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Marriage collapses as DP seat is becoming a ‘hot potato’ in the Mountain

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marriage
By Anderson Ojwang

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and Reconciliation is thrown out of the window. Each is walking back home wounded with a bleeding heart.

The flowers have withered and dried up. Heartbroken and with no more tears to shed, the marriage cannot hold any longer.

No more bromance, pleasantries, and pampering its fights and counterplots. Everyone for himself and God for us all.

The potato is steaming hot. The smell is inviting but too hot to handle and chew. From a distance, admirers of the potato can only ogle but cannot access, it for fear of backlash.

A volcanic eruption threatens the Mountain while the Valley is ready for the lava from the volcano. The calm in Valley is so telling while the restiveness in the Mountains portends an implosion and explosion.

The 15 years of political marriage between the Mountain and the Valley now looks to have broken down to unreconcilable with the latter currently wooing the Lake in a new arrangement.

Interestingly, the Valley marriage with the Lake broke down during the grand coalition government with the former decamping to the Mountain where a new union was consummated that drove immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the current President William Ruto into power in the 2013 elections.

Just like the musical chair, the Lake is currently the bride, the Valley is looking up to for a new political dispensation ahead of the 2027 Presidential elections.

The disillusioned and restive Mountain is contemplating a new journey after being estranged from the union and shares withdrawn.

On the weekend, Kenyans and the world witnessed a cocktail of political events that shaped the emerging political terrain in the country after the National Assembly impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

And it’s emerging that should the Senate uphold the impeachment of Rigathi, the Mountain looks to be least interested in the DP post and it’s becoming a hot potato to would-be suitors from the region who may be angling for the seat.

Already possible inheritors to the throne are being mentioned and include Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithuri Kindiki, former cabinet minister  Mutai Kagwe, and Muranga Governor  Irungu Kangata among others.

The restiveness and volatility in Mt Kenya were witnessed after several MPs got a backlash from the residents for supporting the impeachment of Rigathi with some allegedly being ejected from social joints in the region.

To cap it, MP Mwangi Kiunjuri in his X accounts previously Twitter wrote “ I can see dark days in our country. This impeachment of DP Rigathi Gachagua will bring more harm to our nation. I ask Willaim Ruto and the Senate to withdraw this motion. Mt Kenya people are not happy.

He went further to write “ The ground in Mt Kenya is slippery. Most of us elected leaders can’t step into our constituencies unless we have the blessing of DP Rigathi Gachagua because he’s acceptable in the region. William Ruto should consider withdrawing the impeachment motion,”.

Last Sunday, President William Ruto was expected at a Church service in Embu County but canceled and instead attended one at the AIC Milimani Church in Nairobi.

The embattled Deputy President attended the church service his boss had skipped, where he asked Kenyans to remain peaceful and that his hope was with Judiciary to vindicate him.

But President Ruto who later spoke in Nairobi said he rescheduled his diary to attend the church’s 30th anniversary celebration instead and cited a long-standing connection with the congregation.

 The president explained that he was forced to cancel other programs because his commitment to the AIC Milimani celebration was personal. 

“When the senior pastor told me that I  had been sent an invitation for this celebration, I told him I was going to struggle because it was not in my diary. My diary was committed somewhere else, I had to negotiate with people in other places because I didn’t want to miss these celebrations. Because there is something truly to celebrate about Milimani,” he explained.

Attempts by various religious leaders to reconcile the President and his Deputy went south, with Rigathi left to face the Assembly which finally impeached him.

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit had early called for dialogue and reconciliation between President Ruto and his deputy to avoid in stability in the country.

The religious leaders had appealed to President Ruto and his deputy to set aside their political differences for the sake of the country’s peace and unity.

Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Association Chairman Apostle Peter Manyuru called on Ruto to break his silence and address the political tension.

