FISH PONDS — Pages 14 & 19 SUPPLEMENT Lenhancingink Governance for All PEACE PROJECT FUNDED — Pages 15-18 APRIL 2010 Issue No

The SPECIAL REPORT ESP: FISH PONDS — Pages 14 & 19 SUPPLEMENT LEnhancingink governance for all PEACE PROJECT FUNDED — Pages 15-18 APRIL 2010 Issue No. 066 Kshs 40/=

By DANIEL OTUNGE agricultural productivity has been on the tainable and more resilient to future cli- decline due to poor soils, less use of ferti- matic and energy shocks. Rethink lizers, low adoption of innovative seeds, Funded by various development A New report on challenges facing agri- lack of access to credit and general poor agencies, including the World Bank, cultural production concludes that trans- investments in agricultural research and European Commission, and the UK global food forming agricultural sector to meet the development. Department for International Develop- challenges of climate change, high popu- The report calls for urgent reforming ment, the report was a befitting curtain production lation growth, and global financial crisis of the current “fragmented global system raiser for the first Global Conference on will require radical changes. of research and development,” in order Agricultural Research for Development This is even more imperative in sub- to better serve the small-scale farmers, Saharan Africa, the only region where strategies while making food production more sus- Turn to Back Page 1 Fish farms answer to declining stock By FAITH MUIRURI

HE decline of fish stock in the country over the past decade has rekindled efforts geared towards revamping the sector. And in what is seen as a Tparadigm shift from over reliance on fresh water fish, the government is now implementing an elaborate programme under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), which aims at increasing aquaculture productivity and raising the income of farmers and other stakeholders. The ESP sponsored fish farming enterprise programme however comes in the backdrop of grim statistics which show significant reduction in fish and fish species diversity in Lake Victo- ria, which provides 90 percent of the annual national production. This has largely been attributed to the degrada- tion of the fish habitat, and the spread of aquatic weeds, such as the water hya- cinth, which have been cited as the ma- Dr Otuoma jor causes of the decline in per capita supply of fish. In addition, over-fishing caused by an influx of fishermen to the country’s lakes because of unemployment has been blamed for the bad state of affairs. A recent report on Lake Victoria released by the Kenyan Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development indicates that the Kenyan part of the lake, which is only 6 percent of the lake’s area, has 199,242 fishermen, which is more than double the recommended figure. Construction of fish ponds under the ESP programme gains momentum. Already 13,444 fish ponds have been constructed in a bid to stimulate rural economies. Turn to Page 2, Col. 1

P1 teachers State ordered MP threatens Japan funds to produce to be phased to sue CDF health sector chief — Pg 7 out — Pg 5 officials — Pg 21 — Pg 29 INSIDE The Link, April 2010 2 EDUCATION

From page 1 Already, Fisheries Minister Dr. Paul Otuoma, is ringing Fish farms answer to declining stock an alarm over the possible collapse of the sector if the number guidance of the Directorate of of fishermen in Lake Victoria is Fish Inspection and Quality not controlled. Assurance. The Directorate is “Overfishing and illegal to ensure that fish farming prac- fishing carried out in the Lake tices adhere to the fish quality are adversely affecting the re- assurance requirement for the source,” warns the minister. farmed fish to be acceptable at That is why the fish farming the local and international mar- enterprise program under the kets. ESP is highly anticipated, as it The Ministry is also emis likely to ease pressure on the phasizing formation of Farmers lake. Cluster Associations and coop- Currently 13,444 fish ponds erative movements to enhance have been constructed in the coordination of the clusters ac- first phase of the program which tivities for easy inputs supply is anticipated to boost fish pro- and marketing of aquaculture duction in the country to 7,560 products. Metric Tonnes from the current “Through the clusters farm- 4,250 Metric Tonnes. ers will synchronize stocking This, analysts say, is poised and harvesting of fish in tandem to raise the profile of the aqua- with the market demands,” he culture sector in the national adds. Currently around 7,000 landscape and allow it to com- farmers are under aquaculture pete effectively with other key and the number is expected to sectors of the economy. go up to 28,000 with the ESP According to the Chief program. Fisheries Officer, Mr. Sammy The government also intends Macharia, the department is to increase production of finger- projecting a substantive Kshs 4 lings at the Sagana Aquaculture billion to be generated from the center. The Ministry of Fisheries sector in next three years. A woman sells fish to her customers. The dwindling fish stock in the country has resulted is encouraging establishment of The timely launch of the in depletion of rare species. private fingerling production and Fish project has guaranteed proprietor of Kamiti Fish In- returns are quite impressive. I market. fish production enterprises as a prolific results and is set to in- way of addressing the limitations crease farmers’ earnings with tegrated Farm is a testimony am able supply about 1 million Mr. Macharia says the of how farmers who have ven- fingerlings in a month at Kshs3 scheme will outline procedures currently being experienced in a significant margin. A total the stocking of fish ponds. of Kshs 1.134 billion is antici- tured in the initiative are tap- per piece,” she adds during a to be followed at all levels of ping from the unexploited po- tour of fish farming projects production to ensure that they Mr. Macharia says that the pated at the initial phase where Ministry plans to stock all the each of the 28,000 newly con- tential. under ESP. meet the required international She is among private hatch- Domiciano Maingi who standards. completed ponds at the end of structed fish ponds is likely to this month. produce at least 270Kgs of fish. eries who have been listed by owns Fish Paradise Farm sup- The scheme will also focus the government to breed and plies fingerlings in Eastern, on packaging of Fish produced A total of Kshs623 million The government is expected to was spent during the first phase save an equivalent amount in supply quality fingerling to the Central and sections of Rift locally to allow for traceability clusters that have been formed Valley while Dominion farms of the product at the interna- and the allocation went into fi- imports nancing the construction of the Farmers who had ventured under the ESP. She is currently have been slated for Nyanza tional market. supplying the fingerlings to area. “The certification will make fish ponds in 140 constituencies, into fish farming prior to the stocking them with fingerlings launch of the ESP last year are farmers in far flung areas of The government is at the sure that they follow certified Kakamega, Embu, Meru and moment pushing for the estab- processes and approved pack- and buying feeds. A similar al- reaping highly from the project. location is expected in the next A majority of these farmers are Kiambu. She says plans are un- lishment of an aquaculture cer- aging modalities to allow for derway to start exporting fish in tification scheme which will al- traceability of Kenyan Fish,” financial year to finance the sec- now supplying fingerlings to ond phase which is expected to the newly established ponds. Zambia and Southern Sudan low farmers to export fish both he explains. “The demand is high and the at the regional and international This will be done under the take a shorter period. Susan Njeri Kuria who is the Macharia says that a huge chunk of the second allocation will go towards marketing and value addition. Rift Valley Province leads in the number of completed ponds with 2,731 followed by Nyanza province which has a total of 2,561 completed ponds while Central comes third with 2,546. Western Province has 2,336, Eastern Province has 1,640 ponds while Coast has the least with 319 ponds complete. The programme is however faced with a number of challenges which include inadequate transportation facilities, delays in disbursement of funds by treasury and identification of beneficiaries. Fisheries department now wants treasury to consider allocating funds to facilitate the purchase of at least one vehicle and two motor cycles in the 140 constituencies where the programme is being implemented Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta Local fishermen try their luck at Lake Victoria. to facilitate extension work. The Link, April 2010 EDUCATION 3 Fish ponds’ construction progress report (22nd March 2010) Below is a status report on the ongoing construction of fish ponds in 140 constituencies under ESP.

Province District Constituency Targeted No. of No. of ponds No. No. of ponds No. ponds under pending stocked completed construction Central 1 Nyeri Nyeri Town 100 100 0 0 0 2 Mathira 100 80 20 0 0 3 Othaya 100 91 9 0 0 4 Mukurweini 100 72 28 0 0 5 Kieni 100 89 11 0 0 6 Tetu 100 75 25 0 0 7 Kirinyaga Kerugoya /Kutus 100 100 0 0 19 8 Mwea 100 99 1 0 19 9 Ndia 100 81 19 0 14 10 Gichugu 100 95 5 0 19 11 Muranga Kangema 100 80 20 0 0 12 Maragua 100 81 19 0 0 13 Kandara 100 75 25 0 0 14 Kigumo 100 80 20 0 0 15 Kiharu 100 70 30 0 0 16 Mathioya 100 78 22 0 0 17 Thika Gatanga 100 100 0 0 23 18 Juja 100 100 0 0 7 19 Gatundu South 100 100 0 0 34 20 Gatundu North 100 100 0 0 0 21 Kiambu Lari 100 99 1 0 17 22 Githunguri 100 97 3 0 10 23 Limuru 100 100 0 0 6 24 Kikuyu 100 100 0 0 23 25 Kiambaa 100 98 2 0 23 26 Nyandarua Kinangop 100 69 31 0 0 27 Ndaragwa 100 85 15 0 0 28 Ol Kalou 100 86 14 0 0 29 Kipipiri 100 66 34 0 0

TOTAL 2900 2546 354 0 214 Provincial % progress 100 88 12 0 7

Nyanza 30 Kisumu Kisumu Rural 100 93 7 0 0 31 Bondo Bondo 100 100 0 0 20 32 Rarieda 100 41 59 0 9 33 Nyando Nyando 100 99 1 0 5 34 Muhoroni 100 100 0 0 0 35 Nyakach 100 100 0 0 0 36 Rachuonyo Karachuonyo 100 100 0 0 38 37 Kasipul Kabondo 100 100 0 0 42 38 Homa Bay Rangwe 100 100 0 0 0 39 Ndhiwa 100 88 12 0 0 40 Suba Mbita 100 90 10 0 0 41 Migori Rongo 100 100 0 0 47 42 Uriri 100 90 10 0 0 43 Migori 100 70 30 0 0 44 Nyatike 100 9 21 70 0 45 Siaya Alego Usonga 100 100 0 0 0 46 Gem 100 100 0 0 33 47 Ugenya 100 100 0 0 1 48 Kuria Kuria 100 76 24 0 0 49 Nyamira Kitutu Masaba 100 88 12 0 0 50 North Mugirango 100 85 15 0 0 51 West Mugirango 100 79 21 0 0 52 Kisii Bonchari 100 95 5 0 14 53 Nyaribari Chache 100 100 0 0 33 54 Kitutu Chache 100 96 4 0 0 55 Nyaribari Masaba 100 74 26 0 0 56 Gucha Bobasi 100 100 0 0 27 57 Bomachoge 100 100 0 0 26 58 South Mugirango 100 88 12 0 0

TOTAL 2900 2561 269 70 295 Provincial % progress 100 88 9 2 10

Western 59 Bungoma Webuye 100 100 0 0 0 60 Kimilili 100 100 0 0 0

Turn to Page 4, Col. 1 The Link, April 2010 4 EDUCATION Kieni East DC livid over poor The plight of poor students education ne month since the re- shell, the playing ground is not the last 5 years have been miss- lease of the 2009 KCSE levelled for secondary school ing opportunities for higher lev- standards Oresults, the country has COMMENT students in Kenya; it is no won- els of learning, what does this already forgotten the plight of der the “Big schools” continue mean for us as a nation? Is this By JOSEPH MUKUBWA all those Kenyans who have to excel and produce good the group that continues to be By DON BONYO Kieni East District Commissioner Mr just graduated from Secondary grades. If all our secondary targeted for Kazi Kwa Vijana? Daniel Odambu has blamed education Education. With results slips school teachers went through And how about those who miss officials for failing to address the declin- issued by the Kenya National the same Universities, what ex- the Kazi Kwa Vijana opportuni- ing standards of education in the district. Examination Council (KNEC), focus in addressing educational plains why all of them cannot ties? At whose mercy are they? The DC said that in the recent years, many of these young Kenyans disparities in the country. Oth- produce good grades like the The current government and the district has been registering poor are eager to pursue higher edu- erwise, how do you explain the teachers in the “Big schools?” all persons in leadership in this performances in national examinations cation. Some lucky ones are allow transition levels from Sec- Is it only to do with the school country must urgently review and added that something needed to be ready enrolled in higher institu- ondary Education to University and teacher management as is Education policies in place with done to reclaim the lost glory. tions of learning either locally Education? always argued? Are we saying a view to eradicating disparities “I’m very worried over the declin- or abroad. The trend has been that very that all our schools that perform both at primary and secondary ing standards of education in this district few students from poor families of Kieni East. I want to know what the In as much as many aspire poorly have poor school and education levels; ensure equal to access University Education, perform well; many do poorly teacher managers? How about opportunities for both boys and education officials are doing since it has in their households and hence reached an alarming stage, “says the only 24.27% of the candidates the learning environment and girls. DC. scored a mean grade of C+ and will be affected in schools de- the role of communities in edu- Considering that some of Speaking in Kieni when he present- hence qualified for University spite the efforts they make cation provision? those who miss University op- ed a cheque worth Kshs 200,000 to the Education. The other 75.73% while studying. The difficul- Whatever reasons we may portunities would enrol in cer- chairman of the Graceland Girls Sec- (over 300,000) students scored ties that the children undergo want to attribute to poor per- tificate and diploma colleges ondary school, Mr Wachira Nderitu, the below C+ and hence would not back at home; poor housing formance in secondary schools in various parts of the country, DC noted that in last year’s results of the get direct admissions to Uni- structures, minimal food, lack and hence few students quali- whose costs are evidently high, primary school national examination, versities. However, this is not of protection, child abuse in- fying for University education; we must also review the policies the district highest mark was 267 while cidences, and effects of HIV& the last pupil got a merge 74 marks out the first time we are getting into the back stops squarely with targeting provision of educa- such a situation as a country. AIDS among other poverty re- the state. Policy development tion at this level. Some colleges of the 500. lated factors continue to impact He said that if the trend continues, Every year, hundreds of thou- and implementation is a key could be in business, exploiting the district will fail to produce profes- sands of candidates do not qual- negatively on their performance government function and any the poor while providing very sionals considering the fact most occu- ify for University Education. in schools. failures to develop and imple- poor quality education. Indeed pations require higher grades. The DC Kenya has a history of un- The equipment and facili- ment policies that will enhance middle level colleges are neces- also called upon the education stake- equal educational opportunities ties in many of the secondary quality education in secondary sary, but standards should not holders in the area to jointly work to- among its people right from the schools equally are in poor schools should be first blamed be compromised at all. Failure gether to help uplift the standards. primary to University levels. conditions. The learning envi- on the government, followed to deliberately review educa- The cheque which was donated by Whereas it is widely acknowl- ronment often is not conducive by any blames on communities tion policies at this point in the Kenya Charity sweepstakes will for many children while some help to complete a multi- million library edged that access to quality wherever they have failed. time implies many more poor education by all citizens would travel long distances to schools. Having observed that over Kenyans will miss out of higher that is being constructed at the school. Student teacher relationship is Once completed, the library will empower everyone with the 300,000 students would miss educational opportunities next serve the neighboring schools as well knowledge and skills that would also a challenge in some cir- University opportunities and year. as the larger community since the whole be useful in poverty eradica- cumstance and thus affects going by this average, over 1.5 district does not have a public library.. tion, we are yet to put sufficient learning outcomes. In a nut- million Kenyans in a period of [email protected] Fish ponds’ construction progress report

From page 3 61 Sirisia 100 100 0 0 0 62 Kanduyi 100 100 0 0 0 63 Bumula 100 100 0 0 30 64 Butere/Mumias Khwisero 100 100 0 0 0 65 Butere 100 100 0 0 0 66 Mumias 100 100 0 0 0 67 Matungu 100 100 0 0 0 68 Kakamega Ikolomani 100 96 4 0 0 69 Lurambi 100 100 0 0 0 70 Malava 100 100 0 0 0 71 Shinyalu 100 100 0 0 0 72 Lugari Lugari 100 95 5 0 0 73 Mt Elgon Mt Elgon 100 100 0 0 0 74 Vihiga Emuhaya 100 100 0 0 0 75 Vihiga 100 98 2 0 0 76 Sabatia 100 94 6 0 0 77 Hamisi 100 58 29 13 0 78 Busia Funyula 100 100 0 0 42 79 Bundalangi 100 95 5 0 0 80 Nambale 100 100 0 0 54 81 Butula 100 100 0 0 0 82 Teso Amagoro 100 100 0 0 0

TOTAL 2400 2336 51 13 126 Provincial % progress 100 97 2 1 5

Eastern 83 Machakos Machakos Town 100 50 35 15 2 84 Matungulu Kangundo 100 80 20 0 3 85 Athi River/Kathiani Kathiani 100 62 38 0 0 86 Mwala Mwala 100 92 8 0 0

Turn to Page 7, Col. 1 The Link, April 2010 EDUCATION 5 P1 teachers to be phased out By PETER MUTUKU a solid foundation in the Chil- She said as universities dren’s formative years. engage with Primary school The fate of the P1 teacher train- Participants recommended teacher training institutions, ing course for primary school that the curriculum for primary they must view their partners teachers hangs in the balance. teacher education be tailored as critical friends. She notes This follows revelations by to suit the needs of the primary that teachers were uniquely Education Minister, Prof Sam school teaching environment. important to universities and Ongeri, that P1 training insti- Teacher training institutions suggested that attitudes as well tutes would be phased out and were told to continuously link as programmes and practices upgraded to Diploma training up with relevant stakehold- should reflect this. institutes. ers, including employers, to The Commission Secretary The Minister spoke as a enhance relevance in primary Prof Everette Standa pointed journal compiled by the Com- teacher training institutions. out that continuing education mission of Higher Education Participants proposed the remained an integral part of (CHE), hinted on a possible formulation of a standard- teacher education. dissolution of the P1 course ized policy guideline to cover He thus called for flexibility based on recommendations by training of teachers, training on admission procedures for stakeholders during a two day programmes, employment, de- primary teachers seeking ca- consultative workshop on co- ployment, promotion and ca- reer advancement. ordination of primary teacher reer advancement. “Liberalization and demand training and university educa- It was resolved that the ad- for quality higher education has tion, organized by the Commis- mission criteria at all levels of contributed substantially in en- sion mid last year. primary teacher education be couraging individuals to pursue The workshop dubbed harmonized. further education,” noted the “Linking Primary Teacher A director at the Ministry of commission secretary. Training to University Educa- Higher Education, Agnes Sila However, what remains to tion” underscored the need for observed that the move to link be seen is whether linking the the Primary school teacher to primary teacher training with P1 teachers to university edu- be equipped with higher educa- university education had been cation will have impact in up- tion with focus on specialized a slow, often controversial lifting the standards of educa- skills to enable them provide process. tion. Prof. Ongeri Annual varsity Fair coming soon Kiambu council in By PETER MUTUKU “Living in harmony pro- Kenyan Universities are gear- vides for the interaction of di- spotlight over graft versity in knowledge and pro- ing up for the eighth univer- By FIDELIS KABUNYI he explains. He says that all councils sities Fair organized by the motes teamwork for progress. in the country including Kiambu mu- Commission for Higher Edu- Thus together we can over- Residents of Kiambu are up in arms nicipal council have up to June next cation (CHE) come challenges and progress following revelations that Kiambu year to clear all their debts or miss out on their LATF allocation in the next This year’s exhibition be- but divided we will retrogress, municipal council was secretly dis- posing off its assets to influential peo- financial year. comes the eighth and the tearing apart even the little that individuals would toil to ple in this area. The Kiambu Municipal Council fourth one to be held outside The council which consists of six has debts running to Kshs34 million. Nairobi. The first exhibition achieve. councilors and two nominated civic Kimwele assured potential buyers was held in 2002. The Ministry of Higher Ed- leaders is on the spotlight with locals that once the Minister has approved the sale, the council will advertise the Apart from the universities ucation, Science and Technol- questioning how the council was able to dispose off assets without follow- sale in both electronic and print me- showcasing the programmes ogy on its part has positioned itself to meet identified higher ing the laid down procedures. dia after evaluation, the facility will and services available in their Among the irregularly disposed go to the highest bidder. respective institutions, stu- education priority areas in line assets include the Red Nova hotel Other controversial allocations dents will as well perform with Kenya’s Vision 2030. which is run by the Municipal council include plot number 28/29 which is located opposite Kiambu Police short plays, poems and song Among the efforts being of Kiambu. Dr Sally Kosgei The area Member of Parliament Station belonging to an 80 year old to underscore the importance undertaken by the Ministry, is the setting up of higher educa- Stanely Githunguri has written to the woman Rose Wanjiku Kariuki who of peace. This year ‘s exhibition Minister for Local Government Mu- has since moved to court. The forum provides an op- marks eight years of success- tion quality assurance mecha- salia Mudavadi asking him to inter- Kimwele however says the plot portunity for strategic engage- ful Kenyan Universities Exhi- nisms, establishment of an vene and stop the sale of the hotel as had extended to the Kiambu prison which Rose has denied saying that ment with stakeholders to de- bition that was born out of the Open University, strengthen- it generates up to Kshs150,000 every month to the council. the council plans to dispossess due to liberate on pertinent issues in need for a forum for the pub- ing of ICT and research, sus- tenance of optimum academic Reliable sources told The Link her old age. the higher education arena. lic to interact with the various that the Hotel was sold at Kshs100 Another plot that was irregularly The exhibition will also institutions of higher learning staffing levels and provision million. They say the councillors in disposed off is located next to Kiam- serve as an avenue where and get to know the opportu- of equipment and materials. the area are using the hotel as a bait to bu primary school and has been sold to Freb Pharmaceuticals in Kiambu Kenyan universities converge nities at their disposal in high- “These measures are ex- solicit for money from potential buyers for them to be considered in the at Kshs 6 million. to network, exchange ideas, er education. pected to meet the higher education challenges of access, sale. The move by the residents came bond and display to the public The exercise also provides However, Kiambu Town Clerk as the Minister for Local Govern- what they have to offer. an opportunity for universities equity, relevance and quality,” Michael Kimwele denies any ir- ment revealed that local authorities According to the Higher to market themselves to the notes the Minister. regularities in the sale, saying he has in the country were reeling in debts amounting to Kshs 12 billion. Education Minister, Dr Sally corporate world. She says such exhibitions sought a written approval from the Minister Musalia Mudavadi and is The Minister revealed that Kosgei, through this forum, Last year’s theme “Peace are a great opportunity for parents, guardians, students still waiting for his response. the City Council of Nairobi had CHE will also be able to pro- Building and Reconciliation ‘We are selling the assets to en- the highest debt which currently mote quality standards and for Sustainable Development” and the public at large to ob- able us generate revenue for the stands at Kshs8billion. The Minis- enable universities interact amplified Kenya’s vision tain crucial information about council which is currently operating ter said that the government had released Kshs10.4 billion during the with stakeholders in the high- 2030 and underlined issues on universities in Kenya some of on deficit in line with a directive by the government that councils are now 2009/2010 financial year, 10 percent er education, research and sci- sustainable development and which they have never had a chance to visit. free to dispose off some of their assets of which was supposed to service ence and technology sectors. peaceful coexistence. in order to offset outstanding debts,” outstanding debts. The Link, April 2010 6 EDUCATION

