ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 1

July 16-31, 2013 ISSUE 087 CRISIS IN MATERNAL HEALTH

A bimonthly newspaper by the Media Diversity Centre, a project of African Woman and Child Feature Service Not so free after all Delivery services the only free package on maternal healthcare

By HENRY OWINO

Maternal healthcare is not free as many may assume. The free maternal healthcare is limited to only delivery of the new born and not any other maternity services. The waiver comes from the presi- dential directive on June 1, 2013, dur- ing the Madaraka Day celebrations as Kenya marked 50 years of self-rule. Maternal healthcare refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum pe- riod. This is care given to all women in this period as a way of ensuring safety for herself and that of the un- born or born baby. Service It, therefore, encompasses the From top: Tabitha Waithera at Pumwani Maternity Hospital healthcare dimensions of fam- ommended maternal services fees in any public health facilities is now waiting for her turn to deliver. Women who were among the ily planning, preconception, prenatal still stand. This then makes maternity free in Kenya, there is need to make first to enjoy the free delivery service at Pumwani. Expectant and postnatal care in order to reduce health services to be in the same po- these services a reality like employing maternal morbidity and mortality. sition they were in before the Jubilee more midwives and nurses as well as women in the ward waiting for their time to deliver. Dr Evans The Government lifted the fee government took over. That is out of having the dilapidated facilities at Kidero, Nairobi Governor and James Macharia, Cabinet charged for delivery following the reach for most women. County level refurbished. Secretary for Health during a tour of the facility. presidential directive but other rec- Although bringing forth a baby Continued on page 4 Pictures: Henry Owino Read more Reject stories online at www.mdcafrica.org 2 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 College Fishing luring students principal from school in Siaya County appeals for more land for expansion By KARIUKI MWANGI

Land allocated to a university in eastern prov- ince is not enough to sustain its activities. The principal of Embu University College cited lack of adequate land as the major chal- lenge in the development of the institution that is planning its expansion to accommodate the various fields of education. Prof Daniel Mugendi noted that the 240 acres set aside for the college is inadequate. Mugendi is appealing for more land to be provided in Runyenjes as well as Mbeere North and South constituencies so that some of its planned schools can be established in the campuses as part of its future expansion projects. The principal said that the university is working on a possibility of introducing Bach- elor of Education, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science Nursing programme from September this year. “We are planning for a university that will have a population of 50,000 students in 20 to 30 schools including agriculture, education, busi- ness engineering, ICT, medicine and mining among others,” he said. According to Mugendi with all the planned developments, the 240 acres of land that the uni- versity currently owns is not sufficient to cater By ISAIAH GWENGI for the expansion. He pointed out to the need for more land in the three constituencies which will A normal fishing day in Siaya County begins at also enhance access to education in the grass- 2pm when young boys untangle and mend bro- roots. ken fishing nets then load them into the boats. The university is also calling on stakehold- Four hours later, the boats set off and re- ers to partner with them and invest in student turn at dawn after which the fish is weighed hostels within the university’s neighbourhood. and packed for delivery. Mugendi noted that this will free the university Female children along the beaches in Siaya resources for it to concentrate on its core func- serve to support the lives of fishermen, pro- tions. viding most of the social support required to “The students’ hostels will in addition help promote productivity. the university admit more learners since avail- Some of them start off as domestic servants ability of accommodation is key to a student in before progressing into prostitution and early determining whether to enrol for a course at the marriage. university or not,” he noted. According to a research by Concern Kenya and CRADLE, child involvement in fishing Partnership is a major cause of low school enrolment in Mugendi told the residents of Embu County schools and poor performance. that they have a golden opportunity to make his- In an interview with the Reject on the sta- tory by creating a beginning with high standards tus of child labour in Siaya, Rodgers Otieno, Young children go about the business of drying fish along Honge Beach in Bondo which will set the pace for campuses that are to a human rights activist in Bondo, noted that District. Child labour is rampant in the fishing industry as children are kept off school come in future. He observed that history will there are rampant cases of children involved in to dry or sell fish. Pictures: Isaiah Gwengi judge them by where they will place the univer- child labour in homes, along the beaches and sity. at market centres. “We are not here to just establish one more “Given that the children have no bargain- “We sometimes keep our children from “We are taking this matter into consider- public university, but we aim at making a differ- ing power, various employers in Siaya are re- school to assist us in selling the alcohol when ation and we are going to take very serious ence,” reiterated Mugendi. sorting to child labour. We also know of cases we are busy or when we are out of home,” said action against those who practice it,” Wandeo On the same note, he appealed to banks and of teenagers being lured by older women using the parent who only identified herself as Adhi- reiterated. other institutions to join forces by funding so- sexual favours to co-habit with them.” ambo. In a bid to eliminate child labour in Siaya, cial projects at the university. The officials note that most children are Even though she knows that it is illegal to a local non-governmental organization, Sup- Speaking at the same function, Prof George employed in food kiosks in the area and use engage children in any form of labour, Adhi- port Community Democracy Alliance (SCO- Magoha, Vice Chancellor University of Nairobi most of their earnings to support their fami- ambo admits that it is something they cannot DA), has been conducting awareness on the said that the universities will endeavour to con- lies. avoid. importance of child education. tribute in the realisation of the country’s Vision “Children, especially girls, whose ages are According to Simon Akama, SCODA’s 2030 goal of access to higher education and im- not known to the employers, are working in Exploitation chief executive officer they have been carrying provement in literacy levels in the country. these food joints with a daily wage of KSh50.” However, Otieno explained that this may out capacity building programmes as well as Magoha challenged residents of Embu to Another group of children are working or be attributed to lack of parenting skills. issuing warnings through the media and com- fully support the university saying they had a assisting their parents and guardians at home “This form of child labour can be caused by munity barazas. responsibility and should not leave everything where they sell illicit brews. lack of parental responsibility and for the case “We have been conducting operations by up to the Government. As Otieno noted, it is a new form of child of orphans, there is selfishness among guard- arresting children who are out of school and “With the introduction of the devolved gov- labour that many people do not think about. ians who assume that it is not their responsi- parents who keep their children away from ernments, it is the duty of the inhabitants of any He said it has come to their attention that bility to take care of these children and hence school before hearing the reasons why they given county to ensure its growth,” Magoha re- these children are being forced to engage in they must work in order to eat or get the basic are not in school,” Akama said. iterated. this trade even during school days. needs,” said Otieno. Otieno said they have ensured that sus- He said that the university will continue to According to a parent who sells chang’aa in According to Humphrey Wandeo, Siaya pects are arrested and charged in court. lead in job creation and provide a ready market a village in Bondo as a way of eking a living, County Director of Children, this form of “We have already established child protec- for the products adding that it has already had they have to engage their children in that trade child labour is not only against the law but also tion committees in every village to ensure that an immediate impact in the economic develop- because this is the only way they can put food exposes children to drugs as well as sexual ex- the rights of children are not violated,” Otieno ment of the county. on the table. ploitation. stated. ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 3 Family’s struggle with son suffering from rare disease By JACK JOSHUA

