BASIC EDUCATION ACT, 2013 Lenhancingink Governance for All — Pages 16 - 17 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2013 Issue No

The SPECIAL REPORT BASIC EDUCATION ACT, 2013 LEnhancingink governance for all — Pages 16 - 17 SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2013 Issue No. 102 Kshs 40/= Govt allocates Ksh20.8bn to CDF By PATRICIA WAFULA

ESPITE the controversy surrounding the legali- ty of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Din the devolved system of government, treasury has transferred a staggering Kshs 20,875,205,000 billion towards the kitty during this financial year. Kinango and Mandera South Constituencies have received the biggest share of allocations with the former receiving the lion’s share of Ksh 170,958,724 and the later reaping a significant allocation of Ksh 159,508,890. Magarini Constituency received the third highest allocation of Kshs 149,441,658 while Turkana West came fourth with a disbursement of Ksh 143,278,837. Other Constituencies that received big allocations include Kilifi North with an allocation Kshs 125, 335,219, Lunga Lunga received Ksh 124,366,498, Ganze bagged Ksh 114,943,238 Mandera North got Ksh 112,769,719, Kisauni received Ksh 112,388,140, Turkana North with Ksh 109,067,450, Mandera West with Ksh 108,528,697. Constituencies with least allocations include Lamu East with a paltry of Ksh 30,518,281, Saku with Ksh

8 Turn to Page 2 Col. 1 Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Ms. Anne Waiguru. Constitution transforms education into a vehicle of social mobility By PETER MUTUKU tional institutions and facilities for persons nomic fields. man right, but we still need to explore how to with disabilities that are integrated into society Although the Constitution does not pro- discharge this duty. THE new Constitution institutionalizes edu- to the extent compatible with the interests of vide any definition of education, the above We could add another angle to this analy- cation as the way for upward social mobility, the person. articles seem to identify the role of the state as sis: since worldwide experience is showing makes the state its custodian and distributor, This is reaffirmed by Article 55 which a custodian of human rights and a welfare pro- that one of the problems with welfare states is and goes to the extent of commanding affirma- stipulates that the State shall take measures, vider. Within the context of the Constitution, sustainability, we must ask ourselves how we tive action in certain circumstances. including affirmative action programmes, to it would seem that the above quoted articles are going to free the education system from The Constitution Article 43(1) spells out ensure that the youth (a) access relevant edu- assume education is geared to employment, corruption to maximise the use of resources that every person has the right to education. In cation and training. which depends directly on certification. in Kenya. This brings to the fore another addition Article 53 provides that every child The Constitution (Article 56) also provides If we consider the extraordinary demand question: how can a corrupt and bureaucratic has the right to free and compulsory basic edu- that the State shall put in place affirmative ac- for education in Kenya, it could be an indica- education system dispense affirmative action? cation. tion programmes designed to ensure that mi- tion that there are very few other opportunities Will it have any credibility? Further, Article 54 (1) directs that persons norities and marginalised groups are provided for Kenyans to progress in life without it. This 8 with disability are entitled to access educa- special opportunities in educational and eco- angle justifies establishing education as a hu- Turn to Page 4 Col. 1 ON OTHER PAGES Kenyans mobilise KeNHA allocates Ksh20bn Modern agricultural What to know about against taxing towards rehabilitation technology remains key the County Integrated the poor —Pg. 8 of roads —Pg. 18 to food security —Pg. 25 Development Plan —Pg. 32 The Link, September-November 2013 2 GOVERNANCE Government allocates Ksh20.8 billion to CDF From page 1 retary as outlined in the table aligned to Article 217 of the Development Fund and Ksh the revenue to the County gov- below. Constitution. 167,200,000 disbursed through ernments as an additional grant 41,622,224, Wundanyi with Other additional funding go- the Women Enterprise Fund. on top of the allocation to be de- Ksh 45,460,240, Isiolo South The Cabinet Secretary fur- ing to Constituencies include The CDF allocation is a sharp termined by the CRA formula. has been allocated Ksh ther points out that CDF alloca- Ksh 6 billion through the Uw- contrast with the Budget Policy Article 1 (4) of the new con- 48,080,506, Mwatate with Ksh tion follows the enactment of ezo Fund, Ksh 137, 670,000 statement which proposed that stitution clearly indicates that 49,467, 337, Taveta with Ksh CDF Act 2013, which has been through the Youth Entreprise the CDF be incorporated into the sovereign power of the peo- 52,282,219, Lamu West with ple is exercised at the national allocation of Ksh 56,755,998, CDF Allocation shares level and the county level. Central Imenti Ksh 57,314,949, The fourth Schedule of the Balambala Ksh57, 533,062 Item Amount Remarks Constitution clearly demarcates and Voi Ksh59,141,687. the functions of the national and The allocations were pri- 2.5 percent of the the County governments, for in- marily based on population, Government ordinary 21,973,900,000 Total CDF Allocation stance; poverty index, land area, basic revenue l Local infrastructure projects: equal share and fiscal respon- county abattoirs, county trans- sibility. Net out 5 percent 1,098,695,000 Set aside for CDF port, markets, county public A dispatch from the Minis- Board Secretariat works and services. try of devolution signed by the l County planning and develop- Cabinet Secretary Ann Waigu- 95 percent Net CDF 20,875,205,000 Net CDF for ment ru reveals that 45 percent of the distribution l Ensuring and coordinating allocation has been shared on the participation of communi- the basis of population as this ties and locations in governance is reflects expenditure needs in at the local level and assisting respective constituencies. Parameters Percentage Weights Amount Remarks communities and locations to In addition, 25 percent has develop the administrative ca- been shared equally among all Population 45 % 9,393,842,250 Population share to pacity for the effective exercise the 290 Constituencies in the total population of the functions and powers and country in a bid to ensure they participation in governance at are treated equally regardless Poverty Index 20% 4,175,041,000 Poverty Contribution the local level. of their size and population. to total poor The CDF Act 2013, however More significantly, 20 per- disrespects the functional dis- cent has been assigned to Land Area 8% 1,670,016,400 Land area share to tinctness of County governments bridge the poverty gap with a total land cover on several grounds including: view to ensuring that the poor The CDF Act provides a move above the poverty line. Basic Equal Share 25% 5,218,801,250 Equal share framework for the assignment “The poverty contribution of funds to implement develop- index is adjusted using urban Fiscal Responsibility 2% 417,504,100 Equal share ment programmes in the coun- rural population factor where ties without regard to the consti- the rural population constitutes Total 100 20,875,205,000 tutional distribution of functions 68 percent while urban is 32 between national and county percent of the whole popula- governments. tion. The Act provides that a spe- Constituencies have also re- cific portion of the national an- ceived 8 percent of the total al- nual budget is devoted to the location based on their respec- constituencies for purposes of tive sizes with limits of 0.001 infrastructural development, for Constituencies whose land wealth creation and in the fight area is below the 0.001 share against poverty at the constitu- of the total country and an up- ency level. per limit of 0.010 for largest The Act states that the constituencies. projects to be implemented Two percent has been ear- should be community based; marked for fiscal discipline CDF funds projects that fall to reward constituencies that within the functional jurisdic- practice prudent management tion of county governments. of the financial resources. The Act section 22(1) projects “Given that there is no fac- under this Act shall be commu- tor on Fiscal discipline param- nity based in order to ensure eter yet, the two percent of that the prospective benefits this budget is divided equally are available to a widespread among the 290 constituen- cross section of inhabitants of cies,” adds the Cabinet Sec- Treasury Building, Nairobi. a particular area. Governor in support of girl-child education By JOHN NYAMBUNE ment of personnel at county level be- they must follow correct channels,” through his government. The school While addressing residents dur- gins, the one-third gender rule would he said. was started in 2003 under the patron- ing the same occasion, the governor KAKAMEGA Governor Wycliffe be adhered to as he encouraged female Oparanya said he would go ahead age of Oparanya during his tenure as reiterated his earlier stance declaring Oparanya has called on parents to ac- students to ensure they attained the with a plan to employ Early Child- the area legislator. that the county should be given a more cord equal opportunities to their chil- highest level of education. hood Development Education teach- “When it comes to infrastructure deserving role in ODM because of the dren to help the county meet the two “When we begin recruiting, we ers despite the fact that the function is in primary and secondary schools, support it accorded the party leader thirds gender threshold. will be looking for women who are yet to be devolved to county level by the national government is never in- Raila Odinga in the last polls. Oparanya says that the county educated to ensure that we meet the the Transition Authority. volved. These schools started benefit- “The party should look at West- plans to stick with the two thirds gen- constitutional requirement of gender The governor was speaking in ting with the advent of CDF. Your area ern and reward us accordingly. More der rule when making appointments to balance. The jobs will be advertised Buchenya Girls Secondary School MP should now take over and ensure than 300,000 votes that Raila scooped fill any vacant positions in at least two daily newspapers and in Butere constituency where he also CDF is effectively used to bring de- in the presidential race came from He announced that once recruit- everyone is encouraged to apply, but pledged to donate a bus to the school, velopment to our schools,” he said. Kakamega,” said the governor. The Link, September-November 2013 EDUCATION 3 Shock as children in public schools fail to impress in study By HENRY OWINO whose subjects perform highly Various stakeholders have ac- ted that there was a problem and must succeed in achieving Vision and the targets are going to be set knowledged that there is a crisis radical measures should be taken 2030 and education is a vital social MANY school going children in by head teachers and county edu- in the education sector that must to salvage the situation. pillar,” Dr Kibati stressed. Kenya are being drilled or coached cation boards,” Macharia said. be addressed urgently, following The three, who were present Dr Kibati welcomed the Uwezo on how to pass examinations in- She regrets that stakeholders a damning report that suggested during the official launch of the report noting that it has provided a stead of comprehending the syl- must begin to question the effi- many class eight candidates can report by Uwezo Kenya Country clear insight of the education situ- labus for future benefits. This was ciency of quality assurances offic- barely read or write. Co-coordinator John Mugo, noted ation in the country. revealed by Uwezo Kenya at the ers whose mandate is to supervise The Uwezo Kenya, a non- that there was need for radical shift “As the government offers launch of annual report on Learn- learning. She recalled that in the governmental organization which to look into learning outcomes. compulsory education and curric- ing Assessment at the Kenya Insti- past trained school inspectors used deals with research and education They regretted that a vast major- ulum reforms, quality of education tute of Curriculum Development to supervise learning. policies, released its findings on ity of Kenyan children in public is important to conform with the (KICD) in Nairobi. Macharia noted that some the literacy and numeracy skills in schools are not able to perform at changing times,” he said. The report states that three out teachers are not competent in cer- public schools. the required level. Mugo, the Uwezo Kenya Coun- of ten children in class three can- tain subjects and have problems in The research demonstrates that The report documented that too try Co-coordinator noted that this not do class two work. It further spelling. So, the commission plans it is not enough for the government many children complete primary is the third report and hopes that reveals that over 50 out of 100 to give packages to improve teach- to concentrate on increasing en- schooling without basic compe- the government will address key children in class four and five can- ers’ ability to teach in their subject rolment, gender parity, improved tencies in reading and arithmetic. issues raised. The organization’s not comprehend stories written for areas. infrastructure and teacher recruit- Dr Kibati stated that the report regional manager Sara Ruto on her class two pupils. Again 12 out 100 “We are going to provide the ment, without addressing the issue was a yardstick to measure where part noted that the low learning children in class Six and Seven programme in modules to be done of quality. the country is in terms of educa- levels affects all Kenyans. could not understand a class two in three years after which teachers Vision 2030 Director General tion, which is key pillar of Vision She called upon the govern- story even if they could read it. will be given certificates. It will be Mugo Kibati, Baringo Governor 2030. He warned that for Vision ment to intervene urgently as the The report posed the question difficult to teach in a public or pri- Benjamin Cheboi, National As- 2030 to be realized, the country situation may worsen with fre- whether the mere presence of chil- vate school in future without this sembly Committee on Education must invest heavily in education. quent teachers’ strikes, children dren in school translates to seri- certificate,” she said. chairperson Sabina Chege admit- “We do not have a choice, we and teachers absenteeism. ous learning. After sitting for any exam, most children cannot answer the same question if twisted in a different way without altering ICT remains the meaning. In short, teachers are after means score grades other critical towards than competency. The study said at least 10 per- the realization cent of teachers in public schools are always out of school during of Vision 2030 official learning hours. This shows that absenteeism among teach- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ers is as high as students missing schools without genuine reasons. INFORMATION Communication Approximately a pupil misses Technology (ICT) is key to the reali- school up to 14 days in a month zation of vision 2030, a District Edu- while teachers may be in school cation Officer (DEO) in Kakamega but not attend lessons. Other County has affirmed. teachers also go to class to make Navakholo DEO, Sarah Ayumba, stories with pupils on current af- is categorical that pupils in primary fairs but not necessarily to teach. schools today must be computer liter- Nancy Macharia, the director ate if Vision 2030 is to be achieved. of Teachers Service Commission Ayumba says that the generation management said poor supervision in primary school now is being pre- in schools leads to absenteeism pared for vision 2030 and thus must and desertion. She said the com- be equipped with ICT skills. mission will introduce a teacher Speaking recently at Bright Acad- appraisal system to curb absentee- emy during prize giving cum edu- ism. cation day where she was the chief Macharia attributed the low guest, Ayumba challenged private standards of teaching to the chang- primary schools in the district to intro- ing of curriculum without train- duce computer lessons. ing teachers. “We will introduce She urged managers of private an appraisal system for teachers Children are being coached on how to pass examinations. primary schools to ensure that their curriculum remain relevant by introducing ICT in line with the Jubilee government manifesto. “When the Parents push for adoption of mother tongue at lower levels of school government buys laptops for standard one pupils in public schools next By LUKE KAPCHANGA young children who begin class tongue instructions. centres are overstaffed, yet the short- year private schools should also do the work in a language different from “Mother tongue instruction in age is felt more in rural schools. same,” the DEO says. MOTHER tongue is an essential their own, they complained. schools is frustrated by teachers, They all agreed that having more The DEO at the same time urged foundation for learning, but will it The language of instruction at who themselves cannot read or teachers can be essential when it the Luhya community to embrace ever be practical in Kenya? school makes young children, be- write in their own languages”, a par- comes to addressing quality educa- girl-child education adding that they This is a question that stakehold- lieve that the language they have ticipant claimed. tion. must be accorded equal opportunities ers in the education sector continue known from birth is inferior com- But parents were not spared ei- The participants were told to be with the boys in matters pertaining to to grapple with. pared to the language at school. ther, as it was said that most have proactive in engaging education to education. Participants at Elimu Yetu Coali- Experts for long time have rec- developed a negative attitude to- have their inputs in county educa- She points out that under normal tion one day workshop in Bungoma ognized the importance of children wards their languages, making chil- tion reports, thus put pressure on circumstances girls should be given drawn from the ministry of educa- using their mother tongue when dren to despise them. TSC to employ teachers depending the opportunity, including affirmative tion, civil society and parents were they begin school. Joseph Wasikhongo, the pro- on demand. action criteria to go through all levels of the view that pupils joining A study by UNICEF in the late gramme manager with Elimu Yetu, Elimu Yetu Coalition is a na- of education without discrimination. school should be taught in mother 1990s in Zambia showed that stu- commented the participants for tional platform for civil society or- “Girls should not only be taken to tongue as it played a critical role in dents who began schooling using coming up with the proposal, which ganization, professionals groupings, school but also allowed to complete their development. English instead of their mother should be pushed and taken up by education and research institutions, the education cycle without disrup- They pointed out that for pur- tongue did not acquire enough profi- policy makers at county and nation- which lobbies for implementation tion,” she says. poses of self-esteem and identity, ciency to learn well by grades three al governments. education for all. Speaking at the function, one of the children in lower primary should be or six. “If what you people are saying Its objectives include seeking to managers of private primary schools taught in their mother tongue lan- However shortage of teaching makes sense, then, time has come influence policy shift towards a sus- concurred with the DEO that private guages. materials and training programmes, to ensure that a policy is developed tainable basic education and train- schools should also embrace ICT in “Mother tongue is an essential were noted as the biggest challeng- and enforced in implementation,” ing system that is appropriate to the line with the government policy. foundation for learning as much as es. said Wasikhongo. aspirations of Kenyans. The director of Bright Academy, acquiring proficiency in Kiswahili Teachers were blamed for not On teacher recruitment, the par- It also aims to build a strong Mr. Rodgers Nato disclosed that his and English has advantages,” a par- understanding their indigenous lan- ticipants said that it should be done movement with very clear direction school has put measures in place to ticipant noted. guages and being the enemies when through rationalization. and targets around basic education ensure that computer lessons start this School is an alien place for it comes to the promotion of mother This should be adopted as urban and training. term. The Link, September-November 2013 4 EDUCATION Constitution transforms education into a vehicle of social mobility From page 1 There is one further question we must ask ourselves: whether the present ills of society, such as corruption, have anything to do with the education system. Although increasing the education system output is a lofty target, can it be done without due regard to the transmission of values? Furthermore, whose duty it is to teach values: the state, the community, the family or religion? If it is not the state’s duty, what provision is there to allow mediating structures to discharge this responsibility?

The role of the state Traditionally there are two sides to justice: l Commutative justice to regulate the mutual giving and receiving. In the case of contracts for example, they are not just an instrument of self-assertion but of rendering the other parties their due. In this case, an individual is confronted with another as equals. l Distributive justice to regulate the distribution a ruler or steward gives to each according to what he or she deserves. It refers to the right order in the relation between those who have power and those who are en- Former President, Mwai Kibaki, signs the new Constitution into law. Photo/File trusted with this power. In this case, an individual is confronted with the while commutative justice would common good demands it, without many more failures were it not for lic sector about their terms of service social whole: both parties are not regulate a quantitative equality, e.g. forgetting that distributive justice the social fabric of solidarity that is too well known to comment on. equal. Family members within a same financial aid. cannot be enforced. The purpose of many Kenyans sustain according Constraints to maintain public facili- family for example. Can our institutions combine power is to realise and guard justice to their possibilities, and under their ties are obvious. From the point of view of dis- genuine authority (commutative jus- but it is really difficult to impose dis- own responsibility. The Constitution Fourth Sched- tributive justice the whole ranks tice) with the recognition of the indi- tributive justice on the state as sug- Distributive justice is difficult to ule allocates to the national govern- higher than the individual, therefore vidual person to whom a right is ab- gested by article No 20 (5). realize because the common good ment education policy, standards, it would seem that this approach sits solutely due from the social whole The inability to measure and resists any form of measurement. curricula, examinations and the more comfortably within a welfare (distributive justice)? Moreover, is control the dispensation of distribu- If we consider it just as the ‘social granting of university charters, leav- state than within a system that fos- education something to which the tive justice can be minimised by product’, the total product of coming no room for devolution to the ters individualism or collectivism. individual has an irrevocable claim, involving the right organs in its ex- munity life, we may leave aside all counties with the exception of pre- The governor, ruler or lawgiver, as even when confronted with the so- ecution. A mother within the family those things that are not immediate- primary education, village polytech- administrator of the common will, cial whole [the state]? context is always applying distribu- ly useful, such as the patience and nics, home-craft centres and child- must render an account of his or her tive justice according to the circum- commitment of a teacher to her stu- care facilities. actions and is obliged to give the in- The Constitution, devolution and stances of the family members and dents. It is obvious that the common Article 203 spells out criteria for dividual members of the whole their solidarity the means at her disposal. It would good is not quantifiable because it is the equitable sharing of national rev- due. The problems of corruption and ex- be ridiculous for the state to meddle; ‘the sum total of social conditions enue. How can Kenyans implement The new constitution defines an cessive bureaucracy in the education not even a fully trained magistrate which allow people, either as groups and sustain the constitutional re- obligation due to the individual in system were highlighted recently can replace a mother in her family or as individuals, to reach their ful- quirements on education? Why the his relation toward the social whole when a donor country announced role. It would seem then that a pru- filment more fully and more easily’. silence on traditional partners such that is in principle different from his the withdrawal of funding support dent application of the principle of Therefore distributive justice ap- as churches, charitable institutions due as creditor toward debtor in a through the Ministry of Education. devolution would solve this prob- plied to the common good is about and the private sector? situation of commutative justice. The donor also stated that it would lem. However, although this prin- letting and encouraging individual We can offer just one thought: What belongs to him and the way continue funding programmes by- ciple has been applied extensively members of a nation and its institu- devolving some of the attributions it belongs to him are quite different. passing the Ministry. in the new Constitution, it did not tions to share in the realisation of a of the central government on educa- Something belonging to him exclu- In the field of justice, the distin- affect education because the cen- common good that cannot be defi- tion is not factored into the constitu- sively is different from what belongs guishing mark of an obligation is tralisation of the education system at nitely delineated in concrete terms tion. But it is possible to outsource to to him as a share of something that the possibility of compelling its ex- national level remains. and therefore requires the participa- strategic partners, segregate respon- is common to the whole. In com- ecution. Is it possible to command The inherent problem to quantify tion of all at the appropriate levels. sibilities to make all parties more ac- mutative justice, the obligation is something that cannot be measured? distributive justice leaves us with countable to distributive justice and discharged normally by paying, Or to put it in simple terms: is it pos- basically two main options: intro- The way forward improve the common good. whereas in distributive justice, the sible to compare two different af- duce choices at national level, like The Kenya budget does not produce Kenyans could allow the devel- obligation is discharged by allotting. firmative interventions taken in dif- a variety of examination boards and a surplus. On the contrary, Govern- opment of several examining boards In the case of distributive jus- ferent financial years? Otherwise we therefore a choice of curricula; hope ment borrowing seems to be con- and do away with the monopoly of tice, justice and equity cannot be cannot compare distributive justice that Kenyan will continue practicing stantly on the increase. In spite of the Kenya National Examinations achieved by consideration of the interventions of different financial the virtue of solidarity, which ‘is not official rhetoric, educational stand- Council. They could re-introduce actual value only, but by the propor- years. a feeling of vague compassion or ards are not improving; what is in- grant-in-aid or matching grants to tion that corresponds to the person. The State represents the social shallow distress at the misfortunes creasing is the number of people the mobilise community resources and In commutative justice, such ap- whole and administers the common of so many people, but a firm and education system is producing. manage them independently of the proach is both meaningful and pos- good. It is true that the family, the persevering determination to com- The number of people employed Ministry of Education. They could sible. Hence a just price would do, community, free associations and mit oneself to the common good’. in the formal sector is not increas- give tax incentives to channel pri- as determined by the market as an religion play a role in the common There is a tendency to over- ing significantly. What is increasing vate resources toward education and independent third party. good. But the harmonising and in- look that the present uniformity of is the competition for virtually the encourage partnerships to develop In the case of education, distribu- tegration of all men’s functions oc- the 8-4-4 system produces many same number of jobs which keeps centres of excellence. The possibili- tive justice refers us to proportional curs only in the political commu- failures and therefore need a more on fuelling the diploma disease. The ties are many depending on the inequality, e.g. the same opportunities, nity: power can be wielded if the inclusive system. There would be unhappiness of teachers in the pub- terpretation of the Fourth Schedule. The Link, September-November 2013 5 EDUCATION

By LINK CORRESPONDENT KENYA’S publishing industry has Publishers in Kenya have also been the only sector that operated for years with a minimum underhand from the twin forces of tribalism and corruption, but a recent survey re- succumbed to tribalism and money vealed that as per today this is the most old people like Achebe, Soyinka and has left the reading community in Denis Brutus as white African writ- always used publishing as a weapon tribalised and politicized industry in Ngugi have began dying so that we Kenya deeply agog to an extent that ers while at the same time in the same of power. They use a printed word to Kenya which now allows the corrupt- young writers can also have an oppor- dear reader, the only words that can editions, the same Alexander Opicho get power and maintain power against ible powers that be to call the tune. tunity to be published. They are noth- be used to describe the situation is is associating literary mystery with the genuine intellectual efforts of true and Borrowing a style of analysis from ing else other than capitalists of litera- ‘communal discombobulation’. name of Alexander Pushkin. Indeed, honest but discommunicated writers. Ngugi’s Wizard of the Crow in which ture.” To my chagrin this young man Those who have been in Kenya who can wear the blinkers to such an It was this political sub-culture that dictatorship in Africa is established was not joking, was very earnest and in the past two years must have had a open sore in any society? partially contributed to dispelling of as a cult enticed by both the oppres- calm. I mused about it; what a mourn- glimpse of this publishing vice through History of publishing discrimina- intellectuals away from Kenya to sor and the oppressed. Tribalism and ing so un-African! practical encounter with Kenya’s two tion in Kenya has its tap roots deeply Tanzania and other intellectual hubs corruption in Kenya often form a so- On equal footing as money, main circulating papers the Daly na- impeded in the volcanic soils of the during the last century. The top schol- cial- political blend that transcends politics and ethnic network mon- tion and The East African standard. colonial era. This was when white set- ars like Walter Rodney who authored itself into a syndrome which tickles key- wrenches Kenyan publishers The weekend editions of these papers tlers were owners of all the media and How Europe underdeveloped Africa, both the corrupter and corrupted, it is like a Greek marionette in the hands have pages on literary discourse. The book publishing firms. Writing and Frantz Fanon, Micere Mugo, Abdalla a syndrome which spreads like a can- of a heroic Negro gladiator. Po- Nation has it in the Saturday Nation publishing therefore was a reserve of Abdatallatif and Ayi Kwei Armah all cerous cell and now it is here with us litical heavy weights easily publish. and the Standard in the Sunday Stand- the white. Africans had nowhere to stayed in Tanzania, from where they in the body of the publishers. It is a Whether whatever they are publish- ard. The eyesore of time in both of publish their ideas. As Tom Mboya researched and published because of syndrome of public office abuse and ing is trash or treasure, they are of- these editions is a plethora of old and recounts in Freedom and after; invi- intellectual friendly political culture ethnicity. It is not only in the print me- ten published smoothly. The vicious rich writers writing about old and rich tation of a liberal Aga Khan to Ken- which held publishing discrimination dia publishers that the vice is thriving logic of all these pertains in the tribe authors. In both the editions you will yan publishing market on which he at distaste. but among all the book publishers, and dirtiness of politics. It was out of obviously meet Ezekiel Mwazemba established the Nation media group In spite of political misfortunes university academic paper publishers, this peccadillo that a Nigerian man discussing Shakespeare, Tom Odhia- was simply one effort against colonial Uganda contrasts a lot with Kenya. journal publishers, and tabloid as well emerged with a caricatureure of a mbo discussing Ngugi, Okello Oculli misrule. A young writer in Uganda will meet as newsletter publishers, leaving the book entitled Raila Odinga; Kenya’s praising poetry of P’Bitek as a tool of May be this legacy of publishing lesser impediments in his career path Kenyan young writers with the digital political enigma. This was some few anthropology, Tom Mochoma appre- discrimination was passed piecemeal as contrasted to Kenya. This intel- social media as the only communica- months preceding the 2007 general ciating Lolita of Vladimir Nabokov, to the all subsequent governments in lectual freedom is barely seen in the tion platform on which terrors of tribe elections. The intellectual pithiness Chakava praising Ngugi or Alexander Kenya. The governments of the day Monitor, Uganda’s Daily paper pub- and money don’t reign. of this book was and is heavy. It Opicho describing Frantz Fanon and and politically connected class have lished in English. There is practice of The established book publishers genuine editing, publishing by content in Kenya have a keen nose of com- not by tribe and class and objectivity merce and politics. They do not pub- of information as key attributes of this lish to store and disseminate knowl- Ugandan daily paper. These are the edge. But instead they publish either publishing virtues that recently frus- to make money or to gain political trated President Yoweri Museven to favour. What are their tools towards make an unreasonable move of clos- the goals? On money making, they ing down this paper. have seasoned the art of recycling The side effects of practicing dis- the old writers. They re-print and re- criminatory publishing have but only brand the same and pristine Achebe, led Kenya to a crystallized pedestal Soyinga and Ngugi. They solicit for of negative results useful in only ex- the manuscripts from such aged writ- tending the pale of the society, both ers left, center and right. They rather economically and socially. Kenyan publish a profile of Mazrui and Taban young book writers have resorted to Lo Liyong or academic history of the publishing in Germany. This is sad Ugandan poet, Ogot P’Bitek and John when faced with a bare fact that Ken- Ruganda’s intellectual appreciation yans are sending their manuscripts to of Imbuga’s political comedies than publishers in Germany, But once the even giving a look at manuscript of a books are published, Kenyan read- penniless young writer from a family ers in turn are conditionally bound without stature of fame and politics. to import these very books at a very It was out of the spirit of condemning expensive price because of tax, trans- this vice that had one young frustrated port and haulage fees and also a real- writer from Kenya whom I happened ity due to an economic condition that to talk to make a desperate and mis- a Kenyan shilling is very week against fortunate comment about Chinua European dollar. Achebe’s death that; ‘It is good such Set of textbooks. Photo/File Effects of devolution on learning institutions By PETER MUTUKU of which have satellite campuses in all in place, challenges of national integra- will continue to expand and new ones been possible if devolution was not major towns. It is worth noting, that tion may emerge because, parents will will come up. A number of reasons will introduced. Our colonial history confirms that most devolution, will impact on the differ- prefer a minimum schooling distance make this possible. An economy will not grow on of Kenya’s development was deliber- ent levels of learning institutions. Let us approach especially, if going far away First, the minimum learning dis- academics alone. Sources of income ately restricted to 160 kilometers of begin with our education system as we from home is no longer tenable through tance policy supported by most parents should be as we can now see, ex- either side of the Kenya-Uganda rail- know it today. standards. Rules on quotas for students will see students learn from nearby. panded to include entertainment and way. This was so, because the colonial Primary schools will definitely coming from across the country will be These days, we do not have the 80s and sports. The new policy on having 60 government needed to demonstrate benefit from increased funding in the difficult to achieve under such circum- 90s hype of sending students to India, percent of television content being lo- the viability of a railway that had cost county governments. The sensitive na- stances. Population growth and an in- the United States and England. cal, will spur talent in entertainment as millions of British tax payers’ money. ture of education in this country and, the crease of available money for education People will also have a wider choice more comedies and programs come on To this end, towns and centres within legal requirement to have all children will drive growth in size and number of disciplines to choose from. There will board. These will now become a sus- the defined mileage astride the railway enjoying basic education; will definitely of schools. These in turn will drive up also be an increase in people pursuing tainable industry and will require insti- were developed so much so that, that encourage spending on schooling. With the employment of teachers and none- Masters and Doctoral degrees. Second- tutions that nature such talent. Soccer is what defined Kenya for years. The this, will be the need for more teachers. teaching staff. ly, Universities as part of the ecosystem academies will now sprout as well as a effects of these are evident to date. Our The counties that get it right will attract Tertiary institutions such as those will play a key role in providing thought myriad of other none academic institu- five major towns and cities are the key pupils from less ambitious counties and offering certificates and diplomas will leadership to the communities that they tions across the country. highlights of the railway land marks. thus a growing market for consumables. grow. Kenya is transforming into a exist in. Devolved governments will guar- The areas away from the railway, The schools hitherto enjoying good in- knowledge economy and will increase Relevant research will be made pos- antee increased circulation of money received little attention and hence, the frastructural advantages and prime lo- its dependence on people with formal sible by proximity to the needs. What and talent in areas that had no institu- reason that most institutions of learn- cations will have to pull up their socks knowledge, to drive developmental was only possible through government tions before. Growth is total meaning ing at all levels, are concentrated along because the competition brought about objectives. To this end, a trend will extension officers will be possible with that we shall see activity in the build- the railway. Devolution in its true by an equalizing constitution will be fast emerge, where older citizens who had the help of universities. ing sector as new facilities come up, sense, it is hoped, will ensure that the and furious. It is anticipated, that the not reached these levels, will enrol in The government has played a big more banks cashing in on teachers and effects of the colonial blue print will be slowdown in rural-urban migration, will tertiary institutions alongside those role in upgrading tertiary institutions just about all other sectors getting their done away with. The equalization fund impact somehow negatively on town graduating from secondary schools. into universities across the country. share. is one such mechanism to bridge the schools. With a better life expectancy today, ma- Universities, tend to bring about univer- All in all, inter county competition gap in disadvantaged areas. Secondary Schools will equally ture age entry students will be on the sity towns which in turn, stabilize the will strive to minimize student expor- Our institutions have leveraged experience most of what their juniors increase. Again, there will be need for economies of their respective locations. tation on account of better facilities on existing infrastructure to expand. will be going through. With a national more tutors and institutions. Thousands of consumers are good for because overall, it will boil down to Take the case of our universities many school in every county envisaged to be Universities as we can see today business. Such business would not have taking money away from the county. The Link, September-November 2013 6 GOVERNANCE

