The SPECIAL REPORT OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTY Enhancing governance for all GOVERNMENT ACT Link — Pages 16 - 17 OCTOBER 2012 Issue No. 096 Kshs 40/= Rights body rejects move on gender rule By FAITH MUIRURI

HE KENYA Human Rights Com- mission is strongly opposed to Tplans to amend the constitution to give effect to Articles 27 (8) and 81 (b) which require that not more than two thirds of those elected in parliament shall be of the same gender. Although the proposed amendments are meant to achieve gender parity in the next Gen- eral Elections, the human rights body, however, feels that any changes in the constitution are bound to subvert the popular will and expose the supreme law to further mutilations. In a terse statement, the human rights body says changing the constitution just two years after promulgation would reverse gains already enshrined in the supreme law. The commission argues that this will set a bad precedent of resorting too quickly to con- stitutional amendment whenever there is a chal- lenge. “Gender issues are also likely to be relegated to the periphery and addressed in a simplistic manner, and thus rob women of the gains out- lined in the Constitution,” warns the statement. The human rights body cites the old Consti- tution which was subjected to 27 amendments in

8 Turn to Page 2, Col. 1 Participants follow keenly during a recent conference on Women, Peace and Security at KICC recently. Photo/Henry Owino

By HENRY OWINO able socio-economic development and regional sic/applied research and industry needs, work- integration by exploiting various key areas such ing out alternatives to facilitate access to new EAC to THE East African Business Council (EABC) as; enhancing linkage between the private sector ideas and know how, to work together in dis- and Inter-University Council of East Africa (IU- and universities, encouraging the private sector seminating benefits of intellectual property CEA) plan to harmonise education curricula for to support research and innovations by universi- and commercialization among others. harmonize institutions of higher learning among East Africa ties in the community, promote the utilization of The EABC as the umbrella organization of Countries. research output and innovations from universi- the Private Sector in East Africa is at the fore- The two organizations further seek to pro- ties by the Business Community and identifying front in facilitating Private Sector participation Higher mote the collaboration between universities and areas in Higher Education curricula and relevant in the EAC integration process. Its members the business community in East Africa. research for the region’s sustainable development are drawn from the Private Sector Partner The initiative will aid in human resource de- and holding joint forums, conferences and exhi- States, constituting of companies, business as- Education velopment and research in order to contribute to bitions. sociations and government agencies involved the region’s socio-economic development. Other notable events includes; identifying in facilitating trade. The two institutions have therefore agreed to possible options in narrowing gaps between ba- Curriculum jointly address issues that are pertinent to sustain- 8 Turn to Page 2 Col. 1

State calls in Interpol Wave of union strikes Suspicion rife ahead of to help trace stolen set a litmus test for the Elections

Also books —Pg. 5 government — Pg. 13 — Pg. 28 Inside The Link, October 2012 2 GOVERNANCE Rights body rejects move on gender rule From page 1 political party fields a governor and meet the gender principle, the country past been abused by leaders in politi- makes competent women an asset to running mate of opposite genders and must elect at least 117 women or men. cal parties who appoint their friends, the party. just 40years with most regressive as that 50percent of governor nominees If the mark is not met, then the new associates and allies, thus denying Other concerns are pegged on early as 1964, 1966, adding that this for each party must be women. arrangement captured in the proposed deserving women who work with the fears that men may end up being the should not be repeated. “This means every party fields amendment requires that political par- communities. under-represented gender. However “The Constitution 2010 is not 23men and 22women for gover- ties gives names of the disadvantaged Further, the amendments if adopt- the human rights body dispels their flawless and can be amended but the nor on March 4, 2013. The above gender from a list to comply with the ed would compel political parties to fears and says that these formulae will timing now is not strategic,” reads the amendment should apply to county constitution. encourage female participation and only offer many female candidates statement in part. assemblies too so that each party en- Additional seats would then be the active participants would help (50percent) but will not instantane- The chairperson of National Gen- sures that its final lists of nominees created specifically to fill in the gender prevent gender based violence at elec- ously address the patriarchal attitudes der and Equality Commission Win- has 50percent male and 50percent fe- gaps after elections and any shortfall tions. with which most Kenyans vote. How- fred Lichuma however supports the male candidates for the total number would see an increase in house seats The commission says the propos- ever, it will be watered down by party proposed constitutional amendment, of wards in each County. The com- by the same margin. als would help transform Kenya’s loyalties resulting in a minimum of saying the two thirds gender rule is a mission further wants the Elections This means that the number of electoral system from being patriar- one third women representation that good provision but it lacks the mecha- Act to give the electoral body pow- MPs and Senators in the next parlia- chal and individual driven to ensuring is elective. nism to deliver. ers to reject non-compliant nomina- ment could shoot up beyond the num- that party manifesto and popularity “There is a proposal to amend the tion lists bers provided for in the Constitution are what sells. Nominations constitution to give us a process on The commission argues that the and would be determined after elec- Nomination is a constitutional quota how we get to realize the two thirds adoption of the proposals would guar- tions. Challenges that is already in Constitution 2010 in representation at elective position lev- antee the realization of the two thirds The proposals are likely to be rejected the form of the 47women representa- els,” she explains during a high level gender rule and hopefully surpass the Implications by male MPs who perceive them as a tives seats in the National Assembly; conference on Women, Peace and 18percent short fall anticipated in the Sitting Mps should thus support the threat to their political ambitions. The zebra lists and the two thirds rule it- Security. However, the human rights National Assembly; 7percent in Sen- proposals as they do not threaten in human rights commission however self. body underscores the need to explore ate and the possible 33percent short anyway their re-election chances. feels that there is no cause for alarm The commission says that further other options adding that the Con- fall in County Assembly. “There are 80 additional seats i.e. 145 since there are 80 new seats in the constitutional quotas should be avoid- stitution provides for legislative and “If the proposals are adopted, then seats for men in National Assembly; National Assembly as well as the fact ed, as this will require constitutional administrative mechanisms to resolve the two thirds gender rule will be real- and 46 new seats for men as governor that many incumbents have expressed amendment or even a referendum. any constitutional matters. ized without bloating the three houses or running mate; and 23 new seats for interest in positions of Senator, Gover- The human rights body nomina- Article 81 as read with Article 27 and passing on a huge financial bur- men as Senators. This means all men nor and deputy governor. tions present numerous challenges has given Parliament a blank cheque den on tax payers. in the tenth Parliament can still hold Another challenge may arise from that range from the fact they best to design an electoral system driven The commission says the proposal elective seats in the National Assem- the fact that plenty of women who work when they are applied to less by gender sensitive considerations. will address the problem of gender bly or Senate as Governors or deputy have political ambitions and leader- populous marginalised groups; Wom- The Constitution has already done representation in a strategic and sus- governor,” adds statement. ship capabilities, may shy away from en make up over 50percent of the its bit by providing both the principle tainable manner that does not result in In addition, the proposed amend- elective seats as they have in the past population; having too many of them and provided some constitutional quo- voters feeling that women cost them ments compel political parties to shun been elbowed out by the patriarchal nominated not elected reverses the tas on gender (nominated and special too much. tokenism in recruitment of female violent way in which elections are intended gains of addressing gender seats; zebra lists) The constitution provides for 290 members and in determining which held and the lack of support from needs strategically. Nomination takes The Constitution (and courts) tasks elected MPs and 47 women picked women candidates to field. political parties, who view them as a a practical gender needs approach the details of the mechanism of imple- from counties, adding up to 337. To Nomination processes have in the liability. The proposed formula thus Whose agenda do the nominated menting the two thirds gender rule to pursue? That of those who nominated legislative and administrative means. them or that of ordinary women vot- ers who did not vote for them? Who Options nominates? The Human Right Commission is 47women representatives in the now rallying support towards the Constitution are elected, thus clearly amendment of the Elections Act and owned and answerable to voters. The the Political Parties Act to provide for Constitution has deliberately kept the the realization of the two thirds gender number of nominated to a minimum rule. and must be in line with Chapter six. According to the human rights This avoids the question of ‘Who are body, the Independent Electoral and the nominated answerable to?’ Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must Getting the one third number of also develop rules that facilitate the women through nomination will re- implementation of the two thirds rule sult in a bloated and expensive gov- in the forthcoming General Elections. ernment; voters will begin to see The commission says that the Po- women leaders as a financial burden litical Parties Act must be amended to rather than leaders equal to male lead- ensure that party nomination lists re- ers. flect 50 percent gender balance within This thus calls for practical gender each county and for the total number needs as opposed to strategic gender of counties i.e. 145 male and 145 fe- needs approach. male nominees for the 290 elective Legislative and administrative seats. measures can deliver the two thirds The Human Rights Commission gender principle in a manner that en- further proposes that the Elections sures that under-represented gender is Act be amended to ensure that every Women conference for peaceful election in 2013 elections. Photo/Henry Owino always elected and not nominated. EAC to harmonize Higher Education Curriculum From page 1 Africa Higher Education forum sched- the development of knowledge-based region’s sustainable socio-economic The strategic focus of EABC is to uled to take place between October 24- economies in the East African Com- development through enhanced in- bring all private sector associations The institution is well known for 26, 2012, in Arusha, Tanzania. munity, through forging linkages with dustrial performance and investments under EABC fold in order to give the its projects and programmes which All the five East Africa Communi- the business community. in higher education and promoting EAC private sector a stronger voice. It are designed to bring together poten- ties; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda Burundi Mr. Kiilu explained that the main the development of skills and com- would enhance private –public sector tial business partners by developing and the host Tanzania, concerned Min- objective is to provide a convergence petence-based curricula and building dialogue with a view to ensuring that critical contacts and business rela- istries are attending including other ex- platform for higher education and the consensus on developing a common the private sector plays its rightful role tionships. It also provides a forum for pertise from various countries to help business community, so as to discuss higher education area for East Africa,” in driving the EAC integration agenda. exchange of information and ideas to forge way forward for the big dream and strategize on how to develop ef- Mr. Kiilu, the EABC Board Director, Other benefits are; working to- raise East Africa’s investment profile ahead. fective higher education systems in explained. wards a business environment that is both regionally and globally. According to Mr. Keli Kiilu, EABC East Africa. He added that it would be The EABC Board Director empha- conducive to trade and investment, en- Another concern in the pro- Board Director, the forum brings to- linked to industry for the promotion of sized that it will help in mainstreaming hancing the capacity of EABC nation- gramme is addressing issues that limit gether higher education managers, re- sustainable socio-economic develop- the relevance of university-generated al focal points and other trade support private sector competitiveness in trade searchers, and the business community ment and East Africa’s regional inte- knowledge and human resources for institutions to be competent advocates and investment. and policy makers from EAC Partner gration. the well being of the general society, for the private sector and improving To ensure these proposals become States. He said they would deliber- “Our specific objective is to estab- and strengthening excellence of uni- private sector competitiveness through a reality, the two institutions are hold- ate on the role played by universities lish collaboration between universities versities by developing strategically provision of regular business and trade ing the first joint conference for East in fostering regional integration and and the business community for the focused curricula and research. information. The Link, October 2012 EDUCATION 3 Illiterate Teachers strike needed men urged to join Adult mediators, not hardliners Education By JOSEPH MUKUBWA By HENRY OWINO Several meetings prompted by manding that their allowances be budget. the government to amicably resolve increased in line with the agreement Peris said the government should MEN from Nyeri County who THE industrial dispute between the strike in a structured manner they had signed in 1997. consider a supplementary budget are illiterate have been chal- the teachers and the government failed due to the hardline positions Teachers were left out in the re- which MPs would endorse. Nomi- lenged to join the department dragged for three weeks because taken by both sides. For instance cent harmonization of civil servants nated MP Mohammed Affey said it of Adult Education and acquire none of the parties were willing to a meeting chaired by the acting salaries recommended by Otieno. was shameful for police to teargas knowledge that can help them strike a compromise. Secretary to the Cabinet and the “I don’t know why he (Dalmas) and beat teachers like criminals and improve their standards of liv- Teachers on the one hand felt be- Head of the Civil Service, Francis decided to leave teachers out with- asked Police Commissioner Math- ing. trayed after the government reneged Kimemia, Mutula, Finance Minis- out consulting me,” Mutula said in ew Iteere to prosecute those caught on the implementation of a salary ter Njeru Githae, Public Services response to questions raised by the in camera violating the teachers’ Nyeri based industrialist, package deal that had been sealed Minister Dalmas Otieno, Attorney union officials. right to demonstrate. Thuo Mathenge said statistics way back in 1997. General Githu Muigai and Teachers To make matters worse, in Par- However, Olago Aluoch, MP for from the government showed The Government on the other Service Commission officials was liament, members (MPs) supported Kisumu Town West described the that men were shying away from hand displayed a grandstanding highly anticipated to resolve the the strike and promised to pass the strike as “grave” and dismissed it as classes while more women were tactics which were not offering any dispute but again nothing fruitful supplementary budget to cater for illegal, and supported Mutula orders enrolling themselves. remedy to what had become a major came forth. their salary increases once it was to Directors of Education (DoE) to Speaking during this year’s crisis in the education sector. During that meeting, Mutula presented to Parliament. identify and stop the salaries of International Illiteracy Day, Ma- Third term is always the shortest request that teachers renounce the The MPs described the teach- striking teachers. thenge said it was worrying that and crucial for students preparing to strike to allow for “structured talks” ers’ demands as legitimate since the Martin Ogindo MP for Rangwe, in Nyeri County, 3,890 adults sit for national exams and thus the without making an offer, fell on deaf government had signed a Collec- nevertheless opposed a proposal had enrolled for the special edu- strike disoriented most of them. ears. On the 300 per cent demanded tive Bargaining Agreement in 1997 that a supplementary budget be in- cation, out of which, only 807 Most parents were forced to hire by teachers, Mutula said: “There is binding itself to pay the salary incre- troduced in the House to cater for were men. private tutors to coach their children no way that one can be achieved af- ments the teachers were asking for. the demanded salary increases since “This trend is very worrying while others took them to private ter the TSC Act has been assented The MPs accused Education it would not address where the mon- and something must be done. schools to catch up on the syllabus. to.” He said that although the 1997 Minister Mutula Kilonzo of fail- ey will be coming from in the subse- We must come out with a last- “My son is a candidate at Olym- agreement promising the increment ing to show leadership and issuing quent budget allocations. ing solution that will compel pic primary school in Kibera, Nai- was a legal notice, it was subservi- threats instead of seeking dialogue The support striking teachers men to be literate,” he said, after robi and thus I had no option but to ent to the TSC Act. between the government and the received from the House gave the the ceremony which was held at enroll him to a private school for the Apart from the 300 per cent sal- teachers’ union. In fact, Parliament Knut chairman Wilson Sossion, mo- Kiamuiru Primary School near three weeks teachers stayed away ary increment, which is supposed to had to move a motion of adjourn- mentum to fight on for their pay in- Nyeri town. from school. have been implemented in phases ment to allow the House debate the crement after the KNUT Secretary A series of negotiations to break over the last 15 years, the teachers teachers strike. General David Okuta fell sick. During the ceremony, whose the salary impasse between Gov- were also making other demands Peris Chepchumba, MP Eldoret In future, the government inter- theme was ‘Literacy for peace’ ernment and the two unions thus, that were intended to harmonize South, accused the government of vention must be prompt to avoid learners were awarded with cer- Kenya National Union of Teachers their salaries with those of the other sleeping on the job and failing to paralyzing key sectors in the coun- tificates. (KNUT) and Kenya Union of Post public servants. They were also de- factor in the salary increments in the try. Mathenge who is a Nyeri Primary Education Teachers (KUP- governor hopeful said this year’s PET) officials in most meetings hit international theme for the cere- deadlock. mony was befitting for the coun- The first hurdle was during the try as Kenyans brace themselves meeting held at Labour Minister, for the general elections. John Munyes’ office where the gov- “There is no other better ernment’s request that the teachers theme that could have been commit themselves to a return-to- coined, especially for our coun- work formula before the start of try since we need to emphasize structured negotiations collapsed. on the need for us to co-exist However, union officials from peacefully as we approach the both Knut and Kuppet officials al- electioneering period,” Math- ways stood their ground and were enge said. unwilling to renounce the strike He told men to face the reality first before the government tabled and accept to join learning cen- its offer. Knut was always led by tres which are over 260 within the chairman Wilson Sossion while Kuppet had Akelo Misore secre- the Nyeri County whose literacy tary general and Omboko Milemba, level stands at 76 per cent. chairman. “With the devolution of the On the other hand, Education governance system, we need to Minister, Mutula Kilonzo’s threats brainstorm and come out with to sack the striking teachers wors- ways of helping the adults who ened the situation. In fact most have never been in class to en- teachers regarded him as a dictator roll as this is the only way that who did not understand the educa- we can develop our County,” tion docket and needed to quit the Mathenge who owns Brade Gate office. Teacher demonstrate during teachers’ strike recently. Poultry Industries said. He said men must accept the reality and stop indulging in alcoholism at the cost of de- velopment while women were Youth poly registers high student enrolment busy with various development By TITUS MAERO cility. and Diploma courses in Science Technology (MMUST) has intro- projects. The Co-odinator said that the Laboratory Technology, Land duced market oriented courses to The County director of Adult THE Sigalagala Youth Polytech- institution had started new cours- Survey, Supplies Management, enable students fit in the flooded Education, Maina Macharia said nic in Kakamega has relocated to es to keep abreast with demands Early Childhood job market. main challenges facing their de- a more spacious building at the in job market. Education and Human Re- mVice Chancellor (VC) Pro- partment were lack of resources, Kakamega Teachers Co-opera- Jahonga pointed out that at sources Management among oth- fessor Barasa Wangila however infrastructure and teachers. tive (KATECO) Plaza in a bid to the inception of the campus in ers. said that the institution was faced Mathenge disclosed that it accommodate the large number 2007, the institution was only of- He said that the introduction with numerous challenges that was practically impossible for of students. fering three courses in Secretari- of the Higher Education Loan range from in nd administrative The Kakamega Campus Co- al, Accountancy and Community Board (HELB) had disbursed work. 128 teachers to serve 264 learn- ordinator Mr Wilberforce Jahon- Development. Ksh 1.5 Million to needy stu- The V-C said that increased ing centres across the County, ga says the number of student The administrator said the in- dents at the institution. demand for higher education has adding that they were forced to population had gone up to 200 stitution which has 40 lecturers Meanwhile, the Masinde Mu- not been matched with relevant learn on schedules due to the and thus could not fit in the fa- is currently offering Certificate liro University of Science and and quality interventions. shortage. The Link, October 2012 4 GOVERNANCE Kenya accused of excluding women from peacemaking S Kenyans join the rest of the world in mark- COMMENT Aing twelve years after the unanimous adoption of the By FAITH MUIRURI United Nations Security Coun- cil Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 this month, women in the coun- conflict. try are still grappling with very low numbers of representation Statistics in leadership positions. The Director General, United This is despite the existence Nations office in Nairobi Sa- of international policies that hle- Work Zewde shares similar explicitly call for women’s in- concerns and says the repre- volvement in decision making sentation of women in formal at national and international peace processes and negotia- levels. tions remain unacceptably low. The government has ratified She says that this is despite and is a signatory to key gen- the fact that they are the hard- der equality and human rights est hit in times of crisis and es- international instruments. Key timates the number of women among them include: raped and infected with HIV/ l The Convention on the Elim- AIDS during the post election ination of all Forms of Discrim- violence of 2007 at 1500 wom- ination Against Women (1979); en. l The African Charter on She reveals that a study con- Human and People’s Rights ducted by UN Women in 2009 (1981); of 21 major peace processes l The Protocol to the African since 1992 showed that women Charter on Human and Peoples’ participation is strikingly low. Rights on the Rights of Women l Only 2.4percent of signato- in Africa (2003); ries of peace agreements were l The United Nations Security women; Council Resolutions 1325 and l No woman has been appoint- 1820 on women, peace and se- ed chief or lead mediator in UN curity (2000) Sponsored peace talks and The UNSCR 1325 on Wom- l Women’s participation in ne- en, Peace and Security un- gotiations delegation only aver- derscores the crucial role that aged a mere 5.9percent. Women aspirants oppose nomination fee introduced by IEBC ahead of the General elections. women play in the prevention “Yet we are fully aware of and resolution of conflicts, the role women play in peace- resent over half of the popula- structures and mechanisms that level to bring justice to the vic- peace negotiations, peace- building and more importantly tion,” she affirms adding that make decisions on issues af- tims. building, peacekeeping, repa- know that their participation men must ensure that women fecting them and their security. The UN women Country triation, humanitarian response remains imperative and criti- are at the table and that wom- “The country has done poor- Director Zebib Kavuma adds and in post-conflict reconcilia- cal to ensure that their interests en’s rights are meaningfully ad- ly in terms of women represen- that very little has been done tion and reconstruction. and needs are reflected and ad- dressed and included in peace tation in decision making levels to address the injustices com- The resolution particularly dressed,” she adds. agreements, conflict manage- with the number of women in mitted during the violence that emphasises the importance of ment, judicial reforms, security Parliament currently, trans- erupted after the 2007 General women’s equal participation Value sector, in service provisions and lating to a mere nine percent Elections. and full involvement in all Zewdi says that women’s con- in truth and reconciliation proc- compared to countries such as “The violence and horror peace and reconciliation ef- tribution to peace-building is esses. Rwanda which has the high- that ravaged the country in forts. vital as they add immense value est representation of women in 2007/8 wrought negative psy- Exclusion to peace processes. Achievements Parliament at 56 percent,” she chological, emotional, physi- However, women in the “We can learn from coun- The Director General at the adds. cal, and economic impact on country remain largely ex- tries that have made remarkable same time says that Kenya has She however says all is not all Kenyans and more specifi- cluded from peace and security strides in including women in made remarkable achievements lost for Kenyan women as the cally on Kenyan women,” she processes despite their efforts peace processes and have made and cites; Constitution (Article 27 (8)) explains adding that it has also to preserve social order, edu- a difference. Within the Afri- l The inclusion of provisions now provides that not more not been addressed. cate for peace at the grassroots can continent, we saw the role of the resolutions in the new than two thirds of members in and advocate for the equitable women played in Burundi, Li- constitution with the two thirds elective and appointive bodies Action plan distribution of resources at the beria, Sierra Leone and even in principle, affirmative action shall be of the same gender. She notes that the country is national level. Somalia where women created and the bill of rights She at the same time chal- preparing for another General Lawyer Betty Murungi who the “sixth clan” to influence the l Governments Blueprint, Vi- lenges women to push for the Elections and calls for the im- is a gender and conflict expert male dominated peace process sion 2030 realization of the principle plementation of the National says that the marginalization in Djibouti in 2000. Women l The development of the since no right can be granted on Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 continues to hinder efforts to will not only speak about the Kenya National Action Plan a silver platter. which seeks to ensure the in- build sustainable peace and sta- ‘so-called’ women issues, but on UNSCR 1325 which is be- “The constitution is just a le- clusion of women in peace ble communities in the country. will speak on behalf of the ing spearheaded by the Na- gal framework and cannot guar- keeping and conflict preven- “Women’s rights are not voiceless, bringing the needs tional Commission on Gender antee us seats. Women need to tion processes. overtly addressed, while their of the silent majority and criti- and Development, through the push for the realization of the Zabib underscores the need recommendations are excluded cal mass to the table which un- support of UN Women and the gender principle as enshrined in to increase gender awareness from final agreements,” she til now has been dominated by Government of Finland. the Constitution as no right can on conflict prevention process- adds during a high level con- men,” she explains in her key l Kenya continues to show be realized on a silver platter,” es and include women in peace ference on Women, Peace and note address at the conference. commitment to the provisions she says. negotiations, ensure the pro- Security held in Nairobi. The Director General says of UNSCR 1325 and this is She says that many women tection of women and children She cites the inclusion of that the inclusion of women demonstrated by signing the suffered during the 2007/2008 from sexual and gender based only two women in the Koffi helps to develop sustainable Declaration on SGBV in Kam- Post Election Violence and thus violence, and importantly, to Annan led peace talks in 2008 peace which has an impact po- pala last year. the need for the government to respond to the needs of women after violence rocked the coun- litically, socially and economi- put adequate measures to avert refugees and internally dis- try following a disputed presi- cally. Disparities similar incidents. placed persons in Kenya ahead dential poll, both of whom were “The inclusion of women in The chairperson of National She at the same time notes of the elections. affiliated to political party sys- peace processes should never Gender and Equality Commis- that the government is yet to The Country Director also tems. be an option; it is a requirement sion Winfred Lichuma however prosecute perpetrators of the calls for the creation and She says that women voices and a right. It is impossible to insists that much still needs to post election violence . “Al- strengthening of accountability were missing in the negotiating achieve ever lasting peace and be done. though some of the suspects mechanisms to prevent the suf- table despite the fact that they security in a nation, if women She notes that women have are facing trial at the ICC, very fering of women at the hands bore the highest brunt in the are not at that table as they rep- been excluded from the very little has been done at the local of perpetrators of violence. The Link, October 2012 EDUCATION 5 Teachers State calls in Interpol to implored educate help trace stolen books public ahead By MALACHI MOTANO months with the consignment trans- books worth Ksh 260,000 and police Deputy Education chief, confirmed ported and sold to schools in Ka- visited and recorded statements,’ said there is crisis at the affected school of polls THE Ministry of education has invit- poeta County in South Sudan. Two Omwonya. The robbers, he said tar- and that teachers have been advised ed Interpol to track down text books watchmen have lost their lives during get course books which are on high to distribute books to learners to By AGGREY BUCHUNJU worth Ksh 5 million stolen in a se- the robberies staged at Goseta and demand in schools in South Sudan. evade the thefts. ries of robberies in schools in Trans- Marinda primary schools respec- Omwonya said the third robbery Source said that there are high TEACHERS have been challenged to Nzoia County. tively. attempt was repulsed by three watch- connections between book dealers educate the masses on new govern- This comes after protest by local There were two thefts at Goseta men deployed to guard the school. in Kenya and South Sudan. “Some ance structures to enable them to vote leaders led by Cherangany MP Mr. primary school. Some of the schools “We have been forced to hire three corrupt dealers in Kitale and Loki- wisely during the forthcoming general Joshua Kuttuny over police laxity to broken into are Kapkoi, Kees, Ndala- watchmen to protect the school after choggio have traced lucrative market elections. la, Kapomboi, Zea and Gesarate. we lost a watchman and text books for the books in South Sudan,” the Former Kanduyi Member of Par- curb violent robbery of the books. liament (MP) Wafula Wamunyinyi According to Joseph Wamocho, Others are Mesa, Mukuyuni, Soimin- and the parents are to dig deeper into source said. Speaking in Kitale, Kut- ing.Bwayi, Malam and Kees second- their pockets to pay watchmen,” he tuny warned that the robbery would noted that teachers have always been the Director of Education in Trans- relied upon by society to give direc- Nzoia County Wamocho in Kitale, ary school. said adding that the South Sudanese compromise education in the county tion in matters of national importance. the government has invited Interpol The attack has spread to Trans- government has copied and is cur- and censured police for doing little to Wamunyinyi as a result urged to probe the thefts of the books. Over Nzoia West district with Birunda and rently implementing the Kenyan syl- seize those responsible. teachers to ensure that this country 20 schools have been attacked and Sikulu becoming the latest institu- labus attracting the individuals out to “How can robberies take place in gets not only a democratically elected books stolen. tions of the thefts. make quick money. more than 20 schools without police government but also a focused leader- “We want the Interpol to track The deputy head of Goseta pri- A visit to affected schools discov- arresting any suspect? Let the gov- ship. down the perpetrators. The educa- mary school, Mr. Enock Omonya ered that most children are suffering ernment intervene because the rob- “You should not relent in your tion of the children in the county is said the watchman Isaac Omose was due to lack of reading materials fol- bery pose a threat to learning,” said fight for quality, transparent and ac- at stake.” In what is suspected to be attacked and killed by the robbers lowing the thefts. the lawmaker. countable leadership”, the former MP a highly coordinated syndicate, the armed with crude weapons before “The poverty level here is high Kitale police Chief Lucas Ogara told teachers. stolen books are shipped to South they stole the books after breaking and parents have challenges to sup- said investigations were on over the Wamunyinyi who was speaking Sudan where sources said are on high the library room. port the education of their children theft but no arrest has been made. to teachers in Bungoma town recently demand. “We discovered the body of the and the books purchased by govern- “Investigations are on but we have emphasized the importance of vetting However, despite the fact that the watchman in a pool of blood in one ment were helpful,” she added. not made any arrests,” said the offi- aspirants for all elective seats provid- text books are stamped and coded, of the classrooms. The schools lost Mr. Kimani Njoroge, the Kwanza cial. ed for by the constitution. they have become the target of the The former legislator reiterated robbery syndicate. Wamocho said the that teachers being the eye of the com- munity at the grassroots should assist robberies witnessed at local schools ordinary Kenyans in identifying the are alarming and has sabotaged best leaders at all levels of govern- learning in the affected schools. ance. “The thefts are worrying and the He cautioned the electorate against spirit of Free Primary Education FPE choosing leaders by trial and error or is on its knees in the region. We are on the basis of party affiliation arguing reaching out the Interpol to assist un- that doing so may lead to ineffective earth the scam,” said the official. leadership. Mr. Wamocho says his depart- “The devolved government sys- ment is liaising with the local district tem needs leaders with proven leader- security agencies to provide armed ship skills who can be entrusted with officers to guard all schools. public resources”, the former MP said. “The schools have become vul- Wamunyinyi at the same time also nerable to robberies because they asked teachers in Bungoma County to are guarded by unarmed watchmen. be dedicated to their work in order to We want armed officers deployed in continue posting good results in na- these institutions,’ he disclosed. tional exams. The Education Director says he He, however, quickly challenged has summoned school management the government to ensure that teach- committees to discuss insecurity in ers are properly paid and adequately facilitated. schools and come up with possible “The government is duty bound to measures to contain the situation. adequately facilitate you so as to pro- The meeting, he said would also de- vide quality education to the learners”, liberate on low enrolment in most he said. schools in the county attributed to Wamunyinyi observed that for rampant child abuse. education standards in the county to At least more than 20 schools in improve the government must employ Kwanza district have been broken enough teachers and provide a condu- into and books stolen in the past cive working condition for them. Trans Nzoia county director of education Joseph Wamocho speaks to reporters in his office. Head teachers in Kisii tipped on education By BOB OMBATI national exams. choke of Kiobegi secondary school sports Treasurer while Tom Sagwe ment for taking long to address the The county education boss com- in Nyamache district was elected the was elected the chair for Drama fes- teachers grievances to end their SCHOOL heads in Kisii County mended the teachers for successfully KESSHA chairman after garnering tivals with Amos Bogonko taking the three- week strike, noting that it had have been challenged to find ways and peacefully negotiating with the 168 votes against his sole opponent Treasurer’s docket. wasted learners time and prompted of improving education standards government in the harmonization of David Kebiro who gathered 146 votes. George Okeyo was voted in as the Kenya national examination in the area to reciprocate the gesture their salaries, stressing that it should Douglas Moroti was voted in as Science Congress chairman with Al- council (Knec) to change the exami- by the government to increase their be reflected through hard work and the vice chairman with 155 votes de- fred Omayio elected Treasurer. Elijah nation’s schedule to allow the Kenya salaries and allowances. better results. feating Joyce Orioki who managed Ochako is the Music chairman while Certificate of Primary Examination Kisii County Director of Edu- The Officer, who was accompa- to get 119 votes while Pamela Maina Zachary Onsinyo will be his Treas- (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of cation, Isako Konchora who ad- nied by the Teachers Service Com- was elected secretary after beat- urer. Secondary Examination (KCSE) dressed over 300 school principals mission (TSC) county director Mar- ing Samson Getanke with 180 votes Onchoke told The Link after the ample time to prepare for their ex- during the election of the Secondary tin Adede, at the same time, told the against 78 votes. polls that he will collaborate with the ams. Schools Heads Association officials teachers to prepare the candidates well James Ponti was unanimously teachers and the County Education Saying that the county was the at Gusii Institute of Technology said to curb cases of cheating which have elected Treasurer through acclama- and TSC officers to improve educa- first to conduct such elections, he that the government has provided tarnished the county’s image. tion as his rival Innocent Mogunde tion standards and infrastructure and commended the school Heads for infrastructure to create conducive During the elections attended accepted defeat while Justus Auta was asked the losers to support his team conducting the elections peacefully learning environment and there was by several Principals from second- elected sports chairman. for the interest of learners. and challenged other counties to no excuse for poor performance in ary schools in the area, Jairus On- Haroun Onchonga was elected The official faulted the govern- emulate it. The Link, October 2012 6 GOVERNANCE

