USAID TEAM PAYS A COURTESY CALL TO GOVERNOR OPARANYA

Kakamega Governor H.E DR. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya Monday hosted a delegation from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to map a way forward on how to roll out Boresha Jamii, a USAID funded project, in Kakamega County, targeting HIV & AIDS, Family Health, Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) among others. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) won the bid from USAID to host the programme.

Speaking during the meeting held at his boardroom, County Headquarters, the Governor expressed gratitude to USAID for choosing Kakamega as one of the Counties that will benefit from the roll out adding that the County Government, through the Ministry of Health Services allocates funds for various health programmes similar to the ones being undertaken by the partners.

“We welcome any partner willing to set up donor operations within the County; as a Government however, we encourage a coordinated and all inclusive approach so as to avoid duplication of roles,” he said.

Governor Oparanya directed the County’s Health Services Executive Member Dr. Collins Matemba to urgently convene a technical meeting between Ministry staff and the partners with a view of striking out a clear operating framework.

“The impact of all donor supported initiatives to the people has to be ascertained before rolling out such activities, programs or projects; this is essential to make sure the people whom we represent benefit from such ventures,” he said noting that reports and clearly outlined outcomes must be presented regularly and discussed by the stakeholders in oder to achieve the required objectives.

The visitors’ Head of Delegation and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong on his part said the funding is targeting four counties; Kakamega, Kisumu, Vihiga and Nyamira. Kakamega will receive the lion’s share, Shs 3.4 billion, of the total funding.

Prof. Agong expressed optimism that in partnership with the four counties, the organisation will be able to roll out the programme to the betterment of the residents.

“By the end of it all, we should be able to re-evaluate the impact of this programme to the people of these counties in terms of healthcare service delivery and universal health coverage,” he said.

Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Museve Kutima called for sustainability of the programme in implementation after its inception.

In attendance was CECM Health Services Dr. Collins Matemba, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Madam Jacinta Aluoch Odhiambo, Jamii Boresha Chief Of Party Prof. Benson Estambale, Hon. Nabii Nabwera, among other Officers.