By S, KNA
Two non-governmental organizations, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and The Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) have reaffirmed their commitment to support the County Government of Vihiga in advancing key development programmes through enhanced collaboration and partnership.
During a consultative meeting held in Vihiga the two organizations engaged county officials in a review of ongoing initiatives and explored new areas of cooperation aimed at improving livelihoods and governance.
Vihiga Governor, Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, accompanied by his Deputy, Wilberforce Kitiezo, emphasized that public participation remains a cornerstone of devolution, fostering transparency and mutual understanding between citizens and the county government.
“Our focus is to move from subsistence farming to agribusiness and smart agriculture. Through partnerships, we can empower farmers and build sustainable livelihoods,” said Dr. Ottichilo.
The Governor highlighted several priority areas of development support, including the equipping of Vocational Training Centres and school feeding programmes, managing the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Centre in Sabatia, and the establishment of a modern rehabilitation centre to combat alcoholism and drug abuse.
TISA Executive Director, Diana Gichengo, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to a five-year collaboration plan with the county, noting ongoing efforts in monitoring the Inua Jamii initiative, public participation, and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).
She also expressed interest in supporting Vihiga’s Agroecology Policy, Nutrition Policy, and the Food and Nutrition Security Bill.
On her part, WHH Chief Program Officer, Bettina Iseli lauded the County Government for its proactive approach to inclusive development, observing that “the greatest impact is achieved when multiple actors work collaboratively towards a shared goal.”
The meeting was attended by several County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) including Dr. Ruth Agesa (Gender, Sports, Youth and Social Services), Julius Maruja (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), and Dr. Nicholas Mwandihi (Public Service Management & ICT), alongside Chief Officers Sylvester Kane and Dr. Betty Mulianga.
