Finally El Nino!

By Felix Ogweny

When the media started reporting about this type of rain being a blessing and a curse, most people thought it was propaganda and for sure we had started blaming the government for misplaced priority as large budgetary allocation was done for the meteorological department.

The long rains are finally here with us and going by the look of things, they could be here for a long time. 

Isinya is characterized by black cotton type of soil. Meaning, it is the worst in terms of drainage because with little down pour, there is complete surface run off and with slight sunrise all the water vaporizes and so it goes back to its ‘dry’ nature. The vegetation around this town is made of short (leaf-less) acacia trees, a typical representation of a dry area. The only river (Isinya River), is seasonal and so residences of this town usually have shortage of water more so during dry spells.

Onset of this rain has seen the river flow and the vegetation get green once again showing signs of rejuvenated life. Soon there will be abundance of green leafy vegetables in the local markets around this town and water shortage will be a thing of the past (temporarily). This will in turn boost agribusiness around this place and it’s environs.

Some of the negative effects that the community will have to put up with are for instance the poorly managed roads that are now impassable; especially in the interior part of the area, as well as poor sewerage systems. Power outages are commonplace in this vicinity, during the rainy season. For electricity-dependent businesses this is the time to count loses as they trickle. All construction works that had not been completed will have to wait a little bit longer because when it rains, it becomes practically impossible for the construction to continue due to poor drainage.

If El Nino is anything to go by, this small town will travel along way in its mixed misery and blessings for as long as the heavy down pour continues.

St. Faith carries the day during diocese of Kajiado choir festival

By Soila Munyaka

A total of 17 choirs within the diocese of Kajiado took to the stage to perform during this year’s Anglican Church choir festival, held at the Emanuel Cathedral in Kajiado; on Saturday 22^nd .

                   

The adjudicators were from the ministry of education. The categories performed included set-piece, band, own-choice (published accredited), own-composition, sacred folk song and own-choice (men).

The set-piece is normally performed by all participating choirs. This year, it was a song; Nina inua macho yangu, composed by Nicholas Omondi. A four-part song, ternary, with Giriama rhythm; sang on key G major.

St. Patrick's ready to perform a folk song, Hamba ku Yesu

Speaking during the event, the bishop, Rt. Rev. Gadiel Lenini, applauded the efforts of everyone, especially the clergy, for supporting their respective choirs therefore making the day a success.

“Music is a good art of worship, and it’s very important in spreading the gospel. This is absolutely wonderful…” said the bishop.

With the festival being more of a fellowship, the best of all had to be crowned. A fierce competition was experienced between the three music giants of the diocese: St. Faith and St. Michaels, both from Ongata Rongai and Christ the King, from Kitengela. Following closely was Holy Trinity, Emanuel Cathedral and St. Patrick’s.

In the overall performance, the top three were: St. Faith, St. Michaels and Christ the King; in that order.

This year’s event was a notch higher with more choirs participating and competition being stiff, compared to previous years. In the coming year, the festival is set to be bigger and better, something to look forward to.

Parents on the spot!

By Soila Munyaka

Schools have closed for the August holiday and news especially about high school students have been in the media for the wrong reasons; leading to many asking how rotten our society has become and who is to blame for that.

Trending at the moment is a story about a group of secondary school students misbehaving in a matatu while traveling home from school. Still on the same, a video clip of a naked 14 year old girl being searched by police, has gone viral, bringing immense shame and regret to her family.

“A lot has changed and parents are failing in their responsibilities. Nowadays there is no collective upbringing of children like in our times where children could be corrected by any adult…” Mr. Timothy Muriuki, a teacher by profession.

In a school closing meeting with parents, a teacher gave an account of how a parent quarreled her in front of a class filled with pupils. Afterwards it became utterly impossible for the teacher to even guide or correct the child while others became rude.

Often when children hurt each other while playing, the issue mostly escalates as their parents clash after taking it personally. As parents tend to protect their children its necessary that they consider the bigger picture especially on how these children carry themselves while away.

Women unleash their anger on alcohol

By Soila Munyaka

All activities came to a standstill in Isinya town, on Thursday 30^th  when a group of angry Maasai women attacked all alcohol joints and pubs, destroying all the drinks that have apparently led to their husbands neglecting their duties back home.

