be a continuous production by improving on animal the county enrolled under it. The process and it’s targeting 573 groups in the whole county at a cost of sh. husbandry. That is by improving on farmers, who were trained on the 193 million. the animal breed, improving on food best farming practices by the Jomo intake, improving on veterinary services, Kenyatta University of Agriculture and The project under component 2 on supporting producer organization is in capacity building/providing training for Technology also received seeds from the process of forming an umbrella body for all actors along each value farmers, marketing, Milk Value chain and the National Products Industry (NPI.) providing storage coolers. chain. This component aims at aggregating all the groups along each value chain to form a producer organization which will assist farmers in marketing Having costed the County Government and value addition of their products. “Our department under the leadership Sh.30 million,the project will see of our able Governor has procured 75 farmers produce sold within and The project has component 3 which is supporting county community led dairy cattle and 100 dairy goats that will outside the country. be distributed to different dairy farmers development; this entail land scape wide investment which cut across 2 or 3wards. Currently 1 area of investment has been identified in Luanda cutting groups in the county, Said Chief Officer Speaking during the launch of the across Emabungo, Wemilabi and Central Bunyore. It’s targeting irrigation, for agriculture department, Pamela project in Shamakhokho ward on Joseptha Mukobe (PS Cuulture and Heritage)hands over indigenous vegetables seeds restoration of the catchment along river Essaba and rehabilitation of gullies. Busungu. 29/03/2019, Dr. Ottichilo assured to Vihiga governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 16 17 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE

COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO Vihiga Targets STRENGTHEN DAIRY FARMING Sh240Million in fish farming

cute shortage of fish in Vihiga County has seen fish mongers rake Ain millions by selling the product at exorbitant prices.

This is despite the county being located Fresh harvested tilapia fish at Solongo barely 20Km from Lake Victoria. The high vocational training centre. prices are attributed to the fact that the Arial View of Mwitoko fish farm demand for fish is very high as compared Farm will be stocked with parent stock female fingerlings to males (sex reversal) According to Stephen Njau, the Deputy to its supply. The price is even double in like Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using hormones and then given to fish County Director in charge of fisheries, if eateries. and catfish for brooding fingerlings, once farmers. Male species grow faster since all the current ponds within the County County’s Chief of Staff Noah Okaya addressing Bunyore Livestock Cooperative Majority of the fish being consumed in the farm is fully operational. there is no breeding,” said Mr. Munala. were to be stocked, fish farmers will Society during a stakeholders meeting. Vihiga now comes from Lake Victoria, According to Munala, they intend to be able to harvest between 800-1,000 Lake Turkana, local fish ponds and to the Mr Munala said the remaining 21 ponds produce 1.2million fingerlings (Nile mature fish per pond, saying out of he National and the County government is set to buy and distribute five extreme, the ones imported from China. will be used for keeping fingerlings tilapia) and 500,000 fingerlings (catfish) the 1,200 ponds, they will at least get milk coolers worth 8 million each to 5 dairy cooperatives. The facilities As a way of solving the acute shortage (nursing ponds) before they are from the fish farm annually, adding that 960,000 fish. Twill comprise milk coolers worth 3,000 litres capacity, solar panel for of fish in the county, Governor Wilber distributed to fish farmers. farmers in the County usually stock water heating and a standby generator. Ottichilo, has embarked on a multi- catfish to control overbreeding since its “A tilapia fish at the local market goes million project that will see the county The County Fisheries boss noted that demand is lower than that of Tilapia. at Sh250. The farmers will get at least Bunyore Livestock Co-operative Society is one of the cooperative societies stock and hatch fingerlings in large scale eggs and newly hatched fingerlings will Sh240million and this will go a long in the county. Located in Luanda Sub County,the society held a sensitization and supply to the farmers at a subsidised be transferred from the breeding ponds Munala said in the 2017/18 financial year, way towards improving their economic meeting to the farmers. price. to an indoor hatchery for incubation a total of sh17million was allocated to status,” said Mr Njau. According to the for a period of 21 days before they are the project and in the 2018/19 fiscal year, Directorate of Fisheries, there is a ready Vihiga governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo outlined the ongoing plans to revive dairy The project is located at Mwitoko Farm, a transferred to the nursery ponds for another Sh10 million has been pumped market for fish at leading local markets societies within the County one of them being distribution of 150 dairy cattle 14-acre parcel of land, also in Luanda Sub growing to marketable fingerlings. into the project so that the county can in Luanda town, Mbale, Chavakali, and in two phases to farmers groups to increase milk production in the financial County and has 31 large fish ponds. raise enough fingerlings and boost fish Shamakhokho, Maseno and even year 2017/18 and 2018/19. “At the hatchery, we will be changing farming in the county. Kakamega and . According to Governor Ottichilo, the few Vihiga County’s annual milk requirement is about 60 million litres but produces farmers in the county after harvesting only half of this. The County is also in the process of purchasing motorbikes to fish, they always experience the problem enable extension officers move around with ease to help farmers. of getting fingerlings and in case they manage to get them, they are of poor The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives has also quality and expensive. prepared a Co-operative Entreprise Fund bill that is awaiting County Assembly approval so as to aid in strengthening Cooperative societies within the County “We are revamping the fisheries sector Gallery in terms of funding. and we are mainly concerned with Agriculture aquaculture which is slowly picking. Currently, we have at least 1,634 farmers who have engaged themselves in fish farming activities which are mainly carried out in ponds that were started under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) in 2010-2013,” said Ottichilo.

