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Residents protest hike in water tariffs

AUGUST, 2021

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AUGUST, 2021

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Governor Joseph ole Lenku with Oloolaiser MD Dickson Ntikoisa during a visit to Kiserian dam. Photo/Obegi Malack Inset: Oloolaiser Water Company plant in Kiserian. File photo »» Turn to page 2

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The untold story of pioneers of Kajiado North major towns

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

O

ngata Rongai, Kiserian and Ngong towns are major towns in Kajiado North constituency Kajiado County with now a population of more than 300,000 people, according to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing

HEALTH ISSUES

Kiserian residents get new hospital »»

Page 4

Census.

The growth of Ongata Rongai town can be traced to 1920s when the first families settled in the area. The families identified as the first to settle in Rongai are the Peres, Nakeel, Gicharisha, Gitau, Moijoi, ole Megenyo, Pasha, Moiyae and his brothers.

Joshua Nakeel, 77, a grandson of the

late Nakeel still has a picture of what transpired in those years. He says the town was occupied by a few families who later invited their friends from as far as Central Kenya to graze in their lands.

»»

Turn to page 3

Joshua Nakeel, 77, grandson, shows a picture of patriarch Nakeel. Photo/Obegi Malack

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE

FASHION & BEAUTY

ENVIRONMENT

Tuala residents repair road, fault govt

Tips to ensure you are always stylish

Church gets involved in Kitengela waste woes

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Page 5

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The Metropolitan Shopper

Kajiado West, North cry foul over hiked water tariffs

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

Residents of Kajiado North and Kajiado West constituencies started paying higher tariffs for water since July 2021 after Water Services Regulatory Board approved Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company proposals to have tariff for the period 2021/2022 adjusted.

The Company Managing Director Dickson Ntikoisa said Public consultation was carried out in accordance to the law for tariff adjustment.

He said the new tariffs would ensure the company revenue grows, adding that the increase is necessary to enable it meet growing operations cost.

The highest tariff is for Domestic Single dwelling for 7-20 cubic metres whose tariff was increased from Sh80 to Sh115.

Commercial industry 1-50 cubic metres, bills went up from the previous Sh104 to Sh115 among other adjustiments.

“The old tariff rates do not match the ever recurrent and operational costs,” the MD said during the water company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July, 2021, adding: “We have been affected by Covid-19 and destruction of 14 Kms of our water supply by contractors undertaking road works under KeRRA and the County Government.”

He said the company had partially suspended water bills for low income earners users and some consumers stopped paying for services.

“This affected operational including ac-

crued electricity bills, delayed staff salaries and operation and maintenance of pipeline network,” he said.

The company has challenges of paying for electricity and has seen KPLC cut off power often. However, Kajiado Water and Irrigation County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Michael Semera said the company has electricity arrears due to reluctance of customers affected by Covid-19 to pay for water bills.

The company revenues from operating

activities in the year 2019/2020 reduced marginally by 16%, he added.

He said the county government has allocated Sh13 million to help in setting up solar system to reduce electricity bills.

Semera also defended the company on non-payment of rent arrears, saying the company has no issue with the landlord in Isalu building where its headquarters is based and that it will move to its new premises under construction along Gataka road.

However, some sources had indicated

Oloolaiser MD Dickson Ntikoisa with new Board of Directors. Photo/ Obegi Malack

SEPTEMBER, 2021

the landlord had been demanding rent arrears and has several times closed doors to demand the company clear the arrears before they move out.

Country Secretary Francis Sakuda said the company should change tact to get more revenue, adding that it should invest in getting more water.

“The company will generate more than Sh10 million per month from Ngong SGR Tunnel -Kimuka Water supply. It will deliver 150m3 per hour to customers,” he noted.

The residents will also benefit from ongoing Nairobi Satellite Towns Water and Sanitation Development Programme as 10 new boreholes will be drilled. Other plans include rehabilitation of 6 existing boreholes, construction of 205 kilometres of pipelines and construction of 3 new storage tanks to provide additional 7,500m3 per day.

Under Covid-19 emergency programme through Nairobi Metropolitan Services, 5 new boreholes were drilled with elevated water tanks and pipeline extensions was done.

This will provide additional 950m3 per day.

The company through funding from World Bank under Ministry of Water has done feasibility study and designs for the construction of Ngong Hills Springs to supply water and additional 7,220m3 per day to serve 72,200 people in Ngong and Matasia areas.

There are proposals for Kerarapon springs to also provide additional water and the company is consulting with the ministry and Athi Water Works Development Agency on the proposal. The outgoing board chair Patrick Mugo said the company intends to pursue investment in sewerage projects in the Ngong Municipality. “These will require an estimated of over Sh5 billion,” he said.

During the AGM the members ratified appointment of new board of directors. The board consists of Meshack Ngare Ondieki, Patrick Githaiga, Joan Mithian, Purity Shimaloi and Kaakua Julius.

Church becomes part of solution to Kitengela waste mess

By Michael Opiyo St. Monica Catholic Church has become the first church in Kajiado County to set sights on waste management and partner with Taka ni Mali initiative in collaboration with the County Government of Kajiado to help address waste woes.

The church took the initiative after it was recognized as the pioneer in clean-up of Kitengela Town to control outbreak of diseases such as cholera arising from the disposal of waste in the wrong places.

The partnership with church comes as a way of creating awareness about waste management in Kitengela Town and across the County said Partron of Taka ni Mali, Mary Ngechu who is spearheading the project. It is a pilot partnership project in waste management involving Kitengela dumping site.

“Taka ni Mali have partnered with St. Monica Catholic Church in Kajiado County so that we are able to create awareness and train people stop dumping waste anywhere but to understand waste management that will also be source of income,” noted Ngechu.

She was speaking during the launchof partnership with St. Monica Catholic Church recently. The church and county government have formed County Waste Management Entrepreneurship Hub that has created opportunities among the youths and women groups in the society.

At the same time, the initiative has also introduced a digital platform of collecting waste from the homestead. They will be getting bonga points and cash back for the people to value waste management.

“We have introduced a mobile App known as Taka ni Mali App, so that a homestead can be able to call for waste collection and so far in Kajiado County we have a team of over 450 people we are working with in 15 different groups of youths and women,” Ngechu explained.

The Taka ni Mali patron who was accompanied by Kajiado County First Lady Ednah Lenku, the ambassador of Environment and Taka ni Mali initiative in the

County noted: “You can be able to call the team across the County using the Mobile App, a smartphone or sms for those who don’t have a smartphone for the team to come and collect recyclable waste. We are able to convert the recyclable waste as reuseable raw materials and take them back to the industries,” The First Lady urged Kajiado County residents to take the initiative positively saying it will eradicate waste and also em-

Partron of Taka ni Mali Mary Ngechu (left) with Kajiado County First Lady Ednah Lenku during the launch of Taka ni Mali initiative partnership with St. Monica Catholic Church in Kitengela recently.

Photo/Michael Opiyo

‘

Taka ni Mali have partnered with St. Monica Catholic Church in Kajiado County so that we are able to create awareness and train people to stop dumping waste anywhere and understand that waste management will also be source of income.

- Ngechu.

power youths and women.

“Remember it’s our responsibility to ensure our environment is always clean that begins at the homestead.This is the best way to take care for this world for me, you and furture generations,” said Ednah.

Simone Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer said Wee Centre, is one of the partners with a mission to secure green and safe environment to the provision of safe waste management. “They will be collecting electric wasteto recycle it and make it reuseable” he added.

Fr. Rev. Felix Omokaya of St. Monica Catholic Church in his sermon, applauded the initiative saying that people can protect their health through ensuring clean environment in which each and everyone is responsible for waste management.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other organisations are among the partners to ensure the success of waste management in Kajiado County.

Currently, the initiative has so far installed waste recycling Hub at Kitengela dumping site.

The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

3

How colonial villages gave birth to Ongata Rongai, Ngong towns ....Continued from Page 1 The late Nakeel had a friend from Central, who was looking for pasture. He welcomed his friend who also invited friends and relatives,” he said.

Former Rongai Councillor Ruth Wakapa, 70, who was married to the Peres family when she was 16 years, said the other first families married among themselves since people were few.

Wakapa who was first elected woman councillor in 2002 says her forefather Pere was from Mouth Kenya Ndorobo who moved to Rongai looking for their people the Maasais. He settled in Ongata Rongai and married three wives and ensured that the first born children were educated.

Administration Ngong was in the colonial era an administrative centre where a British District Officer (DO) was stationed and was also in charge of Southern District ( Kajiado and Machakos).

“During the British colonial rule in Kenya the area around the Ngong Hills was a major settler farming region, and many traditional colonial houses are still seen in the area and Ngong serve as the headquarters,” Joshua said.

The British were against freedom fighters being fed by the local residents and thus they ordered the first families to live in villages.