“Decentralising the Court of Ap- peal makes it the most accessible highest court across the country. This Court of Appeal opens court shall radiate its knowledge across the country as a model for all the others. Its leadership in promoting constitutional development, through its appellate jurisdiction, becomes its doors in Nyeri town weightier if a matter is not litigated in the Supreme Court,” he added. By JOSEPH MUKUBWA He added that although the Su- preme Court is the final court in A NEW Court of Appeal has been in- Kenya, it can choose whether or not augurated in Nyeri town. to hear an appeal. This means that the Litigants in Nyeri County have Court of Appeal will be the final fo- received a major reprieve following rum for litigating many cases. the establishment of a Court of Ap- Mutunga added that every county peal in the area. should have a high court as per the The Chief Justice who is also the law requires to ease the number of President of the Supreme Court of cases going to appeal. Kenya Willy Mutunga said this is the Already, there are Court of Ap- first Court of Appeal to be launched peal judges hearing cases in Malindi, outside Nairobi and aims at bringing Kisumu and Eldoret and hope that services closer to the ordinary Ken- in time, Nakuru, too, can also have a yans. Court of Appeal. Mutunga who was accompanied At the same time, the Central by Court of Appeal judges and High region State counsel Job Kaigai has Court judges said the court will not said that the office of Director of only save the taxpayer the cost of Prosecutions is planning to open of- travel, but also create time for judges fices in the 47 counties in the country. to do more – more reading, more lis- Kaigai said already the Murang’a tening and more judging. The results county office is operational and are already becoming apparent. very soon there will be offices in Mutunga said there were 86 crim- Kerugoya, Nyahururu and other inal appeals pending at the time when towns. The counsel said this will help decentralization began two months in easing the backlog of cases so that From left: ago, 34 cases have been finalised and President Court of Appeal Justice Kihara Kariuki, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, judges Otieno many of the cases are heard on time. Ondek and Alnashir Visram at Nyeri law courts recently after Mutunga opened the Nyeri Court of Appeal. 32 fresh appeals filed. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa He however lamented that the of- He added that there were 175 fice is being affected by staff short- pending civil appeals, of which the up the wheels of justice, the Judicial said. cluded Chief registrar Gladys Shollei, ages. court has decided 57 and received 13 Service Commission hired 15 new Besides the large numbers in Court of Appeal President Justice Ki- “We are planning to hire more new ones. Court of Appeal judges last year, in Nairobi, Mombasa had 805 pending hara Kariuki, Justice Alnashir Visram staff in order to service Kenyans ef- “This will ease the backlog as the addition to the seven recruited in the cases, Kisumu 903 and Nyeri 447. of the Nyeri Court of Appeal judge, ficiently and effectively. We don’t system of rotating Court of Appeal year 2011. Since mid April, judges have been Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua, want to hear the court blaming the judges on circuits meant that appeals “Early this year, the Court of Ap- posted to Malindi, Kisumu, Eldoret Nyeri senator Mutahi Kagwe and prosecution department,” he said. filed in Nyeri could only be heard peal listed, heard and concluded 200 and Nyeri, where they have began to Nyeri town MP Esther Murugi. He said the government will en- once, maybe twice in a year even as cases in Mombasa and Nairobi. We have a great impact in reducing pend- Gachagua urged Mutunga to start sure every office has enough staff they piled month by month,” he said. believe that these initiative will be ing cases. a 24- hour court which will be able to since the DPP office is now an inde- The CJ said in an effort to speed replicated everywhere in Kenya,” he Those present in the function in- cater for the petty offenders. pendent body.

Security lapse at public beach turns away tourists Legislator demands

By ANTHONY ZOKA nal elements who have invaded the in all categories and these are the beach with the aim of soliciting and people who belong nowhere. The the audit of CDF kitty BEACH operators at Jomo Keny- harassing tourists. same persons tend to know about atta public beach have decried the They also urged the police to in- boat rides, has a camera, curios, By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ous regime whose right to handle rising cases of insecurity in the tensify patrols in the area to help deal camels rides among others, these CDF ceased upon the election of area and blamed it on lack of se- with the declining number of tourists are what we call intruders and KANDUYI MP, Wafula Wamuny- the new parliament. curity lights. in Kenyans beaches. should be dealt with,” he said. inyi, wants the Government to au- Wamunyinyi regretted that They said efforts to put up He distanced the operators from Speaking at the sideline of a dit the local Constituency Devel- the previous regime continued to public lights under the program claims that they are responsible for stakeholders forum organized by opment Fund (CDF) accounts. make withdrawals from the CDF dubbed “Mombasa beatification” the diminishing number of tourists Kenya Correspondent Associa- Wamunyinyi noted with dis- account during the electioneering stalled two years ago and that the and blamed hotel managers for har- tion on devolution, the programme may that the constituency books period and even after the elections. lights were only operational for assing the tourist psychologically. manager of beach operator and of accounts have not been audited The move, Wamunyinyi said less than four months “The big players in the beach livelihood project at Mombasa and for three consecutive financial has greatly affected needy students Speaking to The Link, the hotels have denied tourists from coast tourist association, Edward years starting from 2010/2011 to in the constituency who rely on chairperson of Jomo Kenyatta visiting the beach citing harassment Wangechi, expressed concern over 2012/2013. bursary to pursue education. public beach photographers, Paul but what massage are they sending? plans by Kilifi and Kwale county The CDF allocations during the He claimed that bursary and Mbunza, said that security lights This message scare them not to come governments to remove operators period under review were spent by office administration funds were should be repaired to help curb again, and thus there is need for the at the beach as they were harassing the immediate former Constituen- exhausted from the CDF account criminal acts. concerned bodies to deal with the tourists. cy Development Fund Committee during the electioneering period. “This is the only beach open to intruders who are not in any associa- “We have genuine people in (CDFC) under the leadership of Consequently the MP appealed the public and we regret that crimi- tions operating on the beach front,” the beach who have been earning the then area Mp Alfred Khang’ati. to parents and needy students to be nals are taking advantage of the noted the chairman who added that honestly over the last 30 years. Speaking to The Link in patient and wait till the constitu- situation to attack innocent people the beach has about 11 registered This directive is a blanket con- Bungoma town, Wamunyinyi said ency receives CDF allocation for after the sunset. We have been los- associations which are known to the demnation,” she said. he was not accusing his predeces- this financial year. ing customers because revellers ministry of tourism. According to Wangechi, beach sor out of mischief but only want- “Needy students will have to leave as early as six o’clock,” he Similar sentiments were shared operators have been recognized ed the auditors to give his team a wait a little bit longer before they noted. by the secretary of the umbrella body by the Ministry of Tourism before clean sheet. are allocated bursaries due to the According to the photogra- of beach operators Misheck Kenyatta the coming of county government, “From 2010/2011 to 2012/2013 prevailing circumstances,” the Mp phers, security needs to be beefed who expressed the need to empower and there was need to align the financial years, the constituency said. up at the beach to deal with emerg- operators through their constitution new bylaws to the existing struc- books of accounts have not been The MP alleged that the amount ing cases of insecurity which are a and deal with those who are not reg- tures. audited which is why I am calling which was spent by the previous threat to both beach operators and istered in any association. He noted that the implementa- on the government to send audi- regime during electioneering peri- visitors. “Our policy is that every man for tion of the directive poses a threat tors to give my CDFC a clean bill od and immediately after the elec- Mbunza called on the Ministry one job and that is why every catego- to over 6,000 jobs for beach op- of health,” he said. tions was Ksh.58 million. of Tourism and the County gov- ry has its own association. There are erators who depend on business The Mp added that his recently This was the last tranche of ernment to clamp down on crimi- some people who want to be involved across the coastal line. inaugurated CDFC has inherited CDF allocation to the constituency only Ksh.200,000 from the previ- during 2012/2013 financial year. The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE 7

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Community NYERI county assembly recently had a privilege to host the Brit- policing ish High Commissioner Christian Nyeri county committees Turner. The assembly hosted the envoy urged to stick for about two hours where members expressed interest in exchange to mandate programmes between Britain and Kenya. By AGGREY BUCHUNJU The assembly speaker Mwangi assembly hosts Mugo who welcomed Turner in the NOMINATED Community po- chambers said it was an honour to licing persons in Bungoma Coun- host the commissioner in the as- ty have been advised to resist at- sembly as the first visitor outside tempts by chiefs and other State security agents to use them as a the country. vigilante group. Mugo said it was good that British envoy The warning came as it members from his country also gazettment of the nominated ones and ideas,” said the speaker. chair the platform with Turner and emerged that some chiefs and visit the assembly for the exchange even the police order members programmes. is yet to be done. He also said the assembly is even posed for photographs with of the community based policing The speaker however told the “We are 30 elected men but not faced with many challenges includ- him. Turner has been in the Mt committees to arrest suspected envoy not to panic that the assem- a single woman. We would wish to ing lack of broadcasting room and a Kenya region for about three days wrongdoers. Teso North District bly has not a single lady but it is be- welcome you here again in future computerized resource centre. to familiarize with the projects in Administration Police (AP) com- cause nobody was elected and the so that we can share experiences The members were happy to the region. mandant Mr.James Wekesa however cautioned the community based policing members against being used as vigilante. Wekesa who was the guest speaker at the one day workshop held at Celtrica hotel in Bungoma town was categorical that the work of community based policing members is not to arrest suspects. He asserted that it was uncon- stitutional and professional mis- conduct for chiefs and the police to engage members of the community based policing committees in arresting suspected criminals and brewers of illicit liquor. Wekesa at the same time called on members of community based policing committees to always remain incognito in the interest of their own security. Wekesa said that asking community policing members to arrest suspected criminals exposes them to the public, a fact, he pointed out that it was not only unprofessional but also risks their lives. The AP district boss reminded community based policing members that their work is to inform the police and other State security agents about impending crimes and suspicious persons in communities for appropriate action. Mr. Albinus Muga, the Bungoma Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) coordinator concurred with the AP commandant that members of the British High Commissioner Christian Turner posses for a photograph with the Nyeri county assembly members at the assembly community based policing com- recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa mittees should remain concealed from the public for security reasons. Efforts by the South Bukusu location chief Mrs. Gladys Weke- Kilifi County banks on KIE to lure investors sa to exonerate chiefs from alle- By BEKADZO TONDO Kilifi county and the only way to do selling of coconut and cashew nuts the middlemen go directly to the gations that they use community this is to have industries and facto- in the region to protect farmers from farmers to buy the products without based policing members as vigi- KILIFI county government will ries which could add value into the exploitation by middle men. He said giving them an opportunity to decide lante groups did not bear fruits. work closely with the Kenya Indus- raw produce,” said Mr Kingi. The the farmers will be coordinated to on prices and said that habit will now Community based polic- trial Estates (KIE) to attract more in- governor spoke during the inspec- form cooperatives and have central- come to an end. ing members who attended the vestors in the region. tion of industrial sheds constructed ized zones where they could gather “Farmers use a lot of energy, time workshop were in agreement that The County Governor Mr Ama- by KIE at a cost of Ksh60 million. and sell their produce. and money to produce the nuts and chiefs and the police order them son Kingi said his government will The Managing Director of KIE The governor said the county thus deserve better returns. It is for to arrest suspects or to accompany make use of the parastatal to lure in- Mr Julius Mokogi who led the team will set up common markets so that this reason that we want to regulate them to illicit brew dens for ar- vestors in the region. said the parastatal seeks to support farmers are bound by conditions that the prices,” said Mr Kingi. rests or searches. Mr Kingi said that despite the entrepreneurs with loans and ma- compel them to sell their produce at Mr Kingi said the farmers could “If it is not happening in your fact that the county is endowed with chines to start up their own busi- lower prices. also be advised to sell their produce area of jurisdiction, it is happening in other areas,” one of the enormous resources including co- nesses. “We need to regulate the prices of directly to the factories once they are participants told the chief. Partici- conut and cashew nuts, there are no Mr Mokogi said they also train products like the coconuts, cashew established for better pay. pants of the workshop sponsored factories to process the nuts into fin- business people on entrepreneurship nuts, mangos, oranges among other He said Kilifi County will be by Bungoma CJPC in partnership ished products. so that they can prudently manage products so that our farmers can reap making a lot of money if industries with Saferworld were drawn from He said coconut and cashew nuts their businesses. highprofits from their products’ said become operational. Kanduyi and Bumula constituen- have potential to generate more in- “As a parastatal, we offer up- Mr Kingi. “Value addition to our farm pro- cies of Bungoma County. come for the region but there are no coming entrepreneurs with capital in He said that farmers had for a duce could enable Kilifi County to Other speakers/facilitators processing factories to aid in value form of machines and cash loans and long time now been exploited by get better returns after the sale of at the workshop were Bungoma addition. training,” said Mr Mokogi. middlemen who determine the buy- the processed goods and that is the CJPC coordinator Mr. Albinus “We need to unlock the potential Mr Kingi said his government ing prices of their products. direction we are heading to’ said Mr Muga and organization social of coconut and cashew nut trees in will also regulate the buying and The governor said that most of Kingi. worker Mrs.Caro Maelo. The Link, September-November 2013 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Counties fail to use start up funds T is inexplicable to note that more than half of the 47 counties did not spend any money allocated for Idevelopment in the first four months of devolution. The report by the Controller of Budget that 25 COMMENTARY Counties did not spend a single cent of the money allocated by the Transition Authority sends strong signals that something is a miss. Kenyans mobilise against taxing the poor According to the report, counties had Ksh23 billion A BILL sponsored by the government poor consume more regularly in smaller at their disposal to start operating as semi autonomous and backed by IMF to raise more money COMMENT quantities. If a poor person buys a small to finance a huge budget announced re- packet of milk every day, they are pay- units between March and June 2013. The national ing VAT every day and, in the long run, cently seeks to impose value added tax By LINK CORRESPONDENT government allocated Ksh 9.8 billion as grants while on basic commodities. This has led to they end up paying more tax than the counties jointly collected a total of Ksh6.8 billion dur- angry protests by Kenyans. rich,” she adds, referring to the fact that Faisal Ngila is one of 17 activists in- Kenya loses 11 billion shillings (129 poor people spend a larger percentage of ing the same period. They also received Ksh 2.9 bil- volved in the campaign Kenyans for Tax million dollars) in revenue and the cur- their income on taxable goods than rich lion from the Transition Authority for infrastructure Justice, speaking out against a new Val- rent VAT structure is “complex, ineffi- people do. development, which was shared equally among the 47 ue Added Tax (VAT) Bill, known popu- cient and unproductive.” Counties each receiving Ksh 61.5 million. Out of the larly as the “Unga tax bill”. In trains, The Kenya Revenue Authority’s Kenya’s tax incentives cost billions buses, football stadiums and commu- Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Pan- The activists mobilising against the VAT Ksh 2.5 billion allocated by the Transition Authority nity centres, the activists are trying to crasius N. Nyaga says that the VAT bill bill say they want to use the campaign to the Counties for development, only Ksh 1.3 billion raise awareness and compile a petition as it stands must be overhauled to seal to highlight the government’s hypocrisy was spent representing a 45 percent absorption rate. against the Bill. loopholes that may create tax leakages in taxing ordinary citizens, while “multi- The Bill seeks to apply a 16 percent in the economy. billion shilling companies” are “given A close scrutiny of the report reveals that most value added tax rate on basic commodi- “Zero rating on goods is actually tax breaks and holidays.” Counties were unable to spend the infrastructure ties that have remained untaxed until benefiting the manufacturers and not the Government estimates place Kenya’s grant advanced to them through the Transition Au- now. These include rice, bread, maize consumers or the common people,” says lost revenue from tax incentives to for- flour, processed milk and sanitary pads. Nyaga. eign investors at Ksh 100 billion (1.1 thority. When the bill was introduced to parlia- “If you look at the Thika road project, billion dollars). It is not enough for the Controller of Budget to ment in 2012, citizen welfare groups you will find that the contractors were Tax Justice Network Africa esti- blame this on the lack of capacity and the lengthy pro- strongly opposed its adoption. But it is granted zero-rated status and purchase mates that in 2010 and 2011, the gov- curement processes within the limited time in which now up for debate in parliament. commodities without paying VAT. That ernment spent more than twice the Many ordinary citizens in Kenya are creates a loophole. If they buy a lot of country’s health budget on providing tax the counties were expected to use the resources as the worried about the bill’s impact on their cement, the government loses VAT and incentives. Kenya’s health budget for consequences and ramification are going to be pro- already-meagre incomes. “I am not re- it can be sold on the black market, un- 2010/2011 was 485 million dollars. found ally working. Sometimes I do casual la- dercutting genuine traders.” Thika road, However, a 2006 report by the IMF bour washing dishes and clothes,” Julia the main highway in Nairobi, is being states that investment incentives and, in A reasonable expectation would be to equip the Njoki, a mother of four, says. “If they expanded from four to eight lanes. particular, tax incentives, are in fact “not counties with adequate human capacity and appro- add tax to maize, bread and milk, I will Nyaga adds that those mobilising an important factor in attracting foreign priate financial systems required to effectively imple- not be able to buy anything.” against the bill are not seeing the overall investment.” Blessol Gathoni, one of the activists positive impact on the economy. Nyaga says the government is look- ment prudent financial management. from Kenyans for Tax Justice, says that “I think the whole issue has been ing to overhaul its tax incentive regime. Perhaps, it may be too much to ask that the Con- they are aiming for 20,000 signatures on misunderstood and people are trying to However, he adds, tax incentives have troller of Budget impose punitive measures but for their petition, which will be presented to gain political mileage out of it. The pric- nothing to do with the proposed VAT Kenyans to experience dividends of devolution, ac- members of parliament. So far, around ing is not such a big deal. When VAT bill. “With this bill, we are not targeting 9,000 people in this East African nation is spread evenly across all commodities, low-income people at the expense of the tion must be taken against Counties named as having of 42 million have signed it. it will be self-regulating, and prices will large corporations as suggested. We will spent no money on development. They include Bar- “The first issue is to get people to not impact negatively on everyone.” be addressing all deficiencies in the tax,” ingo, Bomet, Garissa, Homabay and Kiambu. Others think about how this bill will affect them But Kwame Owino, chief executive he says. and if they’re moved, they can go ahead officer at the Institute of Economic Af- However, the international organisa- are Kisii, Kitui, Kwale, Lamu, Makueni, Marsabit, and call the number (to add their names fairs Kenya, a public policy think tank, tion against poverty, The Rules, is not Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Siaya, Taita to the petition),” she says. “People do says that while the VAT bill will create convinced and has said that ongoing Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Turkana, Vihiga, not know that they are actually support- predictability in tax revenue collec- talks between the City of London and ing the economy and that they should be tion, it will also raise the prices of basic the Kenyan government are “aimed at Wajir and West Pokot. demanding their rights.” goods. modelling Kenya’s financial system on “Its justification is not an increase in the City of London,” a “hub of the global VAT and the economy tax, but if you are expanding the number tax haven system through which billions Value Added Tax was introduced to of goods to which VAT applies, then it in untaxed profits flow every day.” Kenya in 1990 and since then has been necessarily means that you are increas- “The Kenyan government has hired The Link is published subject to numerous amendments, in- ing taxes,” he says. the most aggressive financial liberalis- cluding the introduction of tax refunds But in a country where, according ers in the world to advise them,” Martin monthly by the Institute and zero rating on basic articles like to the World Bank, the average person Kirk, global campaigns director for The for Civic Affairs and food and imports used for manufactur- earns 1,700 dollars a year, such price Rules, says. ing. increases may have serious implications “So vague promises of overhauling Development (ICAD) It accounts for 28 percent of total tax for ordinary citizens. tax incentives sound pretty hollow in the revenues in Kenya, second after income According to Sarah Muyonga, poli- face of evidence. Taxes have to be paid. tax. cy and advocacy manager at Tax Justice If some people don’t pay, others are The International Monetary Fund Network Africa, which supports trans- forced to. What we’re seeing with the P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. (IMF) has backed the new VAT bill on parency in international finance, low- Unga tax is an example of that. Tax theft Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 the grounds that it will increase the gov- income earners are likely to bear the by the rich is costing Kenya billions of ernment’s sources of revenue. burden of the tax increases. shillings every year, so the poorest are Email: [email protected] According to the National Treasury, “I consider it a myth that the rich being told to pay more to pick up the under the country’s current tax regime, consume much more than the poor. The tab.” The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE 9

The County officials Link British envoy speaks rescue girl from Enhancing governance for all early marriage EDITOR DANIEL OTUNGE on devolution By BEKADZO TONDO SUB-EDITOR KILIFI County Government has By JOSEPH MUKUBWA The envoy was speaking dur- investment growth in this country. FAITH MUIRURI come to the rescue of a 16 year ing an open debate at Nyeri Social Tackling poaching as a security, old school girl who had been mar- Forum offices in Nyeri town. economic, legal as well as conser- ASSOCIATE EDITOR THE British Government has ried off to a 52 year old man. urged Kenyans to stop politicising At the same time, Turner said vation issue can benefit local com- OLOO JANAK According to the County devolution and instead allow the his British government is worried munities,” he added. Government executive commit- newly created units ample time to over the increase of poaching in The diplomat has since prom- tee member in charge of educa- take root. the country targeting endangered ised that Britain will support the tion and youth affairs, Ms Salma WRITERS British High Commissioner species saying it is leading to eco- government’s projections on a Ahmed, the girl was secretly mar- Christian Turner said that it took nomic sabotage. double digit growth economy. ried off by her parents. MORRIS GITHENYA Central ten years for Britain to implement He was shocked to hear that On the Mau Mau compensa- Ms Ahmed told an education 0735 855586 devolution. only seven Northern White Rhinos tion, he said the British govern- stakeholders meeting held at the “Some of the work involved are left in the world after poachers ment will put up a memorial in Kilifi county hall recently that will need enough time. Kenyans killed others in the country and Nairobi in six months after the rul- both the parents and the elderly JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central should not be in a hurry. The Brit- urged the local community sur- ing of the court which also offered man have been arrested. 0724 039787 ish government will however sup- rounding those animals to protect compensation of Ksh 2.6 billion The meeting which was con- port the implementation of the them. for the 5, 228 Mau Mau freedom vened to discuss education mat- devolution in the country,” he said. “We are supporting tourism, fighters. ters in the County was attended BEKADZO TONDO Coast by the county education director Mr Dickson Ole Keis and senior 0728 341240 officials from the Kilifi county government. “Members of the lobby group PETER MUTUKU Eastern fighting for the rights of the chil- 0721 455048 dren reported the matter to the governor’s office which sprung into action and ordered the arrest BOB OMBATI Nyanza of the parents and the old man,” said Ms Ahmed. 0728 435255 The executive member lamented that cases of girls dropping out of school due to early marriages NYAKWAR ODAWO Western were on the rise and vowed to 0726 264153 fight and address the problem. “Girls have a right to access education and as a government LUKE KAPCHANGA Western we will not tolerate parents who 0723 622136 mediate early marriages,” said Ms Ahmed. The county education director AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western Mr Keis cautioned parents against marrying off their underage girls 0733 537002 but instead take them to school. Mr Keis said education was the backbone of development and Layout & Design: urged leaders in the education sector to work as a team and en- WALTON DESIGNS sure children in the area acquire high and quality education. 0725 903 938 Cases of girls dropping out of school for early marriages and un- [email protected] British High Commissioner Christian Turner speaks during a debate at Nyeri Social Forum offices in Nyeri wanted pregnancies are common town recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa in Kilifi County. Bumala residents in dire need of ambulance and market

