ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 1

May 1- 30, 2014 ISSUE 097

A monthly newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service Panic amid rise in child abuse cases By Andrew Elijah in the constituency heard and deter- mined 43 defilement cases last year Parents and guardians are a worried lot alone. in Kitui County where cases of child “Despite severe penalties con- abuse are giving them sleepless nights. ferred on offenders, defilement is The worst hit is Kitui South con- still high and children still live in fear stituency where residents and child of possible attacks from pedophiles rights activists have combined forces and other sexual perverts,” Samuel to lead an aggressive campaign to deal Mutai, the resident magistrate at the head on with the vice. Mutomo law courts in the constitu- Victims and their parents who ency says. have been traumatized as they sought medical and legal assistance are blam- Report Gender activists demonstrate in front of Inspector General’s office ing the authorities for turning a blind Janet Muema, a children’s officer in demanding for an end to defilement and justice for the survivors. eye and not doing enough to address the constituency, says most of the cases Below: Janet Mueni, Children’s Officer, Kitui. the problem. reported to her were committed by Pictures: Andrew Elijah and Courtesy close relatives. She revealed that her job Prevent was not easy as it was difficult to pur- He even threatened to throw both such a predicament. Teresia shares “I think very little is being done to sue justice for the victims due to lack of of them out of the house, says her her sad story of rejection by the rest prevent abuse of children in my dis- both material and emotional support mother. of her extended family when she de- trict,” says Ann Ngei, a single mother from the rest of their family members. The brave girl did not give up, and cided to seek justice for her daughter, of three from Ikutha district whose “We have very many incest cases took the matter further by walking to a victim of sexual molestation by a 15- year-old daughter is a victim of here that go unreported because family the local police station where she re- close relative. sexual abuse. members were unwilling to wash their ported the sexual abuse cases to the Apart from World Vision Inter- dirty linen in public,” Muema says. officers who did not disappoint and Narrate national, a child based charitable On her part, Joyce Mutua, a child swung into action immediately. She tells how her 74 year old fa- organisation in the region; very few rights advocate, says justice for incest The suspect was then arrested and ther-in-law defiled her daughter of others are doing much to fight child victims is always compromised at later charged and in court. He was later six for long before reporting the mat- abuse cases in the region. family courts as members complete- tried and sentenced to life imprison- ter to the police: “My husband even The NGO is playing a pivotal role ly avoid leaking such information to ment. talked to him about it severally but in rescuing abused children, provid- the outside world in order to save the Looking back, the young girl says he could not stop so we chose to seek managed to get the courage to report ing legal aid and paying their medi- reputation of the older offender. justice was done but she is yet to heal help from the courts.” the sexual crime to the police. cal fee for specialised treatment in A class seven pupil from the re- mentally because of lack of any coun- Unfortunately, the old man later “I finally said enough was enough addition to facilitating both victims gion who was severely defiled by her seling to help her overcome the trauma. died in prison where he was serving a and decided to save my daughters and their parents during their quest father shares her sad story. “He did it Her family has since suffered re- life sentence. from continued mistreatment” a bitter for justice after abuse. Apparently, for a long period and I did not report jection from close relatives and fam- Her family members insisted Tere- mother says. the girl-child has suffered most be- him to my mother or the authorities ily friends who accuse her and her siah and her husband must arrange for Meanwhile, a 10-year-old school- ing an easy target for sexual moles- because he would threaten to kill me mother of betraying them for seek- his burial alone without support from girl opens up about her two years of tation by strangers, teachers, family if I ever reported,” she says amid sobs. ing justice from the courts instead of the rest. trauma and suffering as her father friends and even close relatives. The 14 year old later informed her solving matters internally. “The full burden of transporting abused her and her elder sister whom World Vision’s area programme mother and aunt when she realized “They have made it clear we should the body home and preparing the he eventually impregnate and fled. manager, Gershon Mwakazi, says they her abusive father was never going to not seek any help from them claiming burial was left on us,” she says. The class four pupils is, however, have a working partnership with the stop. But even that did not help the we gave their son and brother away On her part, Jane Mwanzia, whose yet to receive any help from the chil- children’s office and area advisory coun- situation as her father decided to go for imprisonment,” her mother says. abusive husband was sentenced to dren’s services department although cil on child affairs to offer community wild and beat her and her mother. They are, however, not alone in life imprisonment for defiling their she has since reported her concern to sensitisation and training programs on 13-year-old daughter says her moth- officials. child rights and child abuse issues. er-in-law has already ordered her to As cases of child abuse increase “We are a child based organisa- “We have very many incest cases here that vacate the land she gave to her son. in Kitui County, Phillip Nzenge, the tion with a duty to complement gov- The 40-year-old mother explains county children services coordina- ernment efforts to assist the children go unreported because family members were how her husband had defiled his tor, complains that their work is af- have a bright future,’’ the official says. daughters for years threatening to fected by lack of adequate funding Last year, 43 defilement cases were unwilling to wash their dirty linen in public.” kill whoever attempted to report him by the authorities to help them effec- reported at the Kitui magistrate’s court — Janet Mueni to the authorities before she finally tively support victims of abuse.

Read more Reject stories online at www.mdcafrica.org 2 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 AMREF re-brands for better service and aims for the sky By Carolyne Oyugi Osinya who was shot by terrorists in a church in Likoni, in Mombasa AMREF, the leading international County, last month.” African organization in health for the Although the baby survived, he past 57 years has re-branded. had a bullet lodged in his head which The African Medical and Re- had to be removed. search Foundation will now be called Says the Cabinet Secretary: AMREF Health Africa. Its headquar- “You came at a time when we ters is along Langata Road opposite were thinking whether to fly the Wilson airport in Nairobi. neurosurgeons to Coast General According to the Director Gen- Hospital or bring the baby to Ke- eral, Dr Teguest Guerma, a key rea- nyatta National Hospital. We are son for the re-brand is to ensure that glad that with your help, the baby their name more accurately reflects arrived safe and underwent a suc- the nature and scope of their work, cessful surgery. Baby Setrin is now which has grown beyond research the face of our victory over terror- and provision of basic medical ser- ists. I cannot mention all the cases vices to strengthening of health sys- because we all know that they are tems through training and capacity- s o m any.” building and strategic programming. Macharia admitted that al- though the Government boasts Re-brand of improving maternal mortal- AMREF is a household name in ity through free maternal health, the country and has been focusing on Amref Health Africa has played a maternal health, HIV, Water and sanita- big role in achieving it. Above; Dr Teguest Guerma, tion, TB and malaria, and clinical and “Amref Health Africa through Director General, Amref Health diagnostic services. it’s programs that are geared to- Africa addressing attendants at “Our new name exemplifies our wards safe delivery, like training the re-branding party in Nairobi. commitment to improve health midwives, has been working with Below: Dr. Guerma together with in Africa through a wide range of the communities in the villages to critical programmes and services so reaching out to those who would Mr. James Macharia , Cabinet that we can achieve a lasting health otherwise not have been reached Secretary, Ministry of Health change for the people of Kenya and by the Government,” Said the looking at the photos that were Africa in general,” says the Director minister. displayed at the party. General. Picture: Carolyne Oyugi The Director General was ad- Comprehensive dressing guests during the launching The minister noted that Africa ac- party for the new brand name which counts for 20 per cent of the world’s midwives to provide basic and com- was also graced by Cabinet Secretary births, but contributes to 40 per cent prehensive emergency and obstetric for Health, James Macharia, who of maternal deaths globally, many of services is key to preventing maternal praised the praised the team for the which would be preventable if prop- deaths. good work they have been doing in er and accessible health care was in AMREF has always supported the country for over half a century. place. reproductive health and rights for The minister cited the thousands According to WHO, the biggest risk women through ensuring access to of lives AMREF has saved thanks to to the lives of teenage girls and women effective contraceptives, skilled ob- their flying doctors’ service to the in the developing world is pregnancy stetric services, assisted delivery, ante- “Although we are re-branding, our our partners and aligning ourselves most remote parts of the country. and child birth. Too many young girls natal and post-natal care and care of focus remains the same: communi- as an African-led and Africa-based “You were there to help to fly become pregnant with devastating and newborns. Reproductive health also ties continue to be the primary ben- health organisation seeking to meet victims of the Kiisi road accident long-term side effects on their repro- includes the prevention and diagnosis eficiaries of our work. Our re-brand the needs of the most vulnerable that claimed 9 pupils and 4 teachers ductive health. of cervical cancer among disadvan- will in effect put us in a more strate- population on the continent,” said Dr last year. You also flew baby Satrine Increasing the number of skilled taged women. gic position to continue working with Guerma. Modern technology attracting men to health centers By Omondi Gwengi the findings of the two-year re- health care as far as determining livery, which are important stages,” newborn care as well as post natal search, ECSA-Health Community family size, timing of pregnancies Odiyo says. visits. For many men, accompanying their Director of Reproductive Health, and whether women have access to During the study, they noted On his part, Bondo Medical Of- spouses or partners for ante-natal Dr Odongo Odiyo, stated that they healthcare or not,” he says. that in the pilot areas where they ficer of Health (MOH), Dr Julius clinic is rare and considered un- initiated the research in 2012 to had organised for special queues for Oliech, says the project has enabled manly. promote focus on antenatal care. Reduce couples, it ignited men’s interest in the district to register the highest And quite predictably, even if “The selection criterion was a According to experts, the in- knowing their own health status. number of ante-natal care saying that they accompany their partners, they woman who is pregnant for not volvement of men can help reduce Through the intervention of the it was an eye opener to the Ministry would be discouraged by the long more than 26weeks and should be maternal deaths by 75 percent glob- programme, the director says, they of Health on what other innovations queues and poor services offered in her first time to be pregnant. A man ally by 2015. contracted an ICT consultant who they can come up with to improve the public health facilities. was also required, could be her hus- “We found out that those women designed an automated short mes- service delivery. It is against this backdrop that band or a brother-in-law, who was who own mobile phones came for a sage service (sms). a health organisation launched a able to share information with the second, third and fourth visit unlike The information system was de- Facilities project in Siaya County, in Bondo partner,” Odiyo says. those who depended on their part- signed in a way that it could send In the same spirit, Siaya County and Rarieda constituencies in par- The director revealed that the ners’ phones,” the director says. mass messages at once. For ex- Director of Public Health and Sani- ticular, aimed at promoting mater- research targeted women because That led to about 94 percent and ample, if someone wanted to know tation, Dr Omondi Owino, revealed nal health and also involving men in most of them have scarce resources 5 percent delivering in health facil- if she had a normal pregnancy, she that they will ensure that maternity maternal health matters. and therefore were dependent on ity and at home respectively. Mean- could do that by pressing a certain facilities in Siaya were well equipped men for their upkeep. It also rec- while, the percentage of Ante-Natal number. Since then, this initiative and quality services provided to the Promote ognised the role played by men in Care (ANC) attendance in the 4th has been appreciated globally. public. In the project spearheaded by households and noted that it was a visit rose to 94 percent up from Speaking during the unveiling “We are going to purchase preg- East Central and South African- very crucial component in the op- 48percent. of the project findings in Bondo, Dr nancy testing kits which will be used Health Community (ECSA-Health timisation of maternal and child “It is regrettable that most women Odiyo says that after the success of by the community health workers in Community), modern technology health. tend to go to the clinic on the first the project, they plan to scale it up the area,” says Owino, with the aim was used to promote health services. “Men are the decision- makers visit, but fail to attend second to to all the 10 member countries with of capturing the women and bring- In an interview with Reject on in the family and play a big role on fourth visits and even hospital de- a view of improving maternal and ing them to the facilities on time. ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 3 Kitui’s ambitious Kenya facing greatest multi-million shillings farming challenge from climate change project By Andrew Elijah