The villages’ populations increased and are now towns such as Rongai and Kiserian.

Kikuyus were put in one village and the Maasais in another village their animals were guarded from freedom fighters by the Home Guards. The colonial police force used to guard the villages.

The kikuyu village was between Maasai Mall and Rongai Kenya Commercial Bank while the Maasai one was between Tumaini and Maasai Lodge stage; other Maasis were put in a village along Gataka road.

Kiserian was also a village created by the British and the Maasai community that lived around Oloosios were moved to Kiserian and Enoomatasian centre to allow easy administration . Other villages created included Oloolua.

“I remember one time a police officer shot two people dead, a home guard brother of my grandfather was a victim. He died in King George Hospital which is now Kenyatta Hospital. It is said that the officer pulled a trigger accidentally although the officers guns were always cocked,” Joshua recalls. The Home Guards used to stay in Rongai chief’s area where the community had put up the first stone house.

AUGUST, 2021 Nakeel was a member The late senior in Local Native Council, The colonial gov-

ernment established the councils in Kenya in 1924.To serve as a link between African people and the Central government, so as to involve Africans in the management of their affairs and to provide a forum through which Africans would express themselves.

Rongai was under paramount chief the late Iddi Hassan who lived in Bulbul before the late Nkoitiko took over Rongai with Tonito taking over Ngong.

The Olkejuado County Council was established in 1960s. The current Kajiado North had two wards Ngong North and South and the first councillor for Ngong South was late Kimani Kinuthia;(1974) Kaurrai was second councilor. Others were late David Gichuru

ply stones. They brought their workers from Njiru who were mainly Luos and Kambas.

The workers brought their families and put up camps in the area which attracted other small businessmen.

Joshua said the population of Kware grew too fast and quarry workers moved to Nkaimurunya (Gataka) when the mining work reduced. The quarrying work also led to growth of Gataka centre which is now mostly occupied by families of people who used to mine in quarries; the area also houses students from Co-operative University of Kenya.

Nakeel says the Gecharicha family put up the first shop in Ongata Rongai, He owned a lorry and used to bring items to sell from Ngong which was an administrative centre .

Education The first school to be built in Kajiado North was Kerarapon Primary School which was built in 1940, followed by Oloolua Primary and Ongata Ronkai Primary which opened its doors to students in 1948.

The community gave out land to put up a church Governor Joseph ole Lenku which was also with Muungano Women used as a school Group chair Ruth Wakapa (Ongata Ronkai during celebration of 25 years Primary).

The anniversary. Inset: Ongata church, the PresbyRonkai Primary that was started terian Church of East Africa, was started by in 1948. Photos/Obegi Malack missionaries from Scotland, most notable of whom was Dr John Arthur. who passed on in August 2021, Samuel Maina The school had one teacher who was also and Ruth Wakapa. a head teacher called Mr Melton father to KaThe first Member of Parliament for Ka- jiado South MP the later Geoffrey Parpai. jiado North constituency was late John Keen “A white person who lived in Karen who who served from 1969 before Philip Odupoy was director of a game reserve was against took over from 1983 until 1988 when George putting up of Ronkai primary,” Joshua recalls.

Saitoti was elected. Previously he had been He said the students were to interfere with nominated in 1983. Moses Sakuda was elect- wildlife but after several meetings the school ed in 2002-3 when Saitoti passed before the was opened in October, 1948. constituency was divided into West and East “The school had four classes, 1 to 4. The with Joseph Manje getting elected in North students later joined Oloolua intermediate from class eight and others joined Narok High Growth of Kware and Gataka School which was put up in 1962. It was the Kware centre which is now among highly only secondary school in Maasai land and it populated centres in Nkaimurunya Ward start- enrolled students from Maa Nation,” he said.

Thepeople Metropolitan Shopper ed as a mining centre in 1960s. Indian Olkejuado secondary was built later in were the first people to start a quarry to sup- 1965 to serve children from Kajiado County.

AUGUST, 2021

It started as a primary school.

“The British colonizers did not want African children to study beyond primary education. Many people studied to class eight and joined training institutions,” Joshua reminisces.

Wakapa was among the first female teachers in Ronkai Primary when the school had 40 students. She says she got employed as untrained teacher in 1966 by the government and later trained in 1969 in Iregi College Kakamega. She later moved to Lotoktok Primary.

In 1978 she resigned and received some money which she invested and started the first private school in Rongai, St Marks’ Academy.

Other private schools such as Olerai, Thorn Tree Academy were opened years later.

Transport and trade When the families settled in the Rongai, the area was considered as a wildlife area and the government did not consider putting up good roads. The Matatu stage for Rongai to Nairobi was in Multimedia University (Posta).

The first person to start public service transport was Thuo Wakioi and his bus operated from Kiserian to Nairobi. It used to do one trip per day. Others who operated PSV are Gichuki who bought a Nissan matatu. The government tarmacked the Magadi road between 1960 to 70 opening up the region for more investors.

“We used to take a vehicle in Ngong to Loitoktok where I was teaching, It used to take three days because the road was not tarmacked, we used Isinya route,” Wakapa says.

The Gicharisha family put up the first shop in Ongata Rongai in 1953. The family owned a lorry and used to bring items to sell from Ngong which was an administrative centre. Others who owned first shops are Karatha, Gitau, Melonye, Nakeel,Wainaina, Simon Pasha (Senior Chief Ngong) and Pere.

The first bank in the town was Ongata Rongai Kenya Commercial Bank; the community had given out land to put up a bank since business people used to transport money to Nairobi. Joshua, Roimen and Wakapa consulted Kayaya (Bank clerk) to negotiate with the bank management to set up the Rongai branch.

“I was the first person to open a bank account with KCB and used to deposit money from my Petrol business Total, which was the first petrol station in the town,” Wakapa recalls.

The town has now more than ten banks with a number of supermarkets and with tarmacking of several roads including the Gataka, Cleanshelf Gataka,Rimpa to Maasai Lodge roads the population is expected to double in a few years.

3 X

The Metropolitan Shopper

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The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

HEALTH ISSUES

Kiserian residents get new hospital - CentrumBerliner Medical Centre

Former MP Walter Nyambati, CentrumBerliner Medical Centre director Rachael Kerubo and staff during opening of the Medical Centre. Photo/ Obegi Malack

County government of Kajiado privatizes garbage collection in urban areas

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com Waste management in Kajiado County is set to change after the County Government privatized garbage collection in urban areas in a bid to improve on waste management in the county.

Kajiado County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, & Natural Resources Michael Semera said Kitengela, Ongata Rongai, Kiserian and Ngong are the towns whose garbage will now be collected by private garbage collectors.

Semera, who is now Finance CECM , said he had already signed the contract and the private collectors have begun collecting the garbage.

The county has been facing the challenge of gabbage collection in towns due to lack of enough machineries to manage the waste.

In Nkaimurunya Ward the county government cleared the Soko Mjinga trash and directed every trader to have dustbins and to dump waste directly to lorries.

“We have controlled the site and managed to clear the waste,” ward administrator Wilfred Ombasa said. He added the traders have cooperated in ensuring the site is clean and protected.

Chief Officer Environment and Natural Resources James Sankale said the clearing of the site will now force every-

Gargabe collection by a private firm in one of Ongata Rongai surburbs.

Photo/Obegi Malack one to manage his or her waste adding that a big percentage of the waste dumped along the roads and on the site is supposed to be collected by private collectors.

The county government has not yet come up with a new dumping site after closing the Ngong dumping site.

Garbage from towns in Kajiado North is transported to Dandora in Nairobi County.

In Ngong, the firm that was awarded the tender will collect garbage in Ngong town and Oloolua Ward centres.

In Rongai, the firm awarded the contract will collect garbage in Olekasasi A and B centres ,Rongai town, Kware and Gataka including Magadi road up to Kwekwe River.

In Kiserian, garbage will be collected in Kiserian town and Matasia.

The service provider will also collect garbage in Kitengela town, all markets and public parks within the town and take it to Kitengela dumpsite.

ies and outpatient services. Other services include ancillary services such as physiotherapy, nutrition and counselling.

Kajiado County Senator Phillip Mpayeei said the health centre is a great initiative in the area.

AUGUST, 2021 The Metropol He said the centre will ensure the community gets timely and efficient services.

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES “Many hospitals in Kiserian and the surrounding areas have few medical centres. They have no medicine and have poor services. Ensure that you provide professional services since you have facilities and staff,” he advised. He said pregnant women can get services closer to home than travelling to Matasia, Rongai and Ngong facilities.

MOTTO: KNOWLEDGE IS TREASURE Former Member of Parliament for Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Walter Nyambati said SPONSORED BY DELIVERANCE CHURCH healthy people contribute to the fast growth of the nation’s economy. “The new facility contributes to government Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he added.