By NYAKWAR ODAWO no ambulance to handle emer- ket have been forced to rely tablishment of a social hall,” gency medical cases and this on untreated water from pri- said Indede. THE residents of Bumala in had affected expectant mothers vate boreholes and this has in Bumala Business Com- This Newspaper appreciates Butula Sub-county have urged who have to risk their lives due most occasions led to cholera munity acting Vice-chairman the facilitation accorded the government of Busia Coun- to rising cases of insecurity in epidemic,” said Indede, adding Wilfred Oduori on his part ty to provide Bumala health the location. that Bumala requires drilled expressed concern saying that by the Konrad Adenauer centre with its own ambulance The sick have in most oc- water to curb the cholera men- the traders who operate at Bu- Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya for emergency purposes in- casions been forced to ask for ace. mala market operate under un- stead of relying on one from an ambulance all the way from The residents further ap- hygienic conditions especially Busia district hospital. Busia district hospital,” said pealed to the county govern- during the rains due to lack of In a memo addressed to Bu- Indede. ment to allocate funds to aid shelters, a situation he noted All correspondence and sia County Transition Author- Speaking to The Link in Bu- in the purchase of land for the has caused the traders to lose enquiries to the editor, ity Coordinator and copied to sia town after presenting the construction of a bus park say- their wares to rain. Busia governor Sospeter Ojaa- memo recently, the residents’ ing the current bus park is too “The open air traders have P.O. Box 7438-00200, mong, Bumala business com- association chairman said Bu- small to accommodate PSV ve- incurred huge losses especially munity led by Butula residents mala market which generates a hicles. when it is raining because they Nairobi, Kenya. association chairman Charles lot of revenue for the county is “As a growing town within have nowhere to keep their Tel: 020-6001274 Indede said residents seeking in a deplorable state and has no Busia County and being one of goods,” he said, adding that emergency medical attention modern stalls and lacks clean the notable revenue generating Bumala town is always dirty Telefax: 020-6001776 had been forced to look for an water, a situation he noted has centres for the county, there is due to the fact that there is no alternative means to reach the forced the traders to rely on urgent need on the part of the proper physical planning and e-mail: [email protected] health centre. private boreholes. government of Busia to allo- therefore no proper place for “Bumala health centre has “The traders at the mar- cate funds to facilitate the es- both sewage and dumping site. 10 The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE Land acquired illegally in Busia County to be repossessed By NYAKWAR ODAWO “The government had paid the effective measures have already been Kenya Power and Lighting Company “The KPLC continues to raise the former occupants of a parcel of land put in place to ensure transparency office of failing to curb the frequent electricity charges, but they have failed THE Government of Busia County is that had been set aside for the con- and accountability. power blackouts they say had drasti- to provide effective service delivery,” set to repossess all the public property struction of Busia airstrip, but the He at the same time expressed cally affected their business. said an irate trader who sought ano- that might have been acquired ille- same plot has been grabbed by a cer- concern over delays in rolling out the The traders led by the chairman nymity. gally, a senior government official has tain individual. Therefore as a govern- construction of the proposed Busia of Busia County Cross-border traders They claimed that whenever they said. ment, we are going to carry out inves- medical training centre six years down Steven Obala expressed concern over visited local KPLC office to complain Speaking to The Link in Busia tigations and take the necessary steps the line. the frequent power outage. over the issue, they are allegedly han- town recently, Busia Deputy Gover- if it is true that the said land has been “It is saddening to note that six The most affected were traders dled in a very degrading manner with nor Kizito Wangalwa said before the grabbed,” said the deputy governor. years down the line, the construction dealing with electronic items who none of the officials caring to explain devolved system of government was He added that retired President of the proposed Busia medical training claimed that the abrupt power outage to them the causes of the blackouts. established, scores of people pur- Mwai Kibaki visited Busia district centre is yet to take-off even after the has in most occasions ended up burn- “Unless the local KPLC office porting to be private developers had hospital way back in 2007 where he ground-breaking ceremony presided ing the fuses of their wares especially takes urgent step to address the persist- grabbed public land. presided over a ground-breaking cer- over by retired President Kibaki,” said televisions sets, radios and computers’ ent power outage, Busia County will The deputy governor cited two emony at the site where Busia medi- Kizito, adding that the government of central processing units. not grow economically and improve parcels of land that had been ear- cal training centre was supposed to be Busia will do everything at its disposal The irate traders said the Kenya on the living standards of her people,” marked for the establishment of Bu- constructed. to ensure the project proceeds as ear- power has totally failed to realize its said Obala. sia medical training centre and the Kizito said the government of Bu- lier planned. mandate adding that it is doing a great However, efforts by The Link to construction of Busia airstrip which sia County has earmarked a total of At the same time irate traders disservice to both the traders and the get comment from the relevant author- he noted had been grabbed by certain Ksh504.7million towards health and within Busia municipality and its residents who have installed electricity over the causes of persistent power individuals. sanitation programmes, adding that environs accused the Busia branch ity in their premises. outages did not bear fruit.

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA NYERI Governor Nderitu Gach- agua has cautioned institutions of Nyeri governor warns against higher learning against grabbing land that belongs to youth polytechnics in the county. Gachagua said that most of the grabbing of polytechnic land public universities are yearning and area county member of the as- for free land to pave way for their sembly Baragu Mutahi were also expansion programmes adding present. that they have encroached into Nguyo urged all the youth pol- the youth polytechnics. ytechnics in the county to come He said his government will up with their strategic plans and deal firmly with any institution submit them to his office so that of higher learning which plans the county government can effec- to grab land belonging to youth tively support them. polytechnics in the county. Governor Gachagua promised “My government is working to boost the institution with Ksh closely with the national govern- 0.5 million, saying that Nyeri will ment to ensure that the manage- soon become a centre of technical ment of the polytechnics gets full education in Kenya. support,” he said. “In the next five years, other Gachagua lauded President counties will be coming to this Uhuru Kenyatta for promising to county to source for profession- increase the proportion of public als. These polytechnics are not contracts reserved for the youth meant for class eight dropouts to help spur job and wealth crea- but for all categories who want tion. to learn practical courses,” said Gachagua who was accom- Gachagua. panied by Nyeri Education ex- He promised that his govern- ecutive member Elijah Nguyo ment will assist all the polytech- and Nyeri county commissioner nics to explore various commer- Michael Mwangi was speaking cial ventures. recently during the launch of stra- The governor said that his tegic plan of Gachika youth poly- government will ensure that the technic in Nyeri County. Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua is welcomed at Gachika Youth Polytechnic during the launching of the enrolment into the polytechnics The chairperson of the institu- institution’s strategic plan. On the left is chairperson of the Board Wamuyu Mahinda. increase from 3,800 to 10,000 tion’s Board Wamuyu Mahinda Photo/Joseph Mukubwa students. Women representation in governance structures remains low By AGGREY BUCHUNJU draw on national commitments ing information is a barrier to Speaking at the same work- your loyalty should be to county to women’s rights and gender poverty reduction and climate shop, AWC executive director, residents,” he said. LIMITED representation of equality to reverse the trend. adaptation. Mr. Arthur Okwemba hinted that Okwemba at the same time women and youth in decision On climate change, Dr. On- She notes that there is imme- as the county governments begin also challenged journalists to be making structures limit fair yango claims that 70 per cent of diate need to address enhance- to perform their mandated func- innovative and think beyond the inclusion in developmental natural disasters in the world are ment of transmitting widely actions, the media need to be more counties adding that their suc- projects and programs, a univer- weather and climate related add- cepted climate weather change vibrant and investigative. cess, reputation and survival as sity don claims. ing that their extreme impacts af- information so that women can Mr. Okwemba observed that watchdogs are highly dependent Jaramogi Oginga Odinga fect women and the youth. have access to resources that are county governments may not on themselves. University of Science and Tech- She attributes the scenario to essential in disaster prepared- deliver expected services to Noting that being independ- nology lecturer, Dr. Maria On- limited women’s participation ness, mitigation and rehabilita- residents if the managers are not ent in mind is key to giving re- yango, says that although African in decisions related to climate tion. constantly kept on their toes. liable information, Okwemba women contribute immensely to change and their access to capac- Dr. Onyango was speaking at He reminded the 15 journal- further reminded the journalists food security at household level, ity building before, during and Jumuia Guest House in Kisumu ists drawn from Nyanza and to have a level of moral compass they have limited access to land after the disasters. during a two day journalists’ Western regions who attended so as to report with accuracy and ownership. “Women are often only seen training workshop on reporting the workshop that their first alle- fairness. Dr. Onyango is categorical as victims and not as key agents gender and topical issues in the giance is to the county residents “You have greater responsi- that in most African communi- in adaptation plan and disaster counties. and not the advertisers, wheel bility towards the county resi- ties women have land user right relief,” she says. The training workshop was dealers, the key county officials dents and even the managers of and not ownership right. The don observes that low or facilitated by African Wom- or friends. the County. What you write af- She suggests that governance lack of timely communication of an and Child Feature Service “Putting public interest first fects the residents and the opera- structures should be sensitized to weather and climate early warn- (AWC) enhances your credibility hence tion of the county,” he said. The Link, September-November 2013 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

Let our leaders Let Transport ministry invest in new Hypocrisy stop the mistrust clouded debate and unite EA THE of an East African community was technology to discipline wayward drivers on withdrawal mooted by the founding presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, yet almost DEAR Mr. President, I write his open letter from ICC four decades later, it is still an idea on KENYA’S biggest hurdles to cohe- paper, gathering dust in some archives to you with profound sion and development are negative somewhere. This lethargy has been in- anger and pain. I be- formed by greed and mistrust between ethnicity and corruption. No amount lieve I also represent of laws and courts will solve our member states. the anger and pain of The much anticipated strengthening problems because this is not a legal thousands of people problem but a moral one. Morality of both cultural, social , political and who have lost loved economic ties remains a mirage we keep is about attitude, which can only be seeing but cannot reach. At this point, ones on our roads and changed through education and not with Rwanda and Burundi on board, the those that are reading enactment or execution of laws. Laws actualisation of a truly integrated East this seated on wheel- can deter actions but they cannot Africa must be expedited. chairs or hospital beds change the mind. And since the mind Our borders should be viewed only having been maimed hasn’t changed, it will always figure as demarcations, but as things stand to- by reckless matatu out how to beat the law. day, they are barriers, solid walls that in- drivers. Recently, the debate on Kenyan’s hibit free movement of goods and people Sir, a photograph withdrawal from the Rome Stat- who not only share cultural ties, but also of a beautiful girl aged ute revealed how divided Kenya is. ethnicity. A notable example is the Awori about five years - ap Each side accused the other of hy- family that gave us a Vice-President in pocrisy. And they were right because Kenya and an MP in Uganda. peared on the front It was, therefore, encouraging to page of one of the dai- in a sense each side was hyporitical. hear President Kenyatta advocate for lies recently. The ex- CORD knew that justice for victimss the opening of boarders to encour- treme fear and anguish. would not necessarily be served by age free trade among our people. This The little girl looked having three people prosecuted, out should be facilitated by the withdrawal worried, not knowing of the thousands who were involved. of the requirement to have a passport to what the scars on her The real justice that the victims need visit either of the East African countries. face meant or whyu The scene of an accident in which five people died at Ebusundi in ihigaV is to have their lives put on course and President Yoweri Museni of Uganda they had been inflicted County recently. shielded from violence in the future. tried pushing for free boarder movement on her. She will prob- Even if we assume that President some years back, but was checked by hauled completely. The first step is system along the model of what Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy bear Kenya’s reluctance. If our leaders can ably need years of counselling to the greatest responsibility, their pros- pull this off, they will earn a place in his- recover fully. to bring it back under the control STOIC Ltd is using? All PSVs of your government. As at now, should be monitored using this ecution is likely to escalate animosity tory as unifiers, not divisionists African The girl was one of the victims rather than mitigate it because their leaders are perceived to be. of the accident on the morning the industry is controlled by car- type of system. In the event that tels. It is a government unto itself. a vehicle goes out of rudder a red cases are not just about law. Their Alexander Chagema, of August 28 at Ntulele in Narok cases also have a political dimension, Once these cartels have been flag would be raised automatically Via e-mail. where 42 lives were lost. which can only be addressed politi- I have a few questions for you dismantled, all PSV drivers must and the vehicle owner sought. The cally. Change method Sir. When will our roads stop be retrained and re-examined system is able to monitor speed Jubilee is pretending that their claiming innocent lives? within an overhauled curriculum. and routes real-time. That is what support for the ICC a couple of years of hiring teachers When the late John Michu- The current driving training and companies that run big fleets use. ago was well-intentioned. On the con- ki was Transport minister, he tests are a joke. The threshold of Mr. President, you and your trary, they were hell-bent o shielding to reflect modern showed us how to create order passing a PSV exam must be sig- deputy must look for a way of po- the alleged perpetrators of violence in the matatu industry. He forced nificantly higher than that of an licing themselves. As things stand from possible punishment, with lit- trends matatus to install speed gover- ordinary private driver’s licence. they have no capacity or will to tle concern for the victims. Jubilee THE government has done well to set nors and safety belts and went to In this time and age, technolo- do this. They supplement their should not act as if this is an emergen- aside funds for teachers recruitment this matatu termini himself to confirm gy can solve a lot of our problems. income from taxis, matatus and cy. I am not a friend of ICC because I year. The gesture was welcomed by un- that they had complied. What is so difficult with requir- buses. know it’s a political court in the hands employed graduates, who have waited Truth be told, our public trans- ing all PSVs to pay into a central Dr. Fred Mugambi Mwirigi, of global powers. I would support for far too long for their day of joy. police-managed fleet management via e-mail. withdrawal from ICC, but not before Unfortunately, the hope of getting port system needs to be over- employed for many faded for unex- the cases of Kenyans in ICC are heard plainable reasons. Many applicants and determined. were disappointed with how some In my view, with or without ICC schools conducted the interviews. A no- our problems remain. African must table misnomer was the score sheet used source homegrown solutions. Any il- by the interviewing panel. lusions that our political and econom- In today’s world, and especially with ical slavation comes from the West is increased quest for quality education in ill-informed and naive. developing countries, teachers should LIS Mwenda, be interviewed according to their sub- Via e-mail. ject combination as opposed to the usual way of using a similar score sheet for all the subject combinations. Serious employers look for competent people who can deliver well. The score sheet that the Teachers Service Commssion uses to recruit its staff does not reflect aspects of changing * learning environments. I would expect, The editor welcomes letters and for instance, that when recruiting a Busi- comments on a variety of issues. ness Studies teachers, the panel should The letters should be brief, look at special competencies, which include professional certificates such as topical and issue based. CPA, proficiency in computer use and The editor reserves the right to business-related seminars attended by edit for brevity or clarity. the applicant. Those being interviewed Write to: for language positions should equally display a trend of continous learning by The Editor, attending workshops and seminars. The Link, Geoffrey Towet, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. Via e-mail. E-mail: [email protected] The Link, September-November 2013 12 GOVERNANCE Mau Mau children Burumba residents irked by stalled dispensary in fresh demand By NYAKWAR ODAWO The stalled health facility had Opondo has assured the resi- project management committee been meant to serve the residents dents of Burumba and Mundulu- whose mandate would be to ensure for compensation THE residents of Burumba vil- of Burumba and Mundulusia vil- sia villages that the government its speedy completion so that the lage in Matayos Sub-county have lages which are very far from Bu- of Busia County has set aside a local community can benefit from By JOSEPH MUKUBWA appealed to the government of sia district hospital. total of Ksh500million towards the same,” said the county repre- CHILDREN of former Mau Mau Busia County to allocate funds to “The health facility was also health and sanitation. He at the sentative. freedom fighters from Central region facilitate the completion of a com- supposed to have a maternity wing same time said his first priority He added that he will also put are now demanding a kilogramme of munity dispensary that has stalled. to cater for expectant mothers who is to push for funds to construct in place a monitoring and evalu- gold each over the atrocities meted The residents interviewed by had initially been compelled to de- the stalled community dispensary ation committee that will ensure out on them under the colonial gov- The Link during a spot check liver at the Busia district hospital whose completion he noted was all the proposed projects are prop- ernment. carried out recently, claimed the approximately seven kilometers long overdue. erly done to the satisfaction of the The sons and daughters under the project that was initiated by the away,” said an expectant mother. ‘We will not allow this noble beneficiaries before payment is umbrella of Mau Mau Foundation Nambale Constituency develop- However, Burumba County community project to become made in order to avoid substand- said in Nyeri town that they want a ment Fund kitty six years ago and representative Tony Onyango a white elephant. I will form a ard work. kilogramme of gold each, for the pe- has swallowed close to Ksh10mil- riod running from 1885 to 1963. lion stalled due to lack of transpar- This is a fresh demand to the Brit- ency and accountability. ish government after the UK govern- “It is sad to note that six years ment disbursed Ksh 2.6 billion to down the line, the project we compensate Mau Mau fighters. had unanimously proposed dur- They said the compensation ing project identification forum should be back dated to the year of to Nambale CDF committee for 1885 when the former colonial mas- funding is yet to be completed al- ters made Kenya a colonial protec- though a colossal amount of cash torate, claiming that since then many Kenyans were tortured. had been approved and released to Speaking to the media at a Nyeri the committee concerned,” said a hotel, the secretary to the foundation source on condition of anonymity. Michael King’ori said they are still According to the plan, apart from languishing in poverty because of the the construction of the community inequalities entrenched by the colonial dispensary, a residential quarter government. for nurses and doctors, houses for “We want the British Govern- security officers were also sup- ment to deposit gold with local banks posed to be constructed but the to compensate us. The demand for same is nowhere to be seen. gold as compensation is informed by the fact that money attracts numerous processes making it vulnerable to County directs miners fraudsters,” King’ori said. The members also claimed that to rehabilitate quarries the immediate former Government of or risk losing licenses President Mwai Kibaki denied them land at the expansive Solio Ranch that By BEKADZO TONDO was meant for those who liberated the nation from colonial masters. EXCAVATORS of coral blocks in Meanwhile, pensioners in the Kilifi County will now be required to Front elevation of stalled, bushy Burumba dispensary. Photo/Gilbert Ochieng’ country have called for a review of rehabilitate their used quarries or have their retirement benefits saying that their licenses revoked. they should reflect the state of the The Governor Amason Kingi said economy. that excavators of coral blocks must Led by the national coordinator of rehabilitate the used quarries to stop Poverty reduction eludes Kenya the Kenya Association of Retired Of- the cancellation of their licences. ficers (KARO) Nduhiu Njama, the re- “Rehabilitation of the used quar- tirees lamented that majority of them ries should be one of the core ac- as MDG deadline approaches were living in deplorable conditions tivities of those who engage in the as paupers yet they served the country excavation of coral blocks and sand By AGGREY BUCHUNJU The Jubilee budget appears to able children. diligently and now want their benefits harvesting quarries,” said Mr Kingi be less sensitive to social protec- Older citizens who are ear- adjusted upwards to match the rising when he toured quarries in Zowerani IF the first budget of the Jubilee tion of older members of society marked to benefit from the ksh.3.2 inflation. area of Tezo location. government is anything to go by, and food security because the sti- billion during this financial year “The association had approached He directed the officers from the Kenya will take longer than pro- pend programme and agriculture are 118,000, thus double last year’s the Salaries and Remuneration Com- National Environment Management grammed to achieve Millennium do not have adequate budgetary number of 59,000 people. mission seeking to have it reviewed Authority in Kiliifi to inspect the Development Goal (MDG) number allocations. The number of beneficiaries upwards as it has remained stagnant quarries and come up with a list of for many years,” Njama said. companies that fail to rehabilitate the one, let alone its manifesto. Stipend programme and food although doubled is a drop in the Millennium Development production should be enhanced ocean given that the population of He was speaking recently at Ki- exhausted quarries,” said Mr Kingi. andu trading centre in Tetu District He said conservation of the envi- Goals (MDGs) which provide a through adequate funding in order people aged 65 years and above in framework for social development for the government to achieve na- Kenya according to 2009 census is Nyeri County during the unveiling ronment was very important adding of a plaque of Ksh. 3 million poultry that rehabilitation should entail the among other issues are a culmina- tional poverty eradication plan and 1,332,472. tion of several international con- national food policy so as to im- The meagre allocation con- project by retirees from the area. planting of trees to conserve the envi- “Majority of the pensioners earn ronment. ferences held in the 1990s. prove the status of Kenyans. tradicts Jubilee’s own manifesto In the year 2000, a record of a paltry Ksh 5, 000 a month as retire- The governor at the same time In Kenya, more than 56 per cent which says that the government ment benefits. This is too little to sus- urged investors operating in the coun- 189 member States of the United of the population live below the will increase the reach of cash tain a decent living,” he said. ty to ensure that locals get 75 percent Nations, Kenya included pledged poverty line, a good percentage of transfers to attain universal cover- Njama added that the association of the job opportunities. to achieve 8 MDGs top on the these being people with disability. age for older persons and persons had embarked on a nationwide recruit- Mr Kingi noted with concern that agenda being to eradicate extreme Kenya ranks 128 out of 169 in with disabilities. ment and sensitization of the retirees, most firms have failed to employ lo- poverty and hunger by 2015. the United Nations human devel- “The Jubilee coalition is com- whom he noted stood at over 100,000 cal people and instead offered jobs to They undertook to advance a opment index, with more than half mitted to eradicating poverty in in the country, so that they could speak people from other regions. global vision for improving the of the citizens being unable to meet Kenya, no one in a country as rich in one voice in their clamour for better “The constitution demands that condition of humanity throughout their daily basic requirements. as ours should have to go without pension. investors offer 75 percent of job op- the world in the areas of develop- To cushion these people from food, shelter or healthcare,” the George Githae, who is also an of- portunities in their companies to local ment and poverty eradication by: extreme poverty and hunger, the manifesto reads in part. ficial of KARO in the area, challenged people and that law has to be followed l Reducing by half the proportion Jubilee government should have Article 57 of the constitution retirees in other parts of the country to the later,” said Mr Kingi. of people living on less than a dol- allocated adequate funds to cover of Kenya also states that the State to start income generating projects as He said that he had received nu- groups and improve on their lifestyles merous complaints from residents that lar a day, majority of older people and peo- shall take measures to ensure that l Achieving full and productive ple living with disabilities. older persons live in dignity and in old age. most firms operating coral blocks and Area deputy county commissioner sand harvesting quarries have been employment and decent work for The cabinet secretary for na- receive reasonable care and as- all people, tional treasury, Mr.Henry Rotich, sistance from their family and the Herman Shambi who was the chief employing foreigners adding that the guest during the function lauded the trend must come to an end. l Reducing by half the proportion allocated Ksh.13.4 billion to the State. of people who suffer from hunger. cash transfer programme. There is therefore need to lobby move by the retirees to start an income “The county government has an generating project to improve on their obligation to create job opportunities A cursory look at the Jubilee Out of the amount, only 3.2 bil- for the implementation of interna- budget reveals that Kenya may not livelihoods saying the move would to the local people and will rely on lion will go towards cushioning the tional agreements and clauses in also challenge local youth come to- investors to fulfil this mandate,” said be able to eradicate extreme pov- older citizens while Ksh.8 billion the constitution aimed at eradicat- gether in groups and emulate the reti- Mr Kingi. erty and hunger as pledged. will go to the orphans and vulner- ing poverty and hunger. rees in venturing into similar projects. The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE 13 IFC partners with Busia stakeholders AAR to improve Kenya signs agreement raise concern over Health Care in E.A land grabbing By NANJALA WAFULA worth Ksh425bn with China menace AAR has partnered with International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand By PETER MUTUKU which has pledged to improve the also support Kenya’s plans to By NYAKWAR ODAWO quality healthcare across Africa. lives of ordinary Kenyans through host a clearing house for the Chi- The initiative which is set to cost KENYA has signed agreements better service delivery that is un- nese currency in Nairobi – greatly VARIOUS stakeholders from Bu- Ksh 4 million aims at enabling AAR to worth KShs425 billion. derpinned by increased invest- boosting the Kenyan capitals cre- sia County have raised concern provide quality health care services and Some $4 billion covered eco- ments in all sectors of the econo- dentials as a leading financial hub. over the rampant cases of land expand its operations in order to reach nomic partnerships, wildlife pro- my. “We welcome the investment grabbing in the region. a large number of people. Countries Addressing a one day stake- slated to benefit as AAR expands its tection, and the standard gauge “These agreements deepen our in key sectors of our economy. The railway linking the port of Mom- practical cooperation,” President rail link, particularly, is important holders forum at a Busia hotel outpatient network and enhance their in- recently, the coordinator of the patient facilities include Kenya, Uganda basa and the border town of Mal- Xi told President Kenyatta short- in the context of East Africa’s and Tanzania. The key objectives of the aba, which President Uhuru Ken- ly before the agreements were shared goal of ensuring quicker Kenya Land Alliance in Western partnership will be to expand the scope yatta said would provide better signed. “China supports Kenya’s movement of peoples, goods and region Thomas Mango said that of AAR and support the cause by pro- access to markets to goods from quest for industrialization.” services,” President Kenyatta said. some of the institutions that have viding quality health care to everyone Kenya as well as Uganda Rwanda, President Xi said China was Presidents Xi and Kenyatta lost land to private developers in- without restriction. Burundi and eastern Democratic also exploring other areas of pledged to increase contact be- clude the Busia district hospital “In 2011, AAR made a strategic de- Republic of the Congo. investment, including in agri- tween China’s ruling party and and Busia airstrip. cision and two companies were born, Another $1 billion was for en- business, irrigation, fertilizer Kenya’s ruling Jubilee coalition. Mango who is also the coor- the AAR health care and AAR insur- ergy-related projects. production and purchases, and They agreed that party-to-party dinator of the Busia Community ance. By IFC investing in us as an or- technology. contact was essential to bolster po- Development (Bucodev) said ganization it is a statement of confidence The agreements were a massive boost to the Jubilee Government, President Xi said China would litical and economic partnerships. there was urgent need for the in what we do,” explained Mr. Mark county government to do every- Achola, the Managing Director of AAR. thing at its disposal to ensure that He said that currently 2500 outpatient have been accessing the Karen all the public land that has been health centre, which is a remarkable grabbed is returned to the owners . number since they had not sensitized the The regional coordinator at the public about their existence. same expressed concern saying Though in the past only members that Busia County still has no land were allowed to access treatment in all adjudication officers. AAR facilities, medical services will He said 70percent of land now be open to everyone. About 21% owners in Bunyala have been of the patients we receive are non-AAR forced to commute all the way members, the healthcare runs as a sepa- to Siaya County because all the rate entity and will operate like any oth- land records for the area are still er hospital, including serving members in Siaya, a situation he noted has of other insurance companies who are not from AAR insurance” Mr. Achola caused a lot of suffering to the explained. The company currently has people of Bunyala as majority of 28 clinics across Kenya, Uganda and them are unable to meet the high Tanzania and serving over 500,000 cost of transportation. outpatients annually. The funds will be “It is even more sad to note used to ensure over 600,000 outpatient that 70percent of learning institu- are served annually by 2018. tions in Busia County still have no According to the chairman of AAR, title deeds,” said Mango. healthcare, Dr. Frank Njenga, measures The director of Rural Empow- have been put in place to ensure that the erment and Education Programme establishment of secondary care hospi- (REEP) Mary Makokha on her tals across the region will bring quality part said the key issues that have health care to the people. Oumar Seydi, IFC Director for East led to the violation of land rights and Southern Africa said, “IFC support are cultural beliefs and percep- to AAR is to enable them reach their tion, high illiteracy levels espe- goal of becoming the first integrated cially among women, high level healthcare provider in East Africa. This of corruption among officers in- will lead to competition hence providing volved in land issues and poverty. low cost medical services.” She also noted with concern IFC has invested in 150 projects in that greed has caused majority of health care in 50 countries across Af- parents in Busia County especial- rica and the partnership hopes to extend ly those from Butula to sell all the health care in East Africa at affordable land leaving their families with rate. “Through this investment, IFC nowhere to carry out farming. aims to improve standards of quality and efficiency in healthcare and facili- “The older generation has also tate the international exchange of best refused to relinquish ownership practice hence creating jobs for skilled Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met with Chinese President Xi Jinping recently during his first state rights to the younger generation,” professionals.” Mr. Oumar emphasized. visit to China. The two leaders signed an agreement worth KShs425 billion. said the director. Legislator warns residents against leasing out land to mining companies By BEKADZO TONDO nies only excavate the miner- Amason Kingi said that his dor defended the land control difficult for the officers - toad als and abandon degraded sites government will regulate the boards against accusations that vise the people on what they are THE MP for Ganze, Peter without rehabilitation, thus mining processes to ensure that they were colluding with pro- required to do. Shehe, has cautioned residents posing huge risks to the resi- the county benefits from the respective miners to lease land Mr Ekidor said the govern- against leasing out land to min- dents. sources. from unsuspecting residents. ment though the ministry of ing companies which have per- “We have been treated to “It is unfortunate that local “It is false to claim that land mining was currently formulat- fected the art of exploitation at shocking scenes of quarries residents remain poor as investors control boards have been forc- ing laws which will govern the the expense of development. abandoned after the exploration reap highly from resources found ing local residents to lease their exploration of minerals in the The MP said most people in of the mineral deposits which in their land,” said Mr Kingi. land to the mineral mining firms country. the area had leased their land to are a risk to the local people as A survey by The Link estab- after the discovery of the depos- “Currently the ministry of private companies to explore most mining companies never lished that although mineral de- its,” said Mr Ekidor. mining headed by Cabinet Secre- minerals such as iron ore, man- rehabilitate the sites,” said Mr posits such as iron ore , manga- Mr Ekidor however admitted tary Mr. Najib Balala is formulat- ganese and other products in Shehe. nese and other valuable stones that government officers have ing polices to guide in the explo- shady deals that only favour the The Mp said though the min- have been discovered in some an obligation to assist the locals ration of minerals especially on investors. ers reap huge profits from the parts of Ganze constituency, with information before they privately owned land,” said Mr Mr Shehe blamed the local minerals, they have failed to residents live in squalid condi- agree to lease their land. Ekidor. land control boards and tribu- repair feeder roads in the area tions after having leased out The county commissioner He said that the government nals of failing to discourage the or participate in development their land at throw away prices’ however said the government will repossess privately owned practice which had served to projects such as schools and said Mr Shehe. has no clear polices on miner- land where huge deposits of min- impoverish the community. health centers. However the Kilifi County als exploration in this country, erals like gold, diamond and oil He further said most compa- Kilifi county governor Mr Commissioner Mr Erastus Eki- something which has made it are discovered. The Link, September-November 2013 14 GOVERNANCE Secret land deals foment conflict in Kilifi County By BEKADZO TONDO the herders should be left in the ranch the year 2011 and agreed to pay the “When Mr. Salat arrived here, Addressing the community, the and allowed to use theNdigiria water 42 families who own the ranch Ksh we held a consultative meeting and county lands official Mr Mazuri A ROW is simmering between farm- pan provided there was an agreement 360,000 per year for grazing his live- agreed to allow him to graze and use promised that the county govern- ers in in Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale and on the same stipulating the grazing stock and using the Ndigira water pan. the water point but the problem started ment in collaboration with the central TaitaTaveta counties and the pastoral- period and the amount of money they However they claimed they got when the other herder came in three government will resolve the matter in ist community over secret deals on would pay them per year. shocked when they discovered that months ago and started grazing his three months. pasture land. The meeting which was chaired by another herder identified as Mr Daud animals without our consent,” said Mr ‘This is a sensitive issue and I Recently, members of Ndigiria the Assistant County Commissioner Narst had been sneaked into the Mdzomba. promise that the county government group ranch in Ganze District of Kilifi for Bamba division Mr Stephen Ka- ranch over the past three months af- Mr Mramba Mweni who is a in collaboration with the central gov- County differed on whether or not to loki had been convened to build peace ter he allegedly colluded with a few of member of the ranch the community ernment and the community will work allow herders to continue grazing their after the community failed to agree the community members without their now wants the herdersremoved from together to see how best the conflict animals on the 3000 acres of land. who among them had received pay- consent. the area as they were a security threat. can be addressed’ said Mr Mazuri. This followed revelations that a ments and given the Somali herders a Sources said the two herders near- Mr Mweni narrated how people section of the ranch owners had se- go ahead. ly clashed at the grazing ground re- were killed, women and girls raped by cretly leased out the area to the herd- Kilifi County assembly deputy cently after the Mr Narsty accused his suspected bandits about 15 years ago County lists ers without consent from other com- speaker Mr Teddy Mwambire who is colleague of having taken sides with a after the Somali herders invaded the munity members. also the area ward representative and section of the community to have him area to graze their animals. tourism among A section of the group converged the county executive committee mem- kicked out of the area. “The painful memories of the gris- at Ndigiria chief’s camp to protest ber in charge of land, energy, housing The chairman of the ranch Mr ly attacks coordinated by suspected key sectors to against the move saying that the mat- and physical planning Mr John Ma- Charo Mdzomba who was present bandits 15 years ago are still fresh in ter could degenerate into conflict if zuri accompanied the commissioner. at the meeting confirmed that the 42 our minds and we fear that if these boost its revenue left unresolved. According to the residents,the families who own the ranch land had herders are allowed in the area the However, the group behind the first Somali herderidentified as Mr. agreed to allow Mr Salat herd and wa- same thing is likely to happen,” said base scam defended the move, arguing that Mohamed Salat, arrived in the area in ter his animals on their land. Mr Mdzomba. By BEKADZO TONDO KILIFI County Government is going to use Dakacha wood land Controversy mars ADB funded zone in Magarini as a tourist attraction site to enhance its revenue base. According to Mr Kiringi projects in Trans Mara Mwachitu who is the county executive committee member in By MALACHI MOTANO charge of Environment, Dakacha wood land is the only place in A STAGGERING Kshs.3.5 billion Africa where the rare birds can set aside for the improvement of di- be found. lapidated health facilities in Trans Speaking at Titanic hotel in Mara District by the Africa Devel- Kilifi during a meeting to discuss opment Fund (ADF) cannot be ac- means of promoting tourism counted for. sites at the international market, Most facilities earmarked for Mr Mwachitu said the birds after construction under the multi-billion breeding at the wood land later shilling Rural Health Project III have migrate to Arabuko Sokoke for- stalled. The project was a joint part- est in the same county. nership between ADB, Organisation The meeting was convened of Petroleum Exporting Countries by Showbiz Info limited, an East (OPEC) and the Kenya government. African entertainment company Trans Mara received the lion’s which has partnered with the share to rehabilitate, upgrade and county government to promote expand 18 health centres and dispen- local tourism. saries. Residents and leaders are now Mr Mwachitu said his depart- up in arms over the slow pace and the ment will liaise with the Ministry quality of work done by the contrac- of Tourism to ensure the area is tors. The local committees that were well conserved to protect the rare initially roped into the project as part birds for tourist attraction. of the implementing team have cried “Clerk waiver birds are rare foul over exclusion by the project’s bird species only found in the contractors and consultants. country at Dakacha wood land A spot-check by The Link re- in Magarini constituency and vealed that most of the facilities lack as a county government we can roofing while others are still on the readily make use of the breed- foundation stage. Some of the build- Olereko Dispensary with incomplete roof, which was recently blown off by wind. Inset: Project’s signpost, ing zones as a tourist attraction ings are in deplorable shape and may which doesn’t indicate the contractors or project supervisor. center,” said Mr Mwachitu. never be used while others have been The Managing Director of vandalized since there was no secu- the area and leave in the same manner rything was being done at the ADB futile. Showbiz Info Limited Mr John rity to guard them. they came,” said Simon ole Semeyoi. headquarters in Tunis, Tunisia. He said the 18 projects were split Katana said they will also host According to David ole Nanko- Kilgoris MP Gideon Konchellah “We have tried on several oc- into three clusters of six facilities with a series of beauty contestsin the ris, chairman of Shankoe dispensary, wants the government to compel the casions to ask about the progress of each cluster getting Kshs.66 million. area to attract tourists in the area. the construction materials have been contractors to explain the reason be- the projects but we have been told to “As clients of these projects, our Mr Katana said thebeauty vandalized after they were aban- hind such unwarranted delay. keep off until such a time when the hands are tied because we have not contest dubbed Miss Tourism doned at the site for several months. Konchellah said it was sad that project will be handed over officially been given any role to play and we Kenya Kilifi County will seek to Mr. Nankoris said as a commit- the funding disbursed as loans by by the consultants,” said Ouko. are only waiting to be handed over promote tourism, environmental tee, they were forced at one time to donors did go towards the intended He said as government officials these facilities. But, we must also say conservation and cultural diver- contribute Kshs.6,600 to pay workers purposes. on the ground, they have shouldered the work has dragged for long besides sity. who were constructing the facility “The government should make an the blame as residents always ques- the wanting quality,” added Ouko. Dakacha wood land was rich after the contractor disappeared for effort of contacting the donors and tion them over the stalled projects. An effort to get response from in history and apart from the rare several months. find out what is happening because, “It is a big challenge for us as the Rural Health Project Phase II manag- bird species, the colonial free- “We were forced to part with we cannot stand this situation any- government representatives to an- er one, Mr. Waititu, was not fruitful. dom fighter MekatiliwaMenza is our money because the irate work- more,” said Konchellah. swer some of the questions residents It is not clear why the government buried there. ers wanted to sell the construction They officials from the ministry raise concerning these projects be- has minimum role in such projects He also said the area holds materials to get their pay,” said Mr. of Health have also joined the fray in cause we have little to tell them since yet records indicate that the govern- the remains of the MijikendaSh- Nankoris. criticizing the implementation of the we are not part of the implementing ment besides being the borrower was ingwaya kaya elders. He said the contractor has never projects claiming that they had been team,” noted Ouko. contributing Kshs.395 million of the Mr Mwachitusaid that this appeared at the site for close to one sidelined in the whole process and They medic said they were only Kshs.3.5 billion for the seven dis- is an important site which the year now and they are never in- they had no say in the matter. aware that the Bill Quantities (BQs) tricts, which were being funded. county government must not formed or consulted anytime he The area District Medical Officer for the projects was slashed down Other districts which secured the only protect and conserve for makes appearances. “We have only of Health, Dr. Aggrey Ouko, said as from the initial proposed figures and funding included, Trans Nzoia, Uasin historical reasons but also utilise spotted them in a few incidences dur- the officer-in-charge, they have no that their attempts to get information Gishu, Kajiado, Tharaka, Nyandarua to boost its revenue base. ing which they make some rounds in role to play in the project since eve- on the approved figures have been and Kirinyaga. The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE 15 MPs retain powers in CDF management Busia County By LINK CORRESPONDENT say on what goes on in the CDF and the MPs just shouted “aye”. The amendment to remove Govt to spend projects. It took less than 20 minutes. the cap on a maximum of five MEMBERS of Parliament It was a rare show of legis- The move raises eyebrows employees under the CDF com- Ksh4.5m (MPs) will still continue to lative unity as the MPs quietly about the motive considering mittee means MPs can employ wield immense powers in the published the CDF (amend- the bulk of the amendments as many people as possible to to promote management of Constituency ment) Bill recently and tabled were made to give them abso- do their job. Development Fund (CDF) it four days later – without the lute control over the money in Six per cent of those allo- tourism constitutional requirement of the constituencies. cations to the constituencies – This follows the amendment By NYAKWAR ODAWO of the law which strips the Fund public participation in lawmak- Other Bills, such as the VAT between Kshs.2.5 million and Manager of powers to act as the ing. Bill, have been in the House for Kshs.10 million per constitu- BUSIA County government in secretary to the CDF committee On the same day that it was over a month, but were only ency – in the current financial collaboration with African Avia- because that position made him read the first time – ten days be- approved recently and again at year will be spent on adminis- tion College, Airtel and Eco Bank a “superpower”. fore it reached legislative matu- night after intense lobbying by trative and operating costs. will spend a total of Ksh4.5million The Fund Manager is the of- rity – it was debated, amended the Government. Mr. Davis Adieno, a man- to organize Miss Tourism Kenya ficer sent to the constituencies and approved. That was record Homa Bay Town MP Peter ager with Development Initia- 2013. to keep an eye on the money on time. Kaluma also joined the amend- tive, and who has been auditing While unveiling the first Miss behalf of the national govern- It was one way in the House: ments with a call to have three- CDF spending, said the water- Tourism Kenya 2013 in Busia ment. Mr. Lessonet proposed the quarters of the CDF money ing down of the powers of the County at a Busia hotel recently, In current financial year, amendments; the matter would shared equally, and the remain- Fund Manager was meant to Busia governor Sospeter Ojaa- all the 290 constituencies will be put to a vote by the presiding ing quarter based on the pov- give the lawmakers a tighter mong said tourism being a ma- share Kshs.20.9 billion. chair Tom Kajwang’ (Ruaraka) erty index. stranglehold on the money. jor contributor to the country’s The amendments that were Gross Domestic Product has an important knock-on effect in so- hastily made before the na- cio-economic activities such as tional assembly went on recess, environment, transport, agricul- also gave the MPs a freehand ture, security, telecommunication, to employ “as many people as information and energy sectors. the money allows” to do menial He said the event will contrib- jobs more so when it comes to ute greatly to employment crea- specific CDF projects. tion right from top executives to The chair of the parliamen- mama mboga in all the 47 coun- tary CDF committee Moses ties. Lessonnet (MP for Eldama Ra- Ojaamong at the same time vine) moved the amendments said majority of the youth in the in a plot to lock out county county had initially not been ac- governments from the kitty. He corded the opportunity to show- also said the Fund Manager had case their talent adding that this no business having the three time they stand to benefit a great roles. deal from the event. “He has the authority to in- Ojaamong who was accompa- cur expenditure; he is also the nied by the head of Trade, Tour- mandatory signatory, plus he is ism and Cooperative Societies also the secretary to the CDF Henry Makhulu said Busia Coun- committee. We cannot allow ty government has earmarked a total of Ksh100million for the that. Let him stay with two construction of museums in Teso roles,” Lessonet told The Link North and Bumbe beach in Samia a day after MPs approved the sub-county in order to attract tour- changes. ists. “Because he is the one writ- Makhulu on his part said Bu- ing minutes, he needs just two sia County will benefit a lot from people to withdraw money after Miss Tourism Kenya 2013 event he doctors the minutes to reflect in that it will pick the necessary whatever mischief they want to delegates to help in the promo- perform. We need to spread the tion of conservation of the envi- control.” ronment nationwide, enhancing That means the Fund Man- forest cover, and sensitizing lo- ager will just have very little Members of Parliament in session. Photo/File cal communities on the need to plant trees, especially on the river banks. The head of trade at the same time said Busia County will have Governor keen on reclaiming grabbed public land the platform to utilize the event to pursue its forest policy agenda By AGGREY BUCHUNJU all the members have the req- He said that it was not possi- The maximum number of through publicity, promotion ac- uisite credentials for the tasks ble to have every community on the executive committee is 12 tivities and community mobiliza- BUNGOMA County Governor, placed on their shoulders. board because the constitution including the governor and his tions, especially on forest man- Kenneth Lusaka has challenged Lusaka, as a result appealed provides for only ten positions deputy. agement. his cabinet to prioritize repos- to Bungoma county residents to whereas ethnic groups and spe- Functions of the county exec- “The event will give Busia session of grabbed public utility give the team the necessary sup- cial interest groups are many. utive committee are spelled out County the opportunity to par- land in the county. port so that it can deliver to their However, the governor prom- in Article 183 of the constitution ticipate in the tree planting award Speaking recently during the expectations. ised to give first priority to of Kenya, 2010. schemes that will encourage farm- swearing in ceremony of the ten “These men and women you groups that are not represented Several acres of public util- ers to preserve the environment. cabinet secretaries Lusaka, un- see here today have got what it in the executive committee in ity land in Bungoma municipal- The beauty pageant will make derscored the importance of re- takes to perform and deliver serv- the subsequent appointments. ity were grabbed by prominent Busia become a tourist destina- tion by marketing the rich envi- possessing grabbed public land ices to your satisfaction,” Lusaka The constitution (Article personalities during the Moi re- 179) has provided for a county gime. ronment and game parks,” said saying no tangible development told residents who attended the Makhulu, adding that it will also can take place within the county swearing in ceremony. executive committee in the de- About seven acres of land volved system. This committee enhance the county’s rich cultural without land. The Governor at the same belonging to Bungoma district diversity and abundant natural re- He called upon the inaugu- time took the opportunity to is the cabinet of the county gov- hospital had been grabbed but sources. rated county executive commit- thank members of the county ernment. have since been repossessed Miss Tourism Kenya 2013 tee members to move with speed assembly for approving all the It is headed by the county through the efforts of Kanduyi Busia County organizer Ignatius and repossess all grabbed public people he had nominated. governor who also appoints its Mp Wafula Wamunyinyi. Khalende on his part called upon land particularly in Bungoma Lusaka admitted that com- members. The members ap- Some parts of Bungoma show the participants in the beauty pag- town, the headquarters of the munity and cultural diversity of pointed by the governor must be ground and Bungoma Airstrip eant to display high competitive- county. the county is not reflected in the vetted by residents of the county were also grabbed by private ness and talent during the show The Governor expressed con- executive committee as required and approved by the county as- developers during the KANU in order to showcase and market fidence in the committee saying by law. sembly. regime. their talent.

