ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
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Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
February 16-28, 2010
ISSUE 012
A bimonthly on-line newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service
Academic light dims for Laikipia’s best By Paul Mwaniki
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ew people knew of Bernard Sarioyo’s abilities. For three months, he languished in the dense Mount Kenya Forest in a desperate bid to save his family’s livestock from the unending drought. The second born in a family of three, the 15-year-old would later come back and make history in the arid Laikipia North District. He emerged the best student in the 2009 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations, with a score of 405 marks. In January, last year, Sarioyo joined his father in Mt Kenya forest with their herd of cattle as they searched for water and pasture. He was away for three months. As his results amazed other people, the former pupil at Olgilgiri Primary School was, however, not surprised with his performance. Having studied in a school that has no facilities and in a place where education is not highly valued, attaining such marks was no mean achievement. “I used to score over 400 marks even in the end of term exams and with these marks, I feel I am just within my grade,” says Sarioyo to the surprise of his teachers. The school’s headmaster, Mr Dickson Gathogo could not hide his joy. “We noticed this boy in Standard Seven and saw that he had the potential. It was not until January, last year, that problems started when because of the drought he had to move with his father to the mountain,” says Gathogo. The teachers went looking for him and for two months they could not trace him due to the complexity of the forest where thousands of pastoralists had migrated with their animals. “When we eventually located Sarioyo, it was even harder to convince the father to let him go back to school,” recalls the head teacher. The father resisted saying that the boy was in the forest to take care of the animals
A winner from all fronts. Despite having been in the Mt Kenya Forest for three months, Bernard Sarioyo came back to emerge the best student in last year’s KCPE examinations at Olgilgiri Primary School. Picture: Paul Mwaniki.
and as such he could not leave behind the family’s wealth. Unfortunately, the old man’s cattle were not spared by the harsh weather in the high altitude and the associated diseases. Like the case was for many other pastoralists, Sarioyo’s family lost all their cattle. The family returned to Kimugandura Village with nothing but hope. The destitution, however, played to the advantage of the boy’s future as he went back to school. “In order keep the boy permanently in school we decided to make him a boarder and since our school has no boarding facilities, he had to live in the school store together with another three boys who gave him company,” notes Gathogo. Food and basic needs were provided by the teachers who also volunteered to him bring water which is a scarce commodity in the area. However, that is as far as the excitement goes over Sarioyo’s sterling performance. The light to his academic future may go off if help does not come his way. The best boy may not proceed with his studies due to lack of fees. Sarioyo who has been admitted at Nakuru High School, was supposed to report at the beginning of February but never did so as his family could not raise the fees and the required items. The boy is currently looking after his father’s few goats as they try to recover from the effects of the drought where all their animals succumbed. Speaking to the Reject, the boy’s uncle Mr James Sapul said initially there were hopes that one of the local banks was willing to sponsor him but no information had been conveyed to them. “We had been informed of the sponsorship by the head teacher but on following up nothing has been forthcoming,” notes Sapul He says that even an arranged fundraising could not raise enough money to take the boy to school. Most of his neighbours and relatives are also going through hard times after losing their animals to drought. Continued on page 2
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ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Kenyans alienated from development, research reveals By Faith Muiruri As the decentralised funds phenomena gains momentum, Kenyans are increasingly being alienated from development initiatives at the grass-root level. According to a research conducted by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Social and Public Accountability Network, ordinary Kenyans are less likely to contribute to local development. The study establishes that Kenyans lack access to information and have in the past been sidelined from planning and implementation of projects at the grass-root level. According to the research, this has resulted in a widening gap between demand and supply of services. Citizens have also lost confidence in decentralized development as an institution that can meet their needs and respond effectively to the challenges they face. The study focuses on seven funds namely the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Local Authority Transfer Fund (LATF), Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), Free Primary Education (FPE), Constituency Bursary Fund, Water Services Trust Fund and the Constituency Aids Control Fund that have direct impact on Education, Health, Water and Sanitation and Road sectors.
A doctor attends to a patient at a dispensary built with Constituency Development Funds. Many Kenyans are not involved in planning of projects. Picture: David Kiarie
The research also involved Abantu for Development, Action Aid, Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), Centre for Peace and Democracy (CEPAD), Ms Kenya, Social Economic Right Foundation, Institute of Social Accountability (TISA) and World Vision. The research entitled Harmonisation of Decentralised Development in Kenya was undertaken in eight constituencies which included Nyeri Town, Mwatate,
Baringo Central, Isiolo North, Mandera West, Makadara, Mumias and Kisumu Town East. During the study, 44 percent of those interviewed expressed concern over the high cases of duplication with 16.1 percent indicating that the extent of duplication was high, eight percent saying it was very high while another nine percent saying that it was moderate. Respondents reveal that interpersonal communication was the most reliable way
of getting information on decentralised funds. Other reliable sources of getting information included Radio at 21 percent, while CDF and FPE at 20.8 percent. Public barazas also were valuable sources of getting information with CDF at 15.7 percent, LATF at 14.2 percent and Bursary 14 percent. The level of awareness on decentralised funds ranked high with CDF polling 96 percent, Free Primary Education ranking second with 90 percent and the Bursary Fund followed with 88.3 percent. The Water Services Trust Fund was the least known at 40.7 percent among the seven funds studied. The respondents came up with a raft of proposals geared towards enhancing public participation. They called for the development of a Citizen Charter to safeguard citizen involvement through proactive information dissemination, right to official records, regular reporting meetings, an effective citizen budgeting process and representation in local development committees. They also suggest that politicians be removed from direct implementation of local development funds as their presence only served to undermine oversight and accountability as well as promoting political patronage over development goals.
