Tich Gi DongruokISSUE NO. 12 (1ST NOVEMBER 2018 - 30TH NOVEMBER 2018) Get to Know Your CountyWe must address moral decay among our youth-Rasanga to parents and church. Page 8

The Roads Board is also in the County to inspect various roads complete or under construction by Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority and Kenya National Highways Authority in the various counties of western region. Page 3

KSHS. 158 MILLION GRANT FOR SIAYA TO REHABILITATE ROADS

County referral hospital renal unit and ICU to start operating

Page 7. The County Government of Siaya health department has recruited a team of 70 health officers amongst them radiographers, clinical officers, nurses and many other specialized health practitioners who will be deployed at the county referral hospital and the sub county health facilities.

The KShs. 76.3 million Siaya County Bursary Fund for the Financial Year 2018/2019 is ready for disbursement and should be available in time for student beneficiaries as soon as a few pending issues are resolved including the proposed amendments to the Bursary Act 2018 awaiting approval by The County Assembly of Siaya - SEE PAGE 2

SIAYA COUNTY BURSARY FUNDS 2018/2019 ISSUANCE ROAD MAP UNVEILLED

DEVELOPMENT PLANS PROGRESS FUN AND MORE

SIAYA COUNTY STADIUM WILL BE READY FOR USE IN 44 WEEKS; RASANGA

In the 2018-2022 Siaya County Integrated Development Program, the County Government of Siaya has committed to improve sports infra-structure in the County with a view to increasing access for the citizens to ultra-modern facilities required for quality talents nurturing, develop-ment and exposure. SEE PAGE 11

WE MUST ADDRESS MORAL DECAY AMONG OUR YOUTH- RASANGA

25th November, 2018

H.E. Cornel Rasanga Amoth today urged parents and church to spend more time with their children and offer parental guidance during this festive season to avert cases of moral decay and teenage pregnancy in the society.

Following the unfortunate incident allegedly involving Ambira High School where a video was recorded showing outgoing form four students believed to be from the institution, disrespecting and saying unprintable words

about Education cabinet secretary Amb. Amina Mohammed and her Interior counterpart Dr. Fred Matiangi, Siaya Country governor H.E. Cornel Rasanga Amoth today sent a sounded a warning to students that such indiscipline will not be tolerated especially in Siaya.

He further warned that if investigation being carried out will lead to any shreds of cheating in the K.C.S.E exam then proper legal action should be taken against the perpetrators by the relevant authorities.

The governor was speaking today at Nzoia Worship Center in Bungoma where he requested the church, parents and care givers to

offer guidance and counselling to the youth.

H.E. Rasanga who was accompanied by Joseph Mboha Alego East MCA, Hon. Benard Mboha CECM Roads, Siaya County Chief of Staff Hon. Walter Okelo, chairperson Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industrial (KNCCI) Siaya County Mrs. Roseline Okumu, emphasized on adherence to rule of law and respect to the authorities and further asked the church to come up with youth programs that can keep youth busy and closer to God during this long Christmas break.

CONTENTS

To Advertise in this space, contact The Department of Communications, County Government of Siaya P.O. BOX 8 0 3, SIAYA, KENYA Email: - communication @siaya.go.ke

Page 2 The County NEWSLETTER

County Progress a. Public Service and Administration b. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries c. Education, Youth Affairs, Gender and Social Affairs d. Finance and Economic Planning e. Health and Sanitation f. Lands, Physical Planning, Housing & Urban Development g. Public Works, Energy, Roads and Transport h. Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts i. Enterprise and Industrial Development j. Water, Irrigation, Environment and Natural Resources k. General Pictoriall. Poetry Corner

SIAYA COUNTY BURSARY FUNDS 2018/2019 ISSUANCE ROADMAP UNVEILLED

28th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

The KShs. 76.3 million Siaya County Bursary Fund for the Financial Year 2018/2019 is

ready for disbursement and should be available in time for student beneficiaries as soon as a few pend-ing issues are resolved including the proposed amendments to the Bursary Act 2018 awaiting approval by The County Assembly of Siaya. The Bursary Act, 2016 was found wanting in law and is in the process of amendment.

The current bursary disbursement roadmap released by the Education department projects that all bursary both for the incoming form ones and the continuing students could be disbursed beginning January 2019 and finalized by end of February 2019. Applications for the bursaries is now open and forms can be accessed from the County Website being www.siaya.go.ke.

According to Siaya County Education Chief Officer Peter

Otieno, the bursary kitty is intact and have delayed in release until a proper bursary act and comprehen-sive committees handling the kitty at the ward and the County levels are in place and fully oriented on the requirements of the new act.

The Bursary Act Amendment Bill, 2018 has been subjected to public participation by the assembly this week and is earmarked for passage before the County Assembly proceeds on recess around 7th December 2018. This means that if the current pending matters are resolved and the law is in place, bursary awards could occur in time.

