BUSINESS NEWSPAPER

The Metropolitan Shopper

Bringing Buyers and Sellers together

How illness turned former navy veteran to philanthropist

BUSINESS:

Prices of eggs hit the roof as shortage persists

The shortage of eggs has seen its price jump 25 per cent within a month, piling pressure on household budgets as the cost of living soars.

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE EDUCATION

Angry residents stage demo protesting impassable roads

Businesses along Masaai Lodge and Gataka roads in Rongai, Kajiado County were disrupted when residents staged demos protesting over the pathetic Maasai Lodge-Olekasasi-Kitengela road.

160 children get scholarships

The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) has issued 160 scholarships to bright but needy students from across the country.

Oloolaiser in a mess, unable to supply water

While the company collects less than Ksh8 million per month, ironically the wage bill has shot up from Ksh5 million to over Ksh8 million after new staff were recruited in July 2021.

The high inflation rate has taken a toll on people’s livelihoods since most of them cannot even afford to buy basic commodities. The rock bottom economy has pushed everyone over the precipice as they fail to feed their families.

HEALTH MATTERS:

Plans to issue NHIF cards to elderly

We are having it rough, residents on inflation

The Metropolitan Shopper

is published monthly by

By our reporter

Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company Limited (OWSC), the company mandated to supply clean water for consumption to Kajiado North residents, is on the verge of collapse due to appallingly poor management.

So irredeemable is the company that supplies water to Ngong, Ongata Rongai and Kiserian townships that insiders say staff have not been paid salaries for three months now. Pensions have not been paid since 2017 as debts pile ominously running into millions of shillings accumulated since 2018.

Acting Managing Director (MD) Peter Juma Ariero, who took over on July 1, 2022, has struggled to reduce the Kenya Power Limited Company (KPLC) bill from Ksh27 million to less than Ksh14 million.

P. O. Box 1234 -00511, Ongata Rongai.

While the company collects less than Ksh8 million per month, ironically the wage bill has shot up from Ksh5 million to over Ksh8 million after new staff were recruited in July 2021.

The Board’s plan to recruit a new MD was stopped by the courts pending hearing of a petition against the process that was used to shortlist candidates.

The financial report for the year ending June 30, 2019 presented to Parliament on February 23, 2022 revealed that the company was making losses.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu pointed out that the financial position reflected current liabilities standing at Ksh160,990,067 against assets of Ksh56,262,137, resulting in a negative working capital of minus Ksh104,727,930. That’s a clear indication that the company is experiencing financial difficulties and is edging towards bankruptcy.

The statement of comprehensive income reflects a loss of Ksh25 million, which had increased by Ksh10 million from Ksh15 million as at 1 July 2018. The management did not disclose notes supporting the financial statements.

In the circumstances, the auditor general pointed out that the continued existence of the company is dependent on the support of donors and creditors.

She said the management did not disclose details of the donor account held at KCB with a balance of Ksh411,899, further adding that the deposit account reflected unreconciled balances.

The management had also made a cash withdrawal of Ksh1.8 million for repair and relocation of various pipes contrary to a resolution of Risk and Audit Committee that capped it at Ksh150,000.

The auditor also pointed out that the company had missing payment vouchers amounting to Ksh19 million and unsupported petty cash payment vouchers amounting to Ksh2 million.

Consequently, the accuracy, completeness and validity of expenditure totaling to Ksh21 million for the year ended June 30, 2019 could not be confirmed.

The statement of comparison of budget and actual amounts reflected final income budget and actual on comparable basis of Ksh197 million and Ksh156 million respectively, resulting in an under-collection of Ksh41 million, or 21per cent of the budget.

The Auditor General said the company failed to resolve issues raised under the 2019 financial report statements on lawfulness and effectiveness in use of public

While the company collects less than Ksh8 million per month, ironically the wage bill has shot up from Ksh5 million to over Ksh8 million after new staff were recruited in July 2021.

resources.

In tender awarding, the report indicated that a number of suppliers were awarded contracts to supply goods and services amounting to Ksh2 million but they were not included in the prequalified list of suppliers of the company, an act that is contrary to public procurement and asset disposal act.

Kajiado North taps have been dry from early February. This prompted protests on social media with some threatening to organize protests in Rongai town.

Greater Ongata Rongai Residents Welfare Association (GORRWA) official Kennedy Nyatangi said the water crisis has to be taken seriously and that the government should put up sewerage systems in the town.

Former Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Sicily Kariuki, in a visit to the region, revealed that construction of water transmission pipelines would be completed before May 2023. She said that the water supply project aims to provide an additional 5000m3 of water daily.

The project is financed by the Government of Kenya and German Development Bank at a cost of Ksh1.2 billion and will serve over 80,000 households in Nairobi and Kajiado regions.

Chief Executive Officer: Peter Silsil

Managing Editor: Rosemil Oduor

Revise Editor: Kipkemboi Toroitich

Senior Reporter: Obegi Malack

Head of Marketing: Beatrice Njuguna

Intern Reporter: Vostine Ratemo

Layout & Design: Gabriel Sankale & Sydney Kimiywi

The company was also found not compliant with water revenue guidelines. It produced 2,312,660 m3 of water but only billed 1,674,884 m3. The balance of 837,817 m3 or 33.34 per cent is 8.34 per cent above industry ceiling of 25 per cent loss, which is contrary to WASREB regulatory guidelines.

The recommended average rate is Ksh83 per m3 of water. This means the company may have incurred a loss amounting to Ksh69,538.811.

It is composed of three major phases, namely construction of Ruiru-Juja-Githurai Water Supply, Construction of Kiserian-Ongata Rongai Water Supply, and Supply and Installation of 10,000 consumer water metres.

The construction of the Kiserian-Ongata Rongai Water Supply will include rehabilitation of Mbagathi and Kiserian Water treatment plants, construction of a new 5 million litres storage tank at Gataka, laying of 9.2km water transmission pipelines, laying of 200km water distribution networks in Kiserian and Ongata Rongai, as well as rehabilitation, drilling and equipping of six existing boreholes.

An installed smart water meter.

Over 700 get free medical checkups in Kiserian

Fanaka Junior School sets eye on moulding all round learners

By Vostine Ratemo

Fanaka Junior School is setting ground to emerge a formidable player in academics and extracurricular activities in Ongata Rongai Sub-county and beyond.

Speaking with Education News in his office, Head teacher Sylvester Williams Oswe said he is determined to achieve this feat with the help of his dedicated teaching staff.

“We aim to mould all round students who are able to put into practice whatever they are being taught in school,” he said, adding that they are striving to en-

ferent issues in life,” he stated.

Oswe revealed that the school participates in community work like helping children homes, persons with disabilities and spreading environmental awareness messages through distributing dust bins.

Fanaka Junior School has been in existence for 10 years. Located in Ongata Rongai in a serene environment conducive for learning, the school has a population of 350 learners.

It was among the first few schools to be granted approval to admit Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners.

The school has seven vehicles with all the drivers being NTSA compliant and more than 80 per cent of the learners

By Obegi Malack

More than 700 patients received free assessment, screening and treatment of diverse medical conditions during Centrumberliner Medical Centre free medical outreach in Kiserian.

Some of the health areas of interest were speech therapy, audiology, hearing assessment, physiotherapy, counselling & psychology, optical services, dental, reproductive health, general screening, among other specialties.

Patients were mainly from Kajiado West, an area that has few hospitals per population, especially the Maasai who mostly depend on traditional herbs and do not go to hospital for checkups.

Some of the patients were children suffering from conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities.

These groups are usually stigmatized as they are believed to be cursed for failure to observe certain traditions.

Centrumberliner co-founder and Managing Director Roisa Kerry said due to the hard economic times and the loss of livelihoods owing to the prolonged drought, some families prioritize other needs like shelter and food as compared to healthcare. Consequently, some patients seek

treatment when their health has completely deteriorated.

Dr Inge Vervoort, head of International Office Thomas More University in Belgium, said there was a lot of progress in the exercise, adding more needed to be done to ensure the communities get affordable healthcare.

Dr. Ezekiel Mecha from University of Nairobi (UoN) said they will continue partnering

sure parents get value for their money.

He added that to achieve quality grades, the teachers work closely with the learners to identify weak subject areas and lay more emphasis on them.

He noted that as a result of 100 percent transition, the school has improved its infrastructure to create an enabling learning environment for the eager and determined learners.

The school engages the learners in co-curricular activities to help them relax and to nurture talent.

“In co-curricular activities, the school engages in skating, soccer, chess, dancing, music and taekwondo,” he said.

It has the following clubs: Art,

Fashion, Journalism and Home Science. Guidance and counselling services are offered to the learners on a weekly basis, every Monday.

“Professionals are invited to talk to the learners and to help them handle dif-

use their transport. It also has a modern kitchen which has 6 certified chefs and the sanitation department has ten members who aid in cleaning the surroundings.

with like-minded institutions to reach out to more people in the community.

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) Deputy Director Johannah Mweu said many patients turned out for the services and parents with special needs children were

trained on how to take care of them.

He noted that more medical outreach camps were needed, which will enable many people to access services for free and also reduce pressure on public health facilities.