Over 10,000 people in Kitui County are expected to have improved living conditions by the end of the year, thanks to a livelihood changing project initiated in the region by Farm Africa. The project targeting small-scale farmers is expected to gradually bring to an end a perennial famine and hunger in the semi arid county by helping families grow enough food for their own use and any surplus sold. Farm Africa, which has promoted increased cultivation of dry land crops in the country since 2009, plans to spend over one million Euros do- nated by the European Union on the project which will run until 2016. Ambitious Dubbed, “livelihood diversification through sorghum and green grams value chains develop- ment project,” the ambitious project aims to em- power the peasant farmers and low come earners through increased income from small scale agri- cultural activities. Raphael Kariuki, the program operations man- ager at Farm Africa, says the overall objective of the intervention is to promote sustainable livelihood diversification in the county aiming to strengthen the capacity of residents to mitigate the impact Many policies in place but still not enough to address of hunger and recover from recurrent drought By Joyce Chimbi Gicharu explains that dis- challenges posed by climate change. Picture: Joseph Mukubwa through a sustainable income generation. cussions on climate change as “This project aims to support selected house- The country is facing the greatest a policy issue is still new in the holds grow enough quality food for both subsis- which have nothing to do with Natural Resource Information challenge from changing weather country “The government’s first tence and commercial purposes to help improve climate change but are targeting Management, Energy Policy, patterns that could significantly af- tangible indicator that it was their livelihoods,” the manager said. to edge out vulnerable farmers. Forest Policy, National Disaster fect food production. But experts committed to climate change Working with farmer groups, the project will They [multinationals] intend to Management Policy, Industrial- are now attributing low adaptive was in 2010 in the form of a doc- bring together 7,000 small-scale farmers from criminalize the informal sector, ization Policy, Water Policy, Agri- capacity to climate change within ument titled the National Cli- eight locations in Kitui County that were selected in other words, the small scale culture Policy, Land Policy, Forest the farming sector to a prolif- mate Chang Response Strategy to be the first beneficiaries of the program after farmers. Some of the policies in Act, Environmental Management eration of policy and institutional (NCCRS).” an extensive baseline survey by Farm Africa as- the pipeline are the Seed law and and Coordination Act and the frameworks that are silent on cli- Although there is also a Na- sisted by the National Drought Management Au- the Anti-Counterfeit law.” Water Act “all of them have sig- mate change. tional Climate Change Plan to op- thority, before it was launched. According to the ministry of erationalise the NCCRS, Gicharu “The Anti-counterfeit law is nificant implications on the envi- agriculture, at stake is the lifeline is quick to point out that “NC- pushing for certified seeds. Our ronment and climate change, but Cultivate people who are using indigenous they are to be harmonized. All of of five million households, out of CRS is not a policy document” The eight locations are Ngomeni, Nuu, Mum- seeds (non-certified) will not be them have competing goals and a total eight million households, but a government strategy docu- buni and Nzeluni in Mwingi while Nzangathi, able to do so once this law takes interests. So policy challenges ex- who depend directly on agricul- ment to combat climate change. Chuluni, Kyangwitya East and Mulango repre- effect,” he adds. ist within policies and also across ture and small scale farmers who “Although there is no policy on sent Kitui; areas considered ideal for cultivation Mburu says that these seeds policies.” account for at least 75 per cent of climate change and agriculture, a of green grams, sorghum and other dry land “have nothing to do with climate the total agricultural output and draft climate change policy exists,” crops in that region. change. These seeds are controlled Plans 70 per cent of marketed agricul- she explains. “We have launched this project in these eight by 6 companies in the world and “For instance, the water sec- tural produce. According to the Ministry of locations and plan to extend it to cover other ar- are a multibillion dollar invest- tor in accordance with the Water Environment, Water and Natural eas as well at a later date,” said Godfrey Ouna, the Predict ment and they are not suited to Act, Act No. 8 of 2002, estab- Resources there are at least 90 na- Kitui County project coordinator. our ecosystem compared to indig- lished too many independent re- The Association for Strength- tional policies and laws relevant So far, 40 new groups have been formed to enous seeds.” gional bodies responsible for wa- ening Agricultural Research to climate change with additional help reach the target number where farmers will ter catchment management and in Eastern and Central Afri- regulations and by-laws that de- be provided with sorghum and green gram seeds Establish the main challenge is that they ca (ASARECA), a regional re- volve to the local level already alongside farm tools and skills to enable them de- Joshua Kosgei, an agricultural all have overlapping responsi- search body has predicted that in the pipeline. But Gicharu says velop the sorghum and green grams value chain extension officer in Elburgon, bilities and competing interests. the country’s granary is already that “nearly all these laws al- in the project areas. After harvesting, Farm Africa Rift Valley province says that This has affected implementa- shifting from the Rift Valley prov- ready in existence have no provi- will link the farmers to profitable commercial the country does not need new tion of the Act even in the face ince as temperatures are expected sions on how to address climate sorghum and green gram value chains for higher policies on climate change. “We of harsh climatic changes,” she to be too warm for maize produc- change.” incomes for their produce. need to identify existing gaps explains. tion, the country’s staple food. Already they have identified 12 agents to sup- Relevant and to streamline existing policy Gicharu further talks about Maize production could fall by port the value chain. 25 percent in various parts of the Other climate change experts frameworks to ensure that they the government’s ambitious plan Rift Valley province. are already dissatisfied with the do not contradict each other to place a million acres under Increase which has affected their effective modern irrigation and a further, A report dubbed ‘Africa’s laws and regulations in the pipe- Production of the two crops is expected to and successful implementation.” 2.5 million acres presently not in Pulse’ released in October this line. Gathuru Mburu, Coordina- increase by 40 per cent with post harvest losses Gicharu says that some of use in various parts of the coun- year by the World Bank, predict- tor of the African for Biodiversity expected to reduce by 20 per cent, unlike now these policies and legislations try according to government sta- ed that Kenya along seven other Network says that “Multination- where farmers register heavy losses during har- include the National Policy on tistics, as a climate adaptation in African countries, including als are behind various policies vest of their farm because of using the wrong har- arid and semi-arid areas to boost neighboring Tanzania, Uganda vesting techniques and methods. production through irrigation and Ethiopia, will experience se- The farmers are also expected to register an im- “the National Land policy and vere drought. provement of 20 per cent in their income by collec- “The Anti-counterfeit law is pushing the Water Act lack clear coor- Julie Gicharu, a scientist and tively bulking their yields through 40 aggregation dination guidelines which will environment expert in the coun- for certified seeds. Our people who are stores and two warehouses at the district level where certainly interfere with these try told Reject that “there are pre-determined traders will buy the produce. kind of priority climate adapta- various options that the country using indigenous seeds (non-certified) Farm Africa is also supporting the government’s tion plans.” could resort to in order to cush- national policy for the sustainable development of Against a backdrop of a weak ion the agricultural sector from will not be able to do so once this law arid lands by specifically strengthening market link- legal and institutional frame- crippling effects from severe cli- ages between lowland and highland economies. work, the situation is expected mate change including adapting takes effect.” The aim is to enable small holders generate in- to worsen as millions of farmers to new technologies and expand- come that will improve their livelihoods through — Gathuru Mburu, Coordinator of the African for continue to grapple with climate ing crop varieties, but these op- small scale farming activities. tions are not backed by policy.” Biodiversity Network change. 4 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Grandmother’s shock as daughter abandons twins By Yusuf Amin Habiba Ali and Amin Ali, defied her mother He said that early pregnancies in the area are and left the children behind to blame in such incident but also asked mothers The persistent cry of the three-month-old twin Says a distraught grandmother: “My daugh- to be carefully and give good advice to their girls babies that were left by their mother who fled to ter ignored my advice on that Saturday in the in their early age. Saud Arabia to look for a job is what welcomes evening, took the babies and handed them to “We should now cooperate and make sure any visitor to Mwandenges’ home in Maya Vil- a neighboring village wrapping them with 300 that such incidents are not experienced in future, lage, in Ganze Sub County, Kilifi County. shillings in their napkins before running away.” as this is very painful to these babies, they need The villagers, who always visit the home to care of their mother, “ he noted with concern. see the pathetic conditions the baby are living Pursue The grandmother said that she is now us- in often comfort Mpa Mwandenge, the grand- She was called by her neighbors to go for the ing normal cow milk to feed the babies, but ex- mother of the babies who were left by their babies, when she responded; she broke down pressed fear that it may harm their health. mother in unclear circumstances. and wept on seeing the grandchildren’s plight. “The milk is not that clean and it has no “It is very painful. They are so and still need enough nutrients like that of their mother, I need Hope breast feeding to help them survive; I have nev- help,” she said A recent visit by this writer to the village er seen such an incident in my life, “the grand- A Care-Way Trust Organization that in- also gave the grandmother a ray of hope that mother laments. volve itself in children protection led by its when the story is highlighted it would attract The villagers led by their village elder, Ste- chairman, Mwanza Mwangiri, visited the organizations, well wishers and leaders to come phen Nguzo, have since the incident sent word home and appealed to the children’s’ depart- A woman holding her twin grand children to the rescue of the babies. around for anyone with information about her ment in Ganze to intervene for the rescue of who were abandoned by their mother in The 50 year-old grandmother says her to alert the authorities, but it has been in vain. the babies. search for a better job in the Middle East. daughter Zawadi Mnyazi, aged 29, was residing When Mwandenge telephoned her on her Picture: Yusuf Amin at Shariani where she was engaged in small- cell phone, she responded and responded in few Protect scale business. Earlier on her daughter had in- words: “Kwa-herini, atsunzeni anangu” which The official said that the