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Public health officers want government to establish food testing facility in Homabay

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By Reporter

Establishing such a test centre is part of quality assurance, product development and regulatory compliance.

Under Homa Bay Public Health Officers Union, the officers will be able to identify contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbial pathogens and allergens in the foods.

Chairman of the union Kennedy Omollo and Secretary General Duncan Odiver argued that the county’s lack of food testing laboratories has been inconveniencing them as they undertake their mandate.

Omollo said the absence of such a laboratory forced them to take food samples to Nakuru and Kisumu counties for testing.

“Establishing a laboratory for food testing will enable the county government to cut costs. I assure Homa Bay residents that we’re ready to effectively discharge our duties,” Omollo said.

Speaking during this year’s annual general meeting in Homa Bay town on Tuesday, Omollo said the availability of a test centre will enhance disease prevention, which is their core mandate.

Water and food samples are taken to Kisumu or Nakuru for testing.

Some of the communicable diseases associated with poor environmental conditions are cholera, dysentery, typhoid and bilharzia among others.

They asked the county government to hire and train more officers in the same cadre to enable them to undertake their duties effectively.

“There is a need for capacity building of the officers on artificial insemination and latest ways of disease prevention. Because prevention is better than cure, Homa Bay public health officers should be empowered,” he said.

Odiver said Homa Bay has only 131 public health officers which is much below the World Health Organization (WHO) required standard.

He wants the county government to expedite and hire at least 400 more officers to meet the WHO standard ratio.

Homa Bay has a population of 1.3 million people. This means that one public health officer should serve at least 6000 people in the county.

Odiver said they want some of their colleagues who have stagnated at the same job group for a long time to get promoted.

“Hiring and training more public health officers will help in bridging the gap for effective operations. We want to improve sanitation and improve the working conditions in Homa Bay,” Odiver said.

Homa Bay Public Service Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ruth Aloo said they are consulting the county executive ahead of recruiting more officers.

She acknowledged that the shortage of public health officers is hampering service delivery in Homa Bay.

“Grievances raised by our public health officers are genuine and need urgent attention. The board is talking with the executive to solve the issues,” Aloo said.

Ruto and Kalonzo scramble over Uhuru for 2027 Presidential contest

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By Anderson Ojwang
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is turning out to be the new bride in the presidential race for 2027 with the Murima now seen as restive, edgy and slippery.

The scramble and race to court the son of Jomo reached a fever pitch over the weekend and on Monday after Mutu wa kati hosted the former president during his daughter’s wedding.

And on Monday, the eggs seller of Sugoi was in Gatundu meeting his former boss, in a move viewed by analysts and the public as seeking a new entry point in the mountain that is fast becoming hostile to him.

Welcome to the battle royale over the new bride in the house that pits President William Ruto and Wiper leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. The battle for Uhuru constituency.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been out of the country for most part of the year and his return to the country has reactivated a flurry of activities aimed at wooing him to the two political divides.

Already, Kalonzo is emerging as the strongest challenger to President Ruo after the exit of Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga from the local political scene to try his luck in the continental battle, where he is seeking the chair of the African Union.

Raila recently allowed his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lieutenants to join the broad-based government and currently enjoys a cordial relationship with President Ruto.

Top ODM officials namely, John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, Wycliff Oparanya and Opiyo Wandayi were included in the executive, and have become the main defenders of President Ruto’s administration.

This bromance has allowed President Ruto to get a positive reception in the hostile and volatile region in the recent past and he has now earmarked Nyanza as a possible vote bloc to boost his bid for a second term.

Kalonzo has been trying to climb the Mountain and on several occasions claimed that former President Uhuru was supporting his journey in the Murima and usually conveyed his greetings to the people.
Uhuru’s confidantes in the Mountains and outside including former Cabinet Minister Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee party official Jeremiah Kioni among others have been accompanying Kalonzo on mountain climbing trips.

At the wedding, Kalonzo thanked former President Uhuru for attending the ceremony of his daughter Damarie Saada and Martin Nyaga in Naivasha.

“I thank President Uhuru Kenyatta for his friendship and solidarity with my family by attending the wedding ceremony of our daughter in Naivasha”. President Ruto said his visit and discussion with the former President concentrated on key national matters, including the resolution of court cases related to the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission

They emphasized the importance of fostering a harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, with a shared commitment to national unity.

President Ruto expressed gratitude to Uhuru for laying a solid foundation during his tenure, which has enabled the government’s implementation of critical programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 general elections,” read part of the statement from the Presidential Communication Team.

