The East Africa Local Authorities Cultural Association (EALASCA) 2024 Games officially kicked off today at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr.Mathew Owili officially flagged off the regional games, accompanied by the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kisumu Hon. Elisha Oraro and other County Government officials.
The regional games have attracted over 700 partcipants who will compete for top honors in different sporting activities, with a section of Hon. Members and staff from Kisumu County Assembly selected to represent the Kenyan team in various disciplines.
Kisumu County Leadership comprising the Executive headed by the Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang’ and the County Assembly headed by Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro today gathered at Sawela Lodges, Naivasha, to deliberate on milestones, challenges and to jointly develop interventions to foster development and enhance service delivery in Kisumu County.
In his opening remarks of the event dubbed Kisumu County Leadership Summit, 2024, the Governor underscored the importance of the two arms of the devolved unit working together to enable the County Government to realize its mandate.
“This event aims to foster collaboration, enhance communication and to align goals and strategies to improve service delivery in Kisumu County, ” Hon. Oraro stated.
HOUSE BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETS NAIROBI COUNTERPARTS IN AN EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
The Assembly’s House Business Committee members have met their counterparts from Nairobi City County Assembly in Nairobi, in an exchange visit aimed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and the overall operations of both institutions. The delegation from Kisumu, led by Speaker Hon. Elisha Jack Oraro, who also serves as the Committee Chairperson, shared knowledge, experiences and best practices with the host, led by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Paul Kigiathi Kados. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sister Committees to assess performance, identify areas for enhancement, and opportunities for innovation. During the interaction, both committees emphasized the importance of establishing a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship between the two County Assemblies. They recognized that such cooperation has the potential to foster improved governance and prosperity for the communities they collectively serve.
Kisumu County Assembly has been feted today during the 4th Ombudsman Huduma Award held at KICC, Nairobi.
The Assembly was among the four of the 47 County Assemblies in the country, awarded in the category of access to information and compliance.
Assembly Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro and Clerk Mr. Owen Ojuok received the certificate of recognition on behalf of the County Assembly.
The award was as a result of access to information infrastructure that the Assembly developed in the FY 2022/2023 and compliance with access to information and complaints reporting.
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Moses Kuria represented the President H.E. William Ruto as Chief Guest during the event convened by the Commission on Administrative Justice ( CAJ) to recognize and reward outstanding public institutions and public servants.
Leader of Majority and Ahero Ward Representative Hon. Kennedy Ooko has today sought a Statement from the Chairperson Committee on Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services on electronic transfer of bursaries to needy students in the County.
Hon. Ooko observed that several challenges have been witnessed since the introduction of electronic transfer of bursary.
“Even after bursaries have been disbursed, many students are not aware and are occasionally sent home. Some bursars take advantage of this lack of communication and misappropriate these funds without the knowledge of parents and students,” he said.
The Leader of Majority said “the electronic transfer system is shrouded in mystery and is being exploited by unscrupulous individuals to the detriment of needy students”.
He now wants the Education Committee “to consider transitioning to the traditional payment method using cheques which was more transparent” and to consider increasing bursary budgetary alloaction in the next financial year, due to the growing student population including those in junior secondary school.
“The Committee should inform the House what measures it is putting in place to address these gaps as a matter of urgency,” he stated.
The House has today adopted a report on the Kisumu County Administration (Village Units) (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which seeks to amend the Kisumu County Administration (Village Units ) Act, 2019 and introduce a legal and institutional framework on the operations of the Village Council. The Amendment Bill also seeks to address a range of procedural issues, simplify the procedures for the recruitment of the Village Council as well as correct legal and implementation challenges arising from the Kisumu County Administration (Village Units) Act, 2019. The motion on adoption of the report was moved by Hon. Moses Ochele, Chairperson – Committee on the Administration of Law, Justice, Good Governance, Constitutional Affairs and Security.
The Kisumu County Agricultural Facilities Improvement Financing Bill, 2023 was today read for the first time. The Bill seeks to establish financial management framework for defraying the operational expenses of Kisumu County Agricultural entities.
The Kisumu County Agricultural Sector Coordination Bill, 2023 was today read for the first time. The Bill seeks to establish an administrative framework for consultation, collaboration, cooperation and coordination within the Agricultural Sector in Kisumu County.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 : Chemelil Tamu Ward MCA Hon.Adonijah Odari today sought a Statement from the Chairperson – Committee on Finance and ICT about the status of the cess deducted from the sugarcane farmers in Muhoroni and Nyando Sub counties. In the Statement, the Hon. Member asked the Committee to investigate the annual financial report regarding the cess funds collected from Sugar Millers and how the collected funds have been utilized to fulfill their intended purposes.
The House resumed its sittings today after a short recess that began on 28th October, 2023. A report on Kisumu County Administration (Village Units) Amendment Bill, 2023 by the Committee on Administration of Law, Justice Good Governance, Constitutional Affairs and Security Committee chaired by Kano -Wawidhi Ward MCA Hon. Moses Ochele was tabled during the sitting.
The Committee on Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation chaired by Hon Vincent Jagongo today held a meeting with the Executive’s line Department to review funds allocation and utilization, milestones made and challenges faced by the department. Chief Officer Dr. Ojwang’ Lusi led the team from the department.
The Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Public Works chaired by Kolwa East MCA Hon. Reuben Rakwach today held a meeting to discuss the performance of the County machine based road maintenance programme and the proposed benchmarking visit by the sister Committee from Kiambu County Assembly.
The House Business Committee chaired by the Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro met early today to plan the House activities for the week.
BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE HOLDS MEETING WITH COUNTY TREASURY ON ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee today held a consultative meeting with the Executive’s Department of Finance and Economic Planning to interrogate the proposed Kisumu County Annual Development Plan FY 2024/2025.
The joint meeting was attended by the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Mr. George Okong’o and his senior officers on one hand and Hon. Members of the Assembly’s Budget & Appropriations Committee led by the Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro and the Committee Chairperson Hon. Joachim Oketch on the other hand.
The meeting discussed issues raised by various stakeholders during public publication as well as matters raised by various Departments during their meetings with House Sectoral Committees.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Oraro encouraged participants to carefully interrogate the document for the benefit of the people Kisumu.
“The Annual Development Plan is a crucial document that outlines our goals, strategies, and priorities for the upcoming year. It serves as a roadmap for progress and guides us in allocating resources effectively to meet the needs of our constituents,” he stated.
“This joint meeting provides us with an invaluable opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and ensure transparency in the budgeting process. The synergy between the Budget Committee, responsible for evaluating proposals, and the Budget Directorate, entrusted with the implementation of development programs, is vital for the successful realization of our objectives,” he added.
“As representatives of the people, we bear a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the resources entrusted to us are utilized wisely, efficiently, and for the collective benefit of our constituents. It is our duty to prioritize essential services, promote inclusive growth, and address the pressing needs of our communities,” remarked Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Hon. Joachim Oketch.
At the meeting, Market Milimani Ward MCA Hon. Seth Ochieng challenged the Executive to decentralize procurement services for effective service delivery.
” Centralization of procurement is negatively affecting implementation of projects in the County,” he observed.
Mr. Okong’o hailed the collaborative approach between the Department and the Committee saying it has facilitated a robust discussion and engagement on the proposed ADP.
HON. ORARO ADVOCATES FOR CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE AT THE KISUMU REGIONAL A.S.K. SHOW
Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Hon. Elisha Oraro was today honoured to attend the clossing ceremony of the Kisumu Regional A.S.K. Show as the Chief Guest.
He underscored the importance of climate smart agriculture as he rallied the region and the nation at large to embrace the initiative.
Below is his full speech during the event;
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a privilege to address you today as the Chief Guest at the Closing ceremony of the Kisumu Agricultural Trade Show, under the theme of “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative for Sustainable Economic Growth.” This theme resonates deeply with the urgent need to address climate change while fostering economic development through agriculture.
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Its impacts on agriculture, such as erratic weather patterns, water scarcity, and increased pests and diseases, pose significant threats to food production and rural livelihoods. However, in the face of these challenges, we have the opportunity to embrace climate-smart agriculture as a transformative solution.
Climate-smart agriculture is an approach that combines sustainable farming practices, innovative technologies, and resilient strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. It seeks to increase agricultural productivity, enhance the resilience of farming systems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, we can achieve multiple objectives. Firstly, we can ensure food security by increasing productivity and improving the efficiency of resource use. Secondly, we can enhance the resilience of our agricultural systems, making them more adaptable to changing climatic conditions. Thirdly, we can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon in soils and vegetation.
At this trade show, we have witnessed firsthand the numerous climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices that are available to us. From conservation agriculture and agroforestry to precision irrigation and renewable energy solutions, these innovations can help us build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
However, the adoption of climate-smart agriculture requires collective efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders. It is a shared responsibility that involves farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the private sector. We must work together to create an enabling environment that promotes the adoption and scaling up of climate-smart practices. As a legislative arm, we are committed to providing policies and passing laws to support the course.
Additionally, promoting trade initiatives within the agricultural sector is vital for sustainable economic growth. Agriculture not only provides food but also presents tremendous economic opportunities, including job creation, income generation, and market expansion. By facilitating trade, we can enhance access to markets, promote value addition, and foster economic diversification.
It is crucial that we invest in infrastructure, logistics, and market linkages to strengthen the agricultural value chains. We must also promote fair trade practices, ensure market transparency, and support small-scale farmers and agripreneurs to participate effectively in local, regional, and international markets. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our agricultural sector and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
In conclusion, the Kisumu Agricultural Trade Show, with its focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth, has provided us with a platform to explore innovative solutions, exchange knowledge, and forge partnerships. Let us harness the momentum generated by this event and translate it into concrete actions.
Together, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector that not only adapts to climate change but also drives economic growth and improves the livelihoods of our farming communities.
Thank you, and may we continue our journey towards a climate-smart and prosperous future.
Elisha Jack Oraro Speaker – County Assembly of Kisumu
KISUMU COUNTY DEVELOPMENT TRUST OFFICIALS PAY COURTESY CALL; TO PARTNER WITH COUNTY ASSEMBLY TO ENHANCE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Kisumu County Assembly officials this morning held a discussion with executive officials of Kisumu County Development Trust (KCDT) on a partnership aimed at enhancing public participation in policy formulation and in the county development programs and processes.
Led by the Chairperson of Board of Trustees, Mr. Peter Oduk, the KCDT officials who paid a courtesy call on Clerk of the Assembly Mr. Owen Ojuok expressed pleasure to partner with the Assembly to build a robust public participation mechanisms through improved civic education and citizen engagement.
This will ensure that residents of Kisumu County – from the village level- are part and parcel of the decisions, activities and programs of the County Assembly for effective realization of Assembly’s mandate of legislation, representation and oversight.