The hospital will fill lack of enough hospitals gap in the town and reduce distance covered by residents to access medical services, he said.The town has few health centres many suffering from shortages of staff, essential drugs, and basic mediThe Metropolitan Shopper cal equipment.

By Obegi Malack

Kiserian residents will now receive health services conveniently after a new health-care facility was unveiled recently.

The hospital, CentrumBerliner Medical Centre, is expected to improve services in the town whose population is increasing at a rapid rate.

The hospital’s Director Rachael Kerubo said Kajiado West Constituency has challenges of access to health care and the hospital will reduce workload in public health facilities.

She said the medical centre boasts of spacious labour wards and a state-of-the-art newborn unit.

“These are services that are not available in many centres in this area,” she noted.

The director, who is a member of Rotary Club of Ongata East, said the medical Centre has professionals in the field of medicine who are ready to help the community at any time. “The community will access quality and affordable services. The centre provides blood sugar checks in a modern laboratory and also offers VCT services and family planning and reproductive health services,” she added.

It also offers first aid, advanced emergency AUGUST, 2021 care of injuries and emergency stabilization, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, minor surger-

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The Metropolitan Shopper

5

FASHION & BEAUTY

Tips to ensure you’re always stylish

By Rosemil Oduor

T

Photo/Courtesy

Taking care of our dressing is just as important as taking care of the skin.

aking care of our dressing is just as important as taking care of the skin. Dressing in a stylish way is a skill that seems almost impossible to master yet it’s a simple thing. These tips can help: Many have always mistaken fashion for clothes only.

Wear clothes that fit.

This is the biggest secret to looking smart. When buying clothes, fit them on to ensure the cloth is your size. You can also opt to hire a tailor who will take your measurements and ensure the tailored cloth fits you well.

Know the dress code of where you’re going and dress accordingly.

Wash, dry and iron your cloth.

Iron your clothes to remove the wrinkles. Ironing clothes makes them look smarter so you’ll definitely look good in them.

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CRIME & COURTS

Ngong police officer accidentally shoots colleague in weighbridge scuffle

By Our Reporter Police are investigating an incident in which a police officer was allegedly accidentally shot dead by a colleague in Kimuka centre, Kajiado West sub county.

According to police reports, the officer identified as Corporal Fanuel Abongo, was shot in the ribs and succumbed to his injuries in Kenyatta National Hospital.

The officer was among a team of officers manning a mobile weighbridge along Ngong/Suswa road.

The team had come across an overloaded lorry transporting sand and the lorry’s driver defied police orders to stop and drove off. This prompted the officers to pursue the lorry using a pick-up truck.

The chase took them to Kimuka trading centere, about 5km from the station where the officers confronted the driver who reversed and hit the pick-up truck carrying the officers.

One of the officer’s AK-47 rifle accidentally discharged a bullet hitting Abongo, who was seated behind the driver’s seat, in the ribs. Abongo was rushed to Ngong hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to KNH.

Corporal Fanuel Abong’o who was shot dead by colleague.

Police authorities are investigating why the officer had to chase the lorry in the middle of the night when they could simply take its details and take action later.

The Ngong Suswa road is mostly accessed by sand harvesters from Narok County and is manned by mobile weighbridge officers.

Some residents had complained that the lorries were damaging the recently constructed road while the lorry drivers complained of alleged harassment from the officers.

If you’re a lady, bear in mind the type of undergarments you wear.

Having a loosely fitting brassiere or one that makes strips ruins the appearance of even the most stylish dresses.

Wear neutrals. This is mostly for professional office dress code.

Keep minimal accessories that match your dressing. Do not overdo!

Shop exactly for what you want. Do not just pick any cloth to fill your wardrobe when you know you might not put on the piece of clothing again.

Consider the quality of your materials. Good materials make one feel good and look rich compared to cheap fabric.

Find a personal style. Experiment with different types of clothing until you find what suits you well and stick with it. Remember what looks good on another might not look good on you.

Be confident in your style.

6

The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE Leshore, a former employee of AMREF Kenya says he has been collecting important materials to start the museum. He wants the Maasais to know their heritage and at the same time, benefit from it.

One man’s bid in putting up Maasai Museum bears fruit Charles Leshore in his library. Photo/Obegi Malack

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

M

aasai heritage has become the face of Africa in global cultural tourism. The pastoral community’s rich culture attracts thousands of tourists to Kenya every year giving the country billions in revenue.

Despite their heritage being a tourist attraction, the community is losing its material culture whereby it has been forgotten over time and the upcoming generations have no information about their past. There exist limited sites to learn about the culture; therefore protecting it for future generation would be an uphill task.

Lack of access to information through establishments like libraries or museums is the reason Charles Leshore has come up with a plan of putting up a museum in Kajiado County to empower the community and protect their culture.

Leshore, a former employee of AMREF Kenya says he has been collecting important materials to start the museum. He wants the Maasais to know their heritage and at the same time, benefit from it.

His house in Ongata Rongai shows a clear indication that he has spent time and resources in the field to collect valuable materials from as far as Tanzania. He has been collecting these materials for the last 22 years for his Maasai Museum and Centre for Indigenous Culture.

Leshore who is among individuals appointed by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala on May 2021 as Honorary Warden for the next three

years, says he registered the museum in 2020, and has joined a number cultural of associations already existing including the Community and Private Museum Association.

The museum contains traditional artifacts such as: tools, weaponry and cooking items that

Charles Leshore displaying traditional regalia in his homestead.

Photo/Obegi Malack.

were used by Maasai in the past.

It also has items that were used for communication like horns. Besides, he has in store the first vehicle to be bought by Maasais with registration number KKE 001.

He says that the Moran’s rite of passage has been forgotten as the community has embraced education and modern religion.

Therefore, the center will lead in spearheading the bringing back the Moran rites of passage.

The center also has sculptures of Mau Mau fighters who fought for the country’s independence, in its library; the biographies of respected leaders such as Ole Ntimama, Oloitiptip, John Keen, Mary Mpayeei, Justus ole Tipis, Ole Masaa, O l e Nti-

Charles Leshore shows the first car in Maasailand. Photo/Obegi Malack

pilit, Ole Lemein and Lois Mpayeei among others are well presented.

The centre has books about Maasais from around the world while others were bought from Amazon. Leshore has also written a number of books about the Maasai people.

Leshore says some of the community’s respected leaders who passed on have to be honored by documenting their stories for the future generation.

The centre will also educate the Maasais on importance of protection their land, to enable them solving land conflicts besides giving them lessons on local tourism. Beads, ornaments and other items will be sold at the center.

“Nairobi National Park was Maasai Park but they were pushed out of the area, we do not want such to happen in other areas as we want Maasai to be stewards because they understand the animals and live with them,” he said.

The centre will also be used in identifying historical sites that needs to be protected for future generations. Some of the sites will be named ‘heritage sites’. Some of the sites already marked include: Oloiboni Olonana, the Ngong Colonial Court and proposed shrine in Kisamis. There will also be a monument of Olonana ole Mbatian at the center.

Ngong Hills will also be a heritage site as it was voted in 2014 as the World’s Most Romantic Film Location but little has been done to market it.

Although Leshore has the knowledge and artifacts for the center, he is seeking funds to put up the museum and he believes well-wishers will be interested in supporting him achieve the dream.

SEPTEMBER, 2021

The Metropolitan Shopper

INVESTMENTS

Leakey to set up Sh8.6 billion museum in Kajiado

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com Renowned palaeoanthropologist Richard Leakey will construct Sh8.5 billion Ngaren Museum in Loodariak Kajiado County.

The museum will be set up next to the East African Museum of Art that will be tasked with displaying contemporary African art history from the dawn of human civilization to the present times.

The facility will house the museum, conference rooms partner institutions, a restaurant and arena to host events such as social, business, and family gatherings.

The museum is a national project that elevates Kenya’s stature as a tourism destination telling the evolution story via technology The planned museum will become Africa’s first all-digital planetarium to display real-size African dinosaurs to be named

Ngaren Museum and will be jointly developed within the next four years in collaboration with Netherlands.

Leakey had changed location of his multi-billion shilling project from Turkana to Kajiado due to Turkana county undeveloped infrastructure and remoteness, inaccessible by air and highly risky due to bandits as and cattle rustlers.

He said Turkana County government had also avoided sponsorship of any of its projects.

“Choice of Kajiado makes commercial sense and the country needs the evolution museum that enriches its tourism product while attracting upto 400,000 visitors annually. It will be the only one in Africa and I have partners willing to actualise this dream for posterity,” he said.

The location in Kajiado is accessible due to government projects, pipeline road that leads to national parks in Nairobi, Kajiado and Narok counties.

