By Anderson Ojwang

The county government of Kisumu has suspended recruitment, contract extensions, and contract conversion to permanent and pensionable terms for its employees.

Prospective new employees of the county government who have been interviewed and were successful will have to wait a little longer, while employees whose contracts are expiring will be rendered jobless by the action. Employees who had hoped their contracts would be converted into permanent and pensionable ones will have to wait until the government lifts the suspension.

A memo dated 11th November 2024, addressed to the County Secretary from the Kisumu County Public Service Board and signed by the Vice Chairperson, Dr Mary Jacinta A. Kapiyo, was in response to a letter from the County Secretary dated 7th November 2024 on the above matter.

“The Board, on receipt of the above-mentioned letter, held a meeting on Monday, 11th November 2024 to discuss its contents. As at the time of suspending recruitment, contract extension, and contract conversion to permanent and pensionable terms, the Board had the following ongoing activities,” read the memo in part.

The Board had conducted interviews after receiving requisitions from different departments to recruit staff in various positions.

In the Department of the County Attorney, there were nine vacancies; after the availability of funds was confirmed, the selection was done but appointment letters were yet to be issued.

In the Department of Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry, and Marketing, there were eight positions; selection had been done, and the Board was awaiting confirmation of fund availability from the department.

In the Department of Kisumu County Revenue Board, there was one vacant position; selection had been done, and the Board was awaiting confirmation of fund availability from the department.

In the Department of Energy, Transport, Roads, and Public Works, there were 109 vacant positions; selection was done, and fund availability was confirmed, but the appointment letters were not yet issued.

In the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, there were 32 vacancies; fund availability was confirmed, and selection undertaken, but the appointment letters were not yet issued.

In the Department of Education, Technical Training, Innovation, and Social Services, there were vacancies for Assistant Vocational Trainers (10 positions), and 100 vacancies for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers. Interview dates were scheduled from 18th November 2024 to 2nd December 2024.

The Board observed that the recruitment process was initiated by the relevant departments and approved by the cabinet after budget confirmation and consideration of several factors to justify the need. Subsequently, a formal request was made to the Board.

“The Board received a reminder letter from the Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development, requesting the Board to release names of successful candidates to enable the department to operationalise the municipalities. This will ensure that the county government does not miss out on the conditional grant from the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP),” read the memo in part.

The Board noted that it had conducted interviews for ECDE teachers in 2020 and selected suitable candidates, but the appointment letters were never issued due to a lack of funds.

“Consequently, a repeat of the same will negatively impact the Board and the county government’s image to the public. Similarly, it will discourage applicants in the future,” read the memo.

The Board stated that service delivery in the education sector will be affected, as exemplified by the number of schools without ECDE teachers in the county, among other departments.

By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay Speaker Julius Gaya resigned on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Homa Bay County Assembly ahead of a planned impeachment motion against him.

Gaya, who served as the Assembly’s third speaker, tendered his resignation to the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Hannington Abeka.

Presiding over Tuesday’s sitting, Deputy Speaker Samuel Okings Okomo confirmed that he had received Gaya’s resignation through the County Clerk and therefore declared the seat vacant.

“I am in receipt of the resignation letter from Hon. Julius Odhiambo Gaya, addressed to the Clerk, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 14a (1),” the Deputy Speaker notified the members.

“Gaya appreciates the opportunity given to him to serve this house as the third speaker, having been elected on 21 September 2022,” reads the letter.

“I hereby notify this house of the resignation pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order No. 14a (3) and declare the office of the Speaker vacant,” said Okings.

Gaya served as the Central Karachuonyo MCA for two terms under the former County Governor, Cyprian Awiti, before being elected as Speaker.

Gaya dropped his third quest for the Central Karachuonyo MCA after supporting the election of the current Governor, Gladys Wanga, and was rewarded with the Speaker’s seat.

According to Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, out of the 54 County Assembly members, 53 had already signed the petition in support of Gaya’s impeachment motion.

He thanked the former Speaker for taking the bold and brave step before the impeachment motion could be tabled.