organization was low paying job. formed her that she would travel to Saudi Ara- translated from Giriama means, ‘goodbye take working on proper plans to ensure that the Ganze district Children officer Daniel bia in search of a better paying job. care of my babies’. mother is returned to the country to take care of Mbogo said that he is discussing with other By then, Mnyazi had been complaining that Those were the last words of the mother who the babies. leaders in the sub-county how they can rescue she was going through tough times economi- left the three months twins and fled away to look The brother of Zawadi, Bernard Nyambu said the babies. cally and that the only solution was to travel to for greener pastures. that the life situation in the home is not good but At the same time, the officer urged girls to the oil rich Middle Eastern country to look for The local administration and police were she was not supposed to take such action. focus on their education and avoid early preg- a job. alerted and to take a quick action but they were Nyambu noted that he will try to help the nancies that may lead to dropping out of school, But despite her mothers opposition, Mnyaz, unable to trace her whereabouts. babies although his income is low because of his early marriages among other problems. Your days are numbered, Police Boss tells sex offenders By Odhiambo Orlale men or boys. “Women and girls bore the great- The police will no longer use kid est burden of pain and suffering”, gloves with sexual violence perpe- says Grace Wangechi GVRC Execu- trators. tive Director regarding the report’s Inspector General, David Kimai- findings. yo, says they will instead deal ruth- According to statistics from the lessly with such perpetrators saying GVRC, 45 per cent of women be- that that he was concerned that cas- tween ages 15 – 49 in Kenya have es of rape and defilement were still expe­ri­enced either phys­i­cal or sex­ on the rise despite the passing and ual violence with women and girls enacted of the Sexual offences Act, accounting for 90 per cent of the over five years ago. gender based violence (GBV) cases The police boss said such cases reported. were part of the on-going police Similarly, one in five Kenyan reforms and assured the public that women (21 per cent) has experi­­ he had instructed his officers in all enced sex­ual violence; strangers ac- the 47 counties to ensure that sus- count for only six per cent of GBV in pects, whether they were parents of Kenya while 64 per cent of survivors the victim or not, must not be al- of violence reported that the offend- lowed to reconcile with the perpe- ers behind their ordeal were known trators at the expense of the victim. to them; Inspector General, David Kimaiyo, while addressing editors at a special forum to discus the rising The report also showed that most Perpetrate cases of crime in the country. Picture: Odhiambo Orlale vio­lence towards women was com­ Said the Inspector General: “It mit­ted by an inti­mate partner; and is sad to hear that cases of rape and ing cases of crime in the country, Other major reforms include: victims and their relatives because that 90 per cent of reported perpe- defilement are on the rise despite said the only cases that could be Establishment of the Kenya Associa- of bureaucracy, corruption and or trators were men. the Sexual Offences Act being in op- settled out of court between par- tion of Women in Policing to support incompetence. eration. It is sad that the public are ties were personal ones like assault female officer’s professional develop- In his response, Kimaiyo said: “All Reveal aware of the consequences of violat- among others. ment and networking. This is the court orders must be executed by the Meanwhile, the report revealed ing it but are not as active in fighting first time this has been allowed; and police, who are the law enforcers. It is that cases of violence among men it as we expect.” Address development of a gender and human not a request. All cases falling under and boys were said to be relatively He further said that “I know of During the forum, the Inspec- rights policy for the National Police the Sexual Offences Act fall under low although this may be because a case which was reported in one of tor General was flanked by one of Service. the state versus the suspect and the most of them go unreported mainly our police stations where the moth- his deputies, Grace Kaindi, the Di- But in his address, the KEG chair- complainant cannot just withdraw out of fear of ridicule and stigmatisa- er of a girl who was defiled went to rector of Criminal Investigations, man took issue with the police for the charges. We do not promote cash tion. the police station and pleaded with Ndegwa Muhoro, and the chair- not doing enough as far as dealing reconciliation arrangements.” In his address, the Inspector the OCS (Officer Commanding man of the Kenya Editors’ Guild, with the rising cases of crime in gen- Indeed, a report by Gender Vio- general appealed to the public to Station) to release her husband so Macharia Gaitho, who is an editor eral, and cited terrorism, car-jacking, lence Recovery Centre says that treat the police as partners but not that they could go home and rec- at Nation Media Group, among road carnage, sexual offences and sexual abuse is the most commonly adversaries by reporting suspects oncile.” others. Gender-Based Violence cases. reported form of abuse suffered by and crimes within their neighbour- Tough-talking Inspector General The police boss said the gender Earlier during the question and victims. hoods. He assured the public that said the National Police Service Act desks set up in most police stations answer session, Dorothy Kweyo, an Sexual abuse the GVRC report the police service was committed to was very clear that under the new were there to help deal with cases of editor at Nation Media Group, had says is the most commonly reported promoting reforms to deliver better Constitution sexual offences were Gender Based Violence that have expressed concern that the police form of abuse suffered by victims. and effective service them. between the State and the suspects also been on the rise in the past few were not doing enough as far as ris- Between 2011 and 2012, of all the “When an offence has been com- and therefore the parties could not years. He directed his officers to deal ing cases of rape, defilement and cases reported 2,532 were sexual mitted, please do not keep quite, just meet behind the scene and say firmly with GBV cases in urban and child marriages were concerned. and 422 physical violence, and of report it so that we can take action. they have reconciled. rural areas, saying most of the vic- She said there were many GBV these 90 per cent of all reported cas- That is part of the many reforms en- Kimaiyo, who addressing editors tims were women and children, who and sexual offences cases pending es of gender violence are reported visioned by the National Police Ser- at a special forum to discus the ris- were vulnerable. in court which were frustrating the by women and girls, 10 per cent by vice,” Kimaiyo said. ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 5 Challenges abound in fight towards zero infections By Joyce Chimbi deaths in every 100,000 live births. “Not every woman who attends In early January 2008 during the post ANC accepts to be tested for HIV and election violence that rocked the to be recruited into the PMTCT pro- country after the disputed general gram. The reasons for avoiding HIV elections, a man knocked at *Lucia test are multiple but stigma remains Wakonyo’s gate at Mathare Valley the key reason. Unfortunately health in the sprawling Mathare slums “he workers cannot force the test on wom- was calling out for my neighbor and en, it is their right to accept or refuse I told him that my neighbor was not the HIV test,” Dr Osur explains. in. There was a lot of violence. He He further explains that there are pleaded with me to give him refuge.” pregnant women who visit the clinic But when Wakonyo opened the only ones “they get tested for HIV but gate, the sight that greeted him was not they do not even go back for the re- that of a man running for his life “he sults. When a woman delivers at home, threw me to the ground and raped me. they cannot access the full PMTCT Two months later I discovered I was treatment. When a pregnant woman pregnant. Even worse, I had been in- tests positive, there are certain things fected with HIV/AIDS.” to be throughout delivery and after de- livery. There are decisions to be made Attend regarding treatment depending on Continued unrest in the health sector has been blamed for the drop in PMTCT uptake. Wakonyo never attended clinic how advanced the disease is.” Picture: Joseph Mukubwa and delivered a HIV positive baby at Statistics by the Ministry of health the hands of a traditional birth atten- shows that during pregnancy, about dant. But last year Wakonyo delivered (ARV) medicines to prevent mother- According to the Ministry of 90 percent received either maternal 5 to 8 percent of HIV-exposed babies a HIV negative baby, this time she to-child transmission of HIV,” says Health, eMTCT plan is anchored on or infant antiretroviral prophylaxis become infected through transmis- attend antenatal clinic (ANC) and Rangaiyan Gurumurthy, UNAIDS the Kenya National HIV/AIDS Stra- to prevent mother-to-child transmis- sion across the placenta while labour is one of the HIV pregnant women Senior Strategic Information Advi- tegic Plan (KNASP III) which focus- sion of HIV (PMTCT). and delivery poses the greatest risk for who was put on Prevention of Mother sor in Nairobi. es on prevention of new infections. “KAIS is a national survey. The transmission with 10 to 20 percent of to Child Transmission treatment Gurumurthy explains that this information [in KAIS] is among those exposed infants becoming infected at (PMTCT) in 2011. figure “excludes those HIV positive Confirm pregnant women in the survey, how this time. Government statistics show that ev- women [around 11 percent] who Acting Senior Director of Medical many of them tested for HIV and Further, the statistics show that ery year, an estimated 1.5 million preg- were on a single dose Nevirapine, as Services Dr Simon Mueke confirms those testing HIV positive 90 percent when mothers breastfeed for 18 to 24 nancies occur, out of whom, between a single-dose regimen it [Nevirapine] that “indeed PMTCT uptake may have received maternal or infant ARV pro- months another 10 to 15 percent of 87,000 and 100,000 test HIV positive. may not be as effective as combina- reduced but only during the strikes of phylaxis,” Gurumurthy explains. infants become infected. Thus, in non- From these pregnancies, an estimated tion drug therapies. If you consider doctors and nurses. Overall, PMTCT breastfeeding populations, without 37,000 to 42,000 infants are infected women on single dose Nevirapine uptake has been on the rise.” Improve ART, approximately 15 to 30 percent with HIV annually due to mother-to- this would mean that 6 out of every Government statistics show that Reproductive health expert Dr infants will become infected, with pro- child transmission. Yet a great unmet 10 pregnant women living with HIV in 2012, an estimated 11,000 chil- Joachim Osur says that “you cannot longed breastfeeding, 25 to 45 percent need for PMTCT services exists. did not receive ARV medicines to dren acquired HIV from their moth- improve PMTCT coverage if mater- infants will become infected. UNAIDS 2013 progress report on prevent mother to child transmission ers. According to local NGO Women nal health services are not improved. The National AIDS Control Coun- the Global Plan towards the elimina- (MTCT) of HIV.” Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK) Only about 41 percent of women na- cil confirms that Kenya still has the tion of new HIV infections among But George Omondi from lo- “Although the figure is high, this was a tionally deliver in hospital. In some fourth largest HIV burden in Africa children by 2015 and keeping their cal NGO Women Fighting AIDS in 44 percent reduction from 23,000 new regions such as Nyanza and Western after South Africa, Botswana, Zambia mothers alive, shows that PMTCT Kenya (WOFAK) told the Reject that infections in 2009. provinces, only about 25 percent of and Tanzania. coverage in Kenya declined from 66 “PMTCT program has been so suc- Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey women deliver under the care of But Omondi remains optimistic that percent to 53 percent in 2011-2012. cessful that the country has shifted (KAIS) 2013 shows that 92 percent trained health attendants.” a reduction rate of MTCT of HIV to less “Out of the total estimated posi- form ‘P’ to ‘E’ we no longer talk about of women who gave birth between Government statistics show that than 5 percent among breast feeding tive pregnant women in Kenya, 5 out prevention of mother to child but 2007 and 2012 attended antenatal an estimated 488 women die in every populations or 90 percent reduction in of 10 pregnant women living with elimination of mother to child trans- care (ANC) and that of those who 100,000 live births but in the slums mother to child HIV transmission rates HIV did not receive antiretroviral mission of HIV (eMTCT).” were diagnosed with HIV at ANC, maternal deaths are as high as 700 by 2015 is still a realistic goal. Alarm over rising cases of diarrhea among children

