ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
December 16-31, 2009
ISSUE 008
A bimonthly on-line newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service
Journalists cautioned as paper is launched amid pomp and colour
Mr Ezekiel Mutua, Director of Information and Dr Joyce Nyairo (centre), Programme Officer at Ford Foundation are joined by Ms Rosemary Okello-Orlale, Executive Director African Woman and Child after the Reject publication was unveiled, last week.
By NICHOLAS ODHIAMBO African journalists have been urged to write positive stories that could help alleviate the suffering women and children undergo in the continent. A former dean at the Strathmore University, Dr George Njenga who delivered a keynote address with a paper on Media Ethics, Responsibilities and Innovative Technology said media houses in Africa have been concentrating on doing political stories and for-
getting to highlight the suffering of women and children on the continent. He said African journalists should embrace responsible journalism where they point at the failures while encouraging positive happenings to develop the African people. “All media houses do is just talk politics. They should find positive stories that can help alleviate the suffering women and children undergo in the society,” reiterated Njenga.
The don was speaking during the launch of Reject, a bi-monthly online newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African and Woman Features Service. Njenga challenged journalists that they had taken the responsibility of providing the communication oil that keeps countries in unity and the development machine working . In their search for a better future, therefore, they must ensure their stories include positive happenings on the continent.
He cautioned: “Remember that on the altar of your ethical or unethical journalism, the African countries will develop or remain deeply absorbed in their own underdevelopment as we are experiencing at the moment.” Giving the example of a Spanish media that has pages for positive things happening in that country, Njenga said: “In Spain you will find pages reserved for positive things in that country while in Africa it is all bad things.” Reject online newspaper was started after it was realised that many positive stories that are the voice of the people are often left out of mainstream media as they are unable to compete with politics that carries the day. The Executive Director of African Woman and Child Ms Rosemary Okello-Orlale said: “Reject is a platform that connects community issues into the information highway where people can access what ‘we call realtime features’ as it happens at the community level and captures their feelings.” She explained: “It is what we can call modern day drum and since every community needs to speak to itself and in its own language, tell its own stories and celebrate its own culture and identity; Reject is providing that medium using local and ordinary people to do so.” She said what Reject is trying to achieve is called the ‘Fifth dimension of the Fourth Estate’. “And unless us journalists we start thinking outside the box of the Fourth Estate and start interrogating the factor of the Fifth Estate where ordinary voices are found, what makes the community tick and their views of how things are, and start going beyond the real story and asking relevant questions, then the media will have failed in achieving the fundamental rights of everyone — freedom of expression.”
Africa Woman and Child Feature Service and Media Diversity Centre join the Reject Team in sending Seasons Greetings to all their readers.
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ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Journalists cautioned as paper is launched from page 1
Media Diversity Centre Programme Manager, Mr Wilson Ugangu, said: “Media Diversity Centre provides a platform for addressing issues that relate to media and society. In this changing world, given the effects of globalisation, the roles of media in society are changing considerably, hence the need to begin to converse and debate how well media can approximate society’s information and communication needs.” Ugangu said one of the ways in which the organisation was responding to this is through the publication of Reject and in doing so, “we are not in competition with mainstream media, we are only complimenting what they do”. Reject is produced with support from Ford Foundation. The FORD Foundation representative at the ceremony, Dr Joyce Nyairo said the organisation is ready to partner with media houses to ensure there is professionalism practised in the field. She said so far they have founded a Public Service Media, a sector that would help media houses in content production, infrastructure, training and in public engagement. “The Ford Foundation will motivate the type of content that is of high quality. We shall build partnership on research to enhance freedom of press,” she said.
The Director of Information, Mr Ezekiel Mutua, unveiled the publication on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Dr Bitange Ndemo. Mutua urged media houses to stop publishing sensational stories but carry those that could bring development to the society. He said the Kenya News Agency, which holds the largest number of journalists in the country is now in the process of restructuring itself to improve on its coverage towards bringing a positive change in the society. “The KNA which has a total of 590 staff in the country is now undergoing restructuring to ensure it gives quality coverage that would help build the society,” Mutua said. Reject stories are written by correspondents from all over the country. The Kenya Correspondent Association chairperson, Mr Oloo Janak, also urged Media houses not to neglect the correspondents but to break the barriers between them as they are the people who provide almost 70 percent of content in newsrooms. “Correspondents are very important to our media houses and should not be neglected. The barrier that brings this should be narrowed,” he said.
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Dr George Njenga, the chief guest, is welcomed by Ms Annie Waite, administrative assistant at the AWC.
