Bungoma farmers Want Tax free maize Imported

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Farmers in the Bungoma County want the government to go ahead and implement proposal to extend the period for zero rating import duty on maize and wheat to cushion them from the current food shortage.

The farmers claimed, six months and a one-year period for zero rated import duty for maize and wheat respectively, will not do anything to local produce unlike their Rift Valley counterparts who think the period is too long  and will hurt the selling prices when they harvest.

According to Mr. Rogers Khaemba, a farmer in Bungoma County, the government should import the tax free maize for the aid of those still in Internal Displaced Persons Camps. He also insisted that in currently in Kenya, there is no maize which has lead to High prices, so the imported maize should be brought immediately to bring down the prices.

“We are currently experiencing a shortage in maize supplies, a contributing factor to the sky rocketing prices of maize. This is hitting hard on the poor in the society who have struggled to make ends meet. Those farmers who are opposing the move to import the maize should hold their horses because they don’t know if they will get anything from their harvest,” Said Mr. Khaemba.

Harvests from Western Kenya will be in the market in the next two months. Even with this, the farmers still want the tax free maize; perhaps they just want an easy go in life although currently life in Western Kenya is on hard path.

The basis that Bungoma Farmers are basing on for supporting the importation is typicaly on the mystery of the unknown future which may be grim than most people expect. They argue out the point that even if Kenya gets a good harvest, the maize may not be of good quality and the country will be back in the ditch, crying out for help from the government which they would have rejected before.

According to Mr. Jeremiah Nyongesa, who is also a farmer from Sikata area in Bungoma County, importing the maize will even help to increase the sales of their produce.

Mr. Nyongesa said, “Importing the maize will in no way spoil the business of Kenyan farmers, it will even be good because if the country will have enough maize by the end of the year, it may offer Kenyan farmers a chance to export their produce to other countries, we might even sell our harvest at higher prices than it is at the moment.”

The farmers however, suggested that proper policies that will improve the country’s food security are what this country lacks. Kenya Farmers Association (KFA) for instance should be revived and strengthened to save farmers from exploitation due to high cost of farm inputs.

The farmers also commended Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta for injecting Sh100 billion towards agricultural productivity, especially on irrigation projects because it will improve on the crop production in the country leading to high yields.

Kenyan students unleash Kenya's potential in science and technology to attain Vision 2030

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Students from all over the republic at Bungoma high School where they will showcase their projects as they mark the the 49^th National Students Congress on Science and Technology.

The 49^th National Students Congress on Science and Technology at national level which is being held at Bungoma High School aims at exploring new development strategies to capture long term development of the country to achieve Vision 2030.

The event is under “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development” which focuses on poverty reduction through science and technology and safeguarding the needs for the future generation. This years’ congress follows three aspects environment, society/ culture and economy to attain vision 2030.

Science and Technology in Kenya not only lacks infrastructure and funding but perhaps more critically they lack the exposure that will lead to both of these. We need to do more to encourage the visibility of our scientists both young and old. The National Council for Science and Technology aims at encouraging young talents to come up and show case their abilities through the National Students Congress on Science and Technology.

Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak, the secretary National Council for Science and Technology addressing students during the official opening of the 49th edition.

According Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak, the secretary National Council for Science and Technology, the event is held to find out how young minds can be used to solve problems the country is facing through science. It’s important to address issues and come up with centers of excellence so we can be able to solve topical issues affecting our country.

Science and technology should be seen and heard by everyone in the world because it’s the bedrock of Vision 2030, political leaders, though non was in attendant at the event were urged to be keen on such event because they hold the development ideas for the future in their regions.

As much as talent is showcased at these events, most of it goes to waste because it is never actualized so most of the ideas are forgotten once the event is over at the national level.

“This year is going to be different from other years because the projects will be documented so each participant will be able to take credit for their projects. No one will take students ideas as their own and if the projects are good they might be actualized,” Said Mrs. Margaret Njaggah, the National vice chairman for the science congress executive committee.

Mr. Shaukat, urged teachers not to terrify students of science subject because they hold the key to development. He insisted that they treat sciences as languages so the students can develop a positive attitude towards the subject.

“I want to ask all teachers who teach sciences to make their students develop an optimistic attitude towards the subject, especially female students. You should not be too strict with your students but instead develop a friendly atmosphere so the students can get rid of their fear for the teacher and the subject,” Said Mr. Shaukat.

He added that the teachers should enhance their education by pursuing further education so as to keep up with the changing technology and be able to assist and understand their students’ projects.

The youth in the society were also urged to bring out their science related innovation so that they assisted in actualizing them. The National Council for Science and Technology has been awarded funds by the government to be used in developing the young innovators in the society. Two trophies were donated by the professor and one by the science lab sponsors for the winners

The council is directed to offer up to one million shillings in actualizing the projects and any person who has a scientific project that can be used for development can present it to the council because there are no academic qualifications to receive the fund.

Some of the projects funded by the NCST are a fish caller that is put in water then it attracts fish through sound, a mobile charging system powered by a bicycle that is to be launched in western province in the course of the year.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Technical Computer Science, Home Science and Agriculture will be this year’s key topics. The congress will end on Saturday.