Academic light dims for Laikipia’s best ‘HIV infected’ woman bites girl
Continued from page 1
However, Sarioyo is optimistic that he will join school despite the financial challenges. “I have strong faith that I will soon get a sponsor who will help me realise my dreams of becoming a journalist one day,” says Sarioyo. Unlike many of his peers with a love for the medical career, he would like to be a journalist. “I Bernard Sarioyo, best student at Olgilgiri Primary School just want to study and be a is lifted shoulder high to celebrate his astonishing journalist,” declares the boy results. Picture: Paul Mwaniki. as he responds to questions from journal“I promise any sponsor who will come ists who visited him at school. He says the out to educate this boy that they will not profession allows one into a diversity of regret, ” pledges the headmaster. knowledge. Mzee John Legei, a village elder who Sarioyo’s mother who only converses spoke on behalf of the father who could in the Maasai language says she was not be reached, says the boy was a warsurprised by her son’s performance as rior, having made history in the small vilshe did not expect such good grades. lage and the entire Laikipia North District. She is, however, desolate as to what to do “He has done us proud and we feel great for the boy as all the family’s wealth dishaving conquered others despite the poor appeared with the death of the livestock. learning conditions in our school which She is appealing to well wishers to help does not have good classrooms, ” says Legei him further his education. after singing a series of praise and worship The headmaster confesses that in his choruses in the Maasai language. 20 years of teaching he has never had a As Sarioyo waits hopefully, he only candidate with such good results in nawishes that somebody will be touched to tional examinations, adding that Sarioyo help him realise his dream. has made history.
after dispute with mother
By Musembi Nzengu For teenager to suffer for the sins of her parents is an unthinkable happening. But that is exactly what happened to a 16-year-old Standard Seven girl who has been put on anti-retroviral as a postexposure prophylaxis intervention after she was attacked and bitten on the lip by a relative. The pupil from Mwingi East District has consequently been forced to stay away from school as she nurses the injuries inflicted on her mouth. The assistant chief for Ngoo sub-location, Mui Division, Mr Julius Musyoka Mwaniki, confirmed the incident and reiterated that the girl had not reported back to school. “The girl has not gone back to school yet and is still nursing the wound on her mouth,” explained Mwaniki. On December 23, 2009, a day after the girl was attacked by the relative, she was taken to the Mwingi District Hospital where she was examined and put on the drugs. The hospital administrator said that before the relative attacked the girl, she had earlier in the day fought with the girl’s mother and apparently sought revenge by
attacking and biting the girl on the lips. “Villagers who claim the attacker is HIV positive say she bit the student to infect her with the virus to avenge the beating she (the attacker) had earlier received from the girl’s mother,” explained Mwaniki. A nurse at the Mwingi District Hospital who requested anonymity, confirmed that the schoolgirl had been taken to the medical facility and was placed on postexposure prophylaxis therapy for 28 days to ward off chances of infection. Initial tests revealed that she was not infected with the HIV. The nurse said the girl had returned to the hospital for review and was told to continue taking the drugs. Mwingi police boss, Mr Jonathan Wafula also confirmed the attack, adding a statement was recorded on the police station’s dDaily Occurrence Book (OB) on December 23, 2009. He said they were still waiting for girl to heal before a charge could be preferred against the attacker. “We might not know how to deal with the issue of HIV in this case but we will charge the attacker with assault and causing bodily harm once the girl is through with medication,” explained Wafula.
ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Gutsy widow beats inheritance to scale academic milestones By Odhiambo Odhiambo Her problems began immediately following the death of her husband, Mr Daniel Ouma, in February 2003. He had been ill for four months and she had been married for five years. When all the Luo cultural rites related to death had been performed, male villagers emerged with one intention — to inherit her. And she was warned that if she refused to be inherited, she would invite a curse on her person. “But I sat back and remembered one thing: that I was married before realising my dreams of proceeding to secondary and university. I met my husband after sitting my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination in 1996,” recalls Meresa Adhiambo Adhiambo, a widow then decided that her future was in her hands. It was her responsibility to chart her destiny. That is when she decided to defy the repugnant culture because she had big dreams and one of them was to be a secondary school teacher. This was not going to happen if she listened to all these men who wanted to warm her bed. Instead, Adhiambo, 25, decided to run away from her salivating inheritors in Nyatike District to pursue her life’s dream which was education. She recalls her late husband assuring her that he would take her back to school after marriage but this never materialised. Following his death, Adhiambo decided to leave her husband’s home in Nyatike and returned to her paternal home in Kakaeta Village, in the outskirts of Migori Town. Here, she immediately enrolled in Standard Eight at the nearby Onyalo Primary School where she sat her KCPE the following year. She performed exceptionally well for someone who had been out of school for five years by scoring 327 out of a total 500 marks. She scored 80 in English, 59 in Kiswahili, 55 in Mathematics, 64 in Science and 69 in GHCRE (a combination of Geography, History, Civics and Religious Studies). “In 1996, I got slightly over 200 marks out of the then 700 total marks. This was, therefore, a big improvement on my part,” says Adhiambo, during an interview with the Reject. She adds: “I buried my head in books when I came back from Nyatike and I had all the time to study because we had not been blessed with a child during the marriage.” The third born in a family of seven says her parents, Mr Wilson and Risper Ochuodho are her source of inspiration. “They encouraged me that I could make it in life even after being widowed. Most widows in our village end up living a desperate life after being inherited,” she notes. Adhiambo was subsequently admitted to Kadika Secondary School in Migori, and believes she will sail through the challenge. “Although my parents-in-law were against my going back to school, I still respect my marriage and will always go back to visit
Meresa Adhiambo in class at Kadika Secondary School in Migori. Despite having been married and widowed, Adhiambo has come out strongly to prove that where there is a will there is a way. Pictures: Odhiambo Odhiambo
them,” Adhiambo asserts. She is preparing to sit her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations this year, and is optimistic that she will perform well. Her late husband paid dowry that included four heads of cattle and cash before they wedded at Magina Seventh Day Adventist Church in Migori. Despite fears of not affording school fees as her father is already catering for two of her siblings in secondary school, Adhiambo is optimistic that people who have been touched by her love for school will not let her down. Despite the sad situation, Adhiambo is determined in her aspirations. “At my husband’s home, I had no source of income at the time of his death as he was the bread winner,” she explains, adding, “My parentsin-laws are very old and do not have a reliable source of livelihood. . . . I hated a situation where I would live at the mercy of inheritors, especially during this era of HIV/Aids.” Her faith has been spiritual. “I knew God would talk to even those people I do not know to pay for my school fees. My main worry has been how to study hard and pass exams and proceed to university,” she says. And indeed friends and relatives came to her rescue and helped pay for her fees. It is now a matter of months before she completes her secondary school education. Her message to other widows: “Do not allow yourself to become a prisoner of outdated cultural practices. Trust in God and chart your own destiny.” Being strong in her belief and knowing what she wants, Adhiambo says: “I never liked the idea of women being inherited from the time I was young. Inheritors are people out to exploit you sexually because of your desperate situation.” Adhiambo’s father says he was ready to support his daughter achieve her am-
“I never liked the idea of women being inherited from the time I was young. The inheritors are only people out to exploit you sexually because of your desperate situation. Do not allow yourself to become a prisoner of outdated cultural practices. Trust in God and chart your own destiny.” — Meresa Adhiambo
bition. “I was touched by her strong desire to learn. I promised to stand by her side despite my limited income.” At school, teachers describe Adhiambo as a hardworking student who only needs support to realise her dream. “Despite being teased by other students who know she was a widow, Adhiambo is a fast learner who has remained resolute and focused in her classwork,” says Ms Ann Ombewa, her English teacher. News of Adhiambo’s exemplary performance in KCPE shook the entire village with many admirers saying in Dholuo: “Kare n’gato nyalo weyo school ma nyuome asto bang’e odok e school ma okal penj (You mean somebody can leave school and go back after marriage and still pass exams)?” For now, Adhiambo aspires to reach the highest point in education as long as resources will be available for her.
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ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Government acts to stop Health services pollution in Lake Victoria get nearer to the people
By Nicholas Odhiambo
Cases of waterborne diseases in Homa Bay District and its environs could be curbed after the release of KSh3 million by the government for rehabilitation of sewerage lines in the area. The funds will be channeled through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to revive two aerators that stalled four years ago at the sewage treatment plant in the town. Homa Bay has a number of small factories that residents accuse of polluting Lake Victoria and hence the breakout of typhoid and cholera among other diseases. The rehabilitation is expected to reduce the frequency of sewage bursts and discharge of raw sewage into the lake, a problem that has also affected residents of Rachuonyo North, Mbita, Suba and Ndhiwa who share the same water source. The sewerage system in Homa Bay town was installed over 46 years ago and has had problems for decades after the asbestos used in its construction wore out. Rehabilitation work on the main sewage lines at the district headquarters and the police station is complete. The exercise is also planned for sewer mains from hospitals and hotels in the town. “We are determined to ensure sanity is returned to the region now that we have the funds. This will also reduce cases of disease outbreak,” said Mr John Siranga, Homa Bay District Water officer. Last year there were many cases of typhoid and cholera in the region with Homa Bay and Ndhiwa registering the highest numbers.
By Ben Oroko Residents of three civic wards in Gusii County Council are to benefit from a European Union funded project that will ease the suffering locals go through when they have to trek long distances to seek medical attention. The facilities are located at Isamwera in Bonchari Constituency, Emeroka in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency and Nyanturago in Nyaribari Chache Constituency. The grants were made available under the EU’s Poverty Reduction Fund 2 (PRF2) in partnership with the County Council. The beneficiaries could not hide their excitement as they now look forward to better times. Mrs Mary Kemunto Momanyi, a resident of Ibeno in Nyaribari Chache Constituency where the EU and the Council has co-funded the Nyanturago Health Centre, could not hide her joy as she witnessed the delivery of basic drugs and equipment to the new facility. She previously had to travel to the Kisii Level Five Hospital, several miles away, for medical attention.