The women destroy alcohol in one of the pubs

They also blamed young women who came to the area seeking jobs, for allegedly snatching their husbands. Things went from bad to worse when the police decided to use teargas to disperse the crowd. They purportedly threatened to burn down the nearby police station, and this led to an apology by police so as to calm down the people whose emotions were raging high.

A section of the local leaders condemned the incidence as there are better ways of addressing the issue.

Broken beer bottles on the Nairobi-Namanga highway

“This is totally unacceptable, destroying people’s property is not right. As you can see, this is not even illicit brew they are destroying and they just don’t care. It’s too bad; we can’t prosecute a mob…” Chief Mpaashe, speaking during the fracas.

Pub operators are counting massive losses and these women say that there is no turning back; this is just the beginning.

Kayanet Women group empowered on production of fireless cookers

By Julyann Mutuku

Kayanet women group from Kitengela Ward in Kajiado County is reaping the benefits of a capacity building training on making fireless cookers. The group of eleven members, 8 women and 3 men were trained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries under the Home Economics department which works closely with Energia Kenya Network in Kajiado County.

The Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) is the focal point for Energia Kenya Network activities in Kajiado County through support from Practical Action.

Most of the women had been introduced to fireless cookers and are even using them in their households but now want to be actively involved in its production in order to improve their livelihood. They are enthusiastic about the benefits of the fireless cooker and are seeing a bright future ahead.

Heard of a fireless cooker?

A fireless cooker is a simple basket which uses the vacuum flask technique to cook food. The inside part is insulated with heat retaining materials which are easily available such old clothes or banana leaves.

Home Economics expert holding a fireless cooker basket

The food is first placed on a convectional source of heat such as wood fuel till boiling point then put in the fireless cooker for continued cooking for a given period of time which varies with the type of food. The basket keeps the food warm for a longer time saving on fuel that could have been used to re-warm the food.

Monicah Musila a member of Kayanet Women group noted that some of the women have been making a profit of Kshs 1000 per basket by selling the fireless cookers to their neighbours. With training on market awareness creation and best business practice skills she hopes to be able to make ten or more baskets per month.

Similarly, Linah Maiyo, Secretary Kayanet Women group said that the fireless cookers have been beneficial to her household as she has been able to save wood fuel and charcoal. 

It has also made her work easier as she does not have to worry about fire accidents when her children are alone at home. Her husband is also a beneficiary for ‘when he comes home late at night, he gets the food warm and ready to eat’ remarked Linah.

“It would be my joy if Energia Kenya helped us in reaching more households in the ward to enjoy the use of fireless cookers as we do,” said Maiyo.

Fireless cooker making is mostly done by women who can testify to the many benefits, it is however not common in Kajiado county.

Group challenges

The women group is facing a major challenge in marketing since most people in the area hardly know about fireless cookers. In order to address this, Energia Kenya is organizing a Participatory Market System Development (PMSD) training for the group and other energy entrepreneurs in Kajiado County.

Scarcity of production materials like baskets has been a hindrance to the group. Most of the time they have to travel to Ruiru or Thika to purchase materials. The added transport costs at times makes it hard for the members to realize good returns.

Energia aims to address energy, poverty and gender issues in Kenya, while providing strong linkages with relevant institutions and organisations and generating and sharing knowledge and information on gender based issues.

This year’s County Trade fair ends

By Soila Munyaka

A day before the trade fair

The 2-day County Agricultural, Livestock exhibition and trade fair has come to a fulfilling close today; 12^th of June, at the Maasai Rural Training Centre (MRTC).

The field filled with activities

The event had been organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with AWF. This year’s theme was “Adoption of technology for suitable agricultural transformation and resilience”.

Some briquettes at the show

Many stakeholders from the county participated, to display their contribution towards the growth of the County and especially in the agricultural sector.

Speaking as he officially opened the trade fair, the Governor H.E Dr.David Nkedianye called on the wananchi to learn as much as possible during the two days.

A bull at the show

“This is a good opportunity for the people to learn new things and opportunities there are, in this field of agriculture…” he said.

It was a successful event, which ended with some good news coming from Hon Jonah Orumoi, County Executive Member for Agriculture. The tannery at the MRTC that has been under construction since 2011 will be operational by end of the year. This will create jobs for many people therefore improving their living standards.

Lights, finally!