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Mr Joseph Odindo (right), Editorial Director Nation Group and Mr Paul Udoto, Corporate Communications Manager at Kenya Wildlife Services.
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Guests and journalists listening to proceedings at the Reject launch.
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Mrs Deborah Okumu, Executive Director Caucus for Women Leadership also graced the occasion.
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Mr John Mwendwa (left), K24 News Manager and journalists from other media houses were also in attendance.
ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
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Unfiltered, uninhibited‌. just the gruesome truth
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Dr Joyce Nyairo of Ford Foundation and a guest at the launch.
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Mr Ezekiel Mutua, Director of Information is joined by Ms Rosemary Okello-Orlale, Executive Director African Woman and Child Feature Service as he unveils the publication.
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Ms Susan Mwangi, Programme Officer at Media Diversity Centre is joined by journalists Johanna Wandetto (left) and John Oroni.
4. Guests at the launch enjoy the sumptuous meal that was laid out for them. 5. The print out of the Reject on display. 6. Guests and journalists get down to dancing to the Kayamba Africa tunes to celebrate the launch.
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ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
College students Rogue road contractors put lynched for failing on notice over stalled projects to pay for meal By Ryan Mathenge
Road construction going on in Murang’a. The government has warned rogue contractors that they will not be tolerated when they abandon work after getting money from state coffers. Picture: Ryan Mathenge
By Ryan Mathenge Parliament is concerned over the habitual stalling of some of the road construction projects. The Parliamentary Committee on Implementation Chairman, Mr Jamleck Kamau says many of the projects have stalled and have been abandoned after costing the government billions of shillings annually. Kamau, who is also the Kigumo Member of Parliament, was speaking at Maire after 14 road construction companies rep-
resentatives toured the Kaharati-KangariNjiiri road that’s being constructed at a cost of KSh1.7 billion. The MP expressed concern in relation to the stalled Murang’a-Kenol road after the construction company abandoned the project last June. The 28-kilometre road was abandoned two days after President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga traversed the stretch to attend ordination of Murang’a Catholic Bishop James Wainaina. The project has stalled between Murang’a and Maragua, exposing motorists to danger-
ous potholes that are a leading cause of accidents. Accompanied by Kigumo District Commissioner, Mr Omar Salat, the MP said Parliament will in future strictly vet companies before awarding them projects. “It is already in public domain that some of the companies have been abandoning projects half way, leaving the government the burden to deliver,” said the MP. For his part, Mr Salat said the government will ensure projects are completed within the stipulated time. “We will not allow contractors to do shoddy projects as they will be closely supervised,” he emphasised.
Two college students from Murang’a were recently set ablaze after they were suspected of being part of a gang causing terror to residents. The two from Murang’a Kenya Medical Training School and Murang’a Institute, were lynched after they allegedly refused to pay for meat they ate at a local bar. Waiters raised alarm during the 3 am incident and were joined by members of the public who pursued the two, beating them senseless before setting them on fire. Student leaders at the two institutions on the other hand, attributed the incident to the public’s misconception that the two were robbers. Following the bizarre incident, students from both colleges boycotted classes and marched to the bar —the scene of the killings — to protest. They were, however, blocked from invading the premises by a contingent of administration police. The students called for closure of the facility to allow proper investigations into the incident. The Murang’a East District Commissioner, Mr George Natembeya assured the students the Government would track down the killers. The officer, however, advised the students to concentrate on their studies instead of loitering in town during the night. He disclosed that already five suspects were being interrogated in connection with the killings. Sources told the Reject that several students from the two institutions have previously landed in police cells after being arrested in swoops conducted in the town.
A boost to dairy farming Health facilities run and banana production down, says Health PS
By Ben Oroko
A Kisii-based savings and credit co-operative society and a French-based non-governmental organisation have embarked on a KSh10 million agri-business dairy and banana value-chain project to economically empower local communities in the region. Wakenya Pamoja Sacco and the Centre for International Development and Research (CIDR) have already identified farmers’ groups from Keumbu Division, Kisii Central District and eight dairy co-operative societies in Borabu District as part of the beneficiaries. Briefing the press on the new project, Deputy General Manager, Mr Gideon Ayuma disclosed that CIDR had already conducted a survey and identified the society as the project financier. Ayuma said the survey identified three players that included the financier, farmers and processor as key pillars to the success and sustainability of the project. He disclosed that the society had
approached the management of the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) to buy milk from farmers’ groups and dairy co-operative societies linked to the project, to enhance successful implementation and sustainability of the venture. The society will finance the targeted farmers’ groups by buying feeds and medicine for the dairy cows to enhance milk production for both domestic consumption and supply to the processor for marketing. The society will also give loans to farmers’ groups in the banana value-chain to buy tissue culture varieties from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). The loans will only be extended to farmers’ groups willing to purchase a minimum of 100 seedlings. “As the Sacco management, we strongly believe that the tissue culture bananas will assist the target farmers increase their banana production, to earn more returns at household levels and supply enough of the produce to the processor for marketing,” said Ayuma.