Painful trek Sewage flowing into Lake Victoria. This has led to many people living around the lake region to suffer from water borne diseases. Picture: Caroline Oyugi
Diseases set in with vagaries of extreme weather conditions By Boniface Mulu The long drought followed by the subsequent heavy rainfall have left many Kenyans suffering from various illnesses. This has forced organisations such as the St John Ambulance to offer free medical services to help arrest the situation. About 1,250 patients benefited from a free medical camp organised by the St John Ambulance at the Miambani Health Centre in Kitui.
Extreme climate changes Twenty four medical workers from the charitable organisation, assisted by colleagues from the Kitui District Hospital participated in the 10-hour exercise. The team from Nairobi was led by Programme Manager, Mr John Mwaragwa. The St John’s Ambulance comprises over 16,000 volunteers. He said extreme climate changes had re-
sulted in untold suffering for millions of Kenyans across the country as a consequence of the drought that was followed by the El Nino rains. The organisation was able to carry out the free medical camp with the assistance from its partner organisation, Johanniter Unfall of the Republic of Germany. More than 5,000 Kenyans will receive medical treatment for various ailments “This is being done against the backdrop of the rising cases of water-borne diseases in the country including threats of a cholera outbreak,” explained Mwaragwa. He added: “We are also targeting upper respiratory diseases like pneumonia and malaria, which are devastating especially to the children under five years.” During the exercise, the patients also received food items that included maize, beans and nutritional supplements. Acting Kitui District Medical Officer of Health, Dr Joseph Katothya said it
would be continuous exercise. “We have donors who want to help us and we will carry out an immunisation exercise against measles for children less than five years,” explained Katothya.
Missed opportunity The immunisation exercise started in January and parents were asked to avail children who missed immunisation September, last year. The District Public Health Officer, Mr Johnson Muinde cautioned against consumption of maize that could be contaminated with aflatoxin as was the case in 2006. He denied claims of a cholera outbreak in Miambani Division. The St John Ambulance has a rich history in Kenya dating to 1928. The organisation has been at the forefront during emergencies and disasters that have affected this country.
Momanyi, a mother of three, says for many years expectant women have had to endure a long and painful trek to the hospital, a task worsened by the poor road network in the region. “Many residents avoided seeking medical services at health facilities located far away from their homes. This led to either deaths or further complications for the women,” said Momanyi. Mr John Atandi, a community leader from Bomariba in Bonchari Constituency where the EU and the Council have cofunded the Isamwera Health Centre, welcomed the opening of the facility, noting it will save many lives. He said the health centres will help reduce child mortality. Many mothers previously failed to take their children to health facilities due to the long distance and high travel expenses which contributed to high child mortality. Mr Isaac Githui, who is the County Clerk, said the health centres cost KSh16.5 million and will lead to better standards of living for the area residents. Commending the EU, Githui said it came at a time when the Government was rolling out an ambitious health programme to improve both quality and accessibility to medical services across the country. The Ministry of Public Health has, in the meantime written to the Local Government ministry seeking authority to take over the management of the health centres.
ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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No grain silos despite huge harvests By Aggrey Buchunju
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unger and starvation could soon face residents of Bungoma if they do not get somewhere to store their harvest. Despite Bungoma North District being the leading maize producing zone in Western Province, there are no National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores in the area. The district which comprises three divisions — Naitiri, Kimilili and Tongaren produces over 70 per cent of the maize in the province. The absence of NCPB stores in the district is compromising the marketing of the cereal as well as stocking and selling of government subsidised fertiliser to area residents. The nearest NCPB stores to the district are located in Webuye town in Bungoma East District, Bungoma town and Myanga Railway Station, both in Bungoma South District. Ironically, about 75 per cent of arable land in Bungoma East and Bungoma South Districts is occupied by sugar cane. Misplacement of the strategic facilities such as the grain silos is now raising concern among the maize farmers in Bungoma North District. The concerns were voiced loudly at the Kimilili Constituency Stakeholders Forum held at Naitiri KAG Church recently. Residents wondered why the government has never found it appropriate to establish the grains’ stores in the area. They complained about inaccessibility to subsidised farm inputs and lack of market for their produce, saying this will affect maize production in the area. The farmers appealed to the area MP, Dr Eseli Simiyu, and local civic leaders to prevail upon the relevant authorities to set up NCPB stores in the area.
Sheikh wants equal treatment of children By AGGREY BUCHUNJU The Muslim community has been challenged to treat boys and girls equally when it comes to matters pertaining to education. Addressing Imams at Eshisiru Islamic Daa’wa Centre in Kakamega Central recently, the national chairman of Saviour Charitable Trust Fund, Sheikh Said Ali, urged Muslims to send all their children to school without discrimination. Ali underscored the importance of gender balance in families and communities adding that in Islamic teaching abandonment or discrimination of girls were acts of Jahiling, meaning ignorance. He said that the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad did not prescribe to treating girls unfairly. The Sheikh noted with regret that some Muslim parents harboured tendencies which discriminated against girls when it comes to education and inheritance. “It is unfortunate that some Muslim parents do not recognise the girl child when budgeting for family education or making a will,” he lamented.
