MAIN STORY
A strange dance
VP fights for space as politics get rough
A discordant tune is belting out in Ukambani for the first time in a long time, with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu sending out the same message over the Proposed Constitution.
Even then the tune is so un understandable as the singing is being overshadowed by drama in the VP's politics that culminated in being shouted down at Uhuru Park recently.
Even then, Mrs Ngilu has been making clear utterances that she was working closely with the VP to ensure that the Yes vote carries the day in Ukambani. ™You have been calling on us to speak with one voice. Now, I want to tell you that the VP and I are doing so for the good of the country∫, Mrs Ngilu told a leaders meeting in Machakos and Emali as she launched the Yes campaigns in Ukambani.
What is sad however is the fact that a cloud is rising over the horizon with a scene developing in Ukambani that is a replica of what has happened at the national scene.
Those who know politics believe that the VP's stance of apparent indecisiveness arises from the fact that Prime Minster Raila Odinga has grabbed the Yes Campaign in Kenya to the disadvantage of anyone else, leaving all other politicians, including President Kibaki, let alone Kalonzo, to play second fiddle.
How Kalonzo can play second fiddle to the man he plans t teach a lesson once and for all in the coming elections is what he can never think through.
And now as the maze grows in Nairobi, Mrs Ngilu has hit the ground running, now becoming the face of the Yes campaigns in Ukambani, a development that is likely to enrage the VP beyond comprehension.
Even as Mrs Ngilu pledges to work with the VP over the vote, there already are murmurs from the Kalonzo camp that he will not join her in the campaigns, a matter that is raising eyebrows within the yes group.
Many now believe that Mrs Ngilu will have to drag the VP about as he attempts to find his footing again in national politics.
Elsewhere, a cut throat competition has hit the Vice President's camp, triggering worrying rivalry that may have contributed to his heckling at Uhuru Park.
The rivalry is so intense that one of the groups was unable to ferry Mr Kalonzo Musyoka's supporters to Nairobi for the rally to counter possible heckling. The Anchor has established beyond doubt that besides the intelligence reports the VP had that he could be heckled, his camp initially bore such fears and had even made an attempt to ferry supporters from Kibwezi, Machakos Town and Kilome to attempt to reverse effects of heckling, at least by cheering the VP wildly when he rose to speak.
But available information indicates that the plan to ferry the fans died out after funds for the job failed to be provided to his agents in Machakos, leaving the VP at the hands of fate in Nairobi.
The Anchor was told that the person identified to fund the process declined to do so because he does not see eye to eye with the agent. Much as the heckling was seen as turf war between Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mr Musyoka, it may well have been the culmination of the civil war of dissenting interest groups in Ukambani that continue to encircle the VP.
Rivalry is rife in vice president's circle as two camps emerge to control activities in Ukambani region. One caucus revolves around Kangundo MP Johnson Muthama and the other around ODM ± K co-odinator and VP's trusted point man Dee Kivuva.
The struggle is to undercut each other and to down-size each other . The scene of the war is Jogoo House where competing trips are made to seek audience with the VP. Muthama is uncomfortable with activities of Dee and his counterpart Peter Mutinga and is seen to use a Machakos businessman to check the two who have a lot of influence on the activities of the VP.
The VP, according to sources challenged the businessmen to bring on board other trusted players during the VP's 25th anniversary in Tseikuru a month ago. ™ Bring men who are ready to fight and die for me like Dee∫, Kalonzo is reported to have said, knowing too well that it may be difficult to haul a person of Dee's abilities.
Dee's critics say he and his friends have been unable to sell the VP in Ukambani and beyond. They accuse him of encircling the VP in a manner that many other likely supporters tend to keep off. Others accuse this side of even trying to exploit proximity to the VP to make money out of business deals. It is difficult to find fault with these criticisms. Yet the VP can hear non of it as Dee and his associates have a way of operating that sends the VP entangled to them, almost terminally.
But what is more worrying to many is that the VP's popularity has taken a nose-drive after the last general election, a fact not being taken lightly by VP's inner core. This comes as pressure mounts at home that he uses his seniority in politics to bring influence on development, not just in his Mwingi North Constituency, but in Ukambani as a whole.
