The Kenyan Government and the World Bank have, in the past two years, spent more than 20 billion to support various development programs in the counties, Cabinet secretary for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa has said.
Wamalwa said that the bulk of the money, channeled through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) has been used to improve services in the health sector. He was speaking in Siaya town Friday after commissioning several projects funded by the programme in the county.
Among the programmes is the Covid 19 isolation unit and a maternity ward at Ambira sub county hospital and two recreational parks in Siaya town. The CS also officially opened the new county government headquarters, built at a cost of Sh75 million.
“I am happy that 51% of the KDSP funds have gone to the health sector to improve services in our counties and equip hospitals,” said the CS, adding that this will go a long way in strengthening fight against Covid 19.
Wamalwa at the same time called for caution during the December festivities, warning that the country risked recording thousands of cases should those in urban areas choose to travel to join their families for the festivities.
“Western and Nyanza people are known to travel during Christmas season. We risk spreading or contracting the disease” he said, and urged Kenyans not to drop their guard and help in the spread of the disease.
Siaya governor, Cornel Rasanga hailed the partnership between the World Bank and the Kenyan government, adding that through this mutual collaboration the county had benefitted greatly.
“Through partnership with Kenya Devolution Support Programme, we have implemented key projects including those being commissioned today,” he said, adding that during the 2018/2019 financial year, his government received Sh103 million from the World bank which was used to rehabilitate three water pans, promote horticulture and upgrade maternity wings and theatre services at Ambira, Ukwala and Madiany sub county hospitals.
Rasanga further said that during the last financial year, the county received Sh50 million that was pumped into the rehabilitation of Ahindi and Governor’s parks in Siaya town.
The occasion was also attended by Siaya county commissioner, Michael ole Tialal, county secretary, Joseph Ogutu and other senior county government officials.
By Philip Onyango