“As a father of the nation, we expect you to break this deafening silence and relieve the tension in the country. It is not healthy for the nation,” said Apostle Manyuru, echoing the sentiments of many Kenyans who fear the consequences of unresolved leadership rifts.

But President Ruto has maintained studious silence as Rigathi battles to save his political career from being guillotined.

Bishop Kenneth Adiara, the newly elected General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Kenya warned that the rift between the President and his deputy has the potential to cause divisions in government. 

“The President has gone silent. As a church, we urge him to come out and break the ice so that the country can come together again. Let them dialogue as they were paired during the election,” Adiara said.

“It is clear that most of their political marriages are not genuine, hence they find it difficult to work together. What is happening is a clear manifestation that these leaders were cheating us the electorates,” he said.

Political analyst Patrick Ouya said for the Mountain, the return of the deputy president seat no longer matters and they are looking into a new political destiny.

“The Mt Kenya as it is currently has no interest in the seat. The ground is clamoring for a new political destiny. They have lost faith in new the current arrangement and feel cheated,’ he said

How Raila’s telephone call changed Mbadi’s fortunes to national limelight

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Mbadi
By Anderson Ojwang

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for the Homa Bay Gubernatorial seat was marked by a cocktail of intrigues, uncertainty, manipulations, underhand deals, and anxiety.

While the party asked the aspirants to pay nomination fees and set date for the exercise, powerful forces lobbied behind the scenes to have the party give direct ticket to the only female aspirant for the seat.

The seat had attracted then ODM national chairperson Mr. John Mbadi, then Homa Bay women Representative Gladys Nyasuna Wanga, former gubernatorial aspirant Mr. Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, former Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Odhiambo Kidero, former Homa Bay County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe and Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misore.

One evening at around 11.00pm, while on a campaign trail in Ndhiwa constituency, the land of his mother, then Homa Bay Gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Mbadi received a telephone call.

The phone call was like an earthquake, it shocked and shook him altogether. The call left Mbadi in a near tears, mental break down and anguish,

 He was left in tatters as his world came crushing down with the events unfolding so fast to comprehend.

The call that temporarily changed his political and career destinations, came from his party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, with specific and clear instructions.

He took leave from his team to be alone in his car according to his aides and later drove back to his suba village, where he broke the news to the ten members of his inner campaign team.

The message was quite simple but very loaded, the party had settled on then Homa Bay women representative Gladys Wanga as the flag bearer in the 2022 contest.

Despite Mbadi being the party national chairperson, the dice were cast, and he was promised a cabinet slot should Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate win the elections.

Mbadi mounted one of the best campaigns and was among the three top contenders for the seat.

He exuded confidence in winning the contest, but the battle became a stillbirth after the decision was made.

Kidero declined to attend the meeting while the other aspirants grudgingly accepted the party directive that allowed Wanga to be the first woman governor from Western Kenya. She beat Kidero in the 2022 elections.

Mbadi later left for Nairobi where Raila met them with other aspirants to explain why they had settled on Wanga, and he was made to lead the Presidential campaign in Nyanza.

Mbadi later helped the party to mediate and resolve emerging nomination disputes and was subsequently nominated back to the parliament.

He embarked on a campaign to reclaim his Suba South parliamentary seat from the incumbent Karoli Omondi, but lady luck danced on his way after the formation of broad-based government where he was appointed Treasury cabinet secretary,

Former Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng Daima says Mbadi is on upward political trajectory and is now playing in the national league.

He says Mbadi political stature is on the rise and is seen as one of the rising community and national leaders capable of transforming the nation.

“At first the decision to ask Mbadi to step down for Wanga could have appeared bitter but God had his plan for him. Mbadi’s political graph is rising and as a community we look forward to him,” he says.

Nairobi based Consultant and analyst Mr. Baldin Oluoch says Raila trust Mbadi’s leadership that is why he made him the party national chairperson and supported his cabinet appointment to the Treasury.

Oluoch says Raila could have been grooming Mbadi to lead the community in future and that is why he has entrusted him with various responsibilities both inside and outside the parliament.

