Reject Online Issue 40

May 16-31, 2011

ISSUE 040

A bimonthly newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service

Will the reopened wounds heal completely?

TJRC hearings the beginning of long awaited healing

By HARUN HUSSEIN While Northern Kenya remains neglected and marginalized, the atrocities it has suffered in the hands of successive governments leaves it a region that has a long story to tell.

The massacres that were carried out by security forces in the various towns of the Northern Frontier District have left an indelible mark in the region. It was as if old wounds were being reopened when the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commis-

sion (TJRC) held hearings in Garissa, Wajir Mandera, Moyale, Marsabit and Isiolo.

The TJRC team led by its chairperson Ms Tecla Namachanja rolled out the hearing sessions in the region that has suffered injustices ranging from killings, rape, economic marginalisation and poor infrastructure.

Witnesses to the injustices included youth, women and men who

testified to the atrocities they suffered under successive regimes.

The witnesses who spoke in Garissa, Wajir Mandera, Moyale, Marsabit and Isiolo anticipate that the long awaited justice will be addressed through the Commission.

While the hearings were a reopening of old wounds, it is also hoped that this is the beginning of a complete healing process that is exContinued on page 3

From top: Residents of Wajir District hold placards while following the TJRC hearings in the region.

Inset: Victims of the Wagalla massacre demonstrate what happened at the Wajir airstrip. Area residents are calling for justice in relation to the atrocities committed.

Pictures: Reject Correspondent

Read more Reject stories online at www.mediadiversityafrica.org

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Wagalla Memories bring fresh flow of tears

By ABJATA KHALIF The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) held special sessions for women who were victims of atrocities in northern Kenya.

The women, who were sexually assaulted during the attack on villages in Wagalla were able to give their testimonies away from the public glare. However, there are a few other women who wanted to speak in public and they were allowed. All in all, it was a sigh of hope and relief engulfed the truth and reconciliation session in Wajir District that was meant for victims of the infamous Wagalla Massacre.

Female survivors, through their leaders thronged Raha Palace Hotel in Wajir County where the sitting took place with victims detailing the chronology of events before and after the massacre.

Survivors’ stories

The women victims of the Wagalla massacre gave their side of story in a special hearing of their tribulations in hand of menacing military officials. The survivors told the TJRC sitting how on February 10, 1984 Kenya army personnel invaded villages inhabited by the Degodia, flushed community members out before rounding them up at the Wagalla airstrip.

The women victims gave a chronology of events and informed the Commission that military personnel descended on various villages and embarked on beating community members. The villagers were flushed out of their homes and converged in concentration fields where the officers started beating them before they were taken the Wagalla Airstrip which was the epicentre of the massacre.

Most survivors gave accounts of violations they underwent in hands of military officials.

They recalled how the soldiers raped their daughters while they were watching. Older women claimed they were gang raped by several officers. Others gave accounts of how they were beaten and in some cases soldiers inserted gun butts into their private parts.

The session was engulfed with a sombre mood as most women broke down and others were in deep thought as they recollected the gruesome violations.

The commissioners listened as each woman narrated how security personnel took thousands of people to the Wagalla Airstrip and kept them incommunicado for four days without water and food. Some women watched as their husbands died under the spray of bullets.

Brutal beatings

One survivor, Sarah Buya narrated how security personnel surrounded the villagers in the airstrip under scorching sun. They started beating them with gun butts and crude objects as they awaited an order from their bosses on next course of action.

Buya recalled: “After days without water and food, we decided to break out of the military cordon and save our lives. However, the soldiers were not going to let people escape easily and they sprayed bullets all over. Thousands of people trying to escape were killed because the military officers got scared of the breakout. My husband is one of those who died.”

Buya broke down after giving her testimony in Wajir Town and said it is horrible to remember the event.

Buya was among hundreds of women who managed to escape with injuries whose effects she carries to date.

“It was by grace of God that I escaped the hail of bullets while my husband succumbed to them,” she says.

The women claimed Government officials immediately took control of the situation by putting all bodies in lorries and taking them away from the massacre site so as to conceal the evidence.

“After escaping the Wagalla airstrip siege, I took cover in a nearby bush, away from the massacre site. I saw soldiers collecting bodies

Women who survived the Wagalla massacre get emotional during a site visit with the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission as part of the hearings. Male victims of Wagalla Massacre demonstrate to the Commission how they were ordered to lie down during the atrocities.

Pictures: Abjata Khalif

outside the airstrip and throwing them into the back of the lorries,” explains Buya.

She adds: “Luckily, I was saved by an Italian nun Analina Tonelli. She saved many victims escaping from the killing site. She took us to a place near Wajir town where we received treatment and were taken to our homes.”

Another survivor, Ms Bishara Mohamed narrated how the military descended on her home village and started beating people. Bishara recalled being sexually assaulted in front of her husband who later died at the airstrip.

She escaped but with broken legs to the nearby Ganyure Village where she was given refuge.

This particular community was not targeted.

“The first thing I heard was gunshots in our village before I saw uniformed officers everywhere. They moved everybody out with kicks.

People were beaten with walking sticks and metal bars. They ordered us to an area outside Bulla Jogoo,” recalls Bishara.

She adds: “Outside my hut, the soldiers raped me while my husband watched and later we were taken to the holding ground outside our village. Here, I met all my neighbours and relatives crying, praying and wondering if this was the end of the world.”

They were taken to Wagalla Airstrip on military lorries for screening. The exercise started where men were separated from women and

taken to different parts within the airstrip.

At the airstrip, a commotion occurred between the villagers and security forces as most victims, especially women and children were hungry and thirsty.

Bishara recalls: “Most of them were emaciated and could not run. Some of us made a daring escape but majority who were emaciated elders, men, children and women who fell victim to the bullets that were sprayed everywhere.

Later, I heard that my husband had been killed in the commotion.”

Rape

Another victim Ambia Hassan narrated how the perpetrators raped her and inserted a gun butt and a soda bottle into her vagina. The ordeal interfered with her reproductive system as she has not been able to bear children ever since the massacre.

Ambia says although her two sons escaped the massacre, her husband was killed at the airstrip. Since the massacre, she has gone into several marriages but failed to bear children.

“They inserted a gun butt and soda bottle

“After escaping the Wagalla airstrip siege, I took cover in a nearby bush, away from the massacre site. I saw soldiers collecting bodies outside the airstrip and throwing them into the back of the lorries.”

— Sarah Buya, survivor of Mgalla massacre

into my private parts and dumped me at the Wagalla airstrip unconscious. I was helpless and watched as people were killed. It is by God’s grace that I survived. The perpetrators thought I was dead and they left me,” Ambia recalls.

She says: “I was included among dead bodies that was dumped in Della area of Wajir West.

I was saved by Analina Tonelli who moved around with her vehicle collecting the injured and ferrying them to hospital and safe ground.”

Broken marriages

Since then Ambia has led a stressful live with a series of broken marriages due to the damaged her reproductive system suffered.

“I have gone through five divorces from husbands who claim I cannot bear a child.

This problem came from the gun butt and bottle that was inserted in my private parts,” says Ambia.

She claims hundreds of other women who survived the massacre have faced similar challenges and a series of divorce as a result of violation of their reproductive organs.

Ambia urged on the Commission to nail the perpetrators and order the Government compensate and rehabilitate survivors medically so that they can live a normal life.

The Commission hearing the historical injustices and atrocities meted on local communities in Wagalla also visited the site of the massacre.

Most victims broke into tears remembering how the perpetrators surrounded them and sprayed bullets in a situation that left many dead and many more injured for life. Others succumbed to hunger and the severe beatings.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Daaba victims want justice and restitution

By HUSSEIN DIDO Between 1965 to 1967 government security forces came to Isiolo District. In this visit, people were killed, animals decimated, women raped, pregnancies miscarried and men tortured.

Those who survived the atrocities of Daaba have lived to tell the story. And now victims of torture during the Daaba massacre in GarbaTulla are demanding compensation from the government.

The survivors of the massacre say excessive force by the soldiers and bombs blasts was to blame for induced abortions, mental illness and impotence that has been experienced in northern Kenya since then.

Use of force

The victims were speaking when they presented a memorandum to the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) in Isiolo dubbed ‘Dying an invisible death and living an invisible life’. Survivors of the massacre said women who were affected by bomb blasts suffered spontaneous abortions. The men who were tortured have been unable to sire children.

The audience in the hall where the hearings were taking place was moved to tears when Mr Yusuf Halake of Pastoralists Reform Programme recounted the untold suffering that led to killings and later destruction of livelihoods.

Describing the events of that dark period, Halake said: “The soldiers indiscriminately raped women in the presence of children and husbands. They also massacred villagers at the height of the Shifta

War.” He added: “The soldiers committed massive atrocities and buried the dead in a mass grave.” The survivors claim the killings in 1965 were sanctioned by the then Provincial Commissioner (now deceased) Eliud Mahihu when Somalia wanted to secede part of Kenya.

“Although the attacks were aimed at the Somalis, the Borana and Sakuye community became victims of the massacre since the army could not distinguish between the two communities,” Halake explained.

The TJRC team was lead by chairperson Ms Tecla Namachanja. They were told how hundreds of people from the Sakuye and Borana communities decided to escape into Somalia to avoid being killed.

“They felt betrayed by the Kenya government which failed to protect them,” reiterated Halake.

He said most of the returnees who occupied part of Gafarsa and Dabale have not been issued with identification cards six years after they were re-united by their relatives in Kenya.

Halake said: “Some of our relatives who returned to Kenya as late as 1999 have never been

Wananchi listening to the TJRC open hearing sessions. The Sakuye and Borana communities in Isiolo District felt betrayed by the Kenya government which failed to protect them as they ended up being the greatest victims. Picture: Hussein Dido issued with IDs because the Government now brands them as foreigners.”

Assistance

“The soldiers indiscriminately raped women in the presence of children and husbands. They also massacred villagers at the height of the Shifta War.” — Yusuf Halake of Pastoralists Reform Programme

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A survivor of the massacre, Mr Boru Wako, 69, said the communities lost about 300,000 camels, 500,000 cattle and 3,000 donkeys worth billions of shillings. The loss is to blame for the high poverty level in the region.

The witnesses noted that the Catholic and the Methodist churches assisted them to resettle after the war. They felt that the Government had neglected the area and considered them marginalised groups as they have suffered sporadic attacks from bandits and security personnel which has left them without a proper source of livelihood.

Wako said: “The atrocities committed on the communities bred fear and suspicion between them and security forces, which is still evident today.”

Those who testified petitioned the Government to compensate victims of atrocities and allow for indiscriminate issuance of IDs to the community’s members.

Civil society organisations present at the hearings said it was a historical evolution of not only hitherto independent and relatively well-endowed people but also a way of life — pastoralism — that has been compromised by introverted political expediency.

Waso Trustland Coordinator, Mr Guyo Shano said while Government policy on emergency and security operations was not new in Isiolo District or the greater Northern Frontier District (NFD) both before and after Daaba, the incidents which took place during were outrageous.

Daaba massacre took place immediately after independence in Isiolo District, Eastern Province. It was centred on the then three divisions of the district, namely Merti, Garba Tulla and Modogashe.

Hearings beginning of uncertain healing process Continued from page 1 pected to cushion the nation and particularly the region from further suffering.

Fatuma Hassan, a peace coordinator in Mandera who spoke on behalf of women from the town said women in Northern Kenya have suffered a lot in the security operations that were executed by the Government to fight the Shifta War and bring to an end inter clan skirmishes.

“The colonial government divided Kenya into two, the White Highlands and Northern Frontier District. The White Highlands were developed while Northern Kenya was an isolated buffer zone that remains neglected to date,” observes Hassan. She explains: “This is what led to the Shifta War and inter-clan skirmishes since the region lacked important resources such as water.”

Hassan observes: “The killings in the Northern Frontier District that include the Garissa Gubay, Malkamarre, Wagalla and Daaba massacres resulted in a sad situation where women remained victims due to the killings of their husbands and children as well as the rape that they suffered.”

Justice

She says security forces left behind a trauma that has lived long with the victims since they had never had an opportunity to register their complaints.

“I hope the truth team will bring justice to this region. The previous commissions failed to ratify their findings that still gather dust in the Attorney General’s chambers,” reiterates Hassan.

“If the Government fails to ratify the recommendations of this team then cynicism will set among the region‘s residents who feel that they have been neglected for long. We will not cooperate with any other Commission formed

on the same,” reiterates Hassan.

During the luncheon of the hearing session, Garissa mayor Mohamed Gabow welcomed the truth team with a note that the region has suffered a lot of injustices and warned the Commission that making them speak out and not finding a remedy will inflict harm that is similar to what their oppressors did.

“Our birth dates are identified with events such as Wagalla, Garissa Gubay, Malkamarre, introduction of emergency law and the concentration camps known as kijijis created by the Government and yet the villagers were never compensated for the injustices meted out against them,” said Gabow.

In Wajir, victims of Wagalla massacre narrated on how they suffered in the hands of the security forces in 1984.

Residents claim 3,000 people were rounded up by security forces during the Wagalla massacre where they killed and their bodies dumped near Ethiopia and Somalia borders.

However the Government claims only 54 people died in the security operation aimed to quell inter clan skirmishes between the Degodia and Ajuran.

A victim of Wagalla massacre who testified before the Commission recalled how she was gang raped by military personnel who took away her husband. Fatuma Abdille recalls how she later recovered his half-eaten body near the Wagalla Airstrip among other dead bodies.

She says only 300 bodies were collected.

Some of them had been feasted on by marauding hyenas while others were dumped far way.

Says Abdille: “Rape survivors need counselling and medication since they still bear damages caused to them and many are secretly nursing health problems.”

Many of the atrocities survivors broke down as they narrated the ordeal they underwent in

TJRC chair, Ms Tecla Namachanja at the back joins Commissioner Dinka Berkanu who is chatting with Kenya National Commission on Human Rights officials after the hearings in Isiolo. Picture: Hussein Dido the hands of government officers who acted in a brutal and inhumane way.

Suffering

A human rights lawyer, Mr James Jarso Farole wept uncontrollably in Marsabit as he narrated the suffering and ordeals the residents suffered in the hands of successive regimes.

He said despite the macabre killings and rape cases, economical marginalization has worsened the situation leading to widespread poverty.

He remembers that livestock were forcefully confiscated and loaded in military vehicles and camels killed. The lack of infrastructure and social amenities which were evident during the colonial period are still the order of the day.

“There is no single tarmac road in the entire

region this is an area that holds half of Kenya’s land mass,” observes Farole.

He adds: “The international road that was agreed upon by various states to promote trade was deliberately ignored despite Ethiopia and other states fulfilling the agreement hampering economic development of region.”

Residents of northern Kenya are appealing for compensation for families of victims killed or raped by security personnel.

She said: “These sessions have been emotional since people who had never spoken were given a chance to tell their stories and this was a relief as they had never shared them before.”

Namachanja said those mentioned will be called to testify on the allegations levelled against them at KICC in Nairobi starting May 17.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Sacred Abindu caves reign high on Nyahera Hills

By AJANGA KHAYESI The story of Kisumu County is never complete without the mention of the sacred Abindu caves whose input is commemorated by its reputation as a true historical site that very few individuals are aware of.

Although it has been shunned, ignored and sidelined, only churches are associated with the caves situated at Nyahera-Kwamundhi Village, Bar B sublocation in Kisumu County. The caves have influenced the lives of the Luo community serving as a sacred place and traditional shrine.

Many might have heard about them but made no effort to transverse the rocky bushy hills stretching in the horizon like charging lions ready to pounce on each other.

The caves are situated 36 kilometres north of Kisumu City in the Nyahera Hills and three kilometres off the Kiboswa-Daraja Mbili road at Ulola bus stage.

Travellers either ply Kisumu-Kakamega highway branching off at Kiboswa market or Kisumu-Busia road turning off at Daraja Mbili junction.

Hidden rocks

The remotely placed caves bordering Wachara primary and secondary schools are unnoticed from far due to other small rocky hills in the neighbourhood. But trekking inwardly from Ulola road side, the emerging magnified Abindu rocks make the fields around good enough for camping, scenery viewing and sporting activities such as cross country, mountaineering and horse riding among others.

Although the clustered rocks are not the only ones in the Western region, there are many others like Nyakwar cave, the weeping stone of Kakamega, Nandi rock and Kit Mikayi in Seme among others. However, the Abindu are a unique site with over ten caves.

The highest rock here stands approximately 80 metres above the ground, with very huge blocks of rocks displaying detachable bulky segments, seemingly peeling off the mother rock in the next few seconds. Abindu covers a large surface area of 180 square metres.

A passage created by two huge rocks on either side serves as a natural entrant in the interior of Abindu rocks. An African Israel Church sanctuary at the entry symbolises the sacred value that Abindu bestows to the locals.

The first striking wonders of nature on the right side of the entry are slices of stone cakes. Looking as if pasted onto the vast rock, villagers believe the cakes signify the Biblical miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 persons with five fish and two loaves of bread.

Further right, 40 metres on the wall of another gigantic rock lies engraved inscription thought to be the ancient Hebrew writings that no one has ever translated into the local Dholuo, national or international languages.

“God might have worked here as well as Jesus feeding the crowds at the foot of these rocks,” says Philip Obunga Odita, retired community health worker.

Rock climbing

The thicket near the first two titanic rocks is a habitat to several fauna and flora. The beautiful whistling sounds of birds, screeching voices of monkeys, barking jackals at night sigh a natural welcome to unforgotten land.

The trekking experience during scouting activities or the children’s hide and seek game familiarity fool around successful tricks here.

At one point people toddle on their sides, knees, bend, pushed up or pulled by an experienced climber. At the centre the sun can not be sighted by noon due to sky scraping rocks.

Moving inside the rocks is like walking on a human body lying head facing upwards. Starting from the left leg, through the ribs onto the left arm and then crossing the neck over to the tips of the right hand before concluding on the right leg.

“The volcanic heap of boulders balanced in the horizon forms several open spaces surrounded by different sized and shaped caves

From top: Rocks at the Abindu caves covered in vegetation in Nyahera district. A section of the caves shaped like slices of bread that the residents associate with the feeding of 5000 by Jesus.

Members from different churches during bible study at the caves. A man enjoys his quiet reading time.

Pictures: Ajanga Khayesi varying from single occupant to 50 person seater space,” explains Odita.

According to Luo tales, a traditional old man known as Abindu, from whom the cavern name derived, lived in the caves and could only be seen occasionally by brave people when delivering mediation messages between elders and their ancestors.

Traditionally, communities or individuals with

According to Luo tales, a traditional old man known as Abindu, from whom the cavern name derived, lived in the caves and could only be seen occasionally by brave people when delivering mediation messages between elders and their ancestors.

problems such as curses, disgrace, super natural evil spirits, visited the rocks for cleansing, intervention or worship.

“During times of misfortune, Luo elders gathered around the boulders and offered sacrifices slaughtering white chicken, goat, sheep or cow. The rituals included calling rain during long dry spells, cleansing and sealing agreements between individuals and clans,” explains Mzee Nelson Odero.

Before sharing the roasted meat amongst elderly males, some food was set aside for Abindu to feast on behalf of the ancestors.

Continued on page 5

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Sacred Abindu caves

Continued from page 1 Historical views expose Abindu as a spiritual and cultural location that to date, worshippers turn in large numbers for the overnight prayer sessions commonly known as kesha or some stay in the caves for many days while fasting.

Some Christian sects, especially the Legio Maria, African Israel whose temple stands next to the entrance, regard Abindu as a sacred shrine and pilgrimage into the caves for worship.