The proposed amendments on the bursary act creates The County Bursary Fund Board and stream-lines the verification, approval and disbursement of funds to learning institutions which have been contentious in the past. Further, the ward committee has been restruc-tured in the proposed amendments to address the representation of all relevant stakeholders in the education sector.

Speaking in his office on Tuesday this week, the Education Chief Officer told off rumor peddlers over the bursary kitty saying that most projects and accompanying resources for 2017/2018 were rolled over to the 2018/2019 financial year

and has been factored in the new budget thereby further explaining delayed disbursements hitherto. It will be remembered that no devel-opment funds have been disbursed to Siaya County by the National Treasury for eons thereby also delaying such programs like bursary disbursement.

“We have not yet mismanaged any funds as claimed by specific quarters and we are open to investigations by relevant govern-ment arms for verification,” said Mr. Otieno adding that “while we have been paying bursary through cheques from 2015 as earlierproposed by the County Assembly, the cheques idea has since been rejected by The Controller of Budget meaning that we will henceforth continue to directly transfer funds to learning institutions.”

His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth has recently given the same reassurance relating to bursaries disbursment. Addressing the public in Gem Sub County mid October 2018, the Governor had warned “people spreading very bad rumours about me. I cannot misuse money meant for the electorates. The bursary funds are there and will soon be disbursed fully. There is no single cent that will get lost or misused.”

Education, Youth Affairs, Gender & Social Affairs

KSHS. 158 MILLION GRANT FOR SIAYA TO REHABILITATE ROADS

26th November, 2018

Siaya County has received a conditional grant to a tune of KShs. 158 million from the Kenya Roads Board, funds that will go

along way in mitigating the dilapidated conditions of Siaya roads seriously damaged by flash floods during the long rains in the early months of this year (March to May 2018)

As a result of the heavy rains, the county made a proposal for support through The National Government’s Flood Mitigation Program to the tune of KShs. 570 million.

In his remarks, while receiving officials from the Roads Board at Siaya County Headquarters to communicate about this grant, His Excellency Cornel Rasanga emphasized the need for incor-poration in the maintenance programs a labour based approach to ensure continuous maintenance of the already improved roads through long term engagement of youth, women and people with disability where appropriate.

The Governor also used the opportunity to make a special appeal for an emergency intervention for the reconstruction of Wuoroya bridge which is worn out and is posing a serious risk to the road users. The County Government has so far allocated a sum of KShs. 9 million in the current work plan and budget but which will be inadequate due to the expansive nature of the works.

Led by Engineer Jacob Ruwa, the Board Chief Executive Officer, The Roads Board is also in the County to inspect various roads complete or under construction by Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Kenya Urban Roads Authority and Kenya National Highways Authority in the various counties of western region.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS BOOSTED AS KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY OFFICES OPEN IN SIAYA, THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY

20th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth yesterday opened the local offices of the Kenya Revenue Authority, Siaya Office, and the first of its kind

nationally since the advent of devolved governments here in Kenya.

In an official opening ceremony held at the County Treasury office earlier today graced by Kenya Revenue Authority Chairman Ambassador Francis Muthaura, the Governor buttressed the central role of revenue collection in ensuring service delivery to the people of Siaya County.

The County level offices scheduled to be opened in all the 47 county headquarters in the long term aims at bringing the various services offered by the revenue authority closer to the people. Such services including tax returns, KRA PIN activation, tax payer registration and other KRA services will no longer be scouted at the national level, thanks to the new KRA Offices.

According to His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, the office will enhance the partnership between the County and the national government while boosting awareness among the citizenry on tax related matters and effective use of such tax as collected.

Ambassador Muthaura while addressing members of the public attending the office opening ceremony at the County Treasury emphasized the need for effective utilization of public funds to ensure revenues are effectively accounted for. This will motivate the tax payers to effectively timely pay their taxes according to the ambassador.

While lauding the Siaya Governor for spearheading proper and timely remittance of county taxes that recently saw the County awarded increased funding, the ambassador urged His Excellency to forward for prosecution any civil servants found with their hands in the public till. In his response,

His Excellency referred to the recent reorganization at the Finance Department and the current reshuffling at the Revenue Directorate as some of the latest measures underway to weed out corruption.

The Deputy Governor Dr. James Okumbe meanwhile reaffirmed the Governor’s commitment to effective use of public tax and enumerated some of the programs so far undertaken by the County Government of Siaya in the health, roads, water and education sectors as evidence of effective tax utilization to date.

Present at the three hour function were KRA Directors, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Siaya County Commissioner represented by Mr. John Sawe, Siaya County Executive Committee Members, Alego Usonga MP representative George Adeya, various senior Government officials and hundreds of members of the public.

Roads & infrastructure

Page 3 The County NEWSLETTER

SIAYA COUNTY CHOIR HEADS TO MERU25th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

The quality of set piece and cultur-al songs are expected to go high in Meru County as choirs from

various Counties throng the region to participate in the 3rd Kenya Music and Cultural festival.