“Treasury is particularly important office. It gives Mbadi the local and international connections that he will require in his future political pursuit and currently the community look up at him as the possible next leader after Raila,” he says, 

Before his appointment, Mbadi had an extensive career in public service, most recently serving as a nominated Member of Parliament (MP) and the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee in the National Assembly.

The CS has a rich history in legislative leadership, having served as the elected MP for Suba South Constituency, Suba Constituency, and Gwassi Constituency. His experience extends to roles such as Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Leader of Minority in the National Assembly. Throughout his parliamentary tenure, he was a member of numerous key committees, including the House Business Committee, Liaison Committee, Budget and Appropriations Committee, Selection Committee, Appointments Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Public Investments Committee, Constitutional Implementation Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Cost of Living, and the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee. Notably, he was also a member of the Legislative Taskforce responsible for drafting the Public Finance Management Act of 2012.

Mr. Ochieng says with the new political realignment Mbadi will be instrumental in spearheading the community’s socio-economic and political dispensation owing to his present position in the government.

“Mbadi becomes the first Luo to hold the position of Treasury. Former president Mwai Kibaki was also minister for Finance and he later became the president, what could stop Mbadi from following in his footsteps,” he quips.

He says Mbadi is already steading the country’s economy and expressed confidence in the cabinet secretary in making a milestone in his work.

Roque employees at the County government of Homa Bay are part of fake employment fraud

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lom robb
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fake employment
By Team

Roque employees are part of the cartels in the fake employment racket that has rocked the county government of Homa Bay.

It has also emerged that the county disciplinary committee recently summoned four senior officers to the county after they were allegedly accused of defrauding innocent job seekers of over Sh800,000 in a fake employment racket.

The county government has launched investigations into fake employment rackets that have caused innocent job seekers to lose millions of shillings to the scammers.

Our investigations also reveal that a former officer at the county allegedly printed over 20,000 employment letters before the sacking that the fraudsters have been using to defraud unsuspecting job seekers.

Now the focus turns on the county department of Human Resources and the other three notorious departments where the fraud was said to be prevalent.

The Chairperson of Homa Bay County Public Service Board Mr. Isaya Okoto confirmed to the Western Insight Newspaper that the issue of fake employment racket has been brought to his attention and they have launched investigations.

Unsuspecting and several innocent job seekers may have lost hundreds of thousands of shillings in fake employment fraud at Homa Bay County government.

“We have received complaints of job seekers being defrauded and some of the scammers are rogue employees at the county. We want to appeal to the victims to kindly help us with evidence so that we can weed out the vice and take disciplinary action against the culprit,” he said.

Okoto said the board had embarked on awareness creation to ensure that job seekers were not defrauded of their money.

He said the fraud goes back to the previous regime of the former Governor Cyprian Awiti and that they were working on cleaning up the mess.

Sources at county government revealed some of those implicated in the fraud are senior officers who collude with fraudsters to defraud their victims.

“Some are even former chief officers who still collude with junior staff at the county to defraud their victims. There is a big problem of employment racket that must be brought to a halt. We cannot allow our people to suffer at the hands of scammers. The situation is very grim, and we ask for cooperation of all,” said our sources.

They claimed some of the scammers who do not work at the county government use their closeness with the top office to defraud their victims.

Among those counting losses is a Homa Bay Man who lost sh 240,000 in a fake job racket at the county

 And after the loss, the distraught man has now written Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga over his ordeal.

In his letter he claimed, he lost the money to individuals working closely with the County Public Service Board members.

In a letter dated 26th September 2024, one Jactone Oduor claimed that a person named withheld for legal reasons conned him of the said amount in exchange with a letter of appointment for his son Evance Henry Opiyo for a revenue clerk (I) position on 12the June 2023.

He said despite his son receiving an appointment letter on 1st May 2023 for the position, his son is yet to absorbed.

