ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
January 15-31, 2010
ISSUE 010
A bimonthly on-line newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service
Climate change hits hard
Herders tend to cattle in Isiolo. Northern Kenya is dominated by nomadic and pastoralist communities that at great risk to the effects of climate change as herders are now complaining of prolonged dry seasons.
By Abdullahi Jamaa For the first time in two years, clouds gather in the skies above the drought ravaged Kenya-Somalia border. The cloudy and relatively temperate weather here is testimony to the possibility of rain that has constantly failed in the Horn of Africa region. Residents are not overly dispirited by the mixed reports from the Kenya Meteorological Department that had earlier predicted El Nino rains.
Smell of rain
Sixty-year-old Ahmed Issa stares from a short distance at one of his weak cows as it waddles towards him, occasionally raising its head to the smell of rain. “For the last four seasons, this cow has not smelt anything like rain,” observes Issa. “It is one of the few heads of cattle that have survived a difficult peri-
od that lacked water and pasture.” That the old man is a bundle of excitement is an understatement, considering that 20 of his 30 heads of cattle fell to the long drought. As he wakes up to face the challenges of the day at Gerile, a border village about 110 kilometres east of Wajir in the arid North-Eastern Province, Issa is worried that the remaining cows are barely enough to sustain his family. “The remaining cattle survived the drought but they are barely enough to sustain us. . . . I am worried about the future,” says Issa whose situation replicates that of other herders in the region.
With a painful look at the heap of carcass in his compound, Issa shakes his head. “In the past few years, we have witnessed a number of dry seasons. I lost half of my herd in the 2006 drought, and in last season I lost many more,” he states. Over the past two decades, all he has seen is a repeated cycle of crippling drought that has spelt misery for his pastoral way of life. About 20 years ago, Issa was an affluent pastoralist with 300 heads of cattle, 200 goats and 150 camels. This was enough to support him with his family. “Things were never like this. We could
Most pastoralists are now living a life of abject poverty. Already they are surviving by chance. They are just finding it hard to live in this state.
tell when it would rain and when it would not. We knew when to expect a lot of milk and meat and when not to,” he recalls of the good old days. But over the years, everything has become unpredictable and the dry seasons are now more frequent, lasting longer periods. On rare occasion the drought is interrupted by heavy rainfall that also affects livestock.
Source of livelihood
Such are the vagaries of climate change that the lifestyle of the predominantly pastoralist communities in North-Eastern Kenya is at great risk, beginning with the near decimation of livestock — the sole source of livelihood. Most pastoralists are now living a life of abject poverty. “Already we are surviving by chance. We are just finding it hard to live in this state,” says Issa. continued on page 2
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ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Logging goes on unabated in the Mau By Kabia Matega
While the Mau Forest issue has taken a political angle, a group of elders wants logging within the water catchment to stop. The government has been challenged to prove its commitment to environmental conservation by cancelling timber harvesting licenses issued to saw millers in the Complex. The Maasai Mau Forest Council of Elders, a community-based organisation doing conservation work in the larger Narok District, accused the government of insincerity in the campaign to conserve the Mau Forest since timber harvesting has been going on within the forest by a known saw miller.
Well-connected saw miller
Mr Kevin Butu, a director with the CBO questioned the reason behind licensing of a well-connected saw miller, who operates a timber yard business in Nakuru. He claimed the miller harvests the timber in the Kiptunga Forest in Elburgon, Njoro District. The organisation’s officials and journalists on a fact-finding tour of the forest found power-saws, tractors and a fleet of trucks fully loaded with tonnes of Cyprus timber in the forest. Butu called for immediate cancellation of the license and that disciplinary action be taken against government officials involved.
Rehabilitation efforts
He said the ongoing environmental degradation could derail rehabilitation efforts by various organisations and environment conservationists in the water tower. The miller’s employees said they had been instructed to carry out rigorous harvesting and transportation for fear that the license could be cancelled with the mounting pressure. “Why should we have approved millers in the forest harvesting timber, while the
A lorry load of logs in Kiptunga Forest, that is part of the Mau Complex ready for transportation to a timber yard in Nakuru town. Picture: Kabia Matega.
same government is telling the world it’s committed to conservation of the water catchment areas, and Mau Forest in particular?” posed Butu amid shouts of “watoke, watoke (they should get out)” from charged entourage.
Alarming drop
The CBO’s chairman said tourism in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve almost collapsed despite the park’s recent elevation as the World’s Seventh Wonder. The threat was occasioned by the alarming drop in water levels in the Mara River that flows from the besieged Mau Forest Complex. He said the organisation’s role in conservation of the Mau Forest was to protect
and plant trees along water springs and carry out civic education among people neighbouring the forest. It is also encouraging local residents to establish private forests for their timber. The organisation’s treasurer, Mr Sammy Kiminta, said the American development organisation, USaid has funded its operations for six months under the auspices of Tunza Mau Forest lobby that includes Forest Action Network and Citizen Assemblies.
Destructive activities
However, as the destructive activities in the Mau Forest emerged, the Clinton Foundation pitched tent in Enoosupukia Forest, Narok District to mark the start of
The miller’s employees said they had been instructed to carry out a vigorous harvesting and transportation for fear that the license could be cancelled due to the mounting pressure.
a tree planting exercise to help restore the water tower. The Enoosupukia Forest came to international limelight during the infamous evictions of the 1990s. Thousands of squatters who had encroached on the forest to engage in illegal logging and farming were forcefully evicted.