Ruto said he reached out to Uhuru to bring leaders together and to build bridges instead of erecting barriers.

Kioni said Uhuru was only giving Ruto a supporting hand in his leadership but that will not affect the 2027 presidential contest.

Political analyst Mr Michael Agwanda argued the move by President Ruto to visit his predecessor was mainly aimed at forestalling any would-be alliance between Uhuru, Kalonzo and the impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“Ruto fears the alliance of Uhuru, Kalonzo and Rigathi. The slippery and
edgy murima is a time bomb for Ruto in 2027. The constituency controlled by the three leaders will have a big say on the presidency in 2027,” he argued.

Agwanda said the visit by President Ruto to Uhuru cannot change the political decision the mountain has taken and Gachagua is now seen as the official leader of the region.

He said in politics there are no permanent enemies but interests and if Kalonzo happens to be ready to serve the interest of the two, it is possible they will support him.

“Mtu wa kupitia kati may just pull another shocker and that is why currently he is playing safe and endearing to the opposition leaders and may just gain from that arrangement and challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections,” he said.

Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said President Ruto’s move to visit Uhuru was strategic and was aimed at pacifying the mountain and controlling the slip after the fallout with Rigathi.

He argued that Uhuru still has a say in the region and with President Ruto seeking his support, the president is still interested in getting the mountain vote.

“You cannot rule Uhuru out of Central and it is possible Ruto may bring in the broad-based government some of the Uhuru allies and this may work in his favour in getting votes in the Murima,” he said.

Ochieng said former president Uhuru is turning out as the new bride and constituency in the Mt Kenya region and by extension, nationally and that is why Ruto and Kalonzo are scrambling over Uhuru.

Ochieng said the rattled President is not leaving anything to chance and that is why he wants Raila and Uhuru on his side to help him stabilize the boat and anchor his 2027 presidential defence.

Hongo tighten noose on claims by kisumu county employees

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By Reporter

Employees of the county government of Kisumu will not be paid allowance for out of station assignment without approval from the office of the county secretary.

In a memo dated 5th December 2024 written to all employees and copied to the governor and the deputy governor captioned’ ” Re- Authority to travel out of the station”

Following the executive committee meeting held on 4th December 2024, it was resolved that the employees of the county government of Kisumu travelling out of the duty station must obtain approval before travelling.

This is to ensure smooth running of county offices.

”The purpose of this letter is to ensure the directive is strictly adhered to and by a copy of this letter, the chief officer of Finance, ICT services is instructed not to pay claims without supporting approval from this office,” wrote Hesborn Hongo, the county secretary.

The move came hot in the heel after the government was losing millions of shillings on claims by officers who had formed a habit of being out of the work station .

Sources told the writer that some employees had turned out of station claims as a money milking scheme and were raking huge claims.

” In Kisumu, employees were ever out of their work station in claims that they had gone to work out of the station. It was becoming very hard to get service at the county ” they said.c

Our sources revealed that some employees had formed habit of travelling to major towns every week with a view to making money and this had compromised service delivery at the county.

Hongo who was recently sworn in as county secretary last week read riot cat to the finance department and demanded accountability from them.

Hongo directed the officers to remain professional and that the government will crack whip on officers found to be engaged in unethical practices.

Dignity App introduced in Homa Bay to fight triple threat

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By reporter

The fight against the triple threat in Homa Bay received an impetus following the introduction of the Dignity App to curb the vices.

Centre for Women Empowerment & Technology (CWE-TECH) in collaboration with the Homa Bay government and more than 20 partners introduced the App where residents can forward their cases of human rights violation for help.

The new initiative which is considered one of the solutions to eradicating triple threat which includes Gender Based Violence (GBV), teen pregnancy and HIV infection in Homa Bay.

CWE-TECH co-founder Eunice Owino, Homa Bay Gender & Youth Affairs Chief Officer Dolphin Ochere and more than 20 organizations including Power for the People (PFP Dreams Global) project manager Caren Okombo said the platform will enable people to share their problems with confidence and without losing their dignity.

The gender defenders said they came up with such initiatives after studies on challenges affecting many women and girls in the county.

Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology conducted an assessment through focus group discussions on knowledge, attitude and perception of the community regarding the App.

Adolescents in confidentiality will get their issues addressed as they seek help by asking questions involving sexual and reproductive health.

GBV survivors can call a hotline number and lodge a complaint before being referred to the relevant agency.

