ICC Accused of Selective Justice by LINK CORRESPONDENT President Are Charged with Crimes Against Hu- Ment of Neocolonialism

Home , Alfred Mutua, Amason Kingi, Daniel Waithaka, James Ongwae, Joseph Ole Lenku, Joshua Irungu

The SPECIAL REPORT SOCIAL ASSISTANCE ACT LEnhancingink governance for all — Pages 16 - 17 DECEMBER 2013 Issue No. 103 Kshs 40/= ICC accused of selective justice By LINK CORRESPONDENT president are charged with crimes against hu- ment of neocolonialism. masquerading as law. manity stemming from election violence in Among the apologists for the ICC is South Tutu maintains that, without the deterrence THE African Union is on a collision course with 2007. President Kenyatta has told the African African former archbishop Desmond Tutu, who of the ICC, African “countries could and would the International Criminal Court, a tribunal that has Union that the International Criminal Court says African leaders are “effectively looking for attack their neighbours, or minorities in their indicted only Africans since its founding in 2002. “stopped being the home of justice the day it be- a license to kill, maim and oppress their own own countries, with impunity.” Well, that is, in In an extraordinary meeting of the African came the toy of declining imperial powers” – a people without consequence.” Tutu says it all fact, the case right now in Africa, and it has oc- Union at its headquarters in Addis Abbaba, clear reference to the United States and Britain. boils down to a question of “who should rep- curred with the complicity of the ICC, which has Ethiopia, the AU took the position that no sitting And that is the heart of the matter. It is a trav- resent the interests of the victims?” However, sanctioned and morally assisted mass murder head of state should be prosecuted by the ICC esty of justice that the ICC only indicts Africans, in the real world of imperial power, Desmond and outright genocide by American allies on the while still in office. but even more importantly, the International Tutu’s reasoning is specious, shallow. He might continent. In the immediate term, the AU calls for the Criminal Court also only indicts those politicians just as well argue for the return of colonial rule, And here lies the great irony. The very nations postponement of the trial of Kenyan president that get on the wrong side of the United States which established its own kind of law and order that most strongly oppose the ICC – Rwanda, Uhuru Kenyatta, scheduled to begin in the The and the former colonial powers in Africa. The in Africa. The question is, whose law and whose Hague, next month. Kenyatta and his deputy ICC is a tool of U.S. foreign policy, an instru- order? The ICC represents U.S. foreign policy 8 Turn to Page 2 Col. 1 Thirty-eight towns to lose status By PATRICIA WAFULA

HE Transition Authority has come up with a raft proposals that will pave way for the downgrading of 38 towns in the country. A report released by the Authority and dubbed “classification Tof urban areas and cities based on resident population” reveals that only Nakuru and Eldoret will retain their status as municipalities while the rest, including Meru, Nyeri, Kakamega, Machakos and Kericho are to be downgraded to townships. Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu are set to retain their city status while Karatina in Nyeri County and Wote, the headquarters of Makueni County, have been stripped of their municipality and township status to unclassified urban areas (see table on Page 2). The Transition Authority Chairman Mr Kinuthia Wamwangi, says that report was jointly compiled by experts drawn from the ministries of Devolution, Housing and Lands and Kenya Law Reform Commission who carried out the survey. “It should be noted that 38 former municipal councils will be downgraded to townships, 36 formerly unclassified urban areas qualify for classification as townships while one former municipal council, Kara- tina, and one town council, Wote, will be declassified,” he said. The new rankings have been defined by population, integrated development plans, ability to generate revenue and collection potential, economic and financial viability, services such as airports and water fronts and existing infrastructure, among others. According to the 2009 population census, Nairobi’s population

8 Turn to Page 2 Col. 1 Mr Kinuthia Wamwangi, Transition Authority chairman. ON OTHER PAGES Kenya’s economy reels Team says lack of Challenges facing County plans to train in stagnation, survey buildings will not stop President Uhuru’s laptop farmers to boost food says —Pg. 8 devolution —Pg. 13 promise —Pg. 19 production —Pg. 30 The Link, December 2013 2 GOVERNANCE

From page 1 stands at 3.13 million, Mombasa has 938,000 while Kisumu has Thirty-eight towns to lose status 409,900 residents. To qualify as municipali- tions allocated to the devolved as little as possible disruption will chose to locate their opera- history; it is also remarkable ties, towns must have more than units and Mr Wamwangi called (and litigation) to the delivery of tions in big cities to benefit from in global terms. Many coun- 250,000 residents. Nakuru town on the national government to services that are essential for the the markets around them. tries –both rich and poor– have boasts 307,990 residents while step in and assist them in the welfare of the people of Kenya The next two years are to be transferred power and resources Eldoret has 289,380. formative stages. as well as for the health of its critical because the foundations to lower levels of government. The assessment will have far The move comes even as the growing economy. Equal distri- of the devolution architecture Few have done so to entirely reaching implications on the abil- devolution process continues to bution of wealth across Kenya will be laid then. Anyone who new sub-national units, which ity of towns to attract investors. generate tremendous hope in the may be desirable politically but has ever built a house knows that they have had to establish from Only cities and municipalities public and sometimes unrealis- it is impossible economically. it is impossible to alter the foun- scratch. are able to borrow from financial tic expectations of how quickly With a few exceptions, coun- dations once the building is fin- Kenya will undergo a dual institutions and enter into deals things can and will change in the ties will be too small to generate ished, at least not without knock- transition: a transfer of power with external entities while some ordinary lives of Kenyans. the economies of scale, which ing it down and starting again. and resources from the center counties that had advertised for Going forward, the challenge companies need to be success- Kenyans sense that a momentous to the sub-national level and municipal managers and town will be to manage expectations ful. Firms will only come to restructuring of their country is a simultaneous reorganization administrators will have to cancel of how much and how quickly Kenya and expand if they can underway. There are high expec- of local government, with the the positions. The assessment re- devolution can deliver and to operate in the whole country and tations and much anxiety. consolidation of existing local veals that the majority of counties make sure that the transition to beyond. Moreover, remote coun- Devolution is not only a criti- structures into forty-seven new- will be unable to carry out func- devolved government causes ties hardly attract them and most cal milestone in this country’s ly created county governments. ANNEX 1: CLASSIFICATION OF URBAN AREAS AND CITIES BASED ON RESIDENT POPULATION Urban Centre County Former Core-urban Future 70 Kipkelion Kericho Township 49,939 Township 143 Isinya Kajiado Unclassified 8,670 Unclassified Status & Peri- Status 71 Luanda Kakamega Township 49,346 Township 144 Habaswein Wajir Unclassified 8,500 Unclassified urban 72 Nanyuki Laikipia Municipality 49,233 Township 145 Karatina Nyeri Municipality 8,499 Unclassified Population 73 Maua Meru Municipality 49,012 Township 146 Timau Meru Unclassified 8,333 Unclassified 1 Nairobi Nairobi City 3,133,518 City 74 Mtwapa Kilifi Unclassified 48,625 Township 147 Baragoi Samburu Unclassified 7,992 Unclassified 2 Mombasa Mombasa City 938,131 City 75 Isiolo Isiolo Unclassified 46,128 Township 148 Kinango Kwale Unclassified 7,958 Unclassified 3 Kisumu Kisumu City 409,928 City 76 Eldamaravine Baringo Township 45,799 Township 149 Chemelili Kisumu Unclassified 7,888 Unclassified 4 Nakuru Nakuru Municipality 307,990 Municipality 77 Voi TaitaTaveta Municipality 45,483 Township 150 Majengo Kilifi Unclassified 7,788 Unclassified 5 Eldoret Uasin Gichu Municipality 289,380 Municipality 78 Siaya Siaya Municipality 45,353 Township 151 Nkubu Meru Unclassified 7,551 Unclassified 6 Ruiru Kiambu Municipality 238,858 Township 79 Nyansiongo Nyamira Township 45,313 Township 152 Subukia Nakuru Unclassified 7,309 Unclassified 7 Kikuyu Kiambu Township 233,231 Township 80 Londiani Kericho Township 44,953 Township 153 Marigat Baringo Unclassified 7,160 Unclassified 8 Kangundo-Tala Machakos Township 218,557 Township 81 Iten/Tambach Elgeyo Maraket Township 44,448 Township 154 Emali Makueni Unclassified 7,024 Unclassified 9 Malindi Kilifi Municipality 207,253 Township 82 Chuka Tharaka Nithi Municipality 43,470 Township 155 Mazeras Kilifi Unclassified 6,886 Unclassified 10 Naivasha Nakuru Municipality 181,966 Township 83 Malakisi Bungoma Township 41,784 Township 156 Sultanhamud Makueni/Kajiado Unclassified 6,636 Unclassified 11 Kitui Kitui Municipality 155,896 Township 84 Juja Kiambu Unclassified 40,446 Township 157 Merti Isiolo Unclassified 6,532 Unclassified 12 Machakos Machakos Municipality 150,041 Township 85 Ongatarongai Kajiado Unclassified 40,178 Township 158 Kaloleni Kilifi Unclassified 6,438 Unclassified 13 Thika Kiambu Municipality 139,853 Township 86 Bondo Siaya Township 39,224 Township 159 Sindo Migori Unclassified 6,362 Unclassified 14 Mavoko Machakos Municipality 139,380 Township 87 Moyale Masabit Unclassified 37,387 Township 160 Archerspost Samburu Unclassified 6,275 Unclassified 15 Karuri Embu Township 129,934 Township 88 Maralal Samburu Township 35,472 Township 161 Muhuru Bay Migori Unclassified 6,254 Unclassified 16 Nyeri Nyeri Municipality 125,357 Township 89 Gilgil Nakuru Unclassified 35,293 Township 162 Kapsokwony Bungoma Unclassified 6,152 Unclassified 17 Kilifi Kilifi Township 122,899 Township 90 Nambale Busia Township 34,735 Township 163 Magarini Kilifi Unclassified 6,051 Unclassified 18 Garissa Garissa Township 119,696 Township 91 Tabaka Kisii Township 34,724 Township 164 Njabini Nyandarua Unclassified 6,042 Unclassified 19 Vihiga Vihiga Municipality 118,696 Township 92 Muhoroni Kisumu Township 34,457 Township 165 Marereni Kilifi Unclassified 5,949 Unclassified 20 Mumias Kakamega Municipality 116,358 Township 93 Kerugoya/Kutus Kirinyaga Municipality 34,014 Township 166 Nairagieenkare Narok Unclassified 5,907 Unclassified 21 Bomet Bomet Municipality 110,963 Township 94 Ugunja Siaya Township 33,878 Township 167 Kibwezi Makueni Unclassified 5,871 Unclassified 22 Molo Nakuru Township 107,806 Township 95 Yala Siaya Township 33,646 Township 168 Naromoru Nyeri Unclassified 5,805 Unclassified 23 Ngong Kajiado Unclassified 107,188 Township 96 Rumuruti Laikipia Township 32,993 Township 169 Daadab TaitaTaveta Unclassified 5,723 Unclassified 24 Kitale Trans Nzoia Municipality 106,187 Township 97 Burntforest Uasin Gichu Township 32,649 Township 170 Mwatate TaitaTaveta Unclassified 5,573 Unclassified 25 Litein Bomet Township 104,600 Township 98 Maragua Muranga Township 32,315 Township 171 Gatundu Kiambu Unclassified 5,550 Unclassified 26 Limuru Kiambu Municipality 104,282 Township 99 Kendubay Homa Bay Township 31,699 Township 172 Bissil Kajiado Unclassified 5,376 Unclassified 27 Kericho Kericho Municipality 103,911 Township 100 Chogoria Tharaka Nithi Township 31,623 Township 173 Dundori Nakuru Unclassified 5,221 Unclassified 28 Kimilili Bungoma Municipality 94,927 Township 101 Rhamu Mandera Unclassified 31,051 Township 174 Loiyangalani Masabit Unclassified 5,117 Unclassified 29 Awasi Kisumu Unclassified 93,369 Township 102 Kehancha Migori Municipality 30,109 Township 175 Sololo Isiolo Unclassified 5,104 Unclassified 30 Kakamega Kakamega Municipality 91,768 Township 103 Muranga Muranga Municipality 28,775 Township 176 Maseno Siaya Unclassified 5,103 Unclassified 31 Kapsabet Nandi Municipality 91,030 Township 104 Kwale Kwale Township 28,252 Township 177 Kinna Isiolo Unclassified 4,867 Unclassified 32 Mariakani Kilifi Township 89,321 Township 105 Kabarnet Baringo Municipality 27,278 Township 178 Salgaa Nakuru Unclassified 4,740 Unclassified 33 Kiambu Kiambu Municipality 88,869 Township 106 Sagana Kirinyaga Township 27,147 Township 179 Lare Meru Unclassified 4,614 Unclassified 34 Mandera Mandera Township 87,692 Township 107 Mtitoandei Makueni Township 25,919 Township 180 Kapsowar Elgeyo Maraket Unclassified 4,492 Unclassified 35 Nyamira Nyamira Township 84,239 Township 108 Wanguru Kirinyaga Unclassified 24,932 Township 181 Maunarok Nakuru Unclassified 4,357 Unclassified 36 Mwingi Kitui Township 83,803 Township 109 Elwak Mandera Unclassified 24,368 Township 182 Majimazuri Baringo Unclassified 4,265 Unclassified 37 Kisii Kisii Municipality 83,460 Township 110 Njoro Nakuru Unclassified 23,551 Township 183 Kabuti Kericho Unclassified 4,237 Unclassified 38 Wajir Wajir Unclassified 82,800 Township 111 Moi’s Bridge Kakamega/U-Gichu Unclassified 22,165 Township 184 Cheptais Bungoma Unclassified 3,899 Unclassified 39 Rongo Migori Township 82,066 Township 112 Lokichogio Turkana Unclassified 22,156 Township 185 Bahati Nakuru Unclassified 3,833 Unclassified 40 Bungoma Bungoma Municipality 81,151 Township 113 Sotik Bomet Township 21,997 Township 186 Garbatula Isiolo Unclassified 3,774 Unclassified 41 Ahero Kisumu Township 76,828 Township 114 Portvictoria Busia Township 21,701 Township 187 Kiria-Ini Muranga Unclassified 3,711 Unclassified 42 Nandihills Nandi Township 73,626 Township 115 Takaba Mandera Unclassified 21,474 Township 188 Mogotio Baringo Unclassified 3,701 Unclassified 43 Makuyu Muranga Township 71,913 Township 116 Awendo Homa Bay Unclassified 20,887 Township 189 Lungalunga Kwale Unclassified 3,670 Unclassified 44 Kapenguria West Pokot Township 71,477 Township 117 Lamu Lamu Unclassified 19,465 Township 190 Mweiga Nyeri Unclassified 3,583 Unclassified 45 Taveta TaitaTaveta Township 67,505 Township 118 Chwele Bungoma Unclassified 19,163 Township 191 Bumala Busia Unclassified 3,504 Unclassified 46 Narok Narok Township 67,505 Township 119 Othaya Nyeri Township 18,943 Township 192 Kagumo Kirinyaga Unclassified 3,449 Unclassified 47 Olkalou Nyandarua Township 66,015 Township 120 Kajiado Kajiado Township 18,281 Township 193 Juakali Uasin Gichu Unclassified 3,427 Unclassified 48 Kakuma Turkana Unclassified 65,814 Township 121 Kiserian Kajiado Unclassified 18,096 Township 194 Mitunguu Meru Unclassified 3,402 Unclassified 49 Webuye Bungoma Municipality 65,280 Township 122 Hola Tana River Unclassified 17,337 Township 195 Kathiani Machakos Unclassified 3,365 Unclassified 50 Malaba Busia Township 63,324 Township 123 Usenge Busia Unclassified 15,935 Township 196 Kagio Kirinyaga Unclassified 3,357 Unclassified 51 Mbitapoint Homa Bay Township 62,974 Township 124 Madogo Tana River Unclassified 15,824 Township 197 Kapcherop Elgeyo Maraket Unclassified 3,168 Unclassified 52 Ukunda Kwale Unclassified 62,529 Township 125 Marsabit Marsabit Unclassified 14,907 Township 198 Timboroa Baringo Unclassified 3,150 Unclassified 53 Wundanyi TaitaTaveta Unclassified 62,404 Township 126 Masalani Garissa Unclassified 14,012 Township 199 Kabati Muranga Unclassified 3,128 Unclassified 54 Busia Busia Municipality 61,715 Township 127 Butere Kakamega Unclassified 12,780 Township 200 Endarasha Nyeri Unclassified 3,049 Unclassified 55 Runyenjes Embu Municipality 61,604 Township 128 Msambweni Kwale Unclassified 11,985 Township 201 Garsen Tana River Unclassified 2,904 Unclassified 56 Migori Migori Municipality 61,049 Township 129 Kiminini Transzoia Unclassified 11,659 Township 202 Turbo Uasin Gichu Unclassified 2,831 Unclassified 57 Malava Kakamega Township 60,831 Township 130 Maimahiu Nakuru Unclassified 11,230 Township 203 Kangari Muranga Unclassified 2,810 Unclassified 58 Suneka Kisii Township 60,730 Township 131 Loitoktok Kajiado Unclassified 11,064 Township 204 Tongaren Bungoma Unclassified 2,793 Unclassified 59 Embu Embu Municipality 60,673 Township 132 Lumakanda Kakamega Unclassified 10,580 Township 205 Siakago Embu Unclassified 2,694 Unclassified 60 Ogembo Kisii Township 60,289 Township 133 Matunda Kakamega/U-Gichu Unclassified 10,031 Township 206 Lolgorian Narok Unclassified 2,689 Unclassified 61 Homabay Homa Bay Municipality 59,844 Township 134 Watamu Kilifi Unclassified 10,030 Township 207 Laisamis Marsabit Unclassified 2,643 Unclassified 62 Lodwar Turkana Municipality 58,218 Township 135 Githunguri Kiambu Unclassified 10,007 Township 208 Mogonga Kisii Unclassified 2,545 Unclassified 63 Kitengela Kajiado Unclassified 58,167 Township 136 Wote Makueni Township 9,875 Unclassified 209 Ndori Siaya Unclassified 2,522 Unclassified 64 Ukwala Siaya Township 57,081 Township 137 Kilgoris Narok Unclassified 9,865 Unclassified 210 Machinery Makueni Unclassified 2,505 Unclassified 65 Keroka Kisii Township 54,655 Township 138 Mairo-Inya Nyandarua Unclassified 9,858 Unclassified 211 Masii Machakos Unclassified 2,501 Unclassified 66 Meru Meru Municipality 53,627 Township 139 Wamba Samburu Unclassified 9,622 Unclassified 212 Kinamba Laikipia Unclassified 2,319 Unclassified 67 Matuu Machakos Township 53,144 Township 140 Namanga Kajiado Unclassified 9,066 Unclassified 213 Rongai Nakuru Unclassified 2,215 Unclassified 68 Oyugis Homa Bay Township 52,354 Township 141 Sori Migori Unclassified 8,964 Unclassified 214 Olenguruone Nakuru Unclassified 2,119 Unclassified 69 Nyahururu Laikipia/Nyandarua Municipality 51,434 Township 142 Makindu Makueni Unclassified 8,883 Unclassified 215 Engineer Nyandarua Unclassified 2,033 Unclassified ICC accused of selective justice From page 1 States and Britain. The Ethiopian renal Court. The court is only deployed remember that Iraq’s Saddam Hussein world is U.S. imperialism. The ICC is Uganda and Ethiopia – have the blood gime’s brutality toward its Somali and against those countries and leaders tar- used to be a U.S. ally, and that Libya’s a cog in the imperial machinery, which of millions on their hands. Rwanda and Omoro ethnic groups has also been de- geted by the United States. Muammar Gadaffi and Syria’s Bashar recognizes no law, but only its own Uganda are principally responsible for scribed as genocidal. But, because the So, why are Ethiopia, Rwanda and al-Assad cooperated with the U.S. war interests. You can’t fight U.S. Empire the death of six million Congolese over United States is also deeply complicit Uganda worried? Clearly, they under- on terror – until the U.S. turned against and its crimes and, at the same time, the past 17 years, an ongoing geno- in these crimes, there is no threat of stand that, if the United States can give them. The worst purveyor of crimes defend the International Criminal cide armed and financed by the United prosecution by the International Crimi- impunity, it can also take it away. They against humanity in Africa and the Court. They are one and the same. The Link, December 2013 EDUCATION 3

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA THE county government of County set to build more boarding Laikipia will build more boarding schools to cater for children of pastoral communities in the region, Governor Joshua Irungu has schools for pastoral communities promised. Irungu said his government has Primary School during the district He said it is only education that Irungu however said his leader- Irungu urged local communi- partnered with all education stake- education prize giving day recent- can enable them to compete with ship will include all communities ties to discard retrogressive cul- holders including teachers and ly. other communities in the country living in the region saying it is a tural practices like Female Genital parents to work for a prosperous “We shall continue putting precisely in national government multi-ethnic county therefore eve- Mutilation (FGM) which is illegal. county in terms of education. up more boarding schools in the job positions. ry community should be involved. “Plans are underway for a He noted that regular move- county because of pastoralists. “It is high time we initiate He further said that he will pro- project called Adopt a school men- ment of parents in the pastoral The nomadic communities’ chil- change, uphold it and realize that vide all primary schools with text torship programme which will in- communities mostly Samburu and dren need to be in school and they we are in a competitive world books and lend a hand in initiating volve university students and pro- Maasai communities in search of should enjoy education rights like where everything is done on merit education based projects includ- fessionals from this region. They pastures for their domestic ani- any other child in Kenya. Move- and fairly prior to considering any ing introduction of an examination will be tasked with mentoring pu- mals, has affected education of ment of parents should no more af- other factor,” said Irungu stating body to process exams for the en- pils so as to lift up their morale in their children. fect or halt children’s education,” that without education they will tire county instead of each district studying,” said Irungu. He was speaking at Ol Joigi said the governor. remain marginalized. having its own examination unit. The governor added that soon a mentorship programme to pupils will begin involving university students and other professionals from the region. Education, a critical component to social mobility By AGGREY BUCHUNJU