Create employment The Clinton Foundation Country Director, Mr Jackson Kimani, Green Belt Movement Programme Co-ordinator in Narok District Mr Charles Mwangi and government officials led by Narok North District Commissioner Mr Hassan Huka joined hundreds of villagers who witnessed the tree planting exercise. Kimani said the project will take five years and will eventually create employment opportunities for the youth who will be hired to plant trees and tend to treenurseries.
Herders worried as climate change takes effect continued from page 1
The environment in the region has steadily warmed up, destroying the rich vegetation cover that provided pasture for the animals. Not spared by the climate change are the few remaining rivers, wells and dams that are also steadily drying up. In much of Northern and North-Eastern Kenya where an estimated two million people rely on animals, the lifestyle is increasingly becoming untenable. It gets worse considering the harsh terrain that is
incapable to supporting agriculture. ”In this region where majority rely on livestock, climate change has triggered natural disasters and herders are the most affected to the shift of seasons,” says Mrs Kaltuma Maalim, co-ordinator of Wajir Livestock Marketing Council. The devastation visited on this vast region by climate change is driving many people away from their homes. Climate change refugees in the remote towns of Northern Kenya are growing by
the day, with most heading to the urban centres to find an alternative way to survival. From Mandera’s triangular borderline to Isiolo’s mountainous hamlets, communities are surviving on the razor’s edge. Here climate displacement is a common phenomenon. The adverse weather and its consequences are steadily leading to a humanitarian crisis for millions of people in the region. The overwhelming majority will
be exposed to increased food and water shortage. “Going by the experience over the past few years, pastoralism is at a crossroads, and may soon become a thing of the past, leaving the region and the country with millions of destitutes,” warns Mahat Abdi, a drought monitor based in Wajir. The ever-worsening weather pattern demonstrates how destructive the humaninduced global warming can be to the marginalised and nomadic communities.
ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Hippos for pets and security? Strange as it may sound, it’s real in some parts of Kenya By Carolyn Oyugi When a hippopotamus is spotted on land, people get anxious and scared for there is nothing good that comes out of its presence. The shiny, voluminous and ugly mammal is better known for its wanton destruction of farmland, and the vicious attacks that have seriously maimed or killed people in its path. Given this infamy, people are well-advised to view the animal from a safe distance or well-protected area. Those unfortunate to encounter the animal under other circumstances are advised to raise an alarm immediately. Cases of hippos destroying crops and endangering lives in settlements and villages bordering lakes and rivers are endless. The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) on receiving such reports has responded by rushing to the scene and sending the animals back into the waters. On rare occasions, they have shot the hippos, especially when they’ve gone rogue and attacked people unfortunate to come across their path. Such incidents havealways been received with great joy by residents, given the highly-priced soft and tender hippo meat. Whereas the hippos seemingly enjoy the unfettered freedom to roam and destroy farm crops, farmers are restricted by the law from killing the animals that they, for good reason, consider pests. The best they can do is to report the destruction or attacks to the local KWS office.
Tumultuous relationship
That is as far as the normal story about the hippo and its tumultuous relationship with man goes. There is, however, another side to the story. One would have to travel to Mbita District, that borders Lake Victoria, for a peak at the other relationship between hippo and man, if the stories in the public domain are to be believed. The KWS wardens who are normally sent to the scenes of destruction or attacks, have interesting, even bizarre tales to tell. They include instances when hippos have allegedly “disappeared” after being shot. “This sounds crazy and unbelievable to people who have not had firsthand experience, but they happen,” says a Mr Cheruiyot,, who is the area District Warden Officer. He adds: “We once shot a hippo four times but it did not die, neither could we trace it thereafter.” He explains: “After searching for three days, we were told by the villagers that the animal will not die unless the owner agrees. Since we did not know who the owner was, we called for a village meeting through the assistant chief.” Explains another warden from the KWS Homa Bay office: “We explained the dangers of having that animal around and pleaded with them to release it. They promised to release it and true to their
Hippos take a dip on a river in Homa Bay District. In some parts of Nyanza, there are people who have domesticated the animals and are using them for strange activities such as night running and witchcraft. Picture: Carolyn Oyugi
word, the hippo appeared two hours later and died in front of us.” According Cheruiyot, his team has had a very difficult time controlling the hippos. “We have been warned severally by people, who we suspect own the animals not to waste our bullets on the hippos because they will not die.” Though this may sound stranger than fiction, the common belief is that those who own the animals have the powers to make them appear or disappear as they please. They can also stop them from dying even after being shot. But why should one own a hippo? It’s a disturbing question that may not reveal any answer considering the practice of witchcraft and night running that is prevalent among certain Kenyan communities, especially in the west. There is a common belief among the community here that night runners usually use some wild animals as their tool of trade. There are reported cases of people riding leopards, hyenas or carrying snakes as they go about their night runs. It’s now feared that night runners in the region have roped in the hippo. The animal that is known for being fierce is somehow lulled into obeying instructions from its owner. It is even believed the hippos are milked and the liquid sold to unsuspecting customers. Such is the story that newcomers to Mbita are cautioned to be wary of the milk they buy from vendors. The story may sound unbelievable to most, but certainly not to residents
of Mbita and most of Suba District in Nyanza Province. The provincial administration has now taken this issue seriously as to include it in its agenda at the regular barazas (meetings) with members of the public, especially during national holidays. This is in response to a public outcry, with demands for the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. During the Kenyatta Day celebrations held at Homa Bay Municipal Stadium, a councillor publicly complained that the hippos had become a menace in the region, and particularly in Mbita District. He said the hippos were not ordinary animals as they had been domesticated by certain people. A KWS warder narrated an incident when he and his colleagues attempted to shoot down a hippo, but stopped when they saw someone riding on it. The same issue was raised in a meeting at Mbita Point Stadium during which residents expressed their dissatisfaction with KWS over its failure to protect them from the hippos. However, Mr Harun Apuko Odino, Mbita District Commissioner, said that the hippos are being sent by their owners to attack their enemies or people they have a grudge with. “You people know these owners and you are, therefore, the same people who can help yourselves by talking to them or reporting to the authority,” the DC advised. Hippos have been wreaking havoc in the region especially when the farms are full of crops nearing maturity. They invade farms
There was a rather strange incident that took place some few months ago when the wardens killed a hippo, but after observing the carcass they discovered some writings on it. The writings were similar to the branding done to livestock. The funny part of it is that it was the name of a local women’s group.