If you meet 10-year old Gabriel Muchiri, you will find the look on his face misleading because he can pass for any ordinary healthy child, en- grossed in his own world. However, Gabriel’s is a sad tale to tell. He cannot rise from where he sits as he suffers from a condition called two-Limb Girdle Muscular Dystro- phy (LGMD). His muscles have been wasting away since he was four years old, and all he can do now is rest on one spot and play with the tiny blocks of wood and the many puzzles his father has bought to distract him from his cur- rent tribulations. “As a toddler, he was active and enjoyed playing like any other child,” says his father, Anthony Muchiri, 39. He adds: “But he changed drastically when he got to the age of four years.” The boy became laid back and disinterested in his studies while at Kindergarten II. “The teacher told me about Ga- briel’s sluggish behaviour and we From left: Gabriel playing with wooden blocks puzzle. Gabriel is assisted to stand up by his both agreed on corporal discipline father at their single roomed house. Pictures: Jack Joshua to instil behaviour change,” says the senior Muchiri. the person unable to move. The father school fees for Gabriel’s eight-year- ducted locally, the doctor prefers it treatment is not hastened. However, the boy’s condition blames Gabriel’s incapacitation on old sister who is in class two. being carried out in South Africa He appeals to donors and well- worsened by the day eventually he late diagnosis. The boy attends daily therapy ses- where he says experts are more ex- wishers to assist him raise the diag- lost control of his bowels as well as The slightest activity requires in- sions at a centre in Nyali, Mombasa perienced with the condition and nosis and subsequent treatment fees. gross motor skills like walking and volvement of muscles and so when where his father takes him on a bi- are likely to produce more accurate From the condition, Gabriel has playing. the muscles waste away, one has to cycle three kilometres away. results. now developed a heart problem. “He started having problems depend on people to help him with “He has been attending the phys- Worse still, he at times gets moody and holding a pen and was constantly fa- even the simplest chores. iotherapy sessions since June last year Recommend does not like having people around tigued,” his father recalls. As the condition progressed, Ga- and I cannot have him miss a session However, another specialist has him. His face also looks disfigured A doctor in one of the many local briel’s father was forced to quit his job as symptoms get worse without the suggested that a genetic test (Duch- when symptoms worsen. health centres he visited referred him as a driver at a tour company to take exercise,” explains the father. enne’s muscular dystrophy test) be Despite the current circumstances, to see a neurologist in town. care of his son. Among the exercises at the phys- conducted on Gabriel to establish Gabriel’s father still believes that his “I attended two interviews last iotherapy centre is standing using the exact type of LGMD. In that son will one day rise on his two feet Test week and was on the line when I was back plates and bandages tied to case, the doctor says the boy will and play just like any other normal A series of tests which included told that a relative I had asked to look steady his legs for at least half an have to fly to South Africa only if the child. blood test, biopsy (a test on muscular after Gabriel in my absence had left. hour daily. result of the test turns out negative “I believe he will get better when tissue) and nerve conduction study I decided to leave the interview to Dr Eric Maina who has been at- for treatment. the exact condition is diagnosed and finally revealed Gabriel was suffer- go attend to my son,” says Muchiri’s tending to Gabriel has suggested a However, the senior Muchiri does he commences treatment,” the father ing from two Limb Girdle Muscular father. muscle biopsy test that should be con- not have the KSh20,000 required for says. Dystrophy, a progressive condition His wife’s earnings as a house-help ducted in South Africa. the test. Doctors attending to Gabriel He is now appealing for help from in which muscles waste away, leaving can barely support the family and pay Even though the test can be con- say his condition could get worse if well-wishers. Man rendered helpless seeks help friends only managed to raise a ment benefits to start the bicycle was diagnosed with diabetes. By SKINNA HALISI paltry KSh170, 000 yet he needs repair shop, which did well for This has forced his wife to KSh1.5 million to travel to India two years before his health de- stay at their rural home in Taita Stancilus Mengo is in desper- for a kidney transplant. teriorated. to take care of the sick children, ate need of a kidney transplant “Kidney failure means that A doctor at Tawfiq Hospital as their daughter Lillian, 24, which he cannot afford, while at much of the urine cannot be in Malindi, diagnosed him with takes care of him in Malindi. the same time one of his sons is released from the blood, and high blood pressure, for which Lillian failed to join college paralyzed and a daughter is suf- which has caused adverse ef- he was treated, but the fatigue, four years ago for lack of fees, fering from diabetes. fects. There is permanent pain constant thirst and pain around after she sat her KCSE. Two of Mengo’s family of six is in on my loins and I cannot walk the loins did not go. his other children are also likely dire need because of ill health. for more than 50 metres in a It was only until last year that to drop out of secondary school The 51-year-old peasant farmer day,” says Mengo. He adds: “I am he was diagnosed with kidney because of fees arrears. in Taita Taveta County is jobless slowly losing my eyesight and collapse by a consultant doctor The family had resolved to after he was given an early retire- memory.” at the hospital. This was later survive by farming at their land ment a decade ago. He started a verified at the Coast General in Taita but sickness has now bicycle-repair shed but closed Afford Hospital. curtailed the labour force. down after two years because of At the Coast General Hospi- According to Dr Hussein Mengo’s family story illus- ill health. tal in Mombasa, Mengo was told Khan who diagnosed Mengo trates how poor health can affect Mengo hails from Taita Ta- that before the transplant is done at Tawfiq Hospital in October education, food security, self- veta County, but lives in Ma- he can undergo a short term 2012, it would have been ap- reliance and family unity. lindi town, where ill health has measure where urine can be re- propriate for the transplant to be “I hope under the devolved depleted all his family’s savings moved from the blood through performed within six months; governments there will be ad- leading to a situation of food in- dialysis at KSh15,000 per week. which has now lapsed. The doc- equate health facilities and per- security, school fees arrears and This is an amount that the family tor has links with the hospital sonnel, so that one does not have total destitution. cannot afford. in India where the transplant is to travel abroad for treatment,” “Poor health leads to poverty, His 18-year old son offered to supposed to be done. says the man who has now been which means one cannot work, donate one of his kidneys should While Mengo should be confined to a chair and can only produce food or afford to pay for the money raised be enough for worry about his health, there are use a cane to support himself education,” explains Mengo. the transplant. other family members who are while standing against a wall. He says ill health has forced Mengo was retrenched facing challenges that he would Mengo is now appealing to Stancilus Mengo, outside his house at Ngala his family to a situation of hope- from Kenya Airports Author- like to deal with. well-wishers to help him raise Estate, Malindi town. He has difficulty in walking lessness. Last year it was diag- ity (KAA) Malindi office, where Three years ago, his 11-year the KSh1.5 million for the kid- nosed that both his kidneys had he worked as a stores clerk in old son was paralyzed and last ney transplant so that he can be because of the kidney failure. failed. Efforts by his relatives and 2000. He then used his retrench- year his 21-year old daughter able to get on his feet again. Picture: Skinna Halisi 4 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth CRISIS IN MATERNAL HEALTH ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 More nurses needed to make free maternity dream true By DAVID NJAAGA gramme, there has been an increase of 8.2 per cent in While the Government has promised the number of women seek- free services at its facilities through ing child delivery services the Free Maternal Delivery Pro- in government health facili- gramme, questions have been raised ties,” observed Mwaniki. over its long term viability. Medics say human and material Failure resources are not adequate to sustain According to Ong’ech, the project. They note that the Gov- with the free maternity, the ernment should allocate more funds Government should work for the programme to succeed or sus- harder to ensure there are pend it altogether. enough human and material According to Dr John Ong’ech, resources to spearhead the Head of Department of Reproductive move “failure to which the Health at Kenyatta National Hospital project will not materialise”. (KNH), though much has been done “Currently Kenyatta by the Government to guarantee National Hospital is fall- women free cost services in its health ing short of 7,000 nurses facilities, there is still much that needs and free maternity cannot to be done to make nurses deliver operate effectively without quality services to these women. more staff being deployed,” “With the introduction of Free said Ong’ech. Maternity Project, the number of His sentiments are expectant mothers have doubled in echoed by Mwaniki who government hospitals, which calls for noted that without appro- additional workers in the hospitals,” priate infrastructure and Ong’ech noted. standards in the health He said Kenyatta National Hospi- sector, Kenya will remain tal requires more than 7,000 nurses to behind, saying the Govern- handle the situation on the ground. ment should put in place “Continuing working this way will deterrent measures to up- A nurse attending to a new born baby at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The quality of the free mean that we over work our current lift service delivery. maternity delivery services can only be achieved by deploying more staff. Picture: Reject Correspondent staff,” he said. “Today Kenya ranks However, the KSh3.8 billion for amongst the bottom 20 AIDs and diabetes among others. the causes of diabetes,” said Reuben knowing what time to take medica- the year 2013-2014 has been allocated countries in terms of maternal deaths For instance, in combating diabe- Magoko, Chairman Kenya Diabetes tions,” said Eva Muchemi, Execute to the health sector by the Govern- in the world,” said Mwaniki. tes, little has been done in awareness Association. Director at Kenya Diabetes Manage- ment, is an amount that keeps the Statistics from the Kenya Demo- creation with 1.6 million Kenyans He noted that the disease let ment and Information Centre. medics in high spirits. graphic Health Survey 2008-2009, being affected by the disease. Central down by the Government has led to The WHO statistics further in- indicate that only half of all women Kenya region takes the lead as the it becoming a life threatening condi- dicate that about 347 million people Budget in Kenya give birth in health facilities, highest affected region. tion calling for deployment of 78 di- worldwide have diabetes with an The national Chairman Pharma- with one out of 200 women dying World Health Organization abetes support groups in each county emerging global epidemic attributing ceutical Society of Kenya, Dr Paul while giving birth. (WHO) statistics indicate that 4.8 mil- to create awareness and also educate it to rapid increase in weight, obesity Mwaniki, recommends an allocation Mwaniki said the Government lion people die from diabetes world- on the importance of glucose moni- and physical inactivity. of 15 per cent of the total budget to should first make efforts to combat wide every year, a figure that makes toring. If the condition is not taken with health as a substitute for the current non-communicable diseases by 2015 medics call for more solid guiding “Glucose monitoring education is a lot of concern it is predicted to be six per cent since the present alloca- (as stipulated in the United Nations principles in a bid to oversee the con- paramount to get through with the ranked the seventh leading cause of tion can do little to cater for free ma- Millennium Development Goals). dition in the country. condition as this will help in quicken- death in the world by the year 2030 ternity for expectant mothers deliver- He observed that the Government “There is need to raise diabetes ing the response to high blood sugar with more than 50 per cent of the ing in government hospitals. has done little as it depends on donor awareness in Kenya, as numerous or low blood sugar as well as help total deaths projected to rise in the “Since the beginning of the pro- funds to sustain diseases like malaria, people in the country do not know in planning of meals, activities and next ten years. Delivery services only free package on maternal healthcare Continued from page 1 carded in all Government hospitals equipment. Estate in Nairobi, was happy that the new measure by the Government to Many women still opt to deliver countrywide. However, pregnant She said Pumwani Maternity Hos- cost of her surgical operation was not have their babies delivered safely in at home with the help of traditional women must remember that antenatal pital has 3,000 bed capacity and re- going to be expensive as she could not any public hospitals countrywide and birth attendants (TBAs) than going and postnatal care is not included in ceives an average of 52-60 expectant afford it. She had to travel all the way for proper care,” Macharia said. to modern hospitals due to poor con- this waiver. Therefore, mothers must women in a day. The nurse lamented to Pumwani Maternity Hospital be- Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor, Dr ditions in the facilities and the long be made aware that they will continue that they are forced to work extra time cause of the free delivery services the Evans Kidero, who was also born at distance that they have to cover to get to pay for other maternal healthcare since the ratio of nurses to women de- government had declared would be Pumwani 56 years ago promised to there. services from their own pockets as livering each day is very big. implemented in all public hospitals. give women a lifeline by improving the Other factors which have also con- usual. “For example in this ward, we are “I had planned to deliver at a near- condition of the country’s busiest ma- tributed greatly to women delivering only two yet there are 40 expectant by health centre in Githurai Estate but ternity facility. at home are the hefty fees charged, Capacity women waiting to deliver. Although when the President announced that However, Kidero regretted that the harassment by nurses or midwives, Cabinet Secretary for Health, James their timings may not be the same, all public hospitals would provide free hospital had only one working theatre inaccessible health centres, fear of the Macharia, made the clarification re- the work of mid-wifery is tiresome,” maternity services starting on Mada- and a single ambulance that constantly compulsory HIV testing and or cul- cently during a visit to the Pumwani said the nurse. She posed: “Some may raka Day, I decided that Pumwani breaks down and hardly meets the tural and religious beliefs. Maternity Hospital. He declared that develop complications which need was my choice,” Waithera says. hospital’s demands. This trend has its own consequenc- mothers, who delivered in Govern- special attention and at the same time “I have already identified some es and must be addressed as it con- ment hospitals on June 1, should go another one from a corner shouts for Available investors and plans are underway to tributes to maternal mortality which back and claim for refund of the mon- help, what do you?” she lamented. Waithera said beds were available invite them and assess the facility’s stands at 448 deaths per 100,000 live ey they paid. “Why should pregnant women but regretted that none of the nurses needs and eventually give it a facelift. births. “I would like to emphasise that it come to deliver at Pumwani for free had attended to her apart from one We should have six to seven theatres in The move by the Government to is only delivery that the Government but find nurses missing because they who escorted her to the ward after such a busy maternal hospital to meet waive maternity fees was received with has made free including any compli- are in the streets striking, demanding admission. She noted that the facil- the rising demand,” he said. joy by most women, especially those in cations developed during the delivery. for better pay among other needs?” the ity needs more nurses to cater for the The hospital needs close to KSh3.5 the reproductive age. This is absolutely free. Whether it is a nurse further asked. big numbers of pregnant women who billion for its rehabilitation and plans In rural areas, at a dispensary caesarean delivery or any other refer- She disclosed that the nurses’ blue will be showing up due to the free ser- were underway to have it improved or health centre one will part with ral delivery, the cost will be incurred print requires six expectant women to vices. by the end of 2014 to offer better and KSh2,500, KSh5000 in district hos- by the Government,” Macharia reiter- be handled by one nurse but in Pum- Elsewhere, the Health Cabinet Sec- quality healthcare delivery services to pitals and in the provincial hospitals ated. Capacity wani it is way beyond the suggested retary said the Government had set the mothers. they are charged between KSh10,000 According to a nurse at Pumwani figure. aside KSh1 billion for the free mater- According to Dr Omondi Kumba, to KSh17,000. In Kenyatta National Hospital who sought anonymity for During our visit, Tabitha Waithera nity services within the first 100 days the administrator at Pumwani Mater- Hospital, which is a referral facility, fear of being victimised, the Govern- Njogu was one of the expectant wom- of the Jubilee government. Another nity Hospital, 93 women who deliv- women are charged KSh20 000 while ment’s plan is welcome but they must en at the Pumwani health facility wait- KSh8 billion would be allocated annu- ered on June 1 were not charged. He Pumwani Maternity Hospital charges also employ more staff, expand bed ing to deliver through caesarean sec- ally starting from 2013 to 2017. said the hospital heeded the President’s KSh7,000 for normal delivery. capacity and improve on nurses’ remu- tion. “I am appealing to all mothers in directive immediately the announce- All these charges have been dis- neration as well as maternity handling Waithera, who lives in Githurai the country to take advantage of this ment was made. ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 CRISIS IN MATERNAL HEALTH Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 5 Reproductive health services must also deal with obstetric fistula By WILSON ROTICH ery. The solution should be convention delivery through caesarean section. Life has never been the same for Nuru Anyango “When this delays, it may cause ob- since she went into the labour ward 14 years stetric fistula — a hole in the vagina or ago. rectum caused by labour that is pro- She emerged after two days with an ordeal longed for days without treatment. Usu- of a lifetime that has left her with bitter memo- ally the baby dies. Fistula leaves the ries. woman leaking urine or faeces or both,” Anyango recalls that she endured painful explains the doctor. labour contractions for two days and when she According to Chirchir, this is followed eventually delivered, the baby was still born. by social isolation, divorce, depression The misfortune was explained off by the and even poverty. If left untreated it can highly superstitious traditional birth atten- cause a myriad of medical complications. dants as the prize of not disclosing the real Another cause of fistula is delivery man who was responsible for the pregnancy. at home. “This causes a condition called The untrained women, who had for days perineum tear that may cause uncon- on end forced her to push, only told her the trolled bowel movement. To the affected father of the baby must have had the biggest it becomes very messy and depressing. head on earth that made the baby get stuck Many may fear seeking medical assis- while being born. tance. This condition needs corrective Nuru Anyango a fistula survivor addressing a crowed during the World Fistula Day at the The tiresome delivery left the 12-year old surgery,” says the doctor. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. Picture: Wilson Rotich mother with not only a bad name but also holes Chirchir notes that a major contrib- from which urine and faeces leaked uncontrol- uting factor to obstetric fistula is Female lably. Genital Mutilation which is immediately fol- productive health care.” ical officers the obstetrician and gynaecologists “I used the few nappies that I had bought lowed by early marriage, a process that com- According to Dr John Kibosia, Executive in hospital emergency obstetric care using the for my baby to keep myself clean for a few days pounds the complication. Director Moi Teaching and Referral Hospi- advances in labour and risk management pro- hoping that the condition would soon go away. “The mutilated genitalia exposed to home tal, with the help of organisations such as the gramme,” explains Kibosia. However, this was never to be as the waiting pro- delivery by young girls’ increases the risk of United Nations Population Fund, AMREF and He says they are seeking to establish a tracted to the next decade. The man who tricked birth complications,” the doctor says. Freedom from Fistula Foundation they have comprehensive eurogynaecology centre to be me into the pregnancy through little pocket According to the UNFPA, an estimated two been able to treat 1,200 fistula patients ending housed in the proposed reproductive health money was nowhere near me,” she explains. to three million women and girls in develop- the shameful of leakage of urine or stool and centre of excellence. Anyango could not continue with her edu- ing countries are living with obstetric fistula, a at times both. “This centre will not only provide sustain- cation beyond class five because no one could condition that has been virtually eliminated in Train able regular and comprehensive, preventive, entertain her stench. industrialised nations. curative and investigative care but also rehabili- “I was isolated even at home. A very close The Executive Director of the UNFPA, Dr Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital is the tative fistula care,” says Kibosia. He adds: “This relative accused me of stealing her baby shawl. Babatunde Osotimehin says: “Obstetric fistula second largest referral facility in the country. will also be the nerve centre for research on ob- She thought I was turning to be a witch. The is preventable and in most cases treatable and Kibosia says they have trained over 300 gyn- stetric fistula. It will also be a centre for training truth is that I had taken her baby shawl and yet more than 50,000 new cases develop glob- aecologists, medical officers, nurses, anaesthe- for eradication of fistula.” used it as an improvised sanitary towel to keep ally each year and here in Kenya new cases are tists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists Efforts by medics to combat obstetric fistula myself clean,” she confesses. estimated to be 3,000 each year. Victims of on fistula care. has received some political boost especially in She lived with the condition from 1994 obstetric fistula are women and girls usually “We have two fully trained surgeons who Uasin Gishu County. until 2009 when a non-governmental organ- poor, often illiterate, who have limited access provide surgery in our hospital. To end obstet- The county’s Deputy Governor, Kiprotich isation, Mumias Muslim Community Pro- to health services including maternal and re- ric fistula, we have also trained midwives, med- Chemno, says his they are committed to the gramme, that works with the United Nations realisation of the Millennium Development Population Fund (UNFPA) came knocking in Goals that ensure universal reproductive her neighbourhood in Western Kenya. health care services. Doctors from the UNFPA diagnosed her “This usually happens when the According to Chemno, access to skilled with obstetric fistula. She was referred to the birth attendants and family planning services Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret uterus or the entire delivery canal are some of the known key interventions to where the fistula was repaired. prevent obstetric fistula. While Kenyans are optimistic that the pro- Delay is so narrow or when the child is not vision of free maternal care will radically re- According to Dr Amon Chirchir, an obste- well positioned to ease delivery. duce home deliveries by unskilled traditional trician and gynaecologist at the hospital, ob- birth attendants, birth complications caused stetric fistula is a condition that occurs when The solution should be convention by effects of female genital mutilations and a woman undergoes delayed delivery or pro- underage pregnancies need to be addressed. longed labour. delivery through caesarean section. A debatable solution to this is the provision “This usually happens when the uterus or of adolescent reproductive health services like the entire delivery canal is so narrow or when — Dr Amon Chirchir family planning to ensure that all pregnancies the child is not well positioned to ease deliv- are timely and deliveries are safe. Many factors may hinder success of free maternity care By HENRY OWINO blood test adding up to KSh50 per District Hospital and for every visit I ing charged. tion, she pointed out many women for the first time. paid KSh20. By the time I gave birth, “The problem that makes many would either deliver in a private Before the Government made the Anyango said for every ante- my bill added up to KSh80. At deliv- expectant women to deliver at home hospital or by the help of tradition- maternity free in all public health fa- natal visit, one had to pay KSh20. ery time no payment was required,” instead of health facilities is how al birth attendant (TBA) at home. cilities, pregnant women were forced Depending on how many visits one explained Anyango. nurses mishandle women. They are Delivery might be free but its to part with certain amount of fee to made, the deeper one had to dig She said the fee charged used to very rude, inconsiderate, unrealistic mission would greatly depend on carter for the services rendered. into their pockets. be less than KSh200 unless some and even call women names instead how government motivates the Teresa Anyango, a mother of Medical practitioners recom- complications developed during of sympathizing with one’s situa- nurses and doctors in public health three had all her children delivered mend that a pregnant woman visits delivery compelling the doctors to tion,” Anyango lamented. facilities to reflect on how mothers at the Mbagathi District Hospital the clinic from the fourth month of carry out surgical operation. How- She noted that the waiver will are handled. It is a good move but before the government waived ma- pregnancy and subsequent months ever, the cost of operation again de- not make much difference if nurses what women are asking is that do ternity fees. She said any expectant until delivery. pended on its complications but she do not change their attitude of ar- they have to face intimidation from mother used to pay KSh20 for card “Before I gave birth to my first is glad she never went through it. rogance towards women delivering nurses just because delivery in pub- registration, KSh30 for compulsory child, I made four visits to Mbagathi As of now there are no fees be- in government hospitals. In addi- lic hospitals is free. 6 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth CRISIS IN MATERNAL HEALTH ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Despite setbacks, free maternal health care will work out By HENRY OWINO tions to come and so let us wait and see its fruits,” he reiterated. The free maternal healthcare could He observed that as much as tra- not have come at a better time. ditional birth attendants (TBAs) may According to Dr Paul Mwaniki, be assisting women to deliver at home, Vice Chairman of the Health Sector there are risks associated with their Board Federation the initiative may be services. having teething problem but what it is However, Mwaniki stated that undergoing is normal. should there be complications like Mwaniki noted that Kenya is a de- transversal delivery where surgical veloping nation and most of its health operation is required, and then they sector managements are donor-fund- cannot manage. This is why it is im- ed. He cited HIV and Aids, Tuber- portant for women to deliver at health culosis, Malaria and contraceptive as facilities attended by doctors and options in health that are heavily do- qualified midwife nurses. nor dependent. “In my own home district, Mu- “It is in order for the Government to tomo in Kitui County, I have seen prioritise free medical maternal health- women delivering at home and dying Wilfrida Otieno, a nurse advices Lucy Nyambura in the Maternity and Physiotherapy Wards at Kenyatta care because it was among the Millen- in the hands of TBAs due to complica- National Hospital. Picture: Henry Owino nium Development Goals (MDGs),” tions,” Mwaniki said. He noted: “Some Mwaniki said. of those women could not afford the KSh20 charged at the dispensaries and es has increased by 100 per cent. pitals instead of homes due to the risks for faith based health facilities which Expect KSh50 at health centres during preg- “Today at Kenyatta National Hos- involved. also offer same services. He pointed out “I think it is not right to say that nancy yet others assume delivery oc- pital we receive 30-40 deliveries in However, Ong’ech revealed that that between 30-40 per cent of mater- free maternal healthcare came ear- curs too fast to go to a health facility.” a day as opposed to previous years there is a deficit of 90 nurses at Keny- nal healthcare services in the country lier than expected. This is just a start- which was less. The number of those atta National hospital and they were are rendered by faith based facilities. ing point and there may be more free Seek who used to come for antenatal care requesting the Government to deploy “I would like to remind our clients health services coming,” Mwaniki not- Mwaniki reiterated with free ma- was 300 but this has gone up to 500- more nurses. that the free maternal healthcare ser- ed. He added: “We should not criticize ternal healthcare, he hoped maternal 600 per week which is an increase of vice is only available in government everything even before it picks up. Re- deaths will reduce greatly. 100 per cent,” Ong’ech revealed. Scheme health facilities and not faith based member maternal healthcare is among According to Dr John Ong’ech, As- He concurred with Mwaniki that The Government has also prom- health institutions. So do not confuse the eight MDGs among those that will sistant Director of Health and Head of the free maternity initiative is viable ised to post at least 30 nurses to every the two because one is government halve poverty by,” Mwaniki said. Reproductive Health at Kenyatta Na- and would last since the government constituency annually to cater for in- and the other is faith based,” Ong’ech He urged Kenyans to be patient say- tional Hospital (KNH), the number of was fully behind it. sufficient health personnel. cautioned. ing it would be normal to have setbacks pregnant women seeking for maternal He urged women to take advantage Ong’ech regretted that the free ma- According to James Macharia, the such as insufficient health personnel, healthcare, especially antenatal servic- of the programme and deliver at hos- ternal healthcare scheme did not cater Cabinet Secretary for Health, this equipment, inaccessibility to healthcare financial year — 2013-2014 — the facilities due to substandard roads or Government allocated KSh34.8 bil- long distances, lack of ambulance ser- “I would like to remind our clients that the free lion towards healthcare. vices and insecurity in some regions. “Approximately KSh3.8 billion has He explained that maternal health maternal healthcare service is only available been specifically set aside for mater- entails a pregnant woman’s antenatal nal health care and further KSh700 care, delivery and postnatal care ser- in government health facilities and not faith million for free access to health cen- vices. He castigated the rumours that tres and dispensaries,” Macharia said. the programme is designated to fail. based health institutions. So do not confuse the He added that KSh3.1 billion and “This free maternal healthcare is at least KSh500 million was allocated expected to last for long but it is not two because one is government and the other is for hiring nurses other health workers an experimental thing to serve just for faith based.” and buying of equipment as a boost a few months or years as many may for anticipated increase and demand doubt. It would serve many genera- — Dr John Ong’ech for maternal healthcare services. Kenya way out of achieving development goals