By Soila Munyaka

The residents of Maasai Rural Training Centre (MRTC) can smile again after almost a week; from Tuesday 2nd to Sunday 7th, in the dark due to power outage caused by a burned transformer after some drizzles.

Lack of electricity led to some financial constraints to the people living in this place because they had to spent money on water and fuel for lighting.

Maasai Rural, as it is commonly known to many, has some residential houses. It is also a host to NGOs like ALIN, MAAP and Compassion. There are also some government offices; the IEBC office for Kajiado East Constituency and Oloosidan Location Chief’s office. A public primary and secondary school also use  water and electricity from MRTC.

“It has been such a long and difficult week without water and electricity, but God is good…” said Ms.Elizabeth Muia, a resident at the MRTC.

Personnel from KPLC at the MRTC

According to the KPLC personnel, it was a challenge to find a small transformer. Another reason for the delay was due to the immense workload in the company as during the rainy season power outages are common and demand for services shoots up.

Water taps in the MRTC have been dry for sometime now and the nearest water point is Isinya town and this makes it a huge expense.  The people here are hoping that this issue on water will be resolved once and for all, as soon as possible to lessen the big burden.

The president strives to steer the nation ahead

By Soila Munyaka

Wanachi during Madaraka day celebrations

The government has taken practical development steps towards eradicating disease, ignorance and poverty, in line with the vision 2030.

In his speech during the 52nd Madaraka day celebrations, the president highlighted some of the progress made on this subject.

He recently commissioned modern medical equipment in Machakos County. It includes a state-of-the-art theatre, kidney, and X-ray and ICU equipment; to enable doctors to treat serious ailments.

The government has raised its capitation to secondary schools from Ksh. 28 billion to Ksh. 32 billion and for primary schools from Ksh.14 billion to Ksh.15 billion. The objective is to make primary and secondary education truly free within the next three years. The government will also cover the examination fees.

Quite entertained

By the year 2017, the president promised that the standard gauge railway will have reached Nairobi. The government is also working hard to attract foreign investors into the country, for job creation. This is however hindered by insecurity especially terrorism threats. No investor would want to invest in a place where security is not guaranteed.

DCC reads the president's speech to the people

To address this issue, the government has heavily invested in strengthening the institutions involved. Equipping the police force, empowering the national intelligence, criminal investigation institutions and the defense forces.

President Uhuru urged those especially in the public sector to be responsible and to shun from graft and to always uphold integrity as this is the only way to achieve the goals and promises made to the wananchi.

The sub-county becomes safer for all

By Soila Munyaka

The crowd jovial during the entertainment

The security situation in the sub-county has improved over the past few months due to the efforts made by the stakeholders concerned; including the nyumba kumi initiative.

Speaking during the 52^nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the Isinya Primary School grounds, Mr. Fred Machoka, a celebrated radio personality who also resides in the area was keen to note the change.

Mr. Machoka

“It is evident that the security of this area has tremendously improved. The DCC and his team are doing a commendable job and I urge them to keep it up…” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by the area MCA, Hon. David Nkirrimpai, who also firmly criticized the investors in the sub-county.

“Some of these investors pretend to be good and genuine, and are not. Some who are working on the Standard Gauge Railway are so mean that they can’t even share water from their boreholes with the community. If they can’t do that, we might as well do without their sodas during these celebrations…” said Hon. Nkirrimpai.

Hon. Nkirrimpai

Still on security matters, it was noted that some investors hire or contract people from outside the county, and at the end of job period, these people do not return to their places of origin and in turn become criminals. In this case, the investors were asked to work with people from this area to avoid such occurrences.

The DCC, Mr. David Kipkemei, vowed to work even harder to ensure that the sub-county is safe for everyone. He also urged the wananchi to be vigil and to provide information to the security officers on any issue that might come up pertaining security.

Organizations take a keen look into Gender and Energy in Kajiado County

By Soila Munyaka

A sensitization workshop organized by ALIN through Energia-Kenya was held on 28^th May at the ACK Tenebo House in Kajiado, to share experiences on gender and energy situation in the County.

Energia is a global network that deals with energy and gender issues. It is hosted by the Eastern Africa regional office of Practical Action, under the Access to Modern Energy Services Programme. ALIN is the Focal point for Energia in Kajiado County.

