Isinya Boys Secondary School elects its Student Council

By Monica Soila

Line-up to vote

Students of Isinya Boys Secondary School took to the ballot to elect their prefect body, nowadays better known as Student Council, last Friday.

The council is headed by the chairperson, formerly known as head boy/girl or school captain. And almost in line with the country’s constitution, instead of class prefect, class representatives were elected. Also elected were the Enviroment, Laboratory and Academics secretaries, just to mention a few.

Voting

The exercise which took about three hours was presided over by Ms.Jennifer Mugambi, the Constituency Election Coordinator for Kajiado East. Students learnt a lot about the election process as the event continued.

Counting of the votes

“After the voting exercise, the voters are required to leave the venue and go elsewhere to wait for the results announcement…”Ms. Jennifer Mugambi.

Ms.Jennifer Mugambi,the CEC,Kajiado East

The activity normally takes place during the third term in Kenya’s Secondary schools calendar. Some of it’s aspects have changed over the recent past. Initially teachers selected and appointed the prefect body but not anymore. The students that 
 meet the set criteria take their campaigns to fellow students for election.

In the case of Isinya Boys, those that were eligible to vie had no outstanding level of indiscipline, not weak in academic performance and not in form four.

The elected Student Council

It was however obvious to note that the girls did not actively participate in the process; given the fact that it is a mixed secondary school. Out of the eleven elected students, only two were girls.

 According to Mr. Rhennos Saitabaw, the school deputy principal, the outcome could be attributed to poor academic performance by the girls and also intimidation from the boys since they outnumber the girls.

The elected chairperson,Daniel Lekalai and Principal, Mr.Mokamba

 “We have done everything to encourage the girls to vie but I think they fear the pressure that comes with leadership….”Mr.Rhennos Saitabaw.

 The climax of the event was results announcement by Ms.Mugambi, followed by presenting the elected Student Council to the School’s Principal, Mr. Robert Mokamba.Cogratulations and all the best to the winners!

AFC seeks to empower women in Isinya Sub-County

By Monica Soila

A preparation by Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to empower women in Isinya kicked off on Monday during the launch of Mrs.Odhiambo Were’s poultry venture at Kisaju.Guests from AFC, IFAD, ACRA Treasury and the local leadership attended the function.

Mr. Stephen Tipanko,Ms.Rose and Ms.Agnes (Oloosidan Location leadership)

The project, through a loan by AFC, was started three months ago and lies in a 6 acre piece of land and so far sixteen people have been employed on the farm.Mrs.Were’s main market is the Quality Meat Packers (QMP).

Residents especially women were urged establish similar projects by seeking credit from AFC as this would ensure financial stability, therefore improving living standards. Men were asked to support women in these projects.

“As women in this area we have plans to start many projects but we lack the support from our husbands. We can see what our colleague has done and so we want to ask our husbands here today to give us the necessary support….”Hellen Tipatet, speaking on behalf of women during the event.

Mrs.Hellen Tipatet

With peace and tranquility experienced in the County, investors were encouraged to consider the area as one of the best for investing.

Mrs.Odhiambo Were

“People here are friendly and accommodating and the place is very secure. Natives are considered marginalized but with such projects, that will change for the better…”Mr. Jonathan Ekai, Assistant County Commissioner.

AFC vowed to partner with other stakeholders like the government to enable a successful impact financing roll-out. It is up to the people now to take advantage of this opportunity.

Isinya’s quadrocopter camera

By Monica Soila

When a picture is worth a thousand words, it depends on what, how and where the photo was taken. Cameras come in all shapes and sizes, as technology keep on evolving and improving for the better.

A quadrocopter is a drone-like remote controlled camera used for taking aerial photographs and videos. Although it is restricted by windy weather conditions, it takes quite amaizing, spectacular photos.

In Isinya, there is one such kind of a device owned by a muzungu better known as Masaja.It can fly up to 3000 ft high and about 1500 ft wide. Its battery life is up to 13 minutes.

The quadrocopter can be quite convenient in gatherings such as wedding, crusades and even political rallies.

A day packed with financial and awareness fulfillment

 By Monica Soila

An outstanding event was held in Olooloitikoishi by MAA partners initiatives(MAAP)  in conjunction with APHIAPLUS on August 29^th to award school fees cheques to students; days before school re-opening for the third and final term in the school calendar.

It was also a day for giving counsel to the people on matters affecting them as representatives from sectors working closely with families were present.

The community was enlightened on dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and especially the fact that it results in death in some cases. Parents learned that they can be sued by their children if any of their rights (children) were violated by their parents. Importance of having a health insurance was stressed by a representative from NHIF. 

 Other topics speakers talked about also included education importance, and the need to work hard for excellent results. Another matter was about the significance of birth and death certificates.

“At this point in time, everyone is required to have a birth certificate because very soon it will be hard for anyone without it to access most of the government services. Children below 18 years and without the document can visit our offices in Kajiado, or any Huduma Centre to apply for it…”H.K. Kanyaa,registrar of births and deaths.

Stakeholders including the County government were asked to join in to boost the efforts of area NGOs in ensuring a better life for the community, particularly the pastoralists.

MAAP awards school fees cheques to project beneficiaries

By Monica Soila

MAA Partners Initiatives (MAAP), on Friday held an event to issue school fees cheqaues to secondary school and vocational training students;and school uniforms to primary school pupils who are project beneficiaries, 29th August at Olooloitikoishi (Birika).

Mr. Kantim Muanik,chief guest

The guest of honor was Hon.Ali Letura; County Executive for Education, Science & Technology. He was unable to attend the function and was represented by Mr.Kantim Muanik, Chief of staff in the County government. Other guests included APHIAPLUS representatives, registrar of births & deaths, children department representative, NHIF representative, health personnel among others.

MAAP's staff introducing themselves to the gathering

The project which is funded by USAID through APHIAPLUS awarded cheques worth Kshs 850,000 to 82 needy secondary schools and 2 vocational training students.

Issuing of the cheques

Three students from Ilbissil Girls Secondary school received a cheque worth Kshs. 30,000.Two students from Isinya Youth Polytechnic received a cheque worth Kshs. 26,000.Two students from Mua Hills Girls received a Kshs.20,000 cheque.Students from Oloiyangalani received a cheque worth of  Kshs.50,300,just to mention a few.

Issuing school uniforms

Students were asked to reciprocate the noble gesture of the benefactors through registering good grades in their exams.

“I urge all may fellow students here today to work hard. That is the only sure way of showing our gratitude to MAAP and the other sponsors who have made this possible today…”Rehema,a beneficiary from Ilbissil Girls Secondary school.

MAAP's director assisting a little girl fit  her new shoe

Parents were also told to play their role to ensure that their children perform holistically well.

“Parents do not leave all responsibilities to teachers. Encourage and demand results from your children...”Ms.Catherine Kimemia from APHIAPLUS.

“Do not take these chances for granted; learn to be grateful if you want to excel in life…”Mr.Kantim Muanik, advising the beneficiaries.

It was definitely a magnificent occasion and kudos to MAAP for their gracious initiative of lessening parents’ burden during these difficult financial times.