JKUAT Karen Campus closed after riots

Written by Daniel Saenyi

JKUAT students blocking the Bogani road after one of the Karen Campus students was knocked dead by an overspeeding car. [Photo|Daniel Saenyi]

Students of Jomo Kenyatta University Karen Campus poured to the streets blocking the Bogani road completely for over three hours protesting the death of one of their colleagues who was knocked dead by a private car.

During the car accident, another student was injured and is nursing his wounds at a Nairobi hospital.

The students complained of negligence as they have been complaining of the narrow road for over a year and over speeding by motorists but all has fallen on deaf ears.

The driver of the over speeding car tried to speed away but was intercepted by the angry students who threatened to lynch him before he was rescued by police who arrived on time to save him from the enraged students.

In addition, the students were incensed as they had to call for an ambulance on their own to save the life of the girl student.

On the morning of Oct 18, 2011 students were assembled by the campus principal to urge them to remain calm about the incident, a move which seemed to have worked in reverse as the students immediately took off to the roads to protest.

They barricaded Langata South road for over n three hours stopping traffic. School officials promised to ask the City Council to start building bumps along the road immediately.

However students did not seem to agree as they started throwing stones prompting police to unleash teargas against them. 

It was a hide and seek game with the police for a while and the police finally managed to take control of the situation and no student was injured in the protest. 

This has come as a challenge for the recently elected student council and seems they have gotten quite a handful in their first week in office. 

It is up to the student leaders to try and make students calm down as learning has been interrupted. 

The campus has been closed down until Monday Oct 24, 2011 when classes will hopefully resume amidst threats by some students that if no repairs are made on the road by Monday they will definitely protest again.

Who Tipped Off Mbarire and Lumumba?

Written By Daniel Saenyi

Some call Him Jah, Jehovah, Mohammed, Dios, or Were, with each believing theirs is the true God despite the fact that he’s one being with a billion aliases. When it comes to politics, the recent additional ‘religion,’ every one seems to have their God as the case of Cecil Mbarire and PLO Lumumba.

This scenario leaves one wondering what God really represents. Did He tip off Mrs. Mbarire as she claims, or did He tip off Lumumba? Or is He part of the conspiracy? All in all Politics is a dirty game and no one comes out clean.

It’s only in times of need that we remember this superior being, or when we don’t jump into fire from the frying pan as Mbarire did. Her not falling into Lumumba’s trap was CPR to her faith though she is a prayerful woman, her words not mine.

PLO Lumumba, KACC, Boss

On the other hand Lumumba also claims to have the almighty’s help in not falling into  Mbarire’s trap, “its by the grace of God that we managed to nail them when they were expecting to nail us,” Said Lumumba.

Clearly God can’t be the savior of both these parties, as much as he is merciful; the guy has some nasty temper when it comes to evil doers.  He destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their futilities, Cain went crazy, and the 10 Plagues, well, He is messy too. He is no Joker. With all this considered, He is on the righteous side helping out while the other has some mysterious force to their aid not the Almighty.

The fact remains that there are three sides to a story, the two party’s versions, and the true version, God always supports the true side of the story. If He is the one who helped both sides, how do people know who is telling the truth then?, or is the devil on the third side of the story this time round? This is the question that I doubt even our clergy can pin an answer to.

When it comes to passing Judgment God has a mean way of doing so and this case no one has been judged yet, but not to rush things, lets wait and see maybe one will be struck by lighting, though am not a voodoo priest, but  they will face justice.

Cecil Mbarire showing her Evidence to the Press

As both parties claim to have Gods help, we should have a battle whose God is greater the Elijah style, Mbarire’s or Lumumba? we should have each of them build an alter and let them pray until one  catches fire, then the virtuous one will be revealed. But that’s just me; in this techno world anything is possible if babies can miraculously be born and disappear.

The two parties’ have made the agenda of the day with their scandal without providing full proof evidence to incriminate the other, both have been saved from the clutches of the other by the catalyst, “God” who seems to have made the situation more complicated. That might just be the reason both parities have him as witness as he can’t appear before the court, and even if he did, who will He swear to?

Lumumba and Mbarire can go for each others jugular for all we care but at the end of the day, its ones word against the other. The only person who knows the truth to pass the correct judgment is no citizen of any country, and not even a being for that matter, as tax payers we are all counting on our Mystery God to deliver us from this evil of corruption.

In Fighting for Gender Equality, Are Women biting more than they can chew?

By Daniel Saenyi

On the verge of implementing the new constitution, equitable distribution of power has been eminent with women on the front line demanding for the one third positions in parliament in the next general elections. What they are forgetting is that the positions won’t or should not come on silver platter.

Whilst the committee of experts had the noblest of intentions in including this clause, they should have gone ahead and stated how, especially for the elective posts. Passing the buck to parliament is like expecting my three year old nephew to solve a calculus problem for me. What is happening is clearly what we all expected from a house that is dominated by the majority gender and for once I conquer with the majority.

Martha Karua, A major female figure in parliament and woman rights activist

For one to get into the August house, one has to be elected a decision which solely falls in the hands of the constituents something our sisters tend to forget. The positions won’t magically materialize if the female leaders don’t make an effort to acquire them, and even so, there are very few who have stood out.

According to the bible, God helps those who help themselves, so its time the women stop bickering about what the constitution stipulates and take a step or else, am sorry but the lord isn’t listening, unless the devil is an option.