A group photo of the participants

The aim of the forum was to strengthen awareness on the importance of gender mainstreaming in energy services delivery. It was also a platform for stakeholders to learn and share experiences on gender and energy issues in Kajiado County. A roadmap was to be developed for gender and energy issues to be included in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

The County government was represented by Hon. Gladys S. Marima, former CECM ICT, Gender and Citizen Participation, currently in charge of Health Services Ministry. Also present was Mr. Titus Koote, Chief Officer for Ministry of Roads, Transport and Energy; and Hon. Timothy Sayiore, MCA, Imaroro Ward. Other organizations that participated were: Dupoto-E-Maa, NIA, ASDSP, Practical Action, SACDEP-Kenya, among others.

The use of clean energy was one of the key topics during the forum and there will be a follow-up to see that some of the issues discussed will be included in the CIDP.

Pupils showcase their talents during sports day

By Soila Munyaka

800M(boys)

It was a sporty Tuesday on 26^th of May, at Isinya primary school grounds as schools converged to battle in the sub-zonal athletics competition, to pick a team to represent the area in the zonals.

Javelin(girls)

The schools represented were Isinya and Musa primary schools and the Topride academy. Isinya primary school emerged the best after winning in most disciplines; including javelin, high jump and the short races, just to mention a few.

High Jump(boys)

It was also a time to make some cash as vendors flocked the venue with their products like candy and soda for sale; and were not disappointed.

Some business ladies at the venue

The pupils participating in the games are exceptionally gifted and if these talents are nurtured, this country will have great sports men and women, in the years to come.

Girls in action(high jump)

The Mungiki issue infuriates Isinya residents

By Monica Soila

A meeting to address security concern organized by Isinya sub-county’s security team was held on Monday 2^nd in Isinya town, to discus way-forward about the Mungiki menace in Kajiado County.

Being a market day, the crowd was substantially huge although only five ladies attended the meeting while the others participated from a distance. In attendance was the County commissioner, Mr.Harsma Kello, the deputy county commissioner Mr. David Kipkemei, area MCA Hon. David Nkirrimpai, nyumba kumi initiative’s ambassadors among others.

Amid angry and bitter expressions, the community called for an end to all Mungiki activities; an outlawed sect which is allegedly being linked to Maina Njenga, their former leader. They demanded that the government take action as soon as possible, before they (the community) deal with the issue their way.

“The only agenda that we have for this meeting is that Maina Njenga gets out of this county for good and to never set foot here ever again…”Samuel Moinkett,speaking during the meeting.

In his remarks, the county commissioner, Mr. Kello, called for the public to provide information concerning the matter to the security workforce and to let the law take its course to avoid bloodshed.

“Since launching the crackdown on Mungiki from July last year, the information you provided has so far helped us apprehend 1,600 members. So it is very certain that the government can handle this…” said Mr.Kello.

It was very clear during the gathering that the community had taken their firm stand against Maina Njenga being in the county; and all the attention will be on the County commissioner and his team on what he can do to help the situation.

Hon.Peris Tobiko visits Isinya for a noble course

By Monica Soila

Hon. peris Tobiko, MP for Kajiado East constituency was in Isinya on Friday 16^th to issue cheques to Isinya boys’ secondary school and Isinya Township primary school.

Together with the local leadership she toured Isinya boys’ secondary school, to view the progress made in the school construction. She also visited Isinya primary school before proceeding to Isinya Township primary school in Majengo area.

The school in Majengo began in 2010 as a nursery school and was registered in 2014 as a government school. It has four teachers who include the head teacher; Ms.Rose Naetu.It has only class one and class two and has 124 pupils.

Ms.Rose Naetu

Being an upcoming school, it faces numerous challenges including lack of water, toilets, space (land), and office among other fundamental amenities. These many challenges led to need for the area MP to step in and offer some help.

“I had promised to come back to Majengo and here i am. Let’s build this school together because education is important. I will plead with the County government for some land; but at the moment I will build classrooms….” Hon. Tobiko.

Hon.Peris Tobiko

To crown the event, the MP handed some cheques to the two schools. Isinya boys’ secondary school received a cheque worth Kshs 900,000 and Isinya Township primary school received a cheque worth Kshs 800,000.

Some of the issues close to the heart of Hon.Tobiko is education and she promises to support all the projects pertaining to it. As the saying goes; actions will always speak louder than words, and she is really walking her talk.