newsletter

State County Report 2019

Prof. Justus Inonda Mwanje

Mr. Paul Jiseve Mbuni

H.E. Dr. Wilber K. Ottichilo, Governor Ms. Marita Agufana

H.E. Dr. Patrick L. Saisi, Deputy Governor Mr. Henry Mang’ong’o Lumbasio

Dr. Amos Kutwa

Eng. Kenneth Elvuna Keseko Trade, Industry, Tourism and Entrepreneurship

H.E. Dr. Patrick Saisi

Youth, Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services

Mr. Geoffrey Vukaya Lugalia Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

Message from the Governor

The 2018/19 financial year marked a turning point in the leadership and development initiatives in our County. Unlike the 2017/18 financial year, when we faced a lot of leadership and institutional challenges that slowed down our focus on development for the people of Vihiga County; in the period under review we experienced a lot of harmony in the working relationship between the Executive and the County Assembly.

The County Assembly executed its oversight, legislation and representation roles prudently, and this led to the implementation of various sectoral development projects and activities across the County. This led to significant improvement in our financial absorption rate for development projects from less than 30% in the 2017/18 financial year to 70% during the 2018/19 fiscal year.

My administration also experienced a number of challenges that directly or indirectly affected our overall performance during the reporting period; key among them:

1. Delayed release of development funds by the National Treasury

2. Unreliability in the functioning and operation of Integrated Finance Management Information System (IFMIS)

3. Bloated wage bill

4. Serious lack of technical capacity in all departments

5. Lack of capacity and capability by some of the contractors awarded projects

6. Lack of enabling laws and policies to implement projects as per the Public Finance and Management Act (PFMA)

In spite of these challenges, my administration has put in place mechanisms to address them to enable us perform much better in the 2019/20 financial year.

I extend my appreciation to the people of Vihiga County and all development partners and organization for the continued support and input towards the realization of the Vihiga County vision.

I will endeavor to steer this County forward, while uniting its people, with a clear focus of socio-economic progress for all who call Vihiga home; an enviable economic jewel of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB).

Thank You.

H.E. DR. WILBER KHASILWA OTTICHILO, CBS GOVERNOR VIHIGA COUNTY

I extend my appreciation to the people of Vihiga County and all development partners and organization for the continued support and input towards the realization of the Vihiga County vision

CT-Scan at VCRH

A Healthy County

Preventive approach in County Health Management

INTRODUCTION

TThe County Government of Vihiga has prioritized Public Healthcare as the foundation of our County’s health and well-being.

We have gone further to develop a robust healthcare system with well-distributed health facilities across the County, including Ambulance/Medical Emergency Services and related rescue services; which are fairly equipped, stocked, staffed and managed.

COMMUNINITY HEALTH VOLUNTEERS (CHVs)

We have invested significantly in public/community health work to ensure our population adopts healthy living habits; and disease prevention is given the highest priority.

To that effect, a total of 1,051 CHVs are on the ground, distributed across the County. CHVs are tasked with health promotion through increased awareness on health issues and improved environmental sanitation at household level. In so doing, they act as our first line of defense against communicable and non-communicable ailments in the County.

OTTICHILOCARE PROGRAM

Vihiga County is implementing the BORESHA AFYA YA MAMA NA MTOTO Programme whose main aim is to

contribute to the reduction of maternal and child deaths and malnutrition in the County.

As a response to weak and progressive aggravation of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) situation in 2018 UNICEF supported the County Government of Vihiga through bottleneck analysis to identify main barriers of Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) services. Consiquently, UNICEF supported the formulation and implementation of OTTICHILOCARE.

The program offers:

Free antenatal clinics for expectant mothers

Free Child birth with skilled assistance

Promotion of young children health immunization.