Election violence still haunts Taita Othaya lawyers irked by Taveta County By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU the backlog of cases TAITA Taveta County is often revered as a safe haven for peace and tranquil- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA used to have less than a hundred,” he between 35 and 75 has great impact is upgrading its information systems ity, a factor that has seen scores of added. in Mathira constituency. to ensure members’ records are up to citizens establish settlements and en- She said this while in Nyeri town She also recommended for the date all the time to avoid delays in terprises in the area regardless of their TWO lawyers from Othaya are wor- recently as she briefed a parent on government to fund a scientific re- processing the final members’ bene- ethnic background. ried that the many cases being filed how to attend to his 12- year- old boy search in Nyeri County in order to fits as has been in the case in the past. The region is one of the few plac- in the courts seeking constitutional suffering from post nasal spaces can- find out the causes of the disease. She was speaking at a Nyeri ho- es where various communities are interpretation might delay the general cer that has resulted in the paralysis Meanwhile, retiring Kenyans can tel where she briefed the fund’s 211 known to coexist peacefully with the elections. of his lower body. now expect to receive their benefits staff from the Central and Eastern locals. The lawyers led by Peter King’ara Gichohi said that though there is from the National Social Security Regions on the changes they will be Scores of businesses in the ho- and Priscilla Nyokabi said there are a drastic change of lifestyle by many Fund (NSSF) within 12 days of their expected to institute following a re- tel, mining and property sectors in too many cases linked to the General residents in the area including dietary last day of work, following reforms branding of the fund that is coming Mwatate, Wundanyi, Voi and Taveta Elections that are yet to be resolved habits that might have resulted to the in the pension scheme. soon. towns are owned by people from out- in courts. high prevalence, the level of aware- The Fund’s General Manager for She revealed that similar staff side the County. They said there was need for the ness on the causes and preventive Corporate Affairs and Company Sec- briefings were being held simulta- But following the bitter experience courts to determine and conclude the measures is too low as there are in- retary Hope Mwashumbe said the neously countrywide to update staff of the 2007 post-poll violence, no pending issues on time. sufficient funds for the task. fund is being re-engineered to be able on expected changes as they will be one seems ready to leave anything to “There are many cases involv- The CEO was afraid that lack of to release member’s dues in the short- expected to ensure the rebranding is chance, not even in Taita albeit it’s im- ing boundaries and others touching awareness would increase cancer est time possible after retirement. a success. pressive history in maintaining peace. on individuals aspiring for political cases that make it hard for the organi- “Workers should expect their The manager said the rebranding After the post-polls violence, more seats. There is need to expedite those sation to offer its services as most benefits as soon as they leave work will not be just a change in our im- than 1,200 Kenyans were reported matters so that the general elections people cannot afford to raise the huge as long as they submit the relevant ages but will be a complete overhaul killed, thousands more injured, over will not be delayed further,” King’ara amounts of money required for treat- letters and their contributions state- of the way we do our business adding 300,000 people displaced and around who is vying for the Othaya parlia- ment. ment at the fund is up to date,” she that they had to bring all the staff on 42,000 houses and many businesses mentary seat. She as well said that the disease said. board as they will be the ones to ef- were looted or destroyed. A significant number of cases of sexual violence Nyokabi who is the executive di- that has mostly affected people aged Mwashumbe added that the fund fect the anticipated changes. rector of Kituo Cha Sheria lamented were also reported. that many people have not read the Today as political temperatures constitution as copies are very few mount rise in readiness for the next and costly since a copy goes for Ksh general elections, tension is also 250 in the few areas they are found. mounting among people of different “The government should print 10 ethnic background and some people million copies like the ones which are not sure enough whether the Coun- were printed during the referendum try is going to hold peaceful elections. so that people can be able to access “I have known Taita as a peace- it and read. These copies are very few ful place but nonetheless I am plan- and should be printed now instead of ning to close down my business and rushing the last minute,” she added. travel back to Kitui before the politi- Nyokabi who is Nyeri County cal campaigns reach climax. I can’t women representative aspirant said take chances,” said Anthony Kioko, a the copies should be found in all middle aged man who runs a mitumba homes and offices. kiosk in Voi town. On the two thirds majority in the Apart from the tension that has been associated with the past expe- political parties, Nyokabi decried that rience, election boycott calls by the the political parties have sidelined the controversial Mombasa Republican women adding that not many politi- Council (MRC) has complicated mat- cal parties have vacancies for women ters as the election date draws closer. and people with disability. A couple of weeks ago, thousands Earlier, King’ara who had attend- of leaflets were reportedly circulated ed the burial of Edward Ndirangu in Kwale, Mombasa and parts of Taita Njakai said Othaya has lost a hard Taveta county warning of bloodshed if working and honest man who was residents participate in the elections. the BoG chairman of Irindi Second- There is also a growing concern ary School. over boundary issues where leaders Meanwhile, Nyeri Hospice Ex- in Taita Taveta are raising eyebrows ecutive officer Saraphina Gichohi about the alleged hiving off of Mtito has called upon the government to Andei and parts of Tsavo East Na- set aside funds to facilitate the man- tional park to be party of Mtito Andei agement of cancer in Nyeri County Ward in Kibwezi East Constituency in which has registered high prevalence Makueni County. Further, the hiving in the recent past. of Mackinon Road town to Macki- “The list of patients has risen to non Road Ward of Kinango Constitu- over 200 with different cancers, a Lawyers from Othaya Peter King’ara (left) and Priscilla Nyokabi speak at the Othaya PCEA church recently. At ency in Kwale County is also likely to sharp contrast to the past when we the centre is local leader Thuku Kiruga. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa cause flare-ups. State reopens talks with community over coal mining By BEKADZO TONDO A chief geologist from the Min- on behalf of the land owners demand- were not aware of what was going on. The officer explained that the istry of Energy Mr John Omenga ed to know why the government had “We blame our chiefs who col- project was still at the feasibility study THE Ministry of Energy has initiated confirmed that the government had earmarked 330 acres for the project luded with senior government offi- stage and thus there was no need for fresh negotiations with residents of initiated fresh negotiations with the without consulting them. cials to sanction the takeover without worry. Zowereni in Ngerenya location, Kilifi land owners to seek their approval “The government seems to be informing us and therefore we do not “Officers from the Ministry of County, to resolve the stalemate over before the project can be allowed to driven by a hidden agenda in their want the project,” said Mr.Dadu. Lands, Energy and the officials from the construction of a coal fire electric- proceed. bid to construct the project as resi- He further argued that the project KenGen are just conducting a feasi- ity generation plant in the area. “The Ministry of Energy which dents were not consulted and were was a threat to the residents and un- bility study to establish its viability in The project which was supposed is the implementing agency is cur- only shocked to see strangers accom- less measures to mitigate on environ- the area,” said Mr. Omenge. to have kicked off at the beginning of rently holding talks with land owners panied by the local chief inspecting mental threats are outlined, we have Mr. Omenge said once the fea- this year was put on hold after land at Zowereni in Ngerenya location the plot,” said Mr. Dadu. no plans to approve the project. sibility study report is released, the owners and the local leadership re- to agree on mode of compensation Mr Dadu further expressed shock The chief geologist however as- National Environment Management jected the project arguing that they once the project takes off ,” said Mr that the acquisition of the land was sured the residents that the project Authority (NEMA) will carry out an had not been consulted prior to its Omenge announced through a gazette notice will not proceed until the two parties Environmental Impact Assessment implementation. Mr. Benjamin Dadu who spoke despite the fact that the local people come into agreement. (EIA) and give their verdict. The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE 7

Kilifi women Coast youth groups device grand campaign rally against violence plans By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU By BEKADZO TONDO A YOUTH group in Wundanyi has WOMEN leaders in Kilifi County embarked on a mission to preach have set up a body to explore mo- peace during and after the forthcom- dalities to win seats during the ing elections. forthcoming general elections. The group which is composed of The Kilifi County Women po- at least 25 members mostly aged be- litical caucus is set to spearhead the tween 18 and 30 years old respective- campaigns for all women seeking ly is working under the aegis of Taita elective positions. Taveta Youth Forum for County Aid A founder member of the group and Development (TYFCAD). Noami Sidi says that women came According to the group’s chair- together and resolved to create a person, Nelly Ilaoh, they have man- formidable force to front the wom- aged to incorporate in their activities en agenda in the political arena. a component dubbed “Supporting Ac- “Most women aspiring for po- tive Participation in Peaceful and Fair litical seats in Kilifi County are Elections at the Coast (SAFE Coast).” faced with myriad challenges in- “Under the project, we target resi- cluding lack of finances and thus dents at the grassroots and educate need support from a central body to formulate strategies that will en- them about their rights and importance able them capture the seats,” said to participate in the elections. We feel Sidi. that residents need to understand The body has received a unani- without peace the Country will be in mous endorsement from women a shambles since the economy will be drawn from all corners of Kilifi affected directly,” says Ms Ilaoh County. She adds that most of their peace National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s Halakhe Waqo (left) and Africa peace forum acting The body is chaired by nomi- programs target the youth because executive director Amb Ochieng Adala (right) during the launch of a media monitoring report on the nated councilor Lina Buni, former they are vital players in peace initia- Implementation of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Agenda in 2011. chairlady of Maendeleo ya Wa- tives around the world. nawake in the larger Kilifi District Ms Ilaoh says through outreach ETL Coordinator Adalla Dulla, peaceful elections and more besides. cut across the whole country and the Sarah Chitavi is the vice chairper- programmes in the villages they also says under the program they also sen- A few characters pick their roles government need to act with speed to son while nominated councilor equip the youth with entrepreneurship sitize the youth on HIV prevention in and we come up with an educative have them resolved amicably before Elizabeth Ngala was elected the skills to enable them become self reli- measures such as use of condoms and play. We rehearse and hit the road the situation gets out of hand. group secretary. ant in life. contraceptives as another indirect way show with a selection of quality and “Dialogue is the only way to have Others elected officials include This, she observes has gradually of maintaining a more safe and peace- latest music. That way youth turn up these crisis resolved. If the govern- Mrs. Kavumbi Thoya as the treas- helped to empower them financially ful environment. in large numbers. In the process we ment fails to act with speed, the situa- urer and Mrs. Tabitha Nimrod as so that they are not subject to manipu- “We encourage the youth to keep deliver our message and the deal is tion might turn from bad to worse be- the group organizing secretary lation by politicians come the next off drugs because in most cases the done,” says Ms Rebecca Manga, a cause the group might consider going among others. general elections. youth are easily manipulated while peer educator at Tayfcad adding that violent,” notes the Commissioner. Former Permanent Secretary “Youth constitute two-thirds of they are under influence of drugs. We they also print huge banners carrying He adds, “These crisis are all over Rachael Dzombo who also attend- Kenyan population and most of them also educate them on methods of HIV messages they want to deliver to the the nation and in other areas like in ed the forum said time had come are jobless. Majority are thus misused prevention as well as use of contra- public. Turkana and North Eastern the situa- for women to unite and support by politicians to push their agenda. ceptives since we know at times these They also have a component for tion is worse because the communities each other’s bid for elective posts. This we seek to stop by empowering can be the key areas of conflict,” notes Talent shows where talented youths in those areas are already armed with Mrs. Dzombo is vying for a them with skills that will enable them Dulla. are given chances to show case their illegal fire arms and they are watching parliamentary seat in the newly earn a living,” explains the Chair. He admits that pulling big num- talents in comedy, singing, dancing how the government will react to the created Kilifi South Constituency. She says the group which was bers of youth together is always a and more besides while sticking to the Coast situation. Ms. Sofia Kombe who has de- established way back in 2008, works challenge. However he is quick to add themes on pertinent issues in line with “Suppose we push MRC too far clared interest in the position of in conjunction with another vibrant that in most of their programs they the programmes, and they decide to riot, the Country women representative said she is group called Voi Youth Forum under have managed overcome the chal- Meanwhile, a National Cohesion might plunge into chaos since other the best candidate for the seat and the support of USAID. lenge by animating their programs by and Integration Commission (NCIC) regions with similar grievances might hopes with the backing of women, youth and other male voters she Tyfcad also carries out projects use of- Public address systems on road commissioner in charge of Coast Mr also decide to use the same means and like “Education Through Listening could deliver. shows, attractive captivating dramas Halakhe Waqo, says engaging groups this could be terrible if we consider Former chairlady of Kilifi town (ETL)” where they educate the public and music to attract the youth in im- like MRC in dialogue is the only sure places like North Eastern and Turkana council Aisha Karisa appealed to predominantly the youth on how they pressive numbers. way of finding a lasting solution to the which are already awash with guns. “ the media to give women aspir- can possibly stay away from the drug “Tyfcad is made up of creative insecurity problem they pose. He says currently NCIC is engag- ants coverage during the campaign and substance abuse menace to avert members. We usually come up with Mr Waqo says issues advanced ing the group in dialogue adding that meetings. violence. creative themes on drugs, constitution, by MRC such as historical injustices there has been some positive outcome.

By LUKE KAPCHANGA A WATER bottling project in Nzoia Graft blamed for failure of Nzoia bottling project Sugar Company is marred in contro- Kshs.300million. take place from the months of July, the factory closes for annual mainte- ments of the company for the year versy after senior officials allegedly He at the same time absolved his August and September. nance. But some of the directors, who ending June 2011, sugar and molas- pocketed Kshs15 million as a pre con- directors from accusations that they The letter says “the quantity of requested anonymity, insisted that ses were billed as the only source dition to award the tender. were influencing the tendering proc- the mill cane supplied will be 40,000 they have never discussed the supply of income. In that financial year, The officials, who include the ess, saying that they are not members tonnes at the price of Ksh.38,000 per of cane to other millers. income generated from sugar was chairman of the board of directors of the tendering committee. tonne, with an option to negotiate for Sources at the factory claimed that Ksh.4.6billion, while molasses gen- Lawrence Sifuna and two other mem- The controversy emerged as it additional quantities”. the arrangement was done by senior erated Ksh.85 million, with a gross bers of the board, were accused of al- became apparent that the company The sugarcane is to be sourced managers without the approval of the turnover of Ksh.3.9billion. legedly receiving the cash in order to is set to supply sugar cane worth from Khalumuli, Matulo, Kituni, Ma- board, as this could not be factored Cane poaching was identified as a influence the tendering process. Kshs.4.4billion to Butali Sugar Com- raka, Milo, Sitikho, Miendo, Bokoli anywhere in the company’s account- serious problem and was threatening Three Chinese owned companies pany without clear arrangements from and Matisi areas. A down payment of ing system. the base of the company’s raw mate- are said to have been shortlisted, after the board of directors. The company Ksh.11million was requested for ad- The letter indicate that the let- rials and strategies were being devel- the bidding process which had attract- has further spent Ksh. 20million on ministrative purposes. ter was signed by Saul Wasilwa, the oped to protect the raw material. ed 19 companies, and one of them was anti-poaching campaign. However, the agreement cau- managing director, Macklins Sikuku Senior management to opt to sell awarded the tender despite protests by The decision by Nzoia Sugar tions Butali against poaching cane the Agricultural manager, and Benson cane from contracted framers without a section of the directors. Company to supply cane which be- as this will result into paying Nzoia Khwatenge the Company’s secretary approval from the board goes against The water bottling project had longs to contracted farmers to Butali Ksh.20,000 for every impounded on behalf of Nzoia Sugar Company its mandate. been earmarked for completion dur- Sugar Company goes against its stated lorry truck. Sifuna confirmed that the while JN Patel who is the administra- The role of the board of direc- ing the 2011/2012 financial year at a principal activities of producing and deal was still in force as Nzoia Sugar tive director and Agriculture manager tors is to safeguard shareholders as- cost of Ksh.120million. selling sugar. In an agreement dated Company has excessive cane. M Lukano signed on behalf of Butali sets- which include cane and enhance Sifuna who maintains that the 13th July 2012 and signed between The Company he said was consid- Sugar Company. transparency and accountability of its project is viable, estimated its cost at the two companies, the supply is to ering to keep paying farmers, while According to the financial state- managers. The Link, October 2012 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Fall of Kismayu calls for measured jubilations T was pleasant to receive the news of KDF liberat- ing Kismayu from the dreaded Alshabaab militia Iwho has dominated it for half a decade. The fall of Kismayu was a major milestone achieve- ment for the Kenya defense Forces (KDF) who launched a blistering attack a year ago to prevent the militia from frequent incursions to Kenya to cause mayhem. Operation Linda Nchi, as the KDF codenamed their well-thought out intervention to end the Somali con- COMMENTARY flict, has received widespread supportfrom world lead- ers and Kenyans alike. Before the Kenya troops joined ranks with their comrades the Amisom, the AU team was hard pressed even to keep peace in Magadishu. In search of Kenya’s panacea This latest operational achievement apart from The adoption of the Rome Statute and the advent of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have sig- being a key element of Amisom’s operational plan is nificantly influenced democratic transitions and the rule of law in a number of African countries, but critical test that goes to validate operational potency of the intervention in Kenya is only one tool for achieving long-term change, writes ALLAN NGARI. Amisom forces particularly the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who are playing a lead role in the pacification Kenya’s fate as a country struggling is that elections have always been a show of oppressive regimes and armed conflict mission in Somalia. with transition was sealed when violence of Kenya’s limited success in dealing often eat into whatever is left of the re- In commending the KDF following the capture of erupted following the publication of the with its lurking demons of ethno-politi- maining societal fabric. results of highly contested presidential cal intolerance. In 48 years of independ- It does appear that the tone and in- Kismayu, President MwaiKibaki, was rightly excited elections at the end of 2007. Almost four ence, state patronage in dispensing the tensity of political verbiage around eth- from the choice of words in congratulating our gal- years later, in September 2011, the ICC country’s bounty has always been cir- nicity in Kenya has changed since the lant soldiers. The president was spot on when he said Pre-Trial Chamber II began hearings to cumscribed along ethno-political lines. commencement of the ICC interventions. confirm charges in two significant cases With each regime change has come an There have been significant steps towards ““This is a game changer for the people of Somalia, it is involving six Kenyans suspected of bear- inevitable vilification of the preceding promoting national reconciliation and a defining moment. A people long used to being subject ing the greatest responsibility for the government as having been incapable of social cohesion through national institu- of forces of terrorism that sought to engage in a siege December 2007 to January 2008 post- confronting the nation’s challenges and tions such as the National Cohesion and mentality of extremism now have a good chance of re- election violence. of realising the proverbial golden pot at Integration Commission among others. These hearings began after the ICC the end of the rainbow. Numerous ethnic Tribal politics seems to be getting less storing peace in their country, and engaging in produc- Appeals Chamber conclusively decided communities are disenfranchised through coverage. The current cases before the tive economic and social opportunities.” in late August that the two cases before these processes, evoking uneasy analo- ICC have also ensured that the issue of We congratulate the president for providing leader- the court were admissible. The ICC re- gies to the plight of the majority of black inter-ethnic differences remains a promi- ship in removing a problem that many nations, includ- jected submissions by the government of South Africans under apartheid. And nent issue in public discourse in a manner Kenya expressing its ability and willing- though Kenya’s ethnic divisions are less that cultural practices traditionally have ing USA, have tried to remove without success. In fact ness to handle the post-election violence blatantly segregating than the policies of not allowed. In many ethnic communities the president was bullish while attending the annual prosecutions on its own. It is expected apartheid, corruption, the embezzlement in Kenya, it is culturally unacceptable to High level debates of the United Nations General as- that the Pre-Trial Chamber will deliver of state resources and irregular land allo- confront wrong-doing, particularly when sembly in New York, where he firmly reiterated Ken- its ruling to confirm or deny the prosecu- cation based on political favours remain the offender is in a position of authority. tor’s charges against the six suspects by rife, and these have far-reaching effects This practice has, in some places, pre- ya’s commitment to resolving the daunting peace and the end of this year. on ordinary citizens. vented open confrontation and critique of security challenges facingSomalia for decades. Critically, this decision will certainly As long as significant divides persist the underlying causes behind the electoral But while Somalia remains a global security topi- shape the course of political manoeu- along ethnic lines, prospects of future clashes of 2007. cal issue, the gains made my Kenya defense forces goes vring in Kenya as preparations gear up electoral violence remain a real possi- What now needs to happen, beyond for the next general election, expected to bility. In this respect, little has changed the current cases before the ICC and further to redeem the image of our military force as a be held in March, 2013. Stern warnings since the ICC’s intervention. Prosecuto- indeed the Court’s remit altogether, is highly trained and disciplined organization capable of have already been issued against incendi- rial zealots have argued in response that substantive work to build lasting social tackling complex military operations through practical ary statements, and particularly those that the Court should not be seen as a panacea cohesion across Kenya’s ethnic group- strategic solutions. may heighten political tension and/or in- for Kenya’s problems. The arm of the ings. This will be essential for sustainable crease the possibility of a repeat of past law can only go so far in bringing about peace in the country. This cohesion must The complexity of plans to deal with amorphous violent conflict. The so-called ‘Ocampo profound social change; rather, it has go beyond mere tolerance and coexist- enemy such as the Alshabaab cannot be gainsaid. And Six’, named with reference to the ICC been used with more success to address ence, and should not rely on coercion therein lays the challenge that calls for measured ju- Chief Prosecutor, include deputy prime impunity gaps, for example. to enforce cordial relations where deep- bilations and an understanding that if the fall of Kis- minister, finance minister and possible However, both domestic and inter- rooted resentment remains. Rather, these presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta, national law have also arguably lagged negative sentiments among ethnic groups mayu was hard, keeping up with the expected guerrilla as well as other senior public servants behind some of the most pressing chal- must be challenged and resolved in order attacks will be harder and more prolonged. and influential political leaders. lenges of the times. The Rome Statute to build a cohesive nation, within a con- However, the tone of the 2013 polls of the ICC, adopted in 1998, is the first text of celebrating the good practices of will also be inescapably set by deeply international treaty to codify the crime cultural diversity. rooted political and historic forces, with of apartheid – ‘committed in the context Kenya is not alone in this challenge of influence far beyond that of the ICC’s in- of an institutionalised regime of system- social cohesion, which can also be found tervention. atic oppression and domination by one in other nations in transition on the con- The Link is published Parallel to the gaining momentum of racial group over any other racial group tinent. Perhaps as a continent, through monthly by the Institute the ICC process, Kenya’s political elite or groups and committed with the inten- the offices of inter-governmental agen- and their followers have been cruising tion of maintaining that regime’ (Article cies such as the African Union and civil for Civic Affairs and towards the national election. The work 7.1(h]) – as a crime against humanity. society organisations, and even through Development (ICAD) of the Court, in fact, appears to have had This is laudable, but South African apart- communities and individual efforts, we only a limited impact on the fluid mindset heid is now a monster of the past, slain by should identify these challenges as uni- of the political class. Similar to other pre- universal suffrage in 1994 well before the versal but focus on localised and locally election periods in the country, shifts in adoption of the Rome Statute. Although owned solutions. Failure to do so will P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. affiliations and formations of new politi- the effects of apartheid policies are felt compromise our efforts towards justice cal alliances for preferential presidential to this day, these effects are not criminal- and reconciliation across Africa. Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 candidates remain a constant feature. ised and neither is there the capacity or The writer is a project officer in the Jus- Email: [email protected] The truth beneath the surface in this the political goodwill to conceive of such tice and Reconciliation in Africa pro- seemingly peaceful East African country a criminalisation. These lingering effects gramme at the IJR. The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE 9 LinkThe Enhancing governance for all PCEA wants elections

