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Uproar over attack of a journalist in Homa Bay as police make arrest of the prime suspect

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By Anderson Ojwang’

Police in Homa Bay last evening arrested a human resource officer at the county government who abducted and assaulted a journalist over story about fake employment scam.

The police also detained her vehicle that was used in abduction at Homa Bay central police station for further investigation.

Similarly, the officer was also interdicted by the county government over what they termed as serious gross allegations.

In a press statement by Chief officer of Public Communication and Governance Atieno Otieno said that Beatrice Mercy Akugo has been interdicted with immediate effect.

“The government took decisive action following serious allegations of misconduct against a county officer.

Effective immediately, the human resource officer in the department of Roads, Transport and Public works, has been interdicted from her duties.

This decision  follows grave accusations that MS Akugo is facing  allegations  of involvement  in the  abduction, assault  and intimidation of a journalist. The alleged details of the incident are abhorrent, and include the journalist being abducted, held against his will, physically assaulted, and threatened.

The interdiction is a standard procedural measure to allow for a thorough impartial, and unimpeded investigation into these allegations. The county government is fully cooperating with the national police service and other relevant investigative agencies to ensure a comprehensive probe is conducted,” she wrote.

Media council of Kenya (MCK) also condemned the attack and demanded legal action over assaults of journalist Habil Onyango.

“The Media council of Kenya is appalled by the brutal assault, abduction, and intimidation of journalist Habil Onyango in homa bay on 14ths September 2025. This is heinous act, allegedly orchestrated by a senior human resource officer at homa bay county government, targeted Mr.  Onyangos for his investigative reporting on a fraudulent employment scandal. This attack is not only attacking an individual but a grave threat to press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the rule of law in Kenya,” read the statement by MCK.

MCK also demanded swift, transparent investigation by directorate of criminal investigations, independent policing oversight authority and office of the directorate of public prosecution.

Kenya Union of Journalist (KUJ) also joined in condemning attack of the journalist and demanded immolate arrest of the suspect.

Arrest County Government of Homa Bay employee who attacked a journalist.

We condemn the abduction and torture of Homa Bay-based journalist Habil Onyango by a human resource officer and her accomplices. Such heinous acts of violence against journalists shall not be tolerated. We demand immediate arrest of the officer and arraignment in court.

Mr. Onyango was abducted and tortured on Sunday by Beatrice Akugo and hired goons in Homa Bay town due to a story he wrote over the alleged employment scam in the county.

We further call for investigation into the alleged employment scam in the county, which is the subject of the attack to enable the victims get justice.

The unchecked impunity among county officials who are afraid of scrutiny of their actions and corruption must come to an end,” wrote secretary general Mr. Erick Oduor,

Akugo, told Western Insight that she lured Onyango, through a friend to a hotel in the town, where she assaulted him.

“I slapped him severally and I can tell you he had a swollen face. I called one of the doctors based at Homa Bay hospital who came and viewed him where we were. The doctor, said he sustained soft tissues injuries, and he left and brough him medication, but Habil declined to take,” she said.

Habil reported the incident with Homa bay police, and it was entered on OB number 25/14/25 as assault.

Habil claimed Akugo and her accomplices confiscated his phones and laptop, deleted his chats and wrote and posted an apology to Akugo in his page.

“I was abducted, tortured and they posted an apology on my face book page. They wanted me to write another story but the people who read the apology got concerned and started looking for me,” he said.

Homa Bay journalist have condemned the attack and have held a peaceful demonstration to the police station to demand the arrest of the four suspects.

“We are heading to the police station to demand the arrest of the four suspects. These suspects nearly killed Habil, we demand justice for journalist,” said Erick Odek.

Akugo denied abducting the journalist but said she was annoyed by the story which implicated her as accomplice in the fake employment scam.

“I was enraged that Habil wrote my name as an accomplice. I slapped him and some goons who were at the hotel also wanted to join in but I restrained them. We decided to change location to a different place to avoid attracting attention of people in the hotel,” she said,

Akugo confirmed a commissioner with the Homa bay public service Mr. Awuonda Oreta called her to find out why she had abducted the journalist and that the matter had been reported to the police.

“Yes, commissioner Oreta called me and asked why I had abducted and tortured the journalist. I told him that, I had not abducted him and even gave him the phone to speak to Habil.