By Mary Mwendwa facilities dead, are as a result of acute illness of which a third account for diarrheal disease. Diar- About 86 children in every 1,000 births die every rheal deaths in children under five years of age are day from diarrhea related illnesses in Kenya, yet a 100 per cent preventable.” all cases of diarrhea are generally preventable and The pediatrician says poor sanitation, poor manageable. hygiene (hand-washing) and lack of proper nu- According to Kenya Health Demographic Sur- trition, especially food rich in zinc mineral, make vey 2008 -2009, more than 1,500 children under children more susceptible to diarrhea. five are reported to die of acute diarrhea in Kenya. Diarrhea is among the leading killer of chil- Damage dren under five years, along with pneumonia and “Zinc is a very important mineral for child- pre - term birth complications. rens’ health; sadly it is not sufficient in most foods given to children. For example, beef has 37 per Statistics cent content of zinc, lamb 35 per cent, pumpkin According to a WHO report, Diarrheal is a seeds, cashew nuts, turkey and spinach have less Women with their children waiting to be attended to at Mai Mahiu Dispensary, Nakuru global killer and is responsible for claiming an es- than 20 per cent. Zinc helps to repair the dam- county. Health facilities have recorded high number of diarrhea among children. timated 760, 000 children every year globally. It is aged intestinal walls by the Rotavirus (a virus re- Picture: Carolyne Oyugi most common in the developing countries of Asia sponsible for diarrheal disease).” and Africa where access to clean water, sanitation, There are three types of diarrhea ; acute wa- are reported to have actually died from severe de- Diarrhea can be managed by use of ORS (Oral and urgent medical care is limited. tery diarrhea that lasts for several hours or days, hydration and fluid loss. Rehydration Solution) – A mixture of water, salt The disease is believed to be a leading cause of and includes cholera; acute bloody diarrhea – Children who are malnourished or have im- and sugar, which is cheaply and easily accessible. child mortality and morbidity in the world, and also called dysentery; and persistent diarrhea paired immunity as well as people living with HIV ORS, if well used reduces up to 50 percent of di- results from contaminated food and water sources. that lasts 14 days or longer. are most at risk of life-threatening diarrhea. arrhea cases. However, it’s advisable to get the real Worldwide, 780 million individuals lack access Diarrhea is caused by bacterial, viral and “Many parents who have little or no formal sachet of ORS, rather than making the solution to improved drinking-water while about 2.5 bil- parasitic organisms, most of which are spread education fall victims of misconceptions about from home. lion lack improved sanitation. by faeces-contaminated water. Infection is more teething in babies. Medically, teething has totally Stella Owano, a retired nurse advises that if the According to UNICEF, major causes of Diar- common when there is a shortage of adequate nothing to do with diarrhea,” Dr John Wachira, a ORS solution is made at home, high chances of rhea in children under five years are: non-breast- sanitation and hygiene and safe water for drink- consultant Pediatrician confirms. incorrect ratios and hygiene may not be observed fed children, unsafe drinking water, food-poor ing, cooking and cleaning. “Many mothers, even some who have gone to during the process. hygiene practices and malnutrition. Rotavirus and Escherichia coli are the two school, rely on their mentors or mothers to advise The nurse says that that could end up in serious On his part, Dr John Wachira, a consultant pe- most common agents of diarrhea in developing them on problems that are to be handled by med- infections as the baby has a weakened immunity diatrician, says: “ Most children brought to health countries.Most children who die from diarrhea, ics, for a example, teething .’’ Continued on page 7 6 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 When a dream becomes a nightmare By HENRY OWINO tals, Auma found solace at Kijabe In Kenya, Kariuki says, the lat- prevented during pregnancy period. Mission Hospital, in Nakuru est micronutrient survey done by Every region has a leading con- For Juliana Auma, giving birth to a County. National Micronutrient Survey tributor to mortality and morbidity of bouncing healthy baby was her big- At Kijabe, she met Anne (NMS) in 1999 indicates the prev- children before their fifth birthdays. gest dream. Mulwa, a nurse experienced in alence of anemia among pregnant These could range from lack of timely But her dream turned into a night- such disorders. The nurse gave women to be between 46 per cent and adequate medical care, nature of mare when she delivered her baby and her hope by assuring her of her and 55 per cent among non-preg- environment, culture and religious be- was informed that she had a medical baby’s survival and even bearing nant women. On the other hand, lieves to education level of the mother. condition that would affect her for the more children in future without pregnant women who are deficient rest of her life. such abnormalities. in iron and folic acid stand at 70 Advice The medical personnel described Looking back, Auma is glad per cent. Nutritionally, pregnant women are that condition “spina bifida and hydro- that the nurse’s advice has become Kariuki states that anemia is always advised to take lots of foods cephalus,” which is caused by deficiency a reality. Her daughter is grown a leading indirect cause of high reach in iron to help them in blood in iron and folic acid supplements up and becoming healthier day maternal and neonatal deaths. production and oxygen circulation. (IFAS). by day. She has a little baby boy A pregnant woman displaying iron and folic She observes that according to For example, these nutrients are locally found in liver, fish, milk, leafy green Looking back, Auma admits that born free of any defects as results acid supplements that she takes. Kenya Demographic Survey 2008- her ignorance about IFAS contributed of IFAS dosage consumption. 09, maternal deaths increased vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas, Picture: Henry Owino to the child’s defects. She was in the “I must admit that after 19 from 414 deaths in every 100,000 nuts, enriched breads, cereals and other dark and confesses that she did not years of fear, today I have another live births to 488 deaths in every grain products. have any information about the signif- bouncing baby boy whom I bore re- and inform pregnant mothers on the 100,000 live births. The neonatal Nutritionists recommend that ev- icance of IFAS during her pregnancy. cently after my first born. He is doing importance of IFAS. She discloses that deaths decreased marginally from ery pregnant woman take these nu- Auma found herself bearing a well without any shortcoming or com- spina bifida occurs when spinal cord 33/1000 to 31/1000 live births. trients to boost their blood volume in baby girl twisting itself with unstable plications. Im am glad to say that IFAS refuses to fuse within the first 28 days preparedness to delivery. Blood loss is spinal cord bones that did not form helps and my advice to parents of such of conception. Cause the most common cause of iron defi- fully (spina bifida). On the other children is to bring them to Kijabe hos- She maintains that it is very painful On his part, Dr Shahnaz Kassam ciency and more so to women when hand, the baby had an enlarged head pital,” Auma says confidently. to parents to have a child of such con- Sharif, Director of Public Health and they deliver. that in medical terms is known as hy- However, Auma reveals that that dition yet it is preventable by simple Sanitation, says low knowledge on ef- This is mostly common to first time drocephalus (water in the brain). during her ante-natal care visits, nurses intervention of IFAS capsules given fects and severity of anemia during child-bearing women who are advised provided her with the IFAS capsules during ante-natal care in clinics. Wom- pregnancy could be a major cause of to take lots of iron-rich foods to boost Fear but she never took them seriously. She en should insist on having the supple- child mortality in most hospitals. He large volumes of blood in advance. Its She admits that she was shocked also did not swallow all the capsules due ments in any public health facility they said there is need to create awareness deficiency leads to anaemia. and scared to see her baby’s condition to their small size and bad taste in the go to during pregnancy. on folic acid, promote IFAS fortified Another vital nutrient for any ex- and thought of it as either a taboo from mouth. “In Kenya today, there are only two foods and the consequences of anemia pectant mother is folic acid which is her community for going against its cul- Today the mother of two is a crusad- specialized neurosurgeons. I think one in pregnancy if left untreated. a B vitamin that helps the body make tural values or supernatural forces from er of IFAS capsules to pregnant women is at Kijabe hospital while the other is Dr Sharif says that national policy, healthy new cells. Everyone needs folic witchcraft. But thanks to her positive and is the coordinator of people with at Kenyatta National hospital. The lat- IFA supplementation for pregnant acid and more so women who may get mind and strong Christian background or relatives of spina bifida condition at ter is a Ugandan citizen who might de- women is routinely delivered in all pregnant to help in special bones for- and belief she was not discouraged. Kijabe hospital, Bethany Kids Depart- cide to leave any time,” Mulwa regrets. public health facilities. He clarifies it mation of foetus. “When I gave birth to this beautiful ment. According to Esther Kariuki, Se- is done through Maternal and Child Getting enough folic acid before daughter, I first thought it was a curse Auma is cautioning pregnant wom- nior Programme Officer, Micronutri- Health (MCH) clinics as part of Fo- and during pregnancy is very impor- from my community. But after seeking en to ensure that they take full dosage ent Initiative, the World Health Orga- cused Ante-natal Care (FANC). tant as it helps in preventing major guidance and medical attention, I came of IFAS at least 90 capsules as early as nization (WHO), she estimates that at Dr Sharif however confirms that birth defects especially of a baby’s to realise that it was a disease known as first day of conceiving. least 40 per cent of pregnant women demand and uptake of IFAS is very low brain and spine. Yellow fruits, toma- spina bifida. A birth defect in which the She says it is the only way to curb worldwide are anemic. At least half of among the expectant women despite toes, citrus fruits and all legumes are bones of the spine (vertebrae) do not high rate of newborn defects and mor- this anemia burden is assumed to be general availability of the supplements very good sources of folic acids. form properly around the spinal cord,” tality being experienced countrywide. due to deficiency in iron and folic acid. at for free in all public health facilities. Nutritionists and pediatricians ad- Auma says. According to Anne Mulwa, Admin- However, there are other factors that Auma is among the thousands of vice to all pregnant women is to take She says the two conditions in her istrator, Kijabe Bethany Kids hospital, also contribute to this newborn and women in the country who either give iron and folic acid as dietary supple- daughter, made her hate conceiving it is a haven on earth for children with child mortality rates. These are: vitamin birth to babies with defects or lose them ment if the food eaten, do not have another child due to the fear of the special needs who are treated for free ‘A’ deficiency, chronic inflammation, soon after delivery or later in less than enough of it. The purpose is to boost same fate befalling her. However, after with funds from well-wishers. folate, parasitic infections and inherited five years. This is due to complications blood production and have it plenty several medical trials in various hospi- Mulwa says there is need to educate disorders. developed some of which can easily be during delivery. Kenyans should protect chimpanzees

By Joseph Mukubwa sya said the conservancy has about 40 chimpan- zees which are used as platforms for sensitiza- Kenya Wildlife Service has called on Kenyans tion although they also attract tourists. He said to protect primate animals mostly chimpanzees chimpanzees don’t like to be caged since they are as conservationists celebrated Dr Jane Goodall’s wild animals just like other primates like apes, ba- 80th birthday. boons and monkeys. Laikipia County deputy warden Vincent Jane Goodall Institute Kenya chairperson Ongwae said chimpanzees are endangered in Alpana Patel said forests is a safe haven for the some countries where poachers kill them for chimpanzees adding that Goodall was mostly bush meat and so should be protected. involved in transporting of the animals from Bu- Ongwae also said that most Kenyans like en- rundi and Rwanda after the 1994 civil war. closing the animals in cages as pet animals but they should be let to stay in forests so that they Target can freely move and associate with other families. “We are targeting children in sensitizing them about chimpanzees so that when they grow up, Guard they would be able to educate others. At a young “There is need to protect the natural re- age they are able to learn to protect our heritage Dr. Jane Goodall with one of the chimpanzees that she has helped conserve over sources and wild animals like these. Forests or and our environment,” said Patel. the years. Picture: Courtesy national parks which are heavily guarded are In July 1960, Jane Goodall began her land- good for such animals like primates instead of mark study of chimpanzee behavior in Tan- velopment programs in Africa, and Jane Good- Dr. Goodall travels an average of 300 days putting them into cages,” he said. zania. Her work at Gombe Stream would be- all’s Roots & Shoots, the global environmental per year, speaking about the threats facing Ongwae was speaking at Ol Pejeta Con- come the foundation of future primatological and humanitarian youth program. chimpanzees, other environmental crises, and servancy in Laikipia County recently during research and redefine the relationship between hopes that mankind will solve the problems it the 80th birthday of Jane Goodall. Her work humans and animals. Action has imposed on the earth. revolves around inspiring action on behalf of In 1977, Goodall established the Jane Good- Goodall founded Roots & Shoots with a Dr. Goodall’s honors include the French Le- endangered species, particularly chimpanzees all Institute, which continues the Gombe re- group of Tanzanian students in 1991. Today, gion of Honor, the Medal of Tanzania, and Ja- and encouraging people to do their part to search and is a global leader in the effort to pro- Roots & Shoots connects hundreds of thousands pan’s prestigious Kyoto Prize. In 2002, Dr. Good- make the world a better place for people, ani- tect chimpanzees and their habitats. of youth in more than 120 countries who take all was appointed to serve as a United Nations mals and the environment. The Institute is widely recognized for innova- action to make the world a better place for peo- Messenger of Peace and in 2003; she was named The conservancy administrator Samuel Muti- tive, community-centered conservation and de- ple, animals and the environment. a Dame of the British Empire. ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 7 Maligned for too long herbalists demand recognition