When the Reject visited the place recently, many individuals and groups from different churches were in the caves fasting for the Christmas and New Year festivals.

Brael Otieno from Mfangano Islands visits the rocks for divine nourishment that empowers the gift of prophecy, healing and dreams.

Accompanied by his sister Lynette Achieng, he claims that they were directed by the Holy Spirit to pray in a sacred quiet rocky hill for blessings and prophetic miracles after five days of fasting.

A pastor with the Vineyard Church, Mr John Abwao who started praying at the rocks in 1990 says the caves pose a secluded peaceful site for mankind to meditate with the creator. Abwao and his companions carry small tents and pitch outside the rocks in what he says is “to create room for other worshippers”.

“Fasting persons only carry little while feeding on fruits and sugar cane bought at a fee from friendly and welcoming villagers,” says Jackline Atieno of Jubilee Church in Maseno.

Most visitors do not carry sleeping materials but use vegetation saying that there are no mosquitoes in the caves or wild animals that could attack them.

Politics

The caves have played a crucial role in Kenya’s political developments. According to Odita, the 1970s prophet Abuor Adeti from Gem, Siaya read the Hebraic writings as ‘Dolmolham’ and promised to come back for interpretation. That never happened.

Mzee Odero explains that during the independence struggle, the prophet presented to the then Kisumu mayor Mrs Grace Onyango some law books but failed to meet the late Jomo Kenyatta or Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

“On the material day, a huge explosion was heard from the caves that amazed the villagers. Two village elders Daniel Ouko and Mzee Ong’alo who witnessed the events in the caves never revealed what they saw until they died,” adds Odera.

According to Ochola, the 2002 cultural prayer in the caves brought change in the country with Narc party taking over the leadership mantle. “All top Narc Officials under the auspices of the late Joel Omino held overnight prayers in 2002 and the following month Narc party won the national elections overwhelmingly,” Ochola explains.

Abindu may become a top tourist attraction in the Western region if stakeholders develop the site. To make the location tourism wealthy, the area CDF chairman, Mr Tom Ochola says infrastructure must be improved, knowledgeable curators be trained and resort hotels constructed.

However, Ochola says plans are in their initial stages for the locals to form a lobby group to administer, protect and conserve the caves.

According to Ochola several meetings comprising villagers and land owners have taken place to sensitise Abindu as a community project.

Untapped wealth

“The group will manage programmes in tourism related activities like drama, dances, plays, songs, traditional foods around the caves as well as collecting a fee from tourists,” he explains.

Although not known to the public, the local community expect that Abindu will reap heavily from the proximity of the newly constructed Kisumu International Airport and tourist hotels around the city.

In an effort to diversify attraction sites across the Lakeland region, the Ministry of Tourism and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has never embarked on publicity on this one because the surrounding is not yet open to both domestic and international tourists.

The details of the untapped, rich and promising resources in Nyahera are laid bare into doldrums as the poor villagers fail to discover new adventures into the potential rocks.

If prospective persons utilise the rocks, the investment opportunities will greatly increase the development of the region and subsequently help in raising the local people’s living standards in line with the new Constitution and Vision 2030.

To enhance a speedy exploitation of this resource, the road network and other infrastructure in the area must be improved with immediate effect.

“The dilapidated feeder Kiboswa-Daraja Mbili road (joinery of Kisumu-Busia and Kisumu-Kakamega highways respectively), calls for major repairs to ease mobility,” says Ochola.

The Ting’a rock adjacent to the famous Abindu caves presents the clearest view of the vast Lake Victoria, Kisumu City, Kano plains, Huma Hills on the Suba Island and even Bondo County.

“The viewing depends on how far your eyes can see right from Kajulu Hills to South Nyanza, then across the lake to Bondo,” says Odita.

While marvelling at the spectacular nature of Lake Victoria just before sunset or early sunrise, tourists can roll down the nearby rocks while watching the rare velvet and black Columbus monkeys and sound from tropical birds. Bush duikers, bush pigs and jackals are common but nuisance animals to the locals.

The historically significant rock has witnessed cross cultural interaction between the neighbouring, Luo, Kalenjin and Luhya communities.

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Kitui home to Africa’s only gourd museum

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By WESLEY GITAHI Visitors to the refurbished Kenya National Museum in the capital Nairobi are greeted by magnificently decorated gourds hanging at the entrance hall and on various other walls.

Little do the hundreds of researchers, tourists and students who visit the museum every day from different parts of the world pause to envisage or figure out how and where the beautiful traditional materials are sourced from.

One would be surprised to learn that a littleknown group of peasant women in south eastern Kitui are behind the artworks. The women are also the unrelenting effort behind the preservation of the fast diminishing gourd heritage.

The Kyanika Adult Women’s Group has established a museum to preserve the few remaining varieties of the gourd which hold a special place in many African communities. Among the Kambas, the Bantu speaking tribe who inhabit nine administrative districts in the south eastern region of Kenya, the traditional gourd still retains its significance in many rural families.

A man samples some of the gourd varieties at the museum.

Gourds grow well in the arid climate of Eastern Province.

Picture: Wesley Gitahi

Various uses

Gourd and calabash are products (fruits) of weed like edible crops which grow well in arid climates.

They are still being used today in a variety of ways and it is, therefore, not surprising that the semi-arid remote village hosts the museum, the only one of its kind in Kenya specifically dedicated to the traditional gourd and calabash.

Gourds and calabashes were for centuries used by locals to scoop sand from dry river beds while making shallow wells for their livestock, drawing water, serving also as a spade, container and pipe.

Once split into two halves, the gourd assumed other tasks in the kitchen, coming in handy as cheap, easily available and dependable utensils to serve different kind of foods and beverages. In other instances, old men used certain varieties of gourds to brew their traditional liquor for ceremonies like weddings and entertaining fellow elders.

The gourd, known by the scientific name lagenaria siceraria, is also used as a container for porridge, milk and other foods as well as celebration wines.

It is also a medium of expression for artists owing to its aesthetic applications when patterned, beaded or painted.

According to Mrs Jemimah Kimonyi, curator and chairlady of Kyanika Adult Women’s Group, the gourd has symbolic and cultural value to the African community and especially the Kamba.

However, in the advent of colonialism and modern civilisation, the cherished gourd started disappearing and has since slowly been replaced by glass, plastic and enamel cutlery.

“Despite the two commodities being rare in present times due to contemporary changes, some of their unique traditional uses have never been replaced by the modern manufactured utensils,” Kimonyi told the Reject.

Women’s initiative

It is in this regard that the 20 member Kyanika Women’s Group set up the museum eight years ago as part of their efforts to preserve the dying African culture.

Unknown to many Kenyans and even the surrounding community, the museum dubbed the Kitete (kamba for gourd) Demonstration Hut is situated along the Kitui-Mombasa road, just four kilometres from Kitui Town.

The idea of the museum was born when the group was introduced to Yasuyuki Morimoto, a Japanese working with African Gourd Project. He supported the group to lay the ground work that saw the museum open doors in 2001.

“The group was formed in 1998 and initially concentrated on adult literacy classes at the local Moi Kyanika Primary School until various organisations started expressing interest in starting projects with us,” explains Kimonyi, in whose homestead the museum has been built.

“Indigenous knowledge on the gourd’s diversity and uses needs to be maintained in the community, especially among the young generation,” the curator said.

The first challenge in starting the museum was to get the gourds. The task was made a little easier by a KSh496,000 ($7,294) grant from the African Gourd Project for collection of gourds and their seeds.

Group members identified and collected all known species from various districts in Eastern and Coast provinces with a view to preserving and documenting available gourd

varieties in the museum for conservation.

They tirelessly visited different farms in Kitui, Mwingi, Machakos, Makueni, Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi districts to gather indigenous knowledge which would be used as a research tool for future generations.

The next challenge was planting. Individuals in the group planted seeds in their own gardens. Kimonyi donated a site for a nursery from which members could get a steady supply of seedlings.

“Part of the money donated by the African Gourd Project was spent on training members on how to split the gourds and prepare them for various uses,” explains Kimonyi.

The practical training was conducted by elderly community members who were each paid KSh200 ($3) a day.

Kimonyi notes that the gourd has been used for ages in the community to store seed. Such gourds were sealed with clay to keep pests away. No chemicals were applied and thus the ancient technique was devoid of risks associated with side effects of pesticides.

A research officer with Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kefri) based at the Kitui regional centre Mr Bernard Kigwa, says that gourd seeds are rare and hard to find because the community has overlooked their importance and often uproots the plant, mistaking it for a weed.

“The gourds are suitable in the arid districts of Eastern Province and our research centre recently gathered seeds of different varieties which we have planted for demonstrations at our nurseries in Tiva area,” explains Kigwa.

He reiterates that indigenous plants and trees should be emphasised more due to their time-proven usage.

When the Reject visited the facility, local residents reckoned that it is hard to get gourds today because people have neglected traditional crops.

“Gourds are only found in a few places in the hinterland among the older generation who still value them,” says Charles Muasya.

However, not all the young people disregard the traditional values. Some like Ms Beatrice Mutio, a college student in her early 20s, are keen to learn about the gourd.

Mutio has visited the museum three times and has received valuable information on the uses of the gourd and its cultivation. “It’s a priceless resource centre but improvements are needed to expand the gourd nursery and erect a signpost to show its location,” observes Mutio.

Expansion

She also suggests that the museum should in the long run be moved from the curator’s home to a trading centre or town where artefacts on display can be sold.

In the Kitete Demonstration Hut are gourds of various sizes, some finished products, including decorated gourds, are hang on lines while large ones are displayed on the shelve.

“Unprocessed” gourds with seeds inside are also available for future expansion of the project.

Kimonyi says two members of the women’s group have been to Malaysia and one to Tanzania to build their capacity on indigenous knowledge.

According to Kimonyi, they have plans to approach Kenya’s Tourism Trust Fund, a European Union-funded organisation of the Ministry of Tourism that provides grants to organised tourist-related units for help.

6

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Need to clear grey areas before enactment of reproductive health bill

By FAITH MUIRURI The controversy that surrounds abortion has refused to go away. Even though the Constitution now permits abortion as a basis of emergency treatment or saving the life or health of the mother, medical practitioners feel that the abortion clause is still inhibitive and may hamper access to safe abortion.

According to Professor Japheth Mate, one of the pioneers of reproductive health in the country, a number of fundamental questions arise from Article 26 (4) of the Constitution with attention now shifting to who is “a trained health professional”, at what stage is “emergency treatment” a must and what constitutes “danger to life or health of the mother”?

Mate says that the scenario is set to become more complex with fresh guidelines by the Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (MPDB) only serving to obstruct rather than facilitate access to safe abortion services.

Speaking at the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) conference in Nakuru, Mate said provisions that require a health worker to consult at least two senior and experienced colleagues before conducting an abortion will not work in rural areas.

“The guidelines that restrict performance of abortion procedures in hospital are restrictive since the operation is not always surgical,” he observes.

Create awareness

Other areas that are likely to impede the implementation process include the demand for a psychiatric assessment which Mate feels is expensive, causes unnecessary delay and invasion of dignity of the patient. He is of the opinion that this should be done away with.

Mate says lack of information about the law and awareness about facilities providing abortion services are major factors that are further likely to derail implementation of the new law.

Mate says health care providers must familiarise themselves with constitutional provisions for effective implementation of safe abortion services and to avoid unwarranted access barriers to what should be legally accessed by women in need.

“The relevant regulatory authorities and professional bodies, therefore, have a responsibility to ensure their members are updated on the provisions in the Constitution regarding health care including reproductive health care,” he reiterates.

Mate observes that the Government has a responsibility to ensure safe abortion services are equitably accessed by all women in need. This can be done by the Government promoting positive policies which eliminate unnecessary access barriers to abortion services within the law.

Reproductive bill

He spoke as it emerged that KMA is developing a bill that seeks to provide guidelines for safe and standardised abortion procedures.

Dr Boaz Otieno Nyunya who is the chair of KMA’s Reproductive Health Committee told the Reject that the Bill will also harmonise existing laws including section 240 of the penal code to reflect the changes espoused in the Constitution.

“The bill will help actualise the Constitution as currently we are still operating with obsolete laws that were not in harmony with the current Constitution,” says Nyunya who is also the chair of Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS).

At the moment, 900 abortions take place every day in Kenya. “This is an intolerably high figure, and in addition it puts many of these mothers at a severe risk because many of these procedures are completely unregulated and occur in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in the hands of quacks,” said Nyunya.

A joint presentation by Nyunya and Prof Joseph Karanja of University of Nairobi revealed that more women die from unsafe abortions each day than from HIV/Aids.

“Today alone, nine women will die as a result of an unsafe abortion. In addition, 8,000 Kenyan women die from complications arising from pregnancy and child bearing every year. Unsafe abortion is responsible for one third of these deaths,” he said.

The other major causes of maternal deaths include obstetric haemorrhage, infection, preeclampsia/eclampsia and obstructed labour.

He said the high incidence of unsafe abortion generally reflects the magnitude of unwanted pregnancies in the society.

Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu feels a dummy patient at the Centre of Excellence for Reproductive Health and Family Planning in Kitui Medical Training Centre. Picture: Ken Ndambu “The rate of unwanted pregnancies among married women aged between 15-49 currently stands at 44.5 percent. While adolescents aged between 15-19 account for 46.6 percent of unwanted pregnancies,” he says.

Nyunya says the only sure way to effectively minimise unsafe abortion is to ensure women have easy access to contraceptive information and services, backed up by positive legislation that decriminalizes abortion.

He reiterates that KMA will soon provide clinical guidelines to health care providers to help guarantee safe abortion services as outlined in the Constitution.

“The biggest challenge to KMA is to promote and provide the highest standard of practice to prevent, diagnose and treat unsafe abortion in Kenya in order to attain the best possible level of health for the women, children and their families,” he said.

He added that plans are underway to amend the regulations of key Health Regulatory Bodies’ regulations to comply with the Constitution.

“KMA will provide leadership, advocacy and education/training in safeguarding and implementing the health gains in the new Constitution,” he said.

Mwingi woman in abortion saga dies

By JOHN SYENGO A 22 year old pregnant woman who lost her sight after being injected with poison in an attempt to procure an abortion has died.

Police sources said detectives in Mwingi CID continued to investigate claims that she had been injected with some toxic substance.

Grace Kalekye Kula claimed to have been given a toxic jab by medical staff at Nuu Health Centre. The late Kula who had been assisted in getting medical attention to have her sight restored by a Catholic Sister at Nuu, Benendetta Mueni, was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour.

The albeit sad twist in the alleged botched abortion emerged when she was diagnosed with brain cancer after she had a CT scan at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi in January.

Owing to the fact that Kula’s benefactor Sister Mueni was not able to finance the high cost of treatment and no immediate donors were available, the latter retreated to her fate at her rural home in Mwambiu, Nuu Division, Mwingi East District.

The Reject gathered recently that Kalu died hopelessly and quietly at her village because she could not afford the medical attention required

for her cancerous condition.

“Grace succumbed on the Tuesday after the Easter holiday and was quietly buried at her home the following Friday. I gave some money for the purchase of the coffin,” said Sister Mueni who is in charge of Nuu Catholic Youth Vocational Centre.

Mueni said by the time Grace died, she was seven months pregnant and had to be taken to the Mwingi District Hospital where the equally lifeless baby was removed before her body was interred.

When she was admitted at the district hospital earlier, the late Kalu Grace Kalekye Kula who claimed to have been given claimed the father of her unborn child a toxic jab by medical staff at Nuu Health Centre who was a staff at Nuu Health Centre being examined by Fredrick Mutua of Mwingi District was to blame for her loss of eye-sight Hospital. She would later succumb. after he organised for the ominous jab Picture: John Syengo on her. the cause of the victim’s loss of eye-sight. HowevAt the time, the officer in-charge of CID in Mwingi, Mr Leonard Lutta Namatsi said er, since the alleged suspect is a civil servant, the they were investigating the matter and had ini- advice of the State law office is important before tially recorded statements from key medical staff he is taken to court,” said Namatsi.

Kalu’s death and that of her unborn child at the health centre where the saga originated.

“We cannot just rush to arrest and take the seemingly terminates the CID investigations into alleged suspect to court without first establishing the saga.

Maternal deaths decline in Central Province

By CAROLINE WANGECHI Malaria control has helped in reducing the numbers of pregnant women dying.

According to the Central Provincial Health Officer, Dr Samuel Muthinji, maternal mortality in Province had declined.

Muthinji made the remarks in Kutus town during celebrations to mark Malaria Day recently. He said that deaths in children under five and one years had declined from seven to three percent.

He said the reduction has come up due to the malaria control programme that was started in 2005-2010 and the eradication programme of malaria which is starting in 2011 and expected to last till 2017.

Muthinji said Central Province which had recorded recurrent malaria cases in most health facilities. Transmission has been low after families gained treated mosquito nets.

Mosquito nets

He said that deaths of children under five had also reduced because expectant women and mothers with newborn babies were getting nets free of charge. “Even in other facilities where mosquito nets are being sold, the Government has made it possible for people to buy after removing taxes on them,” Muthinji reiterated.

A new drug known as AL has been made available in all government and mission hospitals. Malaria patients are responding positively to this treatment.

The health officer disclosed that the government has been able to give out 11 million mosquito nets in collaboration with development partners making progress in the war against the killer disease.

“The integration of using chemicals to spray mosquito prone areas and stagnant waters would help reduce breeding and in the long run reduce malaria infections,” Muthinji reiterated.

He said public education will continue in malaria prone areas and that subsidised nets will also be made available to Kenyans.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

7

Unsafe abortion continues to pose health challenges

By JANE GODIA

It is a subject that people normally avoid talking about or being associated with. Survivors of abortion will never want to speak about what happened to them nor do they come out in the open to say they procured an abortion. The Centre for Study of Adolescence (CSA) through the Reproductive Health Rights Alliance (RHRA) recently launched a book and film that documents Kenya’s untold stories of unsafe abortion.

The RHRA has been working towards addressing and reversing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with unsafe abortions in Kenya.

The book, Burying Our Heads in the Sand and film Turning Down the Wick depict the abortion issue as one that transcends all gender and social components. The book is a collection of testimonies that clearly indicate how abortion affects all women and girls irrespective of their background.

Abortion, whether safe or unsafe is a reproductive health issue that equally affects women and girls, men and boys in as much as it affects all social and religious boundaries. Circumstances leading to abortion do not leave much choice for girls in the same manner that they do for women who are single or married.

In its forward, the book states that a study carried out by CSA indicates that about 316,560 abortions occur in Kenya annually with an estimated 21,000 women being hospitalized with abortion related complications in public hospitals only. The report was not able to capture the other thousands of women who seek help in private institutions with complications of unsafe abortion.

Advocacy tool

According to Mr Albert Oobuyi, Executive Director CSA, the book and the documentary are advocacy tools. The book outlines individual stories in relation to abortion and the film outlining women’s personal stories. These are two powerful tools aim at bringing to the fore, the seriousness of abortion related complications and how it affects women, households and the wider society.

The book is one of the most candid personal stories that accompany this documentary to demonstrate that abortion is experienced by women from all walks of life and that poverty, rape, gender based violence, contraceptive failure and spousal pressure contributes to unsafe abortion.