Specialists and partners were from

the Ministry of Health, Kajiado County Government, Thomas More University Antwerp, UoN, KISE, Sinai Hospital, Barbara and Franziska Piontek (sisters4women) from Germany, Andy Speaks for Special Needs Persons Africa and Afya Africa among others.

A section of the school compound

The highrise primary section

School van

JSS students in class

JSS students in the laboratory

Head teacher Sylvester Williams Oswe

A child receiving speech therapy services from medics Emmanuel Masheti and Kirsten Schraeyen during Centrumberliner Medical Centre free medical outreach in Kiserian. Photo /Obegi Malack.

Due to the hard economic times and the loss of livelihoods owing to the prolonged drought, some families prioritize other needs like shelter and food as compared to healthcare.

And

How Kajiado heritage sites, including ‘elephant maternity’, are sinking into oblivion

By Obegi Malack

Olergesailie village was voted among the best tourism villages in the world by the UNWTO. The announcement was made during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly in Spain in December 2021.

Invasion by property dealers and loggers is slowly depleting the cultural and natural heritage of Kajiado County, threatening to wipe out even the mysterious elephant ‘maternity’.

The Mukinyo Elephants Maternity Ward located in Ngurumani, Magadi Ward, is exactly that: a maternity ward where gestating elephants come to give birth and nurse their babies.

It has for many years been identified and preserved by the local community as a safe haven for elephants to give birth.

It is now a site under siege, brought about by destructive human activity that is a time bomb for human-wildlife conflict.

Elephants usually camp there for months after travelling from as far as the Maasai Mara to deliver their young ones.

It is a well vegetated environment endowed with lush green bushes and indigenous trees which provide food and nice shelter for the lactating elephants.

The availability of water from the Ewaso Nyiro river adds to the list of advantages that the animals consider before making the long journey to the small Mukinyo Forest.

Yet now there is a huge influx of farmers who clear the safe and peaceful cover for farming activities and charcoal.

Olergesailie, one of the UNESCO protected prehistoric sites, is also facing the threat of extinction after it was sub-divided into plots for commercialization.

Charles Leshore, heritage activist

and champion for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), said stakeholders should formulate long-term sustainable development plans and strategies to ensure that its cultural and natural heritage sites are maintained.

Olergesailie village was voted among the best tourism villages in the world by the UNWTO. The announcement was made during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly in Spain in December 2021.

Leshore, who is also the director Maa Museum and Centre for Indigenous Culture, has petitioned the Secretary General of Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, Members of the World Heritage Committee, advisory bodies (ICOMOS, IUCN, ICCROM), National Museums of Kenya, Kenyan National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to act on the matter.

He said the sub-division and sale of plots will compromise and interfere with ‘precious’ and ‘integral’ archaeological evidence that formed the basis

for UNESCO to nominate it as a world heritage site.

“A good deal of the archaeology that exists within the area has been destroyed,” he said.

He wants the Secretary General to put all efforts to protect this unique UNESCO world heritage site for future generations.

The Olergesailie archaeological site is famed for the hand axes that have been unearthed, many of which date back almost one million years and are some of the oldest ever found. The majority of the axes are egg-shaped with razor-sharp edges for cutting and hewing.

The Olergesaile prehistoric site’s other attractions include the world renown Maa culture, a wildlife museum, breathtaking landscape because of the Olergesaile mountain, the donkey migration phenomenon, and archeological knowledge that need to be shared with the world.

Olergesailie is also important to the surrounding community, the Maasai. The mountain is used by the Ilkeekonyokie Maasai to perform rituals and offer sacrifices to their God (Enkai) and

is valuable to all humanity and must be preserved for future generations.

The current charcoal cutting and significant loss of biodiversity in the mountain has reached its highest levels, the destruction combining with climate change to degrade the awesome sites.

If the trend continues, it will lose its best tourist village status and recognition.

Leshore has written to companies involved in the sub-division of the land, asking them to halt until a ‘cultural asset mapping’ is undertaken that will define the traditional buffer zones and link the site to culture, tourism and economic development as per the UNWTO frameworks.

Grace Nashipai, a resident of Kajiado West, said one of the causes of the prolonged drought that has seen the community lose thousands of livestock, is cutting down trees. She said the government must take action and encourage tree-planting in the county.

Recently, the government launched a 15 billion tree-planting campaign at Kona Baridi, Ngong Hills Forest. The project is expected to boost the country’s forest cover.

A man ferrying charcoal from Kajiado West.

Photo /Obegi Malack.

Former Tourism CS Najib Balala hands over the UNWTO Best Tourism Village certificate to Charles Leshore, heritage activist, in Olorgesailie in Magadi, Kajiado County in 2022.

Photo Obegi Malack

I used to see my friend posting different commodities on her WhatsApp status daily and I became curious. I asked her if she had opened a shop, but she said she was just working for a certain advertising agency.

Liliam Amase, Scam victim

Woe unto you if you fall to these online fraudsters

By our reporter

Kenyans are frantically seeking jobs, decent or otherwise. With the rampart growth of technology, a lot of businesses have shifted online.

The government of Kenya through the ministry of ICT has advised youth to embrace technology and tap into online businesses.

However, despite the sumptuous benefits, there are those biting their lips in regret after stepping into traps that on the surface were indelible breakthroughs.

They have fallen prey to predators, who lead a lavish lifestyle as their humiliated victims struggle to put a meal on the table.

Then reality dawned when the three weeks elapsed but there was no payment that was done.

George Wafula, another victim

Sponsored Content

By Vostine Ratemo

Recently, a firm branded Adatam Adverts entered the market, wooing job seekers to join in as marketers.

The terms are attractive. With a registration fee of only Ksh200, you are good to go. All you have to do is accept the terms and use your WhatsApp platform to advertise various commodities daily, earning Ksh10 per single view.

Doesn’t cost much, does it? But your engagement stops there – at registration. Yet you have no one to complain to as their offices cannot be traced.

Lilian Amase says that she was introduced to the business by a friend.

Inspired by the urge to help people with health complications like cancer, arthritis and High Blood Pressure, Joseph Muongeri decided to grow herbs and indigenous plants which are full of vitamins and nutrients.

Muongeri, a botanist with diverse experience of over 40 years, set up Country Flavors at Green Market Nyotu Road, commonly referred to as 4th Avenue in Ong`ata Rongai, Kajiado County.

All his herbs are grown in Olooloitikoshi Delights in Birika. Muongeri owns a hotel in the farm.

Naiza Cereals, along Kenya Commercial Bank road opposite Osiligi building, serves as a branch of Country

“I used to see my friend posting different commodities on her WhatsApp status daily and I became curious. I asked her if she had opened a shop, but she said she was just working for a certain advertising agency,” Lilian reveals.

She was excitingly interested. Going through the process of registration promptly, she was informed she would accumulate her earnings for 21 days, upon whose expiry she would be paid her dues.

“After sending the Ksh200 via the till number 9171211, I was sent a number [+254 113700008] where I forwarded

the message to affirm that I have paid, accompanied with a text indicating my name and code of the one who referred me,” she added.

A code was sent to her together with a confirmation message that read, ‘welcome to Adatam Adverts. Use the code during the referrals. Your registration was successful….blah blah blah. It was a long incoherent message, but to the effect that you cannot fully depend on the interactive process to get products you should promote. All the same it ended with a ‘thank you’.

According to her, she was to post the

Rongai’s one stop shop for herbs, medicinal plants

Flavors at Green Market.

The shops have serene environments and the shop attendants warmly welcome guests, then take them step by step through the products available in the shops and their benefits.

Some of the plants they have include: snake plants, philodendrons, pathos, Joseph Coat, Bromeliads, Money Plant, Temple Cactus, succulent, Haworthia plant, Buffalo Grass and Lawn Grass.

They also have Moringa, which helps the body heal and build muscle,

aloe vera and pomegranate, both in seedlings and fruit forms.

Both the herbs and the cereals come from the farm and are rich in ingredients hence prompting positive response from the customers who have gladly benefitted from the shop products.

Muongeri is looking forward to expanding the business and also collaborate with schools, especially CBC learners to improve their knowledge in Agriculture as a subject.

commodity early in the morning and forward the screenshot of views in the evening, latest 8pm.

“At first I saw that some of my financial problems were solved, but up to now, since January, I have never received payment for the views,” she regretted.

George Wafula is also a victim. He too was introduced by a friend. At first, the business seemed legit.

“On any referrals I made, I received Ksh100 award. This made me believe the business was legit,” he said.

Then reality dawned when the three weeks elapsed but there was no payment that was done.

Collins Wafula was also tricked and fell for the trap. He said he became worried when his messages were being ignored.

“I tried to write to the firm that the line I was using did not support M-pesa services but they didn’t respond. I started to doubt. After the three weeks, I totaled my views, forwarded as required and the message is still unread although delivered,” he said.

According to him, the only messages that are promptly responded to are for those joining.

“They will quickly respond to a person joining, but a person raising concerns is ever ignored,” he said.

However, not one among them has reported the matter to the police, but call upon the public to be wary of these scammers.

“I have referred more than twenty people who pay the registration fee. I guess the defrauders get more than a million daily.” Wafula added.