EDITOR DANIEL OTUNGE held in August next year SUB-EDITOR dialogue a chance. They need nomic war that was perpetuated FAITH MUIRURI By JOSEPH MUKUBWA instead are diverting the thinking of Kenyans,” he added. to understand that they are also to protect the British economic PRESBYTERIAN Church of The church said that although parents. Strike will not help the interests,” they said. ASSOCIATE EDITOR East Africa (PCEA) wants the nation,” he added. In a statement which was read OLOO JANAK it is a member of NCCK, the general elections to be held in NCCK should not rush to sue the Meanwhile, about fifty lead- by former nominated councilor August next year. Government over the Mombasa ers from Nyeri County are happy Eliud Njua, the leaders noted The PCEA Moderator David chaos but instead give it more that the Anglo- leasing warship that many of their leaders have WRITERS Gathanju said the august 2013 time to conduct investigations. has finally docked in Kenya. suffered political setbacks hav- date will be the right time for the “This is not a religious war The leaders who spoke in Ny- ing gallantly played singular and MORRIS GITHENYA Central IEBC to hold elections to create but only some criminals who eri town recently said that they vital roles in national politics 0735 855586 more room for the implementa- want to provoke Christians in or- have now found the truth behind like Murungaru. tion of the constitution. der to be seen as if it is instigated the Anglo –leasing warship JA- They therefore said there is Gathanju said there is no need by religion,” he added. SIRI. need to guard the economic, so- JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central for hurry adding that the rel- On the teachers strike, he “We now know the political cial and political gains made by evant institutions preparing for 0724 039787 urged teachers to give dialogue lynching of the then minister for President Mwai Kibaki. the polls should be given enough in future instead of punishing in- National Security minister Chris They also urged the Govern- time to prepare. nocent children. Murungaru by the then British ment to take urgent remedial He added that it will be just BEKADZO TONDO Coast “The teachers are role models envoy and his local henchmen measures to save the setback and four months after the proposed of the society. They should give was just mere political and eco- suffering of the wananchi. 0728 341240 date of March 2013, the Govern- ment should therefore agree on the proposed date. PETER MUTUKU Eastern “The constitution will have 0721 455048 been implemented fully if elec- tions are held in August next year. The IEBC will also have BOB OMBATI Nyanza enough time in order to conduct the elections properly without 0728 435255 any hiccup on the implementa- tion of the constitution. The Bio- metric method of voting should NYAKWAR ODAWO Western not be done in a hurry,” he said. 0726 264153 The moderator was speaking during the opening of Mt Kenya region assembly annual confer- LUKE KAPCHANGA Western ence at Tumutumu Girls High 0723 622136 School in Mathira district. On the recent Mombasa chaos where churches were burnt, the moderator called upon the Gov- AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western ernment to use all its machinery 0733 537002 to ensure that the criminals who were involved are charged in the court of law. He said the church is reading Layout & Design: politics in the violence adding WALTON DESIGNS that there are some politicians who do not want peace in the 0725 903 938 country. “There are some political ele- PCEA Moderator David Gathanju inspects a guard of honour mounted by Tumutumu Parish Brigade recently [email protected] ments in the country that do not at Tumutumu Girls High School in Mathira district during the opening of Mt Kenya region assembly annual want to peace in the country and conference. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa County commissioner vouches for peaceful elections By JOHN NYAMBUNE ing and after elections to avert ants from contesting for elective and politicians to desist from skirmishes that have in the past seats. sharing out county positions KISII County Commissioner, characterized most parts of the Speaking during the official among male politicians, as this Ms Lydia Muriuki has under- country within the same period,” closure of a two-day workshop will exclude women in leader- This Newspaper appreciates scored the need to intensify civic states Muriuki. on peace building and county ship positions,” warns Muriuki. the facilitation accorded education in the area to educate The Commissioner asked cohesion at a Kisii hotel, Muriu- She also cautioned residents the residents on the need to up- supporters of respective candi- ki called for fair and transparent against perpetuating negative by the Konrad Adenauer hold peace during and after the dates to become tolerant to di- party nominations and peaceful stereotypes against women seek- Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya elections. vergent views during election- election campaigns to avert po- ing for political positions but in- She says the youth should eering period to avert violence litical violence against women stead accord them a fair chance be targeted for civic education and disruption of their competi- aspirants. to compete for various political as they are more prone to in- tors’ campaign rallies and meet- The County Commissioner, positions with their male coun- All correspondence and citement by politicians to cause ings. at the same time warned leaders terparts. enquiries to the editor, chaos during electioneering pe- She at the same time urged in the area against sharing out “With the new constitutional riod, adding that all aspirants political parties to allow trans- county positions among male dispensation in the country, local P.O. Box 7438-00200, should be given an opportunity parency to prevail during the politicians and leaving out wom- communities must discard their to present their electoral pledges nominations of their respective en from the political equation. retrogressive cultural practices Nairobi, Kenya. without being exposed to vio- candidates to ensure only win- She said that the electorate that undermine women’s leader- Tel: 020-6001274 lence. ners clinch tickets to run for re- should be left to decide through ship and live to the realities that “The public should be made spective seats. the vote on who should hold women have been constitution- Telefax: 020-6001776 aware that election is an event The commissioner says which county position based on ally mandated to compete with that comes and goes. There is flawed party nomination -proc merit and a transparent electoral their male counterparts for polit- e-mail: [email protected] need for everybody to embrace esses have in the past locked process. ical positions provided for in the peaceful co-existence dur- out vulnerable women aspir- “I am warning local leaders constitution,” observes Muriuki. 10 The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE Bungoma council on the spot over graft Deploy staff to completed By LUKA KAPCHANGA CDF projects, CIVIC leaders at the Bungoma Municipal Council have ousted Gvt urged the town clerk Michael Owade, citing poor administration and By LINK CORRESPONDENT embezzlement of funds. THE government has been asked to The councilors accused the deploy staff to schools and health town clerk of being the architect facilities constructed through the of the confusion that had char- Constituency Development Fund acterized the presentation of the (CDF). Tetu MP Francis Nyammo said 2012/2013 budget estimates. most of the facilities which have Mayor Patrick Suleji had been constructed to increase access termed the reading of the esti- to services are yet to become op- mates as null and void saying erational due to lack of staff. “they are a mess.” “We always consult the Min- The mayor accused the clerk istry of Medical Services during of failing to involve civic leaders the construction of such facilities during the preparation and pres- but once completed, the depart- entation of the estimates. ment fails to honour its part of the Suleji went further, “accept- bargain to deploy staff to man the facilities,” he said. ing this presentation will be tak- Speaking during a free medical ing the public who elected us camp at Wamagana primary school for a ride, when we have to be in Nyeri south district, the MP said accountable for any public ex- the purpose of constructing the penditure”. facilities is not met due to lack of He said that he was notified staff adding that the residents do to attend the meeting 30 minutes not benefit in time. before the actual presentation The MP lamented that the CDF and was shocked when the town projects could end up as white clerk failed to show up. elephants due lack of personnel adding that there is some discon- He insisted that his rejec- nect between the development of tion of the budget estimates was projects and staff hiring. based on the fact that the imple- “There is an urgent need to har- mentation of projects during the Bungoma Municipal Council Hall. Inset: Mayor Patrick Sulechi. monise the development of schools 2011/2012 financial year under and health facilities with the rel- LATF was marred by inconsist- estimates reading civic leaders leged spending of Ksh 13million The delays on project imple- evant ministries,” he said. encies. pointed an accusing finger at on projects in the wards as pro- mentation were however blamed He also called on the govern- Further, the Councilors were the town clerk who was absent, jected in the estimates. on contractors who had no finan- ment to harmonise fee charged not given copies of the budget for forcing the budget on them, According to the estimates, cial capacity and technical know- in hospitals to avoid cases where estimates, to enable them to while window dressing project delays in the disbursement of how to carry out the work. some hospitals inflate the fee. The legislator said the sick are question the expenditure and al- implementation of the previous LATF had interfered with the But the civic leaders blamed falling victims of commercialized locations. financial year. project implementation process the town clerk and petitioned the medical services adding that some Cllr. Christopher Kalabayi Finance, staff and general for the 2010/2011 financial year. permanent secretary in the min- health facilities are fleecing them. wondered, “how are we going purposes committee chairman The estimates had projected istry of Local Government to re- Mr Nyammo said there is an ur- to respond to the presentations Joseph Magudah read the budg- that most of the projects ear- move the clerk. gent need to regulate medical fee to when we have no copies to refer et estimates amid disapprovals marked for implementation dur- The Cllrs who spoke from the enhance medical ethics. to – which is unusual and abnor- from both cllrs and members of ing the 2012/2013 financial year mayors parlour were categorical “People are falling victims of mal”. the public. had overlapped from the previous that Owade will never be allowed commercialised medical services During the 28th July budget The mayor rejected the al- years. in the office again. and the government needs to give more regulations to harmonise hos- pital bills,” he said. He added that the sick know the bills they ought to pay after they are treated noting that in other countries the cost of Calls to strengthen pension scheme intensifies treatment is known on diagnosis. By PETER MUTUKU should get their contributions on to turn to in difficult economic More than 3, 000 Nyeri resi- a monthly basis to enable them times. dents benefited from the camp THE government has been asked enjoy their sunset years. Under the provident fund, where about Ksh3 million was to explore possibilities of con- Speaking during the KMTC members are paid a third of their spent according to the Nyeri dis- verting the National Social Se- annual general meeting, Mr contributions on retirement fol- trict medical officer of health. Speaking on behalf of the of- curity Fund (NSSF) to a pension Donde said the NSSF provident lowed by a monthly payment un- ficer, the Nyeri south community scheme to enable the retirees to fund does not favour the retired til the lapse of the scheme time medical officer Lydia Nyaramba enjoy their contributions for a workers. limit. said most of the patients were di- longer period. “The NSSF is still a provident KMTC board of trustees agnosed with cold related diseases. A former MP who is also the fund and when someone retires chairman Samuel Obura called She said most residents above chairman of the Kenya Medi- they are paid their contributions on the government to offset a 40 years were testing positive for cal Training College retirement in a lump sum which does not Ksh423 million deficit in the pneumonia, ear nose and throat ail- benefit scheme, Joe Donde says help the retirees,” he said. fund’s budget. ments, and diabetes due to the cold retired workers still do not enjoy Mr Donde also asked the gov- The pension scheme mem- weather being experienced in the their savings under the provident ernment implement the payment bers say their contributions are area. “Most of those testing positive fund. of stipends to every senior citi- not enough to offset it saying are above 40 years and more than The former Gem MP said that zen. their salaries are less than those 70 years old. These age groups are the retirement benefit Act should He said that every retiree of other civil servants. Mr. Donde also testing positive for diabetes be amended to enable the NSSF who has contributed in anyway They want their salaries re- due to poor eating habits,” she said. members get their payments should be paid at least Ksh1, 000 viewed so that their contribu- but the defined contributions The sick were referred to the each month. every month adding that it is part tions to the fund can go up for payments are not determined but Nyeri Provincial General Hospital “The government should con- of the government policy. the scheme to be sustainable, can vary according to the fund and other health facilities for spe- vert it to a pension scheme so “When I was in parliament said Mr Obura. finances. “If the KMTC went cialized treatment. that the retirees can get their cash we passed a bill to pay every- The scheme moved from the under, we would not be able to The camp was organized by the every month. Paying an approxi- one aged more than 65 years old defined benefit to defined contri- pay our members as we agreed FT Nyammo foundation with sev- eral medical and financial institu- mately Ksh 2,000 to the 1.85 Sh2, 000 every month but there bution according to the govern- because of the deficit,” he said. tions donating medicine, staff and million senior citizens is loose has been poor implementation,” ment regulations. The members contribute 10 cash. The camp is organized bian- change for the government,” he he said. Under the defined benefit, percent of their salaries to the nually to offer the Othaya, Mukur- said. Mr Donde said the senior citi- members were paid the amount scheme with the sponsor contrib- weini and Tetu residents free medi- He said that the senior citizens zens should be paid the money they had agreed with the fund uting 20 percent. cal services close to their homes. The Link, October 2012 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

Soldiers returning Gvt agencies are to from Somalia KDF has made Kenya proud and blame for failures of need mental care anti-counterfeit phones I WONDER if there is any post-trau- proved it’s not a ceremonial army RECENTLY the Communications matic stress management system in Commission of Kenya (CCK) start- place for Kenya’s war veterans. This is ed switching off thousands of coun- a critical support that our soldiers who are returning from duty in Somalia seri- terfeit mobile phones. ously need. This action, though justified in Last October, Kenya rolled its tanks terms of enforcing local and interna- and heavy artillery into the lawless na- tional laws, is certainly high-handed tion under the Operation Linda Nchi, as it will mainly affect the poor whose goal was to flush out Al-Shabaab. who cannot afford a genuine Nokia, Never in history had Kenya, as a sover- Samsung, iPhone and Blackberry. eign state, gone to war. Pessimism was Besides, I am not sure if CCK, the lingering at first but KDF, throguh air mobile operators and Kenya Rev- power, naval assaults from the pirate- infested Indian Ocean launch pad and enue Authority have considered the boots on the ground, proved everyone revenue implications of such an ac- wrong. tion. The enemy was flushed out in most Switching off thousands of sub- parts of the lower sector, their source scribers translates into loss of mil- of revenue stiffed and a good portion lions in terms of voice and data traf- of them neutralised. The sigh of relief fic, which will negatively affect the and happiness seen in the faces of the incomes of mobile phone operators Somalia in the pacified areas wasjust besides loss in taxes. This at a time glamorous. the national budget is under great Just like in any combat, damage is two-way. Our soldiers, on day-to-day, pressure due to demands for salary they see their comrades heroically suc- increase from teachers, lecturers, Kenya Defence Forces soldiers celebrate outside Kismayu University after they took control of doctors and nurses. cumb to the enemy fire, remember fresh the institution from the command of Al-Shabaab militia recently. cadavers they trample on in the war The move also brings out lack front; scene they were not used to a year THE Kenya Defence Forces game from conventional war indefatigable KDF troops and of co-ordination between the vari- ago. At the same time, their families are ous government agencies, which worried each sunrise of whatever news troops, working alongside those known to most soldiers. To de- their AU allies. of Somalia Transitional Army feat them required efficient in- I join the rest of Kenyans should first be addressed rather than might come the next minute. resorting to punishing innocent con- Trauma is real, and especially upon and Amison, have achieved a telligent gathering and superior and the entire world in saluting sumers who may not understand the return of an old boot from deployment. rare feat. war tactics. our galiant soldiers for doing us Some of these former combatants never difference between ‘Ericsson’ and The sodiers have succeeded Other nations were doubtful proud. Ericsen’. quite find peace with themselves. where the mighty USA failed about the mission to drive the KDF is not the eceremonial Even just connecting with people Kenyans are aware that the around them is often difficult. Reper- terribly. To capture of the stra- insurgents out of Somalia and army that doubting Thomases Kenya Bureau of Standards is re- cussions are always gruesome. Suicide, tegic port of Kismayu from the liberate those suffering people. wanted us to believe. It yearned sponsible for checking the quality of homicide and all sorts of grisly acts as right grip of Al-Shabaab is no But the Kenyan fighters for an opportunity to show the all goods imported into the country. have been witnessed elsewhere. Who mean achievement. The victory took a proactive approach, and world how mighty its soldiers Kebs has spent a lot of money in hir- knows, we might witness the same in has proved to the entire world marched in fully convinced are. And the Somali deploy- ing pre-shipment inspectors, who our neighbourhoods if not mitigated that Kenyan forces are equal to they had to win the war. A se- ment prsented that chance. should stop poor quality goods from now. any military assignment any- ries of victories strengethened Today is a day of great na- being shipped into Kenya. What Within the military, operations are always classified and we ordinary civil- where on the globe. their resolve to free Somalia. tional pride for the people of have these inspectors been doing as ians are never privy to things inside the Al-Shabaab is a rug tag mi- It did not take long before Kenya and Africa as a whole. fake phones entered the country? barrack fences. litia group mostly associated the Somalis held their first The Somali victory is a clear I hope some clever lawyers In my opinion, post-war traumatic with terrorism. In the military polls in two decades. Signs of sign that African problems call takes up this matter and files a class stress management is crucial. I would sense, the group can at best be a thriving economy are now for African solutions. Congrat- suit against the government and its urge urgent treatment within the bar- described as a guerrilla group. evident as hotels and foreign ulations, dear soldiers. agencies for the inconvenience that racks and field for the service men, and Kenyans will suffer. We cannot have to help veterans’ families cope with the On this premise, fighting embassies open their doors. All Bernard Amaya, them is a totally different ball these were possible due to the via e-mail. government institutions failing to situation. Similar attention should be enforce laws then covering up their paid to police officers who are increas- ingly becoming vulnerable in lines of failures by resorting to punishing in- duty. nocent citizens. Joab Onyango, The most reasonable thing to do via e-mail is block the activation of any new fake phone, but let those already in use to continue until they die off Sporadic attacks naturally. in Tana proves NIS Concerned Kenyan sleeping on job via e-mail FOF decades, Kenya boasted of hav- ing one of the best security intelligence agencies in East Africa. However, the capacity of the Na- tional Intelligence Service to deliver is now in question given the recent spate of sporadic attacks in Tana River Coun- * ty. How could one explain, in a span of The editor welcomes letters and one month, more than 100 people were comments on a variety of issues. killed and thousands displaced in tribal The letters should be brief, clashes if NIS was in control? This coupled with the state of inse- topical and issue based. curity in the hands of terrorists, NIS is The editor reserves the right to proving a real bad news for millions of edit for brevity or clarity. Kenyans living under untold fear. One wonders why our internal security forc- Write to: es are often caught flat-footed by crimi- The Editor, nals despite having a high budget NIS. The Link, Creg Waga, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. via e-mail E-mail: [email protected] 12 The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE Lack of IDs set to bar youth Irate Kieni residents from voting By AGGREY BUCHUNJU KAKAMEGA County residents have expressed fears that millions of youth storm police station may not participate in the forthcoming general election due to lack of identity By JOSEPH MUKUBWA over the matter. Government ma- tests addressed them and a team Wanjiru Mureithi said she re- cards (IDs). chinery must move very fast,” he of ten people was picked in order ported the matter after her hus- OVER 400 residents of Kieni The residents led by Mr. Evance said. to work with the police trace the band’s mobile phone went dead. Udoto expressed concern over delays East district of Nyeri County Nyeri OCPD Kirunya Lim- man at Solio Ranch. The man is yet to be found to recently stormed Narumoru Po- by the government in issuing IDs to bitu who arrived during the pro- The wife of missing man date. the applicants in the region. lice station protesting over their Udoto alleged that the government missing colleague. was using delaying tactics on the pre- The irked residents who ar- text that the region is in the proximity rived on foot and others in boda of Uganda border purposely to disen- bodas stormed the police sta- franchise the youth their right to vote. tion and demanded to know the He noted with regrets that very whereabouts of Robert Mureithi few youths in the region may register Mahinda who went missing re- as voters when the registration exer- cently. cise kicks off because of the cumber- The residents led by Kia- some process in getting IDs. mathaga councilor Marete Ring- Udoto asserted that the anticipated era and local leader Mathenge failure by the youths to vote during the Simon alias Kanini Kega while forth coming historic general elections waving placards stormed at the due to lack of IDs is tantamount to of- busy station and brought busi- ficial rigging of the elections. ness to a standstill. Consequently Udoto challenged The residents barricaded the the ministry of state for immigration Naromoru – Nanyuki highway and registration of persons to hasten for about an hour protesting over the process of issuing IDs to all appli- the matter saying police must cants without discrimination. help them trace their missing He asked immigration Minister, Otieno Kajwang to make good his man immediately. promise of establishing mobile reg- Mbuthia Muriuki who is a istration centres in all corners of the friend of Mureithi said, “We republic without more ado. want our man either dead or The move, Udoto said will enable alive. We have been having youths who have attained 18 years and sleepless nights since he went above to acquire IDs with ease and missing,” said the councilor. hence register as voters. They claimed that the father Udoto emphasized the need for of one who is in his early thir- the youths to vote enmasse during the ties might have been killed by Kieni leader Mathenge wa Simon alias Kanini Kega (right) tries to next general election saying they are Kenya Wildlife Service rangers calm the irked residents when they stormed Narumoru Police Station the most enlightened people in com- who have been guarding the ex- in Kieni East district recently. Photos/Joseph wambugu munity capable of identifying leaders pansive private Solio Ranch and who befit the new system of govern- maybe his body dumped along ance. Mwiyogo River. “It will be vey sad if majority of The councilor claimed that our youths and who are the most en- Mureithi who is a local trader lightened people in communities can called a colleague in order to be not get the opportunity to vote due to picked by a boda boda since he lack of IDs”, he said. was in danger and since then the Udoto who was speaking recently mobile phone went silent. at Nang’anda in Navakholo District of Kakamega County added that the Kanini said police must elections will not be free and fair if move swiftly to ensure the man millions of youths cannot cast their is found in order to avoid chaos votes. According to 2009 national since the locals wanted to storm census, there are 1,114,587 youths in the ranch and carry out the op- the age bracket of between 15 and 24 eration despite the area being a years in Western province. protected area and has dangerous Majority of these young people animals. are yet to be issued with IDs, a factor “We want the police to move that is worrying not only the political quickly since several complain- Robert Mureithi Mahinda who The wife of missing man Wanjiru Mureithi (left) is consoled when she leadership of the region but also those ants have recorded statement went missing recently. broke into tears at Narumoru town. aspiring for elective positions.

