WORD FROM THE GOVERNOR, HOMA BAY COUNTY

When we came into office on August 25, 2022 following our win in the General Elections two weeks earlier, I promised to help our county to rediscover its endless potential and to make something out of the billions of shillings we receive every year through devolved funds.

It has not been an easy task putting in place working structures and setting the development agenda as envisioned in our campaign manifesto, having taken over from a system that was ailing in all fronts.

After our 100 days in office, I am happy to come back to our people to report that we remain in focus and very much on track as far as our campaign promises are concerned. Our hope remains undeterred and our plans unshifted.

In these 100 days, we have been able to put in place a government with all cabinet members now settled, and work is indeed in progress.

It is worth noting that my resolve to make health a key priority area has been sustained. The turnaround at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital is beginning to take shape with the completion of the Comprehensive Outpatient Block that previously made our hospital an icon of pictorial doom.

Our health sector services have improved a great deal. We have restocked our pharmacies in the over 250 hospitals and made drugs available to our people. Our previously collapsed renal unit, blood bank, cancer centre, and laboratories, are back to work. We have also acquired a CT scan, currently being installed. It will be operationalised soon.

Under the first 100 days in office, we revived and operationalised Kigoto Maize Milling plant, which was launched on November 5, 2022. Mokwa maize flour is now available in the shelves in many supermarkets in the region.

In the last Financial Year, Homa Bay county generated Ksh135 million in revenue, but this year, the fortunes are changing. We have introduced a new cashless revenue regime and we are beginning to post progress. In the month of October and November this year, we have been able to mobilise Ksh200 million in revenue. This points to the endless potential that we believe in.

In these 100 days, my government has set the stage for the setting up of a full scholarship programme – The Governor’s Scholarship Fund. Some  Ksh30 million has been allocated for the programme that will see close to 280 children from poverty stricken households benefit to enable them study at their schools of choice. Another Ksh80 million to fund a School Feeding Programme that we will begin in the new year in our 800 Early Year Education (EYE) centres is also in place. We have additionally allocated Ksh100 million to support our bursary scheme. About 20,000 students from across the county will benefit.

As promised, we have improved on our staff welfare, with salaries being paid before the fifth day of every month. Our health workers who were perennially on industrial action have now settled and are delivering services. Even as we do, our intent to ensure a disciplined workforce remain in focus. We have procured a professional Human Resource firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers, to undertake a payroll and staff audit to enable us weed out ghost workers.

Then our village-to-village public participation model for developing the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2022-2022 has rekindle hope that indeed, the people are supreme. Once approved, the new CIDP will facilitate the development plans we have for the next five years.

Our County hosts the longest beachline along Lake Victoria, compared to  other waterfront counties such as Busia, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya. In these 100 days, I have been working on a plan to develop our waterfronts.

Realising the potential of partnerships, my administration has in these past 100 days reestablished bilateral connections with development partners. We are leaving nothing to chance in our resolve to work closely with partners to unlock the potential in the water sector value chains, among others, for our county.

We have held roundtable meetings with EU representatives and Western ambassadors, as well as bilateral talks with other development partners such as the World Bank, Embassies of Netherlands, and Sweden, among others. We are ready to meet our obligations in each and every partnership we develop.

On governance, we are keen to ensure we deal with corruption and other vices that undermine service delivery. To underline our resolve on this, we are developing a project management dashboard from where authorised officers will record project profiles and monitor them. And the public can report irregularities.

We have made considerable progress in our partnership with Kenya Railways and Kenya Ports Authority in redeeming and putting in place a plan to develop the waterfronts within our County to make them look like the Mombasa beachfronts as we know them.

In partnership with the National Government through the National Housing Corporation, a Memorandum of Understanding has been reached to undertake the development of up to 1,500 housing units within Homa Bay County.

This is one of the key 100-days deliverables, as Homa Bay is among the few counties to join in the affordable housing project being implemented by the State Department of Housing. The County Government has availed 6.6 acres of land for the development of houses in the first phase of the project. Some 400 houses will be constructed under the first phase. National Housing Corporation will fund the project.