Why technology should force amendments to labour laws

Eggs inching closer to the price of chicken

By our reporter

For many years, semi-autonomous workers like freelance contractors have suffered in the hands of employers in Kenya. They experience lack of fundamental benefits such as pension and maternity leaves, and suffer unilateral disciplinary actions and income uncertainties.

The recent report by Australian consultancy Fairworks Kenya 2021 Labor Standards in the Gig Economy revealed that the workers undergo difficulties that threaten their health and finances.

The study reveals that employees are not guaranteed to earn above the minimum net earnings.

It is important to note that there are regulations that have been implemented in favour of an employee to ensure that they are not exploited at the workplace. For instance, section 46 of the Labour Institutions Act 2007 provides the minimum salary for drivers in different locations.

This is not the case on the ground. For example, Uber drivers are paid on the basis of performance. The uncertainty sometimes makes them to operate extra hours or even violate some of the regulations to get reasonable returns.

Peter Karanja, a taxi driver, reveals that since the onset of the pandemic, he had to operate within thin expenditures as much as possible to generate some income.

“The situation is difficult. Everyone is fighting for a coin; therefore, I cannot ask for leave of absence because I will go unpaid and I will be risking losing my job,” Karanja observes.

According to the Fairworks’ report, the gig workers operate outside the existing labour laws, resulting in the payment of fees or commissions that fall below the minimum wages. It continues by indicating that the plat-

forms have therefore been able to circumvent statutory obligations by ensuring that their contracts with workers do not align within any of the categories in the Employment Act.

“Everything is done depending on the output. This is a matter that should be evaluated thoroughly to ensure the wellbeing of any worker at any given station. We are seeing people being fired from work in the morning without allowing them to explain themselves. This is devastating,” he adds.

Moreover, the work environment has completely changed.

“Because of the rampart technology where employment is taking another direction, unlike the module where people go to work and get a salary, there is need to formulate other rules,” he urges.

According to Karanja, the Kenyan Employment Act does not cater for employment in newer platforms brought about by either emerging technology or pandemics.

It can be assumed that during the amendment of laws, the current structure of work was not anticipated. As a result, there should be amendments in labour laws so as to bring people to even levels.

“This calls upon lawmakers to champion the amendment of the rules to fit the current situation. The labour Unions are also not left behind. They should realize that the workers, mostly the semi-independent contractors, are anguishing, living a gambling life because of the exploitation of the employers,” a digital strategist Ann Mukami in Kitengela says.

“We are experiencing companies, mostly those that have invested heavily in technology, harvesting more profits but the workers are plunging into poverty. It is time that we changed the labour laws in line with the changing world,” she adds.

In recent times, employment-related organizations have been showing interest by raising concerns on the subject.

By our reporter

The shortage of eggs has seen its price jump 25 per cent within a month, piling pressure on household budgets as the cost of living soars.

Metropolitan Shopper has learnt that a crate of eggs retails at Ksh450 in Kitengela town mid-February, an increase from Ksh360 in January. One egg ranges between Ksh15 to Ksh20 from Ksh10 to Ksh12 previously.

This is coming closer to the price of an average chicken.

Traders attribute the sharp increase to short supply locally as farmers cut down on their stocks due to the high prices of feeds. Besides, the stiff surveillance at Uganda-Kenya border has stopped smuggling of eggs from the neighbouring country, making the situation dire.

“The supply of eggs has really gone down in the market. This has made us increase the price of the commodi-

ty,” Ann Chebet, a trader in Kitengela says.

Majority of the population supplements the product with other meals. According to Ann, affordability as compared to meat moves the product faster, therefore, even if the price is hiked, people have no other option but buy.

“Currently I am selling an egg at Ksh15, but there are places going for Ksh20,” she said.

She notes that the hike in fuel had not yet affected the commodity, adding that her supplier had reduced the number of crates she usually supplies her to 10 from 15 weekly.

When contacted, Agnes Biketi, the said supplier, said she had to balance her clients for everyone to get eggs as the demand had risen.

“I value my clients, as a result, I have to divide equally,” she said.

She also increased the price because of a corresponding increase in the price of feeds, plus the demand in

the market.

“Since last year, the price of layers mash has been on the upward trend. A 50 kilogramme bag costs Ksh3,200 from Ksh2,500,” she revealed.

The high cost of feeds is attributed to expensive maize and a shortage of key protein supplements such as sunflower cake and soy, which are hardly found locally.

Kenya highly depended on Zambia for the ingredients, which banned its exports to protect its market.

The price of soy doubled to Ksh65 a kilogramme from August last year, while sunflower meal rose to Ksh35 from Ksh25.

Agnes reveals that there are many people who have abandoned the business because of expensive feeds. On the other hand, those who trade in boiled eggs have increased the price from Ksh20 to Ksh25. However, some have quit the business to venture into other alternatives.

2 The Metropolitan Shopper

A crate of eggs retails at Ksh450 in Kitengela town mid-February, an increase from Ksh360 in January. One egg ranges between Ksh15 to Ksh20 from Ksh10 to Ksh12 previously.

It can be assumed that during the amendment of laws, the current structure of work was not anticipated. As a result, there should be amendments in labour laws so as to bring people to even levels.

Over 380,000 people facing starvation in Kajiado

By Obegi Malack

Kajiado County Drought Risk Coordination Committee co-chaired by Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku and County Commissioner Felix Watikila has announced that 380,000 people from the county are in dire need of relief food.

The number has shot up from 110,000 people last year.

Governor Lenku said the food crisis had reached an emergency level and called on the national government to fastrack issuance of relief food in drought-stricken areas.

"Drought continues to bite. There has been no reprieve because the rains have not come. We appeal for emergency food support as we continue putting in place long term measures," said the governor.

He added that the county government will hold a meeting with various NGOs to ensure all food support is channeled through

The contractor later installed the cable in the wee hours of the morning with residents only waking up to see trenches dug, some water leaks and pipes destroyed.

one platform.

"We have a central store manned by both the county and national government. This is the food bank from where the coordination committee will determine where the food will be distributed,” he said.

Lenku added that the county government has operationalized the national drought emergency forum which will determine emergency projects.

He said the projects will go towards building resilience and capacity building for communities.

The county boss said donors and partners should involve the governor and county commissioner’s offices when donating food so that the committee can determine where the food support goes.

He said the committee uses the national and county government machinery to reach every vulnerable household in the county.

Residents protest installation of internet masts without consent

By our reporter

Residents of Nkaimurunya Ward under Hills View Residents Association are protesting the installation of a booster in Hill View Estate without public participation as required by the law.

The residents wrote a letter to Liquid Communication Company which was contracted by Airtel to install fibre cables for homeowners.

Through their chairperson Charles Leshore, the residents claimed installation of a mast (pictured) at the estate was done secretly inside one of the resident’s home and that while that was being done, the property was fenced till December 2022.

The contractor later installed the cable in the wee hours of the morning (February 4, 2023) with residents only waking up to see trenches dug, some water leaks and pipes destroyed.

Leshore argued that the trenches were dug right in front of their houses hence they were unable to drive out, forcing them to miss church service on February 5, 2023.

He added that when they demanded to be shown contract documents so as to know the scope of the project, its approvals by relevant authorities like NEMA and to know the mitigation measures put in place for existing amenities in the roads and estate lanes, there was none available.

The residents now want the contracted firm to be responsible for all damages to water pipes, drainage systems, the health impact of the project on residents, the psychological torture the residents endured, and the two vehicles that fell on the trenches as the road was narrow.

“While all efforts to reach Airtel Kenya have been made, we haven’t got any response,” part of the letter read.

The residents’ association will now seek legal redress to restrain Airtel and its agents from continuing with the cable installation and operating the mast without their consent.

Sawaina Foundation donating food to drought-hit Torosei in Kajiado West. Photo /Obegi Malack

A signal of a booster at Hillview estate in Ongata Rongai.

Complainant

Rongai police officer knocks off client’s four teeth in fight

By our reporter

A middle-aged man is now toothless after a fight with a drunken Ongata Rongai police officer.

According to sources, the altercation started when the man, while enjoying his drink, was told that he was under arrest.

The man, identified only as Musyoka, said he was confronted by two police officers as he “rested” at around 11pm after work, whereupon he requested them to let him access the washrooms first.

They would hear none of that. A fight broke out and the man was kicked in the face, knocking out

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

When Ken Clark, a navy veteran (1970-1976) visited Kenya, he experienced firsthand the devastating effects of waterborne diseases.

Post recovery, he took samples of water consumed in Maasai land, tested it and found it contaminated. His doctors found out that most illnesses among the Maasai community was as a result of water problems hence it was better to treat the problem from the source.

According to UNICEF, in Kenya, 9.9 million people drink water directly from contaminated water sources and an estimated five million people practice open defecation.

Ken started Clean Water Kenya (CWK), a non-profit Charitable Organization in 2016 to supply portable water filtration systems in rural Maasai.

Speaking during distribution of the systems in Kisamis in Kajiado West Constituency, Jackson Kanga, the country director CWK, said Ken visited Kenya in 2014 then volunteered with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Texas to provide medical supplies and medicine to remote villages in Kenya.

Ken has been in Iraq and seen destruction and human suffering. He has been in over 522 missions and has witnessed personal attacks and convoy attacks. He has also lost friends and co-workers.