to forage and trample as they head back to the water. A case was reported recently in which a middle-aged man was killed by a hippo in Rachuonyo District. The hippo allegedly mingled with the victim’s cattle as he grazed the herd. He later noticed that one ‘cow’ looked different and approached the animal for a closer look. It was then that he noticed it was a hippo. He tried to run away but the fierce animal did not spare him, trampling him to death.
Proceed discreetly
People in Mbita and Suba districts talk about the incident in low tones, too afraid to be heard or quoted for fear they too could be attacked. When I approached one of the villagers and inquired about the topic, he dismissed me very fast. However, when I persisted, he relented and called me aside. He then whispered in very low tones: “Wach ni okonego bed ni wawuoye nikech wuone raogi ok gin jokmabeyo. Gigo to timore kendo wang’eyo (We should not be talking about this issue because the people who own the hippos are not good. These things, however, happen).” Many a time the wardens have tried to capture the hippos but failed. They have been told by the villagers it was all because they made their presence known. The owners of these hippos direct them to different parts of the lake where the wardens cannot find them. The wardens have been advised to proceed to the scenes discreetly and at night without informing many people. They are also advised to leave their vehicles far from the scene. In some cases, the owners are alleged to have come out to warn the wardens against killing particular hippos. Other hippo owners are alleged to have told the wardens the animals protected their homes.
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ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
A sickly venture for Siakago’s ailing
A doctor attends to a patient during a free medical camp at Kaugari Dispensary, Siakago Constituency.
By David Kiarie To residents of Siakago Constituency seeking health services has become an expensive venture. They have to walk long distances in the search for medical care as the 11 health centres in the region remain shut for lack of staff. The dispensaries, which were constructed at a cost of over KSh30 million from the Constituency Development Fund several years ago, are only structures. They lack the required drugs, equipment and staff for them to be fully operational.
Siakago Member of Parliament, Mr Lenny Kivuti said some of the dispensaries operate once or twice a month when nongovernment organisations volunteer to offer medical services. “Many of the residents have to walk for more than 15 kilometres to access medical services, and we are losing a lot in terms of wasted manpower,” said Kivuti. Speaking at Kaugari Dispensary where he had organised a free medical camp, the legislator appealed to the government to equip the health facilities and deploy staff to have them operational.
Worms wreak havoc in Mbeere By David Kiarie The much expected harvest in Mbeere District may not be realised following an attack by unknown pests. The pests that look like army worms have invaded farms, destroying crops in many parts of the district including Mukunji, Kiang’ombe, Mutitu, Ndurumori, Ishiara and Siakago. According to Ms Loise Gakuthi, a farmer from Muminji area, the worms have attacked millet, cowpeas, beans and maize cutting the leaves, flowers and damaging fruits. “The worms are such a menace; they are even feeding on sunflowers,” Gakuthi
said as she called on the government to save the situation. Siakago Member of Parliament, Mr Lenny Kivuti said even in the absence of the much hyped El Nino rains, the short rains that fell in the semi-arid district would have translated to enough harvest for the farmers if not for the invasion by the worms. “We could have harvested a considerable amount of crops, at least to feed the community for some time, but these worms are a great danger to the food security,” said the MP. He appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to urgently intervene and eradicate the pests.
Hope for the poor in Western Province By Gilbert Ochieng’ Standards of livelihood in Western Province are expected to change for the better if a programme set out by a non-government organisation works out. The Western Region Christian Community Services (WRCCS) has embarked on an ambitious community initiative that aims at facilitating poor rural communities in the province to sustainable socio-economic development. The organisation’s programme manager, Mr Peter Mudi, said the vision of WRCCS is to achieve a sustainable, informed, food secure and healthy community. The NGO is a development arm of the Diocese of the
Anglican Church of Kenya, western region and covers Bungoma, Butere, Katakwa, Maseno North, Mumias and Nambale districts. “We exist to reach and empower the physically poor and the marginalised communities in Western Province so as to improve on their lives,” said Mudi in an interview with The Reject. The organisation also seeks to ensure increased respect for human rights, improved governance, food sufficiency in households, clean and healthy environment and an enhanced participation of the marginalised groups, especially women and people with disabilities in 55,000 households.