Questions can also be asked on the platform and answers provided instantly.

Owino said the App strives to provide answers to questions being asked and solutions to problems people face in the society.

“Dignity App is a tool for information meant to address the triple threat issue that bedevils the community. The system operates on a 24-hour basis to help people anytime,” Owino said.

Speaking after completing their two-day conference program in Mbita town, Suba North constituency, Owino said they have introduced the App as they mark the 16 days of gender activism to mainstream the program.

Homa Bay is among the counties with a high prevalence of triple threat.

Dignity App requires an internet for clients with mobile phones and data to access it.

“We’re focused on bringing dignity to our people. Let people use the App well to enable them to get help,” she added.

The introduction of the App intends to help adolescents navigate through the puberty stage.

The platform will help them discuss and understand issues like reproductive health, sexuality, mental health, consent and any other vices affecting people.

Questions around sexual reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, puberty and empowerment are among others will be addressed.

“Clients can always seek help by inserting the question to get an appropriate response. Referrals are also provided,” Owino said.

Okombo argued that a lot of women and girls are suffering in silence as they lose dignity due to violation of their rights.

She said the platform will enable the women to air their plight and get help.

The organization works with communities to enable food security, education, water electricity and increased household income.

The fight against triple threat also includes making clean and safe water accessible to people and recruiting women into boda boda operations.

They undertake community engagement where they meet with young people.

“PFP Dreams Global is producing cost effective re-usable sanitary pads. We’re intensifying sensitization programs to empower teenage girls and young women to speak up for their rights,” Okombo said.

Homa Bay government has a Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) policy it uses to enhance the fight against triple threat.

Ochere appealed to residents to get ready to engage as a community to succeed in the fight against the GBV. The county government together with other partners has established a gender desk where GBV cases are reported.

Succession battle for Kisumu gubernatorial seat now targets key Nyong’o allies in the government

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Anyang' Nyong'o Governor of Kisumu County
Anyang' Nyong'o Governor of Kisumu County

By Anderson Ojwang
The succession battle for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat to succeed Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o is fast spilling over to the administration and could negate the governor’s service delivery and development agenda.

Currently, key governors’ allies in influential positions have come under stern criticism and attack by aspirants and their allies, who view them as a stumbling block in their political ambitions and pursuits.

With Nyong’o’s term coming to an end in 2027, his key allies who hold influential and key positions are currently facing a storm with an aim to hound them out of the office to create space for various
aspirants point persons.

Equally, political violence is escalating in the county with most high-profile funerals turned into thuggery hot spots where various aspirants flex their muscles.

For the last two months, Nyong’o’s administration has faced a cocktail of litigations that have left some key officers sentenced. Service at the county has come to a near standstill, and employees have been left in a situation of panic and fear of an unknown situation befalling them.

The Treasury Department and the Kisumu City have become the main target as it is viewed as the aorta of the county and source of the finance base for the campaigns, which would come in handy ahead of the 2027 elections.

That is why the treasury department under the leadership of George Okongo has faced a barrage of litigations and often faced the wrath of the residents and the politicians.

Okongo is viewed as a trusted and key lieutenant of Nyong’o and is seen as a very influential person in the administration. This has made him unpopular with some quarters who want to succeed Nyong’o. Kisumu City is another focal point where the battle is currently being played.

The current city manager, Mr. Abala Wanga is a marked man by the allies and key point men of the gubernatorial aspirants.

Abala’s strong personality, mobilization skills and fearlessness in effecting and implementing the government resolutions and programs are not sitting well with some quarters that want him out of the office before Nyong’o’s term comes to an end.

Other Nyong’o’s key allies in the government and various departments have also been earmarked and there are schemes to wound them out to allow space for other plays ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aspirants want their key persons to control the two offices because of their importance in financial mobilization and significance in the determination of the next governor.

Okongo and Abala are viewed as impediments to the political agenda of aspirants who hope to secure funds from the county to run their campaigns as it happened in the past in counties in the Nyanza region.

Already, deputy governor Dr Mathews Owili, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, and Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron have all expressed interest in the seat. Owili, Aduma and Ojienda all hail from Nyakach while Oron is from Kano and currently, each clan is rallying behind their sons in the hope of getting the slice of the county cake.

The race is fast opening up to be a four-man battle with Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, and Seme constituencies viewed as the determinant of who becomes the third governor of Kisumu.