“On behalf of all members, I appreciate our former Speaker, Hon. Julius Gaya, for the brave move he undertook by handing in his resignation letter,” said Ogindo.

“Out of 54 members, only one member opposed the petition to remove him from office. By deciding to resign, he made the best decision before this house could proceed with the impeachment motion,” said the Majority Leader.

Gaya succeeded former Speaker Elizabeth See, who was elected after defeating his arch-rival, former Gwasi North MCA Evance Marieba, by garnering 40 out of the possible 54 votes.

In 2018, while serving as the Central Karachuonyo MCA, Gaya was barred from accessing the house by security guards over allegations of exposing corruption and misconduct at the County Assembly.

He stated that the action was intended to intimidate him due to his efforts to fight corruption and uphold human rights within the County Assembly.

Gaya was recently summoned by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, which is investigating his academic credentials. He has appeared before the commission on two occasions.

By Habil Onyango.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will tomorrow (Sunday) preside as chief guest during a special thanksgiving ceremony and interdenominational prayers for Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on her new appointment as the ODM National Chairperson.

Raila is expected to be accompanied by luminaries, including Governors, top party organs, Senators, and Members of Parliament from across the political divide.

The ceremony will be held at Ligisa Secondary School in Olare, Rangwe Constituency and is set to begin at exactly 8 in the morning.

According to Wanga, this will be a momentous occasion for support and unity within the beloved ODM party.

Wanga was elevated to the position after former National Chairman John Mbadi was appointed by President William Ruto to head the treasury docket.

The County Public Communication Officer, Chief Officer Atieno Otieno, noted that preparations for the event are in top gear.

Atieno said they are expecting hundreds of party supporters from across the country as well as other distinguished guests from various political divides, including National Government Officials.

“Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be our chief guest during this celebration of our Governor’s new role as the ODM National Chairperson,” said Atieno.

“We are expecting dignitaries from all over the country and even some from outside to grace the event,” added the Officer.

During the occasion, politics surrounding the planned ODM grassroots elections is expected to feature prominently, as several elected leaders have expressed interest in the Homa Bay branch party Chairperson position, previously held by the Governor.

Former Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata has been appointed as interim Chair for the branch.

Wanga was elected as Homa Bay’s second Governor alongside her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, succeeding former County Chief Executive Officer Cyprian Awiti and his deputy, Hamilton Orata.

Wanga is not only the first woman to hold the Governor’s seat in the region, but she is also making waves nationally with her impactful leadership and visionary initiatives.

Breaking Barriers and Shattering Glass Ceilings in Kenyan Politics

In a political landscape dominated by male leaders, Governor Wanga stands as a shining example of a woman breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in top political leadership.

With a strong educational background in Health Management from Kenyatta University, Wanga has dedicated her career to public service, starting as a legislator and rising to become a key player in national politics.

Her extensive parliamentary experience, including service as a commissioner and chair of the Finance Committee, has equipped her with the expertise to tackle complex fiscal issues and drive economic recovery, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under her leadership, Homa Bay County has rapidly transformed, emerging as a frontrunner in development and progress.

Governor Gladys Wanga’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and breaking barriers in the face of adversity.

As a pioneering figure, she continues to inspire women and girls across Kenya to strive for greatness and challenge the status quo.

Wanga’s unwavering commitment to service and progressive leadership is a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan politics, proving that women possess the strength, skills, and determination to lead and excel in any arena.

 By Anderson Ojwang 

Kondele

From a war zone, Kondele is shedding off the negative image that was previously associated with it, transforming into a 24-hour economy in the Lake City of Kisumu.

Feared and avoided by local and visiting politicians, Kondele has been the heart of violent political protests and crime for the last four decades.

Kondele is mainly a slum, with a majority of its population living below the UN’s definition of poverty of less than $2 per day. Recently, there has been an upsurge in economic activity, with the government aiming to lift Kondele out of poverty as part of Kenya’s Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2030.

But Kondele has a rich cultural and religious background that has endured alongside its persistent negative image.

The history of violent Kondele dates back to October 24th, 1969, during the opening of New Nyanza General Hospital by founding President the late Jomo Kenyatta. Kenyatta and his former deputy, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, differed during the ceremony of this facility, which was built with Russian support, an ally of the latter.

Kondele became a gathering point for protests stemming from political discontent at both the local and national levels. The most notable protest can be traced back to 1969.

In February 1990, following the murder of former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Robert Ouko, protestors gathered first at Kondele before proceeding to the CBD.

In 1992, during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, demonstrations began in Kondele before people marched towards the CBD.

Kondele saw post-election violence in 2007 that initiated a nationwide protest in which over 1,000 people died.

In 2017, a repeat of the 2007 violence erupted, with protesters killed by live police bullets in Kondele. The 2013 and 2017 general elections also witnessed protests centred in Kondele, marking it as a protest base.

Subsequent presidents, including the late Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and William Ruto, have all encountered unrest from Kondele. Even former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and nearly all local politicians have experienced the impact of Kondele’s protests.

Commonly referred to as Darfur due to its war zone nature, Kondele has a reputation for violence and crime. However, Kondele is currently transforming into a business hub in Kisumu, attracting a variety of investors.

Kondele’s growth began with locals starting businesses after being excluded from the CBD by well-established enterprises. The area turned into a business hub for residents along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway, Town-Kibos route, and adjacent estates.

Main businesses in Kondele now include supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and apparel retail, drawing banks like Co-operative Bank, Equity Bank, and KCB Bank.

The return of peace and the superhighway’s development have fueled economic activity and raised land value—by 2016, land averaged KES 10 million per acre, up from KES 6 million in 2014.

Housing prices also rose, with two-bedroom rentals priced at KES 15,000–KES 20,000 (around US$150 to US$200) monthly by 2016.

Today, supermarkets, wholesales, and a growing entertainment industry flourish in Kondele. High-end hotels and restaurants and improved social amenities have placed Kondele in the spotlight for positive change.

The area also hosts top primary schools, the regional blood bank, Kenya Medical Training College, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Knightdale Hospital.

Private healthcare is provided by notable facilities like Nightingale Hospital, Migosi Health Center, and Rapha Medical Clinic. There’s also an NGO-sponsored hospital called KMET.

Kondele’s 33 schools—28 primary and five secondary—highlight the region’s education infrastructure.

Kisumu’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathews Owili, notes that Kondele is rebranding from negative publicity to an economic front for the county. “Our first strategy is to rebrand Kondele and promote it as a potential investment hub. We aim to engage residents in economic opportunities. This is working, which is why we no longer see a restive Kondele,” he says.

Strategically positioned to connect Kisumu to Kakamega, Busia, and into Uganda and East Africa, Kondele’s stability is essential for regional economic health.

Kondele MCA Mr Joachim Oketch Swagga notes improved infrastructure and a better business environment following the county government’s upgrades.

Dr. Otieno Obondi, a Kisumu medic, sees economic revival in Kondele but remains concerned over insecurity and drug hubs. He stresses the need to combat insecurity and crack down on drug peddling to protect the new economy.

Capacity building for residents is crucial to maintaining calm and preventing political exploitation, he adds.

By Habil Onyango.

For a long time, young Kenyans have held a negative view of agriculture, favouring white-collar jobs instead.

In the early 1990s, the Kenyan education system promoted agriculture’s value through the 4K Club. The four Ks represent “Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya” in Kiswahili, meaning “coming together, to act, to help Kenya.” However, changes in the curriculum led to the 4K Clubs’ decline, contributing to food insecurity and prompting the government to consider relaunching the club to inspire youth to lead agribusiness.

Responding to this need, the Sigona Thomas Foundation (STF), a non-governmental organization, is taking the lead in reintroducing 4K Clubs and establishing Farmer Field Schools to encourage a positive view of agriculture among primary school students across Homa Bay County. According to STF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kefa Onyango, the program will manage and implement 4K Clubs as a climate action initiative with funding at the village and household levels in Homa Bay and beyond.

STF’s approach involves reinstating 4K Clubs in all schools within Homa Bay County’s 40 wards. “When we identify a school, we provide tree seedlings to 4K Club members to sell and save earnings,” explained Onyango. Pupils are also encouraged to plant fruit trees and vegetables at home, which supplements family income and improves nutrition. “When a student waters a tree, they also tend the vegetables around it, which helps reduce household expenses and supports environmental preservation,” he added.

Each school with a 4K Club is expected to establish a Farmer Field School, including tree nurseries. Partnering with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), 4K Club members open ‘Cub Accounts,’ introducing young students to financial literacy early. These accounts enable pupils to save for school fees, easing future financial pressures on families.

“Young people from low-income households often miss school because of financial constraints,” Onyango said. “Teaching financial literacy to both children and parents helps reduce school dropout rates and addresses poverty.”

STF also aims to foster climate action through green investments in climate resilience and low-carbon initiatives, promoting sustainable development by supporting community-led efforts at the village level. Two primary schools in Homa Bay have been designated as model centres for the 4K Club program. “Our objective is to shift the perception of agribusiness as a career, showing young Kenyans that they can contribute to food security and earn income for their education,” said Onyango.

STF’s programme manager, Steve Amolo, highlighted that this program is part of a broader mission to engage youth in agriculture and related fields such as livestock, fisheries, and cooperatives. Through Farmer Field Schools, the program promotes youth development with a focus on competency, confidence, connection, contribution, and character building. It integrates smart agriculture practices in a community-centred model.

“Our rebranded 4K Clubs emphasize themes like agricultural projects, agri-nutrition, environmental conservation, STEM, civic engagement, and the Presidential Award Scheme,” Amolo explained. Partnering with KCB, the program offers an 8.5% annual return on Cub Account savings, fostering a savings culture that helps prevent dropout rates due to financial difficulties.

With activated accounts, students can save earnings from their agricultural work to support their education later. “We’ve opened and activated accounts for 150 4K Club members at Ngere Primary School so far,” Amolo noted. The program also began at Janeiro Junior Academy, where a two-acre plot has been donated for use as a Farmer Field School.

“Once the vegetables and seedlings mature, students will sell them and deposit the earnings into their Cub Accounts,” Amolo said. “We provide farming inputs and an agronomist to guide students in profitable agriculture practices.” Youth nationwide are encouraged to join 4K Clubs to gain knowledge on agriculture, nutrition, environmental science, and STEM skills essential for personal and community development.

STF is actively identifying, training, and supporting green champions and revitalizing 4K Clubs across public and private primary schools in all 40 wards of Homa Bay. Additionally, the organization promotes climate action, focusing on a tree-planting campaign in eight Kenyan counties to combat deforestation and land degradation.

Philip Aduda, Head Teacher at Janeiro Junior Academy, noted that as a boarding school reliant on vegetables, they will buy produce directly from 4K Club members, allowing them to deposit their earnings. “This initiative shows students that agriculture, alongside education, can be a path to financial security,” said Aduda.

Gorrety Ouko, a 4K Club member, mentioned that the land donated at Janeiro Junior Academy allows students to learn modern farming techniques, supporting their education and their community. She emphasized the benefit for students from less fortunate backgrounds in saving for future school fees.

Dave Rabuor from STF’s Monitoring and Evaluation team explained that STF’s activities include forming steering committees, mapping primary schools, and organizing orientation sessions to support village development and Ward Climate Change Committees.

STF’s campaign targets planting 140 million trees, restoring landscapes, and reducing carbon emissions, enhancing crop productivity. STF has planted over 50,000 seedlings across schools in Homa Bay and Migori Counties so far. Additionally, STF promotes financial literacy for parents and students, establishes ‘Orundu’ smart gardens, and supports ward-level climate planning, along with a green bio-carbon zone. Currently, Kenya has approximately 1,250 registered 4K Clubs in primary schools, with over 70,000 members across the country. Any child aged 8-15 in primary school is eligible to join the 4K Club.