The documentary presents the untold story of many women and girls who are caught in the desperate situation caused by an unplanned pregnancy. The documentary gives us the opportuni-

ty for meaningful dialogue on the sensitive topic of sexuality. It also provides at platform to address the unmet reproductive health needs of all Kenyan women and contribute towards reversing maternal mortality in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch of the book, and a documentary Turning Down the Wick, Mrs Dorothy Nyong’o, a reproductive health rights advocate and immediate former chair of Family Health Option said that the issue of abortion as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights must be of concern to everyone.

“Looking at the statistics of women dying because they cannot access skilled health care, it is important that this book gets to everybody so that abortion and women’s health becomes everybody’s business,” Nyong’o said.

She reiterated: “The stories of these women were not given to us in vain but are crucial in highlighting a lot of the major shortcomings of the health system with regard to reproductive health service provision. The testimonies highlight the plight of thousands of women in similar circumstances who form the premise of why the Reproductive Health Rights Alliance (RHRA) exists to deal with the high rates of maternal mortality attributed to unsafe abortion.”

The Kenyan law does not allow for abortion, unless when in the opinion of a health professional, there is need for emergency treatment or the life or health of the mother is in danger.

Previously abortion was handled under the penal code, this provision in the new Constitution is the first step in protecting and saving the lives of thousands of women who would be forced to resort to abortion.

Many women and girls who go for abortion take the option of terminating pregnancies because of failed health care systems. Unplanned for pregnancies are normally as a result of not getting access to family planning options that are in most cases not available when the women need them.

The documentary gives us the opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the sensitive topic of sexuality.

It also provides at platform to address the unmet reproductive health needs of all Kenyan women.

Unwanted or unplanned for pregnancies will in most circumstances lead to unsafe abortion.

Executive Director of the CSA said: The social consequences of abortion come with problems like death that have implications at community and family levels.

“There is untold suffering that is accompanied by stigma to the individual and their family,” says Oobuyi.

His sentiments were echoed by the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood America - Africa Region, Ms Pamela Onyango when she said: “Kenya’s untold stories on unsafe abortions are tucked away in remote and poverty stricken communities, with limited or no access to safe services.”

Loss of life

A mother happily holding her baby. There are women who suffer unplanned pregnancies and opt for abortion which they procure from quacks and backstreet hospitals.

The cover of the book on Kenya’s untold stories on unsafe abortion titled Burying Our Heads in the Sand.

The documentary cover, Turning Down The Wick that has been produced by Reproductive Health Rights Alliance.

Pictures: Reject correspondent

Onyango reiterated the enormity of the problem when she quoted a report

by IPAS that indicated that 800 abortions occur daily in Kenya and 2,600 women lose their lives annually due to unsafe abortions.

Painting a grimmer picture to the medical consequences of unsafe abortion, Dr Caroline Odula of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) says: “The health consequences that accompany unsafe abortion include severe bleeding, perforation of the uterus and tearing of the cervix.” She adds: “Those who have objects inserted in their genitals have had their intestines damaged or suffered blood poisoning.”

The message in these works is that reproductive health care and services must be provided within a safe backdrop. Reproductive health information and services including contraceptives must also be affordable.

As aptly put by Onyango: “High rates of abortions are driven by limited access to family planning services alongside socio-cultural factors such as poverty, gender violence and spousal pressure that continue to plague our communities.”

While the new Constitution in the bill of rights stresses the right to health care services including reproductive health, the debate that surrounded this particular provision needs to be demystified for the common man and woman to understand that lives of mothers and girls must be saved.

Oobuyi reiterates: There is need to translate the Constitution into a reality because this is the only way to improve policy framework in ensuring access to heath care for women.”

The new Constitution, through Article 26 provides the much needed opportunity in reversing maternal mortality trends and improving the general welfare of women in Kenya.

State of art maternity wing gives a ray of hope

By MACHARIA MWANGI It’s a piece of art that is eye catching as one makes an entrance to the ever busy Naivasha District Hospital. Standing stoically is an ultra modern building that looks remarkable against a background of aging structures.

What is more captivating in the design work that easily stands out. Well, the structure is a donor-funded ultra modern maternity wing that is set to ease congestion in the maternity department.

Apart from the maternity needs, medical personnel working at the facility will handle reproductive issues for women with gynaecological needs, who are currently being treated in general wards.

Tentatively set to open its doors in September, the wing, built at an estimated cost of KSh200 million is a facility that will go a long way in ensuring women’s reproductive needs are well taken care of.

According to the medical superintendent in charge of the health facility, Dr Joseph Mburu, they are in the process of installing a transformer and acquiring a generator to get the project rolling.

“We hope the facility will be open by September. Most of the construction work is almost complete and equipment installed,” said Mburu. The facility, the first of its kind in the country, is a boon to a hospital that has been grappling with many challenges including a

high number of deliveries.

With bed occupancy of 80, the hi-tech facility is expected to bring to an end the anguish of sharing beds in stuffy and squeezed wards that most of the mothers are accustomed to.

Some of the apparatus available include a mammography, ultra sound machine, a fully equipped laboratory and a gynaecology department which also has sophisticated equipment installed.

Busy facility

“It is a complete ‘hospital’ designed to take care of women’s reproductive needs with a maintenance unit under the same facility,” explained Mburu. And it is a plus for the health facility. For 24-hours, nurses and other medical personnel work round the clock to ensure women in the labour ward deliver safely and with best medical attention available.

The hospital’s maternity wing handles between 20 to 25 deliveries per day, regarded as one of the highest birth rates in a district hospital. At least four of the births are through caesarean section. According to statistics, 600 deliveries are recorded in a month, making it one of the busiest health facilities in the country.

The high birth rates have led to overstretching of the facilities, including beds with two and at times three women sharing a bed.

“The huge number of births has also led to a high workload for the 100 nurses and other medical staff attending to delivery cases,” ex-

plains Mburu. To comfortably cater for the deliveries, the hospital needs twice the number of nurses currently doing duty at the health facility.

With one of the fastest growing population currently standing at 392,000, with the number of males at 168,863 and female at 165,178, medical personnel at the hospital have their work cut out for them.

According to Mburu, the maternity facility Women at the Naivasha District hospital sharing beds. The new caters for a large catchstate of the art maternity wing will ease the congestion. ment area that covers Picture: Macharia Mwangi part of Kinangop and Narok with large numbers of women of reprothe workers being women, accounting to 65 ductive age. percent of the entire workforce, the medics are “We serve neighbouring counties including bracing themselves for even challenging times Narok and Nyandarua and this has played a role ahead. in increasing our workload,” observed Mburu.

“There are so many women in the reproducHowever, statistics available at the hospital sigtive age working in Naivasha town and its envinify that majority of women seeking both postrons,” notes Mburu. natal and ante-natal care hail from the flower “We were facing hiccups when discharging farms scattered around Naivasha. services and I believe the new wing will help Currently, the area has an estimated 54 us overcome some of the challenges that have horticultural farms and with the majority of bedevilled us over the years,” explained Mburu.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Youth exchange drugs and crime for soccer

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA After brushing shoulders with police over allegations that they belong to the outlawed Mungiki sect, many youth in Mathira District claim they are now reformed and are engaged in meaningful sports activities.

“Instead of being arrested for touting or engaging in alcoholism, drugs and drugs substance, we are very busy in soccer games playing with youth from all corners of the constituency,” says Joseph Wachira, a defender with Miiri Football Club.

Wachira thinks he would either be in jail or dead were it not for the Catherine Ndereba Sports Tournament.

“We no longer fear police since we know that we are engaged in activities that do not raise suspicion. Our energy is now being expended the right way. I no longer spend my day chewing miraa (khat) or taking illegal brews,” says John Mwangi, 23, who is a defender with Kiamwangi Football Club.

Joseph Kinyua alias Bad who is a father of three who plays for Kiamwangi FC says the infamous Mathira massacre several years ago was a wake up call for the youth in the area to think of other meaningful activities. Majority of them have since joined the sports activities since many are jobless.

“Our parents have been very supportive of what we are now doing and security has been restored in the region since the youths are busy practicing soccer in the evenings and every Sunday in the tournament. I hope to continue training hard until I join national teams like Harambee Stars,” explains Peter Njogu, defender number three with Kiaritha-ini Football Club.

Reformed youth

The players in the tournament from different football clubs admit that insecurity and alcoholism has reduced in the area. Njogu says they now have a stronger bond with their parents unlike before when they were shunned away because of engaging in alcoholism and other illegal activities. He adds: “Security has improved and we can now walk freely without the police harassing us.”

The Catherine Ndereba League Promotion Tournament has come in handy and most of the youth have reformed. The sponsor of the tournament is Ms Catherine Ndereba, a world marathon champion.

Ndereba and her husband, Mr Anthony Maina initiated the tournament two years ago after many jobless youth were found to have joined illegal sects and engaging in unlawful activities.

Already, two seasons have been finalised and now the third season of the tournament has kicked off and will be running for the whole year.

The league comprises of 13 teams from Mathira District with over 200 youths participating. The winner takes home tokens that include KSh100,000 which players invest in the club by starting income generating projects. The first runners-up get KSh50,000 while the third runners-up get KSh30,000.

Some of the teams involved include in the tournament include Gatura, Kangocho, Ndima-ini, Ihwagi, Gikororo and Kiaritha-ini. Miiri, Kahuru, Gatondo, Itundu, Kiaruhiu and Gatundu football clubs.

Why soccer

Ndereba says they started the football tournament instead of athletics since in soccer the youth are able to play as a team and because it also attracts more of them to be part of the games.

“The tournament brings them together and keeps them busy. It also helps keep them away from drug abuse, organised crime and illicit brews which are popular in the area,” explains Maina.

The tournament is also a process through which to tap talent in soccer. Maina urges winners to invest the winnings in their football clubs instead of sharing the money among themselves.

The couple want to make the tournament an annual event and next year they hope to have sponsors. The past two seasons have been successful since several youth stopped taking drugs and illicit brew.

Mathira is known for its high rate of crime including illegal gangs such as Mungiki as well as alcohol and substance abuse.

Security in the area has since improved because the youth have been involved in the football tournament which is played every Sunday.

Ndereba says they chose football to promote peace and unity in Mathira two years ago since a bad picture was portrayed during the Gathaithi massacre where 29 lives were lost.

“We decided to bring the youth together through sports so that they can solve social challenges which they were facing at the time,” explains Ndereba.

From top: Some of the Mathira teams playing during the Catherine Ndereba Sports League Tournament at Kangocho Primary School grounds recently. Some of the team members take a break during the tournament. Below: World Marathon Champion Catherine Ndereba with her husband Anthony Maina, the main sponsors of the tournament.

She adds: “There have been positive results since the rates of crime and drug abuse has gone down drastically though some are still partaking in small quantities.”

The chairman of the Ndereba Tournament, Mr Ephantus Ndegwa says there have seen social behavioural changes in the players.

“The tournament brings them together and keeps them busy.

It also helps keep them away from drug abuse, organised crime and illicit brews which are popular in the area.”

— Anthony Maina

They now expect the teams to form a savings and credit society (Sacco) so that they can upgrade their individual welfare through projects that they already have such as fish farms among others.

The sponsors have also started incoming generating projects such as fish farming and tree nurseries where they sell tree seedlings. Other youth have been busy in churches every Sunday.

“We are planning to invite teams from other provinces to play with them and promote peace and unity in the country,” says Ndegwa.

Ndereba and her husband hope they will get sponsors and coaches who will recognise and promote talent them so the youth can join big clubs in the Kenyan Premier league and also play in the national team.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

9

Beauty uncompromised

Traditional products that have made coastal women maintain their good looks

By BARWAQO ARESS The first glimpse of a Coastal woman might not give a true picture of her beauty because of the compulsory buibui (veil) that she wears as stipulated by the strict Islamic religion.

But were the veil to be lifted, the Coastal woman’s undisputed beauty is unchallenged, ranging from the fair complexion to the delicate facial features.

Although their mixed heritage of Bantu, Portuguese, British and Arab races might have contributed to their fair complexion and delicate features, women from the Coast have not rested on their laurels and let mother-nature take her course. These beauties have continued to maintain and nurture their beauty through application of natural concoctions of traditional products from locally grown trees. They have also used perfume from sweet smelling flowers that they grow in their backyards.

A woman’s quest to maintain beautiful skin free from blemishes is natural. Among the Coastal women, this trend started long before modern day creams became fashionable, when the communities realised that beauty could never be taken for granted.

Ms Somo Mohamed, a working mother said changing weather elements and age may have a tremendous effect on one’s skin. She keeps her skin looking supple and healthy through products she has seen her grandmother use.

Modern day creams that have been laced by mercury and hydrochlophyl chemicals have already been blacklisted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) and those who would like to safeguard their skin from such harmful products have turned to natural products to improve their skin condition.

Indigenous products

A renowned research scientist and Swahili cultural consultant Sheikh Ahmed Nabhan concurs that even before the advent of modern creams and beauty products, Coastal women had their own. Some of the traditional products the women from the Coast use include liwa’, henna, manjano, udi’ (perfume), kohl (wanda) and picco (hair dye). They also dress in locally made jewellery.

Liwa is a powder mixture from the stems of a special tree that grows in forests. Small pieces from the branches are dried then blended and made into a paste using a little water. This is then applied to the body and especially the face, neck and hands. The origin of the tree is traced to India.

Sheikh Nabhan says: “Swahili women used to grind the sticks using flat stones at home before the blender was embraced to make work easier.”

It is believed among Coastal women that the mixture softens the areas applied. It is highly recommended for engaged girls and newly weds although any person can use it.

Another product, manjano, a yellow powder can be mixed with liwa and made into a paste.

The pleasant smelling concoction is then applied to the desired body parts to achieve the smooth effect. The tree is found in abundance along the coastal belt.

Coastal women also use lemon juice to tone their skin. The citrus fruit which is readily available in the area is believed to have special properties that cleanse the skin of any blemishes and brighten it. The juice is usually applied at night and then washed off in the morning.

Mdaa, which is believed to have medicinal value, is a tree that is also is used to brush teeth and is believed to have properties that whiten teeth, fight tooth decay and halitosis.

Another product that is used to clean teeth because of its medicinal value is the mjafari’ which is found in most parts of Lamu and Kilifi counties.

Henna is the most popularly product used by the women. It is a light green powder prepared from the leaves of the mhina’ tree. Its

origin can be traced to the Middle East although it is easily available in most parts of the Coast region.

The leaves of the mhina’ tree are dried and then blended into powder which is then made into a paste using water, lemon and strong tea. Another product added to it is a special chemical known as tina.

In Lamu Island, the mkokowa tree which grows wild is also used to make the henna powder. Its leaves are dried and then blended into powder form which is then made into a paste.

Henna

Sheikh Nabhan who is a culture and Swahili consultant in the region says locals also believed that if you slaughter a goat at the foot of the tree, the henna preparation then acquires a better quality which is dark brown when applied to the skin.

Some women also use henna as hair treatment since it is believed to strengthen the hair cuticles. Some also add this preparation with the colour from the bixa plant to make a paste that they apply as dye to their hair.

“Although it is mostly women who use henna, men also use it to dye their beards and hair. Some bridegrooms also apply it on their hands although no patterns are made, and it is considered to have a religious significance (Sunnah),” explained Sheikh Nabhan.

In other instances, another traditional product known as picco, a grey powder that turns black when a little water is added is also applied to the hands, thighs and legs. Brides apply this during their wedding ceremonies.

The application of picco is done either using a stick or a matchbox and sometimes in a cone shaped plastic. The artist draws elaborate patterns on the client’s hands, legs and hands.

Nabhan also points out that shampoo is not a modern day thing. “The Swahili women soaked the seeds of the Harita tree which then forms a sweet smelling lather that they use to shampoo their hair and wash their veils,” says Sheikh Nabhan. He adds: “The behedan seeds, which are similar to simsim seeds are also soaked in water and the lather applied to the hair during celebrations.”

Sheikh Nabhan explains: “This product is applied on children’s hair and the lather that forms also acts like modern day gel and makes hair smooth and easy to style.”

The Coastal woman’s love for perfume and other scents is legendary. The most commonly used scents include those found in the vilua flowers, asmini, mlangilangi, udi, wardi (rose) and nargis.

The larger rose like vilua flowers which when ripe are slightly yellow in colour, the tiny white asmini and bigger nargis flowers are mostly collected either early morning or in the evening. The women then either string them together to form necklaces that are worn on the neck, pinned on the hair or spread on the matrimonial bed.

Some women add the flowers into their liq-

“The Swahili women soaked the seeds of the Harita tree which then forms a sweet smelling lather that they use to shampoo their hair and wash their veils.”

— Sheikh Ahmed Nabhan, Swahili cultural consultant

From top: Traditional coastal products on display for sale on the street.

A heena artist decorates the hands of a client.

Most coastal have embraced natural cosmetic products for their beauty regime. Pictures: Barwaqo Aress

uid oil, especially coconut oil so as to give hair a fragrance. Coconut oil which is squeezed from the coconut fruit is also believed to work wonders on the skin.

Kohl which is used on the eyes by women and is prepared using ubani, a solid residue found on the barks of some trees such as baobab or some rocks.

Most women apply kohl to the eyes and forehead of very young children so as to ward off the evil eye whenever they venture with them outside the homesteads.

Ms Munira Ahmed says that she cannot imagine getting out the house without applying kohl’ since it enhances one’s beauty. Swahili women also trap the smoke from burning ubani and using a saucer that is smeared with coconut oil, the black residue that is collected is then used in the eyes as kohl.

Scents

Udi is a solid preparation which when burnt releases its scent and is widely used by the Swahili women at the Coast. According to Ms Fatma Abdille, her daily beauty routine is incomplete without the udi application saying it is better than contemporary perfume which evaporates with the wind.

Sheikh Nabhan says: “There are two types

of udi, one which is a natural wood called mawardi and emits scent when burnt. This type is the most expensive and may fetch KSh2,000 for a handful.”

He explains: “The other type is prepared at home where experts use sugar, a perfume of one’s choice, special oils and saw dust from scented trees. This mixture is then cooked together to form solids which when burnt release a nice scent.” Swahili women burn udi to perfume their clothes and selves.

Users of traditional beauty products from the Coast swear of their effectiveness in keeping the skin looking supple and radiant.

Hamida Abubakar said that she uses liwa religiously on her face and neck and has no regrets. She advises fellow women to stop using harmful creams on their bodies and embrace herbal preparations that are readily available from trees within the region.

“All the Swahili products are used in their natural form and have no side effects,” explains Abubakar.

Furthermore, all the beauty products are readily available on the streets of Mombasa and in homes where women sell them. They can also be purchased in small quantities.

Prices vary with the type of product and quantity desired.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Putting things right in the face of HIV

Mary Mariokot, who is living positively with HIV, has written a will outlining how her property should be shared in the event of her death. Picture: Hussein Dido

By HUSSEIN DIDO It is unusual for those brought up in pastoralists’ region to think of writing a will or memory book where their next of kin can one day turn to it for reference.

However, a visit to the home of Mary Mariokot, a widow reveals that there is much more to the nomadic life than herding cattle.

Mariokot may not have much but she was able to explain and display the memory book she had written for her children six years behind the line.

Despite being living with Aids, Mariokot has been able to write a will. Her intention is to avoid conflict among her four children should she die.

In her memory book, the 42 has been able to share the few property she was able to gather together with her late husband who worked as a public health officer.

Mariokot’s husband succumbed to HIV/AIDS complications 10 years ago. She had to cope with raising the children after his family kicked her out of the home, claiming she was the one who infected their son.

The memory book details how the four children will share out the land that she owns and a rental house within Kulamawe Estate.

And as is the case in Kenya, the first born usually has the challenge of looking after the younger siblings. They also take up the burden acting as the guardian once both parents die.