Nutrition support KES 1,000 stipend for every 1st and 4th antenatal visits,

Family planning and counselling

Over 734 registered mothers have delivered under the program

21 health centers spread across the County

Quick Data:

Registered 3,903 mothers with 855 more still undergoing data cleanup from the old system

In partnership with UNICEF the scheme has a budgetary allocation of KES 30 million

Success by January 2020:

Skilled delivery –improved to 63% from 40%

BCG -71%

Penta 1-75%

Fully immunized child improved to - 88% from 49%

Mothers paid for 1st visit 2831

Mothers paid for 4th visit 870

Mothers paid for skilled delivery 455

1st ANC-improved to 75% from 64%

4th ANC – improved to 55% from 23%

Department Gains:

1. Improved diagnostic services with the installation of a 32 and 64-Slice CT-scan at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital

2. Cardiac clinic now available at the Vihiga County Referral Hospital (VCRH)

Provides services related to heart conditions

Has served more than 3000 residents

Resident Cardiologist available

3. Dental clinics - Opened dental in all Sub-County hospitals and VCRH

4. Theatres

Opened a fully-fledged theatre at Emuhaya SubCounty Hospital and renovated the theatre at the VCRH

5. Satellite Blood Transfusion Center

Construction and equipping 90% complete

6. New 14-bed capacity amenity ward available at VCRH, for patients who require private and specialized care

7. Revamped the Renal unit at VCRH

8. Opened cancer unit with Hamisi Sub-County hospital

9. Opened new dipensaries at Egago, Esirulo, Essadi, Ebukhaya, Enavi, Enzaro, Cheptulu, Ebwiranyi, Givigoi, Mulundu and Eliangoma

10. Installed Ultra-sound services in all Sub-County hospitals

Agriculture From Subsistence Agriculture to Agribusiness

INTRODUCTION

TThe County Government of Vihiga’s vision for the agriculture sector has been to steer the County towards an innovative and commercially-oriented agricultural and food secure economy; from primarily subsistence farming to Agribusiness/ SMART Agriculture.

MWITOKO FISH FARM

The 14-acre project provides quality fish fingerlings and offers training to all practicing fish farmers and aquaculture students in Vihiga County and beyond. Mwitoko farm was rehabilitated at a cost of KES 21 million, has 30 ponds and it is projected that more than 1,200 farmers will benefit.

Drone Image of the 24 acre Mwitoko Fish Farm

distribution of fertilizer and certified maize seeds to 34,000 farmers

distribution of seedlings to farmers

20,000 coffee seedlings

20,000 avocado seedlings

30,000 tea seedlings

distribution of 3 heifers (dairy) per ward totalling to 75 animals to dairy farmers to increase milk production to the County

Vaccination of animals

37,428 cattle against lumpy skin disease

29,257 cattle, 441 sheeps

2,972 goats against Black Quarter Anthrax 183 dogs against Rabies

distributed of a total of 80 dairy goats to dairy farmers within Vihiga County

Completed construction of Serem and Mukhalakhala slotter houses.

Procured standby generator for Vihiga dairy Cooperative Society.

Disributed a total of 7875 local improved chicken to 108 groups (315 birds per ward)

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL INCLUSIVE GROWTH PROJECT (NARIGP)

This is a World Bank project that aims to promote value chain in dairy, banana, poultry and indigenous vegetable production in the county. Its achievements to date include;

Total of 52 project proposals have been presented

15 out of 52 proposals have been to the tune of KES 15 million.

The remaining 37 are due for fund disbursement which cumulatively amount to KES 525 million for 2019/20 financial year.

Four stakeholder platforms (Production, Processing, Innovation and Marketing) have been formed along the Four Value Chains (Dairy Cow, Local Chicken, Banana and Africa Leafy vegetable) to be funded by the Project.

Under the program, a Multi Community Irrigation Project in Luanda Sub-County (Wemilabi ward) worth KES 80 million has been approved by the National Project Committee and is ready for implementation.

County Animal Vaccination exercise

Trade and Entrepreneurship

Investing in SMEs, the Economic Backbone of Vihiga

INTRODUCTION

TThrough the department of Trade, we are driving and positioning Vihiga County as a prime investment destination as well as a hub for business, trade and finance.

This is mainly through promotion of micro-industries, training and sensitization of the Youth to be enterprising; especially through agricultural value chains and other SMEs.

VIHIGA TRADE AND ENTERPRISE FUND

This fund is intended to provide capital/boost for business enterprises in Vihiga County. Specifically; startups, groups, small and medium enterprises in Vihiga County.