Dr. Richard Leakey (left) archaeologist and founder of Turkana Basin Institute shows Deputy President William Ruto human fossils when he toured the facility in Lodwar in 2013

7

Global Foundation officials deny claims, say they sponsored students

Global Foundation Alliance beneficiaries and officials from Nairobi and Kajiado during a function.

By Our Reporter Global Foundation Alliance has defended itself against claims of defrauding parents in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

The Foundation has stated that an individual who was accused of defrauding parents is not their co-ordinator, adding that officials who collect money on behalf of the foundation are ordained by bishops.

Moses Nandwa Co-ordinator Kitengela said a pastor who claimed she wired Sh1.3 million to the organisation is not their member.

“The pastor is from another church and not from Global Alliance and she is out to defame the name of Global Alliance,” he said.

In a statement to media a pastor had claimed she was the organisation’s chief co-ordinator until June 2021 when she left the foundation and had wired money to the foundation.

Meanwhile, Nairobi County nominated member of county assembly; Margret Mbote has said the organisation has wired money to 50 students in her children’s home.

Mbote who is also St. Paul’s Children’s Home Rongai director said the foundation has

also awarded funds to several students she recruited and is planning to offer job opportunities and scholarships to students.

“The individual who has been accused of taking parents money and not channeling them to the right office should be charged and refund parents their money,” she added.

Mbote said the registration of students has already been closed and they have begun paying school fees to those who had registered. Parents used to register with Sh300 for primary school children and Sh500 for high school students.

Ngong co-ordinator Scholar Mungai noted that the foundation channels money to schools in phases and urged parents to be patient.

Nairobi County Mukuru kwa Reuben coordinator Metronota Achieng said some of the students she recruited have already benefited from the foundation.

The organisation was introduced in Kenya in the year 2000 and started recruiting parents in Western and Nandi regions. It has now 36 branches around the country and operates in several countries, Bishop Joseph Nandwa heads the organisation in Kenya.

MCAs pass bill to create investor-friendly environment

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com The County Assembly of Kajiado has passed a bill that will create a friendly environment for investors in the county.

The Kajiado County Investment Authority Bill, 2021 will see creation of Investment Authority that will enhance financial and economic prudence in the county investments, enhance competitiveness of CG investments, promote local investment and economic development.

Kajiado town. Photo/Obegi Malack.

It will also enhance county revenue base, contribute to mobilization of finances for in- production and provide gainful employments vestments, facilitate investment by residents and promote community social responsibility and enable the county to enter into public pri- across the county. vate partnerships among purposes.

The MCA said Kajiado County has a huge The bill was tabled by Oloolua Ward potential in providing an enabling environrepresentative, Martin Kimemia, Chairman ment for the enterprises and provide investTrade, Co-operative and Enterprise Devel- ment hubs and opportunities to the locals and opment Committee. He said the bill will see multinational firms considering the availability enterprises maximize the existing factors of of infrastructures due to County’s proximity to

The bill was tabled by Oloolua Ward representative, Martin Kimemia, Chairman Trade, Co-operative and Enterprise Development Committee. He said the bill will see enterprises maximize the existing factors of production and provide gainful employments and promote community social responsibility across the county.

Kenya’s Capital Nairobi and the county.

The Committee chair noted that the County should now position itself as an investment hub and take advantage of the available resources.

“Our county has opportunities to maximize considering its proximity to Nairobi City with the available infrastructures. Our role as legislature is to ensure that legislation on exist-

ing factors of production and regulations that shall be formulated by this House attracts foreign investors as well as nurture and protect domestic investors,” stated Kimemia.

Leader of Majority Party Julius Moipai said the Bill shall spur development in the County as it will enable formulation of agreements that will protect both locals and investors, hence facilitate creation of employment for youths.

The Imbirrikani MCA said passing of the bill was timely and it will provide a friendly investment environment and create jobs for the locals in numbers.

His colleague from Kaputiei North Ward MCA Joshua Olowasa said that the bill shall boost investors’ confidence especially the ones that are already operating in the county.

Olowasa said the there will be more benefits from investors such as corporate social responsibility, creation of more jobs, transfer of skills. The bill will put in place a clear framework for the county to usher in more investors.

8

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AGRICULTURE

BUSINESS

Magadi company in a tussle with client after shutting down club

By Our Reporter

SEPTEMBER, 2021

The company defended its actions alleging that the proprietor had contravened government directive and company guidelines of curbing the spread of Covid-19.It demanded the business lady to provide a business permit, copies of Covid-19 test certificates for her staff, public health licence and valid liquor licence.

The company also demanded that Karasha should clear her outstanding rent arrears and enter into a lease agreement with the company before reopening of the premises.

Tata Chemicals Magadi is in a tussle with a proprietor of Whitehouse Club after the company shutdown the club in 2020 for allegedly contravening Covid-19 guidelines.

The club owner, Mary Karasha, claimed they have been following the Covid-19 protocols.

She noted that they had opened a small counter to sell take away alcohol and that she had also reduced number of staff to two as required.

She also claims the company is planning to evict her from operating the club without following the right procedure.

Karasha took over the management of the club, which has been operating since 1940s, in 2012 after her husband passed away.

She alleged that the company increased the rent of the premises without consultation and reduced the number of houses that had been allocated to her when she took over the management of the premises.

The club proprietor’s lawyer in a letter dated 7th September 2020, to the company requested it to reconsider reopening the small outlet to Magadi Whitehouse club that allow their client to put was closed by Magadi Company. food on the table.

Poultry project launched in Ewuaso, Kajiado West

Kajiado County Veterinary Chief Officer Leonard Leakey (centre), Kajiado West ACC Edith Njambi (second left), Preventing and Countering Extremism Chair Dr Henry Omae (third right) and Glerian Ltd Director Ruth Moraa (right) during launch of poultry project.

By Obegi Malack livestock farming and land sizes were reducing daily. obegimalack@gmail.com Leakey said the new project is an eye opener to the community and should be embraced by all.

The Maasai community is slowly abandoning The project, whose construction will be done in their long standing culture of not consuming chicken two phases starting September this year ,will create meat. new job opportunities and promote activities of the Kajiado West assistant county commissioner Ministry of Livestock in the county.

Edith Njambi said Kajiado County now has more Glerian Limited director Ruth Moraa said her people eating chicken meat compared to the neigh- journey to poultry farming started in 2015 when bouring Narok county. she realized there was a big gap in rearing Kienyeji She added that chicken meat is now a delicious chicken in the country and chain value addition of the meal for many Maasais who have for long catego- byproducts. rized chicken as wild birds.

Moraa chose to rear Kienyeji chicken since it Kajiado County Livestock and Veterinary Ser- is toxins free and has no health risks as opposed to vices chief officer Leonard Leakey Ritei said there broiler chickens. is shortage of chicken in the country forcing them to “We are looking forward to our company growimport poultry products. ing into a multinational company for quality products Speaking in Maroroi Ewuaso ward, Kajiado West made in Maroroi, Kajiado County,” Moraa said. constituency during launch of a poultry project, the Kajiado County Committee on Preventing and chief officer said the demand for poultry products is Countering Violent Extremism Chairperson Dr so high yet there was inadequate supply from locals.

Henry Omae commended the county government for He challenged the Maasai community to embrace providing a good environment to put up projects that poultry farming since climate change was affecting uplifts the community.

ENVIRONMENT

By Abdi Hussein

to establish commercial forestry to cater for need for wood, adding that the policies and strategies to roll out the programme are at an advanced stage.

He also said that the ministry is finalizing on sustainable charcoal production regulations where Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) will use modern means to ensure only branches are of the dire need for wood, adding that they are illegal logging and charcoal burning in the harvested but not cutting down of whole trees. working on an alternative as they continue to forests and community lands. Kenyans must “We are seeking to use modern technolThe Ministry of Environment and Forest- enforce the law and put measures in place to remember it is their responsibility to safeguard ogy in identified commercial forests where ry Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has reit- protect the forest cover that is under threat. forests and should focus on planting indige- tree branches with high biomass will be harerated the ministry’s commitment to making “The ministry will not relent in the push nous trees,” said Keriako. vested for either wood or sustainable charcoal use of modern technology in efforts towards to increase the forest cover to 30 percent by Mr. Tobiko said the ministry is seeking production,” he added. protection of the forest cover in the country.

2030. The officers are keeping vigil to curb Mr Keriako said the ongoing tree Speaking during a mass planting initiative has now focused on tree planting exercise at the community sensitization to facilitate East Africa University in holistic nurturing of trees since planting Kitengela recently, CS Tobiko alone is not sustainable. urged Kenyans to embrace CS Tobiko said the exercise has biogas and briquette technolalso engaged environmental experts to ogy as alternative sources of advice on the indigenous trees that can energy. do well in certain regions and consider The CS sent a stern warnfruit trees to boost food security at the ing to charcoal dealers saying same time. the rise in the prices of cookThe countrywide tree planting exering gas now threatens forest cise is now focusing on learning instiEnvironment CS Keriako Tobiko (left) cover despite the ongoing Environment CS Keriako Tobiko (centre) tutions in efforts towards increasing and flanked by students during a tree planting during a tree planting exercise at Kitengemoratorium effected in 2018. exercise at Kitengela East Africa University protecting the forest cover. la East Africa University on July 18th He said the ministry is aware 2021. Photos/Abdi Hussein on July 18th, 2021.