In Mariokot’s will, the first born will get educated to tertiary level but will not be entitled to any inheritance thereafter.

Role model

He will also take up responsibility of educating, protecting, bringing up the younger ones. He is also tasked with being a role model to the rest.

The other three brothers will also have an opportunity to inherit land and share money accrued from the four-roomed rental house left behind by their parents.

“HIV/Aids is not the end of life. It is all about how you prepare yourself and the future of your children before you die,” explains Mariokot.

She says: “I have been on anti-retroviral drugs for the last 12 years.”

Mariokot’s children are aware of her status after she went public and conducted civic education to create awareness and encourage those affected by the scourge.

“It is all about how you take it and how appropriately you take the drugs as prescribed by the doctor,” she observes.

The widow credits her elder son for occasionally reminding her to take the ARVs when it is time to have them. “My children always remind me when to take the drugs but I also keep time because they are at my bed side.”

Mariokot has been a role model to women infected by HIV in Isiolo because she led them into forming a support group called Eboli, Turkana for glittering after she was dismissed from her job at Christian Children Fund as a social worker.

Mariokot says donors are yet to respond to numerous proposals she has written them.

Elephantiasis forces teen out of school

By DAVID SIRENGO

Faith Nakoba is only 16 years old but looks much older than her age. The situation has been enhanced by the weight that sits on her legs. Although Faith would like to pursue further education, she is inhibited by a disease that has affected her ability to move with ease.

A Form Two student at Serewo Holy Trinity Secondary School in West Pokot County, Faith does not participate in sporting activities like her colleagues as she is inhibited by her weight.

She envies her peers who go for sports as she watches from the sideline.

When she was five years old, Faith developed infections on both legs. Nine years down the line, she has come to live with what has developed into elephantiasis — the thickening of the skin and gross enlargement of certain parts of the human body.

Struggle

During her primary education at Champion Academy, Moi’s Bridge Township along the Kitale-Eldoret highway, Faith struggled against all odds and managed to score 350 in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).

For the one year that she has been at Serewo Holy Trinity Secondary School, Faith has continued to struggle with difficulties. This was until a month ago when the school’s administration decided to send her away so she could seek medical attention.

According to the school’s Principal, Mrs J Barasa, the girl could no longer go on with schooling due to the condition as her legs kept on swelling and leaving her in a lot of pain. “She could hardly walk to the toilets which are several metres away from the classrooms,” explains Barasa.

The school is missing Faith since she had become an inspiration to other students. “She was among the top students in her class. She was admitted to Form Two even after missing the last term in Form One,” explains Barasa.

When she joined Form One, her colleagues kept away from her. However, once they un-

derstood the situation, the students began tolerating her.

“They no longer ridicule me.

They have even come to be my close friends. They have also encouraged me to concentrate on my studies and ignore my weight,” she said in an interview at their house in Moi’s Bridge where she is staying with her single mother, Linet Naliaka.

Naliaka, a charcoal dealer, says her daughter experiences difficulties while passing urine and that occasionally she has problems with her eyesight.

Currently, Faith is admitted at the Moi Referral Hospital, Eldoret where the doctors are considering carrying out an operation on her.

However, the big question is: Who will foot the hospital bill? Naliaka whose earnings are not even enough to cater for their basic needs, cannot raise the money.

“Even after soliciting for help from friends and well wishers who assisted in admitting her to hospital, I do not know where I will get the money to cater for the bill while she is there,” Naliaka observes.

Cry for health

Faith holding her younger sister at their Moi’s Bridge home a few years ago. Faith has had to leave school owing to her deteriorating health.

Picture: David Sirengo

The bills are yet to be worked on out but sources at the hospital said the charges could go up to KSh2.5 million inclusive of theatre fees.

This is the second time the girl is being admitted at the hospital with the first case having been two years ago where she failed to undergo an operation due to lack of finances. Even after being taken to local clinics where she was treated with antibiotics, Faith’s situation has continued to deteriorate. In 2008, she was billed to weigh 90.5 kilograms and she is about 5.1 feet tall.

Dr Maurice Wakwabubi, the Kitale District Hospital Medical Superintendent who is also an assistant Director of Medical Services says

elephantiasis is a disease related to contamination of red soils transmitted by mosquitos. It can be cured through surgical treatment and application of antibiotics.

But for Faith, this seems not to be the case.

Her rough legs with black spots discharge foul smelling fluids. According to a neighbour, Ms Ann Njoki, Faith’s case has been an agonising one for the community of Moi’s Bridge Township.

However, the Form Two girl is determined that one day she will regain her good health and be able to continue with her studies uninterrupted. She hopes she will soon leave the hospital bed back to the classroom.

“I pray that even my father whom I have never set my eyes on will come to my recue,” says Faith.

Progress as Isiolo’s Centre of Excellence gets ready

By JEFF MWANGI The Economic Stimulus Programme is bringing various aspects of development to various state institutions.

Isiolo Girls’ Secondary School is one such beneficiary as it has been earmarked a Centre of Excellence. Through this, the institution is receiving aid from the Government for construction of modern buildings that will go with its acquired status.

The School’s principal, Ms Mary Amina thanked the government for the new buildings under the Economic Stimulus Programme namely the administration, laboratory, dormitory, classroom and sanitation blocks.

Good environment

She said with the new infrastructure in place, girls will be able to access better education and uplift their education standards.

“The girl child in the area faces a lot of challenges ranging from early marriage to female genital mutilation which they can only defeat through quality education,” Amina explained.

The contractor at Isiolo Girls’ Secondary School, Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Abdulla

said construction of the five blocks will be completed soon.

Clerk of works in the Public Works Ministry in Isiolo, Ms Beatrice Gathoni Nderitu reiterated that the Economic Stimulus project at the school worth KSh30 million commenced on 26 May last year and will be ready within 12 months from starting time.

“The facility will be of much benefit to the students of the area as they keep track with the students from other schools in the country who perform better than them due to lack of some of the facilities,” said Nderitu.

A section of the new buildings currently under construction at Isiolo Girls Secondary School. Below: Girls at the school, now a centre of excellence, in class studying.

Picture: Jeff Mwangi

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

11

Man loses arm in crocodile attack

By CAROLINE WANGECHI A 56 year old man is nursing injuries at Embu Provincial general hospital after he was attacked by a crocodile last month in Mbeere North District.

James Kithaka a father of seven had taken his cattle in search of water at Kiambere Dam, 30 kilometres from his home when the crocodile attacked him.

The 11am incident left many shaken. The crocodile pulled Kithaka into the waters when he was driving the animals out of the dam.

“The reptile grabbed my hand above the armpit and dragged me into the dam,” Kithaka said.

Fighting the beast

In defence Kithaka quickly pricked its eyes with his left hand fingers when it was about to overpower him. He grabbed its neck and squeezed its throat until it lost breath leaving him but by then it had cut his right arm.

“I fought with the crocodile for close to ten minutes but it managed to get away with my arm,” said Kithaka in his hospital bed adding that while in pain he was able to get out of the waters and scream for help.

A passerby heard his cry and rushed to get him out of the water as other members of the public rushed to the dam. He said that three people helped him get out of the water despite the crocodile KWS Warden Jane Gitau visits James Kithaka at Embu Provincial General Hospital where he swimming fast towards them. was admitted after he was attacked by a crocodile in Kiambere dam.

Kithaka lost his arm and has scars on the fingers that he used to Picture: Caroline Wangechi squeeze the crocodile’s throat and has bites on the right side. he will be compensated once he had filled the dent, Mr Charles Muli, Kithaka will have an Members of the public who had gathered compensation claim form. artificial arm. there took him to the police station before he However Gitau, cautioned Kiambere resiKWS warden in charge Embu and Kirinwas taken to Embu General Hospital for furdents against drawing water in the wee hours yaga counties Ms Jane Gitau visited Kithaka ther treatment. of the morning and late in the evening as they in hospital and gave him KSh8,000 to assist According to Embu medical superintenare more vulnerable to attacks. in offsetting the bill. She also assured him that

Villagers stealing traps set for killer crocodiles

By WAIKWA MAINA Lack of co-operation by the community living around the Kiambere Dams is hindering attempts by Kenya Wildlife Service wardens to trap killer crocodiles.

The warden-in-charge of Embu and Kirinyaga County, Ms Jane Gitau says some of the locals were interfering with the traps set to catch the reptiles.

A trap had been laid at the dam but a wire attached to the trap was stolen. The warden warned that lack of cooperation will not help since the killer crocodile will not be trapped if they keep stealing the traps.

“One person has been killed while two others have been attacked by the rogue crocodile. It is unfortunate that locals had turned to stealing the traps which they are later selling to scrap metal dealers.”

Gitau urged area residents to cooperate with the wardens to ensure the killer crocodile is apprehended to prevent loss of life and make it easier for them to fetch water from the dams.

“Right now three traps have been returned to Embu for repair. It will take some time before they are fixed back to the dams,” explained Gitau.

Compensation

She reiterated that she is aware of the challenges the community in Kiambere was facing and that there is need for the Government to come up with a long term solution to the water problem in the area.

Gitau who had visited a victim of the crocodile attack who is currently admitted at the Embu Provincial General Hospital donated KSh8,000 for medical assistance for the victim.

James Kithaka, 66, managed to free himself from the crocodile but sustained serious injuries including losing his arm.

She also provided compensation forms that will enable processing of the pay for the victim who lost one of his hands in the attack about a month ago at the Kiambere Dam. The compensation for the injured currently stands at KSh50,000 while those who lose their

lives have KSh200,000 awarded to their families. Gitau was speaking barely a few weeks after hundreds of Kiambere residents in Mbeere North district barricaded the Kiambere-Embu road as they protested the increased crocodile attacks.

Another man who was attacked by the crocodile also died. The 37 year old man was killed by a crocodile as he fetched water at Kiambere hydro power generating dam on the fateful evening. The deceased had his hand mauled by the reptile and died while being rushed to hospital.

The residents claimed their lives were in danger from frequent attacks by crocodiles despite the area being home to Seven Folk’s Dam which generates electricity.

A resident, Mr Gerard Njeru said the promise to provide piped water for the residents has not been forthcoming and this left them at risk of crocodile attacks every time they went to fetch water in the hydro electric dams.

In January, Ms Joyce Ruguru was killed by the reptiles as she fetched water sparking two days protest by the residents who demanded

piped water from the Government.

Mbeere North District Commissioner, Mr Joseph Chelimo who was accompanied by his Mbeere South counterpart, Mr Abdi Khalif Mohammed said human-wildlife conflict has increased due to the growth of population in the area.

Provision of water

“An average of one person is killed or attacked by the reptiles per week,” Chelimo said.

Chelimo urged the residents to seek dialogue with relevant authorities whenever a problem occurs instead of resorting to closing down the busy road which is mostly used by Ken Gen employees.

Khalif urged the residents to avoid drawing water early in the morning and late in the evening when the crocodiles are bound to attack.

He said the Government would provide a water tanker as a temporary measure to the water problem as plans on providing piped water gets underway.

Eyes Camp marks over Hosts of dams demand power three decades of success

By JANE MUGAMBI

By WAIKWA MAINA

More and more people who have had a problem with their eyesight have hope of vision being restored.

This was said at a Shah Free Medical camp that gives free eye, ears, nose and throat (ENT) treatment. The Shah Camp entered its 32nd year in May. So far the Camp has screened over 350,000 people, operated over 20,000 cases with cataracts and dispensed over 60,000 spectacles.

According to chairman of Shree Jain Youth League, the organizers of the camp, Mr Shanket Shah, the number of people with eye and ENT cases was reducing due to the success of the camp.

He said many cases were now being screened in far flung remote areas and those requiring special attention being referred to the Camp. He said all expenses were being met by the Camp.

“People who had not seen for 30 years had their sight restored,” said Shanket, during

the opening of this year’s camp at Thika High School.

This year’s sponsors, Chuni Rupshi Shah and his brother Ashok Rupshi Shah graced the occasion presided over by their mother Veluben Rupshi Shah who unveiled the week long exercise.

According to Shanket, the entire camp will cost KSh6.5 million. The camp is a project of Visa Oshwal Community.

Among the doctors was Dr S K Savla, an eye surgeon who has participated in all the past 32 years of the camp. The team leader was Dr Mohan Jagade an ENT surgeon who has attended the camp for 15 years.

Shanket said because of the success, transparency, accountability and voluntary manner, the Camp has been run for over three decades.

Sponsors usually book their sponsorship years before. He said the current sponsors booked six years ago.

Shanket hailed sponsors and all stakeholders for making the camp successful.

The Government has promised to install electricity and water to villagers near Kiambere hydro power dam in Embu County after two days demonstration and road barricading.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company and the Ministry of Water were forced by angry residents to give a time line for the projects after residents closed Kivaa-Kiambere road.

The residents used tree trunks and boulders to barricade the road complaining that they have been taken for a ride for too long by the Government despite being home to five hydro power dams.

An official from KPLC, Mr John Gachuri said work on a power transmission line to Mutuovare market will start before June after survey is done.

“We will be sending customer relations officers to gather data in the market. We hope to start work on the line before the end of the financial year,” said Gachuri.

Residents complained that despite the region producing nearly 60 percent of hydro power in the country, few trading centres were connected to the national grid.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mbeere South District Water Officer, Mr Phillip Kabiru said the ministry was extending a pipeline from Kirie to Mutuovare.

Earlier, the district security team lead by DC Mr Abdi Khalif and a contingent of riot police cleared the blockade along the 10-kilometre stretch.

The DC warned the residents against blocking roads as a way of addressing their grievances adding that there were laid down channels for the same.

“We will ensure that the promises given to the people on water and electricity are honoured,” said Khalif.

Residents threatened to pull down high voltage power pylons transmitting electricity from Kiambere and Kindaruma power dams to Kamburu if their demands were not met.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

New testing tool hasten TB treatment

By ABJATA KHALIF A new one hour test for tuberculosis through a computer enabled testing technology will assist in fight against the disease in remote areas of northern Kenya.

This means that patients will not have to wait for many days before getting their results.

The latest tuberculosis testing technology endorsed by World Health Organisation (WHO), will enable results to be received instantly unlike currently where patients have to wait for a day before getting the results. Those being tested for the Multi-drug resistance (MDR) TB strain wait for three months before getting results which are taken from various hospitals to the central laboratory in Nairobi.

Local medical personnel in northern Kenya lauded the introduction of the technology known as Genexpert that has considerable advantages of scaling up programmatic management and surveillance of drug resistant TB, offering speed diagnosis, standardised testing, potential for high throughput and few requirements for laboratory biosafety.

Stigma

The Kenyan government plans to acquire the tuberculosis testing equipment and supply it to various local hospitals within the country while some non governmental organisations plan to acquire it within three months from now.

Pastoralist communities in northern Kenya are guided by cultural beliefs against tuberculosis which they regard as a curse. Patients are ostracised and secluded upon showing signs of coughing and losing weight.

However, even though stigma towards those affected is slowly waning as result of community education and advocacy campaigns, prompt results for patients flocking the local hospital has been a challenge as patients take sputum test in the morning and evening and yet the result of the test is not instant.

The testing kit that generated results days later left a feeling of frustration among the infected.

This scenario fuelled the spread of the disease as patients had to keep looking for assistance and accommodation from relatives who are not aware of their condition.

A TB survivor living in Wajir District, Mr Abdi Abdullah, recalls his frustrations when it took three days to get the results.

By JEFF MWANGI

Community members listen keenly during the TB education session in Gurufa area in Garissa. Picture: Abjata Khalif “I was coughing terribly and became a burden to my family. Everybody told me to leave the village as I was cursed with the terrible disease,” Abdullah remembers. “I had to move to the main town in search of medical assistance.

I was shocked when I went for testing and was told to wait. It took three days for me to get results.”

Abdullah says it was his resolve to get treatment after he suffered constant coughing. He believed it was Tuberculosis and this made him go for the test. Waiting for three days was not easy and many patients from the pastoralist community who came to the hospital gave up after a day.

Abdullah recalls: “In 2003, I saw more severe cases than mine but most of them disappeared.

I believe they lost hope with the test and retired back to the community with the disease.”

However, Abdullah managed to get his results after three days. He was eventually placed on treatment at Wajir District Hospital.

The hospital also offers counselling and advice to TB patients on how to seek treatment and manage the disease during the treatment period.

According to the officer in charge of the TB

Clinic at Garissa Hospital, Dr Abdulrahman Hassan, sputum testing takes a day and the patient is given status result and advice on how to seek treatment in the local clinic.

Challenges

“The test takes a day unlike in the past when we would have test results after a long time, a situation that added frustration to patients who were seeking medical attention. However, the situation has improved now with the testing arrangements and methods being used.”

However, Hassan says that even the local testing arrangement that gives results within a day still faces challenges in detecting multi-drug resistant TB which is on rise in the northern Kenya town. This is due to lack of proper drug adherence, continuity and defaults.

Observes Hassan: “For suspected MDR cases, we undertake sputum test and send culture and sensitivity to a central laboratory in Nairobi where it takes three months before the results are released. You don’t see the patient again as they cannot wait for months due to poverty and lack of accommodation in main towns in northern Kenya.”

Initiative to boost banana farmers

By KARIUKI MWANGI Thousands of banana farmers from Embu County are set to benefit after the launch of the Embu East AgriBusiness Cooperative Society Limited Centre where they will be selling their banana produce at good prices.

The centre, which was established by the Government in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Africa and the Techno Serve Business Solutions to help eradicate poverty is expected to ensure there is a ready market for the banana produce.

Regional manager for Techno Serve Business Solutions, Mr Henry Kinyua said the programme is geared towards initiating a competitive banana industry in the country where all farmers can get value for their products.

“Through the initiative, the farmers will be able to sell the banana produce in bulk and at good prices. This is better than the farmers selling the bananas individually where they are exploited by middlemen,” explained Kinyua.

He observed that all the development initiatives in the country should be based on the interests of the farmers as they are the ones who under-

Airport construction comes with noise pollution

stand the problems they face and the issues that they need addressed for them to benefit economically. “The country is currently producing more than one million metric tonnes of bananas per year which is still not enough to sustain the country,” reiterated Kinyua. He said a lot of input is required to boost the banana industry to even greater heights.

Kinyua pointed out that the per capita consumption of bananas in the country is very low compared to other countries like Rwanda and Uganda. “There is need to improve on the consumption so as to provide market for bananas in the country other than relying on markets outside the country,” he said.

He observed that the Government should boost A smallholder banana farmer inspecting her crop in Gucha district. banana farming by buying the Picture: Ben Oroko produce from the areas with the most produce to feed the hunger stricken areas. Kinyua sioner, Mr Tom Macheneri urged them economically. reiterated that the government should the farmers to take advantage of the “Farmers should take advantage not rely on maize alone whereas there conducive environment the govern- of the opportunity to put more effort are other crops. ment has put in place to initiate de- in banana farming so as to boost the Embu East District Commis- velopment activities that will benefit area economically,” urged Macheneri.

A state of confusion has erupted as the construction of Isiolo International Airport gets underway.

Questions are being raised over what will happen to the students of Isiolo Girls’ Secondary School which is situated next to the airport. The Airport is now in its first phase which is expected to end after 18 months and will cost KSh610 million.

New building constructions are going on under the Economic Stimulus Programme. According to the area councillor, Mr Ismail Ali, the noise from the planes landing and taking off at the Airport will disrupt learning at the School.

He also added that there was confusion as to which council the Kenya Airports Authority will submit revenue for the Airport to. One part of the airport is in Tigania District, Meru County and the other is in Isiolo County.

