Kisumu County has been recognised as a top-performing county in implementing development projects under the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP), resulting in significant community benefits.
Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika highlighted that the success of Kisumu increases its chances of securing additional funding through KDSP Phase 2, allowing the county to undertake further development initiatives at the grassroots level.
Mbaika explained that the national government, through the KDSP, has allocated funds to enhance the capacity of key institutions for county-level devolved service delivery.
She commended the area Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o,’s administration for its dedication to forming partnerships aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare services in the region.
“Kisumu County performed exceptionally well in executing projects during KDSP 1, which ended in 2021, placing it among the top five counties that will be prioritised for KDSP 2 funding to enhance service delivery and ensure hospitals are well-equipped,” Mbaika said.
The PS noted that the national government, in collaboration with the World Bank, will roll out KDSP Phase 2 in the 2024/25 financial year.
Mbaika made remarks during the official commissioning of the Pap Onditi County Hospital maternity and theatre complex in Nyakach Sub-County.
Under KDSP 1, the State Department for Devolution contributed Sh.82 million, while Kisumu County provided Sh.15 million for the construction and operationalisation of the mother and child unit and theatre complex at Pap Onditi County Hospital.
Mbaika praised Nyong’o’s leadership for its efforts in promoting primary healthcare through the establishment of comprehensive hospitals in all the sub-counties.
“The newly unveiled facility offers specialised maternal services and will significantly reduce the need for referrals to hospitals in Kisumu. This will prevent patients from having to travel long distances for medical care,” she stated.
On his part, Nyong’o acknowledged that Kisumu County is on the right path to expanding and improving healthcare services in the region.
“Kisumu County has made a deliberate effort to improve health outcomes for mothers and children. We have seen significant progress in maternal and child health indicators over time,” said the governor.
He highlighted a historic medical achievement, the first-ever successful caesarean section performed by a team of medics at the new facility a day before its launch.
“This successful operation demonstrates that our sub-county hospitals are now well-equipped to handle major medical procedures. We will continue to staff and equip all our sub-county hospitals to better serve our people,” he said.
The newly opened facility features two ultra-modern theatres capable of handling emergency accident cases and maternal care services.
It is also equipped with a newborn unit, children’s wards, a state-of-the-art maternity wing, and inpatient wards with 50-bed capacity.
By Robert Ojwang’