Varsity launches law programme By Faith Muiruri Kenyatta University has introduced a Bachelor of Law degree programme in its Parklands Campus to help address the increasing demand for legal services. The first batch of 228 students is now in their second year while an additional 185 students enrolled during the 2009/2010 academic year. Currently, the law student population stands at 400 and the increase has been attributed to the rise in popularity of the school as a centre of excellence in legal education, in line with the university’s vision and mission to become a world class institution of higher learning. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Olive Mugenda, said that through face to face, group and individual sessions with friendly and dedicated teaching staff, students have already gained the confidence they require to make proper representations in courts, corporate boardrooms and international forums. “We at the school believe that sustained interactions between students and teaching staff, both inside and outside of lecture halls, is key to impacting on the minds and
attitudes of students,” she explained. She said the law degree will offer students with a unique opportunity to take units that have currently become the cutting the edge of law and development both in Kenya and internationally. Students can now specialise in new areas which include electoral law. Other areas of specialisation include East African Regional Law. This has been designed to capture the integration of East Africa Community and the signing of EAC protocol which aims at overseeing socio-economic development among five member states. The University is also offering international criminal law as part of the expanded degree programmes, to accommodate the rising demand for diploma and degree programmes in various disciplines. The Vice Chancellor said that two years ago the university, with support from Equity Bank, implemented the students’ community service programme that takes over 2,000 of students to their respective communities for one month service before they graduate. Under this programme, students in the law programme will give legal information, advice and interpretation.
Farmers to benefit from weighbridge By Frank Ouma Mumias Sugar Company has begun construction of a KSh50 million weighbridge at Kisoko, Busia District. The project aims at reducing cane transportation cost for 12,600 local farmers. The company’s Managing Director, Mr Evans Kidero said the weighbridge will be operational from April 1, this year, adding that cane farmers from Ugenya, Busia and Teso will benefit greatly. Kidero pledged the company would continue to explore avenues through which cane farmers will lower their production costs including a significant reduction in cane transport costs. “One of our strategies has been to identify areas that are perceived to be far away from the factory and yet through construction of bridges, culverts and now a weighbridge, which is the first of its kind, the zonal distance can tremendously be reduced for the benefit of the farmers,” he explained. He reiterated that the company will maintain its policy of steering development in the area and will not be cowed by
politics. “As a company, we will continue to do good and honest business with our partners and allow no room for politics,” asserted Kidero. Also in the pipeline is the proposed Ethanol Plant that is planned for commissioning by July 2011 following the board’s approval of projects that include a water bottling plant, with the purpose of increasing its revenue base. The director in charge of projects, Mr Maurice Juma, warned of the dangers of bad politics that could easily ruin the sugar industry. He urged farmers to remain steadfast and avoid being swayed by political undercurrents. Juma commended local farmers for supplying the sugar factory with over 576,000 tonnes of cane. “Besides improving income on earnings, there will be a reduction on en-route cane losses, creation of employment opportunities for the local people and increased motivation among farmers,” explained Juma. He assured farmers of plans to reduce cane staleness index and potentiality to increase cane catchment area.
Dispensaries set to open doors By David Kiarie Runyenjes residents look forward to a healthy new year with accessible medical care. Five dispensaries in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu District are expected to open their doors to the public by the end of January. Runyenjes MP, Ms Cecily Mbarire said the Government will hire medical personnel to work in Rukuriiri, Gikuuri, Kasavari, Njeruri and Kagaari dispensaries that will
also be equipped to help bring medical services closer to the public. “The health facilities will bring relief to the residents since many patients will now walk shorter distances to access health services,” she explained. A total of 20 nurses will be hired by the government under the Economic Stimulus Programme, which will see each constituency get a chance to recruit an equal number of paramedics to improve health care and raise the country’s economic development.
ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Farmers roll out plans to save coffee sector By BEN OROKO Following increasing demand for Kenyan coffee in the world coffee market, primary producer coffee co-operative societies in Gusiiland are witnessing cases of coffee theft as black market coffee dealers employ all tactics to acquire the ‘black gold’. Various stakeholders in the co-operative movement in the Nyanza have asked the Government to intensify security patrols, to ensure the coffee is secure until the commodity is delivered to the commercial coffee millers for milling and marketing. The coffee theft incidents recently saw Eaka Farmers’ Co-operative Society in Nyamira North District lose 120 bags of cherry coffee to armed attackers who raided the Society’s premises at night and injured two watchmen before making away with the consignment. Addressing Kisii Farmers Co-operative Union (KFCU) delegates during the Union’s Annual General Meeting, Nyanza Provincial Co-operative Officer (PCO), Mr Zephaniah Osok, called for intensive security patrols around all coffee co-operative societies to guard against theft. He said cases of theft often deflate farmers’ morale and roll back the gains they have achieved. The rising cases of coffee theft prompted delegates representing over 44,000 smallholder coffee farmers from the 25 primary producer coffee co-operative societies to press for the establishment of a milling machine in the region in an effort to address problems they were facing. The delegates have now mandated the management committee of KFCU to dis-
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Man rushed to hospital after rare attack by donkey By Hussein Salesa
Coffee beans being prepared for milling in Othaya. Gusii residents have opted to construct a milling plant to enhance coffee production. Picture: Joseph Mukubwa
pose of the Union’s unutilised land to finance the establishment of the Sh25 million proposed coffee milling plant in Kisii town. The delegates resolved that the Union’s management committee under the leadership of, Mr James Ndemo, liaise with representatives from among the delegates to identify one of the underutilised parcels of land to be sold to raise funds for construction of the mill. Small-holder coffee growers from Nyamonya Farmers Co-operative Society, welcomed the proposal saying it would also address the problem of poor payments. Ms Annah Mong’ina, a small-holder coffee farmer and a member of Nyamonya Farmers’ Cooperative Society welcomed the proposed coffee milling plant in the region, saying it will relieve the farmers the burden of losses.