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Njiiri School Kimathi University College of gets new Technology (KUCT)will soon start Kimathi to offer offering degree programmes in Ny- eri town. board of KUCT principal Mr Ndirangu Kioni says the move was in response to the high demand for governors degree courses which now dic- degrees in Nyeri tates that the university introduces By MORRIS GITHENYA evening and weekend programmes to tap on the large number of students within Nyeri town. Ministry of education has “We shall start MBA courses, appointed a new board to tourism courses and bachelor of manage the affairs of the purchasing and supplies among others.” adds the principal. troubled Njiiri Boys School The principal says that a cen- in Kigumo. tre will be set up within the town The new board chaired to ease congestion at the Univer- by Henry Mwangi, a former sity which is four kilometers away. secondary school principal, Already two professors have been assigned to oversee the new pro- has been appointed by Edu- grammes in the town. cation Minister Prof Sam Kioni was speaking during the Ongeri after stakeholders opening of Consolidated Bank expressed their dissatisfac- Automated Teller Machine (ATM) tion with the performance of which was opened in the institution recently. the former board under Mr Present during the function in- Reuben Njuguna. cluded the Consolidated Bank MD The board also comprises Mr Wachira Ndegwa and the chair- of S. Mbugua and E. M Kar- man of the Council Mr James Wai- iuki, who are former provin- bochi. So far the institution has a population of 2,300 but targets to cial directors of education. have 3,500 students by the end of Former Nginda Girls this year. The institution is target- Principal, Mrs Wanjiku Gitu, ing to have over 10,000 in the next has also been appointed as 10 years. a member of the board to Waibochi who was the chief guest during the function said the help run the institution and university would want to establish enable it reclaim its former closer ties with consolidated bank Kimathi University receives a delagation of well wishers. academic glory. by partnering in various projects Last year the school suf- adding, “as part of our corporate bank to consider establishing a ment, scholarships and internship. doubt your decision was informed fered huge loses after stu- social responsibility, we would like scheme to motivate the students “Your decision to establish the by the high regard you have for us dents went on the rampage to collaborate in initiatives that em- from the institution especially those ATM facility in this university is as trusted clients and community power the ordinary Kenyans.” pursuing business programmes. a clear demonstration of the con- leaders.” The chairman told the to demand reinstatement of The university appealed to the This can be in form of employ- fidence you have in us. I have no bank. their former headteacher Mr Peter Njangi, who was replaced by G. Githuka from Baricho Boys High school in Kirinyaga. Teacher shortage continues to bite However despite the challenges, the school managed By AGGREY BUCHUNJU District Education Officer (DEO) ency only eight per cent of students grade C+ and B plain was 509 stu- to post improved perform- Mr. Japheth Shitubi the district’s pri- who sat for the Kenya Certificate of dents. ance in the last year’s KCSE The Kenya National Union of Teach- mary schools are understaffed by 197 Secondary Examination (KCSE) last Kibabii High School had 63 as compared to the previous ers (KNUT) move to block the gov- teachers while secondary schools are year qualified for direct university direct university entrants, this be- year. ernment from hiring teachers on con- under staffed by 47 teachers. entry. ing the highest number followed by tract to bridge the shortage remains However, Mr. Shitubi points out Kanduyi’s 28 secondary schools Bungoma High school with 29 direct Ministry of education has injurious to schools in Bungoma that these figures are based on last enrolled a total of 1,844 students for entrants. since appointed a team that South District. year’s assessment adding that the last year’s KCSE and out of these Namachanja High school had will visit several former gi- Under the economic stimulus pro- numbers might have gone up follow- only 150 students scored grade B+ 20 direct university entrants, while ant schools to look into what gramme (ESP) the ministry of Educa- ing increased enrollment in the dis- and above. Cardinal Otunga Girls had 16 direct. is ailing the institutions. tion would have hired 10 secondary trict’s schools this year. There was one straight A, 28 Kimugui had six and Bungoma Bap- Sources close to the and 50 primary schools, teachers in Due to an acute shortage of teach- A- and 121 B+ achieved from only tist has five entrants. school said the institution each of the 210 constituencies had ers, schools in the district have contin- 12 schools out of the 28 secondary Other schools with direct univer- KNUT not blocked the move through ued to perform dismally in National schools in the constituency. sity entrants included Musikoma 3, was faced with serious fi- a court injunction. exams. The number of students from the Mwibale 2, Bukembe 1, Sikalame 1, nancial crisis and had a debt According to the Bungoma South For instance in Kanduyi constitu- constituency who scored between Kongoli 1 and Misanga 1. of Kshs 16 million.

By LUKE KAPCHANGA The deputy head teacher, Henry Simiyu, hopes that the expected improvements in infrastructure would Ndivisi Boys Secondary School Ndivisi to benefit from ESP impact positively on performance. will be developed into a centre of The deputy, however, said that excellence under the Economic The school located in Ndivisi stream school in 1989. The DEO, said the board de- the school was faced with a short- Stimulus Programme (ESP) cur- location of Webuye constituency Musuto took over the mantle of cided to pick the school because age of teachers and currently has rently being implemented by the opened its doors to students in 1965 the school leadership in 2006 and of its strategic location in the rural 11 TSC teachers against the re- Ministry of Finance. as a Harambee Mixed School. presided over the split of the Mixed district. quired 30 to post impressive results. The District Education Officer, Mr. Simon Musungu was the school into a Boys School in 2008. Primary schools picked under The shortage, he added, was Charles Angiela, says the resolve first head teacher but since then it The school’s performance has the ESP initiative include Sango mostly being felt in CRE, Kiswa- to upgrade the school came as has been served by 11 school heads. been improving steadily since 2006, DEB and Lutacho Primary School. hili, Business studies, Agriculture, Masinde Muliro University of Sci- The government took over one when it had a mean score of 4.61 to At Ndivisi, 12 classrooms are to English, Computer and chemis- ence and Technology pledged to as- stream in 1973 when Mr. Hezron last year when the mean score in- be upgraded, while four new class- try subjects. The school is owed sist develop Pan Paper High School Busiyila was heading the school. creased to 5.694. The school whose rooms, a dormitory and dining hall Kshs.2.6 million in fees arrears, which had initially been earmarked According to Mr. Robert Mu- motto is “Hard work rewards”, has are to be built. Two laboratories are due to the prevailing poverty in the for a facelift under the ESP pro- suto who is the current principal, never produced an A student but has to be improved together with the area. gramme. teachers’ houses. the school was registered as a three been having students scoring B+. The Link, April 2010 GOVERNANCE 7 State ordered to produce chief sha’, in March 2008. By LUKE KAPCHANGA In his ruling the Judge laments that “ unfortunately , it is in the A Bungoma court has ordered the process of government security Attorney General, police commis- forces operations that the victim sioner, the chief of general staff, was arrested , and subsequently and the Administration police disappeared and never returned commandant to institute an in- to his home’. quest into the disappearance of a He added that, people who chief in Mt. Elgon district. took him away have not been The order followed an ap- specifically identified, it may plication filed by Phylis Temnai therfore be an exercise in futility Kipteyo, who sought to have her to order the respondents to pro- husband released from custody. duce the victim in court as prayed The application was however by the applicant. rejected by Justice F N Muchemi, The life of the victim and who instead directed that the At- interests of the family are pro- torney General, the Chief of Gen- tected by the constitution and eral Staff and the Police Commis- Human rights statutes, hence it sioner initiate an inquest into the is the duty of the state to inquire disappearance of the said Patrick into any crime or suspected crime Kipteyo Sewui with a view to affecting any of its subjects, the bringing culprits to book. Judge said. The four ,through the He further went on that , the Bungoma senior principal state family of the victim is entitled to counsel are supposed to present know where the victim is and his the inquest report in 90 days to the current status in regard to his life, court. Mr Wako: Attorney General Mr Iteere: Police Commissioner health and security. In her application, Mrs . The Covenant on Civil and Kipteyo urges that her husband military men , when she reached which may render an officer liable authorized by law.It must always Political rights, requires that ar- was the assistant chief of Chebwek the base and immediately chased to dismissal from service with loss be subject to judicial control or su- rested persons informed of the sub-location, and was arrested out of the camp. of all terminal benefit from Gov- pervision to ensure that it is legal. reasons for their arrest. from their home on 25/4/2008, While at the base, she saw her ernmnet’, the letter stated. The Universal Declaration on The arrested persons need this almost a month after the military husband being tortured , lying on The letter signed by M N Ka- human rights, article 9 , states that, information in order for them, to started the operation to flash out the floor with armed military men micha on behalf of the permanent “ No one shall be subjected to ar- begin preparing defence and peti- the Sabaot Land Defense Forces. surrounding him. secretary in the ministry of Pro- bitrary arrest, detention or exile’. tion for release, if the reasons do After being arrested around And that happened to have vincial Administration and Inter- There are supposed to have ac- not support detention. 11.00 pm by security men, he was been the last day she saw her hus- nal security , further said that , curate records of arrests which are It further says, anyone ar- taken to Chepkube army base. band alive as a spirited search that they were contemplating dismiss- vital for effective judicial supervi- rested or detained on a criminal The army men rummaged followed proved in vain. ing him from duty and requested sion and prevention of disappear- charge shall be brought promptly through the house searching all But as the family grappled his representative to contact min- ance . before a Judge or other officer corners and carried away some with the pain of losing their kin, istry offices within 21 days after At the time of the arrest, the authorized by law to exercise ju- documents with them.. the government threatened to sack receiving the letter. military officers acted in gross dicial powers, and be entitled to They also instructed her to look him for desertion of duty. But despite all the agony the violation of law and order and trial within reasonable time or for a list of suspected criminals in In a letter dated July 8, 2009 family is gong through, the State should have targeted the activi- release. the house operating in the area and and copied to the Provincial Com- Counsel on behalf of the respond- ties of the Sabaot Land Defense In every place where persons hand it over to the security person- misioner Western and District ents denied the allegations, how- Forces(SDLF). are imprisoned there shall be nel at the army base. commissioner Mt. Elgon district, ever admitting that Kipteyo, was The SDLF, was an armed gang kept a registration book, where Mrs. Kipteyo stated in her sub- Kipteyo is accused of absenting working for the government as a who caused terror by abducting particulars of each person arrest- missions that , she indeed found himself from duty with effect from senior assistant chief. and killing residents of Mt. Elgon ed are entered. the list at around 2.00 am , that 26th August without permission. He dismmised claims that that district claiming to defend the The information concern- same night after they had left and “As you are aware , absence the senior asssitant chief was ar- land rights of the community. ing his identity, reasons for his took it. from duty without permission rested, detained and tortured. The government launched a commitment , the day and hour The list of names was snatched or reasonable course is a serious Arrest begins the process of crackdown of the group, through of his admission and release are from her, by one of the uniformed breach of civil service regulations detention and should occur when a military operation “Okao Mai- recorded. Fish ponds’ construction progress report

From page 4 87 Masinga Masinga 100 43 5 42 2 88 Yatta Yatta 100 68 32 0 0 89 Makueni Makueni 100 95 5 0 0 90 Kaiti 100 25 21 54 0 91 Kitui Kitui Central 100 24 6 70 0 92 Mutumo Kitui South 100 0 5 95 0 93 Mutitu Mutito 100 10 2 88 0 94 Embu Manyatta 100 100 0 0 18 95 Runyenjes 100 77 23 0 16 96 Mbeere Gachoka 100 87 8 5 3 97 Siakago 100 100 0 0 23 98 Meru South Tharaka 100 65 35 0 30 99 Nithi 100 100 0 0 81 100 Meru Central Imenti South 100 100 0 0 10 101 Imenti North 100 100 0 0 8 102 Imenti Central 100 100 0 0 25 103 Meru North Ntonyiri 100 62 38 0 0 104 Igembe South 100 100 0 0 0 105 Tigania East 100 20 32 48 0 Turn to Page 10, Col. 0 The Link, April 2010 8 EDITORIAL The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Speed up ESP’s implementation ecently, MPs rightly demanded to know from the PM Raila Odinga, who is the coordina- Rtor and supervisor of government ministries, why implementation of the KShs 22 billion Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) programme was moving too slowly. One wonders why the MPs were asking such a question yet they are the overall supervisors of all devolved funds at the constituency level, including ESP. What the government needs to know, however, is COMMENTARY that starting any programme or project, even under emergency, requires some form of planning and preparation. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. The most urgent challenge to the government Time for new constitution is here as the new budget beckons is how to speed up the im- he noisy debate inside by popular initiative in the form plementation of the ESP so that people can start feel- and outside parliament CONSTITUTION of a general of formulated draft ing its impact before new programmes are unveiled over the new constitution bill. to overshadow this critically important initiative. T notwithstanding, most Kenyans By ROBERT OYIEMBO The draft has a wide bill of There is urgent need to train implementers of wants nothing less than a new rights which clearly sets out the the projects at the constituency levels and also to constitutional dispensation be- obligations of state organs to en- find ways of overcoming cumbersome procurement fore the next general elections. missed beforehand, because sure respect and protect human procedures that contribute to the delay of the pro- They are eagerly waiting for the they are purely driven by malice rights. It also has more remedies gramme. For instance, close to 15,000 fish ponds have draft to be subjected to a refer- and personal vendetta. for breach of human rights and been built in 140 constituencies yet most of them have endum so that they can pass it. In a coalition government, fundamental freedoms, which not been stocked with fish. Whereas the proposed why should a partner not be con- include declarations, injunc- This calls into questions the pace at which funds amendments are not entirely sulted when changes are to be tions, and conservatories or- are released to the projects. It is imperative for the wrong, we should not entertain made? Another change seeks to ders, compensation and judicial finance minister, Uhuru Kenyatta, the PM, Raila Od- those who would like the draft remove the Khadhi’s court from review. It has rules that the court inga, and the various line ministers involved to en- to be mutilated for selfish rea- the constitution. This is popular must consider in cases involving sure that ESP succeeds; otherwise it will be a double sons. It is notable that quite a with the Kenyan Clergy. breach of human rights. Lastly tragedy for all of us. We say so because the whole number of MPs want the draft For starters, the Khadh’s the bill of rights declares some theory behind ESP is that when you put in more to be passed the way it was court was entrenched in the con- rights that might not be limited money in projects in an economy, you stimulate ag- presented by the Committee of stitution for historical reasons at all. gregate demand, hence spur growth. If so, then it fol- Experts (CoE) and amendments and to protect Muslims who are The draft recognizes the right lows that if the stimulus fails then the public will end made later. a minority. It deals with cases to stand for elections as an inde- up with huge debts to pay and no project to stimulate What should interest most of Muslim law in which both pendent candidate, the right to the economy. Kenyan’s is that there is una- parties are Muslims and only recall MP’s, right to petition par- The government had already lost a lot of time be- nimity that the time for a new in matters of marriage, divorce liament to enact amend or repeal fore getting the programme off the ground due to constitution has come. Even and inheritance. It is notable a law and, for the first time, rest grandstanding in parliament over the controversial those who want to have the doc- that unlike the Bible the Koran judicial authority in the courts. reappointment of two directors of the Kenya Anti- ument amended agree that even has a distinct way of solving It protects the judiciary from Corruption Commission. We were of the opinion if the amendments do not pass disputes which the Khadhi’s other state organs and gives it that once the government got the go-ahead, it would the new draft should still be court enforces. financial and operational- au henceforth move with Godspeed in implementing adopted. So far the only voice An interesting amendment tonomy. For lawyers it mandates ESP. In fact, Kenyans are so used the government that seems to be going against proposed is about abortion and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) projects becoming white elephants that when the the grain is that of Hon. Wil- when life starts. The first draft to nominate two members to the ESP was announced they viewed it with jaundiced fred Machage. He warned that did not define when life starts. Judicial Service Commission eyes. They have learnt that a government promise is his constituents will reject the This caused uproar, especially which recommends persons for one thing and delivery is quite another. After all, they draft of his Kuria people are not among the clergy; prompting appointment as judges. have been reduced to onlookers as their MPs squan- given a county of their own in the PSC to recommend a wide This draft is miles ahead of der millions of shillings of CDF. the draft. definition that triggered even the constitution we have. Fortu- Proposals by certain parties more protests. The new draft is nately the amendments proposed to create 25 regional govern- an amalgam of the first draft and do not affect the fundamental ments and increase the number the PSC definition. It is clear changes the draft will effect. The Link is published of counties to 80, will drastical- that there shall be no consensus With the near unanimity we have monthly by the Institute ly change the levels of devolu- on this issue. that a new constitution must be tion from two to three tiers. But Despite the different voices passed this year, Kenyans will for Civic Affairs and before such changes are made, seeking different changes and have a better constitution. Development (ICAD) serious cost-benefit analysis some rejecting any change un- The challenge that will follow should be done. Other pro- equivocally, it is clear that the is the faithful implementation of posed amendments such as that draft is a major improvement the new constitution. Whether P.O. Box 7438, 00200 Nairobi. seeking to delete the require- on what we have currently. It leaders will fully implement the ment that the prime minister is contains very innovative claus- provisions which have a poten- Tel: 020 601776 / 020 601274 consulted in key appointment es. For example, it allows the tial to enable us to achieve the Email: [email protected] by the president, should be dis- amendment of the constitution Vision 2030 is another question. The Link, April 2010 CDF 9 LinkThe Enhancing governance for all Nambale CDF spends EDITOR DANIEL OTUNGE SUB-EDITOR Sh52.8 million on projects FAITH MUIRURI By NYAKWAR ODAWO dispensary, Igara dispensary, Luli- they are properly done before any the committee chairman said, add- ba dispensary, Bukalama dispen- payment is made. ing that the nearest one is situated ASSOCIATE EDITOR THE Nambale Constituency sary, Munongo dispensary, Nasira Meanwhile the Nambale CDF at Mundika area which is 10 kilo- OLOO JANAK Development Fund Committee dispensary, Malanga dispensary committee embarked on the con- metres away from Busia town. (CDFC) spent a total of Kshs52.8 and Lwanyange dispensary. struction of a new boys primary The head teacher of the new- million on various development A total of Kshs6.1 million went school within Busia municipality ly established primary school WRITERS projects within the constituency towards the construction and com- to balance the number of girls and Mrs Florida Malachi expressed pletion of administration offices ANDERSON MURENJE Coast during the 2008/2009 financial boys primary schools in the area. gratitude to the Committee say- in the area. The administration of- 0727 582135 year. According to the information ing Lukonyi residents, especially According to the data availed to fices done included Mayenje po- availed to The Link by the CDF parents whose children had been lice patrol base within Busia mu- BOB OMBATI Nyanza The Link recently, the committee accounts office recently, the CDF compelled to trek long distances nicipality, Lwanya chief’s office, 0728 435255 spent a total of Kshs14.6 million committee has so far disbursed a to school, have every reason to in the rehabilitation of twenty four Mundika Assistant chief’s office total of Kshs1.5million to facili- smile as their children will now and Nambale CDF office. NYAKWAR ODAWO Western existing secondary schools and the tate the construction of the new have education at their door step. The grading of roads and in- 0726264153 construction of additional class- learning institution to be called St The institution head further said stallation of culvert rings was done rooms in a move that was aimed at Stephen’s Lukonyi Boys primary the school’s population currently at a cost of Kshs1.8 million. The MORRIS GITHENYA Central decongesting learning institutions school. stands at 250. roads done included Ikondokhera 0735855586 whereas thirty six primary schools During the 2006/2007financial “The school management com- were allocated a total of sh16.6 bridge, Nayombe bridge, Lupida- year, a total of Kshs280,000 was mittee has so far constructed class- Kapina railway crossing and El- JONES MAGARE Nyanza million for the same. disbursed towards the project. es one up to three which have been wanikha –Bigambo Makutano ac- 0721127511 The CDF committee at the same This was followed by another al- built on a land donated by the local time allocated a total of Kshs1.9 cess culvert bridge among others. location of Kshs0.7million dur- community,” the school head said, The Nambale Constituency BILL ESSAU Western million to assist in the rehabili- ing the financial year 2007/2008, adding that the school has a total Development Fund (CDF) Com- 0721761408 tation and construction of water Ksh0.4 million during the fi- of 6 teachers of which five are em- points. The water points done in- mittee chairman Joshua Mulesi nancial year 2008/2009 whereas ployees of the Teachers Service said the distribution of the funds BEKADZO TONDO Coast cluded Kayenga’I shallow well, Ksh200, 000 was disbursed to the Commission[TSC] whereas one in the entire constituency had been 0728341240 Bukokho shallow well, Buluma new school during the financial has been employed by the school spring, Ouma spring,Ndambakana done in all the eleven 11 locations year 2009/2010. management board. based on the geographical cover- NEVINS BIKO Rift Valley water project, Budokomi wa- The school management com- The Nambale Constituency De- age, population and poverty index 0723932857 ter project, Bulanda-Mjini water mittee led by the chairman Fre- velopment Fund Committee chair- project, Bulanda shallow well and as spelt out by the CDF National derick Nadebu commended the man Joshua Mulesi on his part told Management Board. JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central Mabale shallow well. Nambale CDF committee for al- The Link that the development “Once the tendering process is 0724 039787 Other projects undertaken locating the funds towards the es- committee would continue to al- included the expansion and de- finalized and work on the identi- tablishment of the new school say- locate more funds from the CDF fied projects takes off immedi- LUKE KAPCHANGA Western velopment of 12 health facilities ing it was timely as there are no kitty to facilitate the construction ately,” the CDF chairman said, 0723622136 to the tune of Kshs5.7 million. boys’ primary schools within the of adequate infrastructure at the The health facilities done include adding that the project monitoring municipality. learning institution aimed at ac- and evaluation (M/E) committee is AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western Nambale health centre, Lupida There is no boys’ primary commodating more pupils from going round assessing the projects 0733 537002 dispensary, Madende dispensary, school within Busia municipality,” the local community. Mudembu dispensary, Musokoto concerned aimed at ensuring that OJWANG OGOCH Nyanza 0734 971205