Private universities want JAB scrapped

Written by Daniel Saenyi Graduands at a past graduation ceremony. The Joint Admissions Board should be dissolved is a mutual feeling among most of the private universities in Bungoma South District. The board that selects and admits students to public universities is not entrenched in the Universities Act, which guides higher education in Kenya, the National Association of Private Universities said. The JAB is not serving its purpose as it is now overwhelmed with many students that it has to leave many of them out of the selection. This year, only 24,000 out of 94,000 students who qualified to join university by attaining a mean grade of C+ in their Form Four exam were admitted by the Board. The rest will have to compete for places in private universities or join public ones as self-sponsored students. These 70,000 students will have to pay much higher fees, and fight the negative perception that they were not qualified to join the university in the first place. According to Mr. James Okeyo Ochieng, the Chief Principal for West Kenya College of Professional Studies, the JAB system should be replaced by a suitable criterion for the selection. He suggested that students should be left to apply on their own and not be selected by universities. Many students who get the minimum University entry points of C+ are mostly left out from universities because they are very many. They should come up with a way to also sort out the students who get these minimum entry points, he said. “The Joint Admission Board serves only seven public universities which can’t serve all the form four leavers. This may lead to some issues of corruption where some parents will have to give bribe for their children to get admitted to public universities,” Said Mr. Ochieng. The Dean of Curriculum for Pamus Teachers college, Mr. Paul Wanjohi also made clear his support for scrapping the system arguing that most students who get admitted to public universities do not get their courses of choice because the board chooses the courses for them. They only join because there is no other way other than joining a private university or as private students. “In my opinion, JAB should be scrapped. This is because it does not give students a chance to pursue their chosen carriers. If the system is to be kept running, it should consider the career courses the students have chosen,” Said Wanjohi. The National Association of Public Universities in Kenya chairman Mr. Simon Gicharu recommended that JAB be replaced by the Central Universities Admissions Committee (CUAC) as provided for in Section 8 of the Universities Act (1985). "This will eliminate discrimination of students in the names of parallel or regular programme or students in private universities who qualify to join university," Said Mr. Gicharu. The private universities also want the Higher Education Loans Board to be renamed as the Higher Education Financing Agency, and its mandate also reviewed to provide loans to all students. Admission of students to private and public universities should be levelled in terms of enrolment and allocation of resources. With this arrangement, students can choose a university of their choice and not dictated by JAB.

Bungoma teachers oppose 'best teacher awards'

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny awarding a best performing teacher during an Education day ceremony in Matungu. [photo/File]

The Best teacher, best principal and best head teacher awards are the most prestigious awards most teachers look forward to on an education day.

However, this year, the awards have been met with a lot of controversies as some teachers insist that they should be done away with.

Some teachers have suggested that the award should cease to exist because it demoralizes some teachers as opposed to its intention.

They argued that teachers may work hard to try to be recognized by the public but in the end their efforts are fruitless, so they decide not to perform because they are not appreciated.

The District Education Officer for Bungoma South District Mr. Japheth Shitubi proposed that the Secondary Schools Heads Association review the award because instead of encouraging teachers, it demoralizes them as opposed to its objective.

“The intention for the award was good but it has ended up serving the opposite as some teachers get their self esteem shot down. The criteria put forward for choosing this teachers has served its purpose for some time but it has its own flaws as we experienced this year thus leading to calls by teachers to remove the award. This award has led to teachers being subjective instead of being objective so if the criteria can be reviewed it will be of benefit to the teachers and the entire education sector,” Said Mr. Shitubi.

The criteria used to select the deserving teachers are the question on every teacher’s mind the moment the topic is brought up. The criterion the ministry of Education uses to identify the teachers is not known to the public so everyone is kept in the dark hoping they are chosen when they were not considered.

Education facilities differ in many ways, private schools are different from public schools, and they should consider this when making the decision over whom to be awarded.

Further, the teachers argue that if the award is to keep on existing, they should categorize institutions like rural and urban schools or private from public.

According to Makutano Primary head teacher Mr. Amos Mayeko, some teachers who do not deserve it get recognition while those who greatly deserve the award are overlooked.

“The teacher who lays foundation for these pupils may get transferred when the awards are near and the new teacher may get recognition when they have not even taught the students for long. The same applies to principals and head teachers who could get transfers before their school is awarded as the best,”“Said Mr. Mayeko.

Mr. Mayeko said, “It is only the pupils and students of the school or class who know who the best and worst teacher is, and no student is ever asked to give their opinion. I think the people who give this awards should do thorough research before awarding someone as the best because in most cases the come up with the wrong conclusions.”

Mrs. Juliana Simiyu, the head teacher for Mewa Academy, also insisted that the criterion used is not the best way to award teachers. According to her, these awards are only given to popular teachers who are already known by the public even though they do not perform.

The government should categorize teachers and schools so that the award is given to the schools according to the division they fall under as they have been categorized. If the award is to be generalized, the less developed schools should be upgraded so they can rise to the standards of their competitors, she said.

For the awards to be fair, more resources should be allocated to the marginalized schools, and we should remind the ministry of Education that neglecting the vulnerable is a violation of their fundamental human rights.

The government should prioritize investment in the schools by reviewing their policy framework with the purpose of supporting the Millennium Development Goals, and as such we should echo the call for the employment of more teachers and better facilities for the schools.

