The SPECIAL REPORT THE TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) ACT SEEKS TO RESTORE SANITY ON KENYAN ROADS Enhancing governance for all Link — Pages 16 - 17 DECEMBER 2012 Issue No. 098 Kshs 40/= IEBC risks court action Non tariff barriers over failure to register inmates undermine trade By JOSEPH MUKUBWA KITUO Cha Sheria has threatened to move to court to compel the Independent Elec- toral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) to register all prisoners in the country as voters. The organization said all inmates have since been denied their democratic right as the election body has marginalized them and vowed to move to court soon to press the IEBC to register inmates as voters. The NGO lamented that since the launch of the voter registration exercise recently, not a single prisoner has been registered and wondered why the prison authorities have been told to wait as other Kenyans register. Kituo cha Sheria also wondered why the IEBC is using too much money to register Kenyans in Diaspora and yet other eligible Kenyans in the country are not registered. Speaking in Nyeri County recently, the Kituo Cha Sheria officials led by Pro- gramme coordinator Anthony Kamaru, programme assistant Anastasia Nabuke- nya, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Kevin Ogema lamented that they have written to the IEBC severally with no re- sponse. EAC leaders. From left to right: Ugandan President Yoweri Museni, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Rwandan President Paul The organization has written several Kagame and President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania in a group photograph. Photo/File letters to the Independent Electoral and African trade corridors, Tanzania’s regula- taxes,” adds Samuel Kimeu, the executive direc- Boundaries Commission to conduct regis- By FAITH MUIRURI tration of voters including the inmates and tory authorities have been ranked worst at Ksh tor of TI Kenya, when he released the survey the prison officers and offer civic educa- 1,074,400, followed by Kenya at Ksh 570,775, done with support from Trade Mark East Africa. HE main trade corridors along Out of the amount paid in bribes, KRA of- tion to the prison community as stipulated Uganda was third at Ksh 312,120 while Rwanda ranked fourth at Ksh 57,715 and Burundi had the ficials take 49.8 per cent (Ksh284,410) fol- in the constitution to enable the prison the East African Community (EAC) have turned into con- lowest at Ksh 24,905. lowed by police officers at road blocks who community to participate in the 2013 gen- T In Kenya, the bribes paid to revenue, police, take Ksh150,535 and weighbridge officials who eral elections. duits of corruption where those in au- immigration, ports and weighbridge officials pocket Ksh135,745. “However, despite the demand letters, thority openly solicit for bribes before translate to an informal taxation equivalent to 1.4 Clearing and forwarding agents surveyed the IEBC has never responded to the letters they can offer any services. per cent of the average value of goods (Ksh41 said they pay Ksh422,620 ($4,972) in bribes and since the unveiling of the registration Drivers and transport companies pay bribes million) handled monthly by the 69 transport every year to regulatory officials. of voters countrywide that started on the to the tune of Ksh 2,039,915 every month to firms from Kenya who took part in the survey. 19th November 2012, they have not estab- speed up passage of their goods through customs That cost is eventually transferred to con- Impact lished any voter registration desks in any and road checks, according to a survey by Trans- sumers through higher prices of goods. This has in turn increased the cost of doing busi- prison countrywide,” said the Programme parency International. “Failure to pay bribes can lead to dire conse- ness along the corridor despite the removal of all According to the report titled Bribery as a quences: from delays in getting services, disrup- 8 Turn to Page 2 Col. 1 non tariff barrier to trade; a case study of East tion of clients’ operations to high administrative 8 Turn to Page 2, Col. 1 ON OTHER PAGES Kimathi University Mobile courts set to British government to Tough traffic rules unveils wildlife ensure speedy resolution remain impartial during target cyclists and conservancy —Pg. 5 of land cases — Pg. 9 the polls — Pg. 12 passengers — Pg. 26 The Link, December 2012 2 GOVERNANCE Non tariff barrier undermine trade within the EAC From page 1 of bribes paid at weighbridge stations fered to avoid investigation especially “This will create larger markets, competitive business environment at Ksh 77,690 followed by Uganda at on fraud attempts, contraband and il- enable economies of scale and pro- which will result in increased trade tariff and non tariff barriers to trade Ksh 31,450 and Rwanda at Ksh 8,500. legal goods or excess weight carried mote local, regional and global trade and ultimately prosperity for East Af- by member states to increase the free Kenya like Burundi did not indi- by trucks, expired import licenses and which in turn will foster a dynamic en- rican.” flow of goods, labour, services and cate the bribery amounts at weigh- speeding on the roads or parking of- vironment for economic growth across capital across the EAC bloc. bridge stations probably out of fear. fenses. the entire region from which Kenyans Proposals The TI Director cites unnecessary Bribery amounts to customs offic- “In determining the size of bribe and East African businesses will ben- The report calls for the harmonization delays occasioned by numerous docu- ers are also quite high with Tanzania payable, negotiations came top. The efit,” he adds. of practices such as custom codes, mentation, slow pace of services, poor averaging at Ksh 159,960 in 2011 fol- value of consignment and the urgency He however says that the problem valuation standards and import clear- understanding of clearing procedures lowed by Kenya at Ksh 109,310 and were some of the other factors cited by of non tariff barriers in the EAC is ance to help reduce opportunities and and high tax levels as factors that have Uganda at Ksh 34,680. “Like Burundi, respondents,” he adds. widespread and requires joint effort to motivation for receiving bribes. helped to nurture a fertile environment Rwanda transporters did not give in- According to the survey, truck eliminate them. The report argues that that har- for corruption. dication of bribes paid to customs,” drivers have devised various means monization will significantly reduce “Bribes are mainly demanded to notes the report. of accounting for bribery expenses to Dilemma delays occasioned by imports and ex- speed up service at various points, The report points out that the their employers. The most common is Mr Sindiga says that the Kenyan Gov- port standards that are not allowed in avoid full verification of goods to amounts of bribes paid to the police road trip expense. These are anticipat- ernment is doing everything possible member states. Partner states need to avoid paying full tax and other charges officers are not as high as those paid ed regular amounts given prior to the to eliminate the barriers but also con- strengthen the advocacy capacity of payable,” he explains. to revenue authorities, customs and start of a journey and adhoc miscel- cedes that the war is far from being their business associations that deal About 1,731 drivers, clearing and weighbridge stations. laneous expenses. In the transporters won. with transport and custom issues, to forwarding agents, regulatory bodies, “This actually is expected as in- books of accounts, the bribes are nor- He reveals that the Ministry is enable institutions to engage regula- customs and police authorities were dicated by the 2011 Business Climax mally disguised either as anticipated finalizing a survey to find out why tory authorities in effective policy interviewed during the survey under- Index (BCI), which found that small regular amounts or adhoc miscellane- NTBs persist even after the council of dialogue that would facilitate efficient taken between August and November bribes were paid at police roadblocks. ous expenses ministers had directed partner states and corrupt free transportation within last year. However, these bribes translate to The survey was conducted in col- to eliminate them and also get the the region. enormous bribery costs per annum for laboration with Transparency Interna- opinion of the stakeholders on what The member states should devise Standard the transport industry,” says the report. tional chapters in Burundi, Rwanda, could be done to eliminate the existing education programmes targeting the On average, the highest bribes paid Uganda and the Transparency forum NTBs. key players along the corridors on is- to the revenue authority officers were Costs in Tanzania further indicates that brib- Lisa Karanja, a representative from sues touching on the rules, regulations recorded by Tanzanian transporters, The TI Director says bribes remain a ery costs in Tanzania per year consist- the Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) and standards. The same should also who incurred bribes amounting to major barrier when doing business in ed of about 18.6 percent of the value of who is also the Director of Private Sec- include ethical practice, sanctions and Ksh225,760 followed by Kenya at the region. “Corruption serves as an goods transported. tor and Civil Society said that the ex- penalties for non compliance. Ksh 106,250, Uganda at Ksh 41,650 unnecessary cost of doing business istence of non tariff barriers continues and Rwanda at Ksh 8,500. “Burundi and as an additional burden to the con- Measures to be a deterrent in the full implemen- transporters did not indicate the brib- sumer and if left unchecked, the vice Speaking during the launch, Mr Ri- tation of the various protocols. Chiefs threaten to ery amounts, probably out of fear that will make this region uncompetitive,” chard Sindiga who is the Director of She said TMEA commissioned the paralyse operations the answers could jeopardize their fu- he warned. Economic Affairs in the EAC Minis- study with a view to enhance the advo- ture relations with respective authori- He also noted that the full benefits try said that by reducing or eliminat- cacy for the elimination of non tariff in Counties of integration will not be achieved un- ing tariffs and working to minimize barriers. “We expect a comprehensive ties and thus affect business opera- By BEKADZO TONDO tions,” adds the report in part. less decisive efforts are put in place to Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) across the dialogue between state and non state The report further reveals that Tan- confront corruption in the trade and EAC, partner states can ease the flow actors to address the key issues high- CHIEFS and their assistants in Kilifi zania transporters also topped the list transport sectors. of the people and goods across the lighted by this report. A resolution of have threatened to paralyse government He says that bribes are also of- EAC. the identified issue will lead to a more operations once the counties become operational unless they are retained in the new dispensation. The chiefs who declined to be named for fear of being victimized threatened to paralyse government services at the IEBC risks court action over failure grassroots if they will not be assured of their jobs. “As chiefs and assistants, we need to be assured that we will be re- tained in the new dispensation,” said the to register inmates as voters chiefs. The chiefs now want parliament to amend the constitution to provide for their retention in the new constitutional From page 1 dispensation. They added “The Constitution does coordinator. not clearly spell out our fate and only “The marginalization of in- stipulates that the provincial administra- mates and prisons administration tion is to be restructured. This leaves us in a big dilemma as to what role we will in participation in the electoral play in the new system.” process remains a challenge in Most of them dismissed assuranc- promoting access to justice for all. es by politicians as public gimmicks They have been denied their right geared towards winning them votes dur- to vote and or participate in po- ing the forthcoming General Elections. litical decision making process,” The administrators said their roles cannot be wished away in the new sys- said Kamaru who read the state- tem of governance as they have for a ment on behalf of other officials. long time been charged with the respon- Kamaru stressed that the Bill sibility of discharging government serv- of rights under Chapter 4 of the ices and sell state polices to the mem- constitution gives every citizen bers of the public. They said unlike civic the right to make political choices leaders, the chiefs are more important in which include without unneces- terms of coordinating development pro- grams, maintaining law and order and sary restrictions to be a registered for that case they need to be retained. voter and to vote by secret ballot Recently Kilifi County commission- in every election which provides er Mr Erastus Ekidor while speaking to that a person can and should be chiefs and their assistants at Bamba divi- registered as a voter so long as he sional headquarters said the government or she is a citizen of Kenya and recognizes the low cadre administrators and the work they do on the ground. has not been convicted of an elec- Mr Ekidor further urged the admin- tion offence. istrators to be more committed in their “We have been in the forefront work despite many threats to their lives in affirming the need to include by the members of MRC. the prison community as consum- The administrator was referring to ers of voter and civic education a case where suspected members of the IEBC clerks registering new voters in one of the centres. The 18 million voters targeted by the group were said to have killed a chief in and that they are registered as Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission by the end of the ongoing voters registration exercise Kwale for revealing information to the voters by the state organs that are countrywide might not be achieved. Photo/Henry Owino police concerning the group. responsible to meet the citizens’ “Killing of the chief in Kwale coun- political rights,” added part of the has so far tried to avail the IDs to Kituo cha Sheria therefore matters of common interest that ty should not be an issue to scare you statement. the inmates to fast track the provi- urged the prison authority, com- will create an effective link under from discharging your work as required The group also urged the Na- sion of the same as majority still munity, state organs and other the criminal justice system to en- but that gives you more power to go tional Registration Bureau which have waiting cards. stakeholders to be involved in sure justice for all. down and render your services with more confidence,” said Mr. Ekidor. The Link, December 2012 EDUCATION 3 Kimathi University College, Tuition ban remains in National Museums sign MoU force By JOSEPH MUKUBWA signing of a memorandum of institution has commissioned newly established wildlife con- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU understanding between the Na- academicians to write Dedan Ki- servancy which is set to be offi- AN education officer in THE Director-General of the tional Museums of Kenya and mathi’s biography. cially launched early next month. Bungoma County has said National Museums of Kenya Kimathi University College of The biography, Kioni said, Kimathi University College that the ban on holiday tuition Idle Omar Farah has challenged Technology at NMK headquar- will be part of other materials of Technology, (KUCT), whose remains in force. universities in the country to es- ters in Nairobi. that the University plans to col- main campus is in Nyeri county Mr. Elijah Owiti, from tablish specialized institutes of The MoU among other things lect regarding Kenya’s freedom was named after Dedan Kimathi Bungoma south District Edu- research for all their academic binds the two institutions to struggle. who was shot and critically in- cation Officer’s (DEO’s) of- programmes to give their stu- grant each other access to their The don further stated that the jured by colonial forces during fice asserted that the ban on dents a feel of the real world of research collections, expertise, University College has set aside Kenya’s freedom struggle on holiday tuition still stands. work. equipment, publications, project part of its land to establish a ‘He- the foot of Aberdare Ranges at He cautioned teachers Farah said academic institu- reports and other relevant infor- roes Gardens. Karuna-ini village which is about against disregarding the di- tions should also strive to part- mation they hold. KUCT is strategically situated 15 kilometres kilometers from rective saying those found ner with public institutions so Speaking during the occa- between the country’s two major KUCT. flouting it may be severely as to impart practical skills to sion, KUCT principal, Ndirangu water towers, namely: Mt Kenya The Mou covers biodiversity disciplined. their students to equip them with Kioni revealed that the Univer- and the Aberdares Ranges, thus a assessments, short course curric- The officer who is in- hands-on experience that will see sity College was in the process of fertile area for Biodiversity. ulum development and teaching charge of secondary schools them fit well in the job market. establishing a Mau Mau research He appealed to NMK to as- and research and niche tourism administration in Bungoma He was speaking during the centre, adding that already the sist KUCT map out plants in her product development. south district disclosed that professionally pupils must be given time off to refresh their mind. “A pupil needs 8 hours to read, 8 hours to sleep and an- other 8 hours for recreational activities,” the officer said. Owiti asked teachers to be dedicated to their work so as to complete the syllabus on time and also have time for revision. He however, pointed out that remedial is still allowed in schools for slow learners. This, Owiti added should be offered to the affected pu- pils in their respective schools beyond regular official teach- ing time at no extra charge. The education officer at the same time challenged par- ents to pay fees for their chil- dren on time in order to en- able schools to run smoothly and enhance teacher-pupil constant contact. Owiti said that failure to pay fees as and when required disturbs learning in schools as National Museum of Kenya Director-General Dr. Idle Omar Farah (right) and KUCT Principal Prof. Ndirangu Kioni during the signing of the MoU. sometimes teachers are forced to send pupils home to collect fees. He appealed to head teach- ers to give parents an option to Bill set to restore sanity in TIVET training provide free labour in schools especially in cases where they By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU ceremony at the Mombasa Tech- ules to allow those who lack fees to lishment of curriculum develop- nical Training Institute (MTTI) acquire skills progressively as they ment assessment and certification are unable to afford cash to TECHNICAL and Vocational Edu- recently, Prof Abdulrazak said the work. council and a board of profession- pay fees for their children. cation and Training (TVET) in the new legislation comes as a big “If passed, the Bill will see als that will appoint organizations “When it comes to casual country is set for a major transfor- reprieve for over 400,000 Kenya a competence-based curriculum that will host skill testing for stu- labour in our school, supply mation once the proposed Bill be- Certificate of Primary Education for technical training institutions. dents. of food stuff and firewood, comes law. graduates who never join TVET or Training will be in modules based “Students will be given tasks to priority should be given to The bill seeks to align the train- university colleges as they can now on employable skills. There will perform and prove to the board that parents,” he said. ing to the labour market, experts acquire skills. be a certificate for each module,” they are competent and employ- Owiti added that this kind have announced. “The proposed TVET Bill 2012 Wambayi said. able,” Wambayi explained. of fee payment arrangement According to the experts, the seeks to address this question by He explained this would intro- He said TVET institutions can enable children from fam- Bill has already been tabled in Par- coming up with an effective TVET duce more practical aspects and would be borrowing the new train- ilies that cannot afford cash to liament and is highly expected to training framework that will not open technical education to more ing model from colleges such as access secondary education become a law in a month’s time to only absorb these numbers but people. Utalii and Kenya Institute of Mass with ease. enable post-primary and post-sec- strive to mold them into more pro- Curriculum would be focused on Communication (KIMC). On cash payment, the of- ondary students get more relevant ductive human resources,” Abdul- industry rather than relying a lot on Prof Abdulrazak said the legis- ficer advised both parents and skills as opposed to theory, making razak said. Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) lation would reform the sector in head teachers to ensure that them employable. He was accompanied by the di- teaching materials and Kenya Na- response to the labour market de- the money is paid through Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, chief rector of Technical Education Mr. tional Examinations Council tests. mands and make the skills consist- banker’s cheques. executive officer of the National Owate Wambayi and MTTI prin- Professionals in the industry ent with emerging technologies. The move, Owiti claimed Council for Science and Technol- cipal Mr. Bashir Mursal, among would be engaged to train person- It would also align the sector to that guarantees safety of the ogy hailed the Bill, saying it would others. nel in technical institutions and requirements of the Constitution money and those handling it have an effective training frame- Mr. Wambayi said many Ken- pass the relevant skills required in and demands of Vision 2030, and since it is not prone to robbery work for TVET institutions. yans should access technical skill the industry. introduce a national system of cer- attacks by gangsters. Speaking during a graduation training as it will be based on mod- The Bill provides for the estab- tification. The Link, December 2012 4 GOVERNANCE

HUNDREDS of job seekers in the country have enrolled for Diploma courses on early childhood devel- opment to benefit from plans by the government to fund the sector. Job seekers opt for early The job seekers are cashing on a Ksh50 million programme intro- duced by the Kenya Youth Educa- tion Scholarship Fund which seeks to develop highly-skilled teachers childhood training for ECDE across the country. The programme will help to strengthen the ECDE sector, which has been ne- COMMENT glected for decades. “I have taught for the past 27 years By without being exposed to latest skills LINK CORRESPONDENT in teaching children. Now, I have a golden chance to become a much bet- ter teacher,” says Catherine Mutwiri Under the program, trainees pay from Magumoni Primary School in Kshs.1,850 per session to cover Meru County. Under the programme, tuition, accommodation and meals. untrained ECDE teachers as well as Since there are six sessions, the to- non-teachers are given opportunity to tal comes up to Kshs.11,100. This is train for a two-year- professional Di- compared to Kshs.70,000 they would ploma in Early Childhood Education pay for a two-year ECDE diploma at reduced prices. The trainees are se- course in Government colleges, a fig- lected on the basis of financial need ure that many would-be ECDE teach- and passion for ECDE. ers can hardly afford. Mr. Michael Munyao, CEO of Currently, slightly more than Kenya Youth Education Scholar- 1,000 trainees are in the programme. ship Fund, which is funding the pro- They are drawn from all 47 counties gramme, said it is modeled along the and receive training during school lines of another fund run by the in- holidays at Thogoto Teachers Train- stitution. ing College and Uthiru High School. The replica programme gives In the next three years, Munyao bright but financially weak high hopes to reach at least 5,000 peo- school graduates opportunity to study ple. Last August, trainees at Thogoto professional diplomas without pay- comprised of 26 head teachers, 56 ing fees. deputies, 69 approved teachers, 48 PUPILS IN CLASS: Public primary schools are still grappling with teachers shortages due to “We saw there was need for senior teachers, 313 P1 teachers, high enrolment figures. Photo/File ECDE teachers to increase their pro- 220 unemployed teachers, 100 PTA fessional qualifications. However, teachers, 267 ECD certificate teach- least 40 lecturers, who are seconded playing a crucial role of laying a “In western countries and Asia, their hindrance was money. We craft- ers and 43 non-teachers. from the Ministry of Education. The foundation for the education of a ECDE is serious business. Govern- ed the programme to meet the need,” “I want ECDE to be my lifetime lecturers use a curriculum developed child. ments invest heavily in the sector said Munyao. career. I love working with children. by Kenya Institute of Education Deputy Director of Basic Educa- knowing that it is the crucial founda- He added: “Through the pro- Eventually, I want to be a univer- while Kenya National Examination tion Isaac Thuita is confident that the tion of the entire education system. gramme, we kill two birds with one sity lecturer in ECDE. I will have Council handles certification. credibility of ECDE will rise as Gov- Teachers are highly motivated due stone. First we help individuals em- to pursue my education further after Munyao laments that since Inde- ernment takes responsibility of pay- to good salaries,” he said. Mr. Thuita power themselves educationally. completing diploma,” said Anastasia pendence, ECDE has continued to ing teachers. He praised the current said efforts to mainstream ECDE Secondly, we help the country reduce Mulwa, a 19-year-old from Mbooni, suffer acute neglect with the sector Education Bill for giving enhanced should have began this year were it the shortage of well-trained ECDE Makueni County. being left in the hands of untrained prominence to ECDE, unlike before not for funding hitches, but promised teachers.” The programme has engaged at and poorly paid teachers, despite where it was barely mentioned. that they are in the works. VC cautions students against enrolling in bogus colleges By JOSEPH MUKUBWA She urged the graduands to be cus- todians of good societal values and STUDENTS have been cautioned use the education they have earned in against enrolling in bogus colleges for the institution to better our society. their degree courses. Mugenda further urged the gradu- Kenyatta University Vice Chan- ands to pursue further education not- cellor Prof Olive Mugenda advised ing that universities are now offering students that those who graduate from courses that are tailor – made to suit good universities have higher chances teachers’ needs. of getting a good job than those who “Programmes offered during graduated from a lower-quality insti- holidays or the through the distance tutions. learning mode would be suitable to Speaking at Kagumo Teachers enhancing your careers.” She added. Training College, Nyeri County dur- Meanwhile, Mugenda said Keny- ing the 28th graduation ceremony atta University have developed ini- where 298 graduands were awarded tiatives for equipping their graduates with Diploma certificates, the vice- with skills to become job creators and chancellor urged them to make their innovators university choices wisely. She added that the university has “With so many universities com- established the Chandaria Business ing up many of them for commercial Innovation and Incubation Centre purposes, future employers will be which allows students to incubate and looking keenly where the degree was innovative ideas that would translate awarded before they employ you,” into products and services for com- she added. The college BoG chairman mercialization. Macharia Kiruhi and the chief princi- “Kenyatta university have been pal J.M Ngaroga were present during discussing with the management of the function. Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda (left) receives an award during Kagumo Teachers Kagumo TTC so as to see whether we At the same time, she noted that Training College, 28th graduation ceremony in Nyeri County from the college BoG chairman Macharia Kiruhi can partner with the college in award- higher education is an important ele- (right). At the centre is the chief principal J.M. Ngaroga. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa ing degrees, Masters and even PHD ment for societal transformation and to those who graduate with diplomas sustainable development. and many of them are trying to attain hold integrity saying our country and and hope for guidance and thus they from the college,” she added. “Higher level of education is a higher levels in education. culture holds teachers in great honour should mentor them in the right di- She said discussion are almost powerful instrument of social, eco- Mugenda appreciated the Col- and respect. rection because as teachers they can complete and the programme will be- nomic and cultural transformation lege’s management for its continuous “From now on, you will be con- guide the whole generation as they gin next year, adding that she would necessary for the realization of the good work in producing highly trained sidered as a foundation of knowledge teach them. also like the college to partner with country’s national goals stipulated in teachers who have gone on to serve in and a source of great ideas. You will Mugenda observed that good ideas the university in offering leadership Vision 2030,” she added. various institutions in the country. be expected to be torch bearers to the and values are to be perpetuated and courses to teachers in the institution The Vice-Chancellor observed She advised the graduands who society,” the Vice-chancellor stressed. inculcated in younger generation and so that when they graduate, they are that currently many Kenyans appre- were awarded diploma in teaching, She further told them that stu- thus the ideas must come from the better prepared to take leadership po- ciate the importance of the education to be good models and always to up- dents will look up to them with faith teachers. sitions and responsibilities. The Link, December 2012 5 EDUCATION Teachers Kimathi University unveils axed over alleged wildlife conservancy misconduct By JOSEPH MUKUBWA ties in the Mt Kenya Tourism read by Omolo. make the best out of the pristine Circuit. Mwazo therefore encouraged facility to rejuvenate the coun- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU KIMATHI University College The 140 acre conservancy is the university to diversify the try’s revenue generation from of Technology has established a the only one of its kind in the menu of her tourism products tourism. ABOUT eight teachers in Taita-Tave- Kenya’s local universities. ta County have been interdicted this wildlife conservancy within the in the conservancy with a view Some of the animals in the con- year for alleged misconduct. institution. The principal of the univer- to attracting more visitors and servancy include zebras, warthogs Education officials in Taita Dis- The university’s conserv- sity Prof Ndirangu Kioni and availing a variety of training fa- and wild beasts among others trict revealed that the teachers faced ancy which seeks to serve as a KWS assistant director Moun- cilities for the students and the which were brought in last year. numerous offenses that ranged from research and teaching hub also tain Conservation Aggrey Mau- researchers. The conservancy plans start- sexual exploitation of schoolgirls, blends well with the sustainable mo also attended the event held “As a university you have an ed four years ago and has now desertion of duties, drunkenness and tourism and hospital manage- at the institution grounds. excellent window of opportunity improved after the wildlife ani- general misconduct. ment degree programme that the “The rich flora and fauna in to exploit conferencing owing to mals were brought in. The District Education Officer university is offering. the conservancy will be a great teaming numbers of scholars vis- Kioni said some cottages will Samuel Nyantika told a District Edu- The launch was presided over attraction to tourists with keen iting the institution for academic be built and also a research cen- cation Board meeting in Wundanyi by the Mt Kenya regional direc- interest in biodiversity. It will go undertakings. The university is a tre in order to improve the popu- that the number of teachers engaging tor of tourism Abdullahi Omolo a long way in boosting the coun- melting pot of knowledge with larity of the conservancy. in unprofessional acts was increasing on behalf of Tourism Minister try’s tourism sector. This is a sec- regard to conservation and hos- The forest has since been en- and warned that stern action would be Danson Mwazo. tor besides offering students and pitality management,” he added. circled with four kilometer elec- taken against the culprits. He said that the conservancy scholars an excellent forum for The minister challenged the tric fence at a cost of Ksh 10 mil- “We are shocked at the rising will no doubt trigger a robust learning and research,” said the students, researchers and aca- lion. number of teachers engaging in un- performance of tourism activi- minister in the speech which was demic staff of the university to ethical behaviour. The trend is set- ting a bad precedent to the pupils and the community at large,” he noted. Nyantika said four head teachers have stepped down for failing to take up their responsibilities. “There has been laxity among some school heads who have not tak- en their responsibilities well. Some of them have adverse behavior and can- not be entrusted to head schools,” he added. Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwade- ghu said there were glaring cases of indiscipline among teachers, which should be looked into. “Some teach- ers have become an embarrassment to the community. Some of them per- petually come to school late and while drunk. Moreover, some heads engage in financial impropriety, yet no action has been taken against them,” noted the MP. Mwadeghu said laxity among some head teachers, inadequate syl- labus coverage and lack of supervi- sion were to be blamed for the poor performance in national examinations by schools in the region. “School managers should ensure that the syllabus is covered on time to help improve the standards of educa- tion,” added the MP. Out of 8,000 can- Mt Kenya region Provincial Director of Tourism Abdullahi Omollo (left) with Kimathi University principal Ndirangu Kioni opening didates who sat for KCPE last year, the Kimathi university Wildlife conservancy in Nyeri county recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa only eight got 400 marks and above. Stakeholders devise ways to revamp education sector in Kilifi By BEKADZO TONDO has also been a big challenge. manship of Chonyi D.O Mr Wilfred of excellence built under Economic university a girl student since Senate aspirant in Kilifi county Sigei recommended that the provin- Stimulus Program (ESP) in Bahari 2007 and thus we feel that the EDUCATION stakeholders in Kil- Naomi Sidi cited lack of political cial school Lutsangani secondary constituency be made a girls school. girls should be separated from ifi County are holed up in meetings will as another factor which has rele- school is made a boys school while They said creation of the single the boys to enable them con- to explore ways to address low gated the sector to the periphery and Dzitsoni secondary school be a girls sex secondary schools will drasti- centrate on their studies and do standards of education in the area. thus the poor performance registered secondary. cally improve both girls and boy well,” said Mr Beja. The leaders drawn from the by most schools. Former PS Rachael Dzombo performance in their national ex- Teachers and BOG members political wing, religious leaders, “Politicians in Kilifi county hard- who has been advocating for the aminations. from Dzitsoni secondary school scholars and other stakeholders ly regard education as a priority and promotion of girl child education Earlier, the board of governors who were present at the stake- have identified areas that require have never accorded the sector the said for the girls to improve in their at Lutsangani secondary school had holders’ forum welcomed the prompt interventions to reverse the necessary support,” noted Sidi. academic performance they need to petitioned the leaders to make the idea of making the two schools worrying trend. Other stakeholders however have their own schools. school a boy’s school. single sex. The stakeholders rec- Key among them include high blamed mixed secondary schools “Most of the performing schools According to a performance re- ommended the schools revert to levels poverty, lack of enough as the major contributors to poor in the country are single sex and thus port of the girls at Lutsanagani pre- single sex from the beginning of physical facilities in the schools performance in national exams and the need turn our schools into single pared by the school principal Mr. next year. and shortage of teachers. resolved to transform two old mixed sex,” said Mrs. Dzombo during the Simon Beja, the school has not been The meeting further resolved The chairman of Kenya Na- secondary schools in the area to sin- stakeholders forum held at Chonyi able to take to university a girl stu- that Bahari CDF allocates funds tional Union of Teachers Kilifi gle sex to improve their academic divisional headquarters. dent for the last five years. to aid in the construction of a boys county Mr Patick Rasi says that performance. The stakeholders further recom- “Lutsangani mixed secondary dormitory as the school starts lack of enough quality assurance The stakeholders under the chair- mended that the Ngombeni center school has not been able to take to phasing out the girls next year. officers to inspect local schools The Link, December 2012 6 EDUCATION Parents put to task over high drop-out rates By BEDKADZO TONDO PARENTS in Kilifi County have been blamed for the rising number of girls dropping out of school in the area. A survey done by Plan Interna- tional reveals that despite the high en- rolment figures among girls in prima- ry schools, the number that proceeds to standard eight drops significantly compared to the boys. According to Plan International manager in Kilifi Margaret Kahiga, most girls drop out of school due to pregnancies while others are forceful- ly married off to rich old men in order to generate wealth for their parents. “Most fathers do not value girl child education and thus opt to marry them off at a tender age as a source of revenue for their families,” notes the report. Ms Kahiga made the remarks during the official launch of the report which was conducted in Ganze and Jaribuni divisions at Mnarani club in Kilifi. Mrs Kahiga said reports from the Bahari D.Os office indicated that about 120 girls dropped out school last year due to pregnancies out of which 100 were married off. “It is really shocking to learn that about 120 girls from primary and secondary schools in Bahari division of Kilifi County last year dropped out of school due to pregnancy out which 100 were married off,” said Mrs. Ka- higa. Girls are taken through sessions on why they need to remain in school and achieve the highest level of education. Many girls drop out of school The Children Officer in charge of because of poverty and lack of role models in the community who have made it in life because of education. Ganze district Mr. Daniel Mbogo said cases of child abuse in the area were still rife despite the enforcement of were rouged up by the parents. one in the community undertakes to However the District Medical hold the victims at their homes for the Children’s Act. “Fighting for the children rights support them. Police officers and the Officer of Health, Dr David Mulewa days before they take their children Mr Mbogo who attended the fo- and especially for the girls in Ganze medical personnel in Kilifi were ac- defended his officers and accused par- to hospitals or report the cases to po- rum however blamed parents for the has become a challenge as parents do cused of soliciting for bribes from ents of destroying evidence by taking lice,” said Dr. Mulewa. increased cases of child rights abuses not want to cooperate with the gov- child defilers and thus sabotaging the too long before they can bring defiled The MOH urged parents to take as most of them took part in the vices. ernment officers and majority opt for process of justice. children to hospitals. advantage of ambulances services in The officer cited a case where out of court settlements,” said Mr The meeting was told that police “Cases of defilement and rape are the Bahari and Ganze district hospi- some police officers who had been Mbogo. officers and health workers distort supposed to be reported to the police tals in a bid to ensure that cases of deployed to a village to rescue an un- The children officer said child evidence in defilement cases in a bid and taken to the hospital for examina- defilement and rape reach police sta- derage girl from a marriage in Ganze rights can only be enforced if every- to set free the culprits. tion while still fresh but our parents tions and hospitals in good time. Science fiction used to teach Kenya’s children ethnic tolerance By LINK CORRESPONDENT views. The majority of the schools (10 gender, age, disability and wealth or eco- body believes what the children have to non-discrimination. out of 12) had pupils from different eth- nomic status. This comes at a time when say, because these three children possess Attack of the Shidas: AKAs Save SIX out of 10 school children in Kenya are nic communities. Other findings of the the Ministry of Education is reviewing its special powers of equality and tolerance Planet Earth confirms that it is possible to aware that tribalism is a form of discrimi- report indicate that although 55% of the curricula at various levels to ensure com- that enable them to see what others in innovatively use the curriculum to deliver nation but say they are under pressure from children interviewed agree that girls are pliance with the new Constitution. their communities cannot see. Can the education that is relevant to Kenya’s cur- their parents to discriminate on ethnicity. as brave as boys, they exclusively accord In view of the findings and recom- children stop the aliens before war breaks rent needs. Relevance is one of the goals This is according to 2011-12 Knowledge boys the right to decision making and the mendations of the two studies, the Kenya out in the town? of the Education for All (EFA) campaign Attitude and Practice (KAP) study on right to protection from war. The findings Human Rights Commission (KHRC) “Attack of the Shidas:AKAs Save which the Kenya government has been equality/non-discrimination conducted by also show that school children consider has developed and released ‘Attack of the Planet” is among the first to venture party to since 1990 when the 1st EFA the Kenya Human Rights Commission people 65 years and over as poor leaders, the Shidas: AKAs Save Planet Earth’ a into the genre of science fiction to ad- conference was held in Jomtien and the (KHRC) among primary school children lacking appropriate wisdom, while those story book for children aged 9-15years. dress the very delicate and contentious second in 2000 where Kenya was repre- aged 12years (Std 6) in Marakwet, Ugen- less than 19 years are dismissed as inex- The book creatively addresses discrimi- issue of discrimination by providing sim- sented by Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, then ya, Wajir, Isiolo, Taveta and Nairobi. perienced and irrelevant. nation on the basis of ethnicity, gender, ple and practical messages to children in the Minister for Education A cross section of children interviewed The study was inspired by the realiza- age, disability and wealth status through an entertaining manner. The storybook With equality/non-discrimination be- during the study say parents often try to tion that children were not only affected a deep friendship between three children has been pre-tested among pupils and ing one of the key values embedded in prevent them from spending time with by the 2007/8 post-election violence, but from different ethnic communities, one students of five primary and one second- the Constitution of Kenya 2010, it is clear children from other ethnic communities in some cases formed part of the perpe- of whom is a blind girl. The book is con- ary school as well as 15 teachers drawn the Ministry of Education is on the right or warn them against it. The children also trators. Children aged 15years and above ceptualised to bring equality and human from Siaya, Kitale, Marigat, Kwale, Wa- path in its review of primary, secondary said they feel that their ethnic communi- formed part of the youth militia that rights debate to school children and their jir and Nairobi (Kawangware, Kibera, and teacher training curricula to give ties are more superior to others and pre- spread inciting messages and meted out teachers as well as parents. Musa Gitau, Mathare and Lavington). equality, tolerance and peace building the fer to keep friends from their own ethnic violence following the 2007 elections. “Attack of the Shidas:AKAs Save According to the children who have weight they deserve in the socialization communities. The study also reveals that This realization raises questions on how the Planet” is the story of three commu- read the storybook, its greatest attribute of Kenya’s children. some ethnic communities are associated much the primary, secondary and teacher nities who live in a desert town which is that it makes children who are tolerant The Kenya Human Rights Com- with negative attributes and 12% of chil- training curricula invest in teaching chil- depends on a lone borehole for all their of ethnic and other diversities the super mission (KHRC) envisions a Kenya dren have at one time discussed throwing dren about equality/ non-discrimination water. But the people are threatened heroes, whose special powers come from that respects, protects and promotes hu- out an ethnic community from their area and encouraging a culture of diversity. when they discover that the water is having skills to recognise and confront man rights and democratic values. The of residence. A related study titled ‘Curriculum mysteriously being emptied at night. discrimination in the form of hate speech, KHRC’s objective is to enable the soci- The Study focused on 5 equality Opportunities to Teach Children on Three children in the town discover they songs, poems, sayings, proverbs and ety to attain equal and accessible rights themes namely ethnicity, gender, disabil- Equality and the Constitution of Kenya, have special powers as only they, can see even jokes in the form of ‘mchongoano’ and opportunities for all; specifically, ity, age and economic status covering to- 2010’, identifies numerous opportunities and hear the invisible water thieves that often used by children. The storybook is endeavour to prevent discrimination tal of 844 questionnaires, 24 focus group to begin teaching children tolerance with bring with them numerous other prob- expected to impact on children’s knowl- across all levels of society including in discussions and 24 key informant inter- respect to national diversities in ethnicity, lems to the three communities. Yet no- edge, attitude and practices on equality / the school setting. The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE 7