SAMUEL OTIENO Nyanza 0723 757112 98 fish ponds built in Bungoma East PETER MUTUKU Eastern 0721 455048 By LUKE KAPCHANGA A total of 93 fish ponds have been constructed in Bungoma LAYOUT AND DESIGN: East district under the economic WALTON GRAPHICS stimulus programme. The ponds, which are spread 0725 903 938 out in 4 locations of the two divisions of Webuye and Ndivisi are almost complete. Mr. Wafula Wanyonyi, the official from the ministry of fisheries coordinating the exercise says plans are underway to stock the ponds in the first phase. Wanyonyi adds that the stock- This Newspaper appreciates ing will include procurement of the facilitation accorded by feeds, liners and manure. the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung The official notes that at the (KAS) in Kenya end of the project, about 200 fish ponds for individual farmers and one for the institution will be constructed. The Economic All correspondence and Stimulus Committee has iden- A fish pond constructed under ESP programme in Bungoma. enquiries to the editor, tified Bokoli high school as the institution to benefit from the 7 ponds. are those either practicing fish completed. The area MP said P.O. Box 7438, 00200, fish pond project. A total of Kshs.1,875,000 has farming and have available land that the project was currently Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 020 A spot check by The Link been paid to the youths who are with water source throughout being implemented at Karatina involved in the construction of the year. Wanyonyi says farm- and Mung’aria Youth polytech- 601274 established that Chetanbe location has had the lions share of 75 ponds. However the depart- ers are optimistic that the project nics. Telefax: 020 601776 the ponds, with 38 having been ment is yet to pay for additional will be a success and have He also revealed that Ki- 18 fish ponds, which have been shown willingness to engage in rimara and Ruthagati secondary E-mail: completed followed by both Bokoli and Sitikho locations at completed while 7 are still under fish farming. schools have been earmarked [email protected] 24 ponds each, the least being construction. In Mathira constituency, for upgrading as centres of ex- Lukusi location which has only The farmers who benefited about 100 fish ponds have been cellence. The Link, April 2010 10 GOVERNANCE Fish ponds’ construction progress report

From page 7

106 Tigania West 100 80 20 0 0

TOTAL 2400 1640 333 417 221 Provincial % progress 100 68 14 17 9

Rift Valley 107 Nandi Tinderet 100 100 0 0 0 108 Emgwen 100 85 15 0 0 109 Mosop 100 100 0 0 0 110 Aldai 100 80 20 0 0 111 Laikipia Laikipia East 100 100 0 0 0 112 Laikipia West 100 100 0 0 0 113 Kajiado Kajiado North 100 80 20 0 0 114 Nakuru Naivasha 100 76 24 0 0 115 Molo 100 100 0 0 0 116 Subukia 100 100 0 0 0 117 Kuresoi 100 100 0 0 0 118 Kericho Ainamoi 100 100 0 0 67 119 Bureti 100 100 0 0 19 120 Kipkelion 100 100 0 0 0 121 Konoin 100 100 0 0 14 122 Belgut 100 100 0 0 60 123 Uasin Gishu Eldoret East 100 100 0 0 40 124 Eldoret North 100 80 20 0 16 125 Eldoret South 100 94 6 0 0 126 Keiyo Keiyo North 100 100 0 0 0 127 Bomet Bomet 100 100 0 0 21 128 Chepalungu 100 100 0 0 0 129 Sotik 100 91 9 0 21 130 Trans Mara Kilgoris 100 45 55 0 0 131 Trans Nzoia Cherangani 100 100 0 0 0 132 Kwanza 100 100 0 0 0 133 Saboti 100 100 0 0 0 134 Baringo Mogotio 100 100 0 0 25 135 Koibatek Eldama Ravine 100 100 0 0 25

TOTAL 2900 2731 169 0 308 Provincial % progress 100 94 6 0 11

Coast 136 Taita Taveta Taveta 100 99 1 0 69 137 Wundanyi 100 72 28 0 0 138 Tana Delta Bura 100 37 31 32 0 139 Galole 100 62 34 4 0 140 Garsen 100 49 41 10 0

TOTAL 500 319 135 46 69 % completion 100 64 27 9 14

GRAND TOTAL 14000 12133 1311 546 1233 National % progress 100 87 9 4 9 Ugenya DC accused of awarding tender irregularly By GWEYA KOWET awarding the firm that they had dis- letter of acceptance as per the public The works officer said minutes The chairman vowed to ensure qualified for failing to register with procurement regulations. and documents related to the whole that they will not let the works officer the government. But to the surprise of the DTC process, including the fake registra- bring in a contractor of his choice Corruption and partisan political in- The firm in question has been is- members, the company that was not tion certificate, were with the Per- since there was already one on the terests threaten to derail construction sued with the letter of acceptance and even among the three short listed manent Secretary in the ministry of site. of Ugenya District headquarters. moved to the site to undertake con- firms, M/s. Market focus ended up at works and the public procurement “This man has promised different Already controversy is brewing struction works being financed by the site even before the official hand- oversight authority and his office was contractors to award them the tender following the irregular issuance of the government under the economic ing over as specified by the regula- yet to receive any communication but we reject this as local leaders,” Kshs.30 Million tender to a firm that stimulus package. tions, he said. challenging the awarding of the ten- said Mr. Wire. had allegedly been disqualified at the The works officer, Mr. Ayub Mr. Owuor said that when he der to M/s. Tanga Enterprises. Contacted, Ugenya DC Mrs. On- initial stages of the tendering process. Owuor, told the Press that the ten- enquired about the development, he Mr. Owuor said that he has writ- choka denied any underhand deal- The District Tender Committee der committee had disqualified M/s. established that the company had ap- ten to the Nyanza Provincial Police ings and maintained that everything has accused the provincial adminis- Market Focus after it emerged that plied for registration with the Minis- officer seeking protection to enable was done above the board. tration of conspiring with a clique of the company had attached a fake reg- try of Public works on January 12, him hand over the site to the rightful “There are minutes and corre- politicians to award the tender to a istration certificate as it had not been 2010 and got registration on 14 Janu- contractor after the local police failed spondences to that effect,” she said firm that had been disqualified, con- registered with the ministry of public ary. to protect him when he was roughed when reached over the phone and trary to the public procurement Act. works and had further not produced a “I was surprised because this is up by local politicians at the district instead accused the district works of- Ministry of works officials and tax compliance certificate at the time an exercise that can take up to six headquarters. ficer of trying to frustrate the project. some members of the district tender of tendering. months but he got it in two days,” The chairman of Ukwala town The Link learnt that local politi- committee accuse the Ugenya Dis- Mr. Owuor revealed that the ten- he said adding that the DTC had sat council, Councillor Sylvester Wire cians and civil servants are trying to trict Commissioner, Mrs. Caroline der committee short listed three firms and opened the tender on December had engaged Mr. Owuor in a fist fight push for contractors of choice, hence Onchoka, and local politicians of but later settled for M/s Tanga Enter- 11, 2009 when the company was dis- as he waited to meet the DC over the the bad blood that led to the humilia- ignoring their recommendations by prises which was to be issued with a qualified. matter. tion of the public official. The Link, April 2010 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

Politicians need Known people stole cemetary fund, not Mudavadi civic education WHEN a non-descript organisa- for speedy prosecution and recovery tion — Justice and Development of stolen money from those identi- on Proposed (Kejude) — issued a press statement fied by KACC to have benefitted. on March 15, it was signed by one The list is there. Lack of focus on Constitution Neto Agostino as national conven- those liable could be by design. THE Tenth Parliament is one that will er. The same statement appears as Lest we lose focus, the scam perhaps be credited for re-writing the an opinion now by Okiya Omtatah was plotted way back and perpetu- history of the country, should it en- Okoiti. ated over the years by plotters spread dorse a new constitution. But a closer I assumed “Triple O” had ac- across the ministries of Finance and look at Parliament and how the legisla- quaintance with plagiarism — a Local Government, as well as the tors discuss the outcomes of the vari- fraudster stealing someone’s writ- City Council and the private sec- ous laws that they pass shows a House ten material and impersonating it as tor. Since then, the ministries and that does not know what it is debating. theirs — the vilest intellectial dis- council have been under different Law making, from the introduc- honesty and moral deceit you can political administrations. It would tion of a Bill, to the presidential as- commit. Surely, the statement mate- be objective were Okoiti to call into sent, should serve some puposes.It is rial belonged to Kejude. question the “political oversight” of supposed to give the legislators and I am equally disturbed that the all administrations rather than tar- the public a chance to engage with same Okoiti has turned into a pur- get one minister who is the whistle the Proposed Constitution, interrogate veyor of a fake opinion poll purport- blower. its ramifications, and hopefully give a ing it to have been done by a lead- Okoiti must understand that critique making possible amendments KACC has admitted to the “regret- at the various stages before the Bill ing agency. In his forwarding note, Okoiti writes: “Mudavadi is part of a table incident” of leadking an incom- becomes law. MPs have passed or re- plete report and pleads with the AG jected a couple of laws in the past few cabal who are damaging the standing Demonstrators carry coffin and placards along City Hall, Nairobi. months, which they did not bother to of the PM in the eyes of the public. They were demonstrating against the sale of cemetery in Athi River. to investigate and “prosecute those understand. The passing of the Con- “This will be a liability as we found to have violated the law”. The stitution Review Act 2008 as well as head to 2012 and I honestly believe Why else would Okoiti ask the most something he was no aware was be- laws include the constitutional rights the National Accord together with the it will strengthen ODM and Raila relevant questions to the wrong per- ing cooked? of individuals, to which the rights ac- rejection of the Local Tribunal Bills if Mudavadi courageously steps son? The logic is that Musalia has Even in the darkest corner of tivism in Okoiti seems averse. leave a lot of question marks on wheth- down...” He is striking at ODM been a victim of treachery, where the a political conspirator’s mind, the Okoiti wants to know the “pre- er Parliament merits its role. through disinformation. cemetary scam plotters did not want question should be: “Why didn’t ventive measures” the DPM “put in In the last couple of days, MPs have I do not know what has hap- him to knw. Maybe Okoiti knows the minister know?” Answer: The place to ensure he was not kept in wated taxpayers’ money in retreats pened to Okoiti in the years since someone in the world of crime where thieves didn’t want him to. When he the dark”. Why isn’t Okoiti gunning in Naivasha and Kabete, retreats that our university days when we fought a thief forewarns the would-be cap- got to know through Parliament, he for recovery of the stolen millions? would not benefit anyone but them- for jhust causes while maintaining tor. Okoiti should know — he was a became the whistle blower. Okoiti Under section 144 of the Local Gov- selves, while the residents of Coast high moral standards. I am not sure civil servant — the pecking order in may want a mistaken heroic pursuit ernment Act, the minister is required Province died of preventable diseases who pays the piper now that Okoiti ministries; information flows verti- of the political blood of Musalia, but to approve any land transactions by such as cholera. If the MPs cared to markets comic relief antics for what cally from the junior officer onwards known people stole KShs259 million local authorities. Administratively, a read the provisions of the Review Act appear (to be) staged demo concerts. to the PS then to the minister, and or more of public money. It was not minister receives briefings from his 2008, they should have known their Okoiti must be careful not to earn visa versa. Ministers cannot by law Musalia. officers for that action. None came to power to make any changes to the Pro- civil society the lable of political participate in procurement process- Kenyans must be guided by facts his attention and he approved noth- posed Constitution lay in them work- es. Musalia is a victim of not being for justice to be done rather than per- ing — because he was not meant to ing together to attain 65 per cent of guns for hire. As to the venom directed at Mu- informed and not the illogical “Did ceptions of guilt. Crass as the KACC knw. Who then purported to “ap- the vote of the House to cause such an prove”? amendment. They should have known salia Mudavadi, one cannot fail to he demand to see a valuation...?” leakage has been, it is shocking that that no amounts of ‘Kamukunji’ reso- notice the sarcasm of an errand boy. How was he supposed to demand Okoiti’s statement does not at all call Former private secretary and direc- lutions or no number of retreats outside tor of public communication, Office the house would be useful. of the Deputy Prime Minister and They should also have known that Ministry of Local Government. they abdicated their role in having a say in the constitution when they passed the law that provided for the Committee of Experts meeting with the reference group to iron out any matters contentous should Parliament fail to agree. The best the MPs can do to stop us from having a new constitution is to be nice to us and divide us along tribal * lines and propagate their lies that the Proposed Constitution favours certain The editor welcomes regions. letters and comments Having shown that they do not understand the nature of the laws they on a variety of issues. pass, it is right to say they do not ap- The letters should be preciate the content of the Proposed Constitution and the cost effects that brief, topical and issue are going to result with the new law based. coming into effect. One is persuaded to think that most of them do not under- The editor reserves the stand what two-tier or three-tier form right to edit for brevity of devolution is going to entail. It is for this reason that the counties keep or clarity. changing from 25, 47, 74 and now 80, and that the senate needs to be more powerful than the regional goverments. Write to: The Committee of Experts should The Editor, do the country a favour and conduct civic education among the legislators The Link, on the content of the Proposed Con- P.O. Box 7438 stitution, and let them appreciate it; we would like a peaceful referendum and a – 00200, Nairobi. new constitution. E-mail: Neto Agostinho, Nairobi. [email protected] 12 The Link, April 2010 GOVERNANCE Mwingi Church joins anti-graft campaign Kilifi Residents’ By KAVYU KURA forum launches The clergy has been incorporated in strategic plan an initiative geared towards attaining a corruption free zone in Vice President By BEKADZO TONDO Kalonzo Musyoka’s Mwingi North constituency and ensure prudent use The newly inaugurated Kilifi Resi- of government devolved funds. dents Forum has launched a five-year The Mwingi Pastors Associations strategic work plan 2010-2014. has been enjoined in a social audit According to forum administrative campaign currently being spearhead- officer Mr Kashero Chinyaka, the plan ed by the Mwingi based Centre for aims at giving the residents a clear Human Rights and Civic Education guideline on how to initiate develop- (CHRCE) to check and guard against ment projects in the area. the misappropriation of resources. Chinyaka says the forum will seek The agreement was sealed dur- to educate members of the public on ing a meeting at the CHRCE offices their rights in different fields and unite where the clergy was represented by them with different devolved units Rev. John Muli of the International such as the Kilifi town council to help Revival Evangelical Church and Mo- make sure that projects initiated work ses Ngei of the Breakthrough Interna- in tandem to realize the set develop- tional Church. ment goals. At the Mwingi Human Rights Net- “The strategic plan spells out works meeting co-chaired by CHRCE medium term measures to be imple- officials Daniel Muoti and Ms. Flor- mented to complement government’s ence Ndeti, the Church representa- efforts geared towards the realization tives expressed concern that use of of Vision 2030,” adds Chinyaka government funds in Mwingi North Chinyaka says most successful was neither transparent nor prudent development work plans are premised enough. Rev. Muli and Pastor Ngei VP Kalonzo Musyoka speaks to the DC of Mwingi Central and other mourners. on existing frameworks to help realize concurred that there was a general meaningful results. lack of accountability in the way gov- Non-governmental organization and they get the money they share among the Mwingi North and Mwingi South He spoke during a sensitization ernment funds like Constituency De- Community based groups involved themselves,” pointed the clergyman. CDF committees as well as the depart- workshop to facilitate the formula- velopment Funds (CDF) and Local in human rights that councilors were Ms. Ndeti had earlier noted that ment of sports. tion of the Strategic Plan. The forum Authority Transfer Fund (LATF) in notorious for not accounting for LATF although millions of devolved funds “We demand a proper audit on the will focus on four major issues namely Mwingi north were utilized and thus projects monies in their respective were disbursed by the government in Stadium rehabilitation project which eradication of illiteracy, environmental the need for monitoring. wards. Mwingi north among other constitu- was not only being financed by both conservation, poverty and hunger alle- Rev. Muli said the local clergymen “The spotlight should be directed encies, queries abound on the way the Mwingi North and Mwingi CDF viation within the targeted communi- who were grassroot leaders would to Councillors who are notorious in they are managed and who were the kitties but has also received a fur- ties. in the agreed arrangement, mobilize failing to account the use of LATF ultimate beneficiaries. ther allocation from the Ministry of Chinyaka said ignorance was a big their faithful to demand transparency projects money,’ said pastor Ngei. “The communities are in most Sports,” declared Mr. Muoti. hindrance to development and there- in the implementation of projects The clergyman also pointed out cases in the dark about how projects The meeting was unanimous that fore members of the KRF will spear- funded through CDF and LATF with- that there was need to also audit and are identified, allocated money and the project be audited to expose any head civic education programs to sen- in their areas and also engage leaders investigate how the monies meant for managed, a scenario which has led anomalies in the way the stadium sitize the public on their rights. to ensure accountability. People living with HIV/AIDS were to diversion of resources, project du- improvement funds were disbursed He said the forum will also con- “I would like to assure you of our spent as there were many briefcase plication or stalling of projects. There and used as well as find out what had duct social audits on development pro- support as Pastors both within and organizations that diverted the funds is need to sensitize communities to happened to Kshs.1.5 allocated to the grams currently being implemented without our own churches in the cam- to other use. get actively involved and monitor Mwingi district hospital by Mwingi using devolved funds like LATF, CDF. paign to ensure the CDF and LAFT “I know of people with briefcase projects,” she said. North CDF. The cheque is said not to Constituency Bursary Fund, Road lev- monies were not diverted into person- Anti-AIDS non-governmental organi- Mr. Muoti said there was need to have reached the hospital. ies funds usage among many others. al use. We have a network that extends zations who seat in hotels, draw ficti- investigate a possible cash scandal The group also agreed to push for The forum board has been mandat- to all corners,” pledged Rev. Muli. tious lists of would be beneficiaries involving the rehabilitation of the the enactment of the National Land ed to come up with a short term strat- Pastor Ngei told the meeting and then submit proposals to National Mwingi Town sports ground which Policy Bill which was currently await- egy which will form the basis of initi- that also included representatives of Aids Control Council (NACC). Once was allegedly allocated funds by both ing presidential assent. ating long term development projects.

