Siaya: Orengo Holds Talks with US Ambassador Meg Whitman

By Eric Omwombo 

Siaya Governor James Orengo today held extensive consultations with United States Ambassador Meg Whitman at the County Headquarters in Siaya.

The talks centered on partnerships within Agriculture and Health dockets.

Whitman said that health and agriculture were prioritized drivers in economic growth. She also affirmed the need to activate programs within these sectors in order to actualize benefits for Kenyans.

“We held discussions with Orengo on private-public investment partnerships. Siaya has been a beneficiary of numerous US-funded healthcare programs particularly in the fight against HIV,” Ms Whitman told the media afterwards.

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In a separate event Meg Whitman officiated in the opening of the surgical theatre complex and ICU unit at Matibabu Foundation in Ukwala town within Ugenya Constituency.

Whitman noted that many health projects at the institution and wards were realized out of partnership between the Government of Kenya, USAID, Tiba, FIGS and Matibabu Foundation.

“The state-of-the-art facilities at Matibabu Foundation have been realized out of partnership between agencies,” said Whitman.

The ambassador said the facility would offer quality healthcare to thousands of people.
“The project of the surgical operations demonstrated the power of partnership something we have been talking about at the embassy,” added Ms. Whitman.

She also said that that this project demonstrated what can be accomplished when Kenyan organizations, local County governments, US government sectors and programmes come together.

“It’s apparent that what we can do together no one can do alone,”” she said, adding “We have to work together for a common purpose.The success of this hospital is only possible going by the doctors and nurses that work everyday to provide quality healthcare to patients.”

The support of the County Government of Siaya is also crucial in the Matibabu success story. Globally, this is a cervical cancer awareness month.

Working side by side with Kenyans, American citizens have ensured their commitment to the partnership empowered Kenyans to increase healthcare in the region.

On his part Governor Orengo lauded the US government and provided assurance that the Matibabu Foundation facility will get the required support from the County Government of Siaya.

“We have also engaged on economic talks and are only awaiting proper feedback,” said Orengo.
He also noted that the Matibabu hospital is a significant facility in the region and it has saved many lives.
“We work closely with private hospitals,” said the Governor, adding “infact before they came here, the doctors working here at the facility were doing surgery in our Referral Hospital.”