By ODHIAMBO ORLALE has only scored well in only one out of the eight In 2000, member countries of the Millennium Develop- United Nations set out an agenda that ment Goals (MDGs). sought to eradicate poverty by 2015. In the eight point plan, commonly Ambitious known as Millennium Development According to the re- Goals, the world was to see poverty cords, net enrolment in reduced by 75 per cent. primary schools has been Meeting the targets of these goals rising steadily from 67.8 has been a challenge and Kenya is do- per cent in 2002 to 95.3 ing badly as far as the United Nations per cent in 2012. At the development goals are concerned. same time, transition rate So far, the Government is expect- from primary to second- ed to deliver on MDG Two which ary school increased from sets out to achieve universal primary 66.9 per cent in 2009 to education by 2015. This target, being 73.3 in 2011. However, implemented through free primary participants at the fo- education, was introduced into the rum cautioned the Gov- country by retired President Mwai ernment to move from Kibaki, a decade ago. emphasis on quantity to According to the latest status re- quality in the education port revealed at a public forum or- sector. ganized for over 50 officials from The latest in addition its election manifesto to distribute Participants at the MDGs conference held in Nakuru. The the civil society and organised by the to the free primary education is the over 6,000 laptops to all public pri- government has only managed to score well in achieving Ministry of Devolution and Planning ambitious KSh15 billion project by universal primary education. Picture: Courtesy of Ministry of in Nakuru recently, the Government the Jubilee Government in line with Continued on page 4 Devolution and Planning ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 7 Why girls in rural schools are having sleepless nights