Dr Ottichilo said the 1,200 fish ponds in the county cover a total area of 45 hectares with the main fish cultured being Nile Tilapia and Catfish, saying that Nile Tilapia is preferred by the farmers as it grows faster and its tolerant to diseases. Wilson Munala, the County Director of An old woman receives subsidized fertilizer and Vihiga Governor addressing Bnyore Livestock Cooperative (BULICO) Fisheries, in an interview, said the 10 out seeds from Vihiga governor Dr.WIlber Ottichilo. Governor Ottichilo gives Samuel Ndere subsidized fertilizer at Emuhaya. stakeholders in Emabungo ward. of the 31 fish ponds at Mwitoko Fish... Farmers only paid 500 instead of 1,800. 37,900 farmers benefited from the fertilizer bought at a cost of 70M.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 18 19 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE MUCH AWAITED FIRE ENGINE ARRIVES

Response Vehicle (TOYOTA D-MAX) at a cost of sh. 15 million which will help access remote areas. Vihiga governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo termed it as a step towards the realization of his flagship projects in the county. “Vihiga residents now have a fully equipped and functional fire engine to help in mitigating fires together with the rapid response vehicle.” Said ‘Guraaanduka nooooo’ I guess these Away from the crowd, away from the governor Wilber. were the words coming from the mouth security but they were not away from Now if you don’t find our Chief of Staff Residents in the county did not hide of our Ag. County Secretary our camera. Our governor and his Noah Okaya in the office, you know their joy upon getting the good news Philip Gavuna. deputy having a chat. where to find him. Interacting with common mwananchi. citing it as a relief since the county has been hiring fire fighting services from Kisumu or Kakamega which because Newly bought fire engine and the rapid response to of distance sometimes arrived late as fight emergencies the fires cause more mayhem. “We will now not suffer by waiting for fire engine services from Kakamega he anticipated fire fighting 6*4BB-WW) which costed the County and Kisumu, fire will be extinguished engine is finally in Vihiga sh.57.6 million was purchased from faster and easier,” said Eunice Amuko, County to help in fighting fire Australia and will cut down numerous T a market vender in Mbale Municipality. disasters in the county. loses of property incurred in the past due Vihiga becomes one of the counties in to fires. The 10,000 litre capacity fire the Lake Region Economic Block to machine make (MAN33.360 T The county had earlier purchased a Rapid have such a modern fire engine. Love for Children - As other officers from the commumication department were busy taking photos here, videos there; these two were having a father-child moment during their fieldwork in Hamisi. Talk of class friendship.His Excellency could not worry Transport & Infrastructure about safety of his fingers. in Pictures

Construction of high mast light ongoing at Serem market Onyl heaven knows the joke that almost broke mheshimiwa Bagada’s ribs.

Vihiga Governor trying to balance fibre made commodity as his deputy seems to enjoy each and every bit.

Wait..I can imagine the speed at which our chief of staff flied to save ESRI desktops from crushing. Otherwise we could be counting losses. Completed Ondeyo PAG- Water Supply - Siloya road Construction of Endeli-Tsimbalo road

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 20 21 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER WATER AND ENVIRONMENT WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

Speaking during the public participation, Vihiga Governor said... Water Projects County’s Plan to Reclaim that the county has 9.7% coverage of trees including bamboo according to the ministry of Environment and Forestry. 1. Nang’oli water project – Luanda South ward (on-going) Riparian Land through 2. Esirulo – Emalindi water project – Central Bunyore (on-going) “We as a county are even planning to pass the 10% mark and 3. Ebunangwe water supply – North East Bunyore ward (on- get to 15% in terms of tree coverage so as to enhance our going) Bamboo Plantation environment” Central Maragoli ward (stalled) 4. Chango water supply – CS Tobiko also gave out seedlings to students of Esibila Secondary Lugaga/wamuluma ward (on-going) 5. Mbihi water supply – School in Emuhaya during the World Metrological day that came Gisambai ward (on-going) 6. Gaga water supply – after that public participation for planting at homes. 7. Chapsaga water project – Banja ward (on-going) 8. Chekombero water project – Busali ward (completed and to Chief Officer in charge of Environment, Water, Energy and be commissioned) Natural Resources Dominic Luvavo said that the environment 9. Mang’ong’o water project – South maragoli ward funded by committee that was sworn in has been trained on howto the World bank was completed and commissioned. approach the process of reclaiming the riparian lands in the 10. Ebunangwe water project - on-going. Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo and Environment CS county. having a look at items made from bamboo In Vihiga we already boast of a son of the land who discovered and is reaping from the myriad benefits of bamboo. Victor Mwanga, Shamakhokho resident who is the leading bamboo farmer in Vihiga produces more than 1,500 products from the bamboo tree such as chairs, desks, baskets, toothpicks, charcoal brickets among others.

Bamboo plantation

ihiga County is distributing bamboo seedlings to World Meteorological Day farmers to help reclaim riparian land and river beds in A Student of Chekombero primary school enjoying clean water Vthe county. In tandem with that, the county through from chekombero water project. the department of Environment, Water, Energy and Natural Recourses will set up a 20 acres bamboo seedling nursery in Kibiri forest. Out of 20,000 seedlings expected to be planted, 1,000 have been given to Lake Victoria North Water Board Service to plant along the river beds that give water for distribution in the county by the organization since bamboo purifies the water.1000 more seedlings were given out during the world Forest day to be planted in the rehabilitated Maragoli hills to revive the scenic place. More seedlings will be given to the Technical and Vocational Institutions offering the bamboo curriculum for purposes of educating the students during County’s Minister for Water and Environment Prof. Enonda Environment CS Keriako Tobiko and Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber this rainy season. 1000 bamboo seedlings will be planted at Mwanje addressing people Ottichilo together with other national and county officers Ebusiekwe hill. Construction works at Kaimosi water project.Its among the 1.7B Belgium water projects that will serve 195,000 Public participation forum on draft National Bamboo Policy households in Vihiga. 2019 was held in the county on March 22nd 2019 and graced by Cabinet Secretary in charge of Ministry of Environment & Forestry, Keriako Tobiko to educate the community on importance of bamboo. It’s in this spirit that the county will partner with the National government to improve bamboo farming for both home and commercial use. It’s through the policy that the government will partake in; allocation of at least 10 percent of overall annual budget to promote bamboo plantation, promotion of bamboo planting in riparian lands and in watershed management in line with prevailing wetlands policy and regulations, mandate block farming of bamboo on Forest Governor Ottichilo Construction works ongoing at Maseno water project. land above 30-degree slope along with deep-rooted trees having a chat with Maseno,Kaimosi and Lunyerere are Belgium water projects. and planting of bamboo as farm boundaries and in terraces reknown metrological in farm land... news anchow Ngwata Francis

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 22 23 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR GUEST WRITER