There is a loud murmur that is about to become a chorus that the VP has nothing to show in terms of development.
Matters have not been helped by the fact that Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu is rapidly re-surfacing, adding tension in the VP's camp. Ngilu is utilizing the water ministry favourably and has been credited with reviving stalled water projects in Ukambani ,winning support of many locals.
This was evident when supremacy battle erupted on who should take credit of Maruba dam between her on the one side and Kalonzo and MP Victor Munyaka on the other. Munyaka paid the price by being shouted down and forced to sit down during the visit by Prime Minster Raila Odinga to the Machakos town recently.
This and other events have forced the VP to go back to the drawing board and restructure his aides. It explains why the VP has a line of up to six Personal Assistants, who also thrive on undercutting one another.
Recently, Kalonzo hired Public Relations Consultant Muthui Kariuki and demoted head of his Press Service Brown Kutswa, whom office staff claim is the ODM link in the VP's office.
There is disenchantment with another PA Kaplich Barsito, whom colleagues barrette openly for doing practically nothing to patch up Kalonzo's image, even when they all know that Kaplich may have no idea on how to do it. This acrimony has led Kalonzo to use his own ways- reaching out to a young Machakos based Citizen Writer Pascal Ndei, whom he uses in a desperate effort to do for himself what his adjutants have failed to do.
So far he has dropped his many foot soldiers, among them MPs and former MPs. One such foot soldier is Fred Muteti, an on- again, off- again aide of the VP, now seeking refuge at Muthama's offices to retain relevance. Muteti , a courageous and deft person at any rate, fell out after the controversial sale of Malili ranch to government. He was believed by many to be the blue-eyed boy of the VP in the deal that left directors in court. He currently camps at Muthama's Gigiri office and also acts as his errand boy. The other is Ben Kikemu who controlled Kitui district but sources indicate that after the VP failed to have Mrs Ngilu defeated in Kitui central , he is no longer relied on as part of strategists in Kitui district. He has also sought refuge in Muthama's camp.
Also kept in the fringes are ODM ± K MP's who according to many have not lived up to VP's expectations. Many are laid back and this seems to anger the VP. They rarely defend his when attacked. It is for this reason that Muthama has come in handy, remaining the only gunner to shoot down Kalonzo critics. In effect, Muthama is the only soldier standing in the Kalonzo camp, with both capacity to speak forcefully and ability to fund even Kalonzo.
Other MPs Victor Munyaka, Dan Muoki, Isaac Muoki, Peter Kiilu, Philip Kaloki and Itwiku Mbai have been left terrified, speechless and in penury.
Older defenders David Musila and Gideon Ndambuki have gone their own ways, unable to withstand this dreadful drama. Charles Kilonzo and Kiema Kilonzo although elected on ODM ± K banner have openly rebelled leaving the VP's house, leaving the Wiper House a shell of former self.
This explains why the VP's men are marauding over the whole terrain looking confused because their leader is lost in the thick of things as he prepares to stake a claim on the presidency in the next election. Observers are wondering just how the battle line will be since his home turf registered slightly over 1m voters, all of whom he can not rely on wholly.
Worse still, the turf is so disjointed and he hardly has the glue to patch it up.
Media on the spot for
ignoring community issues
By Nguma Kitone
Participants of workshop for the media and emerging young community leaders turned the hit on members of the fourth estate for ignoring what they termed pertinent issues affecting communities.
The participants criticized the media, particularly the mainstream players for focusing on politicians at the expense of development and other social issues touching on the common mwananchi.
The leaders complained that some of the social, political and economic issues affecting the common mwananchi at grass-root levels are not captured in the mainstream media.
Reporters attending the workshop organised by the Alternative Media (Amnet), the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) were at pains to defend themselves from the criticism raised by the youthful leaders.
The AMNET chairperson Christine Nguku challenged the media as agents of change to stand up to be counted in articulating issues affecting wananchi.
™Journalists must be dynamic, know the issues affecting communities around them, know the players and show leadership as they discharge their noble duty as conveyors of information∫, she said.
