Leaders urged to shun corruption

By Monica Soila

Honesty, justice and integrity were the key words during Mr. Stephen Tipanko’s thanksgiving ceremony on Saturday 16^th August, as the leaders took to the podium to congratulate and offer advice to the newest administrator in town.

The chief escorted by women amid songs

“As leaders, we also seek blessings in what we do. This is in exercising integrity at all times. Serve the people in a just way”, said Mr. David Kipkemei, the Deputy County Commissioner.

H.E Dr. Nkedianye  and Mr.Kipkemei (DCC)

“I would like to advise our people on corruption; that if you don’t encourage it through bribes and all that, your leaders will not be corrupt. Help your leaders lead you right”, he added.

Hon. David  Nkirrimpai and Hon. Peris Tobiko

Issues on security and development matters were also widely highlighted.

“We have been facing some challenges on insecurity, so i urge our DCC to take keen on that”, said Hon. David Nkirrimpai, area MCA.

The chief receiving a laptop

The area Member of Parliament was concerned about mushrooming of industries in the area, given the environmental and health dangers it might pose if there are no clear and proper guidelines in place.

Lady chiefs in shukas

“Let leaders involve the community in forming tight policies to govern industries and flower farms around”, said Hon.Peris Tobiko.

The governor echoed the DCC’s thoughts on corruption and leadership.

“Let us all work together keeping in mind that honesty and fairness is what will take us forward”, said H.E Dr.David Nkedianye.

The chief receiving rungus from Mrs.Peninah Nasieku

“I know men are experts in shortcuts since they have money and will want to bribe their way into what they want, so be careful around them”, he added, advising other leaders.

The event was an unforgettable one, bringing together wananchi and County leadership to the same place. To crown it all, there were a gift session whereby political, administration and the church leaders were given shukas.

Mr. Stephen Tipanko received more than a shuka. He is now a proud owner of a brand new HP laptop and a rungu, neatly decorated with beads, among others.

All the best to Chief Stephen, as he seeks to live up to the expectations of the community of Oloosidan Location.

Community celebrates Mr. Tipanko’s appointment as Chief of Oloosidan

By Monica Soila

A thanksgiving ceremony was held on Saturday to celebrate the appointment of Mr.Stephen Kishapui Tipanko as chief of Oloosidan location; at his home in Ilng’osuani village.

Dancing to the music

People from all walks of life attended the event. Leaders from the county led by H.E the Governor, Dr.David Nkedanye, area MP Hon.Peris Tobiko and MCA David Nkirrimpai also graced the occasion.

The ceremony saw the new Deputy County Commissioner, Mr.David Kipkemei make his debut appearance, a few weeks after taking over from Mr.Hassan Bule who was transferred to Kisii County.

Ms.Rhoda Kunai (in black),a gospel musician

Music and dance characterized the event. Food and drinks was in plenty and meals were served in a buffet. Gospel musicians from the community gave the crowd spiritual nourishment with their sweet melodious songs.

“What i like about this ceremony is that the food has been served on time unlike most events where people are starved up to 4:00 pm”, said a lady who was very impressed by the well-organized spectacle.

Jubilant women singing

It was such a colorful memorable affair filled with joy and laughter as Oloosidan Location celebrated the induction of one of their own who now they will be looking up to for leadership and guidance.

Dupoto-E-Maa hosts ALIN in Maili Tisa

By Monica Soila

A team comprised of members from ALIN and Dupoto-E-Maa organizations visited Noontoto women group in Maili Tisa along the Nairobi-Namanga highway in a quest to find a feasible group for the implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Act! Project.

Noontoto was started in 2003, consists of 25 members and has quite some essential resources which include a green house and solar pump courtesy of Dupoto-E-Maa, a house for business, two water tanks,50 plastic chairs and 2.5 acres of land. Some donors from Sweden bought them the land and also built the house for them.

The group at times leases the building to teachers from the area hence fetching some income. They have unsuccessfully grown tomatoes three times. This is due to water scarcity and disease infestation. During the rainy season, the group harvests between 5-10 bags of maize from the 2 acre piece of land.

“This place is fertile and has potential of producing even better yields, with proper utilization of these resources”, said Joyce Nairraba, the group’s chairperson.

They are however faced with some challenges. Lack of water leads to little or no harvest at all. Pests, diseases and general lack of agricultural know-how hinder their performance financially.

An intervention by extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture or any other organization, to boost their capacity on agricultural issues, can go a long way in helping the group realize their full potential, otherwise with all those resources; it might not amount to much.

Women celebrate breast-feeding week in style

By Monica Soila

A fun-filled event to mark global breast-feeding week was held on Tuesday by Child Survival Program (CSP) a project supported fully by Compassion International, as a way of creating more awareness on the importance of the practice at the Maasai Rural Training Centre (MRTC).

The event brought together women who are breast-feeding as well as those who are almost due for delivery; that are being supported by the project.

Some of the activities included competing in singing games and simple plays.

“For a moment, these women will forget their troubles and problems that come with bringing up children. This is basically the reason for all the fun you can see here”, said Ms.Peninah Sanayo, a CSP supervisor.

Some of the benefits of breastfeeding include joyful closeness and bonding with your baby and it’s also important to note that there is specific nutrition only you can provide for the baby.

On Wednesday, those that have successfully breastfed their children for the required six months will receive certificates courtesy of CSP and this will encourage the rest to follow suit.