Your Question to the GOVERNOR VIHIGA RISING In this segment, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber here is a famous Nigerian quote has improved, equipped and staffed sub Ottichilo answers questions from Vihiga Residents. that says something like, if you do county hospitals. For instance, for the Tnot know where you are coming first time Vihiga Referral Hospital has a CT from, you don’t know where you are Scan that has reduced patient’s burden of 1. Governor, The Wasundi-Kigama road students. We also recently launched the cooperative. As much as we urge heading to, you can’t get lost. This saying visiting other counties. is in a horrible state, when will it be Governor’s Scholarship program that farmers to take their milk there, we are would appear to be an apt reference to rehabilitated? fully sponsors the education of needy distributing milk coolers in each sub many counties in the country. The efforts in the health sector are Nerbert Amahaya – North Maragoli students from our communities, from county to strenghten milk production. buoyed by Otichillo Care programme form one to four. The state of confusion under which most that gives material and financial help to Hello Herbert, the Wasundi-Kigama road One of the agendas in my manifesto counties operate makes it difficult for one women who deliver from county health has been eroded and is in a bad state 4. Can we have piped water in Mwibona was revitalizing cooperative movements to undertake an honest assessment and facilities. yes but the department of transport to address frequent water shortages? in Vihiga County. We have presented this explains why the few that have clear and Infrastructure has factered it in Amukoa James – Mwibona. a cooperatives bill to the assembly plans and strategies stand out even when These developments in the health sector this financial year’s budget for it to be that once approved and enacted into that for which they are being applauded are enough to convince the residents of rehabilitated. I kindly request for your Hello Amukoa,The Maseno water project county law will make the realization of does not amount to much. Vihiga that their government is working patience. is near completion. With it operational, this agenda possible.We have several for them. If the skeptic were to ask for the entire Mwibona ward will benefit development partners who are willing to Vihiga County is currently attempting to Prof. Herman Manyora more, he will find it in the county support Kindly lias with your area Member of greatly from piped water. We are also support in this endeavour but it has to have a clear trajectory that is set to see Political and Commumication for farmers; through award and proper County Assembly and give him other building Nang’oli water project with the start with creating capacity to supply the the county dine at table with the few Specialist. management of bursaries; through the roads that need to be rehabilitated to capacity of supplying the entire Luanda milk to warrant establishment of a milk success stories such as Kakamega and model ECD classrooms put up in each of done through the ward based projects. South, Mwibona and Luanda Township plant. Makueni counties. Looking at the County the wards; the elaborate investment in wards. With this project, we are looking Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) water that will see water in most parts 2. Mheshimiwa Governor, when forward to ensuring every homestead 7. When will the Emusire- Luanda road 2018-2022 read together with the County of the county; through financial support will the county Government give us has access to piped water. be completed mheshimiwa governor? Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) 2019/2020, for business men, women and youth and Trade Enterprise Funds to fund and Lawrence Kutieto – Central Bunyore. one sees a ray of hope for the county. Not much more. start businesses?” To ensure all this achievable and only do the plans look exciting but the Gladys Masiza – Shamakhokho sustainable in the long run, we have Thank you Lawrence for this question.The evidence of what is already taking place More development can be seen through revitalised Amatsi water services that will Emusire-Luanda road is a project under on the ground is encouraging. infrastructure works where the county Hello Gladys, the Trade and Enterprise be managing water schemes and water Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) of The county is succeeding in government, working with MCAs has board is already in office (sworn in on supplies in Vihiga County. the National Government. However, the However, the county is lucky because actualizing development and embarked on major road construction 24th January 2019). The board will be County Government is a key stakeholder its people driven development makes it in so doing even the most throughout the county, including in charge of disbursing the funds for 5. We get difficulties when patients are interested in the expedient completion easier for people to accept change even skeptical are beginning to opening up hitherto inaccessible villages. empowerment of micro and medium in critical condition and require quick of the project without compromising the when such a change seems painful at first. change their mind. And one could go on and on. Of course, enterprises from 13th May 2019. attention. Can the department of expected quality of the work. My office The county is succeeding in actualizing more needs to be done but given that health get an ambulance in this area? has been in constant communication development and in so doing even the the county government is operating with The fund has KES 33 million. The criteria Kelvin Oyele – Luanda South with KERRA and the contractor to ensure most skeptical are beginning to change and within clear plans, I have no doubt for application are already in public the completion of the road in good time. their mind. And there is good reason for our better days are ahead. domain. Currently the county government has renovated and equipped with some of the this. And I can bear testimony. best state of the art medical equipment; three ambulances domiciled at Emuhaya, 8. Governor, you said that we keep a new hospital plaza next to the referral This encouraging state of the county, 3. Governor, we are having a problem Hamisi and Sabatia Sub-county hospitals. worshippers in church daily from The county has, in a span of just over hospital is coming up; a modern funeral must be attributed to the great people paying school fees for our secondary We also have one at the County Referral Monday to Monday. Does this mean a year, dismantled corruption cartels, parlour is nearing completion and the of Vihiga county and to the steward. students. What is your plan to help Hospital. that you are neglecting pastors? ‘ dealt with ghost workers, worked on hospital is to benefit from a water Governor Otichillo has, within the short parents like me having a difficulty in Rev. Geoffrey Muhando – Central revenue collection and improved public infrastructure that is coming up. And the period that he has been at the helm, paying high school fees? In the 2019/2020 financial year budget, Maragoli. participation in county affairs. shown that Vihiga can make it and with we have budgeted funds to acquire 2 county’s attention to health does not the support of Vihiga people, he will It is not the prerogative of the County more ambulances one of which will Rev. Geoffrey Muhando,I know you stop there. In terms of development, the county has deliver Vihiga. It is for this reason, that I Government to pay school fees be domiciled in Luanda Sub-county. understand 2 Thessalonians 3:10 which invested heavily in the health sector: see the people of Vihiga supporting their for students. However, the County We believe this will go a long way to says, “For even when we were with you, In an attempt to avoid congestion at the county referral hospital has been governor all the way beyond 2022. Government is well aware of the plight strengthening health emergency services we gave you this rule: if a man will not the county referral hospital, the county of needy and bright students who are in Vihiga County. work, he shall not eat.” I never meant to inhibited to continue their education offend church goers.I was encouraging due to poor economic backgrounds. For 6. Is it possible to have a dairy plant in Vihiga residents to be objective in their these students, the county government our county? respective religions.Even God rested for of Vihiga has availed the Vihiga County Philip Anguche – Luanda South one day after creating the universe for Education Fund (Bursary) to support in a six days.So Geoffrey lets have time for small way the parents/guardians of these Currently, we have Vihiga dairy everything inorder to help Vihiga grow.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 24 25 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER LANDS, PHYSICAL PLANNING AND HOUSING LANDS, PHYSICAL PLANNING AND HOUSING