She spoke at the closure of the two days workshop held at Garden hotel, Machakos were the participants resolved to establish a close working relationship with emerging leaders.
The KCA chairman William Oloo Janak said the media fraternity has been infiltrated by quacks masquerading as journalists.
He, however, warned them that their days were numbered as all efforts are being made by the Media Owners Association to weed out quacks in the profession.
™We are aware of people organizing press conferences and negotiating kick backs. This is tainting the name of bonafide journalists∫, he added.
The FES programme Manager Maria Okong'o urged the media, whether mainstream or the alternative to think outside the box and set the public agenda.
DCC resolves
Bomani stand-off
By Anchor Reporter
THE Machakos Regional Church Council has recorded a positive development in AIC Bomani by resolving a leadership tiff in the Local Church Council(LCC)
It is a rare achievement for the DCC after a history of disastrous interventions or inaction in local wrangles.
The intervention has seen the vacation of the post of LCC Chairmanship by Lawyer James Aaron Makau. Makau has been chairing the LCC even as the constitution of the church says that the slot is reserved for the pastor in charge of every church.
Tension has been mounting in the church between the Pastor In Charge- the Reverend Samuel Munuve and Pastor Samuel Wambua, backed by some elders on the one side and Mr Makau and another group of elders on the other, as Munuve attempted to force out Mr Makau from the post.
Tension was so high that the pastors had threatened to spew ash of the fire during a church service. Reports indicate that the infighting was so high that a group of elders would hold meetings, purporting to be holding LCC meetings to the exclusion of Rev Munuve.
The AIC Constitution holds that the LCC comprises of the Pastor in charge and elected elders.
The storm in AIC Bomani is founded on the fact that when Munuve was posted to the church, another bout that led to the removal of the Rev Richard Muteto was at its peak. With the suspension of Muteto and with Munuve being an auxiliary pastor, Makau, being the Vice Chairman of the LCC found himself chairing LCC Meetings.
It is understood that Makau still chaired LCC meetings during Muteto's days, but since Rev Muteto did not have the spine to claim it, he let it go.
But matters came to a head when Munuve was appointed to the helmsman ship of the mega church; he staked a claim to the post amid opposition from Mr Makau.
It is understood that Munuve reported the matter to the DCC. The team was then summoned to the DCC. It is claimed that Munuve was so charged that he wanted it stated who between him and Makau was recognized by the DCC as chair.
His combative stance was deflated instantly when Makau and his elders apologized to the Reverend and stood down from the post. But sources says the battle royale lies ahead as church groups eye the cash worshippers raise every Sunday.Though revenue has gone down considerably, those bend on dipping their hands into the church cofferes are digging in for a big fight so as to joing the gravy train in Bomani.
Bomani has been calm since the exit of Muteto but not without some drama. Even with the resolution of the fight over the chairmanship, the LCC will have to address the issue of the pastors House that Rev Munuve swam out a deluge.
Munuve went to rent out a house, leaving the traditional residence of Bomani pastor inhabited by rain water. The Anchor could not establish exactly what led to the flooding of the house. The LCC has been paying Munuve's house rent, even as the official residence remains vacant.
It is claimed that the residence was flooded beyond habitation. The faster the LCC ensure that the Pastor's Residence is habitable, the better. Only then will worshippers be guaranteed of constant spiritual nourishment from AIC Bomani.
Incase the elders do not know, having the pastor reside outside the church is like having the Pope living outside the Vatican.
Protest over Economic
Stimulus Programme
An open letter to the Permanent Secretary
9thApril 2010
Mo-bi-li-zation Agency for Paralegal Communities in Africa (MAPACA)
Makueni Union Cooperative Union Room No 7
P.O. Box 404-90300
Wote Town
Makueni.
e-mail: makueni_paralegal@yahoo.co.uk
Mr Joseph Kinyua
The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Finance
Treasury Building
P.O. Box 30007-00100
Nairobi.