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA MT KENYA Umbrella Self Help Group in Mathira East District will US Govt donates Ksh 0.5 to benefit from over Ksh 0.5 million grant donated by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) in conjunction with the U.S Embassy’s Special Self-Help Fund. Mathira mushroom group The acting U.S. ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said the money can people feel strongly about con- zations across Kenya by providing kilo,” he added. “Our people need to be educated will help the group expand its in- tributing to community development small grants aimed at improving liv- Muchiri said most of their mem- on benefits of Mushroom to their come generating activities through throughout the world recognizing the ing conditions. The Group’s chairman bers are HIV victims and usually ben- health. Majority of us don’t know enhanced mushroom growing and group for its outstanding work in im- Paul Muchiri said their organization is efit a lot from the business saying cur- mushrooms are new innovated food- processing. proving livelihoods in and around the made up of three small groups and in rently they cannot meet the mushroom stuffs,” Muchiri added. Godec added that the grant will district. total they are 65 members who have demand in local supermarkets. He observed that each of the three also assist the group members to ac- USADF is an independent U.S been growing mushrooms over the “We shall use the fund to learn groups which include; Gikumbo, quire essential equipment including a government agency established to last four years. more on mushroom growing. Earlier, Mutethia and Gariaga- ini will estab- drying machine, grinder and a refrig- support African-designed and Af- “We grow two types of Mushroom we had taken three of our members to lish three more producing units with erator. The ambassador said the do- rican-driven solutions that address that is oyster and button. The button Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricul- the help of the grant from the U.S. nation is a symbol of partnership be- grassroots economic and social chal- type we sell them while fresh at Ksh ture and Technology - JKUAT where agency with aim to increase their an- tween American people and Kenyans. lenges while the Embassy’s Fund 400 per kilo while the oyster type they each paid Ksh. 13,000 for the train- nual mushroom production. He said that USADF is an agency supports community based organi- dry them and sell at Ksh 1, 200 per ing,” said Muchiri. established to support African de- signed and driven solutions that ad- dress grassroots economic and social Church calls challenges. “The fund is meant to support for peaceful community based organizations across Kenya by providing small elections grants aimed at improving living con- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ditions,” said Godec during the sign- ing of the grant at Gikumbo village. A CATHOLIC priest is calling on The ambassador stated that the Kenyans to sober up and reflect on fund will expand the group’s in- where the country is now heading come generating activities through to. enhanced mushroom growing and The Bungoma parish priest, Fr. processing. Christopher Wanyonyi says that as “The group will now acquire es- the next historic general election sential equipments including a dry- approaches Kenyans should know ing machine, grinder and refrigerator. where the country is going politi- This will enable them to produce and cally, socially, economically and distribute its own products including morally. oyster mushroom powder, thereby Fr. Wanyonyi observes that for increasing profitability and ultimately this country to move in the correct creating new and sustainable jobs for direction, citizens and not politi- the community,” said Godec. cians must have a leading role in The group chairman Paul Muchiri shaping its destiny. said they have been facing financial He points out that through uni- challenges. He said this will enable versal suffrage, Kenyans can put in the group to produce and distribute place a responsive leadership capa- its own products like the oyster mush- ble of moving this country to the room powder, thereby increasing prof- next level of development. itability and ultimately creating new, The priest calls on the ordinary sustainable jobs for the community. Mt. Kenya Umbrella Self Help Group chairman Paul Muchiri (left) shows the acting U.S. ambassador citizens to embrace competitive The ambassador said the Ameri- to Kenya Robert Godec the mushrooms the group has been growing. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa politics and refrain from barbaric actions during and after the elec- tions. Embracing democracy and remaining peaceful during election- Health care services wanting as the country transits to counties eering period, Fr. Wanyonyi claims that will restore the country’s lost By FAITH MUIRURI Dr Wambani cites low funding as service provider but rather a regula- every 100,000 people. glory and open a new chapter in a major obstacle to the provision of tor of Healthcare and provide linkages Dr Henry Kioko, a physician at the our electoral process. He says that a PROVISION of quality healthcare quality health care and the develop- with other key government minis- Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) repeat of what happened during the services in the country remains un- ment of health systems resulting in tries,” she urges. says that the shortage is pronounced at last general election may destroy certain even as the Constitution tries duplication of effort. She calls for the development of all levels. He says that at KNH, the ra- this country completely. Fr. Wan- to assuage public confidence to the “Medical products and tech- a Health Policy in line with the de- tio stands at one nurse to about 20 pa- yonyi urges Kenyans to shun eth- contrary. nologies are poorly regulated due to volved healthcare services. “This tients against the WHO recommenda- nicity and hatred and instead love The health sector is poorly funded competing interests in the field and Policy should address key issues like tions of 1: 6. Doctors at the facility are their country in order for the nation and the government still allocates a institutional weaknesses in the sector. training of health professionals, pro- overstretched with the ration standing to remain united. paltry 7 percent of its GDP against the Furthermore, the financing for medi- curement of drugs and health con- at 1 Doctor to 200 plus patients. The church minister under- 15 percent recommendation through cal products and technologies remains sumables, County level governance, He says that most hospitals in the scores the importance of love, Abuja declaration. low despite the critical role they play referral system, health information country do not have critical care units peace and unity saying no tangible The Constitution of Kenya 2010 in overall health service delivery,” she and data management,” she adds. (CCU) and are highly dependent on development can be achieved in explicitly recognizes and addresses explains. This, she said would leave room lab, Renal units, Radiology facilities. any nation without peaceful co-ex- the right to health as a specific indi- Dr Wambani notes that households for the creation of a Health service He blames the scenario to the low istence. Fr. Wanyonyi was speaking vidual right, making it enforceable in remain the largest contributors of commission to regulate the entire levels of funding to the sector despite recently at St. Martin’s Mwibale a court of law in the same way as civil health financing at 35.9percent, fol- health sector and create a quality the fact that 70 percent of the popula- Secondary school where he is the and political rights lowed by the government and donors, healthcare service for all Kenyans. tion lives below the poverty line and Board of Governors (BoG) chair The Constitution (article 43) pro- who contribute approximately 30per- She at the same time calls for an can hardly afford to pay their own bills. during prayer day/annual general vides that every person has the right cent each. audit of all healthcare facilities, health Dr Kioko says that the National meeting (AGM). to the highest attainable standard of Further, the National Hospital In- personnel and functional equipment Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) He asked students to take stud- health, which includes the right to surance Fund (NHIF) is mired in con- before the country transits to coun- coverage remains at low of 20 per- ies seriously adding that Kenya and healthcare services, including repro- troversy and thus there are no tangible ties. “This evidence based data can be cent while other insurance companies the world at large need young lead- ductive health care Article 53 simi- measures to cushion the vulnerable in utilized in the implementation of the cover a mere 10 percent. ers who are educated. larly states that every child has the the society so that they have access to desired health structure,” he noted. He says that counties must be fa- The catholic priest at the same right to basic nutrition, shelter and medical treatment and service when She says that the leadership and cilitated to set up critical care units time asked parents to always evalu- healthcare. they need it. She says that the govern- management skills mix is still patchy, to help decongest referral hospitals ate education standard/performance However, Dr Wambani Sidika of ment must thus explore the possibili- particularly at the sub-national levels and increase access. Dr Kioko said of their children in order to seek for the Kenya Medical Women Associa- ties of employing affirmative action adding that some levels of the health the Government must invest in train- timely remedial interventions. He tion (KMWA) says the right to health as the country transits to counties with sector have only partially adopted ing of specialized staff to help care challenged parents to support the as a moral, legal, and constitutional limited access to health care. partnership processes, which implies for patients with acute illness or inju- school projects that are geared to- right raises many complex issues in- Speaking at the Kenya Medical that some key partners are not ap- ries which can in most cases result in wards the academic improvement cluding those of coverage, accessibil- Women Association (KMWA) scien- propriately engaged in health service death or a permanent disability. of their children. ity, cost, accountability, and quality tific symposium, Dr Wambani under- delivery. He says unless there is political “Education is the best invest- of health care. She says that the situa- scored the need to merge the ministries She points out that the ratio of goodwill, the level of funding is likely ment you cannot deny your chil- tion is likely to worsen as the country of Medical services and Public Health health personnel to the population to remain the same as we go to coun- dren because it builds them for the adopts a devolved system of govern- to help harmonize service delivery. is still inadequate with the number ties and so will health facilities be un- future”, the priest said. ance. “The Ministry should not be a standing at only 14 physicians for derstaffed and ill equipped. The Link, December 2012 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all No room for compromise on traffic rules HE new traffic rules have now become operational al- beit protests by Matatu operators anticipated from the Tonset. It is now illegal to drive under the influence of any sub- stance and offenders will be liable to ten years imprisonment COMMENTARY or a minimum of Ksh 500,000 fine, or both. Causing death through reckless or dangerous driving now Kenya in need of strong institutions becomes a criminal offence and on conviction, the courts are N a speech on his first state visit to Gha- hope that they too can share in the spoils of at liberty to convict offenders to life imprisonment. na, the first to any country in sub-Saha- COMMENT public appointments and national resources. Further unprofessional driving behaviours such as over- Iran Africa, President Barrack Obama At the helm of public bodies were persons speeding, driving on the wrong lanes, careless overtaking, and said, ‘In the 21st century, capable, reliable appointed sometimes not for their compe- and transparent institutions are the key to By WILLIS EVANS OTIENO tence but for their association with and al- making turns at inappropriate points without proper turning success — strong parliaments and hon- legiance to the political class. Furthermore, signals also attract hefty penalties in a bid to restore sanity on est police forces; independent judges and without the Speaker’s permission, being appointment, tenure of office and removal Kenyan roads (see special report on Pg 16). journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil declared bankrupt, and being sentenced to was based not on established rules and All drivers are to be subjected to eye tests after every three society. Those are the things that give life to imprisonment for at least six months. procedure but at the pleasure and will of years and the law requires that they present a medical prac- democracy, because that is what matters in It is instrumental to juxtapose this the appointing authority that was vested in peoples’ lives.’ Though delivered in Ghana, against recent developments in the political the person of the president. In the circum- titioner’s report on the same in order to renew their license. President Obama’s message was targeted to arena regarding the handling of corruption stances the only assurance of remaining in Those who defy this requirement are to be disqualified from Africa as a whole. As Kenyans we can iden- allegations leveled against serving State service was to ensure continued congenial holding a license for three years. tify with it, for we are in dire need of strong officers. The application of this chapter relations with the president at the expense These are the rules that Kenyans have been craving for ow- honest and people-centric institutions. provided the basis for the “stepping aside” of all else including the law. In the proc- ing to the increasing number of road accidents after the much The need for reform by former Foreign Affairs minister Moses ess, individuals and groups had their rights For generations Kenya’s public institutions Wetangula, former Higher Education min- violated and were disenfranchised in many hyped Michuki rules withered to oblivion. have been characterised by mismanage- ister William Ruto, and the mayor of Nai- ways, of which some are in the catalogue of Currently Kenya ranks highly in the number of traffic fa- ment and plunder of public resources, unac- robi, Mr. Geoffrey Majiwa, over corruption what are commonly referred to as historical talities compared to other African states. It is estimated that countability and exclusion of the citizenry allegations. injustices. Kenya loses a massive 5 per cent of its overall national wealth from public affairs. Indeed many of these The realization of good governance is Entrenching within the Constitution - a matter of practice rather than legislation. to the traffic accidents, an equivalent of US$ 4billion annually. bodies were an embodiment of the persons Articles 250 and 251- the procedure of ap- in power who often exuded an aura of be- The Constitution, recognizing that people’s pointments, terms of office and removal Statistics show that the Kenyan roads claim about 10 lives ing law unto themselves. As a result, pub- conduct in matters relating to the manage- from office, is an attempt to guard against every day and the trend seem to be surging upwards with the lic institutions of Kenya’s yesteryears were ment of institutions of governance has con- the above problems. Article 250 spells out entry of motorcycles into the passenger transport sector. highly inefficient which in turn spurred cor- sistently failed to live up to expectations the appointment procedures and terms of Individuals, families and institutions have suffered im- ruption at all levels. Furthermore, the lack of a civil society, now legislates the good office. It provides inter alia the minimum of accountability and corruption resulted manners expected of leaders. With Chap- and maximum number of commissioners mense socio-economic, physical and psychological problems. in human rights violations, injustices and ter Six, abuse of office by public officers is for each commission; a deliberate attempt to In fact it is feared that the surging numbers of road accidents inequalities many of which fester to date no longer business as usual but the subject ensure lean and efficient public bodies. An- are likely to hamper the realization of the Millennium Devel- for lack of proper mechanisms to deal with of condemnation by the very basic law of other important requirement is that the ap- opment Goals (MDGs) of fighting hunger, accessing education them. It was these challenges and the desire the land. This “detergent chapter” will help pointments to public office should take into and eradicating poverty by half by 2015. for a new dispensation that kept Kenyans cleanse the governance instruments of char- account the national values and principles motivated in their search for a new consti- acters who fail the integrity and leadership which include equity, inclusiveness, trans- The new rules therefore come in handy and it is highly an- tution. test. Further, it stops such characters from parency and accountability and as a whole ticipated that rule of law will prevail to curb road accidents The Constitution of Kenya 2010 estab- using ill-gotten wealth to ascend to the cor- should reflect the diversity of the people of which increase steadily during the festive season. lishes the framework for the restoration of ridors of legislative and political power. Kenya. The legislation should serve as a valuable tool that seeks to constitutional democracy by embedding Furthermore, the Constitution spells-out However, the Constitutional provisions promote safety mechanisms for all road users. within the Constitution a number of new in- the procedure of appointment, conditions of provide minimum criteria leaving the details dependent commissions and offices and fun- service and the procedure for removal from to be spelt out in national legislation. In the The new traffic laws should not be allowed to wither away damentally restructuring existing ones. In office of persons serving in these bodies. By case of the Commission for the Implemen- as happened to the infamous Michuki rules which generated total, there are established ten commissions giving these offices a constitutional man- tation of the Constitution, the criteria for a lot of heat during the initial phase of implementation only and two independent offices whose objects date and the attendant protections, Kenyans appointment has been expanded to include for the transport sector to slide back to anarchy due to lack of are to ‘protect the sovereignty of the people; were prescribing cures to the malaise of ex- issues of integrity drawn from Chapter Six clusion from decision making and govern- enforcement. secure the observance by all State organs of of the Constitution on Leadership and Integ- democratic values and principles; and pro- ance, lack of separation of powers between rity. This has been achieved by embedding Further, the government needs to regulate the number mote constitutionalism.’ Towards this end, the various arms of government, insecurity, within the enabling legislation, the Commis- of motorcycles it registers annually to help curb and reduce and to further the ‘independence’ element, poor access to justice, centralised and in- sion for the Implementation of the Constitu- death tolls due to road accidents. the Constitution provides that these insti- equitable resource allocation, nepotism in tion Act, 2010. tutions are subject only to the Constitution government appointments among other ills. In addition, the CIC Act excludes from and the law, are not under the direction or But are these enough to give the country the appointment persons who hold state offices control of any system and governance, the strong institutions it so desires? which includes, sitting members of parlia- Constitution has made a deliberate effort to Challenges of appointments ment and local authority officials among achieve the realization of Chapter Six. The The legacies from the Kenyatta and Moi others, an attempt to keep commissions The Link is published Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission has eras that contributed to the weakening of free of political agenda. However, sitting been accorded the task of ensuring full com- public bodies was the appointment of politi- parliamentarians or members of the local monthly by the Institute pliance with the chapter. cal cronies to run public bodies. The impact councils or devolved governments are only for Civic Affairs and A major coup in this regard is the ap- of this was the capturing of public services the bastions of political agenda. If the inten- plication of the chapter to elected leaders. and resources by the political elite and their tion is to have as politically neutral public Development (ICAD) Thus Chapter Six opens an avenue favourites to the exclusion of majority of bodies as possible, persons holding certain through which Members of Parliament can Kenyans. Moreover, the fact that politics political offices for instance those that hold lose their seats in the Assembly should they in Kenya is largely organised around ethnic key positions within political parties and be found to have fallen short of the provi- groups has meant that the ruling political those that have held state offices within the P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. sions on integrity and leadership. This has class of the day and to some extent the eth- last five years should be excluded for obvi- added a new ground upon which a Member nic groups it represents have so far been the ous reasons. While this may seem a harsh Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 of Parliament can lose his/her seat. Previ- ones largely in control of public bodies. stance, let us not forget that by voting over- ous grounds were a successful petition As a strategy to overcome exclusion, whelmingly for the new Constitution Ken- Email: [email protected] challenging a Member’s election to the As- other ethnic groups through their leaders sembly, missing eight parliamentary sittings had to pledge support for the ruler in the Turn to Page 10 The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE 9 LinkThe Mobile courts set to ensure Enhancing governance for all

EDITOR speedy resolution of land cases DANIEL OTUNGE By AGGREY BUCHUNJU It was organized by the judici- the dictates of the Constitution of He passed the journalists SUB-EDITOR ary in collaboration with the Min- Kenya, 2010. Many of its aspects through some of the ongoing ju- LITIGANTS in land related cases and approaches are changing and dicial reforms despite a meagre FAITH MUIRURI istry of Information and Commu- may soon access justice at their nications and KCA. members of the public need to budgetary allocation of 0.3 per doorsteps. know,” he said. cent of the National budget. ASSOCIATE EDITOR The Director, Public Affairs Chief Justice (CJ),Dr.Willy and Communications (DPAC) at One of the facilitators Prof. On his part the KCA chair OLOO JANAK Mutunga has disclosed that the the judiciary Mr. Naim Bilal told Justice Joel Ngugi Mwaura urged Mr.Oloo Janak said that a sus- judiciary is in the process of estab- the participants that the workshop journalists not to take stories at tained engagement between the lishing mobile courts in the coun- was part of the efforts to make the face value but to interrogate them media and the judiciary will en- WRITERS try. institution more accessible to the before going to press. hance public confidence in the Mutunga added that the mo- public. Ngugi who is a High Court in courts and improve service deliv- MORRIS GITHENYA Central bile courts will focus mainly on Bilal added that the workshop Machakos as well as the judge in ery to ordinary Kenyans. land related cases from rural ar- 0735 855586 seeks to have the judiciary open up charge of the Judiciary Transfor- Janak added that the journalists’ eas where there are no established to the media in order to enhance mation Framework told the par- two days training will improve the courts of law. effective reporting on the on-going ticipants that the judiciary is no reporting of court proceedings and The move, Mutunga said is not longer governed through tyranny related judicial processes without JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central transformations in the institution. only aimed at ensuring speedy ex- “The judiciary is transforming but through human rights princi- being prejudicial to the courts and 0724 039787 pedition of land related cases but as part of its efforts to live up to ples. litigants. also minimizing expenses. Speaking to journalists at Multi BEKADZO TONDO Coast Media University in Nairobi re- cently during a media training 0728 341240 workshop on reporting judicial matters, the CJ noted with dismay that litigants incur a lot of expens- PETER MUTUKU Eastern es in travel costs. 0721 455048 “Litigants incur a lot of expens- es in terms of travel costs when they transport their witnesses to courts of law which are sometimes BOB OMBATI Nyanza several kilometers away,’ he said. 0728 435255 The CJ at the same time dis- closed that despite the meagre budgetary allocation, the judiciary NYAKWAR ODAWO Western is determined to establish High 0726 264153 courts in every County and magis- trates courts in every district. This, the CJ reiterated will help relieve litigants of the burden of LUKE KAPCHANGA Western traveling long distances to seek 0723 622136 justice and also reduce back-log of cases. The two day workshop brought AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western together more than 140 journal- ists drawn from the State owned 0733 537002 Kenya News Agency (KNA) and members of the Kenya Corre- spondents Association (KCA). Dr. Willy Mutunga, Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya. Layout & Design:

WALTON DESIGNS 0725 903 938 Girl child, an endangered species in Kilifi County [email protected] By BEKADZO TONDO school going girls are not being and close family members who officers at the district hospital offered equal educational oppor- prefer resolving cases at the collude with the parents of the THE plight of the girl child in tunities in the families compared household level. girl to doctor information after Kilifi County hangs in the bal- to the boy children. The officer cited a case where getting bribes. ance unless relevant measures She said girls are exposed to he moved to rescue an underage Mr Teddy further said that are put in place to reverse the child labour, transactional sex girl who had been made pregnant matters are made worse by the scenario. and child pregnancies and little and later married off, but the fact that police demand for cash Transition rates from primary measures have been put in place parents were uncooperative and to fuel vehicles to arrest suspect- to secondary school level re- to address the problem. nearly rouged up police officers ed people who defile underage mains stunningly low with most Ms Kahiga singled out Ganze who had been deployed to rescue girls thus denying the child their girls dropping out of school due and Jaribuni divisions of Ganze the girl. rights. This Newspaper appreciates to the high rates of poverty. districts among the worst hit ar- “As stakeholders we have big ‘Underage girls who drop out the facilitation accorded The drop outs have been eas adding that most school girls challenge in protecting the rights of school in Ganze district due by the Konrad Adenauer blamed on early marriages and have dropped out of school in of the girl child in Kilifi County to pregnancies and forced mar- teenage pregnancies which deny large numbers due to early preg- as parents have been taking ac- riages are too high and efforts by Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya them a chance to pursue their nancies. tive position in promoting the stakeholders to get the culprits dreams in education. ‘Plan international recently device,” said Mr Mbogo. punished has been hampered by Addressing stake holders at carried a study on the girl child The vice chairman of Kil- the police and the medical offic- All correspondence and Mnarani club beach, Plan In- and we found that girls in Ganze ifi County, Councilor Teddy ers who doctor information to ternational program manager in and Jaribuni were exposed to Mwambire admitted that viola- set the culprits free after being enquiries to the editor, Kilifi Ms Margaret Kahiga said child labour, transactional sex tion of the girl child rights are on bribed’ said Mr Mwambire. violations against the rights of and early pregnancies,” said Ka- the increase in Ganze district. The district Medical Officer P.O. Box 7438-00200, the girl child have continued un- higa. Mwambire who is also the of Health Dr David Mulewa pro- abated due to poor enforcement Ganze district children of- Vitengeni ward councilor said posed that a special task force be Nairobi, Kenya. of existing laws. ficer Mr Daniel Mbogo who that many girls in the district formed in Kilifi to look into cas- Tel: 020-6001274 “As we mark the first interna- was present in the forum which have been dropping out of school es of girl child rights violations. tional day for the Girl child, sta- brought the media on board con- due to defilement cases and Dr. Mulewa promised to de- Telefax: 020-6001776 tistics show that the girl child in firmed that violation of girls rights forced marriages. centralize the government ambu- Kilifi is still marginalized,” said in Ganze were on the increase. The civic leader said that lances to the rural health centers e-mail: [email protected] Ms Kahiga. Mr Mbogo said most girls cases which end up in court are to ensure that defiled easily ac- The program officer said most were being abused by parents dismissed as the police and the cess treatment. 10 The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE

MPs on the Kakamega forest earmarked spot over weak legislations for carbon credit trading By AGGREY BUCHUNJU MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) By JOHN NYAMBUNE have come under sharp criticism for KAKAMEGA forest may soon turn passing weak laws which in most into a gold mine if the huge tones of cases run contrary to the constitution. carbon stock are exploited. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) A preliminary report by the Kenya in Nyanza and Western regions have Forest Service (KFS) reveals that the accused the legislators of deliberately ecosystem can earn the country mil- and without shame defiling the bills lions of shillings in carbon trade. for short term gains or political ex- According to KFS Director David pediency. The member of the stake- Mbugua, the Government is currently holders’ reference group representing undertaking baseline studies in a bid CSOs in the region, Cynthia Mutere, to set up a system that will help the called for the faithful implementation country tap into the lucrative carbon of the constitution. trading market. Mutere urged the MPs to stop any Mr. Mbugua reveals that once the further attempts to water down bills system is ready, the Government will adding that such selfish actions can be ensure communities that help to pro- disastrous to this nation. The constitu- tect forests benefit from the carbon tion of Kenya, 2010, Mutere said that trading business. is a foundation for stability and peace “Once Kenya enters the business, and hence called for its full imple- communities that are keen in help- mentation. Betty Okero, co-ordinator, ing to conserve and protect forests CSOs network noted that for the next will benefit immensely from millions general election to be free, fair and of shillings that will accrue from the credible, peace and security should be business,” said Mbugua. enhanced. He says Mulleshi Community For- Okero named other issues that are est Association in Kakamega County pre-requisites’ for free, fair and cred- is among the first groups earmarked to ible general elections as greater inter- benefit from the initiative. nal democracy in political parties, vet- The group has been instrumental ting of leaders, speedy and transparent in managing Kakamega forest that is voter registration and voter education. endowed with rich biodiversity and a The representatives’ of the CSOs, key catchment area for rivers draining which have been partnering with Am- into Lake Victoria. keni Wakenya- UNDP Governance Mbugua said it was regrettable Kakamega forest may turn into a gold mine if the huge tones of carbon stock are exploited. KFS Director programme, were speaking in Kisumu that most communities engaged in Mr. David Mbugua addressing the officers and members of the public during the passout. Photo/File recently during a one day meeting. conservation have not started benefit- Over 20 CSOs, drawn from the ting from carbon business. two partners would do to conserve and plant more trees. Mulleshi is the first tries that are planning trees to reduce two provinces were represented in the “Currently carbon market is kind rehabilitate the forest and its environs. group in the county to be awarded by green gases in the atmosphere that meeting where the Government, politi- of restrictive as it has a very high The contract will be in force for a the Government for its outstanding their industries have been emitting cal leaders and ordinary Kenyans were transaction cost and requires a lot of period of five years after which it may carbon emission reduction business. causing global warming. called upon to work towards building verifications,” he said. be reviewed. Mbugua, however, revealed that Carbon trading is an application peace ahead of the general elections. The KFS boss was speaking in As an appreciation of the group plans are underway to award other of an emissions trading approach. The participants further called on lead- Kakamega during the signing of an conservation efforts, the Government communities in Western region and Greenhouse gas emissions are capped ers and other stakeholders to urgently agreement with officials of the group has agreed to surrender 60 per cent of other parts of the country for helping and then markets are used to allocate deal with cases of violence emerging on management of the forest. carbon benefit from the forest to the to conserve forests. Developed coun- the emissions among the group of reg- in different parts of the country includ- The agreement spells out what the group and allocate it 500 hectares to tries pledged to pay third world coun- ulated sources. ing the Tana Delta and Kisumu. Quite a good number of challenges facing the two regions which could impact negatively on the coming general elec- Government unveils plans to address high rates of unemployment tions were identified during the meet- ing. Key among them are increasing By JOSEPH MUKUBWA technic in Nyeri County. He acknowledged that most of cases of threats to peace and security, The PS underscored the great role the polytechnics in the entire country low number of prospective women THE government has unveiled plans played by the youth polytechnics in have achieved much infrastructure candidates for various seats and antici- to address unemployment in the coun- equipping the youth with critical skills development through partnership with pated low voter turn-out. try and especially among the youth for survival. the Constituency Development Fund Consequently the meeting re- According to the PS in Ministry “The skills which are offered in (CDF), Local Authorities Transfer solved to form a vibrant network of of Youth Affairs James Waweru, some the polytechnics like metal work, mo- Fund (LATF), Development partners non-state actors in the region to work of the interventions include the reha- tor vehicle technology agri-business and non-governmental organizations. towards getting more women and bilitation and refurbishment of youth among others; give the trainees requi- Meanwhile, Waweru noted some youths to contest various leadership polytechnics, provision of soft loans site skills towards securing either self of challenges facing youth polytech- positions in the coming general elec- through the Youth Enterprise Devel- employment or guarantee employ- nics in Nyeri County which include tions in line with the constitution. Say- opment Fund, initiation of labour ex- ment opportunities in both the public insecurity, negative attitude from the ing that the constitution guarantees port programmes, and talent identifi- and private sector as envisioned in Vi- community, and limited industrial at- greater citizens participation in the cation, development and nurturing. sion 2030,” he added. tachment opportunities for trainees, in election of leaders, the CSOs rejected Waweru stressed that the govern- Waweru observed that currently adequate qualified instructors, among attempts by some politicians to share ment is committed to work with other a total of 650 youth polytechnics are others. out seats in hotel rooms through pre- stakeholders to come up with more registered countrywide, 15 of them “Some of these challenges, the elections pacts. projects and programmes to benefit being in Nyeri County adding that en- ministry will make efforts towards Mr. Waweru The CSOs further resolved to build more youth. rollment figures in the polytechnics in deployment of more government in- ship in developing, refurbishing and a stronger, vibrant and inclusive net- He was speaking during gradua- Nyeri County have shot to more than structors, ensure timely disbursement equipping the existing and new youth work of non-state actors in the region tion ceremony at Gachika Youth Poly- 2000 trainees this year. of funds, and scout for further partner- polytechnics,” he added. to intensify mobilization of citizens to work towards peace and higher voter turn-out during the coming elections. Chapter Six, gross misconduct, physi- cal or mental incapacity or incompe- Kenya in need of strong institutions tence. This provision gives back power not undermine these bodies in enacting From Page 8 mission and independent office shall citizenry an opportunity to verify and to the public to check on the quality and weak operationalizing legislation, or in yans were hoping for real change, which be a separate vote.’ The import of this even interrogate their activities. calibre of individuals holding this office, approving appointment of persons who change was previously missed because provision is to delink the funding of Importantly too, the Constitution should the appointment process fail to do not espouse the national values and the same political elite reincarnated as commissions from related government has put in place checks against abuse of exclude those unfit to hold public office. principles under Article 10. In this re- the new regime. ministries intended to further strengthen power by persons appointed to these of- Whether or not the new Constitution gard, Kenyans to whom all sovereign Additional protections their operational independence and to be fices. Under Article 251, any individual enhances accountability by public bod- power belongs must be eternally vigilan- Article 249(3) of the Constitution pro- directly accountable to Kenyans for the may petition the National Assembly for ies depends on the extent to which it suc- te for the rules and procedures without vides that ‘parliament shall allocate ad- outcome. the removal from office of any of the ap- ceeds in curbing the problem of arbitrary legitimate and verifiable outcomes are a equate funds to enable each commission Furthermore these institutions will pointees by presenting facts that show a power. While the minimum principles mere experiment and it is bound to fail. and independent office to perform its be expected to prepare, publish and pub- serious violation of the Constitution or and mechanisms have been established Willis Evans Otieno is an advocate Com- functions and the budget of each com- licize annual and other reports giving the any other law including provisions of within the Constitution, Parliament must mission of Jurists, Kenya Section The Link, December 2012 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

Neglect has Victims of crime need grounded rail Void in varsity education therapy for trauma RECENT incidents of insecurity have transport captured nation’s attention, with the is- sues dominating debates. However, Ken- FIFTY years independence, our ya is facing more than just national secu- rail network has not taken off. caused by lack of ethics rity issues. What many are failing to see The colonial regime ensured that OUR education system puts is that individuals are being traumatised there was railway network to vari- more emphasis on the theoretical each time there is an incident of crime. ous parts of the country including part of the academic formation. What is important to note is that in Kitale, Butere, Nanyuki, Kibwezi That is why many graduates are the face of a traumatic event, most peo- more conversant with theories ple experience variety of emotions that and Magadi. Now, there is no rail include shock, fear and anger. Many system to these places and even than actual implementation of think or talk more about their experi- the major ones to Kisumu and the theories. ences. Others feel anxious, detached or Mombasa are ‘dead’. The purpose of education is depressed. This is perhaps irony of third to develop human intellect in or- Such reactions are neither signs of world countries. In the first world, der to improve the quality of life. weakness or indicator of lasting trouble. railway network has been perfect- It is not simply to amass a store Rather, they represent normal response ed, which is why the nations have of information for a profession, to an abnormal event. These symptoms efficient public transport system. though this is important in itself. and feelings may last few days or even The ultimate goal of univer- months and later fade away. To say that the public transport But even when one begins to feel sector in Kenya has been ne- sity education is full growth of better, they may be troubled from time glected will be an understatement. the person. Education, based on to time by painful memories or emotions, Why did we allow the train, a ma- sound understanding and enli- especially in response to triggers such as jor public utility to collapsed? Is it vened by contemplation, urges an anniversary of the event or an image, a sad indictment of our develop- students to integrity, creativity sound or situation that reminds them of ment priorities. and initiative. Such a perspective the traumatic experience. What also raises concern is the aims at forming people of con- Whether a traumatic event involves science, competence and com- death or physical harm, survivors must enthusiasm we have accorded the cope with the loss, at least temporarily. new port of Lamu. The project mitment. The natural reaction to this loss is grief. was started yet the port of Mom- The mission of an academic This process, while inherently painful, is basa is underutilised, poorly man- institution is to promote integral easier if support is available. aged and riddled with corruption. human development dedicated Graduation ceremony at a local university. Photo/File The grieving process after a trau- We will have another port before to community service. It is a matic event has physiological, cognitive, we streamline activities at Mom- mission rooted in the belief the University education is not and as such it must be removed psychological and emotional, and behav- basa Port. society needs persons of com- for forming people who are from the institutions of higher ioural reactions. There are many physi- petence and conscience, people merely job seekers. Graduates learning. In most cases they end cal needs that come to the surface during Similarly, we are ready to build and after a traumatic event. Many people a new rail and oil pipeline through who are ready to promote all that must be people who are empow- up excluding both ethics and re- ered by the spirit of creativity, ligion. who have been subjected to traumatic the vast, sparsely populated and is fully human, committed to the event, whether verbal, emotional, spir- bandit-prone northern corridors to challenge of promoting human engagement, and readiness to Academic formation without itual or physical need a safe and loving Ethiopia. This is not bad, but why dignity, freedom, and justice for improve life conditions. Creative moral values results in ineffec- environment to heal. have we killed the rail system to all peoples. Such a commitment education focuses on preparing tive citizens. The situation arises Post-trauma physical needs include the densely populated western calls for persons with university students to play a constructive when university learning lacks but not limited to repair of homes and corridor comprising of Kisumu education to be responsible and role in the development of soci- ethical formation, a variable businesses, removal of debris, provision effective in society. ety in which all members partici- which is a foundation of public of food and water and financial support. and Malaba? What justification In the midst of commissions of inquiry do we have in killing a railway True, education promotes pate, and success is measured in values. This weakness, in many terms of human well-being and ways, is often accompanied by that may be set up it is imperative that network, which runs through moral values along with knowl- our social support systems are dedicated nearly half of the country’s popu- edge and skills as integral di- the common good. corruption in public institutions, to providing vulnerable populations with lation from Nairobi through the mensions of the learning proc- A widespread weakness which is partially caused by lack physical needs. Rift Valley to western Kenya? ess. Such a model of education that deserves attention is that of the ethics in the academic for- Thus, as police and military boost The killing of train services in operates through the constant in- a number of universities tend mation. security in trouble spots, we should not the area contributed to death of terplay of experience, reflection to equate ethics with religion, Concerned Kenyan, forget about families of police offic- and action. thinking that religion is private Via e-mail ers killed in Baragoi, those killed by Al industries in Rift Valley. Western Shabaab and victims of Eastleigh blast and Nyanza provinces. This has and chaos. made Nairobi as the point of focus Families of people affected in the for Kenya, controlling nearly 70 incidents need guidance and counsel- per cent of the country’s income. ling because some of them have lost their Now we are busy experiment- bread winners and others will have to ing with a rail system for the city, live with the fact that their loved ones are while the national grid is dead. maimed - some critically. Concerned Kenyan, Nairobi’s traffic nightmare can via e-mail only be handled by a deliberate decongestion of the city. One rea- son that has stalled this is politics of exclusion by various govern- ments. Mr Victor Kooh, a Singapo- rean attache to the Government Vision 2030 programme once said * at a seminar that they have rec- The editor welcomes letters and ommended three new economic comments on a variety of issues. zones to the Government to pro- The letters should be brief, pel the blueprint. The largest is to topical and issue based. be around Mombasa, the second The editor reserves the right to is the much-tauted Lamu Port. edit for brevity or clarity. Lamu is taking off, Mombasa is at Write to: the planning stage but Kisumu is The Editor, not being mentioned at all. The Link, Dan Were, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. via e-mail E-mail: [email protected] 12 The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE MRC members British Government to remain decamp from group impartial during the polls By BEKADZO TONDO By JOSEPH MUKUBWA to decide the question on their le- British government is willing to countries will continue to be ben- TWENTY two members of MRC gitimacy, so we cannot intervene, assist the Kenyan security forces eficial to both armies. who decamped from the group and THE British Government will re- ’’ said Turner. deal with the incidents of inse- “British Army Training Unit surrendered themselves to the gov- main impartial in the forthcoming Turner who was on a three day curity witnessed in Baragoi area Kenya (BATUK) brings in around ernment in Kilifi have denied claims general elections, British High visit to Central Kenya region said where over 40 police officers were Ksh 2.5 billion to the Kenyan that politicians and tycoons in Coast Commissioner Dr Christian Turn- in Nyeri town recently that his killed recently. Turner said they economy directly and indirectly region have been financing their ac- government position on the elec- are ready to offer support in train- and has a mutual economic benefit tivities. er has said. Speaking to The Link soon after “The British Government is tions is that Kenyans must be left ing Kenyan police officers and in specifically in Nanyuki area where they denounced the group in a meet- neutral in the elections and be- alone to decide on who to elect the disarmament of communities they are stationed,” he added. ing attended by the minister for Inter- lieves that Kenyans should decide but what matters most is whether in the area. During a public forum held at nal Security, Mr. Katoo Ole Metito at on who will lead them. It should the process is free and fair. “We as a government stand the Nyeri Social Forum offices, Kilifi playground recently, they said be a free and fair process,” said the ‘’For us as a government we ready to assist the Kenya military the British High Commissioner re- that MRC activities mainly relied on commissioner. want Kenyans to choose their next and police in this exercise. We affirmed its commitment to Civic individual donations to support their The commissioner said that leader in the election which we are have a strong cooperation with the education, voter education and in- activities. they are confident that the elec- determined must be held on March Kenya military and since we are dependent monitoring of the elec- Led by the group chairman Kilifi tions will be held on March 4th 4th next year. It’s not for us to concerned by the proliferation of tion and business partnership in branch Mr. Charles Mwango and the next year and that the IEBC readi- back or choose a candidature over arms, we will give support when tourism within the region. assistant National Youth adviser Mr ness to embark on voter registra- others, it’s for the Kenyan peo- and if needed,’’ said turner. According to the coordinator, Meshach Kazung, they said that they tion is a clear indication that all the ple to choose not for anyone else. He further urged local commu- David Ngige the forum was a great had abandoned the group out of their institutions will beat the election This will be a defining moment for nities to seek dialogue as a solu- success adding, “Local residents own volition. deadlines. Kenyan people and it’s not who tion to resolve the conflict and cat- were able to question him on mat- “MRC activities which included “We as British government wins but how he wins. We want a tle rustling. ters that enabled them to ascertain organizing public meeting to sen- have stated that we are impartial process which is safe, credible and The commissioner expressed the role of the British government sitize the residents on the group in the forthcoming general elec- fair,’’ said the commissioner. hope that the diplomatic and mili- in creating sustainable business re- and its agenda had no funding from tion, to us it’s up to Kenya people At the same time, he said the tary relationships between both lations with the region.” politicians and tycoons but relied on personal donation from the members themselves,” said Mr Mwango. The chairman remarks however appeared to differ from initial intel- ligence reports that legislators and business tycoons in Coast have been financing the group to undertake il- legal activities. Earlier, the Minister for Fisheries Development Mr Amason Kingi had challenged the government to ex- pose politicians and business people suspected to have been funding the group. “Intelligence reports indicate that a list of politicians from Mombasa and Kilifi Counties and influential business people from the region have been funding MRC and thus as lead- ers we want the government to make the list public to clear confusion among Kenyans,” said Mr Kingi. The group national youth advisor Mr Kazungu when given an oppor- tunity to address the public meeting said that most of them had joined MRC to press for the rights of Coast- al people who had for long suffered exclusion from the government. ‘We decided to join MRC because we thought we could use the group as a tool to push the government to address the many historical injus- tices meted on Coastal people among From right deputy Central PC Francis Sila, British High Commissioner Dr Christian Turner and Nyeri Social Forum Coordinator David Ngige Photos/Joseph wambugu them issue of land but we have not after the commissioner held a courtesy call at PC’s Nyeri office. bore any fruits,” said Mr Kazungu. The defectors promised to be- come peace ambassadors in the area to ensure free and fair elections next year. Aspirant in plea of funds to repair chiefs’ offices ‘We have voluntarily surrendered ourselves to the government in good By NYAKWAR ODAWO the offices which she noted are fice that was built in 1985 during ants have been compelled to rent faith and we hope we will not be currently in pathetic situation. the tenure of the late former area private premises whereas others victimized by the police in any way AN aspirant for the Budalangi The aspirant further says that legislator Peter Habenga Okondo have opted to work from their as we are ready to preach peace and parliamentary seat wants the lo- classified documents being kept at is on the verge of collapse due to homes unity among all Kenyans.’ said Mr cal Constituency Development the offices in question especially gaping cracks on its wall,’ said the The aspirant has also appealed Kazungu. Fund (CDF) committee to allo- the office of Bunyala East location aspirant. to the area Member of Parliament Minister Metito assured the de- cate funds for the construction of situated at Mudembi trading cen- Obuya blamed the situation on who is also the patron of Buda- fectors of their security and promised chiefs offices in various locations tre can disappear anytime. failure by the department of pub- langi CDF committee to authorize that the state will make use of them to in the district as majority of the “The office of Bunyala East lic health officials to take the nec- the committee to allocate funds to preach peace in community forums. “No police officers will victim- provincial administrators were op- location chief situated at Mu- essary steps to ensure compliance facilitate the rehabilitation of the erating in dilapidated structures. ize you for mistakes which you have dembi trading centre is in a very with the laid down public health damaged provincial administra- not done and we are planning to have The aspirant, Ms Constantine pathetic situation as the office is laws hence protecting the lives of tion offices to save the situation. you preach peace in the community Obuya says most structures were too old and has developed gaping the occupants. However Budalangi legisla- and approach those still in the bush in a deplorable state and thus cracks that are likely to cause the A spot check by The Link in tor who is also the Minister for to come out and abandon the MRC posed a risk to the public who building to collapse on the people the district’s six locations namely Sports and Youth affairs has said activities,” said Mr Metito. seek services in the said offices. seeking services from the said of- Bunyala North, Bunyala West, the CDF committee will assess The minister, however, cautioned Speaking to The Link in Bu- fice,” said Obuya, adding that the Bunyala South, Bunyala Central the situation after which funds that the government will not hesitate dalangi, the parliamentary aspir- CDF committee should move with and Khajula as well as eighteen will be allocated to facilitate the to deal with anybody either individu- ant urged the CDF committee to speed and address the issue. sub-locations has established that rehabilitation of the said offices in al or groups that engage in criminal move with speed and rehabilitate “The mud-walled chief’s of- majority of chiefs and their assist- due course. activities. The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE 13 Success in Civic leaders in Kilifi County clash devolution pegged on quality over bid to acquire private land leadership By PETER MUTUKU By BEKADZO TONDO Munga’ya who was present during However as the ministry was han- forced the council to write a letter to the meeting could not give his com- dling the issue, some chief officers are the government for compulsory acqui- THE success of the devolved system of CIVIC leaders at Kilifi County Coun- ments as the matter was said to have claimed to have entered into a deal sition of the said plot,” said Mr Kingi government and in particular prudent fis- cil have rejected a resolve by the been effected before he was posted to with the land owner and authorized But before the government could cal management of finances will depend on the quality of leaders at all levels of Works and Planning Committee to the council. him to quickly dispose it to potential respond to the letter, the landowner re- authorize a private land owner at Mt- government. Earlier Kingi had confirmed to buyers to avoid its acquisition by the ceived a tip off and a letter authorizing The chairman of the Commission on wapa to dispose off his 20 acres of The Link that the council had request- government. him to sell it to the buyer of his choice. Revenue Allocation Micah Cheserem land to private developers. ed the Ministry of Local Government “The council has been consulting Mwarakaya ward councilor Silas underscores the importance of electing The civic leaders said the commit- to facilitate for the compulsory acqui- the owner over the sale of his 20 acres Mzungu said the minutes of the com- men and women of the highest personal tee had no authority to contravene a sition of the said land from the owner of land at Mtwapa for the last four mittee should be discussed at the full integrity in the forthcoming General Elec- unanimous decision by the council to after he had quoted high price which years but we could not agree on the council meeting before they can be tion who will ensure that public funds are acquire the said land to put up a bus the council could not afford. price as he kept inflating the cost. This adopted. managed in the most transparent manner park and a modern market. for the benefit of the country. The councilors accused the com- “This will require well informed citi- mittee of conspiring with chief offic- zens who will exercise their democratic ers to illegally authorize the land own- rights for the good of current and future er to sell the plot to private developers generations,” he adds. at a higher price. He calls for a comprehensive civic The councilors who had con- and voter education programme to ensure verged at the county hall for the meet- that Kenyans elect quality leaders. ing failed to adopt the minutes which He says that the devolved government had been brought before them by the that Kenyans adopted poses significant works and planning committee chair- legislative, administrative and financial man councilor Elvis Gambo. challenges if the transitional arrangements Sokoke ward councilor Albert are not well managed. Ruwa argued that adopting the min- According to Cheserem, the 47 coun- ty governments created by the Constitu- utes by the councilors would amount tion must be adequately funded when they to approving an illegality. come into operation on March 5, 2013. The chairman of the committee Cheserem says that the principal func- was put to task by the councilors when tion of the CRA is to make recommen- he tabled the report and at one point dations for equitable sharing of revenue threatened to resign from the commit- raised nationally between the national and tee. county government and among the county Councilor Ruwa urged the council governments. chairman Mr Anthony Kingi to make The chairman explains that the basis reference to previous minutes that de- for revenue sharing between the two lev- tailed a resolution by the council to ac- els of government, usually referred to as quire the said plot and develop it. the vertical share (national and county) “Mr chairman, the minutes of the requires costing of functions of the two works and planning committee which levels of government. have been brought before us for adop- “Initially the Commission had recom- tion contains an illegal authorization mended that revenue sharing among the of the sale of the 20 acres of land by 47 counties be based on five parameters: some officers which runs contrary to population basic equal share, poverty in- the council’s bid to buy the land and dex, county land area and fiscal responsi- thus we are not adopting them,” said bility,” he points out. He however says that after consulta- Clr Ruwa. tions with the public and other stakehold- The county clerk Mr Elijah A section of commercial plot for sale in Mtwapa, Kilifi County. ers, the weights attached to each of the parameters in the recommendation to par- liament are population: 45 percent, basic equal share- 25percent, poverty index- 20 percent, land area – 89 percent and fiscal Govt in bid to meet 2013 male circumcision targets responsibility- 2 percent. The rationale for choosing these pa- By LINK CORRESPONDENT riod. In fact, men can usually return to eral years. offered as part of its HIV prevention rameters included international experi- work within three or four days. In 2011, UNAIDS and the US package, into outpatient services in ences in different countries, measurability, WITH just over one year left to Meeting targets President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS public hospitals, as well as starting casual connections, less susceptible to in- achieve its target of having some 1.1 Most efforts to increase voluntary Relief (PEPFAR) launched a five-year infant male circumcision, which stud- fluencing and giving effect to constitution- million men circumcised as part of male medical circumcision (VMMC) plan to have more than 20 million ies have found to be cost-effective. A al and legislative stipulations. HIV-prevention efforts, Kenyan male have been focused in the western men in 14 eastern and southern Afri- recent study carried out among 1,200 The recommendations have been for- circumcision programmes are ramp- province of Nyanza, which is domi- can countries undergo medical male infants in Nyanza Province concluded warded to the National Assembly for de- ing up efforts to bring more men into nated by the traditionally non-cir- circumcision by 2015. that infant male circumcision was liberations and decision. clinics, compensating them for their cumcising Luo community. The pro- “To ensure that we achieve our safe, and an earlier study concluded He notes that with the new constitu- time and encouraging them to bring gramme has also been rolled out in the target, the government will increase that it was acceptable to most parents. tion, public expectations are quite high friends in for the procedure. capital, Nairobi, and the northwestern sensitization and mobilization efforts and more specifically with regard to the Some medical male circumcision Turkana region, where circumcision to ensure we can have more people “We are carrying out studies on equitable revenue sharing among the programmes are piloting the use of levels are low. embrace male circumcision as an infant male circumcision, and once counties. vouchers, giving men coupons worth “We have focused on other regions HIV prevention method,” Athanasius we have this, then we will find out the “Managing these expectations is a major challenge for the Commission. In Ksh100 when they complete the pro- as well so that we can have as many Ochieng, VMMC programme man- possibility of rolling out nationally,” people as possible getting medically ager at the National AIDS and Sexu- Ochieng said. developing the first generation formula, cedure; these vouchers are redeem- the Commission bridged these expecta- able for cash once the man returns for circumcised,” Obiero said. ally Transmitted Infections Control Currently, the programme focuses tions by engaging the public and other a follow-up visit. The men are encour- Kenya has carried out an estimated Programme (NASCOP), explains. on males aged 15 and above, though stakeholders in all the 47 counties,” he aged to return with a friend or relative 477,000 circumcisions since the pro- The role of women will also need private hospitals do carry out the pro- says. also wishing to be circumcised. gramme started in 2008, according to be increased. “It will also be critical cedure on infants at parents’ request. In the end, the parameters and weights “Compensation for time lost to to the government. “This figure does to engage women in mobilization of The national male circumcision used in horizontal revenue allocation for- such persons has seen many of them not include those in the private sector their partners and to ensure that they programme holds an annual Rapid mula is a product of that public consulta- turn up in large numbers to get cir- where voluntary medical male cir- play a bigger role in VMMC than is Results Initiative (RRI) every No- tion. cumcised,” Walter Obiero, the clinical cumcision is also done,” said Obiero. done currently,” Mark Okundi, a com- vember and December, which boosts He cites evidence from most countries manager at the Nyanza Reproductive Male circumcision has been scien- munication specialist with US-funded circumcision numbers significantly that have adopted fiscal decentralization Health Society, adds. tifically proven to reduce a man’s risk AIDS Population and Health Integrat- through mobile clinics and ramped up which he says reveals the tendency by Loss of income is a reason fre- of contracting HIV through vaginal ed Assistance, adds. publicity. The RRI suffered a setback the centre to hold back. “As with other quently cited by men rejecting cir- intercourse by as much as 60 percent. in 2011, however, meeting just over countries, some Kenyan Ministries may cumcision, many of whom wrongly Follow-up studies have found that the Casting a wider net half the target of 70,000 men due to be tempted to hold back some of the func- believe they will be unable to work effectiveness of male circumcision for The government is considering inte- heavy rains that made many roads in tions devolved to the county governments. during the entire six-week healing pe- HIV prevention is maintained for sev- grating male circumcision, currently Nyanza impassable. This poses potential danger to slow down the process of devolution,” he cautions The Link, December 2012 14 GOVERNANCE

By WILLIS EVANS OTIENO PERSON or authority, shall be allo- Powers of independent commissions cated adequate funds and the budget for each commission shall be subject ganised around ethnic groups has Article 250 spells out the appointment bastions of political agenda.. If the activities. to a separate vote. Furthermore, the meant that the ruling political class of procedures and terms of office. It intention is to have as politically neu- Importantly too, the Constitution Constitution spells-out the procedure the day and to some extent the ethnic provides inter alia the minimum and tral public bodies as possible, persons has put in place checks against abuse of appointment, conditions of service groups it represents have so far been maximum number of commission- holding certain political offices for of power by persons appointed to and the procedure for removal from the ones largely in control of public ers for each commission; a deliberate instance those that hold key positions these offices. Under Article 251, any office of persons serving in these bod- bodies. attempt to ensure lean and efficient within political parties and those that individual may petition the National ies. By giving these offices a constitu- As a strategy to overcome exclu- public bodies. Another important re- have held state offices within the last Assembly for the removal from office tional mandate and the attendant pro- sion, other ethnic groups through their quirement is that the appointments to five years should be excluded for ob- of any of the appointees by present- tections, Kenyans were prescribing leaders had to pledge support for the public office should take into account vious reasons. While this may seem a ing facts that show a serious violation cures to the malaise of exclusion from ruler in the hope that they too can the national values and principles harsh stance, let us not forget that by of the Constitution or any other law decision making and governance, lack share in the spoils of public appoint- which include equity, inclusiveness, voting overwhelmingly for the new including provisions of Chapter Six, of separation of powers between the ments and national resources. At the transparency and accountability and Constitution Kenyans were hoping gross misconduct, physical or mental various arms of government, insecu- helm of public bodies were persons as a whole should reflect the diversity for real change, which change was incapacity or incompetence. This pro- rity, poor access to justice, centralised appointed sometimes not for their of the people of Kenya. previously missed because the same vision gives back power to the public and inequitable resource allocation, competence but for their association However, the Constitutional pro- political elite reincarnated as the new to check on the quality and calibre of nepotism in government appoint- with and allegiance to the political visions provide minimum criteria regime. individuals holding this office, should ments among other ills. But are these class. Furthermore, appointment, ten- leaving the details to be spelt out in the appointment process fail to ex- enough to give the country the strong ure of office and removal was based national legislation... In the case of Additional protections clude those unfit to hold public office. institutions it so desires? not on established rules and proce- the Commission for the Implementa- Article 249(3) of the Constitution Whether or not the new Consti- dure but at the pleasure and will of the tion of the Constitution, the criteria provides that ‘parliament shall al- tution enhances accountability by Challenges of appointments appointing authority that was vested for appointment has been expanded locate adequate funds to enable each public bodies depends on the extent The legacies from the Kenyatta in the person of the president. In the to include issues of integrity drawn commission and independent of- to which it succeeds in curbing the and Moi eras that contributed to the circumstances the only assurance of from Chapter Six of the Constitution fice to perform its functions and the problem of arbitrary power. While weakening of public bodies was the remaining in service was to ensure on Leadership and Integrity. This has budget of each commission and in- the minimum principles and mecha- appointment of political cronies to continued congenial relations with been achieved by embedding within dependent office shall be a separate nisms have been established within run public bodies. The impact of this the president at the expense of all else the enabling legislation,the Commis- vote.’ The import of this provision is the Constitution, Parliament must not was the capturing of public services including the law. In the process, in- sion for the Implementation of the to delink the funding of commissions undermine these bodies in enacting and resources by the political elite dividuals and groups had their rights Constitution Act, 2010 In addition, from related government ministries weak operationalizing legislation, or and their favourites to the exclusion violated and were disenfranchised in the CIC Act excludes from appoint- intended to further strengthen their in approving appointment of persons of majority of Kenyans. President many ways, of which some are in the ment persons who hold state offices operational independence and to be who do not espouse the national val- Obama’s speech, delivered in Accra catalogue of what are commonly re- which includes, sitting members of directly accountable to Kenyans for ues and principles under Article 10. Ghana on July 11, 2009 bid. ferred to as historical injustices. parliament and local authority offi- the outcome. In this regard, Kenyans to whom all Article 248 Constitution of Kenya Entrenching within the Constitu- cials among others, an attempt to keep Furthermore these institutions will sovereign power belongs must be Article 249(1) Constitution of Kenya tion - Articles 250 and 251- the proce- commissions free of political agenda. be expected to prepare, publish and eternally vigilante for the rules and Article 249(2) Constitution of Kenya dure of appointments, terms of office However, sitting parliamentarians publicize annual and other reports procedures without legitimate and Article 249(3) Constitution of Kenya and removal from office, is an attempt or members of the local councils or giving the citizenry and opportunity verifiable outcomes are a mere ex- that politics in Kenya is largely or- to guard against the above problems. devolved governments are only the to verify and even interrogate their periment and it is bound to fail.

access justice due to the factors out- lined includes the poor, marginalized and vulnerable (such as women and Access to justice under children). Key challenges likely to have an impact on the ability of citizens to ac- cess justice arise from institutional de- ficiencies and weaknesses. These van- the new Constitution guards of justice are the Judiciary, the National Police Service and the Office By ROSE KIMOTHO of the Attorney General. Some of the deficiencies in these institutions arose JUSTICE is an essential pillar in a de- from the constitutive provisions in the mocracy and plays a fundamental role Constitution of Kenya (Repealed) Act in the preservation of the rule of law. and general institutionalized practice. Rather than being an end in itself, it The new Constitution contains provi- is a continuum that encompasses the sions aimed at reforming these key embodiment of the rights of all in the institutions. This article examines the law; the provision of equal protection extent to which these institutional re- of the rights of all in the law; the equal forms are likely to affect the right of access to all of judicial mechanisms; access to justice. the respectful, fair, impartial and ex- peditious adjudication of claims; and Substantive and Structural Oppor- the equal and humane treatment of tunities those incarcerated for purposes of Before delving into the institutional enforcement of the law. For justice to aspect of the reforms set out in the have any meaningful impact, it must new Constitution, there are substan- be accessible as a matter of right. tive provisions that are likely to, The right of access to justice finds alongside the changes in key agencies, expression at Article 48 of the new facilitate access to justice. Under it, Constitution. Couched in mandatory the state is obligated to ensure access terms, the Article requires the state “to to justice for citizens at a reasonable ensure access to justice for all persons cost. Other facilitative provisions are and, if a fee is required, it shall be rea- with regard to issues related to pub- sonable and not impede access to jus- lic interest litigation. Specifically, the tice”. The concept of access to justice category of who can institute a public is broad. It requires that information interest case has been broadened to on rights be available, that individu- include individuals and associations als should be able to access services (Article 22). The Constitution requires of law enforcement agencies on the that formalities in terms of proceed- basis of equality, that costs associated President Kibaki holds a copy of the Constitution during Promulgation Day in August 27, 2010. He said ings filed in the interest of the public with engagement with justice institu- that the Constitution will herald a new dawn for Kenya August 26, 2011 as the country marked the first be kept to a minimum and that there tions should be reasonable, that pro- anniversary. Photo/File be no fee charged (Article 22 (3) (b), cedural hurdles in the judicial system (c)). should be minimal, that infrastructure decisions should not be occasioned by therefore institutionalizing pre-trial es, gross incompetence in the manage- In addition, courts are not to be supporting access to justice should inordinate delay. detention, non-judicious unjust and ment of cases by legal professionals, constrained by procedural technicali- be accessible and available, that the Various factors militate against unfair sentencing policy, inadequate lack of information among the citizens ties when adjudicating over matters environment within which justice is the effective realization of the right of entrenchment of human rights in the on their rights and socio-cultural fac- (Article 22 (3) (d)). sought should be culturally responsive access to justice. These include high administration of justice, delays in tors that entrench gender based dis- and facilitate justice, and finally, that costs of the legal process, insufficient administration of justice, incompetent crimination. Therefore, the category Rose Kimotho is a Senior Human processing cases and enforcement of legal aid, disparities in granting bail investigation and prosecution of cas- of citizens highly at risk of failing to Rights Officer, KNCHR The Link, December 2012 GOVERNANCE 15

By BEKADZO TONDO THE government has declared an Compensation all out war against members of the Government orders a Mombasa Republican Council. Kilifi County Commissioner Mr. row threatens Erastus Ekidor says that the group accounts for only a small percentage mining project of the Coastal region and thus can- clamp down on MRC By BEKADZO TONDO not purport to speak for the entire non coastal people from the region. coastal people how families of been adequately addressed in the region. He said the country security the outlawed groupings such as of new constitution and thus residents LEADERS in Chonyi division of “The government will intensify agencies are on alert and will not Mount Elgon Land Defence Forces must participate in the coming gen- Kilifi County have threatened to the crackdown on MRC members spare anybody found to be interfer- and that of Mungiki suffered as eral elections to help bring change in block miners of manganese from from their hideouts to put to an end ing with the security of the nation. clumped down on the group mem- the area. exploiting the mineral at Chasimba to its illegal activities,” said Mr Eki- Earlier while speaking at Bamba bers. Mr Ekidor said the National location citing poor compensation of dor. in Ganze district, the commissioner Mr. Ekidor urged youth in the Land Commission will decentralize land owners. Mr Ekidor made the remarks at hinted that police officers had been area to obtain national identification its services to the county levels and The leaders noted that the fami- Ngala Primary School in Kilifi town given orders to shoot and kill any- cards and later register as voters so hence all the land problems facing lies affected by the mining project when he presided over the launch body who tries to disrupt the ongo- that they can participate in the forth- local people will be addressed. had been shortchanged since the compensation was too little to enable of a disaster risk reduction book ing national examinations. coming General Elections. “The National Land Commis- At Ngala Primary School, Mr. “Kenya has a new constitution sion has decentralized its services to them buy land and settle elsewhere. authored by pupils in 10 public pri- According to Chasimba location mary schools in Ganze and Bahari Ekidor warned parents against al- which was overwhelmingly en- the county level, which means that Chief Mr Ruben Ndago, the min- Districts. lowing their children to join illegal dorsed by majority of the people and all the land problems that MRC pur- ers of manganese had agreed with The commissioner said the gov- groups such as the MRC. He said the thus people must exercise restraint ports to address will be dealt with the land owners that they would ernment will not tolerate secession- parents will bear the full brunt once to enable them benefit from the su- accordingly,” said Mr. Ekidor. pay them between Ksh. 75,000 and ist calls by MRC and will deal firm- the children are murdered in cold preme law. He said that once the Commis- 50,000 per truck but they have re- ly with individuals who disrupt the blood for engaging in illegal activi- He said grievances of MRC sion becomes fully operational, all neged on the agreement and are now ongoing voter registration exercise ties that threaten the county security. which mainly touch on landowner- irregularly allocated plots will re- paying Ksh 5,000 per truck. and their demands for the eviction of The Commissioner reminded ship and lack of employment have vert back to the indigenous people. “I remember that the miners had pledged to pay between Ksh 75,000 and 50,000 per truck of the mined manganese but they have back- tracked from earlier agreement and are now paying Ksh 5,000 per truck. The chief made the remarks at the Chonyi divisional headquarters when he was giving a report about the project in a meeting chaired by area D.O Mr Wilfred Sigei. At one point the chief differed with the area councilor Mr Boniface Mwango over the implementation of the agreement between the land own- ers and the miners. Trouble started when chief Ndago said the project was being done in accordance with the agreement reached between the parties involved but councilor Mwango said he was not part of the agreement. “As the area councilor I call upon the leaders in this meeting with the chairmanship of D.O Sigei to dispatch a team of leaders to the area where mining is ongoing and get proper information as to whether the project is being done in accordance with the guidelines and the general conservation of the environment,” said Cllr Mwango. The issue arose Contingent of GSU police officers patrolling Garsen town in Tana River County. The government will intensify the crackdown on MRC after the leaders rejected plans by members from their hideouts to put to an end to its illegal activities. Photo/File Athi River Mining Company to take up 500 acres of residential land at Mwarakaya to explore lime stone. Former PS Mrs. Rachael Dzom- bo and Mwarakaya ward councilor Gadget to curb high rates of accident Silas Mzungu said the management of Athi River mining company had By JOHN NYAMBUNE heels of shocking statistics that road John Michuki. kilometer away and is able to show planned to acquire the land secretly carnage has become a global health A technical officer at Rotec Se- whether the vehicle violates the and should thus be blacklisted. THE government has introduced a and development problem with over curity System, says the device which speed limit. It also shows the number “We were shocked to hear that the new gadget that seeks to reduce the 1.2 million people dying on roads is used by law enforcers can be in- place and the colour of the particular management of Athi River company rising number of road accidents in every year, and as many as 50 mil- stalled in a vehicle to measure its vehicle,” says another official at Ro- which deals in cement processing at the country. lion others injured. speed on roads and highways where tec Security System. Kaloleni had acquired 500 acres of The gadget, Radar Autovision Over 90 per cent of the deaths most drivers tend to violate the rules Public service vehicles are sup- land in Mitulani, Mbuyuni, Mwar- Compact Speed Enforcement device occur in low-income and middle- by speeding. “Road accidents are on posed to maintain a speed limit of 80 akaya and Danicha areas without has been enhanced with advanced income countries. The World Health the increase and it is only through kph. However, most vehicles violate involving the local leadership and digital CCTV video with high ac- Organisation (WHO) predicts that such a gadget that sanity can be re- and exceed the speed hence contrib- the land owners,” said Mrs Dzombo. curacy speed measurement equip- road traffic injuries will rise to be- stored on our roads,” says a techni- uting to road accidents. The leaders further said the tar- geted land was communal land and ment, providing a very effective and come the fifth leading cause of death cian. According to a technician, if de- straight forward traffic enforcement the planned takeover could lead to by 2030. Images are overlaid with relevant ployed, the gadget can help to reduce bloody conflicts as some of the af- system. Pressure has been mounting on data including a security frame coun- the number of road accidents in the fected family members may not be The system has also been the Government to put in place prop- ter. The first line shows the date, time country by up to 60 per cent. considered for compensation. equipped with a mobile radar that is er mechanisms and adopt new strat- and speed of the patrol car, the sec- “So far, we have conducted three D.O Sigei said the project will able to transmit high quality audio egies to reduce the rising deaths on ond line displays the average speed trials in the country in Nairobi, Meru not continue as the management of visual record, highlighting cases of Kenyan roads. Few countries have of the target vehicle together with and Nyeri towns as well as held sev- the mining company had not for- over speeding or traffic related of- comprehensive, well-enforced road the time and distance over which the eral public demonstrations along warded its proposal for approval by fenses. safety laws when it comes to speed, speed check was taken. The device some major highways to sensitize the community and relevant govern- The radar provides accurate drunken driving, use of motorcycle can also capture traffic policemen the police, matatu owners and per- ment departments. speed enforcement data in static or helmets and safety belts among oth- who receive bribes hence help to re- sonnel from insurance companies on “My office has not been served moving mode vehicles and includes ers. duce corruption. the importance of using the device,” with any proposal by Athi River the Automatic Same Direction tech- In Kenya, road accidents have Additional cameras can be in- says a technician. Mining company which is seeking to nology to determine whether the tar- been going up every year due to re- cluded for monitoring offender’s ac- Despite the device having been use 500 acres of land at Mwarakaya get vehicle is approaching or reced- luctance by government agencies to tions in the rear of the vehicle. “The gazzetted in 2007, it is not yet opera- location and for that reason we can- ing with 100 per cent accuracy. strictly enforce rules put in place by most outstanding thing about the de- tional in the country due to procure- not deliberate on this issue,” said Mr The device comes hot on the former Transport Minister, the late vice is that it captures a vehicle one ment challenges. Sigei.

The Link, December 2012 16 SPECIAL REPORT The Traffic (Amendment) Act seeks to restore sanity on Kenyan roads INTRODUCTION police officers mandated with the responsibility Kenya’s ratings in road carnage have remained he harsh law follows to enforce traffic rules a successful amend- and regulations. relatively high with statistics showing that about Tment of the Traffic 3,000 lives are lost annually to road accidents. Act (Cap.403) with a view l All motor registration to: number plates be owned This places it among countries with the highest (i) Vest ownership of motor by the Kenya Revenue rate of accidents globally, despite its low level identification plates Authority (KRA). on the Kenya Revenue motorization compared to other developed econ- Authority and to require l If the ownership of omies. At the moment, the country is still grap- surrender of the plates a vehicle changes, the pling with the ever increasing number of road to the Registrar of registration number Motor Vehicles once a plates must be accidents largely blamed on reckless driving. motor vehicle is surrendered to the But the scenario is set for change with the enact- transferred from one Registrar of Motor person to another. Vehicles. Failure to ment of the Traffic (Amendment) Act 2012 writes FAITH MUIRURI. (ii) To enhance penalties for comply with the rules various traffic offences attracts a fine not in order to deter exceeding Ksh 30,000 of a public service erected next to helmets and reflector commission of those on conviction. vehicle attracts a penalty traffic signs showing the jackets. Riders are not offences and of ten (10) years in jail prescribed speed limits. allowed to ferry more than consequently minimize l An identification or a minimum of Ksh one (1) passenger at a time. loss of lives on Kenyan number plate becomes 500 000 in fine, or both. l Passenger Service roads. invalid if the insurance Vehicles’ (PSV) drivers Penalties (iii) To abolish the Traffic cover of a motor vehicle l In case of violation of and conductors are In a bid to enhance sobriety on Police Department in to which it relates the prescribed speed required to wear the roads, the new law introduc- order to vest expires and is not limits, on conviction, an badges and blue and es a set of harsh penalties that enforcement of traffic renewed within thirty offender risk having maroon coloured will serve to deter motorists who laws and regulations on (30) days from its expiry their license cancelled uniforms respectively. break traffic rules and lead to ac- all police officers. date. Owners of the for at least three years. In addition, the PSV cidents. The law provides stiffer offending vehicles are drivers would be penalties for offenders and intro- Key Highlights of the Traf- required to surrender the l The Inspector General required to do a duces other regulations to curb fic Rules include identification number of Police has been compulsory competence road accidents caused by human l A directive that the plates to KRA failure to vested with powers test every two (2) years. error. administrative unit of which criminal to designate areas where According to the new law, the Kenya Police sanctions are to be police are allowed to l All Motorcycles riders driving under the influence of Service known as the imposed. erect roadblocks. required to take out a any substance is set to attract a Traffic Department third party insurance penalty of ten (10) years in jail or be scrapped and all l Unauthorised driving l Road signs are to be policy and must wear a minimum of Ksh 500,000 fine, or both. Section 44 Cap 403 of the Traffic Act has been amended to read that a person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other pub- lic place, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an ex- tent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term not ex- ceeding ten years, or to a fine not exceeding Ksh500, 000, or both. The amendments have pro- posed to increase tenfold traffic offences fines. For example, a first conviction on reckless and dangerous driving attracts a fine of Ksh100,000 or imprisonment for two years or both. A second conviction on the same offence attracts a fine of Ksh300,000 and/or imprisonment for a year or disqualification from driving for a period of two years. Causing death through reck- less or dangerous driving now The scene of a road accident along Thika Road. In many occasions, accidents do happen due to violation of traffic rules. Photo/File becomes a criminal offence and

The Link, December 2012 SPECIAL REPORT 17 The Traffic (Amendment) Act seeks to restore sanity on Kenyan roads

Matatus packed at one of the terminus in the country.

on conviction, the courts are at be presented to KRA when times. l Every owner of a A person who rides a mo- liberty to convict offenders to one is applying for the re- However a person who public service vehicle tor cycle has been vested life imprisonment. newal of the license. Anyone violates a speed limit pre- has to employ at with the responsibility to Motorists who drive on pave- who fails to comply with scribed for a road by up to least one driver and one provide a helmet and a jacket ments or pedestrian walkways this requirement, risk being twenty kilometres per hour conductor who must that has reflectors to the pas- risk a three months jail term or disqualified from holding commits an offence and is hold a certificate of senger, and carry only one a fine of Ksh30,000 or both. a driving license for a pe- liable, on conviction, to good conduct issued by passenger at a time. Motorcycle riders on the riod not exceeding three (3) imprisonment for a term of the relevant authority. Only individuals with other hand are required to wear years. not less than three months, l Drivers only take up valid driving licences issued helmets and jackets and provide The law also seeks to deal or a fine of not less than employment upon being in accordance with the pro- the same to their passengers. with the failure of a driver Ksh20,000 or both.” vetted and an assurance visions of the Act can ride The law also demands that the to produce a driving license, The legislation also deals of a permanent monthly motorcycles. riders possess driving licenses. driving beyond the stipulat- with the issue of unroad- salary by the owner of A person who contra- Motorcycle owners who con- ed speed limit, driving under worthy vehicles, punishment the public service venes or fails to comply with travene the same are liable to a the influence of alcohol and for hit and run drivers and vehicle. the provisions commits an fine of Ksh10,000 or one year causing death from reckless the fraudulent issuance of l A person who offence and is liable to a fine jail term or both. driving. motor vehicle documents. contravenes or fails to not exceeding Ksh 10,000 Driving without a license comply with the or, in default of payment, to Issuance of Licenses attracts a tougher penalty Uniforms and special provisions commits imprisonment for a term not Further, the new law has re- too as offenders face a ten badge an offence and is exceeding twelve months. viewed the registration and li- year jail term or a fine of l The Registrar of Motor liable upon conviction, censing of motor vehicles and Ksh500,000 or both. Vehicles prescribes the to imprisonment for a Unauthorised driving the issuance of driving licenses. The driving license of a uniform to be worn term not exceeding A person who drives unau- According to the law, the person who has been con- by both the driver and twelve months, or thorised vehicle commits an annual licenses have been victed for the violation of a the conductor. to a fine of not less than offence and so is the driver scrapped and all licenses are to speed limit becomes invalid l The Registrar of Motor Ksh10,000 or both. of a public service vehicle be issued for a term of three (3) for a period of not less than Vehicles is to who abets the crime. years. three years— issue special badges Helmets and reflector jack- A person who is convicted All licensed motor vehicle (a) if the violation of upon satisfaction of all ets of an offence under this sec- drivers are required to undergo the limit is by up to ten requirements and The law makes it compul- tion is liable to imprisonment mandatory eye tests every three kilometres per hour; and after both the driver sory for both riders and pas- for a term not exceeding ten (3) years, and a medical prac- (b) the violation is repeated and conductor pays the sengers to wear a helmet and years, or a fine not exceeding titioner’s report will need to three or more different prescribed fee. a jacket that has reflectors. Ksh 500,000 or to both. The Link, December 2012 18 GOVERNANCE Ahadi Kenya partners with church to eradicate jiggers