First Government Kenya Urban Support Programme County to save millions paid in rent Projects being Implemented Campus in Western and after construction of Governor and Nyanza Region to be set up in Vihiga Deputy Governor’s residences

personal properties but that of the county. ‘This will be Vihiga’s state house.If we have high profile dignitaries or ceremonies the governor’s residence will be of great importance.’ Ottichilo said.

Brighton Atsiaya a worker at the ongoing erection of high mast floodlights in The County Boss also Kivagala North Maragoli tasked the contractor of the residences to be steadfast ix months after being sworn in, the people of Vihiga,” said the deputy Governor Laying foundation for in the exercise so as to beat Municipal Board of Vihiga County has chair of the board Dorcas Wodera. She Official Governor’s Residence at the deadline set by SRC. Construction started implementing its planned even outlined plans that the board has Endeli in Izava- Lyaduywa Ward of governor’s residence and that of his S deputy will cost a sh.148 million. projects as outlined in the Urban Areas once the installation of flood lights is and Cities Act and under Kenya Urban completed. On his part Vihiga deputy governor Dr. ihiga County is set to start saving Support Program (KUSP). Just recently, PatrickSaisi urged the residents Sabatia Some projects under KUSP are: a total of about Sh.2 million Governor Wilber Ottichilo together with West to utilise the available opportunities the Board Members conducted a ground yearly after commencement • Beautification of the major towns V that come with the construction of the of construction of The Governor’s breaking ceremony for construction of residences like labour and provision of within the Municipality- Landscaping and Deputy Governor’s Official high mast flood Lights at Majengo market. certain materials that can be supplied and Planting Flowers & Trees which residences. The county will save the Under KUSP, 15 highmast floodlights are locally. set to be commissioned and installed will add aesthetic value to our towns amount spent on rent for the county within the Municipality in areas like i.e Majengo, Mbale, Chavakali and bosses. He also noted that residents of the Chavakali, Mudete , Majengo, Mbale, Mudete. location where houses are built will have Governor Ottichilo handing over title available opportunities,” Said Governor Kiritu, Gisambai, Lotego and Kidundu. The residences’ construction will help an advantage on availability of water and • Upgrading of roads to bitumen deed for land where KSG Campus is to Ottichilo. Currently in the whole country standards as well as developing be built in Emanda to KSG Chair Prof. beat the deadline set by the Salaries enhanced security. “I will ensure that Majengo Market there are only five Kenya School of and Remuneration Commission (SRC) pedestrian walkways- this will Francis Kibera Government campuses in Embu, Matuga, becomes a secure and 24hr town as it has increase safety of residents on the to scrap off House Allowances for The always been the wish of Vihiga people,” Baringo, and Lower Kabete. County Bosses and their Deputies as Importance of a roads and improvement of he Kenya School of Government said Governor Ottichilo in his speech. accessibility in all seasons. well as County Assembly Speakers by GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE KUSP is a Sh.250 million programme (KSG) has started the process of In her remarks, Chief Officer Lands Lucy end of June 2019. • It can play host to dignitaries and funded by the world bank,with the aim • Provision of Garbage Compacting setting up a campus in Vhiga County Ijai applauded the residents on being T In March 2019, Governor Ottichilo high profile guests like other of beautifying and rehabilitating all the truck, Exhauster and Skip Loader to that will serve close to 13counties within vigilant on Public Land and protecting conducted a ground-breaking governors visiting the county urban centres in the county. manage both solid and liquid waste- the Larger Western and Nyanza Region. In parcels from encroachment. She noted ceremony for the construction of this will promote cleanliness in our January 2019, Governor WilberOttichilo that a KSG will impact on position growth • State functions can be hosted there official residences for the Governor The Governor was very particular in streets as residents will be officially handed over title deed for land of the surrounding area and Boyani for instance swearing in of the and his Deputy. This means the his remarks on matters of effective encouraged to dump solid waste in donated by the county for the campus centre will be planned for purposes of cabinet development by his government citing bins which will then be emptied on construction to KSG Chairman Prof. supporting such growth. residences will host every sitting that he had taken time since he came a regular basis. FrancisKibera. Vihiga Governor and his Deputy at • The governor may host meetings into office to master the proper ways of Endeli in IzavaLyaduywa andSolongo from there the same way the implementing projects for the people of • Construction of a wetland- this will While addressing press during the in Sabatia West respectively. President hosts meetings in State Vihiga and that the year 2019 is time for assist in improving liquid waste function at Emanda in Central Maragoli House The SRC Act stipulates that the action. The Governor tasked the Board management in Mbale town. The ward, Ottichilo urged the area residents • It will act as a unifying county governor,deputy governor and the Members to fast track the exercise as wetland will clean liquid waste from to grab opportunities like provision of symbol. money for Municipality projects is readily the main septic tank at the prison labour during the construction as well speaker of the County Assembly enjoy available. area & ensure the water emptying as employment opportunities in the a benefit of accommodation/ house • It will be for posterity. It will be into the river is safe for human institution once it is complete. “This allowances at a radius of less than home for future governors 8km from the County Headquarters. “Äs the Board members, we will ensure consumption. campus is meant to benefit you as the • Will enhance the urban landscape that these projects are well implemented residents of this area and it is my wish that Aerial view of land issued to the Kenya In his remarks, Governor Ottichilo of the municipality and environs as since we are working with a government Kenya School of Government puts you • Provision of fire hydrants at strategic School of Government at Emanda, Vihiga said that the homes are not their urban services are bound to improve that has well structured plans for the points in Mbale and Majengo. people as priority number one in the... Sub County.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 26 27 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER LANDS, PHYSICAL PLANNING AND HOUSING PICTORIAL 6th Annual Devolution Conference - 4th to 6th March 2019 PICTORIAL

