September to November 2011 BREAKING THE SILENCE ISSUE NO. 7 Wajir Live newsletter kshs 30/= Drought Persists Amid Growing Desperation Wajir County is currently experiencing the worst drought in decades. The situation is touching. Many ani- mals perished. People from all corners of the County shared their predicament with Wajir Live.
Goats drinking water at a borehole in Dilmanyale village, Wajir. Many people have moved to the village because of this water source. See more drought photos on page 8 and 9. Photos/Mohamed. Other Stories Orphans spend their Dekha Ibrahim gone Fighting Back the Famine: lives in the back-line too Soon A 10 point plan They have no place they call home, their "In knowing her there were many as- The causes of poverty can be summarized eyes stare at an uncertain future and their pects of her personality that moved me into illiteracy, harsh climatic conditions, childhood innocence is ravaged by lack deeply: her passionate commitment and poor local leadership, brain drain and of care. Read about how the so-called idealism which translated into a continu- negligence by the government.In order to war on terror led by the West has shat- ous activism for social justice,.... Abdi provide a solution to the massive poverty tered the lives and dreams of orphans. Pg3 Billow -WPDA Pg4 level in North Eastern Kenya, Salah tell us how. Pg7
www.neponline.net Your gateway 2 Northern kenya Contact us and advertise here - [email protected] Page 2 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live Asalam Aleikum dear readers. It’s with profound pleasure The Untold Splendor of once more to release the 7th edition of your favorite news- letter–WAJIR LIVE. Wajir
Wajir County is still grappling with the drought, many live- stock have perished, children affected. In this issues we cap- tured the drought in pictures from the around the County and it’s heartrending.
The so-called war on terror has also put lives of orphans on the back-line, their dream and as- piration shattered. The Islamic donor agencies closed by the West and blacklisted as orga- nizations ’sponsoring terrorist activities’.
The hearing-impaired members of our society are also given The county boosts of Yahuud dam synonymous for its small fishes, saline water and voice and the revelations are Giraffes. Photo/Mohamed Ali striking. Moreover, the county boosts of Despite the potential of the BY: MOHAMED AHMED Yahuud dam synonymous for its county in achieving heights in Salah Abdi, the re-known au- OMAR (FAROL) small fishes and saline water. development, it is sad and thor of the ‘Blood on the run- way’ is given tips on how to al- The 3km ran-way airport and disheartening to see resident A ride across the greater Wajir leviate the ever-recurring fam- the strategic position of the drowning in abject poverty, reveals the beauty of its ine in Northern Kenya and he town, the newly booming livestock perishing with no environs. In spite of the is doing it in ten points!! ravaging drought and the resorts and the ready skilled salvage and youth burry their symbolic scorch of the sun's labour market make it a heads in their knees in utter Gone too soon!!! We also pay heat, its richness is self - destination of fantasy. Its disgust. tribute to Dekha Ibrahim Abdi- imposing and beyond pity. the peace and conflict resolu- diverse nature is depicted by The remedy to disparage is tion champion. Her tragic death the agricultural plains of the none but the rise of an The industrious herdsmen and can not be fully expressed in south, the arable mountains of alternative leadership that hears the innovative business people, words. The gap she left can not the north, the establishment of the impressive desert flora and the whispers and cries of the be filled. We truly lost a hero- the spectacular hills, gum and resins factory at the hearts of its lachrymose ine. notwithstanding the warmth of east and the prospect of mineral constituents; one that inspires As for Wajirians may Allah Wajirans belie the ill-conceived water in the western frontier bless us all. us to dream more. imaginations of the pessimists. Enjoy!!! punctuating its splendor.
Adow THE TEAM Editor: Adow Moahmed Content Editor & Design Layout: Mohamed Ali. Writers: Mohamed Ahmed Omar, Ahmed Abdi, Abdullahi Jamaa, Mohamed Ali, Adow Mohamed, Salah Abdi. WAJIR LIVE: is a publication of Wajir Live Initiative Group -a voluntary youth organization. Email: [email protected]/[email protected] www.neponline.net Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live FEATURE Page 3 Orphans spend their lives in the back-line By: Abdullahi Jamaa Seeing the Feature hey have no place they call home, their eyes T stare at an uncertain fu- ture and their childhood inno- cence is ravaged by lack of care. As young as they are, these in- nocent orphans of Northeast- ern Kenya are found either toil- ing as domestic servants or en- gaged in an active child labour to the worst. Poor and helpless, He has been putting up at the centre since he was five years old. Both of his parents died before he could even speak well. The orphanage located in the periphery of Wajir town one of Orphans: They take quranic lesson at poverty-stricken Wajir Islamic Centre the poorest districts in North- Photo Abdullahi Jamaa eastern Kenya operates on the 150 orphans some of whom razor’s edge. “The frustration was too much, The suffering of the orphans lost both of their parents were He sleeps on ragged mattress, we were worried about children was enormous and the poor sent back to their homes and apart from his uniform that he without parents, and we had to centre registered the children guardians. wears on school days, the en- keep some of them in our back, especially the vulner- terprising Issa puts on tattered homes” Sheikh Al-Amiri ex- able. Few years later and after the clothes. plains. September 11th, some other And he has a striking dream. “I In July 2003, the Saudi Ministry The closure of Alharamian, organizations who were indi- would like to be an MP” he said of Information announced that all was the biggest blow to the rectly engaged in helping the “to lead and develop my poor NGOs had been barred from orphanage that supported orphans could barely channel community” sending funds abroad. them in both religious and their resources. Wajir Islamic Centre where he Over the years, the US led war secular education. “Around this time the war on stays now hosts only 50 vulner- on terrorism has seen helpless terrorism was gaining momen- able orphans who depend on children like Issa to lack basic Saudi’s biggest lenders to the tum” the principal says. local individual and well-wish- support. They bear the brunt of Muslim world, Alharamain The fate of the centre took a ers for their daily care. a war they were not party to. Foundation and International strange twist when its donors “At first we supported more Islamic Relief, both of the or- Alharamain Foundation and In- than 200 orphans, they got the More than 20 orphanage centers ganizations are no longer op- ternational Islamic relief faced best accommodation including in the region have suffered the erating, and nobody is yet to restrictions to channel their as- payment of their school fees wrath, casting doubt on the lives fill the gab they left. sistance. and medical care” says Shiekh of the innocent children. This was the beginning of hard Abdullahi Al-Amiri the princi- Cash strapped centers are now Their funds were frozen fol- economic times when thou- pal. operating with unreliable support lowing US government allega- sands of orphans in the impov- After the 1998 US embassies from Muslim locals in the region. tions that some Muslim chari- erished region suffered follow- bombings in Kenya and Tan- ties operating in Kenya and ing the Washington led war on zania , the centre suffered the Much to their suffering, provid- Tanzania were sponsoring ter- terror. biggest financial setback after ing their daily ration was the big- rorist networks. At one point, Wajir Islamic two of its donors were black gest problem. “You can’t keep Centre was closed for months listed as organisations sponsor- young children without food, they due to the unprecedented freez- ing terrorist activities. were too young to understand ing of assistance. what is happening” he notes. Continue on Page 5 Page 4 NEWS Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live Suffering in silence Mohamud's story and those By Abdullahi Jamaa of other deaf children, who attended Wajir School for the Ten-year-old Mohamed Deaf, for now hides in the Mohamud stands by the side shadows of the big acacia of his head teacher Ms. Kheira trees that dotted the rocky Kassim at Wajir School for the school ground. Only few people know that Deaf. there is school for the deaf, Dressed in uniform, he holds much of the communities here, Ms. Kassim’s black gown as do not believe that hard-of- she occasionally wipes gust of hearing-children can be edu- dust that blows on the face of cated like their normal ones. the young deaf boy. Born to hearing parents at And Wajir School for the Deaf Malka-Mari a pastoral village that was started 5 years ago in neighbouring Mandera dis- had only 108 deaf students, an indication of an ill-presumed trict, some 350KM Northeast Mohamed Mohamud of Wajir, young Mohamud his best foot forward just to perception of the residents to- children who struggle against have come to search for edu- emerge from the inexorable il- wards educating the deaf. the vast obstacles for the luxury cation all the way, as he literacy. The great effort of many like of going to school in one of the struggles to give voice to his "Being deaf in this region you young Mohamud, is also a poorest regions of Kenya. anguish. are stuck for sure" says Ms. rare chance to emerge from Using sign language to tell of School was the last thing on Kassim who takes over to nar- the silenced isolation of deaf his unbounded ambition to his tender mind, before he rate his story. "But Mohamud children among the predomi- building a teaching career, the boarded a bus that would take does not want to get stuck, that nantly pastoral region. standard one student is putting him hundreds of miles away is why he is here in this school" Continue on Page 13 from his father’s home, a long- time herder. Dekha Ibrahim gone too Soon But his fortunes changed when Ms. Kheira , told his parents her husband at the site months ago. They leave be- about the deaf school where hind four children. he can acquire special educa- We join in prayer and mourning with many people tion. and communities around the world who have been touched and inspired by Dekha's presence and work. Less than two years later, Mohamud is off the bush and “In knowing her there were many aspects of her back in class, attending a free personality that moved me deeply: her passionate school program for deaf chil- commitment and idealism which translated into a dren like him. continuous activism for social justice, her constant Now the boy studies every transgression of religious and cultural traditions in Late Dekha Ibrahim day at the school located on critically constructive ways, her fundamental refusal the edge of Wajir town. He Compiled by: Mohamed Ali to be taken as a second-class citizen because of being puts on a ragged uniform, one She is gone. She is dead. a woman, her openness in engaging even the thorniest aspects of his plastic slippers is cut to Dekha Ibrahim Abdi, the in- of the human rights struggle and her capacity to extend barely allow him walk well. ternationally accredited and sisterhood to all and sundry..” says Abdi Billow, programme But it's far better than the bush, distinguished peace crusader officer for Wajir peace and development agency. (WPDA) and he learns the sign language has left us. Dekha has died on Dekha worked with passion and commitment for over fifteen now. July 14, 2011 from injuries in- years in peace, conflict transformation and development work Enterprising Mohamud, is curred in a vehicle accident that with pastoralists, advising and partnering with among hundreds of deaf killed Continue on Page 14 Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live FEATURE Page 5
Continued from page 3 last 30 years and have been providing valuable education, Al-Haramain used to raise social welfare and child care more than US$ 30 million a activities are the casualties of year in donations for charity campaign against terrorism” work across the Muslim said Sheikh Hussein Burale an world. official of SUPKEM. In the predominantly Muslim In much of the devastated re- region of Northeastern Kenya, gion, orphans are spending the foundation operated their lives in the backline, with schools and provided assis- lack of basic support and care tance to Muslims. their prospects for a better fu- In July 2003, the Saudi Min- ture is evidently out of reach. istry of Information announced that all NGOs had been barred Charities that used to operate from sending funds abroad. in the region includes: Saudi’s Over the years, the US led war Alharamain foundation, Inter- on terrorism has seen helpless national Islamic Relief, Ibrahim children like Issa to lack basic Al-Ibrahim Foundation and support. They bear the brunt US based Mercy Interna- of a war they were not party tional, Qatar’s Qatar charity, to. Kuwaits’ Africa Muslim More than 20 orphanage cen- Agency and Islamic Call ters in the region have suffered Farhaan Issa, the Orpan Foundation among others. the wrath, casting doubt on the Photos Abdullahi Jamaa lives of the innocent children. “Orphans are just in problems, Cash strapped centers are problems of huge monumen- After losing support from “Many orphans will be drag- now operating with unreliable tal proportions” says the Muslim charities, most chil- ging themselves up by their support from Muslim locals in SUPKEM official. dren turn to domestic work, own bootstraps” said the of- the region. often dropping out of schools ficer “They will never be out These centers now look up to earn an income and man- of woods if things remain they with the biggest financial puzzle age family chores. way they are now” frowning on their way, and many have already been More than 20,000 orphaned closed. children in the vast province “The little money we are get- “These children are have lost support in circum- ting from individual donors is most susceptible to stances related to the ongo- overstretched to an extent that child right abuse” ing war on terror. sometimes we operate with They obviously have to beat huge debts” Says Sheikh the odds in this hard-scrabbling Abdisalan Ali the principal of Sheikh Abdisalan Sheikh Ali: the Abdinur Sheikh Wajir District life, where access to proper Young Muslims Children principal of Young Muslim Children Officer. Children Home in Garissa child care is nothing to write Home in Garissa. home about. Supreme Council of Kenya They lack basic education, the For little Issa, his great mind, Muslims (SUPKEM) now biggest component of the his big dream of becoming a says the banning of Muslim Western-backed education for Many had no choice but to go leader seems taking frowns. charities has led to the Closure all by 2015. into the worst form of child As he takes a frugal meal of of centers in the region where labour as they struggle to earn plain rice, the boy who loves poverty is searing affecting “Education is a must issue for a living. reading the holy Qur,an. says, more than 70% of the Muslim children so that they can sup- “”I will try my best with the population. port themselves later, but “These children are most sus- help of Allah” “We foresee even bigger prob- many of them in the region are ceptible to child right abuse” lems since institutions which surviving on the edge” Said said Mr. Abdinur Sheikh Wajir The story also appeared at District Children Officer. have been in existence for the Sheikh Al-Amiri. www.islamonline.net, Page 6 Readers Forum Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live The role, media can play in Democracy and Governance in North Eastern Province By Ahmed Abdi ( Jiir) to their development both po- In this region of Kenya, there to information by main stream Information is the oxygen of litically and economically, for is need of media organization media ,this will strengthen con- the modern age. It seeps instance during elections in the that is well aware of the plight stituencies for reforms and through the walls topped by country people rely on media of the community and so as to people can capitalize on a well barbed wire, it wafts across houses on what is happening participate in a way that it can informed view to shape how the electrified borders." around the country on either contribute effective democ- they are governed. Ronald Reagan individual politicians or parties racy and opinion on mater of Most media often report about In connection, the role of the that are involved in nationals regional interest In the world the soaring underdevelopment media as a platform to educate and local politics. The media of news and reporting prox- in the region taking a negative the importance of democracy uncover both the positive and imity is an important factor in angle in their daily reports. cannot be ignored. Information negative of politicians giving a that, media organization closer They do not give details of plays a greater role to advo- chance the people to make to the people would under- possible avenues for develop- cate for governance and a their democratic choice using stand their problem than a dis- ment agendas and potential in- democratic society, especially the information they either tant one. vestments available. in a region like NEP where heard on radio or watched on mainstream media is part of TV or even newspapers. The underdeveloped areas that Due to high levels of poverty, the evil arms of the continuing the region has been unable to INFORMING THE COUNTY marginalization. provide local media coverage, "Free and fair media is part of although some few FMs and the foundation of a just and a this quarterly Magazine prosperous society. In this re- (WAJIR LIVE) are cropping gard an effort to make the up to fill the vacuum. But still media as a baseline for ad- due to lack of funds, they are vancing the need of the soci- yet to make a mark. The re- ety to understand their free- gion needs civic education on dom and what role they have issue of democracy and gov- to play so as to contribute in ernance if it has to come out getting a democratic institution of this dark past that has been in their midst is a byline" says characterized by lack of infor- khalif a political activist from mation. the region. Government controlled media houses like KBC that nation- The media is accused of biased ally broadcast leave little scope coverage in this region with for dissenting opinions and, Wajir Live Newsletter the only local newsletter in the therefore, public debate. Such main stream including national county that championed the right of informing, educating are the obstacles to media TVs and dailies covering when and entertaining Wajir county. there is disaster and crises only. freedom to in NEP. "Media can make or break and A society prosper when it has local media can have in-depth as far as we are concerned, a Government that is chosen reporting is communication “Few FMs and the Kenya media has contrib- democratically and it is only the campaigns or civic in the health this quarterly uted negatively to our region" media that can be a watch dog sector and education and Newsletter says Selah Abdi who heads a and put pressure on the Gov- other important developmen- lobby that is advocating for ernment of the day so that the tal issues. (WAJIR LIVE) past injustices in the region. people can base their decision Through broadcast and print are cropping up This is an indicator on how dis- on who to vote in or out came media help can be extended to fill the semination of information can the next election for officials. beyond civic education to go expand understanding of what While there is a significant further steps to highlight the vacuum” democracy and Governance is range of activities which could element of democracy and and also can deny people in- fall under the heading "role of governance ,it can also remove formation media support in information," the barriers that denies access Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live OPINION Page 7 Fighting Back the Famine: A 10 point plan
By Salah Abdi Sheikh Their livestock cannot survive ammunition to "divide and rule" Undertake a massive The response of people of without pasture or water. The and generally encourage wast- literacy campaign. goodwill to the famine in intervention thus far has in form age of resources. The first Illiteracy is a source of all Northeastern Kenya and parts of been relief food which cre- point in the plan is to openly problems in Northeastern of Rift Valley has been phe- ated permanent dependence declare that there are no clan Kenya. The illiterate person nomenal. The Kenya Red on the goodwill of its donors. lands or colonial borders or who cannot read or write any Cross and the organizers of The people of this region no "seer" and nobody should be language; Arabic, English or "Kenyans for Kenyans" initia- longer take responsibility for bound by them. There should Somali, has no place in mod- tive must be lauded for their their own lives. Even those be freedom of movement and ern society. Illiteracy is a se- effort. The Sheikh Umal led with enough skills to survive do settlement for nomads and set- vere inability worse than any relief drive, Eastleigh Business not put much effort in surviv- tlers. This will release massive physical impediment. The illit- Association initiative and the ing; the creativity and human amount of resources from se- erate person cannot commu- general efforts being made to instinct to do something about curity in to development. nicate effectively with others, combat the famine through the deplorable standard of life Stem the Brain Drain cannot take advantage of the massive famine relief is an in- in the region has been replaced Northern Kenya is suffering available free knowledge in the dication of the way the soci- by dependence on food aid. massive brain drain. Many of world and is easily deceived ety has become awake to its There has to be a permanent its towns are inhabited by illit- by hype about clan allegiance, own challenges. This efforts solution to the famine, drought erates, NGO field officers and political tomfoolery and set- are vital albeit short term and and general underdevelopment civil servants. Any young per- tlers for less than his or her unsustainable. The relief food of the region. son completing the KCSE worth. It is because of the de- will save lives now and that is The causes of the poverty can leaves the town for Nairobi bilitating illiteracy that the the focus but the long term be summarized into illiteracy, immediately he or she hands people of Northeastern Kenya implications of dependence on harsh climatic conditions, poor in his last examination paper. have become dependent in food aid are dire. local leadership, brain drain This is because there are no handouts from all sources; Since 1985, there has been and negligence by the govern- opportunities for higher edu- politicians well-meaning elites steady increase of the need for ment. The solution therefore cation or jobs. This has cre- and humanitarian organiza- relief food annually. Every year has to tackle the causes of the ated large towns without any tions. A 10 year massive lit- of the last 27 years has seen poverty and underdevelop- literate persons. In some eracy campaign targeting all intervention from humanitarian ment but not just the symp- places the highest educated sectors of society; children, organizations in Garissa, Wajir toms which are starvation, list- individuals has neither formal pastoralists, women and men and Mandera. This means lessness and human suffering. secular education nor formal should be undertaken as a famine and drought have rarely In order to provide a solution religion education. With the matter of urgency. The mission let up. Poverty is pervasive and to the massive poverty level in exception of the primary should be to make education has increased to a level that North Eastern Kenya, the fol- school teachers, many villages and literacy accessible to cannot be mitigated easily by lowing 10 point plan is pro- have absolutely no literate resi- people of all ages and make it grain relief. There has to be a posed. dents. This means many of the mandatory for everyone to new way of thinking to bring learn how to read and write Lift the colonial borders university educated elites now to an end the humanitarian in- effectively. If literacy pen- and promote integration living comfortable lives in tervention and focus on devel- etrates into the society then In Northern Kenya the curse Nairobi and other major opment, economics, growth poverty will decrease tremen- of the "colonial border" left by towns are just sending hand- and prosperity. dously and the need for food the British still haunt the resi- outs home and nothing more. aid will reduce. The famine and drought are dents. These colonial borders They are contributing to the Provide water natural occurrences that result have led to restriction in move- culture of dependence pro- Water is the most essential in- from lack of rain. The climate ment of people, goods and moted by the humanitarian gredient missing in North East- of Northeastern Kenya is ideas. They have also created agencies. There is need to stem ern Kenya. It is plenty and naturally harsh. If rain fails in a "them" and "us" attitude the flow of the educated class flows in to the Indian Ocean the two normal seasons, which inimical to community into major towns and create through Tana River every year, drought is surely to follow. The cooperation. These colonial opportunities for them to stay yet the whole of Garissa inhabitants of this region who borders also fan clan hatred, and develop the towns and vil- County suffers acute lack of are nomads are vulnerable to provide politicians with lages in Northeastern Kenya. seasonal changes. There is need to promote the Continue on Page 14 Page 8 Sep -Nov.2011/Wajir Live Faces of Despair-the unrelenting drought in pictures Wajir County is racked by terrible famine once again. Our reporter Mohamed Ali compiled the fol- lowing report and pictures.
Halima Bare walked from the village of Elado. 'We only have five cows left out of 40 and the five that remain are too weak to stand. I walked 50kms with my seven children for days to get here. Our journey was slow... we moved a small distance each day with the small children on a donkey and the elder children walking. Where we came from, water was the biggest problem. There is at least a water source here. Sometimes we have some relief from different donors, but otherwise we don't have cash to purchase basic food items. Mostly I rely on relief food. My children used to be dependent on our animals. We used to sell the livestock and Halima Ahmed Ali lives in buy the children some clothes, buy them some rations. Now we are trying to find Hadado village and has a baby an alternative... We used to witness droughts but after the droughts there used to girl, who is 40-days-old. She said: be rains but this is unique because we go from one drought to another drought. ‘I am lactating and my child has I've never seen a phenomenon like this one' problems because she doesn’t have milk and she is depending on me. We only have maize to cook. My husband is not here and the only food we get is relief food
Halima Bare added: ‘We have left our animals back in the bush. We had neighbours and relatives and we used to migrate together but many of them have dropped out to look for other professions. Now my husband and my eldest son are with the cattle. For a month now since I’ve been here, I don’t know the whereabouts of my son and husband. Mostly there is diarrhoea and it’s dangerous. We see the symptoms here and there, then we are dehydrated and we feel very tired’ Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live READERS FORUM Page 9
Khaltuma Salat Hassan said: 'Women are most affected by the drought as most of the burden of the household has been left with the women. They are lactating, some of them are pregnant. Some are weak and elderly. My two neighbours, one woman is deaf and a man is very “I have left my animals back in the bush. I had elderly and they don't have anyone to help them. All the animals they neighbours and relatives and they all migrated had are dead and we were helping them but as time goes by we are to different place and many of them have unable to help. They have nothing apart from the relief they are getting. dropped out to look for other professions. I am Every time we go to town we get something for them. The man is very with the Camels and it is for a months now elderly and he gets diarrhoea. I have seven children in my house and since I've been here.” Dahir Maalim Bashir my husband. All our livestock have died apart from five. We only have camel harder quench his thirst after receiving God and nothing else. Only the relief food and nothing else, if it weren't water from our crew between Habaswein and for that I don't know what would have happened' Hadado
Osman Adbi Nur from Kulaley village, said: 'This used to be a water point but for five years there's been no water. We get our water from a village 10km from here. We want a permanent solution to the water problem in this location. We want the More than 360,000 people living in north east Kenya, in the government to drill boreholes and to look for a Wajir County, depend on livestock for their income. Page 10 Advertiser’s announcement Sep -Nov.2011/Wajir Live CULTURE AS A KEYSTONE FOR PEACE AND PROPERITY.
By: Adow Mohamed Affairs via Wajir Peace and better governance, and to The EU-funded objective of Development Agency the improvement of the very society boasts of the Action is to recognize (WPDA) has emphasized on people’s living divergent social- culture as a vital factor for the importance of culture as conditions” will be Ecultural performances development and social widely recognized vital factor undertaken to instill the need that tend to express it change in any society. for development and social to use culture as a means to exceptionality and richness. Specifically the proposed change in any society. promote peace and But many communities have Action will enhance culture as development. not really known the power of Oratorical involvements made culture in the society. at crucial moments such as during times of conflicts were In the Somali society poetry, extensively appreciated. A theatre and songs are the main Somali saying goes as “Ha forms of cultural expression. dagaalin: hadii as rayso The community has historically reerkaaga waaye; hadii used poems, drama and lagaa reeyo naftaa waaye songs, as well as written (Do not fight: if you win, you literature in conflict resolution pay with your stock; and if you and peace making. Many lose, you pay with your life)” songs and poems have been conceptualized to that effect. Poetry has customarily been Cultural performances play a vital role in peace and development a means of promoting good the major means through which Wajir Peace and development Dialogue-based peace governance in the Wajir East Somalis define their identity, (WPDA) has embarked on negotiations, poetry and and West districts in North document their past, express building and strengthening the theatrical persuasiveness can Eastern Kenya. their feelings and communicate capacity of cultural actors, aggressively change emotions stimulating their creativity and their views. This will be done through and outcome of dialogue and innovation and facilitating It has also been the starting organizing cultural days, inter- their influence in the society. dissemination of cultural point on which other forms of school cultural festivals and messages that promotes ethnic It has been found productive oral cultural expression have drama. and regional cohesion. The in a society where talents of developed. action will enhance oratory are cherished, Wajir Peace Development Since Somalis are united by a participation of young artists, speeches and verbal Agency is highly experienced single language the creators and other cultural engagements can serve more in this area. effectiveness of these cultural operators. Girls and women importance than written peace The move intends to encourage forms as tools for promoting and the socially excluded will accords. The oral culture of skills in music, performing arts, peace was rather easy. especially be motivated to the Somali is a powerful means good governance peace visual participate. The Action arts, and justice. Cultural to promote peace and conflict A proposed action whose will encourage the emergence expressions will be translated resolution. theme is to “Contribute to and spread of new forms of into important governance sustainable peace and The European Union (EU) cultural expressions, within and issues that are intended to security, consolidation of through the Ministry of Justice, alongside traditional cultural democracy, Cohesion and Constitutional fields to instigate unity. Continue on Page 11 Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live Advertiser’s announcement Page 11
Continued from page 10 Education and learning and such as drama, fine arts, communication strategy, bring about cohesion, national creation of sustainable theatre, humour, performing monitoring, evaluation and pride, peace and integration. instruments for networking, arts (poetry, drama, cultural learning. For each distinct At the individual level, the cooperation, monitoring fashion shows). The aim of NSAs or cultural group, messages will be aimed at evaluation and dissemination of these activities is to stimulate professional and well targeted changing attitudes and best practices will be used in change of attitude, change training will be mindsets. The Action will be the Action. The Action will mindsets in respect to national undertaken. The cultural highly participatory affording achieve results through cohesion. development of groups will be supported into growth of talent and creativity innovative approaches that materials, and implementation translating governance issues from a wide variety of NSAs involves a wide variety of of into cultural expressions and in the target area. Innovative facilitated in implementation and highly creative cultural “Due to high levels of the same (e.g. doing stage expressions will be used as a illiteracy and poverty, performance). Innovations basis of promoting justice, cultural actors in exchange of the accessibility of such as use of cartoons, human rights, peace and ethnic puppetry, comedy etc will be information, lessons and legal system has not cohesion while at the same highly encouraged among the knowledge through been painless for time promoting people’s communication channels such young cultural groups. many in Northern culture. The Action will as publications, dialogue, promote good leadership and media and cultural expressions Kenya” fight negative ethnicity. WHY GOOD GOVERNANCE IS THE BEDROCK FOR EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT.
Nevertheless, at the societal The rich traditional governance calm the escalating conflict. A well balanced, inclusive level or precisely in the Somali of the Somalis is dispensed The mission midwifed by approach, according to set-up, how does governance through Odiyaal Wajir Peace Development certain standards and enhance cohesion and mutual (elders).They enjoy communal Agency (WPDA) was fruit- ideals, is essential for the inter-relations in the commu- respect and obedience. They ful. proper governance of any nity to safeguard peace and are known to have intervened But in the advent of contem- country (society). Laisenia development? when crises arise. A case in porary governance system Qarase point is during the ugly inter- many have changed to that ef- Good governance is said to be Good governance is the clan feuds in the ‘90s that fect. The introduction of this the hallmark of progressive hallmark of progres- rocked Wajir district. Highly alien governance system to the disparaging phase of clan con- society while bad governance sive society while bad Somali people has seen the is being regarded as one of the flicts raged the district be- governance is the root services of constitutional court root causes of all evil within a tween different clans here, being sought. causes of all evil within community. Many develop- leading to multiple deaths over a community. However, due to high levels of ment projects or growth of a a period of 4 years. What was illiteracy and poverty, the ac- society cannot be attained dubbed the Alfatah Decla- cessibility of legal system has without good governance or The Somali social order is tra- ration that gave birth to the not been painless for many in checks and balances of the ditional, that have common “cease fire” is surely etched in Northern Kenya in general and powers that be. culture, language and religion. many minds. As a result, Wajir Wajir County is particular. The The term bad governance is For many decades they sur- has become exporters of justice system is viewed as a increasingly becoming a cliché vived the bustle and bustle of peace contrary to the view that reserve for the rich. The petty and is synonymous with North modernity. They guard religion the region is Shifta-ravaged offenders landed in prison Eastern Province. Many are jealously. Xeer (set of contrac- and unsafe. At that time Wajir while mega scam architects of the opinion that the troubles tual accord or agreement) was Peace Committee comprising went scot-free. of this region are embedded in the common denominator in of local elders drawn from the bad governance. conflict resolution warring clans were instituted to Continue on Page 12 Page 12 Advertiser’s announcement Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live
Continued from page 11 governance according to many their participation in issues af- Management of devolved WPDA has continually incul- researchers entails public par- fecting them Rule of law has funds needs to be done in a cated skills and knowledge on ticipation, respect to rule of specifically been a subject of manner that follows laid down law, transparency in handling interest for people in Wajir human rights, peace building, system and regulations. But justice and national cohesion public coffers and decisions County as its essential ingre- according to many equity and were enhanced in an attempt making, responsiveness to dients such as fair legal struc- to ease the gab between the plights of the citizens, fairness ture that are enforced impar- inclusiveness has taken a back public and the justice system. and inclusiveness, effectiveness tially and full protection of hu- seat. All members of the soci- and efficiency and accountabil- man rights, particularly those ety who feel that they have a Successive regimes ity. of minorities has been absent stake in it must feel not ex- Poor infrastructure and lack of The agency acknowledges the for long time. Incorruptible cluded from the mainstream. essential services like food, increased demand for commu- police force was also elusive hospitals, and roads has cul- nity sensitization on democratic since independence. This requires all groups, and minated into society that feels governance, access to justice especially the most vulnerable completely sidelined in succes- and human rights, and peace to have opportunities to main- sive regimes since indepen- building, accountability and tain or improve their well-be- dence. transparency as well as man- Effective governance ing. It is absurd that North East- agement of public affairs. is vital to any society Such measures will minimize ern province is in the verge of When public or devolved corruption, makes sure views a disaster due to hunger about funds are ran efficiently its use- of minorities are considered, five decades after indepen- fulness are felt across the the voices of the vulnerable dence board. Malnourished children and dying livestock are just some of the victims of the drought that is currently ravaging Northern Kenya and the Horn of Africa. Sight of emaciated babies depicts a society that has borne the brunt of contin- ued poor governance. Wajir Peace and Development Agency (WPDA) is at the forefront to entrench good governance practices to deals with perennial underdevelop- When the education is in such limbo effective development is just a mirage. Good governance means quality and accessible education for all. Photo/ Adow Mohamed. ment in Northern Kenya es- pecially in Wajir. people in the society are heard The education sector has con- The need to equip the com- and gender disparity mini- tinually been depressing due to munity with mechanisms of mized. bad governance. Students per- fighting issues such as corrup- Effective governance is vital to form dismally in national exams tion, negative ethnicity and any society, adhering to poli- due to varied factors such as other vices that are hindering cies, rules and regulation is harsh climatical conditions and peace building and national even more necessary. the nomadic nature of the cohesion cannot be over-em- people in these areas. But with phasized. In line with this good governance structure WPDA has conducted train- This message is brought to you by: much can change. ing programmes for groups. Wajir Peace and Development The donor communities have Agency is undertaking a gov- also highlighted the need for ernance programme meant to capacity building and conduct- Wajir Peace Developemnet Agency promote public participation in ing training sessions for the lo- decision making. Good cal communities to increase Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live FEATURE Page 13 Continued from page 4 In our province they have been hearing-impaired pupil has a "Among our community there In the poverty devastated re- marginalised for too long" says bright future" says Ahmed is no guarantee that a deaf or gion, education of the deaf one teacher Abdi a local resident. Ms. Kassim, the head teacher child has been on the sidelines says, such alternative schools for years with lack of are vital for the educating deaf specialised institutions. children, especially those who Life in NEP is already a are abandoned because of struggle for anyone but the life their disabilities. of a deaf child is even harder. "The community should know As they suffer in silence, they that education is the basis of stay home and wait for a everything in life. Deaf children miracle, but for most there is should be given an education none. that puts them at equal footing Wajir School for the Deaf- with other children. We should the only one in the vast North- not segregate them, we should eastern Kenya- is trying to teach them how to read and make bricks without straw, write at least," argues Ms. where students with hearing Kassim. disability are finding a possible As dissatisfaction at the slow remedy for their troubled fu- pace of educating these chil- ture. dren grew among the Somali However, the local community, Wajir School for community's disinterest in edu- the deaf is failing to draw sig- cating deaf children due to nificant support for its opera- mounting stigma and social dis- tion. crimination is a testimony to the But Mr. Abdi, the education growing anguish of these inno- officer says the government cent young ones. has not ignored the deaf and Both their future and past lies according to him, there is a a hard-scrabbling life, one that Ms. Kheira Kassim Headteacher Wajir School for the special education policy hangs in the balance. Deaf. Photo Abdullahi Jamaa aimed to support children with "It is a remiss of our commu- disabilities. nity to have forgotten our very "We recognise that these chil- Teachers say they encountered “Deaf children were own children who need more cultures so oppressive of deaf dren need special care, but attention" notes Ms. Kassim. people that parents often hid thought to be cursed this requires a lot of money, Many children of this kind have their deaf children at home or by demons and aban- which is not readily available never set foot in a classroom, most of the time," he said. abandoned them altogether. doned” according to educationists in "The most a deaf person could Abdi Goto story also appeared at The New the region. hope for in this particular re- Wajir District Education Officer Dawn- a publication of Kenya National Muslim Youth "The swath of discrimination gion is to become a family ser- Most of Northeastern deaf Alliance. against them lives up to a vant and use rudimentary signs and hard-of-hearing children Advertise the only News- gloomy future for them" con- invented by the family" Said Mr. are functionally illiterate and letter in the County of firms one education officer Abdi Goto Wajir District Edu- are likely to remain neglected. Wajir and grow your Teachers at this particular cation Officer "In remote vil- Business. school in Wajir, are tying to go lages, some deaf children were They do not have access to down to business, forging alli- thought to be cursed by de- education and educationist ances with local donor part- mons and abandoned" puts illiteracy rates among the ners, enticing the local herding At this point in time, there are deaf in the remote region at communities but in vain. faint rays of hope as burdens above 95 percent. ranging from extreme poverty Already getting education for "We are struggling to show that to the high cost of maintaining normal students is an uphill [email protected] these children had not been special schools are also keep- battle in a marginal and dev- forgotten, but our people are ing children with disabilities out astated region like Northeast- www.neponline.net reluctant. of classes. ern. Your ads partner. Page 14 Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live
Continue on Page 13 Dekha served as the senior Dekha served as a Trustee of NCG Ltd on a project for the advisor for the American Coalition for Peace in Africa Intergovernmental Authority countless organizations and Friends Service Committee's (COPA), the proposed Wajir on Development's Gender communities. She was hon- Somalia Peace Program since Peace University Trust, and Unit. She traveled around the ored with the 2009 Hessian 2008. In addition to her work ACTION for Conflict Trans- world to design and deliver Peace Prize in Germany, the with us in the Horn of Africa, formation in Asia. She was trainings on peacebuilding and 2007 Right Livelihood Award she shared her experience as also active with Responding to mediation. from the Swedish parliament, a trainer, facilitator, and Conflict. Dekha shared her and the 2005 Kenya Peace speaker with the AFSC in the knowledge as an instructor at Dekha's keynote address on Builder of the Year. In 2005, Middle East, Asia, and at the the Summer Peace building healing and peacebuilding en- she was nominated for the Quaker United Nations Office Institute of Eastern Mennonite titled "Transforming our Nobel Peace Prize as a part in New York City. She visited University and at the Rift Val- Woundedness for Peace" of a group of 1,000 women for and touched many in several ley Institute's Horn of Africa serves as the introduction to the peace across the globe. other AFSC offices in the course. ACTION Asia book, "Voices United States and with re- From the Frontline." She has She was also celebrated with Dekha was working with settled Somali refugees around written articles and reports in- the "Amazing Kenyans Peace Pact's Peace in East and Cen- the country. cluding Wajir Community Award" by the Rotary Club of tral Africa (PEACE II) pro- Based Conflict Management; Nairobi for her contribution to Dekha Ibrahim Abdi began her gram. She held jobs with many Women's Role in Peace Mak- promoting non-violence in life’s vocation as a peacemaker organizations throughout her ing in Somali Society and Kenya in her role as convener in Wajir, Kenya and brought career, including at Kenya Transforming Conflict: reflec- of Concerned Citizens for inspiration, skills and experi- Development Alternatives, tions of practitioners world- Peace, a group formed in re- ence to people around the Inc., a USAID implementing wide. She contributed to Con- sponse to the 2007 post-elec- world. Dekha had been a partner for the regional con- fronting War: A Critical Guide tion violence in Kenya and peace activist in all areas of her flict management; and for Peace Practitioners supported by AFSC. life. CamelBell and Intermedia
Continued from Page 7 destroying the Kikuyu com- Change of Diet sheep and goats left. Research water. Water should be avail- munity, this narcotic has taken Expensive meat and milk points to two animals that can able every five kilometers in over the lives of promising based eating habits inter- be raised in large scale; rabbit each of the counties. Solving young teachers, civil servants spersed with every poor diet and chicken. That is a revolu- the problem of water elimi- and businessmen and reduced of maize grain is the mainstay tionary change of diet. Will nates the whole idea of them to wrecks. of people of Northeastern Somalis eat rabbit? Will they pastrolism and opens up the Miraa brings in little or no Kenya. It is no longer possible eat chicken? There is really little land for settlement, ownership profit while it takes an equiva- to raise enough camel to pro- choice as to the eating habits. and reclamation for farming lent of 5-10 million shillings duce meat. Milk has now be- There is need to have grilled and industry. Water trucking is every week from Wajir come a luxury in many homes. rabbit and moofa for break- a waste of public resources, a County's economy. This is ex- The low quality maize pro- fast and chicken drumsticks for short term drought alleviation acerbated by the fact that it vided by humanitarian agencies lunch. Massive change of diet measure and very expensive. takes away the very energy to is a stop gap measure. The means less conflict over space There has to be an engineer- work, is addictive and has cre- solution is to rear an animal that and increased availability of ing solution to the problem of ated a society of single parent can be raised cheaply, grows food. water; piping and pumping. families led by women. It's a to maturity within months, pro- Build Feeder Roads The idea is to provide piped disaster of unimaginable pro- duces a lot and which can water over enormous dis- portion. Miraa also contrib- withstand the harsh climate . The increased accessibility of tances and in a complex net- uted to the corruption, conflict The camel; being the largest the region will open up com- work. and general lack of good lead- domestic animal can only be merce among the Counties of Banning of Miraa ership in the communities. Ban- raised for commercial, aes- Wajir, Garissa and Mandera. This may look unusual but it is ning Miraa completely will free thetic reasons. They can be It is not so much as connec- the single most destructive the energy of the remaining lit- used for Derby, for expensive tion with the rest of Kenya but habit of the Somalis living in erate manpower in the Coun- branded and exported milk ability to move goods and Kenya. Just like gambling and ties into productive use, raise and generally can be raised as people within the counties. alcohol have destroyed the standards of education and in- a fixed asset. The cows are not aborigines of Australia and crease the standards of living able to withstand the harsh cli- Continue on Page 15 Kumi Kumi and changaa are of many families. mate and there are too few Sep -Nov. 2011/Wajir Live Page15 Continued from Page 14 year program for free address these issues. A gigan- After this period Central Gov- The building of all weather subsidized tertiary education. tic program of reparations for ernment funds can only be roads to important settlements Each county should put in its individual victims and commu- used for massive infrastructure will aid all the other points in budget a scholarship program nities should be initiated. This projects like highways bridges, the plan. Accessibility is impor- that targets bright students should include alternative power installations tant for literacy to penetrate, from poor families which acknowledgement, apology and projects of long term na- for the brain drain to reverse, automatically kicks in once a and significant compensation to ture. The county must be able for massive change in diet, for student reaches a certain pre- individuals and development to finance its recurrent expen- water networks to be built and determined grade and shows of schools, hospitals, bore- diture, its social welfare pro- for information to be distrib- need for assistance. There is a holes and universities in the grams and maintain its local uted easily. In Northeastern potential for mismanagement worst hit areas. A Marshall development projects. Kenya in 2011 there is only and corruption in social plan of some sort should be seven (7) kilometer of The initiation of a tax regime welfare programs but the undertaken over 5 year dura- tarmacked roads which is at an early stage will set the potential good that it can do tion to lift this community left within Garissa town. The rest tone for self sufficiency and outweighs any administrative behind and subjugated by suc- of the region has only foot- local autonomy. bottlenecks that may be cessive governments. paths. This is enough to cause experienced. discontent and civil disobedi- ence; it is enough to bring back Initiate individual and irredentism and is enough to community reparation affect the peace of the whole programs region. Neglect by successive The state of Northeastern government has lead to closed Kenya is a product of the abu- region accessible only to the sive regimes of Moi and most daring. Building roads Kenyatta. The Shifta war will open up the rest opportu- ceasefire agreement included nities in this region. A 5 year a provision for massive devel- Ahmed Dole searches the precious commodity at dried up Kalala infrastructural development opment, integration and repa- Dam along Garissa Wajir road. plan to improve all the roads rations. This provision has Develop a tax regime The ten points above are not in the region is vital in tackling never been discussed or imple- Tax is a source of revenue for exhaustive and may not be poverty. mented. The abusive practices the government. This is what original. Each of these ten points Provide Social Welfare: of Kenyatta regime led to the makes government function has been elucidated somewhere A massive cash back scheme exodus the Somalis call "John and pay its bureaucracy as well else before. The idea is to have targeting families is more im- ka carar" (Escaping John) build infrastructures. Any re- a plan and an eventual objec- portant than humanitarian where Somalis left Kenya lit- gion that does not pay its share tive of tackling the poverty in the food-based relief. Cash back erally with only their clothes on of tax to the government is a region. The plan requires lead- schemes where families re- their backs. This was an im- parasite region that is not vital ership; motivated leadership. ceive token of cash for child posed poverty. The abuses of to the economy of the coun- Implementation of such a plan support, unemployment ben- Moi regime in Malka Mari, try. The nine points in the plan is not a Central Government efits and pension for old age Garissa and Wagalla can only be initiated if there is problem; it is the people who is vital to provide economic amounted to genocide. Re- sufficient revenue expected can demand that such a plan be stimulus in the who region. The ports say that for women of from the counties in North created and implemented. cash advanced to families will 30-45 years among Somalis of Eastern Kenya. It is not in the There is a potential for the plan be spent within their locality; Kenya up to 20% have been interest of the inhabitant of to be hijacked for political ex- improving business opportuni- exposed to sexual violence or these Counties to be net con- pediency and it may end up ties and increasing production. rape by security forces. It is sumers of government revenue being a wishy-washy project The government and the the shame Somalis rarely ex- without contributing to the that increases the disappoint- County authorities should de- pose of themselves. These common coffers. An appropri- ment of the inhabitants in the velop a plan that targets the abuses were coupled with ate taxation regime for both region. It is however a starting most vulnerable members of economic sabotage and ne- County and National tax point; a point of discussion that society, the poorest families glect. It is this cauldron of should be developed. Each can be modified, altered, dis- and the aged to provide basic abuses, sabotage and neglect county should set itself a tar- carded altogether for a better social welfare support. This in that has fanned the ballooning get of 15 years to build up its plan or implemented. addition to free education up poverty. The Kenya govern- own revenue to a level of self- ment has little choice but to - The writer is the author of “Blood on to secondary level and a 20- sufficiency. the Runway Get Objective, Balanced, and Informative News, and Features articles
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