Through his personal experience, he authored “Other Sons and Daughters: A True Account of Civilian Convoy Drivers in Iraq”.

Together with his wife Judy, he wrote a delightful children’s book “Wiggles & Button.”

Charitable donations to CWK pur-

four teeth.

Attempts by the man to report the assault at Ongata Rongai Police Station were rejected by officers at the OB desk, who demanded that he be treated before recording a statement.

The man was taken to a hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi, by the police themselves, treated and given artificial teeth, then told to go home.

He said the officers ordered him to surrender his teeth, which he refused.

“I later took the teeth back to the police station but was again told to bring a medical report.

When I went to the hospital, I was told the officers took it away,” a distraught Musyoka said.

Kajiado North Sub-county OCPD Abduba Gula said he is aware of the incident and directed the Rongai OCS to ensure the matter was recorded in the OB for investigations to begin.

He ordered the man to take his documents, including treatment receipts, to the station for documentation and also file a P3 form.

The OCPD noted that the allegation is a serious matter and has instructed the DCI office to take up the matter, saying he will not watch as police officers manhandled innocent people.

How illness turned former navy veteran to philanthropist

Clean Water Kenya founder Ken Clark(centre), Jackson

Kanga and a Maasai elder .

chase Kenyan-made water filters and rain barrels, which are later distributed to Kenyan communities that lack clean water.

Virginia Sakuda Turasha from Kajiado West, who also works with CWK, said they have been able to access most remote areas in Maasailand where locals lack clean water.

“We have partnered to distribute the filters since most of our people rely on water from sources such as ponds and shallow wells, which is dirty,” she said.

Turasha said CWK has been able to supply more than one thousand filters around Maasailand and Eastern regions.

Turasha, who is also the founder of

Maasai Education and Advocacy for Change, said they also advocate for end of gender-based violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages in the community.

She has also partnered with Michelle and Frederick Bianchi Education Foundation that is helping under-represented and economically disadvantaged students in Kenya and Africa achieve their potential through education by donating school uniforms every year.

Nancy Milanoi, Naretu Maa CBO founder, said the provision of water filters will reduce illness.

Clean Water Kenya (CWK) country director Jackson Kanga, Virginia Sakuda Turasha (L) and Nancy Milanoi during distribution of water filters in Kisamis, Kajiado.

I later took the teeth back to the police station but was again told to bring a medical report.

Charitable donations to CWK purchase Kenyan-made water filters and rain barrels, which are later distributed to Kenyan communities that lack clean water.

Photo /Obegi Malack

Photo Courtesy

By Vostine Ratemo

St. Mary`s Pre-primary, Primary and Junior Secondary School has lived up to its vision of becoming the leading provider of quality education. The school is known for its vast reputation of positively impacting learners with values, skills and morals that enable them to shine wherever they go.

The school was among the best performing schools in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams after posting a mean mark of 353.

The head teacher, who has steered the school towards the improved performance, said co-operation among all stakeholders has propelled the institution to success.

She said the institution is committed to integrity and holistic formation since it is a Diocesan school run by the Evangelising Sisters of Mary.

“We always receive majority of students from parents who admire our values of integrity and the spiritual aspects on our learners. Most parents trust us to teach the learners not only in matters of

St. Mary’s Junior Secondary School commits to learners’ holistic growth

We always receive majority of students from parents who admire our values of integrity and the spiritual aspects on our learners.

education but also morally,” she added.

The school sits on seven acres of land in Kajiado County that provides a serene environment conducive for the learners.

It has been approved to offer Junior Secondary School (JSS) and has since received 40 learners.

She revealed that the school’s infrastructure has steadily improved as a result of the 100 per cent transition.

“We have built a well-equipped lab-

Digital taxi drivers demand better rates or they take a walk

By Obegi Malack

Uber and Bolt drivers in Kajiado North have demanded the online companies to amend their rates or they delete the APPs.

The drivers who held protests in Ongata Rongai said the companies are offering as little as Ksh150 per

School buses

oratory and a multi-purpose dining hall fit for learners. The school has a wellequipped modern kitchen, 27 flash latrines and a perimeter wall for security.

The school boasts of a population of 635 learners. It has a total of five buses and one van and all the drivers of the institutions are National Transport and

Safety Authority (NTSA) complaint thus the security of the learners while on the road is guaranteed.

All the 34 teachers have been trained on Competency –Based Curriculum (CBC) and the school administration has arranged workshops for teachers to learn all the aspects of CBC.

“We invite guidance and counselling professionals to talk to and motivate our learners. Majority of our students are teenagers hence it is crucial to groom them well academically, mentally and emotionally,” she added.

The school has a vast reputation in terms of co-curricular activities especially athletics, soccer, music and swimming. It also has drama and scouting bands.

The school, which serves as a non-profitable organization, has sponsored 150 learners and two learners in secondary school.

The school practices agriculture and uses the produce to feed the learners thrice a week.

trip. They want the companies to reduce their commissions and increase rates so that they can earn decent wages.

They noted that they cannot maintain their cars with the rates.

Julius Odongo, Magadi Road Digital Taxi Drivers chairperson, said they have been suffering in the hands of the companies since they started introducing discounts.

“They take a lot of commissions and drivers are blocked when customers complain without getting their side of story,” he said.

He said they used to charge

Ksh65 per kilometre but now reduced to Ksh 25, which is paradoxical as food and other prices are going up.

They also claimed some of their customers turn out to be thugs who rob them during night assignments.

Clifford Wanjala complains of the poor roads that have sapped even the little they get.

“The money we get is spent in garages because of break downs. The roads are terrible,” he said, wondering why their customers would not warn them of the bad roads or take boda bodas instead.

JSS boys

JSS girls

JSS learning block

JSS life skills class in progress

Tr Onesmus Mutua

Tr Calvince Omondi, JSS Head teacher

Sr Zipporah Kanuvi, Head teacher

The government should up its game to boost agriculture

Igrew up in Meru County, one of the rich agricultural areas where tea farming is majorly practised.

There were numerous challenges with tea farming hence farmers spent days and nights in tea buying centres to sell the produce to Kenya Tea Development Authority, the state parastatal (now a company) tasked with development of the industry in Kenya.

I went through this struggle and vowed agriculture would not be part of my life again. In secondary school, agriculture was the first subject I dropped. My hatred for agriculture was so deep that I even avoided agriculture club in school.

A few years later, while working, some of my uncles encouraged me to venture into tea farming, among other endeavours, to build my economic life.

However, family land tussles kept me off since I could not afford to buy my own land. But that would later change as friends encouraged me to do agriculture. I slowly but carefully joined tea farming and started farming miraa on leased land.

Without the tea industry, Meru County would be considered one of the poorest regions in the country. Through it, a lot of households have improved their lifestyle over time and managed to educate their children.

I’ve been privileged to be involved in numerous agricultural projects, hence I know so much about agriculture.

EDITORIAL

The residents of Ngong, Ongata Rongai, and Kiserian townships have suffered a great deal in recent months; there has been no water in the taps and the supplier has no idea what to do about it. Worse, the private vendors have depleted their reservoirs as the unforgiving drought bites harder. The intermittent flow to reach households was enough to sustain domestic consumption while it lasted.

Renewable energy is the antidote to global warming crisis

It’s worth noting that with modern practices and technology, returns in agriculture in some industries or sections are fairly good.

We therefore have to look at the sustainability of profitable and decent agriculture in the country in view of challenges of climate change, costs of production and the shrinking space for the practice. Land available for family or households involved in agriculture is increasingly getting smaller due to subdivision, which is driven by needs of employment, settlement and basically survival besides cultural issues.

The writer is a political, economic and social analyst and commentator.

hm.ikunda@gmail.com

Harrison Mwirigi Ikunda

@hikunda

Harrison Ikunda

I have done and still do a lot of research on agriculture as I have an interest in it as a small scale investor hoping to grow big. I have seen many retired Kenyans venture into agriculture, an implication that agriculture plays a vital role in income generation.

Returns in agriculture on average for employees or investors may be relatively lower compared to some other sectors such as manufacturing, finance, technology and tourism but it is a vital cog in the Kenyan economy.

Rain fed agriculture has also become unsustainable especially with issues of climate change affecting the world. Other challenges are lack of adequate agricultural field extension services and poor knowledge of animal genetics, development and their acquisition or lack of it for better production among farmers.

These are some of the challenges that make farming challenging yet we still need agriculture as a whole to survive in the country.

As a result of this, the government should endeavour to sort out the economic problems being experienced in this country. It is very shameful that we still import huge volumes of agricultural produce which we can produce locally.

We have to eliminate barriers or inhibitors that make production of some of the agricultural produce here uncompetitive vis-à-vis imports. The ball is in the court of the government.

Economically speaking, something in abundance is cheaper than that in limited supply. This synonymously describes fossil fuel in most countries around the globe.

Charcoal is commonly used in cooking both in urban and rural settings because of its economic benefit. Despite being a contributor to the global energy mix, charcoal releases a lot of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, causing global warming.

The felling of trees to produce wood fuel has brought about desertification in some areas and affected the air quality as well as water catchments.