Chief of staff Noah Okaya admires Vihiga map made from dried banana fibre in the county booth in Kirinyaga during Solongo Agribusiness students fish harvesting class at the devolution conferance. Magaret Ahona in her cow shed, She is among the beneficiary institution’s fish pond.The institution benefited from the county of dairy cow from the county government of Vihiga. government of Vihiga fingerlings and fish starter feed

Devolution CS Eugine Wamalwa takes a look at the aquaponic Paul Mbuni CECM incharge of Administration Coodination of Vihiga Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo with KMPDU leadership in system displayed by agricultural department during devolution County Affairs at the county’s booth during the devolution Deputy Governor washing a boy’s leg afflicted by jiggers in his office led by Dr Oroko Obegi(chair)and Dr. Oluga Ouma conferance Kirinyaga University. conference. Shiru (Sec Gen)

Vihiga Deputy Governor Dr.Patrick Saisi shakes hand with Vihiga County Assembly’s Speaker Hasna Mudeizi giving her Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru before a football match in A worker refurbishing county Staff houses in Sabatia. The submission in a forum during the devolution conferance. Kirinyaga during devolution conference. program is being carried out by the Department of Lands

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 28 29 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER TRADE TRADE

33 Million Loan to

Empower Bussiness People Streetlights A Conducive Boosting Businesses Environment