Siaya County choir, community ohangla and cultural pieces have left for Meru to battle it out with equals from other Counties to hoping to win trophies, certificates and other honors.

According to Siaya county Director of Tourism Mr. Kennedy Oreyo, Siaya has sent strong choir, instrumentalists and cultural ohangla that is highly expected to not only earn the county trophies and certificates but as well a good name on the map.

“We last participated in the Kenya Inter County Sports and Cultural Association KICOSCA) games and Music festivals and we secured sixth position out of the 25 counties and we are now set for Meru and expects the best,” said Mr. Oreyo.

He added that the vetted, approved and endorsed lists of choir members has powerful voices that will bargain for top positions during the competition.

While emphasizing on importance of discipline among the team members during the event, Mr. Oreyo added that the participants are as well going to showcase Ramogi cultures through playing of ohangla, eight stringed instrument and theatrics performances.

“You are allowed to interact and com-pare notes in regard to developments but we urge you to stay calm, socialize and ensure peace prevalence from the start to the end of event, “ he said.

The choir trainers Mr. Joseph Ochieng, Mr. Chris Okello and Mr. Naboth Omondi have exuded confidence and trust in the choir adding that they will showcase their prowess at playing instruments, emphasizing on the tact, mastery, rhyme, timbre and authenticity of the instrumentation by the choir.

The five day event will see Siaya County present three songs including set piece Uzamenamena, Naifurahia Kenya, Glo-ria, which are all in very competitive categories.

Extras

Page 4 The County NEWSLETTER

HARNESSING THE INLAND WATERS BLUE ECONOMY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SIAYA

26th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

The potential linkages between the blue economy, sustainable develop-ment and economic growth is recog-

nized in the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development which focuses on enhanc-ing the economic benefits to the country from the use of marine resources including through the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.

According to United Nations Development Program, the blue economy integrates an innovative approach to the economic exploitation of the resources of oceans, lakes, rivers and other water bodies to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and preservation or improvement of livelihoods while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability.

It is highly acknowledgeable that Siaya County as part of the lake region boasts of a significant chunk of water bodies including the lake Victoria, lake Kanyaboli, a number of rivers, dozens of dams and wet lands. It is however quite challenging that the commu-nities living around these water bodies haven’t lived to the benefits of full sustain-able exploration of these water bodies.

As such there is need to harness the Inland Waters Blue Economy towards sustainable socio-economic development in the Lake Region through sustainable use and

conservation of water sources and resources since they present immense potential for economic development.

In line with the ongoing blue economy global conference in Nairobi involving large number of delegation from across the world, the county is therefore in a quest to continue formulating strategies and policies to mainstream the blue economy in the development plans. This is purposed to be achieved by effectively utilizing sub sectors of blue economy including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, leisure, culture, sports and tourism.

This has however been affected in the past by a vast number of challenges including maritime insecurity, piracy, water accidents and regional conflicts over water boundaries; overexploitation by man who largely and exhaustively depend on water resources leading to overfishing and indiscriminate mining of sand as well as encroachment by the surrounding communities; pollution; invasive alien species of plants and weeds such as hyacinth; weak legal and regulatory frameworks; negative impact of climate change; cross-border conflicts, not forgetting inadequate research and dissemination of research finding.

It is therefore in belief that the citizens can and will help the concerned stakeholders and authorities to in mitigating these challenges so as to properly manage and utilize the large water cover the county boasts of to help improve the economy of the county as well as that of the surrounding communities as we all strive to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Extras

Page 5 The County NEWSLETTER

WE WELCOME SUPPORT, REQUEST IT’S ALIGNED TO CIDP; RASANGA

10th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya Governor, has encouraged a team of consultants for Phillips Electronic

Company to align their support for the health sector in the County to the 2018 - 2022 Siaya County Integrated Plan.

The team from Poland on behalf of Phillips and Aseko companies paid a courtesy call on the Governor earlier yesterday in Siaya and expressed interest to support infrastructural development and Information Management Systems in the health sector within Siaya County.

The proposed infrastructure development would include construction of state of the art hospital facility from the ground up and equipment of level six hospital standards according to a presentation from the team to the Governor.

While welcoming the proposed investments, the Governor, however, emphasized the need for more elaborate discussions on such infrastructure investments to align them to the County Plan. Such further discussions could result to agreements to rather equip and upgrade existing health facilities like the current Siaya County Referral Hospital to level six instead of building afresh according to The Governor. The need to consult and agree with the treasury on new projects was also noted by His Excellency to avoid conflict with National Government on such plans.

The investments aimed at improving healthcare in Siaya will see the County emerge as a health tourism destination with neighboring counties within The Lake Region Economic Bloc acquiring specialized treatment from Siaya according to the Governor. Siaya Referral Hospital currently has a bed capacity of 285 and the expected investment could increase it to between 700 and 1,000 beds or construction of a similar size depending on future agreements.