By SHABAN RAWLINGS Three of the schools are in Nyanza while two are in Western Province. Girls from rural areas are exposed to high risks “We also offer them re-usable sanitary of reproductive health issues compared to their towels to keep them in school throughout the counterparts in urban centres. learning days,” she says. A research carried out in most African The schools benefiting from the project in- countries has shown increased school drop- clude Koyonzo and Mwira secondary schools outs among girls in the rural areas linked to in Matungu district of Western region and Kit reproductive health issues. Mikayi, Koru Girls’ and Inungo in Nyanza. “The girls cannot count on frank and reli- The organisation has also embarked on able knowledge from their homes and com- community advocacy through sensitisations in munities due to the absence of information and places of worship, chiefs’ barazas and markets services on reproductive health and rights,” says for safeguard of adolescent sexual and repro- Catherine Naserian, Executive Director Forum ductive health rights programmes. for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Kenya Chapter. Challenge According to Naserian, integrity of most “We are also training five mother-groups adolescent girls has been corrupted through in the identified districts on making re-usable pregnancy, HIV and AIDS as well as sexually sanitary towels on a back-to-back basis to save Asira Foundation director Franklin Olumasai donates boxes of sanitary pads to girls at transmitted diseases, female genital mutilation, the girls from the risk of missing classes dur- Mundoli Primary School. Picture: Shaban Rawlings forced and or early marriages, rape and sexual ing their menstrual days,” explains Naserian. harassment. Girls’ educational attainment has Last month, over 500 girls in primary equally been affected especially in areas where schools in Khwisero District received sanitary School head teacher, says sanitary towels have has contributed to poor performance among girls lack information and services that meet towels worth KSh60,000 from a local non-gov- remained a major challenge to girls. the girls in higher primary classes of five, six, their needs and fulfil their right to healthy sexu- ernmental organisation meant to boost their “About 90 per cent of the girls stay out of seven and eight. ality and reproduction. welfare and education. school during their menstrual days to avoid em- According to Olumasai, the trend was an “Intervention programmes implemented by According to Franklin Olumasai, Chief barrassment, stigma and intimidation from their impediment to the country’s development, par- FAWE-Kenya intend to protect the sexual and Executive Officer Asira Foundation, the pro- peers,” observes Angaya. She adds: “Government ticularly in its efforts to ensure gender parity in reproductive health and rights of adolescent gramme was meant to ensure girls got equal funding has not done much due to its meagre education. girls by keeping them in school,” says Antonina opportunity in schools just like the boys. quantity. Many girls use unorthodox methods Head teachers of the beneficiary schools Mulamola, chairperson FAWE-Kenyan chapter. “Girls of menstrual age will not be forced to which pose health risks. They use old rags and lauded the Asira Foundation saying the dona- stay at home during ‘their menstruation days’ pieces of mattresses and cotton which are not tion would enable the girls to attend all learning Sponsors but remain in school to compete with their hygienic.” days and concentrate on their studies to favour- Mulamola says they are sponsoring the edu- male counterparts in education,” explains Olu- She regrets that absenteeism may not end ably compete with boys in class work. cation of over 100 girls in five identified schools masai during the launch of the programme at any time soon unless measures are taken by The towels will give the girls comfort, save in Western and Nyanza regions. Mundoli Primary School. the society and government to address sanitary on time and improve on their health status to “We have spent more than KSh600,000 to Doreen Angaya, head teacher at Mundoli situation of the girl-child adding that the matter enable them to excel academically and be bet- empower more than 1,000 adolescent boys and ter equipped to face challenges that hinder their girls in five secondary schools in Western and education. Nyanza. They have been taught about adoles- “Integrity of most adolescent girls has been corrupted Asira Foundation was working on a pilot cent sexual and reproductive health and rights programme among 10 primary schools but (ASRHR),” says Mulamola. through pregnancy, HIV and AIDS as well as sexually intends to extend the programme to cover all She notes 250 teachers and community fa- primary schools in the district cilitators have also been trained on adolescent transmitted diseases, female genital mutilation, forced “The main agenda of Asira Foundation is to sexual reproductive health and rights to enable improve academic standards in the district and them manage reproductive health issues in and or early marriages, rape and sexual harassment.” create a balanced competitive environment be- education. — Catherine Naserian, Executive Director, FAWE tween girls and boys in school,” says Olumasai. Kenya way out of achieving development goals

Continued from page 6 The report states that there has been slow despite the Government’s economic stimulus On goal Four, infant mortality rates were progress in reducing extreme poverty and programmes poverty and maternal death are reported to have reduced to 52 per 1,000 from mary school starting January 2014. hunger and concludes that it would be unlike- still on the rise.” 77 per 1,000 live births in 2003. The under The purpose of the forum was to receive a ly for the Government to meet the goals in the Since then, the Government had put in place five year old mortality rates had decreased feedback from the civil society organisations on deadline which expires in two years. a mechanism for economic recovery like the from 115 to 74 deaths per 1,000 live births in the MDG status before it is shared with more Slow progress by the Government was also Economic Stimulus Package, Kazi Kwa Vijana 2009, while the proportion of one to two year stakeholders in Mombasa and later presented reported in providing maternal health with (Work for the youth), national women and na- olds fully immunised was 81 per cent in 2012 to the UN. fears that the goal might not be achieved by tional youth development fund among others. up from 76.1 per cent in 2000. The participants discussed at length the 2015. However, the picture is likely to change “Unless we move from over dependence on development priorities in Kenya in line with with the recent introduction of free maternity rain-fed agriculture to irrigation, our efforts Impact the MDGs and whether the goals provide ad- services in all public hospitals by the Kenyan to reduce extreme poverty and hunger in the According to Pauline Kamau, Executive equate focus on those priorities. The meeting government. country will remain a pipe dream,” noted Mailu. Director Greenbelt Movement, the adverse gave suggestions on what needs to be added On goal three it was noted that the pro- impact of climate change is compounded by before MDGs deadline in 2015. Attitude portion of female Members of Parliament in- local environmental degradation caused by Already Microsoft Global President jean- The meeting was opened by John Nandasa- creased from 4.1 per cent in 2000 to 9.9 per illegal encroachment due to population pres- Philippe has visited the country and assured ba, senior director in the Ministry of Planning cent in 2009. Those figures further increased sure, de-forestation and livestock grazing. President Uhuru Kenyatta that his firm would and chaired by G. M. Mailu, who is the acting with the just concluded General Elections, She regretted that just like the founder of train all primary school teachers to enable Director of Projects and Programmes in the due to provisions in the new Constitution Green Belt Movement, the late Nobel Laure- them implement the computer in schools pro- same ministry. focusing on affirmative action which saw 47 ate, Prof Wangari Maathai, had indicated, for- gramme. Said Mailu: “We are still having pregnant women elected as representatives of the 47 est cover in the country had fallen from 12 per A report by the Ministry of Devolution and women who prefer to deliver in their homes counties to the National Assembly in addi- cent in 1960 to about six per cent today. Planning says the Government is on track on rather than in a maternity ward. This is an at- tion to those who were elected as MPs. A few Kamau noted that de-forestation was goal Two, but has potential for improvement in titude problem. We have also heard of men in more were nominated to the august House largely driven by private consumption, as the goal three which seeks to promote gender equal- Kajiado County who would rather slaughter a and Senate. demand for households had doubled within ity and empowerment of women and Six that goat for their new born son but are not ready to The report shows that gender parity index the past decade because of high population seeks to combating HIV and AIDs, malaria and pay for maternity fees.” in primary schools was 0.98 in 2011. The 2012 growth. other diseases. According to the last household budget sur- Economic survey data indicates that gender On the positive side, the number of mobile It was noted that the country was doing vey conducted in 2005-2006 on goal One, Ke- parity had been achieved at primary level of phone subscribers rose by approximately 6,000 badly in as far as achieving goal One that seeks nyans living below the poverty level had reduced education. per cent from 180,000 in 2000 to 12.9 million to reduce extreme poverty and hunger was con- from 52.3 per in 2000 to 45.9 per cent in 2006. On the other hand, the total number of in 2008. The number of internet users also rose cerned. It was the same with goal Five that seeks Nandasaba noted: “The Government has women in wage employment in the non-ag- from 200,000 in 2001 to approximately 3.4 mil- to improve maternal health, goal Seven in ensur- pumped billions of shillings to achieve the ricultural sector had risen to 31.9 per cent in lion in 2008. The number of internet Service ing environmental sustainability and Eight in de- MDGs and is looking at working with the civil 2011 from 29.5 per cent in 2000 against the sec- Providers (ISPs) increased by more than 100 veloping a global partnership for development. society to succeed. However, it is a shame that tor target of 50 per cent by the deadline in 2015. per cent to 127 between 2000 and 2008. 8 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Residents cash in on garbage and smile all the way to the bank