vailability of street lighting has enabled traders who established could not run their businesses late into the night for traders as Ado so and this is improving the economy as more income is generated. Business people who previously used to leave their work premises earlier are now running the Market Traders at Mbale market their businesses late into the night. Management ‘Previously, we left the market by 7pm. We were afraid of operations and this bill gives them an According to Geoffrey Vukaya, County enabling environment” said Dr Ottichilo. Executive Committee Member (CECM) Traders in vihiga subcounty being trained on how to access running our businesses till late because robbers thrived Bill is signed in charge of Trade tourism and Trade and Enterprise Funds in Vihiga Friends Church. under darkness, but when the streetlights became operational, we can now work up to 10 pm’, said Luke There will be established the market industrialization, the bill will seek to into law management committee under the bill ensure market days are gazetted for the usiness people in the will then be submitted to desk Chabuga, a businessman in Cheptulu market. which will develop income generating different markets and tenancy agreement county have always cited officers who will be stationed programs to maintain the markets, aid in for all stalls are established to ensure lack of capital as the in every sub county office and “My business has improved since these lights were B installed because I can work till late. Some time back, I had running social amenities in the markets, proof of ownership for each stall exists. main hindrance to the growth later be vetted and presented provide orderly manner of movement of and establishment of small to the trade and enterprise to leave the market earlier, this is not the case anymore’, persons and traffic transporting goods to “We’ve not been having legal market days and medium enterprises. fund board for approval. Said Mary Abukuse, a trader from Mwicho market. arkets in the county are expected to develop and grow the market and provide liaison between in our 314 markets but now this will be the traders and the directorate of trade clearly defined in our law, the regulations It is now expected that The forms will be made Insecurity Mrapidly as the county embarks and markets. will guide on when and how to increase business in the county will accessible to all interested Insecurity which has been a menace to the traders and on promoting trade and local economic rent basing on economy variations” said develop and grow rapidly after individuals who meet the loan other residents has greatly reduced since the installation development under the trade and market The directorate on the other hand will Vukaya. the empowerment of traders requirements on an ongoing of the street lights. management bill. promote and develop small businesses by through disbursement of the basis since the fund is a providing business support and advisory Market development under the bill will trade and enterprise funds. revolving one. Facts Speaking after signing the bill into law, The funds will be given to - Installation of streetlights is a Memorandum of Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the bill will services to traders. It will promote inter be enhanced through; building modern small and medium enterprises Successful loan applicants Understanding (MOU) between the County uplift trade through available markets. trading with other counties and represent markets, renovating and maintaining before June 2019. will be given loans by the Government, the national government and “we have never had a law governing matters of trade affecting the county at existing markets, providing lighting and trade and enterprise funds Kenya Power. how trade is undertaken in our markets, various discussion forums. It will also modern sanitary facilities, assisting in It will be a revolving fund board in partnership with our markets have been free for all but sensitize the public on laws relating to proper coordination of market elections whereby successful loan equity bank. The county - The County government is mandated to ensure with this bill now our markets are going fair trading and consumer protection and mobilizing the private sector to applicants will have to repay government has allocated proper maintenance of the streetlights and payment of to be organised, people using the markets and ensure traders get access to suitable participate in county development their loans for others to Ksh. 33 million for the traders electricity bills. will have a clear way of carrying out their funding by the government or donors. programs. benefit “I want to tell traders who were first trained on how that this fund belongs to them to access the funds and get an - installation of streetlights is an ongoing project and and it will be a revolving fund understanding of the modality markets that still lack lighting will have lights installed. that will attract interest but at of payment. The least amount a lower rate, so that as they of money that will be given to return, others can get access an individual applicant will be Trade to the funds” said Pamela ksh10, 000 and Ksh 50,000 to Pictorials Amunga, a board member people in groups. during the training of traders at Vihiga Friends Church. Group Loans Any small and medium Individual Qualifications enterprise owners are eligible Applicants, both group and to benefit from the fund if individuals, will be required to they have a lawfully registered download the forms from the group with a viable business county government web page, plan, are a lawfully registered which they will fill, attach society with a majority of their a business proposal and a operations and membership current single business permit in Vihiga County and can Street lights in Mbale.They were installed to boost or a registration certificate for provide security as may be county’s security and economy. A bodaboda shade at Cheptulu, Hamisi Subcounty.The county A weighing scale in a butchery.Weight and measures bill was people in groups. The forms specified. Government is constructing the shades for bodaboda riders. passed to help consumers against con traders.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 30 31 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER SPORTS, YOUTH, GENDER AND SOCIAL SERVICES SPORTS, YOUTH, GENDER AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Hope for Vihiga Teams as A New Dawn for People Vihiga Queens, the Reigning Women Premier County Launches Stadium with Special Needs in League Champions Construction Vihiga County ihiga County goes into historical The lads are also proud of having several books as a Home of various players who have earned national call VSports legends and a hub of talent up to Kenya’s Harambee Stars, the most development. Top on the sporting list is recent being the appearance of Centre football which attracts lots of supporters Back Benard Ochieng during the AFCON not just within but also out of the county. qualification match between Kenya and The County has produced some of the Black Stars of Ghana, a match that was most prominent soccer people in Kenya played in Ghana. like Joe Kadenge, who was East Africa’s Soccer legend known for ball juggling and United is currently at position 16 having scoring between 1956 and 1970. played 30 matches. Vihiga Queens Coach Alex As a result, the County Government has Alumira,Captain Enez Mango with Apart from sports, the County established female and male clubs namely The Governor, His Deputy, Sports Chief Government through the Department of Vihiga Queens and Vihiga United which Officer Agava Makhumbiri and CECM Gender, Culture and Sports has also been Hamisi Stadium Under Construction have risen above all ranks to participate with trophy sponsoring several cultural groups which in Kenya’s top football leagues i.e. Kenya have excelled in various competitions he Construction works at Hamisi stadium has kicked Women Premier League (KWPL) and across the country. For instance, off. The stadium, located in Gisambai Ward-Hamisi Sub Kenya Premier League (KPL) respectively. Chavakali Friends Choir emerged the best TCounty will consist of a main stand, changing rooms, Established in 2014, Vihiga Queens was group choir during the 92nd Kenya Music perimeter fence, the main playing ground and it is expected the first ladies team to participate in the Festivals with Jitahidi Farmers Women to accommodate close to 15,000 people, costing the County Nation-wide Division Women League and group being crowned as the best cultural Government 35 million in the first phase. Gisambai Ward MCA who is also the Vihiga County later on became champions to qualify group during the same competitions. Assembly Gender Committee Chair handing over the for the Kenya Women Premier League in Apart from football, the arena will also play host other sporting Disability Bill to Gender CECM 2015. Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi speaking activities such as Rugby, Volleyball, Netball, Boxing among during the presentation of trophies others with adequate lighting systems and standard facilities. After a spirited fight, the team won the by various champions from different eople With Disability in Vihiga will now be fully In his remarks while launching the works in April 2019, Vihiga 2016/17 KWPL title and successfully Vihiga United Group Photo in Away Kit competitions to the county governor recognized and have easy access to services.This is Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said that sporting teams within defended the trophy in the 2017/18 Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, said that the bill after Vihiga Governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo assented to the county will experience a new chapter after completion of P season. Queens,maybe as their name once signed into law will bring to an end the Disability Bill. the stadium. He also issued a stern warning to greedy and alludes, is also the first club in Kenya to The coach, Alex Alumira on his part notes hitches normally experienced whenever incompetent contractors who disappear with money and have sent players or call them Queens that since the county government started it comes to financially supporting these ‘As the Governor, I will ensure that this bill is implemented abandon their projects to keep off from development projects to Sweden for trials and brags of having sponsoring the girls, a lot has been groups. effectively and that the disabled get equal opportunities in the county. more than 7 ladies playing for the Kenya realized with most ladies having cleared in my government. ,’ Dr. Ottichilo said. National Women Football team. their colleges and university school fees ‘As government, we shall continue ‘Those contractors who are not capable of executing their works through the salaries they earn as Queens supporting all these talents because they accordingly should surrender to those in a position to perform. Naomi Mandela,Nominated to represent the disabled in According to Ainez Mango, the team’s Players of the team. also make us proud as a county and fly We shall also blacklist them,’ Said Ottichilo. Once complete, the Vihiga County Assembly stated that Vihiga County now captain, the county has created a source our flag out there. ‘Dr. Saisi said. stadium will become a home playing ground for Vihiga United becomes second after Kisumu to have passed Disability of income and talent development Their male counterparts, Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens football clubs who are playing their premier Bill. especially for those who come from were able to survive from relegation league matches in Bukhungu and grounds respectively. disadvantaged families. Mango also having finished position 12 with 41 points Vihiga Queens Captain Ainez Mango appreciated the County Mandela also outlined that once effective, there will appreciates the financial support despite first time appearance in the Government for the noble initiative, stating that it will go a long be formation of a Vihiga County Board for Persons especially on matters of education. 2017/18 KPL season. way in saving time and costs spent in Kakamega’s Bukhungu With Disability to advocate amongst other issues 5% stadium during trainings and matches. representation of the disability especially in matters to do with employment. ‘At least other teams will now come to Vihiga to play their away matches, unlike the current routine where we visit them. The board will also ensure that the welfare and issues to I want to applaud our governor for this great stride that will do with the disability are handled accordingly. also enhance nurturing of talents in the county,’’ Emphasized Mango. The same sentiments were echoed by her counterpart This, she said will ensure equitable distribution of Deputy Governor Dr. for Vihiga United, Patrick Okulo, upsounding that it will enhance opportunities to people with disabilities. Patrick Saisi having great performance. Once complete, this will be the first a chat with Pheobe stadium in Vihiga County.Moreover,the county is also leveling Inattendance was the Vihiga County Assembly leadership Owiti, Mercy all playground in the county.One in each sub-county.This is in a led by The Speaker Husna Mudeizi and members of the Anyango and Enez Vihiga United’s striker Luvanda in a bid to promote talent and sporting activities. County Executive Committee. Mudeizi of Vihiga tussle for the ball with Zoo FC Queens Captain Ligare