By Eliud Waithaka A top government official has decried the pathetic and dilapidated equipment at a number of public health institutions. “Our health institutions are living in 1930s. We need to urgently rehabilitate and renovate them to make our services better,” said Prof James ole Kiyiapi, the Medical Services Permanent Secretary. Worst hit are the district and sub-district hospitals where some of the vital equipment has never been replaced for more than 70 years. Speaking at the Laikipia East District Commissioner’s office in Nanyuki, the PS said a lot of money needs to be injected into the health sector to upgrade both equipment and infrastructure. The government has since embarked on major restructuring to improve service delivery in terms of hospital reforms, commodity management, strengthening health
systems and health financing. Already the Medical Services Ministry has upgraded 136 hospitals to district and sub-district status throughout the country, with 63 in the pipeline, including 23 under a Dutchsupported programme. In ensuring that more Kenyans access specialised health services such as surgery, paediatric and gynaecology among others, the PS said the government has reviewed and strengthened Kenya Medical Supply Agency (KEMSA) legal framework, including the appointment of a management board. He disclosed the government will recruit 3,000 additional medical staff with a view to improving service delivery. He promised Nanyuki District Hospital KSh31million for construction of a casualty wing, provision of diagnostic services, rehabilitation of a borehole and completion of stalled kitchen and laundry.
ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Forestry society roots for bamboo and the eucalyptus By David Kiarie
The Forestry Society of Kenya is calling on the government to consider rehabilitating the degraded Mau Forest Complex with bamboo trees. The society chairman, Mr Phillip Wamahiu, said bamboo trees are the best species for water catchment areas. Speaking in Embu during the society’s annual forestry conference, Wamahiu said bamboo trees are rare in local forests and tree nurseries despite their suitability in water catchment areas. Wamahiu also supported the cultivation of eucalyptus trees in the country, saying the practice was prevalent in other countries. “There is nothing wrong with the eucalyptus. We have been growing the tree for the last 100 years and it’s not as destructive,” he said, but added that the tree should not be planted in wetlands or close to river banks due to its high water intake. Wamahiu said Brazil has three million hectares under eucalyptus while Ethiopia and South Africa have 100,000 and 250,000 hectares respectively. “The government cannot just tell Kenyans to cut down the eucalyptus tree without giving them an alternative,” he cautioned. A personal assistant to the Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Mr Joseph Bullut challenged foresters to use the Forest Act to prosecute those who encroach or undertake illegal dealings in forests before their illegal practices get out of hand. “You do not need the government to chase charcoal burners from the forest. You have to do your work,” the administrator said, adding that issues of forest degradation are abated by foresters who fail to take action against offenders. He also challenged foresters to take charge of forestry
issues, noting they had kept off the Mau issue and left it to the politicians. “You are the professionals in this field and you should not let politicians show the way in this matter,” Bullut said. The conference theme was Forests for Agriculture, Energy and Water. The foresters addressed themselves to challenges of climate change, which have resulted in flooding, increased gas emissions and drought. They noted the need to conserve and rehabilitate forest to attract rains that have been erratic in the last several years. A Kengen officer who is a member of the Forestry Society, Ms Florence Mwawughanga, said hydro-energy which accounts for 78 per cent of power on the national grid, is presently below 50 percent due to receding water levels at the country’s hydroelectric dams. She attributed this to forest degradation which has seen little water flow into the dams. Presently, Kenya’s forest cover stands at 1.7 per cent against the recommended standard of 10 per cent. Wamahiu disclosed the society had benefited from a KSh4.06 million grant from the Finnish Embassy, part of which will be used to develop a strategic plan for its programmes. The society also intends to improve advocacy and lobbying on forest issues, political support and goodwill, increased public awareness on basic forest issues and legislative framework for forestry professionals. Other plans include establishing educational programmes for its members, lobbying for representation in scientific, educational and policy forums as well as providing advisory, technical and consultancy services.