Ministry to embrace technology in safeguarding forest cover

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SEPTEMBER, 2021

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SEPTEMBER, 2021

I left bank manager’s job to drive trucks, says Keen

By ObegiMalack

A

nthony Keen who is one of several children of late defender of the Maasai community’s land rights and former assistant minister in the office of the President, John Keen is one of the successful businessmen in Kajiado County.

Many will hardly believe that the businessman pushed his way to set up his business empire without demanding property share from his late father who died a billionaire; the father owned Namanga River Hotel and famous state-ofthe-art lodge, Maasai Lodge which he opened in 1973.

Anthony who is common in Ongata Rongai and Namanga where he started his businesses narrates how he rose from being a sand truck driver to become one of the most successful businessmen.

The 56-year-old studied in Pune University, India where he attained his Masters Degree in Commerce.

He worked in the Ministry of Finance as an auditor and later in Kenya Commercial Bank where he rose from junior officer to manager; he later resigned and started doing sand business after purchasing a lorry.

The father of five says he resigned because he wanted to be independent and had been looking forward to open his own business.

After resigning he received small support from his father. “My father was a strict person he married four wives and ensured we were educated to depend on ourselves,” he says. “My father studied in Alliance High School in 1940s and joined the British Army regiment in Kenya for a short while, he knew the importance of education,” he adds.

Anthony says after resigning from KCB he started to supply sand to developers and also opened a hardware shop in Namanga. He used to drive all the way to Mashuuru to purchase sand and supply to developers.

“I used to drive day and night, most of my friends used to ask me why I was doing that with my father being a ‘rich’ man” he reminisces. He later opened a construction firm and has been supplying construction materials and hiring out construction machinery and is always at the site managing his businesses. His closeness to his staff has made it easy to identify problems and fixing them immediately and this has made him to be the successful businessman he is

and stop selling their land.

About vying for a seat in 2022, Anthony says time will come when he will talk about vying for leadership position, he says, adding, there is still time for the elected leaders to work. However, he noted that he is following his father’s steps. The businessman has supported the community by donating food and water during dry seasons. He has also supported football clubs, churches and he had allowed construction of a chief ‘s office in his land, graded roads for free and had donated a Land Rover to the police for patrol in Ongata Rongai. He also offered free mechanical services to police officers in Kajiado North.

“The cosmopolitan areas North and East have been neglectAnthony Keen, the businessman who was once a Bank Manager. Photo/Obegi ed although they contribute a lot Malack of revenue. They may be forced to elect a leader from their region for 27 years now. cation and founded Masai TechniThe businessman cum politician cal Training Institute, in 2005. He to solve their issues since other retried his hand in politics in 2012 donated 300 acres of his personal gions have ruled,” he says.

About the state of the nation in Kajiado North (North, East and land to the Kenya Wildlife Service the businessman says the county West) but lost to former MP Moses (KWS) and named the area after and national government has not Sakuda. He says he lost because he his daughter. Keen had at one time fulfilled their manifestos as they was facing candidates who were threatened to resign if Maasais do projects of certain leaders and he not put on trousers, enrol in schools promised. He says the cosmopolitan areas such as Ngong, Kitengela also had no financial muscles then. , Kiserian and Rongai are yet to get He says Maasai have a leadersewage system. ship vacuum since the death of his “There is no good roads network father in 2016 and late William Ole and the residents have also no clean Ntimama. water in the remote area and in “We do not have a spokesman, towns companies that should supwe are going to have a spokesman ply clean water such as Oloolaiser soon.Plans are underway for the Company have failed,” he said. community to speak in one voice, “The past and current leadership we need someone to fight for the have tried on issues of land. They community’s challenges,” he adds. have decreased cases of land grabAnthony says current leadership bing and protection of community has divided the Maasais along secland, but they have failed in peace tions and age sets. making among Maasai sections, “The politicians have turned and have been involved in mess in Maasai cultural events to be poI used to drive day and markets in cosmopolitan areas that litical battle grounds and the comnight, most of my friends contribute highest revenue,” he munity has remained divided and used to ask me why I says. He pointed out that the Counsomething has to be done to bring was doing that with ty has two arms, executive and them together peacefully,” he said, my father being a ‘rich’ legislature, which are on tag of war adding that his father had united man, he says.

He later with each other instead of offering the cosmopolitan region North services. opened a construction (East and West), where he served Antony commends President firm and has been as MP from 1969 to 1979 and enUhuru Kenyatta and Odinga for the tire the Kajiado and Narok counsupplying construction handshake, adding that the two ties. materials and hiring out should ensure that corrupt leaders He says the father had taught construction machinery. are jailed. He noted that devolution him politics and he would one time He is always at the site is a good idea but corruption is too implement the leadership he was managing his businesses much and all loopholes must be taught. His father founded Demoand his closeness to his sealed cratic Party with former president He challenges the Maasai comstaff has made it easy to Mwai Kibaki where he served as munities to educate their children secretary general. He was part of identify problems and and raise quality livestock to inthe Kenyan delegation to the secfixing them immediately crease profitability. He says he also ond Lancaster House Conference and this has made him wants them to try farming since that negotiated for Kenya’s indeto be in the successful a land is becoming smaller and elecpendence from British colonial businessman he is for 27 torates to elect able leaders not rule. years now. tribal leaders and parties.

The father used to support edu-

The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

11

ENTERTAINMENT

Misfortunes in marriage pushed me to music- Pakuo

By Obegi Malack @obegimalack

D

aniel Saningo ole Pakuo, is a household name among the Maa speaking people of the Rift Valley region because of his popular gospel music that has been acclaimed for promoting the Maasai culture.

The 64-year-old celebrity’s vocals grace weddings, traditional ceremonies, public meetings, holiday celebrations and national gatherings among other functions.

The renowned soloist is so popular in Samburu, Kajiado and Narok counties, where he has helped to maintain the Maasai culture through his music that also promotes traditional values that are highly cherished by the community.

The famous musician’s is an ever present fixture at almost all functions across Maasai land, especially at national platforms, where his energetic performance leaves the crowd pumped up dancing along.

But from his own testimony, the journey into stardom hast been struggle that has seen him battle the scourges of alcoholism, debauchery and poverty to rise and get to where he is today.

The musician who hails from Kajiado Central, Matapato North, Meto village did not attend school because his family did not value the importance of education.

The father of five relocated with his family to Samburu many years back after going through many challenges and animosity in his home County of Kajiado.

“Through music I have interacted with top leaders in the country after performing at big events such as Mashujaa Jamhuri day celebrations attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the latest being the 10th Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa County in October this year, where I was recognized as a hero,” said Pakuo.

He attributes his challenges in life to failed marriages and the death of his son events he says pushed him into depression and alcoholism that almost ruined his life.

Daniel Saningo ole Pakuo , Musician. Photo/Obegi Malack

Pakuo first married in the year 1975 and got blessed with a child but his wife later died in 1983 forcing him to marry again in 1986.

He sired two children a boy and a girl with his second wife, but misfortune again struck when the son died in a road accident before he separated with his spouse in 1994.

Having seen two marriages collapse, the musician decided to take an 11 year period of soul searching before marrying again in 2005, only to get into another divorce due to infidelity.

Pakuo says his struggle in marriage pushed him to debauchery which made him sell his property and land that he had inherited to entertain women and to buy alcohol to forget what he had passed through.

He recounts that the situation became so bad to the point that at one time he even tried to end his life in a failed attempted suicide bid.

It reached a point where he became a social misfit who was rejected in the village before decided to abandon the wild behavior and embraced the teaching of the bible.

“I started attending church and that is where the idea of preaching the gospel hit my

mind but because I did not know how to read and write I could only do so by praising Jesus through singing,” said Pakuo.

As he enjoyed life through his new passion, Pakuo found another woman, married and got blessed with two more children, bringing the number to five.

Some of his children are now adults but he takes care of the younger ones in a happy family as he continues preaching and singing at public functions.

He has also performed in to Italy and Tanzania.

He was selected by Mzalendo Kibunja, the former chairman of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to sing during national events elevating him to hero status.

With a record of gospel 24 albums carrying more than a hundred and two traditional songs, he has been recognized as an ambassador of peace in the country and awarded medals during Maa Awards ceremonies.

He has also entertained Narok governor Samuel Kuntai Ole Tunai and former Kajiado County governor Dr David Nkedianye, who had identified his talent and hired him to compose for him a song for his re-election campaign.