1500 Beneficiaries

KES 33 Million loan issued

KES 10,000 - 100,000 Disbursement range

Department Gains

Completed construction of 11 Market stalls

Cost KES 8 Million

Completed construction of 30 Bodaboda sheds

Cost KES 12 Million

Completed Construction of Gambogi market

Completed construction of Omena market in Luanda town

Quick Stats

A happy trader under a shade at Mudete market

Education

Building a Skill-Based Human Resource

INTRODUCTION

Our education agenda focuses on promotion of skills through TVET training and ECDE education as well as supporting Secondary and Tertiary education.

OTECHNICAL

AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET)

The County Government of Vihiga has heavily invested in developing technical skills among the youth of Vihiga County. To achieve this, the department of education embarked on renovations/face-lifting, equipping and staffing of all our Vocational Training Centers (VTCs); in readiness for enrollment of students. VTCs have gone further and specialized in selected courses minding the existing catchment areas.

57.7% increase in enrolment from 2900 trainees in 2017/18 to 4572 in 2018/19

30 Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) across the County.

Accredited 25 out of 30 VTCs in the County by TVETA.

Currently, all the 30 VTCs across the County have a Constituted Board of Governors for efficient management of the institutions. The first ever TVET graduation was conducted in May 2018. The department is currently organization the second ceremony.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION (ECDE)

We have made great strides in the development of infrastructure and conducive learning environment for our young ones.

115 new ECDE classrooms constructed

408 ECDE centers refurbished

We have successfully provided all our ECDE facilities with teaching and learning aids; and taken ECDE teachers through capacity building training on the new Competence based curriculum.

For the longest time, the welfare of the Vihiga County ECDE teachers had taken a backstage role in the development of the Vihiga County ECDE sector. To better incentivize the ECDE teachers, we have improved their remuneration as follows:

Quick Stats:

Quick Stats

ECDE pupils with their new instructional materials

Quick Stats

Certificate holders from 5,000 to 10,000 shillings per month.

Diploma holders from 7,000 to 12,000 shillings per month

Degree holders from 10,000 to 15,000 shillings per month

SUMMARY DISBURSEMENT REPORT

VIHIGA COUNTY EDUCATION FUND –BURSARY

For the third year now, the County Government of Vihiga has supported the education of students from Vihiga County, by supporting parents and guardians in carrying the burden of tuition fees. Secondary School, local Vocational Training Centers, Colleges and University students are the beneficiaries of the Vihiga County Bursary.

Each of the 25 wards of Vihiga County receives KES 4 million from the fund.

GOVERNOR'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The second year of the inaugural Governor’s scholarship program has seen an additional 100 students benefit from the full secondary school scholarship. A total of 220 students have benefited from the scheme since its inception in 2019. The first phase enrolled 100 students and the second phase taking on 120 students.

The scholarship pays full tuition fees and also provides beneficiaries money for personal effects and upkeep.

The Governor’s scholarship program goes further to organize mentorship programs for the beneficiaries during school holiday seasons. Students scoring above B+ in their Form One end of second term exams are awarded. The Mentorship program key goal is to assess the students' performance, encourage them and offer guiding and counselling sessions during holiday breaks.

The County Government of Vihiga allocated KES 6 million in the 2018/19 financial budget for the Scholarship program, intended to benefit bright students from needy households across the County.

A group photo of Governor Wilber Ottichilo, his Deputy Dr.Partick Saisi with the beneficiaries of the full scholarship program

Geospatial Technologies Services (GTS)

GTS Laboratory

The Nerve Centre for Development Planning, Management and Monitoring

INTRODUCTION

TThe Geospatial Technologies Services Lab offers services in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in planning, resource allocation and decision making; as well as data storage and modeling.

Achievements:

Using GTS, the County has developed the County

Integrated Development Information System (CDIS); that consists of several sectoral sub-systems like:

1. Land Information Management System (LIMS)

2. Health Services Information System (HSIS)

3. Agricultural Management Information System (AMIS) etc.

GTS as the Nerve Centre of the County Government of Vihiga

Transport and Infrastructure

Fire Engine and the Rapid Response Vehicle

INTRODUCTION

FImproving Transport and Connectivity Networks

RIVER CROSSING, BOX CULVERTS AND BRIDGES

For the 2018/19 financial, the department had an allocation of KES 671 million. These funds were used to undertake 161 development projects across the County.

FIRE ENGINE AND RAPID RESPONSE VEHICLE

We have acquired a Fire Engine and a Rapid Response Vehicle that strengthens our fire emergency response services in the County.