“We request the Government to step in and create awareness to the residents as to which County the airport falls under as this might cause conflicts as soon as it becomes operational,” urged Ali. When the Reject team visited the site where the airport is being constructed, employees of the construction company awarded the tender were going on with their construction work and clearing the surrounding bush.

The employees were also putting up some of the machines which will be used during the construction including an Asphalt plant machine, meant for concrete and tar mixing.

Learning disrupted

Isiolo District commissioner, Mr James Mwaura said though the airport may cause noise pollution in the area including disturbing the students from Isiolo Girls’ Secondary School, the airport is important to the region.

“As development comes to the area, changes are expected hence the need for the residents to adjust with the changes so as to allow room for growth,” observed Mwaura.

The question in the minds of many remains, who did the feasibility study for the airport site? Did they take into consideration the fact that there was a boarding school nearby?

What will happen to the students and the teachers or the risks involved in the event of a plane crash?

However, the Principal of Isiolo Girls’ Secondary School Ms Mary Amina is less worried. She said: “Though the noise pollution from the airport will heavily disturb learning, people should not forget the advantages that come with the establishment of such a facility.”

Her sentiments were echoed by the clerk of works at the Ministry of Public Works, Ms Beatrice Gathoni Nderitu.

She expressed concern over the airports proximity to the school and the survival of students in a noisy environment. However, Gathoni said the gains exceed the loss and people need to look at the fact that the airport will bring revenue and create employment opportunities.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Woman takes challenge in male dominated field

By OMONDI GWENGI The saying that he who selects the hoe is not a farmer aptly applies to Beatrice Otieno. While many people remain jobless because they have not gotten jobs in their preferred careers, Otieno is in self employment in a vocation that has received a lot of criticism.

Faced by a lot of resistance and doubts, Beatrice Otieno popularly known as Betty turned a deaf ear in order to pursue what she describes as a lifetime career and to prove that what a man can do, a woman can do better.

Her father George Adero had to give his daughter what she loved best. Today, she stands out as the only female who rides a motorbike in the entire Siaya County, in a semi-town of Usenge, Bondo District.

Having sat for her KCPE, Otieno had nothing to do but as fate would have it, her father had bought a motorbike which he used to ferry fish. This is where she developed an interest in motorbikes.

“When motorbikes came to the market, my father was among the first people to buy them.

I would, therefore, take the motorbike and teach myself to ride,” she says.

Security concerns

After practicing at home she soon knew how to manoeuvre the bike. Being the new means of transport by then, she started to ferry people and this is where her job started.

“Some people were surprised but I told myself that I am not giving up anytime soon because the income was good,” Otieno explains.

She wanted to do something that would not only earn her income but also keep her busy.

As the rate of insecurity rises among the

motorbike riders, concern is raised over their safety but more on the security of the female folk. However, Otieno says before she carries any passenger, she has to know the route very well to avoid being attacked by thugs.

“I always operate between 8am and 6pm in order to avoid being hijacked,” she says.

Due to her resilience, Otieno was appointed an assistant secretary of Usigu Motorcycle Youth Group. Being the only woman among men, she found it a bit cumbersome and resigned after one year.

“We are people of different classes and we understand things differently. It was, therefore, difficult to cope with them. I decided just to be a member rather than hold a leadership position,” she says.

Otieno, 22, does not regret having plunged into the waters of a male-dominated job. “I am happy because with the little income I earn, I am able to pay my rent, buy a few things and also save,” she explains.

Betty Otieno carries a passenger in Usenge. She enjoys her job as a motorcycle rider and makes a comfortable living out of it.

Picture: Omondi Gwengi

Income generation

On a good day, Otieno can get KSh1000.

However, out of this amount, she gives KSh350 or KSh400 to the bike owner. “Out of the KSh600 left, I buy fuel worth KSh200.

I take home KSh400 which I spend as well as save.”

Apart from the income, Otieno also fears the effects related to motorbikes like accidents, hijacks as well as illnesses like pneumonia. “I have always felt like leaving the job sometimes because of its side effects. When you are riding you sometimes expose yourself to cold which can lead to pneumonia,” she observes.

It is challenging to live or work along the beaches especially during this era of HIV/Aids

because this is where women and men are lured into risky sexual behaviour by money.

However, Otieno has learnt to draw the line between her work and relationships.

“I had even told my colleagues that we are here because of this job and not relationships.

Some men have tried to lure me into their web of mischief but I have always resisted,” she says.

Most of her passengers are men and older women because young girls prefer to be carried by the men. “Some people still think that I am inexperienced and cannot be trusted with the life of any passenger,” she says.

Driving lesson for motor cyclists

By JOHN NDIRANGU and KARIUKI MWANGI An exercise aimed at equipping young people with road safety regulations has been conducted in Runyenjes Constituency.

Over 700 boda boda operators in Runyenjes Constituency benefited from free training for driving lessons sponsored by the Constituency Development Fund. Participants to the training will be issued with a driving license at the end of the training.

Speaking during part of the exercise at Runyenjes Police Station, the Provincial traffic enforcement officer, Mr Joseph Kimeli urged motor cycle operators to observe traffic rules to minimise accidents which have increased in the area.

Kimeli called upon the boda boda operators to cooperate with law enforcement officers especially in curbing theft of motorcycles in the region.

Caution

However, he cautioned the operators against drunkenness while at work which contributed to accidents in the area.

“Avoid being engaged in illegal operations such as the supply of illegal brew which could lead to arrest and confiscation of your motorcycles,” urged Kimeli.

To curb incidents of insecurity in the sector, the traffic boss advised the operators to form groups which could establish a system of recording details of their clients especially at night to avoid carrying robbers and stolen goods.

“Many operators have in the past fallen prey to the vice leading to the arrest of the same when the criminals are later discovered,” he observed.

He called upon the youths to assist police fight crimes in the area by volunteering information to the security agency.

He commended the CDF management and Runyenjes Member of Parliament for offering to foot the training which will go a long way in restoring trust in the youths. He challenged other leaders to emulate the initiative as a way of reducing unemployment among youth.

More than 200 youth have already been trained and issued with interim driving licences.

The training project was launched by the area MP who is also an Assistant Minister for Tourism, Ms Cecily Mbarire three weeks ago and was meant to train over 700 boda boda operators.

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Speaking during the launch of the driving skills, Mbarire said the initiative is geared towards ensuring that the operators improve their skills and profession in operating the motorcycles.

Mbarire said that the initiative came after they realised that most of the operators do not have driving licences an indication that they are not qualified for the work which she said continues to put their lives and those of their customers at risk.

“A day does not end without a motorcycle accident being reported in the area which in turn either causes serious injuries or loss of lives which is a major loss for the constituency,” Mbarire pointed out.

She said that a survey carried out in the last three months indicated that over 20 people lost their lives through accidents caused by motorcycles while hundreds of others continue to recuperate at the Embu Provincial General Hospital saying that the initiative is geared towards halting the increasingly alarming situation.

The initiative which costed the CDF kitty KSh350,000 at the end will ensure that every registered operator in the constituency is issued with a valid driving license.

Mbarire who is also the Tourism Assistant Minister observed that there was need for the government and all the stakeholders to take the boda boda business seriously and as a means of livelihood for the youths who constitute the largest percentage of the country’s population but continue to be jobless.

“It is high time for the youths to engage themselves in activities that will earn them a living other than just looking for white collar jobs which continue to be limited by the day,” she said.

Cooperation

The MP also took issue with the police who she said should stop harassing the youths but rather help them in instilling professionalism in the business.

“If we discourage these youths by harassing them, they will end up abandoning the business and may join other illegal crimes,” observed Mbarire.

She said that after all the operators have been trained, the Constituency Development Fund will help them in setting up a cooperative Sacco in which they can save their earnings.

The youth called upon the government to lower the import rate for motorcycles and their spare parts so that they are able to access them at affordable rates.

For three years, Otieno has been riding a bike on hire because she has not been able to save enough to buy her own motorbike.

Speaking to the Reject, Otieno says that she is not aware of the Youth Enterprise Fund which could enable her acquire some funds to buy her own motorbike.

“I blame our leaders for not informing us about such opportunities. We feel sidelined here in the rural area,” she says.

“No job is more important than the other. I urge my fellow women to be independent and you will find a smooth life,” she advises.

Youth tipped on road to leadership

By JOHN NDIRANGU Murang’a west DC Fredrick Muli has urged the youth from the area to register themselves in the on going registration exercise for the national youth council elections.

The DC observed that there has been low turn out of voter registration in the administration offices in the area.

By the time the Reject went to Press, the exercise had been completed.

Muli noted that lack of awareness about the existence and roles of the council in the youth leadership have highly contributed to low registration.

“I am not surprised to realise that most of our young people are neither aware of this body nor its functions in the society,” remarked Muli.

He urged the youth to make good use of the opportunity to choose good leaders, who will fully represent them, look into their interests and fight for their rights.

“You should make wise decision on the representatives you choose to avoid regrets if they do not deliver what you expect,” he said.

The DC also cautioned the youth to be on the look out for people who might approach them for votes so that they can get a chance to benefit themselves. He warned them not to accept any bribes from such people.

“We have many people eagerly waiting for this exercise so that they can get a chance to exploit the youth and abandon them once they get their desired positions,” noted Muli.

He advised them to put into consideration the intelligence, integrity and social responsibilities of the prospective leaders adding that these are some of the qualities a good leader should posses to be able to serve his people diligently.

“Every sub-location is supposed to produce six leaders who will proceed for vetting at the location, then to the division and the vetting process shall continue to the national level,” he said.

The DC said that the youth have been given a golden opportunity to take part in the leadership process and it is now upon them to decide the future for generations to come.

“This is just the beginning of making you future leaders of our nation and also a test to show the country how best you can lead the people if given the opportunity,” he said.

Muli also urged the youth to engage in activities aimed at self development to improve their living standards.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Fishing ban spells doom for fishermen

By MACHARIA MWANGI Fishermen in Naivasha are bracing themselves for hard times following the perennial closure of the fresh water lake.

Lake Naivasha, which they rely on for their livelihood is always being closed for three months to allow restocking of the various species.

Now, the fishing crew appears to have run out of viable options and majority of them are headed for the quarry while others are eking out a living at the construction sites doing menial jobs.

A fish trader, Mr Lucas Auma offers some insight of the delicate life of a fisherman by saying: “It is not that we are extravagant. It is just a case of dealing with a depleted resource and meagre returns. In fact the money we get during the fishing period is hardly enough.”

Poachers have been breathing down the necks of the 50 licensed fishermen, making a mockery of the conservation efforts and stealing both the nets and the catch from the legal fishing fraternity.

Popular fish

The seasoned boat owner says it is no longer lucrative to carry out commercial fishing hence forcing majority of fishermen to seek a fall back once the lake is closed.

The fishing group used to rely on the popular tilapia which had a ready market but now this is no longer the case. Common carp is now the dominant species and its market share is way below that of tilapia.

“As much as we would like to have enough that will enable us to save, the market is also a

determining factor,” explains Auma. He is weighing available options but due to his advanced age, quarrying is not a choice for him.

Unlike other fishermen, Auma had made enough money but the father of seven had school fees and other domestic needs to take care of. The little savings will see him “import” fish from his native Kisumu home once the ban takes effect in June. However, he is wary of the competition and fears the price of the popular species including tilapia might shoot through the roof and make it untenable to do business.

Reprieve

“I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping the price will be manageable to help us do business,” says Auma who doubles up as the Vice Chairman of the Beach Management Unit (BMU).

He hopes that the Government will offer them reprieve as he puts across suggestions, including fish farming. “The Government should establish fish ponds which will serve as an alternative to lake fishing. We can also do with a chicken rearing venture,” says Auma.

He says quarrying which used to be the next alterative is no longer tenable given the high number of people involved in it and the limited market. His age mate and a colleague, Mr John Olang’ is facing similar predicament.

Just like many other fishermen, he would be rendered jobless temporarily, despite having been fishing for the last 20-years.

“I used to run a shop that was razed to the ground at the height of the post election vio-

Potential fish buyers at the popular Banda outlet situated in the outskirts of Naivasha town. The fishing ban on the Lake is pushing fishermen out of work.

Picture: Macharia Mwangi lence that rocked the area” says Olang’.

He too is contemplating ferrying fish from Kisumu for commercial purposes. The competition for the market will be stiff but he is prepared for any eventuality.

The upkeep for his family has contributed to his dwindling fortunes forcing him to look for an alternative source of livelihood for continued existence. “It is survival for the fittest,” says Olang’.

Both aged over 50, they rarely take part in the Lake surveillance which earns their much younger colleagues KSh150 a day. This patrol is in partnership with the Fisheries Department.

The volunteer group has a huge battle in its hands. Since the closure of the Lake, they have been hurtling down the edges of the lake fight-

ing of poachers who are intent of keeping alive their outlawed fishing antics.

Poaching, according to researchers, has contributed immensely to the decline of the number of species in Lake Naivasha. The poachers raid restricted areas and near the shoreline.

“We suffer a lot during the ban period since we have no alternative source of livelihood. We feel the blame lies elsewhere and not entirely on the fishing fraternity,” says another fisherman.

For the fishing industry to be sustained, it would be important to give the various stocks in the fresh water lake ample time to attain maturity and protect the lake from exploitation according to the experts.

Farmer demystifies coffee weed myth

By ABISAI AMUGUNE The Coffee Research Foundation handbook says anything grown on a plantation is a weed.

The booklet of 1987 on research on coffee production recommends that the crop’s production could be indirectly affected if weeds are allowed to flourish within the farm.

The handbook notes: “Anything in coffee is a weed. Effects of the weed on coffee may not be noticeable immediately.”

However, a coffee farmer in Trans Nzoia, Mr Peter Kimani is opening a Pandora’s Box on coffee research warnings by doing the extreme opposite.

Kimani who has over 10,000 coffee trees of the Ruiru 11 species has found a new way of intercropping coffee with other plants without experiencing any problems.

However, Kimani who has no formal training in crop husbandry, harvests approximately 15kg from each coffee tree after diversifying the farm’s production by intercropping coffee with bananas, macadamia and mangoes.

Agricultural scientists have been moved by Kimani’s cultural technology in the coffee industry to the extent of considering employing some of his inventories on his farm.

Two tutorial fellows from Egerton University in February, 2009 visited Kimani’s small Jasho Estate Farm on the outskirts of Kitale town to conduct a study on soil moulds.

To date, according to the farmer, feedback and information from Prof Josephat Matasyoh and Dr Isabel Wagara has not been made public or even channelled back to him.

Kimani’s 10 acre coffee plantation is situated three kilometres away from Manor House Agricultural Centre. The Centre deals in biointensive agriculture. It is also two kilometres from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute

(KARI) Centre which has command both in bio-intensive and sustainable agriculture.

Groups and individual farmers are visiting Jasho Estate to understudy the emerging technology on coffee production and how it controls weeds in addition to controlling other diseases.

Recognition

Kimani’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

In May, 2009, he attended the 17th International Agricultural Exhibition in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he had been invited by the conveners who were impressed with his initiatives in crop husbandry.

Kimani only has secondary school education which he received from Lugazi Secondary School in Uganda.

Kimani who started the venture as a family business for self-sustainability does not believe in use of chemical fertilizers on crops including coffee. He depends on available organic materials on the farm to prepare composite manure for cost-saving purposes.

Since there are times when the price of coffee falls, or the crop fails due to weather changes, Kimani a non-professional agriculturalist has been forced to intercrop for diversification.

He has totally ignored the Coffee Research Foundation’s warnings of not intercropping

coffee trees with plants such as paw paw, avocado and macadamia. He has gone ahead to prove true of his new findings in intercropping.

Experimenting

To achieve this, Kimani has prepared all the crops in one row and adequately spaced them before drenching deep bonds which are fed with composite manure. “The crops are friendly and have developed no problem because I feed them with what they require. I have proved this practically,” said Kimani.

How has Kimani managed to keep the coffee farm flourishing with other weeds in the plantation? According to the farmer who runs his own home library with materials mostly on agriculture, coffee production depends solely on weather and how the crop is handled.

“A farmer will harvest zero kilos if he does not protect and feed the crop,” he says adding that the coffee trees are doing well even having been grown alongside volume-consuming plants such as bananas.

“The coffee farmer should always watch against weeds particularly those with long roots which draw and divert water and nutrients that would have been consumed by the coffee trees,” advices Kimani.

This will also help in retaining underground nutrients and moisture. Long-rooted weeds

“The coffee farmer should always watch against weeds particularly those with long roots which draw and divert water and nutrients that would have been consumed by the coffee trees.”

— Peter Kimani, farmer

Peter Kimani, the Trans-Nzoia farmer who is experimenting intercropping coffee with plants.

Picture: Abisai Amugune should not be left to mature since they multiply in thousands in a short period.

Through information exchange programme with industry stakeholders, Kimani has been able to organise field days for farmers.

In 2007, the Trans-Nzoia District Department of Agriculture held a demonstration for the local farming community where Kimani was the main contributor.

A quick scan on Kimani’s visitor’s book shows accolades of recognition from many esteemed persons who are associated with the agricultural sector.

As a regular exhibitor in most Agricultural Society of Kenya shows countrywide, Kimani hopes that Kenyan farmers will embrace absolute challenge of venturing into new technologies and take up risks.

He says: “Let us change our attitude and head to our shambas and work hard. Let us visit one another and modify on each others’ ideas.

Let us not ignore any idea but pull towards one end as a corporate.”

He would like agricultural extension officers to double their efforts to bridge the vacuum of information dissemination. He cannot recall when the field officers last visited his farm.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

15

Body urged to fast track standardization of local brews

By KARIUKI MWANGI There is urgent need for the organisations concerned with standardization to put in place mechanisms that will manage traditional liquor.

Embu West District Commissioner, Mr Maalim Mohamed called upon the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBs) to fast track the standardization of chang’aa to enable the provincial administration implement the Alcoholic Drinks Act 2010.

The required standards of chang’aa is making it difficult for them to control traditional liquors since there is an assumption that the brews are legalised.

“The traditional liquors continue to be illegal and anybody who will be found producing and selling the liquor will be arrested and prosecuted,” reiterated Mohammed, adding that they will only be legalised with standards set for the same.

Equal platform

He observed that it was unfair for the traditional brewers to continue producing and selling the brews while at the same time bar owners continue to be controlled over the time of selling the beer.

“The Government will remain committed to providing an equal platform for all businesses,” reiterated the DC. He urged the Kenya Bureau of Standards to put up measures where when samples of a

Women brewing an illicit brew. The Kenya Bureau of Standards is urged to fast track the standardization of Chang’aa in accordance with the new legislation on alcohol. Picture: Reject Correspondent product are passed to be of quality, they are able to follow up and carry out routine checkups to ensure the standards are followed to the letter.

He noted that most companies only take good samples for analysis and when these have been accepted they later change the process and start selling sub-standards products to the public.

Business community cautioned against conmen

“Law enforcement officers should also be trained in laws on standardization to enable them detect sub-standard goods,” Mohammed suggested.

However, Kenya Bureau of Standards Mt Kenya regional director, Mr Charles Musee said that the organisation is working hand in hand with the NACADA to come up with the stan-

dards of regulating traditional liquors.

He said KEBS was currently analysing samples of traditional liquors and will soon come up with the required standards.

Musee said the organisation is not only working on the quality of the liquor but also on the quality of the process in which the liquor is processed.