By Henry Owino tained within medicinal plant for any disease virus to develop resistance. Traditional healers, also referred to as “Our herbs are plants-extracts herbalists, have come out strongly to which are natural and active, so no challenge doctors to justify why they disease virus can withstand its effi- are not treating neglected and emerg- cacy and instead it kills it and the pa- ing diseases. tient gets healed. This is a fact and sci- They argue that conventional med- entists can attest to it,” Dr Githae says. icine experts are running away from The herbalists, scientists and clini- treating old and known health chal- cians fraternity were speaking in a sym- lenges. posium at the Fourth Annual Scientific According to Dr Jack Githae, tra- and Health Researchers’ Conference ditional health practitioners (THPs), held at Kenya Medical Research Insti- scientists and medical experts must tute headquarters in Nairobi. tell the public why they are still un- The three-day forum attracted able to get a cure for tropical diseases. over 200 participants drawn from various health institutions. Practice Earlier, Dr Maina Mwea, herbal- Tropical diseases are illness mainly ist, said before the advent of modern caused by organisms such as bacteria medicines, people were treated using Boniface Nduru and Dr Maina Mwea, a traditional doctor exchanging contacts.Traditional doctors and viruses in the temperate climate herbs extracted from flora to cure want to be included actively in the health sector. Picture: Henry Owino zones. Many familiar viral and bacterial various diseases. He however, regret- diseases are spread directly from person ted that presently there is reduced Dr Maina said despite their prod- are always after quick money without department at KEMRI and urge them to person, by airborne routes of trans- reliance on traditional healers like ucts being used by patients of differ- considering their experience and the to forge ahead for benefit of their pa- mission or through sexual contact. him. ent blood groups for various sick- history of the patient’s disease. tients. In the tropics, respiratory diseas- nesses, they rarely receive feedback But Dr Phelgona Otieno, Senior es such as measles, respiratory syn- Treat from their patients of side effects. The Research Officer, KEMRI, CCR dif- Benefit cytial virus, tuberculosis and sexu- Dr Mwea recalled that African tra- traditional herb expert reiterated that fered with the herbalists and said However, Dr Githae disagreed say- ally transmitted diseases are also of ditional healers used to administer first their drugs are not toxic but effective. modern doctors are guided by law. ing that packaging was a Western style great importance. aid, treat any condition and heal victims “Our drugs have been used since She added that convectional physi- of sabotage to herbalists. He explained The herbalist insists that tradi- of all sorts of sickness. But today, he re- time immemorial to cure various dis- cians prefer using pharmaceutical that package makes the cost of drugs tional medicine have proved that it grets that they are being blacklisted and eases and they are still valuable and products that have gone through sci- expensive yet most herbalists are not cures most dreaded and emerging branded as witchdoctors. worthwhile in the treatment of the entific testing in its development. rich as they depend on the sale of the tropical diseases on earth. “Let me clarify here that every tribe same and new emerging diseases. The Dr Otieno emphasised that as much herbs for a living. The list includes cancer, diabetes, has got their own name for a doctor compound ratio remains the same and as traditional medicine are important, Dr Monique Wasunna clarified that hypertension, asthma, tuberculosis, in their original dialect. For example, this makes it safe unless misused,” Dr conventional drugs are healthier. London Declaration 2012 is to elimi- epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, fibroids, Luo-Ajuoga, Kamba-Mundu mue, Maina says. Dr Otieno said modern medicine nate, eradicate and control all neglected HIV/Aids, women diseases among Gikuyu-Mundumugo, Bukusu-Om- But he raised a red flag saying may be more expensive than tradi- tropical diseases at national and inter- others. silikhi, Maragoli-Omusali. So, when herbalists were aware of infiltration of tional herbs because of the kind of national levels by 2020. She therefore Other herbalists present during Western medicine came to African, quakes into the profession some who research it undergoes and packag- anticipated the involvement of herbal- the interview were; Boniface Ndura, we welcomed it and emulated their make concoction and sale them to ing. She challenged the herbalists ists with their medicinal herbs in the Chege Ndua, Dr Evans Taracha, Dr tongue and culture yet in the process patients at all costs without bothering to come up with attractive packages near future and scientists for a common Festus Tolo, acting Head of Tradition- disowned our own,” Dr Mwea says. to test and have them approved by the that were well labeled for ease of dis- purpose. al Medicine and Drug Development The herbalist maintained that relevant authorities. play and to export them abroad. There is a need for the 47 Coun- Programme, KEMRI, and Prof Julius their products were one hundred per- “I think there is need for public ties in the country to secure botanical Mwangi of University of Nairobi. cent organic herbs unlike the Western Experience and private partnership integration garden. Again it is high time Kenya Dr Githae said his personal inter- products which have gone through Dr Maina said such rotten eggs for the wider application of the me- government comes up with a National action at high level with World Health some processing making them have were everywhere and in almost every dicinal herbs which cannot be ruled Botanical Garden to preserve medicinal Organization (WHO) and UNICEF side effects on the human body. profession. out. As scientist, I stand firm on plants. had proven that there is no resistance However, he was quick to clarify He advised the composition of proper research and proven test for But Dr Wasunna laminated that that has been experienced with their that he does not dispute Western medi- the drugs should remain the same anything that can be used for treat- environmental degradation was tak- herbal drugs. He added that even the cine, saying he believes that importance and even the prescription regardless ment,” Dr Otieno clarifies. ing its toll on acquiring herbs form composition of the herbs has been re- of herbs should not be downplayed. of the disease. But quake herbalists She welcomes the herbalists to the the forests parts of the country. Alarm over rising cases of diarrhea among children Continued from page 6 According to the health experts, this research to help them understand their percent lower chances of not using any among children under 5 years, although system during diarrhea. vaccine can reduce up to 60 per cent ad- priority areas. There have been cases treatment for childhood diarrhea than the condition can be easily treated by Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) missions and 100 per cent deaths. where some counties don’t even under- mothers with fewer years of schooling. Oral rehydration therapy. is another intervention for diarrhea in Dr Wachira: “Technically, it’s a mat- stand what is on their priority list; they A mother’s level of education is im- children under five years. Fluids such ter of prioritization here in Kenya’s depend on the central government and portant only for recommended treat- Rank as breast milk, rice water mixed with Health system. The government says it’s other national studies to base their re- ment but not for other types of diarrhea The report indicates that Coast salt, soups and cereals prevent and treat not in a position to invest in diarrhea ports on.” treatment. province is having the highest cases of diarrhea-related complications. vaccine due to limited funds. In private Due to socio-economic challenges, According to a report ‘State of the diarrhea while Nairobi was recording Use of Rotavirus vaccine blocks di- hospitals Rotavirus vaccine goes for many families, especially those with world mothers 2013’ new born mortal- the lowest prevalence. The report fur- arrhea disease among children. How- averagely, Shs3, 500, an amount which very low income, are not in a position ity rates have declined in all regions of ther pointed that use of contaminated ever, Kenya as a country, is not offering not many Kenyan families can afford to give their children food rich in all nu- the world, progress has been slowest food, unhygienic practices in preparing the Rota Virus Vaccine within it public to part with, as an effective preventive trients vital for the body’s Health. in the regions with the highest rates, food and disposal of excreta, as major health facilities. PATH international, an measure against diarrheal disease. especially sub-Saharan Africa. Because causes of diarrhea. international organisation addressing County governments are better Recommend of this, the gap between rich and poor However, the prevalence of diarrhea health issues notes, increased priori- placed to spearhead national health Studies reveal that women who countries continues to increase. varies with seasons. The use of zinc for ties placed on other diseases, decreased policies that would help reduce deaths are illiterate have high chances of hav- As a whole, the developed world has diarrhea treatment among children awareness on diarrhea and insufficient among children. They need to provide ing their babies suffer from diarrohea. seen a 2.7 percent reduction per year in raised concerns. knowledge of the disease among gov- safe drinking water, manage their wastes They have less information on how to newborn mortality. This is twice the re- Despite the introduction of use of ernment officials, as a threat towards properly, promote use of Zinc supple- practice proper hygiene while handling duction seen in sub-Saharan Africa (1.3 zinc supplements in Kenya since 2006, preventive measures. ments and foods rich in zinc, educate their babies. percent per year) and 50 percent higher it is disconcerting to note that less than Rwanda and Ghana are some ex- people on various health issues, train Similarly, mothers with more years than that seen in South Asia (1.9 per- one percent of children with diarrhea amples of African Countries offering their health workers, invest in vaccines of schooling have a one percent higher cent per year) from 1990-2011. are given zinc supplements. this vaccine. Health workers in Kenya and to vigorously promote hand wash- probability of using recommended Kenya’s Demographic and Health For Kenya to achieve its millennium believe if this vaccine is availed to the ing among its people. treatment than those with fewer years Survey, 2008-09 reveals that; dehydra- development goal of reducing child public hospitals at no cost, many deaths Dr Wachira points a critical area: of schooling. On the other hand, wom- tion caused by severe diarrhea is a ma- mortality, diarrhea has to be prioritised will be prevented. “Counties need to conduct their own en with more years of schooling have 0 jor cause of morbidity and mortality in her health strategic plans. 8 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Poor diet and environment blamed for child mortality