“The above-named is my son and I am writing this complaint letter on his behalf as one who was swindled by fraudsters,” reads in parts the letter copied to Homa Bay County PSB, Intelligence Office, DCI Homa Bay, and the Homa Bay County Attorney.

“He (Evance) was given an appointment letter for the above post which has not materialized up to date,” he claimed.

.

“First I sent an M-Pesa payment of Sh80,000 on demand by the suspect on the pretense that the available position was for revenue Clerk (III).” Reads the letter.

“Then he demanded another Sh.60,000 claiming that the boy was overqualified for the above post being that he is a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a CPA (IV), hence he needed my son to be placed on Revenue Clerk (I),” he claimed.

The complainant, however, claims that the suspect demanded that he take the boy to the CBSB immediately after the appointment letter was out which had a seal and a rubberstamp where he demanded some requirements like a file and a certification document plus another Sh100,000 before handing over the signed appointment letter to the applicant.

“For the record the accomplish received the Sh100,000 in cash, in the presence of my son; then he handed over the appointment letter,” he alleges.

“A total of Sh.240,000 was given to the suspects. He alleged the two were working in cohorts with some CPSB officials whom they can mention.

“Hon Governor, I am still stranded with my son at home and humbly request for your intervention so that my son Evance can secure employment,” said Oduor.

According to the appointment letter issued and signed by Homa Bay County Secretary and Head of Public Service Prof. Benard Muok reference number HB/PSB/APP2023/VOL1/10 Evance was appointed to Revenue Clerk One position and was to earn Sh31,270 per month with house allowance of Sh.5,800, Commuter allowance of Sh4,000 and another leave allowance of Sh4,000 per annum.

The letter was also signed by Evance upon reception.

I am pleased to inform you that following the successful interview held for the above position, the Public Service Board has approved your appointment to the position of revenue clerk One.

This appointment takes effect from 1st May 2023.

However, according to Muok, the signature appearing in the appointment letter was fake.

“This is not my Signature. It is fake and I am not sure if the two are working for the County Government, but it is difficult to help when people are conned outside,” said Muok.

“The best would be to report to the Police,” replied the County Secretary to our WhatsApp message.

County Government of Homa Bay signs Sh 800M MOU with farmers on value chain

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lom robb
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farmers
By Habil Onyango

The County Government of Homa Bay has signed Sh800M a Community Driven Development Project (CDDP) Memorandum of Understanding with farmers across twenty wards within the County.

The initiative was being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The CDDPs were made up of local Community-based Organizations.

In Homa Bay, the priority value chains that have been identified include Cotton, Dairy, Coffee, Rice, and Banana. 

The project was built on the formation which was set by the World Bank-funded projects which are the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth (NARIG) 

Addressing the 40 CDDPs and twenty farmers SACCO Officials drawn from the twenty wards from Homa Bay, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga said that the project was aimed at increasing the market participation and value addition for targeted farmers in the selected value chains.

The DG who is also the Executive Committee Member for the Agriculture Cabinet said that it was also aimed at supporting 500,000 small farmers in transiting from subsistence to commercial farming focusing on the five value chains.

He said the project will tackle the high cost of farm inputs, low crop and livestock yield, inadequate knowledge, and poor market linkages post-harvest losses and offer loans to farmers to ensure they improve their yields.

According to the project, the farmers will be able to access loans on their SACCOs which will enable them to increase productivity in their farming activities.

“Through this project, our farmers will be able to buy certified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, acquisition of spraying pumps, get market for their produce, and get training on the five value chains selected to ensure they improve on their productivity and create more job opportunities for the locals,” said the CECM.

Magwanga however admitted that the NARGIP project had a number of challenges that barred it from achieving its main goal, however, with the NAVCDP, they will ensure that it succeeds.

According to Magwanga the project which will run for five years will address the challenges that are being faced by cooperatives and farmers.