My friends who I was with got enraged why Habil had called to claim that he was abducted and being tortured. They chased him away from where we were,” she said.

But Oreta said he was alarmed by the post on the Habil timeline and decided to make a fallow up on the journalist safety.

“What I read on the Facebook alarmed me and I decided to make a follow up if everything was right. And I think our intervention saved the day,” he said.

Senior Human Resource officer at Homa bay county allegedly abducts and assault journalist over a story on fake employment racket

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By Anderson Ojwang

A senior Human resource officer at Homa Bay county government on Sunday allegedly abducted and assaulted a journalist over a story about fake employment scandal in the county.

Beatrice Akugo, a human resource officer at the county told Western Insight that she lured Habil Onyango, through a friend to a hotel in the town, where she assaulted him.

“I slapped him severally and I can tell you he had a swollen face. I called one of the doctors based at Homa Bay hospital who came and viewed him where we were. The doctor, said he sustained soft tissues injuries, and he left and brough him medication, but Habil declined to take,” she said.

Habil reported the incident with Homa bay police, and it was entered on OB number 25/14/25 as assault.

Habil claimed Akugo and her accomplishes took his phones and laptop, deleted his chats and wrote and posted an apology to Akugo in his page.

“I was abducted, tortured and they posted an apology on my face book page. They wanted me to write another story but the people who read the apology got concerned and started looking for me,” he said.

Homa Bay journalist have condemned the attack and have held a peaceful demonstration to the police station to demand the arrest of the four suspects.

“We are heading to the police station to demand the arrest of the four suspects. These suspects nearly killed Habil, we demand justice for journalist,” said Erick Odek.

Akugo denied abducting the journalist but said she was annoyed by the story which implicated her as accomplice in the fake employment scam.

“I was enraged that Habil wrote my name as an accomplice. I slapped him and some goons who were at the hotel also wanted to join in, but I restrained them. We decided to change location to a different place to avoid attracting attention of people in the hotel,” she said.

Akugo confirmed a commissioner with the Homa bay public service Mr. Awuonda Oreta called her to find out why she had abducted the journalist and that the matter had been reported to the police.

“Yes, commissioner Oreta called me and asked why I had abducted and tortured the journalist. I told him that, I had not abducted him and even gave him the phone to speak to Habil.

My friends who I was with got enraged why Habil had called to claim that he was abducted and being tortured. They chased him away from where we were,” she said.

But Oreta said he was alarmed by the post on the Habil timeline and decided to make a fallow up on the journalist safety.

“What I read on the Facebook alarmed me and I decided to make a follow up if everything was right. And I think our intervention saved the day,” he said.

Last week we Exclusively reported how In Homa Bay, numerous young people and their parents have been swindled, often without any hope of actual recruitment. The latest victim, Jemima Anyango Simwa, hails from Oyugis town, where she was duped out of a staggering Ksh 170,000 by someone she knew.

On May 1, 2023, she received a letter that falsely claimed to be from the County Public Service Board, stating she had been appointed as a Revenue Clerk II, despite not attending any interviews.

The letter read, “I am pleased to inform you that following the successful interviews held for the above position, the PSB has approved your appointment to the position of Revenue Clerk II. This appointment takes effect from May 1, 2023.”

The letter outlined her duties and responsibilities and stated that she would be placed in Job Group “H” with a monthly salary ranging from Ksh 25,470 to Ksh 33,950. Additionally, she was entitled to a house allowance of Ksh 3,950, a commuter allowance of Ksh 4,000 per month, and a leave allowance of Ksh 4,000.

In December 2023, Jemima received another letter, purportedly from the County’s Department of Health and Medical Services, instructing her to report for duty as a Clerical Officer (II) under a specific reference number.

The letter demanded that she report to the Chief Officer of the Department by January 6, 2024, for further instructions.

This letter was also allegedly signed by County Secretary Professor Benard Muok, who heads the public service. On January 12, 2024, Jemima received a posting letter from the Department of Health Services, supposedly signed by Chief Officer Dr. Kevin Osuri.

The fake letter stated, “You have been posted from the County Health Office to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital to enhance service delivery.”