As a result of the relatively low cost of charcoal, its availability and suitability as well as people’s over reliance on non-renewable energy, the uptake of renewable energy in some countries has become a dream. Increasing populations in developing countries has led to increased energy demand, hence the emerging energy crises.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has for years highlighted the link between the changing environment and epidemic diseases. According to a recent letter published by Lancet, the leading scientists reported that climate change is to blame for the emergence of Covid-19. Human behaviour has had harmful impacts on our environment, bringing about stressful economic and health times around the globe. Lives have been lost, many have been displaced and vital ecosystems and wildlife as well as the economy have been destroyed by climate change.

Sadly, the marginalized communities suffer the most because of their dependence on cheap energy, which affects their health.

Many countries are working round the clock to finally put an end to the energy and climate change crisis being faced.

Cape Cod Canal in the US is working on harnessing the tides to generate energy. According to the CEO of Littoral Power Systems Inc., the tidal turbines that can provide electricity for decades to come is well-poised to take off and could mark the start of another renewable energy in the world.

In Kenya, activists from Green-

peace Africa took to court the initiative to implement the Lamu Coal Plant and won the case. Such efforts are to be imitated around the globe to help nations survive this scourge.

The human race has wasted decades arguing whether or not global warming and climate change is real rather than defusing the threat as appropriate.

Instead of launching transition to renewable energy, the consumption of fossil fuel increased.

It is not too late though. It is time, beyond urgency, for people from various economic backgrounds across the world alike to quit fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy and other climate resilient practices.

It is eminent that our future is at the mercy of the very energy sources we are using. Instead of going on chasing the wild goose, countries should let go and invest more on the renewable energy industry to save the world.

Kenya is on its way to ensure the renewable energy sector is not news across the nation. Solar energy, though not adopted in most parts, has been embraced by many, especially those in rural areas. This move is promising as the public at large is aware of their environment and acts appropriately to ensure the future is secure.

It is also economically friendly as it saves on the costs that would otherwise be used in reviving the degraded environment. Despite the high initial cost of setting up renewable energy, technical bits, market availability and socio-cultural beliefs among many others, many countries are succeeding in the uptake of renewable energy. If they are, then we too should.

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

Why is blatant incompetence allowed to ruin our water supplies?

Yet now there is no telling when taps can be restored to life as residents continue buying water from bowsers and donkey carts, never minding the dangers posed as you simply cannot know the source. It is chilling to think of the consequences of an outbreak.

This situation, drought notwithstanding, could have been fairly managed had Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Company Limited (OWSC) found it prudent to discharge

its mandate nobly and with due concern for welfare of residents.

Being the company with the duty and obligation to supply clean water, they ought to know that their failure is not an act of God as they are quick to blame the drought. There is much more to it.

At the moment the company is struggling with a wage bill that is far above the Ksh8 million it collects a month. The management put them in

this hole by employing more workers, which cannot be rationalized as there was nothing to justify adding staff.

That came in the face of a negative working capital of -104, 727,930 shillings. For now, the statement of comprehensive income reflects a loss of Ksh25 million, a clear indication it is already insolvent.

Also operating on a donor account whose amount is unknown, there are other financial improprieties that even

the Auditor General could not discern.

How this company will come out of this mess that is self-inflicted remains a mystery, but interventions must come quick and radical. In this age and time, it is hard to picture how a sensitive entity that is supposed to ensure public health can, in fact, be a public health hazard itself.

It is even more intriguing that such incompetence and corruption was allowed to tarry this long.

Harrison Mwirigi Ikunda

Olivia Auma Otieno

Garbage collection in Kajiado still a disaster

The issue of garbage collection in Kajiado County has been riddled with lots of chaos. There is a rise in the number of heaps of garbage and illegal dump sites in Ngong Ward. This poses a lot of health risk to the public.

It is unfortunate that despite numerous complaints, no action has been taken. It is the duty of the county government to ensure that residents are provided with basic services without any discrimination.

- Concerned citizen.

Ngong town a haven of drug abuse and crime

I'm a peace-loving and law abiding resident of Ngong. I'm also a bona fide and duly registered voter. However, I'm perturbed by the rise in lawlessness, drug abuse and juvenile delinquency among the youth. They collude with criminal gangs to commit crime, cause disturbance of peace and also dumping of garbage in residential areas.

Uncollected garbage emits foul stench, it is an eye sore and a great health risk. We are all required to uphold high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. I am appealing, through Metropolitan Shopper, to the relevant government authorities to appropriately take action.

-Mwalimu Rayan, Ngong

50-year old jailed for life for marrying 9-year old girl

Magistrate Phyllis Shinyanda, was charged with two counts: defiling a nine-year-old girl and marrying her in violation of the law in 2019.

The accused had pleaded guilty to defiling and marrying a minor and was sentenced to life imprisonment for the first count of defilement and three years for the second count of early marriage, which he will serve concurrently.

In her judgement, the senior magistrate said the man had been warned of the consequences of his action after pleading guilty, but maintained that he had married the girl after an agreement with the parents.

“The last three years must have been the most horrific for the victim after the accused maintained the girl was his wife,” she remarked.

The court was told that the girl had been impregnated and that the man has been defiling the minor for the last three years.

Shinyanda said the accused merely asked for pardon. The man had maintained that he did not take the girl by force having been handed her by the parents.

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

A Narok court has sentenced a fifty-year-old man to life in prison for defiling and marrying an under-age girl.

Saigulu Ololosereka, who appeared before Narok Senior Resident

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail.com

Boxing Federation of Kenya Competition Secretary John Waweru has revealed that the National Intermediate Boxing Championships will be held in Ongata Rongai Social Hall in March.

The competitions will be held between March 2-4, 2023 and will be attended by boxers from all counties. Waweru said boxers from Kajiado County have been improving in performance and have played the novice and intermediate levels hence the decision to bring the competition to the county.

Some of the boxers from the county who will be participating are Brighton Onsongo, Boniface Michira (Heavy Weight 92) and Murugi Ndung’u (Ladies 67) of Kajiado County Boxing team. They had participated in the National Novice Championships held between February 2-4, 2023 in Nairobi County.

Talanta Rongai Boxing Club scored 21 points, Ongata Rongai Boxing Club 9 while Ngong had 5 points.

Onsongo qualified for the National Intermediate Championships after beating Derrick Njera of Kenya Police (Light weight 60kg).

In Heavy Weight 92, Michira beat Clinton Okoth of Kisumu.

The Kajiado and Kenya Police

The magistrate said the man was remorseless and felt entitled to the girl as his wife.

The underage girl had undergone Female Genital Mutilation before she was married off and later underwent a caesarian section when giving birth.

The offender was given 14 days to appeal.

Kajiado County to host National Intermediate Boxing championships in March

teams tied at position two with nine points while Nairobi County took position one with 21 points.

The male boxers who qualified train with Talanta Boxing Club in Rongai headed by coach Peter Ogeya.

Female boxer Murugi trains with Ongata Rongai Boxing Club headed

by Mike Ragot Otieno.

The Talanta coach said the win is through hard work and discipline.

Kajiado County Boxing Association Chair Moses Kamalik said the boxers have been performing well despite the financial challenges they encounter, adding that if they get

sponsors, they will even perform better.

Kajiado for the first time produced a boxer who represented Kenya internationally. Flyweight Abdiazziz Abdirizak won silver medal in the Elite Youth Championships in Tanzania on January 14, 2023.

Abdirizak was selected in Boxing

Federation of Kenya 2023 National Youth and Junior Boxing Championships held at Palpal Hall Nairobi during games held on 5th to 7th January 2023.

Skyler Kangwa from Kajiado qualified for 10-11 years ladies category after defeating Harriet Bianca of Nairobi.

Kajiado County Boxing Association Chair Moses Kamalik (L) with boxer Brighton Onsongo (blue) who qualified for national championships 2023. Photo /Obegi Malack

Kajiado County boxer Brighton Onsongo faces off with Derrick Njera of Kenya Police to qualify for the national championships. Photo /Obegi Malack

Saigulu Ololosereka in Narok court.

The cartels were using the office of the Deputy County Commissioner to grab land from rightful owners. They had also set base in a building behind the Ngong lands offices and a toilet to plan their heinous activities.

No respite for Ngong land registry as old corruption returns

By Obegi Malack

Ngong Land Registry is back to its old ways of corruption and forgery even after arrests and transfers in 2020 led to closure of the offices for over four months.

On January this year, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested a land registrar for allegedly demanding a Ksh2.5 million bribe from a member of the public in order to process their title deed.

According to a source, Charles Mwendwa was arrested by EACC detectives while receiving Ksh900,000, an amount which was a bargain from the aforesaid bribe. The arrest was made after investigations following complaints by members of the public.

"On 7th December 2022, the Commission received a report from a member of the public who alleged that both Caroline Simuli Kituyi and Charles Mwendwa Mutua based in Ngong Land Registry were demanding a bribe from him in order to process the Title Deeds to his land," wrote EACC, adding that

the duo was to share the amount. The registry was closed on November 5, 2020 after officers from the DCI

and EACC raided the offices following reports of massive corruption.

The then Lands CS Farida Karon-

18 students from Kajiado West enter Elimu Scholarship plan

By Obegi Malack

The Ministry of Education (MoE), through Elimu Scholarship Programme and Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), has awarded scholarships to needy secondary school students from Kajiado West Sub-county.