By KAMUNDIA MURIITHI lorry and employed five people to col- lect the garbage and transport it to the Embu town residents have found a prison. better way to earn money. They are They collect waste three times now turning their trash into cash. a week which amounts to about 35 A partnership to collect waste and tonnes which can produce 10 tonnes recycle it involving the Embu County of organic fertilizer valued at between Government, Embu GK Prison and a KSh15,000 and KSh20,000, which is non-governmental organisation has given out to the prison and farmers. seen the level of cleanliness in Embu It is hoped that the farmers will food market rise. replicate the recycling of waste into The Japanese Funded NGO, Af- organic fertilizer to use in their farms rican Children Education Fund, col- even after the end of the project in lects garbage from the market which September. it transports to the Embu Prison from According to Molly Rwamba, a where it is recycled into a number of trainer on organic farming with Afri- useful products. can Children Education Fund, in the Apart from keeping the town clean, foresight 10 years from now, the waste the recycling process has provided an will have increased tenfold and the From top: Molly Rwamba, a trainer on waste recycling and avenue to teach the inmates, prison best measure to take is to maximize organic farming guides inmates on separating waste to warders and area farmers techniques reusing and recycling. make organic fertilizer at the Embu GK Prison. Rwamba on waste management and recycling. “Once the waste is taken to an al- shows a vegetable garden grown using organic fertilizer at After recycling the garbage, the located piece of land at the prison, it the prison. Pictures: Kamundia Muriithi end products include compost ma- is separated and put into heaps for nure, plastic fencing posts, charcoal easier use. We use the organic waste briquettes, baskets and polythene mat- like banana leaves, maize cobs and The waste is turned over after ev- that would have been used tresses. fruit peels to make organic fertiliser,” ery two weeks for a period of six to to buy the commodity To achieve their goal, the organisa- explained Rwamba. nine weeks when it is ready and has from agrovets. tion has provided different waste bins She said the plastics are molten to decomposed into small pieces. According to Aggrey at strategic points within the market make plastic posts while polythene It is then dried and grounded in a Onyango, the officer-in- centre where traders and County em- papers are washed and recycled into posho mill into fine particles that can charge at the prison they ployees deposit waste. mattresses for sleeping on by humans be put into bags for easy transporta- supported the initiative and dairy cows. tion to farms. and are dedicated to reha- Decomposition It is during the recycling process Rwamba said the organic fertil- bilitate inmates through This is being done through a one- that prisoners and a group of about 30 izer can stay in the farm for a much use of degradable waste to year project titled “Aiding Creation of farmers who have attended theoreti- longer period than inorganic fer- make inorganic manure. a Recycling System in a Society Proj- cal classes on recycling and organic tilizer as it is not acidic and is also Rwamba noted that 800 ect”. The project aims at recycling and farming are invited and practically cheaper to buy. farmers and 700 prisoners re-using waste as well as reducing us- taught how it is done. “One tonne of organic fertiliser is have been trained on waste age of products. To make compost manure, they adequate per acre of crops. The fertil- management while they where a posho mill has been in- There is a separate bin for waste prepare the ground by digging a hole iser is good for all types of crops and target to train over 1,200 farmers from stalled. that decomposes such as banana leaves measuring four by eight feet and one is not harmful to the human body,” Embu at the end of the project before Rwamba said the store will at the and another one for inorganic wastes foot deep. They keep the top soil aside explained Rwamba. moving on to another county. end of the project go into ownership like polythene papers and plastics. for later use as it contains micro-or- The prison uses the fertilizer in The organisation has built a per- of the prison but community mem- The organisation has provided a ganisms. its 16 acres of farm saving the money manent store at the prison farm bers will be free to use it. Kisii County aged residents to benefit from devolved funds By BEN OROKO urban migration among the elites and derly from selected areas,” said Moraa. young people in the region, the elderly Moraa regretted that old age has The plight of the elderly men and will be subjected to miserable lives and compromised her eyesight making women in Kisii County has reached the lead to early deaths. it difficult to discharge her domes- ears of Governor James Ongwae. Ongwae noted that time had come tic duties efficiently as she depends In that spirit of caring, the former up to start a social protection scheme on the services of her grandchildren governor who is a former Permanent for the elderly at the County level, and neighbours, who complain and Secretary, has big plans for the elderly otherwise the community would lose hardly provide reliable support due many of whom he lamented had been its elderly to death due to neglect and to their busy engagements. “Though neglected by their children. poor living conditions. I have not personally met the gov- The elders’ problems have been “Poverty and HIV have contributed ernor, I would want to recommend compounded by poverty as well as greatly to the increasing number of or- that he comes up with a structure that HIV and AIDs which have orphaned phans and vulnerable children whose will ensure all the vulnerable elderly some of their children and grandchil- care depends on the elderly who lack members in the County are identified dren leaving them to shoulder the bur- the capacity in terms of resources to up to the village level to ensure they den of parenting amid the increasing support them. The dependence ratio benefit from the programme,’ she ad- cost of living. in Kisii County is currently 73:100, vised. Since 2006, the Government However, the senior citizens in Ki- meaning 73 people working, with 100 through the Ministry of Gender, sii County can now afford a smile after others particularly the elderly, orphans Kisii County Governor James Ongwae talks to an elderly man at Children’s Affairs and Social Services Ongwae promised to establish an Old and vulnerable children depending on Bogichoncho Village, Bobasi Constituency when he toured landslide had been rolling out cash transfer Persons Cash Transfer Programme at them,” said Ongwae. displaced families in the area. Picture: Ben Oroko programmes in three districts. the County level to compliment the He noted that Kisii County govern- By the end of 2011, the programme Government sponsored one, to ensure ment had introduced a cash transfer hance productive investment among Moraa lamented that she has been had spread to 44 districts, benefit- the elderly enjoy a dignified life in their programme to the elderly to guaran- the working class to spur economic hearing of some elderly members of ing 33,000 people. The monthly cash sunset years. tee them of a dignified living standard growth in the County. the society in some parts of Sameta transfer per beneficiary had increased The Governor expresses concern as well as scale down the dependence Meanwhile, Martha Moraa, 82, District benefiting from the govern- from the initial KSh1,000 in 2006 to that with increasing cases of rural- ratio. This would in the end en- a resident of Giasaiga Sub-location, ment cash transfer programme for the KSh1,500 in 2011. Sameta District in the Kisii County, elderly but she had not been a benefi- The Ministry was mandated to “Poverty and HIV have contributed greatly to the welcomed the Governor’s plan to es- ciary so far. provide social interventions to the tablish a cash transfer kitty for the “I have been hearing that the elderly poor and vulnerable elderly persons increasing number of orphans and vulnerable elderly, saying it was long overdue as have been benefiting from the Govern- in the country. the one sponsored by the Government ment's cash transfer programme but as The cash transfer programme is children whose care depends on the elderly who lack had not benefited the local elderly old as I am, I have never seen even a the only national social protection the capacity in terms of resources to support them.” members since they were along being cent from that kitty as the local village programme that serves the non-pen- told the programme was on a pilot ba- headmen and the chiefs keep on telling sionable and aged Kenyans who are — Governor James Ongwae sis in selected areas. us that the funds are meant for the el- not in formal employment. ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 9 UN appeals for calm as over 6,000 children are killed in Syrian civil war By Mercy Mumo recently fled the country who told of a “death journey” in which children were separated The United Nations reports that 93,000 people, from their parents, with at least one 12 year-old who include 6,500 children, have been killed boy being left behind to die on his own. in the Syrian civil war in the past two years. After his mother was killed, he became too The victims include about 1,700 innocent weak to continue the journey due to shrapnel children who were below 10 years. wounds. Indeed, the plight of those children is the Another family reported the death of a baby hidden outrage of that conflict. who died in the heat after being separated from The daily struggle for survival grows ever her mother as they fled across the border. more desperate as the conflict rages on. Many The charity also received reports of children innocent children have been forced from their being targeted by sniper fire, forced to take homes, struggling to find something to eat, flight under heavy shelling and driven to lick- unable to get the right medicine when they ing moisture from grass and leaves in a desper- become sick or are injured. ate attempt to stave off thirst in the searing heat. Syrian children sleeping inside their family’s tent in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. There For some, the only refuge they can find is in are currently 1.6 million people from Syria in need of refugee assistance in Jordan, parks, barns or even caves. Desperate Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt. Picture: Courtesy Save the Children Most of those who have escaped into neigh- The reports, gathered by Save the Children bouring countries are living in makeshift ahead of marking the World Refugee Day, last millionth refugee only crossed the border in behind the frankly terrifying statistics of civilians shelters, unsuitable buildings or overcrowded month, painted a disturbing picture of the March – two full years after the crisis started. fleeing their country are millions of individual camps, amid growing shortages of food, medi- desperation and horror faced by Syrian chil- The number of registered refugees has in- tragedies.” cine and water. dren as they seek to escape the violence in the creased 17-fold in the past 12 months and the “Ultimately the only solution to this crisis This clearly points to the collapse of child- strife-torn Middle Eastern country. Some of two millionth refugees is expected to arrive soon. is an end to the violence in Syria, but in the hood. If action is not taken soon the physical the most graphic reports include: The number of people in need of refugee meantime, we urgently need to be able to and mental harm will irreparably damage a A 12 year-old boy – whose mother had been assistance from Syria has increased on aver- reach those trapped inside Syria. Unless we generation of children. Such an impact would shot - being left to bleed to death with insect- age by close to a third each month for the past can, I am afraid we will hear more horrifying resonate throughout Syrian society for de- eaten shrapnel wounds as the group he was with year. Were that trend to continue, Syria would stories of children forced into ever more des- cades after the war ends. was forced to abandon him and run for their be emptied of civilians by as early as April perate circumstances.” Syria’s desperate case depicts that of other lives 2014. countries that have on-going conflict such as A baby separated from her mother dying in Save the Children Humanitarian Commu- Escape Africa’s the Democratic Republic of Congo and the heat due to lack of milk nications Manager, Catherine Carter, said: “The Children inside Syria are especially vulner- Uganda. Children being trampled underfoot as des- horrific stories we’ve gathered from refugees over able to the worst atrocities of the crisis. Save the Children, the world’s leading in- perate civilians run for their lives under shell fire. the past few days show how children are bearing Those who manage to escape often lack ac- dependent charity organisation that promotes A 13 year-old girl being shot through her the brunt of the Syrian conflict. Children in Syria cess to schools and safe places to play and are children’s rights, provides relief and helps sup- thigh during an escape attempt. are being killed, tortured, recruited as soldiers frequently living in cramped, overcrowded con- port children in developing countries. It re- A boy of 16 beaten with sticks and display- and abused in horrifying numbers. Children are ditions. ports that scores of children are dying daily by ing signs of physical torture after 15 days’ de- being separated from their parents, and some are As well as working with refugee communities the roadside as growing numbers of desperate tention and interrogation. dying alone at the roadside from their wounds. in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, Save the Children families flee Syria’s bloody civil war. And a 12 year-old boy having his throat slit “Meanwhile conditions are proving too much is working across Syria to bring vital humani- by personnel manning a checkpoint. for the weakest and most vulnerable babies. Mil- tarian aid to the most vulnerable communities. War There are currently 1.6 million people from lions of children are beyond the reach of hu- However, due to restrictions posed by a lack of Syria has a population of 22.5 million people Syria in need of refugee assistance in Jordan, manitarian aid and have no option but to flee. access, it is currently only reaching 10 per cent of with a life expectancy of 75 and a per capita of Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt. Syria’s one Over half of all Syrian refugees are children and those people targeted inside the country. $5,100. According to statistics from UNHCR, the The civil war started in March 2011 and has number of registered refugees from Syria in- played a major role in separating children from “Meanwhile conditions are proving too much for the weakest creased by an average of 29 per cent each month their parents and families while others become and most vulnerable babies. Millions of children are beyond over the last 12 months. casualties of it. There has been a recent drop in the rate of Majority of them flee to Lebanon for refuge. the reach of humanitarian aid and have no option but to flee. increase in registered refugees from Syria in Others end up as refugees in neighbouring Tur- host countries. This is likely due to fighting key, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. Over half of all Syrian refugees are children and behind the close to border areas leading to tighter secu- For over two years, Syria’s children have en- rity at registered crossings. Save the Children dured appalling suffering following the Arab frankly terrifying statistics of civilians fleeing their country is monitoring that trend closely. spring in the volatile region. are millions of individual tragedies.” Additional information provided by Save the Children East Africa The aid agency spoke to civilians who have Catherine Carter Anti-graft lobby asks for tough measures to fight the vice By DUNCAN MBOYAH counties, Kimeu said such an action said. corrupt at all while five means ex- when interacting with key public in- could greatly undermine Kenya’s He urged the public to use their tremely corrupt. stitutions for services. All eyes are now on the national and quest for a more equal and prosper- voice and avenues of participation Second on the list was Parliament Among the eight services evalu- county governments’ to end impu- ous society. and accountability to support of- (4.0) followed by the Judiciary (3.6) ated, the police and the Judiciary were nity by preventing, prosecuting and He urged both county and na- ficials and institutions that espouse and political parties (3.5) as well as singled out as the two most bribery punishing acts of corruption. tional governments to make the integrity. health and medical services (3.2) in prone. According to Samuel Kimeu, fight against the vice one of the per- According to the findings, three the top five list. An estimated 31 per cent of people Executive Director Transparency formance indicators in performance in five Kenyans believe that corrup- Those interviewed indicated that who came into contact with the police International Kenya Chapter, se- contracting and a good score a factor tion is a problem in the public sector they paid bribes to speed up their reported that they had paid a bribe, nior public officials must also not in continued engagement as a public in the country. service at the public offices since it whereas 24 per cent admitted having enjoy immunity when charged with official. Transparency International in- was through corruption that services bribed a Judiciary official. corruption if the vice is to be eradi- terviewed 1,121 people in a national can be acquired. The report says that personal con- cated. Findings survey in October and November nections were viewed as a means to “Kenyans should make use of At the same time, Kimeu chal- 2012 using face-to-face interviews. Report corrupt the public administration existing reporting mechanisms to lenged residents in the 47 counties to The report revealed that 61 per Interestingly, 52 per cent of those since most people prefer employing speak out about corruption that they report graft cases to the relevant au- cent of Kenyans believe the vice is a interviewed said they would not and serving those they were related witness or experience,” noted Kimeu. thorities for action. serious problem in the public sector. report corruption cases since their to. Addressing guests during the “Both national and county gov- The Police service, as usual, reporting would not make any differ- Nearly nine in 10 surveyed said launch of the Global Corruption Ba- ernments will need to invest signifi- toped the list of public institutions ence. that they would act against corrup- rometer (GCB) where he warned that cantly in building effective account- perceived to be more prone to cor- Overall, more than one in four tion by speaking up and reporting without deliberate decisive action, ability mechanisms that will include ruption with a score of 4.8 on a scale people (27 per cent) reported having corrupt cases to the anti-corruption corruption would be devolved to the active citizen participation,” Kimeu of one to five, where one means not paid a bribe in the past 12 months authorities. 10 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Wheelbarrow race comes to the rescue of Maasai girls By NICOLE WAITHERA

