The SPECIAL REPORT GOVERNMENT FINALLY LEGALIZES LOCAL BREWS — Pages 14 & 19 SUPPLEMENT LEnhancingink governance for all PARTNERSHIP FOR — Pages 15 - 18 OCTOBER 2010 Issue No. 072 Kshs 40/= EU PEACE PROJECT CDF looters put on notice By FAITH MUIRURI Kituo Cha Sheria to start private legal ENYANS can now move to court to recover bil- lions of shillings lost through massive corruption and looting of devolved funds. proceedings against suspects A number of provisions in the new constitution Kprovide a solid foundation for litigation. Article 35 allows a person acting on public interest to move to court and seek redress in case of denial, violation, threat or infringement of rights Already Kituo Cha Sheria is compiling a list of cases that point to blatant embezzlement of public funds with a view to instituting private legal prosecutions on behalf of the aggrieved constituencies. “Some of these cases will inform the basis of our private prosecution,” says the Executive Director of Kituo Cha Sheria Priscilla Nyokabi. She says that the organization is currently focusing on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and will soon file criminal proceedings against corrupt officials in the affected constituencies. She says that in the past, CDF has been considered as a political question where the MPs besides being legislators un- dertook the role of implementers and watchdogs of the CDF activities and therefore imposed a major constraint on effec- tiveness and transparency of the fund “The current institutional arrangement of the CDF and the political context are particularly prone to abuse,” avers Nyoka- bi during an interview with The Link. But with the new constitution, Ms Nyokabi is optimistic that things will change for the better. She says that anybody can now invoke the criminal law to privately prosecute individuals who loot the devolved funds. She says that the option has been actuated by separation of functions between the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecution and therefore clauses previously used to de- rail the dispensation of justice will no longer hold in the new dispensation. JUSTICE: Prosecution powers now shifts to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the new Turn to Page 2, Col. 1 Constitution. Inset: Amos Wako, AG (left) and DPP, Keriako Tobiko. EAC students free to transfer credits

By MALACHI MOTANO Academic Exchange Service is review- Under the Credit Accumulation and “It will also create positive relationships ing courses and programmes being offered Transfer System (CATS) endorsed by among students and staff of these universi- UNIVERSITY students from the East Afri- among member states. Uganda’s National Council for Higher Edu- ties since they will have common knowl- can Community will be able to transfer their “This means a student taking a course at cation, the Commission for Higher Educa- edge,” said Cats regional co-ordinator credits to another institution in the region the University of Dar es Salaam can trans- tion in Kenya and the Tanzania Commission Michel Lejeune. possibly from December this year. fer while in second year, and continue the for Universities, teaching of science courses The harmonisation process involves sub- The university regulatory bodies under course at the University of Nairobi,” said such medicine, agriculture, engineering and ject experts from different universities of- the Inter-University Council of East Africa Everett Standa, the secretary to Kenya’s basic science will conform to uniform mini- fering similar programmes coming together (IUCEA) in collaboration with German Commission for Higher Education. mum standards. Turn to Page 2, Col. 1

Invest in adult Report faults Kemri get grant Demand for Education 8-4-4 system from Obama MBA grows —Pg. 4 —Pg. 8 —Pg. 25 —Back Page Inside The Link, October 2010 2 GOVERNANCE CDF looters put on notice From page 1 ency in managing public funds. Over the last decade, the govern- She cites the nolle proseque ment has employed a series of decen- powers that were vested to the Attor- tralisation programmes as a way to re- ney General in the old constitution verse inequalities and tackle poverty. which she adds can now be contest- This has seen the establishment of ed and declared invalid by a court of several special purpose funds includ- law in the new order. ing the now dominant Constituency The Director of Public Prosecu- Development Fund (CDF), the Pov- tions (DPP) under the new law is in erty Eradication Loan Fund (PELF), charge of prosecution and has the the Rural Electrification Programme mandate to institute criminal proceed- Levy Fund (REPLF), the Road ings against any person before any Maintenance Levy Fund (RAMFL), court in respect to an offense alleged the Community Development Trust to have been committed. Fund, the Free Primary Education Further Article 157(6) (b) of the Fund (FPE) and the Local Authority constitution stipulates that the DPP Transfer Fund (LATF). may take over any criminal proceed- Other major devolved funds in ings commenced in any court and in- Kenya are the Constituency Bursary stituted by another person or author- Fund (CBF), the Water Services Trust ity. Fund (WSTF) and the HIV/Aids The Attorney General on the other Community Initiative Account. hand is limited to being the principal A recent study by a consortium legal adviser to the Government and of researchers under the umbrella of representing it in legal proceedings. Oxford University’s Department of Ms Nyokabi says that once the list International Development confirms being compiled by her organization is massive wastage of devolved funds ready, then individuals implicated in A CDF project which is left unfinished. Photo/Gilbert Ochieng especially under the CDF. the misappropriation of CDF will face The Oxford University research the law. She laments that the siphon- which outlines that every citizen has office as some of the projects dogged picture on projects with audit queries. further points out that although most ing of public funds has in the past de- the right to access information held by with controversy, despite substantive She further says that the rate of legislators had been running the ma- nied Kenyans access to fundamental the state or by another person. allocations. completion in most projects is very jority of their CDF-funded projects in rights. Mbithi says that currently the The Dandora Foot Bridge was low.“Similarly a large number of the education sector since the creation “The misuse of funds has been management of CDF is mired in allocated Kshs1, 600,000 during the projects are stalled or abandoned of the CDF up until the election year linked to many social ills and injus- secrecy with some of the officials 2005/2006 financial year and in the .With this statistics, it is evident that of 2007, the trend is changing with tices in society. From poverty to unac- charged with management of funds previous year, the same project ben- laxity and embezzlement of financial focus going into projects that would countability and substandard medical lacking in credibility. efitted from Kshs1, 200,000. Records resources might have taken place and boost their chances of winning re- care and education,” she affirms. Mbithi spoke during the official availed to the audit team however re- therefore punitive action should be election. Ms Nyokabi spoke as the Execu- release of an audit report for Kasarani vealed that about Kshs400, 000 could taken against the officials and con- The International Monetary Fund tive Director of Transparency Interna- Constituency at the Korogocho social not be accounted for. tractors responsible” she said. (IMF), too, points out that the utiliza- tional (TI) Samuel Mbithi urged the hall. TISA national coordinator Wan- Ms Gikonyo also took issue with tion of devolved funds especially the government to fast truck the imple- The report jointly compiled by jiru Gikonyo also claims that lo- the current Kasarani MP Elizabeth main CDF remains a major challenge mentation of the new laws to curb the The Institute for Social Accountabil- cal people were not involved in the Ongoro for not sharing information in Kenya. looting of devolved funds. ity (TISA), Shelter Forum and Ufa- project identification and implemen- on project lists and respective alloca- It says a number of concerns have Mbithi says many politicians es- dhili Trust revealed that millions of tation processes. The report says that tions yet the money was released” she arisen in the implementation such as caped the law since the former consti- shillings from the Kasarani Constitu- out of the 11 projects sampled, only added. lack of coordination between those tution did not have clear stipulations ency Development Fund (CDF) kitty six had community involvement and She called on the Kasarani CDF in charge of CDF, local planning and on how to deal with offenders. have been lost in dubious projects. participation but only at the identifica- committee, The Ministry of Local central government planning. He says with the new law in place, The report also noted cases of tion and planning stage. Government, the Ministry of Finance “The recurrent costs of CDF politicians will have to allow their massive irregularities in the project Ms. Gikonyo says the former and the Ministry of Planning National projects are not fully taken into ac- constituents access information that choice and procurement of resources Member of Parliament William Development to disclose project in- count at the time of project selection,” relate to management of CDF funds awarded to various projects in the Omondi, and his committee should be formation including work plans, bill the IMF says in its 2008 Report on in accordance with Article 35(1) area. The report cited Mwiki Dandora investigated by the Kenya Anti Cor- of quantities, contractor agreements Observance of Standards and Codes Foot Bridge and Korogocho market ruption Commission to give a clear to allow accountability and transpar- (ROSC) for Kenya. Varsity students free to transfer credits allow students to transfer credits In 2006, three East African many governments in the region. assurer Kenyans that the ministry From page 1 between private and public univer- higher education regulatory agen- This is because of recognition of would continue championing ac- sities in the region. A draft curric- cies - the CHE, the National the central role that higher educa- creditation processes, standards to evaluate the courses. ulum for selected programmes in Council for Higher Education in tion, especially university educa- and frameworks aligned to region- According to Prof Standa, 47 agriculture, engineering, medicine Uganda and Tanzania’s Commis- tion, plays in the socio-economic, al and international standards. out of the 64 public and private and basic sciences is complete. sion for Universities - signed a cultural and political development But many challenges impeded universities in the five member Professor Standa was speak- memorandum of cooperation in a of the nation,” says Minister Wil- the provision of quality higher states are taking part in the pro- ing at the opening of a Credit bid to streamline and harmonise liam Ruto education in the region: insuffi- gramme which is being conducted Accumulation and Transfer Sys- higher education accreditation, That university education in cient human capacity, inadequate on voluntary basis. tem workshop at Kenya School quality assurance practices and East Africa and elsewhere had un- funding, and lack of standards The Rockefeller Foundation of Monetary Studies, where he procedures in the region. dergone rapid growth in the last 20 and mechanisms for regulating the funded the project, which was ini- recognized that students studying The higher education had years in terms of numbers of insti- quality of cross-border education tiated in 2007. these subjects would be at liberty proved to be a prime engine of tutions, student enrolment and di- and e-learning. It is expected to accelerate the to roam between any universities social and economic development verse modes of delivery - such as In an address to the workshop, growth of the East African Com- in the region, beginning in Decem- among nations and, with increas- e-learning and distance education. Executive Secretary of the CHE, munity, where student movements ber. ing demand, quality assurance was This was exerting pressure on the Professor Everett Standa, said account for a significant portion of The Credit Accumulation and paramount. Regionally organised quality of university education. quality in higher education was annual migration with Uganda be- Transfer System Project is meant quality assurance frameworks The minister lauds the devel- a key to achieving a competitive ing a favoured destination. to harmonise curriculum in various that embraced internationally rec- opment of an East Africa Quality edge and corporate excellence. But disparities in education disciplines to enhance mobility of ognised standards had gained in Assurance Framework, saying it “It also promotes the reputation standards have led to instances students. The idea was mooted last popularity, she noted, encouraged would be a yardstick to ensure that of an institution, its staff, students where qualifications can be ques- year by Kenya’s Commission of by globalisation and the interna- university graduates in member and management. It markets the tioned. Higher Education, Uganda’s Na- tionalisation of education. countries attained the skills and products of an institution as it en- According to Commission for tional Council of Higher Educa- “The quality of higher educa- competencies needed to be rel- hances employment opportunities Higher Education Secretary Ev- tion and Tanzania’s Commission tion being provided in our uni- evant to and competitive for jobs of quality graduates,” says Standa. erett Standa, “The move would for Universities. versities has been the concern of in the region and worldwide. He The Link, October 2010 EDUCATION 3 Ministry urged to release funds Kenya on course to promptly By JOEL JUMA DELAYS by the Government to achieve education goal release funds meant to finance Free Primary Education (FPE) By JOHN NYAMBUNE is impacting negatively on schools’ programme in Western KENYA is among developing Province. countries likely to achieve Educa- Several schools have had tion for All (EFA) goal by 2015. their water and electricity sup- According to the United Na- plies disconnected, a matter that tions Educational, Scientific and has elicited sharp criticism from Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Kenya Primary Schools Head Monitoring System for 2010 other teachers Association (KEP- developing countries include Mau- SHA). ritius and Benin. Kenya Power and Lighting The Ministry of Education has Company (KPLC) has discon- at the same time partnered with the nected electricity supply in vari- United Nations Children’s Fund ous schools in the region with (UNICEF) to promote education Kakamega Primary School hav- for all especially in hardship areas. ing an outstanding bill running Speaking during a meeting to Kshs35,000. with over 15 MPs from the no- KEPSHA Western branch madic constituencies recently, the secretary David Ikunza and country’s deputy representative chairman Josephat Otiende ex- for UNICEF, Dr Juan Ortiz-Iruri plained that some schools have said there were great challenges started to lose their workers due in addressing education especially to salary arrears. among the children in the margin- “I have received complaints alized areas, disabled persons and over water and power discon- from small ethnic communities. nections from head teachers but The UN representative said, the hammer has just fallen on “There is need for the Government my school,” said Ikunza who is to set targets which will narrow the head teacher of Kakamega the gap between the marginalized primary school. regions and other parts of the coun- Ikunza said Western Water try”. University students at a graduation ceremony in one of the public universities. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Company has also disconnected “The Kenyan Government has supply of the commodity to the allocated 69.7 per cent of its na- backwards. And to reverse this mary to secondary or secondary George Godia said there was need school that has over 2,500 pu- tional GDP to the education sec- trend it was necessary to form a to tertiary institutions because of to modify the teaching methods pils. tor which is very high compared nomadic commission to address the nomadic lifestyle and cultural used in the hardship areas by up- He further said workers have to other developing countries. But education issues in the hardship beliefs embraced by the communi- dating training programme to in- also quit their jobs due to non- it is important to see this invest- areas. ties,” said Prof. Ongeri. clude methods on how to deliver payment of their salaries by the ment reflected in the examination Prof. Ongeri said the Nairobi Stakeholders will work togeth- lessons in the marginalized com- school management. performance,” said the UN repre- meeting will be followed by an- er with the Ministry of Education munities. “The water company sentative. other in Mandera this month and to ensure there is proper sanitation, The Minister for the Develop- wants the school to pay over The Minister for Education, subsequent meetings in Wajir clean water and sanitary towels for ment of Northern Kenya, Mr. Mo- Kshs20,000 before it can Prof. Sam Ongeri said poor per- and Garissa. In Garissa, they will the girl child. hammed Elmi said more tertiary resume supply of the commod- formance continues to dog North launch the 2010-2015 Implemen- This collaboration will assist colleges in North Eastern should ity,” he added. Eastern Province despite the fact tation Plan for the Nomadic Edu- the Ministry attain its target of one be started to reduce the huge dis- Ikunza noted that primary that enrolment figures had gone up. cation Policy Framework. million children in hardship areas, parities in the country’s education. schools were disadvantaged, as The Minister told the MPs that “It is difficult to retain children urban slums and the internal and He urged MPs to use CDF funds they are not allowed to impose it was wrong to have a section of in school when only 25 per cent of external camps. wisely and encourage students to any levies to parents after the Kenya pulling the whole country the students transit from the pri- Education Secretary, Prof. take teaching as a profession. Government introduced free primary education in the coun- try. “The Government should come up with calendar of re- leasing money to schools to avoid confusion as many head- Lecturers oppose Ruto proposal teachers are unable to purchase chalks and exercise books to fa- By PETER MUTUKU adoption of the proposal by the “As a matter of fact, public cilitate Minister,” he adds. universities have resorted to smooth learning,” said Ikun- HIGHER Education Minister Prof Ogot said that lack of recycling archaic data instead za who was addressing the press William Ruto has come under funding and good remuneration of carrying out research due to in his Kakamega office. sharp criticism over his proposal for academicians has led to mass lack of funds,” he reveals. Otiende explained that pur- that all Public Universities double exodus. He said the current Kshs127 chase of learning materials was intake in the next academic year. “There are 50,000 academi- million budgetary allocation to difficult and wondered why the Scholars argue the move was cians from Africa working in other the Ministry of Education for Government pushed the release suicidal as existing facilities and continents who have been driven Research is too little to allow of the funds to October. lecturers are already overstretched. there by lack of funding,” he notes. universities to adequately carry The Ministry of Education Moi University Chancellor The don at the same time urged out research. has promised to release funds Prof Bethuel Ogot says that in- the government to increase fund- “Most laboratories and other to primary schools anytime in stead of pushing the universities ing for operations in public univer- facilities used by professors and October. Education PS James for double intake, the government sities to enable them become self academicians in carrying out Ole Kiyapi was reported to have should first develop infrastructure reliant and produce innovative research are too obsolete to be said that over Sh4 billion will be in all public universities to enable and competent graduates. used by first year undergraduate released to primary schools them cope with the large number The Vice Chancellor said the students for their practicals,” he Kiyapi says the Government of students. current funds allocation to pub- said. is still committed to financing He says that currently lectur- lic universities is too little to en- He also blamed politicians education. ers in most of these institutions are able them engage in meaningful for ethnicisation of universities The Kenya Secondary School overworked and therefore should activity. saying they lobby for better po- Head teachers Association Bu- not be expected to effectively de- The don said most public sitions for members from their tere branch chairman Hezekia liver the mandate. universities live from hand to communities to be posted to Mr. Ruto Akang’o said schools had re- “The government should first mouth as they are underfunded head institutions. ceived their dues as promised employ more lecturers and im- and lack money for core func- He said the proposal to rotate solve anything as long as politi- by the Government last week. prove their welfare before the tions. Vice chancellors will not re- cal interference persists. The Link, October 2010 4 EDUCATION Invest more in adult education THE Government recognizes the adult literacy rate to 80 percent by learning, of which literacy is the utes significantly to encouraging important role played by Adult 2012. With only two years to go, foundation. them to live together in harmony and Continuing Education (ACE) COMMENT we have to have a collective reflec- Policies and legislative meas- and with dignity. as a vehicle for transformation and tion of the technical and financial ures for adult education need to be There can be no exclusion aris- empowerment of individuals and support this sub-sector requires for comprehensive, inclusive and in- ing from age, gender, ethnicity, the society. By DON BONYO the target to be achieved. tegrated within a lifelong and life- migrant status, language, religion, For instance, in Sessional Pa- Considering the recent ef- wide learning perspective, based disability, rurality, sexual identity per No. 1 of 2005 clearly express- forts of recruiting adult education on sector-wide and inter-sectoral or orientation, poverty, displace- es the desire to achieve universal About 29.9 percent of the youth teachers (instructors), we need approaches, covering and linking ment or imprisonment. Combating adult literacy by 2015. To this aged 15 to 19 years and 49 percent to move further and consider the all components of learning and the cumulative effects of multi- extent, elaborate efforts have been of adults aged 45 to 49 years were population of the citizenry in need education ple disadvantages is of particular made create learning opportunities illiterate. of adult education to determine the Good governance facilitates importance. Measures should be for all, including adults, children, It also revealed high regional teaching and learning needs of the the implementation of adult learn- taken to enhance motivation and youth and other vulnerable groups. and gender disparities in literacy sector in terms of policy directions ing and education policy in ways access for all. Currently, Adult and Continu- achievements with Nairobi record- and resource allocation. which are effective, transparent, Quality in learning and educa- ing Education (ACE) programmes ing the highest 87.1 percent and In December 2009, The gov- accountable and equitable. Rep- tion is a holistic, multidimensional are being provided through the North Eastern province recording ernment sent a delegation led by resentation by and participation of concept and practice that demands Directorate of Adult and Con- the lowest 8 percent. the Minister for Education to the all stakeholders are indispensable constant attention and continu- tinuing Education (DACE) under On the other hand, the 2009 Sixth International Conference on in order to guarantee responsive- ous development. Fostering a the Ministry of Education, using Census revealed that about 1.9 Adult Education (CONFINTEA ness to the needs of all learners, in culture of quality in adult learn- the Basic Literacy Programmes children aged between 9 and 13 VI), hosted by the Government of particular the most disadvantaged. ing requires relevant content and (BLP), Post Literacy Programmes years old are still out of school Brazil in Belém . The conference Adult learning and education modes of delivery, learner centred (PLP) and Continuing Education while 2.7 million children aged provided an important platform represent a valuable investment needs assessment, the acquisi- Programmes (CEP). between 14 and 17 years old are for policy dialogue and advocacy which brings social benefits by tion of multiple competences and As per the 2007 Kenya Na- missing out of schools. on adult learning and non-formal creating more democratic, peace- knowledge, the professionaliza- tional Adult Literacy Survey Sufficient evidence is thus education at global level. But ful, inclusive, productive, healthy tion of educators, the enrichment (KNALS, 2007), only 61.5per- available to confirm that addition- since the conference, there is no and sustainable societies. Signifi- of learning environments and the cent of the adult population had al efforts is required in the Adult evidence to show that it intends to cant financial investment is essen- empowerment of individuals and attained minimum literacy level and Continuing Education sub- implement the Belém Framework tial to ensure the quality provision communities leaving 38.5percent (7.8 million) sector if the country is to achieve for Action. of adult learning and education Against this backdrop, the adults illiterate. universal literacy for all by 2015. The main focus of CONFINEA Inclusive education is funda- Ministry of Education needs to The survey also revealed that The Medium Term Plan for VI was to push forward the recog- mental to the achievement of hu- have a serious reflection on Adult only 29.6 percent of the Kenyan Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognizes nition of adult learning and edu- man, social and economic devel- Literacy sector with a view to adult population has attained de- the need to have literate citizens cation as an important element of opment. Equipping all individuals transforming it through increased sired mastery literacy competency. and sets a target of increasing the and factor conducive to lifelong to develop their potential contrib- investment and better policies.

commitment to education to com- pete favourably with the rest of the Poor education threatens future of Taita country. “We must drastically change our attitude and approach towards edu- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU cation. We must not be complacent as there is still a lot that needs to TAITA District’s marked decline be done to improve our academic in education standards could have standards,” said the DC. grave implications on future devel- Addressing parents separately, opment. teachers and students at St.Mary’s A task force appointed to look Boy’s Secondary School, Lushang- into what is ailing the education sec- onyi, Immigration and Registration tor in the district identified a number of Persons PS Emanuel Kisombe of issues, among them acute teacher said the region would not effec- shortage which have contributed to tively compete with other parts of poor academic standards. the country in the labour market if Commissioned by the newly re- it continued performing poorly aca- constituted district education board demically. in July, the 18-member task force He said the region’s deficient visited 30 out of 48 primary schools human resource base was worrying and six of 15 secondary schools in and should be addressed as a mat- the region. ter of urgency by uplifting its dwin- The survey sampled the well dling academic fortunes. performing, medium and poorly Mr. Kisombe said rampant use performing schools and 32 factors of drugs and indiscipline among were identified as contributing to students was partly to blame for the the dismal performance in national poor standards of education in the examinations. area. The findings show the district’s “Drastic counteractive measures mean score has been below national must be taken to reverse the trend if average and deteriorating in the last A section of headteachers in a workshop in Mombasa. Photo/File the region is to realize meaningful three years. development,” he said. It recommended concerted ef- lacking enthusiasm in their work. The district outsourced teach- hard and reclaim former position in Widespread use of vernacular forts be made by education stake- Some secondary schools re- ers of critical subjects like sciences, education in Coast Province, spells was also cited by the task force as holders and others to reverse the ported teacher deficits of as high Maths, Kiswahili, Geography, Eng- doom for the area residents,” adds one of the root causes of poor aca- worrying trend. as eight in key subjects. The worst lish and Literature as they were Mr. Miiri when he received the re- demic performance by schools. Over the last three years, the hit Canon Kituri Secondary School not available locally, says the Dis- port. “In most schools, the local Taita KCPE mean score has been on a with a shortfall of eight teachers, trict Education Officer Mr. Samuel The district’s human resource dialect is rampantly used as the of- downward trend at 233.4 in 2007, Senior Chief Mwangeka with seven Nyantika. base, he noted, was under threat ow- ficial language of communication, 229.7 in 2008 and 221.29 in 2009. and Dr. Aggrey, five. Mr. Nyantika said out of 21 va- ing to the ever declining education this has seriously hampered teach- In this year’s secondary school The district’s deficiency in pro- cancies for English teachers allocat- standards. ing and learning,” says the report admissions, only two boys out of fessionals clearly manifested during ed to the area, they only managed to He decried the low number of presented by task force chairman 1,696 KCPE candidates made it to the recent recruitment of teachers on fill nine slots. youth from the district who join Tangai Ngoma, who is the former national schools while 241 joined contract and that of nurses under the Area DC Mr. Njenga Miiri who institutions of higher learning add- principal of Mombasa Government provincial schools. economic stimulus programme. also chairs the district education ing that no meaningful development Training Institute. The study found out that the In both instances, the district was board says the persistent dismal could be realized in the area without The team proposes English and problem of understaffing was severe forced to source some of the work- performance spanning over a dec- a well educated and trained human Kiswahili remain official medium in all schools, a situation that had ers from other areas after it was un- ade required urgent remedial action resource base. of communication in local schools led to the hiring of many untrained able to fill up all the vacancies al- from all stakeholders. He said it was important for if the poor results in national exams teachers who are poorly paid, hence located. “Failure by the district to work the local community to show more were to improve. The Link, October 2010 EDUCATION 5 Busia State to build education Knut, Kuppet tell TSC to consult new college in By JOEL JUMA Kisienya said licensing of teachers comply with the new constitution. was welcome but expressed concern Ongeri told the participants that official’s vow TEACHERS Service Commission that the Kshs1,000 fee was on the stakeholders will be allowed to give Butere (TSC) has been told to consult relevant higher side. their input. By NYAKWAR ODAWO By JOEL JUMA stakeholders before effecting proposed Kisienya said teachers have com- Kisienya said some of the propos- BUSIA district education office will reforms in the education sector. mitted their salaries adding that intro- als, which include introduction of new THE Government is set to construct a soon deploy monitoring and evalua- The Kenya Union of Post Primary ducing new levies amount to impover- levies on teachers, would be rejected, technical training institute in Butere dis- tion teams to schools earmarked for Education of Teachers (Kuppet) and ishing them. as they were not consulted. trict at a cost of Kshs500 million upgrading under the Economic Stimu- the Kenya National Union of Teachers The institute is set to be constructed lus Programme (ESP). TSC has already proposed that Knut Western Provincial Council (Knut) said failure by TSC to consult over 400, 000 teachers must have Secretary Godfrey Odongo faulted in Butere town as part of plans to have The team will work closely with the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) the respective project management them would result into rejection of practicing licenses, which will be re- TSC for not collecting views from his some of the proposals. newable after three years. Each teach- union over hiring plans. land sub divided in order to pave way committees to ensure work is done in for the implementation of the project. accordance with the laid down proce- The two unions said they were er will be required to pay Kshs1,000 “We shall not allow the County to shocked that TSC has proposed chang- for the license. have the autonomy to advertise and Planning minister Wycliffe Oparan- dure. ya said the ministry of Higher Education “The Monitoring and Evaluation es in the sector without seeking views Education Minister Sam Ongeri hire the teachers as some of them may from them. was reported to have said all partners not have proper management struc- headed by his cabinet colleague William team will ensure the project is under- Ruto has already released over Kshs100 taken properly and in a transparent “The Government said all stake- will be involved in the reforms in the tures to handle education matters,” holders will be consulted but I am sector to conform with the new consti- said Odongo. million for the project. and accountable manner,” said the Bu- “The project will be put up near Bu- sia District Education Officer (DEO) shocked that TSC is already working tution. Odongo explained that education tere Girls high school as part of the land Mr. John Owino on the reforms without our input,” Prof Ongeri who presided over the matters need to be controlled at the will be curved out of the school and the Busia District has identified two said Kuppet Vice Chairman Zadock National Schools and Colleges Music national level to prevent disparities in church,” said Oparanya. primary schools and one secondary Kisienya. festivals in Kakamega last month said the management and administration of The minister explained that the lo- school for upgrading to the status of Speaking in Kakamega town his ministry will be transformed to teachers matters. cal County Council Chairman Michael modern schools and centres of excel- Keya and the church led by Bishop lence under the ESP programme. Joshua Sande have been mandated to According to a report availed to spearhead processing of the title deed The Link by the Busia district edu- for the new project. cation office recently, the identified Oparanya, who made the remarks model primary schools are Sikinga, during a leaders meeting held at Butere which is a rural school and Bulanda Girls high school explained that the within Busia municipality as an urban Government was promoting technical school. education in order to impart youths with The District Education Board skills that are relevant with the policies (DEB) also identified Nambale Boys of vision 2030. High school in Nambale division in Keya and Sande said that they will the newly created Nambale district as pursue the matter with the lands minis- a center of excellence. try to ensure that the projects kick off The DEO confirmed that already before end of this year. the construction of a multi-purpose Oparanya also added training in dining hall at Nambale Boys High youth polytechnics was cheaper as the School has taken off and that the fa- Government was financing the pro- cility has the capacity to accommo- grammes in all parts of the country. date over a hundred students at ago. He explained that education in areas Under the programme, each mod- of computer will be given priority at the el primary school has been allocated yet to be established institute. Kshs3.5million whereas the selected “The new constitution should see centres of excellence have received a many youth being computer compliant total of Kshs30million each. for them to secure jobs that may come The report from the district educa- due to the reforms,” said Oparanya. tion department further states that the Oparanya also disclosed that all project management committees from schools that are sub standard in the con- each selected model primary school stituency will be financed to ensure that are required to ensure that the cash al- all structures are made of permanent located and disbursed to the selected materials. “I want to see all mud walled learning institutions for upgrading are classrooms being phased out in this con- utilized properly. stituency,” said Oparanya who is the MP In Funyula constituency, the new- for the area. ly created Samia District Education Knut officials show solidarity at a past function. Photo/File Board (DEB) is said to have recom- mended the elevation of Nangina Girls High School as a centre of ex- cellence, but local political leadership overruled the decision and instead rec- What Nyeri spent on Education ommended the construction of a new By JOSEPH MUKUBWA lion each to assist in the completion million which was spent in the pur- wanting and majority of the 324, 658 school to be named Samia Girls at of laboratories while another Kshs0.5 chasing of tools and equipments. people in the area cannot read or write. Budwong’i against the wishes of the education board. EDUCATION sector was funded to million was allocated to Kihatha Sec- The Secretary said most of these About 1,702 had enrolled for lit- However, the Samia District Edu- the tune of Kshs13.6 million through ondary school to aid in the completion projects are new and have been allo- eracy and post literacy classes in the cation Officer (DEO) Mr. Michael the Nyeri Town Constituency Devel- of a dinning hall. cated additional funding in the current two constituencies by May this year Mugawo said that the construction opment Fund(CDF) kitty during the Marua and Kahiga Secondary financial to oversee their completion. with the average attendance of 1, 097 work at the new school is in progress last financial year. Schools received Kshs0.5 million He said the CDF office is com- people. and has reached the lintel level. The total allocation which was part and Kshs0.7 million respectively for mitted to improving the education The Ministry of Education has In Butula district, DEB had set- of the Kshs44 million disbursed to the the construction of the administra- sector in the constituency which is been collaborating with the provincial tled for Butula Boys High School constituency during the 2009/2010 fi- tion block. Rware Secondary School represented in parliament by Special administration, primary schools, De- as a centre of excellence whereas the nancial year, helped to improve learn- benefitted from Kshs700,000 for the Programmes Minister Esther Murugi. partment of Gender, Nyeri Hospice, learning institutions selected as model ing institutions including nursery, construction of a library. Those allocated the bursary funds Churches, Internal Security, leaders schools are Sikarira primary school as primary and secondary schools and Primary schools which benefitted were vetted to ensure that only the and Karatina an urban school and Bukhwaku pri- youth polytechnics. from the allocation include Githiru, needy children benefited. Library to help raise the literacy mary school as a rural school. According to the secretary of the King’ong’o, Ihwa, Kanoga, Ithenguri Meanwhile, more than 80,000 levels. Butula DEO Mr. Maina Wangatho CDF committee Mr Baragu Mutahi, and were allocated Kshs1.8 million people from the Nyeri County are il- The Ministry has been able to im- on his part confirmed construction has over Kshs8.4 million was pumped for the renovation of their schools. literate. prove adult education programmes in been began at the selected two model into learning institutions while an “This amount also includes the Speaking during the World In- various centres which include Kaiya- primary schools. additional Kshs5.2 million was dis- Kshs400,000 which they used for the ternational Literacy Day at Giakabii ba, Njatheini, Itiati and Endarasha. The district education official at bursed to needy children as bursary. construction of toilets,” said the sec- in Mathira district, the area District However, the department is faced the same time said that the Quality Seven secondary schools, five pri- retary. Adult Education Officer Mr with an acute shortage of teachers Assurance and Standards (DQAS) of- Mutahi added that two Kinun- Tarcisio King’ori says this fig- with the two constituencies relying on ficers are working closely with the mary schools, a nursery school and project management committees of three youth polytechnics are some of ga and Gitero youth polytechnics ure accounts for about 25 per cent of only 51 teachers. the selected learning institutions to en- the institutions from the constituency received Kshs300,000 and Kshs the population. He said that a survey The department also lacks facili- sure the project is done satisfactorily that benefited. 350,000 respectively for the construc- carried out three years ago had estab- ties such as transport and classrooms and according to the recommended Gitathi-ini, Gachika and Ihwa Sec- tion of toilets. Gachika Youth Poly- lished that the literacy level in both and has been forced to use primary specification. ondary schools received Kshs0.5 mil- technic also benefited from Kshs1.3 Mathira and Kieni constituencies is schools during classes. The Link, October 2010 6 EDUCATION

Counties should Report faults 8-4-4 system hire nursery teachers By A CORRESPONDENT ‑—Rotich THE 8-4-4 system of education has failed to produce quality By JOEL JUMA learners because it lays unneces- sary emphasis on examinations. NURSERY school teachers should be It is also bedeviled by highly hired by County Governments under bloated subject content and poor- the new constitution, Director of Ba- ly trained teachers. sic Education Leah Rotich has said. According to the second re- Rotich said as part of Government view of the system since its reforms in the education sector, there inception in 1984, there is a is need for pre-primary teachers to be concentration on imparting theo- absorbed in the County Governments. retical skills at the expense of She said the move will prevent practical skills key to building school management committees from a vibrant economy. As result frustrating nursery school teachers. the state has agreed to low the She explained that hiring of nurs- number of examined subjects. ery teachers by Teachers Service Even so, it is still at a loss where Commission (TSC) this year failed to to get cash to improve quality of take off due to lack of funds. teachers. ‘The County Governments should prioritise the pre-primary education As it is now, the system entails as part of attaining the Vision 2030 eight years of primary education, goals,’ said Rotich. eight of secondary and four years She further explained that the new at university level. constitution makes education compul- Graduates of the system lack sory adding that it will be unfair for creativity, social responsibility, the Early Childhood Development appreciation and respect for the Education (ECDE) department to be dignity of work, the review says. ignored whereas it is the foundation of The Kenya Institute of Educa- the sector tion (KIE) conducted the review, Rotich said TSC failed to employ which begun last year, to estab- nursery school teachers as projected in lish to what extent the system the Sessional Paper Number 1 of 2005 was relevant to the needs of the on policy framework for education, citizens. training and research primarily due to There is “too much emphasis lack of funds. She noted the Govern- on national examinations at the ment is however still committed to expense of meaningful learn- Report urgest government to rethink 8-4-4 system of education. mainstreaming ECDE. ing,” the summative evaluation She said there was need for ECDE report said. teachers, who have acquired Diploma Respondents said learners going to be examined and skip nation papers “which at times do tractive to the teachers”. level of education, to be given lessons spent too much time preparing out on core values that nurture a not conform to the curriculum”. “The use of both the KIE and in the lower primary classes to reduce for tests at the expense of actual holistic student.” The schools, says the report, Knec syllabi in schools affects teacher shortages in schools. learning and co-curricula activi- The achievement of a bal- use traditional written tests ap- curriculum implementation neg- “Teachers who have completed ties necessary for physical and anced student life is constrained proach and rarely observations atively.” their diploma courses should be al- emotional growth. by non-coverage of all areas of and projects. “These tests are It, therefore, recommends lowed to teach in lower classes,” said “Due to this, teachers are un- the curriculum, due to heavy cognitively skewed and ignore that Knec should stick to testing Rotich. She explained that such teach- able to engage in meaningful workload for the teachers and other domains of learning.” and development of exam regu- ers are qualified to discharge duties in teaching and feedback to im- high pupil-teacher ratio. To compound matters, the lations and guidelines, the report the lower classes. prove learning,” the report adds. This situation leads to cease- Kenya National Examination concludes. Rotich was speaking at Kakamega “However, it has been a com- less learning with parents en- Council (Knec) has developed a He said it was the role of the ECDE Centre during its graduation mon practice that teachers only gaging private tutors and use of parallel syllabus to that of KIE teachers to ensure that the cur- ceremony. Western Provincial Staff- concentrate on aspects that are commercially developed exami- “which appears to be more at- riculum from KIE was taught. ing Officer Onyango Tumbo and the Centre Programme Officer Gaudencia Ashitiva also addressed the meeting. The over 100 graduands lamented that government had left them out of the just concluded recruitment of teachers countrywide despite hav- Busia education official’s vow ing promised them that their welfare will be addressed during this year’s By NYAKWAR ODAWO According to a report availed Kshs30million each. construction work at the new The report from the district ed- school is in progress and has Budget. They noted that despite being to The Link by the Busia district trained, chances of being absorbed by Busia district education office will education office recently, the iden- ucation department further states reached the lintel level. that the project management com- In Butula district, DEB had set- TSC still remain slim. soon deploy monitoring and eval- tified model primary schools are Rotich was however tongue tied mittees from each selected model tled for Butula Boys High School uation teams to schools earmarked Sikinga, which is a rural school over the matter. ‘Your training is im- for upgrading under the Economic and Bulanda within Busia munici- primary school are required to as a centre of excellence whereas portant as it will shape the quality of Stimulus Programme (ESP). pality as an urban school. ensure that the cash allocated and the learning institutions selected education of the country,’ she said. The team will work closely The District Education Board disbursed to the selected learning as model schools are Sikarira pri- She explained that the Counties with the respective project man- (DEB) also identified Nambale institutions for upgrading are uti- mary school as an urban school will be required to hire them in the agement committees to ensure Boys High school in Nambale di- lized properly. and Bukhwaku primary school as new education reforms. work is done in accordance with vision in the newly created Nam- In Funyula constituency, the a rural school. Rotich also disclosed that the the laid down procedure. bale district as a center of excel- newly created Samia District Butula DEO Mr. Maina Wan- Government has spend over Kshs1.2 “The Monitoring and Evalua- lence. Education Board (DEB) is said gatho on his part confirmed con- billion on community programmes tion team will ensure the project The DEO confirmed that al- to have recommended the eleva- struction has been began at the se- which target the pre primary educa- is undertaken properly and in a ready the construction of a multi- tion of Nangina Girls High School lected two model primary schools. tion activities in the country. transparent and accountable man- purpose dining hall at Nambale as a centre of excellence, but lo- The district education offi- She noted that the number of ner,” said the Busia District Edu- Boys High School has taken off cal political leadership overruled cial at the same time said that the ECDE centres that have benefited cation Officer (DEO) Mr. John and that the facility has the capaci- the decision and instead recom- Quality Assurance and Standards from the grants stand at 8,000. Owino ty to accommodate over a hundred mended the construction of a new (DQAS) officers are working Tumbo challenged the teachers to Busia District has identified students at ago. school to be named Samia Girls at closely with the project manage- further their education to avoid being two primary schools and one sec- Under the programme, each Budwong’i against the wishes of ment committees of the selected left out during hiring of teachers by ondary school for upgrading to the model primary school has been the education board. learning institutions to ensure the the TSC. He said there are many op- status of modern schools and cen- allocated Kshs3.5million where- However, the Samia District project is done satisfactorily and portunities that come about for nurs- tres of excellence under the ESP as the selected centres of excel- Education Officer (DEO) Mr. according to the recommended ery teachers who have trained well. programme. lence have received a total of Michael Mugawo said that the specification. The Link, October 2010 EDUCATION 7 TSC on the spot over funds Study By JOEL JUMA and medical needs. Akhwesa, accused the Kenya Na- The society Treasurer David indicts “We have not received our July tional Union of Teachers (Knut) of Moyia explained that many teach- TEACHERS Service Commission dues from TSC and yet we are ap- keeping silent over the matter. ers were suffering because TSC (TSC) is on the spot for failing to proaching November,” said the “KNUT has received its dues has delayed to remit the money nursery remit members dues on time. Secretary of the Kakamega Teach- from the TSC and that is why the despite having deducted from the A number of organizations ers Benevolent Fund Mr. Francis officials are silent over the - prob workers. teachers whose membership is largely Ometty. lems facing teachers organisa- The Western Provincial Di- drawn from the teaching fraternity He explained that over 500 ap- tions,” said Ometty who was ad- rector of Cooperatives Nathan By JOEL JUMA are now grappling with a backlog plication forms for teachers seek- dressing the press in Kakamega. Mukhweso said that TSC was of unprocessed loan applications ing loans were pilling in the office The Kakamega Teachers Sav- violating the law by delaying to AN EVALUATION of nursery as they await for the TSC to remit unprocessed because there was no ings and Credit Cooperative So- remit the money to societies after school teachers have shown that members contributions. money to give the members. The ciety (Kateco) said that they were deducting the workers. 88 per cent of teachers in public The organisations, which in- hardest hit cases are members who unable to process requests for over Mukhweso explained that the training centres do not prepare clude Savings and Credit Coop- have their children admitted in 400 teachers who have applied law requires that employers remit lesson plans while another 75 erative societies and Burial and hospitals, as there was no money for credit facilities due to lack of the money promptly after deduct- per cent fail to prepare records of Benevolent Funds, Educational to have them settle medical bills, money. ing from their employees. work. Schemes said they were finan- he noted. TSC normally remits over 30 “We have received complaints Director of Basic Education cially strapped and therefore can- Ometty, who was accompanied million to Kateco every month as against the TSC and action will be Mrs. Leah Rotich said failure not loan their members money to by the KTBF Chairman Patrick the society has over 15,000 active taken,” said Mukhweso who was by the teachers to prepare them- settle school fees for their children Ongaya and Treasurer Theadus members. speaking in Kakamega. selves in discharging their duties had affected the quality of educa- tion in nursery schools. ‘The monitoring exercise re- NHIF plan vealed that 65 per cent of the teachers in nursery schools do Teachers want more not prepare schemes of work as attracts more required,’ said Rotich. Rotich said the trend was wor- fire rying, with 24 per cent of the tu- tors not having class registers. By A CORRESPONDENT cash per child ‘It is imperative for pro- gramme officers and deans of cur- A TEACHERS union has warned riculum to ensure that all trainers that members would go on strike if make adequate preparation by the National Hospital Insurance Fund having well maintained records (NHIF) goes ahead and implements and documents,’ said Rotich. the proposed plan to increase mem- The Director was speaking at bership contributions. Kakamega District Early Child- Kenya Union of Post Primary hood Development Education Education of Teachers (Kuppet) says Centre during a graduation cer- it fully supports the position taken by emony where over 100 teachers Central Organisation of Trade Un- were issued with Diploma certifi- ions (COTU), which has also issued cates. a similar threat. The function was also ad- Kuppet’s Western Provincial dressed by the area Programme council chairman Wasike Wabolinga Officer Gaudencia Ashitiva, the says that teachers are already over- Western Kenya National Union burdened with other contributions. of Teachers branch secretary ‘Furthermore, we were not con- Godfrey Odongo and the Western sulted or put in the picture when the Provincial Staffing Officer On- new plan was adopted,’ he added. yango Tumbo. The provincial secretary Omboko Rotich announced that it was Milemba says the 500 per cent incre- sad that only 40 per cent of teach- ment in contribution would mean ers handling nursery schools in teachers give Kshs1, 500 from the the public sector had the required current Kshs320. qualifications. “Members are not in a position to Prof. Ongeri (standing second right), Minister for Education and former PS, Prof. Karega Mutahi She said the ministry is con- raise this kind of money as their sala- when they launched free primary education. Photo/File cerned over the high number of ries are fully committed,” he added. teachers leaving public schools Milemba said members are not By JOEL JUMA have gone up. wrong as teachers are professionals to join private institutions due to enjoying the benefits of their contri- Ikunza further points out that elec- unlike children who are still being de- poor payment by local authorities butions even with the current scheme. PRIMARY school head-teachers want tricity and water usage had shot up veloped,” said Odongo. and school management commit- “Public hospitals do not have the Government to increase the allo- due to high enrolments figures regis- NTA National Coordinator Kiz- tees. adequate drugs meaning we end up cation earmarked for pupil’s under the tered in most schools. ito Wang’alwa however said that the Rotich explained that the buying them in chemists. It is for this Free Primary Education (FPE) pro- The secretary spoke at a Kakamega report card was aimed at enhancing hotel during a meeting for head teach- accountability and transparency in ministry is hopeful that nursery reason chemists are thriving every- gramme by about 500 per cent. teachers will be absorbed in the where, he added. The Kenya Primary School Head ers to review the parents report card the management of human resources Teachers Association (KEPHSA) ar- document that has been developed and learning materials in the educa- Counties during the implemen- Wabolinga said another reason tation of the new constitution as for rejecting the increment is lack gue that the Kshs1,020 allocation per jointly by the Ministry of education tion sector. Wang’alwa explained that pupil in a year was not enough to cater and the National Tax Payers Associa- management of schools would be part of reforms in the education of trust in NHIF. Wabolinga and tion (NTA). made easy, as all the stakeholders will sector. Milemba were speaking to the press for their welfare as the prices of goods have gone up. NTA Western Regional Manager be assessed in accordance with the re- Rotich also disclosed that in Kakamega. Provincial treasurer KEPSHA says that the funds Daniel Namenya was put to task to port card. the Government has spent over Otota Abwalaba accompanied them. should be increased from Kshs1,020 explain how the report will benefit the The Western Provincial Director of Kshs1.2 billion on community “We do not have any faith in the to Kshs 5,000 per a pupil to ensure organisation. The participants said Education (PDE) Kenneth Misoi said programmes that target pre pri- board. We fear that the money might smooth learning in schools. that some of the recommendations in that head teachers should be ready to mary education activities in the end up being mismanaged,” he add- “The programme was introduced the report are likely to fuel animosity adjust to developments in the country. country. ed. in 2003 when the price of a 96 Kasuku among stakeholders. Misoi said reforms being developed She noted that the number of COTU claimed that NHIF was exercise book was still Kshs7 but the The participants who included the by the ministry of education would see ECDE centres that have benefited planning to defraud members of their same book is going at Kshs18, and Kenya National Union of Teachers some of the schools being put under from the grants stand at 8,000. little earnings. therefore it is difficult to operate with (Knut) Western Provincial Council the Counties for easy administration. Tumbo challenged the teach- Secretary general Francis Atwoli the same budget” adds David Ikunza Secretary Godfrey Odongo said head He said that head teachers should ers to further their education to said politicians were planning to use who is a member of the association’s teachers will oppose any move to be ready to adjust to fit in the opera- avoid being left out during the the money to fund campaigns ahead National Executive Committee. compel them to invoke the report card tions of Counties, as the Government hiring of teachers by the TSC. of the 2012 elections. Ikunza who is also the Western while monitoring the performance of will deploy some education officers He said there are many oppor- Atwoli said NHIF lacks the ca- branch Association’s Secretary ex- teachers as they were never consulted in the Counties. ‘We are not going to during its formulation. have PDEs as the positions will be tunities that come about for nurs- pacity to handle the Kshs10 billion plains that the situation has been com- ery teachers who have trained pounded by the fact that wages for “How can a pupil be used to evalu- phased out in the new administration that the proposed scheme intends to well. raise annually. subordinate workers in most schools ate the performance of a teacher? It is structures,’ said Misoi. The Link, October 2010 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Credits transfer a welcome move HERE is no gainsaying that there is an ex- plosion of university education within the East African region. Many universities are mushrooming and the old ones, like TNairobi, Makerere and Dar-es-salaam, are expand- ing exponentially This is very good for the region’s economy for no country can grow without investing heavily in higher education. Even so, many expert education- COMMENTARY ists have warned that an uncontrolled growth and expansion of universities and colleges are danger- ous both to the countries and to the individual stu- dents who may be left holding worthless papers in Nyanza records highest voter turnout the name of degrees certificates. YANZA province recorded the bands, and teams of youthful volunteer mo- These, coupled with many other reasons, are why highest voter turnout during the bilisers which combed every village, virtu- we strongly support efforts to harmonize curricula referendum on the new consti- COMMENT ally door to door, to get people to register tution, thanks to intense cam- and eventually to vote. of universities in the region so that they can have Npaigns by civil society organizations. On the voting day, the mobilizers woke same standards and qualities of education. There has been voter apathy in Nyanza By OLOO JANAK up early, armed with whistles (which they The harmonization of study programmes and over the last two decades even as people in christened “vuvuzela” – (the plastic horns the region are deemed to be the most politi- of the South Africa World Cup fame) urg- the expressed, clear intention to make it easier for cally active and conscious in Kenya. of his rival, one Martin Owiny from the ing people to go and vote. Nyanza residents are known to engage Centre for Multi Party Democracy as the Boda boda operators- both cyclists and students to move from one university to another by deceased and a group attempted to disrupt removing restrictions on credit transfers, are truly in animated and often heated political dis- motorcycle owners- enthusiastically ferried cussions at markets, homes, villages and Owiny’s rally in Sibuoche of West Kan- people to polling stations but refused to in the true spirit of unification of the regional econ- bars, virtually the whole day. yamkago. carry those who had not voted saying they omies. Standardization of varsity academic curric- People from other parts of Kenya have As the politicians either away both at were “sabotaging the referendum process’’. often expressed amazement that during home and in Nairobi, different civil society In many towns in Nyanza, most shops ula in the region will eventually facilitate unfettered campaigns or any other political activity, groups mapped out Nyanza, taking differ- and other business premises closed from movement of quality labour across the borders of Nyanza residents often suspend other en- ent constituencies, first to mobilize resi- morning and only opened later that after- the five states. gagements including jobs and farm work dents to turn out in large numbers to regis- noon after people had voted. And even to fully participate. ter as voters when the Interim Independent then, some people were keen to check with We therefore, congratulate Uganda’s National Yet on the voting day, the enthusiasm Electoral Commission (IIEC) opened the workers at various businesses if indeed Council for Higher Education, the Commission at rallies and public discussions has never process to the public in May. they voted and asked them to confirm if The politicians entered the campaign for Higher Education in Kenya and the Tanzania translated in to massive voting. their employers had released them to go During the 2005 referendum only 56.30 trail to find an already converted populace, and vote and to know which employers Commission for Universities for initiating the move per cent of the 1,664,401 registered vot- enthusiastic, critical and demanding and were reluctant. with the help of the Germans, and for endorsing the ers in Nyanza voted compared to Central knowledgeable. The distribution of the “We closed our business to allow YES campaign T-shirts by the politicians Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS), Province’s 61.10 per cent of the 1,795,277 workers to go and vote because we know registered voters and Rift Valley’s 60.5 per threatened the solidarity among potential how important the new constitution is for especially for science courses, such as medicine, ag- cent of the 2,668,981 registered voters. voters as they were few and given selec- peace,’ said a businessman of Asian origin During the 2007 General Elections, ar- tively. interviewed in Migori. riculture, engineering and basic science. Among the groups that mobilized peo- The students currently enrolled in those courses guably the most hotly contested presiden- During the post election violence, the tial elections in Kenya’s history, there was ple to register as voters and eventually in- Asian business community in Kisumu can commence necessary movements by December. a slight improvement with 76.2 per cent of tensified the campaigns for improved voter incurred heavy losses after most of their Nyanza’s 2,041,686 turning out to vote. turnout at the referendum were the Civil premises were looted by demonstrators. It is refreshing to note that 47 out of the 64 public Society Organization (CSO) Network and private universities in the five member states That Nyanza returned a vote of In Migori, two supermarkets that re- 1,740,033 in favour of the constitution based in Kisumu, Nyanza Youth Coali- mained open at the peak of the post elec- are taking part in the programme funded by The against only 101,491 against the document tion, Migori Civic Local Affairs Network tion violence to serve a starving town Rockefeller Foundation. at the August 4, 2010 referendum, was (CLAN), Centre for Community Dialogue population after supplies from elsewhere seen as remarkable at a time when pundits in Kisii and motley of other groups includ- was cut by blocked roads operated under We would like to see arts-based causes also in- had estimated that the figures would be in ing women organizations. tight police security as local business peo- cluded in the shortest time possible. Communi- the region of just around 850,000 which The US Agency for International De- ple carted away their merchandise to their cation, commerce and law courses, too, are very translated to about 60 per cent. velopment (USAID) worked with these rural homes. This time, the situation was so differ- and other organizations to scale up voter “A new constitution can bring peace central to the rapid growth of this region. So are so- ent. People not only turned up at rallies by registration and eventually the voter turn- through free and fair elections. We don’t ciology, political science and history, among others. politicians and other interest groups but ac- out in most parts of the province. want violence again, it was bad’’, said an- tually turned out in large numbers to vote, UNDP’s Amkeni wa Kenya Pro- other Migori businessman of Asian extrac- in favour of the referendum. gramme also supported a number of or- tion. The change in voter patterns has been ganizations that carried out civic education The civil society organizations also attributed to determined and consistent that had significant impact on voter mobi- worked closely with the institution of campaigns by civil society groups in the lization. Among these was Migori CLAN elders including the Luo Council of Elders province that had for long expressed worry that carried out civic education in Migori, whose leaders including Ker Riaga Omolo The Link is published over low voter turnout. Uriri, Nyatike, Rongo and Ndhiwa con- led a team to meet their Kuria counterparts Politicians arrived in the scene much stituencies. including the Iritongo, both powerful so- monthly by the Institute later through what appeared largely rushed Migori CLAN also worked with CSO cio-political outfits that ensured harmony network and the Kenya Section of the In- for Civic Affairs and and uncoordinated voter mobilization ap- prevailed between the two communities proaches that were characterized by per- ternational Commission of Jurists (ICJ-K) despite inciting utterances by the Kuria MP Development (ICAD) sonal interests and rivalries based on their to carry out civic education in Kuria, seen Wilfred Machage. scheming for 2012 of the sour grapes aris- to have been one of the most difficult areas The enthusiasm for participation in ing from the 2007 General Elections. of Nyanza. Kuria constituency voters gave the referendum was not without its chal- In a number of constituencies, rival the yes side 16,486 and the “NO” 21,717 lenges. Many post election violence vic- P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. politicians- the sitting MPs and their rivals votes. tims refused to register as voters arguing could not hold joint rallies, resulting in the These organizations employed innova- participation in elections had brought them Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 unfortunate incident in Uriri in which a tive methods in their mobilization of peo- problems. personal assistant to the area MP Ojwang ple to register and vote at the referendum. Email: [email protected] These included community theatre, live Omolo was beaten to death by supporters Turn to Page 9, Col. 1 The Link, October 2010 EDUCATION 9 LinkThe New vigor needed to combat hunger Enhancing governance for all A DECADE ago, the international and investment, and in providing ers need to allow experiments to EDITOR community committed itself to development assistance. be monitored impartially, and they halving the percentage of peo- COMMENT must rapidly transform the lessons DANIEL OTUNGE ple who go hungry. It is time for 3. Developing countries must lead learned into large-scale reforms. world leaders review their policies the fight against hunger with their SUB-EDITOR By SHENGGEN FAN and renew their commitment to own strategies. Some issues— 5. Decisionmakers at the global, FAITH MUIRURI implementation of this and other such as climate change, trade, and regional, and national levels have Millennium Development Goals disease control—need to be ad- made commitments to enhance ASSOCIATE EDITOR (MDGs). agricultural intervention are more dressed at the international level, food security but they have often OLOO JANAK Last year alone, the number of likely to be food secure, borrow and individual countries must set not followed through. Govern- people deprived of food rose from for productive purposes, and use their strategies in a global context. ments and other institutions do 915 million to 1.02 billion, accord- improved agricultural technolo- But on many other issues, experi- need to keep their promises. Mech- WRITERS ing to the Food and Agriculture gies than households that have ac- ence teaches us that the most ef- anisms to effectively ensure ac- Organization of the United Na- cess to just one component. fective, efficient, and sustainable countability and measure progress tions. Although recent estimates policies are those most attuned are urgently needed. In addition, ANDERSON MURENJE Coast suggest that number has dropped 2. The private sector and emerging to local reality. After all, China, the global food governance system 0727 582135 to 925 million in 2010, the goal of economies must be encouraged India, Vietnam, and others have itself needs to be reformed to work halving hunger by 2015, enshrined to play a greater role in reducing enjoyed agrarian and economic better. For example, the extremely BOB OMBATI Nyanza in the first MDG, remains ex- hunger in developing countries. success thanks to country-led poli- volatile wheat prices seen in recent 0728 435255 tremely challenging. The situation Firms must be given the right in- cies, such as partial liberalization, weeks remind us of the need for demands more innovative, better centives to move beyond a short- that were considered unorthodox global institutional arrangements NYAKWAR ODAWO Western focused, and cost-effective action. term focus on corporate philan- because of their content, sequenc- to prevent export bans, other 0726264153 thropy and to develop inclusive ing, or both. forms of ad hoc protectionism, and To reduce hunger: business initiatives that help fight excessive speculation. MORRIS GITHENYA Central 1. We need to increase combined hunger and integrate smallholders 4. Innovation must be encouraged. With only five years remain- 0735855586 investment in agriculture and so- into the global value chain. Many Pilot projects and experiments ing until the deadline of 2015, the cial protection. Interventions com- of the world’s poorest people are have the potential to improve poli- objective of halving world hunger JONES MAGARE Nyanza bining agriculture and social pro- smallholder farmers, and moving cymaking by giving decisionmak- can be achieved—but only if we 0721127511 tection have high payoffs, since them out of poverty will involve ers information about what works pursue it with increased vigor and they can protect the poorest in the increasing their productivity and before policies are implemented innovation. BILL ESSAU Western short term and increase their pro- linking them to high-value mar- across the board. Experimentation 0721761408 ductive capacity in the long run. kets. Emerging economies need to can improve the success rate of re- The writer is the Director Gen- Evidence from Ethiopia shows that be fully integrated into the global forms as successful pilot projects eral, International Food Policy BEKADZO TONDO Coast households with access to a safety food security agenda, since they are scaled up and unsuccessful Research Institute (IFPRI) 0728341240 net program and a complementary are ever more prominent in trade ones are eliminated. Policymak- NEVINS BIKO Rift Valley 0723932857 Nyanza records Kisii model schools to be completed on time JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central 0724 039787 highest voter By BOB OMBATI Economic Stimulus Programme His Nyachwa counterpart, (ESP). Timothy Atuti said the money had LUKE KAPCHANGA Western turnout THE construction of model Also construction of Nyatieko not reached the school’s account, 0723622136 schools in Kisii Central District From Page 8 secondary school is on-going adding that contractors were on has begun in earnest. while Kari and Iranda primary his neck. AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western A number of people, especially Area District Education officer, schools have received Kshs. Atuti said that he had exhaust- 0733 537002 women, feared violence would erupt Joshua Kisuya, says that although 3.5million each to facilitate their ed the school’s reserve and the again and it took concerted campaigns the projects are running behind improvement under the ESP. situation was likely to slide into OJWANG OGOCH Nyanza by the civil society groups to get many schedule, they will be completed He urged contractors to speed a major crisis if the funds are not 0734 971205 of these fearful and disillusioned lot to within the specified period. register and even vote. up the work to ensure that all availed immediately. “This new constitution is going to He says that the District Infra- projects are completed within the He said that delays in the dis- PETER MUTUKU Eastern structure team has handed over specified period. bursement of funds to schools was 0721 455048 deal with the electoral loopholes that brought violence and will stop rigging, the identified model schools to On the disbursement of the affecting the managerial func- displacement of people and address the contractors to commence con- Free Secondary Education (FSE) tions in most institutions, some skewed distribution of resources,” was struction immediately. funds, he said that the government of which were now sending away LAYOUT AND DESIGN: a common message to people at civic The DEO says that each of had released Kshs9.3 billion to students for school fees. forums. the secondary schools namely schools nationally. Atuti urged the ministry of WALTON GRAPHICS According to the Waki Report on St. Paul’s Amasago Boys, Sen- An interview with Zachary education to consider releasing a 0725 903 938 the Post Election Violence, approxi- ior Musa Chief Musa Nyandusi Nyariki who is the principal of huge chunk of the resources dur- mately 40,000 people fled from Nyanza mixed, and Nyamagwa SDA Cardinal Otunga High school, ing the first and second terms to [email protected] to other areas but Nyanza received an and Nyatieko have been allo- influx of more than 150,000 returnees revealed that he was not aware enable the schools procure goods from other provinces. cated Kshs10 million to oversee whether the funds had been re- and services and pay suppliers on Other sources, mainly civil society the upgrading process under the leased to the school accounts. time. organizations in the province have es- timated returnees to have been more than 300,000 people. The cite the fact that many of the returnees never passed through the transit camps and went Coast lacks people to employ as teachers straight home to their relatives or got This Newspaper appreciates integrated into the urban centre in the By BEKADZO TONDO had to source for personnel from most areas in the province lacked the facilitation accorded by area. other parts of the country. qualified teachers to take up the ad- Many returnees benefitted as it were LACK of qualified personnel char- Kilifi Deputy Education Officer vertised jobs, those from other re- the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung from the still existing accommodative acterized the recruitment of intern (KAS) in Kenya Mr Simon Mugandi who took part in gions also declined the offer owing social fabric that has collapsed among primary and secondary teachers in the recruitment exercise confirmed to the proposed salaries. other communities, especially in Cen- Coast province. that only a few interested candidates He said for the few who accept- tral province. The recruitment whose guide- As the dust settles on the referen- turned up for the interviews. ed the jobs selected schools located lines were drawn from the Eco- Mr Mugendi at the same time within town centers and rejected All correspondence and dum, the worry is how o sustain citi- nomic Stimulus programme sought zens’ continued engagement with the said there were no enough teachers those located in remote areas. enquiries to the editor, to bridge the glaring gap between to fill in the positions of Arts subjects The Knut official said the in- process, especially to monitor the im- pupil-teacher-ratio in public primary plementation process and eventually the required in most schools. terns insisted on teaching in urban P.O. Box 7438, 00200, General Elections of 2010. schools. He cited Lutsangani and Chasim- centers or schools located along the It is unclear if the politicians have or However equal slots were al- ba secondary schools which require highways so that they could engage Nairobi, Kenya. are doing any post referendum analysis’ located to every constituency, with Kiswahili and English teachers but in other jobs to supplement their in- to see how to build on the gains. The each expected to hire 66 Primary Tel: 020 6001274 could not get them locally because come. Civil society sector, both nationally and and 25 Secondary schools teachers most students take science subjects He said that it was unfair for in Nyanza are already miles ahead, re- to work for three years. at the universities. the government to employ a gradu- Telefax: 020 6001776 flecting on what lessons and challenges But Coast Province could not emerged and how to continuously retain The Kenya National Union of ate teacher and pay them a paltry e-mail: [email protected] raise the required number of interns teachers, Kilifi branch executive sec- Kshs15,000 while their counterparts citizens glued to the process and how to to fill in the available positions and maximize the gains in the constitution. retary Mr Patrick Rasi said though who are employed on permanent. The Link, October 2010 10 GOVERNANCE IIEC wants more Kenya, Italy sign new aid pact By PETER MUTUKU resources MANAGEMENT of development funds to Kenya by the Italian govern- ment is set to change following the By PETER MUTUKU signing of a new bilateral agreement between the states. THE Interim Independent Elec- The Kenya-Italy Debt for De- toral Commission (IIEC) plans velopment Programme (KIDDP) is to push for the allocation of more geared towards converting eligible resources to effectively deliver its official development assistance into mandate under the new constitu- a financial resource that will oversee tion. the implementation of development The commission feels that the projects valued at Kshs4.4 billion over new 47 counties and assemblies a ten year period. and the 290 constituencies en- The programme is directed at pov- trenched in the new constitution erty alleviation and focuses on health, are likely to present a big chal- water and irrigation, vocational train- lenge. ing and slum upgrading countrywide. Commissioners Winner Gu- The scheme was initiated four chu, Davis Chirchir and Tiya Gal- years ago after talks between the galo and chief elections officer Treasury and the Italian Embassy in James Oswago contend that the Nairobi. It is aimed at giving momen- new constitution will immensely tum to the management and imple- impact on the initial design and mentation of social projects. structure of IIEC secretariat at The scheme has identified some both regional and constituency projects, which when complete will levels. create a big impact in many parts of The commissioners argue that the country. the current 17 Regional Electoral The programme was previously Coordinators and 210 Constitu- confined to six selected districts based ency Electoral Coordinators were on the poverty indices before being not enough to execute the expand- expanded to the entire country. It is a ed mandate and therefore there unique arrangement that aims at eas- was need to deploy more staff to ing direct repayment of debts owed by constituency electoral coordina- Kenya to the Italian government and A road project funded by Kenya-Italy Debt for Development Programme. tors. also promotes development. Ms Guchu says the IIEC is It is currently coordinated by a been impressive with the absorbed Transfer Fund (LATF) projects stand of medical equipment and capacity working out modalities to come National Technical Committee, which amount standing at 90 percent. “The to benefit from the foundation laid by building of health personnel. up with structures that will re- comprises of representatives from all slum upgrading project in Korogocho the scheme. In education, the programme will spond to complex elections of the implementing ministries and the has registered good results too and as In water and irrigation, the pro- revitalize youth polytechnics and senate, parliamentary and county Ministry of Finance. such we plan to have the scheme rep- gramme will enhance the govern- vocational training centres through assemblies as stipulated in the The National Development Com- licated in other parts of the country,” ment’s 2007-2015 water strategy. capacity building, curriculum imple- new constitution. mittee gets and appraises all project says the PS. The scheme will support projects mentation and rehabilitation of in- She says that the Commission proposals before recommending a se- Mr Kinyua, however, notes that to increase water supply to rural ar- frastructure in line with the Strategic will need to adopt the various ad- lected few to the steering committee implementation of similar projects by eas apart from upgrading water sup- Plan 2007-2012. ministrative manuals and policies for approval. Members of the steering the Ministry of Youth and Sports are ply systems such as wells, boreholes, The Urban development pro- before embarking on development committee include Italian Ambassa- yet to take off. “We shall continue to dams, piped water systems as well as gramme will benefit in slum up- policies and manuals for other dor to Kenya, the Treasury PS and his monitor the programme with a view capacity building activities. grading mainly in Korogocho slums directorates including the human planning counterpart. to ensuring its success,” says the PS. In health the scheme aims to through addressing cross cutting is- resources, financial management Treasury PS Joseph Kinyua says Treasury says the implementation strengthen district health planning sues such as land tenure, infrastruc- and transport manuals. the scheme has so far realized tremen- of projects mainly at the Constitu- in line with the “Second National ture and social development with the On voter education, Ms Galga- dous results, with tangible benefits be- tional level, could be replicated from Health Strategic Plan 2005-2010. It aim of improving the living condi- lo says the Commission will strive ing witnessed in the water and slum the scheme, especially in the use of will help projects to improve access tions for the residents. to complete all the relevant train- upgrading schemes. funds. to basic health services such as reha- The programme is currently un- ing manuals and voter education According to Mr Kinyua, the im- The Constituency Development bilitation and upgrading of dispen- derway and is showing tremendous materials with uniform messaging plementation in the water sector has Fund (CDF) and the Local Authority saries and health centres, provision results. for use in the regions before the 2012 general election. “We also need to develop a clear voter education strategy that takes into account the lessons learnt from the by-elections and Mt. Elgon women seek land rights the referendum and also factor in Elgon district. tional Youth Service should be the requirements under the new By JOEL JUMA ment should not conceal the find- constitution,” said Ms Galgalo. ings of the report which was com- They revealed that members investigated for allegedly raping She said there is need for civic OVER 3,000 women from Mt piled by a task-force headed by of the disbanded Saboat Land De- both women and children as they education and outreach campaigns Elgon district want the Govern- former PC Joseph Kaguthi and fense Force (SLDF) had resorted hunted for the SLDF militia gangs. on the election process especially ment to make public the report on assisted by former Western PC to merciless killings as they sought They say they have missed out in respect to proportional repre- the disputed Chebyuk settlement Abdul Mwasserah saying that land to avenge alleged injustices on on a number of development pro- sentation and the new representa- scheme, even as it pushes ahead injustices that resulted into death previous allocations. grammes including disbursements tive bodies. with the implementation of the of over 700 people need to be “It is therefore imperative that through the women fund kitty due According to the Commission- new constitution. unearthed. the report is made public to ensure to the high rate of insecurity in the ers, the IIEC is coming up with a The women are also seeking Leaders from Mt Elgon and the controversy surrounding the area. strategic plan for 2010-2012 and to be included among those ear- Cheptais Districts under the um- resettlement exercise is resolved,” Nyaundi and Otieno affirm will develop a comprehensive marked to benefit from the ongo- brella of Pambazuko la Wanawake adds Mercy Cherop who read a commitment by their organiza- policy, procedures and systems ing resettlement programme at the Magharibi Organisation and Ac- statement on behalf of the organi- tions in ensuring that justice pre- for election observation and ac- scheme in accordance with the tion Aid International Kenya says zation. vails. creditation process and electronic new constitution. The new consti- that lands They told the TJRC officials Nyaundi says that the com- voter registration linked to elec- tution empowers women to benefit Minister James Orengo should led by the Chief Executive Of- mission will hold special sittings tronic voting to be rolled out to all from land without discrimination. make the report public to avoid ficer Patricia Nyaundi and the Ac- in the area in order to grill offic- the poll areas. Chebyuk settlement scheme creating suspicion among the resi- tion Aid International boss Nixon ers implicated in statements taken They said the problems en- is in Mt Elgon District and was dents. Otieno that the land injustices in from areas affected by insecurity countered and the challenges de-gazetted from the forest and The organization made the Mt. Elgon must be investigated and post election violence. overcame in mounting successful shared out to the residents as part demands in a memorandum pre- without fear and favour. Otieno blames the high poverty by-elections and the referendum of efforts to resettle landless fami- sented to the Truth Justice and The statement signed by over levels in the area to eruption of will serve as a basis for managing lies. Peace Reconciliation Commission 200 members further demanded violence mostly during the elec- the 2012 polls. The women say the Govern- (TJRC) at Cheptais market in Mt that the police, military and Na- tioneering period. The Link, October 2010 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

KNEC can do more The galloping to curb cheating in Higher Education minister petroleum prices examinations should be checked KUDOS to Kenya National Exami- RECENTLY the Nation newspaper nations Council (KNEC) for adopt- dismissal of arts appalling carried a well-researched story on ing measures to curb cheating. This is the crisis that is fuel pricing. welcome because cheating is a blot to I AGREE with High Education I do not know what President our education system. minister William Ruto that there is a Kibaki plans to do about this, but Every year, cheats seem to get crisis in the provision of services re- unless he moves with speed, the ‘smarter’. Last year, the number of lated to the sciences, the most prom- country’s economy is in for turbu- irregularities reported in KCSE was inent being agriculture and medi- lent times. alarming. It would be excusable were In some instances, pupils who cine. However, his analysis of the problem is pathetically simplistic. it that there was war in the Mid- perform well in KCPE fail their dle East. But the reality is that the KCSE raising questions. The ripple First, there are many graduates in the sciences who are unable to find problems are right here.The public effect of cheating is bad not only for knows the oil companies operate a the cheats but also for the country’s employment, despite the need for their services.Mr. Ruto should be cartel that the Energy Regulatory development. Therefore, the council Commission can do nothing about. should come up with more measures putting policies in place that encour- age companies to employ science But the only answer to conniv- and strategies to restore credibility in ing cartels is to make the business our evaluation systems. graduates and liaise with the minis- tries of Industry and Energy in creat- as competitive as possible by mak- The way the exams are set should ing it very easy for other independ- be changed. Could it be that the same ing a conducive environment for the growth of industry in Kenya. ent players to enter the market by, teachers are used every year to set among others, abolishing the Open exams making it possible for them to Secondly, Mr. Ruto needs to be delivering additional funding for Tender System (OTS). leak out the questions? But, in the short term, were the The council should also consider training in the sciences because while the idea of training science government serious, it would bite not assigning officers to the same the bullet and lower taxes to a level centre every year. graduates is good, it is also expen- that would bring the prices down. In the past, only students have sive. Universities cannot pass on the The biggest causes of inflation paid the price for cheating. KNEC costs of setting up and equipping A section of University of Nairobi. should also investigate teachers labs, mortuaries, hospitals, green- in Kenya are the cost of petroleum whose subject results are cancelled houses and many other facilities to that obliges students who receive dents should be educated with the products followed by lack of rain. and punish them if found guilty. Head the student, otherwise there will be government funding to serve the skills and imagination to expand the Fortunately the government can teachers should not also be spared even fewer students in the sciences. nation for a number of years be- market and create opportunities, not mitigate appropriately by being because sometimes they are aware As it is, many high school students fore they venture into other fields. to beg for employment. firm on oil operations and water of the goings on in the examination are sitting for KCSE examiniation Or better still, he should be help- The problem of irrelevance is management. rooms. in sciences without ever having con- ing create an environment in which not rooted in the courses taught but But what’s the scorecard so far? ducted an experiment in a labora- scientists are rewarded for their in- in our very examination-oriented The Kenya Revenue Authority * * * tory. ventions and those inventions are system that does not allow creativ- (KRA) can collect up to Kshs900 Thirdly, while the country is so implemented. ity and exploration in the learning billion up from the current Kshs500 The move by KNEC to introduce badly in need of science graduates, Fourth, the need for the humani- process. billion were it to accept change and new rules to curb examination cheat- some of those graduates are busy ties is urgent. The poll violence Mr. Ruto has chosen to blame overhaul the way it operates. ing marks a milestone though the wasting the resources Kenya used exposed an ignorance of history the humanities and social sciences The fact that the Central Bank battle is far from being won because to train them by joining politics, Mr. beyhong ethnic groups. KNEC re- for his failure to design or imple- of Kenya (CBK) has resorted to technology is evolving. Perhaps can- Ruto being one such person. And cently released a report stating that ment policies that would encourage borrowing to plug budget deficits didates should have their fingerprints we can add to the list — Professors students were failing in the sciences the growth of the sciences. In fact, must make President Kibaki sit up and photos taken to keep out mas- Ongeri, Saitoti and numerous medi- because of their poor grasp of lan- his lack of imagination in thinking and take note. The CBK is now queraders. cal doctors like Boni Khalwale. guage. So how can these subjects be through such an important and com- borrowing Kshs13 billion as the The decision to only write exams And what would Mr. Ruto say irrelevant? plex problem shows that he needed first tranche using Open Market in the morning is welcome relief for about the celeb couple of Nameless Finally, Mr. Ruto’s idea that the to have taken courses in history and Operations (OMP). students. Such steps are welcome and and Wahu, one an architect and the market as an employer should be the in literature for at least a semester. Question is, where will it all we expect more to be done includ- other a mathematician? sole determiner of what is taught in Wandia Njoya, end? With KRA operating at only ing dealing with the so called ‘River He should be drafting a policy school is highly unfortunate. Stu- Daystar University. 45 to 55 per cent of potential, the Road certificates’ which have given answer appears quite straightfor- our country a bad name. ward. The KRA board should be asked to step aside by the Presi- * * * dent, another efficient manage- ment (not political friends) ap- KNEC has announced that national pointed, and KRA overhauled. examinations for primary and sec- Kariuki Muiruri, ondary schools will be done in the Karatina. morning to improve performance. While timing could contribute to failure, if the patterns of past exam cheating are anything to go by, it is not the biggest culprit. Over the years, technology has advanced and cheating has become hightech. Other methods include peeping at colleagues’ work, leakages from teachers involving in setting exams * and use of mwakenyas — note. The editor welcomes letters and KNEC has a long way to go in find- comments on a variety of issues. ing a permanent solution to cheating The letters should be brief, in exams. They have to start from the topical and issue based. grassroots, that is, examination set- The editor reserves the right to ting, invigilation and supervision. edit for brevity or clarity. But Kenyans are waiting to see the difference the steps including Write to: involving of National Intelligence The Editor, Service will make. The Link, Concerned Kenyans, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. Via e-mail. E-mail: [email protected] 12 The Link, October 2010 GOVERNANCE No term Youths urged to vie for positions extension for IIBRC Alarming — Oparanya By JOEL JUMA

corruption THE Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) should not expect an extension of its work- cases in ing term, Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya says Kilifi According to Oparanya, IIBRC needs to hand over its report to the By BEKADZO TONDO electoral body before its term expires. The minister explains that IIBRC THE newly appointed Ken- should not expect its term to be ex- ya Anti Corruption Com- tended because the Interim Independ- mission (KACC) Tsars have ent Electoral Commission (IIEC) will registered a total of 178 cor- be tasked with the responsibility of ruption related cases in Kil- completing the latter’s work. ifi district over the last one The Minister indicates that he month. backs up remarks by Justice Minister Mr. Bravin Bowry who is Mutula Kilonzo to have IIBRC leave an assistant director with the the office after the expiry of the its Commission says 113 cases term in November. “IBRC had all the were officially reported at time to do its work. We cannot violate their offices in Mombasa the law if the commission was unable while another 65 cases were to complete its assignment.” reported at the Kilifi play Minister Oparanya says the crea- ground during a forum or- tion of new constituencies would be ganized by the commission. based on the recently released popula- Youth agenda on new Constitution. during referendumcampaigns. Mr Bowry who spoke tion census results. during the event challenged By AGGREY BUCHUNJU opened doors wide for the youths but is Mr. Amambo is further disap- He is adding that Parliament will senior government officials a wake up call for them to further their pointed to note that even voter turn-out not have a difficult time debating the matter when the report is tabled in the to lead by example by em- YOUTHS in Western Province have education,” he adds. during general elections in the region is bracing virtues that promote Mr. Mabuku says that time has normally very poor. House. been challenged to prepare themselves Oparanya was speaking at Elu- corruption free zones in for the tasks enshrined in the new con- now come for the youths to participate The two were speaking recently at their respective offices. stitution. actively in all social, political and eco- Namakoye market in Kakamega central kokho Primary School in his Butere He said that all corrup- The Western Province Youth Alli- nomical set ups in the country and asks District during elections of Navakholo constituency where he disbursed over tion cases will be thorough- ance organizing Secretary Mr. Patrick them to live up to the challenges. division youth alliance office bearers. Shs 800, 000 for the construction of ly investigated and action Mabuku says that new constitution has The Kakamega Central District During the elections Mr. Daniel Oy- classrooms. He was accompanied by taken against those found created many opportunities in decision Youth Alliance secretary Mr. Sammy alo was elected chairman,Mr.Edward the Butere/Mumias County Coun- engaged in corruption deals. making organs for the youth. Amambo urges the youths above Masinde was elected secretary, Miss cil chairman Michael Keya and area Among cases registered Mr. Mabuku, however, reminds the 18years to apply for the National identi- Clair Mang’oli was elected treasurer councilor Johnston Maloba accompa- with the commission in youth that the opportunities will not be fication cards (IDS) and register as vot- Mr. Mohammed Otunga was elected nied. ers in large numbers. organizing secretary and Mr. Cosmos Kilifi include the alleged ir- ascribed but achieved depending on The Member of Parliament main- one’s education and role in the com- Mr. Amambo advices the youths to Ochanji was elected co-coordinator. tains that constituencies with figures regular allocation of land to use their numerical strength and elect Western province has a population undeserving cases at Gath- munity. that do not merit their splitting should “No job will be given to any youth many of their own in the counties, sen- of 4,334,282 persons with four counties not expect new electoral zones, as echa settlement scheme at ate and the National Assembly in order namely Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia Kikamabala. on a silver platter. All jobs reserved for Parliament will not approve them. He the youths will be won through compet- to increase their voice in the decision and Vihiga. Kakamega county has the explains that Members of Parliament Area councilor Boniface making organs. second largest population in the coun- Mwingo who lodged the itive bidding” the youth secretary says. claiming that figures released by his He notes with disappointment that try. ministry were not accurate are wast- complaint, claimed that the He consequently challenges the youth to arm themselves with quality despite Luyhas having the second larg- The county has 1.66 million people ing their time, as adequate methods resettlement exercise left credentials in order to be considered for est population in the country, the com- closely followed by Bungoma County required to arrive at the country’s pop- out genuine squatters and appointments to various key positions. munity ranks poorly among registered in third position with 1.63 million peo- ulation were used during the exercise. benefitted senior govern- “The new constitution has not only voters. ple. The Planning executive explains ment officials. that constituencies with less than 150, Other complaints lodged 000 people should not expect to be with the commission includ- split, that there are chances that areas ed delays in service delivery with a population of over 200,000 to by public officers, misman- Most western schools lack title deeds be split were high during the creation agement of devolved funds of new electoral regions. and the rampant bribery in By AGGREY BUCHUNJU demic work. Mr. Opwora spoke recently “I thought my Butere constitu- allocation of resources. He says that some schools in at Ingotse Primary school in ency would be split but the figures KACC advisory board MOST schools in western prov- the area cannot construct a toilet, Kakamega Central District dur- on the table cannot allow, but other chairman Mr Okong’o Omo- ince risk losing their land due to leave alone a classroom to cope ing the release of the District constituencies like Lugari, Nambale, goni who also spoke dur- lack of title deeds. with the ever increasing number Mock results. Lurambi and Mt Elgon are likely to be ing the function challenged The Kenya National Union of pupils because part of their land Most of the schools in west- split as they have a population of over county clerks to observe of Teachers (KNUT) Kakamega has been reclaimed by neighbors. ern province are constructed on 200,000.” high standards of transpar- central branch chairman Mr. Al- Mr. Opwora adds that lack land which was donated by the Other Members of parliament in ency in the management of bert Opwora says that quite a of enough classrooms and other communities several years ago. the region Manyala Keya and Chris Local Authority Transfer good number of public schools in physical facilities in schools in the Unfortunately some of the do- Okemo have been demanding that Fund (LATF). the area do not have title deeds. region are some of the causes of nors of the land passed on before their constituencies be split in order to Mr. Omogeni said after Mr. Opwora notes with re- poor performance in national ex- consenting to the transfer of the improve representation of the elector- the promulgation of the new grets that even schools that have ams. land to the schools and before ate in decision making organs. Constitution, more funds are been in existence for over five The trade unionist conse- even entering any agreement Manyala Keya who is an assist- set to channeled to the coun- decades do not have the land quently, challenges leaders and the with the institutions. ant minister for Gender and Children ties and thus the need to in- ownership papers. provincial administration in the The donors’ next of kin are Affairs wants Lurambi to be split into culcate a culture of transpar- “Due to lack of the title deeds, area to join forces and ensure that therefore taking back part of the three constituencies while Okemo ency in the management of people neighbouring schools schools without title deeds do not schools’ land saying their dead is asking for two. Mumias MP Ben funds at their disposal. have encroached on or are plan- lose their land to private develop- father did not sell or donate the Washiali is also demanding that his “Counties will from now ning to encroach on the institu- ers. land to the schools. area be sub divided into two, to create on receive Kshs3 billion to tions,” adds Opwora. “It is a pity that some schools There are however, a few South Wanga constituency. help foster Development The KNUT official says that in the area are being encroached schools in the area whose land is Oparanya however said MPs in the regions and thus the invasion of the schools by pri- by private developers who include held in trust by their respective should demand for the splitting of need to uphold high stand- vate developers had impacted families that donated the land to county councils. their constituencies after evaluating ards of transparency’ said negatively on the general devel- schools in the full view of lead- A few others processed their the population census released by his MR Omogeni. opment of the institutions and ers and the provincial administra- land and managed to get the title ministry to avoid unnecessary confu- pupil’s concentration on aca- tion,” Mr. Opwora laments. deeds. sion over the matter. The Link, October 2010 GOVERNANCE 13 Nakuru residents New constitution causing ripples upbeat about By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU new constitution

THE new constitution is caus- By RACHEL MUTHONI ing ripples in the administration RESIDENTS of Nakuru are upbeat of justice. Already reports from about the new constitution which was Taveta and Garissa indicate that promulgated by President Kibaki on law enforcement agents are in a August 27. dilemma over how to deal with Unlike other parts of Rift Valley the freedom enshrined in the province, the residents of this county new law. voted overwhelmingly for the constitu- Police in Taveta and Garissa tion. have since August 27 this year This town has had a relatively released scores of people from steady growth in population, espe- custody in what the bosses say cially since 2008 when people fled to was ‘in compliance with provi- Nakuru after they were evicted from sions of the new constitution’. their homes during the post election In Taveta, Wundanyi police violence. boss Charles Kibet said the Nakuru Business Association police cells were empty after Chairman Mr. Boniface Muhia says the petty offenders in custody were business fraternity is optimistic that the released on free bond, pending new county will create a conducive en- hearing of their cases. vironment for them. He said only suspects held Poor infrastructure, lack of street for serious offences and those lights in some sections of the town and whose cases were still pending its environs and insecurity have been major hindrances to smooth operations were retained. by the business people in the town. One of the 23 suspects who However, Mr. Muhia said his asso- were freed in Garissa, Abdur- ciation is already working with the pro- rahman Abdi, burst into tears vincial administration and the local au- when he met his family whom thority to come up with ways through he had not seen for four months. which they can improve economy for Abdi, who said he was arrested President Kibaki signs into law a new Constitution during Promulgation at Uhuru Park, Nairobi. Photo/File the County. in a bar on what he termed spu- “We are hopeful that the new lead- rious grounds and was then ac- magistrate had a meeting with read to them. Mr. Wahong’o’s explanation ership will improve lighting, infrastruc- cused of breaching the peace, the accused and briefed them on However, deputy po- sounds reasonable, but in the ture and security and create a better says the new law protects all their rights. lice spokesman, Mr. Charles case of Taveta, it appears that environment for the business people,” Kenyans from harassment. Such moves on suspects Wahong’o, said Parliament will it came after the ‘horses had al- says Mr Muhia. “I voted to accept the new are being replicated across the have to pass appropriate legis- ready bolted.’ He advised the public to be sensi- constitution during the referen- country. lation to guide police on how Taita Taveta District police tive when electing new leaders and dum and this is like pay back The new constitution prom- to release suspects from cus- commander Herbert Khaemba consider those who have a history of time,” he said. ulgated on August 27, has an tody. He said the Act will have said: “We’ve released suspects good education and morals. But a prosecutor at Garissa expanded Bill of Rights which to stipulate what procedures to from custody pending the hear- Corruption, Mr Muhia said has law courts says the new laws stipulates, among other things, adopt when dealing with petty ing of their cases but I haven’t been a great hindrance to development could be abused by criminals. that suspects apprehended by the offences and how and when to compiled the data.” and until the vice is eradicated, devel- opment will remain elusive. “Such a move is very danger- police should not be detained for issue free bonds. But Nairobi’s Central Divi- ous because the suspects being “If the infrastructure and other ba- more than 24 hours after arrest. He says the legislation will sion police boss Paul Kariuki, is sics were catered for, the county would released could contaminate wit- The Bill of Rights outlaws also stipulate circumstances un- of the opinion that it would take readily to turn to a 24-hour economy,” nesses and impede investiga- confinement of suspects for a der which the police will be able some time to assess how the new he adds. Land has been an issue in tions,” he said. period exceeding 24 hours as a to search suspects without over- law works. Nakuru which is the heart of the vast, “In extreme cases, lives of way to ensure that the rights of stepping their mandate. “It has been our practice to cosmopolitan and most populated Rift the witnesses might be at risk suspects in custody are not vio- “There are also provisions give people the reasons why Valley Province. after bailing out such people,” lated. It says suspects will not that say we should release petty they are being arrested. You can- Many people who were evicted he said. be remanded in custody for an prisoners on bail. However, it not arrest someone for nothing,” from Molo, Kuresoi, Burnt Forest and Nevertheless courts are com- offence if such offence is pun- will be hard to implement this he said. other areas which were hit by post elec- pelled to release such suspects ishable by a fine only, or by im- because we won’t be able to The Bill of Rights requires tion violence settled within this district and when the officer in charge prisonment for not more than six track suspects, especially those the police to explain to suspects hoping for lasting peace. of Garissa prisons, Mr. Allan months. without ID cards,” said the in a language they understand Internally Displaced People who Njagi, wrote to the Garissa Prin- Article 49 of the constitution spokesman. the reason for the arrest and read settled at Pipeline camp along the ciple Magistrate John Onyiego, also bars police from arbitrar- “If suspects hide in Mathare to them their rights. One of the Nakuru-Nairobi highway voted gener- requesting him to release the 23, ily arresting people or searching slums for example, it will be dif- rights a person has when arrest- ously for the constitution, hoping that it he was just following the law. premises. And when suspects ficult to locate them,” says Mr. ed by a police officer is the right would bring justice. Before setting them free, the are arrested, their rights must be Wahong’o. to remain silent. “We voted overwhelmingly for the new laws, because we knew they will address the land issue and we shall re- turn to where we were evicted,” said Mr Paul Thiong’o, the camp’s chair- man. Access to health has been an is- Union opposed to retention of PCs sue of concern to the internal refugees in this camp. Though a Good Samaritan built a By JOEL JUMA the Government plans to merge some Alfred Mutua and Internal minister is redesigning their roles so that they one room clinic for them, the internally councils, “adds the union Secretary George Saitoti to come clear over the can serve in other capacities. displaced people have been struggling THE Kenya Local Government Work- General Boniface Munyao. matter instead of promising the admin- Further, Munyao called on all local Munyao at the same time calls on istrators jobs that are not in the consti- authorities in the country to implement to get a health worker to attend to them. ers Union (KLGWU) has vowed to The more than 4,000 people living oppose any move to incorporate the the Government to formulate an early tution. the 60 per cent salary hike awarded to provincial administration in the county retirement package for the administra- The union boss was speaking in their employees following the signing in this camp depend on well wisher system of government outlined in the tors, as they have become irrelevant in Kakamega during a meeting with un- of a Collective Bargaining Agreement who supply drugs, but have no one to new constitution. the new dispensation. ion leaders drawn from Western prov- (CBA) with the Government early this administer the drugs to them. The union argues that most local “The moment regional govern- ince. The meeting was also addressed year. With the new constitution, they say authorities are already bloated with ments were phased out, the provincial by assistant secretary general Julius He says the union will prepare its they will be able to access their right to workers and cannot therefore absorb administrators lost their jobs and the ole Apale, National Executive Council members to smoothly implement the good health than before. more civil servants who are set to be matter cannot be reversed,” he ex- Members Charles Songa and Stephen policies espoused in the new constitu- “We believe the new governance redeployed during the restructuring plains. The secretary general however Musake. tion arguing that the era of summary will bring medical experts closer to process. “Councils cannot absorb all suggests that councils that operate in Prof Saitoti and Dr Mutua are re- dismissal had come to an end. people and our women will no longer the staff from provincial administra- areas faced with fewer professionals, ported to have assured the provincial “Workers can now get their benefits be attended by traditional birth attend- tion. If anything, most workers in the absorb some of the officers. administrators that they will not loose as the new constitution is clear over the ants in the camps for lack of profession- local authorities are also worried as He urged Government spokesman their jobs. Saitoti said the Government matter,” said Munyao. als,” Mr Thiongo told The Link.

The Link, October 2010 SUPPLEMENT 15

PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE A monthly supplement funded by European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Embracing democratic changes T IS not unusual in a only by throughout our history have to growth both of talent and crea- democratic country MANAGER’S COLUMN text, origi- engage in an ongoing process of tivity at all spheres without ob- like Kenya to hear nal under- interpretation. That interpreta- structing anybody due to their Iand read resistance standings tion reflects fidelity to our writ- cultural or religious orientation. in the devolution debate By and prec- ten Constitution. For all people who believe in that is on-going. It is edent, but To be faithful to the Constitu- liberty, equality, democracy, ac- very healthy and I expect JANE also by so- tion is to interpret its words and cess to justice and the rule of the voice of the people of MURUTU cial under- to apply its principles in ways law, we hope this Constitution Kenya to be even louder. standings that sustain their vitality over is an antidote to retrogressive I am particularly drawn and the time. vices. to the attention given history of Fidelity to the Constitution re- The partnership for Peace to the counties with the our nation. quires us to ask not how its text project is conducting a four- much coveted seat of Governor The Constitution is a practi- and principles would have been day training course in form of a and the attendant resources to cal document. It is not simply a applied but rather how they simulation in each region for the be allocated from the national statement of aspirations or ab- should be applied today in light representatives of the CSOs we budget. stract principle. It is a document of the conditions and concerns are partnering with. The purpose In the preamble, the New intended to govern our society of our society. of the training is to “imitate” Constitution states in part:“all and to operationalize our com- Bickering of whether a cer- the cooperation within the net- sovereign power belongs to the mitments to liberty, equality and tain county is smaller than the work in cases of imminent ten- people of Kenya and shall be ex- democracy. So when we inter- other county should not be the sions of violence. Let this new ercised only in accordance with pret the Constitution, our goal issue as long as inequalities are era bring prosperity and greater this constitution”, Subsection 4, should be to fulfill it’s promises addressed. The Governor not- acceptance and tolerance to our goes to state how the sovereign not as a matter of fine words on withstanding the President will diverse orientations in ideology power of the people is exercised paper but in terms of how we be accountable to all the elec- and culture as it helps us build at both national and county lev- actually live and weave our so- torate. sustainable structures for peace- els. This is new for Kenya! cial fabric. Therefore, ethnic grouping, ful co-existence. Our Constitution is, as Fran- What explains the character political realignment, should not klin Roosevelt said, ”a layman’s of a Constitution in light of the overshadow the growth of the The writer is the co-manag- document, not a lawyer’s con- profound economic, social and nation. Kenyans should read er for partnership for peace tract”. It is a document that be- political changes that our na- chapter six on leadership and project. In case of any com- longs to ordinary Kenyans and tion has gone through? And how integrity carefully before elect- ments or suggestions write to: their representatives as much as does this esteemed document ing the next crop of leaders. [email protected] it belongs to politicians, lawyers retain its legitimacy, authority Beware of political merchants! and judges. So it should not be and relevance over time? We should shun destructive surprising or illegitimate that ju- Simply put the Constitution motives, embrace diversity, INSIDE THIS ISSUE: dicial interpretation of the Con- has to endure because judges, open information sharing, cre- stitution has been informed not elected officials and citizens ate space for mentorship and New Law good for all Network to prevent conflicts formed — 16

BY LUKE KAPCHANGA structure and the name. vention mechanism by non- state The network under the umbrel- actors in the region to share infor- Sudan’s final HE civil society organi- la of Mt. Elgon Residents Associa- mation and strategies on conflict zation in Western prov- tion (MERA) brings together more resolution. hurdle ince have formed a than 120 groups, who are already The 40 groups, who represented — 17 network to prevent and involved in peace building activi- the rest in the meeting at Mabanga T resolve conflicts. ties in the region. farmers’ training centre, identified However, the name of the Mr. Peter Chem, the Western core issues to address as; land, network was not agreed on, as provincial coordinator of the Euro- boundary disputes, ethnicity, pov- UN publishes those elected to head the sec- pean Union funded Partnership for erty, resources allocation, govern- Congo report retariat were given the man- Peace project, said the objective ance, political leadership, youths date to develop the leadership of the network is to develop inter- 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, October 2010 SUPPLEMENT

New Constitution good for all

BY DAVIDS KISANGI tribal cocoons and provide a sense of leadership, and embrace that common stake we all have in one N August 4th, 2010, after another? two decades-long quest for As Martin Luther King Jr. once a new constitution, and the said, “we are tied together in the sin- Ocontest over the-so-called gle garment of destiny [and] caught ‘contentious issues’, Kenyans came up in the inescapable network of out with their votes, in record num- mutuality…and whatever affects one bers and spoke up for change. directly affects all indirectly.” With such an effort aborted in the It is with this great concern that 2005 referendum, the leadership Kenyan leadership should regain held track of the promise, the prom- credibility for common purpose, that ise of a new constitution. March- is, the common good of all people, ing on a united front, the coalition and trash the tribal ‘we-ness’ at- government under President Kibaki titude that destroys the creed of a and Prime Minister Raila delivered united Kenya. the promise, a promise that opens Further, the approval of the new a new chapter of the Kenyan story. constitution does not mean that our This new constitution offers an problems as Kenyans will magical- opportunity, in Abraham Lincoln’s ly disappear in the glory of a new phrase, a new opportunity to think constitution. The central truth of anew and act anew. the matter is that the leadership in However, with the past history in Kenya has made errors, errors which place, a history of corporate scan- Kenyans came out with their votes during the referendum. need to be resolved to restore trust dals, structural inequality, political and to heal the wounds of historical greed, and human rights violations, injustices. do we really have men and women defender, and on uniting in common for economic and political devolu- With the implementation process of good will, men and women who bond with one accord. tion. With such institutional avenues in progress, it is time people of in- can repair this country from the The ‘vital centre of action’ in calling for resource distribution tegrity pursuing common good take dents of such history, a history of Kenya, that is, the leadership has al- through the devolved government, the leading role in enhancing trans- ethnic animosity and intolerance? most lost the trust of the people. As are these the new found avenues parency and accountability in gov- Do we have men and women who Winston Churchill once comment- for the political elite to further re- ernance. can create unity from the diversity ed, can our leaders be counted to channel state resources for private Though the many commissions present in Kenya? The leadership in do the right thing? Can our leaders selfish gains? established may set standards and Kenya has slowly lost the sense of be counted to make rational value Will these men and women of no restore confidence in leadership, it the phrase ‘the epitome of virtue’ judgments for the common good of good take this chance as an oppor- is time the new established checks and the optimism that lies in the the people? tunity to amass wealth at the ex- and balances take effect and cur- heart of the Kenyan national an- The approved Supreme Law of pense of the tax payer? Will these tail the heinous acts of the men and them, on justice as our shield and this land has opened up new valves men of no good rise up against their women of no good will. Network to prevent conflicts formed From Page 15 to the group members in various principles of the network groups. The need for a network came ways. Lack of commitment and lead- up during a three day workshop and vulnerable children, illiteracy He said the network would ership wrangles may derail ef- for strengthening non- state ac- and culture. help to improve communication, fective operation of the network, tors’ capacities to prevent and They said the network is to ad- enhance approach in handling with lack of delegation of respon- resolve conflicts in areas affected vocate for good land policies, to different challenges and reduce sibilities by the officials. by the post-election violence, or- have consultations among inter- duplication of activities. However, poor communication, ganized by MERA under the Part- ested parties before land is sold They added that, there will be lack of resources to run the net- nership for Peace project imple- among other areas of focus. improved linkages for different work activities and differences mentation. Demarcation of boundaries, interventions, widen understand- in organizational structures and Those picked to represent be it administrative or electoral, ing among groups, and create conflict resolution approaches the counties in the region were: should involve all stakeholders, confidence among the groups from communities within the re- Patrick Sitati and Sicious Mukol- with wider consultations to mini- and effective service delivery to gion, may pose a challenge to the we (Kakamega), Laban Mugodo mize flare up of tensions, among target groups. network. and Ann Bucheche (Bungoma), communities, sub-tribes and clans. However, they noted that chal- The network will have contact Alice Nyongesa and Moses Oki- The groups agreed in principle lenges may also arise due to mis- offices in Kakamega, Malaba, dor (Busia), and John Hamisi and that the network will have benefits understandings of differences in Mbala and Cheptais. Joyce Isiaho (Vihiga).

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, October 2010 SUPPLEMENT 17

Peace needed to enjoy fruits of new Law By AGGREY BUCHUNJU PROVINCIAL administrator has urged the residents of western province to maintain peace during Athe implementation phase of the new Constitution. The Navakholo Division Officer (DO) in Kakamega Central District Mary Kisaka observed that the new constitution can only bring the desired changes if there is peace and cohesion among the com- munities. “Even if Kenyans overwhelmingly vot- ed for the new Constitution, peace is still an important constant necessity for this country to move forward,” the adminis- trator said. She appealed to all Kenyans not to disrupt peace as the implementation phase gains momentum. “At this point in time all Kenyans should maintain peace regardless of which side one supported during the referendum in order to promote democracy and rule of law enshrined in the new constitution,” Kenyans celebrate after the Yes win on new Constitution. Photo/File she said. The provincial administrator lauded She noted with concern that con- in Bunyala central location during the police to apprehend suspicious people the residents of Navakholo division for sumption of illicit brews is one of the burial of Dr. Eliphas Odwisa Wambani. who may be out to wreak-havoc in the maintaining peace during and after the major causes of violence in some com- Speaking at the same function area area. referendum. munities. chief Mr. Moses Wekulo appealed to the “Do not stay with somebody from an- Kisaka, however, cautioned residents “For peace to prevail in any given area, residents to report strangers amongst other region without informing the au- against brewing and consuming illegal the residents should be sober and hard them to the village elders. thorities even if he is your relative. You brews saying that those engaging in the working,” the administrator observed. This, Mr. Wekulo said that would as- might be harbouring a criminal,” the chief business will be arrested and prosecuted. Kisaka spoke recently at Naulu village sist the provincial administration and the said. Sudan’s final hurdle and greatest threat

By DAVIDS KISANGI Not with the apparent inequitable dis- ritory. Besides the continued constraints The north is mistakenly contesting the tribution of resources that was executed from the north for a successful referen- legitimacy of the ‘unit’ and its economic N January 9th 2005, not so long by the governments of Nimeiri and now dum on January 2011 and the birth of a and political grievances and its not for ago, a Comprehensive Peace the ICC-bound President Bashir that the new republic in the south forthwith, it is long that we shall witness another agree- Agreement (CPA) was signed in identity of the southerners can be de- time for the international community and ment, a ‘comprehensive agreement’ ce- Kenya between the Sudan gov- nied. more so the regional actors, such as the menting or breaking the relationship be- O Further, with the vulnerability of the AU, the EAC, and in particular the IGAD, tween the north and the west. ernment and the Sudan Peoples’ Libera- tion Movement (SPLM), an agreement southerners to external threats from the to ensure that the re-entry of the Sudan It is time the regional actors and that ended the Sudan’s two decade long Sudan government military and now the crisis is avoided. more so Kenya ensured the contents of civil war between the north and south. obvious military threats from the Sudans’ With the region’s conflict system epi- the CPA are implemented to the letter. With the historicity of the conflict Uganda-based creation-the Lord’s Re- center in Sudan, it is clear that for there Further, the need to ensure the Sudan linked to identity factors and resource sistance Army (LRA), the stability of the to be stability and economic develop- Diaspora participates in the referendum distribution-both natural and political, the southerners has been put in the balance. ment in the region, the final hurdle to is central since millions of Sudanese are government of Khartoum has continued The withdrawal of the SPLM from peace, that is, the plebiscite should be externally displaced and would wish to to destabilize the political organization of the government on October 11th 2007 handled with care. get back home and witness and partake the South. on allegations of violations of the Peace And just but a reminder, the Darfur in the birth of their new republic. Through the IGAD-led mediation Agreement and the successful elections region under the Justice and Equality Therefore, it is the ripe moment for process, it is apparent that the question in April 2010 were the final indications Movement (JEM) operating largely in the all parties and partners involved in the of a united Sudan is no longer on the that Southern Sudan is on the verge of western region is on the verge of seces- Sudan Peace Process to support the Jan- drawing table. Once the government of becoming a republic. sion. The region has remained vulnerable uary 2011 referendum with both logisti- Sudan conceded to the demands of the Moreover, the election of President to bombardments from the north since cal and technical resources to win over legitimacy of the SPLM to negotiate on Salva Kiir as the leader of the southern- February 2003, with ‘racist’ killings sur- the tactics of the Bashir government and the same leverage, it was evident that ers should be the last signal to Bashir that passing the half million mark, a situation witness the birth of a new state, that the resource endowed southern Sudan the SPLM will no longer co-exist with the some UN quarters have referred to as is, the ‘People’s Republic of South Su- was seceding from the larger Sudan. north as equal partners in the same ter- genocide. dan’.

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, October 2010 SUPPLEMENT PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE BY AGENCIES Release of Congo report show N a move that is likely to send clear signal that the global com- munity will stop at nothing in its Iquest to end impunity, the UN UN will not condone impunity decided to release its hotly-contest- ed report on massacres in eastern Congo, including a possible geno- Navi Pillay. cide by Rwandan troops. Beyond Rwanda, the 500-page re- This bold move by the UN should port also accused Congolese and Bu- serve as a warning to Kenyan au- rundian troops of perpetrating atroc- thorities that their spirited attempts ities against civilians in the former to scuttle the ICC prosecution of Zaire during the 1990s, accusations perpetrators of the 2007/2008 post that have been rejected as baseless. election violence will eventually Observers are hoping that the final come to naught. document has not been altered amid The report records details of 600 pressure from the various govern- violent incidents, including massa- ments. cres, rapes and pillaging by various “As soon as any report uses the armies and rebel groups through word genocide, it’s going to be con- two wars that raged in the Demo- troversial,” said Carina Tertsakian cratic Republic of Congo between from Human Rights Watch. 1993 and 2003. “Especially for the Rwandans be- Most controversial is the detailed cause the very army that was im- inventory of instances where Hutu plicated in this crime was the same refugees were rounded up by Rwan- army that put an end to the genocide dan forces on the pretext of repa- in Rwanda in 1994,” she said, adding triation, before they were executed that she hoped that the report would with gunfire, machetes or a hammer be faithful to the original findings. blow to the head. A UN diplomat also noted that the “The systematic and widespread significance of the report went be- attacks described in this report re- yond the question of whether or not veal a number of damning elements genocide had been committed. that, if proven before a competent “What is more important is the court, could be classified as crimes Congolese victims of ethnic violence fleeing the scene. number of victims and the acts com- of genocide,” said the draft report. mitted, whatever their qualification,” The Rwandan government has The country’s threat to pull its demonstrated the world body’s de- he said. In particular, experts are reacted angrily to the report, with troops out of peacekeeping forces termination to end the violence and hoping that the report would help President Paul Kagame dismissing in Sudan prompted UN chief Ban Ki- lawlessness which pervades the war- break a cycle of impunity that is still its claims as “absurd”. moon to fly to Kigali this month to torn region. “This report reflects the helping to fuel violations today. Mr Kagame himself was at the mend fences. Rwanda has since as- commitment of the United Nations This region has faced innumer- vanguard of the Rwandan force sured the UN that its peacekeepers and my office to assist the govern- able human rights violations, many which drove the Hutu militias behind would stay. ment of DRC in its effort to eradicate of which have gone without any ac- the 1994 genocide in his homeland But speaking ahead of publica- the culture of impunity which has countability for an extended period across the border into eastern DR tion, the UN’s high commissioner fuelled sexual violence and other se- of time,” said Mr Peter Splinter from Congo. for human rights said the report rious human rights violations,” said Amnesty International. Repeat themselves “Without the accountability, these events repeat themselves,” he warned. UN rights chief Pillay CONTACT ADDRESSES: pointed out that the “overarching EU-KAS Project Office in Kisumu, Varsity Apartments 3rd Floor, objective” of the report is to “enable P.O. Box 668, 40100 Kisumu, the government of the DRC to iden- Telephone. +254 057 2023 484 tify appropriate transitional justice +254 711 358 013 mechanisms to deal with the legacy e-mail: [email protected] of these violations in terms of true justice, reparations and reform.” Prosecutions could however lead PARTNERS to political upheavals in neighbour- Mt. Elgon Residents Association (MERA) Community Initiative Action-Group (CIAG-K) Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) ing countries. Chem Ngeywo, Project Coordinator Mr. Chrispin Owalla, Project Coordinator Mr. James Kimisoi, Project Coordinator But campaigners noted that this Western Province Nyanza Province Rift Valley Province should not dissuade the international P.O Box 21-50201, Cheptais-Mt. Elgon Varsity Apartments 3rd Floor, The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret community from pushing for justice. Mobile : 0720-744827; 0734-517489. P.O. Box 668, 40100 Kisumu. P.O. Box 842 -30100, Eldoret. Meanwhile, a UN expert on sexual Email: [email protected] Tel: 0737-470558/0716-384135 Tel 2031272; 0722 448110 violence in war zones arrived late [email protected] or E-mail: [email protected] yesterday in Kinshasa on the first leg [email protected] of a week-long trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the scene of recent mass rape.

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, October 2010 20 GOVERNANCE Mwingi leaders urged to unite school education and training was By KAVYU-KURA still critical and high in their agenda. DIVISIVE politics and incessant po- “My team was still overzealous in litical wrangling are being cited as the its push to provide the youth with an reason why there is no public tertiary opportunity to further their education college or University in the larger and acquire relevant skills and train- Mwingi district. ing to enable them fit in today’s com- A politician from the area Joel petitive job market,” said Kivoto. Mutambu regrets that as leaders from He said the move to set up a Uni- other areas unite to set up middle level versity college was just the begin- colleges and even universities, those ning of a wider scheme to transform in Mwingi were torn apart by infight- Mwingi area from largely weak con- ing. sumer economy to a vibrant producer Mutambu whose bid to secure economy with efficient manpower. the PNU ticket to run for the Mwin- “It has the potential to transform gi South parliamentary seat in 2007 the region from a weak consumer flopped, said it was time local leaders economy to a vibrant producer econ- worked in harmony to set up at least omy through strategic investment a tertiary institution if not a University in human resource production thus campus. contributing to poverty alleviation “As other areas set up colleges and economic development,” said and universities to boost their human Kivoto. resource capacities, our area contin- The Treasurer to the Mwingi ues to lag behind since no combined Business and Professionals Forum, efforts have been made by leaders Campell Munyambu, said the ulti- towards establishing even a single mate goal was to see a fully fledged middle level college ,” lamented Mu- university being set up in Mwingi in tambu. the foreseeable future. He was speaking at Mwingi town He said that although 4,783 can- where he was the chief guest during didates sat for the Kenya Certificate a harambee to raise funds to buy land of Secondary Education (KCSE) ex- for the establishment of the proposed amination in Mwingi region in the Mwingi University College of Sci- last three years only a miserable 103 ence and Technology. Mutambu recieves donation from women. Mwingi now needs some stooping for a worthwhile cause candidates qualified for admission in The initiative to set up the College as Mutambu did during the harambee for Mwingi college. Photo/Kavyu-Kura public universities. was borne out of wide consultations The rest of the candidates, he add- among professional elite and fore- During the harambee, the Chair- under the Kitui County has and has University College was hatched two ed were left to waste out for lack of sighted businessmen from Mwingi. man of the Mwingi Business Commu- two MPs- Vice President Kalonzo years ago but when it was presented anywhere to go thus the urgent need Saying it was ill advised to drag nity and Professionals Forum that had Musyoka (Mwingi North) and David to the Mwingi District Development to set up the tertiary college. dirty politics into educational and de- organized the function, David Kivoto, Musila (Mwingi South). It consists of Committee (DDC), members shot it During the Funds raiser velopmental issues, Mutambu added however announced that the initiative six districts, which include Mwingi down arguing that no land was at the Kshs708,000 was raised with Mu- that it was prudent for local politicians had the blessings and political good- Central, Mwingi East, Mwingi West, time available for the facility. tambu and assistant guest Bernard to shun personal political interests will of area Members of Parliament. Kyuso, Mumoni and Tseikuru dis- Kavoto said his team did not how- Kitungi giving Kshs100,000 each. when dealing with issues that were The larger Mwingi area in the tricts. ever lose hope as the need to provide Nairobi lawyer Erick Kyalo Mutua beneficial to the larger community. new constitutional dispensation falls He said the idea to establish the school leavers with post secondary contributed Kshs30,000. Kenyans against provincial administration DC tells persons with disability By BEKADZO TONDO plementation of the constitution forms in the powerful provincial cis Kimemia has been oftenly to speed up the process and get administration with some power- been quoted by the media say- AS Kenyans continue to celebrate Kenyans liberated from the colo- ful forces in the country pushing ing chiefs will be retained and in not to dispair the adoption of the new constitu- nial governance system. for its dissolution. some cases expanded in a com- By PETER MUTUKU tion, most provincial administra- They said the old constitution However the government has plex structure. tors are spending sleepless nights favoured foreigners more than assured the administrators that The chairman of the Commit- KITUI DC Joshua Chepchieng has ap- pondering what will befall them the Kenyan people and therefore their jobs are not threatened as tee of Experts Nzamba Gitonga pealed to the persons with disability to after the proposed reforms are the new constitution brings a lot they will be redeployed to the however warns that the restruc- fight for their rights like without fear, add- fully carried out. of relief to them. counties where they are expected tured administration must keep ing that disability is not inability. Kenyans say the country has However, the officers in the to discharge their duties. off the day to day running of the “My office is always ready to serve now attained full independence provincial administration are The internal security minister counties. you without discrimination, because just like any other person, you too have a right following the overwhelming en- anxious about whether they will Prof George Saitoti says the ad- Gitonga says the new face dorsement of the new constitu- to be listened to,” he said. be retained in the new constitu- ministrators will remain and even of the provincial administration The DC made the remarks to a group tion and want the parliamentary tional dispensation. have more powers. should not interfere with the spir- of persons with disability from the Mbus- oversight committee on the im- Controversy has rocked re- His permanent secretary Fran- it of the devolution. yani sub-location, Tungutu location in Ki- tui District during his official visit to their bakery in the area. The bakery is known as the Mbusyani Disabled Persons Bakery. New law reigns terror in civil service They run the bakery through the baking skills they get from their spokesperson, Mr. Francis Muthui. By JOHN NYAMBUNE Mogire said redeploying civil She also voiced concern over the muzzled since the government had servants to county governments will failure by government to sign a col- signed a recognition agreement iden- He praised the group for starting the THE Union of Kenya Civil Servants be a grave mistake as no such de- lective bargaining agreement on the tifying it as the official trade union business that “makes very sweet bread and (UKCS) has expressed fears that the volved unit would incur expenses by agreed date in August, which was representing civil servants. Besides, scones”. security of tenure of its members as retaining several of them in the era of designed to take effect immediately she noted that both the Code of Regu- Apart from the bakery, the group also the new law takes effect. computerization. before the coming into effect of the lations and the new legislation gave makes shoe polish, milking jelly, soaps and Eldoret branch secretary general She called on the relevant minis- constitution and viewed it as a way all public workers a right to represen- detergents among others. “The disabled Jennifer Mogire says members are try in charge of civil service commu- of locking out civil servants from im- tation by a trade union. can feed themselves and the community unsure whether they will be laid off, nicate way forward on restructuring proved terms of service. Ms. Mogire urged all civil servants through the such activities productions if reapply for their jobs or retained by of the service, terming the silence as However, Ms. Mogire termed the to remain steadfast in the quest for they asre given the necessary support,” he the central government or redeployed suspicious. impending formation of a salaries and better terms of service more so under said. to county governments. But despite admitting critical con- remuneration commission as a mile- the new Constitution. She told them to “The disabled should be involved in She noted that that as part of re- cerns sending shivers down the un- stone in bridging of payment dispari- keep banking on the union to arbitrate decision making right from the village de- structuring, the newly promulgated ion’s spine, Ms. Mogire said UKCS ties between different cadres of civil on matters touching on their welfare. velopment committees,” Chepchieng said, legislation gave the county govern- was not lying down on the matter and servants, teachers, military personnel She confessed that most public adding that the disabled are recognized by ments mandate to abolish some pub- that it would fight with all its might and public servants in state offices servants had not understood the new the Kenya’s new constitution. lic offices. “My fear is that some civil to ensure no public servant under the but only if the workers are retained in constitution and called for more civic The DC said that the bakery could be servants might find themselves on the permanent and pensionable establish- service. education of civil servants ahead of more marketable if it is situated within the streets when the new law is fully im- ment would lose their jobs under the The Union, she said, was there to the implementation of the new con- Kitui town. He promised to help in mar- plemented.” new law. stay and allayed fears that it might be stitution. keting the products of made by the group. The Link, October 2010 COUNCIL/COUNTIES 21 Councilors fear for their jobs Embu council seeking funds to pay debt By PETER MUTUKU projects. man of the powerful Finance, Staff fight the vice, even among children. under new law LATF requires councils to clear and General Purposes committee Lumumba says that the Com- THE Embu County Council plans to their outstanding debts before it can Cllr Selimo Kathuri was sacked and mission is currently working closely By BOB OMBATI borrow Kshs5.9 million to settle a release any money to them. The replaced by Cllr Paul Ng’ura. with relevant stakeholders to ensure debt owed to the Local Government council owes National Social Secu- Cllr Lucy Wanja retained her seat the schools programme takes off THE creation of 47counties under the Workers Union. rity Fund, National Hospital Insur- as chairperson of Audit Committee soon. new constitution is causing ripples across A full council meeting approved ance Fund, and Local Authorities after beating Cllr Jason Ireri by 7 According to Lumumba every the political divide with civic leaders ex- the loan to unlock Kshs20.5 mil- Provident Fund, Kenya Revenue votes to six. Kenyan should take part in the war pressing fears that they may be rendered lion Local Authority Transfer Fund Authority and workers union. Meanwhile the Kenya Anti Cor- on graft since KACC alone cannot irrelevant in the new dispensation. (LATF) allocations during this fi- Most of it is interest from unre- ruption Commission (KACC) is operate in isolation. Reports that some Civic Wards will be merged while others scrapped has nancial year. But a ministerial ap- mitted workers deductions dating exploring modalities of introducing “The war on corruption should only served to aggravate their fears. proval is needed before the council back to the 1980s. corruption studies in the school cur- not be perceived as wrestling match Gusii County Council Treasurer, can approach the bankers. They said they intend to offset riculum to sensitize children on the between the Commission and a Thomas Omari is however upbeat that Council clerk Samuel Kibaara the loan from revenues and dues dangers of the vice at a tender age. dragon called corruption with Ken- the scrapping of some Wards will ensure and Chairman Harrison Mugendi from their debtors like Kenya Plant- Newly appointed Director yans as spectators,” said Dr Lu- resources are channeled towards viable say LATF fund is needed to finance ers Cooperative Union (KPCU), Patrick Lumumba says every in- mumba. projects. development plan for the 2010/2011 Nyayo Tea Zones Cooperation and dividual should be involved in ad- He said the strategy will ensure Omari says that currently, most civic financial year that aims at improving Central Government. dressing corruption at all levels to every child will learn on the dangers leaders did not having to show from the markets, rural roads among other During the meeting, the chair- internalize and draw out the will to of receiving a bribe at an early age. substantive resources channeled in the respective wards through the Local Au- thority Transfer Fund (LATF). He further notes that the proposed merging of councils will not only strengthen their financial capacity but will ensure that Wards get reasonable funds for development unlike in the cur- Counties to manage rent scenario where a large percentage of development funds are used in set- tling debts. But, Nyamache town council chairman Robert Momanyi wants more counties created to bring services closer education under new Law to wananchi. He calls for the creation of Gucha county which he argues will be able to status. serve seven constituencies namely Bo- And unless the Government basi, Bomachoge, South Mugirango, fully commits itself to providing Bonchari, Kitutu Chache, Nyaribari more resources to the identified Chache and Nyaribari Masaba unlike schools to enable them meet the Nyamira county which is set to cater for challenges in the new dispensa- only North Mugirango Borabu, Kitutu Masaba and West Mugirango. tion, the plan may never be actual- Momanyi says that the current sce- ized. nario where some counties will serve A visit at Friends Lwanda Sec- many constituency undermines the spirit ondary school, established that the of devolution and is likely to fan conflict institution is far from attaining the and corruption. National status bench-mark, when But even as the debate on whether or the counties start to operate after not to increase additional counties gains the next general elections, and will momentum, sitting Members of Parlia- require substantive amounts mon- ment, former lawmakers and perennial parliamentary and civic authority losers ey to undergo a complete transfor- are positioning themselves for governors mation. and senators seats in 2012. The school principal, Mrs. Mil- The recently elected South Mugiran- dred Masibo, says after comple- go MP, Manson Oyongo is already front- tion of the ESP project, the institu- ing former area MP Omingo Magara for tion will be able to accommodate the post of either a Senator or governor 540 Girls, up from the current 415 senator in the Kisii county. students. Omingo has not expressed interest This figure is far much below for any of the seats and non of the sit- what a national school by stand- ting lawmakers has made their intentions public though party activists are propos- ard and definition, is supposed to ing former cabinet minister, Simeon admit. Nyachae to take over the position of a Mrs. Masibo, however, ex- Senator. Primary and secondary schools will now be managed by counties under new Constitution. presses optimism that with the Nyachae who retired from active current community and political politics is quiet and resurfaced only dur- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU sion, the whole country in the new over the years is in the provincial good-will the school’s profile will ing the campaigns for the new constitu- dispensation. schools category. change in the national landscape. tion at Gusii stadium where he appealed PROVINCIAL and District Sec- In Western Province there Kamusinga High School, “We are still crawling, but giv- to the Gusii community to support the ondary schools will be phased out will be four counties namely which is in Kimilili constituency, en time and with the current sup- document. Conversely the youth led by councilor, Stephen Arika have ganged in the new constitutional dispensa- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and is not a beneficiary of the ESP al- portive parents and political lead- up and want to take up majority of the tion. Vihiga. location despite its impressive per- ership, one day we will run,” the elective posts at the counties. Instead, there will be two mod- Kakamega County is the sec- formance in KCSE. principal says. Arika says that youths intend to use el schools to be referred to as cent- ond largest in the country while The schools which will be el- She promises not to shame the their numerical strength to vote in one of ers of excellence in each Constitu- Bungoma County closely trails in evated to centers of excellence community in terms of academic their own to head the counties. ency as part of devolution process third position in terms of popula- in the Bungoma county, with the performance, asserting that this The 15 percent of the national rev- in the education sector. tion. exception of Mt. Elgon District, time round the school is targeting enue channeled to the counties says The schools are supposed to According to the 2009 census, which is part of the county include to have at least ten students quali- Arika will have great impact but appeals be equal to the current National the region under the four counties Friends school Lwanda in Kan- fying for direct university entry. to those who will handle the funds to be has a population of 4, 334, 282 duyi constituency, St. Jude Napara About the ESP project funds, transparent and accountable. schools in terms of students’ ad- The Ford people nominated coun- mission, enrolment, quality of people. Secondary school in Bumula con- the principal says the school is cilor fears that county projects may education and infrastructure. Out of this population, stituency and Ndivisi Boys High using the cash to construct eight overlap with those undertaken by Con- Already, the Government has 1,276,295 are pupils in primary school in Webuye constituency. classrooms, two laboratories, two stituency Development Fund (CDF) and under the Economic Stimulus Pro- schools and 195,918 are students Others are Teremi Boys High dormitories, ten modern toilets LATF and thus mechanisms should be gramme (ESP) project, allocated in secondary schools. School, in Sirisia Constituency, and sewage. put in place to avoid duplication. and disbursed Kshs.30 million to Despite the huge number of pu- Maliki and Lukhuna Secondary A spot check on the ongoing “I believe that if all funds pumped each of the 210 constituencies to pils in both primary and secondary schools, both in Kimilili constitu- construction work revealed that all into the councils, constituencies and either build new schools or up- schools, the region does not have a ency. the structures being put up are still counties are properly utilized and ac- grade the existing ones. National school. The schools being, in the dis- at the foundation level. counted for, Kisii county will be among the richest in the country” says Arika, The schools, which are cur- Friends school Kamusinga, tricts and provincial categories The principal divulged that noting the council is endowed with a rently under construction in most which has recorded excellent re- will however require more than all the work will be complete by conducive weather for agriculture and of the constituencies are expected sults in the Kenya Certificate of the approved allocation of Kshs. March next year. soapstone. to serve the counties and by exten- Secondary Education (KCSE) 30 million to attain the national The Link, October 2010 22 COUNCIL/COUNTIES Busia council Misgivings over Kitui County repossesses

By KAVYU-KURA ized that the larger Kitui district has idle plots a population of 600,000 people while By NYAKWAR ODAWO THE people of Mwingi now feel that our Mwingi has 300,000 giving us a despite the recent overwhelming sup- numerical disadvantage,” pointed Mu- BUSIA County Council has re- port for the new constitution, they are tua. possessed a total of 58 undevel- still a disadvantaged lot He said the only way out for the oped commercial plots across the The residents feel that the lumping people of Mwingi is to be ready to larger Busia district which cur- together of the larger Mwingi district negotiate with their more populous rently comprises of the newly cre- region as part of the Kitui County will brothers in Kitui area because they ated districts of Samia, Bunyala, force the locals to travel at high cost were in a weaker position in the bar- Nambale and Butula. to Kitui town in some cases covering gain for influential seats in the County According to the County Clerk over 100 Kilometers to get services as Kitui area has numerical might. Mr. George Maruti, the council from the County governor’s office. “The people of Mwingi will have has repossessed five commercial In some quarters, it is also feared to initiate negotiation for a fair deal plots in Butula District after own- that the people of Mwingi will not be with Kitui residents over positions of ers failed to pay the local author- given equal opportunities in filling job leadership lest they will be doomed as ity a total Kshs25, 300 in land vacancies at the yet to be established the more populous Kitui sweeps the rates while another 12 idle plots Kitui County offices since they come board during elections,” Mutua said as in Budalangi division of Bunyala from a peripheral area. he spoke to the link in Mwingi. district that could have generated Worse still, there are widespread He at the same time however urged revenue to the tune of Kshs76, fears among the people of Mwingi the populace within the Kitui County 100 have also been repossessed. that since the greater Kitui area ex- to shun old tired leaders during elec- In Nambale district, the local cluding Mwingi had a high popula- tions for a County governor and sena- authority repossessed a total of tion; Mwingi would have a weak tor. 23 undeveloped commercial plots bargaining power when it came to lob- Mutua who in 2007 came second whose owners owe the council a bying and campaigning for top seats to defence assistant minister David total of Kshs200,500 whereas in and positions at the County. Musila in the duel for Mwingi south Funyula division of Samia Dis- In a nutshell, the general popula- Lawyer, Erick Mutua, speaks at a public meeting in Mwingi. parliamentary seat, said it would be trict, a total of 18 undeveloped tion of Mwingi feels that it would Photo/Kavyu-Kura wise to elect younger and agile leaders plots have been repossessed for have been better if the area was given to steer the Kitui County leadership. non-payment of Kshs140,610. its own County away from Kitui. massive job losses. quarters operations,” said Clr. Muvin- Mutua told the link in Mwingi that “In total, the local authority has The lobbying for the Mwingi Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka ga during a harambee for the proposed although he had not made up his mind so far lost a total Kshs0.4million county was even a major issue during who is the Mwingi North Member of Mwingi University College. whether to run for the governorship or due to non-remittance of land the countdown for the August Con- parliament however later managed to The civic leader suggested that the senator seat, young, agile and edu- rates by owners of the said com- stitutional referendum as local Civic convince Cllr. Muvinga and his ilk since during the colonial days the cated persons were better placed to run mercial plots,” the County Clerk leaders initially opposed the passing to support and campaign for the new headquarters of the area currently the affairs of Kitui County. said, adding that the crackdown of the new constitution due to its fail- constitution promising that amend- comprising the Kitui County was at He made the remarks as word on rate defaulters will be intensi- ure to create Mwingi county. ments would be made soon to create Ndolo’s corner near Kabati trading gained currency that the Mwingi fied as the council cannot provide Cllr. Kitheka Muvinga of Kyani- Mwingi County among others. Centre in Kitui west district. South MP David Musila was consid- effective service delivery without ka/Ithumbi ward in Mwingi town who The constitution has been passed Although as he spoke to the me- ering to run for the Kitui County gov- adequate revenue. was initially apparently the NO team and promulgated already but no dia recently, Vice President Kalonzo ernorship while Water minister Kaluki Maruti at the same time cau- point man in Mwingi had managed to amendments are likely to be effected Musyoka noted that cllr. Muvinga’s Ngilu (Kitui Central MP) was posi- tioned the rates defaulters spread convince his colleagues that that vot- anytime soon to create Mwingi Coun- suggestions was not bad, he added that tioning herself for the County senate in the larger Busia district against ing YES for the new constitution was ty, with Cllr. Muvinga insisting that there was need for urgent constitution- representative. playing a hide and seek game with tantamount to voting themselves out Mwingi should get its county. al amendments in order to create new Lawyer Mutua who hails from the the revenue collectors as they risk of their jobs. Cllr. Muvinga argued Speaking in Mwingi recently, Cllr. counties in Mwingi, Kuria and Keiyo Mwingi East district said for effective facing legal action in accordance then that since the new constitution Muvinga noted that even as the people as the people in the areas were disad- managements of resources that would with the local authority’s by-laws. did not provide for Mwingi County of Mwingi wait anxiously to get their vantaged in the current County set-up. be allocated to the Counties, young ed- “The local authority cannot very few current civic leaders from own County there was need to locate And on his part a Nairobi lawyer ucated professionals should be picked operate effectively without ad- the area would be re-elected as county the County headquarters away from who hails from Mwingi East district for effective service delivery. equate revenue and I am appeal- representatives at the Kitui County. Kitui town. Erick Kyalo Mutua lamented that it “It will be a serious mistake for ing to both the plot owners and He also argued that the local au- “We need the headquarters of the will be impossible for a person from the people of Kitui County to elect a the entire business fraternity to thorities- Mwingi Town council and new County to be located at a neutral Mwingi area to clinch either the gov- governor or a Senator of an advanced pay revenue promptly so that the Mwingi County council would be dis- place away from Kitui town because ernorship or position of a senators be- age…….We must first scrutinize me- council can be able to provide solved in the wake of the setting up Kitui town is already full and has no cause of the areas low population. ticulously the ages of the people we services effectively,” he said as he of the Kitui County that would take room for expansion to accommodate “When I looked at the popula- are electing to ensure they measure to addressed stakeholders during the up the role of the Councils leading to the busy County government’s head- tion figures released recently, I real- the task,” said Mutua. District Development Committee meeting. Former Nambale Member of Parliament Mr. Philip Masinde, on his part called for the revival of all stalled factories in Busia such Row threatens upgrading of Kisii market as the Busia sugar factory and Nambale Cotton Ginnery saying By BOB OMBATI erected on a road reserve to create ment officials were addressed by area the pupils during their Physical Edu- that unless the same is done, Bu- room for the traders as they await the Education Officer, Joshua Kisuya cation programme. sia County will not have a strong THE controversy surrounding the re- completion of the market. who implored them to be calm and She wondered why the council revenue base. location of traders to a disputed piece The notice dated September 2, return to school as the problem was was now taking keen interest with “My main objective is to en- of land threatens to derail the pro- 2010 read in part “It has come to the being sorted out. land in the school which is currently sure that Busia has its own sugar posed upgrading of the Kisii market attention of the council that you have The school’s committee chairman, struggling to get funds to repair leak- factory where cane farmers can under the Economic Stimulus pro- put up illegal structures in Daraja Duke Nyarango said the council had ing roofs and yet no leader has dared take their produce for process- gramme (ESP). Mbili market. This has caused a lot of given the school a notice to demolish to address their plight or fund any ing as opposed to the current At the heart of contention is a inconveniences to traders who have illegal structures which include a girls project using the Local Authority scenario where they deliver the row pitting the council and a primary now been pushed to areas that are dan- toilet and two fish ponds which were Transfer Fund (LATF) and other de- same to Mumias sugar factory,” school over land. gerous and congested” far away from the road reserve being volved funds funneled to the constitu- the former legislator said, adding Council Town Clerk, Jim Maina “Failure to demolish these struc- claimed by the council. ency. that the government had paid a to- Chira said that Daraja Mbili Primary tures, the council will demolish them “I wonder whether the toilet and “Instead of harassing us, the coun- tal of Kshs57.5million to the land School is opposed to plans by the at your own cost” adds the disputed the fish ponds are illegal structures cil should be helping us fix the doors, owners at Nasewa to pave way for council to temporarily relocate the notice. which should be demolished. The windows and leaking roofs,” said the the construction of a plant which traders who have bee operating at the The notice was however greeted council should look for land else- head teacher. is expected to become opera- sprawling market to a piece of land with uproar by the school which mo- where instead of attempting to disturb She said the move by the council tional within a period of eighteen which the school claims ownership. bilized parents and pupils to stage a the pupils,” said Nyarango was ill advised and negated the spirit months. Now, the future of the project esti- demonstration within the town and The school’s headmistress, Flora of providing quality education. Masinde at the same time ap- mated to cost Kshs180 million hangs seek redress from the area District Osusu said she refused to sign the “What is more important: school pealed to the newly appointed in the balance as the traders have Commissioner, Benjamin Njoroge. notice since the school had not en- or the market, Osusu asked, adding Kenya Anti-Corruption Commis- vowed not leave the market unless the The demonstrators claimed that croached on a road reserve and had no that the school will not cede any of its sion [KACC] chairman PLO Lu- council provides them with an alterna- the council was using the notice to land to give to the council to expand land to the council at the expense of mumba to move with speed and tive site for their operation. force the school secede its land and its market. innocent pupils. prosecute those who have been The town clerk says the council later grab it. Osusu told The Link that the land Contacted for mayor, the mayor, implicated in financial scandals has given the management of Dara- The over 800 irate pupils who which is occupied by the institution Samwel Nyangeso said the council such as Anglo-Leasing, Golden- jaMbili primary school a 14-day no- were accompanied by their parents is small as huge section of the field is was not grabbing land from the school berg and Grand Regency. tice to remove structures allegedly and the school committee manage- swampy, sloppy and inconvenienced as alleged. The Link, October 2010 23 DEVELOPMENT New coffee body Nzoia Sugar set to resume milling

By AGGREY BUCHUNJU factory closed down for maintenance, elects officials the firm’s contracted farmers had been paid to the tune of Kshs. 1.1 billion for By JOSEPH MUKUBWA NZOIA Sugar Company (NSC) is scheduled to resume its operation soon the cane supplied to the company for TEN delegates from Nyeri and Ki- after a major facelift. crushing. rinyaga districts have been elected Managing Director (MD) Mr. Saul Mr. Wasilwa reveals that the two to represent Kenya Cooperatives Wasilwa says the renovation cost the months maintenance period entailed the Coffee Exporters (KCCE) Ltd at company Ksh.212 million. replacement of old rollers, refurbish- the national level. Mr. Wasilwa discloses that the cash ment of the cane carrier and replace- The officials are drawn from for the rehabilitation exercise was a ment of power house generators among various districts which include loan sourced from the Kenya Sugar other works. Mathira, Mukurwe-ini, Othaya, Board (KSB) by the Company. He, however, appeals to cane farm- Tetu, Kirinyaga West, Kirinyaga The MD said that the company ers contracted by the company not to Central and Kirinyaga West dis- had closed down for the major repairs take advantage of the factory closure tricts. Those elected will par- of its two mills at a time the factory’s and sell their canes to brokers. ticipate in the national elections crushing capacity had increased tre- The MD observes that selling cane where they will elect the directors mendously. to middlemen is not only a loss to farm- of the KCCE. During the 2008/2009 financial ers but also the company. Central Provincial Coopera- year, Mr. Wasilwa says that the factory “We invest a lot in sugarcane pro- tives Officer Mr Stephen Mwenje crushed 678,725.24 tonnes of cane and duction and we can only recover our was the Presiding Officer during bagged 68,254.744 tonnes of sugar. dues if the cane is supplied to us for the peaceful elections held at Star- Mr. Wasilwa reveals that this is the crushing” the MD says. bucks Hotel in Nyeri town. highest figure the company has ever Mr. Wasilwa reveals that the com- KCCE was established by achieved since it started operation in pany is liaising with the police and pro- Government last year in order to 1978. vincial administration to make sure that help market Kenyan coffee and Central Provincial Cooperatives Officer Stephen Mwenje (right) chats cane poaching is completely eliminated with various district cooperatives officers from Nyeri and Kirinyaga He adds that the figures achieved save small scale farmers from ex- during the financial year under review in Nzoia sugar zone. ploitation. It was registered in 25th at a Karatina hotel during the elections of Kenya Cooperatives Coffee The move, Mr. Wasilwa adds, is Exporters Ltd. recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa are slightly above those achieved dur- June last year. ing the 2004/2005 financial year. meant to ensure that the factory does Among those elected were the During the 2004/2005 financial year not incur loses in terms of unrecovered chairman of the Othaya Farmers John Muchiri, Mr Jamleck Kiura, chairman after the elections. Mr. Wasilwa says the factory crushed loan on farm inputs and that the com- Cooperatives Society Mr New- Mr Ephraim Ndumu and Mr John The KCCE Quality Assurance 646,238.24 tonnes of cane and bagged pany has enough cane to sustain its op- ton Mwangi and the chairman of Atata. Manager Michael Mungai laud- 67,849.06 tonnes of sugar. eration. He appeals to local leaders not Mathira’s Baricho Cooperative “Farmers will now get full ed the delegates for conducting This translates into 32,487 and to politicize the initiative but to instead Coffee Society Mr Wachira Mwa- control of their coffee in the mar- peaceful elections. 405.684 tones increase of cane crushed support the company in its fight against go. keting sector. In the past we had Mungai promised coffee farm- and bagged sugar respectively. cane poaching for the interest of farm- Others were Mr Isaac Kamun- many problems as we were be- ers that they will get the best pay- The MD notes that by the time the ers and sustainability of the factory. dia, Mr Harrison Githae, Mr James ing shortchanged by the commer- ments in near future through the Kariuki, Mr Joseph Kiragu, Mr cial millers,” said Othaya society KCCE. State ready to waive coffee debts ADVERTISING RATES Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories By JOSEPH MUKUBWA “I urge you farmers to ignore hurdles expected at the initial stages falsehoods by the competitors who since most farmers now have their that matter - the stories that help people make decisions about PLANS are underway to waive all are merely advancing propaganda for own milling factories and have been their education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their debts owed by coffee farmers’ socie- their own selfish interests.” he told able to recover loses occasioned by communities - reach them in a simplified but factual way. ties across the country in a move that farmers. delays in milling,” noted Mr. Nyaga. seeks to streamline the sector. He said that he is optimistic that He however said that KCCE today According to Cooperatives Minis- farmers will produce good quality cof- controls 15 per cent of coffee being How to Advertise ter Joseph Nyaga a team of experts fee due to the improved earnings. exported and that prices have doubled. Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the has been deployed to various coopera- At the same time, he noted that Nyaga also said that KCCE has rest. These can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or KCCE has survived the sustained played a big role in trying to revive tive societies countrywide to evaluate in diskettes/CDs as well as hard copies. outstanding debts and recommend so- smear campaign by commercial mill- KPCU which is under receivership by cieties that deserve the waiver. ers who were against its formation. leasing some of its facilities, such as The minister says that government “We were able to overcome the Sagana KPCU. has already set aside Kshs1.8 billion Our advertising rates are as follows: to clear loans owed to saccos and Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 commercial banks. The move comes just a month Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 after President Kibaki announced Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 that the government had decided to Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 waive Kshs.5.8 million debts owed to The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 the World Bank and the Cooperative Bank. Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 He said that there is hope for cof- Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 fee farmers who are now registering Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 higher returns since the formation of Kenya Cooperative Coffee export Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 Limited (KCCE). Nyaga made the re- Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 marks when he toured Othaya Coffee Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000 Mill at Gatuya-ini coffee factory. The plant which cost Kshs.12 mil- lion was put up two months ago by 19 Special Rates coffee factories from Othaya. We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities Nyaga who was accompanied by programmes or services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or Othaya Coffee Farmers Society chair- the Editorial Assistant. man Mr. Newton Mwangi said that the coffee sector which had in the past suffered due to the high influx of bro- The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, kers and poor pay to farmers, has now Nairobi, Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365. You can also been revived. e­mail us at [email protected] or [email protected]. He noted that since the interven- tion of KCCE, farmers are now re- Cooperatives Minister Mr. Joseph Nyaga (holding hands) NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: ceiving average payments of Kshs35- speaks to Othaya Coffee farmers at Othaya Coffee Mill recently Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). 68 per kg. when he toured the factory. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa The Link, October 2010 24 DEVELOPMENT Ministries Illegal buildings in Mwingi to be demolished rally against By KAVYU-KURA BUILDINGS that have been con- alcoholism in structed along road reserves in Mwin- gi town will soon be demolished to pave way for a Sewerage project as Taita a revised Physical development plan comes to force. By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU A stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Mwingi Central District Commis- FOLLOWING recent legalization of sioner Peter Kinuthia resolved recent- local brews, the ministries of Public ly that all illegal structures likely to Health and Youth Affairs have initi- hamper the development of the much ated a programme aimed curbing al- needed sewerage system must be de- coholism and drug abuse in Taita molished. district. The meeting that was attended by The programme, supported by Ja- the Mwingi town Council Chairman pan International Cooperation Agen- Festus Nzung’u and the town clerk cy (JICA), will come up with meas- Eugene Kituku further resolved that ures to improve the health standards the town’s physical development plan of the local community by conducting will be revised as a matter of priority. community based outreach and risk The meeting was unanimous that reduction counseling, for alcohol and the town was poorly planned. They substance abuse. concurred that some buildings had en- This will entail the reduction of croached onto roads and road reserves rampant domestic violence and other making it difficult to install communi- related alcohol risky behavior that the cation and drainage lines besides road local community has identified as be- expansion. ing as a result of excess use of illegal Consequently, the District physi- brews and drug abuse in the area. cal Planner David Karuri who was The local Medical Officer of present was directed to prepare a new Health (MoH), Dr. Shem Patta and development plan recommending A magnificent house in Mwingi town allegedly built on a road reserve. Photo/Kavyu-Kura District Youth Officer Nicholas buildings that should be pulled down Omondi, said the initiative would to give way to the sewerage system. any development applications for ap- developed, they have been blocked by holders. This is in line with the plan- facilitate a process for the local com- Giving his brief at the meeting, proval of design and plans for the new buildings which will eventually have ning paradigm as envisaged in the munity to be sensitized on the need to Karuri had stressed on the need to re- upcoming buildings been submitted to to be demolished. Physical planning Act,” planner told avoid excessive consumption of alco- vise the 1898 Mwingi town physical the council as the law demands. The physical planner pointed the meeting. He notes that the new hol and drug abuse. development plan that he said had be- He said since uncontrolled devel- that since the Italian government had Physical Development Plan should be This comes after the local commu- come obsolete due to haphazard con- opment in Mwingi town had began given a grant for the construction of a realistic and viable taking into account nity identified alcohol and substance struction of buildings. way before the enactment of the sewerage system in Mwingi town all the limitations of land for expan- abuse as a major concern affecting “The town is expanding into land Physical Planning act of 1996, the building lying on road reserves and sion and also comprehensive in the families, and predisposing them to held under private ownership as all town council had not been able to ef- on the route of the proposed sewerage provision of a healthy, safe, service- other risks such as poverty, crime, leasehold land had been taken up by ficiently control development leading system will have to be brought down able and easily maintained environ- gender based violence and even HIV/ the uncontrolled development as de- to the current messy state of affairs. to accommodate the project. ment for all commercial, industrial, Aids. velopers adopt a free for all culture Karuri further lamented that be- Karuri insisted that there was civic and community land use. It emerged that vices related to al- and ignore laid down rules and pro- sides the failure by the council to ap- urgent need to revise Mwingi town The Physical planners said the new cohol and drug abuse have reached an cedures. prove construction plans for buildings, physical development plans last done development plan would be expected alarming proportion in the area, par- He noted that the Mwingi town Civic leaders had aggravated the situ- in 1989 in order to capture and control to provide orderly and progressive de- ticularly among the youth, hence re- council had for a long time not been ation by allocating government land the construction of new buildings. velopment of land in Mwingi town by quiring urgent intervention measures. able to control development leading in utter disregard to existing town’s “There is need to revise the de- providing a framework for infrastruc- Dr. Patta said through sensitiza- to perpetual conflict in urban land use. development plan. velopment plan for Mwingi town. tural provision as well as guidelines tion, vulnerable groups will be able to “Most constructions have not been He noted that since access roads in The plan must have the input and the for preservation of amenities through understand the risks associated with approved by the council neither has Mwingi town had not been properly goodwill of the local people as stake- controlled development. alcohol and substance abuse and be able to adopt preventive strategies and measures. “The targeted groups By BEKADZO TONDO will also be expected to undertake behavioural change and stop abusing THE clerk to Kilifi town council Kilifi town clerk appeals for help alcohol and drugs”. Mr William Jilani has appealed to objectives. “The council is still fac- national Regional Management Pro- used to convert the waste into usable Speaking during a two-day sen- foreign investors and other devel- ing many challenges in its efforts to gramme organization (RECOMAP). products. The clerk on his part said sitization workshop for community opment partners to support efforts develop the town and it is for this Recomap country Representative Mr the council had set aside a one acre health workers and youth leaders on by the local authority to develop the reason that we are calling for finan- Patrick Kimani said the donation was piece of land where the solid waste drugs and substance abuse in the dis- cial and material support to meet the part of other donations offered by EU recycling machine will be located. trict, the medic said there have previ- town which is slated to attain the status of a resort city by 2030. required targets,” said Mr Jilani. He to help local authorities manage solid The council also received dust bins ously been no any existing prevention made the remarks at the council of- waste. Kimani who said his organi- from the Kilifi Teachers Savings and programmes to address the matter. Mr Jilani said though the coun- cil was among the three towns in fices when he received two garbage zation works jointly with the Coastal Credit Society. The initiative aims at sensitizing collection trucks and a solid waste and Marine Resources Development The chairman of Kilifi Green the community on alcohol and drug the country selected by the gov- ernment and World bank to be recycling machine valued at Kshs3 and Kilifi Green Town Initiative, Town Initiative Mr Harum Mwatua related risk behaviors and risk reduc- million. noted that most of the waste found urged the council to install street tion strategies, in Mbale location in developed into resort cities in line with vision 2030, a lot is required The tracks were donated by the in Kilifi town was in solid form and lights along the Kilifi bridge to en- Wundanyi division. European Union through an inter- that the recycling machine will be hance security. The workshop participants were to enable the civic body attain its challenged to come up with concrete plans of action detailing the various intervention measures that would ad- dress the menace. Other highlights of the pro- Group to empower Busia women gramme will be the establishment of By NYAKWAR ODAWO ers from various organizations and rights. stipulated in the new law, rotational support structures in alcohol and drug political parties in Busia district re- The main objectives of the work- gender approach in all committees abuse such as counseling and reha- CIVIL society groups in Busia cently, the Programmes Coordinator shop was purely to empower women and the banning of other gender bilitation centres within the existing County have embarked on a rigorous Mr. Andrew Odongo Wa Nyang- leaders to develop a strategy and based stereo-type restrictions against health facilities and possibly alcohol- ics anonymous initiatives. campaign to enlighten women on weso expressed concern that women common stand on issues of govern- women. The MoH said apart from dealing their rights under the new law. still continue to discriminated on the ance, and create infrastructure that The women leaders expressed with the alcohol and drug abuse, the The Institute of Human Rights basis of gender. He said the new law will enhance their active participa- total support for the new law which health workers are also being trained and Civic Values (IHRCV) in collab- provides various avenues for women tion in the management of affairs at they say will create infrastructure on how to sensitize communities on oration with the Civic Strengthening to address the imbalances. the county set up as spelt out in the that will go a long way in enhancing measured to prevent communicable for Reform Initiative (CSRI) and the The new law returns power to new law. the participation of women in elec- disease. National Endowment for Democ- the people individually and in their The programme’s coordinator toral process. He said about 75 per cent of the racy (NED), a foreign Non-Govern- social groupings at the local level added that the workshop was intend- The workshop participants re- diseases were avoidable and hence mental Organization, launched the through the county government, he ed to enhance the ability of women solved that all women seeking elec- the need to empower health workers campaign recently. said, adding that in order for women in the Busia County to articulate their tive posts must be trained to enhance and the local community to be able to Speaking during a workshop to participate fully, they must learn interest and demand equal represen- their capacity to articulate their inter- prevent some of them. that brought together women lead- to claim and be able to secure their tation based on the 30percent rule as ests effectively in policy making. The Link, October 2010 DEVELOPMENT 25 Kisumu turns to Nambia for KEMRI gets grant water billing By JOSEPH OJWANG from US President THE Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) has introduced By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU is our expanded models of inte- pre-paid water metering system in the in- KENYA Medical Research Insti- grated comprehensive HIV care, formal settlement of Nyalenda in a move treatment and prevention will lead geared towards improving revenue col- tute (KEMRI) and the University lection. of California have received a $7 to a turning point in the struggle The pilot project scheduled to run for million (Kshs. 560 million) grant against HIV/Aids in the communi- six months in Nyalenda is being led by a for Aids project. ties and for the families we serve.” Namibian based company TagMeter Na- The money received from the Says Ms. Bukusi mibia. It will provide an opportunity for US President’s Emergency Plan Besides providing integrated Kisumu Water Company and residents of for HIV and Aids relief, will be comprehensive services, Faces the city to assess the suitability of imple- used to expand care and support to is an important site for ongoing menting such a system to water distribu- research. For example, UCSF tion management. people affected by the disease in Kenya. recently received $1.15 million The prepaid meters will now enable grant from the Bill & Melinda customers pay only for what they con- The project, Family Aids Care sume and also help them manage their and Education Services (Faces), Gates Foundation to conduct re- water accounts better. will provide a comprehensive pro- search at Faces to determine if in- According to TagMeter Project gramme for treatment, care, pre- tegrating family planning into HIV Manager Nathan Desmond Tjirimuje, vention and support through the treatment and care will increase “We concluded a memorandum of un- Centres for Disease Control and contraceptive use and decrease derstanding with the Kisumu Water and Prevention. unintended pregnancy among HIV Sewerage Company to implement a pilot Faces director Prof. Craig R. positive women. project to demonstrate the effectiveness Cohen said the grant will ensure “Faces is also serving as an of our pre-paid water metering system indispensable platform for doing earlier this year.” more than 75,000 patients benefit He explains that the pre-paid water from expanded service areas. clinical and operational research to meters ensure that all who are able to pay “The services provided include create knowledge that can be used for water do so while at the same time HIV care, treatment and preven- throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. improve the efficacy of the water com- tion as well as HIV testing and We cannot stress enough the value pany billing efforts by cutting the costs counseling, prevention of mother and importance of private philan- associated with billing such as meter to child HIV transmission preg- thropic support in enabling Faces reading and data processing. nancy, TB/HIV co-infection treat- to develop innovative, transferable The pre-paid water meters will be in- and scalable models for integrated stalled at water kiosks operated by private ment and male circumcision serv- ices,” Prof. Cohen said. care, treatment and prevention,” operators and community organizations said Prof. Cohen. under the famous delegated water man- He said Faces project currently agement approach as well as domestic serves HIV affected families and A collaborative group from consumers of KIWASCO in Nyalenda. vulnerable populations in Nyanza, US President Barrack Obama UCSF support Faces, including Residents of Nyalenda have wel- Western and Nairobi. the Bixby Centre for Global Re- comed the move as a great step forward “With this funding, we will Programme and Chief Research treatment and prevention. productive Health; Aspire (Aids as they believe this will help manage their work towards the World Health Officer, Centre for Micro-biology “To accomplish this, we will Service, Prevention, Intervention, bills more effectively since they have for Organization’s target of universal Research, Kenya Medical Re- achieve efficiency by shifting re- Research and Education), which is long carried the burden of irregular and access-serving at least 80 per cent search Institute (Kemri). She also sponsibilities to the Ministry of the international training and edu- inflated billing. of HIV patients needing care – serves as Faces-Kemri director. Health. Our staff will provide cation arm of the Positive Health “This is a positive step towards mak- Programme at SFGH; the Centre ing the residents to pay up for what they within our service areas,” said Ms. Faces is also working to devel- technical assistance including are consuming. It will also make them Elizabeth Anne Bukusi. She is co- op and implement more efficient supervision, planning and moni- for Aids Prevention Studies and to manage this scarce resource,” says director, Research Care Training integrated models of HIV care, toring and evaluation. Our hope the Aids Research Institute. Walter Omondi a resident. The company managing director Eng. David Onyango invited all interested stakeholders in the water sector to monitor the progress of the pilot project so that it can serve as a template on how to implement pre-paid Cyclists to be trained on road safety water metering in Kenya. Onyango said the new initiative will help Kenyan utilities avoid the mistakes The Mushrooming of ‘bodoboda’ committed by others in Africa who pro- ceeded to purchase untested metering countrywide besides conducting systems which subsequently failed to By BOB OMBATI meet expectations. “We must understand workshops for the operators to that even with all these developments, we NATIONAL Road Safety Agen- ensure that they complied with are still experiencing water shortages in cy ( NRSA) will now offer road traffic rules and regulations to re- Kisumu because the demand far exceeds safety education to the Bodaboda duce accident,” says Otuke. supply,” says Onyango. operators to reduce high rate of According to recent research He noted that the company has two accidents. findings by the Agency, one per- treatment plants. The Dunga Treatment The Agency’s director Alfayo son was involved in a fatal mo- Plant that has a daily supply capacity torcycle accident after every five of 20,000m3 and that of Kajulu which Otuke says that accidents caused by reckless Bodaboda operators seconds countrywide, linking it has a capacity of about 1400m3 which to untrained, inexperienced and translates to about 21,000m3 against a are 16 times more than vehicle- demand of over 46,000m3 per day. related ones. careless riders. According to Onyango both plants Otuke, who donated stop road Kisii district, observed Otuke currently supply up to 40 percent to safety police signs to Kisii cen- had about 40,000 motorcyclists Kisumu City residents. tral Officer Commanding Police who compete for space with pub- It is due to this limited capacity that Division (OCPD), Peter Njenga lic Service Vehicles in the narrow we have introduced and implemented the during a one day workshop at roads. on-going rationing schedule to enable us The director notes that the supply water to the widest number of our a Kisii hotel said the road signs will help the operators make in- area had the highest number of customers in a day on a regular basis. motorcycle-related accidents, At the same time, Lake Victoria formed decisions to avoid acci- South Water Services Board is currently dents. and blamed this on human error, expanding the Dunga treatment plant and The director says the Agency bad feeder roads, ignorance and upon completion, the supply of water planned to open schools in urban overloading. will be doubled and production capacity areas to offer road safety educa- The Area DC Benjamin increased. tion, as majority of bodaboda op- Njoroge who opened the work- Onyango said the pre-paid meters erators were untrained and just in shop urged members of the pub- being introduced will help reduce water lic to shun overloaded vehicles, theft through illegal connections and van- the business to earn quick money. “We will continue availing the which are more prone to fatal ac- dalism which is still a big setback particu- cidents. larly in that part of the city. Motorcyclists to face tough rules. road signs to all police stations The Link, October 2010 26 FARMING/HEALTH

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA HPV infection LIVESTOCK rearing remains a Innovative miller increases risk major source of livelihood in both arid and semi-arid areas. However a large number is lost of getting Aids to drought as small scale farmers can hardly afford expensive ani- saves Kieni livestock By JOHN NYAMBUNE mal feeds in the market. HUMAN Papiloma virus Vaccine In an effort to change the sce- (HPV) could be a useful tool in HIV nario, a small scale farmer in Kieni prevention. has come up with an initiative that A recent study indicates that Ken- promises to offer a lifeline for do- yan men infected with HPV were mestic animals during dry spells. more likely than uninfected men to David Kimondo has invented a contract the HIV virus. miller which can now process fod- “Within (the study) population of der crops and preserve them for young men at a high risk for HIV in- use during the dry periods. fection, HPV infection was very com- “I started this project three mon, so preventing HPV infection years ago after I witnessed hun- could potentially be another tool for dreds of livestock succumb to HIV prevention,” says the study. hunger during the prolonged pe- HPV is a common sexually trans- riod of drought,” he says. mitted infection (STI) that can cause The father of six children who genital warts. Some types of HPV can was previously engaged in elec- also cause cervical cancer. tronic work says the initiative is Researchers found that of 2,168 rewarding than any other busi- uncircumcised men aged between 18 ness ventures as he fetches about and 24, nearly half were infected with Kshs1,000 per day. HPV at the start of the study. Over the This has helped him to educate next 42 months, 5.8 per cent of those his children and clear part of the men contracted HIV, compared with loan of the project. 3.7 per cent of the HPV-negative men. He charges Kshs. 6.00 to mill The study was part of a wider clin- one kilogram and he sometimes ical trial conducted between February mills even 1,000 Kgs per day us- 2002 and December 2006 in Kisumu, ing the miller which he has nick- which showed that male circumcision named ‘Githanduri’ (miller). The significantly reduced the risk of HIV miller uses about Kshs.300.00 acquisition. worth of diesel daily depending on A 2009 study of men who have the intensity of work to be done. Mr. Kimondo’s mobile maize cob miller. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa sex with men in the United States also “There is no need for using the found that anal HPV infection raised cobs for fuel since they can serve farmers in Tetu town, Nyeri, and their elation about the innova- The farmer is now in the proc- the risk of HIV infection. as animal feed. The feed can be Kieni West districts. tion since the mill has saved them ess of finding a machine which can According to Mr. Kawango Agot, preserved and used during the dry Farmers who have benefitted money and their cattle no longer be used to produce cooking fat for of the University of Nairobi, Illinois, spell,” says the farmer. He serves from Kimondo’s project express die during the dry seasons. local consumption. and Manitoba (UNIM) Project in Kisumu, HPV prevention could have wide-reaching benefits.”The use of both male circumcision and HPV vac- cination would further lower men’s risk of contracting HIV,” she said. Farmers rescue ailing union This was affirmed by another find- ing that among uncircumcised men infected with HPV, the estimated in- the delegates elected said they farmers since 1937 and we were union’s money. Their revelation, By MORRIS GITHENYA cidence of HIV infection was 3.9 per would also mobilize farmers to thus surprised to learn that it they said would help them pur- cent over a two-year period, against contribute funds towards offset- would be sold thus we need to sue the debtors, adding that the COFFEE farmers have resolved 0.8 per cent among circumcised men ting debts that the union owes. raise funds to salvage it,” Wathi- defaulters were not even farm- to raise funds to save Kenya without HPV. “We will mobilize farmers gari Joseph who is coffee farmer ers. Planters Co-operative Union Mr. Agot notes that while the with a view of raising money to said. KPCU was put under re- (KPCU), from the impending country’s male circumcision roll- clear the debts,” he said. The farmers appealed to the ceivership last year and KCB sale. out had been very successful among He said KPCU had assets government to help them with appointed as the receiver, to re- Farmers drawn from coffee younger men, the programme had worth over Kshs 3.2 billion and funds to offset the debts as the cover Kshs 600 million owed by growing areas from Central, struggled to persuade older men in liabilities of about Kshs 1.3 bil- coffee sector remains important the farmers. Nyanza, Rift valley and Eastern stable relationships to undergo the lion. to the country’s economy and the The farmers have however provinces elected a delegation procedure. This was despite the fact The farmers expressed sur- revival of KPCU would mean been opposed to the union be- of nine people to negotiate with that most HIV infections in Kenya prise that the union, put under success to the sector. ing put under receivership and the government and the Kenya occur within stable relationships. receivership last year, had been In addition, the farmers urged blamed the minister for Co-oper- Commercial Bank, to see how “Between 80 and 90 per cent of put up for sale. the government to expose indi- atives, Mr Joseph Nyaga for its the union could be saved. people coming for male circumcision “KPCU had served coffee viduals who allegedly stole the collapse. Mr William Gatei, one of are under the age of 30. Even as we try to convince other age groups to volunteer for it, we must accept that not everyone will be willing to be circumcised. The HPV vaccine could help to lower such people’s chances Northern Kenya to go green of contracting HIV,” she added. Kenya’s male circumcision pro- By PETER MUTUKU Already, the government on the willingness and availabil- pose danger to them. gramme has proved a useful tool in has disbursed Kshs35 million ity of mainly the women folk to On the ground, the women identifying and tackling STIs in men NORTHERN Kenya promises through the Economic Stimulus collect the raw material. are only armed with a panga and volunteering for the procedure. Re- to transform the area into an ag- Package to assist in the construc- Currently members of a couple of guards as they ven- search shows that STIs such as her- ricultural zone, thanks to an in- tion of gum and resin processing malakino women group at Se- ture deep into bushes to harvest pes, Chlamydia and gonorrhea make novative project targeting pas- plants, under the Gum Arabic rolibi trading centre in Samburu the gum. people more susceptible to HIV infec- toralist communities in the arid and Gum Resins Development District eke out a living from Another challenge facing tion. region. project. the initiative with over 200 gum them is the lack of storage fa- “Vaccinating men against HPV The project currently being The initiative is being im- collectors traversing the vast cilities and lack of effective tap- would also mean they would not pass implemented in Wajir, Isiolo plemented through the Ewaso land to collect gum. ping tools which forces them to it on to women, reducing their female and Samburu districts entails Ng’iro North Development Au- The group has no market for resort to crude tools that end up sexual partners’ cervical cancer risk,” the establishment of refinery thority (ENNDa). their produce; however mem- destroying the trees. Mr. Agot added. plants to oversee the processing The refineries have the po- bers are upbeat about latest However, with the new facto- Poisons Board approved the sale of gum and resin from acacia tential to change the economy initial. The main challenge for ries and the expected economic of an HPV vaccine in 2007, but its trees predominantly found in from a pastoralist to an agricul- the women however is the large benefits, the women are upbeat availability is still prohibitively ex- area. tural based one but are pegged numbers of wild animal which about the future. pensive for most Kenyans. The Link, October 2010 REGIONAL NEWS 27

Building of Kyuso resident query allotment of plots Mwingi schools By KAVYU-KURA too slow TRADERS in Kyuso town have By KAVYU-KURA appealed to the County council of Mwingi to institute investigation into CONSTRUCTION of schools in the alleged irregular allocation of plots larger Mwingi that are being modeled within the town. as academic centres of excellence is The Kyuso town traders’ asso- progressing albeit at a snail speed. ciation chairman Maurice Munyoki In Mwingi South, which is rep- Musya is claiming that some unscru- resented in parliament by Defence pulous council officers have clandes- assistant Minister David Musila, tinely been allocating plots to outsid- the Economic Stimulus Programme ers. (ESP) supported projects at both Kiio Kyuso town lies under the Juris- and Migwani secondary schools is in diction of the Mwingi County council. going. The traders’ chairman alleges that for Although the constituency was some time some crafty council staff given Kshs30 million for the ESP stealthily alienate and allocate land centres of academic excellence, lo- within Kyuso township. cal leaders under the stewardship of “The council authorities have been Musila found it worthwhile to split the insisting that there are no plots to al- funding between the two schools. locate at Kyuso while on a numbers Consequently, Migwani Second- of times council workers have come ary school was allocated Kshs20 here in the night to demarcate and al- million while Kiio mixed secondary lot plots,” claimed Musya. school received Kshs10 million. Con- He said although he had com- tractors have long moved to site and plained to the Kyuso District Com- work is in progress. missioner Peter Maina and the Mwin- But in Vice preside Kalonzo Mus- gi county clerk Elijah Mutambuki yoka’s Mwingi North constituency, over the illegal plots allocation done The Mwingi County Council Clerk, Mr. Elijah Mutambuki. Photo/Kavyu-Kura work at both Kyuso boys’ and Ki- under the cover of darkness, the offic- mangao girls’ secondary schools that ers have not been swift enough to take Maina disclosed that surveyors A number of traders who did not town. were earmarked to benefit from the action. would visit Kyuso town soon to iden- wish to be named pointed out that Mwinzi said that after waiting in ESP programme is sluggish. Speaking to The Link in Kyuso tify the grabbed plots. The DC who they had lost between Kshs5,000 and vain for the promised plot, he sought Although, we have not been able town recently, Musya said it was un- pointed out that he had received com- Kshs20,000 to the civic leader and his the help of the DC who promised to to establish what had caused the delay fair for the Mwingi county council to plaints about the alleged grabbing of henchmen in the fleecing scheme he assist him recover his money. in the kicking off of the construction insist that there were plots in Kyuso plots in hatched last year. We gathered that a cartel that in- works at Kyuso Secondary school that while outlanders were irregularly be- Kyuso town assured that the time A bar maid at the Kyuso Chonjo cludes the civic leader and a Ministry had been allocated Kshs. 15 million, ing allocated the same. for grabbers was up as the new con- Bar confides that the said civic lead- of livestock officer in Kyuso have very little activity was visible as far as “I have witnessed people coming stitution would effectively reign in on ers went to her with fictitious plot been involved in the scam that entails the ESP was concerned. to Kyuso under the cover of darkness them. “The days for land grabbers are allotment letters and asked for five the fleecing of unsuspecting residents The contractor was yet to mobi- and use ropes to demarcate and allo- now numbered because the new con- thousand Shillings to facilitate the by promising to allocate them with lize his workforce and machinery al- cate land in the night. The situation is stitution will seal any loopholes they transaction. The Bar waiter intimates plots. though the contract was said to have so bad that even land previously al- have been using to illegally acquire that the civic leader had stopped fre- Speaking to The Link over the is- been awarded months back. located to a cemetery had also been land,” said the DC. quenting the bar after he conned her sue, the Mwingi county clerk Elijah At the Kimangao girls’ second- given out,” he said. A sporadic interview with some of Kshs5,000. Mutambuki said he was relatively ary school things were worse of as by The Kyuso traders’ chairman traders in Kyuso town indicated that The owner of the Pelisa electron- new but had however received infor- mid September the tender for the ESP made the allegation in the wake of a good number had allegedly been ics and Barber shop, Mulwa Mwinzi mation that “ghost plots” may have project at the school had reportedly an assurance by the Kyuso DC Peter swindled of money by a civic leader said he lost a cool Kshs20, 000 to the been allocated in Kyuso. He prom- been cancelled and fresh bidders were Maina that the government will re- who had promised them plots within civic leader who asked for the money ised to investigate the matter with a being sought. voke any illegally acquired plots in Kyuso town. to help him acquire a plot in Kyuso view of taking appropriate action. Commenting on the ESP projects, Kyuso town. the Mwingi District Education of- ficer Salesa said only Kiio Secondary School in Mwingi South constituency was under his jurisdiction. He said the laboratory project was progressing Kisii farmers urged to produce more milk well.

By BOB OMBATI told the teachers to ensure that the # milk serves the intended purpose. The SUBSCRIPTION FORM THE Kenya Dairy Board ( KDB) The milk, said the official was has rolled out a school milk pilot safe, hygienic, long lasting and fit for human consumption,after project in Kisii Central district in LinkEnhancing governance for all a bid to encourage farmers to in- having been certified by the Ken- crease their production and reap ya Bureau of Standards (KBS), the quality regulator of products. benefits from the Dairy sector. Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months Board official Emmah Mbu- Kisii Central District Com- gua says 12 schools have been missioner, Benjamin Njoroge dating from ...... to...... earmarked for the project in the who was the chief guest urged the area. board to consider including all the I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… Mbogua says the move fol- 126 public schools in the area and lows a government grant of monitor the project’s progress to Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... Kshs0.3billion to enable the ensure it was successful. Board buy milk from processors The DC decried the areas poor Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… countrywide and pay farmers to performance in national examina- boost their morale after a milk tions and challenged stakeholders Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... glut that was witnessed in the to jointly work together to reverse country recently, leading to the the trend. (Attached, please find money order No ...... wastage of millions of litres of The school’s head teacher, Joel milk. Nyang’au lauded the government Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. Mbogua, who spoke at Kisii for the project, saying he will Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... Primary School where she de- ensure that each pupil benefited adding that it will reduce absen- livered 15,375 packets of milk Back issues No/Months: ...... was accompanied by area branch teeism among some lazy pupils. He appealed to the govern- manager, David Akungu and Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- Dairy technologist, Obed Otwere. ment to re-introduce the free milk programme in schools to curb She said each child in the se- Institute for Civic Affairs and Development lected schools will drink a packet truancy among learners besides of milk dailyfor two weeks and making them healthier. P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi The Link, October 2010 28 REGIONAL NEWS

NTA reveals Tough rules for unruly matatus Kieni’s ghost By JOHN NYAMBUNE STRINGENT measures that seek to projects restore sanity within the public trans- port sector have been unveiled. By JOSEPH MUKUBWA The measures will be implemented by the Transport and Licensing Board The National Taxpayers Associa- (TLB) and other public transport in- tion (NTA) has identified two ghost dustry players to improve the public projects in Kieni constituency in the transport, says Transport Minister previous financial year. Amos Kimunya. The phantom projects were of- He urged players in the industry to ficially allocated Kshs 450,000 by emulate the impressive performance the local CDF kitty but they do not by the Interim Independent Electoral physically exist on the ground. Commission (IIEC)in order to trans- Speaking at Narumoro stadium form the transport sector. in Kieni during the launch of NTA He observed that the IIEC has, Citizen’s CDF Report Card for Kieni supervised several successful by-elec- constituency, NTA communications tions and the August 4 referendum be- officer Mr. Denis Alieno said the ob- sides updating the voter register. jective is to audit projects funded by “If the IIEC can establish, maintain public funds to ensure accountability and update a voter register of over 14 and the residents at the grassroots re- million Kenyans, what would hinder the Transport Licensing Board from ceived value for their money. having a register of a paltry 75,000 Alieno said that the Kshs 450,000 registered public service vehicles?” he for the two projects Nyange and St asked at a recent consultative meeting Joseph polytechnics in Thegu and on road safety with TLB members. Mweiga wards could not even be ac- He said the IIEC counterchecked counted for. Each was allocated Kshs each voter against the register; either The Transport and Licensing Board (TLB) is out to improve the public transport. 300,000 and Kshs 100,000 shillings during the voter registers verification respectively. He further noted that process or actual voting in thousands tackle them. “A PSV licence should be He concurred with the TLB that He said the move will enable the Kshs 950,000 of the taxpayer’s mon- of voting stations spread throughout viewed as a seal of approval obligating a phase-out programme for 14-seater TLB to realise quick gains, adding ey, about 12 per cent of the total CDF the country. Mr. Kimunya challenged a driver to take full responsibility for matatus was necessary to decongest that they should consolidate informa- funds allocated to the monitored the TLB to emulate the IIEC and inte- passengers who have entrusted their Nairobi’s central business district. tion on all PSVs, their owners, drivers, projects in 2007-08 were on ineffec- grate ICT in its operations in order to precious lives to him. This responsibil- He said the Kenya Railways Cor- conductors, routes and other necessary tive projects. improve road safety standards. ity is not negotiable by compromising poration also plans to develop a light requirements in order to set up a reli- The constituency was allocated He said the TLB should decentral- safety standards for the sake of profit,” rail transit system between the CBD able data bank. Kshs 42,531,834 in the year under ise its operations to the counties. With he said. And to demonstrate his com- and Embakasi for mass transportation TLB chairman Wilfred ole Legei review. But the area MP Hon Neme- 65 recently recruited employees, the mitment to ensuring a renewed strat- of passengers and urged stakeholders assured the minister that the board was syus Warugongo who graced the TLB could roll out its decentralised egy for the PSVs, the minister directed to support the initiative. Mr. Kimunya committed to improving road safety launch of the report card said the service in the next annual licensing TLB to submit a detailed report within promised to seek MPs approval for a despite emerging challenges. a month on how it intends to restruc- host of laws targeting road transport He said the sector requires short- beneficiaries re-located the money to cycle. “The adoption of a PSV register other projects without notifying the will not only enable TLB to maintain ture its operations. with a view to improving the industry. term interventions to deal with the an inventory of all licensed vehicles He emphasized the need to set The minister, however, pointed out growing menace of impunity and in- NTA secretariat. for auditing purposes, but like with objectives for the sector so that re- that Parliament’s goodwill could only discipline among PSVs. Warugongo added that auditors the voter register be able to effectively sults could be measured to determine be assured if the ministry proved it is Mr. Ole Legei said the thriving have been dispatched to the projects monitor their operations,” said Mr. whether innovative ideas meant to im- capable of improving safety through bicycles and motorcycles taxis, and to unveil the truth. He blamed his op- Kimunya. prove management are fruitful or not. existing regulations. tuk tuks and marutis, require unique ponents of politicizing CDF projects He told the board that road safety The minister told TLB to consult Permanent Secretary Dr. Cyrus management methods and appropriate to gain political milage and chal- challenges facing the country are well widely with stakeholders, especially in Njiru assured TLB of support, espe- regulations because it has permeated lenged those claiming the CDF kitty understood and what is needed are the management of vehicle routes and cially in the vision of equipment for all urban centres and are contributing had been misused to table evidence realistic mechanisms with which to terminals. automation of its services. to increased accidents. to the auditors.

Mukurwe-ini residents stick to batter trade Ganze MP queries By JOSEPH MUKUBWA ing business transaction. The trad- paying dowry. They add that despite ers who have kept this trade for as millions of shillings exchanging EVEN as the world adopts digital long as they can remember say that hands during the market days, many NTA audits ways of doing business, residents of most of the homesteads now own still prefer barter trader which they domestic animals since no money is say is sweeter and better. By BEKADZO TONDO Besides verification of projects Mukurwe-ini have stuck with their physically, NTA officials also inter- batter trade system. required. But Mr. Nelson Wanjohi from AN assistant minister has questioned Traders have been traveling from Ichamara says that brokers have been view all stakeholders including of- The batter trade which has kept the credibility of social audit reports ficials, contractors and project ben- residents as one family at the popu- as far as the neighbouring countries exploiting customers by dictating on focusing on the management of de- of Somalia and Sudan to come and the prices of the animals and urged eficiaries who comprise members lar Gakindu market in Mukurwe-ini volved funds by the National Taxpay- of the public within the vicinity of constituency has been practiced for exchange animals. Others come from the Government to wipe them away. ers Association (NTA). Turkana and Kambaland. “This mar- The traders now want the Gov- a project before they come up with over 100 years. “In today’s world The MP for Ganze Mr Francis their final reports,” explains Kizito. where many believe that money is ket is however driven by the quality ernment to rehabilitate the market Baya who is also an Assistant Minis- and value of the animals. Once you since it is muddy during the rainy He at the same time hit at Ganze the answer, residents in Mukurwe-ini ter for Immigration and Registration CDF committee for failing to coop- have stayed under one roof of barter agree with the owner, you exchange season. They also need piped water of Persons says the reports were ex- for your favourite animal without us- in the market. erate with NTA officials who were trade, an issue which has kept them aggerated and did not reflect the real- forced to get information from the like one family,” they say. ing money or filling any document as They also urged the Nyeri County ity on the ground. agreement,” said the chairman of the Council which is the custodian of the CDF national offices. The community is still living in Baya claims that the findings by “We were unable to get informa- the colonial era and has refused to market Mr Gerald Wanyiri. market that they should not be charg- NTA were contradicting and there- Traders flock the market from ing for the unsold animals. Traders tion from the Ganze CDF manage- catch up with trends in the modern fore could not form the basis stream- ment committee and we had to rely world where only money plays the Monday, Wednesday and Friday also sell cereals in the same way. lining the management of devolved which are designated market days With one crate of tomatoes, you on data from the national office to es- big part as an exchange earner. funds at the grassroot level. tablish the status of CDF supported Mr. Fredrick Gatanga, a trader for exchange of animals. can go home with two buckets of The MP spoke in Ganze primary “I’m very happy that I will go potatoes and vice versa among other projects” said Kizito. who has worked in the market for school grounds as NTA’s national Area residents complained that over 30 years says, “With your goats, home with two dairy goats after I ex- goods. coordinator Mr Wangalwa Kizito changed it with my black calf. I want The traders say they are not ready the CDF office was located in Bahari you can go home with a calf or vice defended his organization saying re- constituency and therefore they were versa. You can take home even sheep, to start rearing goats as I hear the to quit barter trade business soon porst are compiled after careful anal- milk is more nutritious than that of saying that poor families have ben- unable to access or closely monitor cows or even chicken depending on ysis of available records. the implementation of projects. They what you brought for the exchange. the cows,” says Mr Michael Wanjau. efited much as no money is needed. “Once the basic records on de- However, others who want to Others markets in the district also said that their children were be- Legal tender here is not the answer.” volved funds are obtained, they are ing denied bursaries since they could Traders here say the market use money are also allowed as there which are also using barter trade in- analysed and verified to create a com- are butchers who purchase animals clude Kiahungu and Ichamara mar- not properly monitor the criteria started around 1910 with barter trade plete picture of every single project. used in identifying needy cases. being the only means of facilitat- while others purchase animals for kets. The Link, October 2010 29 REGIONAL NEWS

Webuye council Concerns over rising malaria cases under fire over By NYAKWAR ODAWO order to make them accessible. are 19,847. mosquito nets were selling According to the data The acting Medical Officer the same in exchange for cash sale of plots availed to The Link by Busia of Health [MOH] Dr Ambrose instead of using them for the HEALTH authorities and resi- By LUKE KAPCHANGA dents of Western Province District Hospital recently, the Fwamba appeals to the gen- purpose to which it had been malaria infection rate among eral public especially expect- intended. have raised serious concerns WEBUYE residents are ex- over rising cases of malaria in children under age of five as at ant mothers and the children “It is very bitter that in tremely unhappy with over the area. the end of last month stood at under the age of five to strictly some people especially those the fraudulent sale of council Consequently, a series of 40,249 whereas the confirmed sleep under treated mosquito from the lake region or plots. meetings are planned to raise cases of malaria infection un- nets in order to curb the rising beaches where fishing is Residents claim that public awareness and to edu- der the age of five is 15,541. malarial infection cases in the done on a large scale are sell- councilors were silently ap- cate them on prevention and The data further stated that district. ing the nets to the fishermen in proaching them to part with treatment measures. cases of malaria infection The acting medical officer exchange for cash. Those who Kshs.50,000 so as to be allo- During a meeting in Bu- among children aged six years of health expressed concern will be found selling the mos- cated plots for commercial sia, Dr Moses Mwaniki of the and above is 36,154 whereas saying that most of the patients quito nets will be dealt with purposes. Child and Family Wellness the confirmed malaria cases who had been provided with according to the law”. The mayor John Ngome, (CFW) said the main objective has however dismissed the claims and challenged those of the forum was find ways of who have allegedly lost mon- curbing the spread of malaria ey to councilors to come for- in the region through testing, ward. treatment and prevention. “I would like to challenge “This has come against the any trader who has given backdrop that malaria is one money to come forward with of the major killer diseases the information for the matter in the areas around the lake to be investigated”, he said. region. We therefore urge the He maintained that, the general public to undertake council was in the process of the clearing of bushes, ensure compiling lists of undevel- proper drainage system; use oped plots, to determine how insecticide treated nets and to get them repossessed. also seeks earl medication as a The mayor noted that in measure to control the spread April, they discussed the mat- of malaria.” ter, and were developing mo- The workshop was facilitat- dalities on how they will have ed by the Sustainable Health- them repossessed, gazetted , care Foundation in collabora- before being re-allocated. tion with the Child and Family “As of now the council has Wellness and brought together no records on undeveloped plots, because the allocation medics from different areas of was done by the ministry and specialty, including Nurses, beneficiaries never bothered Clinical Officers, Pharmacists to pay rates to the council”, and laboratory Technicians he added. from western province. He cited an entire street in The move came in the wake Webuye town, which have no of growing concerns over the leases from the council and high prevalence rates of ma- owners have never paid rates. laria in the country leading “The council is owed mil- to the escalation of mortality lions of shillings by rate de- rates. faulters and we have resolved He said that the government to hire a lawyer to collect the had promised to subsidize the rates on behalf of the coun- cost of anti-malaria drugs in Malaria has become a common disease in Africa. The mother with her child is one the victims. cil,” adds the mayor. The mayor said that the council was exploring oth- er ways to raise revenue to bridge the gap that may arise in the event that they missed Manga elders wants Anyona feted out on LATF allocation due to a statutory debt running to by Kenyans without reference to its The DC challenged members of was too early for chang’aa drinkers Kshs40 million. By BOB OMBATI architects who were instrumental in the public and officers to continu- to celebrate, noting that tough condi- He said the council will the realization of plural democracy, ously read the new document to un- tions were underway to ensure that generate more revenue from MANGA District elders now want and the overhaul of the colonially in- derstand it fully to avoid breaking the brewers produced drinks only after the revival of Pan Paper, the government to build a library in herited supreme law. law, warning individuals should not being certified by the Kenya Bureau Masinde Muliro University Kitutu Masaba constituency to hon- Manga is considered the origin of hide under the cover of the constitu- of Standards ( KBS) and were li- Webuye Campus, Medical our former area lawmaker, the late the Abagusii community and the cra- tion to murder, rob and grab public censed. Training College and Cess George Anyona, for his role in fight- dle of opposition politics in post inde- properties with impunity. Under the new law, brewers will from Nzoia sugar company. ing for reforms now espoused in the pendence era which helped shape the Time for land grabbers, warned pack Chang’aa in sealed bottles and Apart from the new constitution. nation’s political landscape through the DC is over cautioning those who sell the stuff between 5.00pm and Kshs.29million LATF alloca- Led by Lawrence Okeyo, the the scrapping of section 2A which had encroached Manga township and 11.00 pm with strict rules to shun tion, the council is also set to elders say that Anyona, a fiery politi- ushered multiparty democracy. Manga Orotuba ridge to move out be- selling chang’aa to drunk customers. lose Kshs.6million from Road cian was among reformists who sac- The area District Commissioner, fore they were evicted. Kyata direct- Kyatha gave notice to the regional Maintenance Levy Fund rificed their dignity, lives and were Onesmus Kyata, who presided over ed the police to crackdown on brew- Kenya National Highway Author- which has been transferred incarcerated for long for their agita- the ceremony concurred with the ers and consumers of illicit brews in ity Engineer to erect barriers at and another shs2million from tion for the second republic. elders and called for change of atti- the area, stressing the legalization of Omogonchoro and Kemera trading Contribution in Lieu of Rates. Okeyo avers that it is imperative tude and reciprocity by public serv- Chang’aa is yet to take effect. centres on the Kisii-Chemosit road to Basically the council that monuments are erected to com- ants and residents to fit in the new Immediately President Mwai reduce rampant accidents where five faces an operational deficit memorate the Kenyan heroes and law. Kibaki assented the Bill legaliz- lives have since been lost. of Kshs.44million, with the heroines who struggled for the coun- Kyatha reminded residents and ing production and consumption of He urged area entrepreneurs and wage bill of employees ac- try’s second liberation as historians public officers that the new law changaa, some revelers went over- the local authority to put up hotels, a counting to over Kshs.34 mil- document their role in history books placed heavy responsibilities on board and dangled the brew before market and residential houses to ca- lion. for posterity. them, adding that the officers will be chiefs and police officers daring them ter for the public servants posted to Sources at the council ac- Addressing members of the public required to respect the rights of others to arrest them. the area, revealing that some stayed cused the councilors of not at Manga stadium over the weekend, as enshrined in the constitution and But the architect of the Bill, Na- far away and spends a lot of time to being supportive in measures he lamented that the actualization of offer selfless service to justify their ivasha Member of Parliament, John reach offices, hampering service de- to cut down costs of unneces- the new law was being celebrated salaries and allowances. Mututho quickly pointed out that it livery. sary expenditures. The Link, October 2010 30 REGIONAL NEWS Molo CDF funds school Kenya strikes gold as construction By RACHEL MUTHONI industry faces dilemma MOLO Constituency Development is currently enjoying record prices Fund (CDF) committee has allocat- By DANIEL OTUNGE ed more than Sh800,000 to Mutum- for gold and silver, needs first to “acknowledge that it has a prob- boro Primary School to assist in the THE news that Kenya has discov- construction of four class rooms. lem” and to certify properly where ered deposits of gold worth hun- exactly gold comes from. The funding will help restore dreds of millions of shillings in sanity in the school where pupils This would be along the lines of Nyanza province and other parts of the Kimberly Process, established have been learning in makeshift the country comes with mixed for- structures. in 2003, which aims to certify tunes. where rough diamonds were mined The school’s head teacher It is good because tens of hun- in order to ensure that they are not Kamau Kuria says they had been dreds of poor people will certainly “blood diamonds” feeding conflict sitting on a time bomb as most get gainful employment and source structures risked collapse. of income. On the flip side, it comes in the world’s hot spots. “Our fear was that pupils were at a time when a UN expert on the DR Congo is plagued by in- not safe in the classrooms in the Democratic Republic of Congo stability and is ranked among the event the structures caved in ,” said warned at a precious metals con- world’s 20 most corrupt nations by Kamau ference recently that “blood gold” governance watchdog Transparen- He says the roofs had been leak- is threatening the industry with a cy International. It also has huge re- ing and pupils were forced to stay “moral and public relations disas- serves of resources used in a whole at one corner when it rained during ter”. range of goods -- such as coltan, lessons. “There is a high risk that any ar- for instance, for mobile phones -- He says that efforts to raise tisanally mined gold coming out of drawing intense interest by foreign funds from the parents were fruit- the country is ‘blood gold’,” Gre- governments and firms. less since majority of them were gory Mthembu-Salter, a member Mthembu-Salter also said that poor and could not raise the amount of the UN Group of Experts on the his report, due to be made public required conflict-riven but resource-rich Af- in late November, accuses the DRC “Mutumboro is relatively dry rican country, said. army of involvement in illegal min- unlike many other parts of the dis- He said rebels in eastern DRC, ing, while neglecting its security trict and most parents work as casu- including those blamed by the UN duties. al labourers,” he explained. for the rapes of at least 303 civilians “Where the rapes occurred last Molo CDF Project Manager in four days in July-August, were month (in the Walikale region) the Bernard Mbugua says the funding being financed by illegal mining of army was not present because it was allocated after evaluating the gold and other minerals that are ex- was busy in the nearby ... goldmine. risk that the pupils at the school ported worldwide. “We also have evidence that the were being subjected to. Discovery of any precious metal military has colluded with the mi- “The school will also be allo- in a poor country like Kenya breeds litia that perpetrate the killings and cated additional funding to oversee enclave mentality whereby a few the rapes in order, it seems, to per- construction of other classrooms greedy individuals with means or- petuate the insecurity that justifies and give the school a facelift,” he ganize criminal gangs to help them their presence.” adds. maintain stranglehold on mineral Professionals at the conference, reach area. The suffering of the Mbugua says that the CDF com- organised by the London Bullion people of the gemstone-rich Taita mittee has prioritized projects in the A gold mine tunnel. Inset: President Market Association (LBMA), ap- Taveta areas is a case in point. The Joseph Kabila of DRC. peared to show little or no interest, education sector in order to boost killings of people of Sierra Leon literacy levels in the Constituency. however, with discussion focused over blood diamonds is another moral and public relations disaster instead on the ins and outs of trad- Some schools within this con- grim example. on its hands. Already activists have stituency were destroyed and prop- ing in precious metals. As the story “Gold is the mineral of choice targeted the electronics and technol- of Congo shows, Kenyan authori- erty looted during the post election stuck with the ‘blood gold’ label for the murderous armed groups ogy industry because of their oppo- ties should be on the lookout for violence. and the charge that through your in- currently operating in eastern sition to so-called ‘blood tin’. possible human rights abuses mo- “While some have been recon- “Do not imagine that the gold action you are aiding and abetting DRC,” Mthembu-Salter said at the tivated by greedy rush to dominate structed by well wishers, others are start of the two-day gathering of in- industry can be far behind.” the DRC’s murderous conflict,” he still shadows of their former glory,” If the industry did nothing, warned. the goldmines of Migori. dustry professionals in Berlin. — Additional reporting by AFP he said. “The gold industry has a major “then you will have to face being He said that the industry, which MPs urged to use census report to allocate funds

By JOEL JUMA uencies that feel discriminated constituencies was reached to will benefit from allocations that warrant some constituencies to LEGISLATORS have been will be disbursed to their get higher allocations. asked to familiarize themselves Counties. Khalwale singled out Turka- with details of the population Wangalwa, who was speak- na Central, which was allocated census results so that the figures ing in Kakamega said the new Kshs94.7million. Ekwe Ethuro can form the basis of CDF allo- constitution has stipulated that who is the Parliamentary CDF cations. each County will be getting 15 chairman represents Turkana An organisation dealing with per cent of the National revenue, Central. transparency and accountability a matter he claimed will rest- Oparanya said allocations of public funds accused MPs complains of CDF allocations. were carried out profession- complaining over the allocation He NTA will continue to ex- ally adding that all factors were of insincerity. pose MPs who mismanage the considered while allocating the National Taxpayers Associa- CDF money with the view of money. tion (NTA) said CDF allocations promoting accountability in the Wangalwa however said NTA were pegged on poverty index. management of public resourc- will continue to monitor projects “Why should some MPs es. to ensure management commit- complain yet their areas are de- Wangalwa’s spoke as the Par- tees do not misuse the funds. veloped,” said NTA national co- liamentary Accounts Committee He explained that the country ordinator Kizito Wangalwa. (PAC) Chairman Bonny Khal- lags behind in implementation Wangalwa said Planning wale faulted the criteria used in of the millennium Development Minister Wycliffe Oparanya the CDF allocations. Goals because some legislators should not be blamed over the Khalwale demanded to know do not utilise the money appro- Mr. Oparanya, Planning Minister. allocations arguing that constit- how the poverty index of the priately. The Link, October 2010 NEWS 31 Earth tremors scare Ugandansmerged By HOPE MAFARANGA the recent eruption in sseveral European countries in May this year. RECENTLY Kabarole district in Uganda “The 4.5 magnitudes are small has been experiencing frequent tremors enough to scare people from their houses during the morning, evening and night but they are not so much destructive but hours. I am not saying that it may not increase. The tremors that last for about 30 to In fact the frequent earthquakes have 49 seconds leaving residents scared of raised our suspicions that after May’s what will happen next. eruptions in European countries and the The tremors have thrown people into 1998 Democratic Republic of Congo a picnic saying that it is a signal of vol- eruption, we have to be prepared and canic eruptions. inform the communities on how to save Science Africa has established that their lives during such disasters”, Kahu- people residing around Semliki Hot ma said says. Springs in Bundibugyo district in western He attributed the increase of tremors Uganda have started moving their ani- to heavy rains and a lot of water which mals and other valuable property. flows from the Rwenzori mountains. The However, the locals accuse the lead- Engineer says that they have trained arti- ers of not telling them any preventive sans in earthquake prone areas and have measures and how they will handle the been running radio programmes from situation if disaster struck. 1996-2008 in Kabarole district. “I am scared that we may perish He says that they are looking for unknowing because the leaders and re- funds from Ministry of lands, housing searchers are not telling us the truth on and urban development to sensitize the the current and frequent earthquakes that community on earthquake and disaster we are experiencing ,”Moses Muhindo a management. resident of Karugutu in Bundibugyo dis- Last year the first earthquake resistant trict says. house in Uganda was constructed in Fort Muhindo says that he had started Portal to be a model house where people moving his animals to save them from the who plan to build houses can refer to it. numerous. Clovis Kabaseke a forestry and horti- However the Bundibugyo district culturalist expert at Mountains of Moon LCV chairperson Jackson Bambalira ad- University says that the current earth- Earthquake resistant prototype house in Uganda. Kenya needs to start planning for earthquakes too. mits that the tremors are heavy but he was quakes have led to land slides which are quick to add that he was not aware of the destructive to crops. The 1994, earthquake destroyed Viri- duce dangerous gasses like surph diox- ernment about any disastrous volcanic people who are vacating the area. “I am Kabaseke say that the on-going trem- ka cathedral, Virika hospital, St. Maria ide and other dangerous gasses. eruptions. “Detecting volcanic eruption is not aware of people who are shifting but ors have spoilt paw-paw trees, avocados Goretti Girl’s Senior Secondary School, He says that lava falls which forces not that simple because it’s not like other get in touch with the chairperson of the and tomatoes. Kyebambe Girl’s School, Nyakasura the rock to melt may also lead to destruc- disasters but we shall keep on praying to disaster committee,” He says. Willy Isingoma 27, years a resident Secondary School, St. Leo’s College tion of property and life. God so that this does not happen”, Ny- Jolly Tibemanya, the Bundibugyo of Saaka in Kabarole district says that the Kyegobe and Kinyamasika National He says that Rwenzori region was ende retorted. He expressed his concern district disaster committee chairperson, earthquake are becoming too much and Seminary. vulnerable to volcanic eruptions af- that Kabarole may be wiped out on world says “we have not put in place any meas- scarily. “We are expecting to drown and Others were the Tooro kingdom ter its neighboring, Nyamurangira and map if the eruptions take place saying that ures for such disasters because it’s beyond the expansions of the crater lakes will dis- headquarters in Muchwa and the resi- Goma in Democratic Republic of Con- Kabarole is surrounded by volcanic areas. our capacity”. place many people,” he says. dence of the Bishop of Rwenzori diocese. go (DRC) erupted in 1998 and are also For Charles Muhanga an elder in the When put to task to explain why the The Kabarole district Vice Chairper- Since the earthquake first struck, threatening to erupt again. area, says in 1920, the area was very ac- district has not prepared for any emer- son Moses Ikagobya says that, the district tremors continue to occur at regular inter- “We are very close to the volcanic tive. “We used to see smoke coming out gence, Tibemanya who doubles as the has no funds for disaster management. He vals, exacerbating the trauma, panic and area if the eruption takes place, we may from the rocks, but I have taken long Acting Chief Administrative Officer says that their hands are tied since gradu- uncertainty in the region. not survive. I am scared being neighbors without seeing them which forces me to says “No money for disaster, we are con- ated tax was scrapped off by the govern- Kabarole district has more than 54 of DRC, the volcanic eruptions can eas- think that they had become dormant”, He strained because all the funds we get are ment. crater lakes and other features which were ily extend here”, He says. says. conditional grants. We shall wait “God Ikagobya adds that disaster is not a formed as a result of volcanic activities. Last month, huge rocks blocked He however said that the current forbid” in case it happens we shall get aid priority it’s the reason why the district had The lakes are situated in Rwetera, Kasen- Fort Portal- Bundibugyo road, leaving earthquake is associated with cultural and relief from the Prime Minister’s office,” not thought about it entirely. da, Rwimi, Kicwhamba sub-counties. people who are using that road stranded. monarchy activities. he says. “In fact there is no provision for disas- Among those volcanic, Rwihamba, Big rocks from the hills along the road Muhanga says that whenever a new But the head of Seismology in the ter in our budget because it’s not a priority Nyakasura, Harugongo, Kasunganyanja, rolled down to the middle of the road as king is going to be enthroned or die, earth- Rwenzori region, engineer Adolf Kahu- and I think there no any institution we can Kijura, Nyakarongo, Mbuzi, Nyinam- a result of landslides that had hit the area. quakes come as sign of good or bad news ma, says that the tremors that are rocking lobby funds from since the disaster has buga and Kahungabunyonyi are believed The landslides were caused by the heavy to the kingdoms. He explained in 1994 Rwenzori region are not destructive. He not yet occurred”, Ikagobya says. be active and has prompted people to rains. when the kingdoms were restored by says that the current earthquakes measure In 1994 a strong earthquake hit Kaba- speculate that any time volcanic eruption The road was cut off at Kasisi, sixty President Yoweri Museveni, earthquake 4.5 on the Richter scale is scarily but not role District which claimed the lives of may occur. kilometers to Karugutu town, blocking was too much which indicated good news very destructive. eighty people and destroyed property. Its About 200 million years ago, fire off cars to Bundibugyo and Fort Portal of the coming back of kingdoms. Eng Kahuma however did not rule epicenter was in Kisomoro sub-county, broke out in parts of Kabarole through the town. He also claims that the 1996 earth- out the possibilities of increasing after Bunyangabu County. rocks and formed hills and crater lakes, However the chairperson, Kabarole quake hit the area before the death of according to geographic teacher at Nya- district disaster and preparedness com- King Patrick Kaboyo Olimi. kasura School, Christopher Bulaaya. mittee Juma Nyende says that earth- “Even now I am not surprised that the Bulaaya says that the area is associat- quakes are associated with volcanoes, earthquakes are back and very frequent. Webuye power plant to starts soon ed with volcanic, landslides, full of expul- but he was quick to add that they are not Don’t you know that our king Oyo Ny- sion, crater lakes some are dry depression like other disasters. imba Kabamba Iguru has just turned 18 By LUKE KAPCHANGA The land in question was reserved and other are filled with water. He admits He says that, the committee has not years early and he assumed his responsi- for the East African Power Company when volcanic eruptions occur, they pro- yet received any warning from the gov- bility as a full king?” he said. WEBUYE hydro-electric power sta- in 1968, meant for the development tion will kick off once the Commis- of a power station. sioner of Lands approves land allo- The council on its part has decided cated to the project. to give it to the private developer to According to the area MP Alfred have it utilized because it has been left Gov’t builds markets in Butere-Mumias Sambu, the project will commence undeveloped for a long period. once the private investor is allocated The Kenya A.A Electric Crane By JOEL JUMA placed to pave way for their construc- Keya explained that markets land. “The investor is seeking alloca- co. ltd., the Chinese firm interested tion not to panic over stalls alloca- spread in various parts of Western tion of land number LR1662 Ndivisi/ in the project wrote to the council FOUR MODERN markets are being tions. province have stalled after contractors Mihuu totaling 30 acres”, say the MP. about their willingness to invest in the built in Butere/Mumias County at “We shall ensure that the stalls are abandoned them. Webuye municipal council has al- project. a cost of Kshs40 million already re- distributed fairly to traders who will He named areas where traders ready written to the minister of Lands In a letter dated August 19,2010, leased by the central Government. apply for allocations,” said Keya have been displaced in order to pave notifying him of plans by the private signed by Wang Songoi and copied to The markets are being constructed Keya however faulted the minis- way for construction of modern mar- investor, Kenya AA Electric crane Bungoma East district John Litunda in Butere, Mulwanda, Harambee and try of Local Government for ignor- kets as Chavakali, Khwisero, Butere company ltd , to develop a power sta- and Webuye MP Alfred Sambu, says Buhuru in Butere, Khwisero, Ma- ing projects that were initiated by the and Mumias. tion on the piece of land. part,” We are interested and will- tungu and Mumias constituencies re- former Cabinet Minister Musikari “Chavakali is located in the Town clerk Richard Kodindo, in ing to invest in the development and spectively. Kombo. backyard of the Minister for Local his letter dated July 11, 2010, informs construction of a small hydro-electric The Butere/Mumias County chair- “It is sad that projects that were Government Musalia Mudavadi, yet the minister that they had advised the power station along River Nzoia’. man Michael Keya said construction initiated by Kombo when he was the project has stalled, “said Keya. firm to undertake an Environmental The letter adds, that the project is works are ongoing and the contractors minister for Local Government have Keya said it was sad that traders Impact Assessment(EIA), to support to develop a dam to be used for hor- were already on site. been abandoned,” said Keya who was are operating in the open air whereas formal application for the land. ticultural, livestock and fish farming. He told traders who were dis- speaking during a tour of the markets. there was no construction going on. The Read The Link monthly for news affecting communities LinkEnhancing governance for all across Kenya The Link, October 2010 Demand for MBA degree grows By MALACHI MOTANO ENYA’S universities are expanding their facilities and seeking collaborations to tap Kinto a rapidly growing Masters in Business Administration market. The MBA has increasing cur- rency among the working class of East Africa’s biggest economy. Over the past few months Kenya’s leading universities - public and private - have spent tens of thousands of US dollars to boost their capacity to enroll a soaring number of students seek- ing additional qualifications. And more universities, most recently KCA University and Inoorero University, have entered the MBA market. Strathmore University is fun- draising US$49 million this year to expand its business school. Some 4200 students received various degrees and diplomas of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultures and Technology Strathmore Business School (JKUAT) during a graduation ceremony presided over by recently appointed Chancellor and long serving University of Nai- offers a four-year-old execu- robi academic, Prof. Francis Gichaga. tive MBA programme, which is unique in being associated with ket where salaries have not kept chancellor for the Jomo Keny- charge of academic affairs, dur- sons. “First, everyone else in the several leading international busi- pace with inflation. atta University of Agriculture and ing the launch of the programme office has an undergraduate- de ness schools including Spain’s Statistics in the Kenyan Eco- technology (JKUAT). last December. gree so you have to get an extra globally ranked IESE Business nomic Survey 2010 show that “The traditional players in the KCA is insisting that MBA qualification to be different- ca School, which is in turn associ- household incomes grew at the MBA market - the University of students conduct research and reer-wise. Two, MBA graduates ated with Harvard. rate of 6.4 per cent in 2005, 7.5 Nairobi and Kenyatta University, publish the findings in well- in the office seem to be the ones Statistics show that Kenyan per cent in 2006 and 8.7 per cent the biggest higher education insti- known peer-reviewed journals, getting the promotions.” universities offering MBA pro- in 2007 before peaking at 8.4% in tutions in the country - attract the locally or internationally, Maina With the demand for MBA grammes are churning out at 2008. But high inflationary pres- largest MBA classes. Upcoming, added. degrees rising, universities are least 2,500 graduates annually - sure that almost tripled from 11.9 smaller public universities have According to Professor Ayie- spending heavily on advertising more than double five years ago. per cent in 2005 to 29.3% late also joined the fray, heightening cho Olweny the Educationists as- their courses. No day goes by At least half of the country’s 23 last year has eroded purchasing competition in the field.” sistant minister, “The growth in without a university advert. They public and private universities are power. Institutions are also rushing the MBA market is being fuelled are spending money to make now offering MBAs, compared “As a growing economy Ken- to roll out differentiated degrees, by thousands of young profes- money - public universities have with around eight universities ya needs highly qualified skills, with some such as Strathmore sionals in Kenya’s labour market been forced to supplement their five years ago. and the labour market is becom- sending students abroad for peri- who want to move up the corpo- income through high-fee courses Experts say increasing inter- ing very competitive thus requir- ods for training. Others are snap- rate ladder. Firms seeking human such as MBAs, as their state sub- est in MBAs among the working ing the working class to upgrade ping up CEOs and managing di- capital prefer MBA graduates for sidies have declined. class is informed by desire on the their educational qualifications to rectors of leading companies to management positions. As a re- The growth in the MBA mar- part of workers to boost their ca- remain relevant,” says Prof. Fran- teach in MBA classes. sult, the growing number of MBA ket comes at a time when Kenya’s reers and get better pay, in a mar- cis Gachaga, the newly appointed “The competition front is on graduates are limiting job oppor- universities are grappling with an differentiation of the MBA pro- tunities for people who hold only admissions crisis due to growing grammes because at the end of undergraduate degrees.” student numbers, which have not the day, they all sound the same,” The Kenyan government is been matched by expansion of the Professor explain. banking on education to drive its facilities. As a result, quality con- Earlier this year Inoorero long-term growth targets under cerns dog the higher education University, a private institu- Vision 2030, the development sector. tion recently given approval to blueprint that is aimed at making Kenya’s universities continue become a fully-fledged univer- Kenya a middle-income country to perform poorly in global rank- sity, launched an executive MBA in the next two decades. ings. In the new rankings survey programme in conjunction with “Education is one of the key conducted by Spanish research Copenhagen Business School sectors that will deliver growth in firm Webometrics, Kenyan insti- Centre for Continuing Education Kenya,” according to the govern- tutions have slipped out of the - only three months after KCA ment progress reports on Vision top 3,000 category since Janu- University enrolled its first class 2030. “However, it’s faced with ary 2009 when Strathmore was for a corporate MBA. key concerns of access, retention, ranked at 2,404 worldwide. “The MBA market in Kenya quality, relevance and equity as In the rankings, which meas- is highly competitive, and so for well as internal and external in- ure online visibility, research us our focus is on producing an efficiencies, which must be dealt generation and scholarly activ- all-round graduate who, instead with.” ity, the University of Nairobi has of specialising in specific disci- Peter Njeru, an MBA student replaced Strathmore at the top, plines, goes through all relevant at the University of Nairobi who ranked 26 in Africa. Strathmore units,” said Dr Rosemary Maina, works for a local bank, said he dropped nine places to number KCA’s Deputy Vice-chancellor in went back to school for two rea- 31 in Africa. JKUAT MBA grandaunts receiving powers operate.

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

The Link, October 2010 14 SPECIAL REPORT Government finally legalizes local brews INTRODUCTION commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding UNDREDS of people Kshs100,000 or imprisonment When President Mwai kibaki signed the have died over the years for a term not exceeding twelve while others have lost months or both. Alcohol Bill into law, the partakers of the their sight after con- (iv) Empowering police officers Hsuming the highly adulterated and to arrest without a warrant hitherto outlawed local brews marveled toxic liquor. In 1999, about 143 people found to be too drunk people died after consuming the il- and incapable or drunk and and partied. But did they party too soon licit brews. Over the last six months disorderly in or near a street, more than 30 people have died in road, licensed premises, shop, before reading between the lines of the different parts of the country mostly hotel or other places and in Nairobi, Central and Rift Valley arraign them in court without new law? In this article, our Sub-editor Provinces. delay. Offenders will be The deaths have occurred de- fined Kshs 500 or three months FAITH MUIRURI (picture) explores the spite an intense crackdown on illicit imprisonment or both. brews and consumption country- (v) Barring licensed operators from salient provisions of the new law aimed wide backed by Chang’aa Prohibi- selling alcohol to people who tion Act. are already too drunk. at regulating the brewing, sale and consumption of However, the cast is likely to (vi) Courts have powers to order change. The enactment of the Alco- person convicted for more holic Drinks Control Act introduces than three occasions within a traditional liquors. a relatively new concept in the pro- span of twelve months to duction, sale and use of alcoholic undergo rehabilitation at his drinks to guarantee safety and hygi- own cost. Enforcement Institutions drinks. shall act as the Secretary to enic standards. (vii) Manufacture of chang’aa must The framework takes into account (2) District Alcoholic Drinks the Committee All alcoholic drinks including conform to the standards the fact that management issues cut Regulation Committee The committee is to among other things Chang’aa are to be packaged in outlined under Section 27 (3) across various sectors. However, two The Act establishes a District issue licenses and conduct impromptu in- glass bottles and bear a statement which demands that the main institutions are mandated to ef- Alcoholic Drinks Regulation spections on premises. with highlights on the ingredients manufacture or distillation of fect the law. Committee. and alcoholic content. Further, the spirituous liquor previously (1) The National Campaign The committee is to comprise of: License application sale, manufacture, packaging or referred to as Chang’aa shall Against Drug Abuse Authority (a) The District Commissioner Applications are to be made in a prescribed distribution of alcoholic drinks in conform to the prescribed (NACADA). (b) The District Medical form to the District Committee at a fee sachets has been outlawed. In their standards or requirements of this It is mandated to: Officer of Health with specifications on: place however is a container of not Act. Any person who acts l Keep statistics on the level (c) Officer Commanding Police (i) The nature and orientation of the less than 250 milliliters. Manufac- contrary to the provisions will of alcoholic drinks Division alcoholic plant turers or distributors who defy the pay a hefty fine of Kshs2million consumption and related (d) A nominee of a local (ii) Whether applicant has directive are to be fined Kshs 50,000 or attract five years deaths, carry out research, authority in the District. previously been convicted of an or six months imprisonment. imprisonment documentation and (e) Three residents of the offense relatingto the manufacture, The law imposes heavy pen- (viii) Manufacture and sale of objects dissemination of all relevant District appointed by the sale or consumption of an alcoholic alties on offenders and echoes including sweets, snacks and information on alcoholic Minister in charge of the drink, giving full particulars of the government efforts to eliminate il- toys that imitate alcoholic drinks. Provincial Administration offense, the convicting court and the licit liquor. The framework further drinks is punishable by a fine l To advice the Minister on the two of whom must date of conviction. places an obligation on the part of not exceeding Kshs500,000 or national policy to be preferably be women state to promote public awareness three years imprisonment or adopted with regard to (f) One person designated by The Act allows the District Committee 21 about health consequences, addic- both. production, manufacture, sale National Campaign Against days within which to compile a list of all tive nature and mortal threat posed and consumption of alcoholic Drug Abuse Authority applicants , the types of licenses requested, by excessive alcoholic drink con- sumption through its departments and other agencies including civil society.

General Requirements The legislation introduces some in- novative strategies that are aimed at effective enforcement of the provi- sions. It lays emphasis on measures geared towards ensuring compli- ance.

Some of the measures include: (i) Posting of signs by retailers that indicate the sale of an alcoholic drink to a person under the age of eighteen years is prohibited by law. (Section 28(1) provides that no person shall sell, supply or provide knowingly an alcoholic drink to persons under the age of 18 years). Penalties under this provision range from a fine of Kshs50,000 to six months imprisonment or both. (ii) Banning the sale of alcohol to a police officer in uniform or an authorized officer. It is punishable by a fine not exceeding Kshs 50,000 or three months imprisonment or both. (iii) Prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks by use of an automatic vending machine. A person An administrator pours the filthy ingredients used to make killer brews slums of Nairobi. Photo/Correspondent who contravenes this provision The Link, October 2010 SPECIAL REPORT 19 Government finally legalizes local brews the premises in respect of which the li- censes are applied for and the time, date and place of the meeting. These provisions categorically pro- vide that the notice be published in the Kenya Gazette and at the office of the District Commissioner for a period of not less than 21 days. (a) Posted in some conspicuous place at or near the applicants premises (b) Sent to the Commissioner of Police or his representative (c) Sent to the District medical officer of health (d) Sent to the local civic body

An objection in respect to the applica- tion may be raised by the committee itself, local authority or an independent party. There are guidelines to be followed in the event that an objection is raised. Section 9 (6) states that every objec- tion to an application shall be made in writing to the Secretary to the District Committee and the objector shall serve notice of the grounds of the objection on the applicant, personally or by post, at least seven days before the hearing of the application and the onus of proof of such service shall be on the objector. The Act sets out basic requirement for mitigating in case an application has been rejected. Section 15 allows an ap- plicant whose application for a new li- cense, to renew or transfer a license has been refused or cancelled to appeal to the High Court within twenty one days of such refusal.

Grant of a license Licenses are to be issued upon the pay- ment of the prescribed fee. The license is to be issued based on the application and may include: 1. Brewers License: l Holders of this license mandate include brewing, storing and brewing alcoholic drinks n their respective depots. l They will also be allowed to sell their products on Victims of poisonous local brews Photo/Correspondent wholesale in accordance with the license vicinity of either a Primary The sources of the fund are to be Kshs10 million or ten years jail (b) Require any person in such l Package the alcoholic drink school or Secondary school derived from: term or both. a place to produce for in containers of not less than and a residential area, the l Money accruing from Courts have discretionary pow- inspection in the manner 250 milliliters. framework provides in very licenses and fines imposed ers granted under the framework and form requested by the 2. Wholesale License clear terms that no license under the Act to order that the licenses of such officer The holder of the license is shall be granted. l Property forfeited to the people be forfeited and no license (c) Open or require any person authorized to sell alcoholic drinks l That the premises in respect government under the Act shall thereafter be granted or trans- to open any container or within the premises specified in the of which the application is l Contributions, gifts or ferred to him. package license made are in good condition grants Also set to lose their licenses (d) Conduct any test or analysis 3. Retail License and are provided with l Money earned or arising are unscrupulous traders who use The license allows the holder to sell adequate and proper from investments of the labeled bottles to sell other drinks During an inspection under this Act, alcoholic drinks within the sanitary arrangements fund than the ones specified in the bot- an authorized officer may seize any premises at hours to be l The Committee shall not tle. alcoholic drink and make an inven- prescribed by the Minister for grant a license for the sale Breach of license tory Provincial Administration based on of an alcoholic drink in a A license holder is required to con- Enforcement Every person whose alcoholic recommendation by the NACADA supermarket or such other fine their operations to conditions The Minister is to appoint au- drink has been seized can seek redress retail chain store unless the specified in their licenses or attract thorized officers for each District at the High court within thirty days License for Premises applicant has taken a fine not exceeding Kshs 50,000 based on recommendations by the The High court may in this case The District committee shall not grant a measures to ensure that the or imprisonment for a term not ex- District Committee. order that the seized alcohol be re- new license for the sale of an alcoholic area in which the sale is to ceeding nine months. The authorized officers who stored in case there is no case filed in drink in a premise unless satisfied: take place is not accessible Second offenders are to be may include public health officers respect of an offense within hundred l That it is in the public interest to persons under the age of fined Kshs10,000 or one year im- or law enforcers are to be issued and eighty days from the date of sei- for provision to be made eighteen years. prisonment or both. with certificates of appointments zure and the number of such Operators who sell alcoholic and their mandate may include In any prosecution for offenses premises are few within the Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund drinks that are not covered in their inspections of outlets suspected to under this Act, a copy of any written said locality based In order to guarantee sustainability, the license are deemed to have com- have contravened the act. or electronic information obtained on population density. Act also establishes a fund which is to mitted an offense. Any person In carrying out an inspection in during an inspection under this Act Where developments are finance both the capital and recurrent who sell an adulterated drink shall any place, an authorized officer may and certified to be true shall be admis- constructed within the expenditure. be liable to a fine not exceeding (a) Examine an alcoholic drink sible as evidence.