By Henry Owino and shows the sustained loss in cognitive per- formance into adulthood. Rising cases of child mortality of children be- “There are also various local nutrition stud- low five years has been blamed on poor nutri- ies, late Prof Bwibo led research in Embu Coun- tion and various infections and diseases. ty, which looked at the impact of nutrition on For instance, in Nyanza and Coast Regions, cognitive performance and learning in school Malaria is a major cause of child mortality age children. The long term studies showed among other diseases. that the child had poor performance in primary The two regions are known to have a con- school and reduced earning in adulthood,” Prof ducive environment for mosquitoes-breeding Nduati explains. leading to a prevalence rate in those areas of The Kenya Health Demographic Survey above 25 per cent per year, which is very high. (KHDS) for more than 20 years shows that one In Eastern and North Eastern regions the in every three children aged 5 years have mod- major cause of child mortality is linked to in- erate to severe stunting. accessibility of health facilities due to the dis- A baby being examined at a post natal clinic. Mothers are encouraged to visit tance to reach the few health facilities in the Perform pre-natal and post-natal clinics for advice on how to keep their babies healthy. area. “We can then make the statement regard- Picture: Henry Owino Yet in other places, it is due to religious be- ing the ability of fellow Kenyans. We are not lieves and cultural values by some communities all performing at our best potential because This is critical and every mother is encouraged mouth either by chewing or eating. that are opposed to conventional medicine. of poor nutrition in childhood. For the girls to visit a health facility at least four times begin- It is advisable for mothers to always wash their Ignorance and lack of information among the stunting means their pelvis does not de- ning the third month of her pregnancy. hands with soap before touching and feeding their mothers also contributes greatly to maternal velop optimally presenting a challenge in child It is during pre-natal care that any health risk babies, especially after handling, clothes, kitchen mortality in some communities. birth- obstructed labour and increased need on the foetus and mother is identified and pre- cutlery and crockery. Clothes and household But, regardless of all these reasons, early for operative delivery,” Prof Nduati says. vented accordingly. However, research indicates equipment carry germs and after touching them, child mortality could be minimized if certain Indeed, studies show that good nutrition as- that most pregnant women visit health clinics it is necessary to clean hands with disinfectant. simple interventions are adhered to. sists in growth and thus avoids wasting and stunt- ones or twice risking their lives and that of the Even before breastfeeding, a mother should According World Health Organization ing growth of children. She says that girls need to foetus. clean up her breasts using warm water if she sus- (WHO) more than a third of children’s deaths and be fed even more with proteins and a balanced If possible, all deliveries should be in a health pects to have sweated or passed through bad air. 11 per cent of the total disease burden worldwide, diet to help them gain height and for pelvic en- facility. For the past year, the Jubilee Govern- Another simple intervention is to promote are due to maternal and child under-nutrition. largement. ment has introduced free maternal services at exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months “Obstructed labour in delivery is one of the all public health centres and hospitals. to boosts the child’s immunity system to pre- Nourish major causes of new born deaths which can Pregnant women should take advantage of this vent him/her from diseases. Breastfeeding the Prof Ruth Nduati, chairperson of the Man- easily be avoided. It is the root cause of fistula service to avoid deaths caused by complications baby with mother’s milk for the first six months agement Board of Kenya Medical Research among many women whose treatment is abso- during delivery; others are developed at the hands has been approved as the best method of guard- Institute (KEMRI), says proper feeding of a lutely expensive though manageable at Kenyat- of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) most of ing babies against some infections. new born is essential for its survival and de- ta National Hospital,” she said. who are unable to handle complicated deliveries. velopments. However, for men it is okay even if he is It is during the post-natal care visits at the Breastfeed The chairperson says proper nourishing in short since height does not matter for them in clinics that babies get necessary immunisation Working mothers are advised to express the first two years is critical, healthful and ben- reproduction but may need lots of carbohy- required to curb certain diseases preventable milk from their breasts and leave it behind with eficial to the child’s brain developments. She says drates due to their role. by vaccination. Though others, like polio, may house-helps. Some carry babies with them to a child that is not well-fed at that stage; usually come much later in life, it is always adminis- their working stations to breastfeed at their own have problems later in life especially their intel- Vaccine tered to children below age five. pleasure. This is after expiry of their maternal ligent quotient (IQ). The scientist cautions that if one has unde- Another intervention is hand-washing using leave which should not be less than three months “The human brain grows mainly in the first veloped brain, if affects decision they make and sanitisers to kill germs that might infect babies. It after delivery. 2 years of life. Malnutrition during this period may infiltrate to his offspring. She recommends is simple but ignored in curbing child mortality. Some organisations have designated rooms of time interferes with brain growth. If nutri- parents to feed children with highly nutritional Babies are vulnerable to forensic and contami- for breastfeeding mothers to take care of their tion status is restored by age 3 years of life the foods in order to avoid disappointments and re- nated objects or bodies predisposed to them. babies as they work during the day. child may recover,” Prof Nduati maintains. grets later. These germs are microscopic and cannot be Other measures that could also help are The official cited a number of studies, largely Immunisation is another simple interven- easily seen by the naked eye and highly infec- clean and safe environment, warm clothing and done in South America and the Caribbean that tion that mothers should ensure that their tious. Most diarrhea among children is due to regular clinic visits where early warnings could followed children with malnutrition long-term babies are vaccinated against certain diseases. germs picked by hands and transmitted to the be diagnosed by nurses. A journalist’s trip to hell and back covering Mt Elgon By Abisai Amugune killed in the land dispute and as a jour- harassment. in Uasin Gishu County. after being pardoned by the SLDF nalist I had no option but to tell the Together with an ACK official, At one time while on a news beat, court, I bumped into a patrolling The period was traumatising. It last- world of the daily happenings there. Samuel Rirei, we travelled inside Mt. I was arrested by a group of armed group of security officers. ed for almost two years before the The security forces were unhappy Elgon forest where residents were SLDF soldiers who accused me of One officer, an Administration government intervened and restored with my covering and highlighting being illegally taxed in return of se- being a spy and a betrayal to the Sa- Policeman, aimed his gun at me and law and order in the volatile Mt El- stories of the terror, fear and massa- curity offered by the SLDF members. baot people. fired, mistaking me for a member of gon region in Western Kenya. cres that were the order of the day in The new DC, Mohammed Birick, They interrogated me on why SLDF. I pleaded for innocence as I car- What had started as a group of the district that borders Uganda. telephoned me on my mobile phone I had exposed them to ridicule ried my arms in the air, ready to sur- radical youths unhappy with the way The then District Commissioner, and directed me to give the stories a through the media, but I denied all render. For the second time God was the government was handling land Kutswa Olaka, asked me to give the blackout citing security concerns. He their allegations saying I was a pro- on my side again with an AP identi- and other issues in the area, trans- first killing of an innocent citizen in later summoned me to his office where fessional who was doing his duty. fying me and asking his colleagues formed into a militant and secession- that area a blackout . he ordered for my detention. Terror They were upset that in my news to spare me from being a victim of a ist group causing terror to the citizens I was then held incommunicado reports I had referred to them as shoot-to-kill order at that time saying and the security forces. Condemn for one week before Bungoma based “criminals.” I was a member of the fourth estate. They called themselves the Sabaot But after ignoring their pleas, the human rights officials intervened On that same occasion, I saw 10 They later escorted me to Chesi- Land Defense Force (SLDF) in 2006 story was highlighted by the media. and had me released later. men and women who had been ar- kak police station in Cheptais district and operated within Chepkukur for- The security agencies condemned I can vividly recall that by Febru- raigned before the SLDF kangaroo in Bungoma where I was released est in Mt. Elgon district. me for the stories and even grouped ary 10, 2008, at least 10 people who court, convicted and taken elsewhere and allowed to go to my home. me as a sympathizer of the terror had voted for President Mwai Kibaki’s for the final conviction. Some were All this time, my former em- Rebel ‘’boys’’. PNU Party, were killed since the area hacked to death in my presence. ployer did not give me any support The youth, mostly secondary For a start, I was arrested and de- had been declared an ODM zone. just because of having engaged me school dropouts and Form Four tained for two days, but later released Fred Kapondi had by then been Trauma as a mere correspondent. I was not leavers, had united with the aim of without being charged or arraigned between one police station and an- During the ordeal, I was trauma- treated for the trauma and sufferings protecting what they described as in a court of law. other for fighting for his people’s land tised to the core and was lucky to be I underwent as a journalist either. “our ancestral land.” This, however, did not deter me rights among others. He had been saved by the spokesman of SLDF, I never concentrated on my fam- The group armed itself with so- from pursuing the unfolding stories nominated to vie for the Mt. Elgon John Kanai, after he identified me as ily life. My wife and children kept on phisticated weapons which included in the Mt. Elgon war zone and its en- seat on an ODM ticket and was later his fellow member of the church. moving from one place to another firearms and grenades, had come up virons. elected MP. I was repeatedly warned by the for the sake of their safety and lives. to guard against phase III of the con- As fate would have it, the Angli- As my security and life because kangaroo court officials of dire con- Throughout this period, I used to troversial Chepyuk settlement can Church of Kenya (ACK) officials endangered, I was forced to relocate sequences should I share my experi- spend most time in latrines and toi- scheme, which they said had been al- from Eldoret volunteered to sponsor from Mt Elgon to stay in Bungoma, ences with activists of human rights lets to avoid attack. The military had located to ‘‘outsiders’’. me to conduct interviews with the in Bungoma County, while my fam- bodies and government agencies. also banished the media from oper- So, it turned out one person was victims of rape, murder, eviction and ily members took refuge in Eldoret, As I was heading for my freedom, ating in Mt Elgon district. ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 9 Ambitious slum upgrading program means more than constructing better houses By Carolyne Oyugi When over 1,000 families who were residents of Kibera slum, in Nairobi, moved to the new houses built by the Kenya Slum Upgrading Program (KENSUP) behind Langata Women’s’ Prison, in Langata, in 2009,they were very excited, and full of hope that their lives would change for the better. At least they lived in a permanent concrete houses that had security and constant water supply. They also had a spacious playing space for their chil- dren and a parking area for those who needed it for their vehicles. The subsidised rent of Shs 1,000 per room that they paid per month also covered utilities. Shs 500 was for rent, Shs 200 for water and Shs 300 for elec- tricity. There were other services too that were paid by the Ministry of Hous- ing and also by UN-HABITAT. Upgrade Those services included cleaning of the compound, the stairs, garbage collection, and paying the security of- ficers at the main gate. The new residents relocated there from the slums and had their previous houses demolished to make way for an- other phase of the high rise flats. But not every one who was allo- cated those houses moved in. Some rented their houses and went back to the slums while others, who got more than one room, ended up sub-letting one room to earn an extra shilling serious water shortage while across the erally leaks from one bathroom to the and survive. road the water kiosks operators and one below it. Some of the stair cases Not all has been rosy, though. One vendors were doping roaring business. are also exposing metals after all the of the residents, Mary Awino, reveals “There is a time we had no water cement and sand weathered away due how she had to report her neighbor, in the estate for two months and the to unprofessional workmanship. who was brewing some traditional day we threatened to have a demon- Cases of insecurity have also been brew in their court, for violating the stration and invite the media, water on the rise. These are from petty tenancy agreement. She was investi- supply was back for the next two crimes such as stealing of clothes gated found guilty and sent packing weeks,” Said Jane Mwendwa, a resi- from the drying lines to house break- by the authorities. dent of the estate and a mother of two. ing and mugging of residents. “She is not the only one, others have When Reject reporter visited the es- There have also been two cases of been evicted for failing to pay rent for tate recently, the residents complained robbery where the estate office was bro- as long as one year,” Awino says. that they had not had a drop of water ken into and computers and documents KENSUP has the goal of improv- from their taps for the past month. were stolen. ing the livelihood of 5.3 million slum The residents are expected to move dwellers in Kenya by 2020. The pro- Sub-standard into their new houses later this year gramme was initiated in 2001, and by The estate has also become a garbage though no specific date has been given 2003, a Memorandum of Understand- dump with a foul smell everywhere be- by the ministry. The most recent phase ing was signed between the Govern- cause the garbage collectors have not of Kibera slum upgrading project has ment of Kenya, UN-HABITAT and been paid for four months. 