No more arbitrary rent increments By David Kiarie Cases of abrupt increase of house rent by landlords may soon be a thing of the past if the government makes true its promise to introduce laws to govern the sector. The Tenants Bill which the Minister for Housing said will be tabled in Parliament soon is intended to protect tenants from rogue landlords who abruptly increase house rent without notice or fail to improve the rented house. Speaking in Embu when he opened an Appropriate Building Technology Centre, Housing Minister Mr Soita Shitanda said the new law will bar landlords from evicting tenants from premises haphazardly. The Centre trains construction workers on the use of hydro-form bricks, a technology imported from South Africa. “Landlords will no longer have the lee way to evict tenants since the new law will spell out the required process to solve all tenant-landlord disputes,” said the minister. The law will also require tenants to take responsibility of the houses they rent by ensuring the rented houses are left intact when vacating.
He attributed the rogue behaviour by landlords to increased demand for houses especially in urban areas, and said his ministry would put up more units to alleviate the rising demand for residential houses. The ministry will use the new construction technology in which bricks are made using soil and cement to build low cost houses that are within the reach of most Kenyans. The technology would be used to upgrade slums in urban centres, and hence improve the quality of life for the poor who currently reside in deplorable conditions. “We intend to establish Appropriate Building Technology Centres in all constituencies in order to train as many people as possible on brick making,” said the minister. He disclosed his ministry would build houses for the very poor in selected parts of the country as demonstration units for learning purposes. Shitanda decried the great loss of government houses to land grabbers and private developers and announced that his ministry will repossess all the illegally sold or grabbed public property.
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Ruma National Park
gets a facelift By Nicholas Odhiambo
Ruma National Park, a picturesque home for unique species of wildlife and fauna remains relatively unappreciated by the country at large. The park in south-west Kenya covers Suba, Mbita and Ndhiwa districts of Nyanza Province. It was initially established as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966. It was elevated to park status in 1983 largely to protect the rare indigenous Roan Antelope, to which it has provided home. The new facility is dedicated to the mighty Luo wizard Gor Maiya who is said to have lived next to the park. Many of his descendants still live in the region. He is immortalised in Gor Mahia Football Club, a prominent national clubside. Gor’s magic is said to have been so powerful that it enabled him read people’s minds, bring rain, kill with just a look and change man to dog, ant hill or any other item. The Kenya Wildlife Service is currently in the process of promoting the park. Already, the construction of a KSh50 million tarmacked airstrip has started, along with the fencing of the facility. The KWS also plans to introduce the rhino and other animals into the park to boost its tourist attractiveness. A game warden at the park, a Mr Wambua says the rhino along with the elephant and lion roamed the park in the past but were decimated or driven out to the Mara region by local people who did not appreciate their value. Of the KSh875,000 revenue the park collects annually, KSh600,000 is granted to both Homa Bay and Mbita county councils for community development. The facility also plays a role in the construction of roads, classrooms, water projects and dispensaries. The park is also home to the rare Roan Antelope. The animal is however, not having it easy as life in the park is not a bed of roses. The locals highly value the rare antelope for its meat.
“We cannot do without its meat. It is the sweetest meat ever,” confesses a villager on the outskirts of the park. As a result of this the numbers of the antelope have dangerously reduced from the hundreds of a few years ago to a mere 52 today. The park is, however, notorious for also hosting tsetse flies that cause sleeping sickness and mosquitoes that cause malaria, tormenting wildlife, livestock and humans in the surrounding villages. The problem is said to be at its worst around Korlang’o (home of the Lang’o or Maasai), a famous hill in the park. Locals claim the colonial administration lured the Maasai from the neighbouring Trans Mara region to the park to expose them to both the tsetse fly and mosquito for unknown reasons. Many would die as a consequence. Wambua, admits the parasite carrying insects are a big problem to both wildlife and livestock, a problem the Government plans to tackle. “Already we have equipment and some chemicals that we use to kill the tsetse fly in the park and around the Korlang’o Hill and we hope things will be put right,” vows Wambua. Ruma, the only national park in the region, is 120 square kilometres with more than 400 recorded bird, animal and plant species, says Wambua who, however, confesses the facility is not well known despite being in existence since 1985. The park’s bird attractions include the African Fish Eagle, Marabou Stork, the Hamerkop, the beautiful Liliac-breasted roller and the secretary bird. The animals include the Oribis, Mountain reedbuck, leopard, African buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, Topu, Rothschild’s giraffe and hyena. Among the reptiles are the African python, spitting cobra, forest cobra, puff adder, tortoises and lizards. Campsites in Ruma include Nyani and Kamato and Korlang’o Hill.