Former Chief of Staff at the County Mr. Patrick Ouya says the absence of the governor and his management through remote control is giving space to battles in the county.

“The absence of the Governor is exposing the county to fights because nature abhors vacuum. This is exposing his key persons in the administration as other play want them out of the system
because their time is up,” he says.

Ouya a former Nyando parliamentary candidate says Kisumu county will not witness any meaningful development because the residents have been conditioned to election fever and currently,
politics is informing all the decisions in the county.

The Chairman of Kisumu Residents Association Mr Audi Ogada is in agreement with Ouya’s sentiments and has expressed concern
over rising political thuggery in the region.

“Currently, most politicians avoid high profile funerals because of political thuggeries. They have resorted to visit the bereaved families on the eve of burials to avoid confrontation. This is not
healthy for the region,” he says.

Audi says the political fights are spilling into the county government and the employees are likely to be the victims of such battles as the country heads to the next general elections.

“Service delivery at the county is likely to undermined and negated by the political battles. Kisumu is going to witness negative clan politics and that is why the aspirants should fulfil their manifesto to the electorates instead of engaging in premature campaigns,” He says service delivery at the county is likely to be undermined and the governor will not be able to fulfil his manifesto for the
electorates.

Governor Wanga Calls for Increased HIV Funding for High-Burden Counties

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Wanga

By Reporter

The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) should allocate more funds to counties with a high HIV-AIDS burden, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has said.

Wanga emphasised that increased funding is critical to enhancing the fight against the scourge in affected counties.

She expressed concern over the decreasing funding for HIV-AIDS response efforts, which has made managing and combating the disease increasingly difficult.

Many donors who have historically funded HIV response initiatives are now reducing their expenditure.

Homa Bay is among the counties listed as having a high disease burden.

Wanga argued that the county is facing a cash crunch in its HIV management efforts, highlighting the need for proper financial strategies to address the crisis.

In an effort to avert a looming crisis in HIV management, Wanga proposed that HIV prevalence be included as a factor in allocating shared revenue from the National Treasury to county governments.
“There is a need for the CRA to consider allocating more funds to counties with HIV-AIDS burden. HIV prevalence should be considered in the distribution of shared revenue, especially for those counties with a high burden,” Wanga said.

Speaking at Raila Odinga Stadium, where she presided over World AIDS Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Wanga noted that reduced donor funding for HIV management should serve as a warning for government authorities to act proactively.

The event was attended by County Health Executive Roselyn Omollo and Public Health Chief Officer Evelyn Ododa.

Wanga urged the CRA to prioritise counties with high HIV prevalence, noting that health is a devolved function.
“Many county governments with the disease burden do not have the capacity to manage HIV effectively due to inadequate funds. We cannot achieve zero spread without adequate funding from the national government,” she said.

The Homa Bay government has also initiated mentorship programmes involving boys and men in the fight against HIV.

This initiative follows a report showing a rising trend in new HIV infections among men. The county is working closely with partners to curb the spread.
“We have been focusing on adolescent girls and women, but we’re now involving adolescent boys and men to augment the response against the scourge,” the governor said.

The Programmes Manager of The Addis Clinic, Edwin Wara, highlighted a new method aimed at improving ARV adherence among HIV-positive individuals.

The initiative uses SMS reminders to prompt patients to collect their medication.
“We have 56,000 HIV patients whom we remind to take their ARV drugs by sending them SMSs a day before their clinic day so that they go for their drugs. The objective is to enhance adherence to ARV usage,” Wara said.

According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Siaya, Busia, and Kisii are among the counties with high HIV prevalence.

Mbadi: Embrace President Ruto for development-Mbadi urges Luo Community

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Mbadi Ruto

By Correspondence

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged the Luo-Nyanza residents to embrace President William Ruto’s government to enable them to realise development.

The Cabinet Secretary said the community has lagged in development since independence because they opposed past regimes.

Mbadi is among the former ODM bigwigs who joined President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration after Raila began working closely with the government. Others include Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).

Most of the community supports the ODM party and its leader, Raila Odinga.

Leaders of the party, including Mbadi, have joined the Cabinet under a broad-based government. Mbadi urged the residents to support the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza government to enable them to implement development projects with ease.
“I appeal to members of this community to embrace this Ruto’s government so that we get development. We should support the government fully,” Mbadi said.

Speaking at Kitawa village in Suba South constituency, where he presided over a fund drive in aid of the Kobunda Professionals’ Association (which pays school fees for vulnerable students), Mbadi told Kenyans to protect projects the government was undertaking in the region.