900 housing units, 230 business stalls, City Alliance outlining a strategy for The drainage system is another a nursery school, a social hall, a youth project implementation. nightmare. As you approach the gate centre, three solid waste handling sheds, you can not ignore seeing an open sew- toilet blocks and a boundary wall. Change er flowing freely next to the office where This massive project is supposed According to the Ministry of the residents pay rent. to improve lives of the current resi- Housing, KENSUP will use housing This state of affairs has been on dents of Soweto village, within Kibera cooperatives as the means by which since the beginning of this year, the slums. Previous similar projects have the community will access and define residents claim. however raised major questions on ownership of the new housing develop- According to the estate officials, the their success in terms of benefiting ment. It was launched in Soweto and sewage belongs to Langata Women’s’ slum dwellers and contributing to- Mavoko, and is facilitated through the Prison and reaching an agreement on wards ridding our cities off slums. Ministry of Cooperative Development how to stop the flow has hit a brick wall. and Management. The residents fear that a major dis- Concern As time went by life in those Kibera ease outbreak is in the offing because Considering the fact that benefi- houses started changing and things of the water shortage and overflowing ciaries of such projects usually end up moved from bad to worse. First the sewer, unless action is taken to address renting out their houses while they Above: vendors selling food and children playing oblivious of the ministry changed the power supply the problem urgently. find their way back into the slums, heap of garbage around them. Below: a raw sewer that has been from post-paid to pre-paid. “Our children play around others what these projects achieve therefore flowing for months. Garbage collectors at the Decanting Site in Rent was therefore reduced from even touching the raw sewer content is slum relocation, not upgrading. Kibera have not been paid for several months hence the residents Shs1,000 to Shs 700 and every tenant oblivious of the dangers they are expos- According to a recent article pub- have to bear with the heath hazard. Pictures: Carolyne Oyugi ordered to pay for their own utilities. ing themselves to. The worst part is we lished by Build Design, the key con- According to the estate overseer, have been complaining to the Housing cerns for the majority of the slum residential estate involving construction of houses. At (????? Name) the bill was becoming Ministry yet no action is being taken,” dwellers, included improved road Landlords who do not have legal this point, they could choose to engage too much for the ministry and people said one of the residents who requested networks, proper drainage systems, ownership of the land they hold can directly through National Housing were misusing electricity. anonymity for fear of intimidation. good sanitation, improved security not make huge investments in house Corporation or City Councils. They “People should stop using electric Some of the buildings were also and better incomes. construction with the uncertainty that could also engage private developers by coils to cook or else we will confiscate built using substandard materials. A Their reasoning is simple; they live comes with such a state of affairs. giving them incentives and subsidies. all of them” he said in one of the estate tour around the bathroom will leave in slums since they cannot afford bet- Build Design therefore concludes Residents of KENSUP are now ap- meetings. you very worried. ter houses which were available else- that the above issues should have been pealing to the Government to asses Then the residents started experi- The floors have chipped off and where. If their life status improves, addressed as a priority. Only then could their problems and solve them as encing water rationing and eventually there are a few cases where water lit- they would move to better homes and the government move to the next level soon as possible. 10 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Global planting of Biotech Crops on the increase By Carolyne Oyugi

A new study shows that more than 18 million farmers in 27 countries planted biotech crops in 2013. That reflects a five million, or three percent increase in global biotech crop per hectarage according to the International Service for the Acqui- sition of Agri-Biotech Applications’ (ASAAA) report. Last year marked the first-ever commercial plantings of the drought- tolerant biotech maize in the United States. The report says that the Global bio- tech crop hectarage increased from 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to over 175 million hectares in 2013. Increase During that 18-year period, there was a more than a 100-fold increase of commercial biotech crop hectarage that was reported. The United States continues to lead global biotech crop plantings at 70.1 million hectares or 40 percent of total global hectares. According to Clive James, au- thor of the report: “Accumulated hectarage of biotech crops planted worldwide to-date stands at 1.6 bil- lion hectares, or 150 percent of the total landmass of China.” The expert, who doubles as the ISAAA Founder and Chairman Emeri- tus, says that each of the top ten coun- tries that planted biotech crops in 2013 planted more than one million hectares, and thereby provided a broad founda- tion for future growth. The report says more than 90 percent, or 16.5 million, of farmers planting biotech crops are small and A farmer attending to his genetically modified cotton farm in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Developing countries are slowly resource-poor. embracing biotech crops due to political goodwill. Picture Carolyne Oyugi Of the countries planting biotech crops, eight are industrial countries million hectares of land from being on crop productivity, exacerbated by could also benefit from biotech maize Brazil, in cooperation with BASF, and 19 are developing countries. For placed in agricultural production dur- climate change, drought tolerance is through increased and improved grain has developed and approved an the second year, developing countries ing the period 1996 to 2012; and alle- judged to be an important develop- production for animal feed,” said herbicide-tolerant soybean that is planted more hectares of biotech crops viating poverty for 16.5 million small ment. James. “China could also benefit from ready for commercialisation, having than industrialised countries, repre- farmers and farm families, totaling “Biotech crops are demonstrating the approval of biotech traits for rice, successfully completed all steps nec- senting confidence and trust of mil- more than 65 million people. their global value as a tool for resource the staple food crop in Asia.” essary for development and deploy- lions of risk-averse farmers around the By the numbers, United States poor farmers who face decreased water Growth in developing countries ment of the product. Such partner- world that have experienced the ben- continued to be the lead country with supplies and increased weed and pest continues to expand. Latin Ameri- ships instill pride which generates efits of these crops. 70.1 million hectares, with 90 percent pressures – and the effects of climate can, Asian and African farmers col- confidence and incentive necessary adoption across all crops. change will only continue to expand the lectively grew 54 percent of global for success. Develop need for this technology,” said James. biotech crop hectares (up two percent EMBRAPA in Brazil, using entire- On the other hand, substantial Rank Biotech drought-tolerant maize from 2012), thereby increasing the ly national resources, has also devel- developments in 2013 include: Brazil ranked second for the technology has been donated to Af- hectarage gap between industrial and oped and achieved approval of virus- In Africa, Burkina Faso and Sudan fifth consecutive year, increasing its rica through the Water Efficient Maize developing countries from approxi- resistant beans, which is an important increased biotech cotton hectarage by hectarage of biotech crops more than for Africa (WEMA) project, a public/ mately seven to 14 million hectares contribution to sustainability. an impressive 50 percent and 300 per- any other country – an impressive re- private partnership by Monsanto and between 2012 and 2013, respectively. Developing countries have dem- cent, respectively. cord increase of 3.7 million hectares or BASF, funded by the Bill Gates and South America collectively plant- onstrated the political will-power to Also, seven additional countries 10 percent from 2012. Buffet Foundations and implemented ed 70 million hectares or 41 percent; approve new biotech crop traits, the are conducting biotech crop field tri- Argentina retained its third place through the International Maize and Asia collectively planted 20 million report says. als as the penultimate step to approval with 24.4 million hectares. India, Wheat Improvement Center (CIM- hectares or 11 percent; and Africa In 2013, the approvals included: for commercialisation. which displaced Canada for the fourth MYT) in Mexico and Kenya-based Af- collectively planted just over 3 mil- Bangladesh which approved its first These countries include: Camer- place, had a record 11 million hectares rican Agricultural Technology Foun- lion hectares or two percent of the biotech crop, biotech eggplant (Brin- oon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, of biotech cotton with an adoption rate dation (AATF). global biotech hectarage. jal), developed through a public- Nigeria and Uganda. of 95 percent. “Growth in industrial countries private partnership with an Indian The Philippines is nearing the Canada was fifth at 10.8 million Expect and mature markets in developing company, Mahyco. completion of its field trials with Gold- hectares with decreased plantings of Planting of biotech drought- countries continued to plateau in Bangladesh serves as an exem- en Rice. canola but maintained a high adop- tolerant maize in Africa is expected 2013 as adoption rates were sustained plary model for other small and poor The lack of appropriate, science- tion rate of 96 percent. in 2017. Drought is the biggest con- at 90 percent or more, leaving little countries – it broke the impasse of based, cost- and time-effective regula- The study says that nearly 100 per- straint to maize productivity in Af- room for expansion,” said the expert. the approval process to commer- tory systems continues to be the ma- cent of farmers who try biotech crops rica on which 300 million Africans cialise biotech eggplant in both India jor constraint to adoption in Africa continue to plant them year after year, depend for survival. Attribute and the Philippines. (and across the world). the report says. “China has already experienced the “During the past year, growth was Bangladesh is also pursuing ap- Between 1996 and 2012, biotech Given the importance of drought benefits of biotech cotton for fiber, and led by developing countries, namely proval of Golden Rice and biotech crops have made positive contribu- Brazil, which posted an impressive potato. tions through: decreased production 3.7 million hectare or 10 percent in- Indonesia approved drought tol- costs and increased productivity (es- Planting of biotech drought-tolerant maize crease, reaching 40.3 million total erant cane for food use, with plans to timated at 377 million tons) valued hectares. During the next year, growth cultivate it in 2014. at US $117 billion; environmental in Africa is expected in 2017. Drought is the is expected to continue in developing Panama approved planting of benefits by eliminating the need for countries – and Brazil will continue to biotech maize. Continued develop- 497 million kg of pesticides; reduced biggest constraint to maize productivity in lead the way, consistently closing the ments in biotech crop technology CO2 emissions by 27 billion kg in 2012 gap with the United States.” combined with increased adoption alone (equivalent to removing 12 mil- Africa on which 300 million Africans depend Success in developing countries by small and poor farmers are im- lion cars from the road for one year); can often be attributed to public- portant factors in the future of global conserving biodiversity by saving 123 for survival. private partnerships. For example, biotech crop adoption. ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 11 Kenyan Scholar wins coveted Global Science Award in UK