Fire Fighting Engine

Model: MAN 33.360/6x4 BB-WW

Foam: 2,500 litres

Water: 10,000 litres

Rapid Response Vehicle

ISUZU DMAX

Fitted with 200 litres integrated water and foam tank

BRIDGES

Minyika Bridge (North Maragoli) 100% complete

Opuya Maganga Bridge (Luanda Township) 90% complete pending backfilling

Okondo Bridge (Luanda South) 75% complete

BOX CULVERTS

Murichile (West Bunyore) 100% complete

Emmunwa (Emabungo) 100% complete

Mulwanda (Mwibona) 100% complete

Jepsani (Jepkoyai) 90% complete

RIVER CROSSINGS

Lwangele (Lugaga/Wamuluma) 100% complete

Vihindi Losoma (West Sabatia) 100% complete

Mudindi (Jepkyoyai) 90% complete

Mwibiba (Muhudu) 80% complete

FOOT BRIDGES

Ebulako foot bridge (Emabungo) 100% complete.

HIGHT MAST FLOOD LIGHTS

Under the World Bank funded Kenya Urban support Program (KUSP) for Vihiga Municipality, high mast flood lights have been installed at:

1. Lotego 6. Majengo

2. Mbale 7. Stand Kisa

3. Eregi junction 8. Mudete

4. Kilingili 9. Kivagala

5. Gisambai 10. Kiritu

The County Government of Vihiga under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) matching funds programme has put up high mast flood lights in the following areas:

1. Luanda market 2. Serem Market

3. Esibuye market 4. Mahanga market

5. Ilungu market 6. Emanyinya market

7. Ebuyangu market 8. Ebusakami junction

9. Ekwanda market 10. Wangoya market 11. Mago market 12. Banja market

13. Jepkoyai

ROADS

We have opened, rehabilitated, graded and murrammed a total of:

70 Roads (102.7 KM) Ward-Based Development Programme

38 Roads (205.7 KM) KRB Programme.

We also completed construction of the County mechanical workshop

Youth and Sports

An Entrepreneurial Youth County

INTRODUCTION

YYouth are a very integral constituency in the development of Vihiga County. We set out to put in place and implement policies towards protection and promotion of the youth interests; while also promoting and preserving the culture of the communities of Vihiga County through exhibitions and cultural festivals.

We are setting up the Youth Desk in the department of Gender, Youth, Culture, Sports and Social Services; to coordinate youth affairs in the County.

THE 1ST VIHIGA COUNTY YOUTH CONVENTION

We organized and held the 1st Youth Convention from 16th - 17th of November 2018. The convention brought together more than 500 youth delegates from across the 25 wards of Vihiga County.

The key objective of the 2-day convention was to provide an opportunity for the youth to interact with

both the Executive and Legislative arms of the County Government; while ensuring the youth agenda is not overlooked.

The conference discussed how best to develop and nurture entrepreneurial skills and drive; purposefully to foster self employment among the youth.

The 1st Vihiga Youth Conference

COUNTY SOCCER TOURNAMENT

We hold the County soccer tourney annually in all the 25 wards within Vihiga County. The sporting event includes both ladies and male categories. The event begins at the ward level with winners proceeding to the Sub-County competition and subsequent winners proceeding to the County finals.

During the Last year's Competition:

Lugaga Wamuluma Ward from Vihiga Sub-County emerged winners during the Men Category

Emabungo ward from Luanda Sub-County became victorious in the lady’s category

Winners KES. 100,000

Runners up KES. 75,000

Second runners up KES. 50,000 Number 4 was awarded KES. 25,000

CULTURAL FESTIVALS

Department Gains:

1. Sponsorship of Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens football teams.

A community that forgets its culture is lost. Our uniqueness as a people is exemplified in our cultural heritage. We continue to host cultural festivals annually in December to foster cohesion and integration of our people; as well showcasing and preserving our cultural identity. Through our cultural festivals, we also promote cultural-tourism through conservation of our traditional sites and practices.

The Maragoli Cultural Festivals took place on 26th of December 2018 at the Mbale municipal grounds.

Bunyore Cultural Festivals were hosted at Ebusakami grounds on 27th December 2018.

Tiriki Cultural Festivals were held at Hamisi stadium on 29th December 2018 .