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 32 33COUNTY | COUNTY NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER | 33 FINANCE SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF PROJECTS IN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DEPARTMENTS ‘‘Public participation is a constitutional requirement whose main aim is to encourage the public to have a meaningful input into decision making process in 9. Hakidohi –Tambua budgeting.Vihiga residents in all the five subcounties HEALTH SERVICES EDUCATION were given a chance to give their views on 2019/2020 10. Mumboha - Luanda T/ship budget. The exercise helped in boosting democracy by 11. Ebusatsi - Luanda T/Ship letting people say the kind of services they need. The COMPLETED COMPLETED county government of Vihiga carries out this exercise to 12. Kaimosi – Muhudu also improve transparency and accountability in decision 1. Enzaro health center 1. Renovation of classes and domitory at 13. Jebrongo - Gisambai making process of budget making process and also Residents of Luanda Sub County increase public confidence in the government.’’ Livingstone 2. Gamei dispensary Keveye VTC 14. Jeblabuk – Gisambai listening to 2019 - 2020 budget public Imbayi - Chief 15. Mahanga – Shiru participation at Mumboha A.C.K in April. 3. Egago dispensary 2. Puchasing of Motor Vehicle at Officer, Finance 4. Cheptulu dispensary Gimomoi VTC 16. Chambale – Mungoma 5. Mulundu dispensary 3. Supply of Furniture To All VTC 17. Busweta - Busali 6. Shiru health center 4. Supply of KSRAT tools to all Public 18. Ebukhaya - C/Bunyore 7. Luanda dispensary ECDE 19. Kidinye - C/Maragoli 8. Jebrock dispensary 5. Supply of Stationery To All Public ECDE 20. Halombole - Chavakali 9. Kegoye dispensary Centre County 10. Renovation of sabatia hospital 6. Supply of Electric Circuit At Keveye VTC ONGOING ECDE CLASSROOMS 11. Renovation of Vihiga Refferal Hosp. 7. Construction of temporal structure at budget & 12. Kaptech dispensary Shiru VTC 1. Mbihi - Lugaga Wamuluma 8. Supply of Projectors and White boards 2. Chanda - Central Maragoli economic ONGOING PROJECTS to all VTC 3. Giviriri -Banja 9. Construction of Workshops at 4. Kapkoi - Banja forum 1. Construction of Hospital plaza Mwambeba VTC 5. Kibara - Izava/Lyaduywa kicks off work 2. Construction of county blood 10. Supply of KLB Books to all Public 6. Ondeyo - Izava/Lyaduywa transfusion center ECDE Centres 7. Kegondi - Sabatia West 8. Kisatiru - Sabatia West done by the governor. Speaking on behalf 3. Completion of Bugamangi dispensary 11. Supply of Car Spare parts to VTCs of the forum, renown political analyst 4. Renovation of; 12. Supply of Stationery to all VTC 9. Itengi - C/Maragoli Prof. Herman Manyora, said that the a. Emuhaya Sub county hospital 10. Esivembe - Luanda South team will assist the county on budgetary matters for it to serve vihiga residents b. Hamisi Sub county hospital COMPLETED ECDE CLASSROOMS 11. Ebusamba - Luanda South fullthroto. 12. Wamakale - Emabungo Members of the County Budget and Economic Forum inspecting Doctor’s Plaza c. Kisirui dispensary at Vihiga Referral Hospital when they had their first meeting ‘‘If what we have seen today at the d. Mulele dispensary 1. Mutiva – Banja 13. Waluka - Emabungo hospital in terms of development and e. Esirulo dispensary 2. Chugwi - N/Maragoli 14. Ebuhando - Emabungo facilities,not forgetting cleanliness is 15. Givigoi - Gisambai eing a requirement outlined in In Vihiga, the forum which was unveiled anything to go by,then I believe we are f. Kimwenge dispensary 3. Enanga - S/Maragoli Section 137 of the Public Finance on 8th November 2018 held its first on the right track.’ Said Manyora. g. Viyalo dispensary 4. Mundichiri - C/Bunyore 16. Vokoli - Wodanga meeting on 25th of February 2019 Management (PFM) Act, each 17. Ebiba - Wodanga B The mandate of the forum is to provide h. Evojo dispensary 5. Ebulondi - C/Bunyore county is required to establish a County with an aim of oversighting the county Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) that leadership within the executive. means of consultation by the county i. Esava dispensary 6. Simbi - Tambua 18. Esibeye - Mwibona comprises of The Governor, His Deputy, government on the preparation of county j. Kidinye dispensary 7. Gamaragwa -Tambua 19. Kigunga - Chavakali the 10-member County Executive As a way of kick starting their duties, the plans,matters relating to budgeting , Committee and representatives from team visited the County Referral Hospital economy and financial management at k. Ebuhaya dispensary 8. Kinu -Tambua 20. Kitulu - Mungoma various groups and institutions. to assess completed and ongoing works the county level and accountability.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 34 35 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER SUMMARY SUMMARY