Due to the travel costs from Oyugis to Homa Bay, Jemima asked her supposed link to arrange for a transfer to a facility closer to her town.
She then received a transfer letter, again purportedly signed by Dr. Osuri, transferring her from the County Teaching and Referral Hospital to Ogamo Health Center in Rachuonyo South Sub County.

Records of M-Pesa transactions show that she paid the fraudulent individual, Reginal Owaka, in installments.

Owaka acknowledged accepting this money but claimed he refunded Ksh 70,000 to Jemima. Additionally, he reported that she reversed another Ksh 30,000 demand for a full refund.

Beatrice Aguko, an accomplice of Owaka who works at the County Government and is a friend of Jemima’s, confirmed receiving Ksh 70,000 from the victim but only forwarded Ksh 35,000, as they had agreed.

Aguko stated that the withheld amount was meant to cover expenses she incurred while assisting the victim, such as transport and accommodation.

Both Professor Muok and Dr. Osuri confirmed that the letters were fake, adding that they had received numerous complaints from unsuspecting people being lured by false job opportunities.

“These letters are fake, and this is not the first time we’ve received such reports. Many people have been deceived; I urge our residents never to fall for such scams. They should follow the official process if any vacancies are announced,” he stated.

The Secretary has directed the investigative team within the Department of Inspectorate to look into these allegations and ensure action is taken against the culprits.

The matter has also been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, which has promised to conduct an investigation.

On March 26, 2025, the Homa Bay County Government, through the Acting Chief Executive Officer Ruth Aloo, halted the salaries of 104 employees following a scrutiny of 158 officers who were not on the manual payroll but were integrated into the new Human Resource Information System, as outlined in a letter signed by the County Secretary.

Akugo said Owaka was her neighbor and claimed that she had told him to stop scamming people over fake employment.

“I know Owaka and some of employees at the county have been behind the scam. It is not my duty to report the scam. There are several cases and fake letters and PIN that have been given out, it is the duty of the investigation wing of the county to curb on the vice,” she said.

Will Raila brave the ODM’s storm in Western Kenya to galvanize the region in 2027 election? 

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By Anderson Ojwang

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) turbulence in its bedrock of Luhya land is gaining momentum and could undermine it in the 2027 general elections.

ODM has for the last 20 years controlled the politics of Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and parts of Bungoma counties where its party leader, former Prime minister Raila Odinga dictates the political terms.

In the last general election, Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga counties elected governors and majority of MPs on ODM ticket while Raila most of the presidential votes.

In Kakamega county, Raila received 70.33 percent of the presidential votes accounting for 357,825 against President William Ruto 27.65 percent which gave him 140,026 votes.

In Vihiga county, Raila got 61.53 percent accounting for 114, 714 votes against Ruto’s 36,28 percent, which gave him 67,633 votes while in Busia County Raila got 80.88 percent which gave him 226,317 against Ruto’s 17.45 percent accounting for 48,827 votes.

But the storm in the party in the region is causing panic and concern in its circles with emerging fall out in the local party leadership, failure to present a candidate for the Malava parliamentary by-election and possible defection from the party by a section of its leaders.

The battle over the leadership of ODM Kakamega county branch that pits governor Fernades Barasa against cabinet secretary Wycliff Oparanya wing led by MP Nabii Nabwire is exposing the party to a serious fall out.

Barasa said “Our party leader is Raila Amollo Odinga. Raila recognizes me as the party chairman. I want to say this with all due respect, those MPS who are being misused by CS, who is not happy with the appointment he was given.

Bwana CS, you were honored by the broad-based government to unite the people of Kakamega and the entire western but because you are not happy with the appointment, you send MPS to tell president Ruto that you wanted to be cabinet secretary for Finance.

Now the CS is using MPS to undermine and create chaos in the ODM party. I want to tell President Ruto to call his CS Oparanya to order.

This is because in Kakamega, we control the politics of the area, you cannot fly to Kakamega and attend a homecoming of someone who was never elected the party county chairman.

I want to tell Oparanya to avoid embarrassing himself. We know you are using MPs to achieve your personal interest. I want to tell Raila and Ruto to call the CS to order. He can’t be coming to Kakamega every day to create chaos.”

But Oparanya wrote in his X handle “This afternoon, I was honored to grace the homecoming ceremony of the newly elected ODM Chairperson- Kakamega County, Hon. Nabii Nabwera.