People should learn from history even though it’s passed, domestic violence was a normal routine with the man beating the hell out of the woman. The cards have changed because the woman learnt to through back a sucker punch and now some big men are crying their way to police stations. That’s how you fight for equality like a man or for this matter like a woman.

How is the country going to manage the one third positions for the women if only a hand full of the women are brave enough to stand out? Take Bungoma County for example, there is only one aspiring female and generally the whole parliament has less than thirty female leaders. Where is the Country going to “fish” the one third from? Unless others will be forced to take up the positions, the clause should be amended to avoid the unnecessary arguments in parliament and tax payers’ money in future.

The law of nature seems to have its own mind when it comes equality, to refer to the good book once more, the Lord made Eve as Adams’ helper and if recent events are to go by, this law of nature is still in full force, Only one woman dared to apply for the position of chief Justice while the rest flocked to the Deputy Chief Justice post. Question is why? The answer is very simple, the law of nature.

Not to put all the blame on the women for not acting upon their rights which they have struggled for, it was over ambitious for the clause to be added with men among the committee of experts when we know well that the women will probably shy away.

I hate to be the prophet of doom, but in this case unfortunately I have to put it across that this does not only sound insanely ridiculous but also is destined to fail. This reminds me of the young man in Kitale who had this humongous dream of building an aircraft or something like that which sadly never even attempted to defy the law of gravity.

 Everything starts small “Baby steps” but we went way ahead to start running before we learnt how to walk. The possibility of achieving the desired number of women in parliament is very minimal if not none, let it not be said that am not a reformist, I believe we should give a chance to our sisters to see what policies they come up with to get their fair share of the pie.

Shock as western province is ranked last in a performance survey

Written by Daniel saenyi

Daniel Wesonga of UWEZO dring the unveiling of its report on educational levels in Western Province, its findings revealed that the province was ranked last among the eight province.

Despite the fact some schools in western province receive funds from the Government for I.T development,  a survey carried by an organization concerned with education matters- UWEZO Kenya has unveiled that education levels still deteriorate to the extent that western province was ranked last in all the eight provinces countrywide where the exercise took place.

Speaking at a National initiative forum that brought together members from the western region, Uwezo Kenya’s Dr. Sarah Ruto expressed her concerns over what might have happened to the region that has been known to produce the best scholars since time immemorial.

Ruto stressed the need to keenly scrutinize the situation, and properly address the problem at hand in order to raise the education status.

“As much as leaders have to take charge of the reality, the level of education is determined by western Kenya populace,” she said.

 Uwezo Kenya’s Dr. Sarah Ruto

According to the findings of the survey that were carried out in the four counties of western province counties, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga districts are the worst hit regions and lag behind in performance.

One of the major problems that were pointed out to contribute to under performance is lack of enough teachers.

Daniel Wesonga of UWEZO Kenya hinted that in almost every school they visited, teacher shortage was a major problem with an average shortage of five teachers per facility as well as absenteeism by both teachers and students.

“Heavy shortage of teachers does not cover the fact that absentism of both teachers and students is prominent in the region therefore dragging education down,” he said.

In addition, education facilities are wanting, in that most schools lack enough class rooms; mostly in villages or either the classes are in a poor condition, with poor or no desks to be used by the students.

Also in attendance was Professor Ruth Oniang’o who affirmed that poor condition in schools cannot count as a reason for poor performance and explained that years back students managed to become the best, scoring better grades despite the more severe conditions that they had to undergo.

Calls for parents to motivate their children and encourage the exposure of students to an education system outside the province to assist broaden literacy levels were made, as well as the inculcating of good leadership and commitments on the part of both teachers and students.

 Planning and vision 2030 Minister Wycliffe Oparanya reiterated that in line with attaining vision 2030, education is the key player to success.

 Planning and vision 2030 Minister Wycliffe Oparanya

Oparanya added that increasing poverty levels is a major contributor to poor performance in schools and that in order to raise education standards, poverty related issues must be addressed wholly.

On the issue of teachers shortage, Oparanya said the problem will always be a challenge to most schools and free education has compromised the quality of education in that teacher student ratio is absurd.

He urged schools to compete amongst themselves and was quick to note that every school is capable of producing even leaders.

“As a community, enough training of teachers is highly recommended to cope with technological development in the sector,” he said.

Taking the bull by its horns in a bid to address the hunger situation in Kenya

Written by Daniel Saenyi  Police Constable Hashim Mohammed Elmogo donated his entire July salary to the Kenyans4Kenya relief kitty on a day that saw the total amount raised surge towards the Sh100 million mark. Constable Hashim Mohammed Elmogo, attached to the Provincial Police Officer Nairobi stunned staff at the Kenya Red Cross offices when he walked in with acheque bearing his entire wage for the month of July. “I am very touched by the images of starving children and emaciated women. We need to do all we can to ease the situation and save our fellow Kenyans,” said Mohammed.[Photo / Gina Din / Courtesy} I am a patriot of Africa and pride myself in being African and it is for this reason that I am pained by the wide spread food insecurity in Africa. I strongly believe that our situation is usually determined by our mindset and with this in mind it is only logical to say we as Africans are not thinking right. I do not know about the rest of Africa but with the resources we have in this country food should not be a problem. It is a big embarrassment the way foreign and local media alike splash  our TV screens with pictures of hunger stricken men ,women and children on the brink of death because of  starvation and then have to listen to pot bellied politicians that are supposed cater to these people downplay such situations claiming that these are isolated cases. Some like the government’s spokesperson Dr. Alfred Mutua would not be safe to walk around those Kenyans who have no energy to scare away a fly threatening to enter an old woman’s eye and play ‘kalongolo’ when he says no Kenyan is in dire need for food aid. Well so what if it these cases were truly isolated? That is beside the point; this should not be an issue for us in the first place. What they are saying is that if one so called ‘isolated’ family starves to death its all good just as a mass burial is needed. How I ask, is that a good leadership? Western province alone is the richest part of this country with the potential of feeding the whole country all year long yet we are buried neck deep in food related foreign debt. If only we had the right amount of pride we would not let ourselves be reduced to beggars when we have all we need to solve the hunger problem that has us all looking so desperate. Funny but true, food insecurity has very little to do with actual food availability in the country but rather what we do with what we have but unfortunately all we see is our leaders cursing the weather, twiddling their thumbs and if there is any thinking they will be doing, perhaps it is trying to think up new excuses to borrow more money on our behalf. Don’t forget that it is you the tax payer who will pay these debts till kingdom or (God forbid) you starve to death. See? You can even remember one, calling himself a people’s savior, claim that he has never seen trees produce rain. Now how do you expect such a person to deal with such serous issues like coming up with mechanisms, structures, in this case, long term to overcome hunger situations like we are witnessing now? I do not blame them though, I would probably do the same if I was placed in such a position by people too ignorant to realize that I am a no good leader and unfit for the position bestowed upon me.Its aan old song that has been sang over and over again but I will say this again given the how close we are to the next general election, Please do vote wisely. The only way we can secure a future for our brothers and sisters dying in the north is by electing leaders with at least an ounce of humanity. We make it so easy to be deceived. What we need is solutions arrived at by looking at the roots of the problem. Yes roots, because the problem of food insecurity is as a result of many contributing factors that will be with us forever if we do not act quickly and immediately. You do not need me to tell you that this country has a big problem with disaster preparedness let alone management that is why every time there is a disaster in the country we have the same problem of widespread hunger  case; in point the 2007-2008 violence and the SLDF triggered civil unrest in Mt. Elgon a while ago. Having no plans to deal such occurrences is like having a million shilling business with none of your assets insured. MT Elgon region of Kenya, beautiful but above all, a region which feeds Western because of its rich fertile soils. [ Photo Protus Simiyu / West Fm] A region such as Mt Elgon can be a key solution to the Kenyan hunger problem given it richness in agricultural potential however  it is not possible  to tap this potential with farmers ducking arrows and machetes flying over head . Political violence and civil unrest within or between countries always result in food scarcity in the affected areas this is because it disrupts the natural agricultural process that ensures food availability in the country and how bad it gets depends entirely on how long the unrest lasts. That aside, I often wonder who among our leaders will note that the contributions made almost yearly by kind hearted Kenyans is not the solution the problem and that there is indeed a need for the government to put up strategies that will help curb the problem for good. Our leaders need to understand that given the current situation, Kenyans cannot afford to be choosy when it comes to GMO maize (that has been scientifically proven to be safe) because we are in a crisis. Just like The honorable Prime Minister Raila Odinga I would like to wonder, Are we to let starving Kenyans die just because we are suspicious when this maize has been subjected to years of testing?, If anything,reproductive fertility is the last thing on the mind of a starving individual who has not had a meal in over three weeks. The Genetically modified maize is the latest controversy, at the moment or is it a life saver, soon after the Life straw filters that were distributed in Western Kenya whose noble cause was propagated for family planning causing unnecessary fear among the populace of the region. GMOs may just be the knight in shinning armor for Kenyans with this current food crisis If only we let go off our pride, we would not be suffering at this rate and would have the GMO being supplied in plenty and not bickering about it in parliament, funerals, church, roadsides, newsrooms, market places, bars and any other gathering.  Am not saying I want GMOs, they creep me out, but am looking at the good side of the stuff. Kenyans are always the first ones to cry the loudest when faced with a tough situation like famine at the moment, and the first ones to reject the help. Starvation was allover, the tax free maize rumored to be imported we wanted it at a throw away price, then It faded away, now we have GMOs, it becomes recipe for cancer. And at this point, I should say am greatly impressed by the way Kenyans really love their fellow Kenyans, what with the ‘Kenyans for Kenya Initiative’? I can not overemphasize it. Nonetheless, who said GMOs were bad? Maize is now retailing at a high Sh120 for two kilograms! Whoever came up with the GMO idea should even be crowned a humanitarian hero, instead of whining of the hunger, he found a solution. Why would someone waste all those lab resources to create a poison, this is just our superstitious nature kicking in. People in the country are going hungry at the moment and some are even dying in refugee camps due to starvation. Sure Kenyans want to plant their own food, they have even made no GMO slogans, but will hunger pangs spare the starving ones? GMOs are especially important for developing countries like Kenya where simple nutrition is of utmost concern. GMOs provide a potential for increasing the nutritional value of plants. GMOs can introduce new sources of essential nutrients which can fight health problems caused by nutrient deficiencies. We may be good on relying on agriculture, but our crops are prone to pesticides and diseases, the GMOs are not susceptible to such and require less herbicides and pesticides. To the poor farmer this is a safe haven; you spend less and get a lot out of the harvest. Back to the controversy, Life straw is the all good thing that has received little criticism, I applaud it too, but these are its demerits. Even bacteria’s have their economic importance, I got that from my biology class, life straw is running down some business, diseases like typhoid had their own contributions to the economy; business was good with selling the medicine and researches were burning their midnight oil and more ere being trained to teach others and the cycle goes on, never ending. With life straw, no more typhoid, what will happen to all that technology used in inventing typhoid drugs, and all the drugs now lying idle on pharmacy shelves? If we knew life straw will come up, we would not have wasted time with antibiotics and stuff. Back to the chemistry, all that knowledge will now be rendered useless. The pharmaceutical companies making the drugs are in fear of running out of business. The filter takes like a life time to fill a 20 litre can and it is cumbersome to use, and as I see it, currently, time is money, who has a whole day to fill the can after every 30 minutes, maybe they would have made a 20 litre filter so one can fill it and let it take its ample time draining. This article just puts me in the same position as the rest of the Kenyans, I am just one though not sure if najivunia kuwa mkenya I see what I want to see in everything, and in this case, what I want to see is what others do not want to.