By PETER MUTUKU

THE Tobacco Act is yet to become Embu council yet to embrace anti-tobacco law operational in Embu five years after its it is impossible to protect nonsmok- “Why should the askaris go after He said smoking in the streets is arrest of the smokers. Another resi- enactment due to lack of enforcement. ers from secondary smoke. No one smokers when they should be collect- a common phenomenon adding that dent, Gloria Njoki says it is unfortu- The provincial administration on has ever been arrested in the town for ing levies from traders to generate rev- some people smoke even in restricted nate that the town is yet to implement the one hand blames the local mu- smoking in public places,” said the enue for the council? The government areas. “We are used to having smokers the Act years after it was formulated. nicipal council for failing to establish DC. The Embu municipal council on should set the format for implemen- in the town and they do it with impu- She adds that the public should be designated smoking zones to protect the other hand says there are no clear tation,” said the mayor. Area public nity because they are never arrested. made aware of the dangers of second- nonsmokers. mechanisms to guide in the imple- health officer Peris Nyaga says the People who flout the law in other ary smoking to help in the enforce- Acting Embu West DC Daniel mentation of the Act. department is formulating ways to fa- towns are being arrested but in Embu ment of smoking law. Obudo says it is impractical to enforce The Mayor Peter Murithi says cilitate the implementation of the law. we are ever exposed to the smoke,” Under section 32 of the Act, Ken- the Tobacco Act of 2007 when there although the council had designated “We have not started implement- said Mr Fundi. yans have the right to be protected are no designated areas for smoking. smoking zones, the smokers had ing the Act here but we are planning to Residents have been complain- from exposure to second hand smoke Speaking from his office, the DC failed to use them. enforce it to protect nonsmokers from ing that they are being affected by the while section 33 prohibits smoking in explains that the implementation of He says that the council has not secondary smoke, said Mrs Nyaga. smoke and called on the public health public places apart from designated the law has thus been hampered by the assigned askaris within the town to A resident, Martin Fundi said and municipal council to protect them smoking areas. Involuntarily exposing lack of smoking zones. enforce the law as majority work as smoking in many towns across the from secondary smoke. nonsmokers to tobacco smoke is an “Unless local authorities in the revenue collectors adding that the im- country is not allowed and wondered They say smoking is being treated offence stipulated under the tobacco area establish smoking zones, then plementation of the Act is difficult. why it is permitted in Embu. like a healthy habit and called for the control act 2007. The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE 13 Controversy Wave of union strikes set a hits orphans kitty in Teso litmus test for government By NYAKWAR ODAWO By AGGREY BUCHUNJU tive for the national assembly speaker do not break for recess. For instance, Mps recently had to THE orphaned and vulnerable children to tell Kenyans and the world at large Although the legislators are sup- burn midnight oil to ensure that key kitty is mired in controversy with guard- that Kenyan MPs earn peanuts. posed to transact house business for legislative proposals are passed be- ians in Teso South District alleging that THE industrial unrest witnessed in re- they are being forced to part with bribes cent times has set a precedent for fu- The Kenyans legislators, without only three (3) days in a week, the fore the deadline set by the constitu- exaggeration, smile all the way to house is ever characterized by lack tion. before the children can access their ture workers’ protests which hitherto monthly stipend. were illegal in the nation. the bank as teachers, doctors, factory of quorum, a fact, Marende is fully However, passage of such impor- workers and security officers who toil aware of. tant bills in a rush is dangerous to this Guardians who take care of the or- This scenario may also be used as phans at Kaliwa location say that they a litmus test for the next government day and night languish in poverty. The MPs spend much of parlia- nation since the bills may not be thor- In fact the legislators seem to be ment time running their personal er- oughly scrutinized and exhaustively have been forced to part with between to be elected under the new constitu- Ksh50 and Ksh1,000 before they can tion dispensation. reaping where they have not sown rands at the expense of parliamentary debated. The MPs have no reason since their pay is not commensurate work which they are elected to do. what-so-ever to delay bills until the receive their monthly payments. They Virtually all presidential candi- further claim that the Children Officer dates have affirmed their commitment with the work done in terms of time Some of our legislators are fond last minute since they are tasked with Mrs Eunice Odemwa has been pocket- to fully implement the new constitu- spent in parliament. of disappearing into thin air immedi- legislative matters only. ing half of the cash earmarked for each tion. Despite the huge salary Kenyan ately, after making technical appear- Failure to take their work seri- child. Those who have developed ap- MPs carry home every month, they ance for the purposes of earning the ously makes one to easily deduce that Led by Mrs Mary Etyang, the petite for the presidency claim that work for fewer hours than other pub- allowances. they do not deserve any pay incre- guardians claim that the orphans have the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, is lic officers including peasant farmers Even if the maximum time avail- ment let alone the Ksh. 851,000 they only been receiving half of the cash al- a panacea to the problems currently The Kenyan parliament has an able to each member is 10 minutes on are earning now. located to them by the government. facing the country. average of 16 hours per week bro- substantive issues before parliament All Kenyans should stand up and They say each child is entitled to However, whether or not the new ken down into Tuesday afternoon, such as bills, some MPs, have never say NO in unison to any proposal to Ksh 4,000 after every two months but constitution will put ugali on every Wednesday full day and Thursday had time to contribute because they have MPs salary increased even by a the amount has allegedly been slashed afternoon. are always busy looking for property penny. by half by the officer without giving an Kenyan’s table and narrow the gap explanation. “The orphaned and vulner- between the salaries of MPs and other Translated into working days of to grab. In fact patriotic Kenyans should eight (8) hours daily; as regards to Lack of quorum, compounded demand that the MPs forfeit half of able children from Kaliwa location are professionals’ remains to be seen. suffering because the person who has To say the least, the recent teach- other public and even private institu- with the MPs few working days / their pay to go towards the striking tions, the plenary session of parlia- hours greatly contribute to delays in workers pay because the legislators been entrusted with the cash transfer ers’ strike, doctors strike and lectur- program has been paying them half of ers strike were stimulated by house ment are only two (2) days weekly or debating and passing of crucial bills seem to be earning the money for no 106 days per year assuming that there by parliament. service rendered. what they are entitled to get,” claimed speaker’s call to have MPs perks in- Etyang, adding that at times the said or- creased. phans end up getting nothing at all. Kenneth Marende, goofed when Etyang who takes care of an or- he said that those who already have phaned child in form two says that should be added more. scores of orphans in the area have been He irked taxpayers and indeed forced to drop out of school due to lack workers who live from hand to mouth of school fees as funds earmarked for when he advocated pay rise for MPs their upkeep is diverted into personal who already live in luxury courtesy of use by corrupt officers. their huge pay./ “It is indeed very sad to note that To add insult to injury, Kenyan scores of orphans in the area have been parliament perhaps offers the highest forced to drop out of school due to lack pay to its members among the com- of school fees despite the fact that the mon-wealth parliaments and some government had introduced a Cash- Transfer Programme aimed at ensuring other parliaments in the world. that orphans enjoy equal opportunities For instance, when Kenyan MPs in life,” said Mrs Etyang. began to earn Ksh. 851,000 per The parents added that their efforts month, their counterparts in the fol- to get assistance from the local provin- lowing countries were earning and cial administration have been fruitless may be are still earning money equiv- adding that the said officer has allegedly alent to Kenya shillings as follows:- been bragging to them that no action l Nigeria Ksh. 61,666 – monthly will be taken against her by anybody. salary and allowances “We are appealing to the area Mem- l India Ksh. 75,938 – monthly ber of Parliament who is also the Labour salary and allowances Assistant minister Sospeter Ojaamong l Tanzania Ksh. 116,667 – monthly to move with speed and come to the salary and allowance aid of the orphaned and vulnerable chil- l Uganda Ksh. 180,000 – monthly dren who are being denied their rights salary and allowance by the said officer. However, effort by l South Africa Ksh. 246,642 – The Link to get comment from the said monthly salary and allowance officer over the allegations did not bear It is therefore dishonest and decep- fruit as she could not be reached through KNUT members in solidarity during the recent teachers strike. her cell phone. Busia leaders urged to curb entry of small arms isolation,” said Isiakho. commissioner. She said the establish- By NYAKWAR ODAWO saying it is part of a wider global cam- “We are all witnesses to daily ment and operationalization of both the problems of proliferation of illicit paign against the proliferation of illicit atrocities visited on our people by in- the Provincial and District Task Forces Small Arms and Light Weapons. BUSIA County Task Force Committee Small Arms and Light Weapons in the “We should always endeavor to has been urged to work closely with discriminate use of illicit Small Arms will help empower members with the attempt to curb loss of life, destruction and Light Weapons. Cross border ban- necessary skills and knowledge to en- uphold the spirit of our constitution the community policing committees and illegal usage of the weapons. by promoting women participation at from their respective areas to ensure ditry, Cattle rustling, armed conflicts able them carry out their mandate as “In this regard we appreciate the amongst communities, carjackings, per the Protocols and other existing all levels,” she said, emphasizing that no small arms are sneaked into the International, Regional and Sub-Re- the success of the efforts can only be county from the neighbouring country. increased acts of terrorism and other policies and legislation. gional Instruments such as UN Pro- criminal activities fuelled by the avail- “It must however, be acknowl- measured by the levels by which the Addressing the stakeholders during tocol, United Nations Programme of task-force is able to effect reduction the official opening of a one day forum ability of small arms and light weap- edged that due to limited resources, Actions (UNPOA), Bamako Declara- ons,” she added. Isiakho noted that the the implementation of the Nairobi in the evils caused by usage of illicit on illicit small arms and light weapons tion, Nairobi Declaration and Nairobi Small Arms and Light Weapons, as organized by the Kenya National Fo- government had established the na- Protocol has not been carried out as Protocols, together with other initia- tional focal point as a model to guide expected,” said the commissioner, well as the degree to which the move cal Point Secretariat at a Busia hotel tives which provide us with moral and is able to attain meaningful peace, sta- recently, Busia County Commissioner in the fight against the vice since 2003. adding that this calls for a stronger legal direction of action and interac- “We must therefore acknowledge political will and good will from the bility and development. Joyce Isiakho called for unity saying tion in the Great Lake Region and The forum was attended by all the no single country can address ad- and applaud efforts by the Govern- Government and the members of pub- Horn of Africa and the continent at ment to establish and operationalize lic respectively. The commissioner provincial administration, education equately or handle the issues of Small large, since no single country can ad- officers, and local political and reli- Arms and Light Weapons in isolation. the National Focal Point and put in also noted the importance of Gender dress adequately or handle the issues place other measures in accordance mainstreaming in all peace and secu- gious leaders from the entire Busia The county commissioner under- of Small Arms and Light Weapons in County. scored the importance of the forum with the Nairobi Protocol,” said the rity processes including addressing The Link, October 2012 14 GOVERNANCE Media challenged to highlight climate change By BOB OMBATI changes. to the changes in rainy seasons, climate related disasters. Mutie noted that conflicts re- affecting their planting and har- Riamogire Energy and Tech- JOURNALISTS have been lated to resources like water and vesting seasons. nology Centre (RETEC) senior Kaya elders challenged to report on climate pasture were related to climate The officer noted some peo- Programmes officer, Kennedy change related issues to help change, noting that prolonged ple in arid areas had diverted Gichaba attributed Climate pledge to members of the public cope dry spells followed by heavy water courses and constructed change to deforestation and in- with the changing climate. down pour led to floods, deaths houses due to the prolonged dry terference with water sources, re-afforest Helen Mutie , an official with and displacement of people. seasons only to be submerged saying that rivers have dried Peace Pen Communications She cited the Orma and Pokot during heavy downpour and up in Kisii county due to the shrines (PPC) which is a Non Govern- conflicts which she linked to the flooding. planting of gum trees near wa- By LINK CORRESPONDENT mental Organization (NGO) scramble for the scarce pasture “They lose their proper- ter sources and along rivers. He says that Kenyans are unable to owing to long dry seasons, add- ties including animals to flashy noted inadequate water for do- KAYA elders have decried the detect changes in climate due to ing that such conflicts were be- rains. They need to be sensi- mestic use and irrigation during wanton destruction of Kaya for- ignorance and are unable to plan ing experienced in arid and semi tized not to interfere with na- dry spells had fuelled conflicts ests and vowed to take a leading for their Agricultural activities. arid areas where pastoralists ture to avoid problems” said among the residents. role in conserving the shrines. She told a one day media compete for water and pasture. Gacheri. Baraton university lecturer, The elders blamed the deple- workshop at a Kisii hotel that PPC Project Officer, Jayne She urged Journalists to Herbert Omari urged Ken- tion of the forests on the rapid population growth which has led climate change had affected the Rose Gacheri noted that some write analytical stories on cli- yans to plant environmentally to encroachment into the gazzet- lives of farmers and pastoralist rivers had dried up due to the mate change to enable the poli- friendly trees and crops togeth- ted forests holding the cultures and communities due to erratic rainy destruction of forests and other cy makers to enact relevant leg- er to help improve on soil fertil- traditions of the Mijikenda com- seasons and prolonged periods human activities, which had led islations to mitigate the adverse ity and agricultural production munity. Kaya elders said the most of dry spells. to climate change and unpre- effects of climate change. to enhance food security. endangered forests are those in The official said it was- im dictable seasons. Some reporters, noted Gach- Omari told participants that Kwale where influential personali- perative for Journalists to be Gacheri noted that members eri focused on hard news and the forest trees enriched the soil ties have been targeting the shrines conversant with climate change of the public had experienced forgot to make follow ups to with useful nutrients which the for grabbing. and sensitize members of the mudslides and floods due to the find out the conditions of flood crops use to grow quickly and The elders led by Gabriel public on the same to help them effects of climate change while or drought victims and how healthy, enhancing food secu- Garero, the Kaya Mudzi Muvia elder in Rabai, have now taken up respond appropriately to the farmers were confused owing they are coping with life after rity for consumption and sale. the duty of patrolling the shrines to safeguard them from intruders. “Kaya elders from the Kauma, Rabai and Duruma communities were taken for training on the con- servation of the forests, most of us County commissioner are fully prepared to conserve our scared forests,” said Garero. The elders said their resolve to protect the sacred forest had come after the Government, through the roots for peaceful elections Ministry of National Heritage and By JOHN NYAMBUNE Culture, organized training for the elders on how they can con- KISII County Commissioner, serve the cultures and traditions of Ms Lydia Muriuki, has under- the Mijikenda by conserving the scored the need to intensify civic shrines. education in the area to educate The conversation and protec- the residents on the need to up- tion of the sacred forests was also supported by United Nations Edu- hold peace during and after the cational, scientific and Cultural elections. Organisation (Unesco), which of- She says the youth should fered funds for capacity building. be targeted for civic education To sustain their work, the min- as they are more prone to in- istry and Unesco also provided the citement by politicians to cause elders with beehives to start honey chaos during electioneering pe- farming to enable them get some- riod, adding that all aspirants thing to sustain themselves. should be given an opportunity But the elders complained that to present their electoral pledges due to their old age they need sup- port from the Government in get- without being exposed to vio- ting security agents to protect the lence. forests. “The public should be made They also complained of hun- aware that election is an event ger facing most of the elders and that comes and goes. There is challenged the Government to need for everybody to embrace support them with relief food. peaceful co-existence during and Recently, the elders celebrated after elections to avert skirmish- the completion of the first phase es that have in the past charac- of the Kaya forest conservation terized most parts of the country where Ministry of National Herit- age and Culture Permanent Sec- within the same period,” states retary Jacob Mairon and Direc- Muriuki. tor Gladys Gatheru attended the The Commissioner asked One of the political rallies held in Kisii County recently. function. Ms Gatheru said the first supporters of respective candi- phase of the forest conservation dates to become tolerant to di- ants from contesting for elective en from the political equation. ing for political positions but in- programme by the Kaya elders vergent views during election- seats. She said that the electorate stead accord them a fair chance cost Ksh.3.4 million from the eering period to avert violence Speaking during the official should be left to decide through to compete for various political Government and Unesco. and disruption of their competi- closure of a two-day workshop the vote on who should hold positions with their male coun- Dr. Marion raised concern tors’ campaign rallies and meet- on peace building and county co- which county position based on terparts. that the identity of the Mijikenda ings. hesion at a Kisii hotel, Muriuki merit and a transparent electoral “With the new constitutional community was on the verge of called for fair and transparent process. dispensation in the country, local collapsing following the massive She at the same time urged destruction of the Kaya forests. political parties to allow trans- party nominations and peaceful “I am warning local leaders communities must discard their election campaigns to avert po- and politicians to desist from retrogressive cultural practices The PS said the most threat- parency to prevail during the ened sacred forests were those nominations of their respective litical violence against women sharing out county positions that undermine women’s leader- in Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and candidates to ensure only win- aspirants. among male politicians, as this ship and live to the realities that Lamu counties. He said the gov- ners clinch tickets to run for re- The County Commissioner, will exclude women in leader- women have been constitution- ernment would look into the pos- spective seats.The commissioner at the same time warned leaders ship positions,” warns Muriuki. ally mandated to compete with sibility of getting funds to fence says flawed party nomination in the area against sharing out She also cautioned residents their male counterparts for polit- off the shrines. He warned that the processes have in the past locked county positions among male against perpetuating negative ical positions provided for in the Government would repossess ille- out vulnerable women aspir- politicians and leaving out wom- stereotypes against women seek- constitution,” observes Muriuki. gally acquired land. The Link, October 2012 GOVERNANCE 15 The need for reconciliation in Kenya Commission By ALLAN NGARI set to improve KENYAN politicians have seemingly learned very little from the 2007 vio- services in lence and continue to manipulate eth- nic grievances for personal gain. EAC towns March 4, 2013 is an exciting and daunting date as once again Kenyans By JOHN NYAMBUNE will go to the polls to cast their votes. THE Lake Victoria Basin Commis- Unfortunately, Kenyan political sion has pumped Ksh. 60 billion to- contests have not always been smooth wards a project that seeks to improve sailing, and past elections have been water supply and solid waste man- marred by irregularities and violence. agement in 15 towns. Most notably, the disputed 2007 The project which is set to be im- presidential elections led to two plemented in the next four years will months of widespread violence dur- cover the five East African Commu- ing which approximately 1,000 Ken- nity member States – Kenya, Ugan- yans died and 350,000 were internally da, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. displaced. These two months also Under the project that has been dispelled the long-standing image of dubbed “Lake Victoria Water and Kenya as a bastion of stability in a re- Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Initia- gional sea of volatility. tives, infrastructure will be devel- The post-election violence (PEV) oped to help resolve problems that also cemented Kenya’s status as a arise due to lack of proper water and “country in transition.” The political Mr. Ocampo (centre) addressing the nation during the intervention of the post election violence. solid waste management systems in settlement which ended the violence Looking on is the Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and President Mwai Kibaki. towns. created a hurricane of reforms and According to LVBC execu- new institutions designed to not only Kenyan Parliamentarians have ru Kenyatta, Deputy Prime Minister resulted from the more than 1,000 tive secretary Canisius Kanangire, deal with the PEV, but also Kenya’s held numerous, long and intensive sit- and son of Kenya’s first President, killings committed during the PEV. the project has been funded by the long legacy of injustice and impunity. tings to debate, amend and pass leg- and a former Cabinet minister, Wil- Concerted efforts must be made African Development Bank and Some of these institutions have islation consistent with the new con- liam Ruto. to remedy this situation. seeks to find long lasting solutions already concluded their work, includ- stitutional framework. This has not The ICC’s intervention has be- Meanwhile, though the Kenyan to problems linked to rapid popula- ing the Commission for the Investiga- been an easy task, as many of the new come highly politicised, as leaders of government has done good work in tion growth in secondary towns like tion of Post Election Violence and the laws and policies under consideration some ethnic groups have denounced resettling IDPs, much more work and unplanned expansion, run-down and Independent Review Commission, involve the very issues that threaten to the prosecutions as attacks on their support for victims is needed as many non-existent basic infrastructure and while others such as the Truth Jus- tear Kenya apart – including access to own communities, and attempts to remain in temporary camps. services, and pollution of the envi- tice and Reconciliation Commission land, equitable distribution of resourc- eliminate specific candidates from Score s of ordinary Kenyans who ronment and the lake ecosystem. (TJRC) are in their closing stages. es and government devolution. the presidential election. These seeds were victimized or lost loved ones Kanangire says that only three Despite significant challenges to The International Criminal of discontent, if not carefully man- during the PEV have not healed or towns in the country namely Keroka, its credibility, as well as budgetary Court’s (ICC) interventions in Kenya aged, could erupt into violence. experienced reconciliation with their Kericho and Isebania have been ear- constraints, the TJRC’s soon-to-be- are also bound to affect the coun- Beyond the ICC interventions, fellow citizens. marked to benefit from the project. released report could provide a col- try’s future. Two of the four Kenyans perpetrators of many crimes com- Many perpetrators remain present He points out that Lake Victoria lective and consensus-based truth on charged with responsibility for the mitted during the PEV have not been in local communities, their continued serves as a major trans-boundary re- many of Kenya’s most sensitive issues PEV are presidential aspirants and brought to account. Indeed, a recent impunity posing a continued chal- source for EAC countries with a high from its past. come from ethnic groups that have Human Rights Watch report indi- lenge to reconciliation. Many IDPs, potential to accelerate the growth of However, some Kenyan politi- dominated this highest office – Uhu- cated that only two convictions have for example, refuse to return to their the towns around it if it is managed cians have called for an embargo homes out of fear that the 2013 elec- well. “In recognition of the challeng- upon the release of the TJRC report; tions will also be followed by wide- es presented by rapid urbanisation out of fear that it will re-open national spread violence and intimidation. In- in the basin, the project will ensure wounds and exacerbate political ten- deed, some Kenyan politicians have that we increase both water supply sions. seemingly learned very little from and sanitation coverage,” he said in This concern is especially poign- the 2007 violence and continue to Kisumu. The project, Dr. Kanangire ant with the 2013 elections looming manipulate ethnic grievances for per- adds has been pegged on the Mil- in the near future. It is plausible that sonal gain. lennium Development Goals to help its content, which will shed light on It is in light of these myriad ini- develop basic infrastructure. events spanning the post-independ- tiatives aimed at influencing Kenya’s The project was set to start last ence period, may be used to sow more transition that the Institute for Justice year but was delayed since the bank divisions in an already fragmented and Reconciliation (IJR) launched a wanted it to begin uniformly in all country. two-year tri-partite project designed the five countries, according to the These challenges pose a true test to train key Kenyan stakeholders in official. “This was quite cumber- to the functioning of the National Co- reconciliation theory and practice. some considering that every country hesion and Integration Commission This project will be jointly imple- had to fulfill the requirements set for (NCIC), the only permanent creation mented by the IJR (South Africa), the it,” he said. of the 2008 political settlement, which NCIC (Kenya) and the Folke Berna- He said so far all the countries is mandated to prosecute perpetrators dotte Academy (Sweden) and will had established offices to coordinate of hate speech (among other tasks). consist of policy interventions and water supply and solid management Some will inevitably accuse the NCIC training sessions with crucial Kenyan plan. He said after completion of the of fomenting tribal politics if it takes a leaders. We believe it is absolutely project will serve residents in the robust approach to its mandate. vital that Kenyans gain a common secondary urban centres, especially As if these challenges were not understanding of reconciliation and the poor, women and children. enough, a range of other outstanding its specific application to Kenya. By Also set to benefit are water user issues must also be addressed before doing so, Kenya’s transition towards groups, local institutions and organi- the March 2013 elections. The new peace, justice and development can zations responsible for service provi- constitution, a further outcome of the be secured. sion, whose capacity and efficiency 2008 political settlement, created nu- Allan Ngari is project leader for will be enhanced. merous new elective posts that need to the Kenya and International Justice The fruits of the project will also be enacted legally and implemented in Desk, at the Institute for Justice and be reaped by non-governmental or- Dr. Kofi Annan who mediated the coalition. Reconciliation. ganizations, community-based or- practise. ganizations, among others. Dr. Kanagire disclosed that another plan to develop transport between the five countries was un- Busia civic leaders oppose manual voting system derway to boost business and pro- By NYAKWAR ODAWO systems are prone to manipulations done in a transparent and accountable back and watch as the commission is mote integration. “Busia, Namanga, and politicians can easily interfere manner. pushed into hasty decisions. Rwanda-Burundi borders are set to OVER forty civic leaders from the with the vote register to tilt the results “We are therefore earnestly ap- The civic leaders spoke to the benefit,” he said. The board is also entire Busia County have strongly in their favour. pealing to the Independent Electoral press during the start of a six-month seeking funds to clean the polluted opposed the manual system of voting “As civic leaders of this county, and Boundaries Commission chair- diploma course on County Govern- Kisat river in Kisumu. which they said had contributed to the we are not going to sit back and watch man Isaack Hassan to go ahead and ance at Danian College, a branch of “Water from river is used for 2007/2008 post-election violence that as the country opts for a system of vot- acquire the Bio-metric Voter Regis- Bondo University College in Busia domestic purposes by some people led to the loss of innocent lives and ing that is likely to deny Kenyans the tration machines however long it will town recently. and this is a health hazard. We feel property. right to elect leaders of their choice,” take so long as election is done fairly The civic leaders at the same time something has to be done to improve The civic leaders led by Walatsi said the civic leaders, adding that Bio- and to the satisfaction of Kenyans,” said the course will boost their capac- its standards,” he said. LVBC is one ward civic leader councilor Jack metric Voting Registration [BVR] they said, adding that as representa- ity as leaders ahead of the establish- of the specialized commissions of Wambulwa argued that manual voting system of voting will ensure voting is tives of the people they will not sit ment of the county system of govern EAC.