A National and Cereals and Produce Board grains silos. Bungoma North District, being a maize basket lacks the facility where farmers can store their grain after harvesting. Picture: Aggrey Buchunju
Establishment of the NCPB and farm inputs stores in the area will save them from exploitation by middlemen. They are also appealing to the local leadership to ensure that all collapsed farmers co-operative societies are revived to enhance marketing of their farm produce. It is important to note that when the price of fertiliser escalated alarmingly last year, the government imported fertiliser and sold to farmers at subsidised prices.
NCPB was appointed sole selling agent and a 50 kg bag of the subsidized DAP and CAN fertiliser sold at half the normal price charged by other traders. Contacted for comment, the regional silos manager, Mr Peter Obuba admitted to having received a letter from farmers requesting NCPB to set up stores in the area. However, Obuba requested not to be quoted since he is not authorised to speak to the Press. He disclosed that he had
Contractor goes into hiding after getting money for work not done By RYAN MATHENGE The Ministry of Education is investigating an administrator who illegally loaned a contractor KSh560,000 meant for the rehabilitation of a school’s buildings. The school had been allocated a total of KSh698,225 for work on the classrooms. Murang’a District Education Officer, Mr Kaugi Micheni said officers have been dispatched to Gitie Primary School to carry out investigations after the suspect failed to account for the money. He had been given the December deadline, last year, to either complete the rehabilitation or explain the whereabouts of the missing funds. A letter from the DEO’s office to the administrator dated November 9, last year, read in part: “Following assessment done on October 27, it was noted that infrastructure project had stalled with only 25 percent complete.”
Kaugi said the contractor has since gone missing after giving false information about the location of his office in Murang’a town. Two other institutions, Mamumbu and Mukangu primary schools in Kiharu, reportedly escaped the contractor’s machinations when their respective committees declined to approve payments before work was done. The embattled school administrator declined to answer telephone calls from the Reject on the issue. The Gitie School Parents Committee Chairman, Mr Peter Gichau, said investigations must be carried out to establish under which circumstances government funds were paid to a contractor before completion of the works. “We want a probe done to help expose the connection the teacher had with the contractor who has since gone missing,” said Gichau.
handed over the letter to his seniors in Nairobi for appropriate action. But Mr Bernard Wekesa, a small scale maize farmer from Ndalu Scheme said NCPB opened temporary centres in the region at a time when most farmers had already planted. “It is true the NCPB opened mobile centres in our region but this came a bit too late when most of the people had already planted hence the farmers did not benefit from the government subsidised fertiliser,” Wekesa argued.
Families to benefit from water project By David Kiarie The acute water shortage in Siakago Constituency, Mbeere District, will soon be a thing of the past if a major project with a capacity to serve 80,000 households becomes a reality. The first phase of the project will cost KSh240 million and will provide residents from Muminji, Kanyuambora, Kiang’ombe and Mutitu locations water for both domestic and irrigation use. Siakago Member of Parliament, Mr Lenny Kivuti, when launching the project said he had set aside KSh22 million from the Constituency Development Fund. He said another KSh35 million from the same kitty will be channelled to the project in the next financial year. The water project will feed from Thuchi River that has its source in Embu. The water intake will be constructed by the Embu Water and Sanitation Company. It is estimated the project will be completed by 2012 when all the 10 locations in the constituency will be covered.
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ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Taming the spread of HIV With proper diet and behaviour change, those infected stand a better chance By Muasya Charles
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lisa Otieno has been on antiretroviral drugs for five years ever since her husband died from Aids related illness and she tested HIV positive. Wanting to stay alive, she says, the drugs have been an inspiration to her as she could also have succumbed to the pandemic a long time ago. This is the same case for Esther Kakivi, who does not shy away from declaring her status and has been on antiretrovirals for eight years. Kakivi is also a peer educator to those infected as she teaches them how to live positively with the virus and along with behaviour change. The two women are very strong and unless they tell you of their situation, you will not know. Their case is different from that of William Mailu who has been on antiretrovirals but is now bed ridden at Kitui District Hospital, while his wife is equally stricken at home. Mailu says apart from the drugs, they lack adequate food and proper diet due to ravaging famine in the area. These are just a few of the 1.4 million people the National Aids Control Council (NACC) estimates are living with HIVAids and who need support to prolong their lives. Despite the scale up in condom uptake, voluntary counselling and testing services, antiretroviral therapy and increased coordination among stakeholders to reduce HIV-Aids prevalence, proper nutrition for People Living with HIV-Aids (PLWHA) remains a challenge.