Accompanied by Gwassi North ward politician Philip Ongeri, the CS was also installed as spokesman of the Kobunda clan through Chairman Martin Ogayo, who urged him to continue working at the national level.

They agreed to continue supporting the broad-based government.
“It will be important to provide a conducive environment for the government to undertake development. Projects done should also be protected,” the CS said.

Mbadi said Ruto had shown goodwill by implementing various development projects that will transform the lives of the people in the Nyanza region. He mentioned the construction of major roads in the region, including the tarmacking of a 73 km stretch of the Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori road, the Lake Victoria Ring Road, among other mega development projects.
“A peaceful environment will ensure development projects are done effectively,” Mbadi said.

Ongeri called on the residents to unite to chart their political future for development.
“Let us unite as the people of this clan and the Nyanza region to enable us to get the desired development projects,” Ongeri said.

Kenya ripe for KSH500 Billion Diaspora Bond says Mudavadi

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Musalia Mudavadi Prime Cabinet Secretary of
Musalia Mudavadi Prime Cabinet Secretary of

By OPCS Press Service

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Kenya is now ready for a Diaspora bond to fund large infrastructural projects, such as constructing a new airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Mudavadi noted that the government could raise up to Sh500 billion from the Diaspora bond, which could fund a complete overhaul of the international airport at approximately Sh300 billion, with another Sh200 billion allocated to other significant infrastructural projects.

Speaking during Diaspora Day at KICC, Mudavadi said the Diaspora bond had been utilised successfully by other countries for their national projects and emphasised that it was time for Kenya to adopt the same approach for its cost-intensive initiatives.

“With Sh500 billion that we can raise from the Diaspora, we can either build a new airport at Sh260 billion to about Sh300 billion, or we can decide to expand a dual road to connect with Uganda or even extend the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR),” said Mudavadi.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that the Indian Diaspora bond was oversubscribed by $5 billion a few years ago, and Israel had raised up to $50 billion over time to build its economy.

Mudavadi also disclosed that the government was working on the Diaspora bond with technical support from the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

“This instrument will offer Kenyans abroad a secure investment while diversifying the source of financing for government projects. While providing a competitive return on investment, the bond will help Kenya to systematically move away from costly foreign loans to support its infrastructure and other capital development projects,” said Mudavadi.

Additionally, as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi stated that the government’s focus on the Diaspora was informed by their growing contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development, mainly through remittances, investment, and knowledge transfer.

“In the first 10 months of this year, remittances increased to a record $4 billion (over Sh520 billion), which is a remarkable increase of 17.8 percent compared to the $3.46 billion received during the same period in 2023,” said Mudavadi.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the growth in remittances cemented their position as Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earner, exceeding the combined earnings from coffee, tea, horticulture, and tourism. He projected that remittances could grow to Sh1 trillion by 2027.

Mudavadi also addressed the perception among Kenyan youth regarding President Ruto’s international travels, stating that the success of Diaspora remittances should clarify the importance of such engagements.

“Kenya does not live in isolation; we must always engage with the rest of the world. By 2027, we are even projecting a rise to Sh1 trillion in Diaspora remittances. This money has and will continue to help us stabilise the value of the shilling. The remittances, alongside government interventions, have already brought the dollar down from Sh169 to now Sh129,” said Mudavadi.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of Kenyans abroad who diligently send money home, directly impacting sectors such as education, healthcare, small business enterprises, housing, gender equality, rural development, and poverty alleviation.

“We can enhance this contribution, particularly if we reduce the cost of remitting money from an average of six percent to the Sustainable Development Goals target of three percent. I wish to assure you that the government will work with all stakeholders to align with the SDG’s universal value of ‘Leave No One Behind.’ Our primary goal is to achieve inclusivity and deepen access to affordable digital remittance and financial services,” he said.

Another key focus of government engagement with the Diaspora, Mudavadi said, is knowledge and skills transfer, enabling the country to benefit from initiatives that support the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda priorities and Kenya Vision 2030.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary further stated that President William Ruto’s administration was implementing the Global Labour Market Strategy to secure quality job placements for Kenyans abroad. This includes deliberate efforts to engage other countries through bilateral labour agreements and MOUs to expand opportunities, particularly for the youth.

“As we do this, we are committed to enhancing our capacity to offer timely and effective consular services, ensuring the rights of every Kenyan outside our borders are protected. I can confirm our readiness to do exactly this. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has officers on call 24/7 to address Kenyan Diaspora issues and concerns,” said Mudavadi.