She said: “Farmers have incurred poor payments on coffee sales due to transportation and handling expenses incurred while taking their coffee for milling and marketing away from the region.” Mong’ina said besides facilitating coffee farmers to earn better returns, “the development will also encourage farmers who had abandoned the crop due to poor payment resume their coffee farming activities to enhance the growth and good performance of the sub-sector”. Mr James Otundo, a coffee grower and a member of Mobamba Main Farmers’ Cooperative Society supported the idea of farmers establishing and owning a milling plant in the region saying it will empower them to determine the quality of the produce they offer in the world market.
A rare incident recently occurred at Buji in Garba Tula District when a man was attacked by a donkey when he attempted to break up a fight. One of the animals apparently not amused by its owner’s interference, turned on him and viciously bit severally. The male donkeys were fighting over mating rights with a horde of female donkeys that had gathered around a water trough. Male donkeys often fight over mating rights especially when there is plenty of grass that ushers in the mating season. The incident occurred at Boji Trading Centre, next to a borehole where residents take their animals. It took the frantic efforts of the villagers to rescue the 20-year-old herder as the animal aggressively bit his arms, forehead and ribs. He was rushed to Garba Tula District Dispensary for treatment. The incident shocked the area residents who have lived peacefully with the animals. Garba Tula Medical Officer of Health, Dr Solomon Murio, confirmed the incident saying it was the first such occurrence. “We have never experienced such a bizarre event, but the man should count himself lucky as no traces of rabies were detected from the blood samples tested,” said the MOH. The man was treated and discharged but directed to report to the Boji Dispensary for check up every two days.
Health officials on war path over illegal brews President fetes
By Ryan Mathenge
Twenty eight brands of second generation brews have been listed as suspect after causing health complications to consumers in various parts of the country. The Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation has directed its field officers to investigate the brands and to immediately take appropriate action. In a circular to provincial, district and municipal public health officers, entitled “Mushrooming of Illicit Wines and Spirits”, Chief Public Health Officer Mr Kepha Ombacho said some of the raw materials used in their brewing were sub standard
and of dubious origin. The brews flooding markets in central Kenya also bear fake Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standard stamps. “As you are aware, these drinks do not meet the required standards and pose a health risk to consumers. They must be investigated without delay,” said Ombacho. The circular comes a month after district liquor licensing courts in Central Province ordered closure of more than 700 bars found stocking dangerous second generation brews. Murang’a East District Commissioner, Mr George Natembeya and his Kigumo counterpart Mr Omar Salat, said the sec-
ond generation brews have caused more havoc to the health of consumers owing to their affordability. Salat said he and other government officers were under instructions to identify and list down all outlets of the contraband for appropriate legal action, beginning January. The liquor courts have also warned local authorities against licensing bars and other outlets that have been ordered closed for dealing in the banned brews. “Councils have been given list of the approved bars. Officials who will licences those rejected outlets, risk facing disciplinary action,” warned Natembeya.
NEMA cracks down on noisy churches, nightclubs By David Kiarie Six churches in Embu have been given notice to comply with the new noise regulations or close down. The Eastern Provincial Director of Environment, Mr Stephen Njoka, said the churches located in the town and residential estates, exceed the noise limits through speakers placed in and out the buildings whenever they hold services. He said the loud music, prayers or sermons were interfering with other people’s peace of mind and a contravention of the newly-imposed noise regulations. “Some of the churches have very few members but place big loud speakers outside their build-
ings and you wonder whom they are targeting,” Njoka said. The National Environment Management Authority official said the churches have to make their buildings sound-proof, relocate or shut down. Also served with the notice are two nightclubs located within the residential estates in Embu town. They have until May this year to acquire licenses with NEMA whose conditions will require them to maintain low volumes of their music. The NEMA official also urged those intending to play loud music or amplify their voices at religious crusades, promotions, parties and other functions to seek licenses from the authority before holding such functions.
anti-jigger campaigner By Ryan Mathenge
Anti-jigger campaigners have finally won the heart of President Kibaki who last month honoured them with Head of State Commendation for their commitment towards the pest’s eradication. Ahadi Trust Executive Director, Mr Stanley Kamau and anti-jigger ambassador, Ms Cecilia Mwangi, were honoured after the Jamhuri Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi. Awards for the two came at a time when Ahadi Trust was on a collision course with public health officials in Central Province over the latter’s denial to the existence of the jigger menace in the region. Speaking to The Reject, Kamau said receiving the award has given them the morale to work harder to enforce greater hygiene to eradicate the jigger menace. Ahadi Trust has been in operation for the last three years, treating people infested with jiggers. Over 3,000 people have been rehabilitated back to normal lives. The Trust has registered 2.6 million people as living with jiggers, and reveals the menace has claimed 261 lives over a period of two years.