Negative cultural practices among the Maasai have affected girl child edu- cation due to early and forced mar- riages. However, this will soon come to an end following an initiative that has been started to boost enrolment and reduce drop-out rates among the girls in schools. The initiative was started by Kenya Wildlife Services in conjunction with the local community around Hells Gate National Park, near Lake Naiva- sha in Nakuru County. For a long time the Maasai girl has been denied the opportunity to fur- ther her education on the basis that it is not beneficial to the community. The stigma associated with edu- cating the girl-child had forced many of them to shy away from taking ed- ucation seriously. However, the innovative initia- tive dubbed the annual Hells Gate Wheelbarrow Race aims at fighting to ensure that all girls from the Maa- sai community attend school to the point of completion. Currently in its sixth year, the sporting event recently drew thou- sands of participants who came to support the young girls. tion in the event is directed towards tion. Participants during the Hells Gate Wheelbarrow Race held in purchasing of books, clothing and The funds raised will also be used Nakuru County. The race was organised to raise funds required to Finances sanitary towels for Maasai girls in the to build a conservation education build an education centre for the girl child in Maasai land. The race has managed to raise the area. centre in the park for children who Picture: Nicole Waithera KSh15 million out of the KSh30 mil- According William Kibet, Kenya want to come and learn. lion required to build an education Wildlife Service director, the nomad- The centre will also be used to same time move it very fast. “We were not aware that there was centre for the girl child. ic lifestyle of the Maasai has affected educate the public on the importance This has seen the development of any place that we would meet with The event saw participants race in school enrolment and increased the of protecting and conserving wildlife wheelbarrows with shock absorbers ponds. When we reached there, we a seven kilometre event where they dropout rates among girls. as well as alternative wildlife business and speed governors. were forced to take in the muddy wa- braved the dust, wind and water to “Some girls are married off in a bid for their economic benefit. Along the course is a pond of wa- ter,” said Ann Njogu, a participant. ensure that the girl child receives ba- to get rid of educating them leading ter which often gets contestants by The racers are also forced to sic education. to poor education standards in the re- Race surprise. Located downhill, many overcome hurdles of hay, which sees The race which is also dubbed as gion,” said Kibet. More than 100 wheelbarrows are contestants approach it at high speed, most of them topple on top of the the “craziest race of the century” has The race was started by immediate used in the race, whose course cov- only to splash inside the murky wa- hay. There is also a race that sees par- moved from a mere local fun event former Kenya Wildlife Services Ex- ers seven-kilometres in the park and ters. Crowds near the pond enjoy the ticipants push wheelbarrows full of to one of the largest tourist attrac- ecutive Director, Julius Kipng’etich, starts at Fischer’s Tower. spectacle. balloons filled with water. tions in the area. following his meeting with some Creativity is the key in the race. As participants fall into the water, “We want to ensure that the chil- The funds that are raised through Maasai women who sought help on The trick is to get a wheelbarrow that many are left behind with shocked dren’s quest for education will never the park entrance fees and participa- promoting their daughter’ educa- can sustain heavy weight and at the looks. go to waste,” said Kibet. Drugs racket unearthed amid shortage crisis