The Link, September-November 2013 16 SPECIAL REPORT Basic Education Act, 2013 Achieving universal prima- ground whatsoever; With less than two years to go before the deadline to meet the Millennium Development ry education still remains a (f) protection of the right Goals for Universal Primary Education for All, Kenya is still grappling with low challenge in the country ow- of every child in a retention and transition rates. Although the Constitution (Article 43 (1)) provides that ing to the number of out of public school to equal that every person has the right to education and Article 53 affirms that every child has school children. In addition standards of education the right to free and compulsory basic education, the reality on the ground is a far cry there are daunting challeng- including the medium from the principles espoused in the supreme law. The enactment of Basic Education is es beyond the basic level of instructions used in thus a step the right direction. Writes LINK CORRESPONDENT where a combination of low schools for all children enrolment, low quality, and of the same educational nationhood, unity of development and The Act also establishes lack of relevance means the level purpose, togetherness, survival; both the National and County majority are leaving school (g) advancement and and respect; (r) promotion of Education Boards. without the skills they really protection of every (1) promotion of good innovativeness, The National Education need for work and life. How- child in pre-primary governance, inventiveness, Board has been vested with ever, the scenario is likely to and lower primary level participation and creativity, technology powers to advise the Cabinet change with the enactment of education to be inclusiveness of parents, transfer and an Secretary, the department of Basic Education Act, instructed in the communities, entrepreneurial culture; of education and related which seeks to streamline language of his or her private sector and (s) non-discrimination, departments on policy matters in the sector and enhance qual- choice where this is other stakeholders in the encouragement respect to— ity, relevance and access to reasonably practicable; development and protection of the (a) collaboration with the basic education (h) encouraging (m) transparency and cost marginalised, persons Quality Assurance and independent and critical effective use of with disabilities and Standards Council, Teachers Provision of basic thinking; and cultivating educational those with special Service Commission and education is to be guided skills, disciplines and resources and needs; with other stakeholders by the following values capacities for sustainable (t) enhancement of co- to promote standards in and principles- reconstruction and implementation of operation, consultation basic education and (a) the right of every child development; educational services; and collaboration training; to free and compulsory (i) promotion of peace, (n) ensuring human dignity among the Cabinet (b) working with all relevant basic education; integration, cohesion, and integrity of persons Secretary, Teachers authorities and agencies to (b) equitable access for tolerance, and engaged in the Service Commission, ensure that all the barriers to the youth to basic inclusion as an management of basic the National Education the right to quality education and equal objective in the education; Board, the County education are removed access to education or provision of basic (o) promoting the respect Education Boards, and that the National and institutions; education; for the right of the the education and County governments (c) promotion of quality (j) elimination of hate child’s opinion in training institutions and facilitate the realization and relevance; speech and tribalism matters that affect the other related of the right to education by (d) accountability and through instructions child; stakeholders on matters all Kenyans; democratic decision that promote the proper (p) elimination of gender related to education; (c) the initiation of guidelines making within the appreciation of ethnic discrimination, corporal and for approval by the Cabinet institutions of basic diversity and culture in punishment or any (u) provision of appropriate Secretary on the education; society; form of cruel and human resource, funds, establishment of basic (e) protection of every (k) imparting relevant inhuman treatment or equipment, education institutions; child against knowledge, skills, torture; infrastructure and (d) putting measures in place discrimination within or attitudes and values to (q) promoting the related resources that to ensure all children attend by an education learners to foster protection of the right meet the needs of every and remain in school to department or education the spirit and sense of the child to child in basic education. complete basic education or institution on any of patriotism, protection, participation, requirements; (e) putting measures to ensure, where applicable, transition to the next level of education, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized children;

County Education Board The County Education Boards are to serve as agents of the National Education Board.

Functions of the County Education Board: (a) oversee in consultation with the county government, the operation and management of youth polytechnics, pre- primary education including early childhood care and education programmes in the county; Children in class. The number of students has risen since introduction of the free primary education programme. Photo/File (b) coordinate and monitor