The Link, October 2012 16 SPECIAL REPORT Overview of the County Government Act Introduction and Objectives committees; (k) prescribe, pursuant to The promulgation of the new constitution two years ago paved way for HE new law grants county Article 235 of the governments powers, func- Constitution, uniform a two-tier level of governance, namely the National Government and the Ttions, and responsibilities norms and standards, County Government. The predominant eight provinces were replaced with to deliver services (Ref: The Link for–– October 2010 Edition) and to: (i) establishing and 47 counties, which are expected to become operational after the next Gen- (a) provide for the abolishing offices in the eral Elections as stipulated in Chapter Eleven of the Constitution. The en- implementation of county public service; Chapter Eleven of the (ii) appointing persons to actment of the County Government Act thus comes at opportune moment. Constitution pursuant to hold or act in those The Act provides for an efficient and effective framework for the realisation Article 200 of the offices, and confirming Constitution; appointments; and of the county governments in terms of the county executive, legislature and (b) give effect to the objects (iii) exercising disciplinary and principles of control over and related matters. In this report, our Staff Writer FAITH MUIRIRU provides devolution as set out in removing persons holding an overview of the Act Articles 174 and 175 of or acting in those offices; the Constitution; and officio member. In addition, the County As- by the county government in (c) give effect to Article (l) provide for the All nominations are expected sembly exercises oversight role accordance with Article 212 176 (2) of the promotion, evaluation to reflect the diversity of the peo- over the county executive organs of the Constitution; Constitution in respect of and reporting on the ple of Kenya. The Act sets out that the Coun- (d) approve county development further decentralisation; compliance by county The new law makes it man- ty is to receive and approve plans planning; and (d) provide for the removal public officers with datory for every County to enact and policies for (f) perform any other role as may from office of the speaker the values and principles legislation prescribing the follow- (a) the management and be set out under the of the county assembly in in Articles 10 and 232 of ing county symbols— exploitation of the county’s Constitution or legislation. accordance with Article the Constitution. resources 178 of the Constitution; (a) the county flag; (b) the development and Role of County Assembly members (e) provide for the powers, The County Government com- (b) county coat of arms; and management of it The new law vests members of the privileges and immunities prises of the County Assembly (c) the county public seal. infrastructure County Assembly with the responsibil- of county assemblies, and the Executive Committee ity to — their committees and The County Executive has The Act further obligates the (a) maintain close contact with members under Article County assembly been vested with powers to devel- county assemblies to: the electorate and consult 196 of the Constitution; The county assembly is to serve as op symbols of the county through (a) vet and approve them on issues before or (f) provide for public the legislative arm of the County. a consultative process. The sym- nominees under discussion in the participation in the bols are to be approved by the for appointment to county county assembly; activities of the county The assembly comprises of county assembly by legislation. public offices; (b) present views, opinions and assembly as (i) Members elected by The Act directs that each (b) approve the budget and proposals of the electorate to required under Article registered voters of County symbol must have unique expenditure of the the county assembly; 196 of the Constitution; respective wards symbols that are not replicated county (c) attend sessions of the county (g) ensure that the (ii) Special seats earmarked from existing National symbols. government in accordance assembly and its committees; community and cultural to ensure that not with Article 207 of the (d) provide a linkage between diversity of a county is more than two thirds of Functions of County Assemblies Constitution, and the the county assembly and reflected in its the membership are from The Constitution (Article 185) legislation contemplated in the electorate on public county assembly and the same gender vests the County Assembly with Article 220 (2) of the service delivery; and county executive (iii) Six nominated persons powers to make laws that seek to Constitution, guided by (e) extend professional committee as from marginalised ensure that the County Govern- Articles 201 and 203 of the knowledge, experience or contemplated in Article groups including persons ment effectively discharges its Constitution; specialised knowledge to any 197 of the with disability and youth mandate. (c) approve the borrowing issue for discussion in the Constitution; (iv) The speaker who is an ex county assembly. (h) prescribe mechanisms to protect minorities The law further directs that a member within counties pursuant of the County Assembly should not di- to Article 197 of the rectly or indirectly get involved in Constitution; the — (i) prescribe additional (a) executive functions of requirements in respect the county government and of the publication of its administration; or county legislation as (b) delivery of services as an contemplated in Article officer or employee of the 199 of the Constitution; county government. (j) provides, pursuant to Article 200 of the Members of a county assembly are to Constitution, for— be sworn in by the County Assembly (i) the manner of nomination clerk within fourteen days, after the or appointment of persons announcement of the final results of an to, and their removal election. from, offices in county governments, including County Assembly Party Leaders the qualifications of The Act provides for both the leader of voters and candidates; the majority party and a leader of the (ii) the procedure of minority party in the County Assem- assemblies and executive bly. committees including The legislation defines the leader of the chairing and the majority party as the person who is frequency of meetings, the leader of the largest party or coali- quorums and voting; and tion of parties in the county assembly. (iii) the suspension of According to the Act, the leader of assemblies and executive President Kibaki during the promulgation of new constitution which created county governments

The Link, October 2012 SPECIAL REPORT 17 Overview of the County Government Act sembly service board which com- The promulgation of the new constitution two years ago paved way for prises of- (a) the Speaker of the County a two-tier level of governance, namely the National Government and the Assembly as the County Government. The predominant eight provinces were replaced with chairperson; (b) the leader of the majority 47 counties, which are expected to become operational after the next Gen- party or a member of the eral Elections as stipulated in Chapter Eleven of the Constitution. The en- county assembly deputizing him or her, as actment of the County Government Act thus comes at opportune moment. the vice-chairperson; The Act provides for an efficient and effective framework for the realisation (c) the leader of the minority party or a member of the of the county governments in terms of the county executive, legislature and county assembly deputizing him or her; related matters. In this report, our Staff Writer FAITH MUIRIRU provides and an overview of the Act (d) a resident in the county, appointed by the county the minority party is the person who assembly from among is the leader of the second largest par- persons who have ty or coalition of parties in the county knowledge and assembly. experience in public The Act sets out the basic order of affairs, but who is not all County Assemblies as follows — a member of the county (a) the speaker of the county assembly. assembly; (b) the leader of the majority The county assembly clerk is to party; and serve as the secretary to the coun- (c) the leader of the minority ty assembly service board. party Functions of the County Further, the county assembly pro- Assembly Service Board ceedings are valid despite— The county assembly service board is responsible for— (a) there being a vacancy Nairobi City Hall. Inset: Local Government minister, Paul Otuoma. in its membership at the (a) providing services and particular time; or facilities to ensure the ers to establish committees and county assembly can only be initi- voters in that Ward; and (b) the presence or efficient and effective ensure that each member of the ated after the High Court confirms (c) be accompanied by the participation at the functioning of the county county assembly is appointed to the ground. fee prescribed for an particular time of a assembly; at least one committee. A recall can be initiated twen- election petition. person not entitled to be (b) constituting offices in the ty-four months after the election county assembly service, Right to petition county assem- of the member of the county as- The law directs that the list present at, or to contains the names, address, voter participate in, the and appointing and bly sembly and not later than twelve supervising office A person has a right to petition a months immediately preceding card number, national identity proceedings of the county card or passport number and sig- assembly. holders; county assembly to consider any the next general election. (c) preparing annual matter within its authority, includ- The new law makes it impos- nature of the voters supporting the estimates of expenditure ing enacting, amending or repeal- sible for more than one petition to petition. County executive committees The Act underscores the need The law vests the executive authority of the county assembly ing any of its legislation. be filed against a member during service and submitting Each county assembly is to his term in the county assembly. for the petition to represent the di- in the county on versity of the people in the Ward. l them to the county prescribe a procedure for exercis- A person who unsuccessfully The county governor and The petitioner has been vested the deputy county assembly for approval, ing the right. contested an election under the and exercising budgetary No civil or criminal proceed- Elections Act is not eligible, di- with the responsibility to collect governor and submit to the Commission the l control over the service; ings may be instituted in any court rectly or indirectly, to initiate a Members appointed by list of names within a period of the county governor with (d) undertaking, singly or or tribunal against a member of a petition under this section. jointly with other relevant county assembly by reason of any thirty days after filing the petition. the approval of the The Commission is to verify assembly from among organizations, matter said in any debate, petition, Petition programmes to promote motion or other proceedings of A recall is to be initiated through the list of names within a period persons who are not of thirty days of receipt of that list. members of the assembly the ideals of the county assembly. a petition and filed with the Inde- parliamentary democracy The national law regulating the pendent Electoral and Boundaries The Commission, responds within fifteen days after the veri- Functions of the Executive powers and privileges of Parlia- Commission — The law stipulates that a County ment are to apply to a county as- (a) in writing, fication, issues a notice of the re- Committee call to the speaker of the county l Implement county Assembly may make standing sembly with the necessary modi- (b) signed by a petitioner who- orders consistent with the Consti- fications. (i) is a voter in the Ward in assembly. legislations The Commission is to conduct l tution. The Act regulates the pro- respect of which the recall Manage and coordinate a recall election in the Ward with- the functions of the cedure of the county assembly for Recall of a county assembly is sought; and the proper conduct of proceedings member (ii) was registered to vote in the in ninety days of the publication county administration and of the question. its departments The county assembly proceed- The electorate in a county ward election in respect of which l In addition the committee ings are valid despite— may recall their member of the the recall is sought; (a) there being a vacancy Recall elections may prepare proposed county assembly before the end (c) accompanied by an order of Where a member of the coun- legislation for in its membership at the of the term of the member where the High Court issued in particular time; or ty assembly has been recalled, consideration by the the member— terms of section 27(3). the Independent Electoral and county assembly (b) the presence or (a) violates the provisions participation at the Boundaries Commission has l Provide the county of Chapter Six of the The petition has to— powers to frame the question to be assembly with full and particular time of a Constitution; (a) specify the grounds for the person not entitled to be determined at the recall election. regular reports on matters (b) mismanages public recall; A question is to be framed in relating to the county present at, or to resources; (b) contain a list of such participate in, the a manner that requires the answer (c) is convicted of an offence number of names of voters “yes” or the answer “no”. County Assembly Service Board proceedings of the county under the Elections Act. in the Ward which Each County is to have a county as- assembly. represent at least thirty (To be continued in the next The county assembly has pow- A recall of a member of the percent of the registered Edition) The Link, October 2012 18 GOVERNANCE Water project Kenya keen on emulating provides reprieve to German development model Kieni farmers By AGGREY BUCHUNJU because MPs fund so many projects focused on central planning, thus terms of deploying human resourc- but thinly. the needs of the people were identi- es where they did not have roles nor KENYA may soon adopt a policy However, CDF is unprecedent- fied at the national level and with- capacities for example posting of By LINK CORRESPONDENT document from Germany on rural ed in the history of Kenya’s de- out consultations from the benefici- forest officers in Wajir and fisher- development projects, the parlia- velopment planning because at no aries. ies officers in Mwingi among other RESIDENTS of Kieni East Dis- mentary budget committee vice time had such a huge amount been This process was driven by a areas. trict are all smiles following the chair Mr. Alfred Sambu has said. released directly for local develop- desire for uniformity where all the From 1983, planning changed completion of Ksh11.3 million Sambu disclosed that in Ger- ment and to be directly under the parts of the county were looked at and the focus shifted to a new strat- irrigation project, which now sup- many one project is set up in each care of the MPs. as being the same. egy called, the District Focus for plies them with piped water for ir- constituency every financial year Kenya’s development strategy The policy ignored the fact that Rural Development. rigation and domestic purposes. through a development policy has undergone various metamor- people communities and geogra- This strategy introduced a bot- The residents of Thirigitu loca- dubbed” one village one project”. phoses since independence and it phies were different to an extent tom-up planning process, thus from tion have access to water all year He disclosed further that the remains to be seen whether the Ger- that they did not need similar things the sub-location, location, division, round following the construction parliamentary budget committee manic policy will also be tested or all the time. sub DDC and the district; district of water tank within the project recently visited Germany to learn not. For instance, the policy in development committee (DDC). area with capacity to hold 225,000 how development projects are initi- Between 1965 and 1983, the na- 1970’s influenced establishment of Although the intention of the litres of water. ated and implemented there among tional planning process was guided cattle dips in all sub-locations in the process was fairly appropriate it However, the residents want other issues. by a national policy paper called country even in areas where people was dogged by less clarity and over the government to construct a dam Sambu said the development sessional paper No. 10. did not need them. bearance by the provincial adminis- across River Nairobi to provide plan process in Germany has ena- The main features of the policy The policy failed the nation in tration. them with enough water for irriga- bled every constituency to have a tion. flagship project each financial year. Ngogithi water project chair- He claimed that with the Con- man Yustus Matu asked the gov- stituency Development Fund ernment to construct a water stor- (CDF) Kenya can go places in age facility at the River Nairobi to terms of development projects if ensure sustainability of the ven- it can borrow the planning policy ture. form Germany. “The government should con- “Kenya will not be the same if struct mega dams to harvest rain we can use CDF to put up develop- water so that we can continue ir- ment projects worth Ksh. 500 mil- rigating our farms during the dry lion and above in every constituen- weather,” he said. cy each financial year, the MP said. Farmers also want the project The parliamentary budget com- commercialized by distributing mittee vice chair who is also We- water to neighboring sub locations buye MP was categorical that with to earn them income. the Germanic development plan- “We now irrigate our farms and ning policy, collapsed industries this has improved food and pasture such as Pan Paper Mills can be re- security and we now sell our sur- vived. plus food to the local market,” said CDF was established in 2003 Zavelia Gachambi. through an Act of Parliament to They said they need more wa- facilitate development projects in ter for fish farming where the 20 each of the country’s 210 constitu- members of Mathina Cross Sec- encies. tion Self-help group have set a The fund was initially pegged pond as a pilot project. at 2.5 per cent of the total annual The Safaricom foundation and revenue collection and was and still ActionAid funded the project to is controlled by sitting members of the tune of Ksh8.1 and Ksh2 mil- parliament (MPs) lion respectively with the Nyeri In some constituencies the fund constituency development Fund and municipal council giving less is yet to have big impact on the citi- A group of MPs led by Mr. Alfred Sambu (seated second right), Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Budget zens’ socio-economic development than a million each. Committee in a group photograph. “A few years ago there was sheer poverty in this dry area which had been forgotten because it is in the middle of a productive region,” said ActionAid head of Kisii women roll out peace mission programs Evelyn Samba. She called on the government By BOB OMBATI dren bore the highest brunt, stressing women to get a third of the elective otypes attached to women as be- to come up with a comprehensive that more women are being trained seats at the counties and national ing weak and that they should be in way of resolving food security WOMEN leaders from Sotik and Bo- on peace and reconciliation to reunite government if they failed to contest kitchen. They should be seen first as saying that it should look for right rabu districts have rolled out a peace the affected communities. for the seats and waited for the nomi- leaders and not women just like the investments to change the lives of drive that seeks to promote harmoni- Kirui who was flanked by the nations. way men are seen’ said Kirui. the poor. ous coexistence among communities project’s officer, Rebecca Nyaanga “Women should not expect to She challenged women to be About 300 households ben- living along the common border. lauded the United States Agency for get the seats on a silver platter. They peace ambassadors, noting that they efited from the project and they are The Sotik Borabu Women Peace International Development (USAID) should compete equally for elective had lined up peace workshops and able to access clean piped water Drive targets women and youth and the Kenya Transitional Initiative positions,” said Kirui. radio programmes in local languages for domestic use. along the border and in rural areas for supporting the group to set up a She noted that if the women failed to preach peace a head of the polls. “We have been able to access who bear the highest brunt in times resource centre at Chepilat along the to get the elective seats, the affected She challenged women to be quality water at our doorsteps in of conflict. common border where peace meet- counties will be forced to nominate in the forefront to spearhead peace the last one year and we do not The Group’s coordinator, Sally ings were being held to unite the bor- more women leaders or male to meet campaigns to ensure that peace is have to travel long distances in Kirui says the initiative also targets der communities. the gender rule outlined in the consti- maintained in the forth coming gen- search of water,” said Ms Gach- leaders, council of elders and church Kirui challenged women to con- tution, noting that it will increase the eral elections. ambi. leaders from both Kisii and Kalenjin test for many elective posts instead counties’ wage bill and hamper its “Twelve radio programmes will The farmers have been able to communities who have been tasked of waiting to be nominated by their social and economic development. be aired in Kisii and kalenjin lan- convert the once dry region into with the role of preaching peace in respective parties after the general Women leaders, noted Kirui had guages with each community getting an agriculturally productive zone their respective meetings. election. The official noted that it proved that they could perform well six,” revealed Kirui. where they grow various kinds of Kirui spoke during a peace forum was wrong for women to only con- like their male counterparts citing The official urged politicians to foodstuffs. that brought together 60 participants test as county reps in the 47 counties some constituencies in Rift valley shun misusing youths to attack their Ms Gachambi said cases of do- drawn from Bomet and Nyamira and refuse to gun for other seats be- where women had been elected to opponents during campaigns, saying mestic violence have gone down counties. cause this was bound to create gen- parliament and their constituencies they risked being disqualified from due to economic empowerment She said during the 2007/8 post der imbalances. were shining. the race while the youths will be ar- through agriculture. election violence, women and chil- She said it would be difficult for “Kenyans should shun stere- rested and prosecuted. The Link, October 2012 DEVELOPMENT 19 Govt set to implement UN resolution on women By FAITH MUIRURI The PS says the national action plan principle. tively participate in the ongoing peace The chairperson says that cur- will adopt a multi dimensional and “I therefore call on Kenyans to building initiatives. rently the commission is waiting for THE government has developed a mullti sectoral approach to help register in large numbers and to also She at the same time calls on the the steering committee to validate the National Action Plan (NAP) to guide bridge the gender gap in peace build- campaign and vote for women in the government to allocate resources to- plan. “Once it is validated, the Action implementation of United Nations ing initiatives. elections to help bridge the gender wards the implementation of the ac- plan will be ready for use,” she adds. Security Council Resolution (UN- Ambassador Espila points that the gap. This will ensure that women tion plan to help raise the visibility She says that the commission will SCR) 1325 on inclusion of women national action plan is premised on a concerns on security are addressed of women engaged in peace building monitor and evaluate progress made in conflict privation, resolution and theme dubbed “To involve women is at high levels of participation,” he and security processes. in the implementation process. management. to sustain peace” and aims at increas- added. Commissioner Lichuma says the The action plan is being spear- ing the participation of women in de- He at the same time called on implementation of peace building ini- Strategy headed by the National Commission cision making levels, institutions and Kenyans, donors and Civil Society tiatives will now take a coordinated The UN women Country Director Ze- on Gender and Development, through mechanism for the prevention and Organizations to renew their commit- approach to avoid duplication of ef- bib Kavuma says Kenya will become the support of UN Women and the resolution of conflicts. ment and provide resources for the forts and a disjointed process that has the ninth African country to develop a Government of Finland. The PS says the action plan also implementation of the action plan. little impact. National Action Plan on implement- The plan which is set to be seeks to prevent the violation of wom- “We must try to consolidate on- ing UNSCR 1325. launched this month, will be rolled en rights by mainstreaming a gender Challenges going peace initiatives to avoid frag- “This plan, when it is finally re- out in 2013 to help ensure the inclu- perspective in all processes of con- Lawyer Betty Murungi who is a gen- mentation. This will help us adopt a leased, will consist of Kenya’s strat- sion and equal participation of wom- flict prevention, resolution and peace der and conflict expert says that lack unified approach in all the peace is- egy, specific goals and actions that en in peace keeping and conflict pre- building. of resources continues to impede the sues,” she adds. must be taken in order to guarantee vention at the local level. “The adoption of the action plan implementation of resolution 1325 in She says that the national action full and equal participation of women According to the Permanent Sec- will pave way for the effective and the country. plan will be simplified and women in all peace and security initiatives,” retary in the Ministry of Gender, Chil- timely participation of women in re- Murungi says that the situation sensitized on existing legislations on she adds. dren and Social Development, Amb. covery programs including disarma- has been compounded by lack of po- resolution 1325 to help enhance their She says the protection of women, Franklin Espila, the action plan is in ment processes,” he adds. litical will and the absence of a clear participation in respective peace com- girls and boys, from sexual and gen- compliance with resolution 1325 and line of responsibility in the National mittees. der based violence during and after seeks to ensure that women partici- Relevance Action Plan She at the same time cautions that conflict is highly pegged on inclusion pate in formal decision making struc- He says that integration of a gender She says the NAP will act as an unless the national action enjoys po- of women in peace and security ini- tures and increase their representation perspective in ongoing peace proc- impetus for women who are currently litical goodwill, women may never tiatives and in post conflict recovery in ongoing peace processes. esses is vital if peace and develop- seeking justice against violations and enjoy it. processes. The UNSCR 1325 on Women, ment has to be achieved. “The prom- atrocities committed against them She intimates that the commission The action plan, she says will help Peace and Security underscores the ulgated constitution has opened space and enable women to participate in is currently lobbying the office of the create and strengthen accountability crucial role that women play in the for women to ascertain the protection governance and conflict resolution President to house the Action plan as mechanisms to prevent the suffering prevention and resolution of conflicts, of their rights and equal participation mechanism. this will help marshal the required po- of women at the hands of perpetrators peace negotiations, peace-building, at all levels of governance including litical support. of violence. peacekeeping, repatriation, humani- peace building initiatives,” he ex- Goodwill “We need to identify ways “Once the national action is in tarian response and in post-conflict plains The chairperson of National Gender through which we can capture the po- place, women needs in peace build- reconciliation and reconstruction. The PS however adds that the and Equality Commission Winfred litical good will. Without the political ing efforts, especially in post conflict country is faced with challenges on Lichuma says that the adoption of the will, we can have a good document contexts will be addressed adequate- Approach how to achieve the two thirds gender action plan will ensure women ac- but may never enjoy it,” she adds. ly,” she notes. New guidelines to curb cane poaching released Excitement as By JOHN NYAMBUNE oil is detected SUGARCANE farmers in Western in Nyanza Province have received a temporary reprieve following issuance of new By JOHN NYAMBUNE guidelines aimed at curbing cane poaching in the area. NYANZA could be the next Among measures earmarked for target for oil exploration implementation include the require- if the ongoing geophysical ment that millers present a list of studies by Tullow oil Explo- farmers they intend to contract for ration Company confirm -ex cane harvesting before they can be istence of large quantities of allowed to harvest cane in a rival’s oil deposits. zone. Recently, Members of This is meant to ensure that tar- Parliament from Nyanza geted farmers are not contracted gave the company a go-ahead elsewhere and hence minimize to carry out feasibility studies poaching cases. without raising anxiety until “With such proposals, cases of the drilling bear’s fruit. cane theft will be a thing of the past Areas earmarked for the although some competitors have op- study include Nyakach, Nya- posed to them,” said Nzoia Sugar tike, Migori, Rongo, Gwassi, Company Managing Director Saul Gem, Rangwe and Siaya as Wasilwa during a meeting organized they could be sitting on the by the provincial administration in Kakamega. black gold. Mr. Wasilwa urged Provincial The move follows specu- Administration and the industry lations that oil deposits have regulator, the Kenya Sugar Board been found in Nyakach mo- (KBS) to enforce the guidelines and ments after Tullow Company deal firmly with companies that flout struck oil in Ngamia 1 village the law. in Turkana early this year. He regretted recent cases where The remains of a tractor burnt down by supporters of rival The leaders who were held two people were killed, a tractor sugar millers Busia County recently. Two people were killed up a meeting with the compa- and property worth millions of shillings destroyed during the ny in Kisumu explored ways burnt and property worth millions skirmishes. Inset: Tractor delivering sugarcane to the factory. of shillings destroyed during skir- Photo/File through jobs would be cre- mishes that erupted in Mumias Sugar ated through the exploitation Company zone. Butula sugar companies. ers, which cane thieves want to over- censed millers causing unnecessary and spreading drilling costs. He revealed that Nzoia Sugar Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) look and we have to move in and fracas in the sugar belt. During the meeting, the Company (NSC) has recovered sto- Managing Director Peter Kebati ad- ensure our investment is protected at “We will mobilize farmers and company through its Group len cane worth Ksh8 million in one vised cane farmers to shun millers all costs,” said Kebati. workers to reject KSB because its Scholarship Scheme country year, which the firm has already paid who engage in cane theft as this was The Kenya Sugar Plantations officials are engaged in questionable manager Martin Mbogo of- back to the affected farmers contrary undermining investments in cane de- and Allied Workers Union National dealings as unlicensed millers des- fered to sponsor 10 Kenyans to earlier claims that the monies were velopment that run into millions of chairman Macdonald Wamacho ac- perate to justify their existence con- for post-graduate studies in shillings. cused KSB of laxity and called on its tinue to break the law in a bid to il- being put in private accounts. UK universities. The meeting at the PC’s offices “Some people might want to officials to resign. legally squeeze their rivals out of the portray us as the aggressors, but we Mr. Wamacho said KSB has kept market. This habit is unacceptable,” brought together managers from Turn to Page 20 Mumias, Nzoia, West Kenya and have valid contracts with our farm- silent even with revelations of unli- said Wamacho. The Link, October 2012 20 DEVELOPMENT Fish project to boost economic growth By JOHN NYAMBUNE as a subsidiary to the Kisumu the completion of feasibility to create new business and ductivity, efficiency and com- Ethanol factory and is slated studies. train approximately 4,000 petitiveness in the content of PLANS are underway to es- to create nearly 4,800 jobs. “We have constructed workers for careers in high- sustainable development and tablish a multi-million shil- “This is a big accomplish- about 80 ponds and intend growth industries. linkages. ling fish processing plant in ment for Nyanza people and to set up 200 more for the Ms. Odinga argued the fish The project comes at a Kisumu town to help boost has the potential to create project expected to spread project would contribute to time when the Government foreign exchange earnings, hundreds of new permanent across the six counties in strengthening of economics is laying greater emphasis on create employment and com- jobs once rolled out,” said Nyanza,” she said. of not only Kisumu, but also role of the private sector in bat poverty. Ms. Odinga. About 800 youths are set Migori and Homa Bay and food production, marketing According to the plant’s Currently, the project is to be recruited to construct Kisii counties. and conservation of sustain- Managing Director Ruth Od- awaiting the disbursement the ponds. The public-private She said the plant will put able use of natural resources. inga, the fish plant will serve of donor funding following partnership is also expected emphasis on increasing pro- This will increase pro- ductivity, reduce inflation and enhance private sector investment in agriculture by enhancing exports and im- prove farmers’ earnings in the face of biting poverty. Over the years, high de- mand for food has led to in- creases in food prices and further pressure on food and agricultural inputs. “This is why there is ur- gent need to enhance food security through expansion in domestic food production and less dependence on im- ports,” she said. This, she said, would be achieved through focused production of fish livestock, vegetables and fruits. “This initiative shows how we are working hard to leverage existing resources to enhance local efforts to build public-private partner- ships that support economic growth and job creation,” she said. Ms. Odinga encouraged fishermen to take advantage of available domestic and international markets, the aquaculture sub-sector and embark on intensive aquacul- Fish processing plant in Kisumu town is underway to help boost foreign exchange earnings. ture farming.