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Dairy goat rearing brings hope to many poor families By Musembi Nzengu Koki Safari’s journey has been long and tedious. All along poverty has been a big part of her life until the day she decided to embrace dairy goat farming. The peasant farmer and a mother of three has since risen from grass to grace to become a leading dairy goat farmer in Mwingi East District. While the goat milk has been used for domestic and commercial purposes, it’s the selling of a crossbreed goat that made a big difference to her life. Locally, a normal goat would sell for KSh1,500. However, with the crossbreed, Safari made more money — an equivalent of 10 times the price of local goat at Nuu market. Safari recalls how she first got involved in the goat farming. “I joined Ngaani Dairy Goat Self-help Group in 2004. The chief had called a meeting where poor people in our location were identified and requested to form a self-help group,” she says, adding, “We were told that an organisation called FARM Africa wished to assist the poor within the location.” She recalls: “Most of the people could not believe what we were being told. I also doubted but decided to come together with a team that formed Ngaani Self-help Group that was officially registered with Ministry of Culture and Social Services.” Mrs Koki Safari expresses her joy at dairy farming as she hugs one of her prized goats. Picture: Musembi Nzengu She says before being identified as a beneficiary, she did not own any goat and Farm Africa, a non-government organi- riboflavin (vitamin B2) and potassium. many ways superior to cow milk and in never even thought that she would ever sation with offices in Mwingi town is encourHe notes that research findings indi- some instances beats breast milk. He says possess one. aging local and neighbouring communities cate that goat milk has the capacity to slow research has shown that goat milk nutrient However, through the project she was to take up goat rearing since it has economic, down the adverse effects of the life threat- constitution makes it a better alternative given two local goats for crossbreeding with medicinal and nutritional values. ening HIV virus, thus prolonging the life to breast milk for children whose mothers an exotic Toggenburg species. It was the According to the Mwingi Farm Africa of infected persons. were too sick to breastfeed or have died. same for other group members. Safari says Manager, Mr Jacob Mutemi, many people Mutemi’s sentiments are supported by Other than providing milk, the goat has since she received the goats in September keep goats for meat and skin but ignore the Mwingi District Range Management of- been used symbolically in many traditional 2004 she has seen other benefits. She has milk which has a high nutritional and me- ficer, Mr John Njagi, who says: “Goat milk ceremonies. Explains Mutemi: “In the trabeen able to effectively manage the two lo- dicinal value. is exceptionally good for people with fully ditional set up, goats play ceremonial and cal goats she received and through them she Mutemi says as opposed to cow milk, blown Aids as it has been scientifically prov- cultural roles as they contribute to social now owns eight crossbreed goats. the goat option has high butter fat content en to boost immunity.” and cultural functions such as in marriage Since she sold her goat for KSh15,000, and smaller fat globules that are beneficial Njagi says a glass or two daily re-ener- and dowry negotiation.” Although goat everyone in her village now wants to own to sick people such as those living with HIV gises the person infected and makes him/ rearing has evolved over 10,000 years, there that particular breed. “The community has and Aids. her healthier as it helps boost antibodies was need to have a paradigm shift towards realised that the goats are beneficial because The Farm Africa manager says goat milk that fight infections. embracing dairy goat rearing as opposed to they grow very fast and are producing more was a good source of calcium and the amiHe says the department encourages con- rearing the animal for meat, skin, fibre and milk than the local goats,” explains Safari. no acid tryptophan, protein, phosphorus, sumption goat milk by those infected with sale. She adds: “My husband and children HIV because it enriches the Mutemi says owing to the advantage of are very happy with the project. I have T-cells that have been attacked being most adaptable and geographically Table of Goat Milk Nutrient Content been hosting many people who come to by the virus that weakens the spread-out livestock species, with their Content Goat Cow Human see the goats and want to know how to body’s defence mechanism. habitat being prevalent from the moungo about goat breeding.” Protein 3.0 3.0 1.1 However, he encourages tains of Siberia to the deserts and tropics Safari says she has also benefited from even those who have not been of Africa, it is advisable for local farmers to Fat 3.8 3.6 4.0 using the goat stool for manure. She is infected to take goat milk as it embrace milk goat rearing. Calories per 100ml 70 69 68 proud of the fact that her family’s social helps boost immunity. Goats have over the years played a big Vitamin A (i.u/100ml) 39 21 32 standing in the village has risen as they Farm Africa has already set role in dictating the food culture of human are held in high esteem and considered up pilot goat milk projects in beings with ancient cave paintings depictVitamin B (ug.100ml) 68 45 17 a good example of those who have sucMwingi, Kitui and Meru dis- ing people hunting them. Riboflavin (ug/100ml) 210 159 26 ceeded in rearing of exotic goats. tricts. Mutemi says goat milk The world goat population stands at Vitamin C (mg ascorbic acid/100ml) 2 2 3 “My children are now very happy! is nutritious and particularly 700 million and the animal remains a key They know that they cannot drop out of good for young children and provider of reliable access to meat, milk, Calcium 0.19 0.18 0.04 school due to lack of school fees,” says the sick, while goat meat is skin and fibre in developing countries. Iron 0.07 0.06 0.2 Safari as she narrates how she has mantender and enjoyed by many Aside from milk, meat and skin, goats also Phosphorus 0.27 0.23 0.06 aged to clear school fees arrears for her people. provide high quality manure for agriculCholesterol (mg/100ml) Low 15 20 child who sat for the Kenya Certificate He encourages poor com- ture. They also serve as investment and of Secondary Education examinations Source: Kaberia, B.K, P. Mutia, and C. Ahuya —Farmer dairy munities to embrace goat rear- are sold to generate capital for other busithis year. goat production Handbook. ing adding the milk was in nesses.
ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Elders seek to deter youth from crime Sky museum set to take tourism to another level By Ryan Mathenge
The Kikuyu Council of Elders is facing a major challenge in initiating dialogue with the youth to assist them abandon criminal gangs. Two MPs, Mr Elias Mbau (Maragua) and Mr Muturi Mwangi (Kiharu) say the youth feel neglected after their parents abandon them in their search for wealth. The leaders were speaking at the historic Gakoigo Showground in Maragua during the first public gathering that brought together the interim organising committee of the recently unveiled council. The meeting was moved to Maragua on assurance to delegates that there would be no repeat of an incident that occurred in Thika town last month. The council’s first meeting in Thika was banned at the eleventh hour by the police. The council’s intended rapport with the youth aims at encouraging them to engage in viable income generating projects rather than living a life off crime and extortion. “The government has many planned projects for the youth if they outline what they would wish to be helped with,” said Mbau. Mwangi termed unveiling of the Council of Elders as a God-sent idea as it would help shape the destiny of the community after years of life in isolation. “The Kikuyu have lived in the wilderness without the other person thinking of the plight of his tribesman as do other communities in times of crisis,” he said. However, the youth had a different opinion from the leaders. A youth leader in Murang’a, Mr Alex Irungu said the youth feel betrayed by the leaders who only come to them just before the general elections.
By David Kiarie
The peace torch is shared by the elders and leaders after they agreed to work towards uplifting the youth in central Kenya. Picture: Ryan Mathenge
Irungu pointed out that the council of elders will not be effective unless all the community leaders speak in one voice. He said: “Gikuyu youth have suffered a lot because leaders often abandon them in their hour of need. Let us wait and see what will happen this time.” However, he warned that the council of elders should not to pursue its agenda like Gema (Gikuyu, Meru Embu Association) did and it all ended in dispute. He said politicians should be monitored so they do not hijack the council as they have done with other organisations when pursuing their political interests. Irungu cited a recent marathon race in Mathira that was called off by police after a
politician allegedly interfered after learning his rival had organised it in an effort to promote sporting activities. “Mathira half marathon should have been allowed to proceed if leaders had a good will to the youth,” said Irungu who is also a representative of the youth in Mt Kenya region. The council’s chairman, Mr Wachira Kiago said the institution was equal to the task in reshaping the community’s values and bringing them back on track. However, Kiago warned that the council of elders was not for meeting political ambitions. He said: “Politicians from the community should not expect any backing as the outfit will be involved in socio-economic aspects.”