Prof. Abukutsa (right) explains to Hillary Clinton (left) about the Traditional Vegetables. By Adhere Cavince ceeded to dedicate the medal to the Picture: Courtesy millions of Africans living with vari- A professor of Horticulture at Jomo ous forms of malnutrition and diet traditional vegetables whose poten- a number of African leafy vegetables The Award is the latest addition Kenyatta University of Agriculture related illnesses. tial, she believes can be harnessed are now available in supermarkets in to Abukutsa-Onyango’s long list of and Technology is making waves “This is for all the people in the to economically empower Kenya’s Kenya and beyond. Agriculture cur- awards and recognition by local and internationally by her determina- world who are struggling with mal- rural poor besides alleviating nutri- ricula in various universities in Ke- international individuals and insti- tion to identify and promote local nutrition and those facing death as a tion-related conditions like anaemia, nya and Africa now have units on the tutions. traditional vegetables for local and result of hunger,” said Prof. Abukutsa- diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular local vegetables. The Elder of the Order of the international consumption and use. Onyango as she accepted the award. disorders. Burning Spear recipient was de- Soft spoken Prof Mary Abukutsa- In his brief speech, Prof Louise But she laments that farming and Nurture clared African Union top woman Onyango, recently won the presti- Heathwaite, Scottish government consumption of the nutrient dense This is besides the botanic gar- scientist in Earth and Life sciences gious 2014 Edinburgh Medal. Abu- chief scientific advisor for rural af- vegetables in Africa remains very den at Maseno University where in 2010. She becomes the sec- kutsa was announced winner during fairs and environment, noted that poor due to a number of cultural, Prof. Abukutsa-Onyango nurtures ond African woman to receive the the 26th Edinburgh Medal ceremony Prof. Abukutsa-Onyango was one of technical and agronomic factors. over 200 species of endangered Af- coveted Award. The other Kenyan and address, in United Kingdom’s the few individuals who had made “Many Kenyans consider the rican plants including traditional recipient was the late environmen- City of Edinburgh. an immense contribution to health indigenous vegetables as weeds, vegetables. talist and Nobel Laureate, Prof. and nutrition for mankind. as a result of colonial mindset that The researcher has now set her Wangari Maathai. Contribute placed exotic species above lo- eyes in establishing a research cen- The scientist won the award fol- Risk cal ones. Our studies have instead tre to address indigenous vegetables Transform lowing her unique combination of “Your science is helpful in reveal- confirmed that traditional African value chain. She believes the venture Abukutsa-Onyango’s efforts has science and social contribution in ing the risks to global food security vegetables have great competi- would be instrumental in providing transformed the status of African her search for practical solutions to and how we can leverage on the tra- tive advantage compared to exotic quality seeds and appropriate farm- vegetables from despised ‘weeds’, Africa’s double burden of malnutri- ditional African crops to optimise ones,” Prof Abukutsa-Onyango told ing practices to local farmers and into highly regarded commodities tion: under-nutrition and obesity; health and nutrition, and reduce diet the guests. their counterparts in the rest of in likely to find their way into interna- through sustainable production and related diseases,” said the Prof Louise Traditional crops like amaranths, Africa besides offering value addi- tional trade, with a potential to edge utilisation of leafy African indigenous Heathwaite. jute mallow and spider plant are also: tion and marketing services to the out century old exotic commercial vegetables. The don praised his Kenyan easy to grow, tolerant to drought, re- commodities. crops in Africa. As she rose to cheers and ap- counterpart for showing her col- sistant to diseases and mature in a According to the Festival’s web- “We must all do something. It plause from some of the world’s best leagues and the world that they month’s time. site, the Edinburgh Medal is a must not be on African vegetables, minds in science and technology at should consider a different model According to Prof. Abukutsa- prestigious award given each year it can be on Scottish traditional the 2014 Edinburgh International of science-thinking and decision- Onyango, these qualities could be to men and women of science and vegetables. All the little things we Science Festival, it was clear Prof making; one that promotes indig- exploited to give impetus to African technology whose professional are going to do will add up to make Abukutsa’s research spanning two enous plants as reliable sources of economies while cushioning global achievements are judged to have human life better, for science is at decades, had finally got the attention nutritious food. population from perennial famine, made a significant contribution to the heart of what we do,” concluded and nod of the world. Prof. Abukutsa-Onyango has hunger and malnutrition. the understanding and well-being Prof Abukutsa-Onyango to a stand- Prof. Abukutsa-Onyango pro- dedicated her life and work to leafy Due to her research and advocacy, of humanity ing ovation. 12 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 097, May 1-30, 2014 Concern as cases of Pulmonary TB increase By Mary Mwendwa

For the past year, Jackline Imali has literally stared at death in the eye and lived to tell the tale. The mother of one who is in her early 30s started experiencing constant headaches, fever and general body pains in her house in Nairobi’s Kange- mi estate. Manifest To Imali, it was just a normal ty- phoid or malaria that was manifesting in some weird manner. Her frequent visits to health facilities took her six months before the worst and shock- ing news in her life was confirmed, at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi. One of the doctors attending to her after diagnosing her called her to a private room and broke the bad news that she was suffering from spinal Tu- berculosis. Recalls Imali: “My sickness started in December 2012; I could not imag- ine or even think of anything close to TB. I knew TB as a highly infec- tious disease that could only manifest through coughing. “ By then she was having a constant headache which could only stop for a short time after taking pain killers. She Community members in Northern Kenya listening to talks on how to prevent and cure TB. Extra Pulmonary TB has become a new also hard a persistent fever that its ori- headache to health practitioners in Kenya. Picture: File gin could not be explained in addition to feeling weak all over her body. “As a woman and a mother, I was she experienced constant headaches cle. He says it took him three months A person nearby may breath in the 2012, the TB mortality rate had been deeply affected because I could not which also led to her central nervous moving from one hospital to another bacteria. The bacteria, Mycobacterium reduced by 45 per cent since 1990. In take care of my baby and husband; all system being affected, hence the pa- until a surgeon performed an opera- tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes 2011, it was estimated that 12 million my household chores were stalled dur- ralysis. However, it is important to tion, only to discover he had TB. tuberculosis (TB), and then enters the people had TB. Africa is the continent ing that time. It was not easy, ’’ Imali note, in all types of TB, fever that has “It was a very traumatising expe- lungs of the second person, where it where TB is most common. recalls. unknown origin is experienced by rience for me; I was weighing 70 kg, may develop TB. In Africa one out of every 4,000 the patients,” says the TB expert. lost weight to 34 kg. I got paralysis It can also spread to other parts of people die due to TB. Almost one Diagnose on one side of my body and that’s the body such as the brain; here it is million people died from TB globally It took her almost six months be- Enroll when I sort for further treatment referred to as, Extra pulmonary TB. In in 2012. It is reported 9,500 Kenyans fore she was diagnosed with the TB of Imali was enrolled on treatment, in a public Hospital in Thika, where very rare cases the TB germ can spread died of TB in 2012. the spine. Many Kenyans suffer similar which took six months, and has since TB was discovered. I never knew TB through raw uncooked milk. If the Mombasa, Nairobi and Homa Bay tribulations as Imali and move from fully recovered. could affect my reproductive organ,” milk is contaminated with the germ a counties have the highest levels of TB one health facility and doctor to an- Looking back, Dr Ongaro says he is Maina confesses. person who drinks it may get infected with more than 400 cases per every other in vain. glad that doctors at Mbagathi District and develop TB of the intestines. 100,000 people. Makueni County has For her, the clinic she visited the Hospital, near Kenya National Hospi- Recover TB of the lungs may cause symp- the lowest levels of TB with just 52 nurses kept telling her it was pneumo- tal, were able to discover what almost He has since fully recovered and toms such as, a bad cough that lasts cases per 100,000 people – the same nia and typhoid. killed her. has been carrying his normal duties three weeks or longer, pain in the level as in Europe. Two out of every But in a separate interview, Dr A happy Imali says: “I’m back to be without any hitch. chest and coughing up blood. Other five people (or 41 per cent) who have Thomas Ongaro, Nairobi County TB back to my normal life as a mother and “I’m glad now I’m healed and I can symptoms of TB disease are weak- active TB are also living with HIV. Coordinator; the diagnosis of Extra wife. My advise to people out there is perform my normal duties, in fact we ness or fatigue, weight loss or appe- Dr Ongaro attributes the high Pulmonary TB is very difficult in most to ensure that when they fall sick, they conceived a baby after the sickness,” tite, chills, fever, sweating at night and number of TB cases in Nairobi, to of Kenyan local health facilities. visit a good and well equipped health Maina says. headache. increased informal settlements which Says Dr Ongaro: “Most of the cas- facility which has qualified medical Generally any type of TB is spread Extra pulmonary TB can com- have very large populations living in es are discovered by surgeons when personnel.” when a person with TB coughs, monly be diagnosed by collecting ei- very deplorable conditions. they decide to operate on any lump On his part, Wilson Maina from sneezes, speaks or sings, the bacteria ther fluid from a swelling and lymph The TB experts lists the most vul- that has manifested on any part of Thika, shares similar experiences to is released in the air without cover- node biopsies. nerable as the elderly, people living the body. Lack of facilities, which can Imali’s. He had an abnormal swelling ing the mouth with a handkerchief Dr Evans Amukoye, TB Research- with HIV, children under five years, easily detect this type of TB, remains on his reproductive organ - one testi- or fingers. er KEMRI, says Extra Pulmonary TB smokers and people living with Dia- a challenge to the small clinics, which is tricky to diagnose by many medical betes condition. many people prefer to visit, as they are practitioners operating at community ”Immune systems of these people cheaper and easily accessible.“ “Most of the cases are discovered by surgeons level. are generally weak and therefore they Extra pulmonary TB is a type of are prone to many infections includ- TB transmitted normally through a when they decide to operate on any lump that Reduce ing TB,’’ Dr Ongaro says. cough, but instead of manifesting in ‘’The catabolic nature of TB makes Extra Pulmonary TB can be pre- the lungs it affects any of the body has manifested on any part of the body. Lack it to be confused for pneumonia and vented by early diagnosis and treat- organs. It can affect, lymph nodes other common diseases. Patients must ment. TB should be treated early in (lymph node TB), bones and joints of facilities, which can easily detect this type seek proper medical services in recog- order to prevent deterioration of the (skeletal TB), the digestive system of TB, remains a challenge to the small clinics, nised health facilities whenever they disease and spread of the infection. (gastrointestinal TB), the bladder and fall sick, some clinics lack well trained Patients with active pulmonary tu- reproductive system (genitourinary which many people prefer to visit, as they are personnel and will always diagnose berculosis can attend any government TB) and the nervous system (central diseases in their own way without fol- chest clinic for treatment. nervous system TB). cheaper and easily accessible.“ lowing the medical procedures,’’ Dr The World TB Day is marked ev- ’’For Jackeline’s case, she suffered — Dr Thomas Ongaro Amukoye says. ery March 24, and the theme was: from TB of the brain and that’s why According to WHO, globally by “Reach the 3 million.”

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Sub-Editors: Carolyne Oyugi, Joyce Chimbi and Odhiambo Orlale The paper is supported by: Designer: Noel Lumbama Contributors: Andrew Elijah, Omondi Gwengi, Yusuf Amin, Mary Mwendwa, Henry Owino Joseph Mukubwa, Abisai Amugune, Adhere Cavince. www.mdcafrica.org