By Samson Wire
Today the County Government of Siaya led by Director Jared Abayo of Public Participation and Civic Education, successfully conducted public participation exercises at the site of the proposed Mother and Baby Wing.
This critical infrastructure project, to be funded by the World Bank once the process is verified through the **Kenya Devolution Support Programme II (KDSP II)**, aims to drastically improve maternal care and reduce neonatal mortality to zero.
The exercise was conducted in strict adherence to Articles 10, 35, and 118 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. These provisions mandate fair and equal participation for all citizens including the youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalized groups in the funding and development of public services.
This project is a collaborative effort between the National Government and the County Government of Siaya. It aligns with the **Nyalore Administration’s** commitment to the Bill of Rights and Universal Health Coverage.
The initiative will establish a Project Management Committee (PMC) to oversee the indicators required by KDSP II to secure the Ksh352 million funding once the county meets the requirements .This funding is part of a broader modernization of the Siaya County Referral Hospital, which has already seen significant capacity increase of 250 maternity beds,235 general ward beds,35 pediatric beds and 5 ICU beds.
Beyond community engagement, the participation exercise focused on:
1. **Capacity Building:** Providing technical assistance and project validation.
2. **Environmental Safety:** Undertaking **Environmental Health and Safety (ESHS)** screenings and climate change disaster risk assessments.
3. **Verification:** The assessment documents will be presented during the upcoming annual performance visit by the **Independent Verification Agent (IVA)**.
The introduction of this complex wing is a direct response to the increasing number of deliveries in the region, ensuring every mother and child receives dignified, quality care.
(Proposed architectural design)
During the tour of the potential facility grounds, Directors Abayo and Aola reviewed the project designs and plans. This project serves as a cornerstone for Siaya’s transition into a regional hub for specialized maternal and neonatal healthcare, ensuring that healthcare remains a right, not a privilege, for all residents.
Key stakeholders in attendance included:Director Jared Abayo(Public Participation & Civic Education)Director Francis Aola (Key Result Areas Coordinator)
Dr. Godfrey Odhiambo(Chief Nurse)Representatives from civil society, youth organizations, and professional health bodies
Charles Juma, representing the Siaya disability group.