PARENTS have been challenged to value education of their children regardless of their social status in the community. Rodgers Nato, the Chebuyusi High school accounts clerk in Kakamega county asserted that it was the responsibility of parents to ensure that children go to school to pursue education. The school bursar decried parents who do not invest in the education of their children saying that they are worse than witches in communities. Nato argued that it was easier to heal a person suffering as a result of witch-craft than to deal Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu inspects a guard of honour mounted by Ol Joigi Primary School scouts recently during District Education illiteracy in grown up people. Prize Giving day. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa He appealed to parents to be responsible people and de- sist from habits that can easily disable them from undertaking Mount Kenya University introduces outreach programmes family obligations particularly provision of basic needs and fees By TITUS MAERO the years harnessed the potential payment. of Information Communication Mount Kenya University has said Speaking at Wacheka C.C.A Technology (ICT) and Science Church in Bungoma county dur- that the institution is investing to expand learning opportunities more in learning infrastructure. ing a funds drive meeting or- through modern system of teach- ganized to assist an orphan girl A Co-founder member of the ing. university Mrs Jane Nyutu says to pay university fees, Nato at She said the setting up of more the same time appealed to well- the University seeks to expose private universities had taken students to programmes which wishers to assist orphans access higher education closer to the peo- higher education to realize their present a sound theoretical foun- ple especially school leavers who dation and a strong practical back- dreams. would wish to advance their edu- The orphan, Evelyn Wana- ground. cation to the next level in the com- Nyutu notes that the courses kacha has now joined Kenyatta petitive world. university, Garissa branch to offered at the campus prepare Nyutu added that the only way students to a sea of opportuni- A section of staff of Mt. Kenya University in a group photograph. pursue a bachelor’s degree in ed- Photo./File to fight social vices such as pov- ties that seek to promote a record ucation with a bias in Mathemat- erty, illiteracy, diseases and igno- ics and Business. of achievement and success in order to equip students with skills current job market where every- rance is to send children to higher academic excellence and job pros- Speaking at the same func- that would assist them utilize the thing requires high academic qual- institutions of learning adding that tion, Mwibale zone KEPSHA pects. available resources for develop- ifications. education especially the youth, “The University provides a chair, Juma Nanjali appealed to ment purposes upon graduation Noting that the University give them skills making them merry-go round groups in the stimulating learning environment from the institution. plays a very important role in so- more competitive in the job mar- through an innovative student area to diversify their activities. She challenged the local com- ciety, she said there is need to lay ket. Nanjali challenged the groups based and quality driven approach munity to treat their children emphasis on science and innova- Present at the ceremony in- to teaching and learning,” she says to move away from buying equally regardless of sex noting tion saying the two are important cluded the Kakamega Campus household goods and instead adding that the institution has also that only 700 female students had drivers to the economy. Director Dr Philemon Bureti. The incorporated e-learning to give start income generating activities enrolled at the Kakamega Cam- “There is need to continue of- clubs that were launched included for members. students flexible and dynamic pus against a male population of fering access to education through Mathematics, Environment, ICT learning experience. The move, the zonal KEPSHA 2,000. flexible and innovative approach and Science which were formally chair said will not only help to Nyutu says the institution had She urged parents to send more for positive delivery of University presented with registration cer- continued to generate knowledge create wealth but also boost edu- girls to the institution to enable programmes,” Nyutu noted add- tificates in order to be independent cation standards in the region. through outreach programmes in them compete favourably in the ing that the University has over and operate officially. The Link, December 2013 4 EDUCATION Parents in Kisii County urged to invest in schools By BOB OMBATI KISII County Director of Education, Konchora Chepe wants parents from KEPSHA boss Kisii County to invest in local schools to improve education standards and raises alarm performance in national examinations. Konchora notes that local schools over teachers’ continue posting poor results annually due to poor infrastructure and yet the shortage area is endowed with massive resources to be invested in schools to improve By JOSEPH MUKUBWA them. The CDE asserts that wealthy par- THE Kenya Primary School Head ents have shunned local schools and Teachers Association (KEPSHA) take their children to other counties Laikipia North sub-county chairper- where they pay high school fees for son has raised alarm over shortage their children to get quality education of teachers in the area. and pass exams. Ann Lesiano said the schools The Director, who spoke at Itibo are faced with an acute shortage of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ken- teachers noting that some have only ya (ELCK) secondary school, revealed seven teachers and are overworked. that Gusii candidates in the diaspora She said more teachers are excelled in national exams while those needed in the region as she opined within the county performed dismally. that college students taking teach- The funds parents invest in the di- ing course can be deployed to con- aspora schools, noted Chepe was used to improve them and motivate teach- tain the situation which is becoming ers, leading to high performance in worse. national exams. Pupils infront of their poorly built classrooms. Parents are urged to invest in schools. Speaking at Ol Jogi primary “Parents from this area invest school during the district education prize giving day recently, Lesiano heavily in the education of their chil- plain and 13, A minus from the district. whose schools perform well regardless saying they disoriented their education dren in the diaspora while those with Few students, stated Chepe would of their clans, political or religious af- and ruined their lives. said there were glaring discrepan- children in local schools are unwilling be admitted to join universities and un- filiations” stated Chepe. Getui challenged school Heads to cies between the student-teacher to support them,” said Chepe, stress- dertake excellent professions owing to Chemboi urged parents to shun embrace strategic plans and help chil- ratios. ing the trend should be reversed for the poor Grades, denying the County the believing and scaring children with dren set goals, be focused and work During the event, Ol jogi Pri- candidates to excel. essential manpower to boost its social witchcraft, stressing they should fo- hard to achieve them. mary School which is sponsored by Chepe, accompanied by District and economic development. cus on competing with other counties Conflicts, stated Mokua were ham- Ol jogi Limited Nanyuki was recog- Education Officer, Gilbert Oloo, Dep- Indiscipline among majority of the nationally to emerge the best in social, pering education standards in the area nized as the best performing school uty Commissioner, Willy Chemboi, students, noted the officer was ham- economic, educational and cultural as- and challenged stakeholders to play in the entire district. Knut Executive Secretary, Charles pering performance in national exams pects. their rightful roles to boost perform- “We would request the national Mokua and Catholic University of and challenged parents, guardians and The Deputy County commissioner ance in national examinations. government to employ more teach- East Africa Don, Prof. Mary Getui teachers to guide and counsel them to doubling up as District Education “We would all be held responsible ers in the district and interns from challenged stakeholders to stop blame be responsible and accountable citizens. Board Chairman decried low transi- and accountable if our schools per- teachers’ colleges to help reduce the Some school children, noted the games and focus on the education of tion rate especially for the girl-child form poorly in national exams. We burden of understaffing. Teachers in their children. officer were from broken families from primary to secondary, saying it should shun blaming each other and and should be assisted to understand Laikipia North are extremely over- He asserted the District’s mean had created a glaring disparity. contribute positively to the develop- worked,” said Lesiano as she asked score in Kenya Certificate of Second- and shun wayward behaviours which Primary schools in the area, noted ment of education in our jurisdiction” area governor, Joshua Irungu, to in- ary examinations (KCSE) had im- would ruin their lives. Chemboi had 26000 pupils against stated Mokua proved from 211 in 2011 to 241.76 last Parents, noted Chepe should shun tervene in addressing the issue. 6000 students in secondary schools, The Knut Executive Secretary In the district, she said, many year but lamented that quality Grades inciting students against Principals saying the trend was worrying and challenged teachers to aid learners bal- continued to dwindle. from outside their clans to pave way head teachers are the overall observ- showed that few children graduated ance formal education and extra-cur- ers of their respective schools whilst The officer noted out of 38 and for their clansman, saying it fuelled from primary to secondary schools. ricular activities, saying it would help 279 candidates who scored A plain ceaseless conflicts and led to poor per- Prof. Getui challenged learners some discover their talents in sporting simultaneously they have a lot of and A minus respectively in last year’s formance in national exams. against negative peer group influence activities and pursue them to better lessons to cover. KCSE in the County, only 2 had A “Parents should support Principals and abusing drugs and substances, their lives. She precisely said in Doldol Pri- mary School, some teachers were handling as much as 81 pupils and were certainly overworked. She added that in some schools, Varsity orders a head-count on employees there are no female teachers and young girls are lacking role models By TITUS MAERO of the institution. In Public Universities, Vice Chan- and therefore have a perception that it THE Masinde Muliro University of cellors work on a 5-year contract that is only men who are successful in life. Science and Technology (MMUST) is renewable after it expires. The po- Lesiano also decried the rising new Vice Chancellor Professor Fre- sition is advertised by the University cases of insecurity singling out hu- drick Otieno has ordered a head count Council who short lists the candidates man-wildlife conflict which she said of the institution’s employees. for an interview. has caused some pupils to boycott Addressing workers at the Uni- Meanwhile, Professor Josephine classes for fear of attack. versity, Otieno said the exercise is Ngaiywa has been appointed the new However, despite the challenges aimed at establishing the number of Vice Chancellor in charge of Academ- faced by the educators, she stressed permanent employees at the largest ic Affairs. Ngaiywa takes over from that head teachers have to play their public institution of Higher learning Professor Asenal Sigot whose contract roles of supervising the curriculum in Kakamega County and to also find at the institution expired. for effective learning. out if there are ghost employees on the Professor Alfred Ndiemu is the She requested them to ensure University’s payroll. acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in quality education services are of- The V-C also said the Head Count Charge of Finance and Administra- fered for improved performances to would be extended to the University’s The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. tion following the expiry of Profes- better the future of the pupils. Campuses which include Ebunangwe, sor Sibilike Makhanu’s contract at the She further underscored that ear- Bungoma, Webuye noting that study in his efforts to clean up this Univer- council. largest public University in Kakamega ly marriages, child labour, Female centres in Nairobi, Mumias Kaimosi, sity. Am sure the head count and calls Otieno officially joined the uni- County. Genital Mutilation (FGM), long Koioi, Khasoko, Mt Elgon, Bukura for fresh application for employment versity in September 6, 2013 and was At the same time, Dr Elizabeth distance to schools especially for and Nambale would also undertake Asenga has been appointed the acting would unearth many things at the in- received by all Dean of Faculties and lower primary kids and inadequate the exercise. stitution,” said a lecturer who did not MMUST Council members led by Vice Chancellor in Charge of Finance Reliable sources at the University want to be named due to the sensitiv- their Chairman Dr David Nyamwaya. and Administration. Asenga replaces classrooms for children with special intimated that employees had received ity of the matter. The outgoing V-C Professor Professor Sibilike Makhanu whose needs are an uphill task facing the a directive through an internal memo The V-C took over from the long Wangila has headed the public Uni- contract at the University expired. education sector in the district. to reapply for their respective posi- serving Professor Barasa Wangila versity since 2003 as a principal The University has over 10,000 Lesiano called upon the Con- tions afresh. whose term in office expired. Until when the institution was a constituent students making it among the institu- stituency Development Fund (CDF) The move is aimed at scrutinizing his appointment, Professor Otieno College of Moi University-Eldoret. tions of higher learning with a huge management to support educational their qualifications and suitability in worked at the Durban University in Wangila was subsequently appointed student turn over, while there are 30 programmes as she emphasized need holding their current positions at the South Africa. He is said to have been to the position of Vice Chancellor in Professors and Associate Professors for creation of awareness on the im- institution. among four people who were short 2007 when the former head of State teaching in various faculties on full portance of education and eradica- “We fully support the new V-C listed for an interview by the MMUST Mwai Kibaki became the Chancellor time basis. tion of negative cultural practices. The Link, December 2013 5 EDUCATION Don set to chair education task force in School provides hope for Kakamega County By TITUS MAERO vulnerable children in Bunyala THE Kakamega County Governor Mr By NYAKWAR ODAWO revenue to pay teachers’ salaries, pur- Wycliffe Oparanya has appointed Pro- chase office stationery and also pay rent,” fessor Laban Ayiro to Chair Education SINCE its inception about four years ago, said the founder. Task Force in the County. Seed of Abraham Orphan School situated Pastor Musumba further said that this Ayiro, who is a don at the Masinde at Ruambwa trading centre, Bunyala East year, the school board of management Muliro University of Science and location in Budalangi Sub-county has en- unanimously resolved to introduce class Technology (MMUST), has his man- abled scores of orphaned and vulnerable three in order to enrol needy cases who date spelled out in the County Govern- children access education. had opted to join the school after their ment of Kakamega Gazette notice. Majority of the beneficiaries who had guardians failed to raise the levies being According to the Gazzette Notice, lost their parents from the HIV/AIDS charged by their former public primary the task force is charged with the man- pandemic have been forced to live with schools within the locality. date of identifying challenges facing their aging grandparents and close rela- The school board of management Early Childhood Education (ECD), tives. agreed to rent one more room this year Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Edu- The founder of the orphan school in to accommodate the growing demands of cation in the County. question, pastor William Tabu Musumba needy cases who had opted out of some Further, the Task force has the re- of the Seed of Abraham Ministry says the public primary schools as their guard- sponsibility of identifying the reasons orphan ministry that was started way back ians could not raise the extra levies being for the low transition rates from ECD in January 2010 as an early childhood de- charged by the said schools,” said pastor to Primary, from Primary to Second- velopment centre with a population of Musumba. ary and from Secondary to Tertiary only forty two orphaned vulnerable chil- In order to keep the orphaned children institutions and recommend remedial dren, currently has a total of 120 children at school and also draw their attention to measures thereafter. out of which eighty are total orphans and learning, the school board of manage- Pupils of Seed of Abraham Orphan School outside classes. The task force has also been forty non-orphans. ment has introduced a school feeding pro- charged with the responsibility of es- “Sustaining the orphan ministry had gramme aimed at catering for their needs. from a rental house, but we look forward day, a situation that forces us to sleep hun- tablishing the reasons for low enrol- not been that easy considering the mea- Pastor Musumba further says that to buying our own land where we shall gry,” recounts the distraught widow. ment in the County’s youth Polytech- gre earnings from my fish business. In the school that is still in its infancy stage put up a school with a spacious com- Sylvia Ajiambo, Awino’s grand-child nic and further review the polytechnic order to establish at least an extra source requires more funds to facilitate the con- pound as soon as funds are available,” on her part says that after coming from curriculum to include more of Agri- of funds to help in managing the school struction of more classrooms, an adminis- says Musumba. school in the afternoon she and her other cultural content. the following year, I decided to introduce tration block, separate toilet facilities for However, the founding cleric says siblings with an exception of the younger The task force will also look into standard one class to accommodate non- boys and girls as well as land for expan- that the major challenges facing the or- one normally goes to catch fish from the cause of poor performance in Pri- orphans who would pay fees to supple- sion. phan school includes lack of a conducive pools of water in the rice fields closer to mary and Secondary schools in terms ment the church fund and help generate “We are at the moment operating learning environment, lack of clothing their home. of enrolment and learning outcomes and pairs of shoes for the children as well “At times we sympathize with our and propose measures for improve- as a play ground. grandma and we have been going to the ment. Some of the orphaned vulnerable pools of water within the rice fields to The task force is also charged with children who have been assisted and are catch fish for the evening meal,” says the responsibility of evaluating per- attending the Seed of Abraham Orphan Ajiambo. formance indices at the ECD centres Centre include Sylvia Ajiambo, aged Ajiambo elder brother, Erick and youth polytechnics and propose twelve and is in class three, Titim Mukhu- Nyang’oda, 14, on his part says during mechanisms that would enhance en- ma,10 in class two and Calvin Oduor the weekends when he is not in school, he rolment and learning outcomes at the aged ten and still attending Early Child- engages in charcoal burning business in education centres. hood education whose parents passed order to supplement their grandmother’s The task force is also mandated to away when he was one week old. Their meagre income. propose strategies for the establish- eldest sibling, Erick Nyang’oda, aged “During the weekends when I am ment of a viable and regularly updated fourteen is learning at Ruambwa primary not in school, I cut down trees and burn data base on enrolment at all levels of school. charcoal which I later sell to my clients education, performance in Kenya Cer- The orphans’ grandmother, Phylister at Ruambwa market and neighbouring tificate of Primary Education (KCPE) Awino Wanyama, a resident of Bukhoba villages to supplement our grandmother’s and Kenya Certificate of Secondary village in Ruambwa sub-location, a wid- little income,” says Nyang’oda. Education (KCSE) Exams and exit av- ow aged fifty says that since the death The orphans’ grandmother is however enues plus placements in Kakamega of her children some years ago, she has grateful for the assistance that the Seed County. had contend with hardships in an effort of Abraham Orphan Centre has offered to The task force would also identify to find food for her grand children single- her grand-children which includes school strategic partners for collaboration in handedly. uniforms, books, second-hand clothes the area of infrastructure develop- “At times I would be forced to leave and some pairs of shoes donated by well- ment, capacity building and education my land uncultivated in order to go and wishers. standards and quality standards for the look for casual work in other peoples’ The orphans are appealing to Good education sector in Kakamega County. farms where I am usually paid Ksh150 Samaritans to come to the aid of their Further, the task force is to present per day which I use to buy food for my school which they say is their only hope a comprehensive report that captures grand-children,” says Awino. in life so that they can be able to further previous national policy reports and “In some instances, after I have been their education since their guardians the current laws and policies guid- Mrs Phylister Awino Wanyama, 50, a widow with her orphaned engaged to weed a maize plantation, the are too poor to afford extra levies being education in Kenya to the County grand-children outside her house at Bukhoba village in owner of the farm declines to pay me my ing charged majority of public primary Government. Ruambwa. Photo/Nyakwar Odawo dues promising to pay me the following schools in the area.

account, only for the school managers to misappropriate the money and Graft mars public schools as subordinate pay retirees tokens as benefits. “Some heads give retirees a bag of sugar and a wheel barrow as a re- staff complain of poor pay tirement benefit. That is violating the worker’s rights” said Ming’ate. He accused some school heads of By BOB OMBATI They spoke during a meeting organ- Onchuru who was cooking for the were instead intimidating and frustrating ized by Kisii County Kenya Union of teachers said he was suspended for workers to discourage them from join- using two pay rolls to exploit work- AS majority of poor Kenyans dig Domestic, Hotels, Hospitals and Allied a month and the teachers were using ing the union to foster their bargaining ers, adding that the genuine pay roll deeper into their pockets owing to workers union (KUDHEIA). school girls to cook for them, prompting power. is concealed from auditors who are the impact of the Value Added Tax Richard Ming’ate who is their repre- community members to complain and Ming’ate said the school managers only able to access records presented (VAT) Act, secondary and primary sentative in the union said most of these force the school management to rein- had perfected the art of dismissing them to them by the school managers. The school workers in Kisii County are workers sign note books instead of pay- state him. verbally without following due process official urged the government to in- crying foul over what they term as rolls for their salaries. He said the head teacher told him owing to the fact that majority of the vestigate graft in public schools and exploitation. They said their salaries are illegally they had reduced his salary after a board workers are ignorant of their rights en- prosecute those found culpable to The workers say they are over- subjected to statutory deductions remit- resolution, adding that he feels demoral- shrined in the labour laws. end the vice and ease suffering for worked, underpaid, mistreated and ted to statutory bodies -National Social ized and accuses the board and school “Majority of the workers are illiter- the workers. working without appointment let- Security Fund (NSSF) and National management of violating his right to ate but that does not deny their rights in School heads, noted Ming’ate ters and feel insecure. Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) contrary earn lawfully. labour laws,” stated Ming’ate adding should be vetted before they are al- They say majority had surpassed to the Labour laws requiring the employ- “It is shameful and ridiculous. What that it was wrong for the school heads lowed to manage schools as major- probation period required before er pays part of the contribution. can a family man with school going do to collude with board members exploit ity lack leadership and administra- they can qualify for permanent em- Joseph Onchuru, a cook at a local pri- with Ksh. 1000?” posed Onchuru. them with impunity. tive qualities and use the institutions ployment and attempts to seek a re- mary school said his salary was slashed Ming’ate said some school Heads The Ministry of Education, noted as milk cows to enrich themselves view on their terms of employment from Ksh.2000 per month to Ksh.1000 had refused to implement the Collec- Minga’te channels five percent of the while workers wallow in abject pov- have been with threats to sack them. after he was accused of misusing fire. tive Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Free Education kitty to the operational erty. The Link, December 2013 6 GOVERNANCE Laikipia governor assures residents IMLU condemns shoot to of piped water By LINK CORRESONDENT LAIKIPIA Governor, Joshua Irungu has assured residents that it is within kill order by Government their constitutional rights to access to clean water. By JOSEPH MUKUBWA The governor was speaking recently when he hosted members of the Nyahururu Water and Sewerage INDEPENDENT Medico -Legal Board who had paid him a courtesy Unit has condemned the shoot to kill visit in his Nanyuki office. order which was issued recently by He urged the board to ensure that Inspector of Police David Kimaiyo there is better management of the wa- terming it as uncalled for. ter resources and bring down the level IMLU Executive Director Peter of water wastage which now stands at Kiama said that the organization is 47 per cent. This, he observed, would very disturbed by the directive and bring down the cost of production and appealed to the cabinet Secretary In- consequently the water charges. terior Ministry Joseph Ole Lenku to Irungu promised the various wa- immediately rescind the decision as ter companies within Laikipia that he this will not resolve insecurity mat- would not interrupt their operations ters in the country. but they should comply with all the “Such a policy in the Police Serv- set laws of the county government. ice negates the supreme law. The con- The company Managing Director, stitution is very clear. We want police Joseph Theuri informed the governor who will act within the law and not that measures have been put in place shoot to kill. Police can only use fire- to ensure that this was realized. arm as the last alternative. This will The company is in the process of result to many deaths and injuries and improving the water service within will not end the rising insecurity,” he the region. It has secured a Ksh 200 said. million grant from the ADB for water The Executive director said that provision within Marmanet area. such an executive order will affect The project is due to start in the many urban towns like Nairobi, month of January. The company is also in the process of installing new Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Na- Some of the one day workshop organized by IMLU at a Nyeri hotel recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa generation water metres to ensure ef- kuru. ficiency in the water billing. He said already 120 cases of vic- The participants included police Kiama however said they are sup- police officers. More so, a leak detector has al- tims have been reported as police commanders, religious organizations, porting the police reforms and urged The Nyeri county Muslim Devel- ready been acquired which will help comply with the directive in the re- civil societies and NGOs among oth- the police to involve more citizens in opment Group chairman Uled Majid in detecting the underground water cent past and thus the need to rescind ers. their reforms. said such an order is outdated since leakages. Present during the meeting such an order. “Most of the victims involved are Similar forums have been held in the constitution has given every Ken- was the Deputy Governor, Gitonga He was speaking at a Nyeri hotel young Kenyans who are between 18 Isiolo, Maralal, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu yan their right to live and urged lead- Kabugi . On his part, he declared that recently during a police reform fo- -30 years of age. Every case of use of and Kakamega counties. ers from the country to condemn this. there would be no mediocrity in the rum involving participants of Nyeri, firearm must be reported to authori- The director however urged the Majid also urged police not to dub public service in the county and per- Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties. ties,” he added. members of the public not to attack all Muslims as terrorists. formance would be enhanced.

Governor wants CBK to establish branch in Kisii County Corruption cartels delay By BOB OMBATI Ongwae said the county government was encouraging private public issuance of ID cards in KISII County Governor, James Ong- participation in some of its activities wae wants the Central Bank of Ken- to boost the county’s revenue, add- ya ( CBK) to open a branch in Kisii ing plans were underway to contract Kakamega County to foster financial services in the area. a private company to collect revenue Ongwae says reports indicate for the County. By AGGREY BUCHUNJU to check after one month by the clerks. that, the County Government con- He lamented that the county gov- Recently he made an inquiry at trol more than over 60 percent of the ernment was losing millions of shil- TIMELY issuance of Identification the ministry headquarters in Nairobi money market in Nyanza region, thus lings through corruption, adding that Cards to youths in several parts of the about the status of his ID and was the need for a CBK branch to handle collection will be digitized to seal country has remained an issue even shocked to learn that the application the billions of shillings in the region. loopholes of corruption. with the new Jubilee administration. form is yet to reach Nairobi. The Governor notes financial institu- Governor James Ongwae “Traders should be able to pay Delay in the issuance of Ids to Speaking to the Link in Bungoma tions incur huge costs ferrying mon- their revenue through their mobile legitimate youths in Mumias district town, the resident claimed that the ey to Kisumu CBK branch or Nairobi managing Director, Samwel Makome, phones from their business loca- in Kakamega County, is now being form does not even appear in the dis- besides the risks they undertake. Director of Medical Services, Dr Ge- tions” said Ongwae, stressing the era blamed on chiefs and the local regis- patch book at Matungu registration The Governor who spoke during offrey Otomu, KCB’s Western re- of manual revenue collection is out- tration offices. office. the opening of Kenya Commercial gion Business manager, Susan Koech dated. Area residents accuse the chiefs and “On September 4, 2013,we went Bank West Branch in Kisii town, not- pledged to ensure streets were lit and The accused some revenue of- clerks in the registration offices of con- to Matungu registration office to pe- ficers of pocketing the revenue col- ed that the County has 26 banks and security beefed up for business people spiring to delay, and even deny some ruse the dispatch book and established thus the need to either open a CBK to operate for 24 hours. lected adding that once the collection is digitized, revenue officers will be applicants who fail to part with bribes. that the serial number of the form in branch or a Clearing house to handle He wooed investors to take advan- The residents led by Mr. Boni- question was missing,” Wabwile said. the increasing amount of money in tage of the area’s strategic position and assigned other duties. Makome noted the bank has 176 branches across East face Wabwile alleged that the offic- The residents also took a swipe at the area. invest in hotel industry and real Estates ers withhold application forms from to cope with the increasing demand of Africa and Southern Sudan, adding some chiefs in the area saying they He challenged financial institu- youths who decline to bribe them. tions operating in the area to support housing in the area. The County, stated that it was the third largest in the stock demand at least Ksh.100 from every women and youth with loans to en- Ongwae was rapidly expanding and exchange market. They singled out application form youth who applies for the ID. able them venture in income gener- suburbs like Nyakoe, Suneka , The bank, noted Makome was serial number 2345955044 which They added that the scenario was ating activities to improve on their Kegati and Menyinkwa will be partnering with county governments was filled on 12-11-2012,by Collins impacting negatively on the acquisi- standards of living. made satellite towns to decongest it. to foster development and urged the S.Nyongesa as one of the forms that tion of IDs in the area since most eligi- The Governor noted that the “We want four star hotels in the locals to patronize its products to were not dispatched to Nairobi for ap- ble youths cannot afford the amount. County was expanding fast and was a area to serve the swelling number of realize funds to plough back to the propriate action. The residents at the same time also commercial hub in the region, adding visitors , civil servants, tourists and in- community through corporate social Nyongesa, who reportedly de- dismissed mobile registration centres that the increasing number of banks vestors,” noted the Governor. responsibility. clined to part with Ksh.450 so as to conducted in the area as a fiasco. and supermarkets showed that mon- The Governor noted the County He said the bank has launched have his ID application process accel- They alleged that during mobile ey circulation in the area was high government had embraced a 2013- the M- Benki services to enhance its erated has been frequenting Matungu registration exercise the clerks nor- and has a potential of controlling the 2017 Integrated Development Plan, financial services, saying the service DO’s office since March,2013,to ob- mally report to designated centres late economy in the region. stressing that a Bill was being finalized allows a customer to transact finan- tain the document. and leave early thus leaving hundreds Ongwae, accompanied by his to enhance commerce and industry in cial business from the comfort of his However, every time he went to of youths who turn out to be registered Deputy, Joash Maangi, KCB’SM satellite towns within the area. or her house. the DO’s office he was reportedly told in a state of confusion. The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE 7

County grapples MP wants ICC cases halted with high HIV By JOSEPH MUKUBWA prosecutor’s appeal. sovereign people of Kenya,” said the chairman of Defense parlia- infection rates “We align ourselves fully with the MP. mentary committee. POLITICAL leaders from Nyeri this position of stopping the case He lamented that the issues that The Tetu MP noted that the By BEDKADZO TONDO County are supporting the move by and call on the ICC to make an office of the prosecutor and the ICC President shall safeguard the sov- KILIFI County is grappling with the AU to halt the ICC cases against expedient response confirming the are now dealing with have been ereignty of the country adding that the high HIV/AIDS prevalence Kenyan leaders pending determina- same,” he said. overtaken by events and the over- Parliament manifests the will of the rates. tion of the prosecutors appeal. Gethenji was speaking in his whelming mandate given to Uhuru people and exercises their sover- A survey by National Aids The leaders led by Tetu MP who Tetu constituency recently where and Ruto on 4th March and the eignty. Control Council reveals that is also the chairman of the parlia- he termed the matter of ICC as an coming together and reconciliation He added that on the resumption 30,000 people in Kilifi are infect- mentary committee on Defense and attack on the sovereignty and dig- of the erstwhile warning communi- of the parliament, the MPs exer- ed with HIV/AIDS. Foreign relations Ndung’u Geth- nity of Kenyans. ties in that regard. cised the sovereignty in the defense The Governor Mr Amason enji said that most of the MPs are “The decision by the judges to “Kenyans want to move for- of the constitution and the people Kingi says that the County has backing the position by the Presi- grant suspensive effect is against ward and not backwards. The of Kenya. moved to address the situation by dent of the AU summit and Com- the laws of natural justice and con- present scenario has transformed Gethenji also told off ICC for allocating a lion’s share of its re- mission that the cases against Pres- tinues to undermine and constrain from a personal challenge affecting listening to NGOs instead of listen- sources to the health sector during ident Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy the ability of the deputy president Uhuru and Ruto to an attack on the ing to elected leaders, adding that this financial year to ensure that President William Ruto be halted to undertake his constitutional obli- sovereignty of the people of Kenya Kenyans have trust with Uhuru and those infected with the scourge pending the determination of the gations as mandated to him by the and its constitutional order,” said Ruto. access quality health care. Kingi says that statistics by the National Aids Control Council indicate that new infections are reported annually and proper plans need to be put in place to fight the menace. “The HIV/AIDS infections are likely to be more than the figures released by the NACC because only a few people know their status,” said Kingi Data available at NACC indicate that adults account for 20,832 of those living with Aids in the county with women registering large numbers of those infected. Children living with Aids stood at 14 percent which translat- ed to 3,328 while 65 percent of the total number infected with the disease are said to have experienced delays before accessing care and treatment programs. The records further noted that a total of 890 people died of HIV/ AIDs related complications in Kilifi in the year 2011 with adults accounting for 700 deaths and 190 from the children. Kingi blamed outdated cultural practices such as wife inher- itance and circumcision among factors that had contributed to the high infection rates. He also noted failure by ex- pectant mothers to deliver in hospitals and drugs abuse by the youth as other factors contributing to HIV/AIDS infections rates in the county. Mr. Kingi cautioned youth against engaging unprotected sex as the trend exposed them to HIV/ Tetu MP Ndung’u Gethenji addressing the press in his constituency recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa AIDS infections. County Assembly members targeted for capacity building By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ing a training module in governance high. the county assembly to ensure that among people in the county assembly and budget tracking, Makali ques- He challenged members of the whatever comes to the county is not must be lifted. BUNGOMA County Assembly tioned the position of Bungoma Coun- county assembly and the entire county wasted. Paul Masese, a programs manager speaker, John Makali has expressed ty in terms of empowerment of the leadership to live up to the peoples’ The bishop challenged the entire at the Centre for Enhancing Democra- the need to build the capacity county people and management of resources. expectations. county leadership to look for ways of cy and Good Governance (CEDGG) Assembly. “Bungoma county is the third larg- “Our peoples’ expectations are generating wealth and ensure that re- took the participants of the workshop Makali observed that since devo- est in the country. But when it comes very high. Let us manage the expec- sources go where they are earmarked through the concepts of governance, lution is new, major players in the new to empowerment of the people and tations,” the county assembly speaker so as to lower levels of poverty. devolution, transparency, participa- governance system need to learn more management of resources, where are said. He reminded participants of the tion, accountability and budget proc- in order to manage devolved resourc- we?” he posed. Makali noted with concern that workshop drawn from the church, ess and how they relate to each other. es effectively. The speaker was emphatic that people should be encouraged to at- CSOs, and County assembly mem- He pointed out that a good budget The county speaker said that devo- people should be empowered eco- tend civic education forums so that bers that budget tracking is not about should be contestable, involve public lution is not about blaming Nairobi nomically and in terms of their re- they can effectively track and interro- fault-finding but about service deliv- participation, transparent and be able but about management of resources at sponsibility as citizens so as to mini- gate county budgets either directly or ery. to determine how much is spent and the grass root level. mize voter bribery during elections, a through their elected leaders. “We should be vigilant and not on what and whom is spent. Consequently Makali urged the fact that was also echoed by Bungoma Quoting chapter one of the Con- witch-hunters because negative en- Masese consequently urged the county government leadership to Catholic Diocese Bishop Norman stitution on sovereignty of the people, gagement cannot take us anywhere,” participants to know how the system avoid blame game and instead effec- Wambua. Makali told the county leadership to the bishop observed. works and use section 87 of county tively manage the untapped scarce re- Makali pointed out that the resi- engage with the people since power The bishop added that for the government Act,2012 to access in- sources within the county. dents’ expectations in terms of im- belongs to the people. county to generate wealth and lower formation, data, documents and other Speaking at St. Patrick’s pastoral proved service delivery and social Bungoma catholic Bishop, Nor- the level of poverty which now stands information so as to effectively track centre-Kabula before officially open- economic development were very man Wambua, asked members of at 52 per cent, the standards of living budgets. The Link, December 2013 8 EDITORIAL & COMMENTARY The