The DG however warned those who would have benefitted from the fund to ensure they use it prudently saying that as a County Government, they will ensure that each cent was accounted for.

According to the County Programs Coordinator Henry Nzinga, Homa Bay was one of the 33 Counties implementing the project which will be done in all 40 Counties.

He said that they have already engaged the locals in a Public Participation exercise to sensitize and inform them about the project.

He said that they will establish and run demonstration farms, provide grants to farmers’ SACCOs to enable them to operate effectively, and loan their members to enable their investments in the five value chains selected.

He said that most of the activities they are conducting are related to marketing the value chains they are working with.

He said that the project has a principle of community-driven development whereby the farmers are supposed to manage the resources by themselves.

“As a community, we are going to manage the resources while the Government will give out them out,” he said.

“The CDDP will be in charge of smaller groups of farmers where they will be able to mobilize and get information to the County,” he said.

“Farmers require resources, and they now have an opportunity to access these through their SACCOs,” he said.

Erick Adel, the County Director of Agriculture advised the CDDP to be more accommodating since they need numbers to succeed.

Homa Bay residents benefit from free medical camp from KMTC

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medical camp
By Habil Onyango

Kenya Medical Teaching College Rachuonyo Campus on Thursday offered a free medical camp to hundreds of ailing residents of Karachuonyo Sub County and its environs.

The three-day exercise was in line with the customer service week which was being marked throughout the Country.

The same exercise was also conducted at the facilities Homa Bay Town Campus in collaboration with the Homa Bay County Government, and the Department of Health.

Speaking to the KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch who presided over the exercise, the beneficiaries included hundreds of patients who suffered from different health conditions managed were treated and given medicines.

He said during the exercise they conducted free medical consultations and checkups which comprised general consultations, pediatric consultations, maternal child health, oral healthcare, and dental examinations.

Other services included routine Laboratory tests, nutrition counseling, health talks, mental health awareness, Eye checkup treatment and cataract surgery, Physiotherapy, and SHA registration.

“We also managed to offer cervical cancer screening to a number of patients since we want a cancer-free nation,” he said.

“We managed to offer free medical camps to hundreds of patients who in one way or another were not able to access health services in our facilities,” he said.

However, I want to tell our people that as we continue to provide health care to ensure that our community is safe health-wise, they should also observe preventive healthcare measures.

“As we continue to serve our people to make sure that our people are healthy it is good for us to exercise preventive health care,” he said.

“We must make sure that we observe good nutrition and consistently seek medical advice before we fall sick,” he added.

The exercise was conducted by health practitioners from the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital and others from the Sub County health facility.

The initiative came at a time when the Country is grappling with the health crisis following the migration from NHIF to SHA.

He however encouraged Kenyans to register for SHA saying that it is the only way they can access safe and affordable health care.

Former MP Osele decries rising cases of insecurity in Kasipul Kabondo

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Insecurity
By Habil Onyango

Former Kabondo Kasipu MP Sylvance Osele has decried the upsurge in the insecurity in the Constituency.

Osele said it was sad that people were currently being robbed and butchered and no action was being taken by the security Officers.

Osele said it was unfortunate that gangs have been having a field day in their heinous activities for lack of proper security measures.

The former MP blamed the currently elected leaders including MP Dr. Eve Obara for failing to summon the Inspector General to Parliament to shed more light on the issue.

Osele said only the MP has the power to raise serious matters before the Parliament so that a proper solution can be found.

In the recent past, a number of robbery, murder, and defilement cases have been reported in the Constituency however no major arrest or action has been taken to avert these.

“It is unfortunate that in the recent past, several robbery and murder cases have been taking place in our constituency, however, our leaders have failed to take proper action against this,” said Osele.

“Reports have emerged where notorious gangsters have been storming to people’s houses and interestingly demand to be prepared for food and after that defile, the minors in front of their parents and no one has been brought to book,” he added.