If a new hospital infrastructure is agreed, Phillips Company proposes that the County register a company to run the institution and report regularly to The County Government of Siaya and Phillips. The company has experiences from Ghana and Zambia on such initiatives.

The Health Information Systems component of the proposed partnership with Aseko Company could see Siaya’s 142 health facilities interlinked in all registries and with the Kenyatta Referral

Hospital to consolidate health related data ofall Siaya County Residents. Such a system has the component of compiling patient history and tracking the health indicators of all citizens from a database.

Aseko has linked 600 hospitals in Poland and has a research provision in the Health Information System run on Oracle platform. The Governor encouraged the Siaya Health Management Team led by Executive Member Dorothy Owino to explore current community health strategy spear-headed by Nyamrerwa and see how to synchronize it with the Information Health Systems.

Other key leaders present at the briefing were the Governance Executive Hon. Rubik George, Governance Chief Officer Joseph Omondi, Governor’s Chief of Staff Walter Okello, Communication Director, Jerry William Ochieng among others.

INCREASED WATER AVAILABILITY REPORTED AS GOVERNOR CONDUCTS USER SATISFACTION ASSESSMENT

2nd November 2018

By Communication Directorate

There is a big difference lately. The SIBO water used to flow only once in a while but we now receive it more frequently. Even the response to

our complaints is more rapid. All households in our neighborhood have also formed a WhatsApp group where we share complaints and compliments with SIBO staff and the feedback cycle is super.” This is Mrs. Rozalyne Akinyi Ongayo of Mutumbu village, Malanga sub location, North Gem Ward in Gem Sub County, Siaya County addressing His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth when the Governor visited her homestead yesterday to assess customer satisfaction of water services consumption in Siaya County.

Mrs. Rozalyne is one of the hundreds of Siaya residents impressed with the increased efficiency in the water management system of the County Government of Siaya through Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Project. She is a household water connection client of the Siaya Bondo Water Supply Project running between Ndanu Falls in Gem Sub County to Sidindi ward with various reservoir tanks along the line stretching over 30 kilometers towards Ugunja Town from Yala Nyamninia water supply tank around Yala Town. The Siaya Bondo Water Supply Project from Ndanu Falls in Gem to Bondo and Siaya towns is 48 kms of water connection pipe from the source (Ndanu Falls). The water is pumped to Nyamninia high ground then to Bondo and Siaya towns to the east and Sidindi in Ugunja Sub County to the north.

The project that benefits up to 201, 258 individual residents of Siaya County was inspected yesterday by His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth after receiving complaints from a section of residents on underperfor-mance of sections of the water supply lines across the county. During this inspection and performance assessment visit, the Governor directed that water kiosks must immediately be constructed in all water containment tanks along the 48km stretch to allow consumers with inability to connect their households benefit from the water through the public kiosks. These kiosks will be managed by local community members and revenue generated used to improve water provision services for the benefiting community members. The Governor asked the Water Department working with SIBO to repair a pipe burst between Kodiaga and Sidindi within the following week without failure to enable supply resume to Sidindi area and its environs.

The Governor who was accompanied by his water Executive Eng. Adrian Ouma, several county government staff, SIBO staff and board members later visited various water pans in North Ugenya and West Ugenya wards where he directed immediate fencing and provision of bathrooms and water troughs for animal watering. His Excellency further asked the water Executive Eng. Adrian to ensure the water pan banks are properly forested to mitigate soil erosion and protect the water reservoirs. The Water Executive will also work closely with the locals in the formation of water management committees around the water pans.

Eng. Adrian, in the various stop overs through the tour, noted that the Water department has allocated up to KShs. 90 million in the 2018/2019 Financial Year to address the water challenges in the County and that the Governor’s directives would be affected pronto. “We have the money to revive water schemes and support water and environment programs along the water pans and we will continuously engage you on public participation fora to get input as that will enable you

own and manage the projects sustainably,” noted Eng. Adrian.

Apart from the SIBO Board Chairperson Madam Roseline Amuga and fellow SIBO Board members, Members of the Siaya County Assembly whose wards were visited including Hon. William Kinyanyi (Yala Township), Hon. Nick Ochola (North Gem), Hon. Fredrick Opanga (North Ugenya), Hon. Oduor Odongo (West Ugenya) and Joseph Wandera (Sidindi) also accompanied the Governor and regretted that Siaya was relying on horticultural food imports yet it had plenty of water in rivers and water pans that can be harnessed for irrigated agriculture and fish farming activities. Most of the MCAs who were present also sit in the “Project Implementation Committee of The County Assembly” and put the executive and SIBO directors to task on various matters during the tour.

Water, environment and natural resources

Page 6 The County NEWSLETTER

23rd November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

The County Government of Siaya health department has recruited a team of 70 health

officers amongst them radiographers, clinical officers, nurses and many other specialized health practitioners who will be deployed at the county referral hospital and the sub county health facilities.