We are alive to the impact of climate change, and we have sensitised our local assembly into passing all critical legislations necessary for our participation in the battle to save the globe from the vagaries of global warming. That is why I recently launched the county climate change governance framework that includes Homa Bay County Climate Change Policy, Homa Bay County Climate Change Act, Homa Bay County Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report.

In the supplementary budget, the assembly has appropriated a significant amount of resources to help us rehabilitate major access roads in the villages. We want to repair at least one major road per ward and make accessibility possible everywhere.

To this end, I salute the team that has worked round the clock to make this a reality. Let me thank the 100 Taskforce for delivering on their mandate. And on the same breath, I want to thank the people of Homa Bay for honouring us with this enormous responsibility of rebuilding our county.

Indeed, we will continue unlocking our endless potential.

God bless Homa Bay County.

 

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

County joins the world in war to save earth by passing critical climate change related laws and policies

County governments across the republic are taking action to address the ravaging effects of climate change. In the first 100 days since assuming office, Governor Gladys Wanga has implemented a range of initiatives to reverse this negative trend.

One key step was the assenting into law of the Homa Bay County Climate Change Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a county climate change fund that will unlock resources of climate change programmes for Homa Bay.

Another key initiative the Wanga administration took was the recent launch of the county climate change governance framework that includes Homa Bay County Climate Change Policy, Homa Bay County Climate Change Act, Homa Bay County Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report.

Members of the County Assembly and our staff have been working round the clock to ensure we join the world in the race to save the globe.

The establishment of a climate change governance framework in an effort to strengthen mitigation within the county, will lead to speedy scaling up of climate change actions to ensure effective response, adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects.

Homa Bay was selected as one of the sub-national cities in Africa to build climate change resilience, and is therefore in the process of establishing an action plan that will qualify Homa Bay to win grants to tackle the effects of climate change. Governor Wanga is keen to see Homa Bay County as a Climate Change resilient lead in the region.

Locally, the county government has established a partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank to upgrade Rose Muhando grounds in Homa Bay town into a nature park.

Having gone through the Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report by Transparency International, the governor noted the county’s need to address the most affected areas in terms of deforestation and land degradation caused by sand harvesting and the unsustainable harvesting of trees.

The new administration is implementing local adoption strategies, such as promoting the use of solar-powered rural water boreholes and solar lights in place of electricity; Clean Cooking Initiative for women-led households, fish markets, and county referral hospitals; the greening of streets, parks, and public spaces to reduce carbon emission and mitigate surface runoff; and the Youth for Trees Programme to enable youth to increase tree cover.

The Governor also implemented monthly town clean-up exercises, giving great examples to stakeholders and community members coming together to make a positive impact on their town.

The Wanga administration has played a key role in the fight against climate change, and their efforts in the first 100 days are a positive sign for the future.

By seeking partnerships in implementing effective policies, Homa Bay can help to accelerate the transition to a clean and green environment for future generations.

 

HEALTH

Life returns to Homa Bay hospitals as Governor restocks pharmacies,reactivates dead services

 

Health is a key priority area in Governor Gladys Wanga’s campaign manifesto. This explains the zeal in her administration’s desire to turn around the sector that had been left for the “dead”.

In 100 days since she came into office, the health sector has been on focus, as the new regime moves to reposition the Homabay County Teaching and Referral Hospital (HCTRH). Today a Comprehensive Outpatient Block is complete, bringing to an end the mockery the hospital has previously been subjected to.Recently, hospitals in the county have benefitted from the governor’s 100-day goodwill, which saw the restoration of supply of drugs to all the over 250 facilities after a drug supplies deal was entered into with Kemsa worth Ksh60 million. An additional plan also saw another supply of Ksh20 million  from MEDS to ensure uninterrupted services in all public hospitals in the county.

Over the past three months, the HCTRH’s renal unit has been revived and made fully functional, with 10 dialysis patients being attended to daily, seven days a week.