“We cannot sit back and watch when our people lose their lives while the elected leaders who are supposed to fight for them watch,” he added.

The former legislator however said that for such matters to be solved, there must be a strong community Policing and working closer with the security Officers.

“The fuel being given to the Police might not be enough for them to patrol 24/7 in a whole month, they must be assisted, and this can be achieved through the National Government Constituency Development Fund,” he said.

TIME TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC HARRASSMENT OF MOTORISTS AS A AWAY OF INDUCEMENT TO PAY BRIBES

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0
Junior Secondary Schools
By Billy Mijungi

To address the issue of traffic police harassment and bribery in Kenya, a combination of technological solutions and policy reforms is essential. One effective approach could be the creation of a digital traffic compliance system, where traffic officers can log any vehicle-related compliance issues such as faulty lights, worn tires, or even minor damages that could affect safety. This would allow drivers to be instantly notified of any violations through SMS or a mobile app, giving them a clear window of time to rectify these issues. By implementing a system where drivers can track their vehicle’s roadworthiness, compliance would become easier to manage, and penalties could escalate only if a driver repeatedly fails to address the problems.

Physical stops for minor offenses, such as faulty tail lights or expired insurance, should be reduced. Instead, streamlined fines could be issued directly, and drivers should be allowed to resolve these through digital payment platforms such as M-Pesa. This approach would minimize face-to-face interactions between drivers and officers, reducing opportunities for bribery. If a driver is flagged for the same unresolved issue multiple times, an escalation process could follow, such as a citation or court summons, with arrest warrants reserved for persistent non-compliance.

To increase transparency, traffic officers could be equipped with body cameras to record all interactions with drivers. This would ensure that police officers follow procedure and help prevent demands for bribes. Encouraging drivers to install dash cams could further provide evidence in case of disputes, protecting both parties. At the same time, there should be a reassessment of the traffic laws, with offenses categorized as minor, moderate, or severe. This would differentiate minor technical issues from more serious violations like reckless driving. A clear grace period for minor offenses, paired with automated warnings and correction deadlines, would give drivers the chance to address issues before being penalized.

Public education and awareness campaigns are also necessary to inform drivers of their rights and responsibilities. Many motorists may be unaware of the correct procedures when stopped by police or fear arbitrary arrests. Civic education would help demystify the process and make it clear what police are allowed to do. Additionally, there could be independent channels for motorists to file complaints against officers, such as a real-time hotline or mobile app. Officers found to be engaging in repeated harassment could then face disciplinary measures.

By incorporating these strategies, Kenya could greatly reduce traffic police corruption, ensuring safer roads and fairer enforcement of laws. A digital, transparent system would make traffic management more efficient and reduce unnecessary confrontations between the police and the public.

To effectively reduce traffic police harassment and bribery in Kenya, revising the pricing of petty traffic offenses is crucial. Petty offenses should be priced at reasonable amounts that are affordable and easily payable by motorists. When fines are fair and accessible, most drivers would prefer to pay them directly rather than resort to bribing officers. The current high fines often push motorists to choose bribery as the quicker and less costly option, perpetuating corruption.

By setting reasonable penalties for minor offenses such as faulty tail lights, cracked mirrors, or expired insurance, drivers will be less tempted to negotiate with officers on the roadside. These fines should be payable through convenient digital platforms like M-Pesa or banking apps, making the process more transparent and reducing the chances of corrupt interactions. Affordable fines would encourage compliance and ensure that the majority of motorists can settle them swiftly without fear of arrest or detainment.

For instance, offenses like faulty lights could attract a KSh 500 fine, while slightly more significant violations, such as driving with expired insurance, could be capped at KSh 1,000 to 2,000. By pricing these offenses in a way that reflects their severity but doesn’t overly burden the driver, Kenya could create a system that promotes road safety without over-policing.