The move according to Health and Sanitation CEC Mrs. Dorothy Owino, was dictated by the need to operationalize the county referral renal unit and the Intensive Care Unit, replace the members of staff who had since retired, and those who had been transferred to other counties.

During an orientation forum at the Siaya County referral hospital, Mrs. Owino urged the new team to be

extra ordinary professionals who can be considered assets to the health system. She added that as people called to help in the service delivery to the patients, there is need to work with a lot of passion, putting innovation and positivity in place as they deliver services to the people.

The CEC also emphasized the impor-tance of communication and friendly interactions with the patients during service delivery which includes, interpreting to them and guiding them whenever need be. On the same note, they were urged to comprehen-sively deliver services at any level of the facilities they may be posted.

On his part, the acting health Chief Officer Dr. Omondi Owino mentioned the shortage of staff to have previously led to unsatisfactory service delivery, hence having them join the system was a relief and an assurance of better service to be offered to the Siaya citizens.

Dr. Omondi also asked them to always interact with the monthly reports from the facilities and identify weak indicators thus work towards strengthening them. A friendly work-ing environment and respect to the colleagues was part of the discussion during the session. The recruits were also advised strongly never to exploit the clients, and to quests work with the guidance of the code of ethics and conduct in handling the patients.

The health director Mr. Oruenjo reminded them of the key attributes they needed to employ as they put their skills into use such as, good attitude, passion, creativity and innovation, not forgetting going out of their way to give their best.

The team is expected to report to their work stations on Monday. This will see the two major units, ICU and renal unit at the referral hospital operational, and a more efficient health system.

CLARIFICATION23rd November, 2018

In a story relating to Reproductive Health Indicators for Siaya County released by the Communication Directorate earlier in the week, some statistical and analytical errors were published. The errors are regret-ted and have since been clarified by the Department of Health as follows.

Siaya County Maternal and Child Health indicators have improved tremendously with first antenatal care services moving from 82 percent in 2017 to 88 percent in 2018 while fourth antenatal care have since moved from 45 percent in 2017 to 58 percent in 2018. Skilled delivery have also positively moved from 61 percent in 2017 to 67 percent in 2018.

Further, the achievements are attributed to the investments by The County Government of Siaya in partnership with World Bank, and implementing partners including AMREF. The efforts by Community Health Volunteers to create demand for Maternal and Child Health services has also been immense and significant in ensuring the achievements.

Although the department of health still faces challenges of staff shortage, the health facilities within the county are encouraged to use “Linda Mama” Funds, a national government initiative to engage qualified professionals on locum. The County has made tremendous strides in increasing access to primary health care services and communities should utilize these services. The health facility boards are encouraged to support the health staff in their facilities and also alert the management when they observe any irregularities.

Health and Sanitation

Page 7 The County NEWSLETTER

REFERRAL HOSPITAL RENAL UNIT TO START OPERATING WHILE THE ICU TO BE OPERATIONAL AS FROM JANUARY 2019

Education, Youth Affairs, Gender & Social Affairs

Page 8 The County NEWSLETTER

WE MUST ADDRESS MORAL DECAY AMONG OUR YOUTH- RASANGA

25th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

H.E. Cornel Rasanga Amoth today urged parents and church to spend more time with their children and offer parental guidance during this festive season to avert cases of moral decay and teenage pregnancy in the society.

Following the unfortunate incident allegedly involving Ambira High School where a video was recorded showing outgoing form four students believed to be from the institution, disrespecting and saying unprintable words about Education cabinet secretary Amb. Amina Mohammed and her Interior counterpart Dr. Fred Matiangi, Siaya Country governor H.E. Cornel Rasanga Amoth today sent a sounded a warning to students that such indiscipline will not be tolerated especially in Siaya.

He further warned that if investigation being carried out will lead to any shreds of cheating in the K.C.S.E exam then proper legal action should be taken against the perpetrators by the relevant authorities.

The governor was speaking today at Nzoia Worship Center in Bungoma where he requested the church, parents and care givers to offer guidance and counselling to the youth.

H.E. Rasanga who was accompanied by Joseph Mboha Alego East MCA, Hon. Benard Mboha CECM Roads, Siaya County Chief of Staff Hon. Walter Okelo, chairperson Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industrial (KNCCI) Siaya County Mrs. Roseline Okumu, emphasized on adherence to rule of law and respect to the authorities and further asked the church to come up with youth programs that can keep youth busy and closer to God during this long Christmas break.

SIAYA FIRST FAMILY MEETS OVER 20 STUDENTS UNDER THEIR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

26th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

Over twenty children currently sponsored privately by His Excellency Cornel Rasanga

Amoth and Her Excellency Rosella Rasanga in secondary schools across the County have committed to excel in their studies to in appreciation of the philan-thropy of the Governor and his family.