From Page 19 The scholarship will cover Excitement as oil is detected in Nyanza travel, tuition and accommo- dation at an estimated cost of Tullow Kenya BV was incor- $305,000 (Kshs25.8 million) porated in Kenya in 2010 and is and will be rolled out on an an- a subsidiary of Tullow Oil plc. nual basis. Tullow holds seven licenses in Students roped in the pro- Kenya, six of which it operates. gramme will pursue studies in In March this year, Tullow Geophysics and petroleum En- announced the first major oil gineering, Oil and Gas Law and discovery in Kenya at Ngamia 1 Environmental Science, as well well in Turkana County. as Econometrics. It also said a production con- MPs Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), tract for exploration of oil has Ochieng Daima (Nyakach), Fred already been signed with local Outa (Nyando) Erick Anyanga communities. (Nyatike), John Pesa (Migori), The contract, which has been John Mbadi (Gwasi) and Martin lodged with the Ministry of Ogindo (Rangwe) among others Energy and the Parliamentary were in attendance. Committee on energy, gives lo- The law makers asked Tul- cal communities the right to be low to drill several areas where engaged throughout the explora- geologists anticipate oil depos- tion to be carried out by the Ca- its. nadian company. “We want Tullow to discover Recently, 65 councilors in oil deposits in Nyakach and Ny- Turkana demanded to be told atike among other areas which what the community stands to are rich in natural resources but benefit from the oil deposits in lack technical capacity to drill,” their area before they could al- said Anyanga. low access to the oil exploration They vowed to co-operate sites. with Tullow officials who agreed They claimed there was no to proceed with pilot studies in communication by the company Nyakach before they spread to about the sharing of revenues Ngamia-1 oil well in Turkana that was discovered after drilling by Tullow oil company early this year. other regions. from the oil once drilling starts. The oil well was first drilled to an initial depth of 1.041m. The Link, October 2012 DEVELOPMENT 21 Grit pays off for landless group Mau evictees By MALACHI MOTANO Kenya National Organization enable even their children to tain the contributions and now slated for for Victims of Ethnic Clashes - access basic education. they are set to get the returns. WIDOWS, widowers, orphans KNOVEC that played a pivotal The treasurer says “We have According to the Officials, resettlement and other vulnerable people role in ensuring the group gets been suffering for a long time before landing on the Narok By JOHN NYAMBUNE who have been landless for the land. as many of us live on rented land they had tried to search Members left Trans Nzoia houses hence we could not af- for land nearer home but didn’t Families evicted from Mau forest many decades in Trans Nzoia three years ago have a reason to County are now settled in on August 24 this year for their ford anything more than some manage to get one till they got little food on our table after smile following plans by the gov- Narok South after acquiring a new pieces of land where they the one in Narok which they ernment to resettle them in Ron- 7,500-acre piece of land. are now starting a new life, toiling in casual jobs and we said despite being far from their gai area. These members of Mama Na where each member is expected therefore see this as a true an- homeland, they have no other- Roads Minister Franklin Bett Mtoto group have for long been to get a reasonable amount of swer to our prayers by God and wise but to settle there and get recently revealed plans are un- volunteering their services, for land that shall have their lives we are happy we are going to on with their new lives. derway to resettle 500 families in example, cleaning and washing transformed greatly. have a place we can call ours”. They are also appealing Majani farm in Rongai Constitu- Kitale town. Finally they have According to the Chairman, Unfortunately, none of the to the government and non- ency in a bid to jumpstart the re- acquired the land through sav- most members were affected politicians in the area or ad- governmental organizations settlement programme. ings of their meager earnings by tribal clashes of 1992, 1997 ministrators of all the regimes among other donors to come in Bett, who is the chairman of that they have engaged in for which took an ugly turn dur- that have been in power ever and assist them with tents and the ad hock committee formed the period they have been lead- ing 2007/2008 post election thought of addressing their other humanitarian assistance by Prime Minister Raila Odinga ing the miserable life. violence and have since lived plight, hence each of them had as they prepare to put up struc- to spearhead the resettlement pro- Wilson Siata Maika is the miserable lives that could not to fight tooth and nail to main- tures on the land. gramme, said the Government Group chairman “We first has secured more than 3,000 started contributing Ksh. 20 on acres of land to resettle the evict- a daily basis and later raised it ees. to Ksh. 60 that saw us buy one The minister said another acre piece of land, enabling us batch would be moved to The- salia farm in Ainamoi in Kericho to resettle 10 widows in Birun- County where the Government da area of Trans Nzoia West has acquired 600 acres of land for district.” their resettlement. Through their contribution At the same time, Bett who the Chairman says, the group was accompanied by Energy managed to raise the Ksh. 4.2 Assistant minister Margerer million that enabled us to ac- Langat hit out at a Cabinet min- quire the land after our mem- ister whom he did not name for bers especially the widows scheming to block the Rongai re- made more efforts to contribute settlement. and the government assisted us The leaders made the remarks in identifying the land”, chair- recently at Chemogoch Sec- man Siata said ondary School sports ground in The group secretary John Kunyak areas in Kipkelion Con- Barasa Nang’ole and Judith stituency after attending a church Mukhwana Wangasa the treas- service and inspecting roads in urer say that after resettling the the constituency. ten widows they became moti- “Some of our colleagues vated and intensified their con- (MPs) are said to be scheming tributions that saw each of them to frustrate the resettlement pro- contribute Ksh. 4000 hence gramme. They have vowed not to allow Mau evictees to be allo- managing to raise the money cated land in Majani Mingi,” he that they used to buy the Narok said. land. Bett described those behind After raising the contribu- the move as brutal, saying leaders tion, the Chairman continues, from the South Rift will ensure the group started to liaise with that the evictees are resettled. other groups of people with Recently, the premier an- similar plight hence started The group secretary John Barasa (left) addresses journalist on their rare achievement. nounced that the more than 5,000 working with a Nakuru based Photo/Malachi Motano families who were kicked out of Mau forest to pave way for the re- habilitation of the country’s water tower would be resettled as soon as possible. Other members of Red Cross in praise of Aids funding agency the committee include Home Af- fairs Assistant minister Beatrice By TITUS MAERO take HIV / Aids programmes. impact of the scourge among (GF) money. She named such Kones, Sotik MP Joyce Laboso Ngure said KRCS signed the sick people. measures as proper under- THE Kenya Red Cross Soci- and former Baringo Central MP US$ 4 Million funding with The official said the money standing of the GF proce- Gideon Moi. ety (KRCS) has lauded efforts the GF for a five year period is also used to increase access dures, reporting requirements, Recently, Bett said the reset- by the Global Fund (GF) to to be disbursed in two phases to HIV Testing and Control- Co-ordination, documenta- tlement has been a thorn in the support the fight against HIV/ to enable the largest humani- ling (HTC), procurement of tion and submission of field flesh, adding that some people Aids disease in Kenya. tarian organization in the ARVs, expanding services for reports. have been using it as a politi- According to KRCS Pro- country undertake its HIV / the Prevention of Mother to “So far KRCS has pro- cal weapon at the expense of the gramme coordinator Miriam Aids activities country wide. Child Transmission (PMTCT) cured 80 Million HIV/Aids families. Ngure, a total of 170,000 “The Global Fund (GF) and provision of services testing kits,” She observed “We will stand firm by our patients suffering from HIV / Round 10 for HIV / Aids pro- for most at risk population adding that areas with high people kicked out of their farms Aids scourge have been put on grammes has been anchored (MARPs) including Commer- cases of Aids infection in- in Mau forest and fight to see Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) drugs in the Kenya National Aids cial Sex Workers (CSWs). clude Nyanza which has 13 that they are resettled before next through KRCS programmes Strategic Plan (KNASP) of She said that KRCS has per cent, Nairobi (7 per cent) year’s General Election and we with support from the Global 2010-2012 which seeks to come up with a programme while the national prevalence want those politicizing the exer- Fund (GF) since its launch in deliver a HIV free society in that ensures participation rate is 6.3 per cent. cise to stop using them for their selfish political interests,” he said. the country in the year 2011,. Kenya by reducing new HIV with the Ministry of Medical Ngure said KRCS has been Speaking at the launch of He said the committee has infections,” She pointed out. Services (MMS) at Regional striving to ensure systems are identified several blocks of land the Global Fund (GF), round Ngure noted that the mon- and District level where meet- in place and maintained in or- 10 at the Kakamega Golf Ho- to be purchased by the Govern- ey from the Global Fund ings are held to evaluate the der to achieve the goals and ment for the evictees within Na- tel, Ngure said KRCS had (GF) also aims at improving HIV / Aids initiative. objectives of the programme signed a contract with GF kuru and Kericho counties, which the quality of life for those Ngure also said measures and appropriate managing have been assessed by the Min- Secretariat based in Geneva, infected and affected by the have been put in place to ad- and disbursement of funds Switzerland as a Non State istry of Agriculture for their suit- terminal disease and also to dress emerging challenges in and submission of monthly ability. Principal recipient to under- mitigate the social- economic the use of the Global Fund reports on funds expenditure. The Link, October 2012 22 FEATURE

government to ensure that all per- sons, including women seeking post abortion care or emergency Health sector Bill defies abortion services, receive neces- sary medical treatment. She says that the reference to “elective abortions” in section 6 constitutional requirements (1) as a form of family planning is vague and likely to cause confu- By FAITH MUIRURI sion as to the content of the law EVEN as Kenyans wait for reforms Another contrast in the Bill is in the health sector, it is emerging the provision that makes abortion that the Bill earmarked to steer the a notifiable condition which ordi- process runs contrary to the Consti- narily applies to cases of commu- tution and fails to capture the input nicable diseases in order to pre- of the public and other stakehold- vent outbreaks and public health ers. crisis. The health Bill empties all con- “Safe and legal termination of tents of input received from the pregnancy is not a communicable public and is not an accurate reflec- or infectious disease and does not tion of the demands that Kenyans require notification. This provi- made in terms of actualizing re- sion again reflects an intention to productive health rights including over regulate and restrict access to access to reproductive health care abortion services, in contravention services. of the Constitution’s guarantee of The Bill does not provide for access to abortion under certain the respect, protection and promo- conditions,” she adds. tion of reproductive health rights She says that trained health pro- and fails to place obligations on the fessionals can ensure proper record government to ensure that repro- keeping in their provision of serv- ductive health services are widely ices without a requirement that accessible, available, acceptable these services be notifiable. and of sufficient quality. Dr John Nyamu who is the Further, the Bill carries with it Executive Director Reproductive provisions that are unconstitutional Health Services (RHS) says that and therefore open to challenge be- the inclusion of abortion in the bill fore the High Court. is an affront to Article 26 (4) of the According to Prof Joseph Ka- Constitution and undermines ac- ranja of University of Nairobi, the cess to safe abortion. Bill is likely to be unconstitutional A section of doctors on strike. Below: Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, minister for Medical Services. Dr Nyamu calls for a review and above all shoddily done. of the Bill to reflect proposals by He cites the inclusion of abor- Constitution “The clause signals a clear in- stakeholders before it is too late. tion in the Bill which he says de- Prof Karanja says that this is in tention to restrict access to abortion “In its present form, the bill stands feats the very purpose for which contravention of Article 26 (4) of services under the law as there is the risk of being declared unconsti- the proposed law seeks to address. the Constitution which permits no other medical procedure in the tutional,” he adds. “The Bill seeks to consolidate abortion when in the opinion of a country that requires separate li- He urges for more public con- health laws, to provide for the trained health professional; there is censing for a particular procedure,” sultations and participation and regulation of health care service need for emergency treatment, or he laments. in particular engagement with the providers, to provide for establish- the life or health of the mother is in He says the provision as out- task force overseeing the bill to ment of national regulatory institu- danger or if permitted by any other lined in Article 26 (4) of the Con- help identify gaps and propose tions and coordinate relationships written law. stitution had inevitably sought to amendments for consideration by between the national and county He argues that termination of ensure meaningful access to the the various entities in the Consti- governments and thus the inclu- pregnancy is best handled in sepa- abortion procedure under the law tutional implementation legislation sion of abortion undermines the rate legislation or guidelines and by all women. making chain. broader and structural goals of the singles out the additional clause in The bill has also failed to make proposed law,” he explains during the constitution which stipulates explicit references to Article 43 (3) Deaths a media briefing organized by the abortion is legal “if permitted by of the Constitution which provides Unsafe abortion accounts for 2,600 Reproductive Health and Rights any other written law”. This clause a person shall not be denied emer- of maternal deaths both in public Alliance (RHRA) he says leaves open the possibility gency medical treatment. and private health institutions. He says that the Bill reflects a for further legislation but does not abortion in legislations outside of It is estimated that the govern- clear intent to restrict access to safe allow for a written law to further their penal codes. Emergency care ment spends Ksh 18 million annu- and legal abortion services, rather limit access to abortion. He further cites clause 6 of the Dr Carol Odula who is the chair- ally, in Post Abortion Care given to than create an enabling environ- Prof Karanja says the approach bill that requires medical practi- person of the Kenya Obstetri- women with complications arising ment as outlined in the Constitu- has been adopted by other coun- tioners to have a valid license from cal and Gynaecological Society from unsafe abortion by quacks or tion. tries such as South Africa, Zambia the recognized regulatory authori- (KOGS) says that this provision in an environment lacking minimal and Zimbambwe which address ties to carry out the procedure. places a strong obligation on the sanitary and medical standards.

By LUKE KAPCHANGA NYONGESA Sitati, 70, from Food insecurity increases sharply Matulo village of Webuye lo- cation who declined an offer Waswa, with five children, took But the farmers are still faced “I have received reports of – project for increased food by the government to supply the farm inputs, given by the with challenges among them the children caught stealing beans insecurity in his area. him with farm inputs at a sub- ministry of agriculture, but sold stealing of mature crops which and maize at night”, he said. The programme he says is sidized rate. them immediately. has forced them to harvest pre- He says the harvesting of good on paper, but the impact Sitati’s move was driven by These are among poor farm- mature crop, especially in Ma- premature crops by farmers will is yet to trickle down to farm- affect post harvesting preserva- fear that his small plot of land ers that the government targets tulo area in Bungoma County. ers. tion- which could lead to contin- will be auctioned, in case he through the Ministry of Agricul- Stories now abound where He explains that the imple- children as young as 5 children ued cycle of hunger. fails to repay the loan. ture under the National Agricul- mentation process has been are found stealing maize. The chief notes that most of “I cannot accept their offer tural Accelerated Input Access marred by confusion and cor- Webuye chief Misiko Barasa the families are large, with no for maize seed and fertilizer Programme (NAAIAP), every ruption as key stakeholders are affirms that the issue of food steady income, and thus major- because I may end up losing year. not involved in identifying the stealing by residents is very ity opts to steal from other peo- my land when I fail to pay for NAAIAP was initiated in beneficiaries. serious and set to contribute to ple’s farms in order to survive. them,” he protested in May 2007 and approximately Ksh- Extension officers at the poor harvest of mostly maize Barasa blames the poor im- this year. 18billion is channeled to 2.5 and beans. plementation of the NAAIAP His neighbor Joseph million farmers every year. Turn to Page 23 The Link, October 2012 23 FEATURE Food insecurity increases sharply From Page 22 in the Kenyan economy. Sitati and hundreds or thou- that they had promised the farm- “The National food security But the pace of progress sands of others like him in ers to collect the inputs, because situation is currently steady as Ministry of Agriculture, he slowed in the second half of the Bungoma County, are clear tar- they had not received the sup- harvesting has commenced in added “come with a prepared 1990s. Since then, population gets as households which re- plies. many parts of the country”, said list of beneficiaries who are not growth, degradation of natural quire access to sufficient food Eye witnesses claimed that a report by the ministry of agri- known to the administrators and resources, the changing global and good nutrition. the fertilizer had been loaded to culture. at times not poor themselves. climate and the political crisis of Yet from what they go trucks at night during the week- As this was being said, a vi- Food insecure families have early 2008 have all contributed through on a daily basis, it is not ends, something the manager ral mildew disease was reported not benefited from the NAAIAP to worsening poverty levels. clear how peasant farmers ben- refuted. in some parts of the country, as they are not selected for the Kenya’s long-term develop- efit from programmes run by the Norrine Atieno the depot which was said to have impact project. ment blueprint, Vision 2030, government. An analysis of their manager added, “ we have no on maize harvest. “Most farmers are mostly not was launched in 2008. It aims livelihood strategies provide a problem with the distribution as The country is likely to lose aware of this program which to create a “globally competitive clear understanding of how they farmers with vouchers are get- close to 200,000 bags of maize, seeks to improve their liveli- and prosperous country with a live and make a living. ting fertilizer,” she said then. out of the expected net surplus hoods and thus can hardly sup- high quality of life by 2030”. Joram Wekesa a retired civic She however maintained that of 9,867,760 bags at the end of port its implementation” says Vision 2030 is designed to leader accuses the extension of- they do not operate on week- the year. Barasa. guide the country towards meet- ficers of driving powerful vehi- ends, but she could not explain What concerns farmers now Evelyn Nakhungu, 54, a wid- ing the Millennium Develop- cles in villages while failing to the circumstances under which is whether the perpetual prob- ow with 12 children and grand ment Goals by 2015 and be- connect with the target groups. the 5,000 bags of fertilizer dis- lems they face year in year out, children is a case in point. yond, transforming Kenya into “I always see this vehicles appeared. will ever be presented to inter- She claims that she has never “a newly industrialized, middle- roaming around, and if you Morton Juma a human rights national forums the way they see received any assistance from income country”. asked me, what they are doing, I defender in Bungoma County them? the government, and she always Evidence shows that agri- cannot tell you”, he complained. accused agricultural officers at The AGRF forum, will bring plants maize seeds she prepares culture-led growth in Kenya is Wekesa noted that the imple- the district of colluding with together African Heads of State, locally with manure. more than twice as effective in menting agencies lack analytical traders to divert fertilizer meant ministers, private agribusiness “I prepare my own planting reducing poverty as growth led tools to increase understanding to benefit the poor farmers. firms, financial institutions, seeds with manure from cows, by industry. of complex interactions that de- Juma complains that whereas farmers, NGOs, civil society because I have no money to buy Since 1979, IFAD has invest- termine food security status at the agricultural officials divert organizations and scientists to farm inputs”, Nakhungu says. ed a total of US$214.5 million in different levels. the fertilizers, they are the same discuss and develop concrete This year her one acre plot 15 loan-financed programmes. During the planting season in people who compile reports investment plans for scaling up yielded 3 bags of maize, which Investments include US$18.0 the month of April, farmers in about the food situation in their agricultural development. she admits will not last up to million in grants under the Bel- Webuye failed to access subsi- respective areas. Notable guests will include December. gian Survival Global leaders and dized fertilizers provided by the As at July 31,2007, the food Bill & Melinda Gates Founda- She maintains that no exten- the African Green Revolution government. security situation analysis by the tion Co- Chair Melinda Gates, sion officer has ever paid a visit Forum (AGRF). The farmers complained of government was positive and IFAD President Dr. Kanayo to her home or told her about The AGRF 2012 has set the the bureaucratic process in- steady. Nwanze, among others. programs run by the govern- stage for African leaders to drive volved before they can access ment assist small scale farmers. the initiative by promoting in- the inputs, and the negative be- This is despite the fact that vestments and policy support to haviour of those in charge. the government has almost a increase agricultural productiv- At one time, they were told dozen programmes, funded by ity and income growth for Afri- on a Friday, to collect the ferti- ADVERTISING RATES International Food and Agricul- can farmers. lizer on Monday, and when they tural Development (IFAD). The forum will focus on un- turned up on Monday, they were Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories locking Africa’s agricultural told that the fertilizer had been This follows a reform proc- that matter - the stories that help people make decisions about ess set in motion in the 1980s, potential by empowering small- exhausted. funded by development partners holder farmers across the conti- Officials at the National cere- their education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their which led to significant changes nent. als and produce board, denied communities - reach them in a simplified but factual way.

How to Advertise Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the rest. These can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or in diskettes/CDs as well as hard copies.

Our advertising rates are as follows: Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000

Special Rates We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities programmes or services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or the Editorial Assistant.

The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365. You can also e­mail us at [email protected] or [email protected]. NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: Conservation agriculture technology for food security. Weather men have warned of possible continued Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). food insecurity in the country. The Link, October 2012 24 FARMING

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA woo more farmers to sell them the commodity thus making dairy DAIRY farmers in Central prov- farming a viable commercial ince last year earned Ksh 21 bil- Dairy farmers earn venture. lion from the sale of milk prod- “Further the increased usage ucts. of Artificial Insemination (AI) A livestock production annual in the region to improve dairy report from the region released by Ksh 21 billion in sales breeds has also resulted in good the Provincial Director of Live- returns for local farmers since the stock Production Mary Kanyi hawking in major urban centres. The PDLP attributed the in- prices owing to stiff competi- AI services are readily available further showed that the earnings Goat milk however sold for crease in milk production in the tion by different milk processors from private practitioners,” she were as a result of sale of 829.3 an average of Ksh 50 per litre. area to stabilization of market in the country who are trying to added. million litres of milk produced in However, inadequate fodder, the same period. unreliable rainfall, high cost of The improved earnings by the feeds for dairy animals and tick farmers marked an 11 per cent borne diseases remained a big increase from the previous year challenge to the sector in the re- where Ksh 18.9 billion was real- gion as the factors contributed to ized from dairy farming. a drastic reduction in milk pro- “Dairy goats, which are also duction and thus less earnings by becoming popular in the region farmers. due to diminishing land sizes and “Poor road infrastructure in ease in rearing, produced 11.5 the region also played a key role million litres of the total amount in depressing dairy earnings as of milk production,” said the re- considerable amounts of milk port. went to waste or sold at unfa- Noting that dairy farming was vourable prices since farmers currently the most important en- could not easily access lucrative terprise in the province, Kanyi markets in big towns such as Nai- attributed the improved earnings robi thus relying on middlemen to good weather conditions, im- who purchase the commodity at proved husbandry practices as a throw away prices due to its per- result of farmer trainings by her ishable nature,” the PDLP added. staff and stakeholders, upgrading Kanyi however noted that her of dairy cattle and improved mar- department, as a way of address- keting of milk produced. ing the challenges, had embarked The PDLP indicated in her re- on training farmers on silage and port that a litre of milk sold for hay making as well as prepara- an average of Ksh 25 with 56 per tion of homemade rations for the cent of the total milk sold through animals. formal markets such as dairy co- Farmers are also trained on operative societies and dairy self value addition of the dairy prod- help groups while the rest was ucts in order to fetch better mar- sold informally mainly through Dairy cows at a private ranch in Kieni West District of Nyeri County. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa ket prices. Poultry farming unexploited in Western Kenya By LUKE KAPCHANGA very affordable even to low income enous chicken were realized in 2011, earners, with average production per which amounted to Kshs.10.6million. MARY Muhonje has been running each chicken being about 40 – 100 Basing on the disruptive environ- Mama Sarah Hotel for almost 30 eggs per year. Each egg costs, 8-12 ment under which they operate, with years. The hotel is just a single build- Kenya shillings, with chicken meat lack of clear market information, the ing which has been extended to cater weighing 1.3 – 1.8 Kg for Kshs.500- income could spiral if support be- for more customers with one popular 600. Muhonje who has earned valu- comes consistent,” he adds. delicacy,” chicken”. Mama Sarah ho- able experience in the business says,” Reach The Children, is one organ- tel patched on the river banks of Nzoia Chicken is becoming expensive espe- ization which has exploited the op- River on the Nairobi- Kampala road, cially during festive seasons”. portunity to provide communities in within Webuye town, has a clientele of During holidays, and festive sea- Western Kenya with chickens. Under mostly drawn mainly from the work- sons, chicken prices shoot up, yet the chicken rearing program, a few in- ing class. It stands out among other eat- production of indigenous chickens dividuals are given five chickens each. ing joints in Western Kenya in the way is very low because of the genotype. The farmers then give out five chick- they specialize in preparing chicken Mr. Francis Lubumbu, the Livestock ens to the next group of beneficiaries and Ugali (mixed maize floor). extension officer for Bungoma East after they hatch. Beneficiaries have to Muhonje who runs the joint with district says farmers are to blame for belong to a group, with the ultimate other family members says that apart the low production in the sector. aim being that each member of the products”. He is of the opinion that, in- volves commercialization. from the unique way of preparing Currently he laments that the group is to benefit from the program. come from chicken rearing is enough Farmers need to understand the food, they only cook indigenous chickens are reared using indigenous The advantages of the program is only when farmers supplement their importance of providing better hous- chicken. “Our local chicken meal is knowledge leaving the birds on their that chicken rearing plays a big role income with other sources. ing for their chickens and adequate very delicious, and this is the reason own, to scavenge for food during the in poverty eradication at the commu- Most of the people he adds prac- infrastructure and veterinary services. why our customers come back to taste day, in addition to keeping them in nity level, opens opportunity for self- tice mixed farming, which means that They also have to acquire basic it again,” she says. They are never very poor environment. employment, as beneficiaries become they keep several animals and plant training and experience in broiler/ short of the supply of indigenous The chicken mainly feed on in- self- reliant and responsible people. crops besides chicken farming. layer keeping, management of poul- chicken, because they are sourced sects, grass, vegetation, scattered The organisation says the project Lubumbu on his part has reserva- try diseases, prevention and control from local farmers, who breed them seeds either from maize, millet or has reduced cases of social ills, espe- tion on the project, saying, “We meet and marketing. Cost implications of using locally available resources. sorghum, with owners hardly paying cially theft, because members of the this people in conferences where they facilities also can affect as they have Poultry farmers in Western Kenya attention to the feeding program, he community join groups for benefit. claim to be reaching out to farmers, to identify immediate requirements of pay special attention when it comes to says. Indigenous chicken production Beneficiaries now lead quality life yet they do not have any measurable poultry farming, long term expansion chicken farming which serves as a sta- in Kenya is a lucrative investment, but for and are able to produce organic indicator of their impact”, he com- plans and contacting relevant suppli- ple delicacy for the residents and thus its potential has not been fully exploit- food and earn income. The project has plains. He says key players in the ers on time. Lubumbu at the same the market is readily available. ed both by farmers and policy makers. helped to promote harmony among promotion of improved chicken pro- times calls on key players to assist Indigenous chicken farming in Farmers only increase production the members who interact in group duction have to develop a meaningful small scale famers to get the require- Kenya dominates poultry farming in during the months of May and June meetings and share farm inputs in a working relationship. ments for poultry farming at cheaper the country, with an estimated 90per- when there is plenty of food. “In the rotational manner. Phillip Akondo, He admits that as much as donors rates. The middlemen he says, de- cent of the population keeping small periods of May through to March, a member of SHIEBU community fund such organizations, the impact moralizes farmers, as they deliver flocks. Commercialization of poultry when there is plenty of food for ma- based organization is a beneficiary is very little and requires government feeds, incubators or any equipment’s farming in rural Kenya is likely to un- jority of the households, grains are of the program. Reach The Children intervention. The greater problem, at higher prices and buy the chicken at lock poverty that is synonymous with cheaply available, with kitchen lefto- gave his group 100 chicken in 2008, Lubumbu laments is when it comes lower prices, in effect robbing them. most households. This type of farm- vers, and thus chicken population do which were given to 20 families. to implementation of such projects, He admits that there is need to en- ing is very flexible and requires very increase”, he explained. Akondo says,” people earn a bet- without measurable indicators to jus- courage and facilitate capacity build- little space besides the readily avail- The production trend of poultry in ter living as they increase the number tify the funding. Poultry farming at ing among farmers organizations to able market. Bungoma East district indicates that of chicken they own and find a bigger large requires skills and knowledge, take up regulatory roles, which should The prices of eggs and chicken are estimated 1.6million eggs of indig- market for the sale of their chicken for it to be undertaken, where it in- include inspection and quality. The Link, October 2012 FARMING 25 Food prices NIB funds Sisenye irrigation spike as By NYAKWAR ODAWO livestock ones THE National Irrigation Board has earmarked a total of Ksh80 million to scheme in Bunyala dip in Mbeere oversee the construction of Sisenye Ir- By PETER MUTUKU rigation Scheme in Bunyala. The project seeks to harness the FOOD prices have gone up in waters of Lake Victoria in order to Mbeere North and Mbeere South promote farming activities in the re- districts due to poor harvest during gion. the last season. Addressing stakeholders at Sis- Livestock prices on the other enye village after the official launch hand are going down due to influx of the project recently, a senior official of cattle from the neighbouring dis- from the National Irrigation Board, tricts with the price of a three year old bull selling at Ksh9, 000 com- Daniel Atula who represented the pared to Sh10, 300 in June. General Manager, Eng Daniel Baraza Cattle prices within mixed farm- said the project is a great relief to the ing zones are highest with an aver- people of Sisenye and Budalangi at age of Ksh11, 500 while marginal large. mixed livelihood zones have the “The project when completed will lowest prices of Ksh7, 500. go a long way in ensuring the avail- The District Steering Group ability of adequate food both for local (DSG) attributes the high prices in consumption and marketing hence mixed livelihood zones to the good generating a lot of income to the local body condition of cattle in the re- community,” said the regional man- gions. Goat prices at the Ishiara and ager, adding that the project is long Siakago markets have remained overdue. He said Bunyala district constant since June with a medium is the first district nationally to draw size goat being going at Ksh2, 900. water directly from Lake Victoria for An assessment done by the irrigation. DSG shows that the food prices are The project component include increasing by a shilling each month the installation of four water pumps and that the prices might escalate. with a capacity of 300 litres each, the A kilogram of maize has in- construction of a 1.2kilometre main creased from Ksh40.5 last month to Ksh41.5 as the demand for the and branch pipeline, the construction grain increases against a shortage and lining of a 4.75kilometre main in supply. secondary canals and the construc- The highest prices are being ex- tion of water control and distribution Irrigation scheme: A total of Ksh80 million is earmarked to oversee the construction of Sisenye Irrigation Scheme in Bunyala. Photo/File perienced in Gachoka and Siakago structures. divisions where a kilogram is sell- The project will cover an area of Nzoia. tion of a small rice milling plant. fice at the CDF offices where they will ing at Ksh43 while Mwea Division 600hectares and will serve a hundred “The irrigation project will em- He urged the residents of Buda- be able to process the loan application has the lowest prices at Ksh38 per household with an average farm area power the people of Budalangi to be langi especially the farmers to form forms from rice farmers. kilogram. The DSG says that a of 2.5hectares. self reliant in food production and and register their groups so that they “The CDF committee has agreed kilogram of maize normally sells at The board’s regional manager in also save them from perennial flood- can be able to apply for loan facilities to give us an office at the Budalangi Ksh28 in August after the farmers charge of Western Province Laban ing from River Nzoia,” he said, add- to promote farming activities in the CDF premises from where we can have harvested their grains. Kiplagat on his part said the board’s ing that it will address high level of region. receive and process loan application Gachoka division has the high- main objective is to ensure the region poverty in the area. “I am surprised to note that no forms from rice farmers in the area,” est prices with a kilogram selling becomes food secure by 2030. The area MP at the same time said farmer from the entire Bunyala district said Messo, adding that rice farmers at Ksh76 while the same is selling We want to ensure there is ad- Agricultural Finance Corporation will has applied for loan from the Agricul- and other traders should take advan- at Ksh65 at Evurore division. The equate food in the region by 2030,” open a branch office at Port Victoria tural Finance Corporation. There is no tage of the gesture and apply for loan. beans sell at Ksh63 after harvest said the regional officer, adding that with the aim of helping the farmers to need at all to fear taking loan because The area Member of Parliament during normal years. western province has a lot of potential. acquire loan facilities that will enable no development can take place with- lauded the agricultural finance corpo- Greens grams are fetching the He however assured the residents them to actively participate in farming out a loan,” said managing director, ration for agreeing to open a branch highest price of Ksh60 per kilogram of Sisenye that the project will not in- in Gachoka division while and the activities. adding that those who own big busi- office at Port Victoria town that will lowest is Ksh30 in Evurore. Sor- terfere with any human settlement. Addressing stakeholders as well nesses have succeeded due to the loan serve farmers and other traders from ghum prices have gone up by Ksh The area Member of Parliament as local leaders at the same function, they had taken from financial institu- the entire Busia County. 2 retailing at Ksh40 from Ksh38 per Ababu Namwamba who launched the the Managing Director of Agricultural tions. The legislator however appealed kilogram last month. “The increase project officially on his part lauded the Finance Corporation Lucas Messo He added that Budalangi has the to rice farmers who benefit from the in sorghum prices is attributed to board for funding the project which said the corporation is ready to work potential to feed the entire Western loans to repay them promptly to en- poor harvest of the crop experi- was initiated 31 years ago by the closely with rice farmers in the area Province due to its proximity to River able them benefit from more loan fa- enced within the District. Gachoka former area MP the late Peter Haben- to help address food insecurity hence Nzoia where water can be sourced for cilities to promote rice farming. and Mwea Divisions have the high- ga Okondo but never saw light of day. making them self-reliant. irrigation. “I am appealing to you to create est prices with a kilo of sorghum Ababu added that the project will Messo said Agricultural Finance The Managing Director at the same a bridge of trust between you and the selling at Ksh41 per kilogram,” help transform people’s livelihoods in Corporation will give rice farmers time said Budalangi Constituency De- agricultural finance corporation so reads part of the report. The prices Bunyala who he noted have suffered a from Bunyala District a total of Ksh- velopment Fund (CDF) committee that the corporation can continue to are the lowest in Evurore where lot due to perennial flooding of River 10million loan to aid in the construc- has agreed to provide them with an of- provide you with loan,’ said Ababu. they are selling Ksh36. Income from crop sales howev- er increased by two percent from 11 to 13 per cent which has been attrib- uted to the impressive sales of green AFC to fund new rice milling plant in Bunyala grams which is a major cash crop the farmers to form and register their irrigation. The managing director at breaking ceremony for the grain depot in the area. The income is however By NYAKWAR ODAWO lower than in normal years where it groups so that they can be able to ap- the same time said Budalangi Con- lauded the agricultural finance corpo- accounts to 25 per cent of the total AGRICULTURAL Finance Corpora- ply for loan facilities to promote farm- stituency Development Fund [CDF] ration for agreeing to open a branch tion has pledged to give rice farmers household income. Livestock in- ing activities in the region. committee has agreed to provide them office at Port Victoria town that will come has not varied in two months from Bunyala District a total of Ksh- “I am surprised to note that no with an office at the CDF offices in serve farmers and other traders from 10million loan to facilitate the con- and it is accounting for two per cent farmer from the entire Bunyala district Budalangi where they will be able the entire Busia County. of household income. struction of a small rice milling plant. has taken loan from the Agricultural to process the loan application forms The legislator however appealed Addressing stakeholders as well Casual labour which has been Finance Corporation. There is no need from rice farmers. to rice farmers who will be given loan the main source of income in the as local leaders at Bumadeya after the at all to fear taking loan because no “The CDF committee has agreed to support the corporation by repaying two districts fell to 58 per cent of official launch of the construction of development can take place without to give us an office at the Budalangi the loan promptly in order to give the all household incomes compared to a grain store in Bunyala recently, the loan,” said managing director, add- CDF premises from where we shall corporation the impetus to continue last month when it stood at 68 per Managing Director of Agricultural Fi- ing that those who own big businesses be receiving and processing loan ap- giving them more loan facilities to cent. nance Corporation Lucas Messo said have succeeded due to the loans they plication forms from rice farmers in promote rice farming. “The decline in casual labour in- the corporation is ready to work close- had taken from financial institutions. the area,” said Messo, adding that rice “I am appealing to you to create come is attributed to the poor or low ly with rice farmers in the area to help He added that Budalangi had the farmers and other traders should take a bridge of trust between you and the harvesting experienced in the dis- address food insecurity hence mak- potential of feeding the entire western advantage of the gesture and apply Agricultural Finance Corporation so tricts. In a normal year the income ing them self-reliant. Messo urged province due to its proximity to River for loan. The area Member of Parlia- that the corporation can continue to accounts for 70 per cent,” says the the residents of Budalangi especially Nzoia where water can be sourced for ment who also attended the ground provide you with loan,’ said Ababu. group. The Link, October 2012 26 FARMING Water projects Nyeri institute set to provides reprieve to start dairy farming Kieni farmers By LINK CORRESPONDENT By JOSEPH MUKUBWA RESIDENTS of Kieni East Dis- trict are all smiles following the NYERI District Institute on completion of Ksh11.3 million early childhood teachers plans irrigation project, which now to start dairy farming busi- supplies them with piped water ness. for irrigation and domestic pur- The college based in Oth- poses. aya town will start keeping The residents of Thirigitu lo- dairy animals for commercial cation have access to water all purposes. year round following the con- Speaking during the 25th struction of water tank within graduation ceremony held at the project area with capacity to Approved School grounds in hold 225,000 litres of water. Othaya town, the college pro- However, the residents want the government to construct a gramme officer S.K. Kimani dam across River Nairobi to pro- said the institute also plans vide them with enough water for to engage in poultry and pig irrigation. rearing. Ngogithi water project chair- He said the institute is plan- man Yustus Matu asked the gov- ning to expand and will hence ernment to construct a water seek allotment of the adjacent storage facility at the River Nai- land next to the centre from robi to ensure sustainability of the Nyeri County Council. the venture. “The institute will start a “The government should con- kitchen garden to help cut on struct mega dams to harvest rain food costs and direct resources water so that we can continue ir- to areas that require attention. rigating our farms during the dry We shall also develop recrea- weather,” he said. tional activities for sports and Farmers also want the project athletics,” he added. commercialized by distributing Other proposed projects water to neighboring sub loca- include the start of internet, tions to earn them income. “We Some of the granduands during the 25th Nyeri Diocese graduation ceremony in Othaya. now irrigate our farms and this printing and photocopy serv- Photo/Joseph Mukubwa ices and the income will assist has improved food and pasture in maintaining the machines materials and municipal rates. awarded with certificates and cessfully trained pre - school security and we now sell our sur- To reduce these expenses diplomas. teachers for the last 25 years plus food to the local market,” and buying raw materials for said Zavelia Gachambi. the institute. on the above, the institute Nyeri South DEO Jackson and over 5,000 teachers have been awarded certificates in They said they need more wa- “We spend a lot of money will start income generating Kaberia was the chief guest ter for fish farming where the 20 on salaries for non-teaching projects,” he said. during the occasion. Early Childhood Education from the ministry of Educa- members of Mathina Cross Sec- staff, maintenance and water During the graduation cer- The institute which was tion Self-help group have set a bills, consumables, teaching emony, 135 granduads were started 25 years ago has suc- tion and KNEC. pond as a pilot project. The Safaricom founda- tion and ActionAid funded the project to the tune of Ksh8.1 and Ksh2 million respectively Western leaders protest over rampant cane poaching with the Nyeri constituency de- velopment Fund and municipal By NYAKWAR ODAWO “We are very much aware completely paralyze its opera- required heavy investments in council giving less than a mil- that out of the three compa- tions. It will not be business sugarcane development to in- lion each. LEADERS from Western prov- nies whose sugarcane is being as usual for West Kenya Sugar crease production. “A few years ago there was ince are up in arms against West poached, Mumias Sugar Com- Company,” said the leaders, “If West Kenya Sugar Com- sheer poverty in this dry area Kenya Sugar Company over its pany is being targeted delib- adding that cane farmers in the pany is serious in investing in which had been forgotten be- alleged involvement in sugar- erately to ensure its collapse region have invested heavily sugarcane, why has it failed cause it is in the middle of a pro- cane poaching in the region. despite the fact it is the only in cane farming as their only to invest in cane development ductive region,” said ActionAid The leaders say the vice has successful sugar company in source livelihood. in this area instead of poach- head of programs Evelyn Samba. triggered widespread anger the country since its inception The leaders at the same time ing cane belonging to Mumias She called on the government among local residents who re- in 1976.” said the leaders. warned that they will paralyze Sugar Company?,” he asked. to come up with a comprehen- cently gave the government a “We are not going to sit down West Kenya Sugar company’s Hundreds of Busia county resi- sive way of resolving food secu- seven day ultimatum to resolve and watch as strong companies weighbridge based at Tanga- dents recently staged peace- rity saying that it should look for the crisis. like Mumias Sugar, Nzoia Sug- kona in Nambale which they ful demonstrations to protest right investments to change the The leaders led by Orange ar, Pan Paper Mills in Webuye alleged is playing key role in against cane poaching. They lives of the poor. Democratic Movement youth and Butali sugar companies col- poaching cane from farmers were attacked by hired goons About 300 households ben- leader, Rashid Mohammed, say lapse due to cane poaching by who had been contracted to sup- armed with crude weapons as efited from the project and they that the sugar industry is faced West Kenya Sugar Company,” ply their cane to Mumias Sugar police stood watching without are able to access clean piped with imminent collapse unless said Mohammed. Company. “Unless West Kenya intervening. water for domestic use. “We the government intervenes to The leaders from Kakamega, Sugar Company ceases to poach Following the incident Bara- have been able to access quality stop West Kenya from poach- water at our doorsteps in the last Busia and Bungoma Counties our cane, we will have no alter- sa escaped death narrowly when one year and we do not have to ing sugarcane belonging to the had earlier given West Kenya native but to paralyze the com- his hotel room was attacked at farmers who had been contract- travel long distances in search of Sugar a notice to stop cane pany’s weighbridge based at night by unknown people be- water,” said Ms Gachambi. ed by other sugar companies in poaching or else they would Tangakona completely which lieved to have been hired to kill The farmers have been able the region. mobilize people from the entire they use to poach our cane,” him but fortunately the attack- to convert the once dry region The leaders said cane poach- province to destabilize its op- they warned. ers missed him since he was into an agriculturally productive ing has completely crippled in- erations in the area. Western Development Initia- not in his hotel room at the time zone where they grow various vestments in cane development “We are not only going tive Association Vice Chairman of the attack. However, police kinds of foodstuffs. in the province since most sugar to block these key transport Joseph Barasa said Busia Coun- confirmed the incident saying Ms Gachambi said cases of companies are now unwilling to routes, but we are also going to ty alone has about 15,000 hec- they had already launched in- domestic violence have gone invest in sugarcane develop- block any entry or exit points tares of viable land that is not vestigations to arrest those be- down due to economic empow- ment. to its factory. We are going to yet under cane which he noted hind the attack. erment through agriculture. The Link, October 2012 FARMING 27 ASALs targeted for large scale farming By HENRY OWINO THE best way to ensure food security in the country is to have more farmers in rural areas en- gage in large scale, mechanized agriculture and to promote re- silience to drought in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). This could be achieved through application of modern farming technologies to supple- ment the production of crops that greatly rely on rainfall with emphasis on crops that can withstand prolonged periods of dry spells. Agriculture PS Romano Ki- ome cautioned that relying on relief food is counterproductive and leads to food insecurity and hunger. Kiome said in Kenya, most farming activities take place in the rural areas especially Rift Valley and Western regions with majority of the farmers depending on rain-fed system of agriculture. He explained that in dry areas such as parts of Eastern and North Eastern provinces, agriculture is seen as impossible and the residents are left to depend on relief foods Maize plantation: To ensure food security in the country is to have more farmers in rural areas engage in large scale. from government, well wishers and donors. financial year with a budget Partners within the framework said. Agriculture is the economic The PS made the remarks of Euro 11million,” Kiome re- of Agricultural Sector Devel- The Minister revealed that backbone of the country and at the KARI, Kiboko Station vealed. opment Strategy (ASDS)”, the the project is being imple- dryland farming and pastoral- in Makueni County during the The project activities are Minister explained. mented jointly by Ministry of ism both have much to offer. launch of the Kenya Rural De- a continuation of the former Hon Elmi revealed that the Agriculture, Ministry of Live- He however noted that arid are- velopment Programme in the European Commission project European Union has funded stock Development, Ministry as lag behind compared to other region under the Ministry of which is jointly funded by the KRDP to the tune of 66 million of State for Development of parts of the country due to lack Northern Kenya and Arid re- Government and the European Euros for projects set for im- Northern Kenya and other Arid of basic building blocks for the gions. This initiative seeks to Union under the Kenya Ru- plementation over the next four Lands, in conjunction with na- drought affected communities. revive the drought management ral Development Programme years thus 2012-2016. tional organizations such as “If there are no roads, pas- initiative which is also instru- (KRDP) ASAL Agricultural “I would like to thank the Kenya Agricultural Research toralists cannot bring their live- mental in ensuring food secu- Productivity Research Project delegation for attending the Institute, Coffee Research stock to market in a healthy rity in the country. (APRP). launch and the funds provided Foundation and international condition. Again if there is no Kiome stated that today The project is also support- by European Union to our in- organizations such as Food literacy, farmers cannot make things are changing and it is ing the institutional building stitutions to expand agriculture and Agriculture Organization best use of the training or credit surprising to see places like of the National Drought Man- sector. I believe in Kenyan’s and International Livestock on offer and if there is no peace, Turkana leading in irrigated agement Authority (NDMA), growth and development, as Research Institute. nothing will flourish,” the Min- food production and other dry which was established under outlined in Vision 2030,” Elmi Hon Elmi emphasized that ister noted. areas which were perceived as the State Corporations Act Cap dependant of relief food. 446 in November 2011. # “Depending on relief foods The NDMA is therefore re- cannot sustain any population sponsible for general super- The SUBSCRIPTION FORM but continues to hamper the vision and coordination over economy of a country as gov- matters relating to drought LinkEnhancing governance for all ernment spends thousands of management. It will be the its resources to feed its people,” principal instrument of gov- Romano advised adding that ernment in the implementation the resources could be chan- of policies relating to drought Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months neled towards the development management. dating from ...... to...... of infrastructure to ease trans- According to Mohamed portation of agricultural prod- Elmi, the Minister for North- I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… ucts, training of more agricul- ern Kenya and Arid regions, tural extension officers among the overall objective of the Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... others,” he added. KRDP will be to contribute to He said that the European improved food security in Ken- Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… Union under the Kenya Ru- ya, with the purpose being, to ral Development Programme increase productivity and effi- Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... (KRDP) plans to support Ken- ciency of food systems. yan farmers through the Minis- He added that the results (Attached, please find money order No ...... try of State for Development of will be built on lessons learnt Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. Northern Kenya and other Arid from previous projects and will Lands (MDNKOAL). integrate specific actions aimed Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... “The main aim of this project at increasing the connection of is to strengthen agricultural in- farmers to commercial serv- Back issues No/Months: ...... stitutions’ capacity to manage ices. crops grown in drought stricken “The KRDP is an agricultural Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- areas and improve food securi- sector-wide programme which ty and livelihoods in the ASAL will complement and integrate Institute for Civic Affairs and Development regions. The programme was into other actions financed by P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi rolled out during the 2011/2012 Government and Development The Link, October 2012 28 REGIONAL NEWS Toxic chemicals threat to health, enviornment By HENRY OWINO ricultural productivity, contamina- tion of food crops grown on pol- THE emission of toxic chemicals luted soil, adverse effects on soil into the environment continues to microorganisms, and human expo- affect the atmosphere, water, soil sure either through food or through and wildlife. direct exposure to contaminated Chemical released to the air soil or dust. can act as air pollutants as well as Persistent and bio-accumulative greenhouse gases which deplete chemicals are found as widespread the ozone layer and contribute to contaminants in wildlife, especial- acid rain formation. Chemicals ly those that are high in the food can contaminate water resources chain. Some of these chemicals through direct discharges to water cause cancers, leads to a dysfunc- bodies, or via deposition of air con- tional immune system and repro- taminants to water. ductive disorders in wildlife. This contamination can have These sentiments were made by adverse effects on aquatic organ- Moukaila Goumandakoye, the Di- isms, including fish, and on the rector, UNEP Regional Office for availability of water resources for Africa during the United Nations drinking, bathing and other activi- Environment Programme Confer- ties. ence held at UN headquarters in Dumping of waste, spills from Nairobi, Kenya. industrial or waste facilities, min- Mr. Moukaila pointed out that ing activities, contaminated water, Dioxins and polychlorinated bi- or pesticides can lead to soil pol- phenyls (PCBs) are among the lution. This in turn causes loss of ag- Turn to Page 30 Hip of garbage in one of the dumping sites in Nairobi. Suspicion rife ahead of the Elections By FAITH MUIRURI however forced to seek refuge at the nearby police station until calm was MARCH 4, 2013 offers another ex- restored in the area. citing opportunity for Kenyans to The peace crusader says that all exercise their democratic rights by his relatives who were residing in casting their votes to pick new crop Ng’arua forest lost everything during of leaders. the violence. “They were rendered But for Pastor Sammy Mbugua, homeless after their houses were flat- it is a cause for worry because most tened at the height of skirmishes,” he political contests in the country have adds. culminated in violence, which leave Moved by their plight, he started behind a trail of deaths and destruc- mobilizing resources from well wish- tion of property. ers to help people who had been eject- Most notably, the disputed 2007 ed from their farms. presidential elections led to two months of widespread violence dur- Breakthrough ing which approximately 1,000 Ken- “I found myself offering psychosocial yans died and 350,000 were internal- support to people who had lost their ly displaced. These two months also relatives and children missing as they dispelled the long-standing image of fled from the volatile area. Kenya as a bastion of stability in a re- This served as a platform to hone gional sea of volatility. my skills as a peace crusader, which Pastor Mbugua who is currently culminated in the formation of peace engaged in peace initiatives under the committees. “The counseling ses- Shalom Relief Organization in Uasin sions served as my stepping stone and Gishu County says that suspicion still Post election violence: Kenyans should exercise their democratic rights by casting their votes to pick I played a critical role in the formation remains rife in hotspot areas as com- new leaders. Photo/File of peace committees which helped munities rush to lay their stake ahead to end hostilities in the area,” he ex- of the elections. Gaps integrated in the community. to eliminate specific candidates from plains. Under the peace committees, The cleric cites unresolved his- He further says that the Government “There is feeling that the govern- the presidential election. “These the affected people were urged to for- torical injustices among factors that has not been very keen on peace ini- ment has imported IDPS from outside seeds of discontent, if not carefully get the past, forgive their neighbours are likely to revolt into conflict ahead tiatives at the grasrroot level and has the County to come and occupy their managed, could erupt into violence,” and soldier on. of the elections. He says that the war- concentrated mainly on conflict man- farms,” he reveals adding that much he explains. He was also instrumental to the ring communities have continued agement and failed to incorporate a more work and support for victims is Insecurity, he notes, also presents formation of Kalenjin Council of to grapple with the question of land scenario where they ensure people needed as many of the IDPs remain in a challenge. “Some prominent peo- Elders chaired by Major John Seii and injustices, inequitable distribution of live harmoniously. temporary camps. ple in the County have been victims the Kikuyu Elders for Peace Initiative resources and devolution. “People have not integrated well,” of criminal attacks with some being led by Albert Githuka which helped “At the moment, devolution he says adding that perpetrators of Conflict triggers killed in what police have termed as to reconcile the warring communities. presents a major challenge with many crimes committed during the The International Criminal Court’s acts of thuggery but which in some dominant communities insisting that 2007 Post Election Violence (PEV) (ICC) interventions are also bound to quotas have taken an ethnic inclina- Resettlement they will not allow minorities to vie have not been brought to account. In- trigger conflict in the area. Two of the tion. Pastor Mbugua also played a perti- for leadership positions,” he explains deed, a recent Human Rights Watch four Kenyans charged with responsi- nent role in prevailing upon the resi- during a National Conference on report indicated that only two con- bility for the PEV are presidential as- Clashes dents to go back to their farms during peaceful elections held at the Bomas victions have resulted from the more pirants and come from ethnic groups Pastor Mbugua recounts that in 1992 the government sponsored “Opera- of Kenya recently. than 1,000 killings committed during that have dominated this highest of- he was uprooted from his farm just tion Rudi Nyumbani” in 2008. He says that although leaders in the PEV. fice – Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy Prime two months before the elections. “I “With support from IOM, USAID Nakuru County have agreed to share He says the resettlement of Inter- Minister and son of Kenya’s first lost everything during the 1992 land and Red Cross we encouraged people positions amongst all ethnic commu- nally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has President, and a former Cabinet min- clashes in Rift Valley. Our houses to go back to their farms. This led to nities represented in the area, their been chacterised by corruption and a ister, William Ruto. were burnt and property destroyed,” secession of hostilities and people counterparts in Uasin Gishu County general lack of transparency. He says Pastor Mbugua says that the ICC’s he adds. eventually started interacting and are still engrained in political postur- the Kalenjin community feels that the intervention has become highly politi- During the 2007 he says he was agreed to go back to their farms de- ing with clear indications to lock out exercise only favoured their rivals cised, with some local leaders term- lucky that he had relocated to Huruma spite earlier resistant. minority tribes. while they were left out in compensa- ing the prosecutions as attacks on estate in Eldoret East Constituency He currently seats as a member of tion packages because they had been their own communities, and attempts when the violence erupted. “I was the County Peace Committee. The Link, October 2012 29 REGIONAL NEWS