In addition, introducing a fine payment grace period for first-time offenders would allow drivers time to make corrections and pay the fine without feeling unduly pressured. This would also ensure that motorists can focus on compliance rather than feeling the need to rush into bribing their way out of a situation.

By combining reasonable pricing, instant digital payment options, and better categorization of offenses, the system will not only help reduce bribery but also enhance road safety and fairness in traffic law enforcement. Drivers will feel empowered to follow the law when fines are affordable and accessible, and traffic police will be discouraged from detaining motorists simply to extract bribes.

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Homa Bay County Government builds 163 EYE classrooms in 90 days to boost education

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Homabay
By Atieno Otieno

In a groundbreaking development, the Homa Bay County government has successfully constructed 163 new early childhood education (EYE) classrooms in just 90 days as part of the ambitious Ondoa Kaunda project. 

The initiative, aimed at revamping the outdated and dilapidated EYE infrastructure, is a key component of Governor Gladys Wanga’s efforts to provide quality education to all children in the county.

The newly built classrooms, equipped with modern facilities, are set to provide a conducive learning environment for young learners, setting the stage for their academic success. Governor Wanga has emphasized the importance of early childhood education in shaping children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure to support their growth.

The Ondoa Kaunda project, which utilizes a labour-based model, has not only generated employment opportunities for local residents but has also fostered community participation and ownership in the development of the schools. By involving the local community in the construction process, the county government is ensuring that the project has a lasting impact on the schools and the surrounding areas.

“We initiated the labour-based system of ONDOA KAUNDA classrooms on 10th July 2024 at God Ndonyo in Kibiri Ward. Today, 90 days since we started the initiative, we have built a total of 163 classrooms. That’s 4 classrooms per ward at a cost of 163 million with no pending bills. ” H.E Gladys Wanga. “We devote to adhere to the UNESCO threshold ratio of 2 teachers to 35 learners by employing additional EYE Teachers.” She said. 

With a total of 240 new classrooms already completed and plans for an additional 200 in the coming financial year, the Ondoa Kaunda project is set to transform the education landscape in Homa Bay County. By prioritizing early childhood education and investing in infrastructure, the county is laying a solid foundation for the future generation, creating a more educated and empowered populace.

“We endeavour to implement the labour-based policy not only for the construction of EYE centres but also in other development initiatives like construction of fish bandas.” Added H E Wanga while speaking on radio Ramogi. 

The success of the Ondoa Kaunda project serves as a testament to the power of focused government initiatives in driving positive change at the grassroots level. As Homa Bay County continues to invest in the education sector, the impact will be felt not only in academic achievement but also in the overall socio-economic development of the region.

CBO writes to Governor Wanga seeking explanation on expenditure of Sh1.06 billion

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Wanga
By Habil Onyango

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) has written to the Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga seeking information on the spending and approval processes for water projects and ward-based allocation of Sh1.06 billion for the Financial Year 2023/24.

In a letter dated 15th July 2024 and copied to the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Mr. Solomon Obiero, the CBO, The Interface Community Help Desk expressed concern over the allocation and expenditure of funds within the departments of water irrigation, Sanitation, Energy, Forestry and Climate change.

In the letter signed by the organization’s Chairman Mr. Evince Oloo Gor and Mr. Eugine Obiasa, a member, they allege that the department has been spending Sh140 million on other projects under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program (FLLOCA). which were not approved by the County Assembly.

Gor claimed that during the Public Participation, Sh 1.06 billion was approved towards ward-based projects in supplementary budget 1 but the allocations were changed in the supplementary budget 2 without further public participation as required by the law.

The CBO questioned the expenditure of Sh37.5 million on the Sindo Community Water project in Kaksingri West Ward at a cost of Sh20million and the Kanyaluo-Tende Community Water Project in Kanyaluo Ward at a cost of Sh17.5million

“It has come to our attention that the department has been spending Sh177.5millionon drilling and equipping boreholes with solar-powered pumps across various wards at a cost of Sh3.5 million per ward under the FLLoCA fund or climate change fund and other two flagship projects,” they claimed.