Pakuo says after composing the song he got a backlash from governor Joseph ole Lenku’s supporters and he has never been invited to perform in any county government events.

“They hire musicians from Tanzania and

Daniel Saningo ole Pakuo performs at past event.

Photo/Courtesy have never invited me for reasons that I do not know. They do not like me but I only sang for Nkedianye to make a living but if there is something I did wrong I seek for forgiveness” he says.

Pakuo says Governor Lenku is doing a good job and he would wish to entertain him one day but he is enjoying life in Samburu, where he has become a legend.

The musician has now enrolled in in Ngumbaro classes and can now read the bible.

He wants to operate a computer to travel all over the world and preach peace and fight deforestation.

COMMENTARY

Ballooned effects of climate change in Kenya

T

he world is wallowing in very sad waves of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. Climate change has greatly affected the containment of the Covid -19 pandemic especially in African countries.

In a virtual leader’s dialogue on African Covid –Climate emergency organized by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), President Uhuru Kenyatta stressed on the need for climate action that supports sustainable development.

He argued that Kenya loses 3 percent of its GDP annually to climate change.

He also noted that the continent’s GDP had, for the first time in 25 years, dropped by over 3 percent in 2020.

Africa’s economy, health and food systems are all at the mercy of climate change at the moment. This is a factor that has seen various governments in the continent put their best foot forward in fighting against the predicament.

COVID-19 and climate change effects have taken us aback economically and health wise.

At this time when the pandemic is coursing through populations worldwide, it is so unfortunate that many are ignorant of the environment they live in.

Kenya, whose economy is largely dependent on tourism and rain fed agriculture, both susceptible to climate change and extreme weather events, is treading in

Olivia Auma Otieno murky waters with the impacts of climate change getting worse by day.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) records that the world is warming faster than at any point in recorded history. If this warming is not looked into, then devastating impacts like food shortages, rising sea levels and unpredicted weather patterns will normalize.

The risk of rising sea levels puts our country’s low-lying coastlines at a risk of losing the fisheries sector. The recorded increase in heat and recurrent droughts also contributes to severe crop and livestock losses, leading to famine, displacement and other threats to human health and wellbe-

ing especially in the Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya.

The sectors that need urgent attention include the energy, transport, industries, and food systems. The energy sector for example can be leveraged by transitioning to renewable energy.

Speaking during a recent panel discussion at virtual leader’s summit on climate change convened by US President Joe Biden, President Uhuru Kenyatta presented Kenya’s move in mitigating climate change by adoption and use of renewable energy and technology application.

He boasted of the fact that Kenya is listed 5th globally in geothermal energy application and that the country’s 310.25 MW Lake Turkana wind power is the largest installation in Africa.

By application of renewable energy in the energy sector, the world will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.2Gt annually as reported by UNEP. Even as the president prepares to submit a report on the development of the Greenhouse Gas Elimination Strategy to the United Nation Convention for Climate Change before COP26, the transport sector which handsomely contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions, is an area of concern.

Embracing the uptake of EV both privately and in public transit systems could cut down the release of greenhouse gases in great measure. Ignoring the implementation policies of restricting the use of engine driven vehicles powered by fossil fuel, will

be disastrous. UNEP reports that deaths from exposure to exhaust fumes in urban areas are set to increase by over 50% by 2030 if action to cut on the emissions are not taken in due time.

A greener future involves harkening to the call of investing on green energy and redirecting subsidiaries that are currently supporting high emitting processes It is a worrying scenario to see the forest cover lost. Air quality, water supply, biodiversity, food security and rural economies have been immensely affected by felling of trees.

Transition to 100% green energy in Kenya is possible. Already, 70% of the country’s established electricity capacity comes from renewable energy sources, which is more than three times the global average.

If only we can harness all efforts on the ground, investments from both public and private sectors and match on to implement policies laid up to meet climate goals and SDG 2030, then we shall be on the right track.

Though still not at par with the promises made towards militating against climate change, the efforts made thus far are a good gesture and set up the pace for the rest of the initiatives to kick off. We can do this together as a nation.

The writer is the Programmes, Advocacy and Fundraising officer at Kenya Motors Repairs Association (KEMRA)

The Metropolitan Shopper

12

SEPTEMBER, 2021

MOTORING ARENA

Boda boda safety training targets 1.4m riders- Tobiko

By Abdi Hussein husseinabdi527@gmail.com Co-operation from boda boda riders will be a major challenge in the nationwide boda boda safety training programme launched recently in three regions as most of the riders claim they are unable to raise the Sh4, 500 fee required for the training.

Speaking at Kajiado KCB grounds during the launch of the safety programme recently, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said boda boda enterprise feed more than 8 millios Kenyans daily direct and indirectly yet most riders are not trained contributing to high boda boda riders mortality.

The national government programme in collaboration with National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) and National Youth Service (NYS) is aimed to raise road safety awareness across the country and ensure all riders are trained and licensed, according to the National Trans- CS Keriako Tobiko gets a feel of a Motorbike during the launch of Boda port Safety Authority (NTSA) Deputy Di- Boda operators’ safety training recently. Photo/Abdi Hussein rector General Badu Katelu.

Katelu said that up to 70% of boda in the training to safeguard lives. boda riders lack driving licences and lack empower riders.

“Riders are the biggest casualties of Mr Tobiko said the training targets road safety skills endangering lives with road carnage and we must change the nar1.4 million boda boda riders in the coun1,548 riders recorded to have died in road accidents in 2019 alone.More than 10,000 rative by ensuring all riders are trained try expressing optimism the consultative and awarded with licences,” said Mr programme will help curb road carnage. riders are said to have sustained injuries.

“The national government in colHe said the training programme will Katelu.

He urged all key stakeholders and laboration with road safety stakeholdbe elaborate on road safety, preventive health and micro finance enterprises to county governments to support the pro- ers will ensure the boda boda enterprise gramme to help facilitate riders to enroll is safeguarded by ensuring all riders are

licensed. Boda boda riders contribute to Sh353 billion to the economy annually,” said Keriako. He also marshalled riders to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) assuring them it will facilitate more resources to the grassroots.

Kajiado Governor Joseph ole lenku said the boda boda sector can be streamlined by ensuring proper training of the riders and wide consultation on matters affecting them.

“We have grieved with our boda boda riders families left destitute by the deaths of breadwinners. My government will sponsor the first batch of 2,000 of riders to be trained.We will seize the subsidized charges to ensure the 20,000 riders in the entire country are trained,” said Lenku.

The National Youth Service (NYS) chairman said 7,000 trainers have undergone rigorous training to be able to train riders across the country.

Most riders said the training is key for them to acquire road safety skills but called on the government to consider reducing the training fee or make it free.

They said they are enveloped by major economic hurdles as competition and post Covid-19 remains major hurdles.

“Most of us make less than Sh500 per day to support our families. Let the government consider making the programme free to help us.

The programme will be conducted in technical colleges across the county.

HEALTH COMMENTARY

One-stop multi-disciplinary breast cancer clinic needed to provide holistic approach

B

reast cancer is rising in Africa and not a day passes that we do not hear about a friend, family member, colleague, or acquaintance who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a scary time in the life of any woman.

According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women, impacting 2.1 million women each year, and also causes the greatest number of cancerrelated deaths among women. In 2018, it is estimated that 627,000 women died from breast cancer – that is approximately 15 per cent of all cancer deaths among women. While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region globally. GLOBOCAN statistics show that Africa recorded 168,690 new breast cancer cases in 2018, out of the slightly over 2 million new cases globally. GLOBOCAN 2018 is an online database providing estimates of incidence and mortality in 185 countries for 36 types of cancer, and for all cancer sites combined.

If breast cancer is detected

biopsy of the suspicious lesion.

That biopsy is then reviewed by a trained breast pathologist to determine the diagnosis and the pathologic characteristic of the tumor.

Multi-disciplinary approach to treatment

Prof Mansoor Saleh early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. It is therefore important to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.

A Multi-disciplinary diagnosis process

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a multi-disciplinary endeavor and involves experts in the fields of radiology and pathology. It requires the involvement of trained breast radiologist, who performs the mammogram, followed up with an ultrasound, or MRI and then perform the image guided

The treatment of confirmed breast cancer also involves a number of expert consultants.

It requires the input of an experienced breast surgeon, the medical oncologist who will administer systemic therapy, and the radiation therapist who may ultimately need to administer radiation.

A multi-disciplinary approach involving all three specialists seeing the patient and reviewing the case at the same time has been shown to provide optimal management of breast cancer. This is critical since many patients may qualify for breast conserving surgery if their tumors could be shrunk by giving chemotherapy before surgery (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy).

