Governor's Press Unit-Kisii County, Kisii (2024)

08/07/2024

Today H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati officiated the inauguration of the Kisii Municipal board. In his speech the governor directed the board to execute it's duties with accountability , transparency and efficiency.

The governor officially transferred all municipal services from the county to the municipal board.

As a quick gain he directed the board to ensure the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) under construction at ATC be completed and operationalized as soon as possible. The facility will help with waste management in the county and by extension the Lake Region Economic Block.

31/05/2024

H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati in the company of H.E Stephen Kalonzo condoled with the family of the late Charles Birundu at Keumbu Ward.

16/05/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati officiated the launch of the strategic plan for Gusii Water and Sanitation company- GWASCO.

The Gwasco Strategic and Business Plan is within the blueprint around which through GWASCO the county government intends to make access of water and sanitation services a reality to the people of Gusii (Both Kisii and Nyamira Counties),especially in the urban areas.

The Governor took the opportunity to direct that GWASCO improves on service delivery by addressing the issue of water shortage, for total satisfaction of the residents.

16/05/2024

In a bid to provide services more effectively and efficiently to the residents of Kisii County, H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati today graced the swearing in ceremony of 4 chief officers. He wished them well in their new mandates and warned them against corruption which he has sworn to fight to the ultimate end.

CHANGE MINDSET BUILD KISII

15/05/2024

The devastating effects of climate change are evident and as a county we recognize the urgent need for mitigation measures to conserve the environment.

The Governor today visited the families affected by landslides at Sensi ward, Kitutu Chache North and assured them the county is doing whatever necessary to safeguard the residents of Nyabworoba village, and urged them to move to safer grounds.

The Governor gave each affected family twenty thousand to help them buy food and personal effects.

07/05/2024

Revenue division to the counties has always been a contentious issue. In a bid to come up with a more inclusive formula of allocation the Commission of Revenue Allocation(CRA) invited governors drawn from the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) to give their views and shade light on special dynamics to consider for the region.

Governor Simba outlined special parameters affecting service delivery in Kisii county as a member of LREB.

06/05/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati today joined the Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome during the opening of the Judiciary 'Head of Stations Forum' at Karmel Park hotel, Kisii.

The County Government being among the court users, the Governor took the opportunity to point out areas of possible collaboration in a bid to enhance the justice system for the common good.

The governor thanked the Judiciary for choosing Kisii county to hold the 11th heads of station forum. He committed to provide land for the judiciary to establish law courts in every sub county and pledged his support in strengthening alternative justice system in the county.

01/05/2024

In line with the ideals of Labour Day celebrations on the welfare of the worker, H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati today had an opportunity to consult with a number of employees who have pending issues, affecting their absorption into the County payroll.

Notably, some county employees, who got engaged as from April 2022 are yet to acquire their Personal File numbers to facilitate their salary payment, while others with PF numbers are not receiving their salaries.

Also, a number of staff who were transitioned from the defunct local authorities are yet to be absorbed into the county payroll.

The Governor directed the County Public Service Board to urgently consider having the affected persons on payroll, on a case per case basis, as per the laws of Kenya.

On the same note, the Governor called upon the medical staff who are on strike to immediately resume duty or face disciplinary action.

25/04/2024

No child left behind!

Today the Governor traversed Nyaribari masaba, Nyaribari chache and Bobasi, overseeing the issuance of bursary cheques.

Delivers Education

24/04/2024

Today the Governor led the exercise of issuance of bursary cheques at various wards including; Bogusero ward, Monyeroro ward, Bogeka ward, Nyatieko ward, Kegogi ward and Bomorenda ward.

This process will continue till Friday as the Governor ensures no child is left behind.

24/04/2024

TheJudiciary in collaboration with the Council of Governors paid a courtesy call to the Governor's office and invited him to participate in the ELC TREE PLANTING OPEN DAY exercise to be held on 25th April 2024.

The Governor lauded the exercise and welcomed the cooperation between the Council of Governors and the Judiciary to conserve the environment and embrace climate mitigation interventions.
The exercise is being undertaken countrywide under the theme “Enhancing Land and Environmental Justice Dialogue”

23/04/2024

The Governor today graced the homecoming ceremony of Hon Siocha(Embande) in which bursary cheques were also issued to secondary school students.