Bukusu Elders forum calls for reconciliation amongst themselves ahead of 2012 polls

Written by  Daniel Saenyi

Mzee Jonah Namuli, a Bukusu traditional preacher t the home of the late Mzee Josek Wasike the father to IIBC Commissioner Abiud Wasike in Kamusinga village Kimilili District during a traditional ritual commonly known as (KUMUSE) [Photos West Fm]
Luhya Elders have been urged to play a leading role in providing guidance to the presidential, parliamentary and other elective posts to foster peace and unity which will enable the community to scoop the top seat in the coming general election.

Mzee Jonah Namuli, a Bukusu traditional preacher said the elders have an obligation to bring the leaders together so as to urge them to appoint a compromised person to vie for the presidency and others take up supporting seats.

He said the numerous numbers of aspirants for one post is dividing up the Luhya vote which needs to go one person altogether, saying the division will even make  it more difficult for the community  to gunner enough votes for statehouse.

“The Bukusu elders should remain impartial when it comes to politics because supporting one leader will fuel the division within the community, this will be the down fall of our pursuit of power. Luhya elders Forum and the Bukusu supreme council are the bed rock for the community and it’s a pity that some are already choosing side when they should offer guidance to whatever party,” Said Mzee Namuli.

Family members of the late Mzee Joseck Wasike led by IIBC commissioner Abuid Wasike seated fore front left.

Speaking at the home of the late Mzee Josek Wasike the father to IIBC Commissioner Abiud Wasike in Kamusinga village Kimilili District during a traditional ritual commonly known as (KUMUSE) Mzee Namuli insisted on the importance of peace unity and community relations for the benefit of the community.

Apart from politics, co-habitation in the community also got a shine of light as in order to survive peacefully, the concept of scratch my back I scratch yours applies. Don’t see a neighbor in trouble and make it your comedy show instead one should lend a helping hand or else you will be inviting curses to their family (a luhya belief- silamo) it’s the application of Karma.

Education

Concerning education, Mzee Namuli said that parents should invest heavily in it because education is the key factor to triumph in this developing technological era.

‘’ During our days we greatly valued having large herds of cattle, but today’s cattle is having an educated society,’’ Mzee Namuli appealed.

Mzee Namuli urged the professionals, that as much as they have education, they should be down to earth and always come home to help out their parents and community at large, the education should not lock them down in the cities.

He also urged Kenyans at large not to shy away from culture and traditional beliefs as it makes up community’s history. He also pointed out that even the government recognizes culture through the ministry of culture and social heritage so there’s no point of people abandoning it.

He added that Cultural practices are very educative and they give light to the future generations of their history, and for one to build a future, you need to know your history.

Mzee Jonah Namuli.

As much as Mzee Namuli is a traditional preacher and bases most of his teachings on the old Bukusu culture, he urged people to put their religion first and always abide by the 10 commandments that God gave out on Mt. Sinai (Situluku-Bukusu Version) through Abraham (Samba).

Kumuse is a Bukusu Traditional ritual performed on the third day after the burial of an old man to signify the loss of a very important resourceful person.

Normally when the deceased has circumcised grandsons, the ritual is performed with the preacher walking along a straight line with women and family members sitting on the left hand side of the setting while all men sit on the right.

When a person is old and doesn’t have circumcised grandsons, the ritual is performed in a similar manner but with the preacher seated instead of walking in a straight line.

While the ritual is going on, no person or animal should cross the straight path made out by the preacher as it signifies that the deceased was a bad person and sneezing is highly prohibited  as it’s a sign of challenging the preacher and as such, one is fined or they are exited from the seating.

As the ritual is ongoing, thunder storm is the only thing that can bring the it to an immediate stop as it’s believed that the dead person has rejected the procession.

When the deceased person is a twin, the preacher is paid a cow and a sheep because the ritual will be done after four days and not the normal three, and if they are not a twin the preacher gets one cow and any liquor the preacher desires.

Ahead of 2012 elections, Political aspirants in Bungoma get opportunity to talk to the public

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Wafula Wakoli one of the youthful leaders in Bungoma.
The new constitution is slowly taking root in Kenya’s political system as Bungoma political aspirants are given a public forum to air out their policies to the public ahead of the 2012 general elections.

Courtesy of Rehema Kenya Enterprise Development, the public event held at Bungoma Posta grounds synonymous with political rallies, witnessed a shocking shortage of audience as many people passed it off as a political stunt by the aspirants to congregate votes.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Rehema group Mr. Sammy Chemwei, the debate gives the leaders a chance to sell themselves on their leadership abilities for the public to choose.

“This debate is about leadership and not leaders so I don’t want to here any politics only your policies for the county,” Said Mr., Chemwei.

The aspirants who attended the event were, Wafula Wakoli, Kellan Wabwoba, Walinywa Mukhamule, Fredrick Kiliswa and Cosmas Mutai.

Each aspirant seemed to want to gunner votes from specific people as women aspirants went for women needs policies, young aspirants for youth development policies and so did the old go for sustaining the old.

Some of the policies were to incorporate women in development strategies in the county, and as it is, women have limited access to information, there will be grass root informants going around sensitizing women about everything as proposed by Mrs. Wabwoba.

Similarly, some leaders played their education capabilities card; some seemed to put forward dreams that seemed far to wild to achieve in five years.

The small crowds that gathered at the Posta Grounds for the public debate with Bungoma County leaders aspiring to have seats come 2012.

According to Mr. Mukhamule, he wants to make Bungoma an industrial county and a tourist attraction site by building five five star hotels in the area.

Some leaders where caught straight in their act, as Fredrick Kiliswa pledged to help IDPs in the county when he had no idea how many IDPs were in the county.

As much as the Churche is in the fore front of rejecting any political concern, they were represented and fervent to know what the aspirants had in store for them.

Barthlomew Kapchanga, a priest, wanted to know how Wafula Wakoli would help churches as he claimed to be religious. They got their role as opinion leaders that would steer the leaders in decision making.

As Bungoma is a county with many ethnic tribes, unity is a core value that the county bases its survival on. Mr. Cosmas Mutai promised to promote the unity even beyond the borders and made it clear that he will use his proficiency to achieve that. He also promised not be avaricious as he will only serve the county for one term and will be ready to relinquish the post to next leader.

Govt will not import GMO foods, Sambili assures Parliament

Written by  Daniel Saenyi

The government will not import Genetically Modified (GMO) foods until all measures to guarantee safety are put in place, Parliament was told Thursday.
Genetically modified maize has been a major issue in the country since the maize shortage issue came up early this year. As much as it promises to bring an end to the shortage in the country and create food security, genetically modified foods have elicited serious outcry on their safety and hence most Kenyans are against their importation, sale and usage in the country. Especially in the wake of lack the relevant information on what pertains to GMO’s.

In Parliament on Thursady, the Minister for East Africa Community Professor Hellen Sambili, on behalf of her counterpart for Agriculture, Dr. Sally Kosgei was the target on the floor of parliament as she was bombarded with questions asking her to justify the importation of the genetically modified maize. 

The MP for Rarieda Mr. Nicholas Gumbo wanted it made clear if Kenya was already importing GMOs and why is it that the maize price won’t come down unless the GMOs are brought in.

“Is it that Kenya is under some contract that it has to import the GMO’s, and does the Biosafety Act guarantee safety of the people, especially on the usage of GMO’s , where in the world has it ever been reported of the successful use of GMOs” asked Mr. Gumbo. 

Prof. Mrs. Sambili assured parliament that she won’t allow Kenya to be used as a guinea pig and therefore the safety of Kenyans was guaranteed, but enumerated several countries that have approved the usage of GMO’s, though not for human consumption. She mentioned Brazil, South Africa, USA and Egypt. 

This did not satisfy the MP for Cherenganyi Mr. Joshua Kitunyi as he raised his fears that GMOs could cause cancer especially prostate cancer. 

Kenya is known to be an agricultural country and if the government is importing GMO’s, how will it sustain this in the long run? Asked  the MP for Sabaot Hon. Eugene Wamalwa. Hon. John Mututho demanded to know if the country is importing  the GMOs, where is the clearing house that ensures they are inspected before distribution and which team is approving the same. 

“At the moment the country has a food crisis and pride won’t ensure the country stays an agricultural nation, so we have to import the maize at moment until the country stabilizes before we can take care of our agriculture sector in a long term strategy. As to the genetically modified maize causing cancer, there have been no reported health issues over the consumption of the product,” Said Prof. Mrs. Sambili

 The MP for Mathira Hon. Ephraim Maina asked whether the GMOs are already in the country as they are the story of the day everywhere while Hon. Wilbur Ochila, the MP for Emuhaya inquired whether  the genetically modified maize has been evaluated by the biosafety department before they are allowed in the country?,” 

Sambili clarified that no GMOS are in the country yet as no one had applied to import them in although failed to justify whether the GMOs have been inspected by the Biosafety department, an issue that raised the heat on the Minister.

The house speaker Mr Kenneth Marende, allowed Sambili more time to explain herself during the next parliament session on Thursday on the issue of the biosafety department and how it plans to handle the importation of the genetically modified maize.

The deplorable state of the Jua Kali sector in Bungoma County

Written by Daniel Saenyi

In a bid to better its services to the public, the Ministry of Labor is carrying out a survey to establish its shortcomings in the different districts and also see its accomplishments.

 The delegation led by the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labor Mr. Patrick Mwangi visited Bungoma County for the survey and the major let down seen in the ministry’s evaluation is the Jua Kali sector. The jua kali sector in Bungoma District has more or less stalled as they attributed this to lack of electricity and relevant infrastructure to see its growth.

 Land grabbing was also noted to be another reason for lack of growth of the sector as the District Commissioner Mr. Wilfred Nyagwanga pointed out that the District Hospital land and Airstrip land had been grabbed hindering the development of the airstrip business in the district.

Some of the delegates suggested that the Jua Kali artisans elect leaders regularly because the current leaders have had the posts for long and no development has been done in the sector. They urged them to vet the people they appoint so as to have a crop of leaders to catalyze development.

The town has a large population yet many youth grow up and live despondently due lack of a retirement plan. The NSSF Regional Manager Mrs. Rose Marienga pointed out that many youths get money, spend it in an extravagant fashion and end up suffering, so the NSSF is trying to transform itself to a pension scheme whereby the youth will get money in installments to avoid misuse as they save.

Even with this, very few individuals that have joined the security fund, their businesses are small i.e Bodaboda or fruit vendors, it was suggested that all small business owners will be encouraged to join unions to be able to serve them better as a group.

The labor ministry is not working effectively in the region because their movement is limited due to lack of transport vehicles and lack proper logistical frameworks.

On the visit to the local Jua Kali site, the shopping halls were desolate and abandoned, much to the surprise of the delegates, as they were expecting a noisy place, only a few jikos and half done bicycles lay on the verandah. Clearly they had been bought as the site seems to have never been functional for the past decade. 

Most Jua Kali artisans have opted to work on the streets as they easily access electricity and those working from the site had nothing but complaints to show for. They claim to have a big security problem as the sites chain link has been breached a thousand times, exposing them to a lot of theft of their products. 

According to Mr. Mwangi, work station management regulations have to be implemented within the small groups like Jua Kali to enable them function effectively. The management regulations are to facilitate leadership positions to be introduced in the sector and also be able to join unions as groups for their issues to be addressed. 

The different ministries in the county suffer a shortage of workers, a factor leading to the depreciating state of the small businesses in the County. Some ministries have about two officers in the county and they have to serve a big area of the county to the level on three districts for one officer. 

The labor ministry was urged to employ more officers to supplement the wide areas needed to be covered and each officer is supposed to be stationed in the county they serve as serving many counties leaves others incapacitated.

The Flip Side of Corruption

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Corruption is defined as wrongdoing on the part of an authority or powerful party through means that are illegitimate, immoral, or incompatible with ethical standards.

Corruption often results from patronage and is associated with bribery. It’s also an act done with intent to give some advantage inconsistent with official duty and the rights of others.

As the definitions put it, corruption is definitely negative but everything has its merits and demerits. Corruption is somehow essential in our normal lives; it is like part of a food chain, but this should not to be misconstrued that I am any way encouraging corruption in any way, form or nature for all its worth, I am totally against this menace.

Corruption is helpful in expediting applications for various things, and circumventing bureaucracies right or wrong. A tip can speed things along. If there is no victim, then everyone benefits. It is the price of doing business, whereby you pay a reasonable extra fee for the government operation to process your application in an expedited way. Otherwise, you just follow the normal cheap route and wait, wasting time and productivity.

When it comes to an organizations point of view, you may be on the losers train headed down to bankruptcy maybe because your products are not accepted in the markets. The only way out then is corruption which is an excellent way of increasing product sales though it assures low quality products.

Corruption definitely keeps money flowing, it is the concept of wiling buyer willing seller. It saves people from desperation as it might just be that time of the month when the cash has run out; corruption saves one from that dire need.

Corruption is also a good way of making instant cash. Not everyone has a job in the country, the unemployed; we call them hustlers, always seem to have it better than those with white collar jobs.  Corruption is mainly their major employer; they always seem to know everything about anything and are in all sought of business, you want your kids in the army, they are majors in the army, directors in the U.N, and even and officers in the World Bank, they can get you a job, but at smaller a cost compared to the ultimate good in the end.

The consequences of corruption are severe, no one will want to get linked to it, hence the need for secrecy. With that, it is a unifying factor, even if two people are not friends; they have the act to protect which will always be their bond, in this perspective, it is a uniting factor for a group of people.

The police in Kenya have the mark for harassing people, and they are very good at it, but also they are known for accepting bribes. To avoid being arrested, harassed and going through the embarrassing court sessions, sometimes all it takes is a little cash and you get away with it. It saves you from embarrassing situations.

It’s well known that government salaries are quite low and inadequate to support either civil servants, families or many government department departments. Normally most government workers don’t request under the table money, it’s amazing how they survive but corruption may come in handy in this situation. It serves as supplement for the underpaid.

Why is it that there are no politicians who try to face an election with the manifesto clearly saying they will eliminate corruption in government offices.  It is not a tough thing to do, and will surely win lots of votes, yet no one has ever tried to eliminate it, maybe it also benefits them.

It is only but the flip side of corruption, the menace that every Kenyan, me included, agrees should be fought to the end. 

Quality of Education: Bungoma education stakeholders faults double-intake plan in universities

Written by Daniel Saenyi Graduants at a past ceremony. Photo/ West Fm File. University students and lecturers from Bungoma have opposed the proposed increased admissions to public institutions of higher learning. Student from Masinde Muliro University in Bungoma districts want the proposal to be rejected and revoked and should only be implemented if the government builds more campuses. The double intake will lead to over population in the universities. “The universities are presently holding more than they can maintain and bringing in twice the number of students will compromise the quality of education because there will be insufficiency of resources in the institutions,” said one of the Student. The students want the Joint Admissions Board (JAB) be stopped from implementing the double intake proposal that will see 32,000 students admitted to public universities this year in an attempt to lessen the accumulation of students waiting to join public universities. The country has only seven public universities and which are very few compared to the number of students they plan to admit and the structure will not work, the universities will be weighed down by students. “A deal has to be made between the private and public universities to come up with a way of JAB admitting some students to the private universities,” Said George Majesu, a university student In the public universities, many students rely on Higher Education Loans Board for school fees and this will lead to some students missing out on the loans as they will be a lot. Some are already missing out with the organization allowing parallel students to get loans. Acting Minister for Higher Education Prof. Hellen Sambili. According to Mr. Waswa Oscar, an Administrator the system will only work on an incremental basis where the intakes are done with gradual increase in students every semester. The ministry of Higher Education should vigilant in implementing the intake in that it won’t compromise the service delivery in the institutions. They should first consider the issue of accommodation; they have to let the institutions to increase their accommodation capacities before the intake or risk students being left destitute. Students suggested that the ministry of higher education and JAB should convene with representatives with from different universities so that they come up with an appropriate way of implementing the double intake to avoid any major errors when the system is implemented.