The students from across various wards in Siaya County were identified for support based on their humble backgrounds while bright and well performing in the ordinary levels of study. Drawn from as far as East Yimbo Ward, the students met at the Governor’s residence over the weekend to report back on their performances. They are currently studying in various schools including Alliance Girls, Maranda, Chavakali, Chianda, Rang’ala, Yala among others.

The Governor in his address to the students encouraged them to strive to become better human beings in future to

help those in need in future. “No matter your background, always believe in a better future,” posed the Governor while urging the students to remain open and consider themselves part of his family. Over 10 of the students scored above B+ in the 2018 end of Term three students in the various years of study right from Form One to Form Four.

“My mother never went to school but encouraged us to go to school to better our future. Consider yourselves my children,” added the Governor. His Excellency further directed the education Chief Officer Mr. Peter Otieno who was present in this occasion to organize tutorials and exchange programs to improve on subjects where difficulties are being experienced by the students. The Governor also committed to start supporting the students with basic needs beyond school fees.

While referring to the recent video that has gone viral allegedly of Ambira High School students showing moral decadence, Her Excellency Rozella Rasanga emphasized the place of discipline in better performance. “Assume the luxuries of fellow students who have more privileges than you while in school and concentrate on your studies,” she said.

Water, Environment & Natural Resources

Page 9 The County NEWSLETTER

100% WATER COVERAGE FOR SIAYA SCHOOLS AND MARKET CENTRES TOP GOVERNOR RASANGA’s LEGACY, TOUR REVEALS

23rd November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth, Siaya Governor has to-day inspected water infrustructure

installations in Osiko-Nambo (West Yimbo Ward), Got Abiero Water Reservoir (South Sakwa Ward), Gobei (North Sakwa Ward), Asembo-Ndori (East Asembo), Malele (South Gem) to verify the efficiency of water service provision within the County. During the tour that saw the Governor meet and engage wananchi on their satisfaction or otherwise with the Government’s water initiatives, various areas of improvement were noted by the general public this far.

While stressing the need for vigilance and continuous maintenance by County Govern-ment of Siaya officers of the water pipes and reservoirs along the water pipelines visited, the Governor addressed the members of the public at various stops and buttressed the central place of water provision in his legacy roadmap. His Excellency envisons 100% water coverage in schools and market centers of Siaya County by 2022.

Engineer Adrian Ouma who is the County Executive in the water docket and who spearheaded the tour activities while addressing the public reported that the government has allocated some KShs. 300 million in the 2018/2019 Financial Year to

increase water outreach to 90% of schools and market centers in Gem, Rarieda and Bondo sub counties. The water installations visited by His Excellency today have connect-ed water to Got Abiero Secondary School in South Sakwa Ward, Ndori Market in East Asembo Ward and Malele in South Gem ward just to mention a few.

His Excellency also lauded the efforts of partners working with the County Govern-ment to increase water access within the County including Trust Fund, USAID KIWASH which has rehabilitated Osieko Nambo Water Supply Scheme at a cost of KShs. 22 million, Lake Victoria South Services Board, Siaya Bondo Water Sanita-tion and Sewerage Company and the World Bank among others. The County Government of Siaya intend to support infrastructural rehabilitation of SIBO to the tune of KShs. 25 million in the 2018/2019 Financial Year.

Some 140 borehole have been sunk by The County Government of Siaya since 2013 as part of the efforts of the government to supplement the various water installations by partners within the County. Some KShs. 9 million have been invested in the Got Abiero - Mbeka water pipeline, and KShs. 12 million in the Malele water project in Gem Sub county to reach hundreds of citizens through water kiosks and direct homestead connections which His Excellency the Governor commissioned during this auspicious visit.

Accompanying the Governor apart from The Water Executive Eng. Adrian were Water Chief Officer Arthur Omollo, Siaya Bondo Water Company Board Members led by The Chairperson Roseline Omuga, Governor’s Chief of Staff Walter Okello, several Government Directors and senior Government officers.

SIAYA COUNTY LAUNCHES KSHS. 500 SUBSIDIZED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST PRODUCTION

21st November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

Siaya County Government in a joint partnership with International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Jean Plus Organization has launched subsidized

Artificial Insemination Technology services to help farmers upgrade their dairy breeds and improve milk production in Siaya County.

Apparently, Siaya County residents still rely on milk imports from Rift Valley Region of Kenya despite producing over 20 million litres of milk annually which is below the consumption needs at 93 million litres.

According to the Agriculture Executive in the County Government of Siaya, this is a confirmation that the milk produced in Siaya County is not enough to satisfy the local demand, leaving a deficit that has continued to contribute to high capital flight as locals have to purchase milk from outside to bridge the gap.

The County Agriculture Executive Hon. Charles Ogada says the milk demand for the County stands at 93 million litres leaving a huge deficit that is met with imports from Nandi County. The average milk production of a dairy cow in the county is 8 litres per day while the local Zebus produce an average of a paltry 1.6 litres per day.