Dear Sir,
RE: ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROJECTS IN MAKUENI CONSTITUENCY
Leaders from all 10 divisions of Makueni Constituency through MAPACA wish to register our displeasure with the crude and inconsiderate manner in which the Economuc stimulus projects are being processed in makueni Con-stituency.
While we appreciate our government’s commitement to spur growth and alleviate pov-erty in the coun-try, we note with a lot of concern that it has been perceived differently by the political leadership in the con-stituency. The anticipated boundaries review in the con-stituency has caused the unfair dis-tri-bution of these projects. The Member of Parliament doesn’t anticipate seeking for votes in Wote and Kathonzweni in the event new con-stitu-encies are realised. This is morally and socially not right and your office should make sure that this doesn’t continue to suppress deserving people.
The projects earmarked for the enviseged Economic Stimulus projects have been unevenly distributed and only benefitting one side of the con-stituency which is Nzaui, where the MP hails from.The process to identifying most deserving areas and where the projects could make a bigger economic impact was abused and was not participatory.
It is important to note that some payments have been done (see DN 9th April, 2010 Pg 56- Kshs 8,050,000) in regard to the health facility. There is no land available for such a project and it’s ad-visable for the DMOH-Makueni not to spend the funds until several clarifications are done.
Due process was not followed when prioritising the projects and the situation is as follows
Project Where situated- Contract Cost
Fresh Produce Market Emali-Nzaui District 10 Million
Jua Kali Shades/Equipingthe same Emali-Nzaui District 3.5 Million
Model Secondary School (Centre of Exellence) Matiliku-Nzaui District 30 Million
Primary Schools-Equip with Water Harvesting Facilities Kyamusoi P. School-Makueni District 3,500,000/=
Kithoni-Kathonzweni District 3,500,000/=
Health Facility Emali- Nzaui District 20 Million
Fish Ponds
The fish ponds have been distributed all over the constituency but it is not clear where they are. Public complains indicate that the projects have been used to reward politcal suppoters of the MP.
The expected total investment outlay is as follows per district
Nzaui District - 63.5 Million
Wote/Kathonzweni-Slightly over 7 million
Makueni constituecy consists of Nzaui District (population 134,160, 820.6 Sq Km and 19,185 house-holds) Kathonzweni and Wote (Combined population 135, 899, 1238.7sq Km and 22,028 Households).This is outright unfair to the constituents in the constituency
In all fairness, we demand that the Makueni Projects are stopped forthwith and the process of started again.
We fear if this is not done, the projects will not stimulate the economy of the constituency. We hope your good office will act positively for the people of Makueni Constituency.
Thank you.
Yours Faithfully,
William Wambua Mulumba and 50 Others
Chairperson, Mapaca Board of Trustees
On behalf of the others overleaf
CC. 1. Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance
Treasury Building
P.O. Box 30007-00100
Nairobi
2. Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya
Minister, Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030
Treasury Building
Nairobi.
3. Dr. Edward Sambili
Permanent Secretary
Minister, Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030
Treasury Building
Nairobi.
EDITORIAL
State must end reign
of secretive governance
For years, Kenyans have hoped to benefit from the range of taxes they pay to the State, yet these hopes have been dashed.
One of the reasons for this situation is the fact that many citizens remain in the darkness about what to expect from the government.
The State has made it its business to draft budgets, approve and implement them, much to the exclusion of those it is supposed to benefit. This is done in sheer secrecy.
So secret are the deals such that citizens hardly know how much the government has planned to use in a locality for their benefit.
For instance, each year, the Government funds most line ministries in the districts for activities that officials plan to carry out allegedly for the benefit of the citizens, yet the citizens remain in the darkness.
This has resulted in wrong projects being carried out and millions of shillings being stolen and at times, being returned to the Treasury- thus causing suffering to citizens failing to get the service the funding was supposed to provide.
Worse still, there is no forum where citizens are told what programs line ministries must carry using funding available in a given year.
Information related to this is regarded as exclusive to the officials yet it is for the benefit of citizens. Officials, on their part have a grotesque justification for doing what they do. First, the lack of information to citizens provides a great highway to riches as money unknown to citizens is easily stolen.