By LUKE KAPCHANGA Education sector received the lion’s share of the Webuye Constitu- Webuye CDF allocates more ency Development Fund kitty. The education sector was allocated Kshs21,265,000 for construction of classrooms and purchase of land for schools. funds to education sector Health got the second larg- est allocation of Kshs.2.2million resources and claimed that funding the expense of development. gather his political support nor in- comment declined to speak. while Kshs 1.6 million was chan- was pegged on political considera- He claimed that project identi- fluence people’s political stand”, he Mr. George Shibanda, who is neled towards the support of se- tions with areas where the area MP fication by the CDC does not take said. the accounts manager, said Bokoli curity projects and agriculture re- enjoy a larger following benefitting cognizance of people’s needs, as Mr. Soita pointed out that in his RC primary school was the big- ceived a paltry Kshs.750,000. from huge allocations. the MP gives orders on who to get Sitikho location only one sub-loca- gest beneficiary with an allocation Bokoli location received a Webuye deputy mayor Wekesa the money and what project is to be tion had been favored against the of Kshs.3 million, which had been whooping Kshs7,215,000 to fi- Karandini and councilor Eric Soita funded. other two. earmarked for construction of nance educational projects fol- alleged that as much as money had “The constituency development He wondered why projects iden- new classrooms and renovation of lowed by Misikhu location which gone to locations, a close analysis committee should be disbanded as tified from Milo and Khalumuli had some of the aging buildings. received Kshs4,250,000, Lukusi had revealed that one sub-location members only sit to get allowances been sidelined in the funding, when Other schools who got big- location got Kshs3million, Sitikho had received a larger share in com- and rubber stamp proposals which the CDF chairman comes from the gest shares were, Sirisia Sec, location benefitted from an al- parison to the other areas. did not reflect aspirations of the peo- same area. Kshs.2.6m, Lukuku primary location of Kshs 2,900,000, We- Mr. Karandini cited Webuye lo- ple”, he said. “I wonder if the CDF officials Kshs.1.8m, Froi Primary Kshs. buye location got Kshs.1,700,000 cation, which is the only Township On his part, Soita faulted the are really in charge of the allocation, 1.8m and Khalala primary Kshs. and Ndivisi location was given sub-location that benefitted from MP, for playing politics with public because the chairman comes from 1.2 million. Kshs.1.2million. the funding leaving out Maraka and money and ignoring peoples devel- Milo sub-location which has missed The only agriculture funded However, queries emerged on Matulo sub-locations. opment needs”. out, yet he should be taking part in projects were Lugulu support the mode of allocations. A section He accused the area MP Alfred “The MP needs to be told that the funding of projects from his group Kshs.300,000, Sinoko Na- of civic leaders strongly criticized Sambu of influencing the alloca- CDF is not part of his private fund- own backyard”, he added. chula Kshs.300,000 and Mwan- the criteria used in allocation of tions to suit his political interests at ing and neither is it an avenue to The MP when contacted for gaza Women group Kshs.150,000. The Link, April 2010 GOVERNANCE 13 Lugari CDF Economic stimulus gets thumbs accounts risk freeze up from Murang’a residents By JOHN NALIANYA By MORRIS GITHENYA Lugari Constituency Develop- ment Fund (CDF) accounts risk The Economic Stimulus Pro- being frozen following delays by gramme (ESP) in Murang’a has senior management officials to received overwhelming support surrender accumulated imprest with members of the public totaling to over Kshs.2.5 million rushing to take part in the pro- in the past six months. gramme. District Accountant Lucas Residents have secured unu- Kaunda has invited a team of fo- tilised public land in order to set rensic auditors from the Govern- up fish ponds without consider- ment to unravel the circumstanc- ing the requirements outlined es under which the monies have by the implementing ministry. remained unsurrendered. Coffee factories on the upper “The auditors have already reported and are likely to com- part of the district have been af- mence the exercise any time fected with some sections being from now,” said Kaunda. allocated to the youth who in- He said the officers from Nai- tend to take part in the project . robi would team up with their In Kiharu, at least 26 ponds colleagues from the office of have been constructed and are the Provincial Internal Auditor, currently awaiting to be sup- Kakamega. Kaunda said he de- plied with fingerlings. cided to seek the intervention of Local MP Muturi Mwangi the auditors after the committee said factories with idle land af- defied his directive that the im- ter coffee production went un- Some of the fish ponds in Mathira district which have already been completed under the prests be accounted for. der in the last ten years should Government Economic Stimulus Programme. “We shall accord the auditors consider the fish project to Omar Salat has moved a step ing the youth after disowning maximum cooperation to enable jumpstart their economic activ- higher and was currently tar- their former bad ways. Delays in release them arrive at the crux of the ity. geting the reformed Mungiki Already, a sixteen man matter and suggest punitive ac- Muturi said those involved sect members who will be em- group comprising of the re- of funds mar ESP tion that would lead to the recov- in construction of fish ponds ployed in the construction of formed youth in Muthithi area ery of the funds,” he said. have been paid Kshs 25,000 for fish ponds. The youth, he said, has been assisted to start a poul- A letter from the chief execu- in Gusii region every complete unit. are likely to benefit if they em- try projects. tive, signed by a Wilfred Buye- In Kangema district, over 26 By BOB OMBATI ma dated 29 January this year, brace the governments’ vision The DC appreciates role fish ponds are under construc- in pursuing development. played by church in offering a SEVERAL projects under the Eco- addressed to chairperson Jared tion. Idle land around rivers has Nahando and copied to area The administrator said lead- solution to the youth who over nomic Stimulus Programme (ESP) been identified for the project. are yet to take off in Gusii region MP and patron to the fund, Mr. ers of the constituency have the years have regarded govern- In Kigumo district, the DC turned in large number support- ment as their enemy. due to delays in the release of funds Cyrus Jirongo, gives the officials by the Treasury. Kisii Central Field 14 days to pay up or have their Operations officer, Mr. Steve Siso, names forwarded to the Kenya says besides the headways made anti-corruption commission for in fish pond projects in Nyaribari further action. Chache and Kitutu Chache constituencies, majority of other proposed Among those listed, are the Webuye MP in self-defense projects have not taken off as they treasurer Canute Butonyi and were still waiting for funds. Treasurer Kisaka Nangalama By LUKE KAPCHANGA that the District tendering committee Under the package, Nayakoe both holding over Kshs2.3 mil- shelved the idea of awarding supply and Marani markets have been ear- of the brick machines to Makiga in lion. The District Development Webuye Member of Parliament Al- marked for construction in Kitutu November last year. Officer, Mr. James Nyabochoa, fred Sambu has defended the con- Chache while Isecha, Iranda and But they were forced to overturn Matongo Health facilities will be has held Kshs90,000 since Oc- troversial payment of Kshs.3million their decision and approve the sup- upgraded. The constituency Devel- tober last year advanced for pur- by the constituency development ply when an influential personality opment committee has also listed chase of laptop computer, cam- committee for the purchase of 24 asked them to tone down. Marani, Kenyoro and Nyatieko as brick making machines. era and printer for use at the local There were allegations that the model schools to be improved. Sambu explained that Makiga CDF office. A senior official of CDF was to loss Kshs250,000 if the In Nyaribari Chache, Kegati and engineering services which supplied Amasago secondary schools and the fund said the continued hold- company was awarded the tender the machines was the only firm in Irondi and Kakari primary school ing of the imprests by the of- without going through the open ten- the country dealing in them. have been earmarked for face lift- ficials have adversely affected dering system. The MP said, “We advertised ing while Menyinkwa and Keumbu the general financial flow of the Mr. Sambu on his part dismissed and three companies applied, but markets have been identified for the funds. the tendering committee for lack of Jua Kali sheds. because they are the only ones ap- “The policy on public financ- understanding on the procedure by According to Keumbu Ward proved by the government to supply es is very clear. No further pre- making false claims. civic leader-cum-Gusii coun- the machines we took them”. funding is done until all imprests “These people are ignorant and ty council chairman, Kennedy Sambu added that there are doc- are surrendered”, he said. Mr Sambu have no idea about the tendering Nyakundi, a model Health centre uments to support his claims on the process, the due process was fol- would be built at Kiogoro, Nyarib- Chairperson Jared Nahando award of tenders but declined to proof suppliers developed after notifica- ari Chache constituency. The coun- lowed”, he said. confirmed the existence of the duce them. tion. cilor says Kshs10 million has been The manual brick mak- unsurrendered imprests adding The tendering process was clear To ensure competition and fair- allocated for Amasago and Kegati ing machines were purchased at that he had already instructed and open, he went on, saying that ness, procurement procedures no- secondary schools each while Kari Kshs98,000 each. But according to those mentioned to ensure they the price was the cheapest according tices of requirements are displayed and Irondi primary schools will sources they are sold at Kshs.87,000 each take Kshs3.5 million. accounted for the monies within to the received quotations. at public places including chiefs elsewhere. Nyakundi observes that Ki- the stipulated period. CDF Fund However this was a gross viola- offices, market centres or any other Again it emerged that the com- ogoro health Centre would take manager Bongonko Bitange also tion of the CDF Act which stipulates public place. pany was introduced to the CDF Kshs 20 million, adding that the confirmed to be in possession of that open tendering should be used A list of registered firms is drawn members by the MP, and he directed projects have been evenly and fairly the letter and the deployment of for purchases which attract more based on responses and presented to that they approve the award before spread out within the constituency’s auditors but declined to divulge than Kshs.3million, by inviting at the district project committee. three divisions of Keumbu, Kegati the due process was in place. further details. least 10 firms selected from the list It is in respect to this provisions and Kiogoro.

The Link, April 2010 SUPPLEMENT 15

PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE A monthly supplement funded by European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung The gift of cultural diversity

ulture is a word be right and wrong, good or for people with different cultural MANAGER’S COLUMN that is used in bad, true or false, important backgrounds to live together in many different In this issue, the Internation- or not. Values are aimed emo- harmony. Ccontexts. In al Project Manager HANNA tions at certain states. Values In the capacity trainings, which peacebuilding, I would CARLSSON (Pictured), discuss- tell who we are, what we be- are taking place in the provinces define culture as believe in and how we will act at the moment, one evening is set liefs, customs, prac- es conflict and identity (see in a certain situation. For in- aside for cultural sharing. The eve- tices, values and social page 17). In the next issue, stance, when some people in nings are very energizing and bring behavior of a particular she will look at other themes that are re- East Africa witness a person a lot of laughter but at the same group of people. A so- lated to peace and conflict. pick pocketing they will alert time we learn something about our cial environment’s cul- the crowd around who will try fellow countrymen ture is nothing that is to catch and sometimes may- We get a deeper understanding learnt consciously. It is cultivated Mboya would be defined as a hero be lynch the pickpocket. The action of the cultural differences between in the childhood in the social en- and J.M.Kariuki while in South Afri- manifests the values these people tribes and how, despite the differ- vironment a person grows up in. ca Nelson Mandela is a living proof possess. Values guide our percep- ences, we can live in one accord. Therefore, it is usually very hard hero for black people. You prob- tions in different questions but it is I would like to challenge you to to explain why you practice certain ably have your own living hero. hard to understand people’s values organize cultural activities in your customs, or have certain values from their behavior. area. Why don`t you invite your Rituals and behaviors. neighboring community and organ- When we peel off the “hero peel” Diversity ize a day where you share your on our cultural onion we reach to Symbols With a better understanding of cultural songs, poems, and maybe the ritual level. In this level, belong Cultural differences are manifest- how your culture is composed and even food that is specific for your among others different ways to ed in different ways. Some cultural manifested it is easier to respect community. Invite us or send us a show respect for others or how you conditions are very shallow within and accept other cultures. In Ken- few lines that we can share with greet a person. In some cultures a us, while others are deeper. To ya, you will experience different other readers of the supplement. woman will kneel when greeting a explain this, the terms symbols, cultures depending on where you Finally, do not forget it is possi- man. heroes, rituals and values can be are in the country. To be exposed ble to live in harmony because in In Kenya it is very common when used. An onion can be used as an to different cultures is enriching the end of the day we are all hu- shaking hands that the person who illustrator. Symbols represent the and as a Kenyan you should take man beings with the only small dif- wants to show respect holds its most superficial cultural manifes- advantage of it. It will minimize ference that we were brought up in wrist. Other manifestations which tations and are the onion’s outer- misconception and suspicion and different social environments. most layer. belong to the level of rituals are at the same time help you to un- the possibility for a leader to main- These symbols have a purpose derstand not only yourself but also Contact: tain one’s position in a gathering. for those people sharing the same foreign cultures. [email protected] culture, but can easily be dupli- Kenyans maybe think it is rational This cultural diversity is a bless- cated by other cultural groupings. that a political leader should sit on ing but can also create problems. Examples of symbols are cloths, the podium in a meeting but usu- There may be customs in a culture haircuts, and the drink Coca Cola. ally it is because of rituals. In other which are hard to be accepted as For instance, the typical African cultures the political leader will for Female Genital Mutilation or wife INSIDE: fabric “kangas” or “kitenge” is example sit on the first row. Sym- inheritance. From a different cul- used by women both in Kenya and bols, heroes and rituals are vis- tural perspective it can be consid- in Nigeria. These women are both ible through customs in a culture, ered to be an awful practice at the Training of Rift Africans but do not consider them- though their cultural meaning is same time it does not mean that it selves to have the same culture. discreet, but the interpretation is is right because it is a cultural cus- Valley CSOs Pg. 16 in agreement with the culture. tom. In this context we also need Heroes to bear in mind that a culture is not Values Under the first layer of the onion static but changes continually and Defining my Finally, we reach the innermost of we find heroes. These are people, the same applies to customs in a our onion which is values. Values Identity Pg. 17 living or dead, real or imaginary, culture. which possess trait of character are the deepest in a culture and that is highly praised in a culture are not expressed through cus- Supplement Reconciliation and therefore serves as models of toms. Values are about what is of With an open mindset and respect behavior. In Kenya, the late Tom importance, what is considered to to cultural differences it is possible Journey Pg. 18

This project is funded by the European Union This project is implemented by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and her partners and associate

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Partnership for Peace Project is responsible for the views reflected in this supplement. 16 The Link, April 2010 SUPPLEMENT

Project conducts training for Rift Valley CSOs

he Partnership for Peace Project’s capacity Peace Project last building initiative aiming Tmonth held a four- to strengthen the role of day training on peace- non-state actors to pre- building and conflict vent and resolve con- transformation for civil flict in the three prov- society organizations inces most affected by (CSOs) in the Rift Valley post-election violence: Province. Rift Valley, Nyanza and The training, which Western. took place at Sotik Pas- The workshop in So- toral Centre in Sotik, By SHUBHA tik was conducted by brought together 20 CHANDRA Mr. Babu Ayindo and Dr. like-minded individuals David Steele, facilita- from CSOs in the area eager to actors, and overseen by Mr. James quire skills and learn strategies to Kimisoi, the project’s provincial help mitigate conflict in their com- coordinator for Rift Valley, and munities. Jane Murutu, co-manager of the The Partnership for Peace project. Project is an initiative of the Kon- The workshop commenced on rad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the morning of 15th March with the European Union. The project self introduction by participants Breakout session during the peacebuilding training for Rift Valley CSOs. is implemented in partnership who also wrote down their expec- Photo: Courtesy of Shubha Chandra with Catholic Justice and Peace tations from the training. The par- Commission (CJPC), Mount Elgon ticipants were excited about the experience for all of us! what the parties want to achieve Resident Association (MERA) and opportunity to attend the training On the first day, the facilitators from a particular situation and fi- Community Initiative Action Group and learn first-hand about issues discussed the concepts of peace nally, the needs –what the parties – Kenya (CIAG-K) representing confronting communities in the and conflict and asked the par- need. The participants used this Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza Rift Valley province. During the ticipants about the peacebuilding framework for conflict analysis for respectively. course of the four days the partici- process occurring in their com- the duration of the workshop. The training called “Non-State pants, who were of varying ages munities. The discussion revealed Ms. Rebecca Malel, concluded Actors’ Capacity Training in Peace- and backgrounds, shared their that poverty, marginalization of our first day by displaying a beau- building and Conflict Transforma- experiences and knowledge with people based on political and eth- tifully crafted cultural program. tion” is part of Partnership for each other. It was a great learning nic differences and land disputes Each participant shared an as- were the principal contributors of pect of his or her culture such as the post-election violence in the a song, dance or story. Mr. Ayindo Rift Valley province. charmed the group with a Luo song One of the participants, Mr. Ko- and Dr. Steele’s South African song sgei from Sigowet, described the captured the attention of the par- land dispute between the Kipsigis ticipants as many of them joined and Gusii communities. He ex- in song and dance. The enthusi- plained that “the inheritance of asm was infectious and helped es- land brings problems since the tablish a sense of unity among the older men sold their land long time participants. before their deaths.” What result- In addition to lectures and small ed is a clash between the sons of group discussions, the facilitators the landowners, who claim their actively involved participants in deceased father’s land and the in- role-plays. Dr. Steele with the help dividual who purchased the land of three participants used role- from the deceased without docu- playing to illustrate the mistrust mentation. and lack of understanding that Addressing the general theme often marks local and national of conflict analysis, Mr. Ayindo ex- politics. The scenario involved a plained the steps taken when ana- Financial Officer (FO) from Kericho lyzing a conflict using the example inquiring as to why the Minister of the political differences that di- for Finance denied funding for a vide the political parties, ODM and project in Kericho. Participants display their certificates after completing capacity building PNU. He asked the participants to In the first role-play, an irate FO training on peace building and conflict transformation. identify the positions—what is be- Photo: Courtesy of Shubha Chandra ing said by the parties, interests— Turn to Page 17

This project is funded by the European Union This project is implemented by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and her partners and associate

From Page 16 approaches a calm Minister for Fi- nance. The resentment and anger Project conducts training that consumes the FO leads to an escalating of tension, resulting in the FO accusing the Minister of corruption and ethnic discrimina- for Rift Valley CSOs tion. The FO walks out and no appeal for funding is made. When the role-play was re-done with the FO through religion and sports in approaching the Minister with re- Kericho and Nairobi after the post- spect, there was a stark difference election violence. The third film, between the interactions although which took place in the 1990s and the outcome remained the same. involved inter-clan conflict among The role-play effectively displayed the Kenyan-Somalis in Wajir, dis- the importance of communication played how women mobilized their in mitigating conflict. communities, reaching out to their During the course of the work- counterparts in the opposing clan shop, the facilitators discussed in order to bring an end to the con- topics such as the cycle of victim- flict. The films were uplifting and hood and transformation, third served as excellent examples of party intervention and early warn- successful peacebuilding in Kenya. ing mechanisms. Given the impor- The workshop was an enlight- tant role ethnicity plays in Kenya, ening experience. The conversa- the participants were asked to tions I had with participants were consider the identities they de- astonishing and inspiring. I spoke fined themselves by and the iden- with a woman whose home was tities most often recognized by destroyed by members of her own others. The harmonizing of both community in retaliation for her perspectives was emphasized as political affiliation and position as a being vital for peacebuilding. counselor in the local government. In a session devoted to problem Despite her hardship, she remains solving, participants were asked Ms. Jane N. Murutu, Co-Manager, Mr. James Kimisoi, Coordinator, resilient, seeking to return to poli- to consider a conflict, map out Partnership for Peace Project Rift Valley Province tics to rectify the injustice she and the actors involved and develop hundreds of others suffered as a an action plan that could be uti- developed at the culmination of Over the course of the work- result of their political beliefs. lized to resolve the conflict. This the workshop addressing the real shop, three optional films were I was told about the work of or- activity was a precursor for the problems facing their communi- shown. The first two films focused ganizations such as Asubuhi Nje- action plans that the participants ties. on uniting community members ma, who had five members attend the workshop, each of whom represented a different ethnic group. Using their ethnic identities, the members reach out to the leaders of their respective ethnic groups Defining my Identity in order to bring together different ethnic communities. These stories are examples of the impor- human beings. Interaction hap- identity. When you know who ‘What are we?’ was a question tant changes the participants are that many raised after the post- pens among other places in our you are it is easier to accept election violence. And it is prob- families, in our communities, or and respect others who are not already making in their communi- ably a question that many peo- in a church group, or maybe in a like you. ties. ple in Kenya still ask themselves political party. These mentioned Most Kenyans have at least The workshop wrapped up with when they recall the memories places are cultural contexts. All one identity in common: you a closing prayer and remarks by of the post-election violence. of us belong to different groups are Kenyan. Consequently, the both facilitators, Ms. Murutu and What we know is that we are or you could say different cultur- post-election violence caught Mr. Kimisoi. As I watched groups human beings defined by our al contexts which help us to form many by surprise because we formulate their action plans ad- psychological entities: we have our identity. were attacking someone that dressing a specific conflict in their memories; we are capable of This process happens auto- we shared an identity with. Let communities, I felt hopeful that if reasoning; we are able to use matically and is usually nothing us respect that we have differ- implemented, such plans will re- we reflect upon. Though, some- ent identities, though, at the a language; we have emotions pair and rejuvenate relations be- and desires. Our psychological times it is important to take a same time we have identities entities separate us from ani- moment and think about whom in common. At the end of the tween warring ethnic groups and mals. you are and how people perceive day no identity is more impor- promote peace and unity. Psychological entities can you. An easy exercise to identify tant than another and there- only develop if there is an in- your various identities is to write fore we should be able to live The writer is an intern with tense interaction with other them down on a paper. The list peacefully. KAS of identities forms your personal —By Hannaa Carlsson

This project is funded by the European Union This project is implemented by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and her partners and associate

By SHUBHA CHANDRA

here were many victims of The Journey of the post-election violence in 2007/2008. Many com- Tpelling stories have been told and the victims’ experiences Reconciliation have left them feeling distrustful of members of their own community and scared that others will also turn their backs on them. Most of them have not received an apol- ogy or seen remorse on the faces of individuals who have changed their lives. What is needed is heal- ing and reconciliation. Reconciliation is a multi-step process by which people or groups of people who are on different sides of an issue unite towards a common goal of repairing their relationship. The process often brings together parties who are both guilty of contributing to each other’s pain and suffering. Al- though the definition of reconciliation varies from context to context, three steps are necessary to provide the foundation for a way forward. They include coming to terms with past events, building confidence and trust and forgiving others. President Kibaki and PM Raila Odinga reconcile after the post-election violence in 2007/8. Looking on is Chief Me- If you recognized yourself in the diator Koffi Annan. beginning of this article, Partner- ship for Peace Project would like We, therefore, ask you to send your permission, some of the sto- with a detailed article on recon- to hear your story and experiences your story to the project office in ries will be published in the next ciliation and how you can come to from the post-election violence. Kisumu (see contacts below). With issue of this supplement together terms with the past.