Elevation to national status places extra demands on school

By KARIUKI MWANGI

By JOEL JUMA

It has emerged that there are persons who are intimidating and collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public by purporting to be officers from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

The corporation has cautioned businessmen from Mt Kenya region against falling victim to people impersonating its officers.

The Mt Kenya region manager for KEBS, Mr Charles Musee said cases of impersonation and intimidation have been frequently reported from Embu and Murang’a counties where many business people have fallen victim.

“The public should be cautious on who are identifying themselves as KEBS officials by always asking for original national identity cards and KEBS work IDs,” he said.

Musee who was speaking in Embu during a sensitization workshop for the business community observed that they have embarked on creating awareness so as to ensure that the public is well informed on what they are supposed to do if faced with such situations.

He noted that the public has in the recent past lost a lot of money to conmen who always ask for bribes not to sue them for alleged breach of KEBS standards. He reiterated that the organisation is committed to saving the public from incurring more losses.

“The standards body is committed to ensure the right and required information about quality products is passed on to the public so they can be able to make informed decisions on what they buy for consumption,” he explained, adding this will enable them know what measures to take should they come across sub-standard goods.

The regional manager asked the business community to be cautious on products they buy from the distributors saying that the goods must be bear KEBS mark of quality. “To be certain, they should also ask for permits from KEBS to allow them use the marks of quality,” he advised.

Musee pointed out that this way business people will be able to put unscrupulous dealers to task which will ensure that there are no sub-standard goods that are passed for public consumption.

“It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that only goods that meet the required standards are passed to the public for consumption and it is the right of all Kenyans to use quality products,” he reiterated.

There is need for the promotion of the public private partnership so the country can achieve an economy in which only quality goods and products are circulated.

A secondary school in Kakamega County requires over KSh100 million to expand its facilities to meet the requirements of a national school.

St Peter Mumias High School needs the funds to put up modern hostels and construct science laboratories for it to absorb the high number of students after it was nominated for national school status.

The school management led by Principal Godfrey Owuor said there was adequate land for expansion. “It is only putting up more structures and posting of extra teachers that will make the school fit the status of a national school,” he said.

He added: “We have started getting

assistance after the school was proposed to be elevated from provincial to national status.”

The Principal revealed that Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) has pledged KSh1.5 million to assist in construction of one of the dormitories. Owuor was speaking during a party to thank teachers and workers for their effort in ensuring that the performance of the school remained at the top.

The school Parents Teachers Association Chairman, Mr Charles Lwole and Deputy Principal Mr Ogola were present.

The school had over 170 students who scored a mean grade of C plus and above.

The school was ranked position 88 nationally during the results released in February. The Mumias Sugar Company Managing Director, Dr Evans Kidero led

the management team in thanking the school for the good performance.

“The company will continue supporting education in the area to ensure that there is improved performance in national examinations,” reiterated Kidero.

He said the company will donate 20 computers to the school to boost student performance in national examinations.

The Western Provincial Director of Education (PDE) Mr Kenneth Misoi said that St Peters is one of the schools that have been inspected by the Government for consideration during establishment of National schools in Counties.

“Each County will have at least two national schools and once approved they will get additional funding from the Government to expand their facilities,” said Misoi.

Teachers’ Sacco set to expand its territory

By WAIKWA MAINA Murang’a Teachers Sacco will extend its services to the neighbouring Machakos district.

At the same time, the Sacco will change its name to make it more acceptable by the larger investor community.

During the society’s annual general meeting, the Minister for Cooperative Development and Marketing, Mr Joseph Nyagah said that his ministry will approve the two proposals when forwarded to the Commissioner for Cooperative Development.

The AGM also resolved to expel any member who engaged in business competition with the Sacco. “Many teachers are getting auctioned by other teachers

operating as shylocks or those who collude with the illegal investors,” Nyagah said.

During the AGM, the minister challenged teachers to be at the front line in ensuring that credible people were elected to govern the Counties.

The Sacco chairman Mr Simon Mukunu reported that the its Share Capital had increased from KSh1,040,083,478 in 2009 to KSh1,149,146,028 in 2010, a 10.15 percent increase.

The amount loaned increased from KSh810,139,687 to KSh1,006,906,508. He attributed the increase in loans to better terms and conditions of the diverse loan packages offered by the institution.

“For instance, the only requirement for normal loan plus which was introduced

last year with a repayment period of 60 months is that a member’s salary must be channelled through the Fosa,” explained Mukunu.

Total assets of the society increased to KSh1,656,750, 374 from KSh1,395,367,816 in 2009. The teachers approved dividends of 11.1 percent on shares, 11.1 percent for deposits in the accounts and 11.1 percent for deposits in education funds while Fosa shareholders will get a bonus of 12.2 percent.

This bonus was an improvement from 10.5 percent on shares, deposits and education and 11 percent paid last year.

The improved dividends were as a result of increased society turnover from KSh193,723, 666 in 2009 to KSh223,591,024.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Call for positive attitude towards agriculture

Minister for Planning and National Development, Mr. Wycliffe Oparanya.

Picture: Malachi Motano

By MALACHI MOTANO Parents have been asked to introduce their children to farming and encourage them to take up agriculture not just as an easy subject that will improve their grades, but as a means towards a business and source of livelihood.

Fresh graduates must also inculcate skills learnt to undertake farming as a profession. This way they will improve food security in the country.

These remarks were made by Planning and National Development Minister, Mr Wycliff Oparanya when he launched the farmers’ kit in Matuu Secondary School, Yatta Constituency.

Oparanya regretted that agriculture as a subject that provided learners with practical skills and knowledge was scrapped off from the primary syllabus, only for it to be introduced sparingly in secondary schools. He reiterated that it is at primary level that the country acquires high social returns for economic development.

“By not teaching the subject in primary schools, we deny young brains the opportunity of looking at agriculture as a source of livelihood,” observed Oparanya.

The Minister stressed that agriculture was the country’s second foreign exchange earner after tourism and that was all the more reason why curriculum designers should promote it at all school levels.

“Introducing the subject late in secondary school makes students have a low opinion towards it. That is why it is perceived as an archaic practice suited for the poor and old,” observed Oparanya.

According to the minister, the second phase of 8-4-4 has completely polluted the minds of young scholars who do not want to be associated with agricultural practices.

The mentality that has been built around agriculture is that apart from scoring A grades in schools, it is a practice for rural and less fortunate people in the society.

“These are perceptions that make students not look at agriculture as a means towards self-employment,” said Oparanya adding that Kenyans must change their attitude towards the subject.

E-marketing set up to enhance farmers dealings

By PAUL MWANIKI From a grains store comes Mr Peter Mwangi a small scale farmer in Sipili, Ng’arua division in Laikipia West district.

He has been preparing sacks of maize for sale after a bumper harvest in the region following a good farming season after the area experienced drought last year.

A day before he had met one Njoroge who had promised him he would be coming with buyers to his homestead.

Njoroge works as a broker in the town centre.

He advises buyers on produce and costs involved.

After the harvest Mwangi decided to sell ten bags of maize to cater for his family’s needs but in this remote region where almost everybody else harvests, market prices are very low.

“Everybody wants to sell but there are no buyers and those who arrive accompanied by brokers buy at the price they want,” he explains.

The region is the most productive in the entire Laikipia County and a variety of crops including cereals and fruits do well here. However, farmers have not been able to reap from their sweat due to the infiltration of brokers and poor roads.

It is due to these problems that the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) developed a programme on E-Marketing to help thousands of farmers access the market directly.

Marketing programme

With the development of information technology and almost all systems being computerised, farmers in this region will be at the forefront and perhaps act as an eye opener to others who suffer when marketing their products.

ALIN has come up with what the farmers are referring as “Sokopepe” which is a commodity resource platform developed for farmers to help in marketing their produce. Middlemen take advantage of farmers by paying little and selling the produce for more.

The Sokopepe system links and collects agricultural commodity information from the field, collates it into a regional, national and global perspective and disseminates packaged products to end users via various media, including SMS, WAP, Email and Web. Imagine placing your order of the farm produce on the internet where you determine the cost and the quantity you have and relay it to buyers who can contact you directly through a short text message.

Mwangi is one happy man with this new product. He says that even those who are illiterate and cannot operate a computer will still get to use the system. Alin has employed assistants who will do all the work for them and make sure their orders are well placed and even assist in selling the produce when a buyer turns up.

At the Alin centre in Sipili town which also acts as an information centre for the farmers, locals also get to learn of the basic skills in operating a computer and in future will be able to place their own orders.

The centre is well equipped with books and magazines which provide vital information concerning agriculture, livelihood, health and education.

Benefits

Over 1,000 members benefit directly from the services offered here while approximately 3,000 benefit indirectly through increased institutional capacities where the field officers train organisations and community members on IT and information management in collaboration with the relevant ministries which include Gender, Youths Affairs and Agriculture among others.

Francis Muraguri, 64, and owner of a six acre piece of land says he is now assured of sale of his dried farm produce. The conservative farmer has engaged in cultivating traditional crops such as millet, sorghum and herbs which do well on the relatively dry areas here.

Peter Mwangi, a farmer at Sipili is assisted to place an online order for sale of Amaranth through the Sokopepe system. Below: Mr Charles Maina the chairman of Laikipia Centre for Knowledge and Information (LACKIN) shows his Amaranth demonstration plot where farmers from across Laikipia come to learn the various practices of modern farming.

A tour of his farm proves the endurance he has undergone to improve food security for his family as well as neighbours who occasionally knock on his door to buy the products.

“When I bought this land about 20 years ago, I did not know which crops to grow but after much struggle with maize and other cereals which have little or no income, I decided to change what I was planting and these have borne fruits,” he explains as he digs up a giant cassava.

Muraguri notes that another concept of runway water harvesting has helped him in growing a variety of fruits and the surplus has been channelled into a pond where he is carrying out fish farming. Currently he is harvesting vegetables which he is not ready to sell in their natural form.

“My vegetables are meant to feed my family and for sale. I add value to them by drying. This way I am assured that they can remain in the store for a very long period and I can sell them when the demand is high and supply low,” he explains.

Eliminate middlemen

His wife Ms Esther Kiarahu who manages the farm says they have sufficient food all year round even when there is drought.

“Our farm has always provided for the family since we started this mode of cultivation thanks to the information we acquired from the Alin centre,” she notes.

Kiarahu says the newly developed Sokopepe will eventually lead to elimination of middlemen who visit the homestead almost daily with buyers

How it is done Farmers will be expected to visit the ALIN centre with samples of products they are willing to place an order through Sokopepe.

The orders will be placed with the assistance of a field officer for those who are not computer literate indicating the product, quality, quantity as well as the farmer’s details and location which will be relayed to willing buyers through the internet.

Other details including warehouses and transport costs are featured as well. Buyers are advised to contact the farmer who is the seller directly through a short text message.

During bumper harvest of maize, beans and oranges, farmers are advised to place their orders together as a group for easy transactions.

willing to buy their produce especially cassava and amaranth which are known for their nutritional and medicinal value.

“Mzee always sends them away as he would rather dry them for future use other than sell at a loss,” she explains. Through Sokopepe, Mzee Muraguri can now link up with buyers interested in dried vegetables and other herbal products which he grows.

He has acquired the capacity to develop online marketing portals that enable him and the community to trade globally through this centre.

“The communities around the region have improved their livelihoods through access to new knowledge and innovations. They have also been able to develop local knowledge databases while the youth have engaged in productive activities and access to IT skills,” notes Bett Kipsang, a field officer with Alin based in Ng’arua Division.

Practical site

There is theory and practical learning in this process. The same rule is applicable here. Charles Maina Muriithi, a farmer and teacher in a local secondary school has developed his farm as the practical zone for farmers willing to utilise the knowledge acquired from the centre.

Currently he is taking farmers through steps in the cultivation of a variety of fruits and Amaranth.

“My aim is to change the grassroots farmer from the ancient mode of farming to the modern one where they can earn from their work,” explains Muriithi. He observes: “With the introduction of E-marketing and production of high quality products, we will shine.”

He has constructed a house in his compound where those willing to spend can do so with ease.

This arrangement also allows interaction between farmers from the whole region.

Muriithi who is also the chairman of Laikipia Centre for Knowledge and Information (LACKIN) notes that farmers who come from Laikipia County are able to interact and look for solutions affecting each other in the Agricultural sector and how to improve it.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

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Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Sweet taste of mangoes as juice factory is established

By NZINGA MUASYA As the old adage goes, if you want to eat pig, choose the fat one, so is with mango fruits. If you want the best juicy and sweet mangoes, choose the ones from Ukambani. Mango season in the region is from December up to March. During this season, the region is awash with mango fruits.

It is during this season that mango farmers advise teachers to let students into mango farms to clear the surplus fruits lest they go to waste.

Even with outsider merchants who buy the product when it is raw to take to major towns like Nairobi, the supply is so huge that a lot of mangoes go to waste.

However in Kitui the situation is bound to change with the establishment of a mango processing plant at Chuluni market in Kitui. Started early last year, Chuluni Fruits Processing Plant is a community initiative supported by Arid Lands Resource Management project.

The factory is a huge relief to local mango farmers who now sell their produce to the factory for a modest profit. The factory is involved in buying, processing and packaging of mango juice which is sold in the local markets and outside Kitui.

Requirements

mango juice per hour.

Donning her white overall, Muli says that the ripe mangoes are washed with a detergent and warm water to kill any germs.

“Once clean, they are sliced into two removing the seed. The thick mango pulp is removed using a spoon and put into a bucket,” she explains.

The pulp is then put into the extractor machine. The inner compartments of the machine are washed and sterilised using very hot water.

The pulp is then poured into the machine which jerks into life releasing a grinding noise similar to a posho mill.

“We use sterilised jars to tap the juice coming from one end of the extractor while the fibre and waste is emitted at the other end,” explains Muli.

The juice is then boiled under hot temperatures up to 75 degree Celsius to kill any more traces of germs. “We then put it into plastic bottles when hot and allow it to cool to 38 degrees Celsius then stored in a freezer. The labelling which is less tedious is done later,” she explains.

Ready market

Up to this stage, the juice is ready for sale and human consumption. The outer layers of the mangoes are dried and used as animal feed while the seeds are sold to prospective farmers.

The project has employed two permanent staff at the production chamber, although they hire five or more casual workers daily depending on the volume of production.

Muli who also doubles up as a marketing manager says the mango juice has found its way into local supermarkets like Naivas and big hotels in Kitui such as M&M, Parkside, Moonlight, Signal Classic and Talents among others.

The juice is parked into containers of 500 ml that go for KSh50 and smaller ones for half the price. Even with the zeal and quality production, the group has not penetrated the national market simply because they are yet to get the certification of food quality from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

However, Mutika says plans are at

The initiative brings together 44 members out of which 18 are women. All of them are mango farmers which is the basic requirement for any member who wants to join.

“One has to have at least 10 grafted mango trees as the basic requirement,” says Mr Charles Mutika, executive chairman and brain behind the project.

Members are required to buy a minimum of 70 shares at KSh50 per share. “This is the only way the members will feel part and parcel of the project because shareholders are owners of the project,” Mutika observes.

The process of extracting the mango juice starts after raw mangoes have been brought and kept for days to ripen. Ms Purity Muli who holds a certificate in food production technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology is in charge of the process.

The project recently received a juice extractor worth KSh380,000 from the World Bank. The machine has a ca- —Charles Mutika, Chairman, Chuluni Fruit Processing Plant pacity to produce 100 litres of

“This is a promising venture that is an avenue for job and wealth creation if well supported.”

an advanced stage to get the standardization certificate before they go full blast to produce for the national and international markets.

“We have invited KEBS and they have already tasted our products and found them to be of good quality.

What is remaining is the requisite fee and once we pay we will be able to spread our tentacles all over the country,” observed Mutika.

Potential

From left: Women extracting pulp from the mango fruits. Purity Muli pouring mango pulp in the extractor machine to make juice. Charles Mutika explaining the process of juice making during the interview. Pictures: Nzinga Muasya

He noted that the project started as a self-help group of eight people mainly retirees but has now incorporated other people who include businessmen. Mutito MP, Mr Kiema Kilonzo is also a member and a shareholder in the project.

“We have now seen the potential of the project and we want to take it to the next level. It is a promising business set to create jobs for our people,” says Mutika who started the project soon after retiring as a marketing manager with Crown Berger Paints in Nairobi.

The project is also involved in the production of pawpaw jam as well as passion, orange and lemon juice. He added: “It is only a matter of time before we begin production of tomato paste and avocado juice.”

Mutika says they can buy the big grafted mangoes between KSh6 and KSh10 while the indigenous ones go for KSh300 per bag. This, he says, is a good price for farmers and they have not complained.

The farmer, however, sees the project increasing the buying price of the fruits if the market opens its doors to them. “We want to reward the local mango farmer who has been disillusioned for a long time,” he said.

Like any other business, this venture is faced with challenges that have been holding it back, biggest among them being financial strain.

Mutika says that since they began, they have not received any funding either from the government or private quarters.

“We are really incapacitated by the financial constraint since despite numerous visits to various ministries and writing proposals, no support has been forthcoming.

We operate with the members’ contributions and this is quite strenuous,” he explains.

Mutika observes that the venture is viable and with the right

funding and support, it will create employment for many besides contributing generously towards the growth of the economy.

During times when the mango fruits are not found locally, the group buys them from Nairobi and other towns at exorbitant prices.

“We have to incur these costs because we have to maintain production throughout the year,” says Mutika.

Another drawback is transportation of raw materials from farms to the factory. There is also lack of storage containers for the processed juice. The World Bank recently gave the group a freezer worth KSh64,000 but its storage capacity cannot match the production.

“Our products have a life span of about six months and we need big storage facilities as we look to expand market,” says Mutika. He reiterates that the project must remain in the hands of the community and to curb privatization, the members have set a maximum ceiling of 200 shares per member.

Agribusiness

“This is a promising venture that is an avenue for job and wealth creation if well supported,” notes Mutika.

Recently Mutika attended an All African Horticulture Conference in Nairobi which brought together delegates from the continent to discuss problems facing farmers in horticulture.

He represented Eastern Province.

He regrets that the Government doesn’t seem to be enthusiastic about agri-business which he says can turn around the economy of the country.

“Agribusiness is the backbone of the economy and government efforts should be geared towards agri-business which is very profitable,” asserts Mutika. He adds: “Let them consider the farmer in arid and semi arid lands and support them through financial and technical advice.”

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Flowing wells relieve villages of undying thirst

By NZINGA MUASYA Eunice Musangi swings a hand pump mounted on a water well thrice and clean water gushes out like a fountain as her 12 year old daughter adjusts a jerri can to trap the water.

Soon Musangi and her daughter have filled four jerri cans and other neighbours take to the queue to fill up their containers.

Just a few days ago, these villagers faced the biggest challenges in accessing clean water that was easily available, they now have a borehole which they get the commodity from.

Thanks to a charitable organisation Latter Day Saints Charities (LDS) residents of Yakalia village, Katulani Location in Kitui District can now enjoy clean and safe water.

Before the organisation came to their rescue, Yakalia residents struggled to access water.

They would be forced to walk long distances as they looked for the commodity. Women and girls bore the brunt of looking for the precious commodity.

Relief

LDS charities, a humanitarian arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has helped construct seven wells along Nduni River. This action is a great relief to the villagers.

“Before this project came up, we used to dig open wells along the river which mostly yielded small quantities of water. The water was not safe since the wells were left uncovered making it prone to contamination,” explains Musangi.

She adds: “Often the wells posed danger to our children as they were so deep making it difficult for them to draw water but posing the risk of them drowning.”

