COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KISUMU

Its that time of the year that brings joy, love, and celebration to everyone. A season to spread happiness and wrap it with wishes brought from the heart of all loved ones. Hope you have a relaxing holiday season. May God bless us all, and the people of Kisumu

Jamhuri Day Greetings from JOOTRH Dear Staff and Valued Clients, As we celebrate Jamhuri Day, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for a joyous and memorable day. This day marks a significant milestone in our nation's history, and it's an opportunity to reflect on our progress and look forward to a brighter future. At JOOTRH, we are committed to serving our clients with dedication and excellence. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our journey, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on your lives. I wish you all a wonderful Jamhuri Day filled with peace, prosperity, and good health. May this day inspire us to continue working together towards a better future for Kenya. Sincerely, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe CEO, JOOTRH.

Stakeholders Call for Inclusivity and Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities On the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a gathering at Kolunga Primary School in Nyando Sub-county emphasized the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. The event, organized by Miral Welfare Foundation, focused on the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Ms. Bae Eunsun, Kenya Country Director of Miral Welfare Foundation, stressed the collective responsibility to uphold the rights of PWDs and ensure their active participation in society. She emphasized that accessibility is not just about physical environments but a foundation for creating inclusive and sustainable societies. Mr. George Odhiambo, Nyanza Regional Director of the National Council for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), reflected on the progress made since the Disability Act of 2003, acknowledging challenges but celebrating milestones in the inclusion journey. Ms. Caroline Agwanda, Advisor to the Governor on Disability Matters, highlighted Kisumu County Government's efforts to improve accessibility for PWDs, including providing assistive devices and financial support. She commended Miral Welfare Foundation's dedication to addressing the needs of children with disabilities. Shajanand Limited Holdings, represented by its Onwer, Mr. Ravji Chhabhadia, demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by donating trees for planting during the celebration. To date, the organization has contributed over 40,000 tree seedlings to reforestation efforts. Jay Park, Miral Foundation's Child Sponsorship Program Manager, elaborated on the organization's holistic approach to community development, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change. The event featured exhibitions from various organizations and a tree-planting activity symbolizing growth and unity. The theme, "Inclusive Community and Accessibility Rights of Persons with Disabilities," called on organizations to sustain efforts in raising awareness and delivering disability services.

Reflecting On A successful Partnership: VAS Project Closure Meeting https://lnkd.in/djxbZ7Tr #VAS #Nutrition #EarlyChildhoodDevelopmentEducation

The Kisumu County Green Investment First TWG Convened The County Government in partnership with Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya) convened a two day Technical Working Group Workshop (TWG) to foster collaboration in the Green investment facility project. Since inception in 2022 with the commissioning of the County Green Financing Assessment which provided the first-ever analysis on the green assets at county level. This was the first meeting organized to constitute the County investment technical working grouping. The phased project focuses on assessing, identifying and preparing five priority green projects, which will be packaged as investment-ready proposals to attract investors. To ensure success in this phase, FSD Kenya onboarded Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC Kenya) to provide technical support to Kisumu County. The two also convened a breakfast meeting to bring on board the County executive led by the Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o. Governor Nyong'o reaffirmed his commitment noting that Kisumu County is well-proportioned to become a model for green finance in Kenya with the support from FSD Kenya committing to unlock investments that would drive sustainable development in the county. The acting CEC member For Water Madam Judith Oluoch encouraged the adhoc team of experts to collectively deliver on priority areas of work as identified. Kisumu is one of the 10 counties in Kenya together with Embu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Nairobi City, Makueni, Nandi, Taita-Taveta, Vihiga, and Wajir to FasTrack the county green investment facility initiative aimed at mobilising green finance for development priorities. The county green investment technical working group guided by PwC convened its first seating to discuss the Five priority green projects, refine the project proposals while preparing them for investor engagement. The Kisumu County Green investment TWG identified projects under water and environment, Transport and infrastructure and in Agriculture. Also present was the County minister for Finance Mr. George Okong'o, CEC member for Trade and Tourism, Madam Farida Mohamed, Chief officer Water environment and climate Change among other Country officials. #CountyGreenInvestment #GreenBond Climate Finance KENYA

The FLLoCA National Coordinator Visit to Kisumu https://lnkd.in/d7Y8ppic #FLLoCCA #ClimateChange Climate Finance KENYA