Common front Antiretroviral therapy must go with proper diet, an aspect overlooked by many stakeholders as they seek a common front to fight the deadly scourge. However, those who have realised where the problem lies are working at arresting the situation. One organisation that has come out strongly to advocate for proper nutrition for those living with HIV is Kenya Agricultural and Health Improvement Initiative (KAHII) which uses local resources from agriculture and commerce, to mitigate and improve health for producers including those infected with HIV and those living with Aids. It is one of the few organisations that uses media advocacy to reach its target group. In the last three years, it has aired over 300 hours of programmes on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Citizen, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) radio stations and several FM outlets on proper diet for the people living with HIV/Aids. The programmes include Pambana na Janjaruka (Radio Citizen), A Stitch in Time, Liisho Bora, Afya ya Uzazi (KBC), Kimasomaso (BBC), Thiririka (Inooro) and Njuki Muhunga Irua (Coro). The KAHII Executive Director, Dr Ignatius Kibe says the thematic area of oper-
Enjoy a variety of foods Eating well means eating a variety of foods. No single food contains all the nutrients that our bodies need, except for breastmilk for babies up to the age of six months. Eating a variety of different foods will supply the nutrients that are essential for our bodies. By taking care to choose foods that are in season and locally available, eating can be enjoyable, healthy and affordable.
Eat staple foods with every meal Staple foods should make up the largest part of a meal. These foods are relatively cheap and supply a good amount of energy and some protein. Staples include cereals (such as rice, maize, millet, sorghum, wheat and barley), starchy roots (such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and yams) and starchy fruit (such as plantains). However, staple foods are not enough to provide all the nutrients the body needs. Other foods must be eaten to provide additional energy, proteins and micronutrients.
Eat legumes if possible every day Dr Ignatius Kibe explains how HIV positive people can uselocal foods that are balanced when on antiretrovirals. Below: Dr Kibe with Kitui residents after the training. Picture: Muasya Charles.
ation has been HIV prevention and health improvement for those infected, strategic communication and sexual reproductive health research. The organisation fosters positive living practices, promotes and sustains individual community and societal behaviour change. “Improved nutrition assists PLWHA more than any other single intervention,” says Kibe, adding that mal-absorption associated with HIV infections can damage linings of gastrointestinal tract, which in turn can interfere with absorption of nutrients. He says some HIV/Aids positive people experience specific problems such as fat mal-absorption which can impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. “We strive to improve access of services and commodities that are a prerequisite to good health to PLWHA with a vision to having a world where all creatures enjoy best health,” explains Kibe. Expected impacts on good nutritional adherence include prolonged lives for PLWHA and empowering them to produce food that meets their nutritional value as well as improving their life expectancy. ‘’Decreased food intake is a major problem associated with PLWHA with conse-
quences of using nutrition as a weapon in the war against HIV-Aids,” explains Kibe. Some of the essential vitamins and minerals needed by PLWHA include vitamin C which helps with recovery from infections. Good sources are citrus, oranges, grape fruit, lemons, guavas, mangoes, tomatoes and potatoes.
These foods provide a person with the proteins needed to develop and repair the body and also to build up strong muscles. They are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre and help to keep the immune system active. Legumes include beans, peas, lentils, groundnuts (including peanut butter) and soybeans. When eaten with staple foods the quality of protein is increased. Legumes are a cheaper protein source than animal foods, such as beef and chicken, and should be eaten every day, if possible.
Loss of vitamins
Eat animal and milk products regularly
Kibe says vitamin A helps keep the linings of the skin, lungs and gut healthy. Infections lead to loss of vitamin A from the body. KAHII in collaboration with GESTOSHIV Communication and Gender under the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Aids (UNGASS), is conducting a research on sexual reproductive health for 2010 UN revision on universal access. The Political Declaration on HIV/Aids signed in June 2006 and adopted by the General Assembly, resolved to integrate food and nutritional support as part of comprehensive response to HIV/Aids. The resolve aimed to ensure that PLWHA have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs, food preference and an active healthy life.
Foods from animals and fish should also be eaten as often as you can afford them. They supply good-quality proteins, vitamins and minerals and extra energy. They will help to strengthen muscles and the immune system. These foods include all forms of meat, poultry (birds), fish, eggs and dairy products such as milk, sour milk, buttermilk, yoghurt and cheese. If insects, such as caterpillars or grasshoppers, are part of your diet, they also provide good nutrients.
Eat vegetables and fruit every day Vegetables and fruit are an important part of a healthy and balanced meal. They supply the vitamins and minerals that keep the body functioning and the immune system strong. These foods are especially important for people living with HIV/AIDS to fight infection. Eat a wide variety as each one provides different vitamins and minerals.
Use fats and oils as well as sugar and sugary foods Fats, oils and sugar are good sources of energy and can help one gain body weight, which can be particularly important for those living with HIV/AIDS. They also add flavour to food, thereby stimulating appetite. Fats and oils play an important part in a healthy and balanced diet. Even small amounts can provide lots of energy. Fats and oils include butter, lard, margarine, cooking oil (vegetable, coconut and palm oil), cream, mayonnaise and coconut cream. They are also found in avocados, oilseeds (sunflower, groundnut and sesame), fatty meat and fish, curds and cheese. Sugars and sugary foods include honey, jam, table sugar, cakes and biscuits. Sourced from Living well with HIV/AIDS: A manual on nutritional care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS
ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
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Does beauty lie in skin lighting creams? Mid-age crisis sets women on a paronia with dangerous products By Michael Oongo Six months ago Joyce Mwanje could not walk along the streets of Busia town. Her dark complexion and her husband’s frequent visits to Sofia, a notorious shanty estate in Busia, Uganda greatly contributed to her low esteem. Joyce believed that her husband of 20 years was attracted to younger women of light complexion who were readily available across the border. This greatly disturbed her conscience and she was unable to concentrate on her duties at the Busia County Council offices where she worked. Joyce decided to seek advice from her friend Belinda whose looks had recently changed considerably with her skin becoming light, not to mention her hips which appeared to be more firmed. From Joyce’s perspective, Belinda was now more confident and happier. “Don’t you worry my sister, this problem will be solved,” Belinda told a curious Joyce. Armed with KSh1,000, the two women then crossed the border into Uganda and proceeded to a shop selling beauty products.