The concept of a multi-disciplinary approach is new to Kenya but has become standard practice at most major cancer centers

in Europe and North America. It is imperative that women are given options and choices in advance of having to make a critical decision in the management of their breast cancer.

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi embarked on this best practice by launching the Multi-Disciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic (MBC) this July. Held once a week, the clinic is for those women diagnosed with breast cancer and awaiting a treatment plan for the optimal management of their condition. On July 9th 2020, AKUHN launched its MBC program with three patients, all of whom were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and were able to be seen by a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation therapist in one sitting. The weekly multi-disciplinary clinic provides an environment where the patient will receive all rounded consultation and care ensuring that they access the best care available, for diagnosis and treatment.

By Prof Mansoor Saleh is Chair of the Haematology-Oncology department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

13

EDUCATION

Faraja Group celebrates the elderly, children’s first teachers in the society The group wants to do away with the norm of visiting parents when they are sick and instead embrace the norm of celebrating them when they are alive.

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

Mzee Mositet Osingiti with his three wives blessing Faraja Group leaders , chair Wilson ole Naimasia (right), Peter Mositet (his son) after the group visited him in his home in Olkeri Ward.

Photo/Obegi Malack

Parents play a great role in ensuring their children get a good life .They are their children’s first teachers and remain their best teachers throughout their lives.

It’s therefore sad that some children abandon their parents once they become successful. The children do not visit their parents or provide for their needs leaving the old folks at the mercies of the government.

The few and lucky folks get to receive government’s grant commonly known as “Pesa kwa Wazee”.

Some locals from Kajiado North sub county have formed a group known as Faraja Group that visits elders around the sub county.

The group was launched three years ago and it comprises of 50 people.

The chairman of the group Wilson ole Naimasia from Oloolua Ward said the idea of visiting the elders come about after they visited a former

member of parliament, Philip Odupoy in Kiserian.

The group wants to do away with the norm of visiting parents when they are sick and instead embrace the norm of celebrating them when they are alive.

They have been able to visit around 10 elders in Kajiado North, celebrating their contribution to the society.

The group had visited Mzee Mositet Osingiti, father to former Kajiado County senator Peter Mositet, who is now chair board of Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

Mositet who is a member of the group said it was after a member lost a parent, that they came up with the idea of visiting parents when they are alive and healthy.

“Holding parties for our parents makes them live longer. They are happy when they get recognized and feel good that their children have friends,” he said.

He added that his father has been a mirror of society.

FOCUS ON TOWNS

Isinya: From mini prison to thriving town

By Our Reporter

I

sinya town that has been likened to a sleepy outpost for the past three decades, currently has acquired new status of a business hub attracting investors in droves.

The name Isinya is translated from Maasai dialect as river sand, Osinyai mchanga in Kiswahili.

River sand from the nearby Isinya River used to be a lucrative business but it’s no more.

Natives in the area are said to be the first lot to embrace formal education and Christianity in what used to be larger Kajiado district.

Apart from the town paying homage to Kajiado East Sub county headquarters, the town is said to be the district politics heartbeat and over the years was used by politicians for major political declarations.

Initially, the town used to be a British colonizers mini prison used to hold Mau Mau adherents where now the Anglican church and Isinya polytechnic-initially village poly technique- stands. The prison closed doors immediately after independence in 1963.

The town later moved to its current position in 1990s under the defunct Olkejuado county council when town plots were issued to locals.

Mr Moses Parantai attributes the town’s growth to flower farms and sale of pieces of land to immigrants. In the last decade, many residential homes have come up with dozens investors setting up companies. Mr Parantai

The aerial view of the fast-growing Isinya town in Kajiado East. Photo/ Abdi Hussein.

says the numerous flower farms mushrooming in the area became its economic backbone from 1990s.

“We have seen the town grow since 1961 from a mini prison and few shops to what it has become. Pj dev began the first flower farm in 1990s followed by two others in close succession. We have more than 15 big flower farms employing hundreds workers who contribute to the local economy,’’ noted Parantai, a local business man cum politician.

Mr James Kariuki Wainaina,65, first came to Isinya in 1970s and has seen the town grown by leaps and bounds. He describes the town as awaking giant in business. He says availability of land has acted as

magnet to potential land buyers. Vegetables and onions business has been booming business.

“Those with big chunks of lands have been disposing of it to educate their children or to address pressing issues. Most locals has also adopted Agri business instead of traditional pastoral way of life,’’ said Kamaufounder of Bethel worship centre.

However, there are those who disposed of their pieces of lands only to squander their fortune with concubines in the very town.

Less than 10 years ago, shops used to close by 7pm and the town would sink into eerie darkness. However the trend is changing with the town transforming into a 24hour economy with several petrol stations

and night clubs.

The livestock market and slaughterhouse has expanded recently attracting far flung herders and more customers. The current slaughterhouse has been in existence since early 1990s.

Also the town boasts of a weighbridge at Namanga highway-Kiserian road Junction. With the under way tarmacking of Isara-Kajiado and Isinya-Ngong roads, the town is expected to be elevated further.

Isinya will be arguably the transit town for tourists from Kilimanjaro and Namanga heading either to Nairobi or Narok county via Ngong-Suswa road. The road network has seen land value appreciate tenfold.

Over the years, the town has remained the political heartbeat for Maasai Kaputiei section. In early 1990s the former larger Kajiado legislator the late George Saitoti had it rough in a campaign tour when he was attacked by locals. He was rescued by his handlers. ‘’Famous declarations by different local politicians have been made in this town. The town has a unique way of swaying political tides especially in Kajiado East constituency,’’ said Mr Kamau.

Though Kitengela is said to be the fastest growing town in east and central Africa most investors have been shifting base to Isinya due to high cost of expansion land.

An eighth acre plot in Kitengela town is costs not less than Sh50 million.

However, residents grapple with acute water shortage and raw sewage management like all satellite towns in the entire Kajiado County

14

The Metropolitan Shopper

SEPTEMBER, 2021

PROPERTY WORLD From matatu tout to top property manager Rongai -Kiserian. Things were good for him before the introduction of Michuki rules that phased out most drivers. The stringent rules, which came into effect in February 2004, saw more than 90,000 drivers and conductors kicked out of the public service transport sector.

Bonny Njagua Njagua was 21 years when the Michuki rules took effect. The rules required that the minimum age of PSV

By Obegi Malack drivers should be 24 years.

His exit from the matatu industry saw A bus stage is among the most annoying him seek employment in the beauty industry. places to hang out for a Kenyan because of He was employed as a barber, a job he did the touts who can mishandle you and hurl for 4 years. abuse at you if you refuse to board their The barber shop business connected him matatu. to many people such as property owners and Joseph Muchoki, who has been in the tenants who live in the town. He built a good matatu business, is now among the profes- relationship with them. sional property managers and consultants in “When I was working as a barber, my Kajiado County. clients used to inquire about vacant houses The businessman, who is popularly to rent and others asked me to market their known as Bonny Njagua, says he started op- vacant houses,” he said. This is where he saw erating a matatu in 2000 after he completed a gap in the property market and jumped in. secondary school in 1999.

He opened a property company in 2006 Being fresh from school, he had to learn and his clients were people he used to shave to survive for himself and the matatu busi- for many years. ness was the only option for him. He worked Njagua says that after a few years in the as a tout and rented a house in Kware in property market, landlords began trusting Nkaimurunya.After working, he received him. This is because his clients stayed in their Sh 20 per matatu which ended up in food and rented homes for long. He started receiving rent which was then Sh 150. many offers to manage houses in Olkeri, “I was among the first touts in Rongai. Rongai and Nkaimurunya wards.

We were few and we were good boys who Njagua says through his good relationrespected passengers,” he said. There were ship with tenants, he has been able to expand only thirty matatus. his business and even venture into building After a year in touting, he was upgraded and construction works for ten years now. He to a matatu driver and started plying route 126 received a loan from Equity Bank to expand

By Our Reporter Ngong town in Kajiado North sub county has been ranked as among towns in the country whose property prices are increasing at a rapid rate.

Ngong area tops in land prices among Nairobi satellite towns. In a report by Hass Consult, the town land price has increased by nearly a fifth in the past year. An acre in Ngong is now selling at an average of Sh25.4 million, an 18 percent increase compared to the average price of Sh21.5 million a year ago.

The report that analyzes land prices in Nairobi’s satellite towns indicated Ngong has surpassed the trend in land prices in satellite towns where the average one year increase is 2.3 percent.

“Land in Ngong was traditionally held by an old generation who owned large chunks of more than five acres with an aim of maintaining their wealth. However, we are seeing an end to this era as a new generation, their inheritors are keener on cashing in on this land by selling parcels,” said Sakina Hassanali, the Hass Consult head of development consulting

his business but like any other businessman, Covid-19 affected his business since tenants were not paying. He has been able to enter into agreements with tenants on how to clear rent arrears, advising those who were living in high end lives to live a life that they can afford. He also has agreements with tenants who have financial challenges on when they can pay their rent arrears.