Government urged to rethink ammendments to Coffee Act By David Kiarie The recent amendments to the Coffee Act 2001 have drawn mixed reactions among the stakeholders in the sector. The amendments include barring farmers from electing directors of the Coffee Board of Kenya, leaving the Minister for Cooperative Development and Marketing to make the appointments. Thika Coffee Mills Operations Director, Mr Joshua Nzioka, said the changes are counterproductive since farmers are not represented. Speaking during a sensitisation seminar for coffee societies’ managers in Embu, Nzioka said the new law now permits the Cooperatives minister to appoint non-stakeholders to lead the coffee regulatory body. He called for further amendments that would also cater for the farmers’ interests. However, the regional Coffee Board of Kenya manager in charge of Embu and Mbeere districts, Mr Erasmus Kabugi, hailed the changes saying cases of vested interests or conflict of interests among directors of the coffee board will be mini-
mised in the new arrangement. In the past, CBK directors were elected by farmers from various cooperative societies. Nzioka further urged the CBK to stop licensing many millers and marketers as this impacted negatively on the industry. He said: “Kenya only produces 50,000 metric tonnes of coffee and the Coffee Board of Kenya should consider this before licensing more millers to operate in this industry.” However, he urged farmers to produce more quality coffee saying Kenya has the potential to produce over 120,000 metric tonnes. Meanwhile, the miller has rooted for organic farming of coffee, saying it is less harmful to the environment and enhances the quality of the beans. “As a measure to conserve the environment, farmers should adopt organic farming since fertilizers and other chemicals presently being used in coffee farming are harmful to the soil and environment and also reduces the quality of coffee,” Nzioka said. He cautioned farmers against coffee marketers who have invaded the industry
pointing out that some had been accused of conning farmers money by failing to pay them their dues. “We are calling for fair play. Millers and marketing agents should not take shortcuts to get profits at the expense of farmers,” Nzioka appealed. Kabugi accused the provincial administration and the police of frustrating the war against coffee hawking. He appealed to the two institutions to arrest the offenders instead of protecting them if the war must be won. “Every time we get a tip off and rush to arrest illegal coffee dealers, we never find the hawkers nor the coffee they are alleged to trade in. Our investigations show that the provincial administration and the police are conspiring in the deals,” Kabugi revealed. He said most of the hawkers include growers’ marketing agents who are not contented with what they earn from their own coffee and opt to hawking instead, warning this was illegal. “Those caught will have their licenses withdrawn and risk paying a KSh50,000 fine or serving a jail term of between two and 10 years,” he said.
A planetarium planned for construction in Mbeere South District in Eastern Province, is set to change the form and nature of tourism in the region. The unique project that’s the brainchild of the Community Museums of Kenya and other stakeholders, will cost KSh52 million. The planetarium, a sky museum, will be built at Kianjiru Hills where tourists including astrologists will have an opportunity to watch the galaxy. According to the curator Community Museums of Kenya (CMK), Mr John Maringa, the programme which was initiated five years ago will be funded by the Tourism Trust Fund, and is expected to boost tourism within the Mt Kenya East tourism circuit. Speaking at the hill during a tour of the proposed site for the observatory, Maringa told Tourism Trust Fund officials the project will be the first of its kind along the Equator and is, therefore, expected to attract many tourists. “The other two observatories on the continent are based in South Africa and Morocco and we are sure tourists, both local and international will come here once it’s complete.” Under the programme that involves the CMK, Mbeere County Council, the Tourism Trust fund and the Euranoscope Society of Astronomers, a cultural museum will also be constructed to give local residents a chance to showcase their rich tradition in song, dance, folklore, housing and dress. At the base of the hill, Maringa says, will be located a botanical garden with different species of indigenous and exotic plants. The station will also have a 32-bed lounge where tourists will stay. Local businessmen will be afforded an opportunity put up curio shops and other tourist attractions. “The choice of the site is perfect since the area is strategically positioned on top of a hill and the sky is almost clear throughout the year except for the rainy season,” Maringa said. The observatory is expected to diversify tourism in the country, which has mainly relied on wildlife and the beaches. The site will also open up the Mwea Game Reserve which has been rather dormant. Tourists en route to the Meru National Park will enjoy the extra attraction by stopping by the planetarium. Already, a group of 4,000 tourists from Euranoscope Society of Astronomers who are partnering with the Community Museums of Kenya, have agreed to be the first tourists once the observatory is in place. Tourists will also get a chance to visit the hydro-electric dams which are located near the Kianjiru Hill. Mbeere County Council chairman, Mr Issah Ngunia, expressed confidence at the revival of the project saying it will benefit the local people greatly.
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
COMMENTARY & Opinion
Government must restore peace in bandit-prone regions
The provincial administration addresses residents of Isiolo at a security meeting as they try to find the best way to handle the question of bandits and cattle rustlers.