Secondly, there is no written policy or law that is enforceable that obliges officials to provide information of this nature to citizens.
For journalists, it is a nightmarish experience to extract information from government offices because of bureaucratic red tape, often insulated with statutes such as the Official Secrets Act and a host of other rules, whose impact is to ensure that the governance process is as closed as possible. Towards an Open Government To end this administrative malaise which directly encroaches on the quality of life citizens live, a framework must speedily be created in Kenya where the Right to Know is henceforth seen as a Human Right.
To achieve this, a regime of Freedom of Information must be put in place in both law and policy and tradition so as to fling open all closets where information gathered by use of public resources and is for public good is kept under lock and key. It is envisaged that such a step would lead to an open government where withheld information is not abused by abating graft but is used for public good.
Kenya MUST ensure that policies and laws on the right of access to information are legislated, implemented and enforce.
The right of access to information is an important human right, necessary for the enjoyment of other human rights. It is essential for transparent and accountable government.
Access to information makes possible the public participation in formulating social policies and in the decision-making processes of governance.
The enjoyment of the right to information can only be effective on the basis of laws, regulating this right in accordance with international standards.
Every individual's right of access to government-held information MUST BE assured by Law. We all have the right to know how elected officials exercise power and how the taxpayers' money is being spent.
Clearly, we must have an open, explaining government, devoid of secrecy statues
OPINION
The myth, facts of land
and devolution clauses
While it is true that political marginalization has existed amongst smaller ethnic communities in Kenya for decades, one wonders why Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for Eldoret North, Mr Wiliam Ruto and his counterpart Chelungu MP Isaac Ruto think this problem is only affecting their Kalenjin communities.
According to Isaac Ruto he wants legislation of land clauses that prescribe minimum and maximum land holding amended, arguing that these clauses as they are they set the stage for taking over land that belongs to people.
Contrary to what he says however, classification of land article 53- (1) states that all land in Kenya belongs to the people of Kenya collectively as a nation, as communities and as individuals. (2) Land in Kenya is classified as public, community or private.
Jebii Kilimo on the other hand wants clauses on land commission be amended, arguing that the way it stands now it gives commission power to grab land from people who don't have title deeds.
Article 59- (1) however, states that there is established the National Land Commission.
(2) The functions of the National Land Commission are to–manage public land on behalf of the national and county governments; perform such other function in relation to land as Parliament may by legislation prescribe.
Isaac Ruto also wants the clause on the functions of National Land Commission be deleted. He wants it to read as: ™Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for the functions of the National Land Commission.∫ He has however, withdrawn his former stand on Land holding by non-citizens which he wanted be deleted. According to this clause article 57-(1) a person who is not a citizen may hold land on the basis of leasehold tenure only, and such a lease however granted, shall not exceed ninety-nine years. (2) An agreement, deed or conveyance of whatever nature which confers on a person who is not a citizen an interest in land greater than a ninety-nine year lease, is void.
(3) For purposes of this Article, a company or a body corporate is a citizen only if it is fully owned by citizens. (4) Parliament may enact legislation to make further provision for the operation of the provisions of this Article.
William Ruto on the other hand argues that Central government has no idea of the sensitivities involved. Instead he wants counties to manage the land and not the land commission. Practically all the MPs allied to him from North Rift want the clauses on Public Land classified under clause (1) (f) to (m) shall vest in and be held by the national government in trust for the people of Kenya and shall be administered on their behalf by the National Land Commission∫ to be replaced by ™Public land classified under clause (1)(f) and (m) shall vest in and be held by the national and county governments in trust for the people of Kenya and shall be administered on their behalf by the county governments and the National Land Commission.∫ Isaac Ruto also wants amendment on the First Schedule on provinces which according to him seeks to divide Kenya into Provinces and the counties that make up the provinces. According to first schedule article 5(2) the counties into which Kenya is divided are-
1. Mombasa 2. Kwale 3. Kilifi 4. Tana River 5. Lamu 6. Taita/Taveta 7. Garissa 8. Wajir 9. Mandera 10. Marsabit 11.Isiolo 12. