SPECIAL REPORT The NEW COMMISSION SET TO ADDRESS HISTORICAL LAND INJUSTICES — Pages 14 & 19 SUPPLEMENT Enhancing governance for all THE PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE Link PROJECT FUNDED BY THE EU JUNE 2012 Issue No. 092 Kshs 40/= — Pages 15 - 18 Sweeping changes expected under the new health policy By PETER MUTUKU the Central government. According to the policy, the National government’s HE management of the Health Sec- mandate includes developing national policy and leg- tor in Kenya is expected to change islation, setting standards, national reporting, supervi- sion, sector coordination and resource mobilization. Tdrastically if the proposals contained Under the devolved system, the Ministry of Health in the new policy document is to go by. is to offer technical support with emphasis on plan- Provision of health services under the devolved sys- ning, development and monitoring of health services tem of government policy document requires new insti- and delivery standards throughout the country. tutional and management strategies. The policy also requires the national government The Kenya Health Policy 2012 -2030 has listed a raft to monitor quality and standards of performance of the of proposals on the provision of healthcare in the two County Governments and community organizations levels of government that seek to enhance accountabil- in the provision of health services as well as provide ity, reporting and management. guidelines on tariffs to be charged by respective health The policy offers the devolved institutions opera- facilities. tional autonomy with efficient and cost-effective moni- The national government is also expected to di- toring, evaluation, reviewing and reporting systems. rectly support the establishment of institutions with The policy borrows heavily from the Constitution which assigns the larger portion of delivery of health services to the Counties and retains Referral Services to 8 Turn to Page 2, Col. 1 Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Medical Services minister. Medics call for review of archaic health laws By FAITH MUIRURI perpetuate inequality and increase women’s vul- registered in public hospitals. In Kenya an esti- Dr Nyunya underscores the need to re-exam- nerability and risk of maternal death. mated 308,000 abortions occur annually. ine and reinforce laws and policies on Sexual THE Kenya Medical Association (KMA) Dr Nyunya who is the Chairman, Kenya Ob- A study conducted in the slums of Nairobi and Reproductive Health Rights. has called for the repeal of archaic laws stetrical and Gynaecological Society cites the found that 50percent of women who died from He singles out the Reproductive Health which continue to derail efforts to address the penal code (section 158) which still hampers at- unsafe abortion did not seek care at a health fa- Policy which he says aims at eliminating all glaring maternal deaths resulting from unsafe tempts to arrest deaths arising from back street cility forms of discrimination against women and abortions in the country abortions that occur in unsafe and unsanitary Another study estimates that more than the girl child but does not address unsafe Dr. Boaz Otieno-Nyunya who is the con- conditions in the hands of quacks. 20,000 women are admitted each year to public abortion. venor of Reproductive Health Committee of He says that maternal deaths in the country hospitals for complications of incomplete and Dr Nyunya says that the population poli- the KMA says that although the Constitution remain unacceptably high with approximately unsafe abortion which costs the tax payer Ksh 18 cy on the other hand only affirms that all cou- explicitly specifies the minimum situations in 8,000 women dying every year from compli- million annually, in Post Abortion Care. ples have right to decide freely the number which abortion is permitted, the legal regime cations arising from pregnancy and child bear- The situation has been compounded by weak and spacing of their children. on abortion has largely been characterised by ing. Unsafe abortion accounts for 2,600 of these and uncoordinated approach to policy imple- The Penal code, he says legitimizes abor- restrictions and a lack of clarity on what the deaths. mentation and the low investment in reproduc- tion only in cases where the life of the woman law provides for. Studies indicate that nine women die on tive health. is at risk and according to FIDA could also be He says that it is unfortunate that the a daily basis as a result of an unsafe abortion. Speaking at the 40th Kenya Medical Asso- country still retains retrogressive laws which Adolescent girls represent four of the 10 deaths ciation Annual Scientific Conference in Nairobi, 8 Turn to Page 2, Col. 1

Govt to give free sanitary Group lobbies MPs to pass KNCHR wants sensual pads to needy girls crucial Aids Bill rights of minorities —Pg. 3 —Pg. 13 protected —Pg. 23 Good news to diabetic Health workers in bid to KNUT petitions IEBC to patients inside other

stories curb maternal deaths —Pg. 8 change election date —Pg. 20 —Pg. 28 The Link, June 2012 2 GOVERNANCE Sweeping changes expected under the new health policy From page 1 Providers (HSPs) and finance County The department also has to invest constitutionally defined County health County. level Health services. in Public Health Facilities and devel- services through the network of health The team will also provide leader- capacity to provide healthcare at the County authorities will also be ex- op an investment plan to enable ful- facilities in the County. ship and stewardship for overall health county level during the transition pe- pected to maintain, enhance and regu- fillment of the highest attainable right In order to achieve that, the County management in the County, through riod which runs to 2017. late health service providers mainly in to health. The two governments will governments will be required under building linkages with, and putting in The Policy is also clear about the collaboration with the national Gov- also be required to document annual the policy to establish a County Health place influencing strategies for health functional assignments between the ernment, gazette regulations for com- progress as required by the Constitu- Management team whose responsi- related sector’s in the county, such as two levels of government with respect munity managed health supplies to be tion. bilities will be to coordinate strategic education, roads, gender, nutrition, to accountability, reporting and man- implemented at county level. They should also have a legal and operational planning, supervision, and others. agement. The policy provides for the The County Health Department framework for on-lending arrange- monitoring and review of health serv- This will help improve health serv- establishment of the County Health will also manage assets, channel pub- ments to facilitate loan repayments ice delivery in the county. ices and mobilize resources as well as Department to coordinate and manage lic and other funds to develop health and fees for use of assets by licensed. Apart from coordinating the deliv- coordinate the referral function across health services at the County Level. facilities and compile information at The policy directs that a profes- ery of health services in the County, the the level 3 facilities in the county, and Further, the County Health De- County level on implementation of sional and technical management team will also provide a linkage with between the different levels of the partment is to license and give accred- projects in order to document value structure be established at each County Executive and other actors to health system in line with the sector itation to Non State Health Service for money. county, to coordinate delivery of the facilitate health sector dialogue at the referral strategy. Medics call for review Mt Kenya University Kakamega branch of archaic health laws gets more students From page 1 extended to include cases where con- By TITUS MAERO no University. ception is as a result of rape or other The principal said most pro- sexual violation. THE Mt Kenya University’s grammes are charged Ksh60,000 Kenya Medical Practitioners & Kakamega Campus, which was per semester, which he said, was Dentists Board Guidelines on Termi- opened last year has received an in- low compared to what other uni- nation of Pregnancy on the other hand creased student enrollment of 446 versities are charging students in outlines that the laws of Kenya do not from 120. the country. allow for termination of pregnancy on The Campus Principal Dr The official said the campus tar- demand and severe penalties are met- Philemon Bureti said the institution gets to have at least 3,000 full time ed out to those found guilty of procur- has 320 school based students and and part time students in the next ing or attempting to procure an abor- 120 regular students, who are un- few years noting that the institution tion or miscarriage. There is room, dertaking various programmes. has received overwhelming appli- however, for carrying out termination Bureti said since the campus cations from school leavers who when in the opinion of attending doc- was moved from Kakamega Hill are interested in undertaking vari- tors it is necessary in the interest of the School compound to it’s new ous programmes. health of the mother or baby. premises at the Mega Mall in the Commenting on the current In these circumstances, it is Central Business District (CBD) physical infrastructure at the newly strongly advised that the practitioner this year, many other programmes acquired premises, Bureti said the consults with at least two senior and have been introduced. campus had taken the whole of experienced colleagues, obtains their He pointed out that currently the second floor at the Mega Mall, opinion in writing, and performs the which he said, has adequate space operation openly in hospital if he con- the campus is offering Masters siders himself competent to do so in Degree in Education and Masters to accommodate over 3,000 stu- Dr. Boaz Otieno-Nyunya, chairman, Kenya Obstetrical and Degree in Psychiatry, eleven (11) dents. the absence of a gynaecologist. Gynaecological society. He is, however, optimistic that the Bachelor Degree Programmes, Six He said the University decided Constitution offers a reprieve to pro- ise Article 43 of the Constitution; to to which the Government of Kenya (5) Diploma programmes and In- to set up the campus in Kakamega vision reproductive health care. Ac- provide for the maintenance and ad- is a signatory. Dr Otara says that the formation Technology (IT) certifi- County following massive appli- cording to Dr Nyunya, the constitu- vancement of health and the provision country should prioritize SRHR by in- cate courses. cations from school leavers who tion specifies conditions under which of health services of the highest attain- creasing access to health care, access Speaking to reporters in his of- reside in the area which has few abortion may be legally provided. He able standard; to provide for the pow- to family planning services and emer- fice in Kakamega, the official noted higher institutions of learning. says this may help address the terrible ers, functions, and responsibilities of gency obstetric care. that Bachelors Degree is offered in Bureti said apart from provid- toll caused by unsafe illegal abortion. the Health Council, the Health Serv- Dr John Nyamu of the Reproduc- Education Science, Education Arts, ing education, the facility has creat- “The Constitution (Article 26(4)) ices Authority, the National Health tive Health Right Alliance who was Medical Laboratory, Public Health, ed employment to the local people explicitly permits abortion when in Inspectorate Service and the Council present at the meeting said that health Counseling Psychiatry and Spe- noting that it has over 30 adminis- the opinion of a trained health profes- for Health Professionals and for other workers can now be able to work in cial needs education programme trative staff adding that casual em- sional, there is need for emergency connected purposes. He says the bill an enabling environment in the provi- among others. ployment is also offered whenever treatment, or the life or health of the quotes article 43 and ignores article 26 sion of reproductive health services He said diploma courses are need arises. mother is in danger, or if permitted by yet it discusses issues of article 26. including provision of safe and legal offered in Education, Community He, however, said there are any other written law,” he explains. “In so doing it attempts to dilute abortion. Health, Community Development, challenges facing the institution the rights accorded to Kenyans in arti- He said that currently the organi- Dr Nyunya notes that a “trained Business Management and Infor- which include inadequate rental health professional” can be interpret- cle 26, particularly 26(4). It is a form zation was training health workers on mation Technology (IT), while cer- houses for the staff members, lec- ed to include doctors, clinical officers, of dishonesty,” he cautions. the need to embrace values and atti- turers adding that the worst part of nurses and midwives who have appro- He adds that the bill should have as tudes sensitive to the plight of women tificate courses are offered in Com- priate training in providing informa- one of its objectives compliance with seeking reproductive health services. munity Development, Community it is serious inadequacy of hostels tion, counselling and the procedure of Kenya’s regional and international hu- He said that health workers must Health, Information Technology for students. safe and comprehensive abortion care man rights obligations. realign their operations to provisions (IT) and Business Management. He said Mt Kenya University services. Speaking at the same function Dr. in the constitution to avoid violating Bureti added that apart from is is a chartered institution operat- However, the proposed Health Act A. Otara who is a member of KMA women rights. the campus permanent lecturers, ing as a nonprofit making institu- March 2012 appears to contradict the Reproductive Health Committee ex- “We are also engaged in a series of they are supplemented on part tion of of learning noting that the provision and attempts to criminalize plains that sexual and reproductive campaigns to highlight the magnitude time basis by lecturers drawn main University is in Thika town “elective abortion”. “The bill tends rights derive from fundamental hu- and consequences of unsafe abortion from Universities situated in the while other campuses are situated to lump abortion with other Family man rights and freedoms that are al- at the community level and empower- western region such as Masinde in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Ki- Planning methods and turns a blind ready enshrined in the Constitution ing health workers to avoid security Muliro University of Science and tale, Eldoret, Meru, Lodwar and in eye to article 26 of the constitution,” of Kenya and are included in several and legal issues,” he adds during the Technology (MMUST) and Mase- Kigali Rwanda. he laments. The Act is meant actual- international agreements and treaties conference.Ends The Link, June 2012 EDUCATION 3 Relief as needy Gov’t to give free sanitary students get help By MORRIS GITHENYA TWO students who had dropped out of school due to lack of fees can now pads to needy girls continue with their education after a Good Samaritan intervened and paid By HENRY OWINO their fees. GOVERNMENT in partnership The two, Edwin Murigi and Han- with African Cotton Industries has nah Kimani from Kigumo district in launched a programme under which Murang’a County were relieved after free sanitary towels will be provided Kamau Mweha pledged to pay their to public primary schools across the school fees. country. Kamau said he learnt that Murigi The programme is expected to had dropped from Githumu Second- benefit 443,858 needy girls of whom ary School last year after his parents 4,114 will be drawn from public pri- were unable to pay his school fees. mary schools from 82 targeted dis- Hannah, Kamau said, had failed to tricts. The introduction of the free san- join Ngandu Girls High School in itary towels is expected be continue Nyeri despite scoring 365 marks in in the 2011/2012 financial years and KCPE exams. subsequent financial years. The gov- “As a leader, I was moved by the ernment will allocate Ksh240 million plight of the needy students who were in the financial year for the sanitary forced to stay at home as their peers towels as a start. remained in school learning,” said The Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, assured the school girls that govern- Kamau. ment was committed to providing Meanwhile, the Government has quality education and training for all. been urged to ensure that polytechnics He added that gender equality remain are upgraded to technical institutions important bench marks in government to help of the community. in quest to educate young people. Murang’a South Knut Executive “We are not launching the sani- Secretary Amos Murigi said Kiranga tary towels programme in a vacuum. polytechnic which was established in We do it as part of the comprehensive 1962 should be upgraded to a techni- Gender Policy in Education Sector cal institution. that aims at reducing existing gender He said currently most parents disparities in access, retention, transi- spend a lot of money taking their tion and achievement in education,” youth to technical institutions far Prime Minister, Raila clarified. Delighted school pupils after receiving sanitary pads from Ministry of Education. Photo/Henry Owino away from their villages. This had dis- The premier echoed that govern- franchised youth from poor families ment is concerned about girls who primary and 400,000 from secondary interests are of paramount importance tion, the Constitution and vision 2030 who opt for casual jobs in the villages continue to drop out of school or fail schools require support to access sani- in every matter concerning her under in order to make the Kenyan educa- as their colleagues pursue education. to enroll in greater numbers compared tary towels. About 300,000 of them Article 53(2); she is entitled to free tion system globally competitive and “If Kiranga polytechnic can be to boys. He further observed survival particularly in ASAL districts will and compulsory basic education un- market driven. require additional wears in addition to der Article 53(1) (b),” Mutula argued. In addition to these, the Educa- considered for upgrading millions of rates for girls in school are still low shillings spent in securing food and ac- compared to those of boys which lead sanitary towels,” regretted the Prime The Education Minister urged the tion Minister explicated more policy to low completion rates among girls at Minister. State to take affirmative action pro- initiatives that Ministry is in the proc- commodation for the children could be all levels. The cost of achieving the target is grammes like the one launched to en- ess of reviewing education sector utilized in other ways,” said Murigi. “Lack of appropriate sanitary fa- estimated at Ksh2.6 billion. He there- sure that as a youth, the girl child gets with an aim of aligning them with Murang”a North region, he said cilities and access to sanitary towels fore appealed for public private part- access to relevant education and train- the new constitution to make them has benefitted with Michuki Techni- for girls has been identified as a deter- nership to support the needy girls to ing under Article 55(1). implementable frameworks with the cal and Murang’a College of Technol- rent to schooling,” Raila cautioned. enable them attend school regularly. The reform programmes under- devolved governments. ogy where thousands of youth acquire The Prime Minister made the re- Raila asked Treasury to increase the taken in the education sector by the For instance; gender in education marketable skills at minimal costs. marks during the official launch of budgetary allocation for the vital ini- government since 2003 by introduc- policy which aims at eliminating gen- sanitary towels programme held at tiative in the 2012/2013 financial year ing free primary education (FPE), has der disparities and achieving gender Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), so that more girls in Kenya can access helped achieve access, equality, rel- equity and equality in relation to ac- Schools Nairobi. the essential tools. He hoped to see in evance and quality in education. cess, retention, completion and transi- Raila stated studies done in Kenya future when access to sanitary towels “The reforms undertaken in the tion in primary and secondary educa- ordered to get by various organizations reveal that will be given the same status as the education sector during that period tion by 2015. approximately 500,000 girls miss at provision of instructional materials aim at accelerating achievement of Early Childhood Development four days of schooling every month and other resources in all schools. the millennium development goals Education (ECDE) policy whose in- certificates because they are unable to afford sani- The Minister for Education, Mu- (MDGs) and education for all (EFA) tension is to mainstream ECDE into tary pads. This he alluded amounts to tula Kilonzo said the introduction of by 2015. Additionally it focuses on primary school cycle so that no child for students 10-25 per cent of pupil-teacher con- the towels by the government will aligning the education sector to the is left out of basic education. HIV and By BEKADZO TONDO tact time lost. enable girls to remain in schools until new constitution and vision 2030,” AIDS policy which recognizes that al- “It puts our girls at a disadvantage they finish their education. He pointed simplified Mutula. though the ministry has domesticated SCHOOLS can now apply for birth against their male counterparts. It af- out this will help address gender dis- The overall objective is providing the National HIV and AIDS continues certificates on behalf of their students fects the performance of girls in ex- parity experienced in most schools in education that is free and compulsory, to be a threat to education achieve- to hasten the issuance process, As- aminations. In the past, this problem the country. affordable and accessible especially to ments. An impact assessment on HIV sistant Minister for Immigration, Mr. has partly been addressed through “Despite the remarkable increases families and children from low social- and AIDS has been undertaken and Francis Baya, has said. isolated provision of sanitary towels in access at both primary and sec- economic strata of society. the results once disseminated to stake- He said the Ministry of education to girls in some schools by some of ondary school, statistics show that According Education Minister, holders, will inform the policy review. must enforce the directive to make our partners. The impact of such an over one million children are out of the introduction of FPE in 2003, en- Child friendly schools are signifi- sure that no child misses national ex- approach has been largely minimal,” school in primary schools. Majority of rolment in primary school has risen cant personal and social environment amination for delays in acquisition of the Premier mentioned. these are in arid and semi-arid lands from 5.9 million to 9.6 million pupils in the lives of its students. The minis- the vital documents. Raila appealed to more partners to (ASAL) areas pockets of poverty in 2012. Mutula observed that since try has ensured that the education en- Speaking to residents of Tsangala- supplement the government’s efforts and urban slums. A big proportion of the government introduced Free Day vironments are safe, healthy and pro- weni in his Ganze constituency where of maintaining girls from disadvan- that percentage is girls. Studies have Secondary Education in 2008, the en- tective and are endowed with trained he raised funds in aid of Tsangalaweni taged backgrounds in school through shown that one of the reasons why rolment has increased from 800,000 to teachers, adequate resources and ACK church, Baya said that the Im- programmes like the one launched. girls miss classes or drop out alto- 1.7 million students in 2012. appropriate physical, emotional and migration department now allows re- Through the programme, Raila gether is maturation or the onset of “As a result of the transition, the social conditions for learning. Peace spective schools to apply for the cer- said the government has provided puberty,” Mutula explained. rate from primary to secondary has education policy which has been dis- tificates on behalf of their students to the needy girls with sanitary towels Mutula regretted the money al- risen from 47 per cent in 2003 to seminated to the stakeholders is now avoid delays that initially marred the to cater for three terms starting term located for the good programme is 72.5 per cent in 2012. This is above ready for publication. process. two of the 2012 school year. He added not adequate to meet needs of the 2.6 UNESCO benchmark of 70 per cent,” Mutula promised that his Ministry, “The Immigration department is in some selected districts in arid and million girls in primary and secondary the Minister applauded. in collaboration with other Ministries working closely with the Ministry of semi-arid lands (ASAL) regions, the schools. He appealed to Prime Minis- The Education Minister outlined like Provincial Administration and Education to enable schools to apply girls would get additional wears to ac- ter, Raila Odinga to take up the matter other programmes in the Ministry National Security, Justice, National for their respective students both in company the sanitary towels. personally so that the programme can which includes; Task Force on align- Cohesion and Constitutional Af- the primary and secondary schools,” Prime Minister however, observed be scaled up to the national level. ment of the Education Sector to the fairs and partners like UNICEF is in said Baya. that due to inadequacy of funds, not “The girl child is not a second new constitution and vision 2030 the process of rolling out a National He said that the government will all needy girls have benefited from the hand citizen. She is entitled to equal mandated to review the current educa- Peace Education Campaign with the deal firmly with officers who demand programme. “As we speak, about 2.6 treatment as others under Article 27(1) tion system to ensure it in coincides aim of using education as a means of bribes from applicants before they million girls, that is 2.2 million from and (2) of the Constitution. Her best with current global trends of educa- positively influencing. can process the documents. The Link, June 2012 4 EDUCATION Sad tales of abject poverty amidst plenty in Taveta AITA Taveta County is en- the locals used to live well with the bring the old problem to an end. They The residents are up in arms against dowed with enormous resourc- COMMENT wildlife without any conflict. allege that KWS cannot be trusted the move by KWS to gazette it. es that remain largely untapped. “After the 62 percent was taken again as it has a history of extending “Mudanda comes from a local T away, most of the population was its boundaries and grabbing commu- word Kudanda which locally means to Although, the County is home to By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU World class tourist hotels such Kila- forced to encroach on the forested nity land. dry meat. The rock carries some great guni, Ngulia, the Lions Bluff lodge, zones,” narrates the Council Chair. Mwarabu recalls that after the importance to the community because Sarova Taita hills and Sarova Saltlick square but a huge acreage of this was As a result, water levels from the establishment of the Tsavo National the culture of Taita is diminishing. game lodges, residents live in abject grabbed by the colonial government Voi River have dwindled drastically as Park, KWS further gazetted some of KWS should have left it to the com- poverty as income generated from the which carved out some 10,000 km the river originates from the hills and the wildlife corridors which were ini- munity so that we could partner with resources is hardly ploughed back to square (62 percent of the County) and serves wildlife and residents at the tially in the community land. it and establish ecotourism projects so the community . converted it to national park. lower areas. “In Njukini area in Taveta, 4000 that tourists would come and familiar- “We host rare species in our home He says the Queen of England “This forces wildlife to stray from acres were reserved as migration cor- ize themselves with the local culture,” turf but nothing promising has been gave out the remaining land to British parks and invade villages in search of ridors for animals migrating from the observes Mwarabu. forth coming. Instead we only have warlords who participated in the Sec- water leading to conflict with the lo- Mkomanzi National Park in Tanzania Such are the bitter experiences that to contend with the relentless agony ond World War as war tokens. cals,” notes Mwarabu. to Tsavo, but in 1997 KWS grabbed have made locals object the issue of of constant rivalry with the wild He resents the fact that warlords Due to water shortage in the parks, the area and gazzeted it,” he says. fencing. animals,” said Jeremiah Kiwoi of acquired huge tracts of land in Taveta, jumbos have been invading villages In another scenario, he claims In some areas it has been difficult Mwatate constituency. Mwatate and Voi after the end of the adjacent to the parks and consequently the wildlife conservation body had for KWS to put up the fence around In a telephone interview, Kiwoi Second World War and the expansive cases of human-wildlife conflict con- grabbed some 300 acres at man-eaters the buffer zones- an area which sepa- says: “The National park has taken up land was later converted into the cur- tinue to escalate. Worst hit are areas of near Voi which were initially identi- rates the community land and the 62 percent of this County but surpris- rent sisal farms thereby continuing to Aliya, Marungu, Mwanda, Msorongo, fied by the council for establishment park- because the residents feel that ingly, a vast section of this land does worsen the issue of landlessness in the Maktau and Chakaleri in the Mwatate of a tourist resort. once the fence is put, the wildlife body not have wildlife.” County. and Ikanga. History of man-eaters dates back might in future convert it into perma- “I am sure that sometimes when “In Mwatate major Lezen was Mkatau Chief Cripus Mnyika la- to the 17th Century when two Ghost nent boundary thereby further eating most tourists come here for game given over 40,000 acres. He used the ments that farmers often count loses lions famously known as-man eaters into the community land. drives normally find it boring because land to hunt wild animals such as the following huge destruction of crops reportedly killed about 135 workers of “Normally buffer zones are not at times they have to go through some rhinos, elephants and the big cats for such as pawpaw, maize, beans, and the Kenya-Uganda railway construc- supposed to be fenced because they expansive plains before they spot game trophies. cowpeas among others and he says tion, before a celebrated hunter Col neither belong to the park nor do they wildlife. This is pathetic because they This merciless grabbing left scores this has plunged the area into severe John Henry Patterson killed them. belong to the community. But where also come across a huge population of of locals displaced and went on to drought. “Residents hopes of getting The story has been documented there is a serious human animal con- squatters residing adjacent to parks,” breed thousands of squatters and the good yields are often doomed since in a popular movie-the ghost and the flict we normally opt to fence the he notes. subsequent dispute with animals,” crops get destroyed by the marauding darkness by Val Kilmer in a documen- area to solve the problem,” explains Says Kiwoi “If the wildlife occu- notes Mwarabu. elephants,” says the Chief. tary which reveals how the two ghost Wilson Korir the Assistant Director, pies only 20 percent of the park, then However later in the 50’s, a lo- Alphans Mborio another resident lions devoured hundreds of railway Tsavo conservation area. why should we have squatters around. cal freedom fighter, Mengo Woresha of Maktau says “Students have not line workers at the Tsavo during the “Try to sample a situation where a Instead of politicizing the issue of land led an uprising that saw Major Lezen been attending school in fear of attack construction of the rail around Voi portion of your land has been grabbed while residents are suffering, I think relinquish some of the land he had by wild animals that crisscross the town in 1898. and you are left with a tiny area to do the some sections of the park can be acquired and settled at 33,000 acres ways to school.” “This is a rich history which we subsistence farming for your family, de-gazetted and be allocated to those where the Teita Sisal estate falls. He adds: “We are also forced to want the locals to benefit from but then herds of elephants storm your squatters. It is not a crime to de-ga- As the Mwatate ward civic leader be indoors by 6 pm because the jum- unfortunately the place was shackled farm and destroy everything, how zette land belonging to a park.” explains, before the colonialists came, bos come out to invade our farms. The by KWS,” regrets the Mwatate Ward would you feel?” laments Maktau Past injustices attributed to land locals used to plan usage of land in only time that we feel a bit secure is at councilor. ward Councillor Flumence Mshila. grabbing from the colonial time in such a way that the upstream, was around noon because they go to look And prior to the establishment of In the recent past, the issue of fenc- 1948 was to blame for the poverty, reserved as a water catchment area, for shelters under the trees due to hot the Tsavo, the infamous Mudanda ing has taken center stage during pub- human wildlife conflict and landless- while the lower zones were left for temperatures.” rock in Tsavo East was a hunting lic hearings of the parliamentary com- ness that are currently afflicting the settlements and cultivation respective- However despite the constant an- ground for the locals where after hunt- mittee on land and natural resources residents. ly and finally herding and hunting was guish of rampant human elephant con- ing; they would dry the bush meat on in Voi. Taita Taveta County council Chair- done on the plains. flict, the residents have remained ada- the rock. Local leaders led by Minister for man Mr Erasmus Mwarabu says the According to the leader due this mant that they do not want an electric The site which locals hold in rev- county covers an area of 17,128.3km well organized system of land usage, fence erected around the park so as to erence harbors traces of Taita culture. Turn to Page 5 Nyanza teachers meet in Nyeri as a way of promoting cohesion By JOSEPH MUKUBWA IN an effort to promote cohesion and integration, over 1, 000 second- ary school teachers from Nyanza region are meeting in Nyeri town for their annual delegate’s confer- ence. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KSSHA) held their annual meeting at Nyamach- aki PCEA hall in the town for five days instead of their usual venues of their region. The KSSHA national vice chair- man John Awiti said this will also promote unity and consistency among the Kikuyu and Luo com- munities. “We resolved that this year we shall hold it here in order to promote cohesion and change management which is this year’s theme,” said Awiti. Awiti who was accompanied by Nyanza region association chair- man Innocent Mugunde empha- sized the need to strengthen cohe- sion in education sector. The ten of thousands of teachers attending the meeting have helped Nyanza teachers visiting books exhibition at Nyamachaki PCEA church hall in Nyeri town recently during the Nyanza branch five to boost business in Nyeri town - day annual delegate’s conference of Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa with all hotels being fully booked tor of Education Patrick Nyagosia Central region branch will also that the myth of their children be- He said there is all needs for the in the town. addressed the meeting where they move to Nyanza region soon to ing admitted at local schools on parents to know that a child can be Special Programmes minister lauded the plans of holding their hold their similar annual meeting suspicion that they will harassed admitted in any secondary school who is also the area MP Esther Mu- meeting away from home saying it as part of the exchange programme. outside their County must be for- just like the parents can work in rugi and Central Provincial Direc- was a good exchange programme. “We also want parents to know gotten,” added Mugunde. any town in this country. The Link, June 2012 EDUCATION 5 Sad tales of abject poverty amidst plenty in Taveta From Page 4 cess to the area by KWS. acreage for ranching and ecotourism native ethnic and tribal groups now Taveta professionals, land stakehold- Gender, Children and Social Devel- “The area between the park and given that this region was declared a living in the area,” he says. ers, landless citizens and other respon- opment and Taveta MP Dr Naomi the community land is supposed to livestock disease free zone. According to him the current sible parties to highlight and begin to Shaban told the committee that if benefit both parties but now only If the economy of Botswana re- land laws are not understood by all address the thorny issue of land own- the fence must be erected, then there KWS benefits from the same,” said lies heavily on ranching, I believe we stakeholders, particularly the many ership in Taita Taveta County through should be two fences with one right at Mwakio. have the potential to turn around the poor and marginalized local resi- a process of dialogue. the park boundary and another around The locals also took issue with the fortunes of this region if only we get dents, most of whom have seen lit- “Taita resource Centre will pro- the buffer zone. local sisal farms and proposed that justice,” concludes Mwarabu. tle benefit from the area’s economic vide educative platforms for lobbying “We need two fences so as to justice be done so that the locals get Taita Resource center executive potential. He observes that legal and advocacy as well as document avoid further friction with the KWS back their land saying that currently director Mr Chrsitopher Mwambingu, requirements are inconsistently ap- land related historical injustices in the concerning park boundaries. It is a only a few individuals from outside expresses concern that if the current plied, and when this happens, the county. The activities will empower very vast acreage which falls in that the County are benefiting at the ex- conflict is not resolved legally, the outcomes rarely favour the local the citizenry to make informed con- no man’s land so we must be allowed pense of the locals who are living as on-going tension is likely to escalate population to the area. scious decisions regarding land and to utilize it as well” proposed Dr squatters. into violence because the population To avoid the situation escalat- refrain from political manipulation,” Shaban. “A very huge percentage of our is gradually growing and there is no ing into violence, Mwambingu says says the director. Taita Taveta Human Rights Watch community land is in the hands of land left for new generation. there is a need to facilitate a process chair Haji Mwakio argued that dur- individuals from outside. All the sisal “What was once community land that will help all involved come up ing drought, local herdsmen usually estate plus the parks belong to private are taken over by sisal estates, na- with lasting solutions that respond MPs urged to rely on the buffer zone to graze their entities while the locals languish in tional parks, tourists and mineral pros- adequately to multiple priorities. animals and at the same time wild ani- abject poverty,” she adds. pectors, including some controversial According to him, the Taita re- hasten passage mals also rely on the place for pasture Our lives could be different be- animal sanctuaries, compounded by source center has launched a project therefore locals should not denied ac- cause we could use the expansive tensions among the native and non- that seeks to bring together Taita of reform bills By AGGREY BUCHUNJU By JOSEPH MUKUBWA KENYA’S tenth Parliament has been accused of dragging their feet in legis- A KSH25 million water Testing and Kamar opens new water lating and passing key bills geared to- Hydraulic Laboratory has been opened wards creating reforms in the county. at Kimathi University College of Tech- Speaking recently during nology in Nyeri County. Bungoma County stakeholders’ fo- Higher Education minister Marga- lab at Kimathi University rum, the Regional Commissioner ret Kamar officially opened the lab at The minister also noted that the (RC) for Upper Western, Mr. Rashid the university. The lab has been con- government has closed down more than Mohammed, said for the county to structed through the Economic Stimu- 90 bogus colleges throughout the coun- move forward reforms are necessary. lus Programme. try over the last two months with more Mohammed said reforms in the police The water laboratory is equipped than 40 principals being arrested. service were paramount in enhancing with modern water testing equip- The minister was accompanied the image and attitude of the police of- ment and the university is collaborat- by JKUAT chancellor Prof Francis ficers when fully implemented. ing with water companies in Central Gichaga, the principal Ndirangu Kioni He urged Parliament to move with Kenya region to better the lives of lo- and Consolidated Bank MD Wachira speed and enact the necessary legisla- cal residents.“Great inventions and Ndegwa among others. tions as stipulated in article 26(1) in technological advancements have Meanwhile, about 90 bogus col- the Fifth Schedule of the Constitu- been achieved by harnessing the water leges have been closed in the last two tion. Mohammed further challenged around us, be it for power generation, months, Higher Education Minister MPs to rise above parochial and per- industrial cooling, processing, agri- Margaret Kamar said recently. sonal issues and support the reform culture, domestic use and recycling of The minister said 40 principals have process as the implementation of the waste water among others. This labora- also been arrested in the crackdown af- constitution requires a lot of unity, tory therefore presents the first step to- ter the Government moved in to address commitment and honesty. He said the wards beginning to discover the numer- the issue of the mushrooming colleges reforms will enable Kenyans to enjoy ous ways water can be used, reused and in the country. She said the Govern- the gains made in the 2010 Constitu- processed to serve multiple purposes,” ment had to swiftly move in follow- tion in terms of peace, human dignity the minister said after opening the labo- ing complaints on the mushrooming of and responsible leadership. ratory. Higher Education minister Margaret Kamar opens the Ksh25 commercial institutions. “We could not Mohammed at the same time She encouraged the university to million water Lab at Kimathi University. Consolidated Bank allow any substandard training since reprimanded political leaders in work closely with the private sector by MD Wachira Ndegwa looks on. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa the country is best known for its high Bungoma County for being divisive having their water tested at the labora- fabrication of hospital equipment. basa Polytechnic University College. standards. We don’t want to destroy the during electioneering period. tory on various aspects as they continue Kimathi University College was Seven other institutions which in- reputation of the country,” she said. He cautioned the masses in to provide quality water services to selected to pioneer in medical engineer- clude Kisii, Pwani, Laikipia, Chep- Kamar was speaking at Kimathi Bungoma County and especially the their customers. ing after it was identified as one of the koilel, Meru and Taita Taveta Universi- University College of Technology in youth to be vigilant and refuse to be Meanwhile, the minister said that premier tertiary institutions in the coun- ty Colleges are also being inspected by Nyeri County during the official open- lured into groups arguing that such a Kenya is set to have its first University try by the ministry of Higher education. the commission of higher education so ing of the Ksh25 million water labora- move may spark off violence in the offering a full course in medical engi- “We have identified some premier as to receive full university status. tory. The minister was accompanied by region. neering in a move aimed at helping institutions in the country and Kimathi Rapid upgrading of the institutions the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agri- The RC decried the attitude of the country to develop its own medical is one of them since it covers a lot of has however raised concerns over the culture and Technology chancellor Prof Bungoma County people, saying that equipment. technology fields and other areas which fate of technical and vocational training Gichaga and Principal Ndirangu Kioni. they have chosen to be idle instead of Kimathi University College of no other institutions focus on,” said the which was formerly carried out in most The minister at the same time ad- working on their farms to not only im- Technology, a constituent college of minister. of these institutions. mitted that there is a severe shortage prove food security in the region but the Jomo Kenyatta University of Ag- Kimathi University College is also The move is also meant to prepare of engineers in the country with only also their socio-economic status. riculture and Technology (Jkuat), will set to receive full university status be- the country to accommodate the larg- 6,000 of them but the Government has He consequently advised soon be introducing a course in medical fore the end of the year along with two est group of Form Four leavers in 2015, put up measures to ensure that they will Bungoma county residents to elect engineering, the first of its kind in the other institutions, the Kenya Polytech- who are the first beneficiaries of the free have 30,000 engineers by year 2030 leaders who can change people atti- country that will focus on design and nic University College and the Mom- primary school education program. and also will add more technicians. tude and not leaders who perpetuate the culture of hand-outs. “With the de- volved governance system you need to have leaders who can change peo- ple from being idle to hard working in Kilifi teachers accused of inciting students order to generate revenue for both the By BEKADZO TONDO strike especially in cases where they PTA chairmen on their core business against poor quality citing embez- county government and themselves,” want head teachers moved,” said at the schools. zlement of school funds,” said Keis. he said. Kilifi secondary school teachers Keis. The district education boss cited Keis said the frequent strikes Mohammed asked Bungoma have been accused of instigating Keis was speaking at Paradise a case where students went on ram- have made parents to incur losses as County residents to be conversant conflicts in their respective schools Beach Resort at Kikambala, where page after being incited by teachers they are forced to meet the costs of with both the national and county in order to push for the removal of he officially opened a one-day semi- to push for the removal of the school repair. The trend is also to blame for laws in order to keep their elected their principals. nar that brought together board of principal. the poor performance registered by leaders under checks and balances. Kilifi District Education Officer governors and the chairmen of the However, after investigations, it most schools in the area in national The provincial administration Dickson ole Keis said teachers who parents’ teachers associations in Kil- was discovered that some teachers examinations. admitted insecurity was rampant in are not happy with their principals ifi District. wanted the principal transferred and The DEO lamented that local Bungoma County and quickly blamed incite students to go on strike to The workshop which had been thus used the students to attain their schools performed dismally in last it on youth unemployment and pov- have their heads transferred. organised by the Kilifi District Sec- goal. year’s Kenya Certificate of Second- erty. “Let’s call a spade a spade. Inse- “Some students say that teach- ondary School Heads Association “Some teachers even ask students ary Education (KCSE) examina- curity in Bungoma County is rampant ers have been inciting them to was aimed at educating the BoG and to boycott meals in order to protest tions. and if not arrested it may scare away potential investors,” he said. The Link, June 2012 6 GOVERNANCE Oparanya insists CDF will continue after devolution By AGGREY BUCHUNJU grassroots level. tation of projects. passed by parliament in 2003. have been the first infrastructure im- “All areas whether politically cor- The National Rainbow Coalition The purpose of the CDF was and provements seen in years THE Constituency Development rect or not are entitled to CDF allo- (NARC) government under Presi- still is to address inequalities in de- Implementation of the fund is Fund (CDF) will not be stopped, the cation hence the government will be dent Mwai Kibaki came to power velopment around the county. It is guided by the CDF act of 2003 and National Planning and Vision 2030 naive to do away with the fund,” he in December 2002, on the platform imperative to note that before the es- the subsequent CDF amendment act Minster, Wycliffe Oparanya, has said. said. of better governance than their pred- tablishment of the CDF, development of 2007 besides regulations and cir- Speaking in Bungoma Town re- Oparanya hinted that CDF will ecessors. projects were taken to areas that were culars released by the ministry of fi- cently, Oparanya dispelled fears that be factored into this year’s budget Kibaki and his team promised politically correct. nance from time to time. CDF will stop immediately the coun- as usual and challenged Bungoma Kenyans nearly everything they had Today, constituents have howev- However, there are still concerns ty governments become operational. county residents to monitor and eval- allegedly missed during the four dec- er, used their CDF allocation to con- that CDF monies are not managed in Oparanya, who was accompanied uate its usage. ades of one party rule; Kenya African struct schools, health facilities, water a transparent manner; that many CDF by Kanduyi MP Alfred Khangati, He said for CDF to be used wisely National Union (KANU). projects and roads. In many constitu- projects are not useful to local com- was categorical that CDF will not be in order to meet its intended purpose, As one of the steps towards this encies, particularly those that were in munities; and that local communities discontinued as numerous develop- citizens must be involved in identifi- goal, the CDF bill fronted by the opposition during the dictatorial and are not sufficiently involved in its ment projects have been started at the cation, prioritisation and implemen- then Olkalou MP Karue Muriuki was corrupt KANU regime, these projects management.

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA KIENI West leaders and provincial administration are worried by the rising number of suicide cases in the DC attributes suicides area. The high rate of suicides recently prompted area DC Abdi Mohammed to convene a meeting with local lead- ers with the aim of finding a lasting solution and preventing more deaths. to family breakdowns The DC said at a meeting he had convened at Mweiga Township in suicide cases in the area. Nyeri County that statistics indicate Simon Nguyo the chairman of that 13 people from various locations Kieni West district peace committee in the district have committed suicide said some cases of suicide have been within the last six months. fuelled by the high level of poverty in “Most of these people have the area. hanged themselves and just two have “This area is dry and drought poisoned themselves. One of the sometimes persist leaving people young victims is a 21 years old girl without any form of income. When who killed herself after performing people are left with no work to do in dismally in her KCSE examination,” their farms, they hang around shop- said Mohammed. ping centers where some get involved The DC said it was after discov- in alcoholism and drug abuse,” noted ering the issue had become a social Nguyo. problem that he decided to convene a He said the barazas would involve meeting with local leaders, the provin- all in the society as the vice had been cial administrators, church leaders and noted to cut across all ages adding professional counselors. family members should look for ami- He attributed the scenario to the cable ways of solving family disputes breakdown of the family unit where which disintegrate families leading to parents have minimal time to talk to desperation. their children about issues in their Nyeri County Maendeleo Ya Wa- lives. nawake chairperson Purity Ngunjiri “It has also been noted some of the said that most of youths were hopeless elderly members of the society are de- and spends most of their time in beer spairing after been neglected by their drinking a situation which had led children,” he said. them to committing suicide. Mohammed said though alcohol- She said that although poverty was ism could also be attributed to suicide to blame most of suicide cases can be cases in the society, there are other traced to feeling of emptiness among Kieni West leaders and provincial administration at a meeting. They are worried with the high rate of suicide in youths who fail to secure employment underlying issues that force people to the area. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa turn to alcohol thinking they will get even after attaining high degrees and the consolation they need. together with local leaders hold public tions to the identified programmes. brews, unemployment and desertion diplomas forcing them to retreat to vil- He said he would soon roll out a meetings in all the six locations to cre- During the meeting speaker after by family members as some of the lages where they become zombies due six weeks programme where he will ate awareness and come up with solu- speaker cited high consumption of factors that had resulted in the rise of to drugs while other kill themselves. Coast leaders to join MRC in fighting injustice By BEKADZO TONDO The civic leaders said they were should step in and address the prob- government to revoke the list of the not happy with the way Kimunya lem. appointed board directors at KPA a COAST leaders have vowed to sup- appointed directors at the KPA and “Members of MRC have been pro- fresh appointments to be done and port the activities of the outlawed urged the Government to revoke the testing over the historical injustices give coastal people and better repre- Mombasa Republic Council (MRC) appointments. against the coastal people since the sentation at the board,” said Kingi. in their bid to seek justice if the gov- Led by Teddy Mwambire, the civ- country attained independence and the Dr Mzungu, however, cautioned ernment continues to perpetuate injus- ic leaders said they will not sit back government should come to our aid MRC against telling coastal people to tices against the coastal people. to see their rights being trampled on and address the problem or else area boycott the coming general elections The leaders took issue with a by selfish leaders and demanded that politicians will support their efforts,” as one of the measures to press for recent case where the Minister for the government revokes the appoint- Dr Mzungu warned. justice. Transport and Communication Amos ments. Fisheries Development Minis- The civic leader said coast people Kimunya appointed most of the di- “Since KPA is located in Coast ter, Amason Kingi, who blew the needs political representation in both rectors at the Kenya Ports Authority region, local people should be given whistle over the KPA appointments the county and central government from one region at the expense of the 60 percent representation at the board by Kimunya, has vowed to continue and said the coastal people will be coastal people. and the remaining percentage to be pressing on to have the list revoked. committing suicide if they fail to vote About 42 civic leaders in Kilifi given to people from other regions,” Kingi said it was unfair for for their leaders. said MRC has been advocating for Mwambire said. Kimunya to favour one region in the “As far as MRC is advocating the secession of Coast region from Mwarakaya ward councilor Silas appointments and leave out coastal for the recognition of coastal people Mzungu, said the grievances levelled people where KPA is located. rights including land allocation, the the rest of the country due to the many Mr. Kimunya historical injustices meted out on to the government as far as injustices “As coast leaders, we will stand idea of telling the people not vote in coastal people saying they will have to the coastal people were concerned firm and demand for the rights of the the coming general election is not a political representation in the govern- no option but to join it. was genuine and the government coastal people and we are urging the good idea as the people need to have ment,” Mzungu said. The Link, June 2012 GOVERNANCE 7

NEMA rallies behind Green Karatina traders protest economy By PETER MUTUKU over stalled project THE National Environment Man- agement Authority (Nema) has em- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA tion against the contractor over made worse by the rains that are Mayor Christopher Kamau ac- barked on a campaign that seeks delays which have seen them re- pounding the country has left cused the contractor of delaying to promote Green economy in the MORE than 2,000 traders at the main a temporary market where them without customers thus no completion of the project saying country to help reclaim depleted wa- Karatina market in Mathira con- they were moved to leave room money to support their families. he has not given any reason over ter sources. stituency are protesting against for the project. The chairman said customers the six month delay. Embu West District Environment delays in the completion of Ksh The market traders led by were avoiding the market due to He said the market which Officer Joseph Kamau says the cam- 270 million Karatina market. their chairman Martin Ngatia its poor drainage system that is is set to cost Ksh270 million paign aims at reducing over-reliance The traders are now calling Iregi said the state of the tem- causing flooding. is scheduled for completion by on firewood which he notes has been upon the government to take ac- porary market which has been Karatina Municipal Council the end of August this year but blamed for depletion of forest cover doubted the deadline will be re- with about 5.6 million trees being cut every day. alized since the contractor is just Kamau says a series of exhibi- half way. tions have been lined up to promote Kamau said he had petitioned the planting of indigenous trees and the Ministry of Local Govern- demonstrate new ways to use natural ment over the delay and officials resources without depleting the envi- from the Ministry were conduct- ronment. “Through exhibitions we ing investigations on the delay. are encouraging Kenyans to adopt Mathira Member of Parlia- green initiatives like use of solar pan- ment Ephraim Maina who toured els, bio gas, energy saving jikos and organic farming.” he said appealing the market threatened to institute to the members of the public to at- legal action to compel the gov- tend the exhibitions and learn to do ernment to compensate traders things differently. at the market saying they had in- He noted that on a daily basis curred numerous losses for lack Kenyans use natural resources hence of customers at the temporary getting them depleted thus the need to market. sensitize people to reverse the trend Maina who said the contractor and save the situation from getting had delayed the project for six out of hand. The Eastern Provincial months urged the government to Director of Environment Stephen Njoka says about 30,000 indigenous take action against the contractor trees are to be in the area in a bid to for breaching the contract terms. rehabilitate water catchment areas. “I will raise the issue in Par- He says the rehabilitation pro- liament to seek an answer from gram targets water catchment ar- the Minister of Local Govern- eas of Mutonga in Meru, Athi River, ment since I had been promised Tana River and Rwake in the lower by former Minister Musalia Mu- Eastern which have been degraded davadi the market would be com- by human activities. The director pleted on time,” he said. notes that the exercise will cost Ksh3 million and will seek to reclaim im- The MP asked the Karatina portant environmental conservation Municipal Council to use the mon- areas. ey collected from the traders to Njoka says that NEMA plans to improve the state of the drainage plant tree species that grow naturally system in the temporary market to along river beds like fig tree, ficus, ensure business goes on as usual. prunes Africana and bamboo trees Efforts to get a comment from which he noted are very efficient in the contractor were fruitless as conserving catchments areas. The uncompleted Sh 270 million Karatina market. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa we didn’t get him on site.

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA LEADERS from Nyeri County have Leaders decry lack of awareness of crucial Acts expressed concern over what they “It is evident most people do not ing many of them could not differentiate ambees would help offer a level playing which all of us know resulted in the term as lack of awareness on the pro- know what these laws require of them. between the roles of the Governor and field for all candidates irrespective of the violence that rocked the country af- vision of the Political Parties’ Act and It has emerged from this forum that even the Senator. “This kind of awareness and amount of money they have. ter the year 2007 elections,” he con- the Elections Act amongst residents in some of the leaders do not know what education will help Kenyans elect good “Some politicians may want to use cluded. the area. the two Acts state,” Mwangi Njururi, an leaders who can uplift their livelihoods money to influence the voters, but the Nyeri County Council chairman The leaders who were speaking at aspirant for the post of Governor said. once the elections come,” he said. law does not allow it. Those who bank Wachira Maina Keen, Nyeri PNU alli- a forum organised by the Independent He said the IEBC should avail docu- Nyeri County GNU party chairman on bribing the voters will be apprehend- ance chairman Mureithi Ndegwa, ex- Electoral and Boundaries Commission ments detailing the provisions of these Samuel Wamathai said candidates as- ed,” said Wamathai. The Nyeri Town mayor Wanyaga Gathaka and Nyeri (IEBC) said many Kenyans were una- Acts to Kenyans so that they can read piring to vie for various seats will have parliamentary seat aspirant said the law deputy mayor Grace Wanyeki were ware of the provisions of the two Acts and understand them. to contend with the requirements of the would also enable politicians to conduct among other political leaders present. saying the electoral body should thus Njururi said Kenyans also need to act to maintain peace and conduct their their campaigns without spreading ha- The forum was attended by local embark on a massive voter education be educated on the roles of the various campaigns in a peaceful manner. tred or insulting their opponents. leaders drawn from various groups campaign before the coming general positions created by the new constitu- Wamathai said the law barring aspir- “The law aims to ensure politics is including the youth, women special elections. tion under the County government not- ing candidates from participating in har- based on issues other than hate speech groups and church leaders. Tension mounting over Kilifi coal project By BEKADZO TONDO ometers to Kilifi DC’s office where demonstration to Kilifi DC Benjamin charge them in court for attempted should be blamed for the acts of hoo- they vowed to reject plans to put up Wachira to protest over the planned arson,” said Maina. liganism and it’s the duty of leaders A CHIEF’S camp at Ngerenya loca- the project without involving them. coal electricity generation project,” The police officer said he will de- to sensitize their people on the im- tion in Kilifi where over 80 families Zowerani assistant chief Ms she said. ploy some police officers to raid all portance of getting education” said are opposed to plans by the govern- Tackla Chai said: “I came as usual However, Kilifi acting OCS, the Mnazi drinking dens in the area Sitawa. ment to put up a coal plant project to my office, but when I opened the James Maina, who visited the office in an effort to get the suspects. Residents led by Gambo was nearly set ablaze by unknown door, I found the curtains burnt and in the company of Bahari DO, Flor- DO Sitawa condemned the act Mwambeni have been opposed to people. some black spots were on the walls,” ence Sitawa described the attempted of burning of the chiefs” office and the taking of their land for the gen- The plot to torch the Zowerani Chief Chai said. burning of the chiefs” office as an act urged local leaders to educate their eration of electricity through the use assistant Chiefs office was mooted “The arsonist seems to have come of hooliganism. people on the importance of main- of coal. According to him, he was just hours after the residents staged a at night and attempted to burn the of- “This is an act of hooliganism taining peace and order. not involved when the project was peaceful procession for about 10 kil- fice soon after the area residents held and will track down the suspects and “Illiteracy among area people planned. The Link, June 2012 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Let’s all join hands for the environment N observance of World Environment Day (Month) and the upcoming Rio+20 international discussion on green econo- Imy, The Link urges international policymakers to consider the role plant science innovations can play in enabling sustain- able agriculture. Plant science innovations have played a significant role in supporting agricultural development worldwide, which in turn has enabled economic development for local, regional, and na- tional governments and communities, while at the same time protecting natural habitats and conserving precious resources. COMMENTARY Plant science products have provided incredible improve- ments in how farmers protect crops against pests and diseases. Since the first Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 farmers have em- braced plant science as a way to protect their land for their chil- Health workers in bid to dren and future generations while feeding their communities. Determining how to share these sustainable practices with more farmers will be a crucial step for developing a green econ- omy framework at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. curb maternal deaths By increasing crop production, these technologies decrease the need to expand farmland. In fact, massive gains in agricul- ENYANS can now seek legal Currently Post Abortion Care (PAC) tural productivity in the past 50 years have saved a landmass the redress for preventable maternal COMMENT is legal in government facilities but very size of North America from conversion into farmland. Kdeaths. expensive. It is estimated that the govern- About 30-60 per cent of these increases are credited to im- The Chairman of the National Nurses By FAITH MUIRURI ment spends Ksh 18 million annually, in proved crop varieties through plant breeding. From 1996 to Association of Kenya (NNAK), Mr. Post Abortion Care given to women with 2009 alone, biotech crops worldwide prevented 75 million hec- Luke KoDambo who is also the Project complications arising from unsafe abor- Coordinator at the Reproductive Health tares of land from being used for farming. Dr Osur says that failure to provide tion by quacks or in an environment lack- Rights Alliance (RHRA) says that ag- At Rio+20, nations will create a green economy by charting services that are legal will now attract ing minimal sanitary and medical stand- grieved parties can now seek justice in penalties and calls on health workers to ards. a path for the globe to reduce poverty while protecting the envi- court. “If a mother comes to the hospi- ronment in coming decades, and agriculture will be a significant familiarize themselves with the law to Dr Osur however notes that although tal with pregnancy related complications PAC is legal in government hospitals, factor. Examining how farmers are protecting the environment avoid committing violations. and care is delayed, the trained health most health facilities in the country do and conserving resources right now provides an opportunity for Dr Osur says that deaths from unsafe professional will be held accountable as abortion are preventable and thus the not have trained personnel to perform the negotiations to build on demonstrated success. outlined in the Constitution,’’ he adds. operation. Recent studies measuring agriculture’s environmental foot- need to face the problem and solve it. KoDambo says that access to mater- “The spirit of the new constitution is “Upto 50 percent of health facilities in print indicate that modern farming has become more sustain- nal health care and reproductive health that the 2600 deaths of women undergo- the country lack the capacity to provide able due to improved technology. A 2011 report found that Bra- rights as enshrined in the Constitution ing unsafe abortion need to be averted. PAC, thus leaving room for quacks and zilian farmers who adopted biotech crops have reduced their must be fully safeguarded. Unless this touchy issue is addressed, the herbalists to take charge,” he laments. carbon emissions by 357,000 tons since 1996 – the equivalent of The Chairman notes that the rate of achievement of MDG 5 and other related Dr Osur says that in some instances planting an extra 2.6 million trees in the rainforest. maternal deaths in the country are wor- goals of maternal health will remain elu- women have to walk for long distances Another initiative, Field to Market, discovered that, through rying with official figures indicating that sive.” before they can access health facilities. the use of modern farming practices, U.S. soybean farmers have approximately 8,000 women die every “Citizens must also be empowered “This means that majority of these cut the energy required to grow an acre of soybeans by two- year due to complications arising from and facilitated to demand for better women die from complications that can thirds compared to 20 years ago. pregnancy and child bearing. Unsafe health services. The article on emergency effectively be treated in a health system With nearly 75 million acres of soybeans planted last year, abortion accounts for 2,600 of these treatment falls in the Bill of Rights and that has adequate skilled personnel, a this is a significant savings for U.S. natural resources. Expand- deaths both in public and private health Citizens can take action if leaders fail to,” functioning referral system and can re- ing the global use of these practices and technologies could make institutions. he adds. spond to obstetric emergencies when they agriculture a key contributor to a green economy. Dr Joachim Osur who is the Director Other factors that can impede the occur,” he affirms. of Africa Alliance Programs (Ipas) shares As global leaders prepare for discussions that will chart the quality of care include poor roads, short- The doctor is however optimistic that similar sentiments. course for sustainable development in the coming decades, na- age of staff, burnout, long working hours once the County Governments become He says that health workers and the and deep seated cultural beliefs surround- operational, such services will be man- tions, including Kenya, must look at what has been success- government must now brace themselves ful since the first Rio conference in 1992. In the past 20 years, ing pregnancy and childbirth especially aged at county level. for more public interest litigations in the “This will help reduce sexual and re- farmers have significantly reduced their carbon footprint while in Coast and Western Kenya. future if the current state of maternal productive health disparities across the feeding a population that has risen by 1.5 billion. With the help The Nurses Association is currently health remains the same. supporting, the Nursing Council of Ken- country. We will have no reason any more of better crop protection and plant biotechnology, farmers will Dr.Osur says that health workers can to say Nairobi and Central provinces have be able to create a green economy in agriculture today, and im- ya to align its codes and scope of practice no longer deny people contraceptives for within the constitutional provisions, like political privileges,” he intimates. proving access to these tools will be critical to maintaining it in cultural or religious reasons so long as it other health regulatory bodies. Dr Osur says that the government the future. is within their professional scope of prac- Lucia Buyanza who is a senior offi- must guarantee access and quality health tice as provided by an Act of Parliament. cial with NNAK at the same time says care to all its citizens through adequate “It is no longer a privilege to avail that the Ministry of Health is moving financing in line with the Abuja Declara- sexual and reproductive health services, towards embracing the Comprehensive tion which requires that government com- citizens can seek redress if they feel their Abortion Care (CAC) which she lays mits 15percent of its revenue to health to The Link is published right to health has been violated,” he emphasis on preventive measures such help address staff shortages and provide monthly by the Institute notes during the 17TH Midwives Scien- as abstinence, family life education and equipment and supplies in a safe health tific Conference held in Kakamega town. provision of other safety options. environment. for Civic Affairs and The Constitution (Article 43(2)) is “We are not going to wait for wom- Reproductive Health Rights Alliance Development (ICAD) explicit and provides that “A person shall en to come to hospitals with pregnancy (RHRA) and IPAS are among organiza- not be denied emergency medical treat- related complications. Instead we will tions that seek to reduce maternal mor- ment.” reach out to them at the village level tality and morbidity in Kenya. The two Further Article 26(4) of the Constitu- and sensitize them on their reproduc- organizations are engaged in building P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. tion provides that when “in the opinion tive health rights that include the right nurses and midwives capacity on Con- of a trained health professional, there is to decide freely and responsibly on the stitutional provisions in the reproductive Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 need for emergency treatment, or the life number, spacing and timing of their chil- health care. The RHRA has enabled the Email: [email protected] or health of the mother is in danger or if dren and to attain the highest standard of service providers to uphold the reproduc- permitted by any other written law”. sexual and reproductive health,” he adds. tive health of women holistically. The Link, June 2012 GOVERNANCE 9

The

EnhancingLink governance for all Rectify the census error, By NYAKWAR ODAWO EDITOR DANIEL OTUNGE MEMBERS of Busia County Civil Society want the Commis- SUB-EDITOR sion on Revenue Allocation to Oparanya told FAITH MUIRURI earmark an additional Ksh700 million to the County as the Cen- ASSOCIATE EDITOR sus report which formed the ba- OLOO JANAK sis of the initial allocation was erroneous and did not reflect the population on the ground. WRITERS Addressing the civil society members during a one day sen- MORRIS GITHENYA Central sitization forum held at Western 0735 855586 Ambience hotel at Bumala in Butula district recently, the Dia- logue Africa representative Gide- JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central on Ochanda said that Amagoro Constituency with a population of 0724 039787 256,000 people has erroneously been moved to Bungoma County, thus presenting a major challenge BEKADZO TONDO Coast to the socio-economic growth for 0728 341240 Busia County. “The Minister for Planning Wycliff Oparanya must move PETER MUTUKU Eastern with speed and de-gazette the 0721 455048 population of Busia. This will help empower the Kenya Bureau of Statistics to give the correct population of Busia,” said Ochan- KAVYU-KURA Eastern da, adding that if the error is not 0721 000000 corrected and left as it is, it will Mr. Oparanya Mr. Ochanda affect those vying for the senate. On the controversial election “The law allows for a vari- nise all those aspiring to contest married in the country. BOB OMBATI Nyanza date, Dialogue Africa chairman ation of 10percent in the popu- for various elective posts during Ochanda, however explained 0728 435255 said people had taken boundary lation distribution of a place,” the general elections. that the constitution allows for issues to court so if the court says says ochanda, adding that each Members of the civil society dual citizenship adding that a there was error then election can- ward should have a population of organization drawn from Busia spouse from a foreign country NYAKWAR ODAWO Western not be held in December, adding 26,000 people whereas a constitu- County’s seven districts namely should not be denied an identifi- ency should have a population of Samia, Butula, Bunyala, Nam- cation card just because she is not 0726 264153 that if the court is progressive enough then the whole thing will 133,000. bale, Busia, Teso South and Teso from Kenya. be nullified. He at the same time said that North complained about the delay On CDF bursary, the members He urged the people to read a total of 96 boundary cases have in the issuance of national Identi- of the civil society faulted the LUKE KAPCHANGA Western the constitution so that they can been taken to court but have been fication Cards. manner in which the CDF bursary 0723 622136 understand its content to avoid merged into one. “Majority of youth in Bu- committees from the respective being misled by politicians who “Election is supposed to be sia County are yet to be issued constituencies were handling the may take advantage of their igno- done after every five years and with identification cards yet they disbursement of bursary to needy AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western rance. thus there is no cause for alarm had applied for the same several cases. 0733 537002 Ochanda supported the move with the March 2013 dates,” he months ago,” they said, adding “Only the sons and daughters by the Independent Electoral said, adding that Kenyans must that some provincial administra- of people closer to the MPs are Boundaries Commission (IEBC) elect visionary leaders who can tors are to blame for the delays in awarded good money but major- to balance population figures in deliver,” said Ochanda. the issuance of the identification ity of needy cases are either given LAYOUT AND DESIGN: respective electoral units saying He at the same time under- cards. little or no money at all,” they WALKER DESIGNS the commission must bridge dis- scored the need to set up vetting They said that women are the said, adding MPs should not be parities in different areas. committees that will help scruti- hardest hit as some are foreigners allowed to handle CDF. 0725 903 938 [email protected] Leaders decry lack of awareness of crucial Acts Kisii youth By JOSEPH MUKUBWA of these Acts to Kenyans so that “Some politicians may want to advised they can read and understand them. use money to influence the voters, LEADERS from Nyeri County Njururi said Kenyans also need but the law does not allow it. Those on voting have expressed concern over what to be educated on the roles of the who bank on bribing the voters will they term as lack of awareness on various positions created by the be apprehended,” said Wamathai. By BOB OMBATI the provision of the Political Par- new constitution under the County The Nyeri Town parliamentary ties’ Act and the Elections Act government noting many of them seat aspirant said the law would KISII county ‘Yes Youth can’ pro- amongst residents in the area. could not differentiate between also enable politicians to conduct gramme chairman, Dennis Orioki This Newspaper appreciates The leaders who were speaking the roles of the Governor and the their campaigns without spreading urged youths to obtain Identity at a forum organised by the Inde- Senator. hatred or insulting their opponents. cards to participate in the elections. the facilitation accorded by Orioki told The Link, it would the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung pendent Electoral and Boundaries “This kind of awareness and “The law aims to ensure poli- Commission (IEBC) said many be difficult for the youths who form (KAS) in Kenya education will help Kenyans elect tics is based on issues other than the bulk of the population to elect Kenyans were unaware of the pro- good leaders who can uplift their hate speech which all of us know their leaders without the IDs. visions of the two Acts saying the livelihoods once the elections resulted in the violence that rocked The official urged the gov- electoral body should thus embark come,” he said. the country after the year 2007 ernment to decentralize registra- All correspondence and on a massive voter education cam- Nyeri County GNU party chair- elections,” he concluded. tion services at the sub-locational paign before the coming general man Samuel Wamathai said can- Nyeri County Council chair- level to enable those attaining the enquiries to the editor, elections. didates aspiring to vie for various man Wachira Maina Keen, Nyeri required age to acquire the docu- “It is evident most people do seats will have to contend with the PNU alliance chairman Mureithi ments easily instead of travelling P.O. Box 7438, 00200, not know what these laws require requirements of the act to maintain Ndegwa, ex- mayor Wanyaga to far-flung district headquarters to of them. It has emerged from this peace and conduct their campaigns Gathaka and Nyeri deputy mayor get them. Nairobi, Kenya. forum that even some of the lead- in a peaceful manner. Grace Wanyeki were among other He said youth who had attained ers do not know what the two Wamathai said the law barring political leaders present. the age of 18 have a right to get the Tel: 020 6001274 Acts state,” Mwangi Njururi, an aspiring candidates from partici- The forum was attended by ID cards without being subjected to Telefax: 020 6001776 aspirant for the post of Governor pating in harambees would help local leaders drawn from vari- a rigorous process which may force said. offer a level playing field for all ous groups including the youth, them to give up and urged provin- cial administrators and Registration e-mail: [email protected] He said the IEBC should avail candidates irrespective of the women special groups and church documents detailing the provisions amount of money they have. leaders. officers to aid them. 10 The Link, June 2012 GOVERNANCE Gender ministry launches child protection services By HENRY OWINO during the official launch of the frame- Esipilla, who was guest of honour, violence. She added it is very dishearten- work for Kenya at a hotel in Nairobi. reminded the public that Child Protec- ing to note that the adults, who are sup- MILLIONS of children the world over Amb. Esipilla said according to the tion System is everyone’s business in- posed to be protective to children, are in Soaring continue to be victims of violence and African report on Child well-being, Ken- cluding National and Regional govern- the centre of violating their rights. exploitation in the home, at school or ya was placed sixth as the most child- ments, Civil Society, the Communities, Waweru regretted that concerted ef- crime rate within their community, the very settings friendly in all African governments. She families, private sector and children to forts in addressing the challenges are that are supposed to provide a protective pointed out first reason was for putting address child protection concerns. adversely affecting the children growth in Nambale environment for them. in place appropriate legal provisions to “Let us all use the national toll free and development despite government Kenya has made significant strides protect children against abuse and ex- helpline 116 to report all cases of child and stakeholders efforts various meas- in addressing obstacles that stand in the ploitation, secondly for commitment to abuse. This way, we shall reduce if not ures aimed at enhancing child care and alarms way of full realization of child rights. allocating a relatively higher share of na- end children’s rights abuse in the coun- protection. For instance; development of specific tional budget to provide for the needs of try,” pleaded Esipilla. “In spite of the noble efforts, chil- residents policies and programmes to address spe- children and thirdly for achieving rela- Hellen Waweru, the chairperson, dren still remain victims of neglect, cific rights, such as, the provision of free tively favorable well-being outcomes for NCCS, said the Child Protection is a trafficking, and child labour, child pov- By NYAKWAR ODAWO and compulsory primary education to all children. multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary af- erty, adondonment, heading households, children, the Cash Transfer Programme Esipilla however expressed her fair that requires involvement of every- internal and external displacement NAMBALE District lacks a po- to assist orphans and vulnerable children concerns that in spite of the various in- one. She emphasized this considering that among other evils that traumatize them,” lice station and residents have to among others. terventions and strategies by the gov- over half of the population of Kenya is Waweru lamented. Most towns in Afri- walk for more than 20 kilometers The Ministry of Gender, Children ernment, civil society and faith based constituted by children some of who live ca, children are being abused by adults to to access services at Busia police and Social Development in collabora- organizations and private sectors; chil- in different situations of vulnerability. beg money and food in the streets from station. tion with National Council for Chil- dren in Kenya continue to be exposed “It is vital that Kenya has an effec- people, overworked thus child labour, The District is served by a po- dren’s Services (NCCS) has established to challenging situations in the social, tive and functional child protection sys- forced to marriage others for commer- lice patrol base which operates a Framework for National Child Protec- economic, cultural and political arena tem which is guided by framework. The cial sex in night clubs. without a vehicle to respond to tion System for Kenya as a product of against the international human rights overall purpose of any child protection The framework objectives is aimed emergencies. concerted efforts and substantive contri- legal framework. system is to promote the well-being of at addressing the plight of children by; Residents led by Mr Callistus butions among many. “Statistically, 2.5 million children children through prevention of violence defining the roles and functions of all Aleri, a prominent businessman in The Child Protection System is a set are orphans and vulnerable children and exploitation, ensuring that in case it stakeholders in child protection, provide the area, say that they have to con- of laws, policies, regulations and serv- (OVCs). About 900 million are in child happens, prompt and coordinated action a framework as a reference for a child tend with the high rate of criminal ices, capacities, monitoring and over- labour including the street children, one is taken to prevent further occurrence,” protection in Kenya facilitate effective activities in the area which they sight needed across all social sectors million are out of school. The 2008 post Waweru explained. coordination in the provision of child to prevent and respond to protection- blame on the absence of a police election crisis, and persistent cycle of Waweru illustrated, according to the protection services and facilitate review- station. related risks. Its goals are to support and drought, climate change, the global fi- violence report by the United Nations ing and enacting of appropriate and ef- strengthen families to reduce social ex- Aleri says the situation has nancial slowdown and the rising food 2006 more than 200 million children fective legislation and policies, capaci- been aggravated by corruption clusion and to lower risk of separation, prices have exacerbated the vulnerability have been sexually abused and almost ties and resources to effectively address violence and exploitation. of children in Kenya,” narrated Esipilla. 300 million have witnessed domestic issues of children. on the part of some police offic- In Kenya’s Constitution, an indi- ers who have been colluding with vidual who has not attained the age of criminal gangs to unleash terror in eighteen years is regarded as a child. the area. The country has made significant strides “Some police officers have in addressing obstacles that stand in the been colluding with criminal way of full realization of child rights. gangs operating in the area. It is The UN Convection on the Rights for this reason that the level of of the Child (UNCRC) and the African crime has reached an alarming Charter on the Rights and Welfare of level,” he says. the Child (ACRWC) have largely been He calls for called for the es- domesticated and incorporated into Ken- tablishment of a police station in yan law mainly through the Children the area to curb increased cases of Act of 2001 and now the Constitution. insecurity in the district. The current Constitution of Kenya 2010, “It is high time a full-fledged therefore, ushered a new era for child rights by making special provisions for police station is established in children. Nambale and adequate personnel For instance; Chapter four of the deployed in order to curb rising Bill of Rights states that ‘the State shall cases of insecurity,” adds Aleri enact and implement legislation to ful- who plans to contest for the Nam- fill its international obligations in re- bale parliamentary seat on a Narc- spect of human rights and fundamental Kenya ticket. freedoms. In addition, section 53 of the The aspirant says that Nam- new constitution is specific to children, a bale residents have been living in plus for Kenya, as children‘s rights were fear of being ambushed by crimi- not mentioned anywhere in the previous nal gangs who have been engaged constitution. in a spate of robberies and killing The remarks were made by Ambas- of innocent people. “Life is pre- sador Franklins Esipilla who represented cious and the government should permanent secretary, Ministry of Gen- employ all means at its disposal to der, Children and Social Development Kibera Children’s Rescue Centre. Children world over continue to be victims of violence and exploitation in the home. ensure people are totally protected from the ruthless criminal gangs who have been operating with im- punity,” he adds. IEBC launches civic education in Bondo He said that Nambale Town Council has already set aside a By JOHNN NYAMBUNE However, Obari said the com- will hence take a lot of time. If we can make sure that their elections are free mission was within the law to set the have the presidential election held on and fair,” she says. three-quarter parcel of land that CIVIC Education has been launched March 4, 2013 general elections date day one and the other positions on the However, the biggest hurdle that will be used for the establishment in Bondo Constituency as the country arguing that the activities prior to the following day,” suggested Osanya. Obari cited is the acquisition of iden- of the police station adding that prepares for the general election under election could not allow the polls to As the country prepares for the tity cards and voter registration in the government should appreci- the devolved system of government. be conducted this year. “The commis- polls, there is fear among the disa- Bondo district. She says most people ate the gesture and support the Bondo Constituency Electoral co- sion respects the rule of law and there- bled in Bondo according to Dorsila register as voters but hardly cast their project. ordinator, Rose Obari, says the exer- fore decided to have the elections held Adhiambo Okoth. “Going by what votes on the election day. Several victims and the resi- cise aims at educating people on the on March 4, 2013 as it was passed by happened during the ODM grassroot “We have been experiencing a dents of Nambale at large inter- six ballot election and identifying any the court,” she explains. elections, we fear that the worst might challenge because most of the vot- viewed by The Link said should challenges that the commission may According to the Commission, the happen for the disabled,” she says. ers are fishermen and therefore goes the government fail to respond face during the general election. two constituencies (Kajiado North “We need security to protect us on fishing expedition on the Election to their call, they will have no al- Obari says the mock exercises and Malindi) were selected due to from harassment and mistreatment Day,” she said. Elsewhere, Yimbo ternative but to take the law into held in Kajiado North and Lamu con- their rural and urban features, which by some rowdy youths hired by some West location acting Chief Manasseh their own hands and lynch the stituencies have been incorporated will be used to determine the time politicians. If this can’t be taken into Osuri is appealing to those who have criminals. taken to cast the vote by a rural and an consideration, then we aren’t going to not collected their identity cards to so in the programme to enable the In- “We have suffered a great deal dependent Electoral and Boundaries urban voter. participate in the elections,” she says. since this is the only way that they reg- Addressing the voters, West Yim- However, Obari urged party lead- ister as voters. from the hands of these ruthless Commission (IEBC) to come up with criminal gangs. But we shall be solutions ahead of the polls in order to bo Development Committee chair- ers to ensure that they intensify secu- “We have many uncollected iden- hold smooth and credible elections. man, Samson Osanya said the elec- rity during party elections in order to tity cards in our office and we are forced to take the law into our During this exercise, voters ex- tions will be held in two days. “I do avoid disillusionment and violence. therefore going to conduct door-to- own hands and lynch them,” said pressed fears about what the commis- suggest that the elections be held in “Although the Commission has no re- door inspection to identify those who the irate residents, adding that sion says and what the law states on two days because this time round, we sponsibility of conducting party elec- have not collected their cards,” he their pleas had always fallen on the election date. will be voting six positions and this tions, I urge our political leaders to warned. deaf ears. The Link, June 2012 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

The Chief Justice Let all Kenyans should oppose Set up teams to establish causes cast their votes! THE right to vote for all citizens has same sex unions been recognised, acknowledged and DR WILLY Mutunga’s suggestion of accidents and find a solution accepted by nations worldwide. It is to be found in various international legal that the Supreme Court settle the IT IS time Kenya comes up with question of what the Constitution insruments and covenants. lasting solutions to road accidents The new Constitution strives to ac- says about same sex marriage is wor- that have claimed many lives and rying. commodate dual and multiple citizens. maimed others. Their fellow knsmen who are also In his remarks at the forum on the We no longer need to merely citizens of other countries now have an rules of the top court, the Chief Jus- talk and engage in blame games opportunity to enjoy this right. tice said the Supreme Court, if asked, when we know very well that ac- They are thus a welcome addition would interpret correctly what the cidents have become a daily oc- to the other Kenyans who have enjoyed law says on gay rights. He described currence, whose consequences this right in the past, as well as those ongoing public debate on the mat- are permanent and irreversible. living in Kenya who have only recent- ter as “healthy”, and “encouraging”. Shouting and blaming each ly qualified to vote. Thus the Diaspora This matter, however, does not need other will not help bring the car- vote is of the same status in legal rec- interpretation. nage to an end but will worsen the ognition as that of all citizens living in If there are loopholes in the law situation. Kenya. that may allow practices that threaten We need to appreciate the fact The police, the National Youth Serv- the moral fibre of scoiety, Dr. Mutun- that accidents are not acts of God. ice, game wardens and forest guards, ga should have spoken up during the We need to appreciate the fact patients in hospitals, remand prisoners, Constitution making process. serving prisoners, a large section of the that accidents are not acts of God. military and travelling Kenyans do not The majority of Kenyans were We should desist from blaming unanimous in demanding clauses in vote for various reasons. God for our own acts of commis- The reasons these voters cannot the Constitution that excluded gay sion or omission. marriages. Kenya is a predominantly be facilitated to vote have been loudly To address a problem effec- voiced by politicians. Some of the rea- Christian and Muslim country. tively, it is important to be fully Both religious believe in the final sons are real, and some imagined. acquainted with the cause first. A number cite inadequate financial authority of the Holy Quran and the We need to get to the root resources and lack of knowledge as Holy Bible to guide them in matters causes of the road accidents. It part of the reasons involved. of faith and life. is after understanding the causes Politicians have always suspected Why would Mutunga be “encour- that we can look for practical so- The wreckage of a matatu that was involved in an accident at that, the election authorities and their aged” by discussions that seek to lutions. Karigu-ini on the Kenol-Murang’a road. Fourteen people died officials would be misused by their op- overthrow the authorities of the holy In order to identify and cate- on the accident. Photo/File ponents to their detriment, if these Ken- books? gorise the causes, the government yans are allowed to vote. Laws are made by Parliament on should engage two competent cidents. More accidents mean traffic offenders in order to curb The authorities, being aware of this behalf of the people and no court is teams. more business for them. Those the carnage is just but a half- attitude, have not found it necessary to greater than its maker. One will be charged with the who provide breakdown services, baked measure that will not trans- carry out an audit of the problems and It is morally unacceptable for an- task of conducting a research to garages, hospitals and morgues late into meaningful gains. solutions that need to be confronted, yone to urge Kenyans to seek the in- identify and categorise the causes. are examples. This, however, is What we need is a comprehen- and put in place mechanisms for these tervention of the court in matters the The other one will be respon- not to say that they do not offer sive approach. Kenyans to enjoy their rights. public considers unnatural. Naturally, crucial services. I support the point made by Kenya now boasts of an independ- sible for coming up with practical ent electoral commission. Why then every adult human being has a sexual solutions. When the first team completes Mutuma Mathiu in his article orientation. the research, it should hand over ‘Here’s my well-considered five- should there be talk that if vote registra- The government should form tion and polling takes place in the em- But this does not mean we should the second team in consultiation its findings to the second one. year plan on how to reduce road advocate for same sex marriages. bassies and consulates, fraud is likely with all stakeholders. It should The need to curb the road car- carnage’ that appeared in one of to occur? Does the politician want us Let us draw the line between what be made up of eminent persons nage is long overdue and further the dailies on May 18, 2012 that is acceptable and what is not, before to believe he has to be always present of high integrity. I am suggest- blame games or inaction either by an authority to manage road safe- in such places to monitor the electoral things go out of control. ing this because not everybody the government or the public are ty should be established through voting and counting exercise? mourns when an accident occurs. unacceptable. an Act of Parliament. It as is the case, he relies on his * * * There are business people We need to act now. David Ndegwa, agents, why is it impossible for him whose livelihoods depend on ac- Imposing huge penalties on via e-mail. to place his agents at these embasies? IN a suit filed in US Federal Court, Granted, the voters will be Kenyans, Pastor Scott Lively is charged with and it cannot be argued that none violation of the international law of would accept to be used. ‘Crimes Against Humanities of Per- Meanwhile, the Independent Elec- secution’ for preaching against ho- toral and Boundaries Commission mosexuality in Uganda. should register the Diaspora voters and There seems to be an evil inten- facilitate their voting. It has all the re- tion on the part of homosecual move- sources it needs, time included. ment to pervert the law of natural What remains is the goodwill to justice in order to fulfill their lustful push forth a very deserving agenda. desires. The Bible speaks against this Samuel Kivuitu, behaviour as it negates the purpose of Via e-mail. God in multiplying and replenishing the earth. Pastor Lively’s freedom to pub- lish and rebuke openly those who sin is enshrined in both secular and divine laws. Since the institutions of world governments are ordained by God, The* editor welcomes letters and their constitutions must also respect comments on a variety of issues. His divine laws. The letters should be brief, topical We exhort Pastor Scott not to be and issue based. discouraged by baseless and ungodly The editor reserves the right to edit lawsuits and instead press on with his for brevity or clarity. divine crusade against ungodliness. Write to: Humanity without posterity is poten- The Editor, tially extinct. The Link, Concenrned Kenyans, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. Via e-mail. E-mail: [email protected] 12 The Link, June 2012 GOVERNANCE Revoke appointments Nyeri leaders tip - FIDA tells Kibaki By LINK CORRESPONDENT THE Federation of Women Lawyers women on top seats in Kenya (FIDA) has faulted Presi- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA dent Mwai Kibaki’s appointment of 47 county commissioners and de- NYERI Women representative as- manded that the exercise be revoked pirant Priscilla Nyokabi has urged citing gender imbalance. women to support their fellow women In a press statement faxed to news- in order for them to clinch top seats in rooms, the association said that the the country. appointments negated the spirit of the Nyokabi, who is the Kitua Cha new constitution, which requires that Sheria Executive Director, said it is one third of any appointment be from time for the women who are major- the other gender. ity in the country to stand and support “The appointments do not meet their fellow women in order for them the threshold stipulated in our Consti- to also win most of the county seats. tution and utterly violate Article 27 (8) She said it is time for women to with regard to ensuring that not more join political seats as contained in the than two thirds of the appointments new constitution. made were of persons of the same President Kibaki The aspirant said she will ensure gender,” read the statement in part. agriculture sector receives a boost in The media release, which was The women’s rights body wants the county, if elected for the post in signed by FIDA Kenya Chair Ruth the appointments by the President order to create more employment. “I Aura, noted that the appointments annulled and fresh appointments be shall ensure we sell branded and proc- have contravened the national values made in line with the principles es- essed tea, coffee and dairy products and principles of governance, par- poused in the constitution. everywhere including in all counties ticularly the principle of equality as “We therefore demand that the and internationally to ensure creation enshrined under Article 10 of the Con- President revoke the appointments of more jobs,” she said. stitution. and follow the criteria set out in the Nyokabi said if the agricultural “Our government has commit- Constitution failure to which FIDA products are exported to other markets ted to uphold our Constitution and to Kenya will take appropriate action to in Europe and Africa, this will help uphold the gender parity principle en- remedy this injustice,” Aura said. to boost income for the local farm- shrined under Article 4(L) of the Con- Only 11 women were appointed ers. “Nyeri County should establish stitutive Act of the African Union,” out of the 47 available county posi- its Konza like ICT city and explores added Aura terming the appointments tions. A third of this translates to at partnerships with other ICT hubs in as a gross violation of the Constitu- least 15 commissioners and thus con- United States and other places. We tion. travenes gender provisions in the con- can start with local universities,” she She said the action by the Presi- stitution. added. dent is demeaning to not just Kenyan The appointments have also She was speaking at Gathumbi women, but to those in the entire Af- drawn criticism from other circles, Secondary School during a funds Ms. Nyokabi, Kitua Cha Sheria Executive Director rican continent given that the African with Kenya’s Prime Minister, Raila drive in aid of the school which was Women’s Decade was launched in Odinga, saying he was not consulted attended by President Mwai Kibaki Gakuru Wahome, an aspirant for Ny- He also urged the Nyeri people to Kenya, an indication that our govern- by the President while making the ap- son Jimmy. “We also want all people eri Governor, who was also present respect President Kibaki before and ment is committed to promotion and pointments that are also supposed to to join National Hospital Insurance during the function, said he ready to after retirement. KPLC director Esau empowerment of women in line with reflect representation of persons with Fund scheme to enable them to ben- work for the Nyeri people if elected Kioni was also present during the the themes of the Decade. disabilities. efit in time of sickness,” she added. Dr for the seat. function. Millions returned amidst grinding poverty

By BEKADZO TONDO pond farming project in each of the the 300 fish ponds which had been six constituencies in Kilifi County. planned to be constructed in Bahari TENS of thousands of shillings allo- Kingi who had paid a courtesy Constituency. cated to different government minis- call to DC Wachira before he left to “In Kilifi we got so many chal- tries to implement community devel- the field to inspect the projects got lenges like land ownership problems, opment projects in Kilifi district are shocked to learn that out of 300 fish lack water sources and poor soils to annually returned to the treasury due ponds which had been planned for construct ponds and those are some to under utilisation. construction in Bahari constituency of the problems which made us as Kilifi District Commissioner, it was only 80 ponds which had been ministry to fail to meet the 300 ponds Benjamin Wachira, blamed the heads done. Minister Kingi sad his ministry in Bahari,” Onchonga said. of department in the area for not in- had budgeted Ksh25,000 for the con- Local leaders in Kilifi led by Kil- volving the residents in implementa- struction of each fish pond where the ifi Town Council chairperson Esther tion of the projects for the return of 300 ponds were to cost Ksh6 million Kache and a nominated councillor the development funds. but it was only about Ksh 4 million Joseph, who had accompanied the “I have come to discover that which was spent leaving the rest to be minister, claimed the community had some heads of departments in this returned. not been informed about the govern- district do not go out and inform lo- “The government initiated the ment project and blamed the area cal leaders and the members of the fish pond farming project through the fisheries officers for the returned of public on development projects their economic stimulus program to im- the funds. ministries are supposed to undertake prove the economy of the people and Wachira admitted before the min- something which had resulted to re- its sad to learn that some officers are ister that area heads of department turn of millions of money to the treas- sabotaging the government develop- had not been involving the communi- ury,” Wachira ment polices by failing to implement ty and the leaders concerning projects Wachira was reacting to an issue its programs,” said Kingi. which the government intended to do where over Ksh5.5 million budgeted Kilifi District Fisheries Officer in the area. to start fish pond projects in Bahari Nemwel Onchonga defended himself “Bwana minister I fully agree that constituency under the economic against the returned money claiming our government officers from dif- stimulus program were last year re- that soils found in Bahari constitu- ferent departments in Kilifi have not Mr. Kingi, Fisheries Development minister turned to the treasury after the de- ency were rocky while others were so been informing members of the pub- partment of fisheries development in porous that they could not hold water lic concerning government projects incorporated when the fish pond never involved the area MP Gunda Kilifi failed to make use of them. thus making it difficult to have more something which resulted to underde- project was started in the area though though the project was directly con- According to the minister for fish- fish ponds in the area. velopment of the area,” Wachira said. the project was much concerned with nected with the development of eries development Amason Kingi, his Onchonga further castigated land Minister Kingi wondered why the development of the constituency. the constituencies which had ben- ministry had budgeted Ksh6 million disputes among area people and lack the area MP, Benedict Gunda and lo- “It’s a shock that my officers in efited with economic stimulus pro- for the implementation of the fish of water sources for the failure to put cal leaders in the area had not been the ministry of fisheries in bahari gramme,” Kingi. The Link, June 2012 GOVERNANCE 13 Magarini residents demand land for school By BEKADZO TONDO According to the chairman of community project” said Mangi. records of allocation and no title serve them. Mangi said most pu- Majengo Village Development A report done by the department deed has been issued” said the re- pils had been forced to remain at RESIDENTS of Majengo village Committee, Lennox Mangi, the res- of land adjudication and settlement port. their homes due to lack of a nearby in Fundisa location in Magarani idents say it is unfair for the portion in Malindi proved that the land had These finding were obtained af- school. want the government to allocate of land to remain idle while they not been allocated to anybody. ter the director of land adjudication He further said the area has reg- them land within the Magarini Set- lack space to construct a school. However, the report which was and settlement from Nairobi in a istered an increased in population tlement Scheme to build a Public “We have conducted a search at sent to the director of land adjudi- letter signed by P.K Mwangi who and thus requires essential services Primary school. the relevant lands offices and we cation and settlement in Nairobi had directed the land adjudication like that of schools and health fa- The residents who want the have found that the portion of land indicated that the land is being oc- officer in Malindi to visit the plot cilities near them. “The population Ministry of Lands to allocate them measuring four acres has not been cupied by one squatter. and give his report. of people in our locality has risen land, claim that their children had allocated to anybody and since we “Legal and ground status report The residents are planning to and there are children who need to to walk for long distances before need a nearby, we have decided to on plot numbers 496/735 Shau- put up both primary and second- go to school but we do not a school they can access the nearest school. request this land officially for the rimoyo scheme, the plot has no ary schools and a health centre to nearby,” Mangi said.

State Group lobbies MPs to urged to compensate pass crucial Aids Bill pyramid By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Kariuki also said that the Government should also ga- scheme MEMBERS of Parliament have zette the HIV/Aids as a Na- been urged to pass the Kenya tional disaster to ease bureauc- victims National Aids Commission Bill racies in the Government thus By JOSEPH MUKUBWA 2012 in order to enable HIV making the work easier. and Aids patients to access bet- Central regional Monitoring THE Government has been ter services. and evaluation officer James called upon to factor in Ksh Participants attending a Kiiru who was also present dur- 15 billion in the annual budget three-day workshop at a Nyeri ing the workshop lamented that to compensate millions of hotel petitioned the MPs to pass HIV and Aids continues to be Kenyans who lost their money the Bill which provides for the a major public health and socio through pyramid schemes. creation of a powerful commis- Speaking during the forum, - economic challenge adversely Bishop, Erastus Njoroge of sion to streamline services tar- affecting all the sectors in the geting people living with Aids. Four square church said four region. million Kenyans were conned They said that the commis- He said approximately 1.2 in the pyramid scam and are sion is to replace the National million people are living with languishing in abject poverty. Aids Control Council which the virus as at the end of the The call was made by has been in existence since year year 2007 countrywide. various members of public 1999. “Most women are infected attending this year’s budget Nacc legal Officer Charles with the virus (8.4 per cent) consultation forum conducted Kariuki said there is need to compared to men (5.4 per cent). by five parliamentarians at the establish a National Aids Com- Most couples are more affect- Nyeri Municipal town hall. mission in the country in order ed. The epidemic has directly Among the MPs in at- to be like any other country in led to 1.2 million children be- tendance were Mathioya MP Africa. ing orphaned from HIV-related Clement Muchiri and Kieni “Nacc is restricted to under- deaths,” he added. MP Nemesyus Warugongo taking certain responsibilities Kiiru said those mostly with among others. and has no powers and so there virus are the heterosexual cou- “Majority of the affected is need for the MPs to establish ples within a union/steady par- families are unable to feed, it,” he added. ticipants who are 44.1 per cent. clothe, or pay school fees for Parliament in session their children after they were swindled of their hard earned income about five years ago,” said the Bishop. More women to join politics, says Kamar The Bishop said the Gov- ernment should set aside a By LINK CORRESPONDENT general election 2012 remains critical. third gender rule. Rift Valley shows that women have compensation kitty in its Prof. Kamar says Independent “Although they have fewer re- what it takes to lead. The region leads budget in a bid to help victims Kenyan and African women have Electoral and Boundary Commis- sources that could assemble effective in women representation in the cur- recover their lost money. fought many battles in their pursuance sion, IEBC and other Constitutional political campaigns, women aspirants rent parliament. Several public figures who for equality and respect in society. stakeholders should intensify civic have started raising funds through al- Chepkok says that women can spoke in turns during the fo- Theirs has been a rocky path filled education on key laws to enable not ternatives despite fundraising ban on offer credible, accountable, transpar- with tearful tales of brutality, dehu- rum, unanimously under- only women but all Kenyans make in- elective officers. Our main concerns ent and integrity based leadership. scored various socio - eco- manization and even death. formed choices in the next polls. and which may disadvantage most “Women have in most cases remained From the beaches of the Indian “Many Kenyans and especially women is the widespread ignorance good stewards of family resources in nomic ills that have befallen Ocean to the shores of Lake Victoria, women are not conversant with the on the new laws,” the legislator ob- spite of the lesser role they play in Af- the multitude of pyramid vic- women have risked their lives for the new election and political party laws serves. rican family set ups”, she claims. tims. liberation of their gender. and this may hinder their effective But despite the electoral laws ig- Chepkok is reluctant to disclose They said some persons From the legendary Mekatilile participation in the coming polls”, norance, Moira Chepkok is bubbling which seat she has set her eyes but have committed suicide, oth- Wa Menza to the late Nobel Laure- Kamar observes. with confidence as she strategizes to says she is warming up for County ers have divorced, or separat- ate Wangari Mathai; from the elderly Banning politicians from fund- taste political waters for the first time seats when time comes. ed, while more others engaged Phoebe Asiyo to the brave Martha raising, the election law, Prof. Kamar during this year’s election. The retired Martha Ndogoto who is the pro- into drugs trafficking activi- Karua, Kenyan women have strug- says it is timely and will increase banker says she is ready to tackle the gram coordinator of the Coalition ties following huge loss of gled to defeat negative cultural prac- chances for women participation. men and all the cultural obstacles on for Peace in Africa (COPA) acknowl- their monies to cartels of the tices that dehumanize them. “The election law is good for it her path. edges the fact that resource disparities Pyramid scheme. As Kenyans prepare for the 2012 stops some male politicians who often “Women should not tie themselves may hinder possible female candi- Some members of the pub- general elections, women must strat- use their resources through fundrais- down to the one third women repre- dates. lic argued that there is no jus- egise to win more elective positions ing to influence votes”, Prof Kamar sentation as stipulated in the Consti- Ndogoto says her organization tification for the Government since the constitution has expanded reiterates. tution. The political window is wide has been on women capacity building to put in place poverty eradi- their space for gaining power. Prof. Kamar says political fields open. Women should know there are mission mainly on peace and political cation projects while they are High Education Minister Prof. are white and women should go for other seats available to compete for”, processes across the country. unable to arrest those who or- Margaret Kamar says women em- the all seats as enshrined in the consti- says Chepkok. She asserts that winning in the chestrated the scheme. powerment on electoral laws ahead of tution and not merely to fulfil the one She argues that experience in the coming politics may not entirely de-

The Link, June 2012 SUPPLEMENT 15

PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE A monthly supplement funded by the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Reflections on my stay in South East Asia ONGRATULATIONS to all back at home in single formula to the methodology of for the wounded fighters and cadres, our Partner Civil Society MANAGER’S COLUMN Kenya. I missed approach; however the timing aspect espionage workers, cover for the party COrganizations in Rift “Ugali” for is vital. The actors to a conflict must cadres or combatants. They actually Valley, Nyanza and Western the entire be ready to listen, learn and change in comprised 20 per cent of the Maoist regions for making this project three months order to resolve the conflict. I will not combatants. During most wars, women achieve its objectives. The most By in Thailand. go into pains of explaining the different are ubiquitous and highly visible; when recent activity within the project During my methods that may be employed in wars are over and the war songs are was the Divisional Community JANE stay at resolving conflicts such as negotiation, sung, women disappear. Therefore Leaders meetings that brought MURUTU C h u l a l o n g mediation, appreciative inquiry and open women need to be involved in signing on board the Administration K o r n space. Additionally use of songs, theatre, of peace agreements, at the negotiating Police and Kenya Police U n i v e r s i t y painting, narratives and humour are tables and all other national processes. officers. It must have been in Bangkok, some of the new ways that some peace- In Nepal, schools have been declared very interesting and stimulating I saw and builders are exploring for instance in as zones of peace. Teachers, parents to watch as these officers were put to learned a lot that if I was to write it down Nepal in the process of peacebuilding. and students work together to resolve task to explain what is perceived to be I will need some months to narrate my Organizations should not be ignorant conflicts. Some schools like Montessori injustices meted to citizens. The officers experiences. The study took me to many of projecting scenario analysis: worst schools and others have peace education had the onus to mingle with the members places in and out of Bangkok and in April case scenario, positive case scenario, incorporated in the curriculum. Nepal in public in a dialogue platform created to Nepal`s capital city, Kathmandu and in between (mid) case scenario. These has also a Ministry of Peace and by the EU-co-funded project. further to Pokhora. analyses helps in guiding on what Reconstruction to their credit. At the end of the month of May a one I would like to share some lessons measures need to be put into the swing A final lesson not to be forgotten by day meeting was held in Kisumu with that I have learnt, which I think will help of operations to help check a violent anyone is the fact that the solution to a the expert pools, the coordinators and many of us. In any conflict situation, the conflict. country`s problems does not lie in the chairpersons of the CSO peace-networks importance of proper analysis cannot be The role of media also referred to as number of constitutions. For instance to brainstorm on ways to have an wished away. This involves a whole gamut “peace journalism” or conflict sensitive Thailand has to date had seventeen effective and functional expert pools and exercise of identifying the problem, journalism can contribute tremendously constitutions and it still grapples with how to improve the cooperation between causes, conditions, and effects. Of equal to peaceful co-existence in communities. grave issues of minorities in its southern the expert pools and the regional peace- value is the need to identify actors in the There is vast potential that media offers region. Nepal has had seven so far. The networks even after the project team conflict in the perspective of whether they in allowing people to tell their own stories, antidote is to invest in people. Whatever leaves the scene. There is always a fear are leaders, the relationships between in their own way. I am optimistic that we the government, donor community or that after the initial funding is finished, the different actors and agendas. It is shall have CSOs in our Partnership for non-state actors do, my hope is that they the target groups in the project will also imperative to know from the initial Peace who will come up with community will always do it for the common good of be left vulnerable to members of the stage what underlies the conflict. We /FM radio that broadcasts only peace the people. local community that disapprove of the have conflict entrepreneurs/merchants and “demystify” the enemy. As such The writer is the Co-Manager of the project’s message or objective. On the who benefit from conflicts and enjoy the communities perceived as victims will Partnership for Peace Project. For contrary, this project has well established medium of conflict. In as much as I don’t be able to confront an array of traumatic comments or suggestions write to: structures that are full of knowledge, dispute the fact that conflict is inherent events. [email protected] expertise and a technical team that can in human nature and it is good except Contrary to the notion that women steer peace-building into unimaginable when it turns violent. and girls are always on the receiving heights. The bottom line is we need How then do civil society organizations end during war, in Nepal they were INSIDE THIS ISSUE: peaceful elections; we need communities then make initial contacts with the also active professional fighters in the to co-exist peacefully with rare incidences different actors in a conflict in building Maoist insurgency. They functioned Kibunjia advices of violence. relationships, trust, creating networking as organizers, propagandists, cultural I must admit that it feels great to be /support group for peace? There is no activists, logistics suppliers, nurses teachers on national cohesion, integration — 16 Gusii leaders call for end to cattle rustling BY BOB OMBATI Abai, says the elders have launched mas- Cattle rustling, noted Abai created ten- Well of peace unites two sive peace campaigns along the border to sion along the border and was a recipe USII National Elders Coun- educate members from both Gusii and Ka- for chaos and flare-ups witnessed during warring communities cil (Etureti Yo’Mogusii) have lenjin communities on the importance of the 2007 post-election violence which, ac- Gcondemned the increasing peace to enhance development. cording to Justice Waki Commission’s re- — 17 cases of cattle rustling along Bo- Abai, flanked by Forum for Unity and port left 1133 people dead, over 500,000 rabu-Sotik district common border Development of Omogusii (FORUDO) people internally displaced and properties and called on the boarder commu- chairman, Dr Osoro Nyakweba, says worth billions of shillings destroyed. IEBC puts political nities to shun the vice for peaceful peace stakeholders from both communi- The official told the press in Kisii town co-existence. ties will be involved to end the boarder parties on notice The council chairman, John conflicts triggered by cattle rustling. Turn to Page 16 — 18

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

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Partnership for Peace Project is responsible for the views reflected in this supplement. 16 The Link, June 2012 SUPPLEMENT

Gusii leaders call for end to cattle rustling From Page 15 the two communities have co-existed peacefully for long and challenged provin- cial administrators and security officers to beef up security in the area, apprehend the rustlers and arraign them in court. “This is a wrong signal, given the fact that the country is gearing up for the gen- eral election. We should team up to foster peace ahead of the exercise to enhance unity,” said Abai. Abai dismissed the notion harboured by some communities that cows belong to them and that they were simply tak- ing away what rightly belongs to them, stressing that the belief was retrogressive, primitive and should be discarded. Kenyans, noted Abai had a constitu- tional right to own property anywhere in the country and be protected, adding that cattle rustling should be treated as a crim- inal offense and not a cultural practice by some communities. He said it was wrong and immoral for a person to think it is their right to steal cows from another community and term it illegal when the same vice targets their Peacebuilding meeting among the Gusii and Maasai communities. community, adding that elders from such communities should implore the youths to ices and public meetings respectively to rustlers and help security agents to ar- for paying Internally Displaced Persons discard such practices. foster peace. rest them, alleging that some rustlers en- (IDPs) from Kisii and Nyamira counties The elders urged church leaders and They urged members from each com- gaged in the vice and enjoyed protection Ksh. 50 million, saying the move would provincial administrators along the com- munity to share security information and from their communities. hasten healing and reconciliation among mon border to conduct joint church serv- be willing to reveal the names of cattle The elders lauded the government the communities. Kibunjia advices teachers on national cohesion, integration By TITUS MAERO dents and school leavers in a structured and co-ordinated way in order to maxim- HE National Cohesion and Integra- ise the use of the youth segments, which tion Commission (NCIC) chairman, are often referred to as future leaders. TDr Mzalendo Kibunjia, has asked The commission was established after management of learning institutions to the 2008 post-election violence to facili- sensitise students on what the national tate and promote equal opportunity, good cohesion and integration is all about. relations, harmony and peaceful co-exist- Kibunjia said NCIC was keen to ence between persons of different ethnic establish a society, whose values are and racial communities. harmonious and non-discriminatory He said the commission would strive for peaceful co-existence and integra- to promote education and training pro- tion of everyone. grammes to create awareness and sup- He said sensitizing students on cohe- port advancement of peace and harmony sion and integration will be a step to- among all age brackets in the community. wards the elimination of all forms of dis- Kibunjia said engagement with stake- crimination and encouraged institutions holders in the education sector will en- to embrace it. able NCIC to reach out to youth as a vital Speaking in Kakamega, Kibunjia said counselling of the Kenyan society. while students are critical resource in NCIC boss said the commission in- steering transformative change in society, tends to undertake initiatives in partner- their continued exclusion from effective ship with the Ministry of Education. The participation in all spheres of life pose a idea is to sensitise the youth early while serious threat to stability. still in school to embrace nationhood, co- He said lack of priority and implemen- hesion and integration within school cur- tation of policies and programmes that ricula. target school leavers inhibits constructive Kibunjia said schools have a long his- youth involvement in the developmental tory of supporting diversity by providing of the country. an avenue for students to co-exist and to Kibunjia said NCIC will engage stu- share different cultures and traditions. Mr. Kibunjia, NCIC chairman.

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

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Partnership for Peace Project is responsible for the views reflected in this supplement. The Link, June 2012 SUPPLEMENT 17

Well of peace unites two warring communities By LINK CORRESPONDENT Josephat Nyamu they have embarked on a campaign to bring the elder citizens into T is aptly referred to as the Peace Well. the reconciliation table as recently demon- Constructed at the height of ethnic con- strated by a fundraiser held at the institu- Iflict between members of the pastoral- tion. ist community and farmers, the borehole The charitable performance brought has become a symbol of tranquility with together political leaders and respected the onetime sworn enemies continuing to Maasai Community leaders with members coexist peacefully. of the Kikuyu community also registering With most parts of the country expe- an impressive turnout. riencing unbridled violence occasioned by And all the guests that included four the disputed Presidential elections in 2007, civic leaders donated handsomely, with Maai Mahiu enjoyed relative peace, per- Ksh1.6 million raised. “It was a great boost haps with lesson learnt after more than 10 towards achieving long lasting peace in the people were killed during the fight over area,” said the board chairman. resources in 2005. The leaders took the podium and im- The magnitude of the violence left sev- plored the communities to co-exist peace- eral people maimed and others forced out fully for the sake of development activities of their homes before the situation was in the sun baked area. And the message contained. The root cause of the problem was loud and clear. was blamed on resources especially water. Coincidently, the school was later to With that, the leaders agreed to have play host to students fleeing areas that had two Wells constructed with a Non-Govern- been affected by the post-election violence mental Organization undertaking the initia- that rocked the country. With majority of tive. the displaced people settling in Maai Mahiu And to underscore the importance of area and its environs, it became a school of the Well, it was commissioned by the head choice for the students. of state Mwai Kibaki as the local leaders And it increased challenges facing the sought to cool ethnic tension simmering school. “Majority of them could not pay at the time. Constructed inside a parcel The pastoral community in such of water for their herds. The borehole has become a fees and it was impossible to send them of land belonging to Maai Mahiu Second- symbol of tranquility. away,” said Mr Nyamu. ary School, the significance of the borehole However, the school is not taking the continues to bear fruit with the School au- munity, despite the huge potential ex- a boy and girl’s section, he added, would challenge lying down and the administra- thorities eager to accentuate the gains of emplified by their counterparts from the not erode the gains made in bringing the tors have embarked on a mission to assist the Peace Well. pastoralist group with some of them scor- one time warring groups together. “The the needy lot by securing sponsorship for “We are actually using the Peace Well ing impressive grades at the primary level. emblematic Peace Well is still within the bright pupils. to promote harmony among students from “The bright students from the Maa- compound,” he said, amid laughter “Majority of them was hit hard by the different ethnic background,” said the in- sai community chose to enroll elsewhere But the unnecessary tension that char- violence and raising money to pay fees stitution’s Principal, Naftary Chege Mwangi. fearing reprisal from their majority coun- acterized the unhappy tenure has been is quite a tall order for their parents and Soon after reporting to the school, he terparts following the unfortunate ethnic swept under the carpet and the number of guardian. Nevertheless, we are going out realized deep rooted mistrust between warfare pitting them,” added Mr Mwangi. students especially from the Maasai com- of our way to help them out of their pre- the two communities and embarked on a A visit to the school reveals unbreakable munity keeps swelling by the day. dicament,” added Nyamu. mission to diffuse tension among the teen- board between all the students studying at “We are now reaping the gains of the Given the significance of the Peace Well agers stemming from the fight that had the institution, making it almost impossible Peace Well with the students embracing and the efforts put in place by teaching and rocked the area previously. to decipher where one hails from, an un- each other despite of their diverse ethnic non-teaching staff at the school, it might as “With the area hosting the two com- dertaking that gives Mr Mwangi a vote of background,” enthused the head teacher. well become a model institution for those munities it was prudent to work on the confidence. The joint effort has borne fruits with the seeking long lasting peace in institutions of psychological aspect of the students and “Ethnic tensions are retrogressive in student’s population standing at 800, mak- learning. emphasize the importance of peaceful co- all avenues and hinders progress whether ing it one of the biggest secondary school The hearty exchange was a clear tes- existence,” recalls the seasoned teacher. academically or development wise,” argued within the Naivasha district. “We are head- timony that the communities are ready to To attest to this, the school was domi- the Principal. ed in the right direction,” said Mr Mwangi. bury the hatchet and forge a united front nated by students from the farming com- The recent move to split the school into Together with the board Chairman, for the sake of posterity. CSOs oppose return of Kiplagat to TJRC

By AGGREY BUCHUNJU commission’s public hearings across world at large to trust TJRC given that suitable person to chair TJRC contrary the country. the chair was adversely mentioned to public perception. IVIL Society Organisations Taiga Wanyanja, the co-ordinator in some of the issues that are under TJRC was established by an act (CSOs) have strongly opposed of Torture Survivors Organisation, is probe by the commission” he says. of Parliament to lead the inquiry into Cthe reinstatement of Bethwel Ki- categorical that the government was He says that history will judge the gross human rights violations and plagat as the chairperson of the Truth, right behind Kiplagat’s return to the coalition government harshly if Kipla- other historical injustices in Kenya be- Justice and Reconciliation Commission TJRC for ulterior motive. gat will be allowed to jeopardize the tween December 12, 1963 and Febru- (TJRC). Wanyanja expressed fears that commission’s report that has cost ary 28, 2008. His return is being viewed as a gov- Kenyans may not trust the report Kenyan taxpayers millions of shillings. The commission is part of the ac- ernment’s plot to divert people’s focus TJRC may come up with, with Kipla- The government, Wanyanja adds, countability component of agenda from the commission in order to ma- gat at helm of the commission. “It will should come out openly and tells Ken- four (4) of the National Accord signed nipulate the issues raised during the be very difficult for Kenyans and the yans why it sees Kiplagat as the most in 2008.

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

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. The Partnership for Peace Project is responsible for the views reflected in this supplement. 18 The Link, June 2012 SUPPLEMENT PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE IEBC puts political parties on notice By BOB OMBATI

OLITICAL parties that used unconven- tional means to recruit members in a Prush to comply with the Political Parties Act, now risk deregistration. Dr Collins Odote, who is an official with the Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) and National Democratic Institute (NDI), says that candidates in the affected parties will also be disqualified from participating in the forthcoming and subsequent elections. The official, who spoke at Gusii county council during a workshop to sensitize lead- ers on the Political Parties Act, said the Reg- istrar of political parties will soon publish the list of registered members for various parties for verification. He told members of the public who had been registered by more than one political party to lodge an official complaint with the Registrar of Political Parties to leave room for disciplinary action. “Stern action will be taken against the parties who gave phony lists. In- dividual who are registered twice and fail to report are equally culpable,” said Odote, add- ing that it is illegal for a person to belong to more than one political party. Odote observed the names of people reg- Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with former Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo (centre). istered by more than one political party will be removed from the register and they will Odote said the law cannot be circum- stitutions will be barred from contesting for exercise. be required to apply afresh to be members vented to fit the whims of some leaders, elective and appointive seats. He said the Commission was partner- of their party of choice. saying the current political dispensation re- “The documents should be recognized ing with Community Based Organizations ( Aspirants for various political seats, said quired qualified and competent leaders who and certified by relevant examining bodies. CBOs) in conducting civic education at the Odote, will be required to meet the educa- will help spearhead development at counties The bodies will also be required to confirm grassroots to sensitize the electorate on the tion requirements outlined in the constitution and National Assembly for the benefit of the their authenticity,” said Odote. constitution and their role in democratic besides meeting the high threshold of ethical public. The official, who led a team from the In- process and governance. standards. The government, noted Odote, would dependent Electoral and Boundaries Com- Odote cautioned aspirants gunning for He rejected proposals by councillors that only consider academic certificates obtained mission (IEBC) and RPP noted that the Com- various seats against bribing voters and tak- education should not be used to block indi- from recognized institutions locally and glo- mission will conduct massive voter education ing part in fund-raising as it is now an offense viduals willing to contest for respective posi- bally, adding that those who will present ahead of the next election to ensure that that may see them disqualified from contest- tions in the political scene. certificates from unrecognized learning in- over 70 percent of Kenyans take part in the ing for any elective or appointive post. Monitor activities of Saboat laibons for sake of peace By AGGREY BUCHUNJU Ndiwa alleges that the laibon is telling ess. killing of the government officers. area residents that there is going to be a re- He alleges further that the laibon pre- Ndiwa adds that the laibon is now ask- ABAOT cultural prophets (Laibons) are survey of land in phase 1 and phase 2 of the dicts that this will mark the beginning of a ing the community to move and occupy land now being accused of causing tension Chepyuk settlement scheme and that two long chaotic period between the govern- around the forest saying that only those Sin Kopsiro division in Mt. Elgon District government officers will be killed in the proc- ment and the clan that will be tied to the near the forest will survive. of Bungoma County ahead of the next gen- eral elections. Some of the laibons are allegedly ped- CONTACT ADDRESSES: dling false prophesies that are likely to spark Partnership for Peace, Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung, Mbaruk Road 27 off tension and war like activities in the re- P.O. Box 66471 - 00800, Nairobi, Kenya, gion. Telephone. +254 - 20 - 2610021 In the past, the laibons were believed to be the eyes of the community in predicting Fax: +254 - 20 – 2610023 the future and giving appropriate direction. e-mail: [email protected] Whatever the laibons predicted in the past came to be and they were as a result PARTNERS taken seriously by the community. Mt. Elgon Residents Association (MERA) Community Initiative Action-Group (CIAG-K) Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) However, most of the laibons have divert- Chem Ngeywo, Project Coordinator Edwin Adoga, Project Coordinator Mr. James Kimisoi, Project Coordinator ed their original focus and are now engaged Western Province Nyanza Province Rift Valley Province in activities that benefit them individually at P.O. Box 21-50201, Cheptais, Mt. Elgon Milimani (Hosted by CADIF Kenya, The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret the expense of the entire community. Mobile : 0720-744827; 0734-517489. next to Plan Intern. Milimani) P.O. Box 842-30100, Eldoret. Mr.Geoffrey Ndiwa, a resident of Kopsiro Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 9104-40140, Kisumu. Tel 2031272; 0722-448110 division claims that one of the laibons is cur- Tel: 0705-266 057 or 0735-865 026 E-mail: [email protected] rently misleading the community system- E-mail: [email protected] atically through false prophesies for selfish interests.

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

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

The Link, June 2012 20 GOVERNANCE Knut petitions IEBC to change election date By PETER MUTUKU children. the new system will come from saying ling them to sign performance con- Sossion further faulted a task force that the government should use half of tracts,” said Sossion. THE Kenya National Union of report on employment of teachers say- the amount to employ more teachers Sossion added that teaching is a Doubts emerge Teachers (KNUT) has called on the ing that the country needs to employ and build modern structures in school calling and should not be compared Independent Electoral and Bounda- 80,000 teachers and not 10,000 as re- to improve the quality of education. with construction of roads where we over the future ries Commission (IEBC) to consider flected in the report. “The task-force Sossion called on the government give construction workers time-lines changing the elections date to Decem- did a shoddy job,” Sossion said. to pay school heads, their deputies and saying that teachers need time and of Busia Town ber saying that the education calendar The KNUT chairman said scrap- heads of departments responsibility peace of mind to perform. By LINK CORRESPONDENT will be disrupted if elections are held ping the 8-4-4 system was not a wise allowances to motivate them adding He further took the occasion to in March. move adding that the current system that this will turn around the perform- condemn the rising cases of road ac- BUSIA town, which is supposed to KNUT national chairman Wilson needs to be strengthened since it has ance in learning institutions and better cidents along the Thika super highway be the gateway to Kenya from other Sossion called for peaceful elections East African community countries, served the country well in the past the lives of Kenyans. “This will make calling on the government to come up is situated in a freehold land making and campaigns noting that children years. school leadership competitive and with road safety rules to save our chil- it difficult for experts to plan for it. bear the brunt of violence as wit- He wondered where more than motivate students to work hard to be dren and other Kenyans from untime- This emerged during a stake- nessed in the bungled 2007/8 general Ksh320 billion needed to implement like their teachers instead of compel- ly deaths caused on the roads. holders’ workshop recently in which elections. experts painted a gloomy picture of He spoke at Kiandangae village the town which they described as a during the burial ceremony of Ains- massive slum with haphazardly put worth Murimi Gichira, the son of Mr structures. Harrison Gichira, KNUT Executive According to one of the experts, Secretary, Kirinyaga branch who died Dr. Grephus Opata of Siaga and As- through a road accident. sociates consultants firm, Busia can Addressing the mourners at the aptly be described as a slum despite ceremony, Sossion said that teach- its fame and upcoming towering ers are engaged as elections officials buildings. Dr Opata is part of a team while most schools serve as polling of about eight experts tasked with stations and therefore learning will be the job of bringing sanity into Bu- interfered with. sia which for a long time has had to He cautioned that in case of a run do without basic infrastructure and off learning will be interfered with other social amenities because of even more stating that teachers will poor planning. He said during the workshop accept nothing later than a December that every town in the country is elections. supposed to have an approved plan. Sossion took the occasion to put ‘Every municipality is supposed to the government on notice for a nation- have an approved plan and it is the wide teachers strike if money to em- initiative of the ministry of local ploy ECD teachers and pay teachers government to plan the towns,” he allowances in full is not incorporated added. The project which was initi- in this year’s national budget. ated in mid-last year is expected to In a thinly veiled reference to Fi- be complete by August this year. nance Minister Njeru Githae, who is The new plan is supposed to be also the area MP, the KNUT chairman forwarded to the Ministry of Local told the residents of Kirinyaga County Government, Ministry of Lands and to shun leaders who are insensitive to later gazetted as a legal document,” the plight of teachers as they have no said the director who is also a don at regard for the future of the country’s KNUT chairman Wilson Sossion addressing the mouners at Kiandangae village in Kirinyaga County Moi University. The team which has recently. been assigned to carry out feasibil- ity studies in the town, will submit their recommendation to the local authorities ministry for approval. More women to join politics, says Kamar If approved, the experts warned that land owners in the town would From Page 13 Vying for women representative in politics due to intimidation and inse- be forced to surrender their parcels Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kiptoo ob- curity that characterize campaigning of land in order to pave way for ad- pend on the resource power but sound serves this year’s political game plan periods. Nevertheless, Koech postu- equate planning of the town to ac- policies and networking with like- may not rely much on one’s experi- lates that women need to build their ceptable standards. minded groups. ence and finances: “The country is in financial base and expand their grass- Currently the town lacks ameni- “Our partnership with women deficit of visionary leaders. I am ready roots and national networks. ties such as playing grounds and is not about funding but imparting to provide my rich menu of leader- She says Mercy Corps has been other recreational facilities because leadership, lobbying, and advocacy ship”, she asserts. building women capacity through most of the land is privately owned skills,” she reiterates. She however and thus the municipality does not Coming from humble back- grass root ‘women/youth ‘Bunges’. have space to put up the structures. says COPA can provide linkages with ground Kiptoo, a form two dropout The initiative sponsored by USAID prospective funding organizations to Because of this problem, it is in- says her political strategy is simple. is aimed at engaging and empower- structive to note that some individu- enable women battle out with well re- She is a well known village girl who ing women and youths economically als residing within the town have sourced male politicians. has worked tirelessly with various – freeing them from social upheaval. even resorted to burying their dead And while Chepkok bemoans the civil societies in the area and has the Engaging youths who form the relatives within their compounds in fact that women are reluctant to sup- blessings right from the church lead- large percentage in society Ms Koech the town although this is prohibited port one another, COPA‘s program ers to community elders not to men- Prof. Kamar says would reduce poverty and idle- by the laws governing urban set- coordinator encourages women who tion her fellow women. “My support ness hence snatching them away from tlements. Attesting to this, Busia are unwilling to venture into politics will come from friends whom I have meaningful change the new consti- hell-bent-politicians, accused of using mayor Imelda Obwana noted that to champion for female candidacy. established as I go about my daily du- tution has promised to us all and it’s them for political expediency in the her town planning department has However, Chepkok is not the only ties mobilizing grass root women to only through a woman – obviously past. been crippled and lacks the capacity woman steaming with political am- discussing issues affecting us and our seen, felt and tasted the deadly strug- Former assistant minister for to carry out basic planning because bition. Lillian Kiptoo, 43 is an old families”, she adds. gles that come with destitution”, she health Dr. Enoch Kibunguchy says virtually all the town is situated on hand in politics and says empowering However, her biggest hurdle re- asserts. that men should create an environ- freehold land. women on life skills remain her pas- mains defeating male chauvinism: She adds that although finances ment conducive for women to thrive Said the mayor, “this is why we sion. “Our community is still caught up in may also come in handy to derail her in politics: “Our women are showing are appealing to the town residents When not in politics Mrs. Kiptoo the retrogressive culture that thinks a us that they are able. The focus of to heed and cooperate with what- political dream, her efforts through ever recommendations the experts will be busy traversing villages talk- woman is a child and not fit for instru- USAID sponsored projects – women what one has below the belt as op- ing to her fellow women on matters are going to come up with to pave ments of power,” she bemoans. and youths economic empowerment posed to above the neck is destroying way for a better place which is well of new farming technologies, use of And although this will be her sec- through implementing agent – Mercy our society” Dr. Kibunguchy observes natural energy in home cooking and planned for everybody. The team ond attempt into politics, she is oblivi- Corps; election laws awareness is adding that violence must be tamed to has been collecting data and has sowing the seed into their minds on ous of the difficulties women candi- still wanting and may not only ruin enable women actively participate in shared it with the residents. Some how to challenge stereotype minds. dates are likely to face. her chances but also for other women politics. The Catholic Bishop of of the challenges that continue to The mother of six and district co- Mrs. Kiptoo, women Chairlady, seeking elective posts and eligible Eldoret Diocese Cornelius Korir, says inhibit expansion plans include the ordinator, women Bunge (grass root Kenya National Federation of Agri- voters countrywide. Nancy Koech, that peace is critical to enable all Ken- absence of public and community women parliament) says education culture Production, KENFAP says all a program coordinator with Mercy yans participate in politics. land to create room for expansion. for all will top her agenda if elected. women should stand up and be num- Corp argues that despite the levelled While the church continues to “Busia could be the headquarters “Educated society is an equally em- bered in this year’s election in spite of political play field, cultural issues con- monitor political parties, engaging po- of Busia County and there is need to powered community; socially and the barriers. tinue to undermine the women resolve litical leaders that have been labelled create a parking lot especially for economically”, she adds. “In 2007 general election I came to exercise their democratic right. with tags of violence instigation, he the trailers since most of them are Despite her low education back- second in a nine-man civic leader- “Social dynamics and community feels the much anticipated ICC proc- packed by the roadside, and in case ground, she has struggled through thin ship contest. Today women in my systems have given more say to men ess should be fair in its impending rul- of fire, the nearest fire engine is in and thick to see her three children in backyard are a disappointed lot by the than women”, she explains adding ings to help peace, healing and recon- Tororo. This is a disaster and needs University. incumbent leadership. They long for that most women fear participating in ciliation efforts in the country. to be dealt with,” Opata lamented. The Link, June 2012 DEVELOPMENT 21

By BOB OMBATI ABOUT 5000 Internally Displaced State in efforts Persons (IDPs) from Nyamira and Nyamira, Kisii IDPs Kisii counties have been paid slight- to improve ly over Ksh. 50 million, ending five years of agony and long wait after cooperatives the 2007 post-election violence. The IDPs received their com- finally compensated By MORRIS GITHENYA pensation in a function held at Gusii stadium and presided over by Spe- THE Government has rolled out cial Programmes Minister, Esther programmes aimed at improving Murugi who was accompanied by management of cooperative socie- Gusii leaders and provincial admin- ties. istrators. Ms Nancy Waiguru, the Cen- Gusii Members of Parliament tral Deputy Provincial Coopera- who included Prof. Sam Ongeri tive Officer, said the Ministry has (Nyaribari Masaba), Chris Obure rolled out a credit management pro- (Bobasi), Simon Ogari, (Boma- gramme that targets management choge), Wilfred Ombui (North Mu- committees in the cooperatives in girango Borabu), Walter Nyambati order to control resources and mini- (Kitutu Masaba) and nominated mize expenses that had accumulat- MP George Nyamweya apologized ed the debt portfolio. for the delay. She said credit advanced by Prof Ongeri and Obure noted Saccos and cooperative societies that Kisii people had suffered dur- has greatly contributed towards de- ing the violence triggered by the velopment countrywide. disputed presidential poll results, Speaking in Murang’a during stressing that they lost properties Murata Sacco general meeting, while others lost their loved ones. she said the credit management The ministers said some of the programme is aimed at ensuring victims who were uprooted from members get high returns without their homes in various parts of the depending on the government. country have been forced to rely She said the Government on their friends and relatives while waived Ksh1.2 billion in efforts to those who had no land ventured revive coffee sector in Murang’a into menial work to eke out a living. County. “The credit management Each IDP received Ksh. 10,000 programme is geared towards the but those who lost their relatives management of resources as the or became incapacitated during government does not have more the violence will receive additional funds to waive the debts,” Waiguru funding. IDPs in a camp demanding for compensation. They were finally compensated. Photo/File said. Murugi said that a list of those During the meeting Sacco’s who suffered most had been com- ment. said the government should buy He said IDPS in other areas had chairman Hiram Mwaniki said the piled and will be aided since they She blamed the 2007 violence land and resettle the IDPs, adding been settled and delays in compen- team was working towards receiv- had special needs. on bad politics and advised Ken- that some were still traumatized and sating those affected in Gusii region ing an off-shore loan amounting to The Special Programmes Min- yans to shun leaders who divide wanted to be resettled elsewhere were politically motivated. Ksh1.5 billion. “The financiers are ister noted that the government them along ethnic lines. to forget the ugly scenes they wit- The IDPs who talked to The coming next week to finalise the de- was committed to compensating Her remarks came as Gusii Na- nessed in 2007. Link said they had suffered and tails before releasing funding that is all the victims before the next Gen- tional Elders council voiced their “We have widows and widow- accused the Mps of ignoring their scheduled to benefit members with eral Elections and urged Kenyans to concern over the delay in paying ers who saw their loved ones killed plight for long despite numerous cheap credit,” Mwaniki said. vote for leaders who will unite the the victims. in broad daylight. They should be pleas to them. Mwaniki said the Sacco has country, foster peace and develop- Led by John Abai, the elders fully supported to cope with life,” Eastern Nyanza Regional com- since received waiver amounting to said Abai. missioner, Lydia Muriuki warned Ksh476 million with over Ksh500 The official faulted Gusii lead- the victims to be wary of maraud- million waiting to be released from ers for taking too long to address ing con-men who were demand- treasury. “The waiver has assisted Saccos tipped on the plight of the IDPS from the area, ing Ksh. 1000 ‘processing fee’ and the Sacco to improve its services alleging that some leaders were urged them to report them to any with more than Ksh634 million be- now pushing for the compensation nearest police station for arrest and ing granted as loans to coffee farm- dispute resolutions to gain political mileage. prosecution. ers,” the chairman said. By AGGREY BUCHUNJU “The amount used in litigation could be declared as dividends to CO-OPERATIVE societies have the society members,” the PCO been urged to limit court cases and observed. Victoria Water board scales-up services instead seek other ways of resolv- Mukhweso lauded Bungoma By TITUS MAERO billion respectively. ond largest County after Nairobi ing disputes. Teachers Sacco saying it was one He said the Nzoia cluster I and II County. The Provincial Co-operative of the best managed co-operative LAKE Victoria North Water Service water and sanitation programmes have The CEO said the board in partner- Officer (PCO) Western, Nathan societies in the region. The PCO, Board (LVWSB), Chief Executive directly benefited over 500,000 water ship with Water Services Trust Fund Mukhweso has said the judicial however, challenged the society Officer, Eng Diru Magomere, has said consumers. (WSTF) and GTZ has launched a new process of settling disputes was management to invest in the hotel the board has scaled-up efforts’ to en- Under the Nzoia cluster, the board technology in ecological sanitation expensive and time-consuming. industry in order to improve the sure greater expansion of services in expanded the sewerage and sanitation (ECOSAN) known as Urine Diver- Speaking at Bungoma County Sacco’s capital base. line with its mandate and the country’s components among them the sewer sion Dehydration System (UDDS). Hall recently during Bungoma “With the devolved county Vision 2030. pond and construction of 2.7 Kilome- He said UDDS has been recog- Teachers Sacco Annual General governments in the offing you He said the recent completion and tre sewer lines. nised as an option for pit latrines be- Meeting (AGM), Mukhweso said should now capitalize on lack commissioning of the Nzoia cluster Diru said in Nzoia cluster phase II, cause it can be implemented in areas the society had so many cases of adequate social amenities in phase II water programme, which the existing dilapidated sewerage sys- with minimal space for construction pending in courts. Bungoma County by investing in covered the larger Kakamega, is slat- tem was rehabilitated and expanded of pit latrines, rocky surface, high wa- Mukhweso challenged the five star hotels,” he said. ed to benefit over 300,000 people who to cover new developing areas. He ter table, water logged and flood prone Sacco management under the had no regular access to water and said this included Masinde Muliro areas. The PCO’s remarks on liti- University of Science and Technol- “It is a waterless, dehydration/ chairmanship of Gabriel Wasike gation come at the time when sanitation services. “Prior to Nzoia cluster phase II ogy (MMUST) and the adjoining ar- evaporation system that provides a to ensure that court cases are re- Bungoma Teachers Sacco is em- eas within Kakamega town including safe, non-polluting and cost effective duced to manageable levels. This, broiled in so many cases thus, both programme, the board had just com- pleted the phase I of the same pro- town centre. solution to the world wide sanitation he said would be in the interest of criminal and civil. Currently there He said in Amalemba and Maraba problem,” he said saying it offers a the society members adding that gramme, which targeted improvement are four (4) Sacco criminal cases and rehabilitation of water and sanita- estates, the sewer lines and sewerage standard. amicable ways of resolving dis- pending hearing and termination tion facilities in Kakamega County,” treatment works were not designed to Some Kakamega professionals putes should be embraced in order in a Bungoma lower law court. he said. handle waste water disposal demand who spoke said the water and sanita- to save members’ money. There are also two civil cases He said both Nzoia cluster I and II for Kakamega town by the year 2025. tion venture was in line with the coun- He pointed out that besides pending hearing and termination programmes were funded by the gov- Diru said the projects also incor- try’s vision 2030, which is a national court cases taking long to be fully in the lower court. Sixteen (16) ernment through the Ministry of Wa- porated expansion of sewer lines and long term development blue print that heard and determined, they also civil cases are in the high court ter and Irrigation and Germany Gov- plot connections to increase access aims to create a globally competitive eat into members’ dividends in and two (2) civil appeals pending ernment Co-operation, under the long to the sewerage service in Kakamega and prosperous nation with a high terms of exorbitant legal fees. hearing and termination. term water and sanitation services at a town, which is the Headquarters of quality of life to all its citizens in a cost of Kshs 2.3 billion and Kshs 3.2 Kakamega County, which is the sec- clean and secure environment. The Link, June 2012 22 DEVELOPMENT Persons with disabilities launch website By HENRY OWINO ed. It should also consider bold caption- person’s disability. a step ahead in facilitate. “Kenya was “access compliance” for all buildings ing of television programmes and more Article 260 defines disability as any the 27th country to ratify the convention in the next five years and for all public THE Communication Commission of so to news bulletins for partial blind person with physical, sensory, mental, on the rights of Persons with Disabili- vehicles with effect from January 2010 Kenya (CCK) and the National Coun- groups” Dr. Nyikal suggested. psychological or other impairment, con- ties (CRPD) on the 19th May, 2008,” some of which are just paper work. cil for Persons with Disabilities (NCP- Dr. Nyikal emphasized the aim is dition or illness that has, or is perceived Nyagudi recalled. There is the Children’s Act no.8 of 2001 WDs) have officially launched the to ensure that people with low vision, by significant sectors of the community She said the constitution provides a and the Employment Act of 2007 both Kenya Disability Website Portal, (www. blind, hearing impairment, intellectual to have, a substantial or long term effect firm foundation for policy and legisla- of which outlaw discrimination against http://kenyadisability.or.ke) which ena- disabilities among others access vari- on an individual’s ability to carry out or- tion on disability which is in accordance persons with Disabilities. bles persons with disabilities to access ous information technology (IT) related dinary day-to-day activities with the universal standards for the pro- The National Development Fund web services with minimal strain. services with lots of ease as one of the According to Phoebe Nyagudi, the motion and protection of fundamental for Persons with Disabilities has re- Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are Constitution requirements. chairperson of National Council for human rights and freedom for Persons ceived 7.9m USD in the current finan- now able to access and view web-based The Constitution (Article 7 (3) (b)) Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs), with Disabilities. cial year up from 2.7m USD during the content much more easily thanks to the provides that: The State shall …promote today African Union specialized agency The Act established the National 2009/2010 financial year. launch of a website tailored for them. the development and use of …other for disability prevention and research in Council for Persons with Disabilities Nyagudi pointed out that the Na- This seems to be a new revolution for communication formats and technolo- the continent-the East African region of- which is a State Corporation (Public tional Development Fund is charged PWDs to access, query and communi- gies to persons with disabilities. fice is serving in 12 countries. These in- body) responsible for disability issues. with the responsibility of registering cate to other people from all walks of Article 21 (3) in the Bill of Rights di- clude Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwan- The Act similarly established the Na- Persons with Disabilities, organizations life in the world. rects that all State organs and public of- da, Burundi, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, tional Development Fund for Persons and institutions and mainstreaming of The launch was held on the first day ficers have the duty to address the needs the Comoros, Somalia Seychelles and with Disabilities which was operation- disability in all private and public sec- of a two-day workshop on e-accessibili- of vulnerable groups within society, in- Eritrea. alised in November, 2009. tors of the government. ty for PWDs at a hotel in Nairobi where cluding …persons with disabilities…. Nyagudi clarified the office pro- The Government appoints the Board The National Policy on Persons with over 300 participants attended. Ac- Article 27 (4) on equality and free- vides a unified approach to issues of of Trustees to the National Develop- Disabilities of 2006 also looks at the cording to Census report conducted in dom from discrimination provides that: disabilities in all aspects such as the ment Fund for Persons with Disabilities economic empowerment of PWDs by 2009, it is estimated that 3.46 per cent of The State shall not discriminate directly exchange of information organizing for and funds it to channel out financial provision of grants. Kenya’s population have some form of or indirectly against any person on any products in the field of rehabilitation, support to individuals and institutions Infrastructure improvement and the disabilities majority of who do not have ground, including …disability. disability prevention and the analysis of serving Persons with Disabilities. In programme on special protection were access to information technologies. Article 54 (1) states that: A person the National Policies and laws for Per- addition, the Government has main- piloted in 33 districts and targeted the Francis Wangusi, the acting Direc- with any disability is entitled; (c) to sons with Disabilities. streamed issues of disability in National elderly persons, including those with tor General of CCK, explained that the reasonable access to all places, public Nyagudi stated the PWDs Act of Development; in 2008 it introduced dis- disabilities. In addition, the Govern- website is a means to provide and en- transport and information; (d) to use 2003 was enacted in December, 2003 ability mainstreaming indicator for the ment has specifically inaugurated a pro- hance information access, create aware- Sign language, Braille or other appro- and came into effect on 16th June, Public Sector performance contracting gramme for Cash Transfer to Persons ness about disability as a human right priate means of communication; and 2004. She said the Act outlines some of guidelines. with Severe Disabilities in all constitu- issue for persons with disabilities, as (e) to access materials and devices to the requirements for PWDs in Commu- There are also regulations that pro- encies irrespective of age. well as keep them information available overcome constraints arising from the nication services and CCK has moved vide for the Persons with Disabilities “One of the oldest Trust Funds in services for their needs. Wangusi added Kenya established in 1981, the Na- that the website will also let PWDs tional Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, know of available job opportunities, whose patron is the president, currently have an event calendar and a resource receives 0.8m USD annually from the centre. Government to enhance provision of ap- “As the sector regulator, the Com- pliances, equipment, economic empow- mission will continue supporting erment and institutional infrastructure mechanisms that ensure persons with for PWDs,” Nyagudi outlined. disabilities are able to benefit from the There is however need for social opportunities provided by ICT” acting protection provision of legal advice and CCK director-general Francis Wangusi services to persons with disabilities e.g. said. Wangusi promised: “The commis- where they are discriminated or their sion will ensure all citizens can access rights violated. communication services irrespective of Public awareness raising on causes social status. The world is becoming of disability, legislation and treaties and more and more ICT-centred and person accounting for all resources received. with disabilities are keeping up with the Voluntary, Testing and Counselling change.” service providers should also be trained For instance; Kenyatta University to be sensitive to PWDs. in Nairobi introduced computers for There are 14 National Rehabilita- people who are blind several years ago, tion Centres established throughout the which can be fitted with applications country to provide training to PWDs in that read out loud to help the person vocational skills. know the contents of a web page. There is need for a coordination In his speech, Dr James Nyikal, mechanism for the implementation of permanent secretary in the Ministry of the policies and legislation. This will Gender, Children and Special Develop- help in the institutionalization and the ment urged web professionals to consid- mainstreaming of disability concerns. er the needs of persons with disabilities The three arms of Government when developing web pages. He noted should all be involved in the main- the progress that CCK has made in ad- streaming of PWDs. The emphasis has dressing the access barriers for the spe- been on the legislature and executive, cial community. but the judiciary has been left out. The “The portal has taken into account courts are inaccessible and the judicial the different forms of disability and it is Harun Hassan (left) of NNCDO and Richard Bukachi Okola of HCF happy about the launch of the website officers are not trained on disability mat- with this mind-set that it has been creat- services for them. Photo/Henry Owino ters and laws.

By BOB OMBATI poverty and improve their living stand- GUSII Mwalimu savings and credit co- ards. He noted that records will be up- operative (Sacco) registered remarkable Gusii Sacco returns massive profits dated in liaison with the shareholders growth with the profit margin rising official said that the Sacco has paid Meanwhile Wakenya Pamoja Sacco plan. He said the Sacco was currently who will also be required to endorse from Ksh. 449 million in 2010 to Ksh. out Ksh. 291 million to members in Chief Executive Officer, Gideon Oyuma awaiting approval from the Central the initiative during a Special General 500 million last year. dividends up from Ksh. 290 million in says plans are at an advanced stage to Bank of Kenya, before they can roll out Meeting ( SGM) to be held before the The Sacco’s Chief Executive Of- 2010 at the rate of 11.5 percent. “This transform the Sacco’s Micro-finance the project which will cost Ksh. 20 mil- end of the year. ficer, Charles Omwansa says the Sacco performance reflects the confidence our Department into Deposit Taking Micro- lion. The Sacco boss asked Kenyans disbursed a total of Ksh. 2.8 billon loans shareholders have in the Sacco and the finance (DTM) institution to meet the “The Sacco will operate independ- in the diaspora to buy shares to help in 2011 up from Ksh .2.4 billion loaned extent in which they patronize it,” he growing demand for banking services. ently with its staff and board. Share- boost the bank’s capital, saying it was to members in 2010 while the members stated, adding that the Sacco has over Oyuma says the Sacco will own 51 holders in DTM will be represented by the right channel to plough funds from deposits rose from Ksh. 2.3 billion in 17000 members. percent of the total shares in the compa- directors who are to cater for their in- the diaspora and invest them locally to 2010 to Ksh. 2.5 last year, which repre- Omwansa urged employers to remit ny; local investors have been allocated terests. The bank will open branches in create employment and improve the sented a 9.8 percent growth. their employees deductions on time to 10 percent while Sacco staff has been other areas to cope with the increasing livelihoods of thousands of unemployed The official attributed the growth help the Sacco pay and process loans assigned 4 percent adding that the rest demand for banking services,” he said. youths. He said the commissioning of to confidence in the Sacco which has as delays hurt the members. He said the will be set aside for external investors. He said a consultant was working on the bank would help tap the over Ksh. opened new branches in Rongo and society had complied with the Sacco So- Speaking to The Link in his office, plans to computerise Sacco’s operations 8 billion to be funnelled to the Gusii re- Transmara districts to boost its capital cieties Regulatory Authority ( SASRA) Oyuma disclosed the Sacco will invest to ensure that it complies with the re- gion for social, economic, educational, base. Omwansa, who was flanked by requirements and had adopted best busi- Ksh 300 million from its micro-finance quirements of the CBK before the bank cultural and infrastructural development the society’s chairman, David Nyang’au ness practices and financial discipline to department while external investors will becomes operational. under the devolved system of govern- noted the Sacco’s assets increased from boost its profits, capital and dividends inject more capital into the venture. The officers assured Sacco mem- ment. Ksh. 3.2 billion in 2010 to Ksh. 3.9 bil- to members. The officer said plans are Oyuma said Participatory Micro- bers that they will be shareholders in According to the Commission on lion last year. underway for the Sacco to start offer- finance Group for Africa (PAMIGA), a the DTM since the Society was a major Revenue Allocation, Kisii County will He noted that the Sacco had com- ing micro-finance credits to small scale France- based Non-Governmental Or- shareholder, emphasizing that they will get Ksh. 5 billion while Nyamira will puterized its operations and interlinked business people to boost their business- ganization ( NGO) had agreed to sup- access cheap credit facilities to boost pocket Ksh. 3 billion based on popula- all its branches to ease operations. The es and alleviate poverty. port the Sacco to forge ahead with the their incomes and businesses to reduce tion and levels of poverty. The Link, June 2012 23 DEVELOPMENT KNCHR wants sensual rights of minorities protected By MALACHI MOTANO of rights violations experienced by Kenyan women that lead to un- THE Kenya National Commis- wanted pregnancies. sion on Human Rights (KNCHR) According to the Kenya Demo- wants the government to decrimi- graphic and Health Survey, “near- nalize sex activities and sex work. ly 20 percent of births in Kenya The Commission also wants are unwanted and an additional healthcare providers to acknowl- 25 percent are mistimed.” High edge the rights of sexual minori- rates of sexual violence, limited ties as vulnerable groups and put access to family planning serv- in place programmes that respond ices and information, poverty, and to their unique sexual and repro- discrimination against pregnant ductive health needs and chal- adolescents in Kenyan schools are lenges. key factors leading to unwanted In their report dubbed “Re- and unplanned pregnancies and, alising sexual and reproductive consequently, unsafe abortion in health rights in Kenya” KNCHR Kenya. underscores the need to sensitize These provisions together with communities on tolerance and ac- others not specifically cited are ceptance of sexual minorities in progressive and seek to expand the society. enjoyment of reproductive health According to the report, sexual rights for all Kenyans without dis- minorities such as lesbian, gay, crimination. Focus must now shift bisexual, transgender and intersex KNCHR in a workshop. They want the government to decriminalize sex activities. Photo/Malachi Motano to the implementation of the new persons, and sex workers, suffer law without which they remain numerous human rights violations with discrimination and stigma. line with the Millennium Develop- complications from incomplete mere paper rights. on account of their sexual orienta- A former Commissioner with ment Goals. and unsafe abortion, spontane- The report was guided by Arti- tion, gender identity or because of the KNCHR, Hassan Omar says The Kenya Medical Associa- ous or induced. More than 40% of cle 43 of the Constitution, which doing sex work. the report seeks to decriminalize tion in partnership with other or- those women “fall into the catego- provides every person with the “These include discrimination adult same-sex sexual acts as op- ganizations such as the Kenya ries of probable or likely induced right to the highest attainable and stigma, exclusion from deci- posed to promoting the same. “A Obstetrical and Gynecological abortion.” standard of health. sion making processes, limited gay person or sex worker should Society (KOGS) have been in the These high rates of morbidity It is thus important to establish access to or unaffordable sexual not for example be denied atten- forefront advocating for laws and and mortality from unsafe abor- a legal and policy framework gov- and reproductive health services, tion in hospital because of their regulations that protect women’s tion have been blamed on previ- erning the implementation of sex- violence and harassment, lack sexuality or work since they, too, lives and health. ous restrictive abortion law and ual and reproductive health rights of proper knowledge on how to are protected by the provisions of Unsafe abortion is a major pub- rights violations and abuses that in Kenya and assess the extent to protect themselves from sexually Article 27 (4) of the Constitution. lic health crisis in Kenya, account- stemmed from the criminalization which state and non-state actors transmitted infections and HIV, This provision uses a non-exclu- ing for 35 per cent of Kenya’s ma- of abortion. The devastating im- are complying with their obliga- besides lack of recognition by the sive approach to outlaw discrimi- ternal deaths. pact of the law on women’s lives tions relating to sexual and repro- society,” reads the report in part. nation” About 2,600 women die annu- and health is also the consequence ductive health rights in Kenya. According to the report, trans- Analysts say unless reproduc- ally in Kenya from complications gender persons have been unable tive health rights for all groups are arising from unsafe abortion. Ap- to access gender reassignment protected, the country may not be proximately 21,000 women are therapy owing to the unavailability able to reduce maternal mortality admitted each year to Kenya’s of such services in Kenya coupled by 75per cent during by 2015, in public hospitals for treatment of ADVERTISING RATES

Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories Nyeri youth to benefit from Swiss aid that matter - the stories that help people make decisions about By LINK CORRESPONDENT Valley assume adult roles of fend- facilities. their education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their ing for their families while the girls Through the project, HMDS communities - reach them in a simplified but factual way. OVER 2,000 students in youth are married off soon after dropping will also facilitate management ca- polytechnics within Central Rift out of formal education. pacity building for Boards of Gov- will benefit from a Ksh70 million Speaking during the launch of ernors and advance career training How to Advertise project aimed at promoting voca- Vijana na Ujuzi at a Nakuru hotel, for instructors. Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the tional skills among the youth. The youth polytechnics that will she added that lack of financial sup- rest. These can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or The project which involves port, employable skill and employ- benefit from the project are Ndumu five Youth Polytechnics will help ment opportunities further compli- Dam, Njoro, Cheptiech, Saptet and in diskettes/CDs as well as hard copies. the youth become self-reliant and cates their lives. Kagoto all in Nakuru North, Njoro responsible members of the com- “We anticipate to reach 2,000 and Keringet districts. Our advertising rates are as follows: munity. youths and enhance training op- Ms Sindavi said selected stu- The project dubbed Vijana Na portunities in vocational skills such dents will be given start-up capital, Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 Ujuzi (Youth with Skills) will em- as electrical and electronics tech- tool-kits and machines to help es- Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 power youths who are unable to nology, motor vehicle mechanics, tablish small scale businesses. Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 pursue formal education and ca- hair dressing and beauty therapy, She added that the selected stu- reers and make them employable fashion and design and carpentry dents will also undergo competi- Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 and productive. The project, funded among others,” she said. tive entrepreneurship training after The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 by Co-operaid Switzerland through Ms Sindavi said her organiza- they graduate from their respective a local organization- Help Mission tion would achieve the project youth polytechnics. Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 Development Services (HMDS). goals by reinforcing and revital- Ms Sindavi said the project Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 HMDS Executive Director, Ms izing youth polytechnics through would also touch on other issues af- Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 Josephine Sindavi reiterated that provision of appropriate textbooks, fecting the youth such as HIV/Aids youth in most communities in Rift tools and equipment and computer and drug abuse. Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000

Tight security for crime prone Misikhu market Special Rates By AGGREY BUCHUNJU Keto, however, said the Gov- officers and other security agents We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities ernment is determined to stamp may not know the criminals and programmes or services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or THE Government recently opened out insecurity not only in Misikhu their hide-out. a police station at Misikhu market area but also in other parts of the He challenged area residents the Editorial Assistant. in Bungoma East district in a bid district. The DC, who is also the to volunteer valuable information to curb insecurity in the area. district security chairperson prom- that could lead to arrest of terror The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, Speaking during the opening gangs to security agents. ised to deploy police officers to all Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365. You can also ceremony Bungoma East District insecurity prone areas in the dis- “These people are in your midst Commission (DC) Aden Keto ad- trict. and you know them. The police e­mail us at [email protected] or [email protected]. mitted that there has been rampant The DC, asked area residents to officers we have deployed here to- NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: insecurity at the market and its en- day will only apprehend them with cooperate with the government in Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). virons. security matters saying the police your support,” the DC said. The Link, June 2012 24 FARMING

countries. ASIESA vows to improve com- munication with farmers by leverag- Dismal use of certified quality seeds ing various approaches and best prac- tices such as product demonstrations, field days, extension, educational costs farmers in East and Southern Africa poster, the mass media articles, seeing the apex organization representing the ness of AFSTA member seed com- -is-believing tours and exhibitions . By HENRY OWINO To avert this scenario, the African It will not only demonstrate the Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) is seed industry in Africa. He explained panies to develop new high-yielding The current food insecurity in most it is for that reason the “we together seeds and market them nationally and benefits of planting high quality seeds committed to save the situation by en- to farmers but provide them with ad- African countries is being attributed suring that all farmers have access to with the Common Market for East and in the neighbouring countries. to dismal usage of certified quality Southern Africa (COMESA) created a In addition, it also targets to im- equate, accessible, relevant and timely affordable and reliable supply of high information. seeds by most farmers leading to poor quality seeds and planting materials in public-private partnership known as prove agricultural productivity in harvests. ASIESA”. Eastern and Southern Africa in par- AFSTA and COMESA believes Eastern and Central Africa. that agricultural productivity in Africa Some of the major challenges This will be done by supporting “AFSTA has grown and today it is ticular and Africa in general. identified include low adoption of positively recognized as an apex seed “Funding for ASIESA has been is low compared to other regions due the interests of the private seed indus- to dismal usage of certified quality seed technologies by farmers, strin- try in Africa to supply farmers espe- organization representing the interests provided by USAID, CropLife In- gent seed regulations, restricted cross- of the private seed industry in Africa. ternational and Syngenta Founda- seeds among other factors by farmers cially smallholders with seeds that on the continent. border seed movement and tech- are of high quality and compatible to The food insecurity in most countries tion. This initial funding has enabled nologies, poor infrastructure, lack of in Africa can be sorted out if farmers us to design the project, set priorities ASIESA is here to strive for im- local region’s weather conditions, soil provement of efficiency of AFSTA reliable data on seed trade informed sample and sufficient to farmers. are well trained on variety of seeds for each target country and officially decision, expensive finances services, that are compatible for particular re- launch the project,” Secretary General and National Seed Trade Association The gains include a boost of pro- {NSTAs} so that farmers can contrib- counterfeiting of seeds, inadequate ductivity to smallholder farmers to gion some which are certified for spe- of AFSTA clarified. protection of property rights among cific areas to the farmers,” expressed The Secretary General hinted that ute effectively towards implementa- pave way for meaningful investments tion of regional seed policies and others. in the food/feed value chains and ac- Rakotoarisaona. although AISESA is designated to be The goal of ASIESA is to develop implemented in all the 19 COMEAS regulatory agreement to stimulate pre- celerate trade in Africa. dictable market and investment busi- These remarks were made by the a viable, competitive and sustainable countries, for a start, it will focus its seed industry that improves company activities in eight countries including ness investment decisions. AFC gets big cash Secretary General of AFSTA Justin According Johnson Irungu, Di- Rakotoarisaona, during the launch of and seed value-chain performance to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, ensure farmers have affordable, time- Malawi, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and rector of Crops Management in the boost from state the Alliance for the Seed Industry in Ministry of Agriculture, the ministry Eastern and Southern Africa (ASIE- ly and reliable access to high qual- Zambia. ity seeds and planting materials that Rakotoarisaona emphasized to is committed in supporting the new By PETER MUTUKU SA) project at a hotel in Nairobi, credible initiative launched aimed at Kenya. would boost yields for food security the representatives present in the two THE Government plans to channel and wealth for farmers. days’ workshop that the success of the improving access to quality seeds by Rakotoarisaona stated that in farmers . Ksh 2 billion through the Agricul- order to spur growth of the seed in- The alliance now aims at develop- first phase is expected to inform deci- tural Finance Corporation to farm- ing the seed industry in the region by sions on how and when to scale out Irungu pointed out in Kenya for dustry in COMESA, the AFSTA is instance, agriculture contributes 24 ers to help boost their agricultural recognized by the African Union as improving capacity and competitive- the project to remaining COMESA output. Agriculture Minister Dr per cent of the GDP and 60 per cent Sally Kosgey says the money will of export earnings. He added through soon be disbursed to farmers to in- links with manufacturing, distribution crease their yields. and seed related sectors; agriculture The minister now wants farm- indirectly contributes a further 27 per ers to take advantage of the alloca- cent of the country’s gross domestic tion and apply for loans through profit {GDP}. AFC whose interest rates remains “About 80 per cent of Kenya’s at a low of 10 percent as com- population lives in the rural areas and pared to other financial institutions drive their livelihoods largely from the which lend money at 30 percent agriculture sector. This is why agri- interest rate. culture sector section of Kenya Gov- Speaking in Chogoria, Tharaka ernment’s economic blueprint Vision Nithi County during the official 2030 underscores the centrality in re- opening of Agricultural Finance ducing poverty, creating employment Corporation in the area, the Min- and improving the health of the people ister reveals that the government of Kenya,” Irungu observed. has revamped an additional six He argued that seed is not only the branches in the country to directly most critical inputs that determine the benefit farmers. upper limit of crop yields but also the “We have opened six new productivity of all other agricultural in- branches of AFC to bring the puts which are also important business. branches to 42 and we will con- Irungu visualized that the agricul- tinue until we reach to all the forty tural outlook into the year 2050 calls seven counties of the country,” she for an annual increase of food pro- says adding that the new AFC has duction by 70 per cent with the food improved services to benefit the demand of close to 9 million people farmers. Kosgey at the same time expected by then. He reminded the points that each AFC branch has AFSTA that the government calls been allocated Ksh 100 million up upon the seed industry to respond ap- from Ksh 17 million to increase propriately to the challenges facing farmers. farmers to credit. AFSTA members during the launch of the report. Photo/Henry Owino “Our aim is to reach a customer clientele of 150 000 by next year, so as to boost the food security and help in the reduction of pov- March prices with cost of production, farmers told erty levels in the country,” She says adding that agriculture is a By JOSEPH MUKUBWA tion. “shining the light of Christ” had over rate of poverty,” he said. major contributor to the realiza- He said lack of civic education to 100 representatives from Nyeri, Kir- As an alternative way to minimize tion of vision 2030. The minister AN Information Technology special- the farmers in the country is also to be inyaga, Murang’a and Embu coun- the cost of production, the specialist pointed out that the corporation ist Harun Wachira has challenged blamed for increasing poverty since ties. urged those practicing small-scale has also introduced a new loan farmers to upgrade prices of their pro- most of the farmers have not been well “A study undertaken by UNDP farming to adopt a non-tillage method facility dubbed stawisha which tar- duce to reflect the cost of production. sensitized about the new technology. found out that most farmers especial- on their farms and only use manure gets women and the youth who are Wachira also said many farmers He was speaking on poverty re- ly in Mathira spent Ksh7 to produce and mulch during planting. interested in farming. have failed to take into account the duction strategies at the National one maize comb and later sold it at He said the method has proved Beneficiaries, she says will not money they use in production and lat- Council of Churches of Kenya ninth Ksh2. In relation to this, most small productive and less expensive as op- require any collaterals adding that er compare it to the amount received Central regional conference held at businesses practiced at the household posed to the digging of farms which many youth and women are unable after selling their products thus losing Nyeri Technical Training Institute. level are liability to the country’s is done in every season and is time to secure loans from financial in- business in an unimaginable propor- The conference whose theme was economy hence the ever increasing consuming. stitutions due to lack of collaterals such as log books and title deeds. By MORRIS GITHENYA Dr Kosgey further says that KDTA responds to climate change threat farmers will also be supplied with TEA factories in the country have fertilizers at subsidized rates to secured 9,000 acres of land under plantation. mitted to increase the country’s ries in mitigating effects of climate help increase their productivity. which trees will be planted in a bid to Speaking in Murang’a County forest cover from 1.7 percent to in- change. The minister also called upon mitigate effects of Climate Change. while launching KTDA tree planting ternationally recommended 10 per- “The trees will be used in the farmers in the area to plant Kenya Tea Development Agen- week, Tiampati said about 200,000 cent. processing green leaves,” the CEO drought resistant crops such as cy, Chief Executive Officer, Lerion- trees will be planted under the ini- He said mature trees will be said. He said while using wood fuel sorghum, millet, cassava and other ka Tiampati said the initiative targets tiative. harvested and used in drying green to produce a kilogramme of tea costs crops that can survive the erratic about 65 tea processing factories KTDA board member Eng Eras- leaves at the factories - an action an average of Ksh5 compared to weather conditions in the area. who will acquire land to establish tus Gakuya said KTDA was com- which will greatly help the facto- Ksh18 while using furnace oil. The Link, June 2012 FEATURE 25 The history, tribulations of Nubians of Kibera By HENRY OWINO Langata Road to Bomas of Kenya nent houses to live in. The first and crossing towards where Metrological original settlers of Nubians were 500 THE land saga in Kibera, Nairobi, Department station is along Ngong families only and almost all except dates back to 1889-90 when the Nubi- Road through Kileleshwa back to women and children were involved in ans came into Kenya for the first time Jamia Mosque just a skeleton map of the war. The environment was good from Sudan and settled at Eldama Ra- the area. The main entrance to Kibera and fertile except for water problem vine, Koibatek district in Rift Valley was where the three statues/plaques of but had perennial rivers. Province. World War II soldiers along Kenyatta Everybody wanted land in Kibera The community was agricultural- Avenue {opposite Standard Chartered because of it proxicimity to the down- ists and found Rift Valley Province to Bank} are located. One amongst the town today city centre. have a good and fertile soil for farm- three is a Nubian in his full original In those early years, people who ing hence grew lots of crops. community attire won at war. came to Nairobi from rural areas Yusuf Ibrahim Diab is the Sec- Yusuf stated that Kenya became without jobs were advised to settle retary General of Kenyan Nubian British colony in 1920 and when the down at the closest place to city cen- Council of Elders (KENUCE) in World War II began in 1939, the Brit- tre which was Kibera estate and again Kenya and explains how Nubians set- ish who ruled East Africa as a Pro- cheap in terms of house rent that cost tled in Kibera, Nairobi. In the coun- tectorate and recruited more Nubians Ksh 15 per month. The Nubians were cil they are ten executive members; into the military for the war. The main not given title deeds by then govern- chairman, vice chairman, treasury, barracks was situated at Buller Camp ment as Kibera residents and the land secretary among others. now known as Kenyatta National was considered as a commercial land Yusuf, 62, was born, bred and is Hospital. Kibera became a no going not for occupancy by individual com- living in Kibera, where he calls home zone since it was set aside for military munities. Most people in the govern- and falls under the fifth generation of and soldiers training camp and meet- ment especially the Provincial Ad- Nubian families living in Kibera, Nai- ing point most of whom were Nubi- ministration officers misused their Kenyan Nubians still treated as foreigners-the 43rd Kenyan Tribe. robi, Kenya. He is blessed with seven ans recruited from Sudan. powers and pushed to acquire huge children who are now adults, married Yusuf recalls that his father who plots of land at the expense of the tual owners of the structures or land. the biggest slum in Africa not water and have their own children as well. participated in both wars told him poor and ignorant Nubians consid- When Kenya got its independ- tower. In his analysis, most houses in Yusuf said KENUCE was formed that anybody who lived in Kibera that ered as foreigners. ence in 1963, Chiefs and Provincial Kibera today are built and occupied in 2001 to deal with numerous Nu- time, was either a military officer or a In late 1940s to early 1950s other Administration officers began selling by other communities except for the bian Rights, with land issues being retired soldier all of who were Nubi- communities led by Kikuyu began the houses and land they had grabbed few permanent houses built by City the most focused one due to its ever ans. Luckily or unluckily Nubians due streaming in Kibera as business peo- to people who had money then with- Council of Nairobi. Few individuals mounting pressure from other com- to their nature and lifestyles of war- ple but the main reason was due to out recognizing the Nubians. Many who managed to build storeys the bought the land and houses most of rest are structures confined together whom were government officials without proper arrangement leading and they began building permanent to congestion hence slum. houses and renting them to other ten- “Today you see somebody just ants while in the process, displacing build any structure even on the path Nubian community. to your house and if you ask why, the Since Nubians are people who answer is always Nubians have no live in colony or communal type of place in Kibera and should go back to setting, they could not let themselves Sudan. This has been the land conflict to be scattered but stayed together between Nubians and other commu- knowing that Government would in- nities living in Kibera so, unless the tervene and compensate them some government issues us with title deeds piece of land. To the Nubians sur- as genuine owners of the land occu- prise, the government only issued title pies, the problem would still persists,” deeds to the public amenities they had Yusuf poses. built like mosques and burial ceme- According to Opete Opete who tery and not to individual plot or land has lived in Kibera for over 30 years title deeds to date. now, the land in Kibera belongs to the “I know Nubians identify them- government who has the title deed selves as citizens of Kenya. The prob- and not any other community. He said lem is when it comes to dealing with claiming to own whole of Kibera yet other communities or with govern- there are over 10 ethnic groups living ment officials. The difficulties start together is not true. there. Having to live in an area or a Opete said if Kibera land could be- place that is considered a slum, one long to Nubians alone, then the gov- that does not even appear on maps as ernment could not be doing the slum a settled area, this creates a problem. up-grading which is very modern and If that was not the case, I think we wise way of eradicating the conges- would have had a chance to advance tion. He admitted Nubians were the our cultural identity even more and first to settle in Kibera and fought for could be a big boost to the commu- independence but that should not be Nairobi’s largest slum, Kibera, is largerly populated by Nubians. Photo/File nity. Any community becomes con- the excuse to demand for title deeds fident when it is recognized by other as the rightful land owners. munities among other rights. He said like made them to fit well hence oc- its cheap house rent and closeness to communities they live with in harmo- “This land was there before the any Nubian who has attained the age cupied the whole of Kibera together city centre. Agitation for independ- ny and tranquility,” Yusuf explained. Nubians come from Sudan and it of 50 years is qualified to join the with the British. ence began in early 1959 that were Nubian community has pushed belonged to colonial British who left council. The rest of Africans lived mainly accelerated by low payment to the and tried all means so that they are and government took the control of KENUCE Secretary-General in Eastland estates like in Makongeni, Africans, Nubians being among them issued with title deeds to authorize it so, Nubians should understand that said when Nubian arrived in Kenya Kaloleni, Mbotela, Makadara, Bahati by whites. Nubians who worked in them as the real owners of the plots/ nobody owns the land in Kibera but towards the end of 19th Century plus others and house rent was Ksh 60 KBS as drivers, railway employees, land they live in today. The Nubians government,” Opete said. from Sudan and settled in Rift Val- per month while the government offi- cleaners fueled the change. Kibera community feels that government had Opete reiterated that the Kibera ley Province, the British handpicked cials and White settlers lived in Karen, was guarded place and nobody was neither taken their lamentations seri- land saga in would be resolved as the Nubians to recruit as soldiers dur- Muthaiga, Parklands, Westland and allowed to access it without permis- ously nor recognized them as Ken- soon as the slum up-grading houses ing the World War I to fight against Lavington that were well built but a sion from the government so, politi- yans since independence. The Nubian is completed and the Land Bill in the its opponents like Germans. Since little bit expensive for African who cians took the advantage and used it community says it is neglection by constitution is fully implemented as Nubians were war oriented by nature being underpaid by the British. to hold secret meetings to that ended past and present government that oth- laws in Kenya. He added that as Ken- more were recruited into the military “All Nubians look at Kibera as to be Mau-Mau war. er communities come in at Kibera and yans wait for Bill to be Act of parlia- force. With time, all soldiers in the their homeland for the whole com- Realizing the African agitation to build temporary structures anywhere, ment, Nubians and all other commu- British army were Nubians and later munity. Having come here more than rule by themselves, the British Hous- anyhow and anytime without giving nities living in Kibera should stay in on transferred to Nairobi considered perhaps 120 or 130 years ago, we lost ing Commission officials began de- room for road access, water pipes, harmony as brothers and sisters. as central place for the combat. all connection with the original coun- marcating the land by issuing small among other essential human needs He said good things are on the In 1902 Kibera was established try which is Sudan. And there is no plots and houses to Nubians regard- in a community. way coming to befit all communities as the base for training the British other place we consider home than less of how big one had owned the Yusuf said due to lack of title regardless of the race, tribe, gender re- soldiers who by now were mainly Kibera where we have lived all these land in terms of acreage. The British deeds and people not being allowed ligion and community. The influential Nubians. The land covered an acre years,” Yusuf said. did not allowed anybody to build per- to build permanent houses, tempo- leader states that he is ready to defend of 4,197.9 thus from where Jamia The white settlers grew tea and manent houses except for temporary rary structures have increased rapidly Nubians’ rights in Kibera as before as Mosque in Nairobi City centre is coffee in Karen and Muthaiga estates structures and none was given title forming slum. He regretted that Ki- he plans to get back political office as located cutting across Madaraka- where they built modern and perma- deeds to approve that they are the ac- bra that means a forest has turned to councilor next general elections. The Link, June 2012 26 FARMING ASARECA to fund fish farming research in EAC By PETER MUTUKU The project is set to reduce fish- ing activities in the oceans, lakes and THE Association for Strengthening rivers while enhancing food security, Agricultural Research in Eastern and creating employment and wealth. Un- Central Africa (ASARECA) has ear- der the project Tilapia and Cat fish are marked Ksh 6 billion to facilitate fish expected to increase to 200,000 Metric farming research in three East African tonnes. Countries. The government has already put The programme coordinator Jean up cooling plants in Rongo in Migori Ndikumana says the funding will be and Imenti South in Meru. Two simi- lar projects are ongoing in Tetu in Ny- channeled to research organizations in eri and Kakamega to preserve fish for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to help longer periods and cut on losses which improve fish breeds in the region. previously hampered growth in the sec- The Fisheries PS Prof Micheni Nti- tor. ba says that the funding will go a long Meanwhile, the government plans way in enhancing the capacity of farm- to train fish farmers on how to breed ers who still rely on traditional breeds male fish to ensure constant supply of and methods of farming. fish in the local and international mar- “With the funding from ASARE- ket. About 150 farmers from across the CA, we expect farmers get the knowl- country are targeted for the training edge on fish farming to increase the which is meant to boost fish farming production” added the PS. initiated under the Economic Stimulus The funding will oversee research Programme (ESP). during phase one of the project which The training is scheduled to take is slated to last two years before the im- place at the national aquaculture re- plementation of the second phase that search development and training center Prof Micheni .J. Ntiba, P.S Ministry for Fisheries officially opening the fish farm in a past function. will run for two more years. in Sagana Kirinyaga County. Ntiba pointed out that the private Fisheries PS Prof Micheni Ntiba hence affecting their growth and qual- noted that the ministry will also main- with his ministry to ensure that they sector is to be roped in the project to as- said farmers are to be trained on the ity of meat. tain a brood stock of female fish to pro- create awareness about fish across the sist in capacity building. production of male fish which will be “The trained farmers will be expect- duce eggs for reproduction purposes. country. Marine director Dr. Kazungu said reared alone to boost quality. ed to produce certified male fingerlings The permanent secretary noted that Ntiba added that in the last three that the marine institute will act as the Prof Ntiba explained that when fish in their respective localities and supply many countries that have achieved me- years Kenya has made tremendous lead agency in research and intends to are mixed in a pond, the male spend them to other farmers locally. The gov- dium income status in the world rely on progress in the production of fish and ensure that farmers are provided with most of their time reproducing while ernment will make sure that only certi- fish to drive their economies. stands at number four in Africa. “We quality feeds and fingerlings under the the female spend most of the time lay- fied fingerlings are produced so as not He however called on all the stake- are geared to become number one project. ing eggs and protecting the young ones to frustrate farmers” added Ntiba. He holders in the fish industry to partner soon” added Prof Ntiba. The forgotten class of smallholder farmers in Africa By HENRY OWINO cause of Africa’s ‘profound demo- velopment that is relevant to farmers graphic shift’ , which will see the working with low levels of inputs in ALTHOUGH agriculture remains a continent’s population double in three rain-fed conditions, so that new seeds, major economic mainstay for many decades and continue to rise into the fertilizers and technologies become countries in Africa, it has not received second half of the twenty first century. tracts available. the necessary intervention to drive the The report highlights that today The governments also need to economy. there are 70 million more Africans strengthen soil and water manage- A report outlining agricultural aged under 14 than there were a dec- ment systems and on the other hand, progress in Africa argues that while ade ago. Over the next decade that stop speculators buying up large tracts urbanization may be gathering pace number is expected to rise by another of land which are never fully utilized. and new growth sectors emerging 76 million. About 80 per cent of Africa farms in manufacturing, mining and serv- In Kenya inequality levels still operate under rain-fed conditions ices, two out of every three Africans rank among the highest in the con- whereas in drought prone environ- continue to depend on farming with tinent. The report points out that the ments rely on irrigated agriculture women forming the highest percent- richest ten per cent of the population meaning productivity cannot be in- age. control almost 40 per cent of wealth creased due to expenses. The report notes that apart from in the country. Farmers mainly struggle to raise providing jobs and food for rural The report calls for a ‘relentless yields due to lack of inputs of im- populations, Africa’s farms also sup- focus’ by policymakers on jobs, jus- proved seeds, new technologies and ply urban areas with food. “However, tice and equity to ensure sustainable, pesticides.” The end results is that a large percentage of farmers in the shared growth that benefits all Af- most smallholders who in several oc- continent are still regarded as small ricans regardless of gender/sex, age casions are women are unable to pro- holders with completely no impact and social status. duce enough food to meet household Kende-Robb warns that failure to as far as food security is concerned,” A team of Africa Pannel during the launch of report. Photo/Henry Owino needs, let alone respond to the market reads the report in part. generate equitable growth could result opportunities created by rising urban The report underscores the need strong economic growth trajectory The report calls for renewed focus on in ‘a demographic disaster marked by demand,” adds the report. to unlock the productive potential of which aims to see the region increase jobs, justice and equity to ensure that rising levels of youth unemployment, Dr. Kofi Annan, the former Secre- Africa’s farmers to help strengthen the pace of growth well beyond five Africa’s impressive economic growth social dislocation and hunger.’ tary –General of the United Nations economic recovery. “These would per cent over the next two years, is at is translated into shared growth for all She emphasized that Africa’s gov- and Nobel Laureate, who chairs the raise incomes, create jobs, and new risk because of rising inequality and Africans,” explains Kende-Robb. ernments and development partners panel adds that Africa is on its way markets, open new opportunities for the marginalization of whole sections Kende-Robb further stated, the re- must urgently draw up plans for a to becoming a preferred investment investment and link farmers to oppor- of society. The section represents port notes that Africa has seven of the big push towards the 2015 Millen- destination and a place of immense tunities that strengthen the two-way women. world’s fastest-growing economies, nium Development Goals adding that innovation and creativity. interaction between growth and pov- Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive with 70 per cent of Africa’s popula- women must be fully involved in the The chair however, says there is erty reduction,” adds the report. Director of the Africa Progress Panel, tion living in countries that have aver- plans as the key developers. also a long way to go and Africa’s In countries such as Ethiopia and said Africa is rising and African econ- aged economic growth rates in excess “Unlocking productivity gains governments must as a matter of ur- Kenya, every percentage point of omies are growing faster than those of of four percent over the past decade. will require new thinking, new ap- gency turn their attention to those who agriculture growth, reduces the in- almost any other region in the world. However, the report also notes proaches to public spending and are being left behind like smallholders cidence of poverty as twice the rate She however, regrets that the current that most countries may not realise strong political leadership .Govern- most of who are women. of growth in other sectors. A more pattern of trickle-down growth is not the Millennium Development Goals ments will therefore need to invest in “I believe Africa and its leaders vibrant agriculture would provide a benefiting enough people. by 2015, flagging slow progress in infrastructure that makes it possible can rise to this challenge. If they do, secure foundation for food security “Indeed benefits measured by areas such as malnutrition, child sur- for smallholders to compete in mar- Africa will become more prosperous, especially if women are empowered poverty reduction, maternal health vival, maternal health and education. kets,” advised Kende Robb. stable and equitable. This is a prize financially to large scale farming. and childhood survival fall short of The need for equitable growth is The African governments need which we all, wherever we live, will The report warns that Africa’s what Africans have a right to expect. more critical, the report states, be- to invest more in research and de- share,” Annan hoped. The Link, June 2012 FARMING 27 ASK to open up Sale of fake seeds rampant in Trans-Nzoia its grounds for By JOHN NYAMBUNE KSC and Kenya Planters Health equipments used to make the fake to curb the problem,” said the DC. Inspectorate Service (Kephis) at seeds. Acknowledging that the circula- investment FARMERS in Trans-Nzoia Coun- the Kitale police station, after alle- Among the items recovered tion of fake seeds is likely to sabo- By LINK CORRESPONDENT ty are up in arms against the sale gations that prime suspects in the were 8 kilos of red oxide, pack- tage production, the DC said some THE Agricultural Society of Kenya of counterfeit maize seedlings in sale of the fake seeds were being aging materials, herbicides, fun- farmers had complained of poor (ASK) is working on a strategic plan the area which now threaten their protected by government officials. gicide, insecticide and a weigh- germination. that will open show grounds to stake- main source of livelihood. Reports are rife that some gov- ing machine. The DC flanked by “It is true some farmers have holders to put up facilities that pro- The farmers have expressed ernment officers had been com- police chief Mr. Lucas Ogara, complained to the district agri- mote good farming practices in the fears that the region is likely to promised to protect unscrupulous KSC marketing manager Mr. culture office over germination country. register a sharp decline in produc- businessmen discovered selling Francis Mwaura and Kephis but the number is minimal. We ASK deputy national Chairman tion due to poor germination. uncertified seeds. Kinyua however Alfred Mosuya said a manhunt hope the fake seeds did reach Joseph Gachagua says the move also Already, several farmers in the said that nobody would be spared has been launched for suspects most farmers,” admitted the DC. seeks to generate revenue from the region have reported to the lo- in the fake seed racket including behind the manufacture of the Farmers urged the government to investors who will be utilizing the cal agricultural officials that the the local tycoon adversely men- bogus seeds. distribute the seeds through le- grounds for productive agricultural seeds they had planted have failed tioned in the scam. “We are not going to rest until gitimate organizations such as Na- practices. Gachagua says that the to germinate Kinyua said detectives led by those involved in the manufacture tional Cereals and Produce Board stakeholders will ensure the show The farmers now want the Kitale Criminal Investigation Of- of the fake seeds are punished and and Kenya Farmers Association grounds remain active throughout government to revoke licenses of ficer Mr. Paul Wachira raided the we assure farmers that security to check on the circulation of the the year as opposed to the past when individuals engaged in the mal- home at Endebess and impounded measures have been put in place fake seeds. they were active for just five to ten days per year, when they are open for practice. exhibition. “Some people are only inter- “Show grounds can be active all ested in making huge profits by year round by serving as training selling to us fake seeds. We want grounds, demonstration plots, con- them arrested and prosecuted for ference facilities or camping sites the crime,” lamented William Ki- to ensure they remain self-sufficient mosong, the chairman of Kenya without necessarily relying on the National Federation of Agricul- national office for financial support.” tural Producers (KNEFAP), a said Gachagua. Gachagua said that watchdog organization for the the society will soon invite proposals farmers. from groups or individuals willing to District Crops officer Mrs. partake in the initiative. Zipporah Simiyu admitted that “We have 15 show grounds in her office had received com- the country each of which has over plaints from some farmers over 100 acres which need to be utilized failed germination. Members of and not lying idle only to be used the local district agricultural com- for seven days a year,” he says add- mittee chaired by the DC Mr. Wil- ing that stringent measures need to fred Kinyua held a crisis meeting be made to ensure the resource is over the sale of fake seeds. fully utilized. He points out that the 15 facilities can be used as training Recently police seized one grounds for farmers to ensure maxi- tonne of uncertified maize seed mum yields and boost food security being sold at a leading supermar- in the country. ket in Kitale. Eastern Deputy Provincial Com- The District Commissioner missioner William Ole Sanya said said packaging materials, bogus that lack of commitment, teamwork logos and coating equipments and ownership has plagued the soci- were seized from a home of a ety saying that the new management suspect behind the seed racket at must work better to steer the show to Endebess, southwest of Kitale. greater heights in the county. The officials later told journal- He said the government was ists that two suspects including a committed to supporting shows to be Kitale tycoon licensed by Kenya successful and asked ASK to revive Seed Company (KSC) to sell cer- exhibitions at district levels to ensure tified seeds are being probed over education to more farmers say. the sale of uncertified maize. The two were speaking during The DC met officials from the launch of the new Embu ASK Kenyan maize farmers now suspect they were sold fake seeds. committee in Embu. # Sugar industry key to The SUBSCRIPTION FORM

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Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi outcome of a court case before ment of the county. The Link, June 2012 28 REGIONAL NEWS Cassava still the food security crop of choice in Teso By LINK CORRESPONDENT yields of carbohydrates per cultivated However, boiled cassava must be The diseases that mostly attack area among other crop plants,” adds in cassava production. During the dry season, the crop is prepared properly before consump- cassava are cassava bacterial blight, CASSAVA is an important staple Stephen as he leads me through his tion since improper preparation can cassava anthracnose, cassava brown food for consumption and a source of vast cassava plantation. readily available in farms and in the local market at affordable prices. A leave enough residual which in turn streak disease and cassava mosaic dis- income for farming communities in “Whereas it is a staple food in the causes goiter and can also result to ease. Teso district, a study has revealed. The region, I was meant to understand that professional from KARI says that this has highly contributed in the allevia- partial paralysis, “the field officer In the late 80’s and early 90’s, cas- crop is grown by nearly every farming the crop is also cultivated as an animal warns. sava mosaic disease wiped out most family. crop in the area,” adds Geoffrey Ma- tion of poverty. Cassava is classified as sweet and However, the more toxic cassava of the crop. In 1998, KARI imported According to research, most farm- fura, a field officer at the Kenya -Ag varieties are preferred by farmers in two varieties; mygera and SS4 from ers in the region at least have the ricultural Research Institute (KARI). bitter, just like any other root and tuber crop and contains anti-toxins. Teso south region because according International Institute of Tropical Ag- plantation in their farms, where locals He says that due to the high com- to them they deter pests, animals and riculture in Uganda (ITA) and gave prefer the crop to other crops such as petition of livestock and human over Although cassava is generally con- sumed as boiled roots, most of the thieves. out the planting materials to farmers beans, maize and bananas. maize, KARI highly recommends that Cassava is the second largest crop in order to try and find out solutions Stephen Pamba 26, a farmer in cassava be planted as livestock feed, locals prefer using it as flour for mak- ing ugali. I had a chance of enjoying after maize in terms of production for the problem. Ang’orom area of Teso South District owing to its high carbohydrates con- in the area. Together with yams and says that cassava is a drought resist- tent. a sumptuous meal of the brown ugali during my interview with a local. sweet potatoes, these crops occupy an ant and tolerant crop that can grow on During this rainy season, farmers important position in the agricultural marginal soils. “This crop is a major in the region planted the crop using Judy Asere, a mother of four says Thugs behind that she enjoys the ugali made out of economy in this region and produce staple food in our community and it traditional methods. about 40percent of the agricultural provides a basic diet for most of the “Varieties can be intercropped dur- cassava flour than the common maize flour. gross domestic product. computer thefts locals” .He told reject. ing the first three months before the Nutritionally, cassava is compara- Cassava which is botanically plantation forms a canopy,” Mafura “I have to prepare this for my family every evening, a culture we’ve ble to potatoes except the fact that it nabbed known as manihot esculenta is also explains. has twice the fiber content and a high- referred to as ‘mogo’ by the Teso. This The crop is also known for its abil- adopted because of the nutritional By MORRIS GITHENYA content,” she says as she serves me er level of potassium. In most of the crop well known for its starchy tuber- ity to produce high yields where other plantations in the area, the shrubby ous root is a major source of carbohy- crops fail and thus many farmers be- with a plate of the ugali and tradition- Five suspected criminals believed to al vegetables. plant grows to about 2-2.5 meters and drates. “This plant gives the highest lieve that soil fertility is not important the leaves vary in shape and size. be part of a syndicate that has been stealing computers in government offices and learning institutions have been arrested in Nairobi. The gang was intercepted in Ka- riobangi area of Nairobi after a signal Good news to diabetic patients from a mobile phone provider led po- lice to their hideout where stolen com- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA puters were recovered among other items. DIABETIC patients can now have Several schools and public offices a reason to smile following the across the country have been broken launch of a project seeking to re- into by the gangster. The stolen com- duce the cost of insulin in the coun- puters are suspected to be sold across try. the borders owing to the ready market. The project which was launched The same gang raided Saba Saba in Nyeri County is a partnership Catholic Parish and made away with between the Danish government two laptop computers that belong to and the Kenya Government to re- the church. Arrest of the gang comes a duce the cost of treating diabetes. week after Internal Security Minister, The Ministry of Public Health Prof George Saitoti, ordered police to and Sanitation and Novo Nordisk, arrest the terror gang. a major manufacturer of insulin in Catholic Bishop James Maria the world launched a pilot project Wainaina protested to Saitoti when at Mary Immaculate Hospital in he visited Gaturi Catholic Church at Nyeri County. the rate at which the gang was raid- The project focuses on stream- ing learning institutions and killing lining the supply chain system for guards before vanishing with comput- insulin to make it accessible to ers bought by the government. the poor by reducing the retailing Murang’a East DC, George price of insulin from Ksh1, 800 to Natembeya, said detectives from Ksh500 in Nyeri and Dagoretti. Murang’a arrested the suspects and The President of Novo Nordisk recovered computers, music systems, Lars Rebien launched a Diabetes mobile phones, digital cameras and programme dubbed “Bottom of sports kits belonging to Nginda Girls The Pyramid Project” at the hos- High School, Maragua district. pital based in Mweiga town which The CEO and President of Novo Nordisk Lars Rebien with Rev Raphael Wanjohi (right) and Mary Immacu- Accompanied by the District Se- will see 27 health centres benefit- late Hospital administrator Veronicah Rukunga during the launch of the Diabetes programme dubbed curity Committee members, Natem- ing in Nyeri and Nairobi counties. Bottom of The Pyramid Project at Mweiga town in Nyeri County. beya said a prime suspect linked to the “We are ready to support the theft was still at large. “The suspect is project until we see unto it that we “A key lesson from our past number is expected to rise to 1.5 glucose testing. said to be buying computers from the eradicate the disease. We are sup- engagement is that we will only million by 2025. The major threat to manage- gang,” said Natembeya. plying what is needed to the gov- succeed through collaboration. Together with other non com- ment of diabetes in Kenya is the He said once police is through ernment and aiming to cover other In this collaboration we will find municable diseases, diabetes is prohibitive cost of medication. Ac- with investigations, the suspects will countries in the world. Twenty ways to bring diabetes treatment now a threat to national develop- cording to the Diabetes Manage- be charged with violent robberies and seven faith-based health facilities and insulin to patients by leverag- ment as they often result in long ment and Information Centre, the murder. A mobile phone found with in Nyeri and Dagoretti will benefit ing already existing supply chains, complications that are usually very average annual cost of caring for one of the suspect is said to belong from the project that aims to reach health care facilities and the public costly to treat. a person with Type 1 diabetes is to the watchman at Catholic Church 2,000 new diabetes patients by July sector,” said Rebien said during the According to Novo Nordisk, Ksh20,000. Between 60 per cent sponsored Gaturi Girls Secondary this year,” said Rebien. launch. type 2 diabetes accounts for more and 70 per cent of this cost is for School whose was killed at the institu- Novo Nordisk is a global health The project implementation is than 95% of all diabetes cases. To the purchase of insulin, making the tion where 16 computers were stolen. care company with 88 years of in- a collaboration between the Novo avoid facing a global pandemic, drug unaffordable to 60 per cent of Several government offices and novation and leadership in diabetes Nordisk, Faith Based health fa- populations have to take serious the patients. secondary schools in Murang’a care. The Bottom of the Pyramid cilities, Ministry of Health and the measures in leading active healthy This burden is in most cases and other parts of the country have Project focuses on streamlining the Danish Embassy. In addition, the lifestyles and eating healthy. passed on to families and the com- been broken into and valuable items supply chain system for insulin to project foresees training for medi- The main diabetes symptoms munity with untold retardation of amounting to millions of shillings sto- make insulin affordable to the BOP. cal personnel and patients associa- include extreme thirst, fatigue and economic progress and eventually len. The project’s lean and adap- tions by the Ministry of Health. frequent urination which if left exacerbating poverty. The Ministry A week ago, the gang broke into tive supply chain will ensure that Under the collaboration, health untreated, diabetes may result in of Health estimates that 1.2 million Murang’a Youth Affairs Offices steal- insulin is in stock at a retailing workers are being trained to man- coma and ultimately death. How- Kenyans live with diabetes, and ing three computers. In Murang’a price of Ksh 500 from the average age the disease that according to ever, people with diabetes can live with current trends continue, this South district three officers, educa- Ksh 1, 800 from about 20 dispens- the Diabetes Association of Kenya normal, healthy lives by combining number will rise to 1.5 million by tion, livestock and youth affairs were ing points in Nyeri County and is estimated to affect 1.2 million the elements of diet, exercise and 2025, or about four in every 100 broken into in a night and 14 comput- Dagoretti division. people. With current trends, this medicine along with regular blood Kenyans. ers taken away. The Link, June 2012 29 REGIONAL NEWS Syokimau victims optimistic despite home demolition By HENRY OWINO est rates has since then shot up from 14 He says when they were busy build- tims of land cartel officers, lawyers per cent to 26.5 per cent by the time ing, Mavoko County Council would and brokers on the loose duping in- Tetu residents VICTIMS of Syokimau demolition in he took the loan. Tony is now repay- patrol around the place and sometimes nocent Kenyans into buying illegal Nairobi are not sad about what hap- ing Ksh210, 000 monthly down from even ask residents to properly to put up pieces of land that do not belong to pened to them after being left homeless 150,000 despite lose of investment. the houses. them. The well organized fraudsters put MP on when bulldozers knocked down their Tony keeps in mind on March 30th Tony is not alone as the demolition use existing title deeds to show loca- houses about eight months ago but last year when he paid the first deposit affected 300 households and put at risk tion of the land in question. notice riding on hope. Tony Kiirinya, 33, is a which was to be followed by single over 5,000 people living and working The victim of the murky land deals victim of Syokimau demolition that left month installment for the ownership in the area. He stated that all these vic- admits that racketeers are so thorough By JOSEPH MUKUBWA hundreds of people homeless, gasping of the land. This was after a thorough tims were never given prior informa- in their assignment that only keen and for air and still others passed on. search at the Ministry of Lands and the tion about the demolition. knowledgeable persons would detect TETU residents have said they Tony has decided to embrace life County Council of Mavoko. The young man is optimistic that fraud. In most cases, the fraudsters will elect an MP who will initiate positively by turning lemons thrown He cleared the remaining balance justice will prevail. The government sub-divide land and issue the buyers water projects in the area come to him into lemonade. The young man on 15th April same year and became had contracted the Price Water Coop- with certificates which are not in any the next general elections. is full of life, jovial, humorous, open the rightful owner of the plot upon is- ers (PWC) to administer an audit of case land documents. According to Ib- Speaking during a dialogue minded, determined and hardworking. sued with a certificate for the land. Syokimau demolitions between 1st to rahim Mwathane, Director, Land De- and vetting forum held at Wama- However, Tony always remembers “Life is not fair, I put all my eggs 20th April, 2012 and victims are hope- velopment and Governance Institution gana area, the residents said they Saturday morning of November, 13, in one basket because I wanted my ful of compensation. (LDGI), land buyers need to be careful want an MP who will initiate wa- 2011 because it was the darkest mo- family to have a roof of their own but He has already submitted all the because certificate and land title deeds ter projects to aid in agriculture ment in his entire life. He watched in I lost it. Now again, I have to pay rent, documents showing the costs he in- are two different documents. and domestic use. disbelief as bulldozers demolished his repay a bank loan and refund money curred to the auditor general of PWC. Mwathane wondered how people The residents said every house. There was no room for nego- borrowed from friends,” Tony regrets. After evaluation, it was estimated that in Nairobi and other major towns rely home should have access to tiation, but rather he stood at the scene Tony wonders why the government his house had cost Ksh 10.7 million on the certificates as the legal land clean piped water and water for helplessly watching every minute as allowed them to go ahead constructing which he said even if refunded, will document which is not. irrigation. The over 100 grass- the noisy bulldozers brought down the houses without warning them of never fix emotional tides he suffered. “Certificates should not be mis- roots leaders also said they want his house. “I am a victim of Syoki- pending demolitions. He suggested the “Even if the government com- taken as part of the legal land docu- a leader who will support their mau demolitions but I do not consider government could have notified them pensates me, double the value of my ments. Every interested land buyer bid to add value to their agricul- myself as such. I see myself as a con- in advance instead of moving in like a house, it will not solve the emotional should verify any documents with the roaring lion ready devour the enemy. tides and stress it all caused me,” Tony Land Ministry whether genuine or not tural products. queror who has made it in life, but an “We also want a leader who enemy comes to take it away. Just like “If they wanted the land, they argued. to avoid being conned and only to real- Job in the Bible, life is not fair, there should have told us. There was no Tony is now busy looking for piece ize after investing heavily,” Mwathane will start biogas projects using are ups and down. I have come a long recourse, all we had were the District of land to buy but this time round, he advised. He said it is very risky just to animal wastes since we have way to afford a smile, suffered high Commissioner (DC), District Officer is cautious. Right now, despite the be issued with any document and walk cows in every home. Let our blood pressure but still I am positive (DO), Officer Commanding Police fact of being a victim illegal plot ac- away as the land owner. He warned products be sold in the local in life and ready to invest again,” Tony Station (OCS) and Officer in Charge of quisition and house demolition, Tony people that the same land may be supermarket,” said another resi- vows. Police District (OCPD) issuing threats is extremely ambitious and wants to owned by another person with the title dent. He recalls that it took him six during the demolition yet our MP were achieve his dream of owning a house. deeds and so the one with certificate The forum was organised by months to build the house which was nowhere to be seen,” Tony lamented. The Syokimau residents are vic- will be defenseless in a court of law. Nyeri Social Forum as a way to demolished in forty minutes, turning popularize the issues of leader- his life awful. It is paradoxical that the ship, integrity and vetting of efforts, money, and months he spent in Governor, Senator and Women his house project, were all washed to representative. the drain in less than an hour. Those in attendance included Tony said he may be looking opinion leaders, women, youth brave, smart, composed and standing reps, CBOs and representatives tall but all that lingers in his mind is of farmers organizations, trade not actually the beautiful home he unions etc all from Nyeri County. once owned. Anyway he thanks God for everything assuming it happened with a reason. He however, admits that the grim picture of the demolition re- Group protests main fresh in his mind as though it was against demolition yesterday. He had invested Ksh8.7 million in the house which he had of Mosque ruins borrowed from financial institutions. The Commercial Bank of Africa had By BEKADZO TONDO advanced him a loan of Ksh 5.5mil- lion while the Sacco gave him Ksh A COMMUNITY based organisa- 1.8million and sold three personal cars tion in Malindi is up in arms fol- at Ksh1.5million. lowing the demolition of a histori- “Like any typical Kenyan, I felt cal Mosque ruins by a family in that my priority was to have a house the area to create room for farm- where my family would call home and ing. summoned all my saving to buy a plot The chairman of Saba Saba at Syokimau,” Tony disclosed. self-help group Chome Mumba The house had four rooms built on said the Mosque and three houses an 80 by 160 plot bought in installments The Kshs223 million Nyeri Kamukunji market which was officially opened by President Kibaki recently. affected were used by the Arabs term between March and April last year. INSET: Musalia Mudavadi (left) with Housing Minister Soita Shitanda during the official opening of the during the slave trade business To make matters worse the banks inter- market. Photos/Joseph Mukubwa along the coastal region. Speaking to The Link at the site, Mumba said the destruction of historical sites by developers had constrained conservation ef- Plans afoot to feed hungry children in Ganze forts. By BEKADZO TONDO Children from different primary into identifying areas hardest hit by She noted that her organization “We formed Saba Saba self- schools converged at the grounds and the drought in the past two years,” Ms is currently supplying Roka, Kizigo, help group last year and one of PLAN International has embarked on had all sorts of fun including game and Kahiga said. Takaungu and Junju, Sokoke and our core business was to ensure an initiative to feed over 11,500 school dancing activities that climaxed with She said many girls were forced to Palakumi health centres in Bahari and all the historical sites including children in the drought hit Ganze dis- refreshments. drop out of school due to many prob- Ganze with uni-mix. the mosque ruins and the home of trict. “Plan International is supporting lems including poverty, early marriag- The manager further said Plan In- the Arabs are well conserved for Kilifi organization programme unit feeding program in 35 learning institu- es and pregnancies. ternational has been sensitizing the future generations and learn about manager Ms Margaret Kahiga said the tions in Ganze mostly primary schools “The rates of transition among community on child protection, ar- the slave trade business,” Mumba feeding programme is being offered to so as to retain most children in school. school going girls in Bahari and guing that most of the children rights said. 35 education institutions mostly pri- Majority drop out of school due to lack Ganze is low because most children were being violated. The CBO has now appealed to mary schools. of food, ” said Ms Kahiga. are forced to drop out of school to fend She said girls have fallen prey to the officers of National Museums Speaking to The Link at moving The manager said the benefiting for their families due to poverty,” said sexual violence including defilement of Kenya to intervene and protect the goal posts grounds at Mnarani in schools were selected following re- Ms Kahiga. but since the members of the commu- the environment from destruction. Kilifi town during celebration to mark ports on drought and poverty in Kilifi Ms Kahiga said the death rate of nity has not been sensitised, such cases “Officers from the National Mu- 75 years of Plan International commit- district by the district drought manage- children below 5 years are still a chal- are not reported to relevant authorities. ment to children affairs, Ms Kahiga ment office in collaboration with the lenge in the survival of newly born “Cases of defilement are so com- seums of Kenya need to come out said poverty facing families in Bahari ministry of education. babies in the district and said Plan In- mon in this region but most of them go and protect the ruins from further and Ganze had forced children to drop “We mainly relied on the report in ternational is disbursing food rations unresolved because victims opt for out destruction and preserve it for his- out of school. the selection process that guided us through dispensaries . of court settlement,” said Ms Kahiga. torical purposes,” said Mumba. The Link, June 2012 30 REGIONAL NEWS People living with Women fund Aids in Bunyala Elect visionary leaders, underutilized given relief food in Coast By NYAKWAR ODAWO Kingi tells Kenya By BEKADZO TONDO THE Ministry of Special Pro- with teachers and other stakeholders cused politicians of failing to promote grammes through the Bunyala Dis- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU MILLIONS of shillings allocated in order to plan how to scale up the education and schools in the area de- to Coast Province through the trict Disaster Management Com- LEADERS in Kilifi County of Coast academic performance in the area. spite numerous requests by school mittee has distributed relief food to region have been asked to emulate Women Entreprise Fund (WEF) As school managers, the PDE committees. remains underutilized. scores of people living with Hiv/ ideals espoused by freedom fighter urged head teachers to work in unison Mwangome noted that many Aids and orphaned vulnerable chil- Mekatilili wa Menza. The Executive Officer of with other teachers and subordinates schools are in a sorry state due to lack Women Enterprises Fund, Wain- dren from Ruambwa sub location in Led by chairman of Kaya God- for the common goal of uplifting the of class rooms and other infrastruc- Bunyala East location. homa Mangi Mitsanze, the leaders aina Wa Njeri says Coast women education standards in the County. tural facilities. have not been applying for loans A total of eighteen villages asked the community to recognize ef- He challenged them to set stand- He said that many of the schools in from Ruambwa sub location ben- forts by Mekatilili in the struggle for disbursed through the fund despite ards for their schools and make sure the area are congested and asked lead- the high incidence of poverty in efited from the relief supplies. Data independence. they meet the target. ers and the government to intervene, availed to The Link by the repre- They spoke as Fisheries Minis- the area. “Records from our of- He urged the school heads to im- to enable schools cater for the ever ris- fices show that coastal women sentative of Bunyala disaster man- ter Amason Kingi urged the coastal plement the strategic plan without ing number of students. agement committee in charge of people to elect visionary leaders in have accessed the lowest amount delays to avoid being overtaken by The strategic plan is a five year of money in form of loans from Bunyala East location Jacinta Auma the forthcoming General Elections in events. guideline on how KEPSHA is plan- Mukudi indicates that the group re- recognition of Mekatilili wa Menza the fund and yet this is the region KEPSHA Kilifi chapter secretary ning to uplift the education standards where women have been living in ceived forty bags of rice, thirty bags who fought fearlessly for the freedom Mr. Joseph Tembo Mwangome ac- in Kilifi County. of maize, twenty bags of soya beans, of her people without discrimination. great poverty,” Njeri said. five cartons of soya oil and three car- Kingi at the same called for con- She challenged women to tons of beef con. certed efforts in uplifting education come out and apply for the loans Majority of the beneficiaries in- standards in the area to enable resi- so that they can start their own terviewed commended the ministry dents benefit from the numerous op- projects to support their husbands of special programmes and Bunyala portunities anticipated in the area once in meeting their family demands. District Disaster Management Com- the county becomes operational. “Njeri said out the Ksh2 bil- mittee for the assistance saying that Elsewhere the Kenya Primary lion which the government has the initiative has changed their lives School Head teachers Association released to the Kenyan women in for the better, though the supplies are (KEPSHA) form of loans, Bahari Constitu- inadequate. Kilifi chapter has launched its ency women had only been able to “The programme has changed strategic plan in a ceremony presided get Ksh1.5 million a figure, which our lives a little bit but we are still over by Coast Provincial Director of he said was too low. The CEO fur- appealing to the government to con- Education Tom Majani at Kibarani ther said the fund has been facing sider increasing the quantity of the Primary school for the deaf. challenges in repayments of loans relief food because we are many,” Majani decried poor education advanced to women. He however said Evelyn Achieng, one of the ben- standards in the area and warned that said the government must train eficiaries who hail from Mudembi the County might be forced to employ women on business management village. professionals from other Counties if and financial control. She said the The representative of the disas- performance is not improved. fund will now embark on exten- ter management committee Jecinter “It will be unfortunate to see many sive civic education to sensitise Auma Mukudi who supervised the of the jobs created by the County women on how best they can man- distribution of the relief supplies Government being taken by people age business. supported calls by the beneficiaries from other Counties while locals re- He says that most women cur- adding that though scores of people main jobless, if you fail to take educa- rently rely on their husbands for living with Hiv/Aids from the area tion seriously,” advised Majani. their upkeep, posing a bigger chal- have benefited from the programme, lenge for the survival of the mar- He advised leaders and parents to Mr. Kingi addressing the press: He urged the coastal people to elect the government must bring addition- conduct meetings on a regular basis riages. “Many marriages break- al relief food considering that major- visionary leaders in the forthcoming General Elections. down daily in this country because ity of the residents from the area are husbands’ incomes cannot meet infected and affected by Hiv/Aids. the household financial demands “Most of the beneficiaries, ma- Anti-FGM campaign pays off for girls in Nyanza and other necessities,” Njeri said. jority of whom are children live with Speaking to women groups in By BOB OMBATI measures have been put in place to cultural practice risk being jailed for Kilifi, the CEO, said the reason for their grandmothers who are either help the girl child escape from the ret- not less than three years or fined Ksh. too old or sick to take care of the or- NUMEROUS campaigns against Fe- creating the women fund was to rogressive cultural practice. 200,000 or both. In the event that death empower women financially. phaned grandchildren,” says the dis- male Genital Mutilation (FGM) in “The government came up with a occurs during FGM, culprits face life aster management committee repre- Nyanza province have yielded suc- “For marriages to stand, there plan that covered ten years beginning imprisonment. Robert Onsando, a hu- in a need to empower women fi- sentative, adding that some people cess and increased the number of girls from 1999 to 2019 to stamp out FGM man rights expert noted that over three missed on the allocation. in schools. Western Kenya Adventist nancially so that they can assist nationally. I urge stakeholders to con- million girls worldwide are subjected their husbands in meeting the However, Bunyala District Development Relief Agency (ADRA) cert effort to end the practice,” said to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Commissioner Abdi Khalif Ali who Kenya program manager, Mary household demands and it is for Kwamboka. Nyamira children’s offic- every year. that reason that the government is also the district disaster manage- Kwamboka says that enrolment figures er, Samwel Masese said according to Onsando said research by World ment committee chairman said that among girls had shot up from 89 per- came up with the Women Enter- the 2009 Kenya Demographic House- Health Organization ( WHO) indicates prise Fund” said Njeri. the government through the ministry cent in 2002 to 98 percent in 2008. hold Survey (KDHS), 96 percent of that FGM is practiced in over 28 coun- of special programmes has set aside Kwamboka told a one day media The CEO said the living stand- girls had undergone FGM in the area, tries in Africa with few in Asia. ards have gone up and said both adequate stock of relief supplies for workshop at a Kisii hotel that the girls noting that the practice was being per- He noted that over 100 million emergency purposes. who escaped from communities em- husbands and wives need to have petuated privately in people’s homes women suffer the consequences of the a source of income to sustain their “There is no cause for alarm be- bracing FGM like Kuria district were and private health facilities. retrogressive cultural practice, adding cause the government has set aside enrolled in schools thus increasing the marriages. She said women can be Masese asserted that the FGM Act that some women were aware of the able to get loans from the women adequate emergency stock of relief number of the girl-child in schools. 2011 was in force and warned per- adverse effects of practice while others food should there be any emergency The officer, who organised the enterprises fund and start some in- petrators of the vice to discard it and were unaware due to ignorance. come generating projects which at considering the current heavy down- workshop noted that the completion venture into other businesses or face Some girls bleed to death after the pour that is being experienced in rate of the girl-child stood at the end of the day can increase the prosecution. cut while others develop complications family financial status. most parts of the country,” adds the 72 percent against the boy child’s He noted that according to the while giving birth, which could lead to disaster chairman. 85 percent in the province, adding “Some married men opt to run Act, individuals who aid and abet the Fistula disease. away from their families simply because their income cannot meet the family requirements and this is brought about the increasing Parents to face arrests in sexual abuse cases prices of essential commodities re- By NYAKWAR ODAWO programme at Hakati, in Bwiri location the girls and boys out until late into the dropping was higher than that of boys. quired at homes” said Njeri. of Samia, district recently. night. He warned, at the same time, that any The official said since the PARENTS who fail to control and pro- The children’s officer lamented that, The children’s officer complained parent who fails to report cases of child tect their children from sexual abuse and women enterprises fund was ini- although the government is spending a that the majority of parents and guardians abuse will risk arrest. He added that his tiated in this country more than early pregnancies resulting in school total of 19.6million annually in the dis- are encouraging their children to dress office has been receiving over ten child dropout, will be arrested and charged trict on the orphaned vulnerable children, indecently, a factor he blamed for rising abuse cases per month. Ksh 2 billion has been given out before a court of law, a children’s officer the school drop-out rate is still high due cases of sexual abuse in the district. “The children’s office is handling in form of loans to the Kenyan has warned. to pregnancies and early marriages. “Majority of parents and guardians over ten child abuse cases per month, women. He said over 0.5 million Dishon Otuko, Samia District Chil- Otuko attributed this to lack of paren- have left their children at the mercy of adding that majority of parents whose women have benefited with the dren Officer, sounded the warning while tal care, saying it has led to a majority of sex pests who have taken advantage of children have been abused in most occa- fund adding that more women addressing over 400 beneficiaries and the children attending video shows, disco the situation to exploit the girl-child at sions fail to follow up the cases after be- groups and individual women are caregivers of the orphaned vulnerable matanga local dances, overnight prayers, the expense of education,” said Otuko, ing compromised by the child abusers,” going to be assisted. children who are in the Cash Transfer night tuition and other activities that keep adding that the rate at which girls were said Otuko. The Link, June 2012 REGIONAL NEWS 31 Don’t use Doubts emerge over the future of Busia Town our pulpit for By LINK CORRESPONDENT and thus the municipality does not have mendations the experts are going to come sia town is haphazardly planned and the space to put up the structures. Because up with to pave way for a better place roads are horrible. Plans are underway politics, ACK BUSIA town, which is supposed to be the of this problem, it is instructive to note which is well planned for everybody. to create social facilities and to utilize the gateway to Kenya from other East African that some individuals residing within the The team has been collecting data and sewerage plant which is underutilized ac- warns politicians community countries, is situated in a free- town have even resorted to burying their has shared it with the residents. Some of cording to Opata who termed the situation hold land making it difficult for experts to dead relatives within their compounds in the challenges that continue to inhibit ex- as pathetic. The land in Busia town is pri- By LINK CORRESPONDENT plan for it. This emerged during a stake- the town although this is prohibited by the pansion plans include the absence of pub- vately owned and neither the government holders’ workshop recently in which ex- laws governing urban settlements. lic and community land to create room for nor the council can claim land for public THE Anglican Church in Kenya perts painted a gloomy picture of the town Attesting to this, Busia mayor Imelda expansion. “Busia could be the headquar- purposes and therefore some people are has banned politicians from taking which they described as a massive slum Obwana noted that her town planning de- ters of Busia County and there is need to likely to be affected in plans to upgrade the political campaigns to its places of with haphazardly put structures. partment has been crippled and lacks the create a parking lot especially for the trail- town. “The roads which are currently four worship. Archbishop Eliud Wabu- According to one of the experts, Dr. capacity to carry out basic planning be- ers since most of them are packed by the meters wide are supposed to be expanded kala said the church will not receive Grephus Opata of Siaga and Associ- cause virtually all the town is situated on roadside, and in case of fire, the nearest fire to nine meters. The idea behind this is to gifts from politicians or allow the ates consultants firm, Busia can aptly be freehold land. Said the mayor, “this is why engine is in Tororo. This is a disaster and have a strategic development plan that will pulpit to be used to spur animosity described as a slum despite its fame and we are appealing to the town residents to needs to be dealt with,” Opata lamented. make the town attractive and provide for among Kenyans. upcoming towering buildings. Dr Opata is heed and cooperate with whatever recom- The director has further noted that Bu- investment,” Opata told The Link. “We must embrace humility part of a team of about eight experts tasked and become wiser as the country with the job of bringing sanity into Busia which for a long time has had to do with- nears the General Elections. We out basic infrastructure and other social will not allow the church to be amenities because of poor planning. used by politicians to attack each He said during the workshop that eve- other,” said Archbishop Wabukala ry town in the country is supposed to have at the All Saints Cathedral Church an approved plan. ‘Every municipality is in Nairobi. “As a church, we will supposed to have an approved plan and remain non-partisan, but politicians it is the initiative of the ministry of local who want to divide Kenyans on government to plan the towns,” he added. tribal lines should be discouraged The project which was initiated in at all costs. We are aware that some mid-last year is expected to be complete of them may not mean well,” said by August this year. The new plan is sup- Wabukala. posed to be forwarded to the Ministry of The statements by the head of Local Government, Ministry of Lands and the Anglican Church in the country later gazetted as a legal document,” said follow an earlier resolution by sev- the director who is also a don at Moi Uni- eral priests from Mombasa Catho- versity. The team which has been assigned lic Archdiocese who warned MPs to carry out feasibility studies in the town, William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, will submit their recommendation to the former Civil Service boss Francis local authorities ministry for approval. If approved, the experts warned that Muthaura and radio Presenter Josh- land owners in the town would be forced ua Sang, who are accused of crimes to surrender their parcels of land in order against humanity at the Internation- to pave way for adequate planning of the al Criminal Court (ICC), against town to acceptable standards. Currently holding prayers in their churches. the town lacks amenities such as playing “I, as the Archbishop of Mom- grounds and other recreational facilities be- basa, and my 80 priests will not cause most of the land is privately owned Aerial view of Busia town. The town can aptly be described as a slum despite its fame and upcoming allow the four suspects to hold towering buildings. prayers in our place. This will be tantamount to promoting impunity, which this country must abhor,” said Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa Archdiocese. Their col- Elimu Sacco members tipped on loans league faithful at the Seventh Day the needs of the members,” said Oroto, Adventist (SDA), through a news- By NYAKWAR ODAWO noted has put the Sacco in an awkward Oroto on his part said that the society situation. The members also demanded had complied with the requirements in- adding that some power hungry leaders letter to all its branches, has also MEMBERS of Elimu Sacco have been have tried to mislead some members to directed church elders not to use that locals be given a priority to fill in troduced by Sacco Society Regulatory advised to buy more shares so that they job vacancies in the Sacco. Authority (SASRA). break away from established societies. the church podium to campaign can qualify for higher loan disburse- He said saccos were now encourag- for their preferred political parties Njoga however said that normally “The compliance means that Sac- ments and register improved dividend Elimu Sacco advertises job vacancies co’s management cannot embezzle your ing members who attain the retirement or leaders. The church maintains earnings. age to retain their membership so as to it will remain neutral on political where qualified applicants are invited savings,” said the chairman, adding that Addressing the stakeholders during and the best candidates take up posi- fixed assets were initially being bought continue enjoying benefits advanced matters and urged its congregation this year’s Elimu sacco annual gen- to members. Elimu Sacco treasurer to keep their political opinions to tions irrespective of their origin. at an inflated price, but now SASRA eral meeting (AGM) held at the Busia “Elimu sacco has not been founded will take care of the same to ensure Mathews Echoka on his part said that themselves. County Council chambers recently, in 2010, the society registered 11.7 per- The Anglican Church on its along ethnic basis. It is a cosmopolitan transparency and accountability. The Busia District Cooperative training of- welfare outfit that boasts of country- chairman cautioned sacco members cent growth in loan portfolio and a sur- part said politicians will only attend ficer Jairus Njoga said that this will also plus of over Ksh14million before pay- church services as normal wor- wide membership and therefore we against saving with banks saying banks boost the Sacco’s profit margin, adding are members of one family,” said the have left them more poorer than they ment of interest on deposits and taxes. shipers and there will be no pref- that low profit margin has compelled The Sacco’s income stood at Ksh- erential treatment. It is common training officer. Njoga at the same were before. most Saccos to pay members minimal time called upon the sacco members to Oroto at the same time urged the 86million against the projected income for politicians to attend religious dividends. The official spoke as mem- of Ksh95million. The expenditure was services during an election period own the organization saying it was the sacco members to undertake other in- bers sought to know why they have bridge to success hence the need to in- come generating activities such as fish- Ksh84.3million against the projected to seek support, promote their own waited since 1972 to be paid only a expenditure of Ksh91.4million. Echoka political agenda and attack their crease their shareholding to a minimum farming and poultry keeping consider- 10percent dividend. of Ksh1,000. ing that there is a shortage of fish in Lake at the same time said that during the opponents. On their part, Retired “The previous management was year 2010, the Sacco realised Ksh17.3 Anglican Bishop David Gitari and “The Sacco acts as the bridge to Victoria. “In the last few years, there has poor. They had invested a lot of the success and thus you must save, bor- been an increase in the number of coop- million from the front office services former Attorney General Charles Sacco members’ shares on fixed as- which fell short from the targeted Ksh- Njonjo are urging politicians to stop row and invest wisely because it is erative societies especially Sacco soci- sets,” said Njoga, adding that out of pure business,’ said Njoga, adding that eties. The smaller societies are on the 21million due to the delayed operations rallying Kenyans into tribal regions Ksh100million debt only Ksh5million in Busia and members’ borrowing from ahead of the general elections. improved dividend will come with decline, having been consumed by the has so far been repaid, a situation he time. Elimu Sacco chairman Armstrong larger ones due to lack of funds to serve banks.

adds. Harleys has been in the pharma- ceutical business for a long time and its Harleys feted for good corporate citizenry presence and services are mostly felt in Western Kenya region. The firm imports By LINK CORRESPONDENT a pharmaceutical distributing company, five companies, both large and small of other CEO’s and dignitaries from dif- and distributes medicines, medical de- all the above mentioned issues, have led ones, were identified for the KRA’s ferent organizations. vices and other pharmaceutical products THE secret behind business success is to the success of his company. awards. “The awards were in recogni- “This is the second time Harleys from internationally recognized and being tax compliant. This means remit- Harleys limited was recently feted tion of the firm’s efforts to give back to limited has been awarded for this cat- well established research based com- ting all the required taxes promptly, ap- by the Kenya Revenue Authority KRA the society through Corporate Social Re- egory,” reveals Haria. From the entire panies. Mr. Waweru cited the following propriately and on time. Other factors for its prompt payments of taxes. The sponsibility activities that these compa- health care sector, only the Aga Khan achievements as the basis for awarding that can make your company to grow pharmaceutical company fulfilled a se- nies undertake,” says Michael Waweru Hospital and Harleys limited received the firm; creating job opportunities in and become successful in all endeav- ries of internal checks and procedures Commissioner General for Income Tax the awards. “We ensure that we pay our Kenya, especially in Western region, ours are staff dedication and motivation, required by the Government’s tax col- and the boss of the KRA. The presenta- taxes efficiently and promptly so that we regular and undisputed tax compliance, seriousness, efficient service delivery lector, the Kenya Revenue Authority tion of the awards was witnessed by His do business in a clean way and with a due diligence to follow the tax laws of and dealing in quality products. KRA. Harleys was the only company Excellency President Mwai Kibaki and clear conscience”, says Dr. Rupen. Oth- the land, being IT compliant with KRA According to Dr. Rupen Haria, the from the entire pharmaceutical sector or Deputy Prime and former Minister for er firms both from the public and private records and fully cooperating with KRA Managing Director of Harleys Limited, industry to be feted by the KRA. Twenty Finance Hon Uhuru Kenyatta and a host sectors can borrow a leaf from us,” he investigative department. The Read The Link monthly for issues affecting LinkEnhancing governance for all communities across Kenya The Link, June 2012

By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU

THE Bills meant to usher in better management of land in the country Bills on land management are being debated in Parliament by the legislators before they are enacted into law, an official from a Mombasa based NGO, Ujamaa Centre, has said. tabled in Parliament Nicholas Mrima Wanyepe settlers who had acquired 99-year said debate about land is always agricultural leases were allowed to emotive and more often than not convert them into 999-year leases. ends-up without solutions being “In Kenya, land ownership is provided. divided into three legal categories. “Land ownership is seen as a These are government, trust and privilege and those who own huge private land. Government land is tracts of land are high up on the that which was vested in the gov- economic ladder. This is because it ernment of Kenya by Sections 204 is a factor of production and those and 205 of the constitution while who do not have it are condemned trust land is land that is declared to to life,” he said. be trust land and defined in Section Wanyepe was addressing a 114 of the constitution. Neither the workshop on land issues in Coast government nor the county coun- Province held at Titanic Hotel cils own it. Private land is land to in Kilifi town in Kilifi County. which an individual owns a regis- He said, ‘no wonder land has re- tered title deed. mained to be the main source of But former presidents and com- conflicts among communities in missioners of lands, Wanyepe said, Kenya yet it was the reason why have most often misused their of- Kenyans fought for independ- fices to irregularly allocate land to ence.” their families, relatives and friends He said after independence, with impunity. leaders in power and their cro- The local leaders in Coast Prov- nies continued to grab land forc- ince are also to blame as they con- ing many Kenyans, particularly in spired with the outsiders to grab Coast Province to become squat- land in various parts of the region. ters and attempts to remedy the They even through the land offi- situation have failed miserably. cials working in the area they en- “Land commissions have been Parliament in session. sured they got pieces of land and set up by the Government but the sold to up-country people. findings have never been imple- gion. land that was irregularly allocated Wanyepe said Taita/Taveta Wanyepe said: “The cries of the mented. Coast Province accuse “The Ndung’u Report, the that should be repossessed. County is the hardest hit by cases of local communities over land grab- the colonial and subsequent gov- Njonjo Commission of Inquiry into The Kriegler Report identified land alienation where land belongs bing while they lived as squatter ernments in Kenya of historical the Land Law System in Kenya, the attempt by the Kalenjins in Rift to two millionaires, while all the led to the formation of what the injustices, where their land was Waki Commission of Inquiry into Valley to recover what they think native residents are squatters. government call illegal groups such forcefully taken, forcing them to the Post-Election Violence and the they lost when the Europeans for- Land in pre-colonial Kenya as Mulungu Nipa, Kaya Bombo, become landless or squatters on Kriegler Commission on the 2007 cibly acquired their ancestral land, was under the customary law with Nyuki Movement, Black Power, their ancestral lands,” Wanyepe Post Election Violence have all ac- the desire to remove non-Kalenjins the distinction between rights of Congo by Force and now the Mom- said. knowledged that such feelings are and political and ethnic loyalty as access and control of those rights. basa Republican Council to fight The Mijikenda, Taita and Or- the cause of ethnic clashes in many the main reasons for the 2007 post- But when the British came things for the rights of the coastal people.” mas are a few communities that parts of the country,” he said. elections violence. changed after the promulgation He challenged participants to were dispossessed of their land not According to Wanyepe, the As a measure to resolve the of the Crown Land Ordinances of read and understand the Constitu- only by the colonial governments, Ndung’u Report said that in the problem, the Njonjo Report said 1902 and 1915. tion, which Kenyans voted in sup- but also post-independence govern- 1980s and 1990s land was ille- as part of the process of tenure re- The Ordinances gave the Gov- port of saying it will assist commu- ments through marked transactions gally and irregularly allocated to forms, mechanisms to be provided ernors powers to make grants of nities in the country. He also said and the process of adjudication, senior public servants and political for investigations and resolution of freehold and leasehold in favour that the new law allows women to consolidation, registration and re- cronies in total disregard of public historical claims in Rift Valley and of individuals and corporate bodies inherit their husbands’ properties settlement programmes in the re- interests. The report also identified Coast Province be made. on behalf of the Crown. By 1949, including land. Busia MPs demand fair share of national cake By JOHN NYAMBUNE The two said the proposed allo- enue,” said Namwamba. plains. ted by the Ministry of Planning cation for Busia County that stood He said according to the Com- “I wrote to the Commission in and the Revenue allocation Com- TWO legislators from Busia at Ksh2.9 billion was far below the mission Busia has been classified January this year raising the red flag mission was likely to defeat its County have faulted the proposal required figure because the sub- among the least populated counties about the error but never received noble aim. by the Commission on Revenue stantial part of the population in the in the country when it should be any response,” he said. Namwamba said he would Allocation (CRA) saying it will County was not factored in. classified among the fairly populat- Ojaamong maintained that oper- move a motion in Parliament deny Busia County its fair share. “The Commission relied on ed ones which were awarded over ations and services in Busia County seeking an explanation from the Budalangi MP Ababu Kenya National Bureau of Statis- Ksh3 billion. would be adversely affected since planning Minister as to why the Namwamba and his Amagoro tics census report that classified He expressed disappointment Ksh2.9 million was only counted census results were not rectified counterpart Sospeter Ojaamong Amagoro Constituency which has a that despite lodging complains to for a population of 428,000 exclud- even after the error was detected said CRA relied on statistics given population of over 256, 000 as part the commission including writing a ing people from Amagoro Constitu- more than three Months ago. by the Ministry of planning that of Bungoma County. This denied letter to the Commission chairman ency. Ojaamong urged the revenue were inaccurate and which gave Busia its fair allocation because the Micah Cheserem, the commission He said the idea of devolution allocation commission to revise low figures on the population size Commission used population as the went ahead and published the pro- was to ensure equitable distribution its formula and come down to the of Busia County. key component in awarding rev- posals without factoring in the com- of resources and the error commit- people and make consultations.

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The Link, June 2012 14 SPECIAL REPORT

INTRODUCTION

HE Commission, which is anchored by an Act of par- Tliament ,seeks to provide a legal framework through which the landless poor, persons in infor- New commission set to address mal settlements in urban areas, or those who have weak tenure can receive restitution for the long- property in any area standing tenure problems associ- designated by law; and ated with claims such as the so (h) Monitor and have oversight called “squatters”. responsibilities over land use According to the Act, (Section planning throughout the 15) the Commission has only two country. years to recommend to Parliament historical land injustices In addition the Commission has appropriate legislation to pave way powers in accordance with Article for investigation and adjudication 67(3) of the Constitution to: Land as a resource in the country has been at the core of political, of claims arising from historical (a) Alienate public land with economic, social and cultural problems. Land related ethnic clash- land injustices in accordance with the approval of the national Article 67(2) (e) of the Constitu- and county governments; es have over the years culminated in conflicts that almost plunged tion. (b) Monitor the registration of all The legislation will then guide rights and interests in land; the country into civil war in the successive multiparty-era general in the envisaged land re-distribu- (c) Ensure that public land and elections, the post-election violence in 2007/2008. The Kofi Annan tion of irregularly acquired land land under the management and resettlement programme pro- of designated state agencies mediation agreements particularly Agenda IV on the long standing posed in the National Land Policy are sustainably managed for and the Constitution. their intended purpose and issue set the stage for radical reforms with a view to promoting land for future generations; rights of the poor, marginalized, minorities and historically disad- Basically, this gives full effect to (d) Develop and maintain the broad principles that govern an effective land information vantaged groups. In this article, Our Staff Writer and Sub-Editor, the issue of land under Chapter management system at Five of the Constitution, namely: national and county levels; FAITH MUIRURI, takes a look at the provisions of the New Constitution with regards (a) equitable access to land; (e) Manage and administer to the establishment of the National Land Commission to drive reforms in the sector (b) security of land rights; all unregistered trust land and (c) sustainable and productive unregistered community as per the agreements under Dr Annan’s mediated talks. management of land land on behalf of the county resources; government; (d) transparent and cost effective Powers of the Commission and to compel the production A person is qualified for appointment (f) Develop and encourage The Commission has powers to— of such information where it as the chairperson if — administration of land; alternative dispute resolution (e) sound conservation and (a) gather any relevant considers necessary; (a) holds a degree from a university mechanisms information including (b) Hold inquiries; recognized in Kenya; protection of ecologically The Act directs the Commis- sensitive areas requisition of reports, (c) Enforce compliance of (b) has knowledge and experience sion to oversee the registration of records, documents or any principles of land policy. of at least fifteen years in matters all unregistered land within ten information from any source, relating to any of the following The Act also entrenches a gender years. perspective and directs that the se- including any State organ, Membership of the Commission fields— lection panel, the National Assem- (i) public administration; bly and the President must ensure (ii) land management and that the commission does not have administration; more than two-thirds of members (iii) management of natural from the same gender. resources; (iv) land adjudication and settlement; Functions of the Commission (v) land law, land survey, spatial The Constitution mandates the planning or land economics; or Commission to: (vi) social sciences; (a) Manage public land on (c) meets the requirements of behalf of the national and Chapter Six of the Constitution; county governments; and (b) Recommend a national land (d) has had a distinguished career in policy to the national their respective fields. government; According to the Act, all members (c) Advise the national of the commission must have similar government on a qualifications. comprehensive programme However, the new law disquali- for the registration of title in fies applicants who are either: land throughout Kenya; (a) members of Parliament or (d) Conduct research county assembly; related to land and the use (b) officials of a governing body of a of natural resources, and political party; make recommendations to (c) have at any time within the appropriate authorities; preceding five years, held or (e) Investigate on its own stood for election as a member initiative or on a complaint, of Parliament, a county assembly into present or historical or as a governor; land injustices, and (d) is undischarged of bankruptcy; recommend appropriate (e) has been convicted of a felony; redress; (f) has benefitted from, or facilitated (f) Encourage the application an unlawful or irregular of traditional dispute allocation, acquisition or use of resolution mechanisms in land or other public property; or land conflicts; (g) has been removed from office (g) Assess tax on land and for contravening the provisions of the Constitution or any other premiums on immovable Chaos emerged during 2007/2008 general election.

The Link, June 2012 SPECIAL REPORT 19 New commission set to address planning and survey requirements, process applications for allocation of land, change and extension of user, subdivision of public land and renewal of leases; and historical land injustices (b) perform any other functions assigned by the Commission Land as a resource in the country has been at the core of political, or by any other written law. economic, social and cultural problems. Land related ethnic clash- Appointment of Secretary es have over the years culminated in conflicts that almost plunged The secretary to the Commission is to be appointed in line with Ar- the country into civil war in the successive multiparty-era general ticle 250 (12) of the Constitution which requires that the recruitment elections, the post-election violence in 2007/2008. The Kofi Annan process be competitive and trans- mediation agreements particularly Agenda IV on the long standing parent. A person cannot qualify for ap- issue set the stage for radical reforms with a view to promoting land pointment unless: (a) is a Kenyan; rights of the poor, marginalized, minorities and historically disad- (b) holds a degree from a vantaged groups. In this article, Our Staff Writer and Sub-Editor, university recognized in Kenya; FAITH MUIRURI, takes a look at the provisions of the New Constitution with regards (c) has had at least five years experience at senior to the establishment of the National Land Commission to drive reforms in the sector management level; as per the agreements under Dr Annan’s mediated talks. (d) has knowledge and experience in any one of the following fields— (i) public administration; written law. (ii) finance and accounting; The chairperson and members of (iii) law; the Commission are to be appointed (iv) economics; for a single term of six years and are (v) management; not eligible for re-appointment. (vi) land and natural resources; or Currently the law allows the Presi- (vii) any other relevant field; and dent in consultation with the Prime (e) meets the requirements of Minister to appoint the commission Chapter Six of the through a selection panel compris- Constitution. ing— President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the signing of the National (a) a nominee of the Office of the Accord at Harambee House. Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, who mediated the Removal of Secretary Accord looks on. Photo/File President; The secretary can be removed (b) a nominee of the Office of the from office by the Commission Prime Minister; and forward the same to the Na- seven days to submit to the Na- management boards due to- (c) a representative of the Cabinet tional Assembly for approval. If tional Assembly a fresh nomina- The county land management (a) inability to perform the Secretary; parliament approves the nominees, tion from amongst the persons boards whose mandate includes functions owing to physical (d) two persons, of opposite gender, the list is forwarded to the Presi- shortlisted and forwarded by the managing public land are to be or mental incapacity; nominated by the Non- dent for appointment. selection panel. established in consultation and (b) gross misconduct or Governmental Organisations However, in the event that the cooperation with the national and misbehaviour; Council, who have names are rejected, the Act pro- Establishment of committees county governments. (c) incompetence or neglect of demonstrated competence and vides that the Speaker notifies the and county offices. The county land management duty; capacity in matters related to President and requests for fresh The Act mandates the Commis- board comprises of: (d) violation of the Constitution; natural resources; nominations. The President has sion to establish committees to fa- (a) not less than three and or (e) a nominee by the Kenya Private cilitate its operations. not more than seven Funds of the Commission Sector Alliance from their The commission also members appointed by the The commission funds include— member organizations who has powers to incorporate Commission; and (a) monies allocated by has demonstrated competence individuals with special (b) a physical planner or a Parliament for the purposes and capacity in the land sector. knowledge and skills into surveyor who is to be of the Commission; (f) a nominee of the Association of the committees. nominated by the county (b) such monies or assets as Professional Societies in East The Act obligates the executive member and may accrue to the Africa; and Commission to establish appointed by the governor. Commission in the course of (g) a nominee of the National offices in the counties and Except for ex-officios, all the exercise of its powers, or Gender and Equality may establish other offices members of the board, are to the performance of its Commission: in the sub-counties as it may be appointed for a single consider necessary. term of five years and are not functions under this Act; and (c) all monies from any other However after the elections, the The law sets out that the be eligible for re- source provided or donated law transfers the mandate of consti- Commission must work appointment. or lent to the Commission. tuting the panel to the Public Service closely with the national The chairperson of the board is to commission. Panel will then invite ap- and county governments as be elected by the members in their The legislation also aligns the plications and forward the names of outlined in Article 10 and first sitting while the commission commission with orders or notices qualified persons to the President. Article 232 of the Constitu- appoints the secretary. on public land administration is- The Act directs the President to tion. Functions of the Boards sued by the Ministry of Lands nominate the chairperson and mem- The boards mandate includes: before the commencement of the bers of the Commission from the list Mr. Orengo, Lands minister Establishment and com- (a) subject to the physical position of county land Act.