The Cancer Centre has also been operationalised and cancer equipment procured. The installation of the equipment will ease cancer services and save locals the agony of having to make trips to get the services in hospital far away from home.

Some 24 laboratories in various hospitals around the county have also been supplied with new high quality Biochemistry, Haematology and Urine analyser machines, while the local blood bank at the referral hospital that had completely shut down is now fully revived. Sena hospital has also benefited from the installation of blood transfusion equipment to help residents of Mfangano Island who had to find their way into the mainland whenever blood transfusion cases emerged. Several other completed facilities have also been opened and medical personnel deployed in a move to strengthen the delivery of medical services. Kamser-Seka, Kibuogi Island and Okiki Amayo health facilities are among those that have been recently completed and commissioned.

The Governor has also indicated that the hospital’s current 15-body mortuary is set for upgrading to modern 100 capacity funeral palour in the next financial year.

Governor Wanga has also announced that all the Community Health Volunteers will now be paid a stipend of Ksh2,500 from next year to support them due to their work in offering essential health services in the communities. From the amount, Ksh500 will be used to pay for their NHIF to cushion them from spending out of pocket for health services.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Power to the people as county rolls out village to village public participation model

In the 100 days since the assumption of office, the county government has made significant strides in enhancing public participation in the development process.

One of the most significant achievements has been the rolling out of an enhanced, people-driven public participatory model that allows residents of Homa Bay county to not only decide which development projects to embark on, but to also engage in their management once they are commissioned. 

The County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is a critical document that guides the development of the county, outlining its vision, goals, and strategies for the future. In the past, the development of the CIDP has often been a top-down process, with little input from members of the community. However, under Governor Wanga’s administration, the CIDP for (2023-2027) is being developed with extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, persons differently-abled, business leaders, and civil society organisations. The inclusion of diverse perspectives has led to a CIDP that is more reflective of the needs and priorities of the people.

One of the key ways in which public participation has been enhanced is through the various public consultation meetings and forums that were kick-started by governor Gladys Wanga, right from the village, to sub-location, ward, and recently the sub-county level. This has provided an effective platform for residents to share their views and concerns. The process is helping to build consensus on the direction of the county's development.

The rolling out of an enhanced public participation on CIDP for the next five years is a significant achievement, and one that will have a lasting impact on the development of Homa Bay.

Millicent Akinyi, a resident of Kibiri ward, expressed satisfaction in the new model of public engagement employed by Governor Wanga's administration. “We are glad that our voices are being heard for the first time in the villages. We are able to decide on key priorities in water, roads, agriculture and health, among several projects,” she said.

It is a clear demonstration of Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory development, and sets a strong foundation for the future growth and prosperity of Homa Bay County.

 

KIGOTO MAIZE MILLING PLANT

Maize mill roars to life within 100 days as promised

On Friday, November 4, 2022, the County Government of Homa Bay successfully launched its new maize milling plant, marking a major milestone in an effort to promote industrialisation, boost food security, and support local farmers.

The fully-funded county government project, capable of processing up to 30 tons of maize per day, will not only provide a much-needed source of income for local farmers, but will also ensure that residents of Kigoto have access to affordable, high-quality sifted and fortified maize products.

The maize milling plant was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the distinguished presence of H.E Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, county officials, local farmers, and members of the Kigoto community. It signals the awakening of the endless potential of Homa Bay. During the launch, locals praised the hard work and dedication of H.E Governor Gladys Wanga and everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition.

The maize milling factory has received widespread support from the community, with many residents expressing their excitement and gratitude for the new facility. “I am so happy that we now have a place to sell our maize and make good income,” said local farmer Samuel Otiende. “This plant is a great opportunity for us, and we are grateful to Governor Wanga for making it happen.”

Kigoto maize milling plant marks a truly historic project for Homa Bay county. “Not only will this factory help to improve food security and support local farmers, but it will also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. I am confident that this facility will be a valuable asset for our county for many years to come,” said Deputy Governor Oyugi Joseph Magwanga who is also in-charge of the Agriculture docket during the official unveiling.