LinkEnhancing governance for all Tribalism may show last straw for doctors LANS by some Machakos county government officials to expel doctors who don’t hail Pfrom the region are alarming. So is the inter- ference by non-medics in the treatment of patients. These are the kind of reports that Kenyans hope are not true. Unfortunately, the source of the re- COMMENTARY ports is impeccable. The alarm has been raised by no less than the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Kenya’s economy reels in stagnation, survey says Pharmacists and Dentists Union Secretary Gen- THOUGH significant progress has governance and human security needs. eral, Sultani Matendechero. been made, recent economic survey COMMENT Thirdly, devolution has been re- He also termed the practice demeaning to doc- reports show Kenya’s economy is un- duced into rent seeking venture with tors and pointed out that they are receiving these derdeveloped with unclear long-term By LINK CORRESPONDENT personal interests taking precedence predictability. over public good as various institu- orders even before governors and Members of the The reports indicate the country is policy framework consistent with the tions and individuals are fighting to County Assembly (MCAs) take full control of the trapped in a narrow economic base, Constitutional principles. It has to be take control despite clear constitution- health sector. social disparities, fragile state insti- based on rule of law, credible public al separation of functions and powers. These, and similar reports in a few other coun- tutions, infrastructure underdevelop- institutions and long term predictable It is no longer about productivity, ties, are fuelling resignations that have seen the ment, insecurity, urbanization crisis, public policies. competition and innovation. Finally, low income and savings, limited em- At the heart of this new devolved devolution is being interpreted and number of doctors in the public service drop from ployment opportunities, uneven ac- system of governance and develop- implemented in form rather than in its 4,000 to 3,500. More resignations can be expected cess to resources and falling trade. ment policy framework is right to substance. in the coming months. The practice also underlines For the country’s economy to in- equal development, improving liveli- County is the new engine of par- the growing resistance among a cross section of tegrate into global economy, it has to hoods and living standards of all peo- ticipatory democracy, development invest in right fundamentals address- ple, human rights application on so- and human security hub. health personnel to plans to devolve the payment ing the denial of larger human rights cial inclusion and sharing wealth and It influences and shapes direction of their salaries and their terms of service to the and freedoms, weak and corrupt insti- opportunities equitably. It offers the of local socially inclusive economy counties. tutions, socio-political and economic nexus between governance, security and human development creating a Indeed, so vehemently are the health profession- exclusion and deficiency of effective and economics. better life for all citizens. It should participation and accountability in This policy framework anchors therefore make the right long-term als opposed to the devolution of their functions governance. policies that are more effective, eq- strategic policy decisions, anticipating from the national to the county level that they is- The foundation for a future growth uitable and sustainable driven from change and meeting expectations. sued a 21-day strike notice. A paralysis of public path is science, technology and hu- middle and below. It creates propor- Every shilling the government health institutions is on the cards unless an agree- man knowledge. tionate, effective and transparent wa- spends, has first to be earned. The Kenya has very resilient people. tertight regulatory and governance government, county or national, must ment is reached sooner rather than later. However, its governance and politi- institutional framework. The policy seek efficiency, minimize waste more But more to the point, surely, it is not too hard cal system is rotten. The World Bank provides anchorage for strong predict- cost-effective ways to deliver serv- to understand that the country suffers from a seri- (1991) identifies four key dimensions able and transparent legal and justice ices, and benchmark itself against the ous shortage of health-care professionals and the of governance: capacity and efficien- environment. best practices. cy; accountability; predictability; and Under this framework, everyone Kenya must raise productivity, few available are overworked and underpaid. The information. operate within the mainstream socio- do more with less, and restructure as result is that few doctors, for example, remain in Building from World Bank, the economic and political contour includ- needs and priorities change. This the public service after their internship period is Asian Development Bank (1995) ing the informal sector. All resources means investing in the right citizen- ended. identified four basic elements of good available are consolidated and chan- centered policy outcomes, human ca- A visit to the more affluent parts of Johannes- governance: accountability; participa- neled ensuring maximum utilization, pacities, efficiency and high perform- tion; predictability; and transparency. impact and return benefits. Currently, ance. burg, South Africa, provides a unwelcome remind- Bottom-line: good governance and there are so many scattered wasteful Both the county and national gover of how easily Kenyan health professionals leave rule of law matters a great deal. funds with little impact on the ground. ernment should consolidate certain home in search of greener pastures. But with the Kenya’s curse is lack of credible, The policy framework fundamentally processes, organs and institutions re- kind of treatment the doctors are reportedly being impartial and legitimate public insti- cut down and rationalizes governance moving duplication for greater econo- tutions necessary for creating the con- structures under the constitutional de- mies of scale. subjected to in Machakos County, who can blame ditions and rules within which sus- volved governance order, saving bil- The county public and private ac- them for leaving? tained and inclusive economic growth lions of shillings wasted on recurrent tors must work together in creating, is possible. expenditure. expanding and growing sustainable The country needs a strong public Implementation devolved system county economy. There are two major sector with capacity and competence of governance and the development is policy thrusts necessary: credible pub- to deliver quality public services and in severe constrains due to lack of this lic sector leadership and governance; The Link is published carry out their regulatory and other policy framework. First, ideological and sustainable community invest- responsibilities transparently and with governance clarity lacks. ment programs. monthly by the Institute strong accountability culture. Devolution, as crafted in the Con- Accurate information availability to for Civic Affairs and Flowing form Supreme Court stitution, is a departure from the old citizens is primary motor of inclusive of Kenya legal opinion on Division system with different pathway and economic growth in the 21st century. Development (ICAD) of Revenue Bill, the country has to trajectory goal. Secondly, Devolution Therefore, build human and insti- fundamentally alter the Vision 2030, is about social engineering of the so- tutions’ competences and capacities which is generic of Session paper 10 ciety and the country. enable theme capture the potential of 1965. However, the people steering the of the revolution in information and P.O. Box 7438-00200, Nairobi, Kenya. The Senate has to facilitate enact- wheel of devolution both at national communications technologies. Gov- Tel: 020 6001776 / 020 6001274 ment of new national sound integrated and county levels are social mechan- ernance is not the exclusive preserve democratic devolved system of sus- ics not social engineers of the coun- of the state. It is a shared edifice -in Email: [email protected] tainable development and governance try’s and communities’ development, volving all citizens. The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE 9 LinkThe Govt bid to issue title deeds to Enhancing governance for all squatters in Kilifi County hits a snag EDITOR DANIEL OTUNGE By BEKADZO TONDO ercise and now I will be forced to sub the county to issue 1450 title deeds to cial year to facilitate surveying of land divide the land to carve off the sold residents of Kadzonzo/Madzimbani. to enable local people get title deeds. SUB-EDITOR CONFUSION has marred the issu- portion,” said Mr Fondo. He singled out squatters in Kad- Mr Kingi further cautioned that all ance of title deeds in Kilifi County Kilifi land registrar Mr Athuman zonzo area among the most affected private developers who acquired land FAITH MUIRURI after it emerged that most beneficiar- Juma confirmed that cases where peo- by the scam saying that third parties irregularly in Kilifi County will have ies had already disposed off their land ple had sold their land before being is- have now started fencing off the land. their title deeds revoked. ASSOCIATE EDITOR long before the process started. sued with title deeds had come to light “Even as county government He said most of the beach land OLOO JANAK Details are emerging that most and added that the process of transfer- seeks to address the squatter problem, in Kilifi County is owned by private beneficiaries do not own the land in ring land to the new owners must start residents of Mariakani especially at developers who are suspected to have question as majority as sold their land without delay. Kadzonzo area have sold off their land used dubious means to get them. WRITERS to other parties. “As we went round the Kilifi and thus are unlikely to benefit from Mr Kingi said those lands will be Two elderly squatters who are County issuing title deeds, there were the title deeds,” said MP Gunga. identified and their list taken to the MORRIS GITHENYA Central among beneficiaries of title deeds is- cases where the original land own- Governor Kingi cautioned resi- national land commission for investi- sued by President Uhuru Kenyatta in ers were accompanied by the people dents against selling their land as this gation to establish if they were issued 0735 855586 Kilifi County said that they sold off whom they sold their land,” he ex- meant that they remain as squatters. correctly. their land long before the exercise to plained. Mr Kingi said land was a last- distribute title deeds started. Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga has ing asset that parents could leave to JOSEPH MUKUBWA Central Karisa Fondo and Saidi Charo all expressed dismay that residents of their dependents and said it would be Nyeri governor 0724 039787 from Mwehara in Ganze district ad- Mariakani in Kilifi County had dis- wrong to sell the land. mitted that they had sold part of their posed off their land before they got He said his government will en- land before they were officially issued issued with title deeds. sure that adjudication process begins censures with the title deeds. BEKADZO TONDO Coast Gunga noted that some residents without delay and all people receive Mr Fondo who had 12 acres ad- have been forced to surrender the ti- title deeds so that they can develop method used 0728 341240 mitted that he had sold 8 acres at a tle deeds they were receiving from their land and enhance their liveli- throw away price while Charo said he the county government to the people hoods. to determine had sold 10 acres out of his 15 acres. whom they sold the land to. The governor said the function of PETER MUTUKU Eastern “Although I have received a title The MP spoke at Mariakani milk land allocation had been transferred to urban status deed for the 12 acres, I had already scheme where Kilifi governor Mr the counties and said his government 0721 455048 By JOSEPH MUKUBWA disposed off eight acres before the ex- Amason Kingi led other officers in will be allocating funds every finan- NYERI County Governor Nderitu Gachagua has censured the method BOB OMBATI Nyanza used to give urban areas new status af- 0728 435255 ter some in the county were given lower status by the Transitional Authority. In a report issued by the Author- NYAKWAR ODAWO Western ity, Karatina town was stripped its Municipality status to an unclassified 0726 264153 urban area while Nyeri Municipality was lowered to township. “I doubt the criteria used since Kara- LUKE KAPCHANGA Western tina was elevated to town status long time 0723 622136 ago as it was viewed to have attained the characteristics required,” he said. According to Urban areas and cities Act 2011, the population of an AGGREY BUCHUNJU Western urban area, Integrated Development 0733 537002 plan among other factors is used as guide whether to elevate an area to a city, a municipality or a town. The Act requires a municipality Layout & Design: to have a population of 250,000 residents and a population of 10 000 resi- WALTON DESIGNS dents for a town. 0725 903 938 Karatina which until recently was a municipality has a population of 8, [email protected] 499 according to year 2009 National Population Census which automati- President Uhuru Kenyatta issues title deeds in Mombasa recently. Looking on is Deputy President William cally falls short of qualifying for a Ruto and Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu. Photo/File municipality or even a town. Gachagua argued that Karatina has over 50,000 people operating within Demand accountability from counties, Public urged the area during the day and then leaving to adjacent villages before dawn By AGGREY BUCHUNJU net Secretary affirmed the in- hancing capacity and effective and cannot therefore be said to be un- building of a comprehensive implementation of transferred der populated. CITIZENS have been urged to civic education and sensitization county functions. “We all know that population cen- This Newspaper appreciates be proactive and take responsi- programme to entrench public Waiguru added that the gov- sus takes place in the evening hours when many people have left Karatina the facilitation accorded bility in ensuring that standards awareness so as to enhance pub- ernment was determined to se- of accountability apply across lic engagement in devolution. cure coordination and harmony and other urban areas within the coun- by the Konrad Adenauer both the National and County Waiguru pointed out that it in national and county govern- ty and this should not be used as rea- Stiftung (KAS) in Kenya governments in equal measure. was a collective responsibility of ment policy, legislation and reg- son to strip them their status,” he said. Cabinet secretary for Devo- all Kenyans to ensure that imple- ulations. According to 2009 population cen- lution and Planning, Ms Anne mentation of devolution delivers These, she said include the sus, Nyeri has a population of 119,353 Waiguru made the remarks when on the aspirations that informed establishment of sectoral con- residents making it to fall short of All correspondence and she held an interactive session the constitutional spirit. sultative forums, guidelines for the required 250, 000 residents to be with the private sector in a Nai- “If the government was not county government support and conferred municipality status by more enquiries to the editor, robi hotel. committed to devolution it could the establishment of integrated than a 100,000 residents. The cabinet secretary in- not have allocated over 30 per service delivery mechanisms. However, the Governor said in P.O. Box 7438-00200, formed representatives from pri- cent of national revenue to coun- The meeting dubbed, ‘ Devo- Nyeri town recently that the low sta- vate sector organizations that a ty governments against the stip- lution Hard Talk,’ brought to- tus though not good for these old ur- Nairobi, Kenya. significant part of the Ksh.210 ulated 15 per cent constitutional gether various representatives ban areas in the county will not affect Tel: 020-6001274 Billion allocated to county gov- threshold,” she argued. from private sector organiza- the realization of development. ernments would cater for recur- The cabinet secretary high- tions and sought to demystify He said that his county Govern- Telefax: 020-6001776 rent expenditure with a substan- lighted the on-going and soon the concept of devolution and ment has already drawn an integrated tial amount still being available to be enhanced capacity build- explore the place and space for development plan for all urban areas e-mail: [email protected] for development activities. ing and technical assistance private sector engagement within the county to ensure that they are Consequently the Cabi- programmes that target at en- in the new dispensation. all factored in matters of development. 10 The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE Busia County MP calls for improvement of roads to promote trade By NYAKWAR ODAWO Bernard Wamalwa and county rep- goods being transported in and out every means at our disposal to en- up more schools in order to accom- resentatives said there was urgent of the two countries will not reach sure we construct more learning modate more children,” he said. FUNYULA Member of Parliament need to rehabilitate the road and the market in good time,” said institutions so that our children can He cited the construction of a Dr Paul Otuoma has called upon bridge that connects Kenya and Otuoma. be able to get access to school,” bridge at Bulwande area in Samia his counterparts from Kenya and Uganda in order to allow smooth Otuoma called on leaders from said the legislator. Kenya which he said is aimed at Uganda to improve on the road trade hence improving the econo- the two countries to utilize every He said Funyula Constituency improving transport system be- network and education standards my. means at their disposal to allocate Development Fund Committee tween Kenya and Uganda, adding in order to pave the way for de- The Funyula MP who was the more funds to facilitate the con- (CDFC) members will allocate that the construction of rural access velopment that will transform the chief guest said without a good struction of more learning institu- more funds from its kitty to facili- roads at the border points is also in livelihoods of the people of the two road infrastructure connecting the tions within their respective areas tate the construction of more new progress. nations. two countries, no development can of jurisdiction in order to give the schools as well as rehabilitation of The ceremony was also at- The legislator who was speak- take place as goods being trans- children the opportunity to get ac- existing ones. tended by the minister in charge of ing at a fundraising ceremony in ported in and out of the two coun- cess to education which he said “In my Funyula constituency, Karamoja Barbrah Nekesa Oundo aid of a secondary school held at tries will not reach the market in was the key to success. the Constituency Development and Samia Bugwe legislator Ju- Bulwande primary school in Samia good time,” said Otuoma.. “Education is the key to suc- Fund Committee (CDFC) in col- lius Maganga who lauded the cor- Uganda recently in the company of “Without proper infrastructure, cess, therefore there is urgent need laboration with the local communi- dial relationships between the two Busia County Assembly speaker no development can take place as on our part as leaders to utilize ty have unanimously agreed to set countries.

By PETER MUTUKU

PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta has appealed to Kenyans to sup- President Kenyatta urges port development-conscious leaders who will improve their lives. Addressing a public rally at leaders to shun empty rhetoric Machakos Golf Club grounds, engage in the vice. President Kenyatta said there The President welcomed the was no place in the new dis- assurance from the leader of pensation for politicians who majority in the National Assem- thrived on empty talk and abu- bly that Parliament will pass sive language at the expense of the Uwezo Fund regulations serving the electorate. and unclog the disbursement “Kenyans elected their lead- of funds to women, youths and ers expecting them to help in people living with disability. alleviating poverty and other “The Uwezo fund will en- socio-economic challenges facing them but not endless poli- able women, youths and people ticking at the expense of devel- living with disability to start opment,” President Kenyatta businesses, generate wealth said. and create employment for The President said the coun- others. And that is one way of try will not realize its develop- transforming our country,” the ment goals if leaders continued President said. preaching hatred and propagat- Ukambani leaders led by the ing divisive politics. Machakos Governor and his He said under the new Con- Makueni and Kitui counterparts stitution, Kenyans have a right Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and Dr. to demand good services from Julius Makau Malombe assured their leaders. the President of their support in The President assured moving the country to higher Machakos county residents and levels of development. the wider Ukambani region that Saying the time for elec- he will work with all leaders tions was over, the leaders ex- in addressing the development pressed the need to rally behind needs of the people. He cited President Uhuru Kenyatta at the launch of New Machakos City and Investment Programme in Machakos the President for the country improvement of roads and pro- County recently. Looking on is Machakos County Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua (right) and other leaders to achieve its development tar- from the County. Photo/File vision of water as some of the gets. projects that will be implement- Other speakers were Cabi- ed through the partnership be- ernor, Alfred Mutua, not to be independence. These are the youths from Machakos county, net Secretaries Charity Ngilu tween the national and county discouraged by politicians who developments that Kenyans as- the President expressed opti- and Najibu Balala, Machakos governments. were opposed to his develop- pired for when they passed the mism that the initiative will Member of the National As- Referring to the launch of ment initiatives. new Constitution,” President solve the problem of unem- sembly Victor Munyaka and the new Machakos city and in- “We have launched the first Kenyatta said. ployment. He said it will also the leader of Majority in the vestment programme, the Pres- new city in the Republic of Noting that the new city has help in ending insecurity by ab- National Assembly Mr. Aden ident urged the Machakos Gov- Kenya after 50 years of our already provided jobs to 5000 sorbing most of the youths who Duale. Wakhungu eyes counties to promote conservation By JOSEPH MUKUBWA Wakhungu at the same time gramme, the Forestry Act 2013 the demands of the counties not- ests cover are commendable,” he announced that the government which will replace the 2005 Act ing that the organization had ap- added. CABINET Secretary for Envi- will start a green zoning pro- is ready for tabling in Parliament pointed county conservators to KFS chairman Peter Kirigua ronment Judy Wakhungu has said gramme in schools to encourage and will incorporate emerging work closely with the devolved commended the government’s that her ministry was in the proc- children to plant trees and inten- trends in forestry conservation,” units. on-going support of the organiza- ess of aligning its environmen- sify conservation efforts. she said. Mbugua said despite the chal- tion in seeking international sup- tal conservation operations with Prof Wakhungu was speaking She said all forestry stake- lenges associated with conserva- port for conservation. devolved governments to avoid at the Kenya Forest Service when holders including farmers and the tion, the body had managed to He also called on conserva- antagonizing central government she toured the institution to famil- community forest associations stop wanton destruction of for- tion donors to work closely with policies with the expectations of iarize herself with the activities will be integrated in forests res- ests in addition to gazettment of various KFS conservation pro- county governments. being undertaken by the Govern- toration exercise noting that the various new forests to boost the grammes. She said the rationalization of ment in restoring and protecting ministry will ensure that restora- forest cover. Dr. Lesiyampe urged KFS duties and functions of the central the country’s forestry resources. tion of indigenous forests is given “I warn forest rangers against and the Kenya Wildlife Service government and the counties in She was accompanied by the priority. colluding with loggers and char- (KWS) to harmonize their con- conservation efforts will be spelt Principal Secretary Dr Richard The Kenya Forest Service Di- coal burners. I wish to add that servation efforts saying the two out clearly as the devolution of Lesiyampe and KFS board Chair- rector David Mbugua who was despite the many challenges the organizations should complement functions within the government man Peter Kirigua. present during the visit said KFS organization is facing, on-going each other’s effort since they op- continues. “In addition to the schools pro- was aligning its functions with efforts to restore the national for- erate under the same ministry. The Link, December 2013 CITIZENS’ WATCH 11 @

A child of eight having sex, Aids Knut and Kuppet are here to stay Why ICC is a will wipe out tool of Western Kenyans and they need each other powers LATEST revelations that children as TEACHERS were recently treated THE International Criminal Court young as eight years are actively en- to unnecessary catfish fights be- (ICC) is going through the most gaged in sex and thus a big threat to tween Knut and Kuppet _ the two challenging of times in the execu- the fight against HIV/Aids is cause for leading teachers unions in Kenya. tion of its mandate in respect to worry. I wish to advice Wilson Sossion the handling of the cases facing Just what is going on in our coun- and Mudzo Nzili for free that they President Uhuru Kenyatta and his try? How does an eight-year-old girl or cannot wish Kuppet away. Neither deputy William Ruto. boy start knowing that there is some- can they keep on reminding teach- This is the first case that has at- thing called sex, let alone practising ers that Knut is the sole union that tracted considerable world interest it? And with whom do they engage in and attention since the court was that act? represents teachers; they should tell that to the birds. created 12 years ago, a move at- These girls could be getting intro- tributed to a number of the rea- duced to sex with people they adore To Omboko Milemba and Ake- lo Misori of Kuppet, your forte is sons. and fear, their fathers, uncles, brothers, First, this is the first time the not about proving to teachers that teachers, clerics, neighbours, leaders, court is trying a sitting head of Kuppet is equal to Knut. It will etc. The same applies to boys whose state and government and his predicament is, however, rarely report- never be. Your constituency is deputy. Secondly, the questions ed. Somebody else, mature, is the one clearly marked out; serve it. around the process of investiga- who starts the process. The last teachers’ strike showed tions and the criteria that was used We think we are starting a monster how vulnerable Sossion can be. I to pick and file charges against the in the face and deceiving ourselves laughed when the Knut leadership initial six Kenyans. that this ogre will just vanish. Once first rejected the Kuppet deal with Thirdly, the debate on whether upon a time, there was no Aids, yet sex government, but later swallowed it those facing the charges were ac- was a reserve of mature, married peo- hook, line and sinker at the State tually the ones who bore the great- ple. What went wrong? House lawns! est responsibility. Any parent, church leader or Gov- Last year when Kuppet had The debate has in the recent past ernment official who thinks as long as teachers’ salaries harmonised KNUT Chairman Wilson Sossion flanked by Acting Secretary taken a new dimension with reports his or her daughter or son is safe, he or with those of Civil Servants, Knut Mudzo Nzili at a previous press conference. Photo/File indicating that ICC is controlled she should not bother is in for shock. chased 300 per cent salary incre- Sossion cannot prefect Kuppet from the onset that these two fel- and managed by Western powers. That child will marry someone who ment. When it leaked that Kuppet The allegations that the court started sex at eight. and, in turn, post primary teachers. lows were taking members for a had hit the harmonisation deal, Let Sossion quickly borrow a leaf ride. is working in the interests of the The point here is, the fight against West gained momentum in the Knut ran to Tribe Hotel on a Sun- from the ODM-Jubilee partnership The biggest loser is the Knut HIV/Aids should be a concerted ef- count-down to the vote by UN Se- day as the rest were in church, to in Parliament. When they have second National vice-chairman fort. It should not be left to the Gov- look like the owners of the deal! curity Council in the petition filed ernment, World Health Organisation an issue affecting them all, they Wycliffe Omucheyi who had been The current stalemate of the by the Africa Union seeking the or NGOs. Our church leaders should quickly forget their differences. salivating for the chairman’s slot, deferral of the Kenyan cases for stop concentrating on “money scrip- examiners’ allowances should The two unions cannot pull in had Nzili insisted on the secre- be handled expeditiously. Teach- one year. tures” and start giving more sermons different directions on the exam- tary-general’s seat. And did I hear Another strong indicator that on morality. Nobody is safe. ers are still perturbed as Sossion iners issue. Sossion has surprised Sossion say that for a democratic supports Kshs.2 increment to ex- the decisions of the ICC are influ- Concerned Kenyan, both friend and foe regarding his election, they will ensure nobody enced by Western powers came to Via e-mail. aminers while Kuppet fights for current stand. Known for his hard- contests against Nzili? Kshs.135 per script. fore on the eve of the Assembly line positions in defending teach- Teachers pray for a day when of State Parties in The Hague and I’ve seen documents from ers, it is difficult to comprehend teachers will employ their intellec- during the deliberations. Prior to MPs fighting Knec to Kuppet addressing the what his motive is this time round. tual tyranny to determine Kenya’s the meeting, it appeared the UK everyone except issue of taxing examiners’ allow- The Knut Annual Delegates’ social-political matrix. Kuppet had already held talks with the ance where the ceiling is raised to Conference is slotted for this and Knut can unite in diversity. ICC and it was charged with con- the Executive Kshs.133,000. No correspondence month, against the backdrop of the Concerned Citizen, vening and setting the agenda for went to Knut. absurd Sossion-Nzili fight. I knew Via e-mail a meeting on how the proposal to PARLIAMENT’S plan to send home have Uhuru and Ruto participate senators among other constitutional in their trials via video technology officers oversteps its mandate. would be slotted and pushed to sail It is hardly one year since our Con- through. stitution’s full implementation kicked Given this scenario, one is left off. Rather than working to keep the wondering whether ICC can be Executive on its toes, the House is ac- relied upon to give objective, fair tually leading the way in the violation. and impartial verdicts. Parliament throws stones while it is Joseph Mutua, itself living in a glasshouse, so these Nairobi hasty recommendations will haunt the MPs. It’s ironical that some of the very legislators campaigning for the butch- er of our Constitution are the same people who drummed up mass en- dorsement of the Constitution. Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo * was in the last Parliament.. What is The editor welcomes letters and it that they have seen that is now too comments on a variety of issues. flawed? Is Parliament too idle as to The letters should be brief, dwell on irrelevant things? Do the topical and issue based. MPs’ ridiculous salaries and allow- The editor reserves the right to ances do nothing to the wage bill? edit for brevity or clarity. It appears MPs have positioned themselves to fight everyone. If it is Write to: not the Judiciary, it is the media, the The Editor, NGOs, the Senate or the SRC. The Link, Concerned Kenyan, P.O. Box 7438 – 00200, Nairobi. Via e-mail E-mail: [email protected] The Link, December 2013 12 GOVERNANCE Nyeri residents UK and Kenya scouts strengthen ties want more By JOSEPH MUKUBWA services in Kibera, tree planting founder before laying a wreath scouts. There is every need for exercises in Ngong forest and of flowers. us to be together by enhancing engagement BRITAIN and Kenya scouts adventure peace hikes in differ- They later visited Paxtu of- the ties between the two coun- have signed a deal that seeks to ent parts of the country. fice at the prestigious Outspan tries. We have members from strengthen their relationships. They also donated foodstuffs Hotel which is situated at the over 215 countries with 36 mil- with the county During a two- week recent worth thousands of shillings to outskirts of Nyeri town. lion young members,” he said. visit by the about 100 scouts poor people in Nairobi. This is where the founder was The treasurer therefore hoped assembly from United Kingdom, the They were camping at Row- living before he died in 1941. for a bright future of the renewed scouts from the two regions allan Camp in Nairobi during Kenya Scouts Association na- and strengthened relationships. members joined hands in a programme the visit where they strength- tional treasurer Steve Foster said One scout Denise Hallet from By JOSEPH MUKUBWA dubbed ‘U Kenya camp 2013’ ened the relationships with their the visit brought together about Southampton in UK was excited where they engaged in commu- Kenya counterparts. 100 UK explorers and network to visit Kenya for the first time NYERI residents have expressed nity services in Nairobi and Ny- The scouts later visited the scouts who are aged between 15 and hopes the relationship will the need to have more participa- eri counties. grave of the scout’s founder – 25 ages. last long. tion forums with the county as- Together with the local Baden Powell and wife Olave “The visit has helped us es- Another scout Bethan Stread- sembly members and the county scouts, they engaged in clean- who were buried in Nyeri town tablish a new partnership with er was happy to visit Baden executives. up activities and community where they paid tribute to their Kenya and renew the promise of Powell’s grave. The residents who were speaking during the Nyeri Urban Dia- logue said there is need for mech- MP calls for anisms to be put in place to pave way for a partnership between the harmonization of Nyeri Local Urban Forum and the health services county executive and the Nyeri county assembly members. By LINK CORRESPONDENT A resident Timothy Kariuki MUMIAS East MP has asked said there is need to have a dedi- the national and county govern- cated Bill named Nyeri County ments to partner in provision of Citizen Fora and Participation health services. Washiali said that will empower citizens to en- services like medication have gage effectively with the county been devolved to counties when assembly members. procurement of drugs is still un- “This will also create a citi- dertaken by the national govern- zen forum as a formal institution ment. for citizens. I want more regular “Medication is a very expen- meetings with the Speaker of the sive service and the counties’ national assembly and the mem- budgets may not be able to shoul- bers. I also want partnerships of der its operating costs,” he said. towns to towns involving even Washiali was speaking at Shi- foreigners,” said Kariuki. anda village during a free medi- He was speaking during a one cal camp. He said the ministry of day Nyeri Urban Dialogue at Out- health should work very closely span Hotel recently which was with counties’ health executives convened by Nyeri Local Urban to harmonise their operations. Forum and sponsored by Swedish Washiali said the central gov- Embassy and Civil Society Urban ernment has allocated very little Development Programme. Some of the visiting UK scouts after laying a wreath of flowers at Baden Powell grave in Nyeri town Nyeri county assembly speak- money to county governments recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa when devolved functions are exer Mwangi Mugo who opened pensive to run.”Despite devolv- the forum which was attended by ing 70 per cent of functions to over 80 participants commended the counties, they had allocated the idea saying such meetings only 33 per cent of the funds,” he Kisumu’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate will strengthen citizen participa- said. He said the healthcare is an tion and fora. important and expensive social blamed on extra marital affairs Physical and Planning Nyeri sector that was devolved to the executive John Maina called on the Local Urban Forum to partner county governments. By JOHN NYAMBUNE Medical Research Institute cites terviewed was lack of sexual sat- He said failure for coordina- examples of 1.5 per cent in Rwan- isfaction at home. Unmet sexual with his office to make Nyeri an tion between the two levels of THE high HIV/AIDS prevalence da and Burundi and 13.3 per cent desires, inter-spousal infidelity outstanding city in the country. governments will have a big im- rate in Kisumu County has been in Cameroun among men. suspicions, male dominance and Nyeri Urban Dialogue chair- pact on people’s lives “because blamed on the rising cases of Recorded also is 0.1 per cent domestic violence were the main man David Ngige said there is it is at the grassroots where we extra-marital affairs in the area. in Rwanda, Malawi and Burkina reasons for couples to wander need for a Bill to be formulated in have a burden of diseases” A joint study by the Kenya Faso, and 2.3 per cent in Lesotho in this community,” say the re- order to empower citizens to en- He said the county govern- Medical Research Institute and among women. searchers. gage county assembly members ments are charged with provi- Kenyatta University in the re- The Kisumu study surveyed Most of those out of marriage and ensure that the county gov- sion of county health facilities gion reveals that more than a 1,090 individuals, which trans- affairs, the research team found, ernment provides quality services and pharmacies, promotion of third of married couples around lated to 545 couples from 33 fish were mainly for money. so that the town can attain stand- primary health care, ambulance Lake Victoria were having extra landing beaches along the shores “An equal proportion, 64.1 ards of symbio city which will at- services, licensing and control marital affairs and thus the high- of Lake Victoria in Kisumu and per cent of men and women re- tract an influx of investors. of food vendors and veterinary est HIV/Aids prevalence rate in found 32.1 per cent of the men ported that they were involved Swedish embassy officials services. the country. and 6.2 per cent of the women in transactional sex in their last who attended the dialogue and “Cemeteries, refuse remov- A similar study has been had sexual relationships outside non-spousal sexual encounter.” who included Gustav Asplund, al and disposal and water and undertaken by a British medi- marriage in the six months pre- Of those stepping out, only John Olof and John Nderitu wel- sanitation are some of the health cal journal which completed a ceding the study. “This meant 38.6 per cent of the men and 28.2 comed the bid for stronger part- functions devolved to counties survey of the area in June last that 37.6 per cent of the couples per cent of women used condoms nership between the assembly as opposed to the national gov- year, and published its findings were involved in extra marital in their last non-spousal sexual and the locals and promised to ernment which is charged with recently. affairs.” activity, the report says. support the processes in order to health policy formulation and The survey says infidelity in The researchers say this is According to the Kenya Aids make Nyeri the model symbio national referral health facilities marriage recorded in the area the first study in the country to Indicator Survey 2012, released city. only,” Washiali stated. stands at 37.6 per cent and is the interview both partners in mar- by the Cabinet Secretary for The officials also promised to Washiali appealed to devel- highest ever recorded in Sub-Sa- riage but more important to in- Health Mr. James Macharia last support devolution programme opment partners to commit and haran Africa. terrogate why any of the partners month, shows that Nyanza leads through active citizen participa- assist the county governments Comparing what they saw would be tempted to look for in HIV prevalence in the country. tion. which are challenged with dis- with marital infidelity elsewhere happiness elsewhere. Prevalence in Nyanza was found Fourteen towns in the country parities in terms of access to var- in Africa, the team led by Dr. The most common reason to be almost three times the na- have also embraced such pro- ious components of health care. Zachary A. Kwena of the Kenya given for infidelity by those- in tional average at 15.1 per cent. grammes. The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE 13 MP calls for boundary review Team says lack of buildings to reflect public aspirations will not stop devolution By BEKADZO TONDO By LINK CORRESPONDENT the devolved cause, castigated the The TA Chair castigated poli- roads plans under the Kenya Ur- MALINDI MP Dan Kazungu wants to legal notice that failed to devolve ticians and leaders accusing the ban Roads Authority and the Ken- the Independent Electoral and Bound- LACK of basic infrastructure will key functions such as agriculture authority of collusion to maintain ya Rural Roads Authority trans- aries Commission (IEBC) to review not hinder the establishment of the and road functions. the status quo to derail the suc- ferred to the Counties. constituency boundaries afresh. devolved governments, the Com- Speaking during a Constitu- cessful implementation of the de- Rutto was responding to TA’s He claims sections of the Constitu- mission for the Implementation of tional Commissions and inde- volved government. gazette notice that showed that ency were erroneously hived off and the Constitution (CIC) has said. pendent offices’ conference in Wamwangi said the author- the role of governors has been placed under Ganze and Magarini CIC commissioner Peter Wan- South Coast, the TA chairman ity had managed to successfully restricted to “roads including pri- Constituencies. yande said despite 19 counties Kinuthia Wamwangi said he has set up the 47 county government mary roads linking all sub-county Kazungu says Chakama location being listed as not ready to ac- lobbied for the transfer of the dis- offices that were fully staffed to headquarters and minor roads which borders his constituency and commodate the devolved sys- puted functions of health, roads execute their mandate to realize linking markets and administra- Magarini constituency was wrong- tem, existing buildings could be and agriculture functions that the a transition to devolved govern- tive centres.” fully carved out of his constituency improvised to serve the purpose national government was keen on ance. This meant the authority and put under Magarini Constituency. before the credible buildings are keeping. “Our commitment to devolu- placed most of the major roads in The MP further wants the bound- constructed. Wamwangi said the authority tion can be captured on the way counties under the national gov- ary between his constituency and “It is time to be innovative in had begun putting in place requi- we have been at the forefront to ernment and irked governors in Ganze constituency revised to revert whatever we do because the Con- site structures and mechanisms to provide for the successful imple- the process. Malanga location to his constituency. stitution’s implementation cannot enable the counties a successful mentation to devolution. We have In the notice, the national gov- Speaking during two public bara- be stopped by small problems that management of agricultural train- manifested indefatigable input to ernment also maintained its grip zas at Chakama and Malanga loca- have solutions at hand,” he said. ing centres and mechanization sta- devolution,” said Wamwangi. on early childhood education, tions respectively, the MP said the two Before promulgation of the tions. Bomet governor Rutto had ac- supply of drugs and medical com- locations fall under his constituency Constitution, Prof Wanyande said, “The successes realized with cused the TA of reneging on ear- modities, and construction of die- and moving them to Magarini and there were offices that were being the implementation of allocat- lier agreements on devolution that sel power stations. Ganze consistencies had interfered used to discharge government ac- ing functions as provided for in had included the core functions in According to the notice, the with the traditional links. tivities, and could also be used to schedule four is indeed a huge a previous meeting with deputy county governments were given The MP further argued that the set up necessary equipment to suit step in successful implementation president William Ruto. time to first build their capacity to move had adversely affected develop- the new system of governance. of devolution process. TA has de- Ruto wanted the control of handle the roles before they apply ment programs in the area. He noted that what was needed livered,” said Wamwangi. grain storage, farm inputs and for more functions. “The alienation of Chakama and was renovation of some buildings Malanga locations was ill advised to provide for the gallery, debat- and therefore IEBC should review ing chambers and the governor’s the boundaries of the three constitu- offices among others. encies to remedy the situation,” said The commissioner added that Kazungu. implementation of the new law The legislator said residents of had already taken momentum and Chakama and Malanga location voted could not be stopped because of for him in the past general elections lack of offices and disagreements but according to the political and ad- over county headquarters. ministrative boundaries, the two loca- He was speaking in Voi Town tions are in Magarini and Ganze con- during a one-day media workshop stituencies. on devolution. He urged the media He said the situation interferes to advocate for peace during the with both political and administrative electioneering period. units which if not addressed will deny Meanwhile, the Transition residents access to services. Authority has promised to fast “Chakama and Malanga locations track the transfer of disputed na- have always been part of Malindi con- tional government functions to the stituency and residents cast their votes county governments in a bid to en- in Malindi but due to the delimita- hance devolution. tion of the boundaries, residents can The transition body has yield- only access services in Magarini and ed to pressure mounted by devo- Ganze constituencies,” said Kazungu. lution stakeholders including gov- The accused IEBC of ignoring ernors after it failed to devolve views of grassroots leaders in delimit- some functions to the counties in ing the boundaries and demanded that its gazette legal notice dated Au- the anomaly be corrected. gust 9, 2013. “Residents of Chakama and Ma- The chair of the governor’s langa locations should have been council, Isaac Rutto, who has been consulted before the changes were en- at the fore front in championing CIC Commissioner Professor Peter Wanyande (C) as he addressed journalists during the one day workshop held at Comfy Hotel in Eldoret on the implementation of the constituition. Photo/File forced,” said the MP.

By BOB OMBATI A FORMER Civic leader wants the Govt urged to equip health facility government to register, equip, staff and avail drugs to Bobaracho Health victims due to the lack of a functional Other board members include; An- ants drawn from Europe, Africa, Unit- serve 25 water springs and supports centre, Nyaribari Chache constituency, health facility in the locality, adding nah Mautia, Vice Chairperson, Ma- ed Kingdom and USA. orphaned primary school children with Kisii County to benefit residents. that some accident victims die when ranga, Secretary and members- Jack- He said he was recognized by The uniforms and examination fees. Thomas Oresi, a former defunct they are being rushed to the far-flung line Ocharo, Mary Mokeira and Chris Nile African Development Organiza- Mabeya said the government had Kanga/Jogoo Ward councillor, says Health Facilities. Ondieki. tion’s founder and Chief Executive seconded Maranga to the health cen- the facility has been completed but is Oresi, who renovated the hospital “We want medical services to be Officer, David Ndiwanyu and selected tre from Municipality and visited the not functional. with the support of the Constituency’s brought closer to the public in line with for his efforts in improving lives of Facility on Wednesdays only to treat Oresi, who spoke at the facility Development Fund urged well-wish- the provisions in the Millennium Devel- people under difficult situations. patients. after donating drugs, a thermometer, a ers to support the hospital to be fully opment Goals (MDGs),” noted Oresi. Oresi, who worked at the Colonial He said Maranga was over- weighing machine and blood and dia- operational. Oresi, recognized by United Na- African Development Council (ADC) whelmed with the work amid inad- betes measuring tools valued at Ksh. “The Facility lacks furniture and tions four years ago for his role towards said he founded Oresi Health centre equate equipment and drugs, forcing 50,000 said locals sought medical waiting bay. Patients stand and brave the achievement of MDGs, the UN’s and handed it over to the Government, majority of the patients to seek treat- services in far-flung health facilities. the scorching sun as they await to be Goals set for 2015 said he was touched adding that he has a passionate to sup- ment in other well- equipped and He said weak, poor aged and preg- served,” stated Oresi. by the plight of pregnant women who port Health facilities to boost health staffed Health facilities. nant women suffer most as they have The former Civic leader, flanked delivered under unhygienic conditions services and development. Mabeya noted that drugs were to hire people to ferry them to the main by the Centre’s Chairman, Henry Ma- on the way to health facilities. “I worked as a Health Technician. sourced from the neighbouring health road to board vehicles to the health fa- beya, Treasurer, Jane Nyangenya, area The 65-year-old philanthropist was I started charity work based on my facilities. He said registration of the cilities. Assistant Chief Vincent Omanwa and among 11 finalists awarded prizes at experience to help people lead better Facility was being fast-tracked as it The former civic leader noted it a Nurse, David Maranga said the Fa- the University of Bradford, UK, in lives,” stated the former leader, adding has been recognized and fully sup- was difficult to save lives of accident cility would serve over 2000 residents. May 25, 2010, out of the 230 contest- that he helped the community to con- ported by the government. The Link, December 2013 14 GOVERNANCE ICDC seeks county support to recover disputed plot By BEKADZO TONDO parastatal to inspect the plot called Muragu. new measures will be put in place to on Kilifi county government to help Mr Baya on his part promised to bring back its lost glory. A STATE parastatal is seeking the them recover the plot to pave way present the concerns to the County According to the ICDC prop- County support of Kilifi county government for the intended project. governor and see how best the prob- erty Manager Mr Paul Okwiri, de- to evict 30 families who have en- “ICDC plans to put up a food lem could be resolved. velopment plans at the disputed plot targets mining croached into their 10 acres of land processing plant at the disputed plot The county secretary said Kilifi have been finalised and the project and put up residential houses in Ma- which will help boost the County’s County needs more industries which could take off soon the logistical is- companies lindi. economy and we are therefore plead- could open up the area for job oppor- sues are addressed. The chairman of Industrial and ing with the governor to take up the tunities besides engaging in value “However the encroachment of to increase Commercial Development Corpora- matter and convince the squatters to addition adding that said the county the 10 acres of land near Malindi tion (ICDC) Mr Martin Muragu said vacate from the land,” said Mr Mu- government was ready to work with Airport by squatters is set to derail revenue the corporation was officially allo- ragu. development minded organizations. the commencement of the project,” By LINK CORRESPONDENT cated the plot near Malindi Airport The team later paid a courtesy Mr Baya said collapse of the said Mr Okwiri. and issued with a title deed 15 years call to the Kilifi County secretary Mr famous Kilifi cashew nut factory Mr. Okwiri said the county gov- KILIFI county government plans to ago before the squatters invaded Owen Baya and reiterated their calls where ICDC had some shares, ren- ernment has an obligation to help set up several weighbridges to en- the plot and put up some residential to the County government to assist dered over 60,000 people jobless. ICDC secure its plots which had hance monitoring and collection of structures. them evict the squatters. “When Kilifi cashew nut factory been allocated to oversee long term cess accrued from the minerals and Mr Muragu said the land was “ICDC was allocated 10 acres was fully operational, about 60.000 development projects. other natural resources in the area. meant to put up a food processing of land near Malindi Airport and is- people had direct and indirect em- He said ICDC supports entrepre- The governor Mr Amason Kin- plant but said the project could not sued with a title deed 15 years ago ployment including the farmers of neurs with finances to put up indus- gi said that the county continues to take off due to the invasion of the but squatters invaded the plot and the product,” said Mr Owen. tries which could help in value addi- lose millions of shillings as inves- land by squatters. put up residential houses and we He said the collapse of the faction of local produce and availability tors evade payment of taxes due to The chairman who spoke to The need the support of the county gov- tory also drastically affected the of land was an important component the absence of weighbridges. Link when he led directors of the ernment to remove them,” said Mr economy of the County and said which needs to be observed. Mr Kingi said local authorities in the county had incurred huge losses amounting to millions of shillings every month as they had no capacity to get hold of those who evaded taxes. Differences split County He said Kilifi has many minerals like manganese and limestone but said the county government was getting little in form cess from the miners and transporters of bigwigs in the middle the minerals’ due to lack f proper mechanism to get hold of the cul- prits. By MALACHI MOTANO The governor said the area also RECENT events point to a well- has substantive quality of river calculated move to stifle efforts salt at Ngongoni and Mjaneheri in aimed at successfully implementing Magarini district. the devolved system of government. He also said the area was en- It seems enemies of devolution are dowed with many quarries of coral growing in number and completely block which is normally extracted shutting their ears to what Kenyans to make building blocks. spoke loudly about on August 4, “My government plans to put 2010, and March 4, this year. up more weigh bridges at different When the over 10 million voters points so that we can curb tax eva- trooped to the ballot boxes on the sion by some traders and transport- historic General Election, they were ers of the minerals,” said Kingi. clear on where power in the coun- He made the remarks when ties should rest. he addressed sand soil loaders at Kenyans voted in 47 governors, Magarini who wanted him to ad- giving them the mandate to take dress their grievances in regard to charge of county resources and de- the high levies charged on trans- velopment, which the majority felt porters by a private weighbridge had been concentrated at the centre company. in Nairobi for far too long. However the governor said the At the core of the clamour for a weigh bridge was set up after his new Constitution was the thirst for government was consulted by the equitable share of the national cake company owner so that it could and devolution of political power. help his government improve in Skewed distribution of resources has cess collection by weighing all the contributed to underdevelopment of sand soil being transported from the certain regions, and devolution is Kibaki during promulgation of new constitution at Uhuru Park in 2010. Photo/File area to Mombasa and other parts. meant to correct this anomaly. Mr Kingi said already his gov- Devolution informs the huge ernment had flouted some tenders The senate was established to ty governments are trying to settle tory of all assets under the county for the interested companies to put expectations Kenyans have in the protect the county governments and down? governments, a critical exercise for new constitutional dispensation. For up the weighbridges. indeed senators should be above The proposed Inter-Govern- running of the new administrative “We have floated tenders invit- the hungry, devolution will help put the fray. They should be overseeing mental Relations Committee is ap- units. food on the table. For the thirsty, ing investors willing to assist us to successful transfer of political pow- parently meant to give the national Understandably, transfer of put up the weighbridges and work devolution should ease the flow of er and resources from the national government leverage in county mat- power to counties has stripped off clean water. For the power-starved, will be started soon we get the qual- government to the county govern- ters, further frustrating devolution. the national government the pre- ifying companies,” said Mr Kingi. devolution brings responsibility and ments. The power disputes between The State Law (Miscellaneous rogative on many matters, includ- decision-making ability closer home. He said once the bidding proc- senators and governors is not only Amendments) Bill 2013, proposes ing resource distribution. But that is ess is completed, weighbridges will But as the old gives way to the derailing devolution, but also going deletion of Section 37 (1) of the what Kenyans wanted as envisioned new order, there are those still stuck be established at different spots to against the aspirations of Kenyans. Transition to Devolved Govern- in the 2010 Constitution. The Jubi- ensure all the revenues meant for in the unfortunate romance of the And as if that is not bad enough, ment Act 2012, which defines the lee government should indeed not past. For instance, we feel the tus- the county was released. the office of the Attorney General is functions and timeframe of the TA. be seen to frustrate devolution. The The governor said most ma- sle over control of county resources drafting a Bill seeking to establish By dissolving TA, which is an inde- way it handles transfer of power and functions between the gover- terials used in the construction of an Inter-Governmental Relations pendent body, at this point in time, and functions to the governors will multibillion shilling Lamu port nors and the senators, is uncalled Committee to replace the Transition implementation of devolution will determine the amount of goodwill for. The Senate Bill aimed at clip- were ferried from Kilifi county and Authority. be greatly jeopardized. it will enjoy among the majority said the weigh bridges will be able ping the governors’ powers is ill- The Kinuthia Wamwangi-led Currently, the law gives the of Kenyans. Ultimately, adherence advised. to monitor and get the accurate TA, which is overseeing transition Transition Authority three years to to the Constitution should ensure a amount of tones being transported. The Senate seeks to establish to the devolved system of govern- define roles of the county govern- smooth transition. This way, Ken- county management boards, to play He said another weighbridge ment, is supposed to complete its ments and distinguish them from yans’ dream of an equitable society will be erected along the Momba- an oversight role on the regional work in March 2016. So, why the those of the national government. will be half won as drafters of the governments. sa-Marikani road to beef up cess hurry to replace it just when coun- TA is also preparing an inven- Constitution envisaged. collection. The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE 15 Housing problem degenerates into a crisis Govt accused By LINK CORRESPONDENT yet Nairobi is arguably at the iced land available to housing have become a hindrance to the epicentre of the urban housing developers. development of urban housing of dragging KENYA is facing a massive crisis. The national government Invest adequately in prepar- at scale by making construction shortage of decent urban hous- is not helping as it is still retain- ing appropriate and effective ur- costs high to conform to the its feet in ing owing to the rising popula- ing funds for housing develop- ban plans. Poor urban planning standards and hindering the use tion growth. ment that otherwise should be is partly to blame for the mess of modern technologies such as issuance of Fears abound that slums devolved. in our major towns and cities. prefabricated houses. and informal settlements are So what can county govern- Most plans did not anticipate Our urban centres are sitting title deeds likely to start mushrooming at ments do? the current urban population on urban housing time bomb By BEKADZO TONDO an alarming rate. According to As a starting point, they size hence there was inadequate and the clock has begun tick- LEADERS in Kilifi County have the government, the current an- should start investing in serv- investment in the provision of ing. It is important that county accused the government of taking nual shortage in urban housing iced land. The lack of serviced services and infrastructure in- governments, through meaning- too long to process land docu- stands at around 150,000 units. land has been a major obstacle cluding housing. ful and effective involvement of ments. This figure however, does not to the provision of housing at Review, adapt and imple- the residents, begin immediate- The leaders led by Rabai MP take into account the houses scale especially low cost hous- ment new building regulations ly investing in the provision of William Kamoti rubbished the required to provide those cur- ing. The county government and codes that are in sync with housing if we are to solve the recent issuance of 19,000 title rently living in poor housing can facilitate the increased sup- the existing economic realities. looming housing crisis in the deeds in the area by the govern- conditions with decent accom- ply of houses by making serv- Current building regulations country. ment, saying most beneficiaries modation. So in essence, the ac- are dead. tual shortage is higher. The MP said most beneficiar- The government has tried to ies are dead and thus are unlikely deal with urban housing prob- to benefit from the noble initiative lem, investing billions of shil- spearheaded by the government. lings in housing programmes Mr Kamoti made the remarks over the years but its efforts at Chiferi Primary school grounds have largely failed. More than in his Rabai constituency where half of the urban population Kilifi governor Mr Amason Kingi lives in squalid conditions, and the area lands and settlement lacking access to basic services officer Mr. Felix Kiteto distribut- such as piped water, sanitation, ed title deeds issued by President electricity, roads and even se- Uhuru Kenyatta to the people of Mwawesa. curity. And, unless urgent ac- The MP cited title deeds issued tion is taken, this number could to residents of Mwawesa location rapidly rise given the ongoing in his constituency, saying that the urbanization surge. adjudication work was completed Housing is largely a county af- 20 years ago but the title deeds are fair with the national government being issued now. being in charge of the policy as- The legislator challenged the pects. The question then arises, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry can county governments deal of Lands Ms Charity Ngilu to put with the urban housing crisis? measures in place to ensure the ti- Early indications are not so tle deeds issued reflect the living encouraging with hardly any dependants of original applicants. county making significant pro- “The ministry of lands should visions for urban housing in make sure the title deeds reflect their 2013-14 budgets. the names of the dependents of Nairobi county for exam- the deceased people who were ple allocated about Sh400 mil- officially registered for the docu- lion to its department of land, ments,” said Kamoti. housing and urban planning, Governor Kingi said Coastal A section of Kibera slum. More than half of the urban population lives in squalid conditions. residents have been deprived of their land rights for decades and the move by government to issue them with title deeds is commend- Govt halts plan to upgrade Kilifi, Diani towns to resort cities able. Mr Kingi said Coast region By LINK CORRESPONDENT He however said that projects minister and at no time did the had lagged behind in develop- had been replaced with the beach cabinet meet to revoke plans to ment as residents did not have of THE government has halted plans management units and eco-tour- upgrade the two areas into resort their own land to engage in mean- to develop Kilifi and Diani towns ism system. cities. ingful activities. in Kilifi and Kwale counties re- The director said the govern- “We strongly oppose the move He said the plight of Coastal spectively to resort cities at a cost ment tried to purchase land in Kil- as it is driven my ulterior motives residents had been politicised of Ksh 3 billion due to lack of land. ifi and Diani for the establishment especially due to the fact that no with leaders harping on the issue According to the acting direc- of the resort cities but prices were one was consulted before the de- of landlessness during the elec- tor Enablers and micro directorate too high. cision was arrived at,” said Mr tioneering period. vision 2030 Mr Jonathan Lodom- Mr Lodompui further said the Kingi. “The fact that Coastal residents pui from the ministry of Devolu- Ksh 3 billion budget earmarked for The governor said Kenyans have been without title deeds over tion and planning, the plan which the two projects was inadequate as ought to stand up and fight to en- the last 50 years, was a deliberate was proposed as a flagship project the money would go into buying of sure the constitution was respected move by the former governments for the two towns under the vi- land and other logistical problems. by the national government. to ensure that they remained poor sion 2030 will now be replaced by “The plan to develop Kilifi and He said it beats logic to claim and used their plight as a platform beach management units and eco- Diani town to resort cities has been that power has been devolved to to solicit votes from the region through false promises,” Kingi. tourism projects. Mr. Amason Kingi, revoked due to lack of land,”’ ex- the counties when the national Kilifi County Governor plained Mr Lodompui. The governor at the same time The director made the revela- government is making unilateral accused corrupt land officers of tions when he paid a courtesy call before the decision was made. But governor Kingi and his decisions without consulting the cabinet did not take the matter demanding bribes of between to the Kilifi county governor Mr. Mr Kingi said governors from counties. Ksh. 2,000 and Ksh3,000 from Amason Kingi in his office . the 47 counties have problems in lightly and hit the national govern- Mr Lodompui noted that the the beneficiaries before they re- The new development shocked planning and starting long term ment for playing tricks to sabotage beach management units and eco lease the documents to them. governor Kingi who demanded development projects as they are development plans for the coun- system project will cover five “I have received complaints to be given a comprehensive re- supposed to be done jointly with ties. counties namely Kwale, Mom- from beneficiaries that lands of- port explaining why the flagship support from the national govern- Mr Kingi said the change of basa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu ficers in Kilifi County have been project had been revoked. ment. plans was a serious matter and ex- He said the project entails se- demanding bribes that range be- Governor Kingi who was However, Mr Lodompui expressed concern as to why his gov- curity surveillance along the ocean tween Ksh 2,000 to Ksh3,000 be- flanked by his deputy governor Mr plained that the decision was ar- ernment was not consulted when waters to avoid illegal fishing by fore they can issue them with the Kennedy Kamto and the executive rived at after it emerged that the the changes were made. foreign fishing companies’ vessels title deeds and let me warn such committee members complained counties did not have land ear- He said before he was elected in the Kenya water territories and officers that they will be dealt that his office was not consulted marked for development. the governor, he was a cabinet curb the pirate menace. with firmly,” said Mr Kingi.

The Link, December 2013 16 SPECIAL REPORT

Introduction Social services Assistance Act l The principal secretary for Social Assistance in this country remains a subject of controversy with initiatives HE Social Assistance social services started to cushion the needy grappling with mismanagement, unaccountability and Act seeks to cushion the l The principal secretary for exclusion of the deserving cases. Social Protection policies and programmes are less fortunate, poor, eld- Finance T l scattered, fragmented and uncoordinated leading to duplication, mismanagement and erly and persons with disability The principal secretary for in our communities. Health wastage of resources. The impact has been dire as promoters have been working in The Act among other things l The Director of the uncoordinated manner besides the fact that the resources are inadequate, irregular, seeks to give effect to Article Authority who is the unpredictable and insufficient,writes PATRICIA WAFULA. 43 (1)(e) of the Constitution, secretary to the Board establishes the National So- l Seven other persons cial Assistance Authority and including capable of self support; conduct of social (a) formulate the policies of the provides a legal framework to (i) Two representatives (c) make grants to any assistance programmes; Authority; cushion the needy and vulner- from the national organization, group or (j) maintain and promote (b) carry out the objects and able in the society. council of children body of citizens for the status, well being, functions of the Authority; Groups earmarked to benefit services the purpose of providing rights, safety and security (c) provide overall directions on under the Act include orphans (ii) One representative assistance to persons in of persons in need of effective coordination of and vulnerable children; poor from the Kenya need or likely to become social assistance; operations of the Authority; elderly persons; unemployed National in need; (k) develop, maintain and (d) administer the property and persons; persons disabled by Commission on (d) construct or acquire, operate a national social funds of the Authority in such acute chronic illnesses; widows Human Rights maintain and operate assistance information a manner and for such and widowers and persons with (iii) One representative residential institutions management system; purposes as will, in the opinion disabilities. from the National for people in need of (1) facilitate the periodic of the Board, promote the Once identified, individuals Council for Persons social assistance; review of the national functions of the Authority; are to receive regular payment with Disabilities (e) sponsor, develop social assistance policy (e) receive on behalf of the for food, shelter, clothing, fuel (iv) One representative or operate community in line with other Authority gifts, grants, and household supplies from the National development services; government policy donations or endowments; Gender and Equality (f) enter into agreements statements; (f) enter into association with National Social Assistance Commission with agencies or other (m) mobilize resources to such other bodies or Authority persons for the provision support and fund social organizations within or outside The Authority contemplated in Functions of the Authority of social services; assistance programmes Kenya as it may consider section 3 of the Act, sets in mo- The Act has vested the (g) approve residential and initiatives; desirable or appropriate and tion a more centralised and co- Authority with the mandate to: institutions for the (n) coordinate with other in furtherance of the purposes ordinated approach to handling (a) identify and provide social purposes of this Act; social assistance for which it is established; social support. assistance to persons in (h) advise the Minister on the organizations to ensure (g) open a bank account or bank need of social assistance; national policy to be that persons in need accounts for the funds of the Composition (b) plan, develop , operate adopted with regard to of social assistance access Authority into which all The Authority comprises of and manage any project or provision of social to resources and services moneys received by the l The chairperson enterprise that has as its assistance ; appropriate to their needs; Authority shall be paid in the appointed by the Cabinet object to render recipients (i) formulate and enforce (o) coordinate and harmonize first instance and out of which secretary for social of social assistance standards for the social assistance all payments made by the programmes; Authority shall be made; and (p) inspire and promote the (h) do anything incidental or spirit of protecting persons conducive to the performance in need of social of any of the preceding assistance; functions. (q) develop mechanisms to facilitate citizen participation in social assistance programmes; (r) formulate operational guidelines that protect persons in need against any form of abuse or manipulation; (s) work with other agencies to roll out and popularise social assistance programmes. (t) establish cost-effective, predictable and sustainable interventions that benefit the persons in need of social assistance; (u) develop guidelines for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social assistance programmes; and

Powers of the Board The Authority has been vested Elderly people in Kieni share a cake to mark the International Day for Older Persons which was recently marked in Nyeri County. They are among groups earmarked to benefit from the Social Assistance Act. with powers to: A section of elderly persons in a function in Nyeri recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Photo/ Joseph Mukubwa

The Link, December 2013 SPECIAL REPORT 17 Social Assistance Act only if l They have no biological Forms of Social Assistance parents or not adopted by Forms of social assistance includes a guardian l Emergency assistance for a l They are under the care of period not exceeding one a person suffering from month long-term illness or l Short term assistance for disability not more than four l They are abandoned by consecutive months the parents and not under l Long term assistance for the care of a guardian several months l They are under the care of parents or guardians According to the Act, beneficiaries unable to provide for them are to receive regular payments for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, house- Older persons set to benefit hold and other personal require- from the fund must be ments. l 65years or older l Neglected or abandoned Social Assistance Fund The Act provides for the establish- Unemployed persons are to ment of the National Social Assist- benefit from the fund only if ance Fund which is to be adminis- l The person is youth with tered by the Board. proof that he or she has no The kitty draws funding from source of income bilateral or multilateral donors, l The person has proof that monies that may accrue to or vest failure to have income is in the Authority when discharging not due to negligence or its functions under this Act; gifts, lack of industriousness grants, donations or endowments Persons with disabilities as may be given to the Authority; qualify for the funding monies that may be borrowed by only if the Authority for the discharge of l They are suffering from its functions; fees for services ren- severe mental and physical dered to any designated institution disability Elderly people cut a cake to mark the International Day for Older Persons in Nyeri. Photo/Joseph Wambugu in terms of a service agreement; l The disability renders the and monies from any other source person incapable of caring to increase the ability of ben- sons as to why they have not absent from Kenya, for a con- provided for the Authority. for his or her basic needs eficiaries to assume greater qualified. tinuous period of six months or responsibilities for themselves Applicants not satisfied with longer. Eligibility Under the Act, social assistance and lessen their dependence or a decision of the Authority de- The Authority may reinstate Only Kenyan citizens can benefit also entails developing the ca- public financial assistance clining to offer them social as- the provision of social assist- from the National Social assist- pacities of individuals, families Such initiatives are geared sistance are entitled to appeal ance suspended where the appli- ance fund. and communities to become towards providing support within thirty days to the Magis- cant justifies the reinstatement. Orphans and vulnerable chil- self reliant. services that remove, lessen or trates Court for a review. The Authority may also sus- dren are to benefit from the fund The programme is designed prevent the causes and effects The court may annul, uphold pend or cancel social assistance of poverty. or vary the authority’s decision. if support was obtained through misrepresentation, deceit, fraud Procedure for Application Termination or failure to disclose any mate- and Administration of Social Abuse of social assistance may rial information; in excess of Assistance lead to: amounts permitted by this Act Application forms and manner Suspension of payment of and Regulations made pursu- of applying for assistance are the social assistance to the af- ant to this Act; and a beneficiary to be prescribed through regula- fected person. abuses their social assistance. tions Appointment of another per- Social assistance lapses when The authority has powers to son to receive social assistance the beneficiary dies or is admit- investigate and inquire into ap- on behalf of the beneficiary and ted to a residential institution. plications to ensure that only apply it as prescribed by the Au- The law provides for the es- eligible persons benefit from thority. tablishment of a kitty to be ad- the fund The law provides that the ministered by the Authority in Applicants who do not qual- Authority may terminate pay- support of organizations and ify for social assistance must be ment of social assistance to or groups that provide assistance to informed in writing with rea- on behalf of a person who is persons in need. “Orphans and vulnerable children are to benefit from the fund only if They have no biological parents or not