By ODHIAMBO ODHIAMBO he had kept them “for emergency to government drugs and they treat sick villagers”. have only been promising in- A racket involving the sale of Govern- The suspect, who is not a trained vestigations throughout. ment drugs has been unearthed in medical practitioner, was later hand- “The discovery of the Kuria West District, Migori County. ed over to the Administration Police drugs has confirmed the Workers from some health facili- officers manning the local police post residents’ fears and I am now ties have been selling out medicines for further questioning. taking up the matter with to traders, some of whom come from His cargo was handed over to the the higher authorities,” said neighbouring Tanzania. officers. Some of the residents alleged Marwa. This has put the hospitals under that top management at the hospital However, the hospital permanent crisis of drug shortage, were aware of the racket and were officer-in–charge who only with poor patients always being re- benefiting from it. identified herself as Mrs Leo- ferred to buy prescribed doses from “This hospital virtually has noth- nida said she had launched Tablets at a government chemist. Some of the supplies are reportedly private chemists. ing apart from panadol. All other serious investigations into the smuggled across the border to Tanzania. Picture: Reject Correspondent Fed up with the problem, the com- drugs and items such as gloves we are matter. munity through their vigilante group told to buy from private chemists,” “Claims that I may also be bels on the packets and boxes to avoid workers are believed to be involved in commonly referred to as Sungu Sun- complained Benedict Matiko, area involved are not true and anybody them being noticed by the Ministry of this scam in which the Government gu launched their own investigations resident. with evidence to the contrary should Health inspectors or hawk eyed Ken- has lost millions of shillings. into the scam. come forward,” she said. yans. A senior Health official in Kehan- Their probe later bore fruit af- Allegations Police officers handling the case cha town disclosed that they were ter they found one of the suspects “We want the suspect to be taken said the suspect will be arraigned in Mark aware of the racket and were in the believed to be part of the racket in to court immediately because some of court soon after investigations are “Most Government drugs are process of sealing the loopholes. possession of an assortment of gov- the officers in this district have been completed. marked on their packets and contain- “It is true we have this problem ernment drugs, syringes, needles and compromised by the suspects,” he as- Some of the supplies are report- ers although previously all the tab- and our proximity to the border has malaria testing kits in his house lo- serted. edly smuggled across the border lets from the State stores were clearly complicated matters. There were cated within Masaba division. Area county assembly member to Tanzania where they are sold marked GK. This has enabled us to some cases we have received but are The man confessed that he had Abednego Marwa said he had held to proprietors of health facilities. disguise them very easily,” said a trad- still investigating,” he said on condi- obtained them from Masaba Heath several meetings with the hospital Investigations showed that some er who spoke on anonymity. tion of anonymity as he is not author- Centre but defended himself saying management over the alleged sale of traders erase the initials “GK” on la- Some of the Ministry of Health ised to speak to the media. ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 11 Mango farming promises better returns to farmers

By KAMUNDIA MURIITHI have a share of the mango market,” Njagi observes. The breathtaking scene of countless mango He says a large gunny bag full of man- trees doting acres and acres of land covering goes fetches as little as KSh400 which de- about three locations would fascinate any visi- moralises them a lot considering that they tor travelling along the Embu-Ishiara road. spray expensive chemicals on the trees in This area marks the bedrock of mango farm- order to contain worms and flies that at- ing in Embu County and every first quarter is tack and destroy them. the succulent fruit’s season when mango bushes In order to address that challenge, sag under the weight of both ripe and unripe farmers in the Karurumo area have united fruit. under Kabae Horticultural Mangoes As- The main variety of mangoes grown in the sociation to seek better markets and prices area include Kent, Tommy and Vandeik and in- for their produce. digenous types which thrive well because of the “As a group, we are trying to maximise favourable climatic condition. on better production and market of man- In Karurumo Location some prominent goes. Mango trees do not affect cultivation farmers are renowned for bulk mango fruit of other crops making it easy for farmers production. Karanja wa Maembe has 200 acres, with small pieces of land to cultivate,” ex- Mama Ngina has 60 acres and Nano Njenenga plains Njagi. with 10 acres. He says mango trees grow best on flat The trio are said to be making a fortune land and require a lot of manure during from their plantations where an acre can have planting which is done on a hole of two as many as 70 trees which are spaced at a dis- square feet. tance of 24 feet. The mango tree takes three years to ma- Indeed, it is a sight to behold as the area is a ture and produces mango fruits but could beehive of activity as farmers, traders and trans- be faster with application of manure and porters mingle around some on motorcycles, water. pick-ups and lorries to ferry the fresh fruits to The future of mango farming is now A mango farmer sells his fruits to traders in Karurumo area in Embu County recently. markets across the country. promising after Kenya Agriculture Pro- Picture: Kamundia Muriithi ductivity and Agribusiness Project (KA- Exploit PAP) introduced better farming management that is about to form sugar or ripen. The eggs “We hope to get high quality mangoes from However, all that glitters is not gold for the and marketing of the produce in groups to new hatches into larvae which bore into the flesh of the area. We have started with Karurumo and small scale farmers who are exploited while market outlets. the mango and make the fruit rot and fall to the Ugweri and will then go to Kigumo and finally their large rivals smile all the way to the bank. This has changed the gloom that previously ground. cover the whole of the county,” he noted. Many small-scale farmers have on average prevailed among small scale farmers for many Munyi said the loss has been as high as 100 50 mango trees or less and, therefore, do not years. This year’s mango season some 1,400 Encourage per cent in Kent and Sensation varieties and if make as much money owing to exploitation farmers under KAPAP earned KSh30million According to Albert Munyi, Kieni Division one does not spray it can range between 30 to from middlemen or losses arising from fruit fly. from their fruits. Agricultural Extension Officer, they are en- 40 per cent. Martin Njagi, who hails from Kabae in Karu- This is a tremendous increase from the lows couraging farmers to bury their infected man- According to the Extension Officer, the rumo location has 100 mango trees and is proud of KSh5million that they earned every season in goes to reduce fruit diseases. methods they are promoting will save money that that this aspect of farming is less stressful but the past. It is expected that mango farming will They also advise the farmers to get an aug- and time as well as conserve the environment. with a reliable income. However, he notes that now be taken seriously. mentorium net where one can put all the rotten They will also be able to produce organically the money earned is low because of middlemen The Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction fruits. grown foods which are in high demand and who buy each fruit at four shillings and they sell with International Centre for Insect Physiology “Since no fly can penetrate inside the net, easy to get to the export market. at KSh20. and Ecology (ICIPE) has embarked on supply- they will not breed,” explains Munyi. Munyi is proud that last year some parts of “The supply of the fruit has increased in the ing mango fly traps to farmers in the area with an Another method they are encouraging is the division got good mangoes free of the flies market as farmers from other parts of the coun- aim of mitigating the effects of the pests. natural fruit fly enemy or parasitoride where and the farmers were able to export several try like Meru and Ukambani also compete to The flies deposit eggs inside a mango fruit the fruit flies lay eggs but cannot hatch. tonnes of the fruit to Uganda and South Sudan. Quail farming gains momentum following diversification

By CATHERINE MURINGI one has to apply for a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service before starting Population growth in the country has quail business. led to fragmentation of farming land to Officials from Kenya Wildlife Ser- uneconomic units. vice have to certify and inspect the This has led farmers to turn to other structures before issuing the docu- ventures to enhance food security. ments. This is because in Kenya, wild Among the projects that are being un- birds like quails, guinea fowls and os- dertaken are alternative poultry keep- trich are categorised as protected spe- From left: Paul Gichohi holds two of the birds at his home in Nyeri ing. cies. County. Some of the quails in one of the cages. Pictures: Catherine Muringi However, there are some farmers “By the time I headed to the Kenya who get into alternative poultry keep- Wildlife Service offices which are a alone,” she says. ered to be white meat and droppings bees and rabbits. He is also into horti- ing not because of land shortage but walking distance from Nyeri town, I Quails are hardy than other con- can also be used as feed for dairy cultural farming. as a passion for the beautiful sight of had already built a structure, which ventional birds such as chicken. This is animals. For those kept for meat produc- birds. they certified as one of the best and mainly attributed to the fact that they Gichohi says he is preparing to start tion, quails take about six to seven Quails are some of the birds whose gave me the go ahead,” explains Gi- are wild in nature. breeding and selling mature quails af- weeks to mature. They start laying eggs rearing is gaining momentum in Nyeri chohi. He adds: “I later travelled back They also require minimal floor ter two months and these will cost at around 10 weeks and can lay more County, with farmers keeping them for to another farmer’s home where I pur- space which can hold about six to KSh650 each. than 250 eggs in their lifetime. The commercial gains. chased 60 birds at KSh500 each.” ten quails for a space of one chicken. “I shall soon start to breed them as eggs weigh between 10 to 12 grams. Paul Gichohi Meme, 66, is one of Quails mature very quickly and will be I have already purchased an incubator. The birds can be fed on protein the farmers rearing quails in the area Figures ready for the market five weeks from I am first learning how to use the ma- containing grains, vegetables such earning thousands of shillings per Gichohi collects 40 eggs each day. being hatched. During this time they chine and have put some eggs in it for as Irish potatoes, grass and cabbages month. An egg sells for KSh20 which means will have attained a weight of approxi- trial,” he says. Quail eggs take between among others. They need more pro- Gichohi, who retired from the civil that he earns KSh800 daily. mately 180 grams. 16 to 18 days to hatch. tein in their feeds than chicken. service eight years ago, says he started Women have not been left out of Quails lay approximately 280 eggs Gichohi’s future plans are to in- Gichohi’s advice to those who keeping quails two years ago. the business. Julia Waithira, 85, from per year, with a laying span of about 14 crease egg production and sell them have retired from wage employ- The former senior executive officer King’ong’o in Nyeri town owns about to 15 months and can start laying in to locals and other markets outside ment is that they should not stay with the Judiciary set out to know more 175 quails and collects an average of 45 about six to eight weeks. According to the area. The targeted markets for idle but make good use of their land about the birds by visiting farmers who eggs daily. Gichohi their eggs are very nutritious his eggs will include tourist hotels in by diversifying farming activities. were successful. “I sell the eggs locally and have and in high demand. major cities like Nairobi and Mom- He also appeals to the youth not to fo- A resident of Kagundu-ini village in not been able to meet the demand. A Other than being reared for eggs, basa. cus more on looking for scarce white Tetu District, Gichohi found out that single egg goes for KSh20 and I make they are also kept for meat, manure Other than keeping quails, Gicho- collar jobs but instead practice farming unlike other livestock kept in the area, about KSh900 in a day from eggs and feathers. Their meat is consid- hi also rears guinea pigs, dairy cows, and other small businesses. 12 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Rise of child acrobats in Kilifi linked to truancy By ROBERT NYAGAH