Dr Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, stated that there are over four million Kenyans in the Diaspora and emphasised their commitment to increasing this number.

“Our interest is to ensure that we have more Kenyans across the world and that they are safe, going about their lives knowing that the government cares for every Kenyan life,” said Ms Njogu.

Why Kenya Must Merge All Education Funding Under One Docket

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By Gabriel Riako

Education is the foundation of Kenya’s development, yet our approach to funding it remains disjointed. Constituency Development Funds (CDF), county bursaries, and national scholarships all operate independently, often overlapping, duplicating efforts, or worse, leaving deserving students without any support. It’s time for Kenya to streamline these resources under one centralized docket to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency.

Take a moment to think about how fragmented the current system is. A student in one constituency might receive funding from multiple sources, while another in a neighbouring county struggles to find even one bursary. This inequity isn’t due to a lack of resources but poor coordination. Centralizing educational funding would help Kenya create a more equitable system where resources are allocated based on actual needs, not geography or political connections.

The current structure is riddled with inefficiencies. Parents are forced to navigate a maze of application processes, each with its own rules and deadlines. This burden disproportionately affects families in rural or marginalized areas who already face barriers to accessing information. A single application process under a unified system would ease this strain, ensuring all students have an equal chance to benefit.

Corruption and mismanagement are also rampant in the fragmented system. How many times have we heard of bursaries going to the well-connected instead of the needy? A centralized body with standardized procedures for auditing and reporting would help close these loopholes. Transparency and accountability would be strengthened, restoring public confidence in how educational funds are managed.

Furthermore, merging education funding would allow the government to take a holistic approach to the sector. Education doesn’t exist in isolation; it requires investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. A unified funding system would align resources with national education priorities, ensuring every shilling contributes to the bigger picture.

Critics may argue that such a move is logistically complex and politically risky. Yes, it will require strong political will, legislation, and stakeholder engagement. But the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Imagine a Kenya where no student is left behind because of where they were born or who they know.

As the country works to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the need for cohesive planning and funding has never been more urgent. Fragmented funding systems cannot support the infrastructure, teacher training, and materials required for such a comprehensive reform.

The call to merge education funding isn’t just about money—it’s about fairness, opportunity, and the future of our children. It’s about ensuring every Kenyan child, regardless of background, has the chance to succeed.

The time to act is now. Kenya must bring all education funding under one docket, not only to simplify processes but to ensure we deliver on the promise of quality education for all. Let’s stop wasting resources on inefficiencies and instead invest in a brighter, more equitable future for our nation.

Gabriel Riako is a passionate advocate for education reform in Kenya.

Farmers in Migori County to Benefit from Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation Kits

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Lake Region Development Programme (LRDP), Child Fund, and Solar Powered Water Drip Energy (Spowdi).
Lake Region Development Programme (LRDP), Child Fund, and Solar Powered Water Drip Energy (Spowdi).

By  Erick Otieno

Farmers in Migori County have a reason to smile following a collaborative initiative by the Lake Region Development Programme (LRDP), Child Fund, and Solar Powered Water Drip Energy (Spowdi).

The organizations have introduced an innovative solar-powered irrigation kit designed to enhance food security among smallholder farmers.

The new technology, which relies solely on solar energy, was piloted last week in Nyamosense Komosoko Ward in Kuria West and North Kadem Ward in Nyatike Sub-County.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Harish Reddy, a Spowdi associate from Sweden, assured farmers that the irrigation system is user-friendly and affordable. “This technology requires only sunlight to operate. Farmers only need a water source deeper than five meters where the motor will be submerged and powered using solar panels,” he explained.

Mr. Peter Shikuku, the Chief Executive Officer of LRDP, emphasized the transformative potential of the irrigation kit. “This system will not only ensure food security for smallholder farmers but also enable them to produce surplus for sale in the market,” he noted.

The kits, which are tailored for drip irrigation, are especially effective for high-value horticultural crops such as kales, cabbages, tomatoes, and watermelons. Pioneer farmers from the two wards have already received the kits for use on their farms.

Child Fund, a key partner in the project, is funding LRDP’s activities, which include economic empowerment, education, livelihood transformation, and adolescent health. LRDP operates in Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Siaya, and Homa Bay, among other counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc.

The solar-powered irrigation kits will retail at Ksh. 130,000, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for irrigation.

This initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Migori County and beyond.

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