Has the govt neglected the plight of sickle cell anemia patients?

Written by Daniel Saenyi

The mian entrance to the Bungoma District Hospital. The hospital receives atleast five sickle cell anemai pateints every month yet it lacks facilities, drugs and expertise to deal with it.( Photo Courtesy) Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that help carry oxygen throughout the body. Sickle cell anemia occurs when a person inherits two abnormal genes (one from each parent) that cause their RBCs to change shape. Instead of being flexible and disc-shaped, these cells are more stiff and curved in the shape of the old farm tool known as a sickle — that's where the disease gets its name. The shape is similar to a crescent moon. Having sickle cell disease means a lifelong battle against the health problems it can cause, such as pain, infections, anemia, and stroke. But many people are able to have a very good quality of life by learning to manage the disease. According to Dr. Amos Oyoko, the DMOH for Bungoma district, the District hospital gets about five patients with sickle cell every month which means the this year the hospital has around 40 sickle cell patients since January.  The disease is becoming more and more persistent in Kenya as many children are being diagnosed at birth. The country has scarcity or no experienced doctors to deal with the condition and this has made it hard for sicklers (those with sickle cell) to manage it on their own. It is worse that the disease is not known by many people as it comes as a myth to some parents as they have no idea what it is. This keeps on getting ghastly as there is no centre for sicklers in the area or even in the country. For Joy Watitwa, she has to travel to Eldoret every week or whenever she has an attack to see her doctor for checkups. Joy was diagnosed when she was 2 months old and life has always been a struggle for her through the painful crisis and frequent transfusions. The question on most sicklers’ minds is what is the government doing about the condition? When it comes to diabetes there are drugs to manage it, HIV has its consignment of meds every day, Cancer? The government included money to buy cancer machines in the budget. A medical diagram showing sickle cell anemia. [Photo/Courtsey] Michael Okiru, also a sickler from Myanga said he left school at class 7 because it got hard to manage schooling with the frequent attacks he got daily. Sometimes he could attend class for only one week in a whole term. He also has had to live with a leg pain since then which has never subsided. Michael put off the rumors’ that sicklers never live past their teen as he is now 24 years old. Although he tells some doctors that they should have a better way of explaining the condition to patients. Michael says he was diagnosed at around 5 years and the doctors said he will not have long to live, words which he can never forget, as he now says he is living proof that that’s just a baseless allege. When asked if he fears dying, Michael says, that is never out of a sicklers mind as they fear that every crisis might be their last. Sicklers pay exorbitant bills to buy their medicines which are rarely found in the country. Joy reveals that she gets her Hydroxyurea (a management drug) from even outside the country and they go for about Sh. 50 for one pill and one has to take them daily. Sickle cell management drugs are very scarce even with the urgency that a sickler needs it all through or when in a crisis. It is time the government makes an effort to equip the medical facilities with enough drugs to sustain the affected population. Dr. Oyoko says that it is hard to manage sickle cell in Bungoma particularly with very little staff that is adequately acquainted with the disease. The government needs to encourage capacity building for medical officers so that they are taught how to handle the disease. The condition is has no specialized doctors because many opt to work instead of getting a post graduate degree and then specialize in the disease. There are also no clinical sessions for the condition so patients are seen alongside other patients with other diseases as cancer, or diabetes in some hospitals. Michael says that he once went to a clinical check up where there were other patients with other diseases and he was mistaken for a diabetic and told to check for blood sugar instead of doing a blood count because the doctors assumed all patients were diabetics. There should also be more support groups for people with the condition so they can help each other get through life. Joy urged all the sicklers in Bungoma to come together as it’s always good to know someone really understands how you feel. There is no cure for sickle cell other than bone marrow transplant in infants which is a risk as most sicklers tend to reject the transplants. The only prevention is management by taking drugs and avoiding strenuous exercises.

Low turnout in Chwele as Govt launches free mosquito net distribution countrywide to curb malaria

Written by Daniel Saenyi

A Chwele resident is all smiles as she receives a mosquito net from a medical officer.[Photo/Daniel Wafula/WestFm]

The government has yet made another effort in helping the Kenyan citizens to live free from Malaria by giving out mosquito nets.

The giving out of nets was officially launched on Wednesday across the country.

However there was low turnout in Chwele, Bungoma County a situation attributed to it being the first day of the exercise in the area as many people had not been made aware of the exercise.

An estimated amount of 87, 246 people were registered in the whole of the Bungoma Central district with about 16 distribution centers.

Though some areas had not received nets by Wednesday evening, those places with more net supply were required to give out some to those with low supply.

According to the District Malaria Coordinator Mr. Francis Fwamba, this move is aimed at significantly reducing the infectivity rates of Malaria and it might even assert Kenya as a Malaria free country by 2012.

The nets will be distributed in that one net is allocated to two people in a family so the number of family members determines how many nets one gets.

Mr. Fwamba said that the nets being given out for children and pregnant women had already helped to bring down malaria cases in the hospital from 245 to 40 people diagnosed with malaria in the preceding two weeks.

The nets are meant to build a mosquito barrier and along side other malaria preventive drugs given to pregnant women and children. It’s warranted to bring down the infection from fifty to zero if the residents use them as per specifications.

Misuse of nets was discouraged by Mr. Fwamba as some people use the nets for other purposes as covering their seedlings from pests and even poultry.

This move by the government was obviously a major help to the residents of Chwele as most were happy to receive the free nets. Mrs. Gladys Nyambura, the first person to receive the nets said finally the government has started to serve the citizen of the country.

Malaria was a frequent thing in her family almost like a family member but now all that is about to change. The government treated nets are unlike any other nets as which are not treated and allow the mosquito to penetrate easily. 

Police nab 40 vehicles in crackdown in Bungoma, leave passengers stranded

Written by Daniel Saenyi

An empty matatu terminus at Bungoma town following a police crackdown. Matatu operators Thursday engaged in a hide and seek game with traffic officers in Bungoma town after the law enforcers launched a vicious crackdown to net non-compliant vehicles. The dreaded operation caught the Matatu operators as the traffic officers pounced on the non suspecting drivers and conductors found flouting traffic rules and those avoiding their specified stages and routes. The police nabbed over 40 vehicles and 25 drivers are to be arraigned in court for flouting the traffic regulations. Most of the vehicles caught were found without safety belts or their speed governors were tempered with and some were just un-roadworthy which they actually deserve to be written off. The operation mostly focused on Public Service Vehicles and trucks on the busy Webuye -Malaba highway whereby they were also weighed to ensure that drivers are not overloading the vehicles. The operation was headed by the Provincial traffic officer from Kakamega and this was to be the first of many crackdowns that are coming up. Bungoma Bus station was void of vehicles leaving stranded passengers and transport charges sky rocketing to double the amount for the few vehicles left. Journeys were cut short as some routes barely had no vehicles or motorcycles to ferry passengers. According to some drivers, the police crackdown was not fair as they were not given a notice to be primed. An empty stage. They complained of the police force taking it out on them for not accepting to give them kickbacks. The passengers were an angry lot as most of them were either delayed or missed their prior arrangements. Students were not spared from the effects of the crackdown, some students complained of reporting late for school which had its own consequences. Drivers and conductors were pissed for making losses since they had to maneuver shortcuts just to avoid being caught. This also doubles the amount of fuel consumption and the passengers had to pay extra then, and this obviously caused wiles between the passengers and the conductors. The police have been accused for irresponsibility as the ambush is reckless according to some drivers; it’s easy for them to cause accidents as they try to evade capture. They demanded that the police commissioner Mathew Iteere should come up with different ways of dealing with un-roadworthy vehicles to counter the ambush crackdown routine. However, the Kenya police Deputy O.C.P.D Mr. Mutune Maweu said that they will keep on carrying out these crackdowns in anticipation of ensuring that the roads are safe which will in turn pledge the safety of road users.

Disabled people getting relief from the Disability Fund

Written by Daniel Saenyi

In the implementation of the constitution, the government has taken the disabled in consideration by providing them with the disability fund to cater for their needs. Chwele district disability fund was officially launched by the District officer Miss. Dorothy Nyukuri on 28th June 2011. Disabled people are not commonly seen moving around in the society because of stigma, and in some cases, disability is inability. Some people are extensively crippled that they can’t get through life without help. As much as disability is a pity in most cases, some cases are brought about by total arrogance or ignorance of the parents like Polio disabilities. Some parents skip the vaccinations and later blame it on the government for not helping out. Mrs. Rose Om’malia, the District Social Development Officer for Chwele during the disability fund launch in Chwele. Mrs. Rose Om’malia, the District Social Development Officer for Chwele said that the government has issued Sh 667 million in the current budget for the disabled and Sh 335 million for people with severe disabilities. The launch of the fund experienced a low turn out; reason being the meeting was a short notice though some people could not make it because they are not aware of the launch yet. Beneficiaries of the fund were asked to be ambassadors to other people so they can come out and receive the money. In the act of solving the problems of the disabled, the Chwele fund will be issued in four stages, the first stage the micro enterprise for helping the disabled to start businesses and the second is the infrastructure, and this is building schools for the disabled because they also have a right to education    (Mukhweya primary is the centre for the disabled in the area). The third phase of the disability fund is education assistance; this is whereby the disabled are provided for with money for further education. Lastly is cash transfer for the severely disabled, they will be getting Sh 1500 monthly for their own sustenance. Due to the stigma, some disabled people are kept away from the eyes of the society, this, Miss Nyukuri discouraged and urged all the residents to report any disabled people in the society to social service so that they can be aided . Before the disability fund was launched, many of the victims and their caretakers had hard time getting through life, in the case of Mrs Regina Wanyonyi , she has no legs and when her husband died, she was left with a family of two kids to take care of which has been a hustle since then. She had no means of providing for her family and neither could she get a job. The disability fund is relief for this poor lady who went on and on shouting praises for launch the fund. Mrs Regina Wanyonyi. Mr. Godwin Munyole  also said that they previously never received any recognition and their issues were lightly addressed like when they are molested or physically abused they would not be represented accordingly and the this move shows that the government is now willing to stand up for the disabled and address their issues. The disability fund is one step closer to the constitution implementation process and achieving the development goals, because we currently need all the manpower for the development and the disabled have equal rights as any other normal citizen.