Wrangles mar education day in Matungu

Written by Daniel Saenyi

KAKAMEGA: The much anticipated Education Day in Matungu District was marked by much fight and war of words among distinguished guests at the event.

Butere Mumias county council chairman Michael Keya was roughed up by angry teachers after commenting that teachers do take advantage of their professionalism to molest their students. Teachers were infuriated by these remarks to the extent of bringing the function to a brief halt in attempts to beat up the Council chairman.

Mr. Keya was assisted by the police who managed to keep away the angry mob by he still was unapologetic of his accusation. After the event the executive secretary for KNUT Matungu district Mr. John Wesonga was sneaked out by the police because he was being accused by supporters of Mr. Keya for allegedly starting the riot.

Mr. Keya an ODM councilor and he had many supporters who gave the police a hard time with frequent interference of the meeting. Earlier, ODM official of Matungu were denied access to dine with the minister who also stirred conflict between members of the public and a head teacher who denied them access.

It appears that this event was the one that stimulated the rude remarks by Mr. Keya who felt that it was not good to be denied access to talk to their M.P because they are the ones who elected him and they have a right to talk to him.

The Assistant Minister for Education Hon. Ayeko Olweny was very disappointed with teacher’s behavior and condemned it saying it showed lack of discipline and respect.

“I am very disappointed in your little fiasco; it’s the first I have ever experienced in my whole life. You have been totally out of order today and I hope that won’t happen again. Its high time you stop taking criticism negatively because it’s what we learn from,” said Hon. Olweny.

He went on and addressed other issues as unemployed of teachers and the 20per cent salary increment. Hon Olweny said the government has not allocated money to the ministry of education to employ more teachers, an issue they are looking forward to address this coming financial year.

He added that the salary increment was to be implanted in three stages, which the first two have already have already been implanted. The third stage of the increment will be implemented in the next financial year.

The M.P for Muhoroni added that the government is considering employing Early Child Development (ECD) teachers as they have trained them under the curriculum and they have a responsibility to have them employed.

He further refuted the claims that teachers employed under contract terms have been sacked. He said that the ministry needs them to address the current shortage of teachers allover the country so there is no possibility of firing them unless their contract ends or found guilty of ill behavior.

He said that KNUT is the institution that is bringing down the standard of education of teachers in the country before he gave out awards to the excelled students, teachers and schools urging them to work hard to become the first ones in the country.

Cheptais DC promises govt relief food as Chwele, Kimilili residents keep off Madaraka Day celebrations

Cheptais Dc Mr. Omar Haji Salat during Madaraka Day celebrations. [Photo/Protus Simiyu/WestFm] BUNGOMA COUNTY: Cheptais District Commissioner Omar Haji Salat has assured residents hit by hunger that the government will provide relief food to them for the next six months. Mr. Salat revealed that his office has already received 300 bags 90 kgs each of dry maize while waiting for another 100 bags of beans as relief food from the government. The DC said only homesteads hit by hunger and are unable to afford will benefit from the relief food warning those who are well off to remain honest and allow genuine people to benefit. Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations held at the district headquarters, Salat said boarding schools will also benefit from the relief food. He told the school heads to convert the relief food into bursary for children from humble backgrounds. Salat said incidents of Malaria and Typhoid have been reported in the district for the last one month saying the government has provided two containers of treated mosquito nets to be distributed to all homesteads as from next week. ‘’The department of public health will distribute nets next week and we appeal to Wananchi to use them for the intended purpose in order to deal with the Malaria pandemic,’’ he warned. The DC told the Chiefs and their assistants to remain alert and impound Lorries ferrying green maize from the region while urging farmers to avoid selling their produce while still on farms at a throw away prices. ‘’These people buy maize from here at cheaper prices and later bring back to sell to you at higher prices……we should look for probable ways to stop this,’’ he challenged them. The DC urged the residents to store their produce without unnecessary misuse to ensure the district remains food secure owing to fertile soils and climatical conditions prevailing. On matters pertaining to bodaboda operators, Salat warned the police to stop harassing them as they play an important role in the transport sector. The DC said he will call for a public baraza soon in order to solve a row between the police and bodaboda operators and also look for best ways how the operators can acquire licenses and insurance cover in order to be on the safe side of the law. The administrator called on the inhabitants of the mountain to desist from excessive drinking rather focus on development matters for the sake of their families and generations to come. He appealed to parents to invest heavily in the education of their children as the best legacy ever without minding about the farms which are becoming scarce every day. The few Kimilili residents who turned up for Madaraka Day celebrations. [Photo/Eric Lumbasi/WestFm] Elsewhere, as Kenya celebrated 48 years of self rule, celebrations in Kimilili and Chwele witnessed low turnout as most locals kept off the celebrations. In the two centres, police officers and scouts and girl guides were the majority as the few locals who turned up kept low profiles even as the regional leaders came out to lead the celebrations. In Kimilili, the Amtala Stadium was almost empty but the District commissioner Joseph Lewa led the few who were present in observing the day. Mr. Lewa urged the locals to work with security officers in a bid to address cases of insecurity within the area. “I urge you to report any form of insecurity to the police as soon as possible so that we immediately react on the matter before it gets out of hand. You should not fear giving us information since we are here to protect you and you will not be identified by anyone,” he urged. In Chwele, the turnout was as poor as Kimilili as few residents turned out for the celebrations at Busakala High school. The low turnout was attributed to the rising cost of living as most people opted to work on their farms and businesses. The celebrations were even made more dull when the clouds threatened to burst making a section of those in attendance to leave early like Council chairman Mr. Meshack Simiyu. True patriots: These children in Chwele seemed to pass a clear message on the joy of celebrating Madaraka Day, a day in rememberence of the day Kenya attained self rule in 1963. [Photo/Daniel Saenyi/WestFm] Most of the day’s celebrations were characterized by complaints from the leaders and residents over the harsh times despite the area being recognized as one with great potential to attract both local and foreign investors in various sectors including agriculture. The town has many upcoming factories but they are being brought down by corruption. For instance, the coffee factory that was there was closed down because of bad leadership but they hope to revive it. As much as Chwele has a lot of resources the residents complain of hunger despite the bumper harvest last year. They even asked for relief food from the government to save them from starvation. The Bungoma Central District Commissioner Mr. Kassim Bosso declined to ask the government for the food saying the government prioritizes the people legible to receive the aid. “I can’t ask the government for relief food because it would be ironical and the government won’t give it anyway. Chwele has been blessed with a lot of rain and plenty of food so you should stop sell your food away at cheap price early and complain letter. You should all keep your harvest and not sell it out because you just end up complaining.” Said Mr. Kassim. In Kimilili, Mr. Lewa called upon motorcycle riders to get licenses and insurance for their motorbikes and not to operate past eleven in the evening in the name of earning an extra shilling as they will be arrested. He also called upon the bar owners to observe the rules set for the time to operate. The District commissioner said that local brew will only be accepted after passing through the necessary tests by the Kenya Bureau of Standards and packaged for human consumption otherwise it is still illegal to consume. Residents on the other hand led by Karrim Issa, the region’s Youth leader said it was saddening to see youth suffer for lack of employment yet the Ministry of Youth was allocated funds to assist the youth grow economically and financially. “We have formed groups and presented proposals to the Ministry yet it has not approved them. We would like the government to be fair while allocating the funds to us,” he said. On his hand Kimilili County Council Mayor Emmanuel Makhapila raised alarm over the escalating maize price of one hundred and thirty per gorogoro. “It disheartens to note that being an agricultural rich region we are having food shortage yet we produce the products in our farms. Middlemen buy from us at a cheaper price, store the maize, and later come back to resell to us at a higher price,” he said. Makhapila proposed that the government should build a government store in Kimilili to curb the problem since their neighboring towns of Bungoma and Webuye have one. The District Medical Officer Mutoro Wambasi cautioned residents against consuming rotten maize that was discovered to be sold to residents at the market place since they could contract cancer of the liver which is a deadly disease. Reported by: Protus Simiyu (Cheptais), Eric Lumbasi (Kimilili) and Daniel Saenyi (Chwele).