Later on H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati passed by Keroka town and advocated for peaceful coexistence between residents of the two counties as they are one people.

23/04/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati today officiated the launch of the distribution of the Kisii County Bursary fund cheques to over 60,000 benefiaries in secondary schools.

To help reach out to many needy students and enable them access education, the Kisii County government has increased the annual bursary allocation to Ksh.245 million, up from Ksh.145 million, with each of the 45 wards receiving Ksh.5 million.

22/04/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati today launched the distribution of hass avocado seedlings to the farmers for planting during this rainy season. Each ward will receive 4000 seedlings.

The quality seedlings have been nurtured at the County nursery at Kisii ATC and the initiative is in line with the Governor's vision to leverage agriculture in food security and employment creation through value addition.

Already, the avocado processing factory at ATC is functional hence the need to boost quality avocado production to sustain the industry.

18/04/2024

H. E Governor Paul Simba Arati has conveyed his heartfelt grief on the passing on of General Francis Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, together with the other gallant military personnel who perished in a helicopter crash earlier today.

The Governor prayed for the Lord to give strength and comfort to the bereft families and quick recovery to those who sustained injuries in the unfortunate crash.

11/04/2024

H. E Governor Paul Simba Arati today met with his colleague Governors, CS for Labour and Social protection Florence Bore and stakeholders in a forum for deliberation on matters child welfare, with an aim of eliminating child labour in our society.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment and readiness to work with stakeholders and partners to help address the challenge of child labour with finality.

09/04/2024

Kisii residents support the county 's spatial plan project
The Kisii County Government, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is implementing a five-year European Union (EU)- FAO funded programme dubbed Digital Land Governance programme.

The County’s department of Physical Planning has concluded a highly attended Public Participation workshop on visioning and objective setting across the nine sub counties where residents in all the 45 wards gave views on the vision of the County for the next 10years.
According to the Deputy Director in charge of Physical Planning Mr. Joshua Ondari, the plan will cover approximately 1312 kilometres square and will take a preparation period of 18 months to be complete.
Mr. Ondari thanked Governor Simba Arati and the partners for supporting the programme, saying that once complete, Kisii County will join other 14 counties in the country with an approved County Spatial Plan.
“The Plan will guide and control development in all the sectors of the economy within the County besides guiding in resource allocation. I thank Governor Simba for his collaborative approach with partners to ensure the county has a Spatial Plan,” said Mr. Ondari adding that it is anticipated that it will at the same time attract both national and international investors.

Section 104 of the County Government Act no. 17 of 2012 provides that County Governments are required to plan for their respective Counties.

The programme that also incorporates the council of Governor's, the ministry of Lands, and the National Land Commission (NLC), seeks to reinforce government efforts to improve food and nutrition security, livelihoods and promote sustainable development through equitable and secure access, and management of land as per vision 2030.
“It seeks to improve security of tenure and equitable access to land and natural resources for enhancement of livelihoods and sustainable development,” added Mr. Ondari.

Speaking in Marani, on Monday, during a public participation forum, a resident Robert Ogechi welcomed the move to have the plan, saying it will ensure that there is uniformity in development across the wards.

Another resident, Jane Aminga, thanked Governor Simba’s administration for coming up with the plan as it will lead to prudent use of financial resources in the entire county.

ends
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO)
European Union in Kenya

28/03/2024

The Department of Lands and Physical Planning is undertaking the County Spatial Plan visioning and objective setting. Through the Food and Agriculture Organization ) and the European Union's () Digital Land Governance Programme, residents drawn from all the 9 subcounties are developing a shared vision of the future plan of the County.

27/03/2024

H. E Governor Paul Simba Arati today officiated the graduation ceremony for 2600 youth who have received training in ICT at the Kisii Ajiry centre.

The Ajiry training initiative is in line with the youth empowerment programme which the Kisii County government has since prioritised.

Over 9200 youth have benefited from the free training programme in ICT, Financial management and connection for sponsorship in technical training and job opportunities since the Kisii Ajiry centre was iniated 18 months ago.

The Governor urged the youth to enrolll with the Ajiry centre at Gusii Stadium, even as his administration plans to open more centres in all the nine sub-counties.

21/03/2024

H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati today welcomed H.E Dr Stephen Kalonzo to Kisii County in a meet and greet tour by the AZIMIO principal.

20/03/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati today graced the Kenya UK Breast Cancer Alliance Conference being held in Kisii County.

The conference is part of the concerted efforts by the County Government of Kisii and stakeholders towards Breast cancer awareness and control.

The Governor reiterated that his administration has existing mechanisms in place for breast cancer control, including training programmes in oncology for the medical staff and equiping of health facilities with diagnostics equipment.
The county has equally secured funding for the proposed Kisii Cancer centre.

Importantly, cancer patients and survivors in Kisii County are burdened with the high cost of medication, hence the need for partnerships to alleviate the suffering.

And the Governor thanked the Association of Breast Surgery-UK for awarding a 10,000 British Pound grant to the team in Kisii County to promote engagement of breast cancer survivors to raise awareness of breast cancer in the community.

He urged all stakeholders to join hands for success since it is an obligation to keep Breast Cancer in check.

12/03/2024

Today H.E Governor Simba Arati attended court proceedings in Nyamira regarding the Keroka boundary dispute. Governor greeted Nyamira county residents and as the Omogusii spokesperson, he reaffirmed his position on peace and unity for the region.

06/03/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati has sent his message of condolence to the family of the late Mzee Jackson Achira Omweri of Moticho ward, South Mugirango constituency.

The late Mzee Achira Omweri was the father of Hon.Ronald Ongaga Achira, the MCA for Moticho ward, Kisii County.

Mzee Achira has been mourned as a sagaciuos elder of repute and an exemplary family man whose untimely death is a big blow to the family, friends, the people of Moticho-South Mugirango and the entire Kisii County.

The Governor has expressed his heartfelt sympathies, while seeking God's intervention for the bereaved family to remain strong and comforted in this moment of grief.

29/02/2024

Baba karibu Kisii County

Today H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati led a group of dignitaries in welcoming H.E Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga to Kisii county. Baba graced the launch of two newly built aggregation markets at Magena in Bomachoge Borabu and Marani in kitutu Chache North.

23/02/2024

Former PS Mrs. Susan Mochache, today laid to rest her beloved father, Mr Nemuel Mochache, in a befitting send off ceremony attended by H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati among other dignitaries.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

23/02/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati has conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Mama Kanisa Moraa Obure of Bombaba ward, Bomachoge Borabu constituency.

The late mama Kanisa Moraa was the mother of Leah Bwari, the CECM for Environment and Water services in the County Government of Kisii.

Mama Kanisa's death is indeed a big blow to the family, friends, the people of Bombaba Borabu; and the Governor has expressed his sympathy, while seeking God's intervention for the family to remain strong in this moment of grief.

19/02/2024

The Governor today worshipped with Her Excellence Dr Dorcas Rigathi in a function to honor the retired man of God Bishop Wilson Mamboleo.

15/02/2024

In a bid to enhance critical care and emergency services in the county, H.E Hon Paul Simba Arati today met with St Johns Ambulance CEO, Dr Wanjagi to forge a collaboration geared towards the betterment of health care services.

12/02/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of
World Athletics Record Holder Kelvin Kiptum who perished in a road accident along the Eldoret- Kaptagat road.

The world athletics icon, together with his coach Gervais Hakizimana met their untimely death in the tragic road accident, last night.

The Governor noted that Kiptum's death is a big loss for Kenya and extended his sympathies to the family, colleagues in the athletics arena, friends and all Kenyans during this moment of grief.

09/02/2024

H.E Governor Paul Simba Arati attended the burial ceremony of the late Chief Principal Daniel Nyariki Onywoki who was being laid to rest today. Until his demise, the late Nyariki was the Chief Principal of the Kisii National Polytechnic and his untimely death has been deeply regretted.

The Governor eulogized Mr. Nyariki as an astute and industrious person who was dedicated to quality service delivery in the education sector, throughout his tour of duty in various learning institutions.

He hailed the late Nyariki's commitment to steering Kisii National Polythecnic to be an ultimate centre of excellence in technical training and entrepreneurship as evident in his collaborative approach with various stakeholders, including the County Government of Kisii.

The Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chief Principal Nyariki, friends and the entire Kisii National Polytechnic fraternity.