“The event, held at St. Emmaculate Heart Secondary School Grounds, Lugari Constituency, was also attended by MPs, MCAs, thousands of ODM supporters, among others.”

Earlier Barasa had also written in his X handle “Honored by the trust of ODM Kakamega delegates who have elected me as ODM Kakamega County Chairperson. Together, we now roll up our sleeves to strengthen our party ahead of 2027. Chama iko imara.”

The grappling in the party leadership has been worsening by a recent statement on Friday, September 12, 2025, where ODM advised its supporters to ignore reports that it had called for repeat elections.

“The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) of the ODM party has not called for any repeat election of the party in Kakamega at the County Coordinating Committee level. Any information to the contrary is false and should be ignored, the party stated.

The party is yet to issue an official statement on the bona fide holder of the position.

Nabii also wrote in his Facebook page “Lugari MP Hon Nabii Nabwera had the great honor of hosting leaders, ardent ODM supporters, and residents of Kakamega County/ Lugari Constituency at St. Immaculate Heart Secondary School Grounds, Lugari for his homecoming as Lugari MP and newly elected ODM Kakamega County Chair.

The event was graced by his brother and mentor, CS for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Dr. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH and brought together leaders from across Kakamega, including Hon. Elsie Muhanda, Hon. Aseka Miradi of Khwisero, Hon.Benard Shinali of Ikolomani, Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe of Navakholo and Hon. Bishop Titus Khamala of Lurambi Constituency. Their presence was a true demonstration of unity and strength within the ODM Party.

Together, they underscored the urgent need to restore sanity and discipline in the party, affirming that acts of goonism have no place in ODM. It was also announced that next Thursday, all ODM MPs will officially receive their party certificates at the Party Headquarters a critical step in entrenching structures and cementing unity.

Hon Nabii Nabwera was humbled by the recognition he received for his service as a first-term MP. The calls from leaders and residents to rally behind me for re-election only strengthen my resolve to continue working diligently for the progress and prosperity of Lugari.

The message from gathering was clear and firm: ODM is stronger than ever, guided by structure, discipline, and unity. Kakamega is destined to reclaim its rightful place as the most powerful and respected county in Kenya.

Mr. Nabwera remains grateful to you, the people! His strength, his family, and his constant source of inspiration. Congratulations to us all. Together we move forward.”

 Recently the party, through its western regional coordinator Justus Kizito said it will not present a candidate in the by-election saying this was in the spirit of coalition. In the last general election, the late Malulu Injendi of ANC won by with 22891, Seth Panyako of UDA came second with 20133 and ODM’s Joab Manyasi third with 11983.

Will Raila calm the storm that threatens to swallow his party in his political backyard, or will he preside over its downfall in the region?

The Game of Musical Chairs

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenyan politics has always resembled a game of musical chairs, where the music never really stops. It just changes tempo. Politicians keep circling the seats, waiting for the next convenient spot to land. Over the years, one man has been at the center of nearly every twist and turn: Raila Amolo Odinga.

In 1997 Raila stood firm against Daniel Arap Moi, branding him a dictator and the face of everything wrong with Kenya. But a few years later, in a move that stunned many of his supporters, Raila joined Moi’s government as a minister. Disillusionment did not last long, though. By 2002 Raila walked away from Moi and aligned himself with Mwai Kibaki under the National Rainbow Coalition. That coalition swept Moi’s chosen successor aside, marking one of the most defining transitions in Kenya’s democratic history.

Yet in politics, friendships are never permanent. By 2005 Raila had turned against Kibaki, accusing him of betrayal over the failed constitutional referendum. Raila found new allies in Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, and William Ruto. They defeated Kibaki in the referendum and later mounted a fierce challenge in the 2007 elections, joined by Musalia Mudavadi, Ruto, Joseph Nyaga, and Charity Ngilu. The post-election chaos that followed forced Raila and Kibaki into a grand coalition, bitter rivals suddenly forced to share power for the sake of the nation.

The cycle repeated in 2013. Mudavadi, once Raila’s ally, chose to run alone. Uhuru and Ruto came together in a union that proved decisive, leaving Raila and Kalonzo on the losing side. Kalonzo abandoned Raila in that election, but as fate would have it, returned to his corner in 2017. By then Mudavadi too had shifted back to Raila’s camp. Still, they were outmaneuvered by the Uhuru Ruto pairing, whose campaign machine delivered victory.