Hon. Ogada, says that the animal feeds remain a challenge to many local farmers who are not able to cope with the high costs of purchasing the feeds. Out of the 500,000 cows in Siaya County, only 7,000 contribute the KShs.20 million

litres.

Speaking while meeting livestock officers from the entire County earlier today, Hon. Ogada said that farmers were being exploited by private veterinary officers who have been charging them between KShs. 700 and KShs. 3,500 to serve their dairy cows hence the need for the AI services launched today with partners.

Ogada who was flanked by ILRI programme coordinators Mr. Okeyo Mwayi and Mr. James Orawo said the partner-ship programme that received an allocation of KShs.2 mil-lion on this year’s budget will help farmers increase their earnings thereby increasing production of milk among other livestock byproducts.

It is regrettable that farmers have not been able to optimize production due to poor breeds, but this is now set to be a thing of the past,” said Ogada. Siaya County farmers who keep exotic dairy animals only produce up to 18 litres of milk per cow compared to Trans Nzoia farmers who produce up to 28 litres for every cow hence the need to devise ways to improve production in Siaya County.

The services will be offered in wards by Artificial Insemi-nation technicians at a cost of KShs. 500, down from over KShs. 3,000 charged by private service providers in the four-year programme which is in line with His Excellency Cornel Rasanga’s Early Childhood Development milk feeding programme.

Previously, the governor distributed pedigree dairy cows in the first and second phase of One Cow Initiative within the County. Up to 677 dairy cows were given for free to more than 640 farmers. Those who received dairy cows in the first phase have passed 262 heifers to other farmers enrolled in the programme until now according to the Agriculture Executive.

Under the One Cow Initiative, selected farmers are given dairy cows and are supposed to pass any heifers to others after calving. The Artificial Insemination Programme will see 30-40 animals gets AI services in a day. “If 100 cows are inseminated, 60 of them will give birth and will again be inseminated with one and a half years according to Mr. Mwai of ILRI.

Famers will also under-go e-learning at their door steps using their phones as ways of dealing with the shortage of extension workers within the County. ILRI is in partnership with a non-government organization (Eye-Cow) on capacity building programme on dairy farming and famers will get information through their phones as part of the e-learning technology in the partnership launched today.

Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Page 10 The County NEWSLETTER

SIAYA COUNTY STADIUM WILL BE READY FOR USE IN 44 WEEKS; RASANGA

15th November 2018

By Communication Directorate

In the 2018-2022 Siaya County Integrated Develop-ment Program, the County Government of Siaya has committed to improve sports infrastructure in the

County with a view to increasing access for the citizens to ultra-modern facilities required for quality talents nurtur-ing, development and exposure. In this regard, the county has undertaken to construct a new stadium to meet these ends according to His Excellency Cornel Rasanga Amoth

While officiating over the ground-breaking ceremony of the 20,000-seater capacity stadium earlier today, His Excellency noted that the stadium construction estimated at about KShs. 394 million is expected to be completed and handed over to the County Government of Siaya by Jiangsu Provincial Construction Company, the contactor, in 44 weeks or about 10 months from this day of ground breaking.

On 30th October, 2018, His Excellency, had presided over the signing of the contract for the construction of the 20,000-seater capacity stadium with the Kenyan Subsid-iary of Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Co. Ltd. This is expected to tremendously enhance sports activi-ties within the county and generate income through sports tourism between and among neighboring counties.

To ensure the public members are fully represented, the Governor has directed that the Stadium Project Manage-ment Committee members be tasked to monitor the construction works from now henceforth. “I order the Project Management Committee to observe very keenly the dictates of Chapter Six of the Constitution and its enabling legislations,” said Governor Cornel Rasanga Amoth

“Just like I directed earlier, I hereby reaffirm the fact that the contractor must ensure only locals are engaged in all the non-technical jobs that will be available during the execution of this project. I equally direct the people of Siaya to be proactive in order to gain from the project. All local vendors like Mama Chapati and Mama Uji and small-scale business persons must avail their wares and goods for purchase by those engaged in the construction works to leverage on the economies of scale that will come with this construction works.” Said the Governor.

While the Governor promised to deliver on his end and promptly pay the dues of the contractor at the end of every construction stage as agreed in the contract documents, His Excellency further directed that the contractor must deliver on quality and in good time based on the standards as in the Bills of Quantities.

“It will be important and in the best interest of all other leaders of this great county, elected and appointed, to accord us all the necessary support to succeed with this project. Backstabbing, constant politicking and unneces-sary noise should be reduced to ensure timely completion of this noble project.

“I also encourage members of the public to fully partici-pate in the construction process and frequently report to me the progress of the construction works because these are public funds that must be properly utilized with the vigilance of the members of the public,” concluded the Governor.

Present and endorsing the launched construction works at the three-hour event were The Siaya Deputy Governor His Excellency Dr. James Ouko Okumbe, several members of the Siaya County Assembly led by the Majority Whip and West Uyoma Representative Hon. Samuel Onyango Olasi, several County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, Chief of Staff and other top government officials.