The launch of the Kigoto maize milling plant is just one of many initiatives being undertaken by the county government to support the agriculture sector and boost the local economy. In the coming months, the governor plans to unveil a series of additional projects, including the commissioning of Arujo Animal Feeds processing plant and the establishment of a farmer training programme.

Currently, a 2kg of ‘Mokwa’ maize brand retails at Ksh195, with a kilo going for Ksh100. The current shortage of maize supply from the region is expected to be addressed through various strategies, among them providing maize subsidies and strengthening the cooperative movement.

Overall, the successful launch of the Kigoto maize milling plant is a testament to the county’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents and supporting the growth of its agriculture industry.

 

REVENUE

County raises Ksh200 million in two months as Wanga's cashless model seals revenue leakage

In Governor Gladys Wanga’s 100 days in office, an unprecedented increase in revenue collection has been noted. This is attributed to the new cashless revenue collection regime initiated by the Governor.

Between October and November, the county raised Ksh200 million, compared to Ksh137 million collected in total, in the last Financial Year.

The Governor has banned cash transaction in the county as efforts are put to centralise all county services, which will now be available at Osuru Centre in Homa Bay. The cashless revenue collection plan was launched on October 4, 2022, where the revenue collectors were invited and an orientation was done to revenue officers on the system. Customers can make payments through *603# short-code of Pay Bill 0434343.

County residents seeking single business permits are also urged to make their payments through the cashless system.

“The cash transactions remain banned in all payable county government services. Officers engaging in un authorised methods of revenue collection will be dismissed and legal action taken against them,” Governor Wanga said during a recent county revenue roundtable.

To further enhance revenue collection, the County Government has created a Revenue Board through the recently enacted Homa Bay County Revenue Board Act and the Revenue Administration Act. The County Revenue Board, whose recruitment is underway, will take charge of the revenue collection once it is officially in office

Upon resumption of the office, the new county administration formed a taskforce on Revenue Administration on September 12, 2022, to establish ways of streamlining revenue administration and mapping, and to also identify challenges affecting optimal revenue mobilisation.

 The taskforce, chaired by Mr Polycarp Okombo under close guidance of Mr Ndiritu Muriithi, former Laikipia County Governor, embarked on a fact finding exercise that lasted 15 days.

Collection of revenue for enterprises relating to markets, market users’ charges, loading and offloading charges, and transportation of quarry materials, were suspended for a period of 15 days.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Homa Bay inks deal for 400 affordable houses

In the first 100 days of her administration, Governor Gladys Wanga has made good of her promise to tackle the housing crisis in Homa Bay.

 Through collaboration with the National Government, under the National Housing Corporation (NHC), Homa Bay County recently signed an MoU that will see the development of over 400 affordable housing units on an 11-acre tract in Homa Bay town.

 The houses will be put up in phases. Some 110 units will be built in the first phase that will take 12 months. The units to be constructed at Makongeni include 40 two-bedroom houses, 40 one-bedroom and 30 studios.

 The project, expected to begin in December, will also include the construction of a level-three health centre and the possibility of commercial property for future residents.

 Residents of the affordable housing units will have access to a range of amenities, including recreational areas and the possibility of commercial property for future residents.

 The partnership between NHC and the county will provide affordable housing options for residents who may not have otherwise been able to afford them.

 Governor Wanga emphasised the importance of using local materials and labour, as well as recruiting workers from Homa Bay County.

 “Our agreement with NHC is that they should use the opportunity to create jobs for our local Jua Kali artisans when this project starts,” Wanga said.

 This partnership project will help to stimulate economic growth and create a more vibrant community, as their conditions will be uplifted.

 The Governor also emphasised the need for the project to be within the estimated cost and to use clean energy, such as solar power and rainwater harvesting. The project is expected to provide job opportunities for local youths and help address the housing shortage in the area.

 Governor Wanga further added that her government would ensure residents get priority when the new houses are allocated, with each family only allowed to acquire one unit.

 The Governor said the county has opportunities, not just in Homa Bay town, but also in Ndhiwa, Mbita, Oyugis, Kendu Bay and Rangwe sub-counties, which are growing rapidly.