A section of elderly persons in a function in Nyeri recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa adopted by a guardian.” The Link, December 2013 18 GOVERNANCE Uhuru orders reports over unaccounted Ksh300bn By LINK CORRESPONDENT there were no supporting documents making it impossible to tell what the He further explained that he was for Ksh561 billion which could have government owns and owes. not able to establish whether expen- PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta has resulted in the misuse of the funds. “In addition, the ministries and de- ditures reflected in these statements Coastal residents directed all ministries to prepare de- “Of major concern is the poor partments continued to prepare their were incurred lawfully and in an ef- tailed reports of their expenditure after maintenance of accounting records. respective financial statements on fective way as required by Article endorse MRC in an audit report revealed Ksh300 bil- As in the previous years and indicated Cash Basis of accounting as instructed 229(6) of the Constitution. lion remained unaccounted for in the in my report, there is weak and in- by the Treasury.” “This hence means that there were 2011-2012 financial year. adequate maintenance of accounting “This implies that capital assets accounts with disclaimer of opinion new survey The President who was chairing a records observed across a number of are expensed as a result of which and should be treated as accounts with Cabinet meeting at State House also ministries and departments during the Statements of Assets and Liabilities no proper justification, then by impli- By LINK CORRESPONDENT ordered that they submit their reports year,” he said. as at the end of each financial year do cation 33percent of the total actual ex- A NEW survey has shown Mombasa without delay. Ouko says that in the 2011-12 year, not show a complete and true and fair penditure for 2011/2012 of Ksh920bn The report from the Auditor Gen- many ministries and departments pre- view of the ministry’s or department’s can be regarded as having not been Republican council was actively fight- eral’s office shows that Ksh338 bil- pared their statements on cash basis, assets and liabilities,” he said. properly accounted for.” ing for the rights of the coastal people. lions spent by the government in the More than 53 percent of respond- financial year 2011/2012 cannot be ents considered the group as genu- accounted for. ine and committed to fighting for the According to the document, only rights of local communities. Ksh582 billion of the Ksh920 billion The survey carried out early this the government spent can be account- year by Ipsos Synovate was funded by ed for. USAID through the Kenya Transition Auditor General Edward Ouko Initiative (KTI) and involved respond- said that more than half of the state- ents from more than 3100 households ment errors were due to unsupported Speaking at the Pwani University, expenditure, failure by civil servants a chief researcher in the survey Dr to surrender imprests, unauthorised Tom Wolf said the survey covered the spending and uncleared balances. six counties in coast region. Cabinet meeting at the State Dr Wolf who is also the political House, the President also ordered that analyst with Ipsos Synovate company they submit their reports in a week’s said the findings reflected half of the time/PSCU outcomes but the full report covering “A total of 252 financial state- over 100 pages will be released in the ments were audited and only six percent had clean (unqualified) audit next two months. reports, 51 percent had qualified opin- According to the report 33 percent ion reports, 10 percent had disclaimer of the respondents expressed their of opinion reports and 33 percent had knowledge of MRC with its main disclaimer of opinion reports. A trend agenda being fighting for the land that is worrying is that 33 percent of rights of the Coastal people. the financial statements or 83 financial “At least 33 percent of the re- statements cannot be regarded as hav- spondents in the survey indicated that ing been properly accounted hence a they were aware of the existence of disclaimer of opinion,” he stated. MRC with most of them saying that In the report, Ouko explained that President Uhuru Kenyatta after chairing a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi recently. their main grievance was land ownership problem for the coastal people,” noted the report. Other issues that MRC was keen Machakos County unveils education and performance improvement program to promote included the clamour to secede and calls for fair distribution of By PETER MUTUKU Mutuku flagging off a fleet of lorries, tals each fully equipped with facili- has been funded to the tune of Ksh. national resources. with food to be taken to schools with- ties, ambulances, maternity wings, a 35 million to give grants to the group The report indicated that out of MACHAKOS County has rolled out in the County. mini-theatre and a morgue in every to empower them. We already have those interviewed, 86 percent either an ambitious County Education and “These efforts are being made to sub-county. a system in place to ensure account- mentioned land or equitable distribu- performance Improvement Program. ensure that the county improves its The Governor said that an ad- ability and transparency in disbursing tion of resources as the most burning The program that is under the education standards after perennially ditional Ksh. 200 Million has been the funds,” he said. issues for the coastal people. Machakos County Department of under-performing in national exams. channelled to the Department of He at the same time revealed that Respondents in the report showed Education will see candidates in both The program will also be integral in Public Works, Roads and Housing he had bought farmers tractors and that Mombasa and Kwale counties Form Four and Standard Eight pro- providing an educated and profes- to aid in the upgrading of roads and fertilizer under the subsidy program. were perceived as local support zones vided with standardized exams and sional workforce for our job market,” culverts. “The tractors have been purchased for the MRC provided with meals during exams. explained the governor. He said that plans are underway and dispatched to farmers together Only 9 percent of the total re- Already candidates in the just He at the same time revealed that to launch a Social Welfare Board to with thousands of fertilizer bags to spondents discounted claims that concluded national examinations the county has through the Depart- deal with affairs of the youth, women help us attain food security through MRC had ties to other groups but 77 have benefitted from the initiative ment of Health disbursed Ksh. 464 and the disabled. improved yields of agricultural pro- percent of them linked MRC with Al with the County Governor Dr Alfred Million to build community hospi- “The board will run a kitty that duce,” he said. Shabaab. Dr Wolf in the report noted that most of the coastal people preferred an official policy to engage with MRC Cheap sugar imports flood local markets to help resolve outstanding issues af- flicting the region. By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU aged and finding its way to the table. “Once the Sugar Act becomes op- The new Act was supposed to be It further indicates that 68 percent We have to up our game and that is erational, any illegal sugar impounded operational by July this year but the of the respondents blamed the low KENYA Sugar Board (KSB) has ruled why tough regulations are long over- would be destroyed and the importers National Assembly postponed it for voter turnout registered in the region out the possibility of a hike in sugar due,” adds Ms. Mkok. banned. Currently we just penalize the six months after stakeholders raised to outlawed groupings which also af- prices following a recent move by the She says the country had not ex- importer and then release the consign- concern saying they were not consult- fected the outcome of March 4 Gen- government to lift the ban on exports hausted her annual quota imports ment to him. The importer’s licence ed as required by law. The Act would eral Elections. to mop-up excess stocks in the local from the Common Market for Eastern should also be revoked,” said Mkok in be operational in January next year. The report showed that due to fear market. and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Mombasa recently during a consulta- Sugar importers, however, op- of attack by MRC, most people in the KSB notes that the country’s raw that it had about 200,000 tonnes of im- tive meeting with sugar importers. posed the regulations and called for area had not registered as voters while sugar stocks currently stand at a reports, out of the required of 340,000 She said sugar importers would be a paradigm shift in government from other failed to register due to lack of markable 20,000 tonnes against a re- tonnes. pre-qualified before being issued with restricting imports and instead put in national indentation cards. quired optimal level of 9,000 tonnes The move is expected to suppress import licences. place measures to make locally pro- In contrast to what might have for five days, partly because of illegal ex-factory prices further. Kenya is Importers of white sugar would duced sugar cheap for Kenyans. been expected, more upcountry re- imports. under Comesa safeguards and is ob- also be required to pay an annual reg- “The government seems to be spondents called on the government The regulator’s Chief Executive ligated to import 340,000 tonnes of istration fee of Kshs. 1 million, up keen to protect inefficiency of facto- to ensure fair distribution of resources. Officer Rosemary Mkok says the ris- sugar from the trading block to fill her from Kshs.100,000 while industrial ries at the expense of the whole coun- However the report says that in- ing stock levels had suppressed the deficit. sugar importers would pay Kshs. 2 try. It should not be cowed by political digenous people demanded the estab- commodity’s prices by 30 per cent to Mkok said despite the recent move million. pressure to muzzle imports that are lishment of strong public institutions Kshs.3,800 per 50 kg bag. by the government to lift the ban on Mkok was speaking during a affordable to the majority Kenyans,” to help find a lasting solution to their “There is an oversupply in the export to mop up the surplus, in- meeting with sugar importers and said Kenya Association of Manufac- problems. market because of the current global creased illegal imports would contin- other stakeholders in Mombasa to turers Mombasa Chapter chairman It was further noted that nearly market dynamics. The situation has ue to put pressure on prices hence the discuss The Sugar Act and The Agri- Munir Thabit. He said the new regu- twice as many respondents in Lamu worsened because of illegal imports, need for tougher regulations to rein in culture, Fisheries and Food Authority lations would inhibit trade and called County were not happy with govern- with industrial sugar being repack- unscrupulous traders. Act. for double registration. ance issues in the county. The Link, December 2013 GOVERNANCE 19

rested in connection with the incident that has sparked public outcry. Taita-Taveta County Govt clashes with “The forest materials were impounded in a disputed community forest which lies at the boundary of Taita and Mwatate districts. Two villages are fighting for the KWS over ban on charcoal burning ownership of the forest,” said Mr. Mbori. Speaking recently to The Link, the By BEKADZO TONDO County KFS Ecosystem Conservator wrong and contravenes the law,” said Recently, Mwandoe accused KFS of KFS official said one of the villages had Allan Ongere recently accused the coun- Mr. Ongere. He said KFS is implement- not being conversant with the laws regu- processed a permit to cut down trees. THE County Government of Taita-Tave- ty government of usurping the role of the ing the Forest Act 2009, and the county lating tree felling and charcoal burning. “Two villages are fighting for the ta has sharply differed with the Kenya national government. government has to abide by it to avoid Meanwhile, residents and leaders ownership of the forest. The KFS and Forest Service (KFS) over its bid to ban He claimed the issuance of the per- unnecessary conflicts. have recovered seven tones of timber Provincial Administration will intervene charcoal burning in the area. mits by the County Executive member “The ban on charcoal harvesting still poached from a community forest in to address the boundary dispute involv- Members of the Taita-Taveta County in charge of Environment, Minerals and stands and we cannot allow the charcoal Taita Taveta. ing the two villages,” said Mbori. Assembly (MCAs) and County Execu- Natural Resources, Elijah Mwandoe, trade to continue. We are advising the Ex- The forest materials were recovered Recently, Mr. Baridi and his Werugha tive members have publicly expressed was illegal. He also said the sections of ecutive Committee member to seek clari- in the disputed Lushangonyi community Ward counterpart Jason Tuja stormed the their outrage over the ban and are de- the constitution Mwandoe had used to fication with the KFS director’s office,” forest in Taita District after a raid by the KFS offices in Wundanyi town to protest manding that KWS revokes it. issue the licences had not yet been opera- said Ongere. He said only the director has residents led by Mgange-Mwanda Ward over wanton destruction of environment. The ban has suffered a devastating tionalised. powers to either lift or relax the ban to al- Representative Cromwell Baridi. The leaders urged KFS to step in and blow after a county government official “The member of the Executive came low minimal transportation of charcoal. A senior Kenya Forest Service (KFS) stop influential timber merchants in the issued permits for felling trees for char- up with his own forest permits on move- “The Charcoal Producers Association officer John Mbori said his office had -de area from wanton destruction of wood coal burning, a move that has infuriated ment of charcoal quoting some sections members should follow the law or risk tained the consignment. sources and forests. KFS. of the constitution. What he is doing is facing prosecution,” Ongere warned. He said no suspect had so far been ar- Challenges facing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s laptop promise By LINK CORRESPONDENT education and personal observations made during her educational trip to AS President Uhuru Kenyatta’s laptops Kenya. A section of her piece states that: promise for the 2014 Class One chil- “In addition to overcrowded classrooms, dren develops into reality, it is important teachers face many challenges, which in to highlight some learning challenges turn affect student performance. Firstly, within Kenyan public primary schools. they are under a great deal of pressure Further, what are the efforts being to teach all of the curriculum outcomes made to integrate ICT in education? in order to prepare students for their ex- Kenya’s education system is un- aminations. Combined with a lack of dergoing reforms to align itself with funding and classroom space, teachers Vision 2030 and the new Constitution, are at a loss when it comes to planning promulgated in 2010. For instance, in creative lessons. Secondly, teachers face January 2011, The Task Force on the a strong tradition of teaching practice Re-alignment of the Education Sector that is both historically and culturally to the Constitution of Kenya 2010 was embedded. Attitudes towards change commissioned by then-Education min- can be stubborn, making transforma- ister Professor Sam Ongeri. In order to tion a slow process. Thirdly, teachers meet its objectives, it “undertook a de- lack an appropriate amount of support tailed situational analysis of the educa- and assistance within the classroom as tion sector by reviewing the Education well as opportunities for professional Act, various commission reports, other development. As it stands, resource relevant policy and legal documents; and literacy programs are virtually non- Benchmarking with good practices existent in schools, and the government from countries with national and county cannot afford to pay for assistants within governments and also received submis- the classroom. Few primary schools can sions by various stakeholders. The Task even afford a library. Fourthly, and in Forceconducted County cluster stake- part due to distance, there are barriers holder consultation forums and also to communication between home and analyzed memoranda submitted to it.” school, which negatively impacts stu- The Task Force presented its report dent progress. Lastly, primary school in February 2012 and a pertinent ob- teachers work for very low wages, servation on ICT in education was that: which can be demotivating for some, “only about 2percent of schools in the Mr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary, ICT at a previous press conference. Photo/File ultimately affecting their professional country have the necessary ICT infra- pedagogical practice. For many teachers structure. It recommended that ICT in- ICT Master Plan in Education (2010– efficiency of public spending. “Unless The SDI findings recommended that and students alike, school can be a truly stitutional framework be strengthened to 2015): you know where exactly the problem human resource management be im- sink or swim endeavour.” allow efficient integration of ICT in the l Launching of educational broadcast- is, you can’t fix it,” Reinikka notes. proved to realize quality education. Poor literacy and numeracy out- entire education sector with enhanced ing services throughout the country. “Governments today are often operating The results of another study which comes ICT capacity at all levels and for the In March 2011, former President within tight budgets that already devote investigated why some Kenyan schools A survey report titled: ‘Are our chil- establishment of a National Centre for Kibaki launched the broadcasting sta- a large share of resources to health and performed well while others continually dren learning? Annual Assessment Re- ICT Integration in Education (NAC- tion granting the KICD a fully dedicated education—so honing in on the issues performed poorly in the Kenya Certifi- port’ by Uwezo Kenya for 2012, notes ICTIE) and be devolved to counties. It digital educational broadcast channel and spending money more smartly is re- cate of Primary Education (KCPE) in- that there is at least one computer out of also called for the provision of technical (Radio and Television) with outreach to ally critical.” dicated that: “mathematics teachers in 10 schools in Kenya and only five out of backup in ICT initiatives in government all areas of the country. A key finding in the SDI survey Kenya’s primary schools had a poor un- the ten use them for learning purposes. learning educational institutions.” Learning situation for teachers and was that, in terms of service delivery, derstanding of the subject.” ‘The Class- Meanwhile, only one out of ten schools The Task Force further noted that: pupils Kenyan teachers do not work at all or room Observation Study in Nairobi’ was has an email address. Uwezo tested over l The development of digital content Generally, Teacher Education in merely engage in other non-teaching conducted by the African Population 153,000 children in all the 47 coun- has been progressing well at the Kenya Kenya lacks a policy framework and activities while at school. The survey and Health Research Center (APHRC) ties across Kenya. The report which Institute of Education (KIE), now the the teaching profession is not well de- of 300 schools revealed that teachers in between May 2009 and March 2010. was launched on July 23, 2013 painted Kenya Institute of Curriculum Develop- fined. Only a few teachers have a clearly public primary schools spent only two The participants were: 2,443 pupils, a grim picture of learning processes ment (KICD). defined career development plan. The hours and 40 minutes daily to teach pu- 72 mathematics teachers and 72 head/ within the free primary education (FPE) l An ICT Curriculum has been intro- results of a World Bank survey titled: pils. Further, these teachers were 50per- deputy head teachers. Teachers scored program. Excerpts from standardmedia. duced at teacher training level. ‘Service Delivery Indicators (SDI) for cent less likely to be in class compared a mean grade of 60.5percent in math- co.ke are posted verbatim below. (Also l The proposed 10-Year Master Plan Kenya’, were made public on July 12, to those of private schools; and only one ematics tests with a margin of 13percent visit uwezo.net). for ICT in Education will ensure that 2013. “The main objective of the new third of them “give students value for difference from the pupils’ outcome “Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, ICT development will be holistic and SDI initiative, which is an Africa-wide money.” Public school pupils received at 46.89percent. One teacher scored Siaya, Garissa and Samburu counties integrated with all levels of education. programme, is to generate data on qual- an average of 20 days less teaching 17percent despite being in the profes- have the lowest average of children in This will produce citizens knowledge- ity service delivery that can then help a term, compared to those in private sion for five years. APHRC researchers class three who can read a story and able and skilled in using ICT as well as citizens to hold their government and schools. felt that their poor scores contributed to do a division of simple maths for class having the ability to compete with the service providers accountable, and push In addition, only 35percent of teach- the poor performance by the pupils. two. By class five, 33 per of the chil- outside world as envisioned in VISION for change that delivers better results for ers in public schools “showed mastery But a teacher in Central Kenya dren cannot read and understand simple 2030. them.” of the subjects they taught” while “sen- blamed the government for not provid- class two English stories, or hadith in l A National Centre for ICT in Educa- “Increasing accountability for edu- iority and years of training did not cor- ing the right teaching aids “that would Kiswahili. A class three child in Nairobi tion (NACICTIE) will be established, cation and health services is at the heart relate with higher levels of knowledge.” demystify mathematics and science Province is twice as likely to read a class complete with a National Help Desk and of the Service Delivery Indicators,” says Kenyan schools do well in terms of as difficult subjects.” Trade unions for two level paragraph than a child in the Support Section. Ritva Reinikka, Director of Human De- “hardware” i.e. textbooks, equipment teachers blamed the government too for same class in Western Province. Girls l Enhancement of Public-Private-Part- velopment for Africa at the World Bank. and infrastructure, but not on “soft- not training enough teachers for these are better readers than boys in Kiswahili nership for ICT investment in education “These new data will help governments ware” which is: “the level of effort and specialties. Teachers are overloaded nationally, except in arid areas of Wajir, and training. and service providers take specific ac- knowledge among teachers.” Around with a requirement by the Education Garissa, Tina River and Mandera. The l Provision of computers in schools tions to deliver better services and to 80percent of schools had adequate light- ministry to teach six subjects daily, es- report also shows that seven out of 100 based on the following ratios: track the impact of reforms across time ing facilities for reading, and there were pecially in overcrowded classrooms. class eight children cannot read a class l one desktop per 15 learners, and one as the surveys are repeated.” SDI can enough textbooks per pupil – more than On April 27, 2013 Lee-Anne Benoit two level Kiswahili story. The findings laptop per teacher; also help governments achieve greater the recommended three per pupil. posted an outline of Kenya’s system of l projected costs for implementation of Turn to Page 20 The Link, December 2013 20 DEVELOPMENT

By BOB OMBATI RENAL patients in Kisii County and its environs are set to benefit from a dialysis machine worth Ksh. 1.5 million donated by the Kisii hospital gets Kenya Commercial Bank to Kisii level five ( KL5) hospital. Commissioning the machine, Governor James Ongwae, his Dep- uty, Joash Maangi and KCB managing director, Samwel Makome dialysis machine said patients will access the serv- save lives and reduce expenses in- dic surgery machines. He said the county government hospital to level six, Teaching and ices easily instead of seeking them curred in transport to Referral hos- “Interestingly, the hospital is would secure five dialysis - ma Referral and be affiliated to Kisii in other counties. pitals and medical bills. still operating with analogue machines within the next three years University. Ongwae said the machine han- The Governor lamented the chines which cannot detect dis- to serve Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, He said it was imperative to dles four patients per day, noting hospital, started 1917 by the colo- eases for right treatment” stated Homabay and Migori counties equip the hospital with modern it would reduce costs incurred by nial government lacks a CT-Scan, Ongwae, adding that the county with a population of over 6 million machines and equipment to help patients who are referred to either Magnetic Resonance Imaging government and hospital would people. medical students and profession- Kenyatta National Hospital and (MRI), endoscopy Intensive care overhaul diagnostic department The Governor disclosed plans als conduct Research on various Moi Teaching and Referral Hospi- Unit ( ICU) facilities and orthopae- and modernize it. were underway to elevate KL5 diseases to help tackle them. tal in Eldoret. A Bill, stated Ongwae was be- The trio lauded the bank’s ing finalized and passed by the move, saying it would enhance ac- County Assembly for the Uni- cess to services and enhance devel- versity and the Hospital to sign a opment in the county, saying renal Memorandum of Understanding ( services will be subsidized for im- MoU). poverished patients to access them. Ongwae urged national gov- Makome, flanked by KCB ernment and donor communities Western Region Business Manager to support the hospital, adding it Susan Koech, Kisii branch man- would help de-congest the far- ager John Momanyi, Kisii County flung Kenyatta National and Moi Medical Director Dr Geoffrey Teaching and Referral hospitals. Otomu, and the hospital’s Medical Otomu said the hospital has Superintendent Dr Enock Ondari trained 8 qualified staff to handle said the bank would support coun- renal patients and urged patients to ty governments with equipment to seek the services at the facility. enhance quality health care serv- “We used to refer 8 patients per ices and programmes. month to Kenyatta National Hos- Kisii level five hospital, noted pital per month. That is now his- Makome was the first to benefit tory” said Otomu, adding the de- from the programme, stressing mand for renal services were high. was keen to supporting the locals The Director urged residents access quality care services to to shun lifestyles that make them enhance their contribution in the vulnerable to renal diseases, add- county’s social and economic de- ing that they should be checked velopment. periodically for various terminal Governor Ongwae asserted that diseases to help them lead healthy the County leads in diabetes and Kisii County Governor, James Ongwae (left), flanked by KCB MD, Samwel Makome cuts a plaque to lifestyles or seek early treatment in hypertension which causes kidney open KCB West Branch in Kisii town. Ongwae urged Central Bank of Kenya ( CBK) to open a branch case they are sick. failure, stressing the machine will in Kisii . Photo/Bob Ombati Challenges facing President Police service introduces Uhuru’s laptop promise From Page 19 school graduates (Glennerster and Kre- also established that 11 out of 100 pu- mer, 2011). Under qualified teachers has mobile device to nub pils in class eight couldn’t do a simple also been stated as a factor as well as cor- class two math while seven out of 100 ruption.” of them couldn’t read a simple English The Government of Kenyan needs or a Kiswahili story. Less than half of to invest more resources in research and rogue officers class three children in Western, Nyanza development (R&D), to be on the cut- and Eastern Regions can read a class two ting edge of science. Former East Asian By AGGREY BUCHUNJU ers. the previous community policing level paragraph, with a class three child in Tigers (South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan To lodge a complaint or to meetings to adopt the system as Nairobi having twice as much chances of and Singapore) leapfrogged the Western- IT will no longer be business as commend the work of a police of- one way of ensuring that service reading a class two level paragraph than based stages of economic development usual for police officers who in- ficer, members of the public are delivery charter at Bungoma po- a child in the same class in Western re- by investing heavily in science and technology (S&T). These countries devel- dulge in malpractices in the course asked to use the sms system on lice station is strictly adhered to. gion.” According to Lee-Anne Benoit: oped a manufacturing and export-driven of their duties. their safaricom lines which is toll Atian’g urged the workshop “There is much speculation that the poor economic model which had its genesis A police service delivery mo- free by pressing * 384* 7711# and participants to be in constant touch performance of public school graduates in capital accumulation since the 1960s. bile based feedback system which then follow the instructions. with the police station, Children’s on the KCPE examinations is due to a Although they suffered immensely dur- enables police stations, unit com- This system was disclosed by department, chiefs and hospitals number of specific factors. For exam- ing the Asian economic crisis in 1997- manders and the public to better Mr. Jacob Atian’g of the Usalama so as to easily identify crimes and ple, because of the increased enrolment 98, they have regrouped to be a financial understand how people feel about Reforms Forum during a com- track them to conclusion. in primary schools in 2003, teachers had hub worth emulating by other developing services offered by police officers munity policing workshop held at Bungoma Catholic Justice and to contend with extraordinarily large countries. This region also invests heavily has been launched and is already Garden Park Tourist hotel in Mal- Peace Commission (CJPC) in class sizes made up of a diverse range in higher education. in operation. aba town of Busia county. partnership with Saferworld fa- of students whose preparedness varied. Kenyan politicians recall now and Circumstances such as these diminish a then how the country was on the same The ‘Utumishi Platform’ initia- Atian’g appealed to travellers cilitated the workshop. teacher’s ability to differentiate their in- economic development level with South tive is jointly implemented by the in both public and private vehicles CJPC Bungoma coordinator, struction and give individualized atten- Korea in the 1960s, yet are doing very lit- office of Inspector General of the to use the system to report traffic Mr. Albinus Muga was one of tion. Resources and materials are spread tle to get the country back on track. With National Police Service, Deputy police officers who demand bribes the speakers at the workshop that thin and mobility within classrooms misplaced budget allocations favouring Inspector General of Kenya Po- from Matatu operators and other was attended by 30 people drawn becomes limited. It is thought that this their huge salaries and allowances at the lice, Deputy Inspector General of motorists. from Civil Society Organizations large influx of “first generation learners” expense of poorly paid teachers, nurses Administration Police, Usalama He also appealed to the public (CSOs) and community policing has contributed to declining test scores and other civil servants, Kenyan politi- Forum and Safer world. to make use of the system to com- members operating in Bungoma in the public school system (Glennerster cians can only dream of meeting the Vi- Members of the public are as pliment police officers who do County. and Kremer, 2011). It is also thought that sion 2030 program, which aims to indus- trialize the country. Although competitive a result have been encouraged to their work professionally. Muga asked the participants to poor performance in primary schools is perpetuated by an increasing stratifica- grants are offered to university students use the system on their mobile The Usalama Reforms Forum courageously engage the police if tion between public and private schools. through the National Council for Science phones to provide feedback that officer challenged crime observa- they find them taking bribes or al- This disparity becomes all the more clear and Technology, there is no indication will help in improving the quality tory team, and accountability lowing Matatu operators to violate when considering the disparity between that Kenya is producing enough scientists of services offered by police offic- team which were formed during traffic rules with impunity. the KCPE scores of public and private to contribute to national development. The Link, December 2013 DEVELOPMENT 21 Nyeri county assembly to develop a Busia clearing agents trained policy framework on climate change to boost trade By NYAKWAR ODAWO By JOSEPH MUKUBWA He said such a policy is very leading to low production,” he energy and forestry among oth- important since it will help to lamented. ers must adopt and mitigate cli- THE Federation of East African NYERI County Assembly is manage climate changes in order He advised farmers to plant mate change. Freight Forwarders Associations developing a county climate to prevent food crisis in future. more trees and adopt drought re- Muchiri noted that the Ken- (FEAFFA), in collaboration with change policy framework which “The climate change has led sistant crops, integrating in high yan government is a signatory Kenya International Freight For- will be advanced into a Bill. to change of rainfall patterns value crops that require little to many international treaties warders and Warehousing Asso- Deputy speaker Joel Gichuru and those relying on rainfall space, little water and bring high and has come up with the coun- ciation (KIFWA) and the Revenue said the policy framework will have suffered enough. Most of returns. try climate change strategy and Authorities in EAC member states help to mitigate climate change the crops have been affected by The added that sectors of national climate change action have launched a formal training pro- hailstorms, frost and land slide economy like industry, water, plan. gram for practitioners in the customs in the region. clearing and freight forwarding sec- Gichuru who was accompa- tor. nied by the assembly Environ- The program, which culminates ment chairman Bernard Kinga into an award of a certificate after a and his vice chairman James six-month of intensive training, aims Muchiri said that once the Bill at equipping practitioners with im- is passed, it will be enacted into proved technical skills and profes- law in order to help in environ- sional ethics in line with emerging ment conservation of the county. trends in industry dynamics. Gichuru lamented that most Addressing the course partici- of the rivers have started drying pants during the official launch of in the county and there was need the training workshop at a Busia to develop laws which will pre- hotel recently, KIFWA Busia branch vent illegal logging and destruc- chairman Moses Ochieng said that tion of forests. at the end of the training a certificate, “We want laws which will titled “East Africa Customs Freight help conserve environment as Forwarding Practicing Certificate” climate change will lead to more (EACFFPC) would be awarded. poverty. We want more trees to The certificate is intended to be- be planted,” said the speaker. come the main criteria for licensing of Customs Clearing Agents (CCA) They were speaking at Green by the Revenue Authorities in the Hills hotel in Nyeri town recent- East African Community. ly during a one day workshop He said the training will enable which was sponsored by a non- the clearing agents to discharge their governmental organization Help roles as Customs Agents competent- Self Help Centre. ly, entrench professionalism in the Over 30 participants who services offered by freight forward- included county reps, heads of ers, especially in customs clearing various government departments and enhancing ethical conduct, good and community representatives governance and integrity in the pro- attended the one day workshop. fession. Help Self Help Centre Direc- “The course is intended to equip tor Bernard Muchiri said that un- the trainees with the necessary skills, less climate change is mitigated competence and desirable values in early, it will lead to crop failures customs and freight forwarding,” and higher incidences of pov- Nyeri County assembly deputy speaker Joel Gichuru (left) and the assembly Environment chairman said Ochieng, adding that the cer- erty. Bernard Kinga during a workshop at Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri town recently. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa tificate will become mandatory for licensing as a customs agent by the revenue authorities in East Africa. The freight forwarders and By BOB OMBATI warehousing association chairman said the clearing and forwarding YOUTH in Kisii County have sector plays a very critical role in been urged to join savings and Youth urged to join Saccos facilitating international trade and is credit cooperative societies ( Sac- therefore an agent of economic de- cos) to aid them access loans, in- Kenyatta and his deputy, William Muriuki urged the youngsters to ly invested in rural areas are bet- Ruto, stressing more youths were manage the Society professionally ter than their underpaid working velopment. vest and better their lives. “In the East Africa Region, the Area Youth Development Fo- forming Groups to access the pub- to reap maximum benefits and at- colleagues in urban areas” stated lic funds through the tenders. tract more members. Moriasi. sector plays an even more strategic rum chairman, Dennis Orioki says role in the regional integration proc- the youth should embrace a saving “Youths are gradually getting Some Societies, noted Soi had Moriasi, accompanied by ess. The competitiveness of the sec- culture through their groups and economically empowered. They collapsed due to mismanagement, his colleague, Nickson Atei and tor has a direct bearing on the cost of Societies. will no-longer rely on hand-outs poor leadership and wrangles, say- the Group’s Chairman, Dennis goods in the region,” he said. Orioki, who addressed Kisii forked by politicians to survive” ing that they should guard against Obisa challenged youths to em- “The overall purpose of the county bunge Sacco members at stated Orioki. members hell bend on messing up brace honesty, transparency and training is to rebrand and transform Kisii sports Club during the soci- Nyanza region Youth Enter- with the Sacco for their selfish in- accountability to sustain their the culture of the Clearing and For- ety’s first anniversary, challenged prise Fund ( YEF) Manager , Le- terest. groups. warding industry that will enhance the youth to invest in viable onard Ochieng urged youths to Meanwhile, Nyaribari Chache He said the Organization will efficient global trade facilitation,” he projects to boost their incomes and shun white collar job mentality constituency Trainer, Job Moriasi train the Group periodically and said, adding that the specific objec- improve their standards of living. and strive to be job creators. has challenged youths to be con- monitor their progress besides tives of the policy is to augment the He said the Sacco with 1500 Youths, noted Ochieng formed versant with savings, budgeting, linking them to donors and other knowledge and application of stand- 60 percent of the country’s popu- book keeping and investments to financial organizations to fund ards in customs procedures, enhance members had disbursed Ksh. 2.7 the application of freight forwarding million loans to various youth lation, stressing that they needed manage and sustain their Groups. their projects. support to participate in the coun- Moriasi who sensitized Bo- Obisa said the youths were en- standards and efficient supply chain groups, adding that the society has management fostering behavioural a capital of Ksh. 5 million. try’s social and economic devel- baracho Rhino Youth Group on gaged in rabbit keeping and fish opment to hasten the attainment financial skills and investments at farming and majority were stu- change of the customs clearing & The youth, noted the offi- freight forwarding agents. cial guaranteed their members in of vision 2030. Bobaracho dispensary hall noted dents while others were working. He urged the government and that youth groups faced a myriad He said the members fed the Busia branch chairman however groups and serviced their loans expressed concern over congestion at one percent per month with a Non-governmental organizations of challenges due to poor financial rabbits and cared for the fish ponds to train youths on greenhouse management and investments. in shifts, adding the Groups have of tankers ferrying fuel products to reducing balance, adding it had neighbouring countries saying the helped the youths access and se- farming to enable them enhance He challenged the youth to 15 members actively involved in delay was caused by customs offi- cure loans without collaterals like their earnings and improve on shun abandoning their groups for the projects. cials from the Ugandan side of the land and log books demanded by food security, noting the farming greener pastures in urban areas Lauding the government for border. other financial institutions. was optional amid shrinking land where, he noted they were paid initiating the Uwezo fund which “I am appealing to Ugandan The Sacco, noted Orioki had sizes in Gusiiland. peanuts and exhausted their funds charge low interest rates on loans, authorities to speed up the clear- assisted 50 members access 30 Kisii central Deputy Commis- before end month and relied on Obisa said it would help youths ance of vehicles in order to reduce percent of the government tenders sioner, Philip Soi who represented support from their parents. access the funds, venture into congestion along the highway,’ said as directed by President Uhuru area County commissioner, Lydia “Some youths who have wise- more projects to alleviate poverty. Ochieng. The Link, December 2013 22 DEVELOPMENT

Belgium donates Mombasa County introduces ‘Green Buses’ to curb air pollution By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU nity, innovation and accessibility. It’s a set route that runs from several large “This is where Go Green Buses marine vessel time to have tourists venture beyond hotels to the major shopping centres, step up by utilizing a mixture of solar to enhance ROAD transport in Mombasa County hotels and into local businesses. It is arriving every 15 minutes for only power and grid power to run our vehi- has received a major boost follow- time for environmental concern to cen- Kshs.100 per person per trip. cles. We want to be part of the solution surveillance at ing the introduction of open buses tre in our business plans,” Go Green They carry up to 12 passengers for not the problem,” the director said. equipped with both solar and grid Buses Director Tor Barstad said. a single trip. Routes have been planned to maxi- the Indian Ocean power. He told The Link that the company “The best thing about our services mize the reach of the buses while con- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU The environmentally friendly ‘Go has two shuttle buses imported from is that our buses will emit no deadly sidering the number of clients and fa- Green Buses’, which hit the road in China for the service and hopes to in- fumes into the air and there will be no voured destinations. KENYA’S first ever marine re- September, have become an instant hit, crease its fleet to serve a larger part of noise pollution,” he said. “This formula encourages tour- search vessel, RV Mtafiti (formerly with visitors to Kenya’s serene star-rat- Coastal beaches by early next year. He further said that there were nu- ists to explore local businesses more Zeeleeuw), finally arrived in Mom- ed hotels in the North Coast sampling This is in a bid to provide tourists merous reports citing massive destruc- effectively. Along the tip, Go Green basa recently. with an affordable and efficient form tion forests, desecration of beaches, Buses also provides multiple advertis- The Ksh.3.5 billion vessel, do- the daily shuttle services. “It is arguably a rare first for Mom- of transport from their hotels to local and coral reefs, the increase in noise, ing channels to assist local businesses nated by the Belgian government, reach the international and domestic will be used in conducting surveil- basa and we believe it is time to start shopping centres and restaurants. air and water pollution due to the grow- lance in the Exclusive Economic making Mombasa a centre of moder- The director said the buses follow ing numbers of gas guzzling vehicles. tourist market,” added Barstad. Zones (EEC) up to 200 miles into the Western Indian Ocean, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research In- stitute (KMFRI) Director Johnson Kazungu said recently. ICDC plans to put up fruit The acquisition of the research vessel is geared towards attainment of goals outlined in Vision 2030. The economic blueprint under- processing plant in Kilifi County scores the role that fishing research, a healthy environment and science By BEKADZO TONDO technology and information can play in spurring development in Kenya. PLANS are underway to put a mango The donation of the vessel fol- and banana fruit processing plant at lows the signing of a formal Memo- Msabaha in Malindi constituency of randum of Understanding (MoU) Kilifi County at a cost of Ksh 500 mil- between Flanders Marine Institute lion. (VLIZ) and KMFRI) for bilateral The proposed plant has capacity to collaboration in marine sciences. process 90 tonnes of fruits on a daily According to KMFRI Commu- basis. nication Officer Morris Munene, The plant which is being built on the institute will manage the vessel, 10 acres of land with funds sourced which will be used to conduct ma- from Industrial and Commercial De- rine research in the Western Indian velopment Cooperation (ICDC) is set Ocean. to be operational by early next year. “It is going to further deepen our According to the chairman of knowledge and science of the terri- ICDC Mr Martin Muragu, the project torial waters in the Indian Ocean,” which was set to be completed at the Munene said recently as he con- end of the year, will drag up to March firmed the imminent arrival of the vessel. next year due to logistical problems. The vessel, which left the Bel- The chairman made the remarks at gian port of Ostend on August 31 the plant when he led ICDC board of with a crew of 29 (all Kenya Navy directors and area MP Dan Kazungu Soldiers), has been sailing for over to inspect the construction works. 7,000 kms, with stop-overs at Vigo “This project is supposed to have Port, Almeira, Malta, Port Said and been completed about one year ago, Djibouti. but due to logistical issues the project RV Zeeleeuw has previously was delayed but I am happy to say that been used by Belgium and inter- the work is almost complete and the Women trading at one of the biggest roadside banana market at Kilifi. national marine researchers in the plant is set to become fully operational southern bight of the North Sea for by March next year,” said chairman cent of the products being sold locally. counties to supply their produce. The MP said the plant will also 13 years. Muraga. The director said that an office of He said the plant will also source offer job opportunities to the local According to co-ordinate and Director of Organic growers and the Kenya Revenue Authority is be- mangoes and bananas from Kitui people and urged mango, banana, pas- facilitating the translocation of the packers company which is putting up ing built within the plant premises to County. sion, pineapple, oranges and papaws vessel, as well as assist in all scientif- the plant Mr Gordon Richards said the facilitate quick checks and fasten the “Our survey has shown that there farmers to ensure there is full supply ic operations such as providing and factory has capacity to process fruit process to export the products. is enough supply of mango and ba- of the products. placing scientific instruments on the products in about five tones per hour He said that more than 30,000 nana products within Kilifi, Tana Riv- “The fruit processing project is an ship, training IT staff, research as- and produce about 90 tonnes of fully mango and banana farmers have been er, Kwale and Taita Taveta counties to important initiative for Malindi Con- sistants and students. produced mango and banana fruit identified to supply their products di- make the plant fully operational,” said stituency and Kilifi County as a whole The collaboration is expected to rectly to the plant. Mr. Richards. as farmers will access ready market further strengthen the co-operation juices and other by-products. Mr Richards said 80 percent of the Mr. Richards further noted that the Malindi MP welcomed the project for their produce and local people between the Belgium and Kenyan factory will rely on farmers in Kilifi, saying g it will offer ready market for will also get job opportunities,” said governments in marine research, processed products will be exported technology and education. outside the county with only 20 per- Tana River, Kwale and Taita Taveta mango and banana farm produces. Mp Kazungu. Leaders forge unity to promote development in Kilifi County By LINK CORRESPONDENT area including the County Gover- eas of jurisdiction instead of engag- duty as leaders to push the national which borders Mombasa County nor Mr Amason Kingi, the senator ing in incessant infighting. government to hasten the issuance was more prone to speculation as THREE MPs in Kilifi County have Stewart Madzayo , county women “Politicians have a responsibil- of title deeds,” said Mr Mwainga. investors could target the area to vowed to work closely with the representative Asha Katisa, the ity to forge unity among the people Kamoti on his part said he will get land for their business and ex- county government to enhance seven MPs in the county and the and spearhead development instead set aside funds in the CDF kitty in pressed fears that residents could devolution of services from the na- ward representatives to end their of using political platforms to set- his constituency to support the land be tempted to dispose of their land. tional government. political differences and work to- tle their differences,” said Mr Ka- adjudication process to ensure peo- “Mombasa county is now fully The law makers Dan Kazungu gether for the development of the zungu. ple get title deeds. developed and there is no idle land of Malindi, Gunga Mwinga of Ka- county. His Kaloleni counterpart Mr Speaking at Chiferi primary to accommodate investors and loleni and William Kamoti of Ra- Kazungu who visited develop- Mwainga said the squatter problem school where Kilifi governor led since Rabai constituency is border- bai constituencies expressed their ment projects in Jilore ward and was one of the challenging issues a team of land officials from his ing Mombasa and falling along the support to devolution of functions donated Ksh 10.6 million from which politicians need to approach county government and those from Mombasa- Nairobi highway, most at the counties as stipulated in the the CDF kitty in aid of community with a sober mind and assist the the ministry of lands to issue title investors could now move to the constitution. projects said politicians must strive people get title deeds for their land. deeds, the MP cautioned residents area to buy land and thus the reason Speaking at different forums, to unite the local people and spear- “Many people in Kilifi county against selling their land. we are cautioning people against the MPs urged all leaders in the head development within their ar- do not have title deeds and it is our He noted Rabai Constituency selling their land,” said Mr Kamoti. The Link, December 2013 23 DEVELOPMENT

By JOSEPH MUKUBWA ABOUT 20 old people from Aged people receive a free Mweiga in Kieni area, Nyeri County enjoyed this year’s Nyeri National show for their first time when they visited the show recently. treat at the Nyeri show ground The old people were happy to see the modern technology used in growing of crops, a Police band and the young musicians at the show who were very talented. Although it is only four kil- ometers from Mweiga town to Kabiru-ini grounds, they were visiting the show for the first time unlike other years when it would pass without them bothering. “I have never been here before. I had no money to visit. To- day was one of my happiest day in life,” said a jovial 75 year old Mary Wairimu who was visiting the show for the first time. Sixty-five–year-old Mary Wanjiku said that she was very happy to see an animal which was bigger than goat named Ilama. While clad in shukas and bal- loons on their head, the old men and women enjoyed a happy day out and were able mingle freely with politicians whom they only hear over their vernacular radios. Purity Elderly Care Founda- tion Executive Director Joyce Kairu who sponsored the group said she wanted to ensure that the old people also enjoy the show just like any other Kenyans. “I wanted them to feel good just like other people by having fun like school going children and Some of the old people who visited Nyeri National show recently at Kabiruini grounds, Nyeri County. Photo/Joseph ukubwa also remove them from the stress they undergo in their houses. They The executive director said International Day for the Older were very happy and wished it this was one of the events in prep- Persons which was marked on was a daily event,” said Kairu. arations of the United Nations 1st October this year. ADVERTISING RATES

Hospital gets physiotherapy machine Your support as our reader or advertiser ensures that the stories that By BOB OMBATI tic, electric and manual beds, ortho- cannot afford physiotherapy charg- matter - the stories that help people make decisions about their paedic sets, electric wheelchairs and es,” said Ongwae. education, health, governance, their livelihood, and their communities - CHASE Bank Group Foundation massagers to help patients recover The hospital’s dental Unit, reach them in a simplified but factual way. has donated a state-of- art physi- quickly,” stated the Manager. stated Ongwae was ill-equipped otherapy machine worth Ksh. 3.2 The Foundation, said the manager to effectively serve the increasing million to Kisii level five hospital would partner with county govern- number of dental patients, adding How to Advertise to aid accident survivors and ortho- ments within the Group’s business that it has a chair and serves one pa- Send us the details of what you want advertised and we’ll do the rest. paedic patients. blueprint to rehabilitate public health tient instead of four at ago. These can be sent in electronic form as e-mail attachments or in flashes/ The Bank General Manager, facilities to enhance effective and ef- Healthy people, asserted Ong- Parmain Ole Narikae says the ficient services. wae play a major role in fostering CDs as well as hard copies. Foundation with support from the Narikae, accompanied by Kisii the county’s social and economic hospital has rehabilitated the physi- County Governor James Ongwae, development, adding that provi- Our advertising rates are as follows: otherapy Ward to make patients and Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, sion of health services contributes Full page colour Kshs. 72,000 staff comfortable. the county minister for health Sarah towards maintaining and enhanc- Ole Narikae, who spoke after Omache, Dr Enock Ondari , Chase ing the productive potential of the Full page black and white (inside) Kshs. 40,000 donating the machine to the hos- Bank Regional Manager George people. Half page (Black and White) Kshs. 20,000 pital’s Medical Superintended, Dr. Njoroge among other staff said the The Governor said health care Quarter page inside Kshs. 10,000 Enock Ondari said the Foundation bank ploughs back part of its earnings is part of his reform agenda in the The Link Classified Kshs. 4,000 is committed to supporting en- to the community by funding various county and pledged to work together hanced health care in its business community based projects. with stakeholders to improve health Front Page Earpiece (colour) Kshs. 8,000 communities. Governor Ongwae commended care services in his jurisdiction. Front page strap Kshs. 6,000 The Group, said Ole Narikae the Foundation for the support and Dr Ondari noted the hospital has Back page strap Kshs. 4,000 would support students of the Nyam- called on other corporate organization been operating a dilapidated physi- bunde school bus accident who are to aid the facility which serves Kisii, otherapy department and lauded the Back Page Earpiece Kshs. 7,000 undergoing physiotherapy at the Nyamira, Migori, Homabay and parts Foundation for the renovation and Front Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 20,000 hospital. Eleven students and four of Narok County. equipping it to serve patients better. Back Page Solus (colour) Kshs. 15,000 teachers perished in the carnage. The hospital, noted the Governor The machine, said Ondari would “Survivors of the accident are lacks essential equipment such as CT- handle at least 100 patients who Special Rates the first beneficiaries of the Foun- Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging were previously refereed to hospi- dation’s commitment to counties’ (MRI), ICU facilities and orthopaedic tals in Nairobi and Kisumu, adding We offer very special rates for advertisement of charitable activities health services,” said the General surgery machines, saying his govern- that it would reduce transport costs programmes or services. To get special rates, contact the Editor or the Manager. ment was partnering with well-wish- and inconvenience for patients. Editorial Assistant. He said Chase Bank would pro- ers to serve residents within and out- Omache said plans were under- vide more advanced physiotherapy side the County. way for the hospital to be elevated The details should be mailed to the Editor, P.O. Box 7438, 00200, Nairobi, to patients with orthopaedic needs “For the survivors of the school to Kisii level six, Teaching, Referral including internal injuries, post sur- bus accident who escaped with life- and be affiliated to Kisii University, Kenya. Telephone 020-601776, 020-3572365 or 0725-903938. You can gical rehabilitation, stroke, fracture long body injuries, there is nothing adding that learners will have op- also email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. care and back problems. better we can do for them than to of- portunities to conduct research on NOTE: All payments should be made through cheques, payable to: “We can avail advanced ma- fer rehabilitative health care. Most of various diseases, curative and pre- Institute for Civic Affairs and Development (ICAD). chines like a hi-tech multi-gymnas- them come from poor background and ventive methods. The Link, December 2013 24 DEVELOPMENT Keroka residents irked by boundary dispute Govt halts plan By JOHN NYAMBUNE row, leading to confusion in services drainage system clogs up, exposing us “We want the governors to visit to upgrade Kilifi, delivery. They cited poor garbage col- to the threat of diseases,” said Alfred this area and explain to us what is RESIDENTS of Keroka town are up lection, lack of sanitary facilities and Onyambu, a clothes trader. happening. As market women, we Diani towns into in arms over a boundary dispute which a clogged drainage system as some of He wondered why neither of the pay taxes daily yet filth is all over and has derailed provision of services. the main challenges the town faces as two governors had visited the town to those concerned are not heeding our resort cities The town has been at the centre the impasse persists. listen to their grievances. pleas. We have sent numerous peti- By BRIGHTON KAZUNGU of a bitter boundary dispute between They threatened to boycott paying Two months ago, the Transition tions to the Nyamira Governor but Nyamira and Kisii counties, with each rates and taxes to the two counties un- Authority (TA) published an advisory nothing has happened,” said Miriam THE government has revoked side claiming it. til the issue is substantively resolved. on classification of urban areas and Anunda, a trader. its earlier plan to develop Kilifi Waving placards and carrying Police in anti-riot gear patrolled the cities, which indicated that the town is Residents who spoke to The Link and Diani towns in Kilifi and twigs, the residents held a procession streets but allowed the demonstrators located in Kisii County. said the town was congested as land Kwale counties respectively along the main street, temporarily to continue with their protest, which In June, governors James Ongwae designated for public utility had been into resort cities at a cost of disrupting business in the busy urban was largely peaceful. (Kisii) and John Nyagarama (Nyami- grabbed. They said some former Ker- Kshs.3 billion due to unavail- centre. “It is a shame that Keroka, one ra) resolved to form a team to oversee oka Town Council employees were ability of land. Riding on boda bodas blaring of the major revenue sources for the revenue collection and administration collecting tax and depositing it in the According to the acting Di- horns, the demonstrators accused two counties, continues to suffocate of Keroka and two other trading cen- Nyamira County kitty while others rector of Enablers and Micro elected leaders in the region of fail- in garbage. There is no designated tres along the border as they sought a submitted theirs to Kisii County ac- Directorate of Vision 2030 ing to address the town’s boundary dumping site and when it rains, the lasting solution to the stalemate. counts. Jonathan Lodompui, beach management units and eco-tourism projects will now replace the project. The director made the reve- Nyeri county government officials lations when he paid a courtesy call on Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi in his office recently. trained on financial services The new development shocked the Governor, who de- By JOSEPH MUKUBWA manded a comprehensive report A GROUP of Nyeri county govern- on what had conspired to have ment officials have been trained on the flagship project changed. the proper use of books of accounts The Governor, flanked by his in order to ensure transparency and deputy Kennedy Kamto and the accountability of funds. executive committee members The Institute of Certified Pub- led by the County Secretary lic Accountant of Kenya (ICPAK) Owen Baya, all expressed shock sponsored the training during the on learning of the changes. one day financial services clinic Kingi said governors from which was held at White Rhino Ho- the 47 counties are having prob- tel in Nyeri town recently. lems planning and starting long The event also targeted to train term development projects sup- the county government officials posed to be done jointly with the who may be lacking knowledge on national government. the accounts and book keeping. He said the national govern- ICPAK official in charge of Fi- ment had failed to involve them nancial Services Nebart Avutswa while making decisions on de- said that event also involved the velopment matters. business community and the fi- However, Mr. Londompui nancial sector officials drawn from explained that different factors banks, saccos and insurances com- were considered before the de- panies. cision was made. “We also trained the officials on The director said the govern- the new developments on the new ment would be forced to buy VAT Bill so that they can benefit. land in Kilifi and Diani to estab- The business community also had a lish the resort cities, something that could not be done due to chance to interact with ICPAK of- ICPAK official in charge of Financial Services Nebart Avutswa (left) chats with Grant Thornton director ficials. The response has been over- the high cost of land in the two Samuel Mwaura during a one day financial services clinic held at White Rhino hotel in Nyeri town recently. towns. whelming,” said Avutswa. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa Grant Thornton director Samuel Mr. Londompui further said Mwaura urged Kenya Revenue bi, Eldoret, Nyeri and will be in “I will also engage the profes- velopment of the economy Gross the Kshs.3 billion budget for Authority to educate the local com- Kakamega soon. sionals to ensure that the talent and Domestic Product. The services the two projects could not work munity on the VAT Bill for them to Nyeri governor Nderitu Gach- knowledge within them achieves range from banking, insurance, as most of the money would be understand adding that some essen- agua in his speech which was read prosperity for the county,” he add- assets management, Hedge fund eaten up by logistical matters tial commodities are still expensive. by chief of staff Maina Mathenge ed. management, Foreign exchange such as the buying of land and The organization has trained said he will create an enabling envi- He noted that the financial sec- services, intermediation or advisory other needs. business community and county ronment for the growth of the finan- tor plays a key role in driving and services, venture capital, saccos and “The plan to develop Kilifi government officials in Nairo- cial services sector in the region. ensuring sustained growth and de- microfinance. and Diani towns into resort cities anchored on Vision 2030 could not take place as initially planned as the issue of non- availability of land came up WEF partners with Safaricom to ease loan repayment as a major challenge – buying By PETER MUTUKU to make loan payment is a full day or Ksh.1,600 on behalf of our women payment system, all the women have land in those areas could lead to even a two days event. beneficiaries,” to do is be guided only once by the spending a lot of the Ksh.3 bil- WOMEN Enterprise Fund has According to our Regional Credit “In both instances,” says the Co- volunteer and the DGSDO and sub- lion,” he explained. partnered with Safaricom Limited Coordinator for North Eastern Re- ordinator “our beneficiaries would sequent payments will be made with But Kingi and his cabinet did to provide easier, faster, efficient gion Mr. Muteti, “Our volunteer give their money to our volunteer no hustles”. not take the matter lightly and and secure loan repayment method who is based in Rhamu in Mandera or the Gender officer to bank to our Our beneficiaries had for a long hit at the national government through the use of M-Pesa Central would spend Ksh1,200 to collection account in KCB since they time been requesting us to adopt this for playing tricks to sabotage The Fund is the only institution and from Mandera Town, more than were not in a position to make these technology, for most of them the the development plans for the in Kenya that gives its financial serv- 100Kms away on lorries that ferry trips, because, first it was too costly nearest major town could be between counties. ices to women in all the 210 constitu- animals between these towns, not to and would eat up any profits made, 30 and 300 kms away from their Kingi said the change was encies through the CWES Channel. mention that he would have to spend secondly, they have to spend the homes. a serious matter and expressed Since its establishment, women have the night in a lodging in town, of night out due to the unreliable trans- The Fund’s Operations Manager, concern that his government been making payments through the course at an additional cost.” port. This would mean a night out Mr. Mwirigi says, “With the M-Pesa was not consulted over the Kenya Commercial Bank which has In another case, the District Gen- which requires permission from their innovation in place, we no longer changes. the widest branch network in Kenya. der and Social Development Officer spouses, and thirdly being mothers, have to do manual reconciliation be- He further said devolved However, the bank is located in the (DGSDO) based in Elwak Town, they naturally have a lot of responsi- cause the money goes directly to our governments mean nothing if major towns and for a majority of would travel to Mandera Town, bility in their households.” account, also errors in posting have governors have not been given customers, taking a trip to the bank more than 200KMs at a total cost of He adds that, “with this MPESA been greatly reduced.” the powers they deserve. The Link, December 2013 FARMING 25 Farmers urged to Mt Kenya region governors comply with early warning signals to encourage farmers to grow bamboo avert food insecurity By JOSEPH MUKUBWA By TITUS MAERO MT KENYA governors are en- The Former Meteorological Depart- couraging farmers to grow bam- ment Director Mr. Alexander Alusa boo plants for commercial pur- has urged Kenyans to take weather poses. forecasts information seriously and The about ten governors who use it to plan how to avert disasters met during a consultative meeting and increase food production. recently proposed that bamboo Alusa said following major global which is a grass type of plant is a climate change, it was imperative for very important plant of conserving Kenyans to keep abreast with regu- water and environment. lar weather forecasts information by The counties bordering Mt Meteorological Department to avoid Kenya and Aberdare forest have hazards developing into disasters. partnered with several organiza- According to Mr. Alusa, Kenya tions including the Environment has one of the best Metrological serv- ministry to encourage farmers to ices in Africa with computer trained grow bamboo as a cash crop for staff and competitive equipment to value addition purposes. provide accurate weather forecast. The governors led by Laikipia He said across Africa, Kenya governor Joshua Irungu noted that ranks second after South Africa in bamboo is a plant which is eco- terms of meteorological service with nomically viable and can make over 100 scientists, majority of who have masters and PhD qualifications. furniture for export and cosmetics Mr. Alusa, who is currently the among others. climate change policy advisor in the Bamboo is also used as fencing Ministry of Environment, Water and poles for construction, for making Natural Resources, was speaking to fuel and detergents. reporters in Kakamega after deliver- It is also used in the manu- A Nyeri resident admires some of the bamboo which the region wants to grow. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa ing a keynote address during a partic- facture of tooth picks and match- ipatory scenario planning workshop sticks. The meeting at a Nyeri hotel re- It can be grown on high and Samuel Ragwa, Nyandarua Gov- organised by CARE – Kenya. Bamboo foliage can be used as cently which was opened by Envi- low altitude areas or in wet and ernor Daniel Waithaka and Kirin- He said climate change was a fodder for animals while young ronment Principal Secretary Rich- dry areas. yaga Governor Joseph Ndathi. reality according to information re- bamboo shoots can be cooked and ard Lesiyampe was also attended Lesiyampe said bamboo can “This is a good idea which must leased three weeks ago by intergov- eaten as food. by officials from Kenya Wildlife create jobs for youth and women be supported by all. It must in- ernmental panel on climate change Its juice is used to make vin- Service, Kenya Forest Service, since industries will be established volve the government and relevant of international community of scien- egar. In Western Kenya, the sap is NEMA and WARMA among other if it is commercialized. ministries and communities before tists. used to make ulanzi, a local brew. organizations. The plant which grows one it is rolled out,” said Munya. In their report, Mr. Alusa said Bamboo is also a good source The governors said the farmers meter per week does well in Mt The governors also promised to the scientists have confirmed that of charcoal and makes a great can grow Oxytenanthera abyssi- Kenya region especially in wet- join hands in curbing illegal har- climate change was happening, no- hedge. ticeable and, recorded and therefore nica variety, which is the scientific land areas. vesting and poaching in the region needed people to be ready to respond “I will launch a thorough cam- name for solid bamboo which is Similar sentiments were backed adding that ‘they will get the bull paign in my county to ensure to the changes. a drought resistant shrub and can by Murang’a governor Mwangi by its horns’ blaming the officials On disasters that were happen- that everybody grows bamboo. It thrive with minimum annual rain- Wa Iria, Nyeri governor Nderitu in the ministries saying they are ing in Kenya and other parts of the mostly does well at riparian land. fall of between 350 and 800 mm. Gachagua, Embu governor Martin the ones who are abetting, con- world, Mr. Alusa said they occur This will be our gold mine,” said An acre of land can grow 100 Wambora, Meru governor Peter doning and even spearheading the because of lack of early warning sig- governor Irungu. shrubs. Munya, Tharaka Nithi governor vice. nals and response by people in the areas they occur. According to Mr. Alusa, hazards do exist everywhere but they are left Farmers urged to mobilize resources to buy company’s shares to turn into disasters by lack of early By AGGREY BUCHUNU says. that sustainability of food was warnings and response by people. The Bungoma county based under threat from poverty, unem- He hoped that participants will SUGAR cane farmers contracted sugar factory is supposed to be ployment, land degradation, sub- impart the knowledge gained to their by Nzoia Sugar Company are privatized before the expiry of sistence farming, land fragmen- neighbours. now being asked to mobilize fi- the Common Markets for East- tation, absence of strategic food He said the main challenge facing nancial resources in readiness for ern and Southern Africa (COME- reserves, low value addition, cli- meteorological department in Kenya the purchase of shares once the SA) safeguard period-February mate change, high cost of inputs was funding and station network to factory is finally privatized. 28,2014. and inadequate access to credit. reach many people across the coun- Asking the farmers to organ- Koskei was speaking during He says that his ministry con- try and hoped the county govern- ize and ready themselves to have the World Food Day national cel- sequently set up the National ments will incorporate the services in a stake in the mill, Agriculture ebrations at Gladys Muyundo’s Accelerated Agricultural Input their development programmes. cabinet secretary, Felix Koskei, farm near Webuye town where Access Programme (NAAIAP) Kakamega County Director of reveals that 24 per cent shares of he was hosted by Bungoma Gov- to provide seed and fertilizer to meteorological Mr. Walter Nganyi the sugar factory are reserved for poor farmers under the Kilimo hailed CARE – Kenya for organiz- ernor, Kenneth Lusaka. ing the workshop in Kakamega after them. The Agriculture cabinet sec- plus component and to provide low cost credit to more endowed Machakos to help people in various Other shares of the highly in- retary was accompanied by the sectors of economy to understand debted sugar firm, Koskei adds principal secretary-state depart- farmers under the Kilimo bi- climate change and use information that would be held in trust by the ment of fisheries, Prof. Micheni Felix Koskei, ashara component. provided by his department through county government and made Ntiba, FAO country representa- Agriculture Cabinet Secretary The cabinet secretary adds weather forecasts to avert disasters available for sale to locals in or- tive, Robert Allport, Webuye MP that since the inception of the and improve crop production. der to empower them also to own Alfred Sambu and other top min- billion. programme, 7,700 farmers in CARE – Kenya information and a stake in the mill. istry officials. The cabinet secretary adds Bungoma county have benefited knowledge management officer Mr. Koskei discloses that Nzoia On general farming in that Bungoma was ranked as one from the Kilimo plus component Joseph Ndiritu said the participatory Sugar Company is over-staffed Bungoma County Koskei pointed of the most productive Counties while 168,000 bags of fertilizer scenario planning has been an on- by 600 workers and consequently out that major cash crops such as in the country with great poten- were sold to 1,000 farmers at going exercise in Garissa where the urges the company management maize, sugarcane, coffee, beans tial in agriculture due to its fertile subsidized rates under the bulk project started in 2011 and was now to immediately down size the and horticultural produce and soils and well distributed rainfall procurement of fertilizer pro- being rolled out to other counties af- work force in order to reduce its the dairy sub-sector fetched local throughout the year. gramme. ter being successful in the area. wage bill. farmers more than Ksh.12.6 bil- Koskei disclosed that the Koskei says that his ministry He said the project will end next “We must bite the bullet, lion last year. County produced 3.1 million will make available 3,000 tonnes year and hoped county governments adopt a business approach and do Koskei said that major cash bags of maize, 582 tonnes of hor- of subsidized fertilizer in De- will adopt it in their development things right. Let us be pragmatic crops raked in Ksh.10.5 billion ticultural produce, 424,000 bags cember to farmers in the region programmes since climate change and get certain basic economic while the dairy sub-sector raked of beans and 65.3 million kg of for use during the long rains sea- was a reality. The workshop also attracted par- variables right. We must also in an additional Ksh.2.1 billion milk last year. son that is expected to begin in March, 2014. ticipants from Central, Eastern, and stop politicizing everything,’ he bringing the total to Ksh.12.6 Koskei, however lamented Nyanza province. The Link, December 2013 26 FARMING