By BOB OMBATI KISII level five Medical super- Kisii records high fistula cases Hawkers intendents, Dr. Geoffrey Otomu has decried the high rates of Otomu, who was flanked by He said the facility has em- and Kisii level five hospital for arrested fistula disease among women Amref’s team leader, Dr. Khisa braced a five year strategic plan the treatment, adding that it had in the region, saying that major- Wakasiaka said that the hos- that is estimated to cost of Ksh. restored her dignity and confi- ity arise from complications at pital had intensified screening 0.9 billion. Among activities dence in life. for flouting childbirth. for cervical, breast and prostate earmarked during the five years Norah Nyaboke, an orphan He says that 100 percent of cancer to help in early detection include awareness campaigns aged 23 and a mother of three Public Health fistula cases were caused by and prompt intervention. on various diseases, treatment said she was diagnosed with the prolonged labour pains, stress- He challenged residents to and service delivery, noting condition after she gave birth to Act ing that the hospital manage- acquire the National Hospital that all stakeholders have been her third born child. Insurance Fund (NHIF) Cards brought on board. Nyaboke who hails from ment was collaborating with By PETER MUTUKU community health workers to to enable them enjoy subsidized Rebecca Wanjiku, aged 62 Nyamarambe in Kisii county create awareness to help reduce medical care in case they fall ill. was among the women who says she has had to contend with MORE than 20 hawkers have cases of fistula. “Pregnant women can get benefitted from the treatment. ridicule by her peers but she is been arrested for flouting a ban Dr Otomu notes that cases the NHIF Cards and deliver at She said she has been suffering now happy following the cor- to sell unchecked foodstuff in Embu town. of fistula were rampant because the hospital at a minimum cost. since 1967, adding she had bore rective surgery. It is risky to deliver at home 10 children and all died at birth Dr. Wakasiaka says that fistu- The hawkers were arrested in victims suffered silently, adding the streets where they had been that in some cases, women were since there are no experts to due to complications. la occurs when vaginal and sur- handle complications that may Wanjiku, a resident of Bu- rounding tissues are damaged at operating illegally and in unhy- chased away from their mat- gienic conditions. rimonial homes thus lowering arise at childbirth,” said Otomu. sia told The Link lauded Amref childbirth. The acting DC Daniel Obu- their dignity. do says the ban on selling un- The medical superintendent checked foodstuff within the at the same time urged women town still stands as it exposes to deliver in hospitals to enable residents to diseases. them access proper medication “The 22 hawkers were arrest- ed by public health officers for in case of complications that preparing and selling unchecked arise at childbirth. foodstuffs contrary to Caps 242 He says that some women and 252 of the public health shy away from hospitals and Act,” said the DC. prefer delivering at home in un- Mr Obudo said the vendors hygienic conditions citing pro- will be charged in court adding hibitive costs. that food hawking in the streets Otomu who spoke during a remains banned and that those free medical camp urged affect- selling it are contravening the ed women to seek early treat- law adding that they are not trained to handle food. ment to avoid complications. Residents have been com- He lauded Africa Medical plaining that hawkers sell Research Foundation (Amref) cooked rice packed in plastic pa- Medical team and the hospital’s per bags which they sell for as management for screening and little as Ksh10 adding that hotel treating the patients drawn from owners collude with the hawkers Western, Rift valley and Nyanza to sell their leftovers. regions, noting it had helped re- “The hawkers have been store the dignity of the women. getting leftover foodstuffs from The medical superintendent hotels, wrapping it in polythene bags and selling it to unsuspect- said the exercise was jointly ing residents,” said the DC. funded by the Foundation and The administrator said hawk- the Hospital to the tune Ksh. 0.5 ers must follow public health million, adding that since 2009, regulations when handling food over 200 patients had been treat- and any other eateries. ed and their dignity restored. A fistula patient in a hospital bed. The disease arise from complications at childbirth. Boiled egg sellers have been the most notorious and have been collecting rejected toma- toes from the market which they offer to their customers as Kachumbari after lacing it with Nema reads riots Act to towns over sewers pepper. The DC called on the resi- By LINK CORRESPONDENT nearby rivers because they are charging effluent into six ponds. environmental restoration after dents to be more careful when contaminated with raw sewage Mr Macharia said water and industrial poisoning takes a long buying foodstuff from peddlers THE environment watchdog has where the Karatina Water and sewerage companies that allow time. adding that the ministry will re- raised concern over the deplora- Sewerage Company discharges industries to discharge into their The Tana Water Services voke licenses of hotels that col- ble state of sewerage systems in raw waste. system can cause serious poi- Board recently said it has se- lude to sell their left over foods. major towns saying raw waste is Speaking to The Link on the soning when it ends up in farms. cured some cash to put up new “We will not allow this trade being discharged into the envi- sidelines of a meeting between Nema fines Ksh350, 000 to sewerage systems in some to continue as we fear it could ronment. Nema and water and sewerage companies that discharge indus- towns. The director said Eldoret lead to an outbreak of cholera or The National Environment providers from central region trial waste into the environment town which is expanding its in- typhoid as the foodstuffs are pre- Management Authority (Nema) but the director said the compa- pared in unhygienic conditions,” Mr Macharia said most com- frastructure has the best man- said Mr Obudo. says most towns do not have panies do not have waste dis- nies lack capacity to restore the aged sewerage system in the Food hawking has mush- proper sewerage systems and charge licenses. poisoned ecosystem. country. roomed in the town with ped- that residents are exposed to The environment watchdog He said Nema is conduct- “The water and sewerage dlers trading in boiled eggs, raw effluent. issues waste discharge licenses ing surveillance and warned companies must ensure they milk, yoghurt, samosas and The director in charge of en- to sewerage companies that companies that discharge their comply with the law and audit milk. vironment education and public clean their wastes in ponds be- waste into the environment of their old systems so that Nema Recently public health offic- awareness Ayub Macharia said fore discharging to the environ- prosecution. can understand how they are ers outlawed selling of milk in some towns do not have sewer- ment to avoid pollution. “If we or a member of the faring,” he said. plastic paper bags after traders age systems and others lack in- “We want the water compa- public decides to take to court a Companies wishing to in- started recycling the papers. frastructure. company discharging industrial The district public health of- nies to have a single discharge stall new sewerage systems are ficer said it was a recipe for com- “Some towns like Othaya do point and not scatter them to al- wastes into the environment, required to conduct an Environ- municable diseases adding that it not have sewerage infrastructure low us to monitor them,” said the said company will now be ment Impact Assessment first. would not be allowed. and residents are not connected the director adding that some forced to import experts on en- The environment watchdog The peddlers were also ac- to the system while others like towns use exhausters to pick the vironmental restoration because is meeting water service provid- cused of adding water to their Karatina pump the waste into wastes and pour it into farms. we do not have them in the ers from Central, Nairobi and milk hence fleecing unsuspect- rivers,” said Mr Macharia. The Nyeri Water and Sewer- country,” he said Eastern provinces this year after ing customers. Karatina residents have age Company’s is compensating Mr Macharia noted that the conducting similar meetings in Use of jerry cans to transport been complaining to Nema that fish farmers who suffered losses exercise would cost the com- Nyanza, Coast, Western, North the commodity was banned and they cannot use the water from pany a lot of money saying that the traders use aluminum jars after its sewerage pipe burst dis- and South Rift last year. which are easy to clean. The Link, October 2012 30 REGIONAL NEWS Clerics call for revival of Ufungamano Peace talks By HENRY OWINO Muslims and denounced any bad community who are the majority act, in fear that they may dragged “Religious leaders have their blood between the two religious residents. He added that the sus- to Hague as happened to the former rights too and can either accept or THE Inter-religious Council of groupings saying the past few con- pension of IDs did not auger well Police Commissioner Mohammed oppose proposals brought before Kenya (IRCK) wants the gov- flicts should not divide them. for Muslims community in the Ali. them. They are also Kenyans just ernment to reconvene the Ufun- According to Francis Kuria, the country and it might be the genesis “For instance most police of- like political leaders are Kenyans,” gamano initiative to discuss vi- acts violence must be dealt with of the Christians and Muslims con- ficers exercised restraint in Tana Gitari said. able options to restore peace in the urgently before we can even talk flicts in Garissa. Delta where innocent civilians The Archbishop supported the country. about the general elections. He said “Religious leaders should be were massacred together with eight idea of reviving the Ufungamano They said the first Ufungamano the country is likely to polarize as in the forefront of putting sanity policemen,” observed Mustafa. consultative meetings terming initiative bore much fruit and cited elections draw nearer and different in the country since 95 per cent of Arcbishop David M. Gitari them as proactive proceedings the promulgation of the constitu- ethnic groups mobilize support for the population is religious. Why said that the credibility of religious where different groups of people tion. their tribal chieftains. then should we witness such acts leaders has also come under scru- interact with each other. The religious leaders cautioned Kuria at the same time called of violence in the country?” Kuria tiny owing to the unpopular stand According Sheikh Ibrahim that if the violence being experi- on the government to lift the ban posed. they took during the 2010 Referen- Lethome, there is a breakdown in enced in some parts of the country on the issuance of national identifi- Mustafa Ali noted that there are dum on Constitution of Kenya. communication where religious is not contained now, it is likely to cation cards (IDs) in North Eastern some factual accounts of extra-ju- Archbishop Gitari said religious leaders appear to speak at each spill over to other regions during region by the Minister of Immigra- dicial killings by police and forced leaders are not regarded anymore other rather than speaking to each and after general elections. tion. disappearances during 2007/2008 adding that it is wrong to expect other as recommended. He sug- The religious leaders said that He says the move was seen as post election violence which now them to accept everything that is gested that there is a need to bring the country is likely to witness discrimination against the Muslim make the police force reluctant to proposed or suggested by the State. back the Ufungamano meetings conflicts as the highly anticipated and engage Prof Kibutha Kibwana, county governments take shape in Mutava Musyimi among others. different parts of the country. They Sheikh Lethome said as Mus- said some politicians are focusing lims leaders, they do talk to each on resources in their respective ar- other to understand what other reli- eas and thus are unhappy with the gions think about them and this has new boundaries created by Inde- helped to resolve several religious pendent Electoral and Boundaries disputes. Commission (IEBC). He underscored the need to The clerics further blame the revive Ufungamano peace talk violence in Tana Delta to incite- initiative before the next general ment by local leaders fighting for elections. supremacy over the county. “We need to bring back Ufun- The clerics expressed the senti- gamano and call it Ufungamano II ments at a consultative meeting in for peace and cohesion. It was dur- Nairobi where they met civil so- ing consultative meetings that we ciety leaders to gear up for peace managed to agree on contentious initiative ahead of 2013 general issues in the drafted this Constitu- elections and beyond. The aim of tion and today we have the second the meeting was to combine ef- best Constitution in the world af- forts and ideas that could lead to a ter the American one,” suggested lasting solution to peaceful Kenya Sheikh Lethome. now and beyond elections. Sheikh Abdullah Ali was man- Regions which have experi- dated with responsibility of coor- enced violence in the recent past dinating peace talks between Mus- include Mandera, Isiolo, Momba- lims and Christians. sa, Garissa and Tana Delta which Abdullah said that the clergy had a shocking sequential of at- must move swiftly to stem any tacks followed by massacres. religious conflicts and promote They refuted claims that the peaceful coexistence among their violence is between Christians and Archbishop Gitari Mr. Mutava Musyimi faithful. Toxic chemicals threat to health, enviornment From Page 28 fice for Africa. sures are rarely limited to a single posure to toxic chemicals and re- also slower to detoxify and excrete chemicals that have been taken to “Throughout the globe, atmos- chemical and very little informa- lated health effects. many environmental chemicals reduce the presence of these con- pheric air currents deliver chemi- tion is available on the health and The diseases include: increased and thus toxins may remain active taminants in the environment, oth- cals pollutants which originate environmental effects of chemical cancer rates in workers in electron- in their bodies for longer periods ers have taken their place. For ex- from sources some thousands of mixtures. ics facilities; high blood lead levels of time. ample, he explained while levels of kilometres away. As this chemi- Nevertheless, many of these among workers at lead-acid bat- Research has also made clear dioxins and PCBs in wildlife have cals intensity increases, the pros- chemicals in widespread use have tery manufacturing and recycling that the elderly are among those gradually decreased in most areas, pects for widespread and multifac- been associated with well-estab- plants; flame retardant exposures particularly susceptible to health levels of brominated flame retard- eted exposures of humans and the lished risks to human health and among workers in electronic waste effects from a range of chemical ants and perfluorinated compounds environment to chemicals of high the environment. For instance, recycling; mercury poisoning in contaminants. The research under- have increased. and unknown concern also arise,” exposure to toxic chemicals can small-scale gold miners; asbesto- taken recently in developed coun- “Some halogenated organic he said. cause or contribute to a broad sis among workers employed in tries has indeed led to some de- compounds have been identi- The Director, UNEP Regional range of health outcomes. asbestos mining and milling; and tailed information concerning the fied as Persistent Organic Pollut- Office for Africa observed that Some of these health hazards acute and chronic pesticide poi- presence of industrial chemicals in ants (POPs) under the Stockholm each chemicals intensification fac- include: eye, skin and respiratory soning among workers in agricul- the human body. Convention on Persistent Organic tor contributes to a small share of irritation; damage to vital body ture in many countries. While in Sudan especially cen- Pollutants,” Moukaila said. “For the environmental burden of each organs such as the brain, lungs, Individuals living in poverty tral Sudan, hospital and communi- instance; the first chemicals listed country and nation state. He cau- liver or kidneys; damage to the im- are particularly vulnerable, both ty-based control studies revealed a as POPs under the Stockholm Con- tioned if combined, these together mune, respiratory, cardiovascular, because their exposures may be consistent and significant two-fold vention were; aldrin, chlordane and can form an increasingly signifi- nervous, reproductive or endocrine particularly high, and because poor elevated risk of perinatal mortal- DDT among others. cant and complex overall mix of systems; and birth defects and nutrition and other risk factors can ity associated with pesticide expo- “I would like to let you know chemicals which were not present chronic diseases, such as cancer, increase susceptibility to the ef- sure. The risk was over three-fold that environmental effects of the fifty years ago. asthma, or diabetes. fects of toxic exposures. Due to among women engaged in farm- chemical intensification of the na- The conference noted that out The vulnerability and effects their size, children’s responses to ing. tional economies are further com- of the thousands of chemicals in of exposure are much greater for small doses of toxic chemicals are Study carried out in 2009 by pounded by the trans-boundary the market, only a fraction has been children, pregnant women and disproportionately large compared United States for Disease Control movement of chemicals through evaluated thoroughly to determine other vulnerable groups. Workers to adults. (CDC) found that of 212 chemicals air or water,” stated Mr. Moukaila, their effects on human health and in industries using chemicals are Because their metabolic path- studied, all were detected in some the Director, UNEP Regional Of- environment. Real life expo- especially vulnerable through ex- ways are immature, children are portion of the US population. The Link, October 2012 REGIONAL NEWS 31 Nyaga seeks cheap loans for Saccos cases of thugs raiding coffee factories Central Kenya ASK held at Kabiru-ini By JOSEPH MUKUBWA security forces to stamp out the vice where they have stolen coffee berries grounds in Nyeri County. which he said has led to loss of coffee worth millions of shillings from farms This year’s theme was ‘Enhancing COOPERATIVES Minister Joe worthy millions of shillings in the past Mungiki rise Nyaga has said that the Ministry of and parchment coffee ready for mill- Technology in Agriculture and Indus- one year. ing. try for Food Security and National Cooperative Development is seeking This comes in the wake of rampant instill fear in international donor agency to provide He was speaking during this year’s Growth.’ cheap financial lending to Saccos in matatu the country following high interest rates being charged by banks locally. operators He said that the Ministry has de- cided to seek support from donor By LINK CORRESPONDENT agencies to ensure that Saccos access MATATU operators in Nyeri town credit at low interest rates for onward have expressed fears over the re- lending to members. surgence of the outlawed Mungiki “The Cooperatives Ministry will sect. The operators are now calling hold an international financial lending upon the police to protect them next month which is geared towards from the sect members after they convincing the donor to lend money to started taking over the matatu Sacco’s whose membership is grow- stages in the evening as from 6 p.m ing at alarming rate,” he added. daily especially targeting mostly He said that although the Sacco’s matatus plying along the Nyeri- has increased lending rates to mem- Kiganjo - Chaka (Nyekicha) route. bers from low of six per cent to 13 per And recently officials of the cent they still need cheap financial Nyekicha Sacco led by the chair- lending from donors to cope with high man Dickson Maina alias Wakabi- demand for loans by Kenyans who ra raised a red flag saying the sect have joined Sacco’s in order to save. members have been taking over At the same time, he urged farmers matatu termini as from 6p.m up of Central region to stamp out coffee to late in the night and demanding theft menace which has become ram- Ksh 200 per vehicle. pant in the region. “This utter robbery because as Nyaga said that it is essential for Cooperatives Minister Joe Nyaga (right) with chairman of Central Kenya ASK show Francis Waithaka dur- owners of public service vehicles coffee farmers to co-operate with ing a visit to the show at Kabiru-ini grounds. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa there is nothing left since from Ny- eri town to Chaka town the vehicle collects Ksh 500 per trip of which Ksh 200 is for the petrol, after they take the Ksh 200, only Ksh 100 is Amollo shell-shocked by behavior of civil servants left which is not even enough to pay the owner, driver and tout,” By LINK CORRESPONDENT was pinned there two years ago which corruption, ineptitude, manifest injus- eri, Lodwar, Eldoret, Kisii, Kisumu, explained the chairman. The Sacco stated that the office operates from 10 tice and misbehaviors among others. Kakamega, Nakuru, Machakos, officials are now complaining of OFFICE of the Ombudsman was re- am to 1pm. We were very shocked He added that the gate of the Ny- Mombasa and Kilifi. harassment by the sect members cently shocked to find that several when the staff told us that they had eri law courts should be opened by The commission was however who are creating fear and de- government offices in Nyeri town forgotten to remove the notice two 8a.m since those involved must know happy that the provincial police head- spondency. The sect members have open at 9am. years down the line,” said the chair- which court to go to by 9a.m. quarters was acting efficiently and on started retaliating after the police The commission led by the Chair- man. The commission has since rolled time. The county visits are aimed at started controlling them recently. man Otiende Amollo said that the He said some public institutions out the first phase of its nationwide enabling Kenyans to actively partici- They have now issued death spot check had established that sev- are characterized by delays, abuse of campaign that will see it visiting pate in democratic and good govern- threats to two top Sacco officials eral government offices do not open authority, discourtesy, inefficiency, 11 counties including Garrisa, Ny- ance in pursuit of social goods and for reporting the matter to the at the usual 8a.m in services. police. One matatu was recently accordance with the “Kenyans at the grassroots should stoned by sect members and its Government rules but demand integrity, responsiveness, windscreen shattered after they opens an hour later. transparency, accountability and ef- stormed the owner’s home and Amollo while ac- ficiency from people who have been failed to get him in the house. companied with other given an opportunity to serve,” said The official did not sleep at the commissioners in- the chairman. home after he received warnings cluding vice chairper- The establishment of the commis- during the day that he will be killed. son Saadia Mohamed sion was borne out of the endemic Another official’s son was waylaid said that they visited institutional and systematic failures in on the way home and badly beaten the Lands office in the Kenyan public sector. after they failed to get him. Nyeri which was not Central deputy PC Francis Sila And recently, the members opened by 9.30am who was present during the visit urged overturned the metal made kiosk and the officers were the commission to decentralize their which is used as an office in the using vernacular lan- offices since there are many cases in stage in a display of anger. guage which is dis- the area mostly land cases. The officials now want the courteous. Sila said lateness and insecurity From left Commission on Administrative Justice chairman Otiende Amollo, Central Government to arrest and charge “There was mis- should not be entertained in the public the group that comprises of eight leading notice which Deputy PC Francis Sila and vice chairperson commissioner Saadia Mohamed during the offices. county visit in Nyeri town recently. young men. Clerics, MPs differ sharply over education Bill By HENRY OWINO “As sponsors of about a third of why the board does not take into ac- leaders were within their rights to op- of East African and National Council schools in Kenya, the churches said count the church’s massive investment pose the Constitution and besides the of Churches of Kenya representative, A GROUP of church leaders have they should have fair representation in in education. He added that most of supreme law received overwhelming Rev Charles Kibicho. strongly opposed the Basic Education the selection panel,” demanded Cardi- the church-sponsored schools are on endorsement from their flock. The church leaders further urged Bill arguing that it does not recognize nal Njue. land owned by the church or held in He urged the MPs to implement it the government to implement a work- the role of the clergy in education. Cardinal Njue further claimed that trust by the church for the community. wisely by taking their time to read and able formula for teachers, lecturers The collar-men said if enacted in church leaders are not included in the “Let me make clear here that the understand respective laws rather than and doctors to ensure that the basic its current form, the church was bound county’s education boards. He stated it church will not surrender its land on hurrying to beat deadlines. right of children to education is not to lose their investments in various makes unclear reference to representa- which our schools are built to the gov- “We are worried with the way in compromised. schools. The leaders said that most tion of the religious sponsors. ernment under any condition,” An- which the new Constitution is being Clerics also asked ministries of schools were situated in land owned by “The Church shall continue to as- glican Church of Kenya Archbishop implemented by the current members health and labour to ensure a fair the churches and thus their stake in the sert its rightful position with all that Eliud Wabukhala said. of parliament. The wish of Kenyans wage for doctors and other workers. education sector cannot be disregarded. it appertains to her responsibility as They called upon MPs to uphold was to have a new Constitution that The leaders said Kenyans have right The team of Spiritual leaders was sponsors in various schools,” Cardinal the Constitution to the letter and spirit would ensure the common man is to basic health care and should not in led by Kenya Episcopal Conference Njue emphasized. while debating on the Bills. protected and their rights are upheld,” any way be violated by strikes. chairman John Njue who said the Anglican Church of Kenya Arch- Rev Stephen Kanyaru, the Presid- Rev Kanyaru said. The leaders urged the government churches are unhappy especially with bishop Eliud Wabukhala said the Bill ing Bishop of Methodist Church in Among other church leaders who to negotiate with the Central Organi- the composition of the National Edu- should ensure ownership rights of re- Kenya said the church should not be were present and signed the statement zation of Trade Unions (COTU) to cation Board and land ownership of ligious sponsors are recognized and victimized for rejecting the Constitu- were; the Rt Rev David Riitho Gath- avert another strike of workers over schools as contained in Basic Educa- respected as per the Constitution. tion during the referendum. anju who is the moderator of the Gen- the National Hospital Insurance Fund tion Bill. Archbishop Wabukhala wondered Agitated Rev Kanyaru said church eral Assembly, Presbyterian Church (NHIF) new rates. The Read The Link monthly for issues affecting LinkEnhancing governance for all communities across Kenya The Link, October 2012

programs; institutional childcare (children homes) and the community- based OVC program. “The program currently supports Amiran gives hope to up to 4000 children in different chil- dren homes and 2260 in the communi- ty based programs. We have Kathoz- weni, one at Narok and two at Achego in Muhoroni. We are planning to ex- tend to other parts of the country,” said Makueni residents Rev Okeyo. Rev Okeyo said he was By HENRY OWINO excited that the project has continually produced food to meet the nutritional A HEALTHY family signifies the requirements of the children in the wellbeing of the entire community in residential program. terms of diet and economic status of He however, regretted that the ever that particular home mainly reflected rising food prices have made it expen- in the standards of living. sive to provide the required nutrition Poor families tend to suffer for all children throughout the year. from diseases such as marasmus and Bishop Dr Silas Yego on the other kwashiorkor while rich families might hand, observed that it is possible for suffer from obesity or overweight. agriculture to thrive in arid and semi The need to address nutritional arid areas like Ukambani region. He needs of families is mandatory for said if anybody was in doubt, then proper growth and development. Nu- they need to visit Amiran projects in tritional research recommends that Eastern Province especially Makueni growing children should eat at least County to prove it. five portions of fruit and vegetables Bishop Yego noted that Amiran each day that will help protect them Kenya is gradually becoming the pref- from cancer, obesity and various erable agriculture company for many chronic diseases. Unique package of farmers due to its advanced technol- nutrients in plant compounds, found ogy. He encouraged farmers in dry ar- mostly in horticultural crops, contains eas to embrace the company’s modern what the body requires. technology since it offers a wide range Amiran Kenya Limited whose of pocket friendly products which in- tools are popularly known as Amiran clude chemicals, fertilizers and seeds. Farmer’s Kit (AFK) are now reliable To add up, the AIC Bishop urged source of such food stuff for most peo- the next government to prioritize food ple residing in dry areas. Kathozweni security for the country by adapting to which is situated in Makueni County modern agricultural practices. and considered to be a dusty, dry, de- Mary Katiwa Job is one of the stu- serted land where nothing productive dents’ beneficiaries at AIC CHD who is anticipated, now benefits from the acknowledges Amiran Kenya Ltd Amiran’s projects. projects. She admits there are plenty Kathozweni is now leading in of knowledge gains apart from horti- production of fresh and healthy agri- Yariv Kedar, deputy managing director, Amiran shows Bishop Silas Yego (left) a sample of culture skills. Currently she is taking cultural yields thus demystifying the tomatoe grown under greenhouse. Photo/Henry Owino Secretarial Course at Wote Technical notion that the residents of Makueni Training Institute and much of her col- County cannot take part in any serious children can study greenhouse farm- organization real,” Kedar asserted. port thus Amiran Agronomist visiting lege fee comes from the AIC-Amiran farming. The African Inland Church ing, lessons on drip irrigation, proper Kedar explained it is anchored on farmers projects,” Kedar explained. Initiative Projects. Children’s Homes Department (AIC seed selection, modern fertigation gravity based drip irrigation system Amiran deputy managing direc- “It is better to learn how to fish CHD) of Kathozweni, Makueni techniques and agribusiness approach and composed of Global GAP com- tor emphasized that the company also rather than relying on handouts on a County has partnered up with Amiran that ends up when the farmers have pliant components. He added that the offers a large and small scale agro- daily basis. If the fisherman- teacher to boost food production. some money in their pockets. AFK is also green technology which projects using state of the art technol- dies, no more fish for you. So, Ami- The partnership is known as Ami- Additionally, Kedar said the AIC is environmentally friendly and posi- ogy in powering modern irrigation ran has given us the necessary skills ran- AIC Next Generation Farmers children homes serve as community tively impacts global efforts to con- system, climate control and water to apply anywhere we go than provid- Initiative. The aim is to place an Ami- centers where informative field days serve soil and water. measuring technologies. ing donations which lasts for a short ran Farmer’s Kit in every AIC Child’s are held for the larger communities. “The AFK is composed of green Rev Matthew Okeyo, the Chief time,” Katiwa suggested. home across the country. Currently, Amiran educates them on the business house measuring 8 by15metres, drip Executive Officer, AIC CHD said Katiwa said after completing her AIC CHD at Kathozweni hosts a ca- opportunities available through the irrigation system covering 1/8 of an their mandate has been to provide studies, she would pursue farming as pacity of 300 orphaned children who Amiran Farmer’s Kit model. acre, water tank, knapsack sprayer of services to orphans and vulnerable an additional profession since it has a are taken care of by Amiran. “Amiran Farmer’s Kit (AFK) 16 litres, seeds, fertilizers, agro-chem- children (OVC). He disclosed that the lot of income compared to others ca- According to Yariv Kedar, the model has proven already that it is a ical for one season of crops, personal department was initiated in 1975 and reers she has ever thought of in life. Amiran Deputy Managing Director, sustainable way of practicing agribus- protective equipment (overall, ca- opened doors to children in 1976. She is challenging farmers who use the main aspects of the organization iness with farmers making an income tridged mask and gloves), training by Rev Okeyo stated that over the old technology, to embrace Amiran to include; provision of educational far higher than their original invest- agriculture teachers and farm manag- years, the department has provided ensure food security for their families tools, practical classrooms where the ment in the AFK and thus makes the ers finally renewable agronomic sup- services to children within two main and the country as a whole.

By BOB OMBATI UNEMPLOYED youths in Kisii County have been challenged to Kisii youth tipped on self-reliance engage in income generating ac- eke out a living instead of remaining over-reliance on sugarcane had ex- tage of soapstone at Tabaka, ground- The youths who were taken tivities to enable them become self idle as they wait to be absorbed in for- hausted the soil, reduced cane produc- nuts at Etago and sugarcane at Nya- through entrepreneurship vowed reliant. mal employment. The officer lauded tion and household incomes. marambe to generate wealth instead to venture into alternative farm- Gucha South District Youth of- their peers who are currently engaging “You should not grow sugarcane of waiting for handouts from politi- ing and business to improve their ficer, Charles Ayako laments that in sugar cane farming but urged them in your lifetime. Try to intercrop them cians in every electioneering year. welfare. most youths in the area rely on their to process molasses and other agri- with other crops to enrich the soil with The officer noted that majority of They noted that the devolved parents for upkeep despite having cultural products to enable them reap nutrients in a bid to boost produc- youths wallowed in poverty because system of government offered acquired technical skills from col- highly from their initiatives. tion” stated Ayako during the training they lacked skills on modern farming many opportunities for the youths leges and universities. Addressing youths at Nyamrambe dubbed ‘Enhancement, Way forward techniques while others were lazy and and thus the need exploit the enor- Ayako challenges to venture grounds during a workshop to train and harmonization programme’. unwilling to exploit resources within mous potential to help hasten eco- into income generating activities to them on business skills, he noted that He urged the youths to take advan- their disposal to generate income. nomic development.

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].