“You do not have to embarrass families locking their houses. We are human and we do not know what will happen tomorrow,” he said.

Njagua says Rongai is among the fastest

growing towns and the demand for housing is very high.

The increase in the number of learning institutions has pushed up the demand for housing, he adds A one bedroom house goes for Sh10,000, 2 bedroom house goes for Sh9,000 to Sh12,000 while the charges for a three bedroom house ranges between Sh25,000 to Sh40,000.

Njagua says that although the business has good returns, there are a lot of challenges like security of tenants.

To hire construction machines, Excavators, Graders, Backhoe Machines, Shaver etc.

HOUSE TO LET: Bedsitter - Ksh 6,000 - 7,000 1 Bedroom - Ksh 9,000 - 13,000

2 Bedroom - Ksh 9,000 - 13,000 3 Bedroom - Ksh 15,000 - 20,000

Contact Bonny Njagua Ventures on: 0723 869 653 or visit offices in Achievers Building located between Nairobi Women’s Hospital and Fatima Hospital.

Why Ngong tops in land prices

Modern buildings in Ngong town. Photo/Obegi Malack

and research.

The increase of property prices in the town are courtesy of construction of Southern Bypass, construction of dual Ngong road and ongoing construction of Ngong-Suswa road.

Daniel Mutua, a resident of Ngong said the increase in land prices is also due to tarmacking of Gataka road that connects the Ngong town to Karen and Ongata Rongai.

Ongata Rongai and Kiserian towns which are in Kajiado North sub county have also seen sharp hike in prices due to good infrastructure, tarmacking of the Gataka road which has reduced traffic on Kiserian Isinya road.

The two towns recorded big land price increases of 11.8 percent and 9.3 percent respectively in the past year translating to an average of Sh24.8 million and Sh8.3 million per acre.

The property reports indicated that subdivision of land in the towns has made the properties attractive for quick purchases. The subdivision has made it possible for most Kenyans to own land in the towns.

SEPTEMBER, 2021

The Metropolitan Shopper

15

SPECIAL FEATURE

Magenche : How I made fortune from a deserted place Stephen Oyende is one among few investors to operate hardware business in the outskirts of Ongata Rongai for more than twenty years.

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

M

a antaining a business for more than a decade is not a walk in the park. For many people, businesses fails as soon as they start.

Stephen Oyende is one among few investors to operate hardware business in the outskirts of Ongata Rongai for more than twenty years.

Oyende who has an office at the Laiser Hill centre that runs the business takes us through ups and downs of the venture and how he discovered the region.

Oyende’s journey to entrepreneurship started in 1981 when he purchased property in Ongata Rongai from an indigenous Maasai after which he settled in the year 1983.

The plot of land costed him Sh16, 000.

“The plot is along church road, although some of my

friends told me that the plot was expensive but I bought it anyway,” says the 72-year-old man.

After purchasing the plot, he had to put up a two-bedroom house and moved in from Kariobangi where he used to stay before the landlord increased house rent.

Another investor, commonly known as Magenche also moved in before starting a hardware business in the now cosmopolitan town in 2001 after retirement from an Italian Oil company called Agip.

The town had few people and there were no buildings along the Magadi road and Kware center had two that housed shops.

The area was a forest with

Stephen Oyende Magenche in his office. Photo/Obegi Malack

genche house which is now a landmark in the area. It used to be the only hardware between Kware stage and Laiser Hill for a long time.

Oyende’s journey to entrepreneurship started in 1981

Oyende advises upcoming business people to survey areas and have realistic plans before putting up businesses; he says the market has been flooded with many individuals operating hardwares without research on the market and its profitability.

Stephen Oyende Magenche (right) with a customer at his Magenche Hardware. Photo/Obegi Malack

dusty roads and wild animals roaming within the centre while there was only one bus operating from Kiserian to Nairobi.

The investor started the first hardware in Rongai centre in 2001 where he operated before moving to Laiser Hill in 2003 after putting up the Ma-

“I was discouraged when I opened the hardware many of my friends told me that the place is deserted and that I will not get customers but I had to proof them wrong,” he says.

Oyende used to make three trips to Nairobi every day to purchase new stock, he needed more stock because his

hardware was in an isolated place and customers wanted all items in one stop shop.

The veteran entrepreneur says he has served customers from as far as Kiserian and Ngong and thus made many friends who now own property in Ongata Rongai.

“I helped many people to purchase property in the town, since it was a peaceful place and proximity to Nairobi,” he says.

He says the reason for his long stay in business is because of his relationship with customers; he does not hike prices unnecessarily and has employees who he trusts.

The businessman says the town growth boomed in 2008, majorly because they did not witness post-election violence in the Kajiado North region, as it was already being occupied by many tribes.

The place has been peaceful because of tribe less ‘leaders’ who support development and discourage tribal differences.

Oyende advises upcoming business people to survey areas and have realistic plans before putting up businesses; he says the market has been flooded with many individuals operating hardwares without research on the market and its profitability.

Shopper The Metropolitan

Bringing Buyers and Sellers together •KAREN • LANGATA • NGONG • KISERIAN • MATASIA • AND BEYOND

SEPTEMBER, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Keen: I abandoned bank manager job to drive trucks »»

Why Ngong town tops in land prices

Page 10

»»

Page 14

ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Tuala residents upgrade road, fault govt

By Our Reporter Kajiado North and East residents have taken it upon themselves to repair the 4-kilometre road from Tuala to Nazarene accusing the national government of neglecting the road.

The residents formed a committee and contributed money to construct the road by putting murram on it.

Joseph Kitur, who chaired the committee, said the road has been abandoned for many years.

School going children are the most affected since some of them use boda bodas and many have been injured after falling off the motorbikes.

There is also insecurity and access of A section of the Tuala-Nazarine road which local residents decided to medical centres has been difficult due to repair after accusing the national government of neglecting it.

poor roads.The road connects Rongai and Kitengela.

In July, Rongai residents also upgraded Maasai Lodge /Olekasasi road which was also in a poor state.

In October last year, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) held a public participation meeting with the locals in Olekasasi on plans to tarmac the road.

KURA officials, led by Kennedy Wafula said the authority was to tarmac the 4 km road in Oloosirkon Ward and 1km Mayor Road in Nkaimurunya Ward in the first Phase.

He said survey and environmental assessment for the 5 kms was ongoing.

The roads were to be done in annuity programme but there has been no communication on the progress.

PRICE BAROMETER (Ksh) ONGATA RONGAI

Water melon Sh. 79/ Kg Avocado -75/Kg Green banana (matoke) – 88 Kg Irish potate - 59/ Kg Carrots-85 / Kg Sweet potato 120/Kg Pawpaw -169/Kg Broccoli-219/Kg Green piece -399/ Kg Cauliflower-60/Kg Paper (pilipili) 280/kg Bringanya (eggplant) -95/Kg Capsicum (Pilipili Hoho) 139/Kg Meat- 500/Kg Fish 650/Kg Cabbage 79/Kg Onions-99/Kg White onion-130/Kg Tomatoes-99/Kg Pumpkin (Malenge)-79/Kg Kales (Sukumawiki)- 30 per bunch Spinarch-30 per bunch Dania- 15 bunch

NGONG

Onions 80/Kg Tomatoes 80/Kg Cabbages-50/Pc Capsicum (Pilipili Hoho)-100/Kg Dania -30/ bunch Grains -120/Kg KISERIAN

Onions 40/Kg Tomatoes 5500/ crate Cabbages-80/Pc Kales(Sukuma wiki)-20/ buunch Capsicum (Pilipili Hoho)-10/pc Dania -5/pc Grains -110/Kg KITENGELA

Onions 80, tomato 80, cabbage 70, sukuma wiki 1200 but price varies, dania 50, pilipili hoho 50 grains 100

Five family members die in a fire incident in Mashuuru, Kajiado

By Obegi Malack Residents of Mashuuru, Kajiado county are mourning the death of five family members who died in a fire incident last Thursday.

COUNTY PRESS

The three children, their mother and a house help were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno, whose cause is yet to be established.

The owner of the house was not in the house when the incident happened.

The area assistant chief Jonathan Sikongei said the fire started at 10pm and efforts to rescue the five were fruitless since the fire was too big to put out.

Preliminary investigations indi-

cate it was caused by an electrical fault. The cooking gas was found intact after the fire had been put out.

Police have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire.

The Metropolitan Shopper is published monthly by Inset Ventures Ltd, Head Office: Ongata Rongai, Osiligi Building 2nd Flr, Opposite KCB TEL: 020 6001006 / 0737 965259 / 0722 - 883 143 / 0734 515 902. E-mail: marketing@countypress.co.ke.

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