CONTACT ADDRESSES: EU-KAS Project Office in Kisumu, Varsity Apartments 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 668, 40100 Kisumu, Telephone. +254 057 2023484 +254 711 358 013.

PARTNERS Mt. Elgon Residents Association (MERA) Community Initiative Action-Group (CIAG-K) Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) Chem Ngeywo, Project Coordinator Mr. Chrispin Owalla, Project Coordinator Mr. James Kimisoi, Project Coordinator Western Province Nyanza Province Rift Valley Province P.O Box 21-50201, Cheptais-Mt. Elgon Varsity Apartments 3rd Floor, The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret Mobile : 0720-744827; 0734-517489. P.O. Box 668, 40100 Kisumu. P.O. Box 842 -30100, Eldoret. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0737-470558/0716-384135 Tel 2031272; 0722 448110 [email protected] or E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

This project is funded by the European Union This project is implemented by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and her partners and associate

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Partnership for Peace Project is responsible for the views reflected in this supplement.

The Link, April 2010 20 GOVERNANCE

They said the tractors bought Sambu comes to two years ago were second hand Lamu residents want machines which have been ground- the aid of school ed without having done any work in By AGGREY BUCHUNJU the constituency. They also accused the treasurer It was a blessing in disguise for a Primary CDF treasurer sacked of having diverted funds meant for school in Bungoma East District which a water project which they say was had its roof blown off by a storm last year. supposed to supply clean water to The school, Khalala Primary, in Si- the residents of Koreni in the con- tikho location is now a beneficiary of the stituency and used the funds to reha- constituency Development Fund (CDF) bilitate a cattle dip which benefitted emergency head vote. him alone as he was the only person Webuye MP Mr. Alfred Sambu and who keeps cattle at the Koreni vil- his CDF Committee recently allocated lage. and disbursed a total of Kshs. 1.5 million to the school to give it a facelift. The Hongwe ward councilor Mr money is earmarked for the construction Francis Chenge complained of fa- of 3 modern classrooms in order to de- vouritsm in the disbursement of congest pupils in the populous school. bursary funds with very few needy To reduce construction costs, the MP cases benefiting from the funds. has at the same time donated two inter- Chenge claimed the treasurer locking soil blocks press machines to a has been awarding the funds to well local Youth self-help group. The benefi- connected students with some of ciary, Musikukha Youth self- help Group them getting as much as Kshs20,000 has consequently been contracted by the at the expense of needy cases ma- project management committee under jority of whom are orphans. the chairmanship of Mr. Mayabi Mutupa Councilors Ruben Karanja of to bake 8,000 bricks Musikukha youth Baharini ward and his Kiongwe self- help group draws its 40 membership ward counterpart councilor Kimiri from the adjacent villages thus, Sitikho, Gathurwa said there was no trans- Kuywa, Mukite and Khalala. parency in the management of CDF The group received the 2 machines funds and urged their MP to disband from the area legislator through the youth the CDF committee and appoint an- Empowerment programme which is other one. aimed at reducing poverty through job The Mpeketoni Leaders forum creation for the youth. Under normal circumstances one machine if properly chairman Mr Nganga at the same utilized can bake over 500 bricks per day. time said that Uziwa secondary It can also work with all types of soil school started 20 years ago was still except black cotton soil and the bricks are in bad shape because the area CDF allegedly approved by the Kenya Bureau By BEKADZO TONDO Mica Ng’ang’a and six councillors who has been arraigned in court for office had failed to allocate any re- of standards (K E B S) for construction of from Lamu county council recently criminal activities should step aside sources to oversee its development. Permanent walls. Unlike the commonly Residents of Lamu West Constitu- stormed the CDF offices to forcibly until such a case is concluded by the A member of the community Mr used bricks no mortar is required in joints ency are demanding for immediate eject the treasurer, Mr. Mohammed court and we wonder why Mr Bute George Rugoi appealed to the gov- when one uses bricks produced by the in- removal of a senior CDF official Galagalo Bute, who they claim re- is still in the office,” Ng’ang’a said. ernment to intervene and ensure the terlocking soil block press machines. who they accuse of engaging in mal- mains in office illegally even after The residents complained that school gets funding to expand it. If the two machines given to practices which have allegedly cost being charged in court with flouting over Kshs30 million was used to Rugoi argued that the school has Musikukha youth self- help group can the kitty Kshs.30 millions. procurement procedures as spelt out purchase eight farm tractors without no enough classrooms, lacks labo- be utilized properly then the youth will The residents led by the chairman in the CDF Act. following the laid government pro- ratory, dinning hall administration be able to bake 1,000 bricks per day. This of Mpeketoni Leaders forum Mr “The law states that anybody curement procedures. block among other crucial facilities. therefore, means that the 8,000 target number of bricks can be baked within 8 days at a cost of Kshs. 11,000 since according to the project chair the group is to be paid Kshs 1,500 per day. Given that the local market price for 1 Fear engulfs Coast civic leaders brick is Kshs.6, the school is most likely to save up to Kshs 37,000 through the By LINK CORRESPONDENT council will deny area resi- current brick baking process, leave alone dents services currently being reduction in construction costs. Panic has gripped workers offered by the local authority. and civic leaders in some lo- The civic leaders also notes Mwatela, Makoka cal authorities in Coast Prov- that Malindi county is very far ince following indications that from Lamu and felt it will be in battle over CDF non-performing councils will unfair to merge their Lamu be scrapped once the proposed county council with it. Others By BEKADZO TONDO Local Government (Amend- who expressed similar fears in- ment) Bill 2009 becomes law. clude Mariakani town council Two senior politicians from Coast Prov- Workers and civic leaders and Malindi county council. ince are embroiled in a tussle over the al- in some of non-viable entities leged misuse of Kshs 1.2 million meant However, local authorities for the construction of CDF offices. are now appealing to the Local with strong capital base were Mwatate MP Clarist Mwatela want a Government Musalia Mudava- optimistic that their councils former MP Mr. Marsden Madoka to ac- di Minister to consider shelv- will not be among those to be count for the funds allocated during his ing the bill. affected once the bill becomes tenure to oversee the construction of the Most workers and civic law. Kilifi county council clerk CDF offices. leaders are anxious that they Mr Leboo Ole Morintat says However, Madoka claims that the will be rendered jobless in the the council will survive the ex- constituency was never allocated any new dispensation and want the ercise as it had a strong capital such funds during his term in office and government to specify their base and was ranked highly af- accuses the area MP of spearheading a fate before any action is taken political scheme to malign his name. ter taking the 11th position out Mwatela on the other hand insists that against non- performing enti- of the 175 local authorities in ties. he has solid evidence to show that the the country. A section of civic leaders panic following indications that money had been set aside for the project. At Lamu County council The clerk said apart from six councillors appealed to the non-performers will be scrapped once the proposed Local “The former MP for Mwatate Mr offering the necessary serv- Government Amendment Bill 2009 becomes law. Madoka should fully account for the minister for local government ices to members of the public, Kshs 1.2 disbursed by the National Con- to spare the council from the the council has also been pay- council was there to stay as it Mr Jilani argues that Kilifi stituency Development Fund office to intended plans to scrap non vi- ing its councillors and staff on has been giving proper services town council is among the three help construct the CDF offices during able entities. time and that was a clear sign his tenure because no such project exists to the members of the public. town councils in the country The councillors who include the council was on the right At Kilifi town council, the earmarked for development on the ground while records show that Francis Chenge, Ruben Karan- the money was spent,” argues Mwatela. truck as far as services delivery local authority clerk Mr Wil- into resort cities by 2030. Oth- Mwatela further accuses the former ja Kirimi Gagihirwa and Susan is concerned. liam Jilani is optimistic that the ers slated for development into cabinet minister of sabotaging develop- Gaitho argue that scrapping The council chairman Mr council will be spared the axe resort cities by 2030 include ment programs in the area and asked or merging the local authority Anthony Kingi echoed simi- once the new law becomes ef- Kwale town council and Isiolo him to keep off. with that of Malindi county lar sentiments adding that the fective. town council. The Link, April 2010 CDF 21 Butula MP threatens to sue his CDF officials By GILBERT OCHIENG chiefs’ offices among others. However, the area legislator PROJECT NAME AMOUNT Butula MP, Alfred Odhiambo, said that in the next financial year, has vowed to take stern action the constituency development Kalalani primary school 500,000 against any project management fund committee will channel the Masendebale primary school 450,000 committee in his constituency entire fund towards the improve- Tingolo primary school 150,000 ment of the existing health facili- found embezzling project funds. Musibiriri primary school 350,000 Speaking in Butula when dis- ties especially Khunyangu Sub- bursing CDF cheques totaling to district hospital which he said had Esiribiro secondary school 300,000 Kshs15.5million recently, Odhia- no paediatric ward, theatre and Bumala B secondary schoo 250,000 mbo called for transparency and enough medical personnel to pro- Mungambwa primary school 300,000 accountability in the implementa- vide effective service delivery to Bulemia Namusala Health Centre 450,000 tion of the CDF projects. both in and outpatients. Extension of Electricty 5,000,000 “The CDF kitty is taxpayers The Medical Officer In-charge Butula Boys primary school/Omondi Water Spring/Kanjala Spring 100,000 money and should, therefore, be of Khunyangu Sub-District hos- Butula AP line 1,200,000 utilized towards the purpose to pital Dr Benjamin Bonyo on his Elugulu Chief Centre/Madangi spring/Bumakhudu spring 150,000 which it was intended,” the MP part expressed concern over the Bulwani Health Centre 500,000 said, adding that those who fail to rising rate of insecurity in the Lugulu secondary school 600,000 area saying that the hospital staff comply with the directive will not Bumutiru Health Centre 300,000 be funded. houses have been subjected to The legislator says that the frequent break-ins at night after Bumutiru RC primary school 300,000 CDF committee had earmarked a the medical personnel have gone Magombe Primary school/spring 250,000 huge chunk of the constituency’s on night duty. Khunyangu Sub-district hospital 250,000 CDF kitty towards the construc- However, Odhiambo assured Nyalwanda primary school 250,000 tion of additional classrooms so the affected medical staff that the Busibi ECD 200,000 as to create room for more pu- situation will contained once the Bukhalalire secondary school 300,000 pils following the introduction administration police camp cur- Bukhalalire Health Centre 250,000 of Free Primary Education (FPE) rently under construction is com- Agola spring 450,000 programme that had led to over- pleted. Bujumba secondary school/Lwanya spring 200,000 crowding in most learning institu- “We are doing everything at Buriya Girls secondary school/Ogwaro spring 150,000 our disposal to ensure that the tions in the district. Masebula secondary school 350,000 Other projects undertaken in- administration police camp cur- clude the construction of health rently under construction is com- Bumala Chief’s Centre/Ugaji spring 300,000 centres, construction of adminis- pleted as a matter of urgency,” he Bumala A Health Centre 300,000 tration police lines, extension of said. Bukhalalire primary school/Osogo spring 450,000 electricity, the construction of wa- The details of the projects Elukhari secondary school 700,000 ter springs and the construction of funded are as follows; Busiada primary 300,000 Stop misuse of CDF, Ugenya CDF adopts new says Wamunyinyi management system By AGREY BUCHUNJU THE National cake should be distributed By JONES MAGARE The chairman says data from the GIS to all regions without bias, the Deputy UGENYA Constituency Development also enables the committee to identify Special representative of African Union Fund (CDF) Managers and officials have new CDF projects within the constitu- (AU) Mission for Somalia Mr. Wafula established a Geographical Information ency and ensure at least with a measure Wamunyinyi says. System (GIS) to facilitate effective plan- of certainty that funds for project imple- Mr. Wamunyinyi points out that all ning and implementation of CDF funded mentation have been well allocated. people or regions regardless of their po- projects in the area. He says the move to install the GIS litical affiliations should benefit from the The Constituency CDF monitor- has also raised the level of awareness government resources equally. ing and evaluation committee chairman among residents about the use of de- “Distribution of government resourc- Aggrey Omondi says the establishment volved funds like CDF within the con- es should not be pegged on the voting of the GIS has been done by the newly stituency. patterns during the last general elections formed CDF team of officials and fund “Previously before our team came since all people pay taxes to the govern- managers to streamline implementation into office CDF project mangers used to ment,” the diplomat says. of projects. dish out funds as handouts and pocket Wamunyinyi, who is the former MP “When we came on board we did not money from their pocket s,” he recalls. for Kanduyi Constituency alleges that Mr. Wamunyinyi find anything from the previous team of Omondi says residents had also devolved funds in the area especially the developed a culture of expecting their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Saying that all citizens have a right to CDF officials, apart from inheriting a pa- Mr Orengo per punch. We decided to go round the leaders or area Member of Parliament were being misappropriated with impu- access devolved funds without discrimi- constituency to assess the state of CDF avoided if there was proper planning and to come over for them to present their nity. nation Wamunyinyi praises people who projects, “ Omondi says. coordination of projects being financed project wish lists adding that “this bot- This, he adds was happening in the question use of public monies in the con- He says the new team found out that through other devolved funds, “ Omondi tom-up approach has changed with the area because people entrusted with the stituency. “To demand to know how CDF most CDF projects had not been com- reveals. election of James Orengo as area MP funds are close allies of the present politi- is being used in the constituency is not pleted and had stalled in various areas Omondi says based on the findings of and with establishment of the new CDF cal leadership. He accuses the area Con- politicking but a right”, he asserts. within the constituency. the assessment tour the newly established committee.” stituency Development Fund Committee The former MP at the same time cen- “Our team also realized that although CDF committee decided to put in place a Additionally, Omondi says the GIS (CDFC) of allocating funds in a discrimi- sures the politicians for allegedly derailing most of the projects had stalled they were Geographical Information System (GIS). has helped the CDF team to conduct ad- native manner and of lacking transpar- Kazi Kwa vijana programme. interestingly still classified as on-going, “The GIS helps the CDF committee vocacy campaigns on various issues such ency and accountability. He claims that the programme was yet they had already guzzled millions of to effectively plan and monitor the imple- as environment. The special envoy claims that Kan- not sustainable because of the political shillings beyond the budgeted and allo- mentation of projects within the constitu- “ Through data and information dis- duyi CDFC is totally insensitive to the leaders’ interferences and their failure to cated amount“he says. ency, “he says. played on the GIS you can show residents residents’ aspirations and needs. identify viable projects. “Kazi kwa vijana He cites examples of projects which He says the GIS is able to indicate the some of their CDF project activities that Wamunyinyi notes with bitterness that programme was a noble initiative but it had initially been allocated Kshs2 million distribution of CDF projects in the entire impact negatively on the environment. the CDF in the area had been turned into soon failed because politicians hijacked it but which instead consumed over Kshs5 constituency and also reveal if there is a This way residents are able to appreciate an avenue of settling political scores, a and pushed for their own selfish interests million in CDF funding. concentration of projects in particular ar- the importance of environmental conser- scenario which had led to the collapse of in the programme,” he adds. The chairman says the assessment eas and places where gaps exist. vation, “ Omondi says. projects initiated by past political leader- Wamunyinyi alleges that in some ar- tour also revealed that the workmanship “ Since CDF is highly politicized, The chairman says establishment of ship including some of the projects he had eas people who have benefited from the on the projects was very poor. the GIS enables us to counter claims of the GIS has also enabled them to gener- started when he served as the area MP. programme are not youths by any defini- “We also noted prevalence in the biased allocation of funds and projects ate and engage in objective CDF project He observes that no citizen or region tion but old people who are out to milk dry duplication of projects in many areas of from a section of constituents, “ the planning debates with residents within has more rights than another when it the programme coffers at the expense of the constituency which could have been chairman says. the constituency. comes to allocation of public resources. the youth. The Link, April 2010 22 AGRICULTURE