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ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Doctors set tempo for safe circumcision
A Ministry of Public Health official standing outside the Male Circumcision Unit at Migori District Hospital. Inset Chief Dicken Odhiambo, from Migori District who decided to lead by example by undergoing the cut. Adult men seeking the cut have been advised to go to approved health facilities. Picture Odhiambo Odhiambo
By Odhiambo Odhiambo A team of surgeons from Kenyan and American universities is training medical workers in Nyanza Province on safe circumcision following a rush for the male “cut”. The Nyanza Reproductive Health Society is attending to health medical practitioners from both the public and private sectors. It comprises surgeons from the University of Nairobi together with those from Illinois and Minnesota in the United States. The training which began several years ago has lately been enhanced to cope with a large influx of local residents. The trainers addressed journalists during a tour of the training facility located in Kisumu recently. As the operations continue, a warning is being sounded over the possibility of quacks masquerading as qualified circumcisers, cashing in on a quick buck from the rush for the cut in Nyanza. Medical officers, however, clarified that the male cut does not stop the spread of HIV/Aids and people must still take precautionary measures.
People willing to “shed off the foreskin” for other health reasons were also being attended to at the centre, a fact that added to the heavy workload the surgeons faced.
Circumcision involves removal of the foreskin. Studies have shown the skin’s inner mucosal surface to be breeding ground for the virus because it has more immune cells vulnerable to HIV infection than the external surface. The call for safe cut is in line with the Male Circumcision Policy 2008 that calls for “male circumcision to be performed by well trained practitioners in antiseptic settings under conditions of informed consent, confidentiality, risk reduction, counselling and safety.” The chairman of the National Task Force on Male Circumcision, Dr Peter Cherutich, advised Nyanza residents to beware of conmen seeking to cut people in the illegal backstreet clinics. He urged them to only visit registered hospitals for the exercise. Cherutich warned that although circumcision may reduce chances of infection, it
Reports indicate that male youths in Nyanza are presently capitalising on the free circumcision.
will not stop them from getting infected. The warning comes as Nyanza residents continue to flock health institutions to face the knife. Male circumcision in Nyanza has been on the rise ever since it was said that it helps reduce chances of one getting the HIV and was supported by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who comes from the region. Nyanza is home to one of the communities in Kenya that does not practise male circumcision as a rite of passage. Although the cut lowers risk of HIV infection, Cherutich said it’s important to clarify that the cut does not prevent people from getting HIV and Aids because some people had started engaging in unprotected sex after facing the knife. “Others may be misled into thinking that they had become immune to HIV and Aids after getting circumcised. This is not true but it helps in reducing the infections,” he explained. New findings of HIV prevalence among circumcised male indicates that the practice cannot completely protect a person from HIV infection unless it’s combined with other interventions such as condoms, being faithful to one partner or adopting abstinence practices. Cherutich urged the media to accurately inform on the need to undergo the cut in hospitals to avoid dangers associated with the “home or bush circumcision”. He said dissemination of the right information will help to enlighten the public on the importance of the male cut in the wake of the increasing HIV and Aids infections in the country. It also underlines the need for open discussion between spouses over the matter. He said the government plans to partner with the private sector to train nurses and doctors on how to carry out safe circumcision. Reports indicate that male youths in Nyanza are presently capitalising on the free circumcision, fearing that the Government may soon introduce charges. Most dispensaries in the region are still carrying out the surgery free of charge. But investigations show that some public facilities, mainly in the rural areas were charging as much as KSh2,000 for the exercise while others carried out the surgery for free.
Leaders chastised over falling academic standards By Tom Rachuonyo
Church leaders in Nyanza have raised concern over the region’s dismal performance of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination results. Speaking in Migori, the leaders attributed this to poverty which, they said, continued to drive many children out of schools in search of other means of survival at the expense of education. “A number of children who should be in school are hawking in
the streets,” said Bishop Esau Jobando, adding that it was a pity the children had to do this to earn a living. He said a number of young boys were working as casuals at the construction firms and gold mines as well as fishing in the lakes due to the inability of their parents to provide them with basic needs such as food and clothing. Citing the results of the just released KCPE where only six pupils from Nyanza made it to the top 100 in the country, the
bishop said it was time leaders from the region sought a lasting solution to the problem. He is also challenged leaders from the region to stop putting too much emphasis on politics at the expense of other important issues such as education and that it was time priorities were put right. “This is about the future of the region,” Jobando said. He accused leaders in the region of ignoring education, further compounding the problem. The Bishop was particularly disturbed by the leaders’
failure to ensure orphans and other disadvantaged children received bursaries and other assistance to enable them get education. Saying there was an urgent need for a forum that will bring together all leaders in the region to discuss the falling academic standards, the Bishop appealed to the government to place several schools in Nyanza under the school feeding programme. This, he said, will ensure better school attendance.
ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Heavy metal in water cause for high number of deformed births By Charles Njeru There is an increasing number of women giving birth to mentally deformed children as a result of pollutants from Nairobi and Athi rivers. According to a study done by the University of Nairobi, pregnant women involved in the study were continuously using the rivers’ waters in cooking and drinking. Most of the women are now at the Kenyatta National Hospital’s Department of Occupational Health assisting with the study. The team leader is Prof Shem Wandiga of the University of Nairobi, Department of Chemistry who worked together with the Department of Occupational Health, housed at the Kenyatta National Hospital. “We discovered several pollutants in the entire Nairobi River all the way to the junction of Athi River,” explains Wandiga, adding that they also discovered dangerous organic and inorganic pollutants. The most common being lead and mercury. During an interview at the University, Wandiga admitted that most lead poisoning from Nairobi could have originated from the tributaries of the two rivers, adding the amount of pollutants could be in their several thousands. Currently they are investigating whether the rest of the population that does not reside near rivers, could be, in one way or the other affected. Wandiga says the study will continue to establish why many children at the KNH, the largest referral health institution in the region, are being born with mental and in some cases, physical deformities. According to the study, the number of babies being admitted with deformities at the Kenyatta National Hospital averages about 25 per month but could be higher. According to Wandiga, mercury and lead were known to cause irreversible damage to the developing nervous system, especially in unborn children. He says that continuous rehabilitation of the river by the City Council has to go on to avoid further public health implications. “Mercury or lead in a pregnant woman can be passed to the developing foetus. Foetuses exposed to mercury in the uterus are susceptible to its effects which may lead to difficulties in learning, memory, vision and hearing,” explains Wandiga. He adds: “Because of the potential adverse impact it has on the developing brain, our greatest concern is exposure to the foetus, infant or a child during the period of rapid brain growth.” The don says most at risk are pregnant women or nursing mothers and young children. He reiterates: “Key issues influencing the severity of effect include the amount and form of mercury or lead, and the age of development of the child.”
The Nairobi River that is said to be heavily laden with mercury and lead which have left many women giving birth to deformed children. Below: Prof Shem Wandiga who led a team of researchers on a study that came up with the revelations. Picture: Charles Njeru and Internet
“Mercury or lead in a pregnant woman can be passed to the developing foetus. Foetuses exposed to mercury in the uterus are susceptible to its effects which may lead to difficulties in learning, memory, vision and hearing.” —Prof Shem Wandiga.
According to Dr Evan Abwao, a medical practitioner in Nairobi, one can be exposed to mercury or lead from breathing in contaminated air, skin contact or eating contaminated foods. However, he says, for most individuals the primary exposure pathway to mercury is through eating fish. Human exposure to methyl mercury through consumption of contaminated fish is a global concern. “Exposure through diet has increased the body burden of methyl mercury in animal and human populations,” says Abwao. Mothers who eat fish and vegetables contaminated with high levels of mercury put their babies at greater risk of damage to their central nervous system. Wandiga says the university collected several vegetable samples from Nairobi and Athi rivers and they were found to have high levels of lead. According to the don, the study strongly shows strong evidence that Nairobi and Athi rivers are both a threat to public health systems among the city’s residents. The University has been working closely with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on the study, and the pollutants are believed to be over 7,000 and most were found to be heavy metals. “Many people are planting and eating vegetables around the rivers. These same foods have harmful chemicals that can lead to various forms of cancer,” says Dr Fred Oduor, a partner scientist in the study at the department. “Adults around the vicinities have also developed cases of neurodevelopment damage due to consumption of lead in
contaminated vegetables,” Oduor says in reference to patients at the KNH. The researchers say they are yet to identify more chemicals in a second study that they are to begin soon. “Common effects include various neurological dysfunctions such as tremors, changes in vision, loss of hearing, muscle coordination, loss of sensation and difficulties with memory,” explains Wandiga. At higher exposure, effects on the kidneys, lungs and digestive system have been noted on patients who were part of the study. These effects are generally associated with high level occupational or accidental poisonings and not fish or vegetable consumption. “Furthermore, concern over possible adverse cardiovascular effects to the general population related to fish consumption, has also been raised by recent health studies. National and international research efforts are currently underway to address this concern,” says Oduor. He points out that the University of Nairobi is currently the only institution in the country conducting such studies with assistance from UNEP. “There are lots of other chemicals that we found to be dangerous to people. Lead may be unavoidable since it can also be found in the air,” says Oduor, adding, “A lot of the lead in the Nairobi and Athi rivers is believed to be from the soil and finds its way into the water.” He says those who own cars and repair them along the banks of the Nairobi River have also contributed greatly to the high levels of lead.