The Link, September-November 2013 SPECIAL REPORT 17 Basic Education Act, 2013 education and training in the County on behalf of the national government and the county government; (c) interpret national policies in education based on the county’s needs; (d) initiate proposals for policy reforms; (e) plan, promote, develop, and coordinate education, training and research in the county in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the national education policy and the laws and policies of the county government; (f) collaborate with the Board of Management, the Principal, the Head Teacher, and other appropriate authorities Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi, Education Cabinet Secretary. in the management of basic schools; to ensure all children (e) where applicable, one equal opportunities for per- may, upon request and (g) register and maintain a and youth of school person each sons with disabilities. with agreement between data bank of all education going age within the representing- (3) All members of the County both governments, and training institutions county attend and stay (i) jointly, the National Education Board must have a transfer its functions within the county; in to complete basic Council of Churches of minimum qualification of sec- relating to infrastructure (h) monitor curriculum education. Kenya and the ondary education certificate. development of primary implementation in basic (n) perform such other Evangelical Fellowship schools and secondary education in the county; functions as may be of Kenya; Committees of County Edu- schools to a county (i) monitor the conduct of necessary for the better (ii) the Kenya Episcopal cation Board government. examinations and carrying out of the Conference; and The Act provides a mecha- (c) Where the national assessments at the basic functions of the county (iii) the Muslims Education nism to allow for the estab- government transfers education and training education board under Council; lishment of committees on- its functions to a county levels in the county in this Act or any other (f) a representative of (a) finance, audit and government, it may also collaboration with all the written law. the association of human resources; allocate conditional relevant national bodies; Further the County Educa- private schools; (b) basic education; grants to that county (j) collaborate with the tion Board may in consulta- (g) two representatives of a (c) special needs education; government to Teachers Service tion with the National Edu- trade union representing (d) early childhood care cater for the additional Commission on teacher cation Board and relevant the interest of teachers; and education; responsibilities arising management within the stakeholders appoint a sub (h) two representatives of (e) vocational institutions from the transfer. county; county education office with parents teachers and youth polytechnics; (k) prepare and submit a clear functions and powers. association; and (f) standards and quality Roles of the Sponsor — comprehensive school (i) a representative of assurance; (a) to participate and make termly annual report Composition of County Ed- persons with disability; (g) assessment and recommendations of including Educational ucation Boards (j) two members examinations; review of syllabus, Management Information County Education Board con- nominated by the (h) dispute resolution; and curriculum, books and System data to the sists of a Chairperson, and following bodies- (i) human rights and other teaching aids; Cabinet Secretary on all twelve other members ap- (i) the Primary School gender. (b) representation in the areas of its mandate pointed by the Cabinet Sec- Head Teachers’ School Management including education and retary through an open and Association; and Roles of the county (c) to provide supervisory training services, competitive process and in- (ii) the Secondary School government include and advisory services in curriculum, policy clude - Principals Association. (a) the provision of matters regarding implementation and school (a) an educationist with an (k) a representative of a funds required for the spiritual development based audit report within experience of five years, child rights development of the in schools including the the County; (b) the County Director organization. necessary infrastructure appointment of (1) coordinate with all relevant of Education who is The new law prescribes that in for institutions of basic chaplains at their own agencies to ensure that the Secretary to the appointing persons as Chair- education and training expense; all the barriers to the County Education person and members of the used for conducting pre- (d) maintenance of right to quality education Board; County Education Board, the primary education, spiritual development are removed and with (c) a representative of the Cabinet Secretary must ad- childcare facilities, while safeguarding the National Government to county executive in here to the principle of gender homecraft centres and denomination or facilitate realization of the charge of education; equity, regional, ethnic and re- village polytechnics. religious adherence of right to education within (d) a representative of ligious balance, transparency, (b) Pursuant to Article others; the county; the Teachers Service openness and competitiveness 187 of the Constitution, (e) to offer financial and (m) put measures in place Commission and uphold the principle of the national government infrastructural support. The Link, September-November 2013 18 GOVERNANCE Ganze residents Youth cry foul over lack of jobs in Kilifi County push for individual By LINK CORRESPONDENT county government revise downwards them do not qualify. He said the county governments the employment requirements to ac- “Youth in Kilifi have lost hope of were created to ensure that local peo- title deeds YOUTH in Kilifi County have pro- commodate youth in the devolved getting jobs in the county government ple benefit from opportunities avail- tested against being sidelined by the unit. because the required educational qual- able at the county level and get equal By BEKADZO TONDO county government. According to the Constitution, at ifications are far beyond the reach of share of development resources but FAMILIES in Ganze District of Kil- The youth said though the county least 75 percent of the job opportuni- the majority,” said Mr Shaha. targets may not be achieved if the of- ifi County have opposed plans by the government has been advertising job ties found in the counties should go to They feared that most of the job ficials of the Kilifi county government county government to survey and ad- opportunities in the local media, most the locals as long as they meet the re- opportunities will be taken up by peo- will not consider some issues affect- judicate their land as communal land. of them have been unable to apply quired conditions but in the event that ple from outside the county if the high ing the people. The residents instead want the land as they lacked the required academic locals do not meet the required thresh- education requirements are not re- They said most youth do not have surveyed and individual title deeds is- standards. old, such persons can be sourced from vised to suit the reality on the ground. the required degrees due to poverty sued to end conflicts among them. Speaking to The Link at Pwani other counties. Mr Saha said most of the youth facing their families. Speaking during a peace meeting University where they are undergoing Led by Mr Dena Saha, the youth dropped out of form four while others He said though there have been convened by both the national and the an entrepreneurship business training said the requirements that applicants managed to secure diploma certifi- bursaries at the constituency level and county government at Ndigiria chief’s program coordinated by US govern- must have a university degree will cates in different tertiary collages but the ministry of education, the funds office, the residents argue that the ment, the youth demanded that the disfranchise youth in the area as most still they do not qualify for the jobs. had not benefited them as the money proposal to give them communal title deeds would deny them full control of their land. Former Councillor Mr Karisa Nyiro said that the only way that the KeNHA allocates Ksh20 billion central and county government can address land disputes in the area was to ensure that communal land was surveyed and individual title deeds given towards rehabilitation of roads to the people. “If the government has to get a By JOHN NYAMBUNE took the media on a tour of the 76 kil- soit and a lorry park that has a capacity Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori. permanent solution over the frequent ometres Kisumu-Kericho road, which to hold 200 trucks at Nyamasaria. The region is endowed with cash land disputes in Ndigiria, then the THE Kenya National Highways costs Kshs.8.1 billion. Ngala also said the Kisumu- crops such as rice, tea and sugarcane communal land and group ranches Authority (KeNHA) plans to spend The road’s Resident Engineer John Kakamega 51 kilometre road reha- but poor road network is one of the must be surveyed and individual title Ksh.20 billion towards the rehabilita- Okumu said it is 53 per cent complete bilitation has commenced at a cost of challenges facing its fruitful exploita- deeds issued to the people,” said Mr tion of roads in Nyanza Province. and construction is being undertaken Ksh.4.4 billion and the works would tion. Nyiro. On completion, the roads will by SBI International. take two year. “It will have a 10 kilo- In June, the Treasury Cabinet The residents were reacting to sen- boost the economic potential of the “The construction is on course and metre dual carriage from Kisumu to Secretary Henry Rotich allocated timents expressed by the executive region that is rich in agriculture and is scheduled to be completed at the Kiboswa and another one kilometer Kshs.97.9 billion in 2013/14 budget committee member of Kilifi county tourism. end of September, next year,” said Mr. at Amalembe, just before Kakamega for roads. government in charge of lands, ener- The KeNHA Nyanza Provincial Okumu. town,” he said. The funds, he said, will be used for gy, housing and physical planning Mr Regional Assistant Manager Michael He said the road will have 16 kilo- Nyanza region has six counties, road expansion, upgrading and reha- John Mazuri who said that the county Ngala said that rehabilitation work has metres of climbing lanes along Kap- namely: Kisii, Kisumu, Nyamira, bilitation throughout the country. government will hold consultative already started. meetings with the residents with the “We have 1,600 kilometres of aim of having their land surveyed and road network in the region that we are adjudicated into group ranches. working on. The roads are to further The sentiments were was not reopen up the region for development,” ceived well by the residents who said said Mr. Ngala, adding that one of the they have the right to own individual key roads under construction is the land and issued with title deeds. Kericho-Nyamasaria road that is 53 Mr Mazuri had argued that the per cent complete. people of Giriama community could He at the same time said that plans benefit much from their semi-arid are underway to put up a ring road land if they get issued with group title around Lake Victoria, with a view to deeds. The executive member had ear- enhancing fishing and tourism activi- lier noted that lack of proper owner- ties in the area. Ngala said feasibility ship of the communal land which has studies for the over than 100 kilome- been classified as ranch land had made tres road are almost complete. it possible for herders from outside to The official said the Nyamasaria- invade the zones to get pasture and Kisian bypass that covers 25 kilome- water for their animals. tres is halfway done and is to cost “Invasion of the communal lands Ksh.5.8 billion. in this area by herders of the Somali The road was commissioned by origin has been caused by the fact that former President Mwai Kibaki, in the Giriama community has no title April last year and the works are be- deeds for the land and registration of ing undertaken by Chinese construc- group ranches could be of great im- tion firm, Sino Hydro Corporation. portance to them. The road is to take two and half years Among the community owned to be complete. ranches found in Ndigiria location in Ngala was speaking recently when Heavy construction equipment at Nyamasaria-Kericho Highway where the Kenya National Highways Ganze district include Mapotea, Dola KeNHA engineers and other officials Authority is undertaking rehabilitation works. Photo/File and Ndigiria group ranches. The privately owned ranches include theGiriama ranch and that owned by the government under the Youth cry foul over lack of jobs in Kilifi County agricultural development corporation (ADC). Deputy speaker for Kilifi By BEKADZO TONDO commodate youth in the devolved ifications are far beyond the reach of ficials of the Kilifi county government County assembly Mr Teddy Mwambi- unit. the majority,” said Mr Shaha. will not consider some issues affect- re urged the people to live in harmony YOUTH in Kilifi County have pro- According to the Constitution, at They feared that most of the job ing the people. and look for better ways of resolving tested against being sidelined by the least 75 percent of the job opportuni- opportunities will be taken up by peo- They said most youth do not have their land disputes. county government. ties found in the counties should go to ple from outside the county if the high the required degrees due to poverty Mr Mwambire who is also the The youth said though the county the locals as long as they meet the re- education requirements are not re- facing their families. area ward representative noted that government has been advertising job quired conditions but in the event that vised to suit the reality on the ground. He said though there have been the land owners were being exploited opportunities in the local media, most locals do not meet the required thresh- Mr Saha said most of the youth bursaries at the constituency level and by Somali herders who pay them pea- of them have been unable to apply old, such persons can be sourced from dropped out of form four while others the ministry of education, the funds nuts to use their land for animal graz- as they lacked the required academic other counties. managed to secure diploma certifi- had not benefited them as the money ing and watering. standards. Led by Mr Dena Saha, the youth cates in different tertiary collages but offered was little and at times dis- “The people of Ndigiria location Speaking to The Link at Pwani said the requirements that applicants still they do not qualify for the jobs. bursed based on patronage. in Kilifi county have the right to get University where they are undergoing must have a university degree will He said the county governments “It is true that people from Coast benefits from their communal land an entrepreneurship business training disfranchise youth in the area as most were created to ensure that local peo- region have been marginalized in the but it is sad to see that some herders program coordinated by US govern- them do not qualify. ple benefit from opportunities avail- past and the same is likely to be repli- of the Somali origin have been payment, the youth demanded that the “Youth in Kilifi have lost hope of able at the county level and get equal cated at the counties if the job require- ing the residents peanuts to use their county government revise downwards getting jobs in the county government share of development resources but ments will not be looked into,” said land for herding purposes,” said Mr the employment requirements to ac- because the required educational qual- targets may not be achieved if the of- Mr Saha. Mwambire. The Link, September-November 2013 GOVERNANCE 19 Residents protest over illegal allocation of a public facility By BEKADZO TONDO But the Asian family said to have cal residents led by the British women Kilifi OCS Mr.FanuelMusonye had chairman of national land commis- been allocated the land led Mr. Ali Yu- have opposed the allocation of the plot to dispatch some riot police officers sion Dr. Mohamed Swazuri visited RESIDENTS of Kilifi County are em- suf claimed the piece of land legally saying it has been serving the locals who directed the British woman and Kilifi County and announced that all broiled in a tussle with a private devel- belonged to them as they have a title and foreigners as a recreational site. the Asian family to meet at his office. buildings which were built within 60 oper in Kilifi County over the owner- deed which they obtained in 1977. Mrs Corse said she had been in- The Asian family was given ago meters range from the shore line will ship of a public recreational facility According to the land ownership volved in beautifying the site which ahead to develop the plot while the lo- be demolished. The residents led by a 75 year papers, the piece of land plot number is also holds an old baobab tree which cal residents vowed to block him old woman of British national Mrs. 50541 and a title deed number 15580 creates a good shed and attracts good Mrs. Corse said it was illegal for Philippa Corse who has lived in Kilifi has a development plan from the de- breeze from the Kilifi Indian Ocean anybody to construct a building 60 New regulations over the last 66 years, say that they funct Kilifi town council. creek. The locals accused the former meters from the water point and said have been preserving the half an acre The documents further showed chief officers of Kilifi town council of the construction at the disputed plot to curb the sale piece of land at Kilifi creek for recrea- that an environmental impact as- hurriedly allocating the plot to the pri- was less than 30 meters away. tional purposes but the plot has been sessment report from National En- vate developer though they knew the “The government must be serious of lethal brews illegally allocated to a private devel- vironment Management Authority site was being used for recreational and protect the environment near the oper. (NEMA) dated February 25, 2013 ap- purposes ocean line by implementing the laws By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU “My concern as an environmen- proved the development of the plot. Recently, the residents clashed which restricts private developers A DISPUTE has erupted between the talist who has been involved in the “We officially own this plot as we with the developer and accused the from constructing buildings below 60 government and brewers of mnazi in decoration and taking care of this site have a title deed , a development plan family of acquiring the plot illegally. meters from the shoreline,” said Mrs Coast Province following fresh plans for many years is that the plot has from the council and an environment The Asian family brought in some po- Corse. to regulate the sale and consumption suddenly been allocated to a private impact assessment report from the lice officers to guard the people they The controversy surrounding the of the palm wine. developer who plans to put up a build- national environmental management had hired to construct a perimeter wall ownership of the site and its develop- Mnazi, which was legalized about ing,” said Mrs Corse authority,” said Mr Yusuf But the lo- at the plot. ment comes barely a month after the ten years ago, will now be subjected to the provisions of the law that impose age restriction, time limits and stringent hygiene requirements for drink- Govt will make agriculture profitable, says Uhuru ers, sellers and tappers. By MALACHI MOTANO Mnazi traders are now required to sell the drink when it is still “reason- THE Government will soon embark ably fresh” and supply sterile straws. on an initiative that seeks to transform Traders have also been warned not to farming in the country into a commer- add water to the alcoholic sap. cial enterprise. It has also been decided that be- President Uhuru Kenyatta say that sides maintaining personal hygiene, Government will ensure all farmers including “clean and short fingernails” irrespective of landholding make a and “short and protective clothing” for decent income out of agricultural ac- those who sell the drink, sellers must tivity. ensure the brew sold has an alcohol He said the Government would content of between 5 and 8 percent. transform agriculture from a modest The Kenya Coconut Development subsistence affair of minimal pros- Authority (KCDA), which regulates pects into an enterprise presenting the coconut sector, says the new meas- diverse opportunities in finance, in- ures are meant to regulate consump- vestment, processing, trade and other tion and facilitate health and hygiene commercial services besides tradition- among traders of the local brew. al farm work. Henceforth, tappers and sellers “Our Jubilee Government lays will be required to acquire a food han- great emphasis on commercial farm- dlers and medical certificate, and the ing in order to ensure we help our drink will be sold only to people aged farmers adopt modern farming tech- 18 years and above, between 5 pm and nologies and that they have equipment 11 pm on weekdays and 2 pm and 11 and fertilizers that enable them move pm on weekends. away from subsistence farming and KCDA chairman, Dr Titus Kadere eradicate poverty”, said the President. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the Co-operative Bank Tunje, says the proposed rules will He said strategies for achieving of Kenya stand after opening the 2013 Mombasa International Show. The President said his also help protect the traders, who are this agenda include expanding access government would soon initiate an agricultural revolution to help Kenyan farmers. Photo/File mostly women, from police harass- to finance, stabilising farm input prices ment and also curb the trade of illicit and enhancing availability, mechanis- ucts and services, attract investment using national identity cards, student instead of spending quality time poli- brews in drinking dens. “We don’t ing agriculture and increasing arable and create employment for the youth. identity cards, voters’ cards and other ticking. want to breed an alcoholic nation. land in the country by initiating irriga- “We will have a market that is size- official identification documents. He said his Government was com- People should work,” Dr Tunje said tion schemes. able, a market that can attract invest- “Time has come to remove bor- mitted to cooperate and work with all recently as he defended the new rules. “As a Government we have start- ment, a market that can help us create ders that cannot help us and allow our county governments to expand eco- Mnazi is legal and the laws are ed irrigation projects the greatest of the much needed employment. This is citizens to travel freely to work and do nomic activities such as agriculture, only meant to ensure that safety meas- which lie in Tana River County and the road we want to take,” he said. business and the benefits will flow for value addition of products in order to ures and public health and sanitation other areas of the Coast region. If He said the East African Commu- us all,” President Kenyatta said. increase revenues, achieve food secu- are properly adhered to. We don’t we open more land for irrigation and nity states should unite to establish The President said continued disu- rity and create wealth. want to see cases of police arresting move away from rain fed farming, we joint value addition processing plants nity among regional states was coun- Speaking during the occasion, people and charging them with selling will achieve food security on a consist- for tea, coffee and other crops in order terproductive noting that a lone ranger President Museveni said the greatest illicit brews,” he added. ent basis,” said President Kenyatta. to compete in the world markets and policy would not help regional states strength and resource for the East Af- The new regulations were report- He said the Government will com- avoid exploitative tendencies of global to develop economically and uplift the rican states was the integration of the edly unveiled following consultations plement the strategies by directing pri- traders and middlemen. livelihoods of their people. 150 million population into a common between KCDA and stakeholders vate investment in the sector through He welcomed a recent resolution He said many ethnic communities market. from all the six counties at the Coast the provision of appropriate incentives that allows free movement of goods, in the region such as the Maasai, the He decried tribalism and religious together with Nacada. However, it is as well as intensifying value-addition services and people within the East Teso and the Somali, among others, intolerance as evils that have caused not clear when the meeting took place. for all sectors such as livestock, fisher- African Community member states of straddle territorial borders and interact underdevelopment and called for The Link has seen a sheet of the ies and agro-forestry. Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. with ease in social and economic ac- greater integration among the people new regulations published after the Speaking when he officially The decision was agreed by Presi- tivities. of East Africa. meeting and distributed to sellers. opened the Mombasa International dents Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni and “Colonial boundaries cannot help President Museveni also called for The laws also seek to tame exces- Show that was also attended by Presi- Paul Kagame of Rwanda during a us except to cause unnecessary con- modern agricultural practices comple- sive drinking by imposing restrictions dent Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, regional infrastructure conference in flicts. We are one people,” he said. mented with industrialisation, service on where the wine may be drunk. The President Kenyatta said integration of Mombasa. President Kenyatta called on Ken- industry and Information Communi- regulations prohibit dens from be- the East African region would provide President Kenyatta said citizens yans to unite and exercise discipline cation Technology to spur greater eco- ing erected near schools, mosques or a sizeable market for the regions’ prod- were now free to travel unhindered and focus on issues of development nomic growth in the region. churches. These structures should be strong and well erected, with good aeration and ventilation, and they “should not County commissioners put on notice over drug abuse act as a hiding point for criminals or By MALACHI MOTANO unable to deliver results should pave youth develop into responsible and the Youth Enterprise Fund, to improve act as brothels”. the way for others to do the job. productive citizens. He called on lead- their economic status. Recently, Mombasa County Com- COUNTY Commissioners who fail missioner, Nelson Marwa said the to eradicate alcohol and drug abuse in “In two months time we expect ers and parents to join hands in fight- On the political front, President County Commissioners to submit ing drug and alcohol abuse which Kenyatta appealed to Kenyans to put government has no intention of ban- their counties risk losing their jobs. ning palm wine but wants to bring President Uhuru Kenyatta said reports on what they have done to were ruining the lives of the youth. politics aside and focus on developing eliminate the vice in their areas of ju- The President said the youth the country. order to the sector with the new regu- curbing the drug menace in the coun- lations. “Anyone who fails to follow ties is one of the main responsibilities risdiction,” the President said. should shun destructive habits. He ad- “Let us unite and work together to The President said his Govern- vised them to take advantage of Gov- build a country we will all be proud to these regulations will be arrested and of the administrators. charged,” Mr. Marwa warned. The President said those who are ment is committed to ensuring the ernment funded initiatives, including call home,” President Kenyatta said. The Link, September-November 2013 20 DEVELOPMENT

says, is the company’s flagship product and is renowned for its purity, long shelf life, nominal price and excellent nutritive value. Nyeri County ventures into A 2kg pack currently is retailing at Sh110 solitary competing with the highest in the market as at now which goes for Ksh140. The product launched is called maize flour production DABO which is a slogan coined from the statement Double, meaning ‘Twice By JOSEPH MUKUBWA the students of all gender and social “We found the need to establish to ensure exceptionally high quality the goodness.’ background.” a Milling plant in Nyeri County to with a taste that is simply amazing. Dabo is a maize meal fortified with NYERI County has become the first Others present included Nyeri ease the life for our people. The plant The product is processed using excel- Minerals and Vitamins. It is renowned county to launch its own maize meal Town MP Esther Murugi and Ny- will also provide storage facilities for lent quality basic ingredients that are for its purity, long shelf life, nominal flour. eri county commissioner Michael farmers and therefore instead of trans- sourced from reliable and certified price and excellent nutritive value. It The new brand maize meal flour Mwangi who lauded the investments porting huge bulk of Maize to Nairo- vendors. The new maize meal has stands out from the rest of the pack named DABO was launched recently and urged others to follow suit since bi, one can offload it here Nyeri,” said its quality which meets satisfaction,” due to its fortification of minerals and near Nyeri town by the Nyeri gover- the initiative will create jobs for the lo- the MD. Muthee said. Vitamins. nor Nderitu Gachagua and the Anchor cal youth and also ensure there is food “The company applies stringent DABO fortified maize meal which He said the company which is a Flour Millers Managing Director Pe- security. measures on processing our products comes in 1kg, 2kg, 5kg and 10kg, he constituent of the renowned GM Ka- ter Muthee. riuki Hardware Limited leads other The governor noted that after the processors and suppliers of maize promulgation of the new Constitu- flour in Mt Kenya region as the first tion in 2010, it became paramount flour miller with its maize meal forti- that with the new county government, fied with Vitamins and Minerals. each County was mandated to be self “Fortified with vitamins and min- sustaining and self -reliant. erals, it stands out among the rest in the He lauded the initiative of the new market because of its beneficial prow- product saying that the Anchor Flour ess available for people out there who Millers Company has become a good cannot afford a variety of meals mak- example of the other counties adding ing it the staple meal,” says Muthee. that his county government will sup- He stated that besides Dabo comes port such initiatives. Nyumbani Maize Meal which is re- “Hence citizens of this county nowned for its uniqueness, excellent were mandated to come up with plans quality and fair pricing qualities. and programmes that will add value to This, he says, is attributed to the the economy of the county, just like up-to-date infrastructure that processes we see in first World Countries such each product by using latest techniques as USA and Germany,” said the gov- in the clean and hygienic environment ernor. under the strict supervision of their Gachagua said those who invest highly qualified professionals. locally have an added advantage in Muthee said the company has also his county government than the for- helped to create attachment opportuni- eign companies and encouraged many ties for the students at our neigbouring other local companies to follow suit. Dedan Kimathi University, Karatina The MD said, “We seek to play University, Kenya Methodist Univer- our role as entrepreneurs in the reali- sity- Nyeri Campus, Kenyatta Uni- zation of Vision 2030 by propagating versity- Nyeri Campus and middle the vision’s three pillars; economic, level colleges such as Nyeri Technical, social and political governance. We Rware College of Accountancy, Math- have in the Social Pillar- invested in enge Institute, who are studying Food the people of Kenya through employ- Nyeri County Governor Nderitu Gachagua (right) and the Anchor Flour Millers MD Peter Muthee (left) Science, Entrepreneurship, Quality ment and attachment opportunities for while launching the Dabo maize meal flour near Nyeri town recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Control, Procurement and Supplies. Kimana residents set to benefit from agribusiness training centre By HENRY OWINO to the development of a nation’s busi- North Eastern Region, Eastern Re- Moskovich stated that in ar- houses in the late 1980s. He added it ness and economy. gion, parts of Rift Valley and Nyanza eas where the techniques have been is Amiran which introduced the first RESIDENTS of Kimana in Loitoktok Amiran also aims at empowering Regions. adopted; communities are upgrad- drip irrigation systems to Kenya in the in Kajiado County have every reason youth and women to venture into the Moskovich said the company is ing and engaging in modern farming mid-1970s and has continued to drive to smile following the introduction of modern agribusiness therefore creat- now introducing Agribusiness Train- methods. Some of the techniques are the incorporation of modern agricul- modern farming technology by Ami- ing jobs opportunities for thousands of ing Centers in the country, which will greenhouse farming and implemen- tural inputs into the country’s agricul- ran Kenya Company Limited. The unemployed youth. Kimana residents allow farmers at the community levels tation of drip irrigation farming. He tural sector. move comes at a time when the world and communities surrounding the area to access training on practical lessons. however said most of the farmers are “Throughout the years Amiran is experiencing harsh climatic condi- are the first beneficiaries to own such He added that it is important for farm- located in rural areas. continues to provide innovative agri- tions which are hampering crop pro- agribusiness education center. ers to know main agricultural practic- Amiran Company is mostly re- business solutions to Kenyan farmers, duction hence food security. The initiative is set to impact the es such as; nursery setting, transplant- ferred to as the gateway to new ag- diversifying into small-scale agribusi- Kimana residents are the first lives of the residents positively in ing and introduction of various seed ricultural innovations that bring the ness through the introduction of the among the fifteen centers in the coun- terms of agricultural knowledge at the varieties to the seedbeds. field-proven farming knowledge award winning Amiran Farmers Kit try that Amiran is targeting to open up community, county and national level. “After training the farmers, they and techniques to the Kenya farm- (AFK). It has enabled the poor also to Agribusiness Training Centers. The Empowering communities through would be able to differentiate between ers’ doorstep. This entails establish- benefit and change their economy and goal is to provide skills and knowl- sustainable agricultural innovations, is seed varieties either by colour, size ing communal training centers and health status to the best,” Kedar stated. edge to the residents to be self reliant the only way of ensuring food security or growth period. Proper application equipping them with skills to ensure The Agronomist added the AFK instead of relying on relief food. in the country. of agro-chemicals and correct use of sustainability. The company believes is also a ‘green technology’ which is This is geared towards the realiza- According to Pinhas Moskovich, fertilizers is always emphasized in all in the famous quote: “If you give a environmentally friendly and position of number one millennium de- the Amiran, Managing Director for trainings so that farmers master the man fish, you have fed him for today. tively impacts efforts to conserve soil velopment goal (MDG) of eradicat- Kenya and East Africa, the company skills,” explained Moskovich. Teach a man to fish, you have fed him and water. He assured farmers that the ing hunger and poverty by 2015. The has a history of success. He said Ami- “Our training module is impact- for lifetime”. model has already proved to be a sus- Company is therefore determined to ran farmers countrywide can attest to ing all generations through knowl- According to Yariv Kedar, the tainable way of practicing agribusi- propel Kenya into realization of the the benefits and how the technology edge. For instance students in more Head of Agronomy Division, Chemi- nesses, anchored on gravity based drip goal through agribusiness education. has helped improve their lives. than 1000 schools, youth groups and cals, Fertilizer and Seeds, the com- irrigation system and composed of The most affected and targeted are Moskovich revealed that Amiran women groups have benefited from pany plans to bolster agricultural globally compliant components. For people living in arid and semi-arid is known for its training package that the training package. To make us suc- production by developing education example, a greenhouse, seeds, fertiliz- lands. has been a major motivating factor cessful, we have partnered with World systems that will empower farmers in ers, agro-chemicals and strengthened Food production in the region is to the farmers in the country. He ex- Vision Kenya, Kenya Ministry of both rural and urban areas. by an innovative training and agro- expected to improve to ensure good plained that the horticulture company Youth and Sports, Health Africa Re- Kedar said Amiran Kenya Limited support component. nutrition, health and eventually boost targets communities in areas hard-hit sources Team (HEART), Kenya Red has been a pioneer in the Kenya ag- David Ole Nkedienye, Governor county’s economy. It is said well fed by drought and flung regions where Cross Society among others”, Manag- ricultural sector, being the first com- of Kajiado County, who presided over people are industrious and contribute rain water is insufficient. For instance, ing Director disclosed. pany to introduce large scale green- Turn to Page 21 The Link, September-November 2013 DEVELOPMENT 21

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA OVER 2,000 people from Othaya Othaya residents benefit Kimana in Nyeri County have benefited from a free medical clinic conduct- residents set ed at Karima area. The patients were treated for to benefit from various ailments, thanks to an an- from a free medical camp nual event organised by Unjiru agribusiness velopment partner Simon Sang to support the community. even agriculture matters. Development Network and sev- said this was part of corporate so- He said the company has been The chairman Kanyi urged the eral other sponsors who included training centres cial responsibility which is aimed sponsoring health, education and community to join the group. Kenya Pipeline Company and Aga From Page 20 Khan Hospital among others. The chairman of the group the official launch of the Training Cyrus Kanyi called on the gov- Center, urged the residents to take ernment to address the issue of up the opportunity as a blessing for under-staffing, staff motivation themselves. He challenged residents to diversify their agriculture and shortage of equipment in the not only in livestock rearing but health centre to enable it achieve a also in growing crops using mod- healthier nation. ern technology. He however lauded govern- Nkedienye said with climate ment’s efforts in waiving mater- change being experienced glo- nity fee in all the public hospitals bally, Kimana residents must now saying this was the first step to- embrace modern farming tech- wards achieving the jubilee health niques in order to keep hunger and pledges in spite of the budgetary poverty at bay. He told the resi- constraints. dents that mixed farming has many A team of medical personnel advantages over mono-farming. from the Agha Khan Hospital and The Governor promised his Ministry of Public Health among constituents of his support as long others conducted the one day exer- as they form groups and are ready cise held at Kairia Primary School. to adopt the new agribusiness tech- Kanyi said that the main ob- nology brought in the region. He jective of the camp was to screen, said every county has got its own treat and refer the complicated funds to be used in supporting se- cases for further investigations and rious and focused groups that are treatment besides collecting data to ready to develop themselves and beneficial to the county. identify the major health problems “I am pleased with Amiran affecting the local community. Company for bringing this project Unjiru Development Network to my county. Indeed it is true that Group main objective is to engage this project has been successful in in social and economic activities areas which it has been planted and like health, education and agricul- I know Kimana would be success- ture in order to help and empower ful too. I am urging the community the local community. here to come out in large numbers One of the sponsors, Kenya A patient undergoes blood pressure tests at Kairia Primary School in Othaya, Nyeri county during a free and form groups to be trained and Pipeline Company Business De- medical camp organised by Unjiru Development Network recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa start cashing money,” Governor Nkedienye urged. He was optimistic that community lifestyles would never be the same again once they implement Athi Water promises to address water crisis in Nairobi the new technology. The Gover- By HENRY OWINO body, service delivery in respect country’s capital city and its envi- plan for the year 2012-2017. This nor admitted that the technology to the vital commodity has im- rons,” Eng. Milgo explained. involves redefining the organiza- cannot be challenged by climate THE Athi Water Services Board proved because of a strengthened The CEO clarified: “The Nai- tion mandate, taking opportuni- change such as drought that kills (AWSB) has pledged to end the institutional framework. robi water supply master plan was ties presented within the operating thousands of livestock every year perennial water problem in Nai- “In our mandate of provid- first developed by the Athi Water environment and repositioning the in the region. robi and its environs. ing efficient water and sewerage Services Board with funding from organization as a centre for best Fridah Katwiri who is one of The board which serves more infrastructure, we will continue the World Bank and the French practices in bulk water infrastruc- the trainers said the Amiran kit than 6 million people in Nairobi, forging partnership with develop- Development Agency (AFD). It ture development to attract both encourages small scale farming Kiambu County and Gatanga ing partners, government minis- aims at meeting universal water public and private sector. because it only covers a small por- district in Murang’a County has tries, NGOs, CBOs among other supply targets for Nairobi and 13 He reiterated that Nairobi is a tion of land i.e an eighth of an acre come with a major plan to allevi- stakeholders and private players,” satellites towns by 2035”. high economic and political prior- of land. She urged farmers to try it ate the problem. Ndolo said adding that this will According to Consumer Feder- ity metropolitan area for the gov- out since all varieties of tomatoes According to Reuben Ndolo, not only provide enough energy, ation of Kenya, water demand for ernment. This is because the city take two and half months to ma- the chairman of AWSB, they have but also build support for mobi- Nairobi City is at 650,000 cubic contributes over 50 percent of the ture after transplanting. come up with a master plan that lizing the required resources for meters daily compared to a supply country’s gross domestic product Katwiri says a farmer can har- would ensure Nairobi and other water and sewer infrastructure de- volume of 431,000 cubic meters (GDP) and it is recognized region- vest the tomatoes fruits for a pe- satellite towns have consistent velopment in the master plan. and sometimes even less. ally as a trade and economic giant riod of eight to ten months before they die off. water supply. He reiterated that Eng. Malaquen Milgo, the However, Eng Milgo pointed and hub. AWSB’s Chief Executive Of- out that the board is pursuing oth- “Kenya faces enormous chal- Katwiri clarified the kit comes Athi Water Board is exploring as a package, so the farmer gets all modalities to meet the ever grow- ficer said the company is not only er measures to address the biting lenges in the development and the products and equipments for ing water demand. working to ensure that the master water shortages. management of its limited water the whole season. She explained The chairman said the popula- plan is implemented but ensuring He said the board has partnered resources. Furthermore, the mag- the kit is affordable to all farmers tion in Nairobi and satellite towns Nairobi residents are provided with Nairobi Water and Sewerage nitude and severity of the water and with drip irrigation which is has been increasing at a rapid rate. with additional water for distribu- Company to wipe out all illegal crisis cuts across most sectors of water economical, it can be used in The 2009 population and hous- tion. connections. the economy thus making water any part of the country. ing census, the population within Eng. Milgo said the Water Sup- He board will clamp down on resources management at high “We have different models of Nairobi Metropolitan Region was ply Master Plan provides a guide- unscrupulous vendors who divert priority that requires urgent atten- greenhouses which suit different 6,822,924 which have since in- line for investing in water supply water and later sell it to innocent tion,” Eng. Milgo explained. climatic conditions of our coun- creased. infrastructure to fulfil the short, residents at unfair and unjustifi- The current system is over- try. For example, the sizes ranges Ndolo said the population medium and long term water de- able cost. stretched due to rapid population from 8m by 15m at Ksh 241,250, growth occurs not only within mand for Nairobi City and other According to the Master Plan, growth in housing and commer- 8m by 24m going for Ksh324, 100 the municipal boundaries but also 13 Satellite towns. These include; investments in water supply infra- cial properties in the city. It has and 6m by 12m costs Ksh 140, in satellite towns bordering the Kikuyu, Ruiru-Juja, Kiambu- structure have lagged since 1994 contributed to illegal connections, 000,”explained Katwiri. city. He observed that the present Karuri, Githunguri, Mavoko, with the completion of the Third leakages and inconvenienced resi- Katwiri expounded: “After we trend has contributed to physical Ngong ,Ongata- Rongai, Keseri- Nairobi Water Supply Project dents who sometimes have to en- sell our kits, we don’t just leave the development, population growth, an, Thika, Gatundu, Limuru,Tala Phase 3. And the water demand in dure water rationing. farmer but we instead offer train- optimum housing densities, in- and Kagundo. Nairobi Metropolitan area now far To ensure that the project is ing to the farmer on how to use and maintain the greenhouse. We frastructure development and the “The plan simply seeks to en- outstrips supply. successful and registers optimum sure that the current supply for To meet stakeholders’ expec- desire, there are plans to develop also do installation of the kit to our study of Kenya government Vi- farmers, agronomic support to our sion 2030 strategy. water outstrips the demand even tations, Eng Milgo said the board new water sources to supply wa- farmers regularly and the kits are Ndolo stated that since the at peak moments to improve would address the medium term ter to the city. Some option being fully insured. livelihoods and businesses in the plan of their five year strategic creation of the water management Turn to Page 24 The Link, September-November 2013 22 FEATURE