“Additionally, flagship projects such as the rehabilitation of the Sindo

Community Water project in Kaksingri West Ward at a cost of Sh20 million and the Kanyaluo-Tende Community Water Project in Kanyaluo Ward at a cost of Sh17.5 million has been undertaken. This totals to Sh177.5M,” they said.

“We are concerned that all these expenditures were carried out without

proper approval from the County Assembly of Homa Bay. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds,” they claimed.

In regards to the ward-based allocations, the CBO alleged that the department made changes in the budgeting without public participation.

They also claimed that some funds were removed from the education (Sh2M), Agriculture (Sh1M), Water (Sh3.5M) Energy (Sh1M) that were marked for each ward with the amount totaling Sh300M without public input.

The Organization has requested for a detailed explanation of the reasons why Sh177.5M was spent without the necessary approval from the County Assembly of Homa Bay.

They further want explanations of the reasons for the changes that were made to the ward-based allocations without conducting further public participation as required by law.

The CBO demands that the County Government provide the Bills of quantity for all the water projects, proof that the procurement process was competitively sourced as per the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act.

They were also requesting the list of the successful bidders and copies of regret letters for unsuccessful bidders along with reasons for rejection.

The Organization further wants proof that tenders were advertised on the public procurement Information Portal, widely circulated daily Newspapers, and on the Homa Bay County Website.

They also want the County Government to provide evidence that 30 percent of the 40 water FLLoCA projects were awarded to disadvantaged groups as mandated by the Procurement and Assets Disposal Act. The CBO also wants explanations on where the funds for Sh300M development projects were appropriated or directed.

“We seek a prompt and detailed response to these concerns to ensure transparency and proper utilization of public funds. Failure to provide this information will force us to seek further interventions from the relevant authorities and pursue legal redress to ensure accountability,” they noted.

Attempts to get the comment from the Governor and Mr. Obiero were unsuccessful as they did not respond to our text messages,

Government rolls out measures to tackle insecurity in Kisumu.

By
lom robb
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0
Insecurity
By Hope Barbra

National and County governments have come up with a draft of measures to tame rising incidences of insecurity in Kisumu City and its environs.

The move includes enhanced patrol of crime-prone areas, ban of boda-boda operators from some estates, and closure of some business outlets. 

The move came in the wake of the alleged emergence of criminal gangs is causing insecurity in Kisumu City and the county with the residents appealing for urgent intervention.

In a press statement signed by the residents, they claim criminal gangs have been imposing curfews in most estates and villages in the county.

They named such estates to include Arina, Migosi, Obunga, Nubian, Manyatta, Mamboleo, Ogango, Chiga, Mowlem, Tom Mboya, Nyamasaria, Lolwe, Kenya Re, Mbeme, Kadiju, Riat hills, Bondeni, Kogony, Otonglo, Dago, Hollo, Kisian, Dunga, among others.

“Kisumu bus park is worse with casualties being reported every day. We cannot live in fear, yet we have a security apparatus in the county. We demand action,’ read the statement.

They claimed that some police officers were aiding the criminals to terrorize the residents.

But in a response, the county security committee and the County Government said a crackdown on the criminal gangs has been rolled out.

Kisumu County Commissioner Mr. Benson Lepamongo said the crackdown on criminal gangs will continue until all the suspects are arrested and security is restored to normalcy.

“We mapped the worst affected estates, and we have deployed our officers. We are working with all the stakeholders to arrest the situation,” he said.

Kisumu City Acting Manager Mr. Abala Wanga said the county government has ordered the temporary closure of all Airbnb’s in Kisumu following the wave of insecurity.

He said the business outlets will have to be registered afresh, and other security measures put in place before they can be allowed to operate.

Abala also said boda-boda operators in the upmarket Milimani estate have been banned following increased incidents of mugging in the area.

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