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA community,” said Kamau. Kamau added that the trust plans Sacco supports AHADI Kenya Trust has joined hands to treat 10 per cent of those infected in with members of the Akorino church the country and urged Kenyans to join community in order to eradicate jiggers in the hands in order to eradicate it. country. The members joined hands Over 50 jigger infested victims in- recently at Kamakwa trading centre cluding children and old people were projects near Nyeri town where they treated treated. the jigger infested victims from Nyeri Anti jigger ambassador Cecilia By BEKADZO TONDO County. Mwangi and Kamau urged the Gov- African Mission of Holy Ghost ernment to ensure chiefs are retained THE Kilifi Teachers Savings and Church archbishop Ezra Kamau in the Government since they are the Credit Cooperative Society has Ngigi said they joined hands with the ones who know about the people who spent Ksh0.5 million in supporting anti jigger organization in order to be are infested with jiggers at the grass- community development projects. involved in the community work and roots. The Sacco has been supporting also to preach the word of God. “I also urge wananchi not to seg- three children orphanage centers Ahadi Kenya Trust Chief Ex- regate disabled people. They should from Kilifi , Malindi and Kaloleni ecutive Stanley Kamau said the trust be brought open so that they can be districts who recently received food want to create partnership and show treated,” said Mwangi. donation. the Akorino members that there is She said the trust is still struggling The officials left with 10 bales also need to take their children in hos- to acquire a jigger policy to address each of maize flour, a bag each of pital and in school. jiggers menace by year 2015. 100kgs of rice, a gallon of 20 litters “We also want them to be involved Special Programmes Minister Es- of cooking fat and a sack of 90 kgs in community work like this one of ther Murugi and Mathira MP Ephraim of beans valed at Ksh110,000. jigger eradication in order to help the Maina were also present. Led by the manager of Saidia Kwa Moyo orphanage home in Kili- fi, Ms Mercy Katana, the orphanage officials registered their apprecia- tion to the sacco for the timely ges- AIPCK church ture to donate the food stuff. Ms Katana said though orphan- age centers were privately managed, opposes they were faced with numerous challenges that range from shelter, food and funds to educate the chil- dren. Marriage Bill She said the orphanage apart from offering shelter and food sup- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA saying the current trend may affect port to the 30 children; it also sup- the forthcoming general elections. He ports the education of the children THE Archbishop of African Inde- further urged the government to fast- even to secondary level. pendent Pentecostal Church of Kenya track reforms in the police force as ‘Orphanage homes which are (AIPCK) John Mugecha has faulted well as appoint the Inspector General normally privately managed face the Marriage Bill that was passed by of Police before the end of the year. many challenges and donations the Cabinet recently. The bishop also proposed that the and support like the one we have Mugecha said some provisions in process of vetting presidential candi- received from the Sacco will really the Bill are against the Biblical teach- dates and other aspirants should be help the children’ said Mrs. Katana ings noting that in implementing the left with the Independent Electoral The Sacco which started way law, some sections of human rights and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) back in 1974 has since opened its and values will be violated and that saying that the idea of involving other doors to none teachers and it cur- the marriage institution will be taken state commissions in the process is un- Ahadi Kenya Chief Executive Stanley Kamau with Akorino rently has a total over 23,000 active for granted. constitutional. Methu urged all Ken- member treating jiggers recently at Kamakwa trading centre at members. Speaking recently during the 26th yans to maintain peace in this cam- the outskirts of Nyeri town. According to the chief executive annual national prayer meeting of paigning season and further advised officer Mr Daniel Masha, the Sacco AIPCK members held at his residen- the Christians from all corners of the runs a social corporate responsibili- tial home in Muthiga village in Nyeri, country to avoid divisive politics. ty policy through which a portion of Mugecha observed that some individ- At the same time, Maendeleo Ya its annual proceeds goes to support- uals will take advantage of the bill and Wanaume Organisation also opposed Mobile money transfer ing the less fortunate people in the get into marriage relationship casually the ‘come – we – stay’ marriages say- community and communal projects. and perhaps with negative intentions. ing it is meant to suppress men. The orphanage which benefited The archbishop said the church ad- The organization chairman Nder- industry provides relief from the food stuff were Asante or- vocates and respects holy matrimony itu Njoka said this kind of marriage phanage center of Malindi, Saidia which results on free decision by two is meant to force a man into marriage to unemployment crisis Kwa Moyo of Kilifi and Mamba partners in accordance to the teachings without giving him enough time for children care center of Kaloleni. of the Bible arguing that cohabiting is courtship and will therefore move to By LINK CORRESPONDENT which pioneered the service in 2007, The Sacco chairman Mr Richard not a formal relationship and should constitutional court to block the law. controlling the mobile money market in Dzombo urged more people who not be considered as a marriage. Speaking after the cabinet legal- THE mobile money transfer sector is the country. are non-teachers to join the Sacco ized the marriages which exceed a turning out to be a major source of em- CCK data showed that as of June, and benefit from the many products He also said payment of bride there were 19.5 million mobile money wealth should not be ignored noting period of six months; the chairman ployment as more Kenyans embrace mo- it offers to its members. bile phone cash transfer services, which subscriptions. The number grew by 2.73 that the practice is not only an impor- said a man should be given enough per cent from 18.9 million in the previ- He said the Sacco has so far at- time to study about the woman who they use to pay bills, send cash and repay tracted many non-teacher members tant African custom but also advocat- loans among other services. Statistics ous quarter. The main work of those em- ed for in the Bible and thus the pay- will be his future wife. “There are no from the Communication Commission ployed in the sector as agents by the four including low scale farmers, small ment of the bride wealth corroborates proper frameworks. I’m wondering of Kenya (CCK) indicate that close to service providers include handling de- scale business people and women the marriage relationships. why all these laws are just favour- 50,000 people are employed in the indus- posits and helping clients withdraw cash. groups. “We are urging the unem- Supporting Mugecha’s words, the ing women and oppressing men,” he try as mobile money agents. In the period between April to June, the ployed people to form groups and chief guest in the event Bishop Dr. complained. Njoka said on phone that In a report, CCK noted that the agents handled US$2.3 billion, accord- register with us so that you can ac- Joseph Methu said the bill failed to nobody should be forced to marriage number of people working as agents ing to CCK. The amount increased from cess loan services to improve your take into consideration the diversity of in this country. On the issue of dowry, stood at 49,079, which grew in the quar- US$2.1 billion in the previous quarter. livelihoods,” said Mr Dzombo. religious faith in the country and thus he said the Government should ban ter ending June 2012 by 7.02 per cent, Similarly, in the financial year He said cleanliness of the town the issue of faith perspective was over- it since both the lady and gentlemen rising from 45,861 by March 2012. “At 2011/2012, the agents handled US$8 was a responsibility of all stakehold- looked in the provisions of the bill. have been brought up together in the the end of quarter under review, there billion, up from US$5.8 billion the pre- ers and said his Sacco bought some Meanwhile, Methu who is the same society though by different par- were 49,079 active mobile money trans- vious year. “This upward trend signifies dustbins which they later donated to National Chairman of the Federation ents. “Let them not say that payment fer service agents compared to 45,861 that mobile money transfer service has the council. of Evangelical and Indigenous Chris- of dowry is voluntary, instead they recorded in the previous quarter and become instrumental in providing unmet Mr Angore further said that the tian Churches of Kenya (FEICCK), should ban it for good,” he added. 42,313 posted at the end of the previous demand for financial services thereby sacco has been involved in the gen- condemned the killing of more than He at the same time backed the year. This represents a quarterly and an promoting financial inclusion in the eral clean up exercises in the urban provision that allows for the separa- annual growth of 7.02 per cent and 15.99 country,” said CCK. centers like Kilifi, Mariakani and 20 police officers who were in line of The mobile money transfer industry duty at Baragoi in Samburu county tion of the properties saying this is per cent respectively,” said CCK. Malindi towns. The regulator notes that though a therefore comes as a relief to Kenya’s The manager said the sacao had recently. He said the insecurity situa- commendable. The cabinet which was unemployment crisis, which is on the chaired by President Kibaki endorsed value addition in the mobile telephony erected some sheds at Kilifi and Ma- tion in the country is alarming citing industry, the sector continues to create rise, according to International Mon- various incidents of attack at places of Marriage Bill recently which will now lindi town bus termini and it plans to employment opportunities across the etary Fund (IMF). IMF put Kenya’s un- do more through community devel- worship which have been witnessed in be tabled in parliament for debate. employment rate at 40 per cent. Out of East African countries. All the four mo- opment projects. The Sacco chair- different places in the country. The chiefs will now have authority bile phone companies in Kenya namely this, 64 per cent are the youths. Major- The bishop called upon the gov- to register those engaged in the ‘come ity of those who are employed in mobile man said the sacco has branches in Safaricom, Airtel, Yu and Orange offer Kilifi, Malindi and Mariakani. ernment to beef up security urgently – we –stay’ marriage accordingly. money transfer services, with Safaricom, money shops in Kenya are young people. The Link, December 2012 DEVELOPMENT 19

By NYAKWAR ODAWO The Kenya Forest Service has embarked on an ambitious plan in Busia County Kenya Forest Service builds that will culminate in the establishment of a forest resource centre. In a recent interview with The Link, the forestry services officer in charge of a resource centre in Busia Busia County James Were said the re- source centre will help decentralize for- tor, adding that the proposed facility “The establishment of a resource in Busia County will most certainly the trend adding that the Kenya Forestry estry services at the county level. once completed will go a long way in centre in Busia County will be a major lead to high demand for the tree seed- Services has contributed directly to the The Kenya Forestry Service coor- benefiting the entire community and in foreign exchange earner not only to the lings that will in the long run enable the provision of food security in the entire dinator said that the elevation of Busia particular, the school children who will county, but to the entire nation at large,” achievement of the mandatory 10per- country by way of tree planting. Forest into an Arboretum status was be able to access information pertaining said Were. cent forest cover,” said the county for- “Trees play a leading role towards long overdue. to environmental conservation. He said that upon completion of the est coordinator, adding that the national the provision of moisture, fertilizer, rain “Even the national director of the Were at the same time explained resource centre, the county will have forest cover currently stands at a paltry as well as control of soil erosion that in Kenya Forestry Services David Mbu- that the tenting facilities will help pro- three fully fledged parks in Busia town, 4percent which he noted is just a drop most occasions washes away the top gua has supported the initiative,” said vide cheaper accommodation to locals Teso and Matayos respectively. in the ocean. He called for collaboration soil that contains fertile soil for high ag- the Kenya Forestry Service coordina- and tourists who visit the facility. “The commercialization of forests among all stakeholders to help reverse ricultural productivity. Ongoing judicial Company introduces reforms help to reclaim public surgical machine in Africa confidence By NYAKWAR ODAWO By HENRY OWINO THE ongoing judicial reforms seek to GENERAL Electric Company ensure effective and speedy delivery (GE) Healthcare has announced the of justice, a senior judiciary official has said. Addressing participants at a media introduction of a new anaesthesia workshop held at Multi-Media Univer- delivery system called the Caresta- sity college organized by the judicial tion 30 that would support safer Service Commission recently, Justice surgery in African hospitals. Joel Ngugi, the head of the judicial The Carestation 30 machine in- transformation secretariat said Kenyans tegrates the level of oxygen in the had lost confidence in the judiciary es- blood and other key measurements pecially during the 2007/8 bungled into its anaesthesia delivery system. presidential election. This helps the caregivers to view “The ongoing transformation of the judiciary will restore confidence in the patient data and alarm indicators on courts considering that the progress that a colour display, allowing efficient has been realized,” said justice Ngugi, access to critical information. adding that the institution was bleeding The technology has the follow- from inside due to rampant loss of case ing additional benefits: Clinical files. Justice Ngugi at the same time said Innovation and Performance thus prior to the transformation process, peo- giving accurate mechanical ven- ple feared the judiciary to an extent that tilation and integrated, compact they would be overwhelmed at the sight breathing system; Excellent User of a judge or magistrate. “Initially, judges Experience – compact and ergo- were viewed as fierce animals and none of the court clients would dare greet or nomic with an intuitive user inter- even say good morning,” said the judge. face and a comprehensive training Justice Ngugi said during the last fi- package; Lifetime of Value – com- nancial year, the judiciary got a paltry pact breathing system to minimize 0.5percent of the national budget out of leaks; Quality and Reliability – en- which 0.46percent went towards staff gineered for maximum reliability salary. He said this meant that very little and minimized maintenance with funds were left to finance the develop- an extended battery life of up to six ment of infrastructure despite the fact hours. that most law courts especially in the rural areas were operating without es- These remarks were made sential facilities. by Farid Fezoua, the President “At Machakos and Kilungu law and Chief Executive Officer GE courts I was surprised to establish that Healthcare Africa at a press confer- there are no washrooms and computers ence in Nairobi. respectively,” said Justice Ngugi, add- Fezoua said the company in- The new surgical anasthesia machine introduced by GE Healthcare team in Africa targeting rural ing that the ongoing transformation of troduced the machine in Africa areas. Photo/Henry Owino the judiciary has come at the right time because there are tremendous chal- as the judiciary is set to become the en- lenges when it comes to routine and to bring better health to more peo- In parallel, he disclosed that GE improvement and performance so- gine that will transform the society. emergency surgery in low resource He said the transformation will lead ple by leveraging the best of our Healthcare is also introducing a cli- lutions services. to transformative leadership, organiza- areas, like rural Africa. He clarified resources, expertise, products and nician education program aimed at The machine helps medics to tional culture and professional and moti- that many rural communities lack solutions to address the needs of raising awareness among surgical deliver better care to more people vated staff, growth of jurisprudence and clinical care necessary to ensure citizens across the continent,” said caregivers in Kenya. around the world at a lower cost. effective judicial practice. positive outcomes when it comes Farid Fezoua, President & CEO of “Today, GE Healthcare is In addition, the GE team partner “The transformation process will to surgery. GE Healthcare in Africa. “ Given pleased to introduce the Caresta- with healthcare leaders, striving to also ensure availability of adequate “Having the right tools and access issues facing the region, tion 30, our latest anaesthesia deliv- leverage the global policy change financial resources and physical in- equipment are vital to delivering advancing surgery in the rural pri- ery system increasing the standards necessary to implement a success- frastructure,” he said, adding that the the safest surgery possible. This mary care setting, particularly in of quality, reliability and afford- ful shift to sustainable healthcare judicial system will embrace a tech- product was developed with this in nology that would enable the judiciary Sub-Saharan Africa is a key area of ability,” said Ireland. systems. to acquire computers where court files mind so that many lives could be focus”, added Fezoua. He said the machine is not The GE team “healthymagina- would be stored to hence avoiding loss saved,” explained Fezoua. Joy Ireland, President & CEO available in all markets and again tion” vision for the future invites the case files. Justice Ngugi called upon the Fezoua stated that the Kenya GE Africa, said the program will be not available for sale in the United world to join them on their journey media to be very inquisitive where val- Society of Anaesthesiologists’ fully supported by GE and execut- States. Its purchase price would as they continuously develop inno- ue for money is concerned adding that (KSA) guidelines include a range ed by the Kenya Society of Anaes- cost between Ksh 1.2 to 2 million vations focused on reducing costs, they [media] should expose cases where of criteria for anesthesia equip- thesiology and based on its success, GE Healthcare provides trans- increasing access and improving court clerks are extorting money from ment, including the ability to ap- will be further expanded to several formational medical technologies quality health around the world. clients so that stern legal action can be propriately monitor physiological countries throughout Africa. and services that are shaping a new Currently headquartered in the taken against them. measurements and other variables. Ireland expounded they are age of patient care. United Kingdom, GE Healthcare “This is not an empty threat. Should He recalled traditionally, clini- the court clerks be found extorting hopeful that the new technology It is a broad expertise in medical is a unit of General Electric Com- bribes from either the clients or media, cians have been limited in their will help further meet the needs of imaging and information technolo- pany Worldwide. The GE Health- they will end up facing the full wrath of ability to monitor vital signs such clinicians in low resource settings gies, medical diagnostics, patient care employees are committed to the law,” said Justice Ngugi, adding that as oxygen levels in the blood, dur- at a more affordable cost, thereby monitoring systems, drug discov- serving healthcare professionals the vice has always led to poor service ing surgeries. advancing safer surgery practices ery, biopharmaceutical manufac- and their patients in more than 100 delivery hence damaging the image of “In Africa GE is working hard in Africa. turing technologies, performance countries globally. the institution. The Link, December 2012 20 DEVELOPMENT

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA THE United States government Initiative has invested over Ksh 238 bil- US renews HIV/AIDS seeks to build lion to the HIV/ AIDS response in Kenya, the acting U.S am- bassador in the country Robert cohesion in Godec has disclosed. Godec said this is the largest funding to Kenya schools commitment by any one govern- channeled through the US enabled effectiveness of the an- nities to expand access to HIV By LINK CORRESPONDENT ment to any one disease noting President’s Emergency Plan for ti-retroviral therapy,” he added. testing and treatments adding that the resources have resulted AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has also The ambassador promised that they will also support pro- COMMUNITIES living along the in more than 600,000 Kenyans made a noticeable impact in the that the American people will grams that will help reduce the Sotik-Borabu border have come up all over the country receiving outpatient nutrition information continue to work through facili- transmission of HIV so as to with an initiative that seeks to curb anti - retro viral therapy. and supplemental nutrition pro- ties like the Nyeri PGH and oth- achieve a generation of Kenyans violence and enhance integration in “For the last one year, the gram for HIV victims. This has ers in the surrounding commu- free from the epidemic. schools ahead of the elections. American people have provided The initiative dubbed Strate- for the education and care of gies for Peace, Education and De- more than 600,000 children who velopment (Sperd) is a mentorship have been orphaned or are vul- programme that targets secondary nerable due to the impact of HIV schools. and AIDS,” he said. The project coordinator Joshua Speaking after touring Ny- Murgor says that the programme eri Provincial General Hospital targets schools because students are the best change agents and peace (PGH), Godec added that the ambassadors. assistance has enabled the HIV/ He says that the project works AIDS victims to lead productive closely with the administration in lives and reduce the burden of respective schools to establish peace the epidemic on Kenya’s fami- clubs. “We encourage all students to lies, communities, and economy. enroll in the clubs. During meetings, The envoy who was on of- students discuss what is happening ficial tour to visit U.S funded in their communities and the best projects in Mount Kenya region way to enhance cohesion,” explains further said with their support, Murgor. over seven million Kenyans Some of the topics discussed in- have been tested in order to clude negative ethnicity and how to know their own HIV status. curb it in school and society. “This Citing the Nyeri PGH as one helps them to accept each other’s of the beneficiaries of the US aid ethnic background and culture,” on HIV/AIDS, the ambassador adds Murgor. added their help has enabled the He points out that schools are enrollment of clients in the hos- better placed to carry on with the ini- pital has increased from about tiative because students are change 1,000 persons living with HIV in agents and thus likely to replicate year 2006 to over 5,000 persons the same messages in the commu- nity. living with HIV and enrolled in “Besides debating on issues re- care and treatment as of Septem- lating to cohesion, club members ber 2012. visit neighbouring schools where “The funding which was Acting US Ambassador Robert Godec (centre) with Nyeri Public Health officials touring Nyeri they hold games and discussions. Provincial General Hospital recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa The movement started in a few schools and has spread to many others. “We began with about five schools, but now at least 40 second- ary schools in Bomet, Nyamira and Mtwapa slum upgrading project stalls as Kericho counties have joined the initiative,” says Murgor. Members of the club have adopt- community demands compensation ed the new structure of Government that comprises of the Senate, Parlia- By BEKADZO TONDO said Mr Munga. residents of Mtwapa have been attend the elections of the mem- ment and County Assembly mem- However, the chair- finalized and residents unani- bers. bers as outlined in the Constitution. THE implementation of Mtwapa man of Kilifi county council mously and voluntarily agreed Another victim Mrs. Esther Mr Danson Rono, deputy head slum upgrading project by the Mr.Anthony Kingi said there to demolish all the houses built Nzai vowed to resist the demo- teacher at Soliat Secondary School Ministry of Local Government was no provision for compensa- on the road reserves. lition of her house at Mikanjuni said peace clubs have helped trans- at Ksh. 50 million has stalled tion of those whose houses will ‘Consultative meetings have to pave way for the access roads. form many students. following fresh demands of be demolished. been conducted in the area and Mrs. Nzai claimed that there “In my school, students have compensation by local residents. Mr. Kingi said the project is most of the residents welcomed was favourism in the identifica- stopped being reactive to cohesion Although the residents are set to be implemented within a the project and agreed to pull tion of the houses to be demol- issues in school. They want to be not opposed to the project being period of 18 months and will in- down structures which had ished claiming that some houses part of the solution,” he said. implemented by Kilifi County volve creation of access routes wrongly been built on routes will not be demolished. Through regular debates, stu- dents are now conversant with Council, they want to be com- at Mikanjuni slum, installation earmarked as access routes’ said ‘We know of houses which changes going on in the country. pensated before the project takes of street lights to improve secu- Mr Kingi. were marked for demolition but Other institutions in the region, off. rity and construction of a storm Mr. Kingi said Mtwapa has have since been excluded from which have peace clubs include Ka- Led by Mr Jonathan Munga, water drainage system. been congested with structures the exercise after owners bribed psinendet, Londiani girls, Tembwo, the over 50 residents from Mi- ‘The Mtwapa slum upgrading that are not built according to the project committee mem- Ikonge PAG, Mwongori, Manga kanjuni whose houses have been scheme is an 18 months project any stipulated plan and thus the bers,” said Mrs. Nzai. girls and Moi Minariet. marked for demolition, say that being funded by the government council wanted to re-plan the Area councilor Mr Ali Bakari Students use social media to in- they will only allow the project through the ministry of local town. said all the local people were in- teract and strengthen communica- to continue if they are assured of government and it will involve However, the residents de- volved through public meetings tion between clubs. The initiative compensation and given alterna- creation of access routes, instal- nied that they had been involved and denied that the committee will help schools to unite students tive plots to resettle as majority lation of street lights and storm in consultative meetings and members of the project were ahead of the elections. will be displaced. water drainage system,” said Mr urged the council to convene hand-picked. Most students were affected by “As residents of Mikanjuni Kingi, public forums before the imple- “All residents of Mtwapa af- the 2007/2008 post election vio- in Mtwapa location, we highly The chairman who spoke mentation of the project. fected by the project were invit- lence. Some of them are still nursing welcome the slum upgrading to The Link said consultative Mr. Munga wanted to know ed to public meetings to discuss the wounds especially those whose scheme for our area but we want meetings between the officials how the residents committee in how the project will be carried parents live in areas considered to be assured of compensation of the ministry of local govern- charge of the project was formed and those affected agreed to hotspots. Schools and colleges in and given alternative plots for ment, Kilifi county council, de- as most people in the area had pull them down to create access these areas were hard hit by election those of us who will displaced,” velopment stakeholders and the not be informed or contacted to routes,” said Cllr. Bakari. violence. This forced many of them to flee to areas perceived to be safe. The Link, December 2012 DEVELOPMENT 21 New malaria vaccine to be introduced in two years By HENRY OWINO year among children aged five to 17 increase overall reporting of serious and how to deploy this vaccine,” stat- cine for use alongside other measures months against clinical and severe adverse events between the infants ed Dr Njuguna. such as bed nets and anti-malarial RESEARCHERS and Scientists are malaria recorded 55 per cent and 47 vaccinated with the RTS,S malaria She emphasized that the collabo- medicines would represent a decisive moving close to producing a new ma- per cent success rates respectively. He vaccine candidate and infants in the rators are represented on the Clinical advance in malaria control. Even the laria vaccine that could see the number stated follow-up in Phase III trial will control group, which received a com- Trials Partnership Committee, which GSK and MVI are committed to mak- of deaths from malaria drop signifi- continue and is expected to provide parator vaccine. oversees the conduct of the trial. The ing this vaccine available to those who cantly in Africa. The vaccine, known more data for analysis to better under- Dr Njuguna however admitted doctor assured the public that follow- need it most, should it be approved simply known as RTS,S, is expected stand the different findings between side effects primarily included local up to the Phase III trial will continue and recommended for use at an af- to be available for public use in 2014 the age categories. injection site reactions, which were to provide more data for analysis to fordable cost. subject to approval by the Ministry of “An estimated 655,000 people less frequent following RTS,S vacci- better understand the different find- Public Health in respective countries. from sub-Saharan Africa die of ma- nations compared to the DTP-HepB/ ings between the age categories. This comes as a great relief for laria annually with children mainly Hib vaccine. Fever was reported more “The data and analyses should also children under five years who rarely below five being the worst hit, accord- frequently following RTS,S vaccina- provide insights into the vaccine can- Halt land live to see their fifth birth days. In ing the World Health Organization tions than the control vaccine group didate’s efficacy in different malaria Kenya, malaria is one of the top five (WHO). An effective malaria vaccine thus 30.6 per cent versus 21.1 per cent parasite transmission settings. More transactions in killer diseases among infants along- would be a welcome addition to our of vaccine doses, respectively. data on the longer-term efficacy of the side diarrhea, pneumonia, measles tool kit, and we have been working to- She explained the two new cases vaccine during 30 months of follow- Coast region, and HIV/Aids. The 2010 Kenya De- ward this goal with this RTS,S trial,’’ of meningitis were reported in the up after the third dose, and the impact mographic Health Survey (KDHS) Dr Abdulla disclosed. 6-12 week-old infant age category in of a booster dose are expected to be Govt urged results showed that at least 84 per cent The survey also indicated that over addition to the 9 reported last year; publicly available at the end of 2014,” of children below 15, which translates 19,000 infants succumb to the disease one in the RTS,S group and one in the explained Dr Njuguna. By BEKADZO TONDO to over six million people, are at the annually in Kenya. Though the cur- control vaccine group. However, Dr The data and analyses therefore risk of contracting malaria. THE government has been chal- rent success rating is lower than the Njuguna clarified that further analysis will inform the regulatory submission lenged to halt all land transactions in The results from the recent large- one reported last year, Abdulla said revealed a bacterial cause of the men- strategy and, if the required regula- scale third stage of trials show that the Coast region as the country gears up the information will enable the team ingitis in seven of the 11 cases. She tory approvals are obtained and public for the General Elections. vaccine can protect infants against the gather and analyze more data from the said they will provide more data for health information, including safety Leaders in Kilifi County want deadly disease. The vaccines are to vaccine trials. “This will help to de- analysis to enable the public to under- and efficacy data from Phase III pro- the Minister for Lands and Settle- be administered to children in three termine what factors might influence stand the findings better. gramme, is deemed satisfactory, the ment James Orengo to stop any on- doses. efficacy against malaria and to better “The Vaccine is being developed World Health Organization has in- going land transactions in the area Addressing journalists at a press understand the potential of RTS,S in in partnership by GlaxoSmithKline dicated that a policy recommenda- to avert bloody clashes ahead of the conference in Nairobi, a team of sci- our battle against this devastating dis- (GKS) and Malaria Vaccine Initiative tion for decisions by African nations election. entists involved in the research said ease,” he said. (MVI), together with prominent Afri- regarding large scale implementation A former PS Mrs. Rachael the vaccine would give a lifeline to Dr Patricia Njuguna, a clinical can research centres. The trial is con- of the vaccine through their national Dzombo said mass grabbing of land many families in Africa. For instance, trial pediatrician at the KEMRI Well- tinuing and we look forward to getting immunization programmes. belonging to the coastal people by in Kenya, the research is being un- come Trust in Kilifi said there was no more data to help determine whether This would mean an effective vac- outsiders was to blame for the mush- dertaken by scientists and researchers rooming of illegal gangs such as based at the Centre for Disease Con- the Mombasa Republican Council trol and Prevention (CDC) and Kenya (MRC). Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) “When a nation is preparing for from Nairobi, Kisumu and Kilifi. its General Elections, the govern- Dr Salim Abdulla, a principal in- ment has to be careful when han- vestigator in the trial from the Ifakara dling sensitive issues like that of Health Institute, Tanzania, said there land as it could easily degenerate are significant progress made so far into conflict if not handled well,” said Mrs. Dzombo. but the diseases still kills larger popu- Speaking during a peace meeting lations. He was rather optimistic that attended by leaders in Kiliifi County, the study indicates RTS,S can help to Mrs. Dzombo lamented that private protect young babies against malaria, developers have been rushing to ac- in addition to the widespread use of quire land in the region to give them bed nets by the trial participants. an edge against their competitors “When administered along with when the county governments be- standard childhood vaccines, the effi- come operational. cacy of RTS,S in infants aged between She said this is despite the op- six to 12 weeks at first vaccination position by local people who have against clinical and severe malaria vowed to disrupt peace to protest was 31 and 37 per cent respectively, against land grabbing and illegal ac- over 12 months of follow up after the quisition by private developers. third vaccine dose,” said Dr Salim Former Bahari Mp John Safari Abdulla, a Tanzanian researcher. Mumba urged the government to He stated insecticides-treated bed come up with a policy which will nets were used by 86 per cent of the pave way for the formation of a trial participants, which demonstrated conflict resolution mechanism in the that RTS,S provided protection be- country. Mr. Mumba said the government yond existing malaria control inter- is faced with challenges on how to ventions. address conflicts in the county be- Dr Abdulla noted that the efficacy cause there are no proper polices in level observed with the dosage last A baby receives a dose of the experimental malaria vaccine at a trial site in Kilifi. place. “For peace, order and unity to prevail in this country, the govern- ment ought to come out with conflict management laws which could di- rectly deal with all types of conflicts Boost on voter education ahead of the polls in the country,” said Mr Mumba. By PETER MUTUKU Voter education is targeted at the cohesion. ties Mumba who is also the chair- whole citizenry, eligible voters, devel- In this regard, it imperative that in l Participate in the management of man of community policing in Mt- opment partners, stakeholders in a bid every election, voter and civic educa- public funds and government resourc- wapa said irregular allocation of THE Kenya Institute of Education has land to none indigenous people in developed a voter education curricu- to address specific electoral process, tion are intensely carried out to ensure es Voter education needs to be supple- that the entire citizenry understand l Develop the willingness to partici- Coast region had highly contributed lum to ensure that voters are ready, to insecurity in the area. willing and able to participate in the mented by civic education. their rights, political system, the con- pate in the implementation of the Con- The Minister for Fisheries De- electoral process. The latter provides a broader per- test they are being asked to decide and stitution and international treaties and velopment Mr. Amason Kingi at the The initiative entails equipping spective and enhances the understand- how and where to vote. convention same time urged the government to voters with knowledge and confi- ing of Voter Education. It is concerned For an election to be successful l Promote peaceful, free, fair elec- set up a special kitty to address his- dence that the electoral process is with citizens, rather than voters and and democratic, voters must be suf- tions and patriotism among citizens torical injustices meted out on the appropriate and effective in electing emphasizes the relationship between ficiently knowledgeable and well in- l Demonstrate the willingness to ob- Coastal people. governments and promoting policies active citizenship and democratic so- formed to cast votes that are legally jectively participate in election and Mr. Kingi said formation of that will benefit the individual voter. ciety. valid and to participate meaningfully referenda groups like that of MRC was be- A well designed voter education It is understood that citizens must in the voting process. l Appreciate participation of women, cause the government has failed to program ensures that voters can effec- engage the political process routinely, The voter education also seeks to the youth and persons with special address the historical injustices fac- tively exercise their voting rights and not just at the time of elections. Voter ensure that voters understand the role needs in electoral process ing the local people including land express their political will through Education involves providing infor- of Independent Electoral and Bounda- l Appreciate the role of emerging ownership, lack of job opportunities the electoral process. If voters are not mation on the entire electoral process ries Commission, observers and the technology in electoral process among others. prepared or motivated to participate in that includes eligibility to vote, voter media. l Understand the election dispute “A special fund should be estab- the electoral process, questions about registration, political parties, elective Further, the exercise aims at resolution mechanisms lished to cushion residents who have legitimacy, representativeness and positions, candidates, election cam- l Developing awareness on the im- l Acquire techniques to maintain and suffered due to historical injustices paigns, polling, law and order during portance of voter and civic education promote peace in the electoral proc- stemming from land ownership and responsiveness of elected leaders and unemployment,” said Mr. Kingi. institutions may arise. elections and national integration and l Understand the role of political par- ess. The Link, December 2012 22 FEATURE Child labour rife in sugarcane plantations By NYAKWAR ODAWO “The target areas where child la- bour is on the rise and where we shall RESEARCH has established that the dwell on include Nambale Township agricultural sector accounts for over and Nasewa areas, cane collection 60 percent of child labour related cases points and market centres where chil- in Kenya that has seen scores of school dren engage in hawking,” said Ms children dropping out of school. Oundo. Addressing members of the loca- The Nambale Child Labour Pro- tional child labour committee during a gramme Manager Norbert Oloo who four day training forum at Swit Wotas also facilitated the training workshop resort in Nambale recently, the com- on his part said the members of the mittee’s chairperson who is also the local child labour committee will or- Nambale Township location chief, ganize a series of sensitization forums Maryline Oundo urged stakeholders to through chief barazas, campaign ral- strictly adhere to the legal instruments lies, monitoring and evaluation and designed to address child labour. collaboration and networking with The chairperson said a survey car- the local media. ried out by the Kenya National Bureau The programme manager at the of Statistics between 2005/2006, re- same time said that the high levels of vealed that there is a total of 12.8mil- poverty as well as the rising preva- lion children aged between 15 and lence rates of HIV and Aids in the 17 years old respectively, engaged in area are some of the major factors child labour with 10 million of them that have led to increased cases of living in the rural areas. child labour in Nambale. “The proportion of children en- The Chief Shop Steward of the gaged in labour translates to 47.8per- Kenya Union of Plantation Workers cent and is aged between 15 and 17 Andrew Wanyonyi who also attend- years respectively. Out of the working ed and addressed the forum assured children, only about 150,000 repre- stakeholders that he will mobilize the senting 14.7percent were in employ- union members to be on the lookout ment,” said the chairperson, adding Scores of school children dropping out of school due to child labour related cases in Kenya. for any sugarcane farmers engaging that employed children in Nambale children to work at their cane planta- earn less than adults performing simi- sistence and plantation agriculture, place to fight child labour have in- resolved to protect children in Nam- tion. lar tasks with the girl-child earning animal production, fisheries and petty deed bore fruit,” said the chairperson, bale from hazardous work through “I will mobilize the union mem- less than boys, a situation she noted trade at the expense of education. adding that it is possible to eliminate the establishment of occupation bers to undertake a spot check on all has violated the law governing em- “The survey had however found child labour in the area if the stake- safety and health committee who will the sugarcane plantation in Nambale ployment. that child labour is declining. The holders will step up efforts to address eventually be trained on their roles to ensure no child is engaged in child She added that children in Nam- findings are a clear testimony to the the vice. and responsibilities as well as aware- labour at the expense of education,” bale are primarily employed in sub- fact that efforts that had been put in The stakeholders unanimously ness raising. he said. Fund sets to nurture young Africa doesn’t need strongmen, talent in environment By LINK CORRESPONDENT Director, International Affairs at the it needs strong institutions Green Belt Movement said, “There A FUND named after the late con- is no greater gift than that of a good By LINK CORRESPONDNET toration of constitutional democracy sembly should they be found to have servationist and human rights activ- education. by embedding within the Constitu- fallen short of the provisions on integ- ist, Prof Wangari Mathai, the Wan- Giving young women the op- IN a speech o n his first state visit to tion a number of new independent rity and leadership. This has added a gari Mathai Scholarship Fund has portunity to realize their full poten- Ghana, the first to any country in sub- commissions and offices and funda- new ground upon which a Member been launched. tial enables them to transform their Saharan Africa, President Barrack mentally restructuring existing ones. of Parliament can lose his/her seat . The fund seeks to encourage and lives, those of their families and ul- Obama said, ‘In the 21st century, ca- In total, there are established ten Previous grounds were a successful promote a youth-led sustainable de- timately the living standards of their pable, reliable and transparent institu- commissions and two independent petition challenging a Member’s elec- velopment agenda by encouraging communities. Prof Wangari Mathai tions are the key to success — strong offices whose objects are to ‘protect tion to the Assembly, missing eight creativity, activism and dedication valued education; she was the recip- parliaments and honest police forces; the sovereignty of the people; secure parliamentary sittings without the to environment issues. ient of scholarships that made a big independent judges and journalists; a the observance by all State organs of Speaker’s permission, being declared The launch follows a joint an- difference in her life and enabled vibrant private sector and civil soci- democratic values and principles; and bankrupt, and being sentenced to im- nouncement by the Rockefeller her to nurture her values and leader- ety. Those are the things that give life promote constitutionalism.’ prisonment for at least six months. Foundation, the Green Belt Move- ship skills.” to democracy, because that is what Towards this end, and to further It is instrumental to juxtapose this the ‘independence’ element, the Con- ment, and Kenya Community De- By encouraging young people matters in peoples’ lives.’ Though de- against recent developments in the po- to develop innovative approaches livered in Ghana, President Obama’s stitution provides that these institu- litical arena regarding the handling of velopment Foundation. tions are subject only to the Consti- corruption allegations leveled against The late Mathai, a Nobel lau- to environmental challenges in their message was targeted to Africa as a whole. tution and the law, are not under the serving State officers. The application reate and pioneer science scholar immediate surroundings, the fund direction or control of any system of this chapter provided the basis for at the University of Nairobi, was will help cultivate action-oriented As Kenyans we can identify with it, for we are in dire need of strong and governance, the Constitution has the “stepping aside” by former For- a strong believer in nurturing new leadership in environmental issues made a deliberate effort to achieve the eign Affairs minister Moses Wetan- among the youth. It will also help honest and people-centric institutions. ideas and initiatives to make a dif- The need for reform realization of Chapter Six. The Eth- gula, former Higher Education min- ference for Africa. She showed her tap the unexploited potential that For generations Kenya’s public ics and Anti-Corruption commission ister William Ruto, and the mayor of life’s dedication to promoting en- exists among young people by en- institutions have been characterised once reconstituted, has been accorded Nairobi, Mr. Geoffrey Majiwa, over vironmental, social and democratic couraging them to refine their ideas by mismanagement and plunder of the task of ensuring full compliance corruption allegations. values to ensure equitable develop- and further develop their skills. public resources, unaccountability with the chapter. The realization of good govern- ment in Kenya. “The Wangari Mathai Schol- and exclusion of the citizenry from A major coup in this regard is the ance is a matter of practice rather Through women, she estab- arship Fund is a great example public affairs. Indeed many of these application of the chapter to elected than legislation. The Constitution, lished a good support network for of immortalizing the passion of a bodies were an embodiment of the leaders. This is to be viewed in light recognizing that people’s conduct in the work that the Green Belt Move- great leader like Professor Mathai persons in power who often exuded of recent developments in the coun- matters relating to the management of ment does to empower communities through environmental protection an aura of being law unto themselves. try. The election of Hon. Gideon institutions of governance has consist- by conserving their environment matters. Through this initiative, As a result, public institutions of Mbuvi as the Member of Parliament ently failed to live up to expectations and improving their livelihoods. qualifying young people will be Kenya’s yesteryears were highly in- for Makadara constituency would of a civil society, now legislates the The Wangari Mathai Scholar- inspired to follow her foot steps in efficient which in turn spurred cor- be interrogated in this respect. There good manners expected of leaders. ship Fund will be awarded annually, years to come. ruption at all levels. Furthermore, the have been allegations of existence of With Chapter Six, abuse of of- with the first cycle being granted We hope there will be many lack of accountability and corruption a warrant of arrest against the MP. If fice by public officers is no longer during the 2013 academic year. In more Kenyan organizations and in- resulted in human rights violations such allegations are proven, then the business as usual but the subject of its first year, the scholarship fund dividuals willing to add to this fund injustices and inequalities many of election of Hon. Mbuvi to the Assem- condemnation by the very basic law will support a young woman aged annually, so that the passion with which fester to date for lack of proper bly would be in contravention of the of the land. This “detergent chapter” 18 to 25 years, who has promoted which she carried herself, can be mechanisms to deal with them. It was provisions on leadership and integrity. will help cleanse the governance in- positive values, demonstrated out- extended to many more young peo- these challenges and the desire for a struments of characters who fail the standing leadership and dedication ple in all the counties throughout new dispensation that kept Kenyans Articles 73 and 75 of the constitu- integrity and leadership test. Further, in environmental conservation. Kenya,” said the Kenya Communi- motivated in their search for a new tion it stops such characters from using Speaking during the launch held ty Development Foundation Chief constitution. Thus Chapter Six opens an avenue ill-gotten wealth to ascend to the in Nairobi recently, Wanjira Mathai, Executive Officer Janet Mawiyoo. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 through which Members of Parlia- corridors of legislative and political establishes the framework for the res- ment can lose their seats in the As- power. The Link, December 2012 23 FEATURE Group seeks to promote peace in Mathare slums By FAITH MUIRURI during the violence. “While the youth pend on politics for handout.” remaining relevant, reachable and re- tive offers a viable and self sustaining were key players in the violence, wom- sponsive. point of entry in creating awareness on IT has been said that to get to the peo- en became victims of brutal attacks and Objectives peace,” she adds. ple, you have to speak to them in the rape when the skirmishes took an ugly “We have to decommercialise politics Impact language that they understand most. turn. and leadership and this must start by Rebecca Njeri who is a member of the Challenges This has proved true among people in She says that the violence and hor- decommercialising voting,” she says. group says the campaign is gradually But the mission to sell the slogan in the Mathare where a peace slogan has pen- ror that ravaged the country in the post She says the electoral process has in taking root and has made tremendous slum area is not a walk over. She says etrated the deepest parts of the sprawl- election violence of 2007/8 remains the past been replete with cases of vot- in-roads in the implementation of the campaign is already grappling with ing slum. etched in their minds, is still vibrant er bribery largely blamed on ethnic ten- peace initiatives in the area which was challenges of gaining support from the Conceptualised in the popularly and chilling. sions, and impunity intertwined with a hotspot area during the last elections. church and opinion leaders, even as spoken sheng language, the Tia Rwabe “The overwhelmingly negative high levels of political manipulations. She says that the group has been us- the target group cites high rates of un- Zii slogan which loosely translated psychological, emotional, physical, The chairperson says that time has ing public forums and women groups employment and rising poverty levels means say no to 200, is geared towards and economic impact of the violence come for the youth to reject the Ksh as a strategy to create awareness on the among reasons why they accept hand- ensuring that the youth are not paid to on all Kenyans and more specifically 200 which is too little to make any need to denounce the culture of hand- outs from politicians. instigate violence during this election- on women has not been forgotten,” she meaningful change in their lives. outs. “Apart from widespread dismissals eering period. recounts. “Politicians have a field day dur- “We have in the past witnessed that the idea is farfetched, she says that The slogan has been coined around She says that the group comprises ing the electioneering period and only youth hired by politicians unleash the campaign has to equally contend the events that followed the 2007 Gen- of 26 members and mainly targets the need as little as Ksh 200 to entice and terror to their opponents,” adds Njeri with a financial dearth, solely relying eral Elections where protests sparked youth aged between 18 and 24 years incite us to violence but as soon as they saying that this time round those who on contributions from like-minded by a disputed presidential poll spread respectively as they are more prone to ascend to positions of power and they think that they will use the youth to youth and women to finance it opera- through the slums around Nairobi and actions that give rise to impunity. forget our plight and this explains why cause violence, they are in for a big tions. in to areas of the Rift Valley. As many “We have for a long time allowed there is so much hopelessness in us af- surprise. Njeri however says the group will as 1300 were killed and hundreds of politicians to fan ethnic emotions and ter elections,” she adds. She says the slogan has been tai- not relent in its campaign to empower thousands displaced. promote personality issues which drift She says that this election gives lored in a way that is empowering to women and the youth who have for On the surface, violence appeared away from important issues. them an opportunity to elect a strong both the youth and women to chat their a long time been shortchanged as the ethnically motivated but reports by She says the slogan seeks to discard leadership that is hinged on the princi- political destiny without being dragged political class engage in fraudulent the Kriegler Commission and human the culture of handouts and encourages ple integrity and respect for human life into cheap campaigns that defraud campaigns, fan tribal hatred and make rights groups indicted senior politi- both women and youth to be more cre- instead of relying on seasonal handouts them of their future. irresponsible promises. She says that cians and officials who were accused ative at initiating small scale sustaina- from politicians in the area. “The slogan may be viewed as a the slogan is a wakeup call to the poli- of organizing and harping on local ble income generating projects instead She says the slogan offers the youth contribution to making peace in the ticians to address longstanding griev- grievances to fuel violence for politi- of allowing themselves to be used as safe spaces or platforms to preach slums a reality during and after the ances over joblessness, rampant drug cal ends. political goons to fan tribal animosity. peace and promote peaceful coexist- elections and ensures that they actively abuse, inequality and other issues. She But in a bid to exorcise the ghosts “We are encouraging the youth to ence in the slums ahead of the elec- participate, respond and are found at is also convinced that boosting edu- of a shameful past, the slogan seeks to engage in income generating activities tions. the negotiation table at all levels. cation among the youth will come in discourage the youth from accepting instead of relying on seasonal handouts She says the group will sensitize The initiative strives to engage the handy to save what is now fast becom- handouts from politicians in order to from politicians which only serve in the youth on conflict prevention proc- target group in activities that unite, ing a lost generation in Mathare. unleash violence. creating anarchy during the election- esses and push for their inclusion in harmonize and bear reconciliation be- She further warns that if the youths eering period,” adds Njoki. peace negotiations, ensure the pro- tween ethnic and community groups, from the area do not embrace peace, it Pillars She says the youth must discard the tection of women and children from promote their rights, social justice, will be difficult for them to favorably The slogan identifies youth and wom- culture that compromises their integ- sexual and gender based violence, and and cross-cultural understanding and compete with their counterparts from en among the most important pillars of rity and causes them to substitute merit importantly, to respond to the needs of dialogue in as far as peace building is other regions, especially during this peace as they were the hardest hit when with short lived fortune women concerned. historical time when the country is de- the violence broke out. “The youth must get up and go The chairperson says the group “We are confident that the initia- volving into county governments. The chairperson of Mathare young work. If they are working, they can has stood the test of time in remain- mothers and youth peace initiative Ju- never accept Ksh 200 handouts from ing voice of reason calling for sanity lia Njoki which is behind the slogan politicians,” explains Njoki adding that and peace to prevail at all times and says that the two groups suffered most “We cannot get up every day and de- forestall an escalation of violence by ADVERTISING RATES Right to water, translating Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories that matter - the stories that help people make decisions about their education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their theory into practice communities - reach them in a simplified but factual way. By LINK CORRESPONDNET achievement of Millennium Develop- has attracted external support from ment Goals. 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By AGGREY BUCHUNJU COMMUNITY policing in Kenya is yet to achieve fully the intended ob- jectives, a senior security officer in Community policing Busia has revealed. The Teso North District Admin- istration Police (AP) commandant, James Wekesa claims that community policing strategies and programs in Kenya are still below par as compared fails to meet objectives to countries like Uganda and Tanza- nia. Participants were drawn from vari- Wekesa urges the communities, ous organizations in Bungoma Coun- community policing committees, the ty and Administration Police officers police, provincial administration, from Teso North District in Busia politicians and other stakeholders to County. embrace patriotism and mutual trust The participants decried the man- in order to encourage sharing and free ner in which the community polic- flow of information regarding crimi- ing committees are constituted in nals and other social ills. Bungoma County saying there is lack The AP District boss claims that of clarity and public participation. police have embraced reforms and Community policing committees now work according to the new con- are established at the villages, sub- stitution. “Police have changed atti- locations, location and police stations. tude and are now friendly to the peo- Community policing is a strategy that ple and can now safeguard identity of allows the police and community to informers,” he says. work together to solve problems of The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, crime and insecurity. provides for the establishment of the It encompasses adopting policing National Police Service which accord- practices that involve communities ing to Article 244 (e) is supposed to in making decisions about their own foster and promote relationships with security and establishing a long-term the broader society. partnership between communities and Wekesa urges other state law en- the police. forcement agencies particularly the The work of the community po- chiefs not to give orders and impose licing committee is to oversee the community policing committees on establishment and implementation of the communities. community policing programmes and He disclosed that members of the activities at the station level. community policing communities are A strong leadership of this com- not appointed by chiefs or assisted mittee is therefore very crucial and chiefs but elected democratically by instrumental in the success of com- the communities. munity policing in a given area. The AP chief however, points out The village community policing that the local chief or assistant chief committee is the most important com- Busia police officers prepare to ferry the bodies of two family members lynched by an angry mob alleg- may preside over the election /nomi- mittee as it forms the foundation and edly for stealing a cow. Community policing has failed to enhance and improve the relationship between nation of the eminent community backbone of policing within the police the public and the police, provincial administration and other law enforcement agencies. Photo/File members within his/her area of juris- station area. diction. Once this committee is properly other law enforcement agencies. l It provides forum where cases of ers. Wekesa adds that the elected/nom- constituted, the rest of the committees l Help the police and community to be- bad services to members of public l It provides a good understanding inated members of the community po- shall subsequently form themselves. come more accountable and responsive by individual police officers or in and good working relations between licing committee shall then sit down This is because both the chairperson to each other. general may be discussed objective- the police and the public. under the guidance of one of them to and the secretary shall represent the l Increase the level of accountability ly and rectified by the OCS. l It removes suspicion and mistrust elect the chairperson and secretary. village at the sub-location community in utilization of resources both in com- l It provides a forum where the dif- between the police and the public. He however cautions members of policing committee and even above. munity and police or other law enforce- ficulties faced by the police officers Other than the public, police offic- community policing against usurping The community policing is a gov- ment agencies. in provision of security services may ers are the major key players/partners duties of the chiefs or council of elders ernment policing and if practiced and l Encourage information sharing be- be discussed and rectified for better in community policing. by threatening people or charging ar- implemented well it is intended to tween the police and the community services. The success or failure of commu- bitration fee. achieve the following:- l Encourage greater contact and net- l It acts as forum for the provision nity policing at any given station will Wekesa was speaking recently in l Reduce the fear of crime in society working between neighbors of feedback to both member of pub- depend on how well the police handle Malaba town, in Busia County during l Improve the quality of living stand- l Help to cultivate public spiritedness lic and police. and encourage the public in the part- a workshop on community based po- ards. and togetherness in combating crime. l It provides a forum for gather- nership. licing in Bungoma County where he l Enhance and improve the relation- Community policing committee pro- ing criminal intelligence and acting It is therefore imperative that po- was the guest speaker. ship between the public and the Gov- vides the following roles:- upon them for the purpose of crime lice must understand their role well The one day workshop was facili- ernment. l It provides a forum where the public prevention. and at all times exercise professional- tated by Cate World Institute and the l Enhance and improve the rela- and police exchange ideas or informa- l It sensitizes both the public and ism, courtesy, humility, prudently but Bungoma diocese Catholic Justice tionship between the public and the tion on matters affecting general secu- police officers on the importance of decisively when handling members of and peace commission (CJPC). police, provincial administration and rity in the area. safeguarding the identity of inform- public.

the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change set up as they have a Unmet promises in climate funding governance structure with equal rep- resentation from developed and de- By LUKE KAPCHANGA pledges has raised serious concerns Rich nations score poorly in committing funds veloping nations. that these countries will also renege Also critical will be to fulfil the SO far, only US$23.6 billion of the on their bigger promise to ensure that to mitigate against climate change US$30 billion promise by the end of US$30 billion promised has been US$100 billion flows to developing the United States, whose Climate and To examine transparency in more the calendar year, and to ensure that committed as funds to tackle climate nations each year by 2020 to help Development Lab led the research. detail, the researchers evaluated donor this money is delivered to support change. them to respond to climate change. Less than half of the fast start fi- nations across 24 measures. On the projects in a timely manner. And of this, only 20 per cent has The wealthier nations promised nance is in the form of grants. The rest resulting scorecard, no donor nation This is something that, in 2010, been allocated to projects that will in 2009 to provide developing coun- is loans, which means poor countries scored more than 67 per cent. all rich countries agreed should be a help poor nations adapt to a changing tries with US$30 billion by the end of must repay with interest the costs of On these measures, Norway has feature of funds through which they climate, according to a report released 2012, saying this should be “new and adapting to a problem they have not performed best, providing five times channel their climate finance. Yet, so late November, highlighting the gaps additional” finance balanced between caused. And rich nations have not its fair share. At the other end of the far, rich nations have channeled only in funding climate change. support for adaptation and mitiga- provided enough transparent informa- scale, both Iceland and the United two per cent of the climate finance The research concludes that rich tion activities. They made additional tion to prove that their contributions States contributed less than half their through these UNFCCC funds. nations have collectively failed to ful- pledges about transparency, govern- are really new and not just diverted fair share. “With trust in short supply, and lit- fill eight substantive pledges. ance and the need to help the most from existing aid budgets. The broken promises will make tle time to negotiate a global response Published by the International In- vulnerable nations first. David Ciplet, also of Brown Uni- it harder for developing countries to to climate change, the UN talks need stitute for Environment and Develop- “Without transparency about how versity, adds: “Only two of the ten do- take seriously what richer nations say an injection of goodwill,” says Sal- ment — the study comes as countries and when rich countries will meet nors we assessed are delivering their at the UN climate change talks, which eemul Huq of IIED. prepare for the latest round of inter- their climate finance pledges, devel- fair share of climate finance, based on take place in Doha, Qatar from 26 No- “The rich nations can provide this governmental climate-change nego- oping countries are left unable to plan their ability to pay and how much they vember to 7 December. by making good on their past prom- tiations, which begins in Doha. to adequately address and respond to have contributed to climate change One way to restore trust would ises and showing the poorer nations The poor track record of rich na- climate change,” says co-author Tim- through emitting greenhouse gases in be for rich countries to channel their that they are serious about working to- tions in meeting their fast start finance mons Roberts of Brown University in recent decades.” climate finance through funds that gether to tackle this global challenge.” The Link, December 2012 FARMING 25 New farming technique offers remedy to food security Bungoma farmers By LINK CORRESPONDENT restricted to certain crops but requires most of the plants serve more than one terials, she says, are rich in nitrogen urged to form integration of all crops for greater di- purpose. Some are medicinal and still while the green materials are rich with HAVE you ever wondered why versity. She says “ideally, companion used as food. Some are good attractors other nutrients. Keeping birds for in- cooperatives stance, they would provide food and various unattended plant species in planting is used with a calendar for ef- of bees which is turn help in pollina- By AGGREY BUCHUNJU a forest do very well and remain ev- fective crop rotation.” tion of various plants on the land. Other their manure is put back to the shamba ergreen in comparison with plants in There are, however, principles that plants such as onion repel pests and act as fertilizer. FARMERS in Bungoma County tended farms where modern farming guide this type of farming for it to be as substitutes for spraying the plants. “The permaculture farming plot are now being asked to form co- techniques are applied, which do not successful. “Decide and understand Confrey plant for example, is used for is designed into zones so as to be en- operative societies to help maxim- even produce to expectation? Seeking especially when designing the land; food and can be used as medicine. ergy efficient by placing elements and ise on economies of scale. answers to this puzzle in the 1970s identify the benefit of each set-up,” Further, in this farming, chemical functions in areas defined by how of- The Kimilili District Agricul- is what fuelled two Australian ecolo- explains Kinoti who adds, “There fertilizers are not used. Instead, the ten they need to be visited. Areas that tural officer (DAO) Mrs. Mary gists, Bill Mollison and David Holm- is also the principle of relative loca- worms are grown within the shamba need to be visited everyday are placed Nzomo underscores the impor- gren, to research about the principle tion. For instance one should iden- which feeds on the green and pro- near the home while elements that tance of farmers’ co-operative so- need to be visited less often are placed that operates in the forest, and they tify where the best place to keep the duces vermin liquid. In other types of cieties which she says are ideal in found that mimicking the patterns in animals would be compared to your farming, the vermin liquid is treated further away,” says Kinoti. nature would offer a solution to food house.” She says that if for instance chemically to have folia feed fertilizer The portions in the land are named terms of marketing farm produce. insecurity in the world as well as en- the animals are placed very far from unlike in permaculture where the liq- differently which helps during the Nzomo points out that through hance environment conservation. you, it would be a waste of time. uid is applied directly to the soil. crop rotation. For instance, there are co-operative societies, farmers Thus was born permaculture farming. Of importance to note is that mono Use of milk insecticide helps in five zones which range from Zone can access international markets Permaculture is a farming practice cropping is not practiced in permacul- preventing crop diseases as compared Zero to Zone Five. Kinoti explains where they can sell their farm pro- that has been established to help in cre- ture, as Kinoti explains. “Mono crop- to treating the already affected crops. that Zone Zero should have a home- duce at competitive prices. ating sustainable human environment. ping makes it difficult to control pests If the crop has been attacked, Kinoti stead, Zone One to have homestead She challenges farmers in Ki- According to Ms. Catherine Kinoti, but with mixed cropping they may advises that “in permaculture it is re- garden which is used to grow crops milili district to join co-operative a co-ordinator at Permaculture Re- not identify the plants.” Companion moved to avoid other crops being af- for home use, Zone Two is a food for- societies in order to access mar- search Institute Kenya (PRI-Kenya), planting, for instance planting maize fected.” She says that in permaculture, est where there would be poultry and kets with ease and benefit maxi- “the world itself is a contraction of and beans together, is encouraged. instead of applying pesticides, pyre- maize plantation, Zone Three would mally from their farm produce. permanent agriculture, but also means Beans are leguminous plants that thrum is grown to repel the pests and hold field crops where contours are The DAO adds that it is only permanent cultures as cultures cannot help in fixing the nitrogen in the soil it is still a commercial crop. Trees are done. Zone Four could have big por- through co-operative societies that survive for long without sustainable which is used by the maize plant. She, grown to provide shade for plants that tions of land with grazing pastures, farmers can be saved from brokers agricultural base and land use ethics.” however, cautions that one should be do not require direct sunlight while water storage while Zone Five is the who exploit them in the region It involves creating relationships be- careful of plants that cannot be good giving support to climbing plants such wild space which is usually undis- due to lack of ready market. tween plants, animals, buildings, in- companions. as passion fruit. turbed and remains natural. Nzomo at the same time asks frastructure, water and energy by the A part from increasing food se- Cover crops ensure that the soil Rather than using the terraces as is farmers in her area of jurisdiction way these elements are placed on the curity, this type of farming has other is dark and therefore able to support in the other farming methods, swales to adopt new farming technolo- are used which helps to identify where landscape. Unlike most farming meth- advantages like offering better nutri- plant life throughout the year. The soil gies in order to improve food pro- ods practiced in Kenya, which mostly tion for families due to diversity of the is not compacted because of the paths the contours are and this helps to pre- leave effects on the environment, per- crops grown. There is also clean water left between the portions which also serve more water. The aim of the duction/security. The new tech- maculture is meant to not only provide due to less pollution of land as well as help in aeration. swales is to preserve water as opposed nologies, Nzomo says guarantee food but also sustain the environment. sustainability and creation of harmony In permaculture, only non-hybrid to the terraces that are meant to divert maximum yields adding that the The uniqueness of this farming is with nature. seeds are used as compared to other water away from the crops. ministry of agriculture through that its design is based on the foun- Although permaculture farming farming methods where generally There is no set limit size of land agricultural extension officers is dation of three ethics, care of earth, may depend on the rains, it can still be modified seeds are used. After har- to which one can practice this farm- readily available to advice farmers care of the people, and fair share, all practiced through irrigation. Howev- vesting, seeds are dried to prepare for ing, as Kinoti explains, “Permaculture on the same. of which are found in most traditional er, according to Kinoti, the irrigation the next planting season. These non- design is applicable to both urban and Nzomo, as a result encourages societies. should not be overhead; it should be hybrid seeds are openly pollinated by rural environments and encompasses farmers to prepare their farms Kinoti says that “permaculture is drip irrigation. Mulching should also bees and other insects and therefore all ranges of scales from an apartment early, to plant certified seeds, to not about how you plant. It is not about be done to prevent water evaporation. are strong and have no chemical ele- balcony to a large scale farm or vil- use recommended fertilizers and having the wheat farm or the cow pen, One advantage of this type of farming ments. lage. One of the principles in permac- to always seek the advice of ag- it is about the relationship you build is that it may not be necessary to do Kinoti says that there must be a ulture is to create small scale intensive ricultural extension officers. This, in farming and how you place those mulching with dry grass as you only composite within the land which is systems to obtain the maximum pro- she reiterates that will give the plants.” This type of farming has been plant cover crops such as sweet po- built above the ground to allow air ductivity from these smaller manage- farmers maximum production and proved fit for the sustainability of the tatoes, which would serve as food as circulation. She says that only brown able spaces. Such systems use very lit- hence put famine at bay in the re- environment and is being practiced well as mulching. materials such as hay and green ma- tle energy and can provide a very high gion. globally under all climates. It is not Kinoti says that in permaculture, terials should be used. The brown ma- energy return on the energy invested.” During maize harvesting sea- son, brokers invade the area and buy the crop from farmers at throw away price due to lack of al- ternative markets. The purchased Coffee farmers urged to maize is stored by the brokers who later sell it to the very farmers dur- ing famine period exorbitantly. It is against this backdrop that increase production the area DAO is now appealing to farmers to form co-operative so- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA cieties in order to access markets easily. Kimilili district is the lead- COFFEE farmers in the country have ing maize producer administrative been encouraged to embark on serious unit in Bungoma County. How- farming to increase quality and quantity ever, the district has no national yields that will meet the high global de- mand. cereals and produce board NCPB) Coffee Research Foundation Direc- stores to facilitate buying and stor- tor Joseph Kimemia said there is still ing of maize at harvesting time. a global deficit of five million bags of This is one of the reasons why coffee adding that it is a market gap that farmers in the district opt to sell can easily be sealed by producing more the commodity to brokers at throw to realize high profits. away price during harvesting pe- “In the last season, there was a glo- riod. bal deficit of five million bags of coffee. The market of quality coffee is guaran- teed globally,” he added. Manager Charles Mwea on his part said Kimemia however noted that as that though Kenya is known globally compared to previous years, local coffee for producing quality coffee, more is re- production is on the decline and current- quired to be done to maintain the image. ly ranges at 50, 000 metrics tones per “Last year, most coffee we received annum from as high as 100, 000 metrics was in low classes of three and four, we tones over the same duration. are getting worried if the trend contin- “Countries like Ethiopia and Ugan- ues,” he added. da have even overtaken us in terms of Nestle Kenya Limited Sustainabil- production and it is high time that farm- ity Manager Linda Butler also assured ers here get into serious business to en- farmers of an available market if they sure that we do not lag behind,” he said. Coffee workers in a Nyeri coffee factory prepare parchment coffee at the drying bed. Farmers have been continue producing quality yields of He advised farmers to concentrate encouraged to increase coffee production. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa coffee. Butler said the company will on increasing yields per tree to at least 20 embark on improving the livelihoods of kilogrammes of cherry on average annu- that is currently being produced. Central, Eastern and Rift Valley regions Kenya Coffee Mill, Nyeri County. coffee farmers by giving best prices per ally from the very low two kilogrammes Over 500 coffee farmers drawn from attended the meeting held at Central Central Kenya Coffee mill General kilogram of coffee purchased. The Link, December 2012 26 GOVERNANCE Tough traffic rules target cyclists, passengers Govt allocates By HENRY OWINO Ksh 10 million MOTORCYCLES are increasingly becoming a common means of al- to water ternative transport in many low- income and middle level-income countries popularly known as de- project in Kilifi veloping countries. The two wheel By BEDKADZO TONDO machine is common and widely used to connect people to other THE government has set aside parts of the country mostly in rural areas. Ksh 10 million to aid in the con- Most youth in African Countries struction of Kambe-jimba water now work in the transport sector as project in Rabai District of Kil- cyclists, albeit the numerous set- ifi County. backs. For instance in the last six According to the area coun- years, the number of registered mo- cilor Titus Mkangi, the project torcycles in Kenya has increased by will be implemented with funds almost 40 times accounting to 70 channeled through the ministry per cent of all registered vehicles of water and irrigation. in 2011. The civic leader said that al- Road traffic accidents are now ready the Minister for Water and one of the biggest public health Irrigation Mrs Charity Ngilu has challenges the world is facing to- visited the area and donated Ksh day. Approximately 1.3 million 5 million towards the project people lose their lives every year and the remaining Ksh 5 million to preventable problems in roads will be disbursed soon. crashes. In Kenya, accidents in- Cllr Mkangi said most people volving motorcycle take the lead in Rabai had no access to piped which is estimated to be at seven water and said the government per cent contributing to 3000 deaths had promised to address the annually. situation. Currently Kenya ranks highly A section of motorcyclists trying to come to terms with police officers after one of their own was arrested. in the number of traffic fatalities Photo/ile “Most parts of Rabai District caused by these motorcycles com- especially those of Kambe and pared to 12 other African states. during the official launch of nation- most of the hospitals, now there ex- fering they cause, road traffic crash- Jimba have never had access to Due to this, it is estimated that al motorcycle helmet use campaign ists wards that are dubbed as “Boda es result in considerable economic piped water since independence Kenya loses a massive 5 per cent entitled No Helmet, No Ride. The boda wards” to take care of the mo- losses among victims, their families and thus the project comes as a of its overall national wealth to the campaign aims to raise awareness torcycles crash victims despite the and nations as a whole, costing one reprieve to the residents,” said traffic accidents, an equivalent of on the consequences of failing to limited space available,” she added. to three per cent of the gross nation- Mr Mkangi US$ 4billion annually. Motorcy- wear a helmet and to help boost Mugo said studies have shown al product that amounts to over US The civic leader said though clists will now have to wear reflec- helmet use among all riders and that the use of helmets reduces the $518 billion every year. Kilifi County Council through tor, helmets together with their pas- their passengers to save and reduce risk of road traffic-related head in- The WHO country representa- its Local Authority Transfer sengers, put on headlamps and have the strain on the national health jury by 70 per cent and deaths by tive in Kenya said it is a sad reality Fund (LATF) had earmarked road license as a way of curbing the care system. 40 per cent. She underscored the that nearly half (46%) of the dying funds for the water project, increasing motorcycles accidents. Beth Mugo, the Minister for importance of putting on a helmet on the world’s roads are vulnerable there were some areas which According to Dr Willis Akhwale, Public Health and Sanitation in to protect self from injuries, deaths road users such as pedestrians, cy- have not been supplied with the head of Public Health and Sanita- a statement read on her behalf by and potential fines. clists and motorcyclists. In Kenya commodity. tion, non-communicable diseases Dr Akhwale, said in Kenya, more She emphasized that it is for districts such as Naivasha account He said he had approached than 3000 people die every year as this reason that the theme of the for about a quarter (26%) of road like malaria, measles, and polio the Minister who promised to have become a major challenge in a result of road traffic crashes. She campaign is dubbed No Helmet, No traffic crashes which involve mo- said that approximately seven per Ride. torcyclists. allocate funds to support water the country. He however said for projects in the area. those caused by human errors like cent of the deaths are motorcycles “This awareness campaign “Kenya has witnessed unprece- riders, a five-fold increase over the seeks to ensure that each rider and dented rise in the number of motor- He said once completed, the road crashes would not be tolerated. Kambe-jimba water project will He reiterated that the Ministries last five years. passenger has the opportunity to re- cycles in the recent past. I am aware of Public Health and Transport in “In the last six years, the num- alize their potential and do not be- that the motorcycles in Kenya are benefit about 15,000 people. collaboration with traffic police are bers of registered motorcycles in come part of the tragic statistics in used as public means of transport “It is estimated that the working together to ensure that all Kenya has increased almost 40 our roads,” stressed, the Minister known as boda-boda taxis. Traf- project has capacity to supply riders obey traffic rules and High- times accounting for 70 per cent of for Public Health and Sanitation. fic crashes involving motorcycles clean and piped water to about way Code. all newly registered vehicles in the She also urged the motor cyclists have also increased noticeably and 15,000 people in their homes,” Dr Akhwale said this is a na- year 2011,” Mugo observed. to desist from the habit of carrying the high rate of motorcycles related said Mr Mkangi. tional awareness campaign on hel- The Public Health Minister, more than one passenger at a time deaths is putting burden on fami- The Managing Director of met use spearheaded by Ministry of the tragic news of a death on the as it is illegal to do so. Adding that lies, communities, society and the Kilifi Mariakani Water and Public Health and Sanitation in col- road is constantly being delivered they need to ride their motorcycles health system in general,” stated Dr Sewerage Company, engineer laboration with World Health Or- to families and friends on a daily carefully and respect other road us- Mandlhate. Mwamuye Makupe said the wa- ganization (WHO) and other stake- basis. People will hear that one of ers as well. Passengers on the other “In 2011, a total of 582 cases of ter company was committed to holders. He added it is one of the their family members has survived hand, were cautioned from board- motorcycle crash were recorded by supplying water to all people at road components of the Road Safe- a crash but with serious injuries and ing overloaded motorcycles and the police department which was the grassroots. ty in 10 countries (RS10) Project perhaps lifelong disability. should demand to be provided with more than 7 per cent of all road Engineer Makupe however that started in 2010. The countries She expressed dismay at the a helmet each time they take a ride. traffic crashes,’’ Dr Mandlhate clar- said the company was facing a include; Kenya, Brazil, Cambodia, shock and grief the events cause Dr Custodia Mandlhate, WHO ified. She further stated that it is myriad of challenges in finances adding that the victims and survi- country representative in Kenya unfortunate that Kenya has no spe- China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Rus- and thus has been unable to sup- sia, Turkey and Vietnam. vors are often young, leaving fami- stated that out of the 1.3 million cific data on helmet use but - stud lies to cope with the loss of a bread deaths through road accidents, up ies indicate that motorcycle riders ply water to a large population. “I am aware that the Road Safe- The MD at the same time la- ty (RS-10) project is a five-year winner. to 50 million people and more get in Thika and Naivasha, only 30.37 Mugo asserted beside the serious injuries globally. She stated per cent 21.29 per cent use helmet mented that the company was initiative funded by the Bloomberg incurring huge losses through Foundation to evaluate and imple- deaths, hundreds of thousands are over 90 per cent of the deaths and respectively. ment road safety solutions in ten seriously injured suffering from injuries occur in low and middle in- Yet it has been proven that cor- vandalism of water facilities in- countries,” Akhwale said. “These long term impairments and lifelong come countries which have only 48 rect use of motorcycle helmets have cluding theft of water meters. countries make up 50 per cent of disabilities. Those who survive un- per of the world registered vehicles. been shown to decrease the risk and He also noted that a lot of global road traffic fatalities and I dergo prolonged suffering and in- Dr Mandlhate explained that severity of injuries by about 72 per water is being wasted due to thank the funders for considering cur lots of expenses from medical people in the productive age group cent and decreases the likelihood of leakages caused by people who Kenya as a beneficiary of this ini- treatment and rehabilitation. of 15-44 years old are mostly vul- death by up to 40 per cent. tamper with the water lines. tiative,” he appreciated. “Let me say here that when nerable to road traffic injuries. She She informed the ministries that “The water company is incur- He clarified that in Kenya, the there is a motorcycle crash, the disclosed that it has been estimated next Regional Committee of the Af- ring heavy losses due to vandal- project aims to address the non-use victim ends up in our public health that by 2030 road traffic injuries rican Region was going to be held ism including theft of water me- of helmets and speeding as factors facilities. Needless to say, these will have moved from 9th to 5th late in November to adopt measures ters and waste of water through that increase the risk of road traffic health facilities are overstretched place among the leading causes of to assist member states to acceler- leakages caused by tampering crashes, deaths and injuries. with limited resources,” Mugo ex- death. ate the prevention and control of of water lines by hooligans,” Dr. Akhwale made the remarks plained. “It is sad to mention that in In addition to the grief and suf- non-communicable diseases. said Eng. Makupe. The Link, December 2012 REGIONAL NEWS 27 Nyeri County chiefs receive motorcycles By JOSEPH MUKUBWA from their jobs adding that plans tured in five years. Their work is eri county commissioner Michael are in place to improve their work. still there,” he added. Mwangi and Nyeri County coun- Machakos SIXTEEN chiefs from Nyeri “The constitution never states that Those present during the function cil chairman Wachira Maina county have benefited with motor- they will be sacked but restruc- were all DC’s from the county, Ny- Keen. County acquires cycles which were flagged off by Central PC Kiplimo Rugut. own university The motorcycles are meant to improve service delivery in their By PETER MUTUKU work. Machakos University College is The machines were bought by the among fast growing institutions of Government and then donated to higher learning in the country. the chiefs in order to ensure that The university follows the eleva- tion Machakos Technical Training In- local wananchi are served better. stitute (MTTI) into a university. “The motorcycles will help in The new university which is a rapid response so that the admin- constituent college of Kenyatta Uni- istrators can arrive on time. They versity has already admitted the first will also help in patrol. This will batch of students although they will enhance communication,” said report in January 2013. The transformation of the MTTI the PC before flagging off the ma- to Machakos University has begun of- chines recently. ficially following the appointment of He however warned them against its pioneer University Council. misusing the motorbikes and The council is headed by Nairobi urged the chiefs to use them only hospitals Chief Executive Officer Dr on official duties and will have of- Cleopa Mailu, who was handed over the mantle by the former MTTI Board ficial work ticket. chairman Prof. Peter Mbithi. Central Kenya was initially given The brief handing over ceremony 76 motorcycles to share among the at the college was attended by Macha- eight counties with Nyeri County kos District Commissioner Mr Joseph receiving 16 of them. Sawe, area District Education Of- The chiefs were advised to acquire ficer Mr Richard Midamba and Town Clerk Sheikh Abdulahi among others. riding skills for their own safety. The former MTTI Principal Ms “This is the first bunch of motor- Mary Muthoka who was the only fe- cycles to arrive in the region. Oth- male head of the institution since it ers are expected next year. They was started more than 50 years ago, will be of much help unto them,” handed over to the first Machakos he added. University Principal Prof. Godfrey Mse. Meanwhile, Rugut assured the Chiefs tries new motorcycles after Central PC Kiplimo Rugut handed over 16 motorcycles unto Ms Muthoka welcomed the eleva- chiefs that they will not be sacked the chiefs from Nyeri County recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa tion of the institution to a university saying it will go along way in ensur- ing quality education for the youth in and outside the region. “We have handed over an ISO Commission rallies support against Gender Based Violence Certified and Best Performance Con- tracting Award Winner Institution in By BOB OMBATI gender violence and discrimination ary and wise leaders who will up- mission for taking civic education the tertiary institution category for the for perpetrators to face the law. hold the constitution, the rule of law to the grassroots people, saying it year 2012/13,” said Ms Muthoka. THE National Commission on Gen- “Gender based violence robs and respect for human rights, saying would empower them know their Dr Mailu described the transition der and Equality has decried rampant of the former MTTI to a University as victims their human rights. We urge they risked regretting for five years rights, defend them and also take a big leap for Machakos County and gender based violence in the larger parties to embrace dialogue in re- if they voted in corrupt leaders. part in the country’s democratic ex- entire Lower Eastern region. Gucha district, Kisii county, saying solving conflicts amicably instead The Officer cautioned Kenyans ercise and governance. He sought to assure the teaching it violates human rights and negates of resorting to violence” stated Dr against politicizing the on-going Ruth Kerubo, a participant and non teaching staff that the transi- the spirit of the constitution. Odhiambo. voter registration, and asked them stressed that rural people were still tion will be a smooth one adding their The Commission’s Chief ex- Gender based violence, asserted to register as voters for them to take ignorant of the constitution and rel- welfare is paramount. ecutive officer, Dr. Rose Odhiambo “Those with the necessary quali- the officer was also common in Ku- part in electing their leaders during evant legislation backing them and fications need not to worry because notes that women and children are ria East and West districts in Mig- the March 4, general poll. asked civil society organizations they will have a place in the college,” vulnerable and bore the brunt of the ori county where some community Area District Officer ( DO 1), and the government to civic educate said Dr Mailu. brutality perpetrated commonly by members practiced the outlawed Elizabeth Atemi lauded the Com- the rural folk on the same. their close relatives. Female genital Mutilation ( FGM) Dr Odhiambo, who launched besides engaging in domestic vio- # a 16- day activism against gender lence. The based violence at a Gucha hotel dur- The Officer said Commission’s SUBSCRIPTION FORM ing a voters sensitization workshop task included seeking legal redress challenged stakeholders to concert to correct the violation of the special LinkEnhancing governance for all effort to end the vice, which, she not- interest groups’ rights, which, she ed broke families besides subjecting observed were violated with impu- members to psychologically torture. nity. The Commissioner noted women She lamented that some parents Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months and children suffered due to igno- with children with various disabili- rance and fear of consequences if ties hid them in house under the dating from ...... to...... they dared report their tormentors to guise of protecting retrogressive I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… authorities, who were the family’s cultures and superstitions, stressing bread winners. it was a violation of their rights. Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... She warned those who perpetrat- “ They should expose them for ed violence that they were violating registration so that they can be as- Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… the rights of other people they should sisted by the government and non desist lest they be arrested, prosecut- Governmental Organizations to feel Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... ed and charged to serve as a lesson to part and parcel of the society” stated others with similar brutal tendencies. Dr. Odhiambo” adding people with (Attached, please find money order No ...... Kenyans, advised the Officer disabilities required support, respect should to read and understand the and care like other children. Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. constitution to enable them discern Citing Bondo, Siaya County when their rights were trampled on where the Commission had visited, Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... and defend their rights, saying that she revealed that parents with physi- majority victims of gender violence cally disabled children hid them Back issues No/Months: ...... were members of vulnerable groups in their house, saying according to like women, disabled, poor and mar- them, it was a taboo to expose them Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- ginalized people. in public. CONGE, noted Odhiambo was Odhiambo challenged Kenyans Institute for Civic Affairs and Development mandated to supervise, advise and to shun handouts by politicians and P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi report to the government cases of elect credible, incorruptible, vision- The Link, December 2012 28 REGIONAL NEWS High population growth depletes resources in Kisii County By BOB OMBATI country to attain the aspirations of the the retrogressive beliefs that the boy survival. vision 2030. much hyped vision 2030. child offers a strong foundation in a Oduor noted that 48 percent of Ngatia noted they were holding KISII County Commissioner, Lydiah Household poverty, noted Muriuki homestead. residents in Kisii county had primary workshops for various stakeholders Muriuki has urged residents to em- was high with a population density Poor parents with many children, school Certificates, 28%, secondary, to sensitize them on the policy which brace Family Planning to help reduce of 875 persons per square kilometer, stated the commissioner had aban- 5.3, tertiary and only 2.3 percent had advocated for small and manageable pressure on dwindling resources. noting Kisii County had 1.1 million doned their families forcing the chil- university degrees, adding that less families to help the country attain vi- Muriuki noted that the population people out of 3.6 million in Nyanza re- dren to drop out to seek for menial than 50 percent of the residents were sion 2030 and the Millennium Devel- in Kisii and Nyamira counties had gion. “People own less than an acre of jobs in order to fend for themselves. economically engaged with many opment Goals ( MDGs). outstripped resources such as land and land. It is a threat to food security amid Addressing over 20 Journalists family members relying on them. The journalists urged the NCPD thus most parents are struggling to the growing population without corre- drawn from Kisii, Homabay, Migori He noted that 3 percent of the resi- officers to avail updated information produce enough food for their fami- sponding resources,” noted Muriuki. and Nyamira Counties, she urged dents had clean piped water with 94 on the population trends to enable lies besides clothing and educating People from Gusii community, them to sensitize the public on the percent using pit latrines, adding that them report accurate figures. their children. noted the commissioner were enter- need to embrace family Planning to 63 percent relied on springs and bore- Jared Maobe, a journalist told the The Commissioner, who presided prising, adding that the gains would better their lives. hole water. officers to design Family Planning over a media workshop organized by be eroded if they failed to adopt Fam- NCPD senior population Officer, NCPD Deputy Director, monitor- programmes for young couples and the National Council on Population ily Planning to reduce much depend- Maurice Oduor said 60 percent of the ing and evaluation Programme, Karu- youths, stressing that some bore many and Development (NCPD) noted that ence and lead quality lives. She residents were aged below 24 years ga Ngatia noted that the country’s children due to ignorance on available if population growth was not con- implored members of Gusii commu- and in school, saying they relied on population policy had been reviewed methods of family Planning suitable trolled, it would be difficult for the nity to value all children and discard their parents meager resources for to comply with the constitution and to them.

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA FORTY inmates at G.K. King’ong’o Inmates acquire paralegal skills prison in Nyeri County have gradu- ated after undergoing a three day pa- ralegal training. The 20 men and 20 women to- gether with 10 prison officers under- went the training at the penal facility and successfully finished the training at the penal facility recently. They were trained under the pro- gramme dubbed ‘Hamasa Magere- zani Project’ which is funded by the Amkeni Kenya – UNDP. The training was meant to educate them on their rights and freedoms as enshrined in the constitution (Bill of Rights), Peoples representation, lead- ership and integrity, good governor- ship, the criminal trial process and elections laws and offences. The participants were awarded Certificate of Participation for the three days training conducted by Kituo Cha Sheria within the prison facility. “Kituo is satisfied beyond any rea- sonable doubt that those trained will act as change agents in promoting the right to vote and the need to have a political choice within the prison community as envisaged under the constitution,” said the Kituo Cha She- ria Programme coordinator Anthony Kamaru after the graduation. Similar programmes have been held in Malindi prison, Lang’ata, Ka- miti and Shimo La Tewa prisons. King’ong’o inmate Geoffrey Kirunya Igweta (left) who was the best candidate is awarded by Kituo cha Sheria officials and prison authorities Programme assistant Anasta- led by deputy officer in charge of King’ong’o prison Gudual Tawan (second right) recently after successfully undergoing a paralegal train- sia Nabukenya and Monitoring and ing. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Evaluation Officer Kevin Ogema said the programmes have helped in mak- others. have seen many inmates being acquit- Kirunya Igweta said he was happy A remandee at the prison Dorris ing the work easier for the magistrates “The workload has also reduced ted and even criminal cases reduced after the training since this will open Wanja thanked facilitators from Kituo and judges since the graduands have and brought discipline and order after the trainings,” said Nabukenya. eyes for himself and many others at Cha Sheria for the training saying life disseminated the knowledge unto around the corridors of justice. We King’ong’o inmate Geoffrey the penal facility. will never be the same again. Varsities challenged to invest more on research By PETER MUTUKU learning and the industry. ance between research and teaching Technology to ensure funds are avail- rolment of undergraduates. She also “Thus, more resources were need- should be considered by reducing able to researchers,” she said. said the Ministry has initiated various THE Minister for Higher Education ed to have the mandate accomplished. teaching workload and increasing Mathooko observed universities reforms by a forming a ----taskforce Prof Margaret Kamar wants universi- “Our institutions of higher education research activities,” said Prof Mat- allocate little of their overall budgets to align higher education, science and ties to focus more on research, inno- have for a long time placed great em- hooko. “Further our universities have to research. “However, we are pleased technology sector to the Constitution. vation and training of self employable phasis on equipping students for white been accused of researching on issues the new Science, Technology and In- The taskforce has prepared vari- graduates. collar jobs. This is no longer sustain- which do not translate to tangible novation Bill, 2012 proposes a Na- ous Bills and a Sessional Paper which Prof Kamar underscores the need able. We can only overcome this by solutions to societal challenges. The tional Research Fund to be used for enacted will change management of by institutions of higher learning to equipping our students with entrepre- culture of the so-called blue sky re- advancement of science, technology universities,” she said. Mathooko said increase their research grant portfolios neurial skills so that they set up own search’, which is researcher- centered and innovation and also proposes the the conference was informed and per- to enhance the foundation of attaining businesses,” she said. must stop,” he added. establishment of the Kenya National suaded by desire to bridge the gap be- their core mandate and national devel- MUA Vice Chancellor Judy Mat- However, the minister noted re- Innovations Agency.” tween academic theory and industrial opment goals. hooko said universities can only be quired transformation in universities Kamar said her ministry plans to practice. “MUA holds the view that Speaking during the fourth Annual able to deliver their mandate if research cannot be realized without adequate introduce 1,000 Government –funded universities world over must produce International Conference on Industry activities are adequately funded. research funding and improved infra- teaching assistantships in universities graduates who resonate and connect and Higher Education at Management “Wealth creation and sustainability structure and human resources every year for post graduate students with the job market,” he said. University of Africa (MUA), the min- cannot be realized fully without inten- “I am aware resources available to who would be transited straight from The conference brought together ister cited research, innovation and sive research. Lamentably, universities scholars for research are dwindling. undergraduate studies, allowing them participants from Kenya, Uganda, entrepreneurship as key to bridging are increasingly downplaying research My Ministry is working together to attain PhDs and serve as teaching Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and India the gap between institutions of higher activities in favour of teaching. A bal- with National Council of Science and assistants to support the increased en- among other countries. The Link, December 2012 29 REGIONAL NEWS

Bribery incidence Nyeri courts on the spot over undermines trade at border points delays and missing files By LINK CORRESPONDENT DRIVERS and transport companies pay bribes totalling Ksh570,775 every month to speed up passage of their goods through customs and road checks, according to a survey by Transparency International. The bribes paid to revenue, po- lice, immigration, ports and weigh- bridge officials make up an informal taxation equivalent to 1.4 per cent of the average value of goods (Ksh41 million) handled monthly by the 69 transport firms from Kenya who took part in the survey. That cost is eventually moved to consumers through higher prices of goods. “Failure to pay bribes can lead to dire consequences: from de- lays in getting services, disruption of clients’ operations to high ad- ministrative taxes,” Samuel Kimeu, the executive director of TI Kenya, said in Nairobi while releasing the survey. Out of the amount paid in bribes, KRA officials take 49.8 per cent (Ksh284,410) followed by police officers at road blocks who take Sh150,535 and weighbridge offi- Court clerks during the Nyeri Court Users Open Day held at Whispers Park recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa cials who pocket Ksh135,745. Clearing and forwarding agents By JOSEPH MUKUBWA diciary to look into the matter urgently for more than two years. be prosecuted. surveyed said they pay Ksh422,620 as justice delayed is justice denied. “Some magistrates and judges Juma said that altering court docu- ($4,972) in bribes every year to NYERI residents have complained Theuri Kihara who is in his early usually speak in low tones making it ments such as judgments, summons, regulatory officials. “The survey has over delays in the dispensation of jus- 80s said some of the delays were in- hard for one to decipher what is actu- orders and succession grants was a se- identified bribery as a major non- tice. tentional and cited lack commitment ally said. This should not even be de- rious criminal offence as it was meant tariff barrier (NTB) which causes Speaking during a Court Users among magistrates and judges. bated since a public address system is to subvert justice. The magistrate re- delay, adds unnecessary cost on Open Day forum held at Whispers He noted that during the era of already installed in the courts although gretted that officers engaged in such businesses and distorts the market Park recently, the residents said that white judges, cases were dispensed it is never operational,” added Kihara. acts were not only tarnishing the ju- forces,” Mr Kimeu said. courts were taking too long to deliver off within a month after being filed While responding to some of the diciary but also pulling back reforms The survey shows that while rev- judgments while in some instances and before a judgment or ruling is complaints, Chief Magistrate Wilbro- currently being instituted. enue officials ask for large sums of files were missing. They also com- delivered. Francis Ndegwa lamented da Juma admitted that there have been Juma was responding to com- money, consequences for not brib- plained of rogue lawyers, in opera- that it had taken him more than two delays when handling various cases plaints from members of the public ing are more severe at weighbridges tional communications gadgets which years to access a copy of a typed judg- but linked them to the regular transfer who lamented that some judicial of- and police roadblocks. Forty six per they said have led to denial of justice. ment from the Nyeri courts thus de- of magistrates saying that the problem ficers at the Nyeri law courts were cent of the transporters sampled said Other complaints raised by speak- laying his appeal in a land tussle he is will be addressed soon. engaging in dishonest practice by al- the likelihood of delays was the ma- jor reason for paying bribes. ers at the meeting included delays embroiled in. She also concurred with the public tering court documents at a fee to suit in concluding cases, delays in typ- Outside the national borders, A lawyer, Francis Mwangi said that the sound system in the courts has certain litigants. She said that delays Tanzania and Uganda — the two top ing court proceedings, altering of that delays in typing of court pro- not been operational, highlighting that in concluding cases was mostly as a destinations for Kenya’s exports and court documents, delays in signing ceedings, rulings and even judgments the temporary hitch would be rectified result of transfers of magistrates as the investment capital — were also cit- court documents by magistrates such had contributed greatly to the denial as the matter has already been raised new ones have to familiarize them- ed in the report for the large amounts as summons, warrants, succession of justice. He said that in several in- in Nairobi. The chief magistrate at the selves with the handwriting of the of bribes that public officials there grants. stances court staff responsible in do- same time warned the judicial officers predecessor before proceeding with demand. Speaker after speaker urged the ju- ing such jobs delay and thus cases lag found altering court documents will the case. On average, transport companies and drivers paid Tanzanian regula- tors a total of Ksh1 million ($12,641) each while clearing and forwarding agents each paid Ksh27,000 last Kisii County registers’ more cases in GBV year to facilitate movement of goods through the country. Kenya exported goods worth Ksh41.8 billion to Tan- By BOB OMBATI rance and fear of consequences if of rights of special interest groups elect credible, incorruptible, vision- which she observed were violated zania in 2011. they dared report their assailants to ary and wise leaders who will uphold The survey showed Ugandan THE National Commission on Gen- authorities, who in some cases are with impunity. the constitution, the rule of law and drivers and transport firms each paid der and Equality has decried the their bread winners. She at the same time accused par- respect for human rights, saying they a total of Ksh312, 120 to regulatory increased cases of gender based She warned that perpetrators risk ents of violating the rights of their risked bad leadership if they voted in authorities while clearing agents violence in the larger Gucha district, prosecution as they were violating disabled children by locking them in corrupt leaders. paid Ksh1.3 million each as bribes Kisii county, saying it violates hu- rights of vulnerable groups such as the house under the guise of protect- The Officer cautioned Kenyans to regulatory authorities. man rights and negates the spirit of the women, disabled, poor and mar- ing them from the wrath of retrogres- against politicizing the on-going Uganda is Kenya’s single largest the Constitution. ginalized people, which had been en- sive cultures and superstitions. voter registration, and asked them destination for exports in the world, The Commission’s Chief ex- shrined in the constitution. “ They should register them so to register as voters for them to take absorbing goods worth Ksh75.9 bil- ecutive officer, Dr. Rose Odhiambo “Gender based violence robs vic- that they can be assisted by the Gov- part in electing their leaders during lion last year. notes that women and children are tims their human rights. We urge par- ernment and Non Governmental Or- the March 4, general poll. For clearing agents, the bribes vulnerable and bore the brunt of the ties to embrace dialogue in resolving ganizations nad feel part and parcel Area District Officer ( DO 1), help to speed up document process- brutality perpetrated commonly by conflicts amicably instead of resort- of the society,” stated Dr. Odhiambo Elizabeth Atemi lauded the Commis- ing, have tax codes changed and to their close relatives. ing to violence” stated Dr Odhiambo. adding that people with disabilities sion for taking civic education to the avoid inspection and investigation Dr Odhiambo, who launched the Gender based violence, asserted required support, respect and care grassroots people, saying it would that could prove their guilt. Trans- 16- day of activism against Gender- the officer was also common in Ku- like other children. empower them know their rights, porters on the other hand use bribes based violence at a Gucha hotel dur- ria East and West districts in Mig- Citing Bondo and Siaya County defend them and also take part in the to speed up clearance at transit ing a voters sensitization workshop ori county where some community where the Commission had visited, country’s democratic exercise and points and avoid weight verification. challenged stakeholders to work she revealed that parents with physi- The survey found many re- members still practiced the outlawed governance. spondents ranging from 99 per cent closely to end the vice, which, she Female Genital Mutilation ( FGM) cally disabled children hid them in Ruth Kerubo, a participant their houses citing taboos which pre- in Uganda to 83 per cent in Rwanda noted had resulted in broken families besides engaging in domestic vio- stressed that rural people were still do not report bribery incidents. besides subjecting members to psy- lence. vented them from exposing them in ignorant of the constitution and urged In Kenya, 89 per cent of re- chological torture. The Officer said the Gender public. civil society organizations and the spondents did not report the inci- The Commissioner noted women Commission’s task included seeking Odhiambo challenged Kenyans government to conduct civic educa- dents compared to 92 per cent in and children suffered due to igno- legal redress to correct the violation to shun handouts by politicians and tion to help empower them. Tanzania and 87 per cent in Burundi. The Link, December 2012 30 REGIONAL NEWS

By PETER MUTUKU “MY SON is five years old, and like High enrolment rates undermine quality any mother I want the best school- ing for him. I know that doors open for the educated and the alterna- tive in Kenya is likely to be a low- education in public primary schools paid, high risk job. Without good ries. The teacher is a firm believer in their children privately. a small tea-growing area deep in the initiatives to roll out free primary schooling, my little boy could end public education, (she educated all her Margaret Mukoma, 43, a sin- Rift Valley, west of Nairobi. She does education in Kenya, encouraging up working 15 hours a day in a haz- children at this school) she has little gle mother in Eastlands, works as odd jobs, selling vegetables, house- people in informal settlements and ardous manufacturing job which time for parents who want to educate a receptionist at a local airstrip. She keeping, babysitting and whatever marginalised rural areas to demand provides no protective clothing. A their children privately. supplements her salary by selling else comes her way. With teachers in better services in education. Victor job which pays on a daily basis, and “Here we teach, but there (in the clothes and other household items her local school coping up with up to Odero works in their advocacy and provides no medical cover but lays private school) it is just a business,” like bed sheets, blankets and curtains, 70 pupils in a class, Damacline felt communications team and monitors you off when you get an injury and she says, maintaining that private bringing home around Ksh 38,250 a her daughter Gracey, 13, was not get- trends in education. He says corrup- are useless to your employer,” adds schools drill children to memorise month. More than half of this is spent ting attention. Public schools are free, tion in the primary education sector is Alice Mueni, a parent. how to answer questions in national on private boarding school fees for and would make her life a little easier, deeply worrying. In the past few years This is no far-fetched scenario: exams, and how to speak ‘delicious’ her three children, two teenage boys but Damacline is not considering this it has emerged that Ksh 3.9 billion 60 per cent of Kenyans live on less English. and eight-year-old Michelle. She sees option, “It may be free. But when you has been stolen from the Ministry of than two dollars a day, and formal But there is little hiding the fact, this as an investment. “The public pay for something, you value it more, Education, most of it from landmark employment is around 20 per cent. that large class sizes and teacher schools were okay until when free you take time to make it work,” she universal primary education initia- There are no welfare payments for shortages are having an impact. A primary education started,” she ex- says, echoing a sentiment common tive. No one has stepped down from unemployed Kenyans who still report the education think-tank UW- plained. “Then my sons would lie to among poor Kenyans. the Ministry of Education, even in the have to pay for healthcare, food and EZO sampled 123 districts in Kenya, me and never had any homework,” light of these revelations. other basic necessities. Education is and estimated that around 60 per cent she said. In private schools, she says, Education budget plundered by “If the billions of shillings were the best safety net against poverty. of children aged 14 were unable read “the teachers maintain high standards corrupt officials used as they should have been, more Primary school has been free since a simple sentence in a test aimed at of discipline.” Of course, education is only ‘free’ teachers would have been employed, 2003, with the help of 19 billion dol- eight-year-olds. The net result is that Damacline Nyantika, 50, is also because it is paid for through taxa- more schools would have been built, lars of donations from the UK, Can- even those Kenyans who are far from not among the wealth; she is a self- tion and donor support. The charity and there would be less congestion ada, and the World Bank, with the wealthy, are opting paying to educate employed widow living in Kericho, Concern Worldwide Kenya supports and better environment,” says Victor. World Food Programme, UNICEF He believes everything changes and Kenyan NGOs providing advice, when parents, especially the middle training and support. In terms of en- class, dare the government to do bet- rolment numbers, it has been a great ter instead of taking the easier route success. Enrolment rates in Kenya out and shipping their children to are up to 97 per cent, as reported by private schools. A significant chunk Elimu Yetu Coalition – a forum unit- of taxpayers’ money is in one way ing all NGOs, government depart- or another channeled into the educa- ments and corporate partners in the tion system. It is one of the biggest education sector in Kenya. machines set up by the government. Less great is that there are now It must work. up to 70 children in each classroom “I am one of the middle class who and the free primary school fund has could make the government more ac- been plagued with corruption. “Like countable. But my conclusion is that I many Kenyans of my generation, I will not take the risk of state school- am pushing for a more unified society, ing with my son. I know they will not shunning negative stereotypes about give him the best possible education, ethnicities other than my own. In a how can they when money keeps van- public school, my son would learn ishing? I do not want to take him to a with children from different ethnic public school by day and complement groups, from richer, poorer and even it with private tuition classes in the broken families. But I’ve got serious evening, as many parents already do. doubts as to whether a public primary He is a child, surely he should play school can provide a good enough after school? education to secure my son’s future,” I will work day and night in order avers Mueni. to afford a good education for my son. In a few years, I would like the system Committed teachers are not enough to have changed, so that my son can Margaret Mmboka, has been teaching enjoy a state secondary school after at a primary school in Kathiani for 21 starting out in the most down-to-earth years. She has witnessed the explo- private school I can find. But since I sion in enrolment since free, universal still pay my taxes faithfully, I will not primary education was introduced. stop asking questions, whether I get “My class had 30 – 40 students,” she comfortable or not. There is a Kiswa- said. “Now I have to teach up to 60 hili saying that roughly translates as, students at a time.” ‘if you need something from under A spot check at the school reveals the bed, you cannot escape bending’. that most teachers are overwhelmed Some of the pupils in Kenya’s schools. Photo/File I believe it is my responsibility, as a from solving fights to listening to sto- Kenyan and as a mother. Access to drugs remains a challenge for diabetic patients in Gusii region By BOB OMBATI The chairman of Kisii Chapter ploy more Doctors in public hospitals odically to avoid complications. were purporting to treat and cure. Association of People living with dia- and equip them with adequate drugs “You should change your lifestyle Mogoba said herbalists lacked the DIABETIC patients in Kisii and betes, Daniel Mogoba, who led the to cope with the swelling number of and exercise regularly. That is the only capacity to prescribe diabetic medi- Nyamira counties have decried the diabetes patients and other stakehold- patients seeking medical attention. way you can avoid the disease unless cine or cure the disease and majority shortage of drugs and doctors in pub- ers in a peaceful march at Kisii level Patients, noted the chairman, it is hereditary” noted Dr. Ongeri relied on conventional drugs. lic hospitals, saying this was frustrat- Five hospital urged Kenyans to go for queued for long hours at public hos- Dr Ongeri, flanked by the hospi- Zipporah Motanya a nutrition- ing their efforts to manage the disease. regular tests so that those who are sick pitals due to inadequate professionals, tal’s Medical superintendent Dr. Geof- ist at the hospital said that type one The patients who marched along can access medication early. noting that some could faint due to frey Otomu observed that a lot of fatty diabetes was more common among Kisii to celebrate the World’s Diabe- A bottled dose of diabetes medi- low or high sugar levels in their blood. and sugary foods was bad for diabetic teenagers and children and was main- tes Day said public health facilities cine, noted Mogoba cost Ksh200 at The over 200 patients were trained patients, adding that it hampered the ly activated by the environmental lacked adequate drugs and thus they public health facilities while the same on healthy eating habits during the management of sugar levels. conditions which stops from pancre- have been forced to buy them from cost up to Ksh. 500 in private pharma- free medical camp to help them man- He urged patients to be wary of as not to release enough insulin. private clinics expensively. cies which was beyond the reach of age their conditions and lead healthy fake herbalists who were selling con- Mr Ken Kimaywa an official They told The Link that the less the majority of the patients. lives. coctions to cure the disease, stressing from Cosmos Pharmaceuticals Lim- endowed patients who were unable to Mogoba, who has lived with the Dr Nehemiah Ongeri who heads they wanted to con them for selfish ited said the company was partnering buy the drugs from the chemists had disease for 34 years said the number Kisii-Level-Five hospital’s Diabetes interest. with the government to give free dia- to suffer quietly, saying some suc- of specialists in the area was low com- clinic urged the patients to avoid eat- Herbalists, noted Dr Ongeri never betes drugs during campaigns, add- cumbed to diabetes related complica- pared to the increasing number of dia- ing food with a lot of sugar, check and relied on their herbal drugs, saying ing it had availed drugs worthy about tions due to poor health and lack of betic patients. control the amount of food they eat they sought medication in public and Ksh. 0.1 million during the free medi- drugs. He asked the government to em- and have their sugar levels tested peri- private hospital like the patients they cal camp. The Link, December 2012 REGIONAL NEWS 31 Herbalists urged to support Bill Suspected By NYAKWAR ODAWO belief have triumphed in treating ail- She urged all the traditional herb- “I am also encouraging you as poachers ments such as prostrate cancer among alists across the country to remain fo- county representatives to establish TRADITIONAL medicine practition- others, adding that the proposed tradi- cused, cooperative and also to stick to botanic gardens where you can plant ers from western province and the tional medicine bill would enable the their profession. medicinal trees as one of the conser- arrested in a country at large will benefit a great practitioners to have a voice at the na- Matoke at the same time said tri- vation steps aimed at achieving the ten deal once the proposed health Bill on tional level. umph can come only when discus- percent forest cover recommended in- herbal medicine becomes law. The national chairperson said that sions are pegged on honesty and logi- ternationally,” said Matoke. police swoop Addressing stakeholders during a Kenya, through the National tradition- cal coherence, adding that difference The chairperson was accompanied By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU sensitization forum held at the Busia al Health Practitioners Association of opinion is to blame for the setbacks by the National Council of Associa- cultural centre recently, the National (NATHEPA) and National Council of in the herbal industry. tion for Alternative Medicine secre- FOUR suspected ivory traders Traditional Health Practitioners As- Association for Alternative Medicine However, Matoke warned the as- tary General Isaac Misiko who on his have been arrested in the ongoing sociation chairperson Lydia Matoke (NCAAM) has consented to put in sociation members against engaging part called upon the traditional herbs crackdown of poachers in Taita said that the bill seeks to empower place an umbrella body that will go in retrogressive practices which she practitioners to form a coalition for Taveta County. traditional herbalists to regulate them- along way in addressing the tradition- said were likely to derail the success the sake of the prosperity of the herbal The four were arrested in a selves. al health issues at the national level. they have so far achieved. industry. joint operation by the regular po- She says that the proposed law lice and Kenya Wildlife Service will allow them to operate alongside personnel, during which three el- the mainstream conventional health ephant tusks were recovered. channels. The chairperson, however, Police intercepted them at expressed concern saying that the Maktau trading centre near the government of Kenya has failed to sprawling Tsavo West National recognize the role the traditional herb- Park in Taita-Taveta County, as alists play as far as the herbal medi- the war on wildlife-related crimes cine is concerned. in the Tsavo Conservation Area “I am challenging both the govern- intensified. Taita OCPD Sam- ment of Kenya and the African conti- son Kinne said KWS personnel nent in general to emulate China and acted on a tip-off and arrested the India’s approach that have gone to the suspects, who were planning to extent of recognizing the role of tra- transport the game trophies to an ditional herbalists in the society hence unknown destination. making herbal medicine part of their Speaking to The Link in Voi culture,” said the hairperson. recently, Mr. Kinne said the sus- The chairperson at the same time pects were later handed over to said that in 1949 the former president the police. “We’ll take the sus- of China Mao Tse Tung unanimously pects to court once we are through declared herbal medicine as part and with our investigation,” said the parcel of China’s culture, adding that police officer. China has become the world’s leading The arrest comes at a time nation rich in natural therapy disci- when cases of poaching in the pline. Tsavo ecosystem and in local “The World Health Organization ranches have reached alarming has also recognized traditional herbs levels. KWS has also intensified as a key component in the health sec- efforts to save elephants in local tor hence according the traditional ranches and Tsavo that have seen herbs practitioners a lot of recognition a surge in poaching in the recent considering the service they give to past. KWS officials said in an the society across the divide. interview that the conservation Matoke at the same time said that body has so far lost more than 50 traditional herbs, contrary to popular President Kibaki when he signed the health Bill. FILE Photo/File elephants in the region through poaching in the recent past. A total of 1,625 people have so far been arrested for commit- Residents of Taita-Taveta County face starvation ting wildlife-related crimes in the country this year, with majority of By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU two meals a day as opposed to agement Officer, Parkolwa -Mus flict, high commodity prices in the three in the horticulture-rich and tafa, points out that the region is market and poor road infrastruc- the cases originating in the region. dairy farming zones. currently ranked in the stressed ture among factors that have led to Tsavo Conservation Area act- OVER 76,000 people in Taita- ing Assistant Director Michael Taveta County are faced with star- According to the 2009 housing phase after the 2011 short rains as- food insecurity in the region. and population census, the region sessment and remains in the same The report recommended the Wanjau said poachers were target- vation and urgently require relief ing endangered wildlife species supplies to forestall any deaths. has 284,657 people. classification. introduction of school feeding pro- An estimated 11 per cent of the “Even though the classification grammes in the affected areas and such as elephants and rhinos for According to the Food Secu- the highly prized ivory tusks and rity Assessment report prepared by population engages in mixed farm- has remained the same, the situ- up scaling food for asset benefici- ing while 19 per cent are waged la- ation has deteriorated following ary numbers in the lowlands of the horns. the Special Programmes minister “A gang of bandits with so- dated November 1, Voi District is bourers and 14 per cent engages in poor performance of the long rains county to target more households in trade and business. that started and ceased earlier than the area experiencing food stress. phisticated weapons has penetrat- hardest hit with the number of peo- ed the region and we’re calling on ple affected by drought standing at Others engage in sand harvest- usual leading to withering of crops At the same time the propor- ing, charcoal burning timber har- in the field,” he said. tion of children who are at risk of members of the public, especially over 24,900 people, Mwatate with those living along forest and game 18,497, and Taveta with 13,000. vesting and bush meat trade as a Mr. Mustafa cites erratic rain- malnutrition has been increasing coping mechanism, added the re- fall leading to poor crop germina- since April this year and stands at reserves, to help KWS to stamp The report states that many out poaching,” Wanjau said. households have two contend with port. The District Drought Man- tion, intense human wildlife con- 2.8 per cent.

By NYAKWAR ODAWO ABOUT 2 million Kenyans are dia- Diabetes takes a high toll on Kenyans betic, according to statistics at the Ministry of Health. the country could rise to 10 percent by could contribute to the increased cases ernment through the Ministry of Pub- the two health ministries are working Addressing members of the public the year 2030 if lifestyle modification of diabetes. lic Health and Sanitation is re-training closely to ensure that every health in- during celebrations to mark the World is not addressed as a matter of urgen- “Simple lifestyle can change the health care workers and providing stitution provides care for diabetes in a Diabetes Day at the Nangina Girls cy,” said the health official. situation as diet control and regular them with the appropriate tools for multi-disciplinary and comprehensive boarding primary school in Funyula, “Even though diabetes can be exercise go a long way in helping to management of diabetes. approach that will ensure that accurate the Head of Non-communicable Dis- hereditary, majority of cases in the control the diseases,” said Dr Waihen- “Public awareness has been go- diagnosis and prompt treatment and eases Dr Patrick Waihenya said dia- country can be attributed to unhealthy ya, adding that diabetes is one of the ing on to educate the masses on pre- care is given to people living with dia- betes is threatening to reach epidemic lifestyles which many Kenyans have leading causes of blindness, renal fail- vention and control of diabetes and betes to avert its serious complications. levels if Kenyans continue embracing adopted. Unhealthy diets and physical ure and lower limb amputation. its complications. Preventive efforts The occasion which was co-spon- unhealthy lifestyles. inactivity are two of the major causes “It also triggers cardiovascular in the form of health education on sored by the Safaricom Foundation Waihenya said Mt Kenya region, of diabetes,” said Waihenya. disease which is the leading cause of healthy diets, physical activity, main- was also addressed by local govern- Kisii and Mombasa are some of the He added that due to unhealthy deaths for people living with diabe- taining of healthy body weights and ment minister and area MP Dr Paul regions that have recorded increased lifestyles, over 20percent of women tes. The key risk factors for diabetes cessation of alcohol and tobacco use Otuoma, former VP Dr Moody Awori, diabetes cases, largely blamed on sed- and 7percent of men in the country are include obesity, physical inactivity are known to be far more cost effec- goodwill ambassador Dr Julia Ojiam- entary lifestyle, low level of aware- either overweight or obese whereas and unhealthy diets which require in- tive than treatment of diabetes,” said bo who lauded the Safaricom Founda- ness, negative attitudes and unhealthy over twenty percent of the popula- terventions to change unhealthy life- Dr Waihenya. tion for providing a free medical camp diet practices. tion either smokes or takes alcohol, styles,” he said. He said in order to strengthen for the treatment of people with diabe- “The prevalence rate of diabetes in the factors he noted if not controlled Dr Waihenya added that the gov- health systems to address diabetes, tes in the area. The Read The Link monthly for issues affecting LinkEnhancing governance for all communities across Kenya The Link, December 2012

10,000 hectares have been rehabilitat- ed by the Government of Kenya and partners. Govt losses billions Mbugua stated a number of pro- grammes and activities have also been started to improve the livelihoods of communities living adjacent to the forest and address the situation of the annually to deforestation forest-dwelling communities, in par- ticular the Ogiek. By HENRY OWINO “With a view to expanding efforts to all water towers, the Government HE wanton destruction of for- of Kenya gazetted the Kenya Water ests has been tipped as factor Towers Agency on 13 April 2012. The that deprives Kenya’s economy agency will take over the responsibili- T ties of the Mau Secretariat and will be of billions in revenue. A joint research by the Kenya responsible for coordinating and su- Forest Service (KFS) and the UN pervising the rehabilitation, conser- Environment Programme (UNEP) re- vation and management of Kenyan veals that in 2010, the country lost a water towers,” explained Mbugua, the whooping Ksh5.8 billion in deforesta- Director Kenya Forest Service. tion and Ksh6.6 billion in 2009, far However, the report finds that outstripping roughly Ksh1.3 billion there is a great deal of room for more injected through forestry and logging activities and proposed the adoption each year. of sustainable forest management that According to the report, the contri- contributes to national development bution of forests is undervalued by 2.5 with a ratio of more than four times per cent, putting the estimate of its an- that of the poor forest management nual contribution to Gross Domestic that leads to deforestation. Product (GDP) at around 3.6 per cent. Sustainable actions include: se- The Minister for Forestry and lective thinning regimes ,protection Wildlife Dr. Noah Wekesa says the re- against uncontrolled settlements; port entitled ‘The Role and Contribu- adequate allocation and policing of tion of Montane Forests and Related water withdrawals; improved man- Ecosystem Services to the Kenyan agement of degraded land; ensure Economy’ and launched at the be- that Kenya has in place a fully func- ginning of the Kenya Water Towers, tioning forest resource account in Forests and Green Economy National order to capture the various benefits Dialogue – marked a new phase in ef- provided by forests; stronger regula- forts to conserve the vital ecosystems. tion of forest use. “The value of the Mau Forest eco- For instance, the enacting of farm From left,David Mbugua Director KFS, Achim Steiner Executive Director UNEP and Shereen forestry, forest harvesting and char- system to the Kenyan economy previ- Zorba Newsdesk UNEP during the report launch at UN headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. ously calculated by UNEP has already coal regulations in 2009 represent an important step in the right direction catalyzed a response to conserve and said between 2000 and 2010, tivated fields in the indigenous forest shillings to the sector in 2010. and needs to be pursued; encourage rehabilitate this vital resource,” he an estimated 28,427 hectares under to shamba-system practices, livestock Reduced river flows also reduced investment in the forestry sector in said. “This shows we have already forests were destroyed, leading to re- grazing, quarry to landslides and hu- hydropower generation by eight mil- order to increase the efficiency in acknowledged the importance of for- duced water availability of approxi- man settlements. lion shillings, producing a multiplier production, especially in sawn tim- ests. However, this new report quan- mately 62 million cubic metres per He admitted that fuel wood and effect on the rest of the economy ber and charcoal production. tifies the massive scale of the eco- year. He regretted Kenya’s economy charcoal represent the most important through power shortages (46 per cent Addressing the growing trend of nomic damage deforestation brings is highly vulnerable to water avail- energy source for the population, at 75 of Kenya’s power comes from hydro dependence on imports of forest prod- and shows much more needs to be ability. per cent, and the forestry sector cre- generation); increased wet-season ucts, which constituted more than 50 done nation-wide,” stated Dr. Noah Steiner said inflation spiked ates both formal and informal job op- flows lead to erosion and sedimenta- per cent of domestic output for the Wekesa. above 10 per cent on three occasions portunities, especially in rural areas. tion, resulting in a loss of productive year 2009; Ensure adequate regenera- Kenya’s five water towers Mau between 2000 and 2010, each time UNEP Executive Director ob- soil resources, which in turn increases tion after harvest and an increased for- Forest Complex, Mount Kenya, the driven by drought combined with in- served that as a result, deforestation nutrient content in fresh water sys- est plantation growth in the long term, Aberdares, Mount Elgon and Cheran- creasing crude oil prices and weaker has largely been driven by private tems, causes siltation and increases together with a better coordination of gani, feed filtered rainwater to riv- exchange rates. consumption, as the demand of house- turbidity of water supplies. regulating institutions, producers and ers and lakes and provide more than “Kenya is today underlining its holds has doubled within the last ten This reduction in water quality consumers of forest products; Main- 15,800 million cubic metres of water determination to be among a group years. This number is also underesti- reduced inland fish catch by 86 mil- stream instruments and incentives per year. This is said to represent over of pioneering countries putting its mated as it does not incorporate the lion shillings and increased the cost such as payment for ecosystem serv- 75 per cent of the country’s renewable nature-based assets at the centre of its informal sector. It has been expand- of water treatment for potable use by ices, trading and insurance schemes. surface water resources. sustainable development ambitions,” ing, particularly in rural areas where 192 million shillings in 2010; Inci- Forests in Kenya also represent a Dr Wekesa explained these forests said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Sec- firewood is collected for free or ex- dence of malaria as a result of defor- great opportunity in terms of carbon store water during the rainy season retary General and UNEP Executive changed for other goods. estation is estimated to have cost 237 storage and the use of carbon trading and release it slowly, thus ensuring Director. While forest products bring in one- million shillings by 2010, in the form schemes, the report noted. water flow during dry periods. He “The findings of this report are off cash to the national economy, they of health costs to the government and The economic analysis also lends added that the forests provide resil- based on the best international ana- encourage illegal deforestation activi- losses in labour productivity. weight to the Inclusive Wealth Index, ience to seasonal environmental and lytical methods and the latest envi- ties and create huge economic damage Forest loss is also detrimental to a joint initiative by the United Na- economic changes and long-term eco- ronmental and economic evidence. through the loss of regulating services. the global carbon cycle. The above- tions University International Human nomic hazards like climate change. It is these kinds of cutting-edge as- The report quantified the follow- ground carbon storage value forgone Dimensions Programme on Global The Minister pointed out that apart sessments that are inspiring more and ing negative economic consequences through deforestation was estimated Environmental Change (UNU-IHDP) from timber and fuel, the forests also more countries in Africa and beyond of deforestation: By 2010, the cumu- at Ksh511 million shillings in 2010. and UNEP. bring benefits to the agriculture, for- towards the opportunities presented lative negative effect of deforestation According to David Mbugua, Di- The index launched at Rio, is a estry and fishing sectors; the electric- in a transition to an inclusive Green on the economy through reduction in rector of KFS, the Kenyan govern- new indicator which looks beyond ity and water sectors; the hotels and Economy,” he added. regulating services was estimated at ment has already recognized the value GDP to include natural and human accommodation sector; and the public Steiner explained the main rea- Ksh 3,650 million per year, more than of its forests and is working towards capital, thus encouraging govern- administration and defense sector. sons for deforestation are multiple and four times the cash revenue of defor- the rehabilitation of the Mau Forest ments to implement policies that en- However, Achim Steiner, UN complex: from unregulated charcoal estation; Decreased river flows in dry Complex. Over the last one and a half courage sustainable use of natural Under-Secretary General and UNEP production, logging of indigenous season reduces water supply to irriga- years, more than 21,000 hectares of resources. Executive Director, trees, marijuana cultivation, and cul- tion agriculture, at a cost of 1.5 billion forestland have been repossessed, and

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