By JOHN NYAMBUNE THE ailing sugar sector is faced with a bleak future as the Comesa safeguard period comes to an end in 2014. At the expiry of the deadline in Sugar industry set for March next year, the sector which is currently grappling with cheap imports from Uganda and Tanzania is likely to register drastic drops once the market opens up to competition from harsh times ahead of sugar processing giants. The sector is currently bedeviled by myriad of challenges that point to high costs of sugar production – which are about five times more than its neighbours. Comesa deadline Brazil and India, whose produc- a fact-finding mission to Maharashtra tion costs average between $10 and State, the wealthiest region in India. $20 (Kshs.870-1,740) per tone, are They were to witness first-hand also eagerly eyeing the market. how the second largest sugar pro- It costs about ($600) Ksh.52,200 ducing country is turning around an to produce a tone of sugar in Kenya industry, which at one time was on compared to Uganda and Tanzania’s its deathbed. There are 50 million In- $140-200 (Kshs.12,180-17,400). dian sugarcane farmers, more than the Fears abound that the opening up Kenyan population including those in of the sector to competition is likely to the Diaspora. have fatal ramifications which could The irony is that Indian sugar mill- bring the sector to its knees. Lack ers, which are now farmer owned and of reforms in the sector including much more efficient, are targeting to the stalling of privatization of State export sugar to the Kenyan market on owned millers have only added more a massive scale with a view to diversi- obstacles to the sector’s growth. fying their market. An average Kenyan smallholder The findings by the Kenyan offi- farmer plants 0.4 hectares on sugar- cials have been compiled into a report cane, about half the size of a standard and shared with industry players. football pitch. This is about 100 times But there is nothing in the report smaller than the average farm used in that most Kenyan sugar players did bulk producing sugar countries. not already know. State officials trying to get small- The huge difference is that Indian holder farmers to merge have faced officials have been able to convince strong opposition. farmers to consolidate their small Most farmers will not agree to holdings into larger block farms, a merge their farms in fear that they Delay in instilling sector reforms and use of obsolete machines has move that has forced some of the farm- may lose ownership. which produce sugar at half the cost lowered Kenya’s competitiveness. Photo/File ers to move into settlement schemes. “Land is a very emotive issue in of Kenyan millers. This consolidation has seen the Kenya. If you tell your grandfather The fact that Kenya produces less by-products – ethanol and generation pushing to have more areas under ir- farmers form co-operatives, which that you will merge his farm he is not sugar than it consumes makes the mar- of electricity – only accounting for a rigation will be throwing good money own the mills and provide funding to likely to agree to it. He will feel as ket even more attractive for other ex- fraction of the sales. after bad. their membership. if he is losing ownership to it,” says porters. Kenyan’s annual production There is no better place than the Industry stakeholders argue that Indian farmers use domesticated Rosemary M’Kok, the Kenya Sugar is at 520,000 tonnes compared with stock market to see the apathy with there is a need to keep investing in the buffalo and bull to transport sugar- Board’s chief executive officers. the consumption of 740,000 tonnes. which investors regard sugar. crop because it is more profitable to cane to factories. Transport accounts Large farms give economies of Currently, Kenya only allows imports Mumias shares are down 13 per grow it than maize, coffee and tea, the for about 40 per cent of the costs. So scale. The farm can be fully mecha- at a maximum of 340,000 tonnes per cent since the beginning of the year to main Kenyan cash crops. even though an Indian farmer will take nized, making planting and harvesting annum, with the sugar levied at 10 per trade at Kshs.4.10 recently. Since Jan- Last April, five officials from the longer, they will make significant sav- faster. cent. uary 2011, the share price has more Kenyan sugarcane industry went on ings. They also give the farmers bar- But in recent months, Uganda and than halved. gaining power because they can ne- Tanzania have been accused of illegal- Analysts from Sterling Capital gotiate the price for their fertilizer and ly dumping sugar in the country. released a research report and put a crop. KSB says it is trying to improve The two neighbours have done so “sell” recommendation on Mumias the dilapidated road network in the by what Kenyans officials’ term cir- Sugar with a target price of Kshs.4.32 sugar growing areas to enhance effi- cumventing the rules in their favour. per share. The analysts said some of ciency in the delivery of the product Uganda and Tanzania can import the main challenges facing the com- to factories. cheap sugar from outside the Comesa pany include cane theft, import com- According to recommendations region and then export it to Kenya. petition, new entrants to the market in a report prepared by Kenyan of- Sugar imports from Uganda have and insufficient raw materials. ficials who visited India recently, a increased from a meager 73 tonnes in Mumias Sugar Managing Director pilot study should be undertaken in 2011 to 30,000 tonnes last year, ac- Mr. Peter Kebati, however, said they Muhoroni to convert the outgrower’s cording to official statistics. Imports are addressing some of the challenges. institution into a co-operative, which are not the only threats. Large com- “I am sure the share price is a concern will possibly take over the Muhoroni panies from Mauritius and Sudan are to shareholders,” he said. “But we are mill currently under receivership. eyeing the Kenyan market. working hard to ensure our competi- Although the time frame has not Mauritian sugar manufacturer, tiveness through securing raw materi- been set, if the farmers take over the Omnicane, acquired a 25 per cent als and introducing new cane varie- Muhoroni mill, through their co- stake in Kwale International Sugar ties.” operative, it will be a significant step Company with production starting The latest challenges to hit Mumi- towards trying to revive the co-opera- this year. as were the resignation of its finance tive movement which was the bedrock This will be a game changer in director Chris Kisire at the end of July. of the now ailing sugar industry. the industry. Omnicane will be able The company said he left because Muhoroni is one of the five mill- to produce ethanol and generate elec- of personal reasons. ers, which are heavily indebted to tricity, which was the preserve of One of the biggest challenges for the Government to the tune of about Mumias Sugar Company (MSC). In the Kenyan industry is that most of the Ksh.40 billion. Mauritius, for instance, for every $100 cane is grown under a rain fed system, The other four millers are Cheme- (Kshs.8,700) of revenue from the in- which means the crop has a longer lil, Sony Sugar, Nzoia and Miwani, dustry only $40 (Kshs,4,480) comes maturity period. whose prospects look even dimmer. from sugar. The industry’s master plan is to The lapsing of Comesa safeguards The remaining (Kshs.5,220) $60 increase the area under cane irrigation will mean any of the 19 countries, comes from power generation, etha- by about 40,000 hectares annually. which are part of the Comesa trading nol, industrial sugar and other prod- This will be in areas such as Tana block will be able to export whatever ucts, according to figures from the River Basin, Nyando Basin and Nzoia volume they so wish to Kenya and Kenya Sugar Industry survey. Basin. they will be exempted from tax. Mumias, listed at the Nairobi Se- If the industry remains uncom- This is good news for millers in curities Exchange, derives the bulk petitive, especially with the cheaper countries like Mauritius and Sudan, of its revenues from sugar with the imports coming into the country, then A worker in a sugarcane farm. Photo/File The Link, September-November 2013 23 DEVELOPMENT

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA UNITED KINGDOM is committed United Kingdom to help market to marketing Kenyan tea globally. British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner said his government will continue looking for new markets for the Kenyan tea to enable Kenyan tea, says envoy local farmers reap highly from the produce. Speaking when he toured Iria- ini Tea Factory in Othaya recently, Turner said Britain has for many years imported Kenya tea adding that the tea accounts for a third in the UK market. The factory sells some of its coffee to Marks and Spencer supermarkets which are major supermarkets in UK. He at the same time revealed that his government plans to support power projects in the tea growing areas since energy has been a major challenge in the manufacturing of tea. “We shall support the tea programmes in the country including marketing. The UK tea market has increased by 20 per cent in the last few years. Tea has ensured that the partnership between Kenya and UK is strong,” he said. Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gach- agua, Othaya MP Mary Wambui, Fair trade International Company Af- rica director James Mwai, the factory chairman Wanjohi Githinji and Nyeri county commissioner Michael Mwan- gi accompanied the envoy. Gachagua lauded Iria-ini tea factory which has been engaged in value addition before exporting their tea. “Farmers must engage in value addition to enable them reap highly from their produce. The farmers are able to From left British High Commissioner Christian Turner, Fair trade International Company Africa director James Mwai, Othaya MP Mary Wambui benefit more,” said the governor. at Iria-ini Tea Factory, Othaya when they visited the factory recently. Photo/Joseph ukubwa Gachagua said his government has allocated funds this year to improve Wambui said such initiatives will holders to help market their tea since roads in the area and ease transporta- benefit small scale farmers in the area. they are yet to get good market in tion of green tea. The factory chairman urged stake- large quantities. ADVERTISING RATES Pima gas cylinders set for Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories that matter - the stories that help people make decisions about their education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their other markets countrywide communities - reach them in a simplified but factual way. By HENRY OWINO Naivasha. “We therefore engineered How to Advertise “With this expansion, we are the Pima Gas solution to sell Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the PREMIER Gas Limited, the targeting to increase our vendor gas in small cylinders and mak- company behind the partial- network to 100 before the end ing it partially refillable to suit rest. These can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or refill Liquefied Petroleum Gas of the year, serving more than the daily family budgets of this in diskettes/CDs as well as hard copies. (LPG) product in 1kg cylinders 20,000 households,” he added. market that is often referred to has embarked on a countrywide Omolo said Premier Gas pio- as the ‘kadogo economy,’ ” he Our advertising rates are as follows: programme to distribute the neered the refillable gas concept clarified. product. This is an aggressive with the aim to cover the vast Pima Gas is accessible at Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 expansion initiative that targets market at the Base of the Pyra- neighbourhood shops where Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 to open up to 50 retail outlets mid (BoP) who has been using a consumer can purchase par- Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 across the country in the next kerosene, charcoal and firewood tial refills of gas for as little as Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 six months. as their source of cooking energy. Sh50 and Sh200 to fill the 1kg This follows the successful He stated that the Liquefied cylinder. The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 introduction of Pima Gas in Petroleum Gas is cleaner, safer Because the partial refill Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 Nairobi that has so far attracted and greener form of cooking concept was completely new, Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 more than 8,000 new LPG us- energy but its penetration in the the Premier Gas has worked Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 ers since its launch in Febru- market has remained low over the under close supervision of rel- ary last year. The launch would years at only 11 percent of the 8.7 evant government agencies in Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 immediately see the openning million households. the roll out plan over the past Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 of new refillable LPG vendor This compares poorly to the 16 months. Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000 outlets in Naivasha, Athi- Riv- use of kerosene at 68 percent and “The government was keen er, Kitengela and Meru among charcoal 17 percent which have to ensure the initiative was a Special Rates other smaller towns. negative effects including being success and we worked closely “Pima Gas is currently a leading cause of deforestation with officials to promote safety We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities available in 54 outlets spread and association with acute respi- in handling, refilling and exten- programmes or services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or across Nairobi and Thika, with ratory infections that are linked to sive consumer education on the the Editorial Assistant. more than 8,000 consumers 100 deaths in Kenya per day. safe use of LPG,” Omolo said. who have been converted from “Research has revealed that Pima Gas has also been en- the exclusive use of biomas and low income levels, lack of infra- dorsed by the Energy Regula- The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, kerosene to the environmental- structure and lack of access to tory Commission, the National Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365. You can also ly friendly LPG,” said Andrew information at the BoP were the Environment Management email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. Omolo, the Premier Gas Gen- main hindrances to the use of the Agency, the Weights and Meas- NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: eral Manager during the launch cleaner LPG in this segment of ures Department as well as the of the expansion program in the market,” Omolo explained. local authorities. Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). The Link, September-November 2013 24 DEVELOPMENT

Danida donates Counties to be connected cash for Isiolo community conservancy with fibre optic cable By JOSEPH MUKUBWA By JOSEPH MUKUBWA THE Royal Danish Embassy has donated Ksh 28 million to a con- THE Senate plans to ensure that servation group in Isiolo County all the 47 counties in the country for the creation of a conservation are connected with fibre optic ca- area to protect endangered wildlife ble. species in the wider Laikipia - Sam- buru ecosystem. The chairman of the Education The funds will be channelled to committee and ICT in the senate Narupa Community Wildlife Con- who is also the Nyeri senator Mu- servancy through the Community tahi Kagwe said the Senate intends Development Trust Fund (CDTF), to establish close links with all the an arm of the Kenya Government 47 counties so as to protect and and the European Union which has oversee their functions. been funding community projects Kagwe said there should also in the country. be an ICT centre with a base at According to the conservancy every county adding that this will group chairman Jeremiah Letuiya, help the counties to improve tech- the Danish funds will be used to nologically. improve tourism, livestock pro- Kagwe who was in the com- duction and marketing activities to pany of five other members of ensure that locals benefit from the the committee in the senate was conservancy. speaking at a Nyeri hotel. The project, he said will train The five senators included the locals on enhanced ecosystem Daniel Karaba, Harima Mo- methods resulting in high water hammed and Okongo Mung’are infiltration, improved ground cover among others. and higher rates of carbon seques- tration. They will work with Africa Nyeri governor Nderitu Gach- wildlife foundation and the Oilen- agua hosted them. tile Trust. Kagwe also lamented that Ken- CDTF programmme coordina- ya’s universities are churning out tor Salesius Njoka Miu said the hundreds of graduates but there From left Nyeri senator Mutahi Kagwe who is also the chairman of Education committee in the senate, conservancy will support the local are no technicians to serve the Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagua and Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba in Nyeri recently. communities in poverty reduction same graduates. through improved livelihoods sys- “You train a doctor and the He said that the country needs time said that Jubilee government ernment is going to use Ksh 53 tems and the conservation of natu- doctor needs professionals who more technicians so as to back pro- will not sacrifice its laptop promise billion to implement the laptop ral resources. can maintain the equipment that fessionals working in every field. to Kenyan children. project, saying that only Ksh47.5 Miu was leading a team of the the doctor uses,” he said. The Nyeri Senator at the same He refuted claims that the gov- billion will be spent. board of trustees of the CDTF in visiting and reviewing the ongoing progress of the project. over 4.5 million people. She said The board is currently touring seven projects funded by the EU it was achieved through rehabili- and DANIDA in Murang’a, Kirin- Athi Water promises to tation and expansion of urban and yaga, Nyeri, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, rural water supplies, drilling and Isiolo and Kitui counties. equipping boreholes and con- Miu reiterated that CDTF will struction and desilting of water continue to closely monitor the use address water crisis in Nairobi pans and dams. of donor funds on the project which From Page 21 details. tions and ensure all kiosk water Prof Wakhungu said with sup- is expected to be completed in the “The Fourth phase of Nairobi vendors have water meters. port from donors, the ministry next 36 months. considered for the establishment Water Supply Project which is “Every industry, every house- plans to construct major dams Meanwhile, the European Un- of different water sources include within the timeframe of 2012- hold and every individual must owing to scarcity and uneven dis- ion has donated Ksh 16 million to local sources, ground water devel- 2017 is expected to bring an addi- play their role in saving water. We tribution of water resources in the a conservation group in Mathira, opment and storage of a low initial tional of 120,000 cubic meters per need to be steadfast in achieving country adding that projects tailor Nyeri County. The money has been allocated capital requirement. day,” Eng Milgo revealed. our targeted total saving across made to specific areas are to be initiated. to the Mt Kenya Environmental Currently, groundwater con- Dr Evans Kidero, the Nairobi the entire country and far more in Conservation and Poverty reduc- tributes 45,000 cubic meters daily Governor challenged the AWSB some areas and sectors,” Nairobi “I would like to inform Athi Water Services Board and other tion group and will be channeled to Nairobi’s water supply for both to ensure that they provide enough Governor urged. through the Community develop- domestic and industrial use, with water today and for generations to He warned that if that is not Boards to take into cognizance that safe drinking water and im- ment trust fund (CDTF), an arm of the potential to grow by 1000 cubic come and ensure prudent manage- put into consideration, the short- the Kenya Government and the Eu- meters daily by 2035. Of concern ment and use of water resources. ages or water “outages” will be- proved sanitation are important pre-conditions for achieving de- ropean Union which has been fund- however, is that, development is Dr Kidero said everybody come more and more frequent and ing community projects in Kenya largely unplanned and regulation must play a role to make sure that the country economy and welfare velopment for our people. In ad- since 1996. is not tight. For instance, avail- this resource is shared as well. He will suffer. He expressed the need dition, the new constitution rec- Miu said the EU funding will able data suggests that for each stressed that there are many com- to educate residents on how to ognizes access to adequate water, be used among others to rehabili- well that is registered, there may munities in the countries who still conserve and harvest rainwater. clean environment and sanitation tate 50 hectares of Mt Kenya forest be two to three others that are not. do not have access to water, so The Governor stated: “We in the bills of rights,” Prof Wak- and reforestation along the rivers, As water is a vital commodity water availability is not a given have learned to live with a very hungu reminded Kenyans. set up greenhouse farming to gen- which the public cannot survive right. variable climate. It has taken She encouraged interventions erate income to hundreds of house- without, Eng Milgo and his team “Women and children in many much ingenuity, at great cost, to that protect the environment, holds in eight locations, establish are working to start exploitation places still have to walk hun- capture and distribute the little riparian land and water resources 16 tree nurseries in eight secondary of new groundwater areas after dreds of kilometers to fetch water water that we have. We now have which are crucial in the opera- and eight primary schools in the the master plan singled out a few and sometimes comeback empty to recognize that the situation tions. Adding that AWSB should area and put up roof water catch- outside Nairobi that are said to handed. Yet there are others who may get worse, either as rainfall ensure strategies are in place to ments in 16 schools within the area. “Part of the money will also be contain water that is fit for human have abundance access to water declines, as is expected, or be- ensure environment conservation for sustainability of water sources used for renewable energy technol- consumption. but take it for granted,” Dr Kidero comes more variable and extreme ogies with the installation of eight Two are already identified in cautioned. in its occurrence. Climate change and resources. “Without environment con- units of rocket stoves in schools Kikuyu and Ruiru which are esti- The Nairobi Governor ordered is a big challenge today”. and training of 40 artisans in the mated to have a capacity of 64800 Nairobi City Water and Sewer- Prof Judy Wakhungu, Cabinet servation, water security will remain a dream so let’s provide construction of the stoves,” said cubic meters per day. Diversion age Company to work extra hard Secretary, Ministry of Water, En- Miu. and transfer of rivers in the Cen- to reduce water losses and wast- vironment and Natural Resources high quality water for our citizens and make Vision 2030 a reality in Miu was speaking recently tral highlands is projected to cata- age. He told them to cut back on said that over the last three years, when he led a team of CDTF board lyze development of new reser- unnecessary use, clamp down on the ministry managed to provide water sector,” The Cabinet Secre- of trustees in visiting and reviewing voirs, according to the master plan illegal connections and abstrac- access to clean drinking water to tary urged. ongoing progress of the project. The Link, September-November 2013 FARMING 25 Governor faults privatization of sugar company New maize seed By AGGREY BUCHUNU tively affect cane farmers and the over in trust for the county residents. of weighing machines at strategic points variety introduced 10,000 factory workers. “The land belongs to the people in the out growers zones. THE Government has been asked not Speaking at the company premises of Bungoma County and so the move He disclosed that installation of the in Rift Valley to rush the privatization of Nzoia Sugar during Nzoia sugar company open day, is aimed at protecting it in case of any machines will start soon at Kibuke and By LINK CORRESPONDENT Company without involving cane farm- Lusaka said locals must be given top eventuality,’ he said. Ndivisi followed by other key areas. ers who are the major stakeholders. priority when it comes to buying the To improve cane husbandry which Speaking at the same forum, the MAIZE farmers in Rift Valley have over Bungoma County Governor, Ken- company shares. is increasingly deteriorating in terms of company’s managing director Saul the years faced an acute shortage of cer- neth Lusaka, appealed to the govern- He called on local leaders to come reduced weight Lusaka challenged the Wasilwa said the purpose of corporate tified seeds during the planting seasons ment to temporarily halt the process till together and explore appropriate ways company management to ensure that open day is to give farmers a chance to which, has in most cases forced them the farmers are properly organized to that can enable the local community to farmers are supplied with fertilizer on air their grievances against the firm’s to plant unapproved seeds that produce buy shares. own the factory in terms of sharehold- time. operation. low yields. Lusaka observed that rushing pri- ing. Lusaka hinted that the company’s On cane wastage and spillage, the Wasilwa added that despite various But the scenario is likely to change vatization process of the only surviving nucleus estates will be transferred and Governor said that plans are under way challenges the company is determined following the development of a new factory in Bungoma County may nega- held by Bungoma County government to curb the menace through installation to address the plight of farmers. maize seed variety jointly by Migotiyo Plantations Limited and the Kenya Ag- ricultural Research Institute (Kemri) to help farmers attain greater yields. According to a marketing manager Modern agricultural technology at Migotiyo Plantations Limited Corien Herweijer, the seed which is set to be introduced in the market in five months time, is resistant to diseases that ravage several acres of maize farmers in Rift remains key to food security Valley. “This variety was developed to By HENRY OWINO offer solution to what has been happening in the last two years in the region. THE world population has been rising Farmers have lost harvest because of significantly in recent years and is ex- viral diseases,” said Herweijer. pected to reach nine billion by the year Maize farmers have also defied fre- 2050 according to experts. This means quent Government’s directive to skip a a higher demand for food and scarcity planting season due to diseases that have in supply. been destroying the crop in North and The world, therefore, has to double South Rift regions. food production using the same pool of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix resources which are already diminish- Koskei said the disease – maize lethal ing. The global agricultural and food necrosis, which surfaced in September systems will have to change substantial- 2011 – destroyed 700,000 bags of maize ly to meet the challenge of feeding the valued at Kshs.2 billion. Migotiyo Ltd’s world. Doubling food production using head of seed division Elphas Kiprop shrinking resources and the emerging said the maize variety dubbed Alphega challenges in climate change, water is expected to produce high yields in stresses, energy insecurity and dietary medium altitude parts of the country. shifts has become an uphill task. “With Kari, we have been carrying A successful strategy to improving out research with the aim of alleviating food production must therefore have the suffering that maize farmers have multiple approaches that address all the undergone. Food security also remains principal issues, key among them; popu- our priority,” said Kiprop. lation stabilization, improved food dis- Currently the Alphega seed has been tribution systems and reduced wastage rolled out in parts of Embu and Mogo- of resources. tio and the yield potential is estimated at For instance a crop improvement 40 bags per acre. Kiprop said the seed is strategy that integrates the best of the still under trial and will be sampled in old (conventional agriculture) and the different parts of the country for the next best of the new (crop biotechnology) six months. “The variety guarantees practice is therefore needed. This would farmers early maturity and double cob- optimize productivity and contribute to Food security remains the key to modern agricultural technology. bing with good husk cover and minimal food, feed and fibre security while ad- rot during rainy season,” said Kiprop. dressing climate change. crops, focused on traits of direct benefit ogy techniques are the only tool for ensure the product is fit for human con- The seeds KH500-39E can also do Prof Edward Nguu from University to consumers. They include enhanced hancing food production. Though it may sumption approves the use of GMOs,” well in coffee growing zones in Cen- of Nairobi, Department of Biochem- nutritional content, enhanced flavor, not be a panacea to the problems facing Margaret Aleke, a Biosafety Officer at tral, Eastern and Rift Valley, parts of istry, explained that biotechnology is texture, taste, aroma and colour. food production, it is one of the major KEBS said adding that products should Western, Nyanza and Coast countries. a set of tools that use living organisms The third generation of biotech tools that will greatly enhance food se- however be labelled for purposes of Herweijer said the seed variety will be to make or modify a product, improve crops focuses on greater abilities to re- curity in the country if properly utilized. taste and preference by users. available for purchase by farmers in the plants, trees or animals, or develop mi- sist stresses such as tolerance to drought. The concept offers many opportuni- According to Geoffrey Makokha market next January. The seed was un- croorganisms for specific uses. Scientific research thus takes time to en- ties in developing superior crop varie- Odanga, MP for Matayos Constituency, veiled recently at Kabarak University Prof Nguu says Agricultural bio- sure successful results and satisfaction. ties that are; high-yielding, nutritious Busia County, who sits in the parliamen- during an agribusiness expo attended by technology is simply the term used in Genetically modified foods have the and able to withstand both biotic and tary Committee on Agriculture and Live- more than 80 exhibitors. crop and livestock improvement using potential to solve the world’s hunger abiotic stresses. Acceptance challenges stock, genetically modified crops is go- “We have already distributed hun- biotechnology tools. He gives the two and malnutrition problems. In addition, compounded by deliberate misinforma- ing to be introduced in Kenya very soon dreds of free samples to farmers for trial types of biotechnology: Traditional they can help protect and preserve the tion have however limited its adoption since MPs are scrutinizing the Bill before ahead of next year’s planting season. which has been practiced since time environment by increasing yield and in the developing world. “Kenya is an the President can assent it into law. He This seed variety is disease resistant immemorial and is achieved at organ- reducing reliable chemical pesticides example of developing countries which gave the example of Brazil, China, In- and we urge farmers to embrace it,” said ism level and modern biotechnology and herbicides. Yet there are many chal- rejected the introduction of genetically dia and Malawi where GM crops have Herweijer. comprising of advanced science and lenges preventing these benefits, espe- modified foods and went ahead to ban helped to scale up food security and no A 2kg packet of Alphega retails achieved at cellular level. cially in the areas of safety testing, regu- the same,” Dr Gichukiregretted. side effects have been reported to date. at Ksh340 with a 10 kg bag sold at “Traditional biotechnology includes lation and international policy. If these Other issues hindering the accept- Dr Margaret Karembu, the Chair- Ksh1,700. The new variety takes four techniques such as fermentation while are well addressed to people especially ance of biotech crops in most develop- person of Open Forum on Agricultural months to mature. Herweijer said re- modern biotechnology incorporate the smallholder farmers in developing ing countries Kenya included are; nega- Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) Kenya search has been going on since 2003 DNA manipulation techniques such as countries, benefits are enormous if the tive perceptions regarding their safety Chapter, said Agricultural biotechnol- with the main objective of realizing a genetic engineering. In the later, genes technology is adopted in Kenya. for human consumption, impact on the ogy research will help come up with food secure country. “Before January, are moved artificially across organisms These GM crops have raised a environment, ethical considerations and possible solutions to constraints facing we will carry out demonstrations and of all divides,” Prof Nguu elaborated. number of concerns including allergenic ownership of the technology. agricultural production in Kenya. For in- follow ups on farmers for the success The Professor says this is the reason reactions, development of antibiotic re- Dr Gichuki, however, said that stance, she pointed out; climate change of the project to be achieved within the why Scientists have taken advantage of sistance, environmental issues, and de- Kenya has adopted other technologies related stresses, environment conserva- shortest period possible,” she said. this opportunity to produce genetically velopment of super weeds among oth- to improve crop production include and tion, malnutrition, new plant diseases During the event, East Africa Grain modified crops. During the developers. However, for the last 17 years that this range from tissue culture to marker- and animal diseases such as Rift Valley Council chairman Judah arap Bett said ment of GM crops, a gene conferring the these crops have been commercialized assisted selection and genetic modifica- Fever, Bird Flu among others. it is time farmers commercialise agricul- desired trait can be introduced in a plant no negative effects have been reported. tion. In the livestock sector, the focus is “Kenya has made substantial ture to realize a hunger-free society. from an organism that is not necessarily Additionally, independent reviews largely on the development of vaccines progress towards commercialization of He said farming remains a prime in the same family. from competent bodies such as the and diagnostic kits for effective vaccina- biotech crops with commercialization source of employment to thousands of The first ever generation of GM world Health Organization (WHO) and tion and accurate diagnosis of livestock of Bt cotton scheduled for 2015. To jobless citizens. crops, focused on lowering production locally, Kenya Bureau of Standards diseases. And in forestry, clonal technol- this end, a commercialization task force “I appeal especially to the young costs incurred by farmers. But they were (KEBS) have affirmed their safety. ogy is being used to produce high-qual- is already in place to address issues of generation to come out strongly and not substantially different for consumers Dr Simon Gichuki, from Kenya ity seedlings. input supply, awareness creation, opera- take positive steps in agri-business,” he either in appearance or nutritional value. Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), “Kenya Bureau of Standards tions, distribution and marketing,” Dr said during the closing ceremony of the The second generation of biotech affirms that agricultural crop biotechnol- (KEBS) whose main business is to en- Karembu explained. two-day exhibition. The Link, September-November 2013 26 FARMING

By JOHN NYAMBUNE Sugarcane farmers THE government plans to ini- Govt allocates funds to hit-out at Kenya tiate three projects in Migori County in a bid to boost live- Sugar Board stock production in the area. boost livestock production By NYAKWAR ODAWO The Principal Secretary in charge of Livestock Dr Khadija THE Kenya Sugar Board is directly Kassachoon says that Miyare responsible for the sugarcane poach- Farmers Training Center in in Migori County ing crisis that has nearly crippled the Rongo, Oyani Dairy Farm and operations of the country’s leading in farming initiatives that seek undermines the true perception people to replace their activity sugar producer Mumias Sugar Com- Lichota Dairy Center will be to improve livestock produc- about the agricultural practice in the industry. Most do not have pany and not poor planning. More considered for funding by the tion. among the young generation. someone to inherit their farming than 500 sugarcane farmers from Bu- central government so as to re- The official says that many An extinction phase is ex- activities because most of their sia and Mumias sugar belts have ac- vamp the dying industry in the youth have the wrong percep- pected when current farmers children have relocated to urban cused the sugar board director, Billy county. tion on livestock farming, which shall have retired without young centres in search of jobs. Wanjala of being part of the sugarcane However, the PS did not poaching syndicate that has gripped specify the amount of money the multi-billion shillings business in that will be given to the sub- a stranglehold. sector for development. She en- The farmers’ spokesman, Nicho- couraged county governments las Makokha Shikanda said Wanjala across the country to also show who is in charge of Mumias and Bu- good will to the dairy industry sia sugar belts that are the lifeline of by setting aside enough cash for Mumias Sugar in cane supplies should the development. explain why sugarcane poaching has She spoke as dairy farmers for the last two years remained rampant in these two belts. in Migori County embarked on “We also challenge Wanjala to ex- a campaign that seeks to popu- plain why the Kenya Sugar Board in- larize the sector amongst the troduced West Kenya Sugar Company youth. This follows revelations to buy cane in these belts when it knew that the youth were shunning that farmers here are all contracted to the practice in favour of white Mumias Sugar,” said Shikanda, add- collar jobs. ing that as a KSB director representing Most youth view livestock these belts he has failed to spearhead a farming as a means of liveli- decisive action to be taken against the hood for ordinary people, a poachers. reason why many of them have The irate farmers were reacting shunned the practice. to reports carried out by a section of “The youth must be encour- the media outlets quoting Wanjala as aged to take up agricultural saying that poor planning and management was responsible for the crisis activities particularly livestock facing the sugar industry in Busia and farming as a competitive busi- Mumias sugar belts. ness enterprise rather than sole- The Director was also quoted as ly as a means of livelihood,” saying that KSB expected Mumias adds Dr. Khadija. Sugar to increase sugarcane acreage af- She notes that livestock ter releasing Kshs.140 million to boost farming was vital to addressing sugarcane development in the two ar- food security. eas as he welcomed the sacking of the The serious decline in dairy MSC agriculture and factory managers production is expected because and calling for the assessment of the it is estimated that at the age of current Chief Executive Peter Kebati 80, many farmers may not ac- to ascertain his capabilities. tively engage in major activities “We know that Wanjala has for of managing their farms. years been closely operating with The PS challenged the youth the former agriculture manager, West Kenya Sugar Company and the re- in Migori County to engage in sulting cane poaching crisis. If there Dairy farming which remains had been poor planning and manage- untapped in the region. ment, Mumias Sugar could not have The PS says that the dairy invested more than Kshs.3 billion in sector in the area is under threat sugarcane development for the last as youth have not been engaged Mzee Johnson Odhiambo feeds his cattle. Photo/File two years, what is Kshs.140 million compared to three billion?” said Mr. Shikanda. The farmers at the same time accused Wanjala and the Sugar Board Farmers push for the liberalization of cereals board of introducing West Kenya Sugar By LINK CORRESPONDENT into other agricultural related much in cereal farming business sideration and implementation. Company into a territory occupied by ventures. because the institution has been He explained that the pro- farmers contracted to Mumias Sugar, FARMERS in the North Rift “The Government should unable to mop-up grains from posal if implemented, would al- just about the time Mr. Kebati took have called for the immediate over management of Mumias Sugar to provide a starting capital to the them due to inadequate funds low NCPB to purchase produce deliberately sabotage the company’s transformation of the National board to help it engage in busi- from Government. when the prices are cheaper and operations. Cereals and Produce Board ness to ensure it becomes self-re- North Rift NCPB regional dispose off at a profit when prices They challenged Wanjala and the (NCPB) into an autonomous liant in the near future,” suggest- manager Jonah Marindich wel- are favourable as well as have the Sugar Board to explain why it had body. ed Kipkorir Menjo, a Director of comed the farmers’ suggestion capacity to export maize to other completely failed to stamp out the The farmers feel that the cur- Kenya Farmers Association. saying it would help the organi- countries. At the same time, the cane poaching crisis and instead given rent status had slowed operations He said empowering NCPB zation increase its float of cash farmers asked the NCPB to set a go ahead to West Kenya Sugar that by the board owing to its over- would also reduce delays in sup- for streamlining operations. 50 kg as the standard weight for does not have contracts for cane sup- reliance on Government funding. ply of farm inputs to farmers that “We totally agree because all agricultural produce. plies with any farmer to build a fac- They pointed out that the cereals has always been witnessed in al- when the cereals board has some Mrs. Moira Chepkok, a farm- tory in Busia belt under Mumias when board has for years been rely- most every planting season. revolving money it will have ers’ representative, said counties it is not qualified. ing on the Government yet it has “Every year, the Treasury a huge turn over thus reducing should be directed to adopt the The farmers defended Mumias the capacity to generate money has been blamed for not releas- over-reliance on the Govern- 50 kgs packaging saying it is a Sugar CEO saying that though he had through various business ven- ing funds for purchase of inputs. ment, which is funding several world packaging standard. been at the helm for a short period of tures. To solve this problem, NCPB other institutions”, he said. Chepkok cited the World time, the restructuring programme he Through their representa- has embarked on at Mumias Sugar should have its own revenue Marindich, however, said Food Programme (WFP), which was in the right direction, but KSB tives, the farmers said apart from streams to manage the farm in- policymakers in the cereal sector she said is buying maize from must put in place its act and take storage of cereal produce, the put business,” said Menjo. are the ones mandated to make farmers all over the continent immediate action to stop sugarcane Government should consider The director also expressed recommendations regarding the packaged in 50 kgs bags which poaching to save the entire industry empowering NCPB to expand concern that farmers do not make proposal to Government for con- is the standard weight. from total collapse. The Link, September-November 2013 FARMING 27

money cannot be paid through M- Pesa. “Where is the documentation showing the transaction and contract Crisis at Nzoia Sugar company of payment?” he asked. Sources at By LUKE KAPCHANGA from duty immediately following the from Wanyonyi and made payments tion by the Anti- corruption and Eth- the company claimed that assets leasing of the trailer and subsequent through M-Pesa. ics commission. keep on disappearing and those in- NZOIA Out grower Company sale of the same by yourself”. Noco He claims that they were still Wamang’oli is accused of firing volved get protected by the directors. (NOCO) is faced with management has had 7 managers in a span of six waiting for the receipts and regis- and replacing the general managers The company now has only 5 crisis, following the suspension of years and the high turnover has been tration certificates after completing at will to serve his personal interest. functioning tractors out of 15 bought the acting general manger. blamed on the high handedness and payments. The letter which has no Wanyonyi maintains that the di- in 2009, thanks to vandalism. Mr. Stanley Wanyonyi was interference by the chairman. official stamp or letterhead from the rectors were in office illegally as the Mukania who has served as gen- shown the door by the chairman Mr. Wamang’oli who convened a firm was the basis used by the chair- 2011 elections were fraudulent. eral manager at the company the Joash Wamang’oli after he leased board meeting 4 days after suspending man as evidence to fire the manager. “These directors are in office ille- longest, said it was not possible to and sold a trailer belonging to the the manager to discuss his fate warned On his part, Wanyonyi main- gally, as they have even gone further to meet farmers expectations with the company without the approval of of taking legal action against him. We tained his innocence by claiming that creating a new electoral zone against current crop of directors. He added the board. In a letter dated 24 June have enough evidence that the acting his removal from office is due to the the Memorandum of Understanding that tractors have disappeared under 2013, Wanyonyi was suspended on General Manager sold the trailer ille- stand taken to have Wamang’oli re- by the company”. He added. He called mysterious circumstances, yet the grounds that he sold the trailer to gally and this could amount to steal- moved as a signatory to the company for the investigation of the directors board is opposed to investigations Sammadel Enterprises without au- ing of company’s property”, he said. accounts. over what he alleged as pocketing that may expose behind the scam. thority from the board of directors. NOCO board of directors alleg- The Kenya sugar board was of funds earmarked for mobilization Rampant theft at the company, Wanyonyi replaced Humphrey edly learnt of the illegal sale after a said to be behind the removal of without prove on the ground. He ac- forced Wanyonyi to hire a private Mukania early this year, who was director at Sammadel Enterprises al- Wamang’oli signature from the com- cused them of taking the money with- security firm, to replace company se- also haunted out of office by the legedly wrote a letter demanding for pany bank accounts before releas- out accounting for it, as they have rare curity who collude in stealing. chairman. The letter further stated receipts of payments and logbook. ing Kshs.35Million loan to buy bell interaction with farmers whom they “I have proof that a certain secu- that, Wanyonyi sold the trailer and The director who gave his name loader, winch and pick-up truck. are supposed to serve. rity officer participates in stealing of received Khs.200.000 in return with- only as Samson, alleges in the letter He claims that the chairman was He challenged the directors to company assets, but directors protect out notifying the directors. dated 23June 2013 that they pur- interfering with management issues sue him over the sale of the trailer him and opposed to any disciplinary It says in part, “you are suspended chased the trailer at Ksh 200,000 and the matter is subject to investiga- insisting that such huge sums of action,” Wanyonyi complained. Group reaps highly in horticultural farming By BEKADZO TONDO themselves. Mr Briscoe said the World Food WHEN 66 residents of Dzikunze lo- Program is thus being changed to cation in Ganze district came together Food for asset program where people to form a group and engage in hor- are helped to engage infarming activi- ticultural farming in the year 2012, ties as a way of enhancing food secu- most local people dismissed the move rity. as a big joke. Critics said that the The envoy who is a permanent group was just wasting their time and representative to the United Nations energy because they were unlikely to Food and Agriculture agencies in reap anything from the project. Rome made the remarks when he paid However, the group soldiered on a courtesy call to the Kilifi county and went ahead to plant horticultural deputy governor Mr Kennedy Kamto crops. Today the Dzikunze farming and the county executive committee community project resonates with member in charge of agriculture Mr success, with the chairlady Mrs. Bea- Mwalimu Menza before he inspected trice Kahindi saying the initiative has a horticultural and forestry project at helped to improve their livelihoods. Mwahera location in Ganze district. “At first, people tried to discour- “For the past twenty years, UK has age us but today we are reaping highly been supplying relief food to hunger from our hard labour,” said Mrs Ka- stricken families in different countries hindi. Mrs Kahindi however thanks including Kenya but this time round the government through the national we want to change the system to ena- drought management authority which bling people to plant their own food supported them to start off the project. and cash crops to make them self-reli- She said that the authority through Horticulturists apply the knowledge, skills, and technologies used to grow intensively produced plants for human ant in food,” said Mr Briscoe. food and non-food. the Food for Asset program and with According to the ambassador, UK support from the World Food Program will be donating funds to enable the dug a water pan at Dzikunze before people start farming projects and en- # they could start planting some horti- gage in rain water harvesting. Benefi- The SUBSCRIPTION FORM cultural crops. ciaries will be paid for the work and The project secretary Mr Juma later benefit from the proceeds of their Charo said after constructing the farming activities. He said it was ad- LinkEnhancing governance for all water pan, they got 85 acres of land visable for people to learn the art of which was donated to them by well- food production by equipping them wishers and they started growing the with resources and tools to work with. Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months casurina trees for business. Mr Briscoe said under the pro- Mr Charo said they also started gramme, beneficiaries will receive dating from ...... to...... growing other plants like the passion between Ksh 2,500 to Ksh 2740 per fruits, piper farming, maize, cassava, month through the cash transfer pro- I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… maize and cabbage among other horti- gram. He said the money is being paid cultural products. The members of the through registered financial interme- Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... group were recently happy when they diaries such as Equity Bank where received the UK ambassador Mr Neil people involved in the project are to Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… Briscoe who visited their project and open bank accounts to facilitate cash saw what they were doing. transfer. Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... United Kingdom is transforming According to officials of the pro- its strategy in World Food program gram about 59,000 people in Kilifi (Attached, please find money order No ...... which previously focused on donat- County were benefiting and they are ing relief food to suffering counties to mostly involved in farming activities Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. cash for asset project. and construction of water pans. Mr Briscoe said his country The Deputy Governor Mr Kamto Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... through the World Food Program has thanked UK for their continuous sup- been concentrating on relief supplies port to famine stricken families in Back issues No/Months: ...... to hunger stricken people in different Kilifi County for many years. Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- countries such as Kenya and Soma- However, Mr. Kamto challenged lia over the last twenty years adding the UK government to empower the that time had come for the program to people to grow their own food crops Institute for Civic Affairs and Development be transformed to equipping people instead of the overreliance on relief P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi in the affected areas to get food for food. The Link, September-November 2013 28 REGIONAL NEWS

By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ARTICLE 32 (1) of the constitution Youth demand accountability from elected leaders provides that, “Every person has the ments with politicians. perhaps it is the source of their suf- Unfortunately some politicians in escort and applaud them, something right to freedom of conscience, reli- They told the elected leaders that fering. Bungoma County still subject local that is contrary to the mourning eti- gion, thought, belief and opinion. they no longer want to be bought This noble gesture should be residents to election mood by using quette among the Luhya community. This is one of the fundamen- weapons with which to attack oppo- emulated by youths in other counties hired youths especially during public This practice has been going on tal rights and freedoms in the Bill nents, that they no longer want to be in order to put a stop to the perennial functions. for many years now. It is now time of Rights and other chapters of the confined to one political party, and misuse of the youths by politicians During the burial of Timothy the youths stood up to the politicians’ constitution that nobody regardless that they want to be left to chart their and enhance national cohesion and Nyongesa in Bungoma town and manipulation aimed at impoverishing of his/her status in society should be own individual destiny. integration. Timona Masinde in Tongaren, one them so that they forever remain at denied. This bold move by youths in For instance, youths in Bungoma could easily deduce that the country their mercy. It was perhaps on the basis of the Kisumu County should be supported County have every reason to take the was just about to hold elections. The youths in Bungoma should chapters that guarantee citizens’ free- by all patriots for the good of this na- stand their counterparts in Kisumu Prior to his death,Nyongesa was a demand that political leaders come dom from unnecessary bondage that tion because political antagonism and have taken because they are highly prominent businessman in Bungoma up with policies that are geared to- prompted youths in Kisumu Coun- negative ethnicity have for long been vulnerable to abuse by local politi- town while Masinde was the former wards empowering them economi- ty to tell their elected leaders that promoted by regional political king- cians. Bungoma county council chairman. cally instead of inciting them against enough is enough. pins. Electioneering period in the coun- Nyongesa was killed in cold blood perceived opponents. The youths engaged their elected The move taken is also an indica- try officially ended on March 2 this by criminal gangs while Masinde They should totally refuse to do leaders in a meeting recently where tion that the youths have since dis- year and it is now time for the elected passed on naturally. things which politicians ask them to they declared their stand on matters covered that regional politics have leaders to deliver on their promises to Some politicians who attended the do for a fee of Ksh.200 especially relating to politics and future engage- not been of much use to them and the electorate. two funerals no doubt hired youths to when they (politicians) are in a crisis. tion will issue adjustment orders to all public buildings and audit them to Persons with disabilities cry foul over discrimination ensure they comply with the directive By JOSEPH MUKUBWA before the provision for the adjustments expires next year. The council THE Director of National Council is putting on notice all building own- of Persons with Disabilities Phoebe ers to comply with the adjustment no- Nyagudi has lamented that most peo- tices pointing out on the specific areas ple with special needs cannot access that require adjustments. most buildings in the country. Kenya Bureau of Standards In a speech read on her behalf by (KEBS) Technical Committee Chair- Maureen Wambugu, Nyagudi said man Geoffrey Ndiang’ui said it has that at the moment, most buildings or adopted an international standard that facilities are not accessible to persons defines how the built environment with disabilities which she said is a should be designed, constructed and form of discrimination. managed to enable people with dis- Speaking during an awareness abilities to access them independently. workshop on the accessibility and us- The standard provides that build- ability of the built environment at a ing users, architects, designers, engi- Nyeri hotel, she said that persons with neers, builders, building owners and disabilities are not an interest group managers, manufactures, policy mak- nor do they represent subjects for care ers and legislators have a responsibil- and protection in Kenya, but they are ity to create a sustainable built envi- neighbours and friends in the commu- ronment which is accessible. nity who must enjoy all fundamental He said that persons with differ- freedoms. ent disabilities in Kenya have been “For persons with disabilities to forgotten in all manner of building get their right to participate on the designs especially in public buildings. basis of equality in development, all “We must therefore, as profession- general systems of society must be ac- als and stakeholders in the building cessible,” she said. Nyagudi said that and construction industry find the best that many persons with disabilities solutions to issues that affect all peo- are excluded from active participation Some of the participants who attended an awareness workshop on the accessibility and usability of the ple in the society using set standards,” in society because of barriers such as built environment at a Nyeri hotel recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa said the KEBS Chairman. the way buildings are constructed and Ndiang’ui said that there is need designed. sibility and disability rights which is ments are incorporated right from the of conducting renovations on those to incorporate all requirements in the The Director noted that NCPWD set to become operational next month. outset when the buildings are con- buildings later. standard in order to make all buildings has a national action plan on acces- NCPWD says that if the adjust- structed, it benefits all citizens instead NCPWD says that the organisa- user-friendly. Communities set to benefit from mineral resources By HENRY OWINO nity of interest’. agencies. tions that community land is owned by for sharing benefits with communities. For mining to take place, some of The Constitution goes further to nobody. Even in areas where the suit- Scrutinizing dealings with land af- IN Kenya, 70 percent of land belongs these communities would be required provide for equality of community able land use and cultural norms favour ter the promulgation of the Constitu- to the community while the remaining to move or simply be displaced or real- rights with private and public land rights community ownership of land the trend tion in 2010 in Kenya for instance, can 30 percent is shared between public and located to other areas. The locals must shielding communities from appropria- is the same. help identify instances of irregular and private land at varied percentages. Re- now start processing the vital document tion of their rights by powerful actors This trend needs to be reversed illegal dealings with community land. cently mineral resources have been dis- and account for the value of their land. within and outside of the community. through documentation of norms, land The investigation should however also covered in some counties in Kenya and However, they are expected to benefit This allows for the inclusion of land use practices and instances of suitable open avenues for redress for community these valuable based resources are in the significantly from the excavation before users that have commonly available management of land by communities. members who have had their rights ap- land held by communities. gain is felt in the neighbouring counties. resources such as wetlands and water While subjecting the former to scrutiny propriated illegally and irregularly by The Constitution (Article 66(1)) For instance, Turkanas, Samburu, Maa- sources as part of community. to ensure that they do not offend Con- powerful members of their communities stipulates that, the State may regulate sai, Taita, Luos among others in these Realizing community rights in prac- stitutional sanctions of non-discrimina- or by non-members of communities in the use of any land, or any interest in or counties are expected to benefit much. tice however remains a daunting task. tion, gender equality, stakeholder par- all the three countries; Kenya Uganda right over any land, in the interest of de- Surprisingly, several people in these For instance, Turkana has been neglect- ticipation and sustainable development. and Tanzania. fence, public safety, public order, pub- communities do not have title deed, ed in terms of development by succes- According to Prof Patricia Mbote, The Dean, School of Law said insti- lic morality, public health, or land use which is the most coveted evidence of sive governments and now oil has been Professor of Law & Dean School of tutional structural rigidities are not the planning. This therefore means that the land ownership in Kenya and any other discovered. Community land rights and Law, University of Nairobi, land re- best suited to articulate dynamic and government would have to consider the country. Land is critical to one’s citizen- land uses must be considered to avoid sources include; minerals, natural for- living tenets of community rights. She above Article when extraction of these ship or belonging to a group. Narratives exclusion of the people as resources ests, wildlife and water. She says that stressed the need to build institutions mineral resources starts. For example, on communities’ quest for the recogni- are appropriated through rent-seeking policies and laws on these resources and strengthen communities especially oil and gas in Turkana, coal in Kitui, tion and protection of their rights to land and corrupt deals over the newly found must take community rights into consid- where customary tenure is concerned. iron ore in Taita Taveta, wind energy in and related mineral resources have tend- wealth. eration as entitlement not charity from “It should be recognized that insti- Marsabit, wildlife and titanium in Kaji- ed to overshadow the quest for rights by Another forgotten community is the the government. She says devolved and tutions are critical in securing commu- ado and oil in Nyakach, Kisumu county weaker members of the communities pastoralists who play a critical role and local governments have a role to play to nity land rights. Land is a factor of le- including Ngorongoro in Tanzania the especially youth and women. viable economic activity. Pastoralism ensure that resources such as wildlife, gal, political, social, cultural, religious, water catchment areas. Governance and management of has been a neglected land use despite forests and water are integrated into land physical and intellectual body politic in The Kenyan Constitution recognizes land is critical to the quest for cohesive its resilience as viable in many arid and rights. “The laws on community land communities which is dynamic,” Prof community rights and requires that ben- nations and democratizing societies. semi-arid areas. It needs to be recog- must avert the resource curse where Mbote revealed. efits accruing from resources on their The recently released report by Truth, nized not delegitimized as mineral re- abundance of mineral resources could Prof Mbote stated that dealing with land are shared with them. It also recog- Justice and Reconciliation Commis- sources and their extraction take centre result in the neglect of other economi- land is one measure of the governments’ nizes the rights of communities to their sion (TJRC), identifies land in Kenya as stage. cally viable activities such pastoralism,” success and dealing with community language and culture and has a robust a major source of disquiet of historical The history of neglect and abuse has Prof Mbote cautioned. land will determine their ability to forge definition of community that transcends injustices. This must be addressed by the led to the individualization of commu- Professor of Law said laws on com- cohesive nations and pave way for more ethnicity and culture to cover ‘commu- government, TJRC and other relevant nity land as a defense against percep- munity land can institute mechanisms solid regional integration. The Link, September-November 2013 29 REGIONAL NEWS

By LINK CORRESPONDENT Homa Bay PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta has President Kenyatta lifts lifted the curfew imposed by Govern- ment in Tana River County last year County leads in but warned that punitive measures would be taken should violence flare Tana River curfew HIV infections up again. The President took the decision place. repeated to ensure only genuine land said the Government would not al- By JOHN NYAMBUNE So let’s live together peacefully,” owners get their right,” the President low unscrupulous people to hoard following requests by local leaders Homa Bay County has the led by Tana River County Governor the President said. said. land for speculative purposes. Governor Dado said that a few He continued: “This is not to say The Deputy President said the highest HIV infections in the Hussein Dado to lift the 6.00 pm to country. 6.00 am curfew slapped in the area unscrupulous rich people bent on en- we do not want investors. What we Government has set aside Kshs 30 riching themselves through specula- do not want are backdoor activities million for the construction of an In- According to a joint re- following fighting that claimed over search by the National Aids 200 lives in the county. tion had irregularly acquired between for land speculation. We encourage formation and Communication Tech- 60,000 and 100, 000 acres of land in all investors to come to Kenya to do nology institute in Garsen which will Control Council (NACC) “I am committed to working with HIV/Aids and the National local leaders to bring peace in this the County. business but we do not want corrup- also comprise a teachers training col- The President clarified that genu- tion,” said President Kenyatta. lege requested by local leaders. Aids and STIs Control Pro- area. gramme, the prevalence rate I will lift the curfew as requested ine investors in the irrigation and President Kenyatta said the Gov- He echoed the President’s sen- other sectors who had acquired land ernment would spend Kshs 200 mil- timents that wananchi and leaders in the county stands at 27.1 by your Governor but stern action per cent. will be taken against anyone who procedurally will not be affected by lion to modernize Hola District Hos- should uphold peace, noting that the cancellation of the title deeds. pital to enable it provide adequate Government issued title deeds in By the end of 2011 Homa will instigate a recurrence of vio- Bay had 150,000 people liv- lence,” the President said. “Any fake title deeds must be healthcare services to residents. Kilifi, Mombasa and Lamu Counties revoked and the allocation process Deputy President William Ruto without any hitches. ing with HIV, where 85 per The President was speaking in cent were adults. Hola town when he addressed wa- The research indicates nanchi during a public meeting that women are leading in meant to launch issuance of title HIV infections compared deeds in the area. The title deeds is- to their male counterparts. suance in Tana River County will be It shows that 10,000 of the undertaken once genuine land own- 40,000 women who become ers are established and security issues pregnant every year in the addressed. country are HIV positive. President Kenyatta called on The county had 8,268 leaders and wananchi to co-exist and new HIV infections among uphold peace in order to cultivate a adults in 2011. conducive environment for develop- The NACC Director Al- ment. loys Orago also said the na- “Leaders should always work tional HIV/Aids prevalence towards uniting all the communities stands at 6.2 per cent, and at and maintain peace. We all have a the end of 2011, 1.6 million responsibility of ensuring pastoralists Kenyans were living with and farmers co-exist peacefully and HIV. carry out their economic activities Prof Orago attributed unhindered,” he said. the high prevalence rate in The President said continued con- Homa Bay to social cul- flicts in the Tana Delta area would tural practices and advised retard development and strongly ap- the residents to discard the pealed to leaders to embrace amica- same. ble ways of resolving disputes. He called on the residents “Nothing is possible if there is to change their behaviour no peace. We cannot create wealth as one of the modalities of if there is fighting between commu- President Uhuru Kenyatta with Kilifi Governor Amoson Kingi hold a title deed for residents of counties in combating the scourge. nities. Not even surveying can take Coast region during the launch of the distribution exercise at State House, Mombasa. “Time has come when we have to chart the way forward to combat the infec- tion rates. I call upon lead- Squatter invasion derails KAA expansion plans ers to join hands in sensitis- ing residents on behavioural By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU hindrance to economic development highway and adjacent to the expansive rity for economic growth. change in this area,” he said. EFFORTS by the Kenya Airports and should be addressed as a matter Tsavo National Park. The number of The Governor said that apart Homa Bay Governor Authority (KAA) to expand the Voi of urgency. tourists is expected to increase if the from implementing the street light- Cyprian Awiti, who offi- airstrip in Taita-Taveta County have “The KAA wants to expand the facility is rehabilitated and expanded ing project, his administration would cially opened a sensitisation been thwarted by squatter invasion. airstrip but the exercise has been halt- as many flights will prefer landing also expand the town to attract more drive, assured residents he Local leaders now want the squat- ed until the squatters vacate site,” said there,” said Mwadeghu. investment. would set aside a special kit- ters to vacate the site to pave way for Mr. Mwadeghu. Mruttu announced ambitious Mruttu, however, noted that in- ty in his budget to help fight the expansion exercise. The MP said the expansion pro- plans to create more investments and security coupled with poor roads and the pandemic. The leaders who included Sena- gramme would not only create job business opportunities in Voi Central water infrastructure was hampering Awiti said the county tor Dan Mwazo, MPs Joyce Wan- opportunities to the local community Business District (CBD) to help cre- investment and economic growth of cannot realise the UN Mil- jala Lay, Thomas Mwadeghu, Jones but also improve tourism activities in ate more jobs for the locals. the county. He at the same time told lennium Development Goals Mlolwa, Andrew Mwadime and Gov- the county. He said plans were at an advanced the contractor awarded the tender to if the rate of HIV and Aids ernor John Mruttu decried the squat- “The airstrip is strategically situat- stage to implement a street lighting rehabilitate the dilapidated Mwatate- remained that high. ter’s menace saying it was a major ed along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa project in the CBD to enhance secu- Taveta road to give jobs to more locals. “It is very unfortunate we are leading in a negative side as far as HIV infections are concerned. We have to come out as leaders to ensure the County bans felling of cashew nut trees scourge is reduced because no county can be produc- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU Kingi said his government would try operations have moved to wood as some people had been hired by factory work with the office of the National a source of fuel, adding that the cut- and industry operators to go into the tive if its populace is ailing,” Environment and Management Au- ting down of trees would endanger the rural areas and buy the trees, which Awiti added. THE Kilifi County government has Awiti’s deputy Hamil- outlawed the felling of cashew nut thority (Nema) to deal with investors environment. are then used as fuel. who interfere with the environment in Mr. Kingi noted that salt harvest- One resident, Joseph Kadzomba, ton Orata warned the situa- trees to aid in fuel production in fac- tion would scare investors tories and industries. this way. ing and processing firms at Gongoni said the agents were paying as little “It is shocking to see huge lorries have been using wood as fuel to proc- as Kshs.500 to cut down a productive if proper measures were not Governor Amason Kingi decried taken in good time. the rate at which factories were felling carrying wood obtained from cash ess their products. He said other in- cashew nut tree and make logs, which crops like cashew nut and mango trees dustries in Mombasa and Mtwapa are are later taken to the factories. “Every investor coming cashew nut and mango trees for fuel to this county asks for re- production. to be used as fuel. This trend will not also using the wood as fuel in their “As villagers we are concerned be tolerated,” said Mr. Kingi. industries adding that his government that our areas are almost being turned sources and labour. It is un- Mr. Kingi said his government fortunate the majority of the was against the practice and warned The Governor said Nema, which would not allow it to continue. into deserts following the massive cut- is in charge of protecting the environ- Mr. Kingi’s remarks follows com- ting down of cash trees like mango people dying are young peo- that any investor found felling the ple who can provide labour trees would be dealt with. ment, must stand firm and ensure the plaints by residents over the wide- and cashew nut for use as fuel in most forest cover is not endangered. spread cutting down of trees for fuel industries and factories in the Coast for various economic activi- Speaking at a public baraza at ties,” Orata observed. Bungale in Magarini District, Mr. He said most factories and indus- use. Most of the residents claimed that region,” said Mr. Kadzomba. The Link, September-November 2013 30 REGIONAL NEWS

By PETER MUTUKU EACC moves eLIMU founder Nivi Mukherjee Kenya’s education sector will says it will take more than the to reclaim incoming Jubilee government’s promise to provide free laptops need more than just laptops port land to primary school children to improve education standards in Ken- curriculum in use having last been and many others that we have been is strengthening the its platform ya. updated more than 30 years ago. giving to schools,” she said. to allow it to accommodate over from private Mukherjee, whose award- She admits it might take years As to whether the devices 100,000 student user accounts, winning eLimu startup provides before the government comes up will boost education standards, having completed its pilot projects developer educational content, has been in- with an e-learning curriculum, she said recent pilots conducted in Nairobi and Busia. By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU volved in the provision of laptops though she urged the Ministry of by her organisation saw a school eLimu says it has witnessed to schools and believes lifting Education to team up with the pri- they have been piloting emerge as increasing interest in Kenya’s edu- vate sector and organisations such the best performing school in the cation sector since Mukherjee was CONTROVERSY is brewing over educational standards will require a piece of land reclaimed from the more than just the devices given as eLimu, who have a ready cur- Dagoretti area. selected by the Capital City Afri- riculum that incorporates the 8-4-4 She says with sober discussions can-American Chamber of Com- sea more than 20 years ago for the the number of unforeseen chal- expansion of Kilindini Harbour in lenges,. system. among the experts and the crafting merce (CCAACC) to represent “In our platform we have all of a strategy paper the exercise is the continent at this year’s South Mombasa. She said provision of electric- The land has allegedly been ity, internet and training of teach- the six subjects being examined bound to succeed. by South West (SXSW), a major by the KCPE as well as additional Currently her organisation, emerging technologies event in grabbed by a private developer and ing staff could prove challenges according reliable sources, the land to Uhuru Kenyatta’s ambitions, courses in life such as financial lit- which recently benefitted from the United States, making her and eracy, human rights, environment an investment of US$100,000, Simeon Oriko in question was allegedly grabbed in while also questioning the wisdom 1998, ten years after the plot had been of trying to provide every student reclaimed from the sea and handed with an individual laptop. over to the Kenya Ports Authority According to Mukherjee, re- (KPA), which owns the harbour. search has shown children tend to African Marine and General En- learn better and faster in groups, as gineering Company, which occupies demonstrated by the ‘Hole in the part of the plot and uses it to repair Wall experiment’ by Sugata Mitra. ships, reclaimed the piece of land for Above all, she believes it is KPA between 1988 and 1998. unwise for the government to But according to court papers, buy laptops as the world moves after the reclamation someone was towards tablets, which are cheap, allocated the property on a 99-year energy conserving and more port- lease. The developer, subsequently, able. subdivided the plot into two in Octo- “With tablets it is much easier ber and November last year and was to work out a cheaper deal given issued with land titles. the economies of scale the coun- However, to the surprise of the try is likely to benefit from, with developer, the Ethics and Anti-Cor- various countries such as India and ruption Commission (EACC) has China likely to offer competitive challenged the lease to one Boniface prices,” she said. Katana Kaliveri saying the transfers eLimu is currently acquiring were illegal and a threat to security tablets for as low as US$100 with of ships docking and leaving the port laptops expected to cost more. of Mombasa. Apart from problems arising “The said land is under imminent from the hardware, Mukherjee threat after Mr. Katana forcefully argues the government is yet to settled at the site and started putting create an e-learning curriculum up permanent structures,” says Allan based on changing times, with the Set of computers. Education sector needs more than just laptops. Mola, an investigator with EACC in a sworn affidavit of June 27, this year. Now the High court in Mom- basa has stopped the private developer from developing a commercial Women prepare for the 2015 building on the peace of land. Recently, Justice Samuel Muku- nya gave the orders following an application made by Mr. Mola, an advocate with EACC who is compost development agenda plaining that the developer is posing By LUKE KAPCHANGA (WGL). without accountability and the dis- increasing economic insecurity. danger to the port activities. The meeting brought together placement impacts negatively on Participants committed them- The judge barred Mr. Katana LACK of access to land by women women’s rights advocates, eco- women. selves to incorporate the resolu- from disposing or transferring the has been identified as a serious is- nomic and social rights experts “Social security thus calls for tions at the meeting to their re- plot to any other entity until the mat- sue that must be addressed by gov- and human rights lawyers working reforms and expansion of both for- spective organizations. ter was heard and determined by the ernments as the 2015 deadline for from a feminist perspective from mal and informal sectors as a ba- They agreed to enhance under- court. realizing the Millennium Develop- all over the world. sic social service and protection,” standing on financing for climate The order comes in the wake of ment Goals (MDGs) approaches. The meeting sought to iden- reads the report in part. change, sharing instructions, host claims that some unscrupulous peo- Women’s access to land is still tify priorities for the realization of The report urges the govern- informal social meet –ups for ple were alienating KPA land and limited by retrogressive cultural women’s rights and gender equal- ment to re-think budgets to shift women to discuss leadership eco- putting up private structures thus ex- practices, family and marital laws. ity within the contest of micro- from cutting social spending to nomic policies, economic Justice posing the shipping lanes to insecu- The situation has further been economic policy. Participants also decreasing resource allocation to and integrate this policy in the ad- rity including sea terrorism. compounded by private invest- selected and developed key mas- the military. vocacy messages. Mr. Mola told Justice Mukunya ments and policies that promote sages for selected priorities and Access to equality and afford- The meeting noted that capac- that the land in question was leased large scale land acquisitions or strategies. able health care are determined by ity building in economic literacy to African Marine and General Engi- land grabbing by transnational They were of the view that eco- government allocations which im- and rights is a necessity. neering Company by KPA in Janu- corporations which hinder the nomic policies played a critical pact on women’s decisions about The responsibility of feminist ary, 1990. achievement of women’s rights role in the realization of women’s their lives and bodies. and women right groups is to am- He further informed the judge and gender equality. rights. On trade policies, they ob- plify the ways in which economic that investigation reveals that on A two day strategic meeting “Without understanding eco- served that both bilateral & mul- policies and lack of corporate ac- January 1, 1998, Mr. Katana was il- dubbed “ towards the realization nomic policies, we cannot holis- tilateral agreements on intellectual countability affect negatively the legally allocated the said plot, which of women’s rights and gender tically respond to inequality at a property and agricultural subsi- lives of both men & women. belongs to KPA. Mr. Mola says the equality: Post 2015 sustainable systematic level or relate to wom- dies must be woven into women’s The meeting comes as the 2015 parcel of land, which is adjacent to development,” heard that women en’s rights and gender equality,” rights and gender equality. deadline for realizing the Millen- a separate KPA plot, was reclaimed were still grappling with limited the report says. This was largely attributed to nium Development Goals fast ap- from the sea by the company to cre- access to property rights which de- Other areas of concern were the fact that trade agreements di- proaches. ate the berthing of sea going vessels nied them land benefits and critical said to be the extractive sector rectly affect the cost and availabil- Women view this as an impor- on terms, which had been agreed resources such as water and food. which can increase inequality due ity of pharmaceutical products. tant moment to influence the proc- with KPA. The meeting which was held to lack of transparency and little Furthermore trade liberaliza- ess and advocate for the inclusion The investigator explains that at the Florham Park, New Jersey, oversight. tion increases competitive pres- of a language that promotes the EACC moved to court to institute USA was convened by the center It notes that extractive indus- sures and labor cost in ways that realization of women’s rights and civil proceedings against the devel- for Women’s Global Leadership tries often displace communities undermine decent work thereby gender equality. oper and recover it. The Link, September-November 2013 REGIONAL NEWS 31

Govt committed to ensure Kenyans own land, says Uhuru Suspected By MALACHI MOTANO Speaking during the occasion those found to have engaged in ir- will be employed in the project. He Deputy President William Ruto regularities will be disciplined. He said his Government will ensure witches die after THE Government will ensure that said the launch of the programme directed civil servants to embrace a Lamu County representative is all Kenyans who have no title in the region marks a milestone change in line with the Govern- included in the LAPSSET Board botched ritual in deeds are issued with the document in resolving land problems in the ment’s transformative agenda or when constituted. in order to engage in meaningful coast region. risk losing their jobs. On education, President Keny- Kikambala economic activities. Coastal region leaders led by “The proverbial 40 days are atta said 100 more teachers will By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU President Uhuru Kenyatta said their governors assured the Presi- over for lands officials who have be recruited from Lamu County land is an important factor of pro- dent of their commitment and sup- been a stumbling block to conclu- to ease the existing understaffing. A PLANNED ritual to exorcise duction that should not be politi- port to the Government in ensuring sion of land adjudication in various He told parents in Lamu and other three elderly men accused of prac- cized adding that his Government the programme succeeds. parts of the country,” the President counties in the Coast region to edu- ticing sorcery turned tragic after has embarked on a country-wide They said former regimes had said. cate their children to prepare them they died while a pastor tried to programme to issue title deeds to failed to resolve the matter and The Head of State welcomed for managerial positions. cleanse them of witchcraft. Kenyans. thanked President Kenyatta for ini- investors to the country but empha- He said Lamu Hospital, which The pastor allegedly forced Speaking at State House, them to pass through separate tiating the move to ensure the area sized that legal means should be was in a deplorable state, would homes in Kikambala, Kilifi County Mombasa, when he launched the residents legally own their land. used in acquiring land. benefit from Kshs 200 million as programme in the coastal region and drink highly salted water. Meanwhile, President Uhuru He informed those receiving part of the grant pledged by the The pastor who has claimed to where 60,000 title deeds were is- Kenyatta has ordered a complete title deeds that all fees had been Chinese Government during his re- sued to the area residents, the Pres- possess powers to detect and exor- audit of land records to root out ir- met by the Government and urged cent State visit. cise witches is now on the run. ident noted that land plays a key regularities in land transactions. them to use the documents to ob- Deputy President William Ruto A senior administrative officer role in economic development in The President put corrupt lands tain loans that will transform their said the Government was working in Kikambala division who declined the country. officials on notice, saying no one lives. hard to correct past injustices in to be named confirmed the three “Giving the title deeds to citi- will be allowed to derail pledges “This will empower individu- land transactions where influential deaths indicating two were from the zens imply that we have empow- the Jubilee Coalition made to Ken- als and families and advance the personalities irregularly acquired same family. ered the individuals and their yans, particularly in addressing the Government’s agenda of eradicat- large tracts of land at the expense The official said elderly family families economically,” President land problem. ing poverty and growing the econ- of ordinary Kenyans. members from Su and Sand area in Kenyatta noted. “We are committed to fulfilling omy,” the President said. The Deputy President said it Kikambala were forcibly taken to He said the Jubilee Government the pledges we made to Kenyans. Responding to requests by local was unacceptable that less than 100 the pastor for the exorcism by fam- is determined to resolve land prob- Addressing the land problem in the leaders, President Kenyatta assured wealthy people shared out 1 mil- ily members after they were accused lems not only in the coastal region country is a step towards achieving Kenyans that the Government was lion acres of land while ordinary of bewitching a young girl who but in the country as a whole. that goal,” the President said. computerizing all land records citizens, who are the majority, only drowned in the Indian Ocean. Recently, Bahari OCPD Justine President Kenyatta noted that President Kenyatta spoke in to improve on efficiency. He dis- owned less than two acres each. Kenyans have for a long time pre- Nyaga said he had received report of Pate island, Lamu County where closed that Government intends to Local leaders led by Lamu only one death, that of a man who occupied themselves with the land he issued over 2,000 title deeds to issue 3 million title deeds to Ken- Governor Issa Timamy and area question saying that the time has is said to have died recently after he residents. yans in the next five years. MP Shariff Athman assured the was forced to take the highly con- come for the land answer. The President emphasized that On the LAPSSET project, the President that Lamu residents fully centrated salty water by the pastor. Said the President, “This is why land officials should stop allocat- President said Government has supported the LAPSSET project Speaking to The Link, Mr. Nya- we need to move from issue of land ing land to themselves and their set aside Kshs 20 million to train which would open up the area to ga said though the report was made, question to land answer so that we cronies illegally, warning that 1,000 youth in Lamu County who investors. police search teams have been un- can truly begin the pace of rapid able to locate the body of the dead economic growth and development man. “What we are hearing is just in our nation.” a rumour as nobody has come out The Head of State underlined to make an official report out to the need for all stakeholders to make an official report concerning work together in streamlining land the mysterious deaths, and efforts ownership in the country. by my officers to get even the bod- The President, who was accom- ies have proved difficult,” said Mr. panied by elected leaders from the Nyaga. But independent sources coastal region, said the issuance of within the police indicated that two title deeds in the area will be done men from the same home died re- in a transparent manner in order to cently and were secretly buried. ensure that only deserving cases And a pastor from Kikambala Gilbert Mwaganda confirmed that are considered. the pastor (name withheld) has been “We will have regular consulta- claiming to have powers to cleanse tions to ensure everyone is brought witches and wizards using salty wa- on board in a transparent and ac- ter. He said an association of pastors countable process to ensure only had written to the District Officer deserving cases are considered,” complaining about the exorcism President Kenyatta said. rituals. He, however, observed that Pastor Mwaganda claimed that such a programme is not immune the runaway pastor forces his vic- to hitches and urged all leaders to tims to gobble up the concentrated engage in dialogue in resolving liquid containing a kilogramme of challenges when they arise instead salt mixed with some water after Ms Charity Ngilu, Cabinet Secretary, Lands with other leaders in Mombasa recently. She was attacked by shaving their heads. of trading accusations. some Coast MPs over Waitiki farm visit. KNUT calls for more funding of education sector By JOHN NYAMBUNE to the fact that Kenyan teachers are ill keep the children busy during holidays, holidays such as park tours, swimming, forms of distractions or noise. A sports prepared to handle Standard One pupils it can lead to addiction and eye problems camping and visiting relatives. camp is an excellent way of keeping SCHOOLS reopen for the third term come next year. A comprehensive train- due to exposure to the brightly-lit com- James Muiruri, a sports instructor them occupied, as opposed to playing this month with calls to the Government ing program on ICT should therefore be puter screens. and motivator, has run holiday camps computer games and watching televi- to increase funding to the sector. rolled out with an immediate effect,” Apart from the holidays leaving par- for children for 15 years and says they sion all day.” “The parents leave them The Kenya National Union of said Nzili. He spoke as it emerged that ents at a loss over how to keep the chil- add value to well-being of students. with us and they either pick them later Teachers (Knut) notes that the Ksh15.2 more pupils in Nairobi have embraced dren occupied, the vacations also come “After working so hard in school, or we take them home. It is a complete billion earmarked for the education sec- ICT and were spending more time on with huge financial implications. Mer- even children need rest. That is why I separation with their parents and books, tor was insufficient adding that key ar- social media. ciline Wangare, a single mother, says she came up with the idea of a sports camp. says Muiruri. eas were not factored in. A spot check on cybercafé reveals can barely make ends meet and school We use sports to expose children to dif- Muiruri has just returned from Eng- Union’s national officials Wilson that they form a significant percentage holidays make matters even worse. ferent environments to encourage holis- land, where he had taken holidaying Sossion (National Chairman), Mudzo of customers and spend the whole day “If I had a way in this issue, I would tic development.” He says. children to participate in an internation- Nzili (Acting Secretary general) and playing computer games. Attendants re- prefer the holidays to be shortened. I Muiruri runs the Swim Africa Sports al sports tournament. He says that apart Paul Mutisya (National treasurer) lashed veal that most parents pay for them to spend more money during holidays Camp where children from different from meeting and making friends with at the Government for reneging on its play computer games to keep them oc- when my three children are at home and schools in Kenya and foreign schools children from other parts of the world, promise to employ 40,000 primary and cupied. “A few have computers at home, I find it burdensome for someone like participate in various sports, including the kids also toured famous spots, in- secondary school teachers every year so they remain indoors all day playing. me who is struggling financially. I would water sports, soccer, cycling, motor cluding Old Trafford, the home of Man- and 24,000 ECDE teachers. Majority who do not have computers prefer a one-week holiday, at most ten sports and many others. chester United, Buckingham Palace and They also petitioned the Govern- go to cybercafés. During holidays and days. That is enough time for them to The role of sports cannot be under- other famous historic sites. ment to set aside monies for training weekends, children make up the bulk of rest,” adds Wangare, a green grocer. estimated. Cycling instils endurance and “It is a great opportunity to get out teachers on ICT skills ahead of the in- daily customers,” she reveals. But Goretta Muthoni says children helps them acquire body balance and and see the world. The trips expose troduction of free laptops for Standard Although allowing children to use should be given ample time to rest. gain confidence. During the holidays, them to the outside world and they get One pupils beginning next year. gadgets such as computers, ipads and Experts say children should be in- we set them up in schools in the leafy to make new friends and have fun,” he “The Government should be alive mobile phones to play games can help volved in exciting activities during parts of western Nairobi, away from all said. The Read The Link monthly for issues affecting LinkEnhancing governance for all communities across Kenya The Link, September - November 2013 What to know about the County Integrated Development Plan By LINK CORRESPONDENT framework. It shall comprise the Governor and form and Strategy continual basis. The Ministry of Planning issued members of the county executive (CGA Part IX) obligates the county (e) (CGA 92(2) The Governor shall THE planning process is an integral CIDP planning guidelines in May committee, an equal number of nomi- government to integrate communica- submit an annual report to the county part of the development process. It 2013 and the process is underway in nees of Non State Actors (NSA) (pro- tion in all its development activities, assembly on the status of citizen par- is the first critical stage of the budget most counties. fessionals, business, labour, women, observe Article 35 through access ticipation in the affairs of the county process. The budgeting process pro- persons with disabilities, elderly and to information. The county govern- government. vides that every county shall prepare Role of the public in the County faith based groups at county level). ment is required to establish an ef- a development plan in accordance planning process The forum shall provide a means of fective communication and sensitisa- Practical Steps County Govern- with Article 220(2) of the Constitution Citizen participation is mandatory in consultation on the planning budget- tion framework using various media ments need to take of Kenya for approval by the county the planning process. CGA, 106(4) ing, economic and financial manage- forms, targeted at widest selection of (a) Provide a meeting timetable of assembly. The county executive com- states “county planning shall provide ment processes in the county. stakeholders in the county. planning forums with sufficient no- mittee member responsible for plan- for citizen participation” and shall be tice to enable active public engage- ning shall submit the development done in a process that “involves mean- (b) County Citizen Engagement (d) County Civic Education Strat- ment; plan before the county assembly by ingful engagement of citizens” (CGA, Framework egy (b) Provide a meeting agenda inform- 1st September. The development plan 105(1-d). Public participation shall be (CGA Part VIII) obligates the county (CGA Part X) requires the county ing the expected inputs from mem- will inform the budget priorities for facilitated through:- government to establish structures for government to develop an effective bers of the public; the coming year. (a) The County Budget and Eco- citizen participation. These are guided civic education framework through (c) Work with NSA’s, CSO’s and The County Governments Act, nomic Forum (CB&EF) by principles set out in CGA87. which it shall empower and enlighten county based media in the county to 2012 (CGA), 104 obligates a county (PFM 137) provides that a county gov- citizens and promote the principles raise awareness of the county plan- to develop an integrated plan, desig- ernment shall establish the CB&EF. (c) County Communication Plat- of devolution in the constitution on a ning agenda, dates and times; nate planning units’ at all county ad- (d) Use an effective communication ministrative levels and promote public strategy such as mainstream and com- participation and engagement by non munity media, social media, and NSA state actors in the planning process. networks; The county plans shall consist of the (e) Keep the process accountable by following; maintaining a record of public sub- The County Integrated Develop- missions, providing timely updates on ment Plan (CIDP) is a 5 year plan the process, ensuring access to plan- that shall inform the county’s annual ning documents to stakeholders at all budget; stages of the process. County Sectoral Plan (10 year plan) County Spatial Plan is a 10 year plan Role of Civil Society Organisations using the Geographic Information in the County Planning process System (GIS) based system and will 1. Awareness: Use your networks to be reviewed every 5 years; sensitize the public on the process City and municipal plans and encourage citizens engage in the The CIDP shall reflect the strategic process; midterm priorities of the county gov- 2. Support the process: work with the ernments. The CIDP will contain spe- county government to make the proc- cific goals and objectives, a coasted ess a success through cash or kind implementation plan, provisions for collaboration; monitoring and evaluation and clear 3. Keep the process accountable: reporting mechanisms. It will contain Take steps to ensure the county gov- information on investments, projects, ernment has made the process par- development initiatives, maps, sta- People gaze the ruins of structures demolished by Garissa County authorities along Kismayo Road ticipatory and open as required by the tistics, and a resource mobilization recently. County officials said they had issued a one-month notice to vacate. constitution and county legislation. Urban farmers embrace bag gardening technology

By HENRY OWINO where there is no enough ground-level ing technology. as they are already there and what is Day said that the bags support sunlight to grow vegetables. The technology, which is an im- needed is soil, compost and seedlings vegetables like kales, cabbage, car- A KENYAN firm has introduced Farmers in areas where drought is provement of the old maize sack bags of the desired crop. Mixing the soil rots, amaranth among others. The bags made from an ultra-violet in- common or water is very limited and to ultra-violet bags, is quickly gaining and the compost on a fifty-fifty basis bags promise high returns with the hibiting material that protects plants unemployment rates can also benefit popularity among urban dwellers. This then pouring the mixture in the bag medium size able to give a farmer from sun rays and have a 10-year from the initiative. has also been contributed to the harsh and that’s all. over three kilogrammes of vegeta- life span. The urban dwellers in Kenya can economic times many urban dwellers Day advised that this mixture in bles per week for 16 week period. The bag/sack gardening also therefore grow vegetables and other are experiencing in food prices. the bag should be monitored a few Further still, the bag has over 10 known as vertical farms or gardens fresh produce in their backyard and “These bags are made from an ul- days to ensure that it is firm and com- year shell- life which ensures that are ideal in areas prone to natural harvest it over 10 times compared to tra-violet (UV) inhibiting material that pacts together so that it can hold the one gets maximum output from disasters such as floods or mud slides open farming thanks to a bag garden- protects the tender plants from damag- plants when planted. The seedlings are each garden bag. ing sun rays. This UV material gives then transplanted into the holes from “The bag can be used for over the bag a 10 year lifespan compared outside and proper crop management 10 year and to re-plant in the bag, to the common sacks that only last for like spraying of pesticides should be one only needs to replace the soil about three months,” said Harry Day a observed for better results. and compost and it is good to go,” programme officer at Real Impact, the The plants are also irrigated and Day said. technology’s pioneers. this is done from the top as water per- Although the countrywide roll Day said the bags are improved meates through to the bottom. The out of the bags has not yet been to ensure high yields since the plants beauty about this technology is that it done, the bags demand has in- do not compete for the nutrients. The can be practiced by anyone including creased and Real Impact has made bags are easy to use and come with those with disabilities. It is not labour inroads into other parts of the coun- The Link appreciates the instructions. They are sold in differ- intensive and is easy to monitor as it try apart from Thika. ent sizes which determine the number can be done in one’s backyard. With the dwindling size of ar- of plants that can be accommodated. Weeding is also reduced since the able land due to urbanization, the facilitation accorded by the For instance, a medium sized bag can only openings in the bag which per- adoption of garden bags may offer a hold about 60 plants and it is sold at mits a plant growth is where the crops solution to hundreds of thousands of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Ksh 800 while an 80 plant bag goes are planted. In addition, one does not urban dwellers who are increasingly for Ksh 100. get tired from bending while harvest- turning to farming for subsistence in Kenya. One does not need to make holes ing since the plants are in a raised bag. and business.

The Link is published Monthly with support from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya. P.O. Box 7438 - 00200, Tel 6001274/6001776 Nairobi. Fax 020 6001776 Email: the [email protected].