Bungoma union of civil servants elect new leaders

The Kenya Union of Civil Servants Thursday conducted a secret ballot election of their leaders in the County Executive Secretary and Deputy County Executive positions as per the requirements of the new constitution. The delegates participating in the proceeding were from both Bungoma and Mt Elgon regions with 18 from Mt Elgon and 17 from Bungoma. The candidates that were running for the Executive Secretary position were Mr. Ndiema Kiene and Mrs. Ruth Barasa and Mr. Jovan Manyu and Mr. Makila Patrick for the Deputy Executive Secretary position respectively. Mr Ndiema Kiano from Mt.Elgon won the position by one vote and upon his victory thanked the delegates for participating as well as selecting him as the new County Executive Secretary. He then pledged to fulfill his campaign objectives that were documented in his manifesto. He said that he would attend to the issues involving the devolution of the union just like the government that is in office and to conduct consultations on how to run the new office. He also pointed out in his speech that the running of the union was not a job for him and his deputy alone but the whole council’s and called for team work. In a bid to promote equal representation of both Bungoma and Mt.Elgon regions, the County Executive Secretary elect proposed that the Deputy County Executive Secretary elect, Mr.Yovan Manyu also from Mt Elgon relinquish his position to allow delegates from Bungoma to chose a deputy of their own choice from Bungoma. This proposal was supported by the two chairmen of the union Mr. Charles Ofula and Mr. John Rono. Mrs. Ruth Barasa was then nominated as the new Deputy county Executive secretary. Upon his victory, Mr. Kiano Ndiema (above) promised to deliver to his delegates expectations. “My first task as the new executive secretary is to ensure that commuters allowance is given to every civil servant and the house allowance rates are harmonized across the country.” He also proposed that worker from job group A to L should get a salary increment of at least 30Per cent” Said Mr. Kiano Ndiema. Mrs. Ruth Barasa’s first goal as the county executive secretary was to encourage more civil servants to join the union so that they can have a stronger will power to fight for their rights. Mrs. Ruth Barasa said “There are over 60,000 workers who aren’t part of the union and I will focus on getting as many people as possible to join us so that we can stand together to fight for our rights.” New Secretary general and Assistant sec general Ruth Barasa. The Bungoma union of civil servants chairman, Mr. Charles Ofula urged the two elected officials to live up to their responsibilities and told civil servants not to be afraid to demonstrate when there’s need to fight for their rights. “I would like to congratulate the winners of this election and urge them to carry out their duties to society, I want to encourage civil servants not to be afraid to come out when there’s need for demonstration.”Said Mr. Charles Ofula. Reported by: Daniel Saenyi

Senior Bungoma AP officer meets Sinoko residents over insecurity concerns

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Security in Sinoko village in Bungoma is quite a major issue to the residents. The security forces have been urged to address this issue and the finally did the long awaited deed.The deputy AP commander Mr. Nashon Maliki made a tour in the area to identify the core factors for the high levels of insecurity in the area. While he addressed a security meeting in the area, Mr Maliki urged the residents to cooperate with the police to enable them to work appropriately as he implored them to be their neighbours’ keeper through community policing. "I urge all of you to befriend the police and be our informers so we can know what to do to beef up security," Said Mr. Maliki. Area chief, Mr. Joseph Cheng'oli said his main concern for security mishaps was lack of employment for the youth in the area that have nothing to do hence engage in lawlessness. He mainly encouraged the youth to utilise their talents to develop and explore different strategies like art and design for commercial use. “To all the youth, I call upon you not to do anything to hinder the rehabilitation of the Bungoma airstrip because it will soon be an economical zone and a source of employment.” Nashon Maliki the Deputy AP commander for Bungoma. “Utilise your talents like making bamboo arts and so forth so that you are not idle as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. As you put your talents to use, the airport will be a good channel for the market of your art in future," Said Mr.Cheng'oli. Security issues have mostly been blamed on the youth in community as they have been made scape-goats for the society to point fingers for their misfortune. Many young people in the village have fallen in the hands of the law due to false accusations. As George Wekesa, a youngman from the area narrated, he has been harassed by the police six times in the past few years and he even spent 9 years in jail for what he claims to be false accusation. He added that the village is now lacking young people because they have run away for fear of false allegations. He further asked for development strategies for the youth because it is the only way to keep out of crime. If that is not enough for such a small village, bad leadership is the main factor for the society. Many complaints have been launched against the village headman for not performing his duty effectively. He is said to be unfit for his position, claims he highly dismissed as baseless and in bad faith aimed at discrediting his efforts. “The accusations made against me are based on jealousy by my rivals who want to spoil my name and dethrone me," Said Mr. Maurice Wanjala, the village head man. On her side, Ms Mary Kigan the head teacher of Sinoko primary school, pupils had acquired a bad behaviour saying the girls leave home for school but they never make it to the school gate as they change from their school uniforms and deviate to do their own stuff. “We have sponsored some children for their secondary school education but they end up dropping out of school without any solid reason, is this village bewitched?” Charged Kigen. Mrs Kigen also urged the women of Sinoko to start self help projects to increase their income and stop depending on their husbands as sole providers. Sinoko has always been seen as a quite serene environment for the citizens, but if one takes a closer look, they most definitely will not miss human skeletons hidden behind the closet of this small village.

Couple in Bungoma fight over child custody

Written by Saenyi Daniel

The husband (R) Mr. Meshack Nyongesa and Daughter at the middle. It was a bizarre scene outside the Bungoma District hospital when a man and his wife caused a commotion over the custody of their son. Mrs. Jackline Nyongesa, 27 mother of 4, claimed that her husband abandoned his family to go live with a widow in Webuye. Jackline disclosed that he had taken her sick child to the hospital but had no money to pay the medical bills and only managed to foot the bill with the help of well wishers. Her husband Mr. Meshack Nyongesa insisted on taking the child to Webuye with him even after the bill had been raised. ” I had brought my son for treatment this morning but I had no money to pay my bills so, I requested my husband to help which he denied me, well wishers raised the amount for the bill but my husband has insisted on taking my son with him, ” said Mrs. Nyongesa. She claims that ever since Meshack Nyongesa left for Webuye in the pretence of going to work a couple of months ago, he has returned home or sent any financial assistance for his family. Mrs. Elizabeth didn’t buy her husband’s idea of working in Webuye and she is sure he left her for another woman. Mrs. Jackline Nyongesa. “My husband abandoned us saying he was going to work in Webuye but he has never supported us ever since he left and he now just arrived wanting to take my son with him to his mistresses place in Webuye,” said Elizabeth When all the attention was focused on Mrs. Elizabeth, Mr. Meshack disappeared and was no where to be seen, he refused to give his side of the story but insisted that his wife lying. Mrs. Elizabeth has made a plea to the government to help her get custody of her son. “I would like to ask the government to help me keep the custody of my kids but my husband should come back to us or pay alimony.

Bungoma: Mixed reactions as Judicial nominees head for vetting

Written by Saenyi Daniel

The endorsement of the nominees for the top judiciary posts has been received with mixed reactions even before they are vetted by parliament. The Eldoret North legislator William Ruto, the Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and some churches have opposed the nominees whereas Harrisson Kinyanjui a Lawyer also went to court to block the two names. However, Bungoma civic leaders have said that Kenya’s new Chief Justice and Deputy promises to bring a new dawn in Kenya’s judiciary. Former MP for Sirisia Constituency Hon. John Munyasia said he was pleased with the decision. He was happy that ODM leaders refused the first lot of judges appointed which gave way for a fair and a transparent exercise to have new judicial judges. “I am very happy with the Judicial Service Commission for Mutunga and Barasa’s nomination as the Chief Justice and Deputy respectively. It is a good thing that ODM leaders refused the first vetting process of judges because it has just led to fair nominations, the two are very competent and they will definitely perform no matter what other people say,” said Mr. Munyasia. Mr. Julius Bakasa, the chairman of the county council of Bungoma, was happy with the endorsement especially that of the deputy chief justice Nancy Baraza. He was very pleased that she was from Bungoma County and being a lady with such a bigger position shows competence. “Her appointment just shows that the process was fair because she is very competent and the country is taking into consideration the issue of gender equality seriously. This will also help a great deal in the process of implementing the new constitution,” said Mr. Bakasa The Mayor of Bungoma Municipal council, Barasa Mbinga also approved Mr. Munyasia’s opinion about the nominations. “Mr. Mutunga has been loyal to the country ever since unlike other contestants, he did not let himself get entangled in our politics that are mostly driven by greed and negative ethnicity. Being detained doesn’t mean he was a criminal; he was just fighting for human rights and democracy. And about his earrings’, every person has their trademarks; a certain dress code doesn’t in anyway influence the performance capability of intellect. Just because we don’t wear certain accessories doesn’t give us the right to judge those who do. He can wear whatever he likes; all we want to see from him is competence and reforms in the judicial service commission,” said Mbinga. As much as many people agreed with the Judicial Service Commission’s decision, some were still obdurate, especially the churches. Bishop Reuben Lubanga an Executive Director and Co-founder of volunteer Kenya stressed that the fact that Mutunga is First indication that he will not perform to the expectations. He insisted that the government should address issues of rising immorality, IDPs and the needy in the society. “The government should focus their energy on more important issues and stop electing people who might not even perform. The fact that this issue has drawn attention away from pending matters makes us disagree with this decision” Said Bishop Lubanga. The names will now head to Parliament and, if approved, will be sent back to the President for appointment.

Bungoma Prison Service Celebrate 100 years in style

Written by Daniel Saenyi

As the Prison service marked 100 years of service countywide, inmates from the Bungoma prison were not left out as they celebrated by cleaning Bungoma town and a children’s home. In the event that included the prisoners and wardens, they visited the Kanduyi children’s home where they slashed the compound, weeded the flower beds, and planted vegetables on the children’s home garden while others engaged in other domestic chores. The Bungoma inmates and their warders also offered boxes of bar soap, bags of dry maize, and packets of sweets to bring joy, happiness and satisfaction to the orphans at the children’s home. Speaking at the event, the Bungoma Prisons Superintendant, Mr. Benjamin Chebet said, in their service as government officials, their ultimate dream is to give back to the community more so the less privileged persons like the orphans. “As government officials our ultimate dream to give back to the community more so the less privileged persons like the orphans.’’ said Mr. Benjamin Chebet. Mrs. Violet Mwaniki, the children’s home administrator also urged other well wishers to come to their aid as she thanked the prison officers of choosing to visit the home. “I urge other well wishers to come out and offer their support to our facility which has 36 children and has a capacity of 45,” Said Mwaniki. Apart from visiting the children’s home, the officers and the inmates cleaned streets in Bungoma town and also unblocked drainage pipes. This move was applauded by the Bungoma Public Health officer Mr. Xavier Tunduli who also urged other organizations to emulate this gesture and organize sanitation campaigns which will go a long way in improving the health of the town dwellers. “I urge other organizations to emulate this gesture and organize sanitation campaigns which will go a long way in improving the health of the people,’’ Said Tunduli. At the event Mr. Simon Makokha a social welfare officer at Bungoma prisons said prison reforms have had a positive impact on the department and urged the whole community to embrace it. “Prisoners are allowed to interact with wardens and even send messages back home. We offer education to the prisoners and nurture their talent in carpentry, building, masonry and tailoring,’’ he said. According to Mr. Makokha, prison reforms have helped the prison welfare in that there is no more congestion in the cells and have as well fostered good relation between the officers and the inmates. ‘’Prisons are no longer seen as punishment centres but as rehabilitation facilities for the inmates, “ he added. Emmanuel Barasa, an inmate at the Bungoma prisons echoed Mr. Makokha’s sentiments saying that life in prison is not as unbearable as it was before. Wardens are now friendly to inmates and there are no incidences of brutality.

Kanduyi children’s home to open Eye clinic

Written by Omukhana Mucharia and Daniel Saenyi

Orphans at the Kanduyi Children's home in Kanduyi wait to be served lunch as the world marked Orphans Day. [Photos/Mukhana Mucharia-WestFm] BUNGOMA COUNTY: As the world celebrates worlds orphan day it is clear that many of these orphaned children undergo a lot of sufferings and rejection from their respective communities. Most of them are left wondering why they were brought into this beautiful but turned cruel world with many wishing for the ground to open and swallow them as they pass through hard times. At Kanduyi Children’s home in Bungoma County normal activities went on even as the world marked the international Orphans day oblivious of the significance of the day. Kanduyi Childrens home, established in 1976, is under the management of the Child Welfare Association of Kenya and is home to 45 orphans but currently has 36 who have been either abandoned, whose parents died, or whose parents have HIV/AIDS and are unable to support them and those that have been defiled and those who have fallen victims of incest. Speaking from her office the home administrator Mrs. Violet Mwaniki (pictured above) appealed to the public and well-wishers and the community at large to help the children in achieving their goals in life by providing counseling, love and support. She further said that the home’s plans to open a medical clinic were underway and it would be opened officially on Wednesday of the 11th may 2011 saying the project would act as a sustenance strategy for the home. Mrs. Mwaniki urged members of the public to seek medical services from the facility at a cheaper price. A seven months old baby rescued by the Kanduyi children's home after she was found dumped. “For many years the children have suffered and had to travel to other hospitals for treatment and the hospital would come as a relief for them and the whole community,” said Mrs. Mwaniki. She however added that they had other income generating activities that enabled them to run the home saying they have a farm where they practice agriculture, make bricks for sale and rental houses. In the days event Moses Onyango who is also an orphan at the home had his message for the people to love and never to discriminate against the innocent and urged the community to visit the home regularly as a way of showing their unending love and support to the orphans.