Kisumu County Reviews Nutrition Action Plan, Sets Stage for Next Phase. The County Government of Kisumu, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is currently convening an end-term review of the Kisumu County Nutrition Action Plan (KCNAP) 2021-2023. The five-day meeting, in Bungoma County, aims to assess the plan’s implementation, identify successes, and challenges, and chart a course for the next phase. The KCNAP, with its vision of a malnutrition-free Kisumu County, has been instrumental in addressing the triple burden of malnutrition. The plan’s implementation has led to significant progress, as evidenced by the latest Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022. Key objectives of the review included: Assessing the contributions of various ministries and stakeholders to key results Documenting successes, best practices, interventions, and lessons learned Developing a county nutrition situation analysis Identifying priorities for the next KCNAP (2023-2027) A diverse group of participants, including representatives from line ministries, County and national government, academia, and partner organizations such as Kidogo Early Years, ACK Development Services (ADS) Nyanza, KMET Kenya, Maseno University and CHAMPS are attending the review which is supported by Helen Keller International (HKI).HKI, which has been active in Kisumu for the past three years, has implemented Vitamin A and deworming interventions through community and Early Childhood Development (ECD) platforms. These efforts have been crucial in improving the health of vulnerable populations, particularly young children, by addressing micronutrient deficiencies and parasitic infections. As the current KCNAP nears its conclusion, the county is poised to embark on a new phase of nutrition action. The insights gained from the end-term review will be invaluable in developing a comprehensive and effective KCNAP 2023-2027, aligned with national and global health priorities.

Nutrition Digitization Key to Primary Healthcare in Kisumu Nutrition has emerged as a pivotal factor in the implementation of primary healthcare, and its digitalization is seen as a crucial step in addressing the social determinants of health. Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, emphasized the need for a digital approach to monitor growth. “We can develop an App that can aid in this process, leveraging the existing Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system,” he said. Dr. Ganda highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors, particularly agriculture and health. “Health will not function if agriculture fails,” he stated. He called for the setting of targets to ensure that departments under the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition (MSN) platform, which encompasses WASH, agriculture, education, and health, work collaboratively to achieve primary healthcare goals. One of the key strategies to reduce poverty is through agriculture. By integrating data from various sectors, including family healthcare units, the MSN platform can identify households that have received interventions and contribute to the success of primary healthcare. The County aims to digitize all Mother and Child Health (MCH) services in the next two years and monitor newborns digitally for a year after birth. Additionally, the county plans to incorporate health entrepreneurs into its programs to enhance sustainability and create trade opportunities. The End Term Review of the Kisumu County Nutrition Action Plan (KCNAP) 2021-2023 highlighted significant progress, including the inclusion of nutrition indicators in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Annual Work Plan (AWP). The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Committee and the County Early Childhood Education Committee have also integrated nutrition into their Terms of Reference. While significant strides have been made, challenges remain, particularly the lack of a centralized repository for nutrition data. The review workshop, supported by Helen Keller International, aims to address these challenges and further strengthen the county’s nutrition initiatives.

Miral Welfare Foundation Brings Light to Pupils' Lives In many parts of the world, millions of children are forced to study under the dim, flickering light of candles and kerosene lamps. This harsh reality not only hampers their academic performance but also poses serious health risks.                                                                                                   To address this pressing issue in Kisumu County, Miral Welfare Foundation is taking action. By distributing solar-powered lamps to children, they are providing a sustainable and affordable solution to the problem of inadequate lighting. These solar lamps offer bright, clean light, enabling children to study for longer hours and improve their academic performance. It's illuminating the lives of countless individuals through its innovative "Lighting Together" project. This initiative aims to foster sustainable energy solutions and educational opportunities in underserved communities. By installing solar power facilities, the foundation seeks to provide clean and reliable energy to 100 million people. Additionally, they plan to establish 1,000 educational facilities and create 10,000 jobs, empowering communities and driving economic growth. A unique aspect of this project is the hands-on involvement of sponsors. They are encouraged to participate in creating solar-powered lanterns, adding a personal touch to the initiative. These personalized lanterns are then distributed to project sites, along with essential lighting equipment. The organization has continued to partner with Kisumu County to address the needs of disabled children, especially in the Nyando Sub-county and it's looking into ways of further collaboration with the county to further bring solutions to serve the residents. Poor lighting conditions caused by traditional light sources can lead to severe eye strain, headaches, and long-term vision problems. The harmful fumes emitted by kerosene lamps can cause respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis. Furthermore, the open flames of candles and kerosene lamps pose a significant fire hazard, especially in densely populated areas. Beyond the physical health risks, inadequate lighting can severely limit a child's ability to study effectively. The dim light makes it difficult to read and write, hindering their comprehension and writing skills. As a result, many children are forced to study for shorter periods, limiting their learning time. The psychological impact of studying in such conditions is equally profound. The constant strain on their eyes and the frustration of trying to study in dim light can lead to stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. This can further impact their motivation and academic performance. By investing in education and infrastructure, we can ensure that all children, regardless of their socioe conomic status, have the opportunity to learn and thrive.