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
ISSUE 010, January 15-31, 2010
Lemon and bleach part of ingenuity among commercial sex workers By Oloo Janak
In Mary’s budget there are certain items that are a must buy and feature highly whether she has the money or not. They are what make up for her tools of trade in the business where competition is high. Mary is not alone in the business. She is among Kenya’s commercial sex workers who have increasingly become ingenious as they seek to survive in an increasingly competitive industry. And though the survival tactics vary from one town to another, they get more ingenious as one approaches international borders. In Migori town, 20 kilometres from the Kenya/Tanzania border crossing point of Isebania/Sirare, there have been interesting stories of strategies used by sex workers to ensure a steady stream of clients. The town often attracts prostitutes from Kenya and Tanzania. This inevitably brings a blend of market-tested strategies from both sides of the border. Tanzanian women are distinct by their respectful demeanour while serving customers in bars. They treat customers with deep respect and speak softly in fluent Kiswahili. “Naomba nikuhudumie (I beg to serve you),” a Tanzanian bar worker would normally whisper softly and with a smile on bended knee as she awaits a patron’s order. Many Kenyan bar patrons encountering them for the first time, are often taken aback by this extraordinary show of courtesy that is not common in their country. Added to this demeanour is their light complexion, both natural and artificially induced through the use of mercury laden cosmetics, or a mixture of oils with a heavy dose of the stuff extracted from electric transformers. The Tanzanians have influenced the way barmaids and commercial sex workers behave in Migori and Isebania among other border towns in south-western Kenya. This influence has extended to towns such as Awendo, Rongo, Homa Bay and Mbita further to the north, depending with season. During tobacco harvesting — the leading economic mainstay in the region — there is a heavy presence of Tanzanian women, often spoiling the market for their Kenyan counterparts. It is not uncommon to find most bars full of smooth Kiswahili speaking and light skinned courteous females from “across” as Tanzania is referred to at the border.
“Jik” has similar properties, hence nearly the same effect. This makes the virginal walls weak, thus compelling most of the commercial sex workers to using juices susceptible to HIV and sexually transmitted Infections. Migori commercial sex workers claim these practices and beliefs are widespread among commercial sex workers in Kenya and beyond. Are they aware of this danger? Many appeared ignorant to the dangers associated with the use of the fluids, but conceded that a number of clients preferred sex without condoms, arguing that “nyama kwa nyama (flesh on flesh) was more satisfying or fulfilling”. A community based organisation that has been involved with behaviour change communication advocacy among the commercial sex and bar workers — Migori Civic Local Affairs Network (CLAN) — has interesting reports on the subject. A bar maid serves patrons in a Migori establishment. Bar maids have been known to also The organisation has been engaging the serve as commercial sex workers and they are using all sorts of methods to attract and retain sex workers since 2006 in their project on clients. Picture: Oloo Janak. behaviour change communication, supported by Amref Maanisha Programme They are said to have the ability to “han- five years. Some have multiple sex partners with financial support from the Swedish Indle men well in bed”. Some men go to the in a day and strive to satisfy them all. Herein ternational Development Agency (SIDA). extent of getting into “temporary marriag- lies the ingenuity if one is to attract many “They are not easy to engage and at es” with them, often lasting for only three clients. times become very slippery or avoid commonths. During their engagement with CLAN, ing out openly,” says Mr Jacton Minyiri, The arrangement confers on the Tanza- the sex workers revealed some of their the organisation’s chairperson. “In our ennian women a sense of welcome, honour survival tactics. Some squeeze lemon juice gagement, we have learnt that it is imporand protection. Many of them come into into their sex organs to “remain tight and tant to work hard to win their confidence Kenya without passports and have no work virgin like”. and avoid referring to them as ‘commercial permits. Lemon juice is said to make the virginal sex workers’,” he says. Some of them come from fairly rural walls contract and get back to shape after CLAN had to go round doing a baseset-ups in Tanzania and depend on their intercourse. This makes each new client line survey to capture basic information Kenyan counterparts to learn survival tac- believe they are the first to have sex with about the group in various entertainment tics even though there is always a sense of that particularly lady on that day. spots and engaging with the proprietors. rivalry and hostility between them. Some use “Jik”, a washing bleach to “Through this, we identified their leadThose interviewed said they do not set achieve the same goal, deceive their clients ers. They are organised and you cannot out to become sex workers and have been who derive more sensation from the “tightpenetrate them easily because some are forced by circumstances into having sexual ness or narrowness” of the female organ suspicious of anyone asking questions,” relationships with clients, some of who offer during sex. There have been some studies says Minyiri. ‘good money’. by medics indicating that the use of lemon The Tanzanians are particularly diffi“Some buy you beer which you can con- or “Jik” fluids is dangerous to female orcult to engage because they feel vulnerable vert into cash through arrangement with gans. since they do not have travel and work perthe counter manager. Others can offer beLemon juice is acidic and corrosive. mit documents. Any careless exposure can tween KSh300 to KSh500 if you have sex This alters the natural condition of the orlead to their deportation by the Kenyan auwith them,” says Robi who has survived in gan, especially the balance between acidity thorities or a jail term for being in Kenya the trade within Migori Town for the last and alkalinity. illegally.None of the women will admit to being sex workers, arguing that they are hotel and bar workers. Lemon juice is said to make the virginal walls contract “It is in the process of serving clients in and get back to shape after intercourse. This makes each bars that some make sexual advances and we sometimes give in because our pay is new client believe they are the first to have sex with that not enough,” says Jane (not her real name) particularly lady on that day. in an interview.
Executive Director: Rosemary Okello-Orlale Programme Coordinator: Wilson Ugangu Programme Officer: Susan Mwangi Project Editor: Jane Godia Project Designer: Noel Lumbama Copy Editor: Abdullahi Jamaa, David Kiarie, Kabia Matega, Carolyn Oyugi, Odhiambo Odhiambo, Ryan Mathenge, Gilbert Ochieng , Frank Ouma, Ben Oroko, Hussein Salesa, Charles Njeru, Tom Rachuonyo, faith Muiruri and Oloo Janak
www.mediadiversityafrica.org Write to: info@mediadiversityafrica.org The paper is produced with funds from Ford Foundation