Dairy Goat farmers are all smiles

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA

Dairy goat farmers from Mt Kenya region earned Kshs 23.3 million last year. Farmers sold 1, 944 goats through the Dairy Goat Association of Kenya (DGAK). The returns were higher compared to the Kshs 15 million they earned the previous year where they sold 1,750 goats. Speaking during the 16th annual general meeting at Nyamachaki PCEA hall in Nyeri town recently, the association chairman Mr Julius Kang’ee said the goats were sold to various institutions in the country. The main buyers were Catho- lic diocese of Embu and Nakuru, World Vision Maragwa and Kisii, Community Based Organisations based in Mumias, Emuhaya and Vihiga. Others were Arid Land Re- source Management project of Ny- eri and Transmara. The farmers also sold 31, 835 liters of milk in year 2009 worth Kshs 1.1 million compared to 20, Many tea factories are resorting to firewood due to high cost of power. 330 liters worth Kshs 711, 550 sold the previous year. The rate of payment went up from 1st July last year up from Kshs 35 to Kshs40. DGAK has a membership of Murang’a tea farmers to about 16,000 farmers from 1, 250 member groups. It has several branches in Nyeri, Murang’a, Ki- ambu, Embu, Nakuru, Kirinyaga and Mbale districts in Western produce own power Kenya. “About 294 bucks were rotated last year and 96 bucks were re- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA be released to the National grid ducing costs of production last the slope of Aberdares moun- placed within the year due to death at a price,” the chairman told year. tain with potential to generate or lack of libido. The association DUE to the high power tar- over 500 farmers who attended Gathuthi, Gitugi, Iria-ini 17,866 Megawatt Hour/ Year was able to replace all the bucks iffs, tea factories in the larger the AGM. and Chinga Tea Factories in has been identified and would that were reported.” The chairman Murang’a district are exploring The project will start at the larger Nyeri district which serve the four tea factories. told over 500 farmers who attended possibilities of producing their Mathioya River which flows are some of the factories which “This is a major opportu- the AGM. own power to reduce costs. from Aberdare forest to took the first step noted that nity to reduce the production However, the farmers are faced The tea factories have ear- Murang’a areas. energy costs in the production costs whilst making additional with many challenges including the marked Kshs 600 million to The chairman accompanied cycle of the made tea consume revenue from the same. It will modalities of collecting milk from finance a hydro project to cut by the director Mr Esau Kioni approximately four per cent of be a long term cost energy cut- the farms to the collection centres as farmers walk for long distances. on production costs. The Me- added that this project will its revenue. ting strategy,” the chairman of “Due to lack of skills on quality tumi Hydro Power project is minimize the manufacturing Hydro power generation had Gitugi tea factory Mr Nderitu of fodder production and conserva- expected to take two years be- costs to zero once it is complete been identified as a major alter- Mugi says. tion, our farmers need to be trained fore completion and will serve as they will own the project. native that could reduce costs He adds that the excess pow- on quality of fodder production and Kiru, Gatunguru, Kanyenya-ini He lamented that the costs of production from the current er generated above the required conservation. This will improve the and Githambo tea factories. of energy had been very high four per cent to approximately approximately 8,599 megawatt quality of the goats and have a uni- In the recent annual general despite the fact that some of one per cent of revenue. A pro- hour/year, will be sold to Ken- form production of milk through- meeting held at Kiru Tea Fac- them were using firewood. gramme has been started to ya Power and Lightning Com- out the year.” Kang’ee added. tory, the factory chairman Mr In year 2008, the factory look unto this issue. pany and other providers. Central provincial deputy direc- Geoffrey Kirundi revealed to paid a bill of Kshs 25 million The Gura small hydro pow- The estimated cost of the tor veterinary officer Mr William farmers that a feasibility study for electricity while last year er is part of the programme project is Kshs 635.1 mil- Impwi lauded the good work the association has been doing to erad- has been finalized and the fac- they paid Kshs 30 million. “Green the Tea Industry in East lion which would be chaired icate poverty saying this has been tories covered in the project are “There was an increase in Africa” (GTIEA) small hydro amongst the four factories emphasized in the Vision 2030. now in the process of hiring the the manufacturing cost by Kshs power initiative approved by companies. The financing for The association is now planning contractors. 0.97 per every kilogramme. the Global Environmental Fa- the project will be done on a to open more branches and equip- “In the current year, this This manufacturing cost in- cility (GEF) council. The pro- 65: 35 loan and equity contri- ping them. “We shall also train zone will commence a hydro cludes the monthly green leaf grammme is co-implemented bution. more assistants to cope with the project and to do so, the share- payment at Kshs 41.43 per kg by UNEP and African Devel- “Our 35 per cent share of increased number of farmer groups holders will be required to of made tea for the year which opment Bank (ADB) and exe- equity contribution of approxi- and also elect branch officials as pay Kshs 2 per kilogramme of is lower than Kshs 41.73 per kg cuted by East Africa Trade Tea mately Kshs 55.5 million will per the revised election guide- green leaf as equity. for the previous year.” He says. Association (EATTA). be raised from our second pay- lines,” the farmers heard. The project will generate In the neighboring Nyeri A feasibility study of the ment spread out in two years. The association is also planning to import semen and if possible life three Mega Watts of power. district, the Kenya Tea Devel- small Hydro power project was All our investment would have goats, in order to increase the ge- This generator hydro will be opment Agency (KTDA) and carried out by UNEP and ADB an estimated payback period of netically variable to the breeding adequate for the four factories the tea factories re-evaluated at a cost of Kshs 8.4 million five years and four months.” stock. in the zone and the surplus will possibilities and means of re- and from the report, a site on The chairman says. The Link, April 2010 AGRICULTURE 23 Othaya tea growers urged to diversify activities By JOSEPH MUKUBWA in the area. Last year, Fair Trade Tea farmers in Othaya have had earmarked for Kshs 4.5 been urged to adopt other in- million to finance various come generating activities to projects but was only able to supplement revenue gener- raise Kshs 3.6 million due to ated from tea earnings and reduced tea earnings in the maximize on opportunities. markets. Speaking recently during However, Ng’enda is con- the annual general meeting fident that the production at Iria-ini Tea Factory, Fair will be better this year and Trade secretary Mr Mathew they will be able to raise the Ng’enda said it is high time required Kshs 4.5 milion for tea farmers adopted other this year’s budget. The budg- ways of income generation et, he said will mainly focus other than over relying on tea. on completing projects stipu- He said fair trade has part- lated in the five year strategic nered with Kenya Tea Devel- plan which will end this year opment Agency to start a bee before starting new projects. keeping project which will During the AGM, Fair also create employment to Trade Premium Committee youths in the area who spend members retained their seats most of their time idling at in a less contested election. shopping centers. Other members are Mr Ng’enda who is also the Githinji Wanjohi- treasurer, Factory Unit Manager – Iriaini Mrs Beatrice Omari-ac- Tea Factory said though tea is Tea growers in Othaya venture into bee keeping to make more money. countant, Mrs Mary Chege, the main crop that sustains the Mr Joseph Githiri and Mrs company, their partnership with a target of establishing Charity Wangui who serve as to produce at least eight Kgs The project is expected to committee members. with Fair Trade was meant to 200 hives. This project is a of honey after every four go hand in hand with the bee assist other people who may success and people have also Ng’enda was however months. keeping project as the two are quick to advise farmers not to want to feature in other forms started to establish beehives in Fair Trade has also part- interrelated. of income generation in the their homes,” added Ng’enda. uproot their tea bushes since nered with Techno Serve Other than the two the projects they are pioneer- area. He urged farmers to em- Company in another project projects, the secretary said “The bee keeping project brace this project which has ing would only cover small where farmers will grow pas- Fair Trade will also fund oth- areas of their land. which is to be started in a ready market for their pro- sion fruits that will be sold to er projects started by groups Muringato in Nyeri has been duce. the Coca Cola Company for equipped with 20 beehives One bee hive is expected fruit juice production. 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Debt ridden Nzoia Company unable to sell How to Advertise Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the rest.These 120,000 bags of sugar worth Kshs400 million can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or in diskettes/CDs as well as hard copies. By JOHN NALIANYA Nzoia Sugar Company is now grap- pling with 120,000 bags of sugar Our advertising rates are as follows: valued at Kshs400 million following Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 the saturation of the local market by cheap imports, Chief Executive Of- Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 ficer, Mr. Saul Wasilwa, says. Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 Briefing journalists in his board- Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 room, Wasilwa who was accompanied by the Marketing Manager, Mr. The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 Cliff Mabele, claimed sugar on transit Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 along with duty free consignments Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 from neighbouring countries was Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 flooding the local market to the detri- ment of Nzoia sugar sales in Western Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 and the North Rift regions. Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 The two officials called on the Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000 Kenya Revenue Authority to move Sugarcane workers in one of the farms with speed and arrest those involved in offloading sugar on transit and Ruto. Nzoia is among the sugar milling Special Rates flooding the market with cheap sugar The five directors include Rosalin- firms earmarked for privatization by We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities da Simiyu, Daniel Mumiukha, Boni- the government and has a Kshs19.4 from neighbouring countries. programmesor services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or the Editorial “We are selling our sugar at face Otsiula, Kakai Wamocho and billion debt which local leaders want Ksh3,800 per 50kg bag but we have John Munyasia whose appointment written off. Assistant. learnt that cheaper options are selling follows the dissolution of the former Foreign Affairs Minister Moses board that was chaired by Burudi Na- Wetang’ula and Kimilili MP Dr Eseli at between Ksh3, 000 and Ksh3,400 The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, Nairobi, per 50 kg bag,” Mabele said. bwera. Simiyu have in the past petitioned the Wasilwa said the management was “We are awaiting the substantive government to waive the huge debt Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365.You can also email us at awaiting the appointment of the new appointment of the chairman and his and allow farmers to own 75 per cent [email protected] or [email protected]. chairman by the head of state follow- gazettement by the president before of the company with workers being NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: the new board can be inaugurated,” slotted 10 per cent of the shares while ing the gazettement of five new direc- Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). tors by Agriculture Minister William Wasilwa said. strategic partners get the balance. The Link, April 2010 24 HEALTH Nyanza still Additional VCTs needed leading in in Western province HIV cases By JOHN NALIANYA By JOHN NALIANYA The Government has launched a series of road shows to sensitize com- About 230,000 people in West- munities in Nyanza on the benefits of ern Province are HIV positive voluntary medical male circumcision but only 35,000 of them access for HIV prevention. Anti Retroviral (ARV) drugs. Nyanza Provincial Commissioner The Western Provincial Aids Francis Mutie set off the caravan in and STI Control Co-coordina- Kisumu. The procession will traverse tor (PASC), Dr John Aswani, 11 districts in Luo Nyanza before end- says that in view of the large ing at Homa Bay Stadium. number of Aids cases in the Mutie says Nyanza still has the province the Government had country’s highest HIV prevalence rate. set up 92 Voluntary Counseling He says statistics by the Kenya AIDS and Testing (VCT) centres in Indicator Survey (KAIS) of 2007, reveals that 15 per cent of Nyanza’s the area. adults are infected with HIV. He told a National Aids/ The figure is more than double the STI Control Programme national rate of seven per cent. (NASCOP) sensitization work- “Nyanza needs to double its HIV shop for Aids counselors drawn prevention efforts,” he adds not- from the province that the Gov- ing that the Voluntary Medical Male ernment had availed enough Circumcision (VMMC) in addition Aids testing kits to all public to Prevention of Mother-to-Child health institutions. Transmission (PMTCT) are vital HIV “Once put on ARVs, one can interventions that directly target the live for as long as 27 years if family. “Both men and women should the dosage of the life prolong- be actively involved in ensuring that ing drugs is maintained,” he they access and use information that explains adding that statistics Procession during World Aids Day. PHOTO/FILE will help them make better choices,” show most affected districts he said. border Uganda such as Teso fected age bracket is of people and opportunity to link the cacy and for planning appro- The PC said the services were vol- and Busia where fishing busi- aged between 15-19 years who HIV status with social and de- priate interventions for HIV untary. Studies have shown being cir- ness thrives. translate to 3.5 per cent, 20-24 mographic information. prevention, treatment and cumcised reduces a man’s chances of Obtaining the region’s rep- years 7.4 per cent, 25-29 years He says Aids disease sur- care,” he said. becoming infected with HIV by more resentative estimates on be- 10.2 per cent, 45-49 years 8.8 veillance would be stepped Aswani says HIV coun- than half. If 80 per cent of uncircum- havior change and biological per cent, while 55-64 years 4.7 up to provide comprehensive seling and testing are key el- cised men in Nyanza undergo the rite, per cent respectively. information on HIV and other ements in a comprehensive an estimated 900,000 infections could indicators for HIV/Aids, is be prevented in men and women over critical for evaluating the areas’ Aswani points out that Sexually Transmitted Infec- response to the 15-64 age a 20-year period. response to the Aids pandemic. population based survey with tions (STIs). bracket which is highly affect- The benefits of PMTCT are dra- Available HIV/Aids statis- HIV testing provide regional “The data would provide ed with majority of them being matic and without such interventions, tics indicate that the most af- level prevalence estimates information needed for advo- women. 38 out of 100 children who are born to HIV-infected women are likely to be infected, compared with two HIV infections out of 100 with PMTCT. Provincial Director of Public Public hospitals to become autonomous Health and Sanitation, Dr Jackson Kioko, explains that the two interven- By PETER MUTUKU which wants to use the provin- tions require community involvement cial hospital as a teaching and to be effective. “We believe effective All public hospitals will soon referral hospital,” Kiyapi said. community engagement can produce be made semi-autonomous for The ministry is also work- desired health outcomes,” he adds. better service delivery and rev- ing towards improving the The Luo Council of Elders chair- enue generation. welfare of its workers in order person, Ker Riaga Ogalo, told par- According to the Medical to motivate them and ensure ticipants voluntary medical male cir- Services Permanent Secretary, better service delivery. The PS cumcision for HIV prevention was Prof. James Kiyapi, the minis- called for patriotism, adding vital for the community but warned try is working on a paper that that soon, the ministry will an- youth against engaging in risky sexual will see all Government hos- nouncing good tidings to all its behavior. He warns that circumci- pitals run like independent in- workers. sion does not provide full protection stitutions, with chief executive He urged medical practi- against HIV, adding that abstinence officers and human resource tioners not to run away from was the ultimate assurance of remain- public service saying the Min- ing HIV free. departments among others. Provincial Director of Medical “To achieve this, all gov- istry was in the process of har- Services, Dr Ojwang’ Lusi, asked men ernment health facilities must monizing work conditions to to practice abstinence, be faithful and run like organizations with all be at par or even better than the ensure correct and consistent condom relevant departments,” he said. private sector. use even after getting circumcised. “Our responsibility is to ensure “It is true that we have a Speakers urged men to be involved that in the next five to ten years, challenge of improving the in prevention of Mother to Child the provision of health services welfare of our workers, but Transmission (PMTCT) programme. is the best in Africa,” he adds. this is expected from such a Kioko asked men to form support Currently, most government big ministry with over 36,000 groups for PMTCT “and to seek to health facilities lack vital facili- Mr. Ole Kiyapi, PS addressing the press in apast function workers. have more men accompanying spous- ties and the first priority will be He explains that was why es to the antenatal clinics and knowing to improve them before making equipped wards so that people a teaching and referral hospital the Ministry was working their HIV status.” them semi autonomous. “We can get better services than in while Malindi District Hospi- towards decentralization of During the PMTCT sessions, both want to improve all hospitals in private hospitals,” says PS. tal would be elevated to level services so that the welfare partners are given health information the country by ensuring every For instance plans are un- five. “We are in the process of workers can be handled by on safer sex practices, HIV counseling hospital has at least two op- derway to upgrade the Coast of entering an agreement with human resource officers at the and testing, and treatment for sexually erational theatres and has well Provincial General Hospital to Pwani University College, hospital level. transmitted diseases, Mutie said. The Link, April 2010 ENVIRONMENT 25 Tree planting continues in Western Province By JOEL OKWAYO

Over 300,000 trees will be planted in Western province by the government and other stakeholders in order to improve the forest cover this sea- son. According to area Provin- cial Commissioner, Mr. Sam- uel Kilele, 200,000 tree seed- lings are set to be planted in Kakamega district soon. This follows another 100,000 seed- lings that were planted in Mt Elgon District in last month February. The PC, who is coordinating the reforestation exercise in the province, told The Link that the on-going tree planting programme was part of the Government’s bid to create employment opportunities for the youth in the country. Kilele also discloses that over Kshs 4 billion will be spend on improvement of water services and drainage systems in the province. He says that the World Bank and other partners, who include water companies, were spearheading initiatives geared towards improving sanitation and drainage system in the area. The PC says the move is aimed at ensuring that there is A section of Mau Forest which has been destroyed. Inset: Tree planting. no water shortage among the residents. He adds that part of be tolerated. He said the forest planting of 60,000 trees seed- Chege Mwangi. the Government wants to finish the strategy is to improve the department will intensify its lings. Kilele explains that the up the third phase of the three forest cover of the province in network to ensure that there is The occasion was also ad- Government will soon resettle settlement exercises,” says order to reclaim the depleted no destruction of the resources. dressed by the National En- residents displaced from the Kilele. He says politicians will water catchments areas. The PC was speaking dur- vironmental Management Chebyuk settlements scheme not be allowed to interfere with Kilele warned that wanton ing the launch of tree planting Authority (Nema) officer in before the end of the year. the exercise as the resettlement destruction of trees in Mt Elgon exercise at the Kakamega’s re- charge of Kakamega district “We shall not allow contro- programme which is being sup- and Kakamega forests will not habilitation school during the Anthony Aura and the area DC versies during the exercise as ported by UNDP and UNEP. Raw sewerage drained into Kirigu River Lives of 40,000 residents in danger due to action by Mathira Water and Sewerage Company

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Maathai.The river which drains to Sagana River is also used by coffee GREEN BELT Movement has put factories like Gatomboya, Gaturiri, Karatina residents on high alert after Kiamabara and Kirigu factories. the movement discovered that a lo- “This water is used for drinking, cal sewerage company is draining its feeding cattle, and clothing and even waste in Kirigu River. for growing food crops. It is high The local coordinator Mr Kahuho time the Government intervenes to Maathai says over 40,000 residents forestall a catastrophe,” he says. who depend on this river are at risk of The coordinator said he has vis- contracting water borne diseases like ited the offices of Ministry of Public typhoid. health but no help has been forthcom- “The condition has been like this ing. since September last year. The Math- Efforts to get comments from ira Water and Sewerage Company the Mawasco official in charge of (Mawasco) which is responsible says the sewerage system Mr S. Kare- that the machine broke down five chu were fruitless as his phone was months ago,” adds Maathai.“The switched off and the local public of- company says they have ordered ficer was not in the office when the another machine from Nairobi but press visited their offices in Karatina This is the sewerage system which is adjacent to River Kirigu in Karatina town. this has not been forthcoming,” says town. The Link, April 2010 26 ENVIRONMENT

fresh water exceeds a sustainable level by 25% in the world, but over a billion peo- Is Kenya serious about ple still lack access to safe drinking water. Fresh water supplies may decline due to climate shifts, and indications are that by tackling climate change? 2025, 1.8billion people may be living in areas experienc- By LUKE KAPCHANGA ing water scarcity. The people have to shift President Mwai Kibaki’s New their understanding away Year message was candid: from politics to environment “Let us make 2010 the green where they know that , wa- year for Kenya”. ter impacts on development The president added that will come from floods and his government was set to droughts. spearhead campaigns aimed Those who are poor will at mitigating the effects of cli- have few defenses against mate change as well as foster these changes, since manag- economic practices that are ing them generally requires less harmful to the environ- large investments in infra- ment. structure. The president went further Poorer quality of water to urge the public to play their and air and higher tempera- role in boosting the govern- tures will combine to threaten ment efforts to implement the health through increased di- National Climate Change Re- arrhea, infectious and cardio- sponse Strategy. vascular diseases. But hardly few days later, Studies indicate that exist- the president disagreed with ing poor health, often linked the Prime Minister Raila Od- to poverty, makes people less inga on the Mau reforestation equipped to survive physical programme. stress. He did not attend the tree What leaders should be planting function as politics informing the populace that, took centre stage. development depends on en- There is no doubt that cli- ergy, which partly explains mate change is the most sig- the strong resistance to emis- nificant challenge facing the sions control by the developed world today. countries? It affects everyone, regard- Government officials tour one of the affected areas due to climate change. Energy fuels have a direct less of geographical location impact on human develop- or socio-economic status. concern but limiting their fo- about the three common re- to be told that through water ment, productivity, health, ed- This may determine the cus on Mau water catchments sults of the above as deterio- stress and temperature in- ucation, communication and way we produce food, our area. ration in the pace and quality creases, climate change will transport. access to water, our health, Yet what is required is for of development, migration as reduce the output of staple No country has substan- where we live, and the diver- the government to empower people are forced to move and crops. tially reduced poverty with- sity of plant and animal spe- its agents on environment at insecurity as people cornered Even if food is available, out a large increase in energy cies. Provincial and district levels by lack of options struggle for people may not access to it use and more efficient energy However, our political to be able to explain to the basic subsistence. due to other impacts from sources. leadership and more so the public more about climate In the area of food security climate change, such as di- Studies show that peo- head of state have shown little change. and agriculture, an estimated minished livelihoods due to ple who lack modern energy regard for environmental con- The rural folks do not at 1.02 billion people globally the destruction of natural resources – an estimated 2bil- servation. most understand what the are suffering from malnutri- sources and general economic lion world wide resort to fu- The biggest challenge the Kyoto Protocol, mitigation, tion due to problems in pro- instability. els such as wood and dung, government at large faces cap & trade, carbon credit, duction and distribution of In the supply of food, sub- which harms health, turns ba- when it comes to climate carbon debt, adaptation, emis- food, worsened by impacts of sistence farmers who are the sic tasks as cooking into time change is at the policy level. sion trading, Global environ- the world economic crisis as majority in this country, will –consuming activities, and While the country prides it- ment Facility or green house well as climate change. be most vulnerable to climate contribute to deforestation self with impressive policies, gases means to them. The common person has shifts, as they have fewer re- and desertification. they are hardly implemented What is needed in a coun- sources to adapt to them. Therefore, both adaptation and will in utter contrast of try where public servants As farmers in urban centers and mitigation activities, ei- existing laws offer a buffer steal money with impunity switch to greenhouse farming ther spearheaded by the Presi- to the culprits who are never is to have committed people with the available technology, dent or Prime Minister, should brought to account. behind the implementation of they need to know that world be carried out under the well The mere fact that the Pres- environmental policies. wide, agriculture has sub- established development and ident says there is in place a Public servants not neces- stantial contribution to green human rights frame work. National Climate Change sarily the President nor Prime house gases comprising 14%. Climate change can not Response Strategy , is not Minister, should be seeking Water at the same time , is be reversed at the expense guarantee at all that this will audience with the public ex- one of the worlds most basic of poverty eradication or by translate into effective imple- plaining issues such as cli- and increasingly contested re- thwarting the right to devel- mentation on the ground mate change effectively and sources. opment or be replaced by po- The country’s political un- imbue upon on them on reali- It is critical to agriculture, litical side shows. dertones on climate change ties such as high population health& sanitation, manufac- Concerted advocacy have shifted focus and atten- growths, poor health, lack of turing , power generation and should explain to the public tion to Mau Forest. water & sanitation , vulnera- daily house hold use – and in non-technical ways what is The political bigwigs have ble employment and political a major element in climate happening and what is at stake taken upon themselves to be instability. change. for them, their societies and authorities on environmental The public has to know President Kibaki It is said, current usage of the world. The Link, April 2010 FEATURE 27 Group offers lifeline to widows By ALLAN OBIERO In the remote rocky village of Katolo, East Kano Location in Nyando district, 42 year old Mary Adhiambo Ademba beams with joy as she watches a group of men lay poles on the roof top of her new house, thanks to Serve Ministry Inter- national. Mary, a widowed mother of six children, is among the hundreds of needy and widowed women in Nyando district who are set to benefit from a noble initiative by Serve Ministries which involves the putting up of new houses after years of suffering as single parents after the demise of their husbands. The joy in Mary’s heart is written all over her face as she stares at the new house after spending months in a makeshift structure after her house collapsed after being eaten by termites and blown away by heavy wind. “My husband died in 1998 and a few years after his death my house collapsed and since then I put up the makeshift structure under this tree where we have been living with my children,” says Mary. Mary shows what used to be the roof of her house. Inset: Jared Okoth, the country director also gives a helping hand. The mother of six narrates how she has had to contend needy widowed women. in Nyando and participated The likes of Mary Adhiam- found permanent shelters with chilly nights, oblivious of Okello says the drive was in the distribution of relief bo Ademba and other women which were like a dream to any danger, under the make- in recognition of a verse in the food in a bid to alleviate pov- in Nyando district of Nyanza most of them after the demise shift house with her two chil- Holy Bible which underscores erty. They have also funded province who have benefited of their breadwinners coupled dren aged between 10 and five the need to Love your neigh- projects to economically em- from the program now have a with other challenges like respectively after the collapse bour as you love yourself add- power the youths. reason to smile with the new HIV\AIDS scourge. of the house her husband had ing that it is in vain to spread built. the word of God to people who But not anymore as Serve are suffering without respond- # Ministries International based ing to their needs. in Atlanta Georgia in the Unit- Mzee Joseph Ochieng The ed States has offered to recon- Agumba who is the chairman SUBSCRIPTION FORM struct houses for hundreds of on Kaloo self help group in the needy widows in Nyando Dis- area says they welcome the in- Link trict. itiative which he describes as a Enhancing governance for all Country Director of the good gesture from the church Ministry Mr. Jared Okello says and that it go will along way Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months they have already built a total in addressing housing needs of of 65 houses for such widows the widowed in the area. in the area and they are target- “What Serve Ministry In- dating from ...... to...... ing to build 120 more houses ternational is doing here in before the end of this year. Nyando is good and does not I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… Okello says they will collab- negate our traditional beliefs orate with the Baptist Church as others may want us to be- Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... in the program dubbed “House lieve,” says Mzee Joseph as he of Hope” to undertake the ac- helps out Mary to put up the Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… tivity adding that they has set house. a side a total of Kshs40,000 to He says as community Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... build each house. members they intervene by As a church ministry we providing free labour and (Attached, please find money order No ...... want to ensure that we put up other manual work when the over 1000 houses in the next houses are being put up. 10 years in Nyando so as to Okello who was accom- Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. address the plight of widows panied at the site by Baptist some of whom are living with church members from the Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... HIV/AIDS,” says Okello at the United States who are also site. supporting the project said Back issues No/Months: ...... He says the church is re- they are still looking forward sponding to the needs of the for long term engagement Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- community based on thorough with the community to address assessments and recommenda- other emerging issues. Institute for Civic Affairs and Development tions by community members Serve Ministries Interna- P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi who are charged with the re- tional has also in the recent sponsibility of identifying the past held free medical camps The Link, April 2010 28 NEWS Bungoma town set for facelift Panic over council to structure and improve loss of By AGGREY BUCHUNJU the existing bus park and the adja- Bungoma Town has been ear- cent spaces to create efficient -ac firearm marked for a digital mapping ex- cessibility and also to provide ade- By KAVYU-KURA ercise which will pave way for the quate sanitation facilities at the bus preparation of an integrated strate- park on a “pay as you use” basis. The stakeholders were also A wave of panic has hit security of- gic urban development plan. ficers in Mwingi following the dis- Other towns set to benefit from told that there was urgent need to displace the inhabitants of Sinoko appearance of firearms entrusted to the exercise include Eldoret town an administration police officer and in Rift Valley Province, Garissa in and Sio Wetlands in order to con- two prisons warders. North Eastern Province, Othaya in serve the wetland and turn it into Police are anxious that the three Central Province and Mtwapa in a botanical garden with planting of lethal Ceska pistols that were stolen Coast Province. indigenous trees. alongside nearly 45 rounds of am- The five towns were identified After the demarcation and sur- munitions could end up in the hands vey of the boundary limits of the of local criminals who were likely to by the office of the Deputy Prime unleash mayhem in the area. Minister and Ministry of Local wetlands, Saleh suggests that the council should come up with a re- The Mwingi criminal investiga- Government. tions boss Mr. Leonard Lutta Na- The exceptional programme settlement plan for those to be displaced from the wetland. matsi says he just hopes that the was officially launched in January firearms are not used to commit last year by the Deputy Prime Min- To make Bungoma an agro- criminal activities within his area of ister and Minister for Local Gov- based industrial centre, Saleh jurisdiction. ernment, Mr. Musalia Mudavadi, proposes that a new sewer line be “I hope that the firearms will not at Funika Grounds in Mtwapa constructed to serve the Western be used by criminals within Mwingi. town. and Southern parts of the munici- Anytime I hear there has been an pality, provide water reticulation exchange of fire between the police Since the launch there has been and criminals, I call the officers at a series of consultative workshops system to serve the areas, step down the electricity supply from that end to find out whether the re- for the preparation of 2009 – 2030 covered firearms have similar se- strategic urban development plans Mr Mudavadi the Sibembe substation to adequate levels to serve the industrial park rial numbers with those stolen from for Bungoma town. Mwingi,” said the DCIO. and to improve all roads to bitu- The workshops have been fa- ture plan and zoning plan and the by developing various by passes. He however says that action men or all weather standards. cilitated by Matrix Consultant way forward. This he says is aimed at decon- had been taken against the offic- And for Bungoma to be an Company, a company that was Mr. Agil Saleh from Matrix gesting the CBD, which has insuf- ers. “When a firearm loaded with eco- tourist centre the consultant contracted by the government to presented two blueprints to the ficient parking space, deteriorating rounds of ammunition is stolen or disclosed that there was need to do the mapping of Bungoma town stakeholders specifying the intend- infrastructure, decaying facilities is misplaced, the concerned offic- develop Namasanda dam into a ers have to be sacked without any and its environs. ed spatial structure and the alterna- and general environmental degra- multi purpose centre by setting up mercy as the loss poses a grave dan- During the fourth and the most tive development models. dation. a cultural centre and conference ger to peace loving residents,” says recent consultative workshop held Saleh says the blue pint was a “There is also need to redesign facilities and providing adequate Mwingi DC Mr. Peter Kinuthia who at a local hotel in Bungoma, the translation of the various elements and reserve specific roads for non parking area for the facility. is chairman of the district security stakeholders were updated on the of spatial structure into broad pol- – motorized transport and regulate committee. The one day workshop was also status of the mapping and planning icy orientations and the attainable hawking in the streets and redirect He said that although efforts had attended by Bungoma Municipal exercise for the Town. programmes and action. hawkers to the market stalls which been made to recover guns stolen on Council civic leaders led by the The stakeholders were also en- In his blueprint Saleh suggested are underutilized in order to decon- diverse dates between January and Mayor Barasa Mbinga and town gaged in discussions aimed at vali- to segregate traffic inflow into the gest the town”, he observed. February, no tangible progress had clerk Mr. William Chepkwony. dating the town’s strategic struc- Central Business District (CBD) He at the same time urged the been realized. The Mwingi Officer Command- ing Police Division Mr. Kenneth Kimani sent an appeal to local resi- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU dents to come forward and volunteer any information that could lead to SABOTI MP Mr. Eugene Wamalwa declares the recovery of the guns before the Wamalwa has appealed to the worse happens. two principals to embrace the Two of the pistols were stolen National Accord and dialogue for from two prison warders attached this country to move in the correct to the Mwingi GK Prison who direction. presidential candidacy were guarding a sick prisoner at Wamalwa noted with regrets the Mwingi district hospital when that the contradictory statements The Rift valley MP with an- robbers struck at the facility in mid being issued by President Mwai cestral roots in western province January. They were loaded with 30 Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila lamented bitterly that corruption rounds of ammunition. Odinga on matters of National in the country was being perpetu- The other pistol was stolen in importance was a sign of a divid- ated by the present elderly leaders early February when an administra- ed government. who have chosen to remain ada- tion police officer who was on night He observed that this country mant. duty went drinking ended up losing can no longer afford to plunge “Whereas it is courteous for the firearm that was loaded with 15 into the chaos witnessed imme- us to solute the present leaders rounds of ammunition. diately after the last general elec- for making certain changes we The AP constable Hezron Otieno tion. should also censure them for re- has already been charged before the Wamalwa, consequently fusing to change themselves,: the Mwingi senior resident magistrate pleaded with the two principals MP said. Mr. Hezron Nyaberi with the loss of to respect each other’s office, Saying that the draft constitu- the gun and was realized on a Kshs. embrace dialogue and issue state- tion vests a lot of powers in the 50,000 bond.In the meantime, Mr. ments that can promote national presidency Wamalwa appealed Otieno who was only recruited in cohesion and tranquility. to Kenyans to vet all presiden- the Administration police formation The youthful legislator de- tial candidates in the 2012 gen- in 2008 has already been relieved of clared that he is going to vie for eral elections and elect one who his duties in connection with the dis- the presidency come 2012 general is trustworthy and not dictatorial. appearance of the gun. elections. He also called for strong and The Mwingi Administration po- He asked the present leaders independent institutions to be put lice commandant Mr. Charles Okech who are above 60 years to honor- in place for checks and balances. confirmed that the AP constable who ably pave way for the young add- Former Kanduyi mp Mr. Mau- lost his Ceska pistol loaded with 15 ing that it was now time for gen- rice Makhanu concurred with rounds of ammunition in early Feb- erational change in leadership. Wamalwa that the old generation Mr Eugene Wamalwa ruary had been sacked. “Those saying Wamalwa is in leadership messed up this coun- “There was no two way about it. too young to rule this country are try and urged them to step aside. general elections. ister Moses Akaranga, former Once an officer loses a firearm in his infringing the legal rights of 30 Wamalwa was speaking re- Other speakers at the rally Budalang’i Mp Mr. Raphael Wan- custody, he knows he has no choice million young Kenyans,” he said cently in Bungoma’s posta ground were Cherengany Mp Mr. Joshua jala, civil leaders from Rift valley but to go home even in college they a mid applaud by a huge crowd where he officially launched his Kuttuny, Eldoret South Mp M/S and western province and politi- are told as much,” said Mr. Okech ever seen in Bungoma town. presidential bid a head of 2012 Peris Simam, former cabinet min- cal activisit Mr. Tony Gachoka. recently. The Link, April 2010 DEVELOPMENT 29 Maragua town Mt Elgon IDPs divided over Japan to fund health finally get state parking fee compensation By GEOFFREY NDIWA By MORRIS GITHENYA sector in Nyanza A row is simmering between civic lead- Residents of Mt Elgon affected ers of the cash strapped Maragua town By JOSEPH OJWANG at the Provincial and District health system in Nyanza prov- by the post poll skirmishes have council over the newly introduced park- health management levels in ince and the country as a whole. finally been compensated by the ing levy. A section of councillors are Japan International Coopera- Nyanza province so that quality Kioko said the trend of health Government. sharply opposed to the move and term the tion Agency (JICA) is to fund a of primary health care services indicators in the province over Each individual received introduction of Kshs30 levy as detrimen- health project in Nyanza prov- will be improved,” he said dur- the last three years has been wor- Kshs.25,000 in the package dis- tal to the development of the town. ing the launch of the project in ince to the tune of USD 4.1 mil- rying and expressed optimism bursed through the ministry of The councillors led by John Wan- lion. Kisumu. that the project will reduce case yoike argue that the implementation of He said the project is at the of child mortality rate, TB, HIV special programs headed by Dr. the levy had undermined the growth of JICA country chief advisor Naomi Shaban. The payments Dr. Tomohiko Sugishita said initial and important preparatory and maternal deaths amongst business enterprises in the area as many were in an addition to another motorists were bypassing Maragua town the four year project dubbed stage and was currently being others. to evade such levies. strengthening management for implemented on a pilot basis at The Director of Administra- Kshs.10,000 they received from Wanyoike says the decision to start health in Nyanza province is the Nyanza provincial hospi- tion, ministry of Public Health the government in October last charging parking fee was not unanimous aimed at facilitating individual tal, Siaya district hospital and and Sanitation Amb. Bruce Ma- year. and had been pushed by authorities de- and institutional capacity devel- Kombewa district hospital. dete appealed to the health facili- The persons who benefited spite opposition from some councillors. Sugishita pilot phase set to ties to disburse drugs to the ben- were vetted by the then District The town over the past five years opment of health management. witnessed stagnation after many of Sugishita said project fo- last for one year, will then be eficiaries without delay. Officer for Kopsiro Division, Mr. the matatu plying along the Nairobi- cuses on attitude change by all replicated to other district hos- “We have received informa- Sylvester Mwangulu, assisted by Murang’a route started avoiding Ma- health managers mainly through pitals in the province and the tion in the past that drugs dis- the clerks Mr. Geoffrey Ndiwa ragua route after the council imposed a conducting innovative manage- neighboring provinces. bursed for district hospitals end of Kopsiro Division, Mr. Shem Kshs 40 levy for matatu. ment trainings. Nyanza provincial director of up in the markets. We want to Chemoywo of Cheptais Division, Maragua MP Elias Mbau who had “The project aims to facili- public health and sanitation Dr. seal such lop holes to ensure the convened the meeting said the council and Mr. Herbert Kwalia of Kap- tate individual and institutional Jackson Kioko said the project drugs reach the intended benefi- sokwony Division. had agreed to review the parking levy will surely strengthen the overall ciaries,” he said. owing to public outcry. capacity development both The move comes in the wake of corruption allegations leveled against the Ministry of special programmes with victims claim- Civic leaders call for increase of LATF allocation ing that they were being forced to part with Kshs5,000 in order By JOEL OKWAYO He also demanded that an audit to get their share. Others alleged of housing in Milimani Estate be that their names have been re- Association of Local Government carried out to ascertain the occu- placed with undeserving cases Authorities of Kenya (ALGAK) is pants. “Many civil servants have who were not affected by the seeking to have the Local Authori- been displaced in the Estate by ty Transfer Fund (LATF) increased traders and this must be investi- skirmishes. by 150 percent in the next financial gated,” says Serenge. year. He explains that the National The association has already Housing Cooperation (NHC) plans Canadian written a proposal to the Local to put up more than 150 houses in Government Minister Musalia town to curb congestion among Mudavadi demanding that the the residents. charity to LATF kitty be increased to reflect He says the council has allocat- the prevailing economic situation ed the cooperation a piece of land in the country. in Amalemba and Lurambi for help poor Algak National Vice Chairman construction of the housing units. Joseph Serenge says the current He spoke as the Government allocation of 8 percent was not issued a directive to have non civil children enough to finance the projects un- servants occupying houses in Mili- By JOHN NALIANYA dertaken by the councilors at their Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Local Government mani to vacate. respective wards. Musalia Mudavadi (left) and ALGAK chairman Mr Taariya Area DC Chege Mwangi or- “In fact many projects in the Kores in a past function. PHOTO/FILE About 5,000 poor children in dered that non civil servants to va- Kenya are set to get aid from a wards being financed through cate the Estate to pave way for the LATF have stalled due to lack ing for a double allocation on the Serenge who is the mayor, settlement of Government work- Canadian charitable organiza- of funds and therefore the fund Constituency Development Fund Kakamega Municipal Council, ers. tion. should not be left to stagnate at 8 (CDF) in the budget. also discloses that the Government Chege argued that lecturers According to the country di- percent when the budget is read Serenge who was speaking has released Kshs50 million for at the Masinde Muliro Univer- rector of Action for Children in by Finance Minister Uhuru Keny- from his Kakamega office says the the construction of a fresh produce sity of Science and Technology Conflict, Ms. Eleanor Harrison, atta,” adds Serenge. proposal need to be implemented market in Kakamega town. (MMUST) were not part of the the organization will spend He says that MPs should in- in the budget to curb stalling of He said that a contractor was civil service and should vacate the over Kshs 17 million to help stead push for LATF increment projects initiated by councilors in being sought to undertake the Government houses too. the children live a better life. in the same way they were lobby- wards. project. To begin with the group will provide them with mattresses, mosquito nets, bed sheets, Makuyu town council in money row with EU blankets and clothing to shield them from malaria and cold. By MORRIS GITHENYA The move came as Maragua Con- against those responsible of the scam. Mwaura on the other hand confirmed The charity also plans to give stituency development fund withheld They expressed anger after it emerged the EU demand. the children school items like European Union has launched a spir- Kshs750,000 support set for con- that the council was planning to raise “ It’s no longer a secret that EU bags, books, pens and pencils. ited campaign to push the trouble rid- struction of the market. The money the amount in question by asking trad- is demanding explanation on how Harrison says areas that are ers interested with the 42 stalls con- den Makuyu Town council to repay a has since been reallocated to another the funds were spent after the project slated to benefit from the pro- Kshs 1.2 million grant, awarded for project in Makuyu division. structed at the controversial project stalled shortly after it started,” said the construction of a market near Ke- The donor had released first to apply at a non refundable fee of Mwaura also Kambiti ward council- gramme include Thika, Kijabe, nol market. tranche of Kshs1.8 million to oversee Kshs2,000. lor. The contractor, he said disap- Narok, Nakuru, Nairobi slums, Sources revealed that the EU has the purchase of land and start of the Contacted for comment, clerk to peared after he was paid in excess for Gilgil and Naivasha. raised concern after it emerged that a project which has since stalled after the council Benson Njehia confirmed a job he had not done. Targeted children include contractor who was contracted by the the contractor abandoned it. the council was in the process of al- Sources at the council say the con- orphans, HIV/AIDS affected council to carry out the Kshs 4 million The revelations have since sparked locating the stalls to traders who pay a tractor was irregularly allocated the and infected, children affected non refundable fee of Kshs2,000. project had disappeared without com- a series of condemnation with stake- project as politicians ignored require- by conflict, and street urchins. pleting the work. holders saying that action must taken The council vice chairman Daniel ments spelt out by the donor. The Link, April 2010 30 NEWS Civil Servants Land search Union to form Saitoti calls for tight levies go up committees security along borders sharply By GILBERT OCHIENG By JOEL JUMA By BOB OMBATI threatened peace and security along the the public on the same to enable them border. make informed choices during the ref- THE Kenya Union of Civil Servants Similar problems, said the minister erendum. The Government has increased is rooting for the formation of provin- KENYANS along the common borders levies charged on land search by have been asked to form strong peace were being experienced along Kenyan The provincial administration, not- cial consultative committees to cham- and Ethiopian borders and Uganda ed the minister was important in resolv- 500per cent. pion and address issues affecting its committees and embrace community Individuals out to conduct policing as a way of enhancing security where heavily armed raiders invaded ing conflicts at the grassroots and en- members. villages and shrunk away with herds of hancing security, and therefore a vital search before purchasing land in According to the Secretary Gen- and peaceful co-existence. rural areas will now be required to Internal Security Minister, Prof. cattle, leaving a trail of fear among their component that should be recognized eral, Mr. Tom Mboya Odege, the un- victims. and retained in the new constitution. pay Kshs500 instead of the initial ion will work with the committees to George Saitoti, says criminals take Sh100 per a form. advantage of the porous and insecure More police stations, said the min- He challenged the provincial ad- safeguard and protect the interest of ister would be set up along the volatile ministrators to mobilize peace com- However, those in urban centres the civil servants. borders to rustle cattle thereby creating will pay up to Kshs 1,000 for the conflicts. borders to enable security agents re- mittees in their areas of jurisdictions In the past scores of innocent civil spond quickly to the residents distress and sensitize members of the public search. City rates apply to Nairobi, servants have been sacked due to the The Minister notes that community Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru policing, intensified patrols by security calls to curb cattle thefts and other on government policies during public draconian decisions by their bosses crimes along the common boundaries. meetings to help them understand and Individuals out to use land title on the basis of their affiliation. agents along the borders and regular deeds as surety will be the great- intertribal peace meetings will improve Saitoti warned lynch mobs who take part in their implementation. The secretary general notes that went on the rampage and killed aged Saitoti said he supported the inde- est causalities as courts rely on the some departmental heads do not want security and promote peace through search sheets to process bonds for sharing of information by residents people under the guise of being witches pendence of Regular and Administra- their staff to access the Code of Regu- in Gusii region and other parts of the tion police but under a single com- suspects. lations as well as the Labour Laws for from both sides. The Ministry of Lands has also The minister directed provincial ad- country, noting the crime was heinous, mand, saying their roles were crucial fear that they might be enlightened. illegal and perpetrators risk arrest and in beefing up security and promoting raised charges for processing mu- He appealed to all the aggrieved ministrators in the area including Nyan- tation forms by 100 per cent. In- za provincial Commissioner, Mr. Fran- prosecution. peace in the country. members to report cases affecting The minister urged aggrieved Ken- The minister who later attended a stead of paying Kshs150 to proc- them at their respective work stations cis Mutie, and Eastern Nyanza regional ess the forms, applicants out to commissioner, Ms. Lydiah Muriuki, yans to arrest suspected witches to face funds drive for Abagusii Culture and as a matter of urgency for redress. the law, observing that it was unaccept- development council urged Kenyans to sub divide land will be required to Addressing the members during to organize regular public meetings to pay Kshs300 to the Land Control preach peace and re-unite Kenyans torn able that some ignorant residents were support the Draft constitution which he a one day education workshop held committing serious crimes under the described as fair and people friendly. Boards. at the Busia Town Hall recently, the apart by criminal activities within and A circular dated January 28 this between the neighboring countries. cover of solving them. His Education counterpart, Prof. secretary general underscored the im- He said he was optimistic the Sam Ongeri however differed with year notes that registration fees portance of the low cadre civil serv- He lamented that Kenyan Kurias for the documents at the ministry rustled cattle and handed them over to country will get a new constitution to him, stressing the Draft had some grey ants who he said acted as the wheel address various governance and ad- areas which needed correction before have been revised from Kshs250 of development without which no their counterparts in Tanzania, stress- to Kshs500. The circular indicates ing security officers from both sides ministrative issues and appealed to the the document was presented to the pub- meaningful development would be provincial administrators to sensitize lic for support and ownership. that the certificate of lease and title achieved. were teaming up to curb the vice which deeds fees were increased starting ‘Some department heads in Busia from last month. district are using their authority to “For every document presented frustrate and deny the civil servants for registration, it shall be charged the right to attend the staff welfare fo- Kshs 500,” the circular read in part. rum,” Odege said, adding The circular from Lands Min- At the same time, the First Deputy ister James Orengo was copied to Seretary General Benson Ambuni on the Lands Permanent Secretary his part said lack will and determina- Dorothy Angote, Commissioner of tion on the part of the civil servants Lands A. Mabea and all the Dis- was the root cause of the problems af- trict land Registrars, Adjudication fecting them at their stations. officers and surveyors offices at “There is urgent need for solidar- both provincial and District level. ity in order to face the missiles always The document was also cop- directed at us by our bosses,” he said, ied to the provincial administra- adding that the union has since been tion and land control boards in the able to rescue a number of members country. from exploitative and oppressive em- Orengo hiked the charges for ployers. The First Deputy Secretary filling a claim to Kshs 2,000 while General at the same time appealed to filling of an appeal in the tribunal other civil servants who are sitting on will now be Kshs3,000. the fence to join the union which he Other levies include visitation said is the only avenue through which fees of Kshs2,000, making certi- their welfare can be catered for. fied copies of the proceedings at “I am urging the civil servants Kshs250 while issuance of attend- who are still sitting on the fence to ance notice will be Kshs 250. join the union as the only avenue Charges on issuance of witness through which their welfare can be summons in a tribunal have been taken care of,” Ambuni said, add- revised to Kshs200 while service ing that the members should become fee in local cases is Kshs200. Serv- members of the Contributory Pension ice fee for cases outside the district Scheme. Security officers on patrol. will attract Kshs.400.

By PETER MUTUKU

A COMMUNITY land tenure Rights groups defends minorities system should be entrenched in ing by the African Commission state to act fast and implement to oppression of marginalized out in the constitution has failed the constitution to safeguard the on Human and People’s Rights. recommendations by the Afri- groups by the state. to protect the rights of indige- rights of indigenous and minor- Recently, the commission can Commission. Enderois community chair- nous communities such as the ity communities. ordered the restitution of En- KNHCR Vice chairman man says the ruling should Enderois, Masai, Sengwer, Bur- Kenya National Commis- derois ancestral land situated Hassan Omar feels that the land serve as a wake up call to the ji and El Chamus among others. sion on Human Rights (KNH- around Lake Bogoria in addi- issue should be addressed com- government to reevaluate the He said this was to blame for CR) and civil society organization to adequate compensation prehensively especially now rights and protection it accords the dispossession of the End- tions say the current legislation to the community. that the country is in the process to indigenous and minority erois from their land in contra- does not recognize land rights In the ruling, the state was of enacting a new constitution. groups. vention of national and interna- for such groups. directed to allow the commu- Omar warns that failure to “It should set a precedent for tional law. This they say, was to blame nity unrestricted access to the tackle the land problem could addressing the concerns of the The groups say adoption of a for the dispossession of the En- Lake and surrounding sites for lead to degeneration of violence marginalized communities and community land tenure system derois community of their an- religious and cultural rites as in the next general elections. contribute to the wider goal of would compel the state to offer cestral land by the state leading well as grazing their cattle. He says weaknesses within achieving national cohesion,” compensation and restitution to protracted court battles that The ruling was followed by the judiciary had led to poor en- said he. Kamuren said the trust whenever any community or culminated in the landmark rul- a demand by KNHCR to the forcement of land rights leading land system as currently spelt group is displaced from its land. The Link, April 2010 NEWS 31 Israel gives green house to Nyeri Youth Poly Mt. Elgon women urged By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Gachika Youth Polytechnic in Ny- to fight child eri Central District has acquired a green house. Israel ambassador Mr. abuse Jacob Keidar officially commis- sioned the green house which will By LUKE KAPCHANGA serve as a training ground for modern agricultural farming methods. About 30 women from Mt. Elgon Keidar who was accompanied district were last month trained on by Gender Minister Esther Murugi paralegal activities. also donated an Israeli Farmer’s Kit The women drawn mostly from Kapsokwony division were urged to the Polytechnic which will help to promote reconciliation among in the training programme. the communities, create awareness The Irrigation Kit will boost the among government institution and Polytechnic’s feeding programme, be actively involved in development act as an income generating project issues . as well as serve as a training facility They were challenged to push for for students pursuing agriculture. cases which require attention of the Once operational, the Kit will police which traditionally are han- be a complete Green House with a dled by chiefs and the clan. drip irrigation system, a water tank, As mothers, they were told to a sprayer, gold medal seeds, fertiliz- monitor rampant cases of child abuse ers, amongst other things. and campaign vigorously against It has the ability to generate ap- wife inheritance and female genital proximately Kshs 1.5 million an- mutilation, which was prevalent in nually. The Kit is one amongst 11 the area. other kits that are a donation from The training was organized by the Israel to the Government of Kenya. Western Kenya Human rights Watch “The green house will act as a Israel Ambassador Mr Jacob Keidar (right) takes a jig with students of Gachika Youth (WKHRW). However, the executive demonstration farm for studying Polytechnic in Nyeri Central district recently. director of WKHRW, Job Bwonya new farming methods by students asked the women to guard against in- and the surrounding community to urged the youth to engage in agri- ing of fast maturing and marketable healthy population. formation leakages as the community is suspicious of people who work to ensure food security,” he said. cultural activities noting that Kenya crops. Murugi said Kenya would con- bring changes for development. Keidar noted that his country ’s aged people toiled on the land “The next generation should not tinue to partner with Israel in all while the sector had the capacity to suffer drought and food security sectors to uplift the lives of the citi- “You need to be discreet and cor- has several solutions to combat rupt free in order to assist the under hunger and drought that frequently financially empower the youth and should be ensured,” he added. zens. Speaking at the same func- She called for training exchange privileged in the community,” said affected Kenya and would extend mould them to responsible citizens. Bwonya. them to ensure the country realized The ambassador encouraged tion, Murugi who is also the area programmes in agriculture for the MP said that the institution would institution’s fraternity to learn mod- They were also told to develop a food security. women to form groups and acquire mechanism to resolve cases locally commence a new course on Family ern farming techniques in an at- The envoy who was also accom- green houses to empower them- and swiftly, as victims shy away due panied by his wife Osnat Keidar selves economically through grow- Planning and Nutrition to ensure a tempt to fight hunger. to a tedious legal process. Kitutu Masaba CDF, KPLC in row By BOB OMBATI the work, and therefore no CDF cent Onyinkwa concurred with Apollo not- had been lost as the agreement was ing that the delay by KPLC to elec- KITUTU Masaba Constituency De- for him to complete the work and paid trify schools was contributing to poor velopment Fund Committee wants the later. education standards and performance Kenya Power and Lighting Company He faulted the power supplier for in national examinations. He said it to supply electricity to learning insti- dismantling the electric poles with- was expensive and unhygienic for the tutions in the area or refund money it out consulting the Fund committee, learners to rely on smoke emitting and was allegedly paid five years ago. saying the move only served to fan heat generating lanterns which made Mr. Amos Apollo, who is the CDF conflicts and occasion loses to the them uncomfortable while studying. Manager, says the Company was paid contractor. “ The Company should Citing St Paul ’s Nyachichi sec- the money to electrify various learn- speedily return the materials and re- ondary school, Kemera which got a ing institutions, Health and Tea buy- construct the power supply line or we quotation of Kshs1639,000 and VAT ing Centres in the constituency but cancel the contract and demand our of 262,240 at 16 percent, Onyinkwa has done nothing to date despite their money with interest” said Apollo. said the Committee was unable to pay endless pleas. He said KPLC’s quotations were the colossal amounts of money, not- He says the project was running too high and had forced the CDF ing it would affect the implementation behind schedule and had affected the committee to share the funds equally of other equally important projects. implementation of other development to the area’s seven locations to avoid Interestingly, said the Treasurer, projects which have been suspended conflicts over skewed allocation of the the Company was demanding for full in favour of the electrification plan public monies. payment prior to the construction of which targets learning institutions. Apollo revealed Rural Electrifica- the lines which is beyond the ability of The manager admitted that the tion Authority ( REA), was also con- the CDF committee. funds were inadequate based on the structing power lines in Rural areas, The quotation reportedly from Company’s requirements but noted and that it had been paid Kshs1.5 mil- KPLC and signed by a Mr. Samwel that they were enough for KPLC to lion from the CDF kitty. Macharia for West Kenya Sub Re- start working on the lines as more The manager lamented that some gional distribution Engineer reads in funds were sought to clear them. projects initiated by former area law- part “ Please, pay Kshs.1,639,000 to Recent attempts by the committee maker, Mr. Mwancha Okioma, had enable us prepare a detailed scheme to contract a private company to con- stalled to pave way for new ones but and give you a firm quotation” says struct the lines for the Company to in- added that the stalled projects will be the letter dated August 14, 2007. KPLC engineers at work. spect and light up the projects aborted completed gradually to avoid dotting Onyinkwa urged the government after KPLC officials descended on the area with white Elephant projects. to subsidize the cost of installing rial was done in bad faith and had put being implemented. Kebobora and Kiabiraa schools, dis- “We appreciate that the former electric to institutions as the current the two organizations on a collision Southern Nyanza regional en- mantled what they termed as illegally MP started many projects without cor- charges were punitive and could have path. gineer, a Mr. Machoka who led the constructed power lines and hauled responding funds. The committee is spill over effect on other projects to be He faulted the Company for inter- operation with the company’s chief them away as confused residents implementing them slowly alongside initiated within the locality. fering with the public funded project security officer, John Ouko accused watched in disbelief. the new projects to ensure they are Manga District Commissioner, after agreeing with the CDF com- the CDF management committee of Apollo told The Link in his office complete and benefit the constituents” Onesmus Kyatha said the invasion by mittee to investigate the matter and hiring a private contractor to construct that the CDF committee was yet to said Apollo. the company’s security agents and the engage in dialogue to resolve any dis- the line with KPLC’s alleged stolen pay the contractor Kshs.801,376, for Area CDF Treasurer, Mr. Richard consequent dismantling of the mate- pute to allow the projects to continue materials. The Read The Link monthly for news affecting communities LinkEnhancing governance for all across Kenya The Link, April 2010 Rethink global food production strategies From Page 1 Annual investments in developing countries of upto US demand in 2050, annual invest- (GCARD), held 28-31 March in ments in developing countries Montpellier, France. $210 billion gross required to get agriculture moving again of about US $210 billion gross The conference, which was or US $83 billion net would be tasked by the G8 to turn priori- needed annually after allowing ties on future needs in agricul- for depreciation of the exist- ture into constructive actions ing stock of capital. This is an to reshape its future, brought increase of almost 50 per cent together nearly one thousand over current levels. These needs participants, including World would decline over time with in- Food Prize Laureates, heads creased efficiency in agriculture of international organizations, and decelerating demand for agriculture ministers, farmers, food, say the global authors. civil society groups, commu- Currently, the Consultative nity development organizations, Group on International Agricul- leading scientists, and private tural Research (CGIAR), which sector innovators. was set up by the World Bank According to World Bank es- and wealthy country donors in timates, some 1.4 billion people the 1970s to develop new crop were already living in poverty in varieties, farm management 2005, well before the 2007 food techniques and innovations price increases and the 2008 fi- to farmers in the developing nancial crisis. Since the finan- world, constitutes about 4-5% cial crisis, an additional 100 of the total global public sector million people are now believed expenditures on agricultural re- to have joined the ranks of the search, according to the report. poor and hungry, according to The CGIAR’s Strategic Results both FAO and World Bank es- Framework has estimated that timates. public agricultural research and “It is clear that the Millen- development for developing nium Development Goal of sub- countries would need to increase stantially reducing the world’s from the current $5.1 billion to hungry by 2015 will not be met. $16.4 billion by 2025 of which A major cause has been a steady the $1.6 billion would need to be decline in policy attention to the CGIAR element. agriculture and rural develop- Options deployed over the previous five decades for en- ment,” said Uma Lele, the lead Maize plantation. author of the report and Former suring big productivity gains to Senior Adviser at the World meet the enormous and diverse er incomes and different tastes, eration in agricultural research dertook just over 53% of the de- food needs of the future are no Bank. diets in developing countries for development into “a coher- veloping countries’ public agri- In fact little has been done longer on the table or the most will shift from low- to high- ent whole so as to achieve more cultural R&D in 2000—up from sustainable options, say the au- by developed and developing value cereals, poultry, meats, rapid, scaled-up and sustainable 40 percent in 1981. Meanwhile, countries alike to deal with the thors. fruits and vegetables. While this impacts on food security, pov- in 2000, a total of 80 countries To get the production increas- daunting challenge of hunger will constitute an improvement erty, and the environment.” with a combined population of with long term- development as- es needed, the authors call for a for many, this major shift in This pattern of concentra- approximately 625 million peo- broader approach to agricultural sistance to agriculture and rural consumer preference for nutrition parallels what is happen- ple conducted only 6.3 per cent development. Although over the research for development that tional security is also likely to ing in overall science spending of total agricultural R&D. departs from the traditional ap- 1981 to 2007 period, the share be accompanied by hunger and throughout the world, accord- To meet the backlog of un- of net aid flows to developing proach that keeps scientists who poverty in the countries with the ing to the report. In developed derinvestment alone, the report develop a technology separate countries has become negative, poorest populations. countries, agricultural R&D calls increasing agricultural less of it has been going to ag- from the process that delivers The authors contend that has also become increasingly research investments in devel- that new technology to farm- riculture. there should be enough knowl- concentrated in a handful of oping countries to 1.5 percent Although there has been ers. The report calls for greater edge and resources available— countries, with just four coun- of agricultural GDP, more than participation amongst a broad remarkable progress in food or that can be mobilized—to tries (the United States, Japan, double or triple the current in- production over the past half- range of stakeholders in the tackle the problems of poverty France, and Germany) account- vestments in scientific capac- seed-to-table chain of events— century, with historically un- and hunger, if the system for ing for 66 per cent of all global ity and institutions and delivery precedented improvements from the rural farmer to the sci- doing so could be massively public R&D conducted in 2000. mechanisms at both the national entist, in addition to the players when agricultural research and overhauled. The report sets an Similarly, just five developing and international levels. development were given prima- in between, including extension approach for transforming the countries (China, India, Brazil, Some analysts say that to officers, the private sector, na- cy, those benefits were spread current global system of coop- Thailand and South Africa) un- meet FAO estimates of food unevenly. Substantial changes tional and regional agricultural are needed to level the playing programs, and civil society. field and to enable Africa, for The report sets an approach for transforming the It also calls for recognizing example to develop their suit- and drawing on the tremendous able agricultural models. current global system of co-operation in agricultural innovation of farmers them- The report predicts that the selves. According to the au- global population will likely research for development into “a coherent whole thors, agriculture is highly con- reach 9 billion by about 2050, text-specific and needs to move mostly from developing coun- so as to achieve more rapid, scaled-up and away from the expectation that tries. Urban populations will in- research advances can be applied crease from today’s 3.4 billion sustainable impacts on food security, poverty, and the as one recipe—or single models to well over 6billion. With high- as silver bullets—developed glo- environment.” bally and applied locally.

The Link is published Monthly with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya. P.O. Box 7438 - 00200, Tel 601274/601776 Nairobi. Fax 020 601776 Email: the [email protected].

The Link, April 2010 14 SPECIAL REPORT Fish farming to stem declining local production HE Fish farming project was launched last year A total of 13,444 fish ponds have been constructed in 140 constituencies by the Ministry of TFisheries as a critical component in the government’s services. The training sessions Kshs. 22 billion Economic The first phase of the fish farming project has come are intended to educate ben- Stimulus Package (ESP). to a close. The second phase is expected to com- eficiaries on the desired output The launch came in the mence during the next financial year 2010/2011. and objectives of the develop- backdrop of declining lev- The initial roll out plan is a resounding success ment initiative so as to internal- els of fish production in the ize the government initiative. country. Official statistics and is likely to boost the dwindling fish production Beneficiaries are classified as indicate that in 1999, the in the country. In this issue, FAITH MUIRURI, co-implementers of the project country had a population gives you a detailed overview of the fish farming Programme Secretariat of 1.2 million tones of Nile enterprise productivity program under the Eco- The secretariat is based in Perch, which have dwindled nomic Stimulus Programme (ESP). the Sagana Aquaculture Centre. to a mere 300 metric tones. The secretariat is charged with Further, fish production the responsibility of overseeing from the capture fisheries has in the second phase as out- areas. lDirectorate of Aquacul- project implementation, opera- registered a marked decline. lined in the initial target of The implementation ture Development tionalization, management and Lake Victoria fish produc- 28,000 fish ponds. process is being coordinated lDirectorate of Fish In- reporting. The secretariat moni- tion alone has declined from This is poised to boost by the Ministry of Fisher- spection and Quality Assur- tors the projects and briefs the about 200,000 metric tones fish production from the cur- ies Development through a ance Ministry on proposed program in 1999 to about 114,000 rent 4,250 Metric Tonnes to steering committee headed lChief Finance Officer schedule, events and flow of metric tones in 2008 7,560 Metric Tonnes at the by the Permanent Secretary, lThe Principal Procure- funds. However, the scenario is farm level. Ministry of Fisheries Devel- ment Officer Stimulus Programme Man- likely to change. Under the Implementation Plan opment. lThe Head of Planning agement Committee ESP, a total of 13,444 fish The project is currently The committee comprises Under the package, the The District Programme ponds have been constructed being implemented on a of head of key departments/ District Fisheries Officer Steering Committee draws its in 140 constituencies in the pilot basis in 140 constitu- directorates in the Ministry. (DFO) is in charge of the membership from all ministries first phase of the project at encies of Western Kenya, They include: implementation process at implementing ESP. The DFO a cost of Kshs.623 million, Nyanza, parts of Rift Valley, l Director of Fisheries the grassroot levels. The is a member of this committee that is , Kshs. 4 million per Eastern, Central Kenya and lDirector of KMFRI DFO also has a mandate and is in charge of the fisher- constituency. An additional Coast Regions, which have lAquaculture Development to oversee the training of ies component of the stimulus, 14,566 will be constructed been rated as high potential Working Group beneficiaries and extension which fall under his/her juris- The general features of the pond will look as shown in the figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 below: diction.

Group Mobilisation and se- lection The Stimulus Management Committee vets and selects beneficiaries in accordance with the laid down procedures, which include: lBeing unemployed young Kenyan, fish farmer, woman or public institutions such as schools, small local factories, and irrigation schemes. lHave land within aquaculture suitability areas lBe a member of registered cluster of not less than 15 members lBe willing to construct a pond of not less than 300m square lBe committed to fish farming during the entire production period and going forward lBe willing to continue to manage the ponds for profit and run the activity as a small scale business enterprise The Link, April 2010 19 SPECIAL REPORT Fish farming to stem declining local production A total of 13,444 fish ponds have been constructed in 140 constituencies

supplied to individual farm- The Aquaculture Associa- ers through their clusters in tion of Kenya (AAK) is to quantities enough to sustain coordinate and synchronize them for one production sea- the handling, storage and son to be determined by the marketing of fish with the DFO based on the pond size assistance of the Directorate and the stocking densities. of Aquaculture Develop- The acquisition of the ment. feeds is to be done through Quality Assurance of the the Constituency Projects Aquaculture Products and Tender Committee (CPTC). Inputs Recipients are to collect the This is to be done under inputs in quantities enough the guidance of the Direc- to last a month from the torate of Fish Inspection identified suppliers using a and Quality Assurance. The specified form which is to be Directorate is to ensure that signed by the DFO, District fish farming practices- ad Procurement Officer (DPO), here to the fish quality - as the supplier and the recipi- surance requirement for the ent. farmed fish to be acceptable The form is to indicate the at the local and international date, type of input and quan- markets. tities collected. The form will be in quadruplicate for Project Sustainability accounting purposes with a To ensure sustainability, the copy for the farmer, the sup- Ministry intends to: plier, the DFO and the DPO. lEnter into a Memorandum Acquisition of other fish of Understanding (MOU) farming specialized supplies with private fish hatcheries and equipment for the supply of quality fin- Farmers are to be sup- gerling to the clusters plied with a 20 meters long lEncourage private finger- mounted seine net. Other ling production and quality equipments used during feed production enterprises pond construction are to be at cluster level to eventu- procured centrally at con- ally minimize the role of the lBe ready to maintain records fish feeds, manure, harvest- the beneficiaries. The stock- stituency level to ensure Ministry as advised by the Ministry’s ing gear, training, facilita- ing is to done in the appro- timely delivery, specified lEncourage Cluster Asso- extension officers and share tion and extension services priate rates and ratios on quality and standards. They ciations to transform into information with extension Pond Construction La- basis of recommendations are to be supplied to the re- cooperative movements to officers. The information will bour by the aquaculture extension spective DFOs who are the enhance coordination of the include records on stocking, Labour is to be provided officer from the Ministries custodian of the equipments clusters activities for easy sampling, feeding, harvesting by Youth within the benefit- of Fisheries Development. and the equipments are to be inputs supply and marketing and sales among others. ting constituency who are to The fingerlings are to be used on borrowed basis dur- of aquaculture products Pond design, construction be supervised by an aquac- acquired from the public/ ing pond construction. lEncourage synchronized and preparation for stocking ulture extension officer from private hatcheries as speci- Harvesting, Post Harvest- stocking and harvesting of The ESP package favours the Ministry of Fisheries fied by the Ministry of Fish- ing Handling and Marketing fish by the clusters in tandem construction of earthen ponds Development. The youth eries Development. The ac- of Fish with the market demands. measuring more than 300square are recruited by the DFO as quisition of the fingerlings Farmers are to handle the In the first year of produc- meters. In areas where the soil stipulated in the government is to be done through the aforesaid activities with the tion this will be coordinated is not suitable for fish farming, regulations on use of casual Constituency Programme guidance of a competent by the Ministry and subse- farmers are advised to use the labour. Tender Committee (CPTC). aquaculture extension of- quently by the Fish Farm- PVS pond liners at their own Supply Fingerlings and Acquisition and supply of ficer. ers Association/cooperative cost. Each pond costs Kshs Stocking of Ponds fish farming inputs Farmers are to be encour- movements. 40,000 with Kshs25, 000 be- Each pond is to be Farm inputs which in- aged to market their fish This is noble programme ing channeled towards the con- equipped with appropriate clude fish feeds (industrial through clusters and or lo- that is to employ hundreds struction of fish ponds while fingerlings based on their feeds of minimum 26 per- cal associations /cooperative of youths directly and indi- the remaining Kshs15,000 cov- suitability to the various eco cent crude protein) and societies to maximize on rectly, if it is managed prop- ers procurement of fingerlings, climatic zones and needs of manure/ fertilizer are to be benefits. erly.