Terik Cultural Festivals closed the cultural week on 30th December 2018 at Kapchemgum primary school. The Terik festival was well organized.

2. Construction and expansion of Hamisi stadium is underway although it has faced a number of accountability and management issues that are yet to be resolved.

3. The expansion of Mumboha stadium was done but not to the expected standard.

Tiriki Cultural Festival

Aerial View of the Ongoing Construction of Hamisi Grounds

Awarding of the 2019 County Soccer Tournament winners

INTRODUCTION

SWater

Access to Clean and Reliable Water

MANG’ONG’O WATER PROJECT

Supply of clean and reliable piped water to households in Vihiga County is the County Government’s priority for the 2020/21 financial year. Funding for piping to homesteads has been factored under the ward-based development projects fund.

VIHIGA CLUSTER (BELGIUM) WATER PROJECT

1. Maseno Water Project is 90% complete. The water treatment plant is complete with over 90% civil works done. Elevated steel water Tanks at Ebusakami, Emmunwa and Kima Mission Hospital are ready. Laying of distribution pipes is ongoing.

2. Kaimosi water project is 95% complete. Most of the civil works are complete. The Shamakhokho elevated steel water tank is complete.

3. Lunyerere/Mbale water project is 60% complete due to the late commencement of works brought about by the delayed acquisition of land. Distribution pipeline is yet to be installed.

People of Masana and Mwoki in Vihiga Sub-County now enjoy clean piped water after Mang’ong’o was officially launched. The project was completed by the County Government of Vihiga in partnership with the World Bank through COVEC and Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA).

Once complete, the project will supply water to 220,000 to 270,000 people.

The water project supplies water to more than 8,000 residents of Masana, Mwoki and its environs.

The following water projects are due for completion with works currently over 75% complete:

1. Chepsaga water project – 75%

2. Rehabilitation of Bumbo water project – 90%

3. Completion of south west Bunyore water project (Nang’oli) – 75%

4. Completion of Ebunangwe water project – 75%

5. Rehabilitation of Emalindi Esirulo water project –75%

6. Comlletion of Mbihi Water Project – 90%

We have already procured water supply pipes for the distribution exercise.

Belgium Water project

Mwitoko Water project

Kaimosi water project

Environment and Climate Change Environmental

Mitigation Efforts Against Adverse Effects of Climate Change

INTRODUCTION

WWe continue to endeavor in the institution, management and implementation of policies, measures and initiatives that will ensure Vihiga County has a clean and healthy environment for job and wealth creation; coupled with activities and practices that support reversing the effects of Climate Change.

REHABILITATION OF MARAGOLI HILLS

We have made strides in our efforts for the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of our environment. A notable feat by the department of Environment was the commencement of reforestation of Maragoli hills. Over 5,000 indigenous tree seedlings have been planted.

is part of the main Water Tower Protection and Climate Mitigation and Adaptation programme being funded by the EU in 11 counties in the region.

Under the programme, key water catchment areas in the County which include Maragoli, Ebusiekwe and Ebuhando hills alongside Kibiri and other related community forests will be rehabilitated.

BAMBOO FOR EUCALYPTUS TREES

On 5th June 2019 World Environment Day, 2,500 bamboo tree seedlings were planted on Maragoli hills.

2,000 bamboo tree seedlings were planted at Emukhuya in Maseno and 1,355 seedlings issued to 20 Vocational training centers.

We are set to receive KES 120 million from the European Union under the Landscapes Conservation and Livelihood Improvemnt (LaCoLi) program. Upon completion, the project will adversely help reverse the effects of environmental degradation in the County and

In order to conserve and restore our wetlands and riparian areas, we have embarked on a campaign to replace eucalyptus tree along our riverine areas with bamboo trees. So far, aside from planting bamboo in Maragoli hills, we have also issued out tree seedling to individuals and community groups.

CLIMATE CHANGE

We were the first County in Kenya to put in place the Vihiga Climate Change Act 2019 and Climate Change Policy 2019. With this legal framework, we are focused on rehabilitation of our riverine areas and preservation of our wetlands. The framework also provides a legal framework for budgetary funding of Climate Change activities as well as availing access to National and Global Climate Change Funds.

Tree planting exercise at Maragoli hills