The scholarship will benefit 18 students from an applicant list of 123, who will be divided in half between JKF and Equity Bank.

Elimu Scholarship Programme is run by the Government of Kenya (GoK) and World Bank in partnership with Equity Bank. It caters for tuition fees, transport, school kit and pocket money for the four-year education period, mainly targeting needy and vulnerable learners in public schools.

Others who are also considered are orphans and those with special needs.

Ngong Equity Bank Credit Manager Benjamin Olukoye challenged the students to perform and give back to the community, informing them that the sponsors will not allow under-performance, and that the students should be role models.

The students will also benefit from mentorship from outstanding role models.

JKF sales representative Millicent

Olela said the programme was started to ensure needy children get an opportunity to get an education and also be able to give back to the community.

The programme improves access to education and transition and was founded in 1968. Over 10,000 students have benefitted since its inception.

Kajiado West Deputy County Commissioner Moranga Morekwa

said the beneficiaries selected for the 2023 cohort were deserving cases and their entry into the programme was based on solid, verifiable and objective criteria.

He said the community should educate children and do away with Female General Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, which are archaic.

Kajiado West Education Officer Philip Leruso said most students who

ey said the Land Registry was closed for about five months for renovation and reorganization in efforts to address customer concerns about the quality of service at the registry.

The DCI had arrested four lands officials accused of fraudulent transfer of title deeds, receiving bribes and for missing green cards.

Karoney said the closure was necessary to ensure that the corruption claims were fully investigated and measures put in place to prevent re-occurrence.

The ministry renovated the offices and brought in new officers as some of the incumbents were facing corruption charges in court.

Kajiado County Lands executive Hamilton Perseina had said the cartels were using the office of the Deputy County Commissioner to grab land from rightful owners. They had also set base in a building behind the Ngong lands offices and a toilet to plan their heinous activities.

benefit forget the challenges they used to face, promising that his office will track their performance.

Kajiado West Elimu branch champion Hellen Njuguna said the 18 applicants were the most deserving.

Face-to-face interviews and home visits were done before awarding the scholarships to the most deserving scholars.

FGM and early marriage survivor

and activist Nancy Milanoi (OGW) said one of the beneficiaries was an FGM survivor, beseeching the community to bury the dangerous cultural practice.

One of the students who benefited was Simpiri Saiko who scored 388 marks in Olgumi Primary School. He joins Nairobi school and aspires to study medicine at the university.

Scholarship programmes in the country such as Elimu Scholarship and Wings to Fly continue to provide opportunities for equitable access to education in the country, complementing the government’s effort at 100 per cent transition to secondary school as well.

The programme improves access to education and transition and was founded in 1968.

Over 10,000 students have benefitted since its inception.

Former Lands CS Farida Karoney re-opens Ngong Lands Registry after renovation and staff reshuffle.

Photo /Obegi Malack

Kajiado West Deputy County Commissioner Moranga Morekwa flags off Elimu Scholarship Program and The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) beneficiaries. Photo/Obegi Malack

Why is posho mill business unpopular in Kajiado, yet it is a goldmine?

By our reporter

It takes a bit of time for a person to decide which type of business they want to establish. The process requires wide consultations and comparisons before the plunge is taken headlong.

Posho mill, or grain milling, is rare business in Kajiado, perhaps because they are predominantly livestock keepers. Yet one cannot help but think they are either antiquated or unprofitable.

Duncan Abogo owns a posho mill in Kajiado. Before he ventured into it, he used to work with big organizations such as Kenya Airways, Management for Health Services, and Unga Limited in the logistics departments. He studied Business Management at Moi University.

He was last employed in 2015.

“I decided to quit employment and ventured into real estate and chicken farming,” he says, having gained some invaluable experience in those companies to kick off milling grain in 2017, which he had mulled over since 2016.

“I wonder why we tell fresh graduates to create businesses. It is difficult. The skills are learned while working,” he adds.

His business has been upscaling despite a few challenges. He has em-

ployed someone to work with.

Patrick Karanja, who also operates a similar business, says it is an enterprise without low or high seasons.

“This business is good. There is no time in the year that we receive few customers. Now you can see how promising it is,” Karanja says.

He owns two posho mills, one in Kajido town and another in Kitengela.

Abogo notes that every data he

gets daily helps him project the future. Apparently, he is building his brand that will see him offer sifted maize meal.

“From the much I have garnered, I want to expand my business further. Before reaching equilibrium, there are always gaps that we should tap and utilize. I still have gaps that gradually I am tapping and turning them to be more profitable,” he says.

Karanja is dreaming of expanding his too.

“I want to set up posho mills across Kajiado County. From the experience I have in the business, it is profitable. It is not like selling perishable goods. More importantly, everyone must eat,” he says.

Both agree that there is stiff competition from packed maize meal. However, that does not hinder them from running their businesses.

“There are a lot of brands in the market, but you should consider that not all go for the packed flour. I have heard majority of people prefer milled whole grain rather than buy it

processed. Also, there are some who mix the two, thus guaranteeing the survival of the industry,” Karanja reasons.

He reveals that the business has been essential for him to establish other entities like peanut processing.

“When someone finds me here, he may perceive that I suffer since it is considered a dirty job. Contrary, I have been able to build a house, educate my children, buy a car and now I process peanut butter. I have a roasting machine here and others elsewhere that are used to produce peanut butter,” Karanja boasts.

His wife runs the peanut business because of her interest in it.

He says it is practically impossible to be a billionaire by depending on employment since the richest people in the world own companies.

“I challenge those who underestimate our work that the richest people own their businesses. No boss will allow an employee to earn more than him,” he says.

According to him, there are many underrated opportunities that people can do to become rich.

You might agree. Grant Cardone, a top sales expert who has built a $500 million real estate empire and NYT bestselling author points out that poor people try to replace income sources, but rich people add.

One of Patrick Karanja’s posho mills. Photo /Andrew Walyaula

Patrick Karanja, who also operates a similar business, says it is an enterprise without low or high seasons. There is no time in the year that they receive few customers.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and syphilis place

HEALTH MATTERS

Link between cervical cancer and infidelity

By Andrew Walyaula

Medics are calling upon spouses to be faithful in the bid to end cervical cancer that is ranked number two cause of death among other types of cancer in Kenya.

Cervical cancer is majorly caused by HPV virus. Low immunity also contributes to the infection.

According to Dr Victor Teti of Nairobi Women’s Hospital, diseases such as diabetes and HIV, which lower the immunity, can cause cervical cancer.

“Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and syphilis place one at risk of getting cancer. Therefore, anybody who has them should go and test for cancer,” Dr Teti said.

He revealed that it is difficult to identify the disease at an early stage, calling upon women to be vigilant on any symptom that can be related to the

illness.

“The symptoms are a smelling discharge from the virgina, a bruise or a pimple-like swelling in the virgina, bleeding during or after sex, and hav-

Plans to issue NHIF cards to elderly

play a part in the process.

According to Dr Teti, men should encourage their wives and daughters between the ages of 10 to 14 years to go for screening as leaders in their families.

He urges men to avoid having sex with multiple partners for it is a risk to their spouses.

ing blood flow before menstruation,” he said.

He added that if the disease is not treated early, it can spread to other parts like bladder, kidney and even brain, altering their functions.

Dr Joan Bor, manager in the Department of Prevention and Early Detention of Cancer in the Ministry of Health (MoH), disclosed that globally, cervical cancer is the number four leading cause of cancer deaths, while it is second in Kenya. Besides, it is the foremost in the number of new cancer infections in Kenya.

“Every day we lose nine women to cervical cancer, the most affected population being women of age bracket 35 to 45,” she said.

The disease can also be cured through HPV vaccine or treatment, the reason the government is encouraging women to go for screening often for early detection. Men are also asked to

Immaculate Nabalayo, a nurse, observes that many of the victims die silently because of the stigmatization.

“The society has stigmatized the whole thing by associating the disease with immorality. As a result, many women are not going for screening due to the misconceptions,” Nabalayo said.

She applauded the efforts by World Health Organization (WHO) to fight the disease.

According to WHO, the disease will be eliminated by 2030 if more than 75 per cent of women go for screening and vaccination is adhered to globally.

The MoH has also upped its game to ensure the disease is mitigated in Kenya.

According to Dr Bor, the ministry has emphasized on creating awareness through mainstream and social media platforms.

By Obegi Malack

Permanent Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Social Security and Protection Joseph Motari has said the government will issue NHIF cards to all vulnerable and elderly citizens under the Inua Jamii Programme.

Motari, who was addressing elderly folk at a local banking outlet in Kajiado, said women will benefit in the programme so as to reach out to the most vulnerable Kenyans.

Motari said the elders had received their arrears.

“We have given them Ksh8,000 each as

accrued arrears from July to November,” said the PS.

He was in Kajiado County to oversee disbursement of Inua Jamii funds to 10,534 beneficiaries.

All the 1.1 million beneficiaries receive Ksh2,000 every month through six contracted commercial banks.

Apologizing on behalf of the government, he said the delay was caused by the political transition after the August polls.