Bungoma bar owners oppose 21 days ultimatum

Written by Daniel Saenyi

Bar owners and manufacturers in Bungoma County have opposed a 21day ultimatum issued to them by the District Alcoholic Drinks Regulation Committees in charge of registering manufacturers and operators as part of operationalising the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010. Majority of the bar owners said they are opposed to directives insisting it is a short time for them to acquire licenses and that it is a move to bring them down. Mr. Steve Wambilianga, a Bar Manager in Bungoma said that they were supposed to acquire the licenses in December last year but the government delayed and charged that “the government cannot just ambush us and expect that we get licenses in such a short time.” “These licenses were supposed to be issued in December last year so we blame the government for the delay and they should not just ambush us, they should at least give 6 months to acquire the new licenses because the process alone takes 3 months,” he lamented. He also insisted that licenses should be differentiated in clusters of liquor, refreshments and hotelier because noting that all these categories of business people get the same rates for the licenses. “I would like to request the price for liquor licenses to be lowered because currently we are paying Sh. 80,000 as compared to last year’s Sh.5, 000. With the new law imposed you cannot expect, me to raise Sh.8000 in three weeks, that’s a very little time,” Said Mr. Steve. He added that the price for the liquor license should be lowered and local brew Chang’aa should not be legalized in bars as it would bring much competition. ‘’Chang’aa should not be allowed in bars because it will ruin the sales for other drinks, it has high alcohol content and it is very cheap so many customers will opt for Chang’aa to get drunk instantly,” he added. Mr. Phasa Khaoya, a local bar owner also consented with Mr. Wambilianga’s opinion, he said the price should be lowered to at least Sh5,000 and the time frame should be raised to at least four months. “The government should get the opinion of the citizens before enforcing such laws on us, we are the ones affected by their decision and they should give us the first priority. How do they expect the small business owners to manage such bill in such short time? Chang’aa should never be legalized because this will mean that our businesses will go down the drain as many people will go for the fast knock out,” observed Khaoya. Mr. Victor Ambasi, also a bar manager was highly opposed to the bill and said it is a way to close them down. “We have been given such a short time considering the amount of money we have to raise, we should get more time like 3 months. And Chang’aa should not even be debated about being legalized because for one, it is a straight health hazard, many people get blind just for taking the stuff,” Ambasi said. NACADA chairman Dr. Frank Njenga said the law was not reinforced earlier because members of the district committees had not been gazetted. Mr. Frank also added that Chang’aa brewers are eligible to acquire licenses and they will be treated just like any normal alcohol dealer. “Before the law, all manufacturers and retailers of any alcoholic substances are equal and we are not discriminating against any of them. So the manufacturer of Chang’aa will go to the same district committee as the big breweries… that is the extent to which the law has changed in this country,” Dr Njenga said. In December, the government gazetted the rules and regulations to govern issuance of licenses to those who wish to operate alcohol-related businesses and the rules provide for the hours of operation for various establishments and the fee payable for each category of license. Since the enactment of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, most retailers had been operating with the old licenses some of which are already expired.

Bungoma residents raise alarm over high price of maize imported from Uganda

Written by Daniel Saenyi

As Kenyans continue to feel the pinch of the high cost of living occasioned by the increase in prices of oil, allegations have emerged that businessmen and traders in the country are importing duty free maize from the neighbouring countries and selling it at high price to Kenyans.

As much as the maize is tax free, Kenyans are experiencing an increase in the maize prices daily. Previously, the price for 2 Kilograms of maize was Sh20 and now it has sky rocketed to Sh120 major towns in the country.

This has been largely attributed to the to the increase in fuel prices and this has led to higher cost of living all over the country and across the globe as a whole.

In Bungoma County, locals are complaining of the expensive lifestyles they are forced to lead due to the high cost of essential commodities and are accusing the government for hoarding maize.

They fear that this is an indication of lack of unity in implementing the new Constitution between the two principals which has cast doubt among the populace of Bungoma fearing that there will not be peace between the two principals and that it could be a path to total disunity across the country.

The Bungoma residents allege that maize is being imported from Uganda at a cheap prize but it is being sold to locals at an exorbitant price.

The Chairman of the parliamentary committee on Agriculture John Mututho attributed the looming maize shortage in the country to hoarding of the commodity by millers. He said there is enough maize in the country as a result of the bumper harvest witnessed last year.

On May 13, maize millers warned that the country was to experience a shortage in maize flour within 10 days, unless the government removes duty on imports of maize and farmers release the stocks they still hold.