During the dry spells, the wells would dry up completely forcing the residents to look for water from other areas. Their livestock also suffered a great deal and mostly died due to lack of water.

Musangi’s sentiments are echoed Ms Tabitha Kalumu who says that the wells have improved their quality of life.

“Looking for water with jerri cans strapped on our backs was very strenuous and our bodies grew weak and rugged. However, with this project our health has improved as our faces are very smooth and everybody is growing fat,” Kalumu says bursting with laughter.

Things have indeed changed for better and villagers can be seen wearing smiles of satisfaction. When LDS charities came calling, the community organised themselves into a group

to begin the project.

The sponsor of the project Elder Hesbon Puckett and his wife Andrea Puckett says they heard of the community’s cry from a local community based organizations known as Occidental and decided to help.

“After visiting the area, we saw how the residents, especially the women were suffering trying to get water and vowed to help them in our own little way,” explains Puckett.

The community then agreed to provide labour such as digging of the wells while LDS Charities provided building materials and other logistical support.

But what really motivated Puckett and his wife to help this community?

“Jesus Christ our saviour has asked us to love and do good to our fellow beings and for that reason, we try to fund projects like these to provide communities with clean and safe water,” says Puckett.

The seven wells along Nduni River in Yakalia Village are all sanitised with chlorine, capped with reinforced concrete and fitted with hand pumps. The pumps make it easy even for children to draw water from the wells while the capping with the concrete prevents contamination. Residents use the water for domestic consumption and livestock.

According to the chairman of the Nduni

“After visiting the area, we saw how the residents, especially the women were suffering trying to get water and vowed to help them in our own little way.”

— Elder Hesbon Puckett

Water minister Charity Ngilu trying one of the pumps at Nduni water project.

Looking on is Kitui Mayor Alex Munyoki and Nduni water project chairman Gideon Mumo. Picture: Nzinga Muasya Water Project, Mr Gideon Mumo only members of the group are allowed to use the water at no cost. A technical water board has been put in place to ensure smooth running of the affairs.

Mumo says it is only when there is a breakdown of equipments like pumps do the members contribute some little money to replace them.

“These wells have really helped to ease the burden of looking for water. We wish to thank the LDS charities for thinking of helping us in this way,” says Mumo flanked by the group’s organizing Secretary Patrick Mbevi.

Mumo says even those who were reluctant to join the group have now seen the benefits of the project and have registered. “The seven wells along Nduni River provides water to about 300 households spread across the village,” Mumo reveals.

Puckett says they have sponsored construction of 185 wells within Kitui District to the tune of KSh20 million which are providing clean and safe water to approximately 38,700 people.

The wells are in areas with acute water

shortage and where water quantity is high farmers are allowed to do vegetable farming.

“The provision of clean and safe water serves to reduce cases of cholera and typhoid among other water born diseases,” observes Puckett.

Convenience

With such protected wells designed for easy drawing of water, Musangi and other women are able to send their children to the wells without fear of them drowning.

“The wells are very convenient since they are near and the water is plenty for livestock and human consumption. It is also safe for children now to draw water,” Musangi says beaming with joy.

The project recently attracted the attention of the Water and Irrigation minister Charity Ngilu who visited the area to see first hand how the project is benefiting the locals. She lauded the LDS Charities for their selfless act of saving the community out of the water problems.

Tea factories seek to explore world markets

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Tea factories intending to explore the lucrative global markets will have to attain the Rainforest Alliance Certification by 2015.

The certification requires the factories to educate their workers and farmers from their catchment areas on various environmental practices that have been stipulated in a charter the factories are supposed to sign.

Among the environmental conservation practices required include proper use of pesticides, controlled cultivation along river beds and restrained use of child labour.

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Zone IV board member, Mr Peter Kanyago, while addressing farmers at Gitugi Tea Factory in Nyeri County said RIPFOM, an International company that buys Kenyan tea will not purchase the beverage from factories which have not acquired the certification.

“Our buyers want to know the steps we have taken in conserving our environment and improving our produce,” explained Kanyago. He said factories in Nyeri County were

working to ensure they acquire the certification before the deadline to continue selling their produce to the company.

Farmers from the region had continued to deliver good tea and advised them to keep good crop husbandry to boost their production.

Kanyago said the Tea Research Foundation is in the process of introducing more viable clones that will yield more produce than the current ones. “We will advise our farmers to replace their old clones with new ones as the plantation farmers have already introduced them,” he elaborated.

Among the five tea factories in the County, Iria-ini Tea Factory is the only one which has the Rain Forest Certification. “The factory is also Fair Trade, ISO 9001 and 22000 and UTZ Solidaridad Certified,” said Mr Hutchison Wanjohi, chairman of the factory.

Kanyago said the factory is set to become the first to do value addition of tea if plans by a UK based company to buy tea directly from the factory succeeds. He added: “The plan will boost the farmers’ income.”

Reports from various factories indicate

Workers harvesting tea in Othaya, Nyeri County. Tea factories in the area are exploring new markets for their produce.

Picture: Joseph Mukubwa crop production increased last year than that of the previous years but Kanyago says though production is higher, tea prices have not been as good as last year. He urged farmers to continue tendering their crops to get more yields.

Last year, in Chinga Tea Factory, farmers were paid KSh616 million for the green leaf delivered while Iria-ini and Gitugi Tea facto-

ries received KSh553 million and KSh433 million respectively. This was about 70 percent of the total revenue.

The whole of Nyeri County which has about 30,000 tea farmers was paid over KSh2.7 billion as the total returns last year. Other factories includes Ragati which received KSh552 million and Gathuthi KSh540 million.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

19

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Mourning the death of Maragoli Forest

By MERCY KAHENDA As National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) propagates for environmental conservation measures being undertaken by Kenyans, Vihiga County in Western province continues experiencing deforestation.

Wood is a major source of energy for Vihiga County residents. The high demand for charcoal by urban settlers has mainly contributed to the high rate of deforestation.

Poor conservation measures have left areas that had thick green vegetation rocky, with no capacity to support any life.

Destruction

Vihiga has small plots of land as residents continue planting wrong trees species on the water catchment areas which has resulted in rivers drying up and destruction of natural habitats.

The situation nostalgically reminds residents of the 1950s when the County was renowned for its beautiful scenery with the existence of Maragoli Forest covering an area of 461.6 acres.

The Maragoli forest was in Vihiga District, Western Province along Luanda Majengo road.

It was communal land when Vihiga was part of the larger Kakamega District. In 1942, Kakamega County Council acquired a KSh47,000 loan and on failure to repay, gave the land to the Government where 395.1 hectares was gazetted as government forest and belonged to Kenya Forest Service.

The remaining 66 hectares in Trustland belonging to community living in Muguva, Dabwongo and Ludonyi villages was inside the forest.

After being gazetted as government land, different trees were planted in the land bringing thick vegetation that formed Maragoli Forest.

People who had settled inside the forest were moved out by the Government and given land in Sirwa in Nandi District. However, there are those who were discouraged on hearing negative stories of the new settlement, forcing them to remain.

Back in 1970s to 1990s, Maragoli Forest carried the vegetation in Western Province which provided suitable settlement for wildlife, adequate rainfall in Western and Nyanza, and also acted as a tourist attraction since it is near Mulogoli settlement cave — founder of Maragoli sub-tribe who came from Rusinga Island.

Tree logging

Destruction of the forest began in 1992 when it was alleged that the District Commissioner of Vihiga at the time, Mr Dave Mwangi was selling trees to foreign saw millers.

The area residents who once valued the forest as a source of pasture, herbal medicine and honey as well as grass thatch, started felling the trees uncontrollably. The trees were cut down for burning charcoal and making door frames that were transported to Kisumu and Eldoret.

Families began competing for pieces of land in the cleared forest which led to total destruction and brought about degradation due to erosion because residents were less concerned about soil conservation measures.

This is what led to the death of the renowned Maragoli Forest that is today dominated by huge chunks of rocks that can never support any life. Rivers and streams that flow across the forest has silt and the thick exotic breeds of pines, mugumo and eucalyptus that covered the region are no more.

According to Mrs Margaret Rwegendero, a resident along the hills, they have no fears over insecurity since the forest was inhabited by wild animals and monkeys that used to destruct their crops are no longer there.

Rwegendero says reforestation should not be done since the land belonged to the community.

“We cannot allow the Government to plant trees here since the thick vegetation was a hiding place for criminals. We could not leave our children at home for fear that they would be

The now depleted Maragoli Forest.

Below: Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa when he visited the forest recently to examine the extent of deforestation.

Picture: Reject Correspondent attacked by wild animals, especially leopards which lived here,” explains Rwegendero.

Despite what Rwegendero considers an advantage, people living in the hills do not enjoy social amenities. Children have to walk long distances to access schools. There are no health facilities and residents have to purchase household goods in bulk for lack of shops.

Impact assessment

As a way of improving settlement in the region, an environmental impact assessment has to be done to determine a way of conserving the environment within the County.

However, few people from the community along Maragoli Hills have established a community forest association which has plans for a sustainable management and utilization of Maragoli Hills.

The plan proposes three broad use zones.

Zone 1: Agroforestry/residential, most of which is trust land that covers Muguva, Dabwongo and Ludonyi villages. The plan recognises that people are legally residing here although some families have spread into the gazetted forest zone. The second zone is for Conservation/protection. This is the most fragile, highly depleted area that is the source of rivers and streams and is gazetted as forest land. The third is the utilization zone gazetted as forest area which neighbours adjacent villages.

Secretary of the association, Mr Samuel Munene, says deforestation has had a negative impact which has forced them to reforest the area.

“The environment is worsening by the day.

We no longer experience adequate rainfalls, soils are infertile and erosion is taking place.

This has left tracts of land with huge rocks where no farming can be carried out,” says Munene. He explains: “Rocks rolling from

the hills pose a danger to the residents and children who bypass the hills on their way to school.”

Though the rehabilitation idea is opposed by some residents living along the hills who always uproot planted trees, Munene says the group is putting more effort and with the assistance of the government, afforestation will take place.

A member of the rehabilitation committee Mr Nebert Auke Odanga, says they are not bothered with the opposing team since they will have to accept the changes since tree planting will continue even in their occupied land which will force them out when they grow big.

Among trees being planted in the area include gravellier and other exotic species after research is carried out by Kenya Forest Research Institute.

Evolved government

During the referendum, Kenyans massively voted for the Constitution with high expectations of changing the laws.

Among the changes yearned for was the creation of a devolved government whose main objective is to give power of self governance to the people and enhance the participation of the people making decisions affecting them among others.

The changes will rise through the establishment of county governments which com-

“The environment is worsening by the day. We no longer experience adequate rainfalls, soils are infertile and erosion is taking place. This has left tracts of land with huge rocks where no farming can be carried out.”

— Samuel Munene, Secretary, Maragoli community forest association

prises a total of 47 counties in the country. It is through the counties that the government will ensure equitable sharing of all resources.

The society expects more from County formation but Vihiga County has less to rejoice about. The County comprises of four constituencies that is Sabatia, Vihiga, Emuhaya and Hamisi.

Unlike other Counties which will benefit highly having well conserved natural features, well equipped educational institutions, factories and modern agricultural activities, Vihiga County has nothing apart from Mbale hospital, Sabatia eye hospital and a minor tea factory at Mudete.

Due to low production of food within the county, foodstuff will have to be imported from the neighbouring counties to sustain its people.

Conservation of the environment is very crucial in that there should be transformation of agroforestry into economic growth towards reducing poverty levels since deforestation mostly in water catchment areas has reduced rainfall.

According to Sabatia District Forestry Officer, Mrs Helen Shikuku, deforestation of Maragoli Forest has resulted in harsh environmental consequences both in Western and Nyanza provinces. “Adequate rainfall is no longer experienced,” says Shikuku.

Rehabilitation

However, the Ministry of Forestry is trying to rehabilitate the Maragoli Hills and different environmental conservation measures have been taken which include educating locals on the importance of environmental conservation.

A tree planting project being undertaken in schools in the region.

Shikuku says that the trees act as income generating activities in schools since the seedlings are sold to willing buyers at KSh5.

20

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Mission sets out to help vulnerable women and children

By ABISAI AMUGUNE Gilbert Kilong’i, is a Form Two student at Masaba Friends Secondary School in Trans-Nzoia County. He is lucky to be pursuing his education despite having lost both parents.

The story is the same for Wilfred Nyangeri of Bishop Anyolo Secondary School in Bungoma County who was admitted in Form One this year.

Also not left out in this scheme of things is Joan Sirenje of Kabuyefwe Girls’ Secondary School now in Form Two struggling to empower herself just like other children who have their school fees paid for by their parents.

And for Jane Nanjala, 45, who lost her husband through Aids in 1990, life is normal after she decided to live positively with the disease.

Nanjala’s only nightmare is her son Solomon Nabachanja who dropped out of Misikhu Friends Secondary School due to lack of school fees. However, Nanjala who is an affiliate of the 22 member Widow of Mercy Group based at Kiminini Township in Trans-Nzoia County is able to cultivate her two acre farm with all the applied farming technology.

On her side, Rose Simiyu is spiritually nourished and is at the forefront in leading others in socio-economic, cultural and political development of the community.

All these gains can be attributed to Bishop Raymond Mutama, of the Universal Fellow Organisation (UFO), an non-government organisation founded in 1999 based on spiritual and faith grounds. The Universal Fellowship Organisation is based in Kiminini, Kitale.

Mutama, who is the head of the organisation concedes that the church is well placed to propagate for better lives owing to its unwavering stand of faith-

fulness.

After retiring from the public service where he worked as a specialist in children’s affairs in Lugari District in 1999, Mutama did not see an end to attending to the plight of the vulnerable in society.

Having interacted with the poor in the community, the prelate saw it wise to invest in capacity building with the community in the larger Trans Nzoia region.

Activities

The programmes run by UFO include pastoral and spiritual training, education, humanity, health and HIV/Aids, mobilisation as well as capacity building and child and human rights advocacy. The organisation also carries out civic education.

In the pipeline is the introduction of environmental, water and sanitation programme which Mutama expects to be given support by both local and international sponsors and other well-wishers. This requires about KSh2 million.

Courtesy of Mutama, a total of 20 orphans in secondary schools will each be get KSh5,000 while 35 pupils in primary schools will receive school uniforms.

The widows will be provided with free farm inputs for the 2011 cropping season. With the

current planting season, Nanjala will benefit from maize seeds and fertilizer.

The coordinator of Kiminini Divisional Positive Organization (KIDIPO), a subsidiary of UFO, Mr Solomon Nakitare says his group which has 21 affiliates is planning to add nutritional value to Aids widows to enable them participate in development activities.

“If I can plough and have food in — Jane Nanjala, farmer the house to feed my family then I have no problems. Having a man or a husband is not a solution to my problems,” says Nanjala a mother of six children.

KIDIPO is currently involved in an exercise of basic health by distributing packages to those living with Aids which include treated nets against malaria, bottle water, condoms and relevant information materials. The group Kiyiapi said the Government will not allow any also conducts therapy sessions student to attack, molest or bully their peers. He and table banking. warned that stern legal action will be taken against UFO’s contribution to the deanyone found violating the rights of the other. velopment of the community has However, the PS blamed laxity and ignorance on earned them recognition from parents and teachers in discussing sexual matters both Government and private with students. He pointed an accusing finger at social sector. In the last financial year, media saying it is corrupting the minds of the young the National Aids Council (NAC) children and their morals. gave the organisation KSh300,000 The PS was reacting following a sexual attack over for mobile VCT testing in Saba Form One student of Ngaru Secondary School by oti Constituency and another two of her seniors after she rejected the overture to KSh350,000 for Cherangany join a lesbian club in the school.

Constituency.

The two girls were later arrested and arraigned in An approved KSh700,000 court where they were charged with two counts of budget by NAC for the current sexual abuse. fiscal year is yet to be released.

The girls, in Form Three and Form Four were reAMREF are other sponsors of leased on a cash bail of KSh30,000 when their case will UFO’s operations. be heard on June 7 this year.

According to Mutama, UFO The PS at the same time called for counselling for is set to integrate HIV/Aids acthe affected girls pointing out that they need psychotivities in Kwanza District with logical support. community-based units each

“If I can plough and have food in the house to feed my family then I have no problems. Having a man or a husband is not a solution to my problems.”

Ministry warns against queer behaviour in schools

By CAROLINE WANGECHI Homosexuality, lesbianism and drug abuse are said to be a major challenge in the education sector and all stakeholders should join hands in addressing the issue.

Speaking at Ebenezer College in Kutus town, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Prof Joseph ole Kiyiapi condemned the sexual attack of a Form One girl in Ngaru Secondary School in Kirinyaga Central District.

The PS who was addressing the press at warned that the ministry would not allow anti-social behaviour to prevail in learning institutions.

“It is shocking that homosexuality and lesbianism has penetrated learning institutions. Anti-social behaviour should be nipped in the bud before it destroys the children,” observed Kiyiapi.

He added: “Management in learning institutions should be alert over the vice that is manifesting itself slowly in schools and strengthen guidance and counselling.”

Beneficiaries of the charity programme receiving donations. The Universal Fellow Organization has had a positive impact on the lives of orphans and widows in Trans-Nzoia district.

Pictures: Abisai Amugune consisting of 5,000 members.

The NGO is focusing on behaviour change among married couples, outreach programmes on orphans and vulnerable children, nutrition and income-generating activities and people living with HIV. “We are not only targeting our church members but the community as a whole,” Mutama said.

According to statistics, Aids-related death rates in Trans-Nzoia county stands at 6.4 percent. Married couples are the majority among those infected.

Trans-Nzoia NAC district coordinator, Mr Peter Kimani says sour relationship among married couples is what has led to increased cases of Aids related deaths.

Kimani says the faith-based organizations have a big role in disseminating the correct information on HIV/Aids. Kimani gave the example of a case where a born-again girl kept secret her rape ordeal and went ahead to wed a man in church and later infected him with AIDS, leading to their deaths.

The deaths could have been avoided if the girl had gone for testing. UFO has, however, survived against a myriad of challenges. Inadequate resources to implement its programmes have been the major hindrance.

Poverty levels among communities, HIV/ Aids prevalence rate of new infections, sexual and gender based violence among minors as well as stigma and discrimination among people living with Aids have also been identified as setbacks.

UFO’s programme officer, Mr Edward Wekesa says the organisation has embarked on rural water, sanitation and poverty integration intervention project to fight the high rate of water-borne diseases.

“Since water is life, a sick person cannot walk long distances in search of the commodity hence affecting his/her socio-economic performance,” he explained. The water can be tapped from Mt. Elgon by force of gravity.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

21

Malindi Council chokes under a garbage of inefficiency

By KIGONDU NDAVANO In nearly every corner of the tourist resort of Malindi, the once clean filtered air of the sea breezes from the Indian Ocean remains tainted.

The air comes with a haze of smoke, sometime thick sometimes light, but highly irritating to residents and visitors.

The smell of burning rubber and plastic is too familiar in the air for the area residents.

Heaps of garbage remain in the waste stores for too long. To sort it out, volunteers set fire on the heaps sending smoke across the town and into the lungs of all the residents.

“I have long forgotten the nice morning breeze which I would savour every morning,” says Beatrice Wal, standing outside her house where a heap of garbage some 20 metres away has been sending fumes into the entire Ngala Phase II Estate that belongs to the Malindi Municipal Council.

“Day and night, all types of waste including burning tyres is forced into our lungs,” says Ronald Ngala who also lives in the estate.