By MALACHI MOTANO Outdated beliefs stall DAIRY farmers in Rift Valley are Farmers oppose KCC’s silk worm farming opposed to plans to enlist the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries project in Ikolomani (New KCC) at the Nairobi Securi- bid to trade at the By TITUS MAERO ties Exchange (NSE). They argue that unscrupulous TRADITIONAL beliefs and lack of entrepreneurial skills have combined businessmen are likely to promote to slow down a lucrative agri-busi- their selfish interests to commer- Nairobi’s stock exchange ness project in Ikolomani Constitu- cialise the company and overshad- jection by now,” he argued. farmers. its eventual fall. ency in Kakamega County to rear ow them. silk worms. Kenya Farmers Association Dairy farmers have been urg- Moira Chepkok raised con- “We wonder why the govern- Silk worm farming is a multi-bil- (KFA) North Rift Director Kip- ing the government to privatise cerns over the state’s reluctance to ment converted the facility into a lion shilling business in Malasyia korir Menjo said they shot down the company by reverting its own- revert the ownership of the once parastatal instead of reverting it to which manufactures silk cloths for the idea that had been proposed ership back to its original owners/ mismanaged company that led to farmers,” she said. export using threads extracted from at various forums and instead re- silk worms cocoons. solved to seek a strategic partner The project was started in Ikolo- in future. mani 7 years ago with support from Menjo said they arrived at the the Kenya Agricultural Production resolution at a meeting held in El- Agri-business Project (KAPAP) to doret where they also discussed diversify income generating activities shareholding in the New KCC and in the area but has not endeared itself safeguarding other farmers’ organ- to the residents as anticipated. izations like KFA and the National The group which was spearhead- Cereals and Produce Board. ing the initiative has dropped sig- “We need to re-look at the is- nificantly from the initial 30 people sue in line with what other people who started Iguhu Silk Worm Rear- ing Group, to a mere 10 who are still are focusing on and changes in the remaining while the rest have with- industry. Privatisation will require drawn due to traditional beliefs and money and consequently focus on lack of determination. how to handle the matter,” he said. A member of the Group Mrs The meeting was preceded by Emily Bunoro who has vowed to a visit to Harare by some farmers, continue with the project says it which prompted revisiting the is- is only a matter of time before resi- sue of milk production with a view dents realize the importance of silk to privatizing New KCC. The new worm rearing. resolution led to retailoring of the Mrs Bunoro said she had ordered initial respective shareholding a total of 20,000 silk worms from In- suggestion of 51 per cent, 25 per ternational Centre for Insects Physi- cent, 20 per cent and four per cent ology and Entomology (ICIPE) to for farmers, NSE, Government of keep the project on course. Kenya (GoK) and employees. She pointed out that the first batch “We consequently resolved to of insects she ordered are maturing have the company’s ownership as while the other 10,000 are still young. 51 per cent, four per cent and ten She said the insects will take 30 days per cent shareholding for farmers, to mature but noted that they will employees and GoK respectively,” remain with cocoons to extract silk threads. said Menjo. She said the cocoons will give her Major (Rtd) Augustine Cherui- 6 to 10 Kilogrammes of silk thread yot, the former chairman of KCC which she will sell at Ksh 650 per 2000, offered that the govern- kilogramme. ment’s Ksh.547 million to resus- Mrs. Bunoro showed reporters citate the once sinking giant only her silk worms which are feeding on amounted to 10 per cent of the leaves of marrybery trees. She said company’s worth whose asset base most of the people like quick money then stood at Kshs.5.5 billion. and see rearing of silk worm as time “The money paid by the gov- wasting while others fear the sight ernment on behalf of farmers to of the creatures and associate them revive the company can be con- with witchcraft. verted into government shares She said the project has big po- because coming to think of it, the tential to generate more revenue. She profits accrued since their -inter A woman inspects milk at a collection point. Dairy farmers have expressed reservations over the enlisting of the said KAPAP has bought a small scale vention could have offset their in- New KCC at Nairobi bourse. machine for the group to extract silk thread from the cocoons. Bunoro said the machine has been installed at a small building within Mungatsi-Musikoma road in Nambale set to be tarmacked at KSh1billion. the premises of Ikolomani District Officers office. She noted that when By NYAKWAR ODAWO bridges committee will also over- Nambale Constituency Bursary available loan facilities to enable the project was started by KAPAP a see the tarmacking of a road from Fund committee will establish a them engage in income generat- good number of people welcomed it THE government has allocated a Mungatsi to Esikoma,” he said, scholarship fund for bright stu- ing activities and transform their but later started pulling out one by total of Ksh1billion to facilitate adding that they will create new dents to enable them proceed with lives. one. the tarmacking of a 30 Kilometer rural access roads and expand their education. “I will ensure the training of She noted that members that have road from Mungatsi to Musoma in existing key feeder roads in the The Nambale legislator at the groups so that they can participate remained in the group bought the last Nambale Sub-County linking Bu- wards. same time said that he will de- fully in UWEZO fund initiatives,” consignment of worms from ICIPE sia and Bungoma counties. On education, the legislator velop a policy framework that he said, adding that he will en- last year but slowed down in placing Nambale legislator John said he will establish model Early will enhance food security by in- courage Jua Kali and craftsman- more orders. To save the project from Bunyasi who was speaking at Childhood Development cen- vesting in agricultural extension ship activities in the constituency. collapse, Mrs. Bunoro has ordered Madende primary school recently tres (ECD) throughout the con- services. On healthcare, the legislator her own worms which she is raising said that surveying of the road has stituency and new model primary “I will also develop and imple- said he will improve facilities in in her house on trays. already been done adding that the schools in each ward. ment effective land management existing health centres, dispen- Mrs. Bunoro said she is willing to contractor is set to commence the “There is need to build early policy, expand Nambale coopera- saries and Sub-district hospital, share the business with other mem- work in January next year. childhood development centres tive society and adopt value chain ensure the completion of dis- bers and transfer the worms they Bunyasi said he will establish (ECDs) and new primary schools approaches that will enable farm- pensaries at Musokoto, Buyofu, have jointly constructed on a mem- in every ward in order to ensure ers in the constituency diversify to Mudevu, Namahindi and Sibembe ber’s land. The worms, she said, the constituency roads and bridg- are currently in good health and are es management committee that our children are not trekking long other cash crops,” said Bunyasi. among others. feeding on leaves of marryberry will collaborate with the county distances while going to school. Bunyasi added that he will He said he will ensure the es- trees she grows on the family land. government to repair and upgrade There is also need to build girls encourage dairy farmers to make tablishment of umbrella women Mrs. Bunoro says apart from the various rural access roads which schools considering that there is maximum use of Nambale coop- and youth groups throughout the worms producing silk thread, the by- include Lwanyange-Maira dip, only one secondary school for erative, encourage horticultural constituency, reward creativity products from the cocoons can be Nambale-Segero, Igara-Lupida, girls in the constituency,” said farming, training of manpower in and innovations among the youth; turned into chicken feeds. She also Sidende-Mlanga and others. Bunyasi. various target areas, re-energize encourage sports activities and says when squeezed, the cocoons can “The constituency roads and He at the same time said that women to take full advantage of talent development. produce oil to clean computers. The Link, December 2013 FARMING 27

subsistence. The project has received big sup- Sugar industry set for harsh times port from Kenya Agricultural Re- search Institute (KARI –Kakamega Centre) and Masinde Muliro Uni- versity of Science and Technology as COMESA safeguards are halted (MMUST) who sent a representative at the launching ceremony. By TITUS MAERO from member countries enter the farmers how to stop relying on sugar- is a brain child of a local student Mr. Mr. Michael Akhwale, an Agron- country at zero tariff. cane and maize. Jared Lumbavi who has completed his omist at KARI showed residents how Former Kenyan legislator to East He said the centre has come at Master’s Degree at Nagaya University to grow Soya beans. In the meantime A wave of uncertainty has gripped Mr. Shamalla has called on farmers in sugarcane farmers in Western Kenya Africa Legislative Assembly Mr. the right time as sugarcane and maize in Japan. Mr Lumbavi told the gather- Maxwell Shamalla has advised farm- were no longer economical crops being that the centre was an innovation Kakamega to venture into dairy and following reports that the removal of poultry farming which he said gener- COMESA safeguards next year could ers in Western Kenya to diversify into cause of high cost of production and initiative to teach farmers how to en- high value crops to cushion them- low earnings. The ex-legislator said hance Agricultural production to earn ated more money throughout the year. drastically affect their earnings. A Japanese youth attached to Farmers are worried that local sug- selves from adverse effects the with- the Malava pilot demonstration centre more money. drawal could cause to the local sugar on an acre plot is destined to receive He said the removal of COME- the Centre by Japan Africa Trust Mr. ar cane companies could either shut Takami Toyoda said he was happy down or reduce the price of their cane industry. funding from Japanese Organizations SA safeguards posed a big problem He said the removal of the safe- to extend the concept to other parts of and challenge to farmers in Western farmers in Kenya were ready to in- in an effort to produce sugar that could crease production of Soya Beans. compete with sugar from COMESA guards would allow cheap sugar from Kenya and Sub-Sahara Africa. Kenya who have been depending on COMESA member countries to flood Malava farmers and children from sugarcane to diversify into other crops He said his organization wants member countries in the local market. other farmers in the Sub-Saharan Kenya has severally asked for ex- the local market. Daizu Kids Day School were taught and use modern techniques to increase “We should brace for hard times how to grow Soya beans a crop that production. Africa to increase production of the tension of COMESA safeguards to re- crop. United Mission for the Needy organize its sugarcane sector but has ahead after the safeguards are re- is highly regarded to replace sugar- According to Mr Lumbavi, de- moved and look for alternative crops cane because of its high value. During spite Japan having advanced in elec- (Kenya) chaired by former District been unable to utilize the moratorium officer Dr. William Sakataka has been to bring meaningful reforms to its to earn us income” Mr. Shamalla said. the occasion residents planted Soya tronic and automation industries its He was speaking in Malava Sub- Beans on two plots at the same time agricultural sector was highly mecha- active in Public Health and Agricul- sugar sector. tural Projects to improve the living Kenya is calling for another mora- County where Japan Africa Trust and as farmers in Japan grow the crop in nized. He said Kenya could produce United Mission for the Needy (Ken- their country. more food if it emulated the example standards of Kenyans in urban slums torium against accusation it was stall- and rural areas. ing regional trade that allows products ya) have established a centre to teach The Malava demonstration centre to produce enough food for export and Nyeri coffee farmers seek bid for certification By JOSEPH MUKUBWA nied by Nyeri county commissioner Michael Mwangi lamented that mar- PLANS by coffee farmers from Ny- keting of coffee has been a big chal- eri County to partner with Dedan lenge due to failure by coffee societies Kimathi University of Technology as to form one umbrella body to oversee their produce certifying and classifica- the management and marketing of tion body are at an advanced stage. their produce. The move follows the adoption of “Farmers have been getting a raw a coffee task force report that outlined deal from their marketing agents due a raft of recommendations geared to- to the fragmentation of the societies wards improving the farming of the which has led to varying pay rates for cash crop in the area for better returns. the same produce from one society to Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gach- another,” he added. agua, speaking to various coffee so- He also said that the current sce- cieties leaders recently at Information nario where coffee societies are di- Hall in Nyeri town said they intend vided has seen each appointing agents to enlist the services of Kimathi Uni- to auction their coffee in unknown versity in grading and classifying their markets and led to farmers getting raw coffee before releasing it to the market. deals from the middle men who end “The farmers will be in a position up with the lions share. to know the quality of their produce Gachagua said that it is a high time and also know the best prices it can that farmers got a voice in the market- fetch instead of entrusting their pro- ing of their produce by determining duce to agents who do all the work who buys and at what price, saying and end up raking in huge profits from coffee has been the only crop which farmers hand over to would be buyers the farmers sweat,” said the governor. A coffee farmer in Iria-ini area, Othaya, Nyeri County, Wambugu Kagambo sprays his coffee in his Gachagua who was accompa- without a price tag. farm. Photo/Joseph Mukubwa # Sugarcane farmers hit-out The SUBSCRIPTION FORM at Kenya Sugar Board LinkEnhancing governance for all By NYAKWAR ODAWO has failed to spearhead a decisive action to be taken against the poachers. THE Kenya Sugar Board is directly re- The irate farmers were reacting to sponsible for the sugarcane poaching reports carried out by a section of the Please accept my/our subscription to The Link for the period of ...... months crisis that has nearly crippled the opera- media outlets quoting Wanjala as saying tions of the country’s leading sugar pro- that poor planning and management was dating from ...... to...... ducer Mumias Sugar Company and not responsible for the crisis facing the sugar poor planning. More than 500 sugarcane industry in Busia and Mumias sugar belts. I/We …………………….………………...………………… of P.O. Box...... ….…...... …… farmers from Busia and Mumias sugar The Director was also quoted as say- belts have accused the sugar board di- ing that KSB expected Mumias Sugar to Code ……...…… Town …...... ….…..….…Tel No.…….……...... …. Street ...... rector, Billy Wanjala of being part of the increase sugarcane acreage after releas- sugarcane poaching syndicate that has ing Kshs.140 million to boost sugarcane Building ...... Floor ...... Room No ...... Mobile ...... …… gripped the multi-billion shillings busi- development in the two areas as he wel- ness in a stranglehold. comed the sacking of the MSC agricul- Email: ……...... have paid Kshs...... The farmers’ spokesman, Nicholas ture and factory managers and calling Makokha Shikanda said Wanjala who for the assessment of the current Chief (Attached, please find money order No ...... is in charge of Mumias and Busia sug- Executive Peter Kebati to ascertain his ar belts that are the lifeline of Mumias capabilities. Please send me ……...... ………....………..copies per issue every month. Sugar in cane supplies should explain “We know that Wanjala has for years why sugarcane poaching has for the last been closely operating with the former Signature and /or stamp of client/:...... …...… Date ...... two years remained rampant in these two agriculture manager, West Kenya Sugar belts. Company and the resulting cane poach- Back issues No/Months: ...... “We also challenge Wanjala to ex- ing crisis. If there had been poor planning plain why the Kenya Sugar Board intro- and management, Mumias Sugar could Fill in this form and attach a postal money order of Kshs. 660 and post back to:- duced West Kenya Sugar Company to not have invested more than Kshs.3 bil- buy cane in these belts when it knew that lion in sugarcane development for the Institute for Civic Affairs and Development farmers here are all contracted to Mumi- last two years, what is Kshs.140 mil- as Sugar,” said Shikanda, adding that as a lion compared to three billion?” said Mr. P.O. Box 7438 - 00200 Nairobi KSB director representing these belts he Shikanda. The Link, December 2013 28 FARMING

By LINK CORRESPONDENT THE County Government of County plans to establish cooperative society Kakamega has concluded plans to establish a Giant Co-operative Soci- the society, Mrs Mukabane said ment will partner with friendly banks provided a steady market for milk low or no milk to embrace value chain ety that could be used to lend farmers Kakamega County has identified ag- to give farmers money to meet their from local dairy farmers since the col- in line with the objectives of vision money to buy in-puts at affordable in- riculture as a driving force for the immediate needs and recover the loans lapse in early nineties of the co-opera- 20103. terest rates. county’s development programmes from their produce delivered to the so- tive societies due to poor management “We also want to promote con- The move is part of the County and creation of employment. ciety. and liberalization of milk sector. sumption of safe and high quality milk Government’s initiative to revamp the “We have concluded a blue print The Minister noted that the dairy The Minister noted that neighbour- products and encourage community Agricultural sector to increase Wealth paper that was compiled together with farmers will only pay Ksh 500 while ing counties have taken advantage participation in the socio-economic and Employment for residents. Veterinary and Agricultural County the county government will subsidize of the situation to invade the market agenda,” He added and appealed to the The County Government execu- Directors that will give a big impact on the balance by paying Ksh. 1,500 of by selling adulterated milk that pose county government to help his society tive committee member for Agricul- agriculture in Kakamega County,” She the Ksh 2,000 charged for A.I services. health hazard to consumers of the recover and obtain title deeds for its ture Mrs Peninah Mukabane spoke further said. She pointed out that currently product. four plots grabbed by private develop- when she officially launched a 1,200 She said to kick off the ambitious Kakamega County has a shortage of Kakamega Dairy Co-operative ers. litre milk cooler and Artificial Insemi- programme, the county government milk and residents have been forced to Society Limited Chairman Mr Julius He said the plots were grabbed by nation (A.I) kit at Kakamega Dairy will employ 300 extension veterinary rely on milk from other counties in the Shivutsa hailed Njaa Marufuku pro- private developers who have refused Co-operative Society Limited. officers to provide services to dairy country adding that a litre of milk sells gramme and EAAPP for assisting his to relinquish them to the society forc- The New Milk facility will curb farmers at ward level in the county. at between Ksh 50 and Ksh 55. society to improve its services. ing the management to take the matter on wastage and enable farmers reap Mukabane also said the County She observed that demand for He said his society in collabora- to court. highly from their produce while the Government will also launch a mas- milk has considerably risen due to tion with relevant government de- Other government officials who A.I services will provide services to sive A.I service campaign to educate population growth in Kakamega town partments, stakeholders and other lauded the move by the County Gov- dairy farmers at affordable prices. farmers to rear grade animals in order and its suburbs following the estab- development partners were working ernment and development partners to The cooler facility was bought to increase milk production. lishment of university campuses in the towards restoring farmer’s confidence revamp agricultural sector in the area by funds from Ministry of Agricul- She appealed to farmers to embrace area such as Mt Kenya Campus, Jomo in the dairy sector as a viable econom- included Kakamega Central District ture’s programme of Njaa Marufuku value addition to their produce to earn Kenyatta University of Agriculture ic activity and source of livelihood. Veterinary Officer Dr Christopher while the A.I kit was procured by the more money instead of selling them in and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta Shivutse also said they want to Kadenge, Kakamega County Dairy East Africa Agricultural Productivity bulk that give them little money. University Campus and University of influence change with the aim of en- Officer Mrs Frandina Machwenu and Project (E.A.A.P.P). Mukabane said through the co- Nairobi Centre. couraging farmers to shift from prefer- Kakamega County Director Dr Fineas Addressing guests and staff of operative society the County Govern- She said that the dairy sector had ence of local cattle breeds which have Mulala. Proposed legislation on Media and NGOs, a backlash against supporters of ICC cases By LINK CORRESPONDENT gan handling the request to defer the whether the AU will still expect the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) UNSC to make a decision on defer- International and local human rights cases in the Kenyan situation. The ral immediately. As things stand, the groups have reacted angrily to pro- request, which was submitted on 1 UNSC agenda for November does not posed new legislation in Kenya which November for consideration by non- include a session to discuss the defer- they say is part of growing efforts to permanent members Rwanda, Togo ral request. However, this is not to say clamp down on opposition voices. and Morocco under instruction from such discussions will not be held, as They are concerned that three the African Union (AU), relates spe- the programme of work can be updat- bills, two regulating the media and cifically to the cases against Kenya’s ed at any time. the third on non-government groups, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Even if heard, despite support seem to be a response to the trials of Deputy, William Ruto. from Russia and China, the likelihood Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta Kenyatta and Ruto (together with of the deferral being granted is slim, and his deputy William Ruto at the In- Kenyan journalist Joshua Sang) face given that the United States, United ternational Criminal Court (ICC). charges related to the violence that Kingdom and France, who all hold the Ruto is currently being tried in The erupted after Kenya’s December 2007 power to veto resolutions, insist that Hague, and Kenyatta is due to come elections, in which over 1 100 people the ICC’s postponement of Kenyatta’s to trial, on charges of financing and died. Ruto and Sang’s trial began in trial to February next year was suffi- organising the mass violence which September 2013, while Kenyatta’s cient. The views of the five permanent followed the disputed presidential trial is due to start on 5 February 2014 members of the UNSC notwithstand- election in December 2007. after a third postponement. ing, it is essential to assess the merits More than 1,100 people were In October this year, the AU held of the deferral request itself. killed and 650,000 others lost their an extraordinary summit at which Article 16 of the ICC’s Rome homes during two months of blood- the relationship between the ICC and Statute, in terms of which deferral shed which brought East Africa’s Africa was discussed. Central to the requests can be made, states that ‘No leading economy to its knees. Journalists at work. Photo/File discussions was the fact that all cases investigation or prosecution may be Proceedings against Ruto and his currently before the ICC are from Af- commenced or proceeded with ... for a co-defendant, former journalist Josh- Two other pieces of legislation 2013, would give a government body rican countries, including the indict- period of 12 months after the Security ua arap Sang, will resume on Novem- concerning the media are also causing powers to impose hefty sanctions on ment of two sitting heads of state. In Council, in a resolution adopted under ber 21, while the start of Kenyatta’s concern. the media. The bill was passed by par- its 12 October 2013 decision, the AU Chapter VII of the Charter of the Unit- trial has been put back to February 5, The Media Council Bill, which liament on October 31, although the called for the Kenyan cases to be deed Nations, has requested the court 2014. has been drafted but is still to be de- president has yet to sign it into law. ferred and asked that the UNSC pro- to that effect ... .’ Chapter VII of the The first of the contentious pieces bated in parliament, would give the Joan Magut, project coordinator vide feedback on the deferral request UN Charter empowers the UNSC to of legislation, called the Miscellane- government powers to ban any media with the Transparency International by 12 November 2013, the date on take measures to ‘maintain or restore ous Amendment Bill 2013, outlines content it deems “prejudicial to public group in the Rift Valley town of El- which Kenyatta’s trial was scheduled international peace and security’ if it changes to the ways NGOs can op- or national interest” and impose harsh doret, believes the legislation are a to start. has determined ‘the existence of any erate. Published on October 30, it is penalties on offending organisations. retrograde step. Given that Kenyatta’s trial has threat to the peace, breach of peace or due to be debated in parliament in the Another law, the Information and On 5 November 2013, the United been provisionally moved to Feb- act of aggression’. coming weeks. Communication Amendments Bill Nations Security Council (UNSC) be- ruary 2014, it remains to be seen Western Kenya set to reap highly from palm oil production By TITUS MAERO soap from mature palm oil trees. Officer (CEO) Mr Peter Mudy said the the country. Organization (FAO) in early 1990’s and Palm oil farmers have been us- region has big potential for growing Imbira said the United Nations De- carried out before being implemented WESTERN Kenya could soon start ing crude methods to extract oil from palm oil with the largest concentration velopment Organization (UNIDO) is jointly by Mumias Sugar Company, producing raw materials for palm oil mature nuts in the palm oil trees. The now in Bungoma West. He said so far promoting Soya Beans in Western Ken- Ministry of Agriculture and Kenya Ag- products. four machines valued at Ksh 1.4million 2,000 farmers are engaged in extracting ya where it has established small indus- ricultural Research Institute (KARI). Research and trials to grow palm were bought by the church with funds cooking oil and soap from their trees tries in Kisumu, Migori and Malakisi in Imbira said the Ministry of Agri- oil in the area, have proved the region from the Ministry of Agriculture’s using crude methods. Bungoma County. culture gave KARI Funds which it has big potential for the tropical crop Njaa Marufuku Programme, China and “I am hoping the quality and quan- He noted that Palm oil and Soya used to import palm oil seeds from which earns countries in East Asia Ghana. tity of oil will now increase using the Beans are highly nutritious crops add- Porte Rica. The seedlings were planted billions of shilling per year. Currently Palm oil and soya beans are being machines,” Mr. Mudy said. ing that Palm oil takes four to five years at KARI Kakamega centre, Mumias Kenya spends Ksh 16 billion annually recommended as alternative crops to Mr Omucheni hailed the church for to mature while Soya beans take three Sugar Company and KARI-Alupe sub to import palm oil raw material from replace sugarcane and maize whose availing the machine to farmers in the months to mature. The Officer ob- centre in Busia county. Malaysia to make soap and edible oil. income is diminishing due to maize area saying it will boost their income served that Palm oil which has a life He pointed out that the seedlings The initiative has received a major lethal necrosis disease and imported and improve their nutrition level. span of 50 years can be inter-cropped which later sold to farmers at Ksh boost from the Anglican Church of cheap sugar. Kakamega County Director of with Soya Beans. 100 each and are now mature. He said Kenya, Western Kenya Christian de- Presenting the machines to Agriculture Mr Johnston Imbira, who He said because of diminishing the region has 30,000 mature trees a velopment Service which has imported Bungoma County Director of Agri- witnessed the handing over ceremo- land acreage in Western Kenya, only number, he says, was still lower than machines to aid farmers to engage in culture Mr Arlington Omucheni, the ny said the machines will help farm- a small area is required to produce the the 300,000 required by Bidco Oil the initiative in Busia, Bungoma and Church’s Western Kenya Christian ers add value to their produce and two crops. Imbira said research to grow Company to sustain a factory in the Kakamega and process edible oil and Development Service Chief Executive brand it for sale to a large market in palm oil was funded by the World Food area. The Link, December 2013 29 REGIONAL NEWS Vision 2030 Private sector to bridge high flagship projects unemployment rates among the youth on the spotlight By PETER MUTUKU hunger, which have been the main them,” he said. Government and the County Gov- By LINK CORRESPONDENT development goals. The President further pointed ernments. FLAGSHIP projects anchored on Vi- “However, challenges still re- out that security would be enhanced “This is the way to proceed. We THE government is committed to sion 2030 are likely to stall due to lack creating a conducive environment main that require serious and bold as this is the bedrock for sustained must now change our politics to actions by the National Govern- socio-economic development. focus on politics of development. of proper coordination between the for the private sector to grow. national and county governments. President Uhuru Kenyatta notes ment, working, of course, with “We must assure our people Elections are over and this is now a the county governments,” said the and the business community, both time to work together, regardless of Kilifi County governor Mr Ama- that a vibrant private sector would son Kingi says that although Vision create more job opportunities, alle- President. domestic and foreign, that their party affiliations, to change Kenya viate poverty and address the prob- The President noted that poverty lives and property are protected. for the better,” he observed. 2030 was one of the best development lem of unemployment among the is still a major problem with more We know very well withoutsecu- He said that Kenyans want better blue prints the country has ever had, youth. than forty percent of people living rity, hardly any investment will take services, food security and employ- he feared that the desired targets may “To achieve this objective, we under one US Dollar per day. place, and, therefore, our dream of ment and this will only be achieved not be realised due to poor linkages have to give a lead role to the pri- He said that government is at a prosperous and equitable Kenya if all leaders work together. between the two arms of governments. vate sector to complement govern- an advanced stage of beginning the will remain a mere rhetoric,” said “My Government has made the The governor raised the concern ment initiatives,” he said. construction of a standard gauge the President. delivery of better public services in his office when he received two He said that the Government is railway line from Mombasa to Nai- In this regard, the President said its core mandate. I wish to reiterate senior government officials attached undertaking a number of measures, robi and later to Malaba. that the Government plans to pro- here the pledge that I have previous- to Vision 2030 under the ministry of which are intended to create an ena- “We are also planning to expand cure one thousand and one hundred ly made that the days of corrupt and Devolution and Planning. bling environment for investment the railway line for passengers all National Police Service motor vehi- inefficient officers are numbered. The officers who included the As- and to reduce the cost of doing busi- the way to Machakos. We are also cles. This is an era that should be carried sistant Director of economic pillar ness. taking measures to enhance clearing The President said that attracting down to the county level. The time under Vision 2030, Mr John Kariuki He cited the adoption of fiscal of cargo through the Mombasa Port investment and optimizing oppor- for change in the manner we man- and the acting director of micro di- and monetary policy to ensure sta- and Jomo Kenyatta International tunities to improve the lives of the age our public affairs has come and rectorate Mr Jonathan Lodompui had Airport, in addition to expanding people is a priority of the National it is not stoppable,” he explained. bility in the key macroeconomic paid a curtsey call to the governor to prices such as the general price look into possible ways of hastening level, the shilling exchange rate and the implementation of the flagship interest rates. projects anchored on the vision 2030. The President further pointed out The Governor who was flanked by that the Government had invested heavily in economic infrastructure, his deputy Mr Kennedy Kamuto and including investment in power gen- the executive committee members of eration and transmission, railway the county government however told and road network countrywide. them that the idea of initiating the “The Government will soon be projects was good but feared that the tendering for the dualing of Mom- targets may not be realized because basa Highway from Athi River all the national government had failed to the way to Konza and Machakos involve the county governments. so as to speed up transportation of “While Vision 2030 blue print is goods and people between Nairobi premised on a good development plan and Machakos,” he explained. for all the 47 counties, the dream may He commended Dr. Alfred Mu- not be attained because the national tua, the Governor of Machakos, for government is working in isolation,” coming up with the noble idea and said Mr Kingi. urged other Governors to borrow a The governor cited the launch of leaf from Machakos County and fo- a coal plant at Zowerani as a flagship cus on economic development. project in the County without involving “This is the only way we can the county government despite the fact ensure our people remain confident that the project falls under his county. in devolution as a truly effective in- Kingi said the coal plant project strument to promote lasting socio- economic development, equity and can only be successful if the national national unity,” he explained. government involves the County gov- The President said that over the ernment at the initial phase. last ten years, the country had made He said implementation of the commendable progress towards President Uhuru Kenyatta (second left) arrives at Machakos Golf Club grounds accompanied by Gover- project is likely to stall as residents and the government are embroiled in conquering disease, illiteracy and nor Dr. Alfred Mutua (3rd right) and other county officials. Photo/File a tussle over the ownership of the land where the plant is to be put up. He said that the land in question has been occupied by people who Students miss exams in registration anomalies have also invested on it and it would be in order if the central government By AGGREY BUCHUNJU late Mutula Kilonzo noted that the Speaking to the media,the pupils The seven pupils affected include: liaised with the government to see Basic Education Act had criminalized accompanied by their parents said 1-Ali Ukhevi, they were fully prepared to sit for the 2-Perineta Mango, how best the problem can be resolved. DELIBERATE failure by some forced repetition. The governor said the land issue schools to register pupils for the Ken- He said that repetition had nega- 2013 KCPE exams. 3-Osman Ukhevi, “The head teacher has ruined my 4-Bonface Wechuli, could cause tension if residents are ya Certificate of Primary Education tive effects on the learning progression not consulted and involved fully dur- (KCPE) exams is rife in most parts of and performance and consequently future by failing to register me for the 5-Fridah Wekulo, national examswhich I was very much 6-Christopher Matete, ing the implementation process. the country. warned those forcing pupils to repeat He said the residents living on the There are some headteachers who that the law will catch up with them. ready for,” said Fridah Wekulo. 7-Litrophen Machiri. However,a public primary school They accused their head teacher of Contacted for comment, the head land need to be identified and compen- either deliberately fail to remit KCPE sated before the project can take off. registration fee to the Kenya National head teacher in Kakamega County short-changing them amid fears that teacher said the seven were not reg- took advantage of lack of enforcement some of them may commit suicide if istered because their parents paid the “The flagship project is a good idea Examination Council (KNEC),or em- for the county as it is geared towards bezzle the money. to ask pupils to repeat class 8 even af- not urgently counselled. KCPE registration fees late. These headteachers force pupils ter having collected registration fee The parents of the affected pupils But in a quick rejoinder,Wechuli, enhancing the county economy but perceived to be slow learners to re- from parents for the 2013 KCPE ex- led by Festus Wechuli appealed to the who had two children in class 8 said am fearing that the project could incite peat classes contrary to the education ams. Education Cabinet secretary,Jacob he paid registration fees for both of tension among the residents if they are policy and without the consent of the Francis Khavumi,the head teacher Kaimemyi to intervene with a view them at ago on 14-3-2013 and won- not fully involved in the process of ac- learners and their parents. of Kisembe primary school in Na- to consider giving the pupils an emer- dered how one was registered and the quiring the land,” said Mr Kingi. The scenario is increasingly be- vakholo district deliberately failed to gency exam. other one not. The governor said county gov- coming a thorny issue in the education register seven pupils for KCPE exams Wechuli further appealed to the He dismissed the head teacher’s ernments are not competing with the sector and hence needs urgent inter- despite the fact that parents had paid Commission on Administrative Jus- claim of late payment of registration national government but there is need vention measures. their exam fee. tice (CAJ)-Ombudsman to ensure that fee as a fabrication meant to defeat for consultation on any development In most cases, the affected pupils Khavumi allegedly poached more the perpetrators of the anomaly are justice,a fact that was also echoed by matters involving the two systems of brought to book. the other parents. and their parents are traumatized and bright pupils from private schools to governments. shrouded in agony,a situation that displace the seven purposely to boost The code of the school under scru- And on registration of pupils from tiny is 37603211.Wechuli alleged that private schools at the expense of bon- He said lack of consultations is sometimes culminates in deaths of pu- the school mean score. to blame for the conflict between the pils through suicide. The affected pupils learnt about candidates indexed 4, 5, 14 and 24 are afide pupils,Khavumi disassociated some of those pupils poached from himself from the anomaly arguing that national and county governments es- While releasing 2012 KCPE their fate with shock five days to the pecially on matters touching on devel- results,the then education minister,the national exams. private schools to displace bonafide registration exercise was done by class pupils of the school. 8 teacher and not him. opment projects. The Link, December 2013 30 REGIONAL NEWS

