The COTU secretary general in Isinya

By Monica Soila & Sophia Suleiman

There was a workers meeting in Isinya on Sunday 2^nd of March, 2014, which was attended by COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli and area MP Hon. Peris Tobiko.

Majority of people around were not aware of the meeting but on seeing the tents mounted and the music, they formed a gathering. The meeting comprised of mostly flower farm workers from Isinya and  Athi River.People from Athi River were ferried by buses to the venue.

After the entertainment, speakers took to the stage one by one. Flower farms especially P.J Dave Flowers were heavily criticized for poor disposal of harmful chemicals, victimization of workers including poor pay among others. Corruption was termed as the biggest hurdle in addressing challenges facing the workers in the flower farms.Mr.Jonathan Ekai, area D.O was accused for allegedly being on P.J Dave’s payroll.

“These flower farms make millions in a day while those who work for them languish in poverty. Their licenses should be revoked if they don’t comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)”, said Meshack Khisa, from the office of COTU secretary general.

 

Mr. Francis Atwoli,COTU sec. general

The leaders spoke in one voice that something needs to be done to curb the impunity of these ‘rich men’, reffering to the proprietors and owners of flower farms. Those without the CBA form were given a seven day ultimatum whereby they risk losing their licenses and markets for their flowers.

Hon. Peris Tobiko

“I don’t have any court to sue them, a gun to shoot them or any other weapon for that matter, you are my only weapon; that is why I urge you to stand firm on this seven days strike”, said Mr. Atwoli.

 

during the meeting

Population influx has been evident especially in Majengo area, Isinya. It is in this regard that the area MP Hon.Tobiko has decided to put up a school in this area.

“My office has set aside Ksh 1000,000 to start building a school in Majengo”, she said.

As these events start to unfold, and with the attention from the outspoken COTU secretary general; one can only wait and see what comes of it and after how long.

A date with the sub-county agricultural officers

By Monica Soila

An agricultural stakeholder’s consultative meeting was held on Thursday 20^th  at the Maasai Discovery hotel in Kitengela; by the ministry of agriculture, livestock development and fisheries, aimed at finding ways of revamping livestock, fisheries and crop subsectors in the county.

extension officers

The public was given a podium to air their grievances and suggestions on their agricultural activities. It was such a positive opportunity for the farmers because they got to meet all the extension officers of the Isinya sub-county.

Most of the challenges aired by the farmers were similar across the sub-county: lack of enough land and pasture to graze livestock due to population growth, losses brought about by planting in the wrong season owing to lack of awareness on climate change.Defforestation and lack of information on water harvesting seemed a big challenge too. Other farmers stressed that the extension officers are never available when needed.

community during the meeting

Mr. David Nkirimpai, the area member of county assembly, who was also present, assured the meeting that all the challenges would be addressed without delay, however he cautioned the community on hasty selling of land in contention that it poses dangerous problems in the near future.

A change for the better

By Sophia Suleiman

Over the years Kajiado County has been resided by the Maasai people who are predominantly pastoralists. This seems not to be the case anymore due to the effects of climate change. Agriculturally, this region has a lot of potential due to the black cotton soil which favors most crops; and the population have since taken advantage and ventured into agriculture.

Today, a lot of agricultural activities are evident especially in Isinya sub-county; from flower production, to fruits and vegetables for export. There is also Kenchic limited, a big producer of chicken in the country at large. 

The biggest challenge facing agriculture in this area is water scarcity. Being an arid area, rainfall is not reliable therefore it becomes costly for most people to do farming; given that one has to drill a borehole for irrigation. Aside from that, the level of technology is low as the area is not quite urbanized. Lack of skilled labor is also a challenge.

Farmers and farmer groups are calling upon the county government to come up with strategies to deal with some of these issues facing agriculture in the area; since farming is the backbone of the county and country.

Dogs gone wild

 

By Monica Soila

On Saturday 8^th morning, in MRTC, Isinya, a sheepherder woke up to find his flock dead after being attacked by a pack of dogs from a neighboring boma.

a dead sheep

According to Mr.Mogira Kiseento, a watchman at MRTC, the sheepherder had sought refuge for the night as it was heavily raining; he was coming from Marempeti in Kitengela heading to Bissil.

The total number of the flock was 24 and now 13 were no more after being killed by the said dogs.

“hii si mara ya kwanza hisi maumbwa simefanya hifyo”, (this isn’t the first case about these dog) said the agitated watchman;”jusi walifamia kondoo sa ranch na wakauwa salasini na tatu”, (they attacked and killed 33 sheeps at the MRTC ranch, just the other day), he added.

a sheep killed by the dogs

The sheepherder, who was now considering reporting the matter to the Isinya police station, could not understand why legal action was not taken the first time this incidence occurred.

“Hii ni mbaya sana na ni hasara tupu,” (this is very bad and it’s a big loss) he said, after being silent for a long time.

A drastic measure needs to be taken by the relevant authority before this challenge gets out of hand. Livestock have been attacked by wild animals before or swept away by drought. This is obviously an added burden to the community which of course something can be done about it!

Operation “eat more fish”

By Monica Soila

The state department of fisheries held a fish eating day on February 7^th, at the MRTC grounds in Isinya; to sensitize and educate the community on benefits of fish on our health and also as a potential lucrative business venture. 

There was quite an audience, led by the county governor, the assistant county commissioner and other leaders in the county; some were eager and excited waiting to taste this ‘foreign’ cuisine for the first time.  

“Change is good, so let’s embrace it if its a positive one’’said Dr.David Nkedianye, the governor of Kajiado county.

preparing to be served

addressing the people

The event was a total success as most of the people, only used to beef and other types of red meat learned how to eat fish and couldn’t get enough of it!

“Na hii samaki ni tamu sana, leta ingine”, (this fish is so delicious, bring some more) said Mr. Stephen Tipanko, as he called for more fish.

the governor enjoying the meal

enjoying the meal

Given that fish farming does not necessitate large space like livestock, the leaders urged the community to adopt this type of farming. The fish market in the growing towns is yet to be satisfied; all the more reason to venture into this business.