Constant admiration It was to be the beginning of ‘better things’ for Joyce. Immediately she started using the beauty products she began having a self-confidence that arises from a realisation of beauty and the constant stares of admiration from men. As she walks along the same streets that she previously dreaded, Joyce confidently glances at the men who ogle at her newly acquired light complexion that is the epitome of beauty to many an African man. And it is all thanks to the assorted array of beauty products that are readily available from across the border. Like Joyce and Belinda, many Kenyan women with some coming from as far as Kisumu, Kericho, Nairobi and Mombasa flock into Busia, Uganda to buy beauty enhancing products. There are hundreds of varieties of beauty products to chose from, but the most preferred by Kenyan women because of their quick results include Deproson, Neo vate, Hip Up Firmer, Skimbo, Caro, Maxi Claire, and Sivo Claire. Others are Pear Claire, Depo Cream and Hi-up Cream. These products are said to give results within weeks of application. Interestingly, a good number of women who are changing the colour of their skin are aged between 40-60 years. Besides lighting their skin, these women are also concerned with their shape and will do anything to look young and attractive. Acting Busia District Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ambrose Fwamba believes midlife crisis could be driving some women to using harmful beauty products. “At between 40-60 years most men and women feel they are missing out in life
and hence the sudden rush to change their looks and habits,” explains Fwamba who is also the District Public Health Officer. However, he warns that some of the products the women are using are harmful because they contain mercury or hydroquinone, which have corroding effects on the skin and can cause cancer, kidney complication or lead death. “Those trying to bleach their skin should be informed that it is wrong to tamper with the natural skin because it undermines the skin texture and their health,” explains Fwamba. Fwamba’s sentiments are supported by a Kenyan woman who is opposed to the use of skin lighting cosmetics. Ms Jane Odoyo believes that some women are driven to bleach their skin by peer pressure while others are motivated to change their looks due to improved economic status. “I think that some women may not necessarily bleach their bodies to attract men but because they have been encouraged by their friends and colleagues to do so,” says Odoyo. But the Busia District Social Services Development Officer, Mrs Margaret Ojiago, says it is difficult to establish the real reasons behind the practice. “Most of the women we have seen trying to bleach their skin are in their 40s and 50s. What can you say about that? Is it not just middle age madness?” poses Ojiago. She warns that women using cosmetics laced with mercury are risking their lives because of the accompanying complications that include kidney ailments and skin cancer among other related diseases. Ojiago advises those who are dissatisfied with their dark complexion against bleaching their skin and that they should instead engage in gainful activities like joining support groups to uplift their esteem and standards of living. But is it true that the light skin is what attracts Kenyan men to Ugandan women? According to Mr Evans Onyango, this goes beyond skin complexion. “In most communities in Uganda, women are taught early in life how to attract and entertain men. They are unlike Kenyan women who are always demanding and arrogant.” He adds: “I would rather seek the company of a welcoming Ugandan woman after a hard day’s work than face a thankless Kenyan one.” Like many Kenyan men living along the border, Onyango believes that apart from the light complexion and tender looks, Ugandan women are good entertainers both sexually and socially, hence the preference.
A beautiful Maasai woman who has retained her natural skin colour. And (inset) beauty products that have become popular with women who are lighting their skin. Picture: Michael Oongo
However, in using these products women have had to face certain challenges. A story is told of a woman who travelled all the way from Mombasa to Busia in search of hip and breast enhancing products. After using these products for some time, the woman realised that only one side of her buttocks was enlarged. She was so traumatised that she had to keep away from the public.
Banned goods Majority of the women who flock the border shops are mainly traders who are going to sell the products to others. They normally use clandestine (panya) routes to avoid both the Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards personnel. Contacted for comment, the officer in charge of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in Busia, Mr Peter Obiero Bosire says the products are among banned goods in the East African Standards because of their harmful effects. Says he: “Any skin lightener with mercury or hydroquinone compounds is banned under the East African Standards No: EAS 377-2 of 2005, and those sneaking them into the country are doing so il-
“Those trying to bleach their skin should be informed that it is wrong to tamper with the natural skin because it undermines the skin texture and their health.” — Ambrose Fwamba.
legally and may face prosecution if caught.” He laments the lack of enforcement of the standard by some of the East African Community member states. Ironically, Bosire notes: “Although these harmful products are imported to our neighbouring country through the port of Mombasa, there is little we can do to stop them because they are usually labelled transit goods.” KEBS can only inspect transit goods if their packaging seals are broken. The beauty products are sold freely in Ugandan shops. These products are later smuggled into Kenya in small quantities before they find their way into the wider Kenyan market. Products such as Deproson sell for KSh100 a tube, while Hip Firming or Hip Up goes for KSh400. A shop owner in Uganda says there are some popular brands because they have an instant effect.
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ISSUE 012, February 16-28, 2010
Unfiltered, uninhibited…. just the gruesome truth
Yatta Ranch in dire straits F By Musembi Nzengu
armers who have invested in the B2 Yatta Ranching Cooperative Society in Kitui District are worried over its future. The expansive ranch, in which they have invested millions of shillings, is on its death bed with a bleak future after 80 percent of the cattle perished following a three-year drought. The Society’s chairman, Mr James Simba, said almost 50 percent of the goats also perished for lack of water and fodder. The Society had 2,322 head of cattle and 224 goats as at January 2008, but following the drought spell, 1,845 head of cattle and 114 goats had died by December, last year. Simba was addressing a ranchers’ special general meeting at the Society’s offices in Kwa Vonza location, Yatta division. The ranching society has 5,000 ranchers drawn from the larger Kitui and Mwingi districts.
Society on its death bed Along time shareholder, Mr Benson M. Mutio, said the fact that the ranching society was on its death bed cannot be acceptable. “If this Ranching Society is allowed to go under, a good chunk of my investment will go down with it and it will amount to an enormous loss,” said Mutio who runs a wholesale shop in Mwingi town. He added: “I am among the top investors in the ranching society with about 200 shares.” However, Mutio said reports there was more to the problems with the Ranch
than just drought. “May be a few animals died but I have reason to believe it’s more due to poor management since most of the livestock could have been stolen and sold,” he reiterated. He also called for an immediate probe into the affairs of the Society. He pointed that if the Ranching Society collapsed, it would not only be a loss to the shareholders but also to the country at large as it will lose a reliable source of beef cattle. “The government has remained aloof and ignored the Ranching Society as things went from bad to worse. It is time the Ministry of the Cooperative Development and the local provincial administration moved in to save the society,” said Mutio. Mr Sammy K. Kitungu, a teacher who has been a member of Ranching Society since 1978 said the problems it was facing were as a result of poor management. He said things started going wrong when the management was taken over by greedy people who were out to make a quick buck.
“If the Ranching Society collapsed, it would not only be a loss to the shareholders but also to the country at large as it will lose a reliable source of beef cattle.”
“The shareholders made a mistake when they elected people who are only after making quick money and others who resided in Nairobi and had little time for the group,” explained Kitungu. He blamed the cash woes on one of the Society’s managers who took a personal bank loan of KSh8 million on its behalf and then resigned. “That bank loan put the Society into serious financial problems as it struggled to pay it,” said Kitungu. He recalled the good old days when the Society made profits “and at one point paid dividends of KSh500 per share”. He added that in the last ten years, the management had not paid out any dividends. He called for a complete overhaul of the management and a new one be put in place under strict supervision of the Ministry of Cooperative Development to ensure prudent financial control.
Poor management A retired Kenya Army soldier, Major Jushua Kasina said it was unfortunate that drought had exterminated nearly all the livestock but added the problem also had to do with poor management. Said Kasina: “It is only the intervention of the government that could save the collapsing ranching society. We need to restock.” However, other than drought, the 30,200 acre land has been invaded by 500 squatters. Simba says this has further aggravated the Society’s financial base because of the expensive court cases that followed. He lamented the gap left by the KSh901,000 deficit that had been spent
Executive Director: Rosemary Okello-Orlale Programme Coordinator: Wilson Ugangu Programme Officer: Susan Mwangi Project Editor: Jane Godia Project Designer: Noel Lumbama Copy Editor: Frank Ojiambo Contibutors: Musembi Nzengu, Paul Mwaniki, Boniface Mulu, Muasya Charles, Ryan Mathenge, Ben Oroko, Odhiambo Odhiambo, Nicholas Odhiambo, Aggrey Buchuju, David Kiarie, Michael Oongo and Faith Muiruri
on the cases between 2007 and December 2009. Major (rtd) Kasina blamed the squatter problem on the management. He said the rains started beating the Society when its management turned a blind eye to the encroachment on its land by squatters who have left with little room for pasture.
Taken by squatters But Simba called on the provincial administration to evict the 500 squatters. He said: “Even if the Society was to get more animals, they would have nowhere to graze as most of the ranch land had been taken over by the squatters.” He claimed the squatters may have been planted on the farm by people who have harboured a long term ambition to acquire the ranch. Simba, however, warned that unless the Society diversifies its activities, it would collapse as drought has put its core activity under strain. He noted that diversification would also help spread the risks of investment. Simba further lamented the difficulty the Society faced in its endeavour to restock and return to good business due to a weak finance base. He said this would be an uphill task considering the difficult technicalities involved. Despite the problems, he noted that the Society is negotiating with the Agricultural Business Development Programme (ABDP) for support and that the talks were promising.
www.mediadiversityafrica.org Write to: info@mediadiversityafrica.org The paper is produced with funds from Ford Foundation