Heaps of garbage in Malindi is eating into roads. Sometimes, the situation is so bad that for days a haze is created across the town. The residents consider themselves lucky that they are not in hospital for respiratory ailments.

Near the Malindi Lawfords Beach Club Hotel and the Star Hospital, the last time the guests and the patients breathed in clean air could be more than a year ago, says Lucy Njeri who stays in an apartment near the hospital. The heap of garbage at the Malindi Ginnery had burned slowly for nearly a year.

“Within the last five months, I have made a call to the superintendent in charge of garbage collection at the council almost everyday to demand that they put off the fire on the garbage heap near Malindi ginnery to no avail,” says Mr Steve Mungai, executive manager Lawfords Beach Hotel.

“Our guests are frequently disturbed by the smoke fumes which send a pungent smell into the hotel rooms. I wish the garbage store could be removed from here completely,” observes Mungai.

Irony

Interestingly, it is the hotel management which refurbished the garbage stores in Malindi town just for them to be turned into open garbage fires.

Mohammed Ali who has observed Malindi standards of cleanliness deteriorate says: “The fact that some of the most essential organs of the Malindi Municipal Council are not in the cemetery is a surprise.” His summary of things: “Service delivery to rate payers has deteriorated and unless rescue packages are put in place, the worst could befall the tourist resort.”

John Karisa, a member of a lobby group supporting community participation in town clean up campaigns says: “Like a patient whose body parts have been pitilessly consumed by leprosy of negligence and mismanagement, the council may be slowly but surely staggering towards its grave.” He adds: “Many of its departments are graveyards of non-serviceable equipment.”

Says Karisa: “Garbage collection somehow goes on, but as the overworked groups of permanent and casual workers struggle to manually clear one garbage heap hurrying to the next, the one they cleared first is already overflowing with a fire already consuming the garbage.”

But as the smoke covers Malindi town which has within the last two months enjoyed full bookings in its more than 40 hotels, Malindi Mayor Samson Mapinga remains unmoved.

Early last year, Mapinga exuded confidence as he launched a KSh9 million Kazi kwa Vijana garbage collection project. Since then, he has not been seen much.

Members of the Malindi Green Town Movement, an environmental lobby group are worried the garbage department is about to collapse.

According Mr Godfrey Karume, chairman of the Malindi Green Town Movement, the organization is responsible for more than 30 garbage chambers built in the town 15 years ago. Today, they are an eye sore as they have been turned into furnaces for burning garbage.

The Malindi Town Hall is also not spared from suffering the garbage heap. When diverted from entering the Town Hall, a glance beyond the building is a junkyard, full of ugly remains of various things from abandoned building materials to termite consumed and disintegrating kiosks and banda.

Inside the Town Hall and in the wing mostly frequented by the public, the rates and cash office walls look aged. The true colour of the last layer of paint struggles to dominate an older coat as it peels away. Dust and cobwebs are clear on several corners of the rooms.

Accessing one important facility that is the public male sanitation facilities in one wing of the Hall is not easy. Once inside the double lavatory and single urinal dark room, a visitor has to tip toe as the floor whose colour lies between black and green is flooded with some dark fluid whose ingredients one would rather avoid guessing about.

The fire station and the general workshop and yard of the Malindi Municipal Council is a disaster which has happened but is still building pressure and could soon explode to total disintegration.

For many months now, Malindi Municipal Council has been having cash management crisis with various projects being abandoned half-

A garbage heap in Malindi town that has become an eyesore and health hazard to the area residents. Below: A yard where the council’s grounded vehicles lie in disrepair.

Picture: Kigondu Ndavano

way while essential services such as garbage collection and soak pit emptying have deteriorated.

Inspection

Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro recently stormed the Council’s yard and fire station to inspect facilities and equipment in the wake of reports that operations at the Town Hall were grinding to a halt. He and a group of civic leaders who accompanied him expressed shock at how closer to the grave the Council was.

Mun’garo expressed shock on learning that 14 vehicles and two tractors were all grounded at different stages of deterioration. “It is sad to see that the fire engine, two Land Rovers, a rapid response fire engine, seven garbage collection lorries, two ambulances, two pickups, a Suzuki four-wheel drive and two tractors now lie here in a dilapidated state.”

The Mayor conveniently failed to attend the inspection tour. However, Malindi Deputy Mayor, Mr Fuad Rudein who attended the inspection tour said the Council had been forced

“Garbage collection somehow goes on, but as the overworked groups of permanent and casual workers struggle to manually clear one garbage heap hurrying to the next, the one they cleared first is already overflowing with a fire already consuming the garbage.”

— John Karisa, member of a lobby group

to hire two private trucks at a cost of KSh4.8 million in the past 10 months to help in garbage collection. “We are now forced to hire two trucks at a cost KSh16,000 daily to help in garbage collection because of the serious shortage of trucks,” he said.

A private mechanic Mr Mohammed Boraafya whose contract to repair the various council vehicles was cancelled without explanation early last year however insisted that the Council was able to facilitate some of the repairs but there was a lot of objections from the some chief officers who refused to approve any proposals.

During the tour, Malindi MP demanded that the mechanic to revive some of the vehicles and the next day two FAW lorries were on the road with a mere bill of KSh35,000. On the third day, two tractors and the two lorries were on the road.

“But in unclear circumstances they are back to the yard, this time not over mechanical problems but minor spare parts courtesy of wear and tear problems,” says Boraafya.

An annoyed Mung’aro gave the Council a one month ultimatum to have the vehicles repaired or else he would be forced to seek a ministerial statement from Parliament for the council to show cause why they bought new trucks that were not in good condition.

“It is strange that new vehicles can breakdown in a period of less than three years,” observed Mung’aro. The legislator also threatened to bring the Local Authorities Fund committee to probe the implementation of funding allocated to the council. Mung’aro promised to have the CDF repair fire engines.

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ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

Use girl guiding as a foundation for empowering girls, urges minister

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Special Programmes Minister, Ms Esther Murugi has urged the society to view the woman as a powerful agent of social transformation.

The minister said it was disheartening to note that despite the existence of powerful organisations dedicated to women, there are still many barriers to women’s empowerment especially in Kenya.

Special transformation

“Our society needs to start seeing the woman not just as a recipient of help but as a powerful agent of social transformation. The role of movements such as Kenya Girl Guides should be appreciated,” said Murugi. She added: “This is because through the association, girls have found a home that cultivates friendships and values as well as life skills, esteem lessons besides teaching them responsibility.”

“Women need to be empowered economically, socially and politically in terms of education

attainment, health and their general well being,” reiterated Murugi.

She added: “Indeed, it has been proven that countries that do not capitalise on the full potential of women are misallocating their human resources and undermining their competitive potential.”

The minister urged the association to ensure that young girls grow up knowing that they have the potential to make their future bright as a long as they make the right decisions.

Murugi was speaking during the centenary celebrations of International Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting at Nyeri Technical Training Institute. Over 2,000 girl guides, both local and international attended a colourful centenary rally.

The girl guides drawn from various institutions including primary and high schools were attending the Kenya Girl Guides Association Centenary rally which was a culmination of four day activities conducted in Nyeri and Nairobi areas.

Visitors came from as far as Rwanda, South

Africa, the Caribbean, Santa Lucia and Madagascar among many other countries.

Some girl guides who attended the meeting have been in the organisation for more than 60 years.

The Trefoil Guild of Kenya hosted the celebrations which brought the girl guides together to share and experience the true meaning of guiding.

Centenary celebration

The Kenya Girl Guides Association joined the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in celebrating 100 years of International Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.

This year’s theme was “Grow to empower girls to change the world”.

Murugi was the chief guest during the celebrations which started with the visit at PAXTU place at the prestigious Outspan Hotel and the grave of the founder and the world chief guide Lady Baden Powell where they laid wreaths.

She urged the guides to ensure that as they

Girl guides pose with Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi (third right) at Nyeri Technical Training Institute during the centenary celebrations.

Picture: Joseph Mukubwa begin the next century in guiding and they should prepare a better place for their daughters and granddaughters to have a better place to explore their potential.

Earlier, there was a camp for the guides at Temple Road Primary and Secondary School and DEB Primary School which was attended by many guides, rangers and young leaders.

Others present included the World Board Member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Ms Wamuyu Mahinda, Trefoil Guide International Forum Chairman Ms Honorine Kiplagat, Kenya Girl Guides AssociationTrefoil Guide chairman, Ms Brenda Goodman and Central Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Ms Ann Ng’etich.

Report faults unemployment for youth disenchantment

By OMWA OMBARA A report on the role of ICTs in advancing governance has been released. The report termed “Media and the National Accord” and released

by Africa Peace Forum seeks to promote governance in post election violence in Kenya through awareness and understanding among citizens.

The report seeks to promote democratic governance to ensure that the violence does not recur in future.

The survey

According to the study carried out between March and November 2009 and 2010, audiences today have a wide variety to choose from in terms of content and language. Radio was established as the most accessible and affordable form of ICT in Kenya. Over 90 per cent of Kenyans own radios.

Television, though a popular media and despite the increased growth in the number of stations in the last 10 years still registered limited access. Other recommended effective ICTs were SMSs, blogs, internet and other social networks.

A violent conflict hit Kenya from late December 2007 to February 2008 following a hotly disputed presidential election. The violence spread rapidly to six out of eight regions of the country.

Approximately 1300 people died and 650,000 people, mostly women and children, were dis-

placed from their farms and homes. The unrest that followed resulted in international mediation through the African Union in consultation with the United Nations. This gave birth to the National Accord after a negotiation deal chaired by former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan and his panel of Eminent African Personalities.

The youth in the country make 75 per cent of the population and with such a huge number should use their voting majority to make the changes they desire in voting credible leaders faithful to their values. The report reveals that youth took a larger part in the violence because they were unemployed.

It was noted that some politicians had taken advantage of unemployed youth to form militias and that the Government was yet to address the issue. It says that even though the Government tried to provide jobs to the youth as earlier promised by politicians prior to elections, this did not succeed. Majority of the youth who showed up for the Kazi kwa Vijana project failed the interviews because most had dropped out of school. Notwithstanding that most of these jobs were manual jobs that did not require high levels of literacy.

The report indicates that information from Mohammed Kuti, Youth Affairs Minister on a TV talk revealed that by 2007, 13,500 youth and more than 4,000 groups had received money for various income generating projects.

Participants said that youth needed skills, not just money. The Government was asked to nominate youth to leadership positions.

The report revealed that the Government had not fulfilled its promises to the youth by providing 600,000 jobs and a 24hour working nation —issues which had dominated the 2007 election campaigns.

Roles of media

Commissioner Halakhe Waqo who represented the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) noted that Agenda Four is the heart and centre of national peace and security in Kenya. He NCIC Commissioner Halakhe Waqo receives said politicians have taken Kenya hostage the report on media and the national accord and it was the role of the media to educate during the launch. Picture: Omwa Ombara the public to assume their responsibility.

The report is an audit of how far the Rural youth, who make up the majority of media covered Agenda Four which adyoung people in the country must be empowdresses unemployment among the youth, land ered by engaging them in activities channelled reforms, poverty, inequality and regional imbaltowards reconciliation efforts and nation buildances as well as national cohesion and integraing. This can be done through use of mobile tion. It also addresses constitutional, institutional phones and interactive internet forums. and legal reforms.

The survey was carried out in 2,800 houseThe report submits that while the governholds in Mumias, Kisii, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kerument targets to tackle issues on Agenda Four, isgoya, Isiolo and Mombasa. The study was sues raised in Agenda One, especially addressing funded by Canada’s International Development the existence of armed groups, all of them comResearch Centre. prising youth have been swept under the carpet.

ISSUE 040, May 16-31, 2011

23

Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth

New breed of beggars invade Mombasa

By BARWAQO ARESS Along the busy Digo Road which stretches about a kilometre are four beggars displaying horrifying wounds, two children, one with elephantiasis on one leg and another who is not only stunted but also epileptic.

Beside them are conveniently displayed begging bowls with a few coins and notes thrown into them by well wishers.

These form part of a population of beggars that Mombasa residents are worried about. The town’s residents have expressed concern over the increasing number of beggars masquerading as blind and deaf individuals seeking sympathy from the public. It has also emerged that bogus people have infiltrated the town claiming to be afflicted by various disabilities such as blindness.

Business people, motorists and pedestrians all agree that bogus beggars were becoming a nuisance, an eyesore and a security risk as thugs have infiltrated them.

A businessman in the coastal town, Mr Peter Kahindi, says this increasing trend of begging for money in the streets is annoying and urged the local municipal council to clear the streets of the beggars.

Genuine cases

However, the beggars have their story. Like the case of Mwanaidi Aisha who opted to beg because she has got a large family but no other means of survival. Mwanaidi, who has been raped on several occasions because she could not defend herself due to blindness called on the Government to look for better ways of protecting them.

Abubakar Ali, a matatu driver says beggars are common in Saba Saba and Buxton areas. He observes that most of the blind and physically challenged beggars storm the streets because of negligence by their immediate families.

“I think the problem is with their families which have not accepted them for who they are.

If they were accepted we would not be seeing them here,” he notes.

Also outraged by the beggars menace is Ms Pamela Wamalwa who says most of them looked physically healthy and should find alternative ways of earning a living.

“Everybody is facing economic difficulties but they should make a choice not to go to the streets,” says Wamalwa. She observes: “They could even volunteer to carry out odd jobs such as washing people’s clothes for a fee.”

Until a year ago, droves of begging families patronised shops within the central business district on Fridays to solicit hand-outs from Muslims who are more generous on this day.

However, due to the harsh economic times, the beggars are now roaming the streets daily to ensure maximum proceeds.

Begging business

Subsequently, begging is now a thriving business in Mombasa since a larger percentage of residents are Muslims whose religion demands that they share with the less fortunate members of society so as to try to bridge the gap between the poor and rich.

The art of begging in the town is now deeply entrenched that shop owners now strategically place plastic containers on their counters for dishing out coins to the stream of beggars calling on them from start to close of business.

Rising competition occasioned by new entrants in the business has necessitated beggars who reside in townships such as Kaloleni, Mariakani, Mazeras, Miritini and Mikindani to come in two days early so as to earn a reasonable amount.

www.mediadiversityafrica.org

Street beggars in various towns in the country. A new breed of beggars has hit Mombasa city with many of them coming from far flung areas within Coast Province to ask for alms. Pictures: Reject correspondent The beggars start arriving on Wednesday evening by train which charges KSh50 to town while the matatu fare is KSh100. Upon arrival, most of them who are accompanied by their elderly spouses or children spend the night on shop pavements.

Popular areas for the beggars include the pavement near the Blue Room Restaurant and Zedsons Electronic shop where they spread their gunny bags and spend the night so that by Thursday they will already be on their mission.

By day break on Friday, most of the beggars are already not less than KSh500 richer while some of their colleagues who arrive later find them in business and stroll from one premise to the next to catch up.

Mwanarusi Mutinda who comes all the way from the outskirts of Mariakani town, about 40 kilometres away says arriving a day or two earlier is not enough for carrying out a successful begging mission since one has to also appear needy and be in the black Muslim veil for women popularly known as ‘buibui’ and for the men the robe known as ‘kanzu’.

“These are very important garments for this business as one has to appear to be a Muslim faithful so as to appeal to the benefactors who usually feel obliged to help a fellow faithful who is less endowed than them,” explains Mutinda.

Her colleague Aisha Maluki says another strategy is to tag along two or three children so as to appeal to female givers who are usually more generous when they see children in need.

Others say a successful beggar also has to adorn in well-worn clothes which may necessarily not be tattered but dirty enough to create the impression that one is very poor.

A middle aged woman says that she has been forced into begging as she has not been able to harvest any meaningful crop from her one acre farm in Mazeras. She was introduced into begging by a cousin who assured her that she would be getting at least KSh200 a day.

The woman intimated that most of the beggars were not that poor and their benefactors would not believe if they were to see some of

them during weddings and other social gatherings since they would be in smart outfits and shoes unlike their ‘working clothes’.

However Sheikh Mohamed Salih Bahasad of Sheikh Nurein Mosque says although Islam encourages compassion and mercy towards the poor, the art of begging is frowned upon since it breeds a culture of dependence.

He says those who constantly beg will be raised up on the day of judgment bare faced for shamelessly asking for alms from faithful.

“This underscores the fact that begging should not be taken as a habit,” observes Bahasad.

Feeding centre

Former Mombasa Town Clerk Tubmun Otieno says although the municipality introduced a feeding centre at Mji wa Wazee in Tudor Estate and the Tononoka Day Care Centre to rehabilitate street families and discourage the destitute from roaming the streets and begging, but the habit continues.

The feeding centre also holds orphans and abandoned children, but whenever they are round up and taken there, they escape and return to the streets. He blames the rise in crime to the hordes of street families and notes that most of the criminals are young boys who graduated from the streets as innocent children.

“As a result of increasing poverty some families allow their children to eke out a living in the streets,” laments Otieno.

The department of children’s services in Coast Province has put on notice parents who exploit their children by sending them to the streets to beg. Provincial Director of Children Services Mr Morris Tsuma warns that the children will not only be rounded off from the streets but their parents will be bonded to ensure they keep them at home.

“Children have no business begging on the streets since they should be attending school by taking advantage of the free primary education,” says Tsuma.

Although no official statistics were available on the number of street children in the region,

“Although Islam encourages compassion and mercy towards the poor, the art of begging is frowned upon since it breeds a culture of dependence.”

— Sheikh Mohamed Salih Bahasad, Mombasa resident

Executive Director: Rosemary Okello-Orlale Programme Coordinator: Wilson Ugangu Editor: Jane Godia Sub-Editors: Florence Sipalla and Mercy Mumo Designer: Noel Lumbama Contributors: Harun Hussein, Abjata Khalif, Hussein Dido, Ajanga Khayesi, Wesley Gitahi, Faith Muiruri, John Syengo, Caroline Wangechi, Macharia Mwangi, Barwaqo Aress, Jeff Mwangi, David Sirengo, Waikwa Maina, John Ndirangu, Kariuki Mwangi, Omondi Gwengi, Joel Juma, Malachi Motano, Paul Mwaniki, Nzinga Muasya, Joseph Mukubwa, Abisai Amugune, Kigondu Ndavano, Mercy Kahenda and Omwa Ombara.

the department in collaboration with the Mombasa Municipal Council, the Street Families’ Rehabilitation Trust and UNICEF have in place a programme that will ensure they clear them from the streets.

The official said that investigations have revealed that the children accompany their parents for begging missions from townships such as Mariakani, Mazeras and Kaloleni among other suburbs.

“The establishment of a drop in centre at Tononoka Social Hall where the street children can access food and recreation in addition to learning some skills to make them economically independent has gone a long way in pulling most of them away from glue sniffing and criminal lives,” explains Tsuma.

Rehabilitation

Under this program, about 150 street children have been sponsored to various technical training at the Christian Industrial Training College (CITC) in Buxton where it is hoped that they will learn life skills that will enable them lead a more productive life away from the streets.

The Council has also partnered with donors to rehabilitate some buildings at the Nyumba ya Wazee area in Tudor with a view to establish accommodation and rehabilitation facilities for the street children. Tsuma said the District Advisory Councils (DAC) which are chaired by District Commissioners (DCs) will be trained regularly on their mandate so as to understand and play their role effectively.

The District Children’s Officer, Mrs Rose Mumbo said Mombasa town alone hosts about 300 street families in the CBD alone, and that some of the beggars have been known to ‘borrow’ even their neighbour’s children for these missions.

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