 


SCHOLARSHIPS FUND

Wanga’s Christmas gift to KCPE top scorers as County rolls out Governor’s scholarship

Next month some 280 top 2022 KCPE scorers from poverty stricken families in Homa Bay county will join their schools of choices without hustle, thanks to a new Ksh30 million full scholarship fund started by Governor Gladys Wanga.

The Governor’s Fins to Swim Governor’s Scholarship Fund, to be launched in the new year, will see each beneficiary awarded full tuition fee, transport, shopping, and an offer of school holiday incubation, among others.

The main objective of the programme is to share equal opportunity to all students who score 350 marks and above in KCPE from the county. The move is to spur hope among the disadvantaged, and create equality and a hub of reliable professionals in the next 10 years, for the benefit of the county and the benefiting families. “The idea of introducing a scholarship fund to help children from completely needy families certified to be experiencing absolute poverty is anchored in our campaign manifesto. I am glad the 100 Days Taskforce picked it up as a high priority issue and has processed it to the point of implementation,” Governor Wanga noted. Homa Bay County will be the first in Nyanza circuit to offer such a scholarship. 

The new administration has also tripled the amount to be rolled out as bursaries, from Ksh30 million to Ksh100 million. The governor has promised to expand the fund even more in the coming financial year. Each beneficiary will get Ksh5,000 to support their education. The fund’s governance is also being enhanced.

Together with the Scholarship Fund, the government has also introduced a school feeding programme for all EYE centres aimed at ensuring retention of early learners in schools. School feeding programmes have been implemented in many counties as one of the social safety-nets for child nutrition and improvement of education outcomes. The county has 886 ECDE centres.

The County Assembly has approved a budget of Ksh80 million to support the new programme initiated under Governor Wanga’s 100-day programmes. Despite the allocation, the Governor has made out an appeal to partners and well-wishers to step in to support the programme.

Discussions with a few partners who have expressed interests is currently ongoing, but others are being invited to join the discussion to make the programme more sustainable and to enable the county to expand the menu for the beneficiaries.

County Executive Committee Member for Education, Human Capital Development and Vocational Training, Mr Martin Opere, said the idea has received cabinet approval.

 



LAKEFRONT

Plans at advanced stage to improve Lakefront to attract investments

Homa Bay County accounts for 80% of Kenya’s share of Lake Victoria. The county boasts of the fresh water lake as a major source of livelihood hence the blue economy sector is a key driver for the county’s economic transformation.

The lakefront is a crucial growth area and a special investment opportunity that will spur economic development and emancipation to the people of Homa Bay.

In this regard, Governor Wanga, is developing legislative framework for formation of the Homa Bay Lakefront Development Corporation as a mechanism for governing the lakefront. She has also embarked on Lakefront Planning and Development Initiative that will promote sustainable utilization of the Lakefront. The County Government of Homa Bay has collaborated with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to make lakefront planning and development programme efficient by tapping the lake resource towards improving the incomes of the people whose livelihoods depend on the lake.

During an inspection visit of feeder ports and piers in Homa Bay County, KPA management disclosed that the Authority was committed to rehabilitate piers on Lake Victoria.

Homa Bay County Government is working with KPA to fast-track the upgrading of all piers within the county.  Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, Mbita and Mfangano Piers, which are currently dilapidated, will be revamped. This is a key step towards the realisation of a better infrastructural development aimed at changing the lives of Homa Bay residents.

Discussions with KPA are underway in regards to having a ferry ply the waters of Lake Victoria. Governor Wanga is committed to make it a reality within her first term in office. With the improved piers and a ferry, water transport system will be improved.

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has partnered with the County Government of Homa Bay to help the county realise its full marine potential. The collaboration will ensure sustainable, safe, secure, clean and efficient water transport for the benefit of the people of Homa Bay. Plans are also underway to have a maritime school to help build capacity for the people of Homa Bay. 

  Discussions with KPA and other stakeholders are underway in regards to having a public ferry ply the waters of Lake Victoria.