By JOHN NYAMBUNE CSOs urged PLANS are underway to train farmers County targets farmers in Busia County on modern farming techniques in order to improve food to be vigilante security and enhance commercial agriculture. to boost food production in the fight Governor, Sospeter Odeke Ojaa- in order to better serve the farmers. county’s population was living below agriculture, he said. mong said Busia Agricultural Train- The governor praised a farmer in the poverty line yet the county had Area County Representative Ro- against ing Centre would be upgraded to offer Olepito sub-location for generating enough resources. mano Orengo appealed to the govern- high quality services and training for Ksh.500,000 in income after planting Mr. Mwenje said it was time local ment for decentralization of farm in- farmers in the area. four acres of cassava and urged oth- residents took farming seriously and puts like fertilizer and maize seeds to corruption Ojaamong said the county had ers to emulate him and make farming the government would do all they can make it easily available. Other county enormous resources to become the profitable. to empower them. executives who attended the function By AGGREY BUCHUNJU country’s food basket and an agricul- County Agriculture Executive, “We do not need to hear cases of were Gregory Odeke (Roads), Leon- tural export hub. He said the training Martin Mwenje, said it was unfor- people living below the poverty line ard Wanda (Finance), Martin Khafwa CIVIL Society Organizations (CSOs) centre would be properly equipped tunate that about 67 per cent of the yet they can develop by embracing (Lands) and Hillary Makhulu (Trade). operating in Bungoma County have with staff and equipment to ensure been urged not to relent in their ef- farmers receive the best training in forts to expose graft in the region. modern farming methods locally. Transparency International (TI)- “We want farmers to be properly Kenya, programme coordinator, Ri- trained in these new methods to in- chard Mainaasked the CSOs to be crease their yields and that is why we more vibrant so as curb public offic- will upgrade the training centre by ers’ excesses. equipping it with staff and machin- Maina expressed fears that the ery,” said Ojaamong. devolved governance may be another He added that agriculture was a avenue for corruption and as a result top agenda for his government and reminded the media and civil society said he would ensure farmers add to remain active and vigilant. value to their products to make them He at the same time challenged more marketable. the CSOs to speak in one voice while He was speaking in Olepito, Teso confronting corruption related cases South District where he added that the so as to triumph over the vice. county’s agricultural resources were Speaking recently during a work- more than enough to provide food for shop in Bungoma town, Mainahow- export to other counties and other East ever underscored the need for the African countries. CSOs to be prudent and credible Ojaamong revealed the county when engaging public officers over government was launching the “Mia some issues. Poultry Project” where farmers will The TI programme coordinator be taught how to rear 100 local chick- told the participants of the workshop ens using modern methods. He said that for them to effectively lobby for this will be rolled out to farmers in or against an issue they should al- the county and they will be assisted in ways have facts and understand the marketing their produce. issue in terms of relevant policies and He assured farmers that agriculture map relation of power and policy. would be decentralized to sub-coun- Maina added that the civil society ties through posting of extension of- should also endeavour to educate the ficers and facilitating their movements Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong hands over fertilizer to farmers in Oletipis village, Teso District people to know how the issue affects in Busia recently. them and build consensus about the plan of action. This, Maina said that will build support for the cause and at the same Kenya increasingly lacking skilled labour time transform relations and social structures or systems. By LINK CORRESPONDENT “It is worrying that most of the their economies.” Education, Science and Technol- He, however, challenged the technical institutions have been “We recently opened Honda ogy, we are spearheading a Vision CSOs to analyse policy environment “PEOPLE are opting to go to uni- changed into universities, which Assembly plant that creates em- 2030 flagship project that targets and develop strategies that offer op- versities to do degrees in market- has in turn created a gap in the ployment opportunities for many to facilitate skills development for tions of policy change while engaging, sales not because they are skills area which needs to be filled youth that have been to technical one million artisans by 2016,” she ing authorities over an issue. sure of getting jobs once they are like real estate which are large institutions but our aim should added. “You should not only point out through, but because it is the cool consumers of skilled labour,” he now be to have plants where we Imanyara noted that a major the problem but also offer the solu- thing to do.” said. manufacture and assemble our challenge facing the Government tion,” he said. Those were the words of Nai- Mueke further revealed plans own products and export,” he ex- and the labour market is the ab- Maina disclosed that TI will build robi Deputy Governor Jonathan to revise the TVETS curriculum’s plained. sence of a skills inventory that the capacity of CSOs in various fields Mueke as he urged more student into a competent based one that Speaking at a workshop by the would indicate the distribution of of advocacy but challenged them to enrolment in Technical Vocational addresses the demands in the job Housing Finance Foundation, he well-trained Kenyans. put their houses in order first. Education and Training (TVETS) market. “Employers have raised further noted that a partnership be- “We currently do not have a “TI does not work with CSOs that institutions. concern over half-baked graduates tween the foundation and tertiary database, which is an indispensa- are disjointed. We work with CSOs Mueke explained that most who they have to train even after institutions will see youths receive ble tool for planning the country’s that have bank accounts and valid students opt to go to universities leaving the universities with so loans to study in the TVETS and future training programmes,” she registration certificates,” he added. rather than training institutions called full credentials.” slowly pay back after their com- said. Maina however pointed out that but fail to get white collar jobs yet He added that some courses pletion. The TVET Bill 2012 seeks to TI is not a donor but provides timely there are many opportunities in the also need to be revised to meet the Housing Finance Foundation institute a mechanism for promot- and relevant information to its part- informal sector. international standard allowing the Executive Director Winnie Iman- ing access and equity in training ners for effective advocacy of policy He added that the lack of skilled students to efficiently work in any yara acknowledged, “there is an to assure standards, quality and making and public accountability. labour in the country is forcing the part of the world. existing gap between the industries relevance. The participants drawn from 21 government to outsource labour “Technical institutions in the expectation and graduates’ techni- It further seeks to shift TVET CSOs were taken through techniques which would otherwise be readily developed countries are famed for cal level leading to difficulties for from time-bound, curriculum for an effective advocacy and stages available as the courses are taught producing their own skilled labour TVET graduates to find jobs.” based training to flexible and com- involved and guidelines of engage- in training institutions. and this is the industry that drives “With the Ministry of Higher petency based training. ment. Narok residents set to benefit from an irrigation project By LINK CORRESPONDENT tewards, a US based organization, have for many years relied on livestock have engage in meaningful productive farm- give the soil so that the soil gives back,” now set aside 350 acres of land to be embraced the idea after being educated ing,” said Sinkua. The director revealed said Sinkua, who pointed out that water OVER 10,000 residents of Oletukat used for growing horticultural crops by American experts on how they can the project would promote food secu- from Enkari Nyiro River has to be put area in Narok North Sub-County are all under Inkaikok Irrigation Scheme. earn more from their farms. rity hence reduce dependency. to good use. smiles following the joint launch of an James Sinkua, director of Nareto “The Maasai community has prac- “We hope to grow vegetables, According to area chief James irrigation project by a local NGO and Olosho said they are introducing horti- ticed nomadic lifestyle for a long time. beans, peas, carrots and even maize in Lempaka, the project will boost food American experts. culture as an alternative source of live- This lifestyle must change because we this farm. The experts from the USA security and act as a source of an alter- Nareto Olosho Partners and Agris- lihood. He said the residents who have have to take our children to school and have trained farmers on the need to native source of income. The Link, December 2013 REGIONAL NEWS 31

Busia County Govt probes loss of Ksh2.4m from Cooperative Society VC laments By NYAKWAR ODAWO ter Henry Makhulu said that investiga- experienced scores of hardships as a ly, outgoing Busia district agricultural tions had established that some Ksh2.4 result of the dormancy. officer Samson Khachina expressed THE Government of Busia County million was withdrawn from the co- The minister at the same time concerns saying 30 and 10percent of on high varsity has launched investigations to unravel operative’s bank account through the noted that the cooperative society had maize crops had been affected by a details of how Magombe Multi-Pur- Port Victoria Kenya Commercial Bank various liabilities outstanding at the crop disease known as Maize Lethal drop-out rate pose Cooperative Society allegedly branch and wired to Kano Irrigation time when production stopped in the Neurotic disease (MLND) in Teso and By TITUS MAERO lost millions of shillings through a Scheme in Kisumu County in defiance scheme. Busia during the last planting season. scandal said to involve its top officials, of an order from Bunyala cooperatives “At this moment, the National irri- He at the same time urged the THE Masinde Muliro Univer- a banking institution and other govern- officer stopping any such withdrawals. gation Board assumed the supervisory farmers to grow other crops like cas- sity of Science and Technol- ment agencies. Among those implicated in the role over the management of the soci- sava, potato, finger millet and beans ogy (MMUST) Vice Chancellor The County’s Trade, Cooperatives scandal included a senior national irri- ety against the provisions of the Coop- among others. (VC) Professor Fred Otieno has and Tourism executive Hillary Makhu- gation board official, a local irrigation erative Society’s Act Cap 490 of the “A part from maize which has of regretted that many students who lu said some officials from the society officer as well as senior Kenya Com- Laws of Kenya,” said the statement, late become prone to attack by crop enrol at Universities end up not had allegedly colluded with officials mercial Bank official at Port Victoria adding that the irrigation officials al- diseases, you can also grow crops like completing their studies. from the National Irrigation Board and town. leged that the cooperatives owed them cassava, potatoes, beans and finger Addressing first year students Kenya Commercial Bank to create a Makhulu vowed to speed up inves- a sum of Ksh2.4million. millet among others,” said the agricul- at MMUST Graduation square in parallel account adding that an account tigation saying stern legal action will Meanwhile, farmers in Busia tural officer. Kakamega, Otieno told the stu- known as Magombe Revolving Fund be taken against all those behind the County have been advised to diversify The agricultural official at the same dents to be courageous and over- was allegedly used to swindle money embezzlement of the society’s funds. and grow other crops instead of bank- time cautioned the farmers against come the academic hurdles and from the cooperative unnoticed. He said problems at Magombe ing only on maize which has of late be- buying unpackaged fertilizers being impediments that could come on According to a copy of a press Multi-purpose cooperative society become prone to attack by crop diseases. sold in the open saying such fertilizers their way. statement availed to The Link recently, gan when the scheme became dormant Speaking at a stakeholders forum at had been robbed of chemicals due to “Even though it will be a the trade, cooperatives tourism minis- in the late 90s, adding that the society the Busia district headquarters recent- too much exposure to sunlight. spectacular journey full of adventure, it will also have a good share of both pain and joy. Over the years, a good number of peo- Sugarcane farmers oppose bid to include them in bill ple have not been able to finish this journey because they suc- By JOHN NYAMBUNE being part of it,” said Ogendo. solve problems that have dogged these issues?” posed Kesga na- cumbed to the many temptations He said the law gives the presi- the industry for years. tional chairman Juma Ibrahim. they find along the way,” he ad- A MEETING convened by the dent and the Agriculture cabinet “The sugar industry has been The law proposes the creation of a vised the learners. Ministry of Agriculture in Kisumu secretary direct roles in the ap- grappling with many problems 14-member board, which will have He told the students that as to discuss the Agriculture Fish- pointment of Kenya Sugar Board such as pricing, zoning and cane only a single representative from they start their first year at the ers and Food Authority Bill (Affa) directors, a situation that could poaching, none of which have been the sugar sector. University, they might have 2013 ended in disarray after stake- compromise the effectiveness of satisfactorily addressed. The Affa 2013 Act seeks to all the good intentions and the holders rejected the proposals in their service to farmers. “The question now is, if we consolidate nearly all agricultural promise of prosperity that comes the bill. Kesga also hit out at the gov- consolidate several crops under institutions, and this, cane farmers with education but unfortunately The farmers, who accused the ernment for alleged failure to re- one banner, will we ever solve all argue, will cripple the giant sector. some never complete their stud- government of taking them for a ies. ride, said they had previously pro- The VC said, “Before you posed that sugarcane be exempted embark on this journey, like any from the Act but their views had other journey, you must know been ignored. where you want to go. As one Kenya Sugar Growers Asso- thinker once said “No wind fa- ciation (Kesga) Secretary Richard vours he who has no destina- Ogendo led the protest in the mid- tion”. dle of the meeting held recently He said without a destination, at a Kisumu hotel. The meeting the students would be heading brought together stakeholders in nowhere. “That is why I want to the sugar industry. urge you all to determine where “With this law, specialization is you want to go. Set your goals lost. The proposed law is oppres- clearly in the first weeks of your sive, unconstitutional and discrimi- stay in this University,” he told native to the cane farmers,” said the students. Ogendo. Otieno urged them to remain The farmers gave the ministry focused and refrain from activi- two weeks to remove sugarcane ties that are likely to expose them from the proposed law or face the to danger. wrath of farmers. He disclosed that the Univer- Ogendo said there was no pub- sity had established a mentoring lic participation in drafting the Bill system in which all the students and called on Parliament to reject it are provided with an opportunity and push for self-regulation in the to learn from those who have sugarcane industry. experience and knowledge in all “Fish and livestock moved out spheres of life. of Affa. We must know why the “This is a special journey. It government insists on sugarcane Sugarcane farmers accused the government of taking them for a ride. is a journey of growth and dis- covery. While on this journey, you will encounter a number of new challenges, but you have to Community initiative seeks to save insects from extinction overcome them. You will have to learn how to ignore failure mes- By TITUS MAERO portant factor in food production and County government to work with re- use of charcoal to conserve forest, sages, how to manage your time attention should now focuson pre- searchers in the area in order to pre- rearing of snakes and other reptiles and how to heighten your sense A KAKAMEGA Community Con- serving habitats for insects that are serve habitats for pollination insects. and birds to promote the western tour- of self preservation,” Otieno servancy Organization has started a involved in the process. The official He further said his organization ist circuit as well as making special stressed. Garden to provide conducive habitat said certain insects pollinate particular has started a pollination garden where drink from Whytei Mondia (herb) He advised them to shun peo- for insects that pollinate food crops to crops and if the process is not done, insects come to collect nectar and pol- popularly known as Mukombero. ple who may be interested in re- save them from extinction. there would be no seeds or fruit pro- lination for food when they fail to get He said KEEP also has a large tree cruiting them into self -destruc- The Kakamega Environmental duction despite the quality of the crop. the items from crops. nursery for both indigenous and ex- tive habits. “These habits include Education Programme (KEEP) has He said habitats for pollinating The Official said the garden en- otic trees, a snake park and butterfly drug and substance abuse. What urged scientists to incorporate the di- insects were being destroyed at an sures the insects have food throughout garden as well as cottages for tourists drugs do is to simply destroy minishing sites for insect pollination alarming rate to give room for build- the year and those whose habitants are who want to enjoy a quiet and clean your chances of being anything in their programmes to address food ing and other projects without caring destroyed come to stay in makeshift atmosphere far from the hustle and useful in this world. If you get insecurity in Sub- Saharan Africa. where the insects will get shelter. shelters created for them. bustle of urban life. Ogalo said be- hooked to drugs, they will de- The KEEP Chairman Mr Ben- “Human beings can restore other Saying that his organization cause of the attractionsKEEP has cre- stroy your intellectual capacities jamin Ogalo said while more attention factors of nature that threaten food se- scooped the first trophy in Eco- Glo- ated, many spouses have booked their and consign you to zombies,” he has shifted towards improving quality curity but cannot create these insects bal warrior award competition last facility to conduct their wedding in said. of seeds, poor soils and eradication once they die or disappear from the year in Nairobi, Ogalo disclosed that the environment this year. “I want to advise you to seek of emerging diseases due to climate face of the earth,” Ogalo observed. 38 countries are involved in differ- Officials of Kakamega county guidance and counselling when change to boost food production, no- He said some plants could sprout ent programmes to preserve the bio- government recently toured the area and where required. Our guid- body was worried about extinction of well after addressing issues of poor diversity of the expansive Kakamega KEEP manages and expressed satis- ance and counselling department pollinating insects. soil water and seeds but will fail to Equatorial rain forest. faction with the work it was doing to will be educating you more on Addressing a stakeholder’s work- bear fruits or seeds if there is no pol- He observed that some of the conserve the environment and attract the harmful effects of drugs,” the shop at the Kakamega Golf Hotel, lination by insects. projects involve making briquettes tourists and research to Kakamega administrator added. Ogalo said pollination was an im- Ogalo appealed to Kakamega from waste paper and leaves to reduce forest. The Read The Link for issues affecting communities LinkEnhancing governance for all across Kenya The Link, December 2013 Deputy President assures donor community By LINK CORRESPONDENT tion is critical to the realization that they are not funneling funds ness,” he said. better cooperation with Kenya is of development strategies in the to dodgy characters and our frame- He explained that following the achieved. DEPUTY President William Ruto country. work aims to relieve the burden of talks, it is expected that useful per- “We are all alive to the “Aid has reassured the donor commu- “Donors need the reassurance constant auditing to aid effective- spectives and inputs will ensure Effectiveness” principal that in- nity of government’s commitment cludes mutual accountability, to working with them. alignment and harmonisation. Fur- Speaking at a forum with rep- thermore, we understand develop- resentatives from over 100 donor ment partners’ efforts to the civil agencies, Ruto said that the gov- society as part of the development ernment was committed to main- support to Kenya. I do not feel it is taining mutual relationship with necessary to demonstrate the gov- the donor community and will thus ernment’s commitment to consti- uphold the spirit of cooperation to tutional implementation and devo- facilitate partnership. lution,” he said. The meeting was attended by He further emphasised that the heads of missions from various government is focused and com- countries, notable among them the mitted to achieving economic UK, US and France which have transformation in a way, which recently faced criticism after they will also uplift the standards of abstained in the crucial ICC vote living for all Kenyans. at the UN Security Council. “After the inauguration, the al- “I want to assure all of you location for County Governments that our government will receive was doubled to more than dou- your input and consider it in good ble the constitutional minimum faith. We will engage with our amount provided. We are through charismatic dynamism and energy. the Ministry of Devolution imple- My door and that of the President menting every key initiative of the will always be open for construc- government through the devolved tive dialogue and consultation,” units,” he stated. he urged the envoys present and He further urged them to share encouraged them to work closely information with the Government with the Government and align when planning their activities. their programmes fully with it. “Our government is the custo- He said that the forum will dian and trustee of vision 2030. provide a platform for review and Full execution of this remains our evaluating the working relation- unshakable commitment. In it we ship between Government and de- see an excellent opportunity and velopment partners. Deputy President William Ruto shakes hands with Danish Ambassador to Kenya Geert Aagaard Adersen strategy of delivering the crux of He emphasised that such ac- during the Sixth Develoment Partnership Forum at a Nairobi hotel recently. vision 2030,” he said. Media to play an oversight role in Constitutional implementation process

By LINK CORRESPONDENT jectives but perhaps the overriding one was to have an opportunity to MEDIA Practitioners and journal- exchange the views on the role the ists have been urged to play an over- media can play in contributing to the sight role in the implementation of implementation of the constitution of the constitution in the country. Kenya 2010,” said professor Wan- Speaking during a workshop for yande. journalists from Kitale and Uasin He added that, “We want to have Gishu counties, Constitutional Im- you empowered and have the capac- plementation Committee Commis- ity in terms of using your skills and sioner Professor Peter Wanyande expertise to contribute to the imple- said that the media has a crucial role mentation of the constitution of Kenya to play in implementing the consti- 2010. Therefore from this point we tution that is faced with many chal- shall develop the necessary networks lenges. between you and CIC to enable us “When we invited you to this keep the issues of the constitution im- meeting we had a number of ob- plementation alive and in public debate

Journalists covering a function. so that citizens are continuously aware ports aired or written pertaining the mission is engaged in similar work- of what is going on.” implementation of the constitution shops across the country to empow- He noted that if the constitution and programs aimed at educating and er the media and thereafter, have a was to be effectively implemented sensitizing the members of the public bigger workshop in Nairobi that then some of the issues such as the un- on the new constitution. shall have several journalists picked rest and clashes at the Tana Delta and Wanyande also urged for the full from all the counties to attend and The Link appreciates the even the ongoing strikes in various as- support of the devolved system of conclude the process of empower- pects could not be there because the governance that he noted shall trans- ing the media on the constitutional constitution addresses most of such form the lives of Kenyans a great deal. implementation. facilitation accorded by the things that are being raised by the par- The commissioner was accompa- The workshop comprised of ties involved in the chaos and strikes. nied by other CIC officers including journalists from Kitale, West Pokot, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) He pointed out that the move can Polycarp Ochilo, Khalid Salim and Eldoret, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nan- in Kenya. be achieved through the positive re- Valary Nagidi revealed that the com- di counties.

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