By Eliud Waithaka The rate at which armed bandits are killing people has reached alarming proportions and the government needs to act fast. At least 140 people have been murdered in Isiolo and Laikipia districts by cattle rustlers in less than three months. Women and children have not been spared by the armed marauders, whose target is normally the men and livestock. The relatively fewer women and children who have died have been killed on their beds as their morans (warriors) engage the raiders to either protect or recover their cherished livestock. It’s usually a one-sided battle. The few vintage guns in the hands of the homeguards, clubs, iron bars, bows and arrows are never a match for the sophisticated weapons the rustlers carry. The barbaric culture that has afflicted the pastoralist communities since time immemorial has metamorphosed into a deadly multi-million shilling racket that has enveloped the north, north-eastern and eastern regions of Kenya. Banditry has, in recent times, assumed frightening proportions, thanks to acquisition of modern weaponry. These have been brought in by unscrupulous traders
in search of cheap beef for sale in urban centres. It’s now being alleged that some of the recent raids in Isiolo and Laikipia districts have been sponsored by local politicians desirous of expanding their influence. It is alleged that the attacks aim at evicting certain “enemy” ethnic groups from the area in readiness for the 2012 General Election. Cross-border raids by pastoralist communities from neighbouring Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia compound the problem that has proven to be beyond the control of four governments the region. Whereas Uganda has largely made progress in disarming the Karamojong, authorities in Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia have failed dismally. Rather than embark on firm measures that aim at eradicating the vice, government officials that include Cabinet ministers, provincial administrators and local politicians seem to be reading from different scripts and have instead engaged in a blame game. However, since cattle raiding has a traditional leaning, there are die-hard traditionalists among the pastoralist communities who must practice the age-old ritual or they be ostracised by their relatives. Cattle-rustling especially in its current form, has completely obliterated the af-
flicted regions from national development by destroying ongoing projects and scaring off potential investors. Livestock — the regions’ lifeline — agriculture, education, and hospitals among other development projects have literally been destroyed or rendered inoperative for fear of attacks. Not even police stations have survived the incessant onslaught as the men and women in uniform have, been known to take cover or flee altogether. And who can blame them? The awesome firepower in the hands of the invaders is far superior to the puny standard issue the policemen carry. They, understandably do the right thing and flee, for to confront the well-armed and highly motivated cattlerustlers, is to commit suicide. As matters stand, the Government stands accused of failing to live to its oath of office to protect the lives and the property of its people in the bandit prone regions of the country. It must move with speed to restore peace and tranquility in the region, even if it means using the military in place of the heavily compromised police force. It worked in Mt Elgon District and should work in Isiolo and Laikipia among other bandit prone districts.
Executive Director: Rosemary Okello-Orlale Programme Coordinator: Wilson Ugangu Programme Officer: Susan Mwangi Project Editor: Jane Godia Project Designer: Noel Lumbama Copy Editor: Frank Wanyama Contributors: Nicholas Odhiambo, Ryan Mathenge, Ben Oroko, Eliud Waithaka, David Kiarie, Musembi Nzengu and Odhiambo Odhiambo
ISSUE 008, December 16-31, 2009
Traffic police change tact in receiving bribes By Odhiambo Odhiambo Kenyan traffic police officers are now changing tact as the government steps up efforts to fight corruption in the department. The officers are now transferring the bribes received from motorists on the highway to their telephony MPesa accounts in a bid to avoid keeping bundles of notes on their persons. Whenever caught red-handed with bundles of marked notes, the corrupt officers have become tongue tied to explain the source of the money to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission officers. A survey by The Reject showed that the M-Pesa service has now come in handy for the bribe taking officers that have, for years now, helped prop the Kenya Police Force as the most corrupt institution in the country. A police officer admitted that his colleagues have in the past been found in very embarrassing situations, either keeping the cash under stones near the check points, or stuffing the bundles in their pockets. The officer based in South Nyanza requested anonymity for fear of victimisation. The officer, said one of them is assigned the duty of loading the collected cash in his mobile phone account every time the collection surpasses the KSh1,000. The cash is then withdrawn in the evening after work and divided equally among the officers. And corruption in the force has allowed unroadworthy vehicles to continue plying the Kenyan roads, leading to an increase in road accidents. Traffic regulations are rarely adhered to with acquisition of driving licenses becoming as easy as buying a soda from a shop. Over-loaded and speeding public vehicles are no longer an issue before traffic policemen with outstretched hands. Their concern is more on drivers and conductors who must spare some money for the men and women in uniform. Fifty shillings is said to be the minimum. Recent arrests of officers in possession of marked bribe money by the KACC officers has not slowed down the vice that mostly targets public service and commercial vehicles. Police officers working in other departments will do anything to be transferred to the lucrative Traffic Department, for it’s here that their dreams to get rich quick are assured of turning true.
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