21. Musunguti - Mungoma 4. Tea,coffee,ovacado plaNTING - Kituru – Gavugogo 5. Piping of muhanda water project 22. Ebusiekwe - Central Bunyore COURTESY CALLS 5. Supply of tea seedlings and coffee - Chavogere –Maganyi 6. Rehabilitation of water springs 23. Sitiru - Sabatia West - Mwibona –Esiandumba 24. Vihiga - C/Maragoli TRANSPORT AND - Nyabera Got-Kabindi - Mungoma -5 25. Wanondi - Chavakali INFRASTRUCTURE - Iyennge Gahumbwa - Luanda south -13 26. Gaigedi – Wodanga - Ivona – Madeya - Izava Lyaduywa -5 COMPLETED - Bumira – Bumavi - Wamuluma-5 NOTE: We have more than 75 ECDE - Epungu- Omucheyi-Mwikaka - Tambua -7 classes under construction which are 1. Provision of fire engine and rapid - Muyekhe –Epanga - Gisambai-4 ward based. response vehicle - Ebukhuliti – Elubobe - Busali -10 2. Installation of lightning arresters - Wawan- Kipsigori-Givogi - Central Bunyore -5 ON-GOING WORKS IN TVETS 3. Completed Simbi- Sawmill road - Mwangu- Emukusa - Banja -10 4. Completed Mugaza – Chamasilihi – - Digula – Kikuyu I. Rennovation of Emmukunzi VTC Lunyerere road - Mukhalakhala –Ematete ON-GOING II. Rennovation of Solongo VTC - Wadenge – Hambale III. Construction of a domitory at ON-GOING - Chavakali – Solongo • Lunyerere water project Ebukhuya school for the deaf - Ngomongo- Wandaye • Maseno water project IV. Renovation of classes at Kaimosi VTC 1. Construction of high mast lights - Jivuye – Mwibona –Mulundu • Kaimosi water project V. Rennovation of domitories and 2. Mechanical unit - Rufus Andeb Opua • Rehabilitation of maragoli hills administration block at Maseno VTC 3. Construction of bridges - Lyanaginga – Buhani • Nang’oli water project 4. Roads under Rehabilitation - Okanga Banda • Esirulo – Emalindi water project AGRICULTURE, FIESHERIES, - Serem –Mpaka • Ebunangwe water supply It was all smiles when former Rarieda member of parliament Nicholas Gumbo met LIVESTOCK & COOPERATIVES his former counterpart, now Vihiga Governor Dr.Wilber ottichilo. - Chango-Idunya - Wambura –Enzaro • Mbihi water supply - Ebulanda – Ebusikhale - Esibila church of God • Gaga water supply COMPLETED - Emmayoka –Ebusikhale - Givole junction –Kaguli • Chepsaga water supply - Emmukunzi –Emmanyinya - Lwangale river crossing • Distribution of piping for Mang’ong’o 1. Distribution of Dairy cows - Kivagala – Mulundu road - Gisambai –Givogi water project 2. Supply of incubators and brooders - Igakala – Chavufunya – Upper • Equipping vigina primary school 3. Mukhalakhala Slaughter Visiru ENVIRONMENT, WATER, borehole 4. Ovacado seedlings - Womulalu – Chanzaluka – MINING & NATURAL • Equipping of Eregi junction borehole 5. Coffee pulper Kidundu RESOURCES • Pipping of Standkisa – Viyalo – Kilingili 6. Supply of green houses - Elongo primary- Munugi market primary-Hammadira COMPLETED • Rehabilitation of Five springs Central ONGOING - Esikhupa –Irumbi Maragoli - Igunga secondary – Lunyerere 1. Mang’ong’o water project • Drilling and equipping borehole at 1. Supply and delivery of dairy goats - Womulalu chanzaluka kidundu 2. Chekombero water project Banja 2. Mwitokho fish farm - Kapchamwani –lwombei 3. Gisambai Majengo water project • Drilling of borehole South West 3. Vaccination of animals - Anasnaga – Emunyenyi 4. Ilungu toilet Bunyore

UN Habitat team led by Head of the Youth Douglas Ragan(in half-coat), Project Management Assistant Linus Sijenyi(in blue trouser) and Technical support officer Kelvin Keya when they paid the Governor a courtesy call in February.

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 36 37 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER SUMMARY EDITORIAL TEAM

• Piping at Kaptech • Construction of Official ONGOING PROJECTS • Matsigulu water project Residences for the Governor & • Piping of Ebusakami water project the Deputy Governor. 1. Construction of markets • Bumbo - Shamakhokho water project 2. Construction of bodaboda shades • Construction of a raised tank at Kima 2. Projects under the Kenya Urban 3. Completion of works at Wemilabi market Support Program market 4. Slabbing of Luanda mama mboga Team LANDS, PHYSICAL PLANNING • Supply of one Garbage market AND HOUSING compacting truck 5. Murraming of Cheptulu, Kilingili, • Supply of 10 tonne exhauster. Mudete market COMPLETED PROJECTS • Supply of 10 tonne skip loader. 6. Construction of toilets in Mudete, • Fabrication, transportation and Ekwanda and Cheptulu 1. Geospatial Technologies System installation of garbage bins. 7. Constructing a high mast flood light at Labarotary at the County • Design of Vihiga Municipality Kima market Headquarters and Sub County access roads, footpath and Offices. flood water drains at Majengo, SPORTS, CULTURE, YOUTH, Mbale, Chavakali and Mudete. GENDER, CHILDREN AND 2. Successful transfer of Title Deed to • Supply and installation of high SOCIAL SERVICES Kenya School of Government (KSG) mast lights. for Land at Emanda where KSG • Construction of waste water COMPLETED PROJECTS campus is to be constructed. wetland and biodigester. • Consultancy devices for o Leveling and grassing of Emukunzi ONGOING PROJECTS preparation of urban grounds. development plan. 1. Projects Directly funded by the County • Beautification of Mbale town ONGOING PROJECTS Government Phase 1 - Lwenya ground levelling in Sabatia. • Refurbishment of the roofing of TRADE - Hamisi Stadium construction in Hamisi. County staff houses - Development works at Kidundu Writers Graphics & Layout • Preparation of valuation rolls COMPLETED grounds. for Vihiga municipality and - Development works at Mumboha Clinton Amugune Denis Bill Humphrey Asamba Luanda Town council • 4 market shades in Luanda South stadium. Faith Kidiya • Fencing of select markets within • 1 market shade in North Bunyore - Leveling and fencing of Mahanga Lindah Mudaki the County • Bodaboda shades in Busali grounds. Hezron Misigo Sub – Editor • Establishment of GTS Lab and • 2 bodaboda shades - Luanda South - Levelling and construction of a shed at Malyn Adisa Francis Matika purchase of software. • 2 bodaboda shades - South Maragoli Ebusakami grounds James Mundia • Purchase of land for land • 2 bodaboda shades - Shiru banking in Gilwazi and Luanda. • 2 bodaboda shades - Banja Photography Chief Editor

Linet Nyagoha Victor Wetende

COUNTY NEWSLETTER | 38 39 | COUNTY NEWSLETTER The one and only new fire engine bought by the County Government to fight fire disasters.

Vihiga governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo carries baby Goldsyndicate Mudeizi born under the OttichiloCare program in Sabatia.Looking on are her parents.The program launched in December 2018 to encourage women deliver from hospitals had registered 2,500 women by April 2019.

To all our readers, We can’t thank you enough for your unending support and loyalty to this publication. You are the reason we passionately ink our pages just to make sure you are updated on all the developmental happenings in our beautiful county, 0038. Asante sana!

Talk to us through; [email protected], [email protected] County Government of Vihiga

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF VIHIGA, P.O BOX 344 – 50300, MARAGOLI