Carrying bags of different sizes and co- lours, a group of eight excited boys ar- rive outside a tourist restaurant along the Malindi Bay beach as dusk sets. After curiously observing the sur- roundings, they settle on a concrete platform normally used by guests who wish to enjoy an open air lunch near the restaurant which due to the low number of tourists in Malindi is empty. Soon, there is action and the agile boys are shouting some words, per- haps to improve their acting steam, the stilts are well organised and inter- esting even to the few guests who are leisurely enjoying their drinks at the Baobab Restaurant. The boys, aged between eight and 13 years, are well coordinated and are acrobats. At the end of the 30 minutes per- formance, one of the boys removes a small plastic container from one of the bags and walks to the restaurant periphery, stretching it for cash gifts and donations. Some tourists respond by giving them cash in notes, some in coins and some end up giving in euros and dol- lars. But Baobab Restaurant manager, Mary Mwangi, who had gone for some orders, returned to find the boys finishing their collection. “Why are you interfering with the Malindi Junior Acrobats perform their acts outside Casuarina guests, I told you not to come back Resource Centre in Malindi. Below: Boys from Bungale Primary here to perform, you should be in school appeared to have trained quite well as self made acrobats as school and not performing and beg- they entertained guests during a public functions. Such troupes are ging from guests?” being discouraged from performing for tourists for an income on Hesitantly, the boy collecting the freelance basis. Pictures: Robert Nyagah cash manages to shout back in Kiswa- hili, “Lakini si hawa wageni wametu- ing a nuisance.” Ahuta. patia wenyewe baada ya kufurahishwa Karume insists that the children’s He noted that his organization na maonyesho yetu, kwa nini wewe department and chiefs should reign has registered more than 100 young unachuki na unapenda kutufukuza on these troupes which are increasing people to volunteer to work as en- kila mara (but these tourists decided in number. vironmentalists and participate in to appreciate our performance by giv- Within the last six months, Mawe- clean-up programmes and sports ing us the cash themselves, why are ni assistant chief Nicodemus Mway- as a means to ensure that the young you always against us, always wanting ele, a tough protector of children and avoid child labour. to chase us away).” their rights, who through legislation In discussions during a meeting has returned more than 3,000 chil- with leaders of 20 acrobatic troupes Appreciate dren to school, says that acrobatic registered under MYFEM at the or- A guest over hears the argument groups comprising of underage pri- ganisation’s office in Malindi, Ahuta between the manager and one of the mary school children have been on said that his group encouraged for- boys and intervenes “what is wrong the increase. mation of acrobatic troupes under with them performing and getting “I have dismantled at least five sports and not as a means for the some cash from us, we appreciate, it such groups and warned parents to youth to venture into income-gener- is a real effort from such young chil- be firm in dealing with their children ating activities. dren.” to restrain them from truancy,” says Ahuta said organization also Found unawares, the manager Mwayele. worked with professional and regis- explains to the guests that although tered acrobatic troupes which when- he and others are free to appreciate Challenge ever possible, perform under legally the performance by the children, the However, all is not lost as stake- signed contracts where they are paid practice was not acceptable because in holders in children rights are rising between Sh40,000 and KSh50,000 essence it is “child labour” and could up to the challenge and have asked per month. eventually encourage the school-aged the Kilifi County and Central gov- children to even abandon school. ernment to find ways of returning Protest Scenes like this are being repeat- more than 1,500 children who oper- Ahuta said he has protested sev- ed in various parts of Kilifi County ate unregistered acrobatic troupes in erally over the decision by some ho- where a large number of children are Malindi tourist resorts to schools to tel managements to allow children adopting acrobatic performance for curb growing cases of child labour in to perform at night when they were entertainment targeting tourists. the County. supposed to be at home doing their Some parents are also known to to have other clothes elsewhere and Malindi hotelier Godfrey Karume Malindi Youth for Environmental homework and sleeping. encourage their children to join the changed to spend the whole day beg- says the boys may be doing well train- Movement (MYFEM) lobby group MYFEM has been working closely illegal acrobatic troupes dominated ging and performing before tourists ing and performing the acrobatic chairman, Dickson Ahuta, says that with school management committees by underage primary school children. at the beach. stilts for an income, but “the fear is unless the Government starts a proj- in Malindi, Watamu and Mambrui, On her part, Hadija Mohammed, “I stopped the outings and decid- eventually they will fall to truancy ect to identify the huge number of the key areas where truancy has been a widow and mother of four who lives ed to be firm and ensure that Salim and abandon schooling for easy mon- young boys falling into child labour linked to the rising number of illegal in Maweni when her son, Salim, who returned to school, I ended up losing ey in tourism”. through performances, the county acrobatic troupes. was in Standard Five started bring- an income of more than KSh500 per “These acrobatic performances will continue to record some of the According to George Edage, a ing in some cash from the acrobatic day,” says Hadija who insists that par- should be controlled and allowed worst statistics in child labour. MYFEM trustee, some of the young performances, she appreciated the ents should not accept money from only in school during Physical Educa- “Malindi, Watamu and Mambrui people who have ended up in drugs income especially because the boy their children even if they are poor. tion (PE) lessons. If an income is to have huge numbers of underage boys, in Malindi started with truancy and claimed he was doing it in the even- Hadija today monitors her son’s be earned it should be under the su- mainly primary school dropouts, who begging from tourists and ended up ing and during the weekends. movements and always ensures that pervision of a grown up or a teacher,” are in self-trained acrobatic groups abandoning education. However, Hadija confesses that he attends school and remains near says Karume. and engage in self-employment by He noted that some of the young after some time, she realised that the the house in the evening and over the He adds: “The problem now is performing before tourists in various children earn as much as KSh500 per boy among others was not attend- weekend assisting her to sell fish and that these groups of boy acrobats are hotels, this is child labour and is forc- day and that way it is hard to control ing school and despite leaving every fried potatoes a few metres from her growing in number and even becom- ing many out of school,” explained them. morning in uniform, he appeared house. ISSUE 087, July 16-31, 2013 Unfiltered, uninhibited…just the gruesome truth 13 Kenyan media beyond March elections By ODHIAMBO ORLALE

A damning report about the media’s perfor- mance before, during and after the March 4 polls was recently debated by editors who did not take it lying down. The audit by Media Focus on Africa, a vis- iting London School of Economics researcher Nicholas Bonequista of Networked News Lab and a Moi University journalism lecturer fo- cused on feedback from participants who at- tended and contributed during eight monthly public forums to gauge their perception of how the media covered major issues of the day around the most closely-contested elections in the country’s 50-year history. According to Harrison Manga, a pro- gramme officer with Media Focus, a majority of the participants at the media roundtables held at Alliance Françoise in Nairobi were happy with the peace campaign promoted by up with solutions, but he did not raise it dur- the local media but criticized the media for ing his presentation due to time constraints. shying away from its watchdog role. He said plans were underway by Media Fo- However, the criticism was not taken cus Africa to roll out a county-wide training lightly by Vitalis Musebe (KBC), Mutegi Njau programme for journalists to address the con- (Royal Media), Catherine Gicheru (The Star), cerns raised about their lack of capacity espe- Pamela Makotsi-Sittoni (East African) and cially in areas of covering technical issues and Charles Kerich (Radio Africa), who defended budget-making process by county assemblies. the media saying covering one of the country’s Said Mburugu Gikunda of Media Focus Af- hottest contested presidential race was not rica: “We had one session during the forums on easy because the country as well as reporters corruption because it is a problem that we must and editors were polarized between the two all face and address. It is an on-going discussion major coalitions — Jubilee and the Cord. and we are ready to respond with the parties Other concerns by the public was that the concerned.” print and broadcast media concentrated too much on politics and in Nairobi and major Complaints urban centres at the expense of other national In another session, Stephanie Muchai from issues and the 47 counties. Article 19, a media non-governmental organisa- There was also concern that the Media Fo- tion noted that journalists had complained to cus Africa report did not include the issue of them during countrywide workshops that most From top: Some of the editors who attended the Media Focus on Africa roundtable, corruption in the media which is a big problem. training was organised by civil society organisa- from left to right, Josephine Karani (KBC), Mutegi Njau (Royal Media Services), tions while a few media houses had their own in- Pamela Makotsi-Sittoni (Nation Media Group) and Cyrus Kinyungu (Standard Group). Profit house training focusing more on libel law related Organisers and main speakers at the forum held at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, from left In a rebuttal, the 18 editors who attended the issues. to right: Stephanie Muchai (Article 19), Mburugu Gikunda (Media Focus on Africa), forum said as profit making outfits it was unre- She also identified Media Council of Kenya Harrison Manga (MFA) and Nicholas Benequista (Networked News Lab). alistic to expect them to set up bureaus and or as a leading trainer of journalists in the country. Pictures: Courtesy: Media Focus on Africa offices in all the counties. “Some journalists also claimed that the train- Sittoni challenged investors to cash in by tak- ings have been selective and favoured blued- Concern was also raised about the lack of soberly. ing advantage of the opportunities in the coun- eyed boys and girls. We were also told of some content during live coverage by television and He also observed that opinion polls are a re- ties. editors sending the same favoured journalists for FM radio presenters and journalists. The case of ality that the media must promote and allow to Musebe took issue with the report for focus- training over and over again at the expense of the live coverage of the historic presidential de- grow saying that in Kenya television is still an ing more on the criticism and not the solutions their colleagues,” noted Muchai. bates was cited as an example. elitist medium. as a way forward. “Whereas we appreciate the She told the editors that there was need for a Mutegi Njau (Royal Media Group) noted criticism, can we also know what solutions were long-term thematic based training on elections Debate that the presidential debate created Mohammed proposed so that we can learn and do better?” coverage in order to make a positive impact. “We may need to have more discussion on Dida and affected others who were better known he asked. Other issues raised were lack of boldness by issues of sexuality and relationship and best nationally. The eight topics were: hate speech; peaceful television and radio journalists during live in- way to cover them on broadcast and print me- elections; political mobilisation of women and terviews for fear of annoying some important dia,” noted Gikunda. Achieve vernacular radios and ethnic hostilities. The personalities. Matu Nguri, a lecturer at Moi University According to Nguri, the marathon live debate other topics were media coverage of opinion On a lighter note, it was revealed that the praised the presidential debates saying that they achieved their goal and was good for Kenyans. polls; patriotism in the media; self-censorship; broadcast media does not have a threshold to gave all the eight candidates an opportunity to Kwamboka Oyaro (Standard Group) said and media in a changing environment. talk about relationship and sexuality. Case of ad- open up to the public and discuss their personal, that on the eve of the polls, Kenyans had decided On his part, Manga clarified that during verts by companies selling condom and sponsor- professional and political issues openly for the who to vote for. What most people remembered the public forums there were attempts to come ing programmes as advertorials was raised. first time. about the debate was the comic relief by late en- “They were made to stand as individuals and trant Dida who spent his time teaching Kenyans not as party leaders, politicians and/or tribal about nutrition. “Some journalists also claimed that the trainings have chiefs. There were some good engagements in Musebe on the other hand said that “issues of some parts but lack of the same in others on ethnicity, funds mobilisation, and partisan issues been selective and favoured blued-eyed boys and girls. We ideological issues,” noted Nguri. are major and affected last polls.” He observed that “the believability of the can- Charles Kerich (Radio Africa Media) recalled were also told of some editors sending the same favoured didates” was put to test by the media very well. that the issue of tyranny of numbers came into The two presidential debates scored highly”. He being in 1990s after the re-introduction of multi- journalists for training over and over again at the expense of added that the two month publicity prepared party politics in the country. Since then, he said, their colleagues.” Kenyans for it and created interest and anxiety. it has increased by devolution and that is caus- Nguri said the media and public are learning ing conflict and violence in Mandera and Wajir — Stephanie Muchai best ways to cover elections professionally and counties among others.

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