Mr. John Mututho

Already the government has removed 50 percent import duty on maize and 10 percent on wheat sparking protest from wheat farmers who say the low prices amidst rising fuel prices has left them making losses. This has caused them to hoard the wheat hoping that the fuel prices will go down for them to make at least a profit from their sales.

There is need for the government to seek urgent measures that will ensure that the country has strategic reserves of fuel and food stock that can serve the country for at least 90 days. Such a move will greatly assist in stabilizing prices and cushion consumers from waking up to 'shock prices' as happens presently.

The fact that a vast majority of Kenyans rely on fuel is indisputable. But its price is still high. This will poke hole into the pockets of many Kenyans who are already struggling to survive.

Legality of this year’s Budget questioned by mps

Written by Daniel Saenyi

The assistant minister for Finance Oburu Odinga, Finance Minister uhuru Kenyatta and the Planning and Vision 2030 Minister Wycliffe Oparanya.

TRANS NZOIA COUNTY: As Kenyans count down to this year’s budget day to be read by minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta, questions are being raised by some members of parliament as to whether the budget to be read shall conform with the requirements of the new constitution.

Two members of parliament Ababu Namwamba of Budalangi and John Mbadi of Gwasi told journalists in Kitale town that the finance minister had failed to adhere to the requirement in the new constitution whereby he was supposed to table his budget estimates before the parliament two months before reading the budget.

The MPs said that this year’s budget should be read in accordance with the new constitution promulgated on August 27th last year shortly before the budget making process commenced in September hence there is no exception that it is done under the old laws.

The legislators vowed to stop the finance minister from reading the budget till requirements of the country’s new laws are adhered to.

Chairman Namwamba addressing residents of Kitale at the municipal grounds.

“We are firmly convinced that what the minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta is attempting to deal with the budget unconstitutionally is something we will reject, condemn and fight to the hilt. We will not allow him to violating provisions related to the budget,” noted Namwamba.

They hinted that the new constitution removed the powers of making the budget from the executive and the treasury to the parliament and thus the laws must be followed to the letter.

“The minister if he attempts to bring that budget in parliament on 8th of this month, we will not allow him because he will be doing it illegally,” said Gwasi MP Mbadi.

The MP further noted that the new constitution has no provisions of the budget reading ceremony and thus the minister the minister should ensure that the whole process is done according to the new laws lest the budget will be objected by a citizen who may go to court to reject it arguing that the budget is supposed to be with parliament for at least two months.

At the same time Namwamba who had led a team of the parliamentary select committee on the cost of living to collect views from residents of Kitale further noted that ministers and other people holding public offices should be precluded from political party leadership and thus concerned should go ahead and relinquish the positions because that is the requirement of the new laws passed by Kenyans last year.

However, the MP noted that the law does not touch on party leaders because the positions are not in the constitutions of the political parties and thus the leaders can still hold their positions.

The legislators cautioned the finance minister to stop concentrating too much on the 2012 politics and not sparing him time to concentrate on important matters that touch on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

What Bungoma expects from the Budget

There are many expectations from the populace of Bungoma, many hoping to see reduced prices on nearly everything most especially fuel.

The high cost of living that has emerged recently due to the sky rocketing fuel prices has led to a lot of hostility towards the government from Bungoma citizens. Everyone is waiting for 2012 elections so they get a chance to make a change in Kenya’s leadership.

Bungoma citizens are hoping for a relief pocket wise after the budget but may just be up for or a rude shock in the current economic crisis. Mr. Ernest Akana, a construction worker in Bungoma says he hopefully expects reduced prices in fuel, food, and cooking oil. He also expects reduced taxes for all civil servants so they can have an ease of life.

“In the upcoming budget, I want the finance minister to reduce the price of fat, fuel and food prices. I also want the government to reduce the salaries for ministers to bring relief to the tax payer because these leaders are not performing anyway. The salaries of each civil servant should be equivalent to the work they do because prominent people get millions for just sitting on the office and punching numbers while I suffer in the hot sun for Sh. 10,000 a month,” Said Mr. Akana.

Most people are looking forward the time of easy lifestyles due to reduced cost of living soon after the budget is read. Most people are thinking of how their life can be made easy but most are forgetting the underprivileged in the country. Mr. Wamtete Sifuna, a construction worker, despite the challenges he faces in life daily, his expectation from the Budget is for the government to take into consideration the orphans and the abandoned children in the society.

“My appeal to the Finance Minister is that when he is preparing the Budget for 2011/2012, he should not leave out the homeless children. He should spare a considerable share of the value to cater for the well being of all those children staying in homes for they are helpless without our help. Another thing is that the Budget should address the high medical costs; the medical bills should be lowered so that the poor can also be able to access medical care,” said Mr. Sifuna.

As much as many people want to see reduced prices on commodities, other people argue that they don’t see the sense of the Budget unless the government gives an explanation of how it has spend most of the public funds.

Mr. Ken Biketi, an accountant at a law firm said that all he wants is the government to explain how money has been disappearing without a trace. Mr. Biketi proposes that the government should set up a control price for fuel to stop the fluctuations, he added that the government should also make sure they address the salary increments and implement them because teachers are complaining of the 20per cent increment the still haven’t received.