The PS said the government will put in place a single registry for the elderly so that their support can be managed from one point for the money to reach the targeted people in time.

one at risk of getting cancer.

PS Joseph Motari chats with elderly citizens in Kajiado County

Photo /Obegi Malack

Bishop Mazzoldi builds on integrity to push education agenda forward

Vostine Ratemo

Bishop Mazzoldi Pre and Primary School has grown over the years to be among one of the giant education establishments in Kajiado County, being founded on principles of discipline and integrity as a Christian institution.

With the school currently operating under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), it was one of the few to qualify after being verified by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to offer Junior Secondary School (JSS).

The school has a population of 180 learners for primary and 140 for pre-primary school, bringing the total to 320 learners.

Sitting on a massive seven acres with eye-catching sceneries of neatly kept lawns and edges, the infrastructure and facilities ensure the safety and comfort of learners. There are two buses and a van for ferrying them to and from school, sometimes even lending a helping hand neighbouring schools.

The head teacher Sr Pamela Agunda

said they have quite a number of co-curricular activities, including athletics, football and swimming, which will soon put them in the national and regional

Residents want government to resolve the painful water crisis

By our reporter

Kajiado County residents have called upon the county government to intervene and help them find a permanent solution to the water shortage being experienced as a result of the ongoing drought.

The residents want the government to drill more boreholes in the area.

They point out that the situation is so bad that they have been forced to dig deeper into their pockets to buy a 20 litre jerry can of water at Ksh40.

Ilbissil water vendor Moses Maina said the situation is getting worse since many boreholes are now drying up.

“The situation is worsened by prolonged drought owing to rain failure for the last five months.” Maina said in anguish.

People no longer visit their taps in Rongai as they know what to expect.

well in everything they undertake,” Sr Agunda added.

The school supports more than 25 per cent of the learners, majority of them hailing from Kware Slums of Ongata Rongai town where they live in squalor and improvidence.

“The schools is a non- profitable institution and resorts to helping the needy pupils from the region. We are trying all we can to ensure that they acquire an education like the rest across the country. We are appealing for funds from well-wishers to enable us uplift every child because that’s our main objective,” she said.

The school has sufficient clean water supply to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, which are common in most institutions.

As a way of generating income, the school has embarked on crop cultivation that supplements their food requirements.

The pre- primary section started about 40 years ago in 1983 and it is owned and run by the Religious Sisters of the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary. Later in 2019, the primary school opened its doors to admissions.

limelight because they are doing everything possible to excel in all activities.

“The objective of the school is to grow an all-round person who can do

Home Science pupils

Sr Pamela Agunda, Head teacher

The objective of the school is to grow an all-round person who can do well in everything they undertake.

A Grade 2 class in session

A Grade 4 teacher takes pupils through a lesson Scout club

ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE

Angry Rongai residents stage demo protesting poor roads

By Vostine Ratemo and Obegi Malack

Businesses along Masaai Lodge and Gataka roads in Rongai, Kajiado County were disrupted when residents staged demos protesting over the pathetic Maasai Lodge-Olekasasi-Kitengela road.

According to one of the protestors, the road was initially tarmacked and later dug up with a promise to re-carpet it to modern standards. Nothing has been done since.

The road connects Kajiado East through Tuala, and Rimpa through Olekasasi. The Maasai Lodge-Olekasasi-Rimpa road was abandoned by the contactor, claiming he had not been paid.

The locals had engaged their leaders in a meeting before they held the protests.

A number of the protestors who lit tyre bonfires to block the road claimed it had been neglected for too long.

“They have failed to build this road mainly because majority of the residents here are not indigenous,” Grace Kwamboka, a businesswoman, lamented.

She said Rongai people pay taxes, which is taken to the countyside to build decent roads where there are no discernible business activities.

“There have been many cases of dust-related diseases. People no longer buy our goods displayed by the roadside for fear of contamination yet we solely depend on this to fend for our families,” Vincent Makau, another business man, observed.

A convoy of police vehicles snaked into the scene to restore calm as transport had been paralysed for hours. They had earlier been notified of the planned demo through a letter to the OCS.

“The residents and businesses in Ongata Rongai, Kitengela, Kiserian and adjacent areas have expressed their frustrations with conflicting information from leaders and a lack of hope for when the works will commence,” the petition stated in part.

The protests come even after area MP Onesmus Ngogoyo hosted Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen to discuss the completion of the 65km road as part of their agenda.

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A snap impression of events as residents staged protests as police tried to restore order.Photos/Vostine Ratemo

Bringing Buyers and Sellers together

By Obegi Malack obegimalack@gmail. com

The national government has plans to introduce a digital programme where birth and death certificates will be issued online.

The programme is set to begin in March this year.

Speaking in Ngong in Kajiado North Constituency during the opening of Civil Registration Services recently, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary (PS) Prof Julius Bitok said the new system will ease the time it takes for one to get the certificates.

The PS said the programme dubbed Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) will serve as the identity card for newborns.

“The UPI number, which will be accessed through e-citizen services, will be given when one is born and the children will use the number as an ID,” Bitok stated.

He noted that Kajiado residents have had challenges registering since it’s expensive for one to access the registration centres.

The introduction of the UPI will see the government raise the percentages of both registered births and deaths in the country that currently

Immigration

PS Prof Julius Bitok gives a birth certificate during the opening of Ngong Civil Registration Services office in Ngong.

Environment

PS Ephantus Kimotho (L) and MP Onesmus Ngogoyo look on.

Photo /Obegi Malack

stand at 86 and 55 per cent respectively.

The UPI number works in a similar manner as the Huduma Number though it’s not a substitute of the former.

Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo said his constituents used to spend more than Ksh2,000 to access the documents in Kajiado that go for Ksh50, adding further that the new office will cut costs and time.

He urged the locals to take advantage of the office to register new births and deaths.

Most residents experience difficulties when enrolling their children in schools,

Govt to introduce digital birth, death registration in March

during national examinations or when they want to transfer properties without the crucial documents.

In Kajiado County, sta-

tistics for birth and death registration currently stand at 85 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

Present during the event

was environment PS Ephantus Kimotho, who said the government will fence Oloolua forest and plant more trees in the region.

How chief has changed the rule book in solving cases

By Obegi Malack

Chiefs’ offices are where most community cases are reported as police processes are meticulously painstaking, slow, and unaffordable.

Ordinarily, the chief is the ultimate disciplinary master who decides cases at their pleasure, without necessarily being guided by law.

In Kware, Nkaimurunya Ward of Kajiado North Sub-location, things are different at assistant chief Esther Njeri’s office.

Njeri has been a local administrator since 2009 and has been promoted to Assistant Chief 3.

She studied Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) after high school and was looking forward to fulfilling her dream of becoming a police officer when she was made an assistant chief.

Njeri has seen it all in Kware slum, one of the high-

By our reporter

For children to fulfill their dreams and reach their optimum potential, they have to be in institutions that closely nurture them to bring out the best in them; the rightly called centres of excellence.

One of the centres of excellence in Kajiado County is Our Lady Queen of Mercy Academy located in Kitengela town in Kajiado East Constituency, which has persistently produced top candidates in the country.

In 2018, one of their candidates was ranked among the top in the country and second in the entire county. Gabriel Miseda got 440 marks to join Maranda High, and went on to score A plain of 83 points in 2022 KCSE, ranking among the crème de la crème in that

est populated slums in Kajiado County. She has seen young women defiled, raped, robbed and even murdered.

The sharp rise in gender-based violence cases

forced her to start counselling and spiritual sessions. She got her skills from the government and Nairobi Women’s Hospital, which provides free treatment and psycho-social support to

GBV survivors.

“I have witnessed many cases of GBV. The number is decreasing and the community is aware of what I do,” she says.

It was a reprieve for women to get a woman assistant chief who listens to their issues since men mostly side with their fellow men.

Most cases that she attends to are family matters, child labour and tenant-landlord rent conflicts.

The most difficult cases are those related to alcoholism and drug abuse.

“We need long-term solutions like rehabilitation to empower the affected,” she says.

The administrator represents South Rift region in NACADA training on drug addiction counseling. Women who were involved in illicit brews received training on starting alternative businesses. Most illicit brews in the slum are from Kibera and Kawang-

ware, and Kware is only a retail outlet.

Njeri has witnessed killing and prosecution of many youth involved in crime, though the 100 per cent transition to secondary school has drastically reduced cases of robbery and murder.

Apart from administration, the chief is a talented gospel artist. She has recorded 20 songs thus far, including Nainuka, Eeh Bwana, Makeria, Nitakuabudu, among several others.

Her ministry in Kware has supported many women spiritually as many have had their lives transformed.

But her profession is not all rosy. One time she was terrified by a man in whose sodomy case she had been a witness. The man was jailed hence she was shocked to see him in her office at very odd hours. He had clearly come to revenge, but luckily a police officer showed up just in time.

“When I saw the man at my door, I shouted for help and he took off when a policeman who was passing by answered my distress call. I have never seen him again,” she says.

She is willing to continue helping the slum dwellers using her unique approaches, but is eyeing a political post in future as a higher calling.

The sharp rise in gender-based violence cases forced her to start counselling and spiritual sessions after she acquired skills from the government and Nairobi Women’s Hospital.

Our Lady Queen of Mercy sets bar high with steady first-rate performance

exam.

In 2022 KCPE, it had a mean score of 310. Though it is way below their best ever performance of 357 in 2020, they are firmly focused on reproducing and even surpassing that exemplary stellar result.

The school director Christine Mutambu said that since its inception in 2001, they have always wanted the best for their learners.

She said the school has a religious orientation where they put God on the forefront of all their activities.

“We have days of prayers and hold guidance and counseling sessions. These have

made pupils pious, feel valued and interact freely with their teachers,” she said.

Learners, teachers and parents work as a team and administrators are always ready to solve challenges facing them, and since majority are from poor families, they are allowed to pay fees in installments.

The director lauded parents for helping the institution to instill values in their children and supporting the school’s academic programmes.

The school currently has a population of 450 as more enroll in their Junior Secondary School (JSS) section, whose considerations have been worked out with 6 classrooms being

A section of class eight students

put up as more are planned to accommodate the increasing numbers.

Computer is taught from

Grade 3, as are French lessons. They have also invested in online learning.

Some of the attractions in-

clude timely safe transport to and from school and amazing playfields.

Christine Mutambu, Director

Assistant chief Esther Njeri give food donations to women in Nkaimurunya after GBV workshop by FODDAJ . Photo By Obegi Malack

Kware Assistant Chief Esther Njeri speaking to residents.

We have days of prayers and hold guidance and counseling sessions. These have made pupils pious, feel valued and interact freely with their teachers.

Kenya Education Fund awards scholarships to 160 needy children

the support of more needy students.

One of the beneficiaries Valentine Sentei, whose father died leaving behind seven children, had scored 342 marks at little known Iltilal Primary School in Kajiado South.

Prudential Life Assurance Kenya representative Stella Warui, who is also KEF Board Director, said they will support 85 students from the batch of 160 that will be joining the programme this year.

Since its inception, KEF has sponsored more than four thousand students in secondary school.

KNUT decries

TSC’s reluctance to confirm Kajiado teachers

By Obegi Malack

Kajiado County

KNUT Executive Secretary Elly Korin has revealed that teachers in his jurisdiction have not received their letters of confirmation, jeopardizing their chances of promotion when vacancies arise.

By Obegi Malack

The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) has issued 160 scholarships to bright but needy students from across the country.

The students received their cheques from the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in a ceremony at Nazarene Church in Nairobi County.

The organization’s Executive Director and co-founder Dominic Muasya said the beneficiaries each received a five years scholarship; four years for secondary and one for college studies.

The beneficiaries were interviewed in July 2022 before they sat their KCPE examinations. More than three thousand students had applied for the scholarship.

The director said the beneficiaries

will also receive mentorship and life skills and will be prepared for transition to their careers of choice.

He said the organization’s main aim is to ensure needy students are in school. He said they will sponsor more students if they get more finances from well-wishers.

“Our students do well; we have high rates of transition from high school to university. In the last KCSE exams, 99 per cent of our students were able to transit to the next level, and we believe it is because of the comprehensive support we offer,” he said.

KEF chairperson Dr. Grace Waiharo noted that they have close to five hundred beneficiaries in secondary school.

Waiharo said the organization alumni donated Ksh100,000 towards

Director of Education Fredrick Kiiru, who was the chief guest during the event, noted that the sponsorship has contributed to more transition from primary to secondary school. He called on parents to give hope to their children who are from needy backgrounds.

KEF goodwill ambassador Francis Munyao, aka MCA Tricky, challenged the beneficiaries to perform well in class, calling on well-wishers to support needy students through the organization.

Munyao, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kenyatta University, said he received a scholarship after he was picked from dangerous street life having dropped out of school due to poverty.

Some of the teachers have worked for more than five years in acting capacity.

Some teachers have also accused Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Kajiado County Employment panel of bias in the just concluded teachers recruitment exercise.

The teachers who sought anonymity said the employment panel did not follow TSC employment guidelines for post-primary and Junior Secondary Schools in the 2022/2023 Financial Year (FY).

They allege the just concluded recruitment exercise was infiltrated by politicians who ensured their clansmen and tribesmen got shortlisted.

“We are aware the interviews were for formalities. They did not even give the results on the same day,” the teachers said.

There was heightened lobbying by Members of Parliament to have their persons of interest hired during the recruitment drive.

“Everyone born here must be given equal opportunities irrespective of the tribes they are from,” one of the teachers complained.

The teachers now suspect the promotions, which are expected in February, will follow the same path. Applications for consideration were closed in January.

The teachers want the selection committee to follow the TSC guidelines when promoting teachers, which were issued by its CEO Dr Nan-

cy Macharia.

When contacted, the KNUT office said they had not received any complaints about the recruitment exercise.

Kajiado County

TSC boss Angela Nekesa also said the teachers have not reported to her about the issues, saying she will not comment on issues she was yet to be updated on.

She said the selection panels are expected to demonstrate the highest degree of transparency and accountability when hiring the teachers.s

TSC regional directors were required to induct county directors within their jurisdictions, who will in turn induct members of selection panels on the relevant sections of the Public Officer Ethics Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT, 2015) before the start of the exercise.

Only registered teachers as per TSC statutes are considered for recruitment.

KEF Director Stella Warui, CEO Dominic Muasya, Education Director Fredrick Kiiru, Francis Munyao and Francis Ng’ang’a, KEF Country Director, with beneficiaries. Photo /Obegi Malack

Kajiado County KNUT Executive Secretary Elly Korinko.

From ‘hand to mouth’ to ‘nothing at all’ as harsh economy bites

By Vostine Ratemo

The high inflation rate has taken a toll on many residents since most of them cannot even afford to buy basic commodities.

Elias Olewe, a second year student at Kisii University, revealed that at times he skips meals since it is too expensive a commodity to afford.

“I get financial support from home and it should cater for my rent, fees at times, assignments and food. To stay within budget, I only take supper,” he noted.

He adds that the situation is always worse if there is a delay in disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds.

“I have learnt not to stress a lot about meals because am used to my humble background. Hopefully I will get through this,” he explained.

Olas Mudachi, a boda boda rider along Masaai

Road and Lekururi Avenue in Ngong, said the increase in fuel prices has negatively affected his business.

“We had to increase the route charges, a situation that has made most people to resort to walking instead. On bad days,

I return home without any money yet I am the bread winner in my family,” he bitterly complained.

He is devastated when at times his children sleep hungry yet he leaves for work every morning.

“At times my wife

thinks I have mistresses whom I give money,” he narrated bitterly.

Geoffey Shagwila, a resident of Asyana and a construction worker, said he is even considering going back to his ancestral home in Mbale, Vihiga County because it is a struggle staying in Kajiado yet his family look up to him for financial help.

He notes that even paying rent for the apartment he lives in is a problem.

Another resident who identifies himself as Meshack Shakwila lamented that he is debt-ridden since he borrows cash to pay school fees for his three children.

“I have three children in secondary school, two of them in form three and another one in form one and am having trouble paying their school fees. I really miss the old times, life then was favourable,” he said.

Budgetary constraints blamed for county market woes

By our reporter

Budgetary constraints has been identified as the main cause of persistent power outages at Ngong market, inadequate sanitation facilities, incomplete markets, inadequate mechanisms to collect levies Sand challenges devilling the running of county markets.

This was revealed by Kajiado county Trade, Investments and Cooperative docket officials led by Ag CECM Michael Semera and his Chief Officer Tonik Moraa during a session with the committee on Trade, Investments and Cooperatives. The Committee was chaired by Ngong MCA James Mbiriri.

Ngong market

all the markets.

The trade department acknowledged that the budgetary allocation on settling power bills is low and amounts to Ksh 5 million annually yet Ngong market alone consumes Ksh 300,000 monthly.

The department said plans are underway to install solarized modes of power. They also promised to conduct census to establish eligibility and ensure fairness on issuance of the stalls in

Lenku warns public against harming officials on duty

By our reporter

Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku has warned Kitengela lorry drivers against attacking reinforcement officers.

The governor noted that no one will frustrate or stop the government’s efforts of making any town in the county a better place to live in.

the busy Nairobi-Namanga Highway to a designated area in Yukos (Kwa Muhindi).

0725748886

The market was operating in darkness after KPLC disconnected power over unpaid bills forcing traders to contribute money to fuel a generator.

The traders blamed the county government of failing to pay the bills, noting that they pay revenue hence they should get services.

Ngong market was constructed by World Bank at a cost of Ksh 800 million and was opened in 2021 by Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku.

His warning comes after three county government askaris were attacked by a group of lorry drivers and a few members of the public.

The governor noted that the askaris were attacked as they tried to implement a directive to move the transporters from Kitengela CBD along

“The askaris were duly implementing a county government directive that aims to create a better business environment within Kitengela CBD area,” he said, noting further that he has informed the authorities to ensure the attackers are brought to book and all lorries move to the designated area in Yukos.

The lorry drivers were accused of causing congestion and disorder.

Disorganized parking of transport lorries has affected mobility for both pedestrians and motorists and made trading activities in the area chaotic.

One of the askaris attacked by lorry drivers.

Geoffrey Shagwila Olas Mudachi

Meshack Shakwila Elias Olewe

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