SIAYA SHINES AT KENYA MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN MERU COUNTY

29th November, 2018

By Communication Directorate

The 3rd edition of the Kenya Music Festival has come to an end, with winners awarded trophies and certif-

icates. Kenya Ports Authority And Friends Kakamega Choir were ranked first and second in the O zamenamena set piece after getting 91 points and 89 Points respectively while Siaya County Choir has emerged 3rd with 87 points.

Zenany Adhiambo and Collins Odhiambo enthralled with their public speaking and comedy skit. Adhiambo and Odhiambo 90 points who were part of class 1017A and Class 1304 were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively.

The County choir also emerged 4th in the own song of Twafuraiah Ugatuzi Wetu after it earned 85% points while patriotic festival piece of missed voices- Kenya ni Inchi Yetu scooped 5th position with 86 % points. The Komala Ohangla instrumen-talists from Siaya had no equal when they performed a Luo cultural dance piece in the category of traditional cultural dances.

The Community and County choir led by their trainers Joseph Ochieng and Naboth Omondi broke into song and dance to cel-ebrate the quality certificates realised after competitions in the 3rd Kenya Music and Cultural festival held in Meru County.

According to trainers, the plays presented helps the youths and county staffs in the choir to discover their talents and develop them.

“For us as a team, we always prepare as if our opponents are better than us. Only when we win do we actually know that we are the better team,”said Ochieng.

“These honors are vital for my CV and they motivate me to work harder so that collec-tively as a team, we can even win trophies. I still have a lot of objectives individually. I am eyeing the trophies now that our pieces has won us 3rd position from 6th position at the KICOSCA,”said Ochieng.

Omondi said “We are in this to encour-age the choir to perform even better. This awards give mileage for the choir and also motivate them. Our aim is to nurture and contribute towards development.

Siaya County Tourism Executive Elizabeth Odhiambo has vowed to provide necessary support towards strengthening Siaya Choir to ensure their thrilling performances earn them resources and chances in the regional and international events.

Dr. Odhiambo while meeting choir mem-bers on Tuesday termed the formation of county choir as a milestone. She said music is a very lucrative industry.

“Am really happy with the choir and their latest pieces and I am gladly waiting to see how they perform here in Meru after which we shall discuss strategies and avenues that the choir can grow musically and so-cio-economically,”she said.

A part from nurturing talent one can earn from it and make him or her realize their cherished dreams,”she said adding that the nice voices will take the choir very far. She pledged to support the choir till it turn out to be the reference point for all Counties and East Africa.

Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts

Page 11 The County NEWSLETTER

We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal -Valdmir Putin

If you think you’re artistic in any way, you’re probably born with it. I guess it’s a talent that can be learned here and there, but I think the instict to tell a storyor to create something happens maybe in the womb.

Gabriel Macht

The best time to plant a tree is twenty five years ago. The second best time is today

Poetry Corner

ONE

One word can spark a moment,One flower can wake the dream;One tree can start a forest,One bird can herald Spring.One smile can bring a friendship,One handclasp can lift a soul;One star can guide a ship at sea,One cheer can obtain a goal.One vote can change a Nation,One sunbeam can lift a room;One candle wipes out darkness,One laugh will conquer gloom.One look can change two lives;One kiss can make love bloom.One step must start each journey,One word must start each prayer;One hope can raise our spirits,One touch can show you care.One voice can speak with wisdom,One heart can know what’s true;One life can make a difference,One life is me and you.... Shawnee Kellie

IT TAKES COURAGE

It takes strength to be firm,It takes courage to be gentle.It takes strength to conquer,It takes courage to surrender.It takes strength to be certain,It takes courage to have doubt.It takes strength to fit in,It takes courage to stand out.It takes strength to feel a friend’s pain,It takes courage to feel your own pain.It takes strength to endure abuse,It takes courage to stop it.It takes strength to stand alone,It takes courage to lean on another.It takes strength to love,It takes courage to be loved.It takes strength to survive,

“MOVE ON”

@ebikelly

Says the voice in the wind“Push harder”Urges more the voice“Don’t give up”Solids the voice“You are a warrior”Finalizes the voice

It’s all noise to youNo meaning No sanity No reasonTo you The voice aint of reasonIt’s the noisy voice In your lousy mind

But you are a WarriorBecause you didn’t choose your painYou didn’t choose the easier way outYou didn’t succumb to it’s pressureYou didn’t stop tryingYou didn’t stop smilingYou didn’t start complainingYou fought it the best way you knewYou embraced the new youYou lived your momentYou moved the painYou survived the situationYou wonYOU ARE A WARRIOR

You found your own voiceAnd you lived by it.

Page 12 The County NEWSLETTER

General Pictorial

Page 13 The County NEWSLETTER

INVEST IN THE FUTURE -SiayaCounty-

www.siaya.go.kePhone: 0722121670

Email: communication@siaya.go.ke

Published by Communications Directorate of CGS