Then came 2018 and the unexpected handshake. Raila and Uhuru, fierce competitors just months before, suddenly clasped hands and agreed to work together. Overnight William Ruto, still the deputy president, found himself isolated within his own government. He became the leader of opposition in government, joined by Mudavadi, Wetangula, and Gachagua, who began plotting a new political path.

By 2022 the battle lines had shifted again. Ruto, Mudavadi, Wetangula, and Gachagua stood shoulder to shoulder against Raila, Kalonzo, and Martha Karua. Once more Raila fell short. The cycle of trust and betrayal rolled on.

In 2024 the music changed tempo once again. Rigathi Gachagua was impeached, and in yet another dramatic turn, Raila Odinga joined hands with William Ruto, this time inside government. Even Uhuru Kenyatta, who once warned Kenyans against Ruto, is now back within the fold. On the other side of the divide stand Gachagua, Kalonzo, Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Natembeya, united in opposition against the very government they once championed.

So, who are the fools in this endless merry go round? Are they the politicians who change sides as easily as coats, swearing loyalty today only to abandon it tomorrow? Or are they the citizens who cheer, chant, and bleed for leaders who see politics not as service but as survival?

The truth is, alliances in Kenya are rarely about ideology or principle. They are about power, access, and survival in a system where the music never stops. Politicians switch chairs with ease, but the ordinary Kenyan, struggling with high cost of living, joblessness, and insecurity, remains standing, waiting for a seat that never comes.

In this game of musical chairs, maybe it is not the politicians who are the fools. Maybe it is the voters who keep clapping along to the music, hoping that one day, when the music stops, it will finally be their turn to sit.

Terence Crawford: Is he the G.O.AT after winning the undisputed super-middle weight champion? 

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By Anderson Ojwang 

Terence Crawford is the G.O.AT (Greatest of All Time) of boxing. The history maker. The king of the ring. The world undisputed champion.

Today, he claimed another milestone by upsetting Canelo Alvarez in a 12 round by unanimous win to become the undisputed super-middle weight champion.

Crawford becomes the first male boxer to win the three -weight undisputed champion.

Ahead of the fight, Crawford wrote in his X handle “Let’s make history. I don’t just fight for titles; I fight to build a legacy. Every rep, every choice, every moment counts. With @Experian_US in my corner, I’m focused on the future.”

And indeed, he made a legacy and didn’t not only go for the title, but he is also the G.O.A.T of boxing.

In Les Vegas, USA, the scorecard read 115-113,115-113 and 116-112, with pundits terming him as the greatest of all seasons.

Canelo wrote in his X handle before the match “Face-off for history.”

Crawford said during the interview that he was happy to disapprove those who doubted and thanked God for his victory.

“I feel great. I am blessed by God. I am happy all of us we can proudly go back to our families. A lot of people didn’t believe in me.  They said I have no personality and tonight all these questions were answered.

I have scored wins against big guys. I am happy that I have beaten the top of the tops, Canelo is all time great. When I look around and I am happy that I beat Canelo, I am the best fighter in the world.

I asked to fight Canelo, but I was told I need a couple of fights, but I knew I would beat him. My manager told me, go for Canelo, you can beat him and tonight, I just did that,” he said during an interview.

Crawford has held multiple world championships in five weight classes, from lightweight to middle weight including the undisputed championship at light weight, and super weight.

In the “four-belt era”, he is the first male boxer in history to capture the undisputed championship in two and three divisions, and the first to achieve that status at both light welterweight and welterweight.

He has held the undisputed super middleweight title since September 2025.

In 2014, Crawford traveled overseas to fight Ricky Burns and won his first world championship, the WBO lightweight title. 

After two successful defenses, he moved up to light welterweight in 2015 and defeated Thomas Dulorme for the vacant WBO light welterweight title.

In 2017, Crawford had a short reign as the undisputed light welterweight champion, being the first since Kostya Tszyu in 2004, and the first in any weight class to simultaneously hold all four major world titles since Jermain Taylor in 2005.

In 2023, he defeated Errol Spence Jr to become the undisputed welterweight champion, the first since Zab Judah in 2006.

In 2024, he moved up to light middleweight and defeated Israil Madrimov Israil to become a quadruple champion. 

Crawford was named Fighter of the year by the  Boxing Writers Association of America  (BWAA) in 2014, and by ESPN  in 2014 and 2017.

He’s also received the Best Fighter/Boxer ESPY Award in 2018 and 2024. Consistently ranked among the top boxers of the 2010s and 2020s.

Crawford was recognized as the world’s top pound-for pound boxer by the BWAA from October 2017 to May 2018, again in June 2022, and by The Ring magazine from July 2023 to May 2024.

KISUMU CITY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH M-TAKA ON WASTE MANAGEMENT

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By Reporter

The County Government of Kisumu, through the City of Kisumu and M-taka have signed agreement on waste management.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga and M-Taka Executive Officer Benson Abila signed the landmark Framework of Cooperation with M-taka Waste Solutions Ltd to advance tech-enabled and sustainable waste management in Kisumu City.

The signing ceremony took place on the sideline of the Africa Smart Cities & Townships Alliance (ASCA) Summit.

The agreement formalizes joint efforts to digitize waste systems, operationalize facilities, and real-time data platforms that will enhance efficiency, planning, and traceability across the city’s waste value chain.

The framework also commits to empowering women, youth, and informal waste actors, ensuring that Kisumu’s transition to a circular economy is inclusive, creates dignified livelihoods, and contributes to a cleaner, healthier city.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Wanga emphasized that the partnership positions Kisumu as a regional leader in Smart City transformation and strengthens its reputation as a clean city on the shores of Lake Victoria.

“By increasing waste recovery and integrating technology into everyday waste management, Kisumu is aligning with global best practices while setting the pace for other African cities” he added.

Abila on his part said that the signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone toward achieving the Kisumu Smart City Agenda, particularly in integrating smart waste management systems.

“It serves as a practical demonstration of Kisumu’s capabilities and innovation, showcased during the inaugural Africa Smart Cities and Townships Alliance Summit.” he added.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’, Chairman & President of the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF), Mr. Jaewon Peter, witnessed the signing and re-affirmed the County’s commitment to making Kisumu a model Smart City where waste powers opportunity, innovation, and sustainable urban growth.

ASCA-RSVC Hub established in Kisumu

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By Reporter

Under the leadership of the County of Kisumu and the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF), The Africa Smart Cities & Townships Alliance (WSCF) in collaboration with the Office of Principal Scientific Advised of the Government of India has announced the establishment of ASCA RSVC Hub in Kisumu.

According to the Chairman and President Jaewon Peter Chun, the Hub will serve as the nerve center for coordination, innovation and cooperation across all ASCA member cities and townships and its establishment in Kisumu recognizes the city’s pioneering role as the inaugural Chair City of ASCA.

“The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India will provide access to India’s digital platform to invite technologies to be deployed in the Africa Region through RuTAGe Smart Village Centers of Excellence (Coe) in Kisumu (RSVC Kisumu)”Chun further said.

The ASCA -RSVC Hub will coordinate ASCA’s strategic programme in smart city innovation, sustainable infrastructure and digital transformation, serve as the knowledge and training Centre, provide a platform for international cooperation, support implementation of ASCA flagship projects including the CHUN JEONG-EUN-NYONG’O Cancer Centre and operate as a regional monitoring and evaluation hub.

The Hub is envisioned as “Smart Africa Lighthouse “where policy, practice and innovation converge to create replicable models for Africa cities and will host innovation labs, capacity building Programmes, Private-Public partnership facilitation mechanisms and Smart governance platforms.

Chun further said that the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) will provide strategic oversight, technical expertise, international networking and investment while the Republic of Korea and other ASCA partners will contribute through technology transfer, training and financial partnerships.

“The Hub will be established in close collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu as host authority” he added.

The establishment of the ASCA-RSVC Hub in Kisumu represents a historic step in shaping Africa’s smart transformation by combining vision, cooperation and innovation, the Hub will ensure that Kisumu becomes not only a model for Africa but also a global reference for smart, inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Kisumu county government developing approaches to tackle disasters

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By Reporter

Adaptation of better approaches to risk and disaster management is crucial in urban settlements.

Kisumu County Chief Officer for Communication, Special Programs and Public Affairs, Mr. Timothy Nyakwamba said the County and City face a number of disasters such as flooding, fire outbreaks, spread of, traffic related accidents, heatwave and environmental degradation which needs urgent solution.

Kajwang spoke during the closing of a capacity building workshop titled “Urban Risk-Informed Development Planning and Making Cities Resilient ” said the county needs to adopt better approaches to disaster risk management.

This, he said necessary in order to improve on the resilience of the community which are at risk to disasters.

“The Urban Resilience scorecard tool will enable us to carry out self-assessment on the adequacy of the system we are operating,” he said.

Mr. Felix Mutua, a consultant with the United Nations Development Program said they are presently strengthening Urban Resilience to emerging disaster and climate risks within the County through improved access to actionable disaster and climate risk for the city governments as well as strengthening Urban risk governance through enhanced engagement of diverse sectors and stakeholders.

He said they have enhanced preparedness and emergency management’s capacity through knowledge networking and peer learning which includes capacity development of nodal agencies and regional NGOs.

“Our objective is for comprehensive review and update of climate risks profile for Kisumu through updated climate risk profile and Web/mobile portal and climate risk date” he said.

The workshop was organized by the County Government of Kisumu, GIZ-Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA), and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

ASCA SUMMIT IN KISUMU USHERS IN A NEW ERA FOR SMART CITIES IN AFRICA

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By Reporter

The African Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA) under the auspices of the Works Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) successfully hosted the Inaugural ASCA Summit in Kisumu from September 11-13 ,2025.

The landmark gathering brought together city leaders, government officials, international partners and private sector representatives to chart a transformative path for Africa’s Smart City Development.

Jaewon Peter Chun, President of the World Smart Cities Forum (WSCF) said that the ASCA Summit Kisumu has not only appointed a Chair City but has laid the foundation for Africa’s first continental smart city hub and KISUMU’S leadership will inspire cities across Africa to pursue innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on his part said the establishment of the Cancer Centre and RSVC Hub in Kisumu demonstrates the transformative power of partnerships and through ASCA, Kisumu is ready to lead Africa’s Smart City Journey with vision and compassion.

The summit marked a series of groundbreaking milestones that will shape the future of urban innovation across the continent.

During the summit, the following took place: Kisumu was officially appointed as the Chair City of ASCA, launch of the CHUN JEONG- EUN- Nyong’o Cancer Centre, establishment of the ASCA -RSVC Hub in Kisumu as well as strengthening of international partnerships.

The ASCA Summit Kisumu concluded with a collective commitment to expand smart city collaboration Africa, ensuring the innovation is both people-centered and globally connected.

Chun Jeon-Nyongo Cancer center launched in Kisumu

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By Reporter

The County Government of Kisumu and the Works Smart Cities Forum (WSCF)have launched the CHUN JEONG-EUN-NYONG’O Cancer Centre as the first flagship project of the Africa Smart Cities & Townships Alliance (ASCA).

Speaking during the signing of the agreement in the presence of Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, the Chairman and President of WSCF Jaewon Peter Chun said the center, which is to be established in Kisumu, will serve more that 150M residents in the Lake Victoria Basin and neighboring regions.

“The center will provide an integrated model care which will include Early diagnosis and advanced treatment facilities, palliative and rehabilitation services, comprehensive patient and family education programs,” he said.

Other services include training and capacity building for medical professionals, development of a Medical School and Research Hub, creation of a Smart Medical City integrating innovation, education and care.” Chun said.

He said the center does not only represent a milestone in healthcare innovation but also a beacon of international cooperation, bringing together Kenya, Korea, India, UK and other global partners under the shared vision of smart, inclusive and sustainable cities.

The project is named in honor of Chun Jeong-Eun, whose life of faith and resilience continues to inspire hope for cancer patients worldwide and in recognition of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s leadership in healthcare and urban development which he has laid the foundation for the transformative initiative.

Nyong’o said the project was a fantastic gift for the people of Kisumu and East Africa Region.

“By you touching the lives of people through this project it shows how brotherly and the humane nature of you” he said.

The CHUN-EUN-NYONG’O Cancer Centre embodies ASCA’S mission; to drive smart, people -center development across Africa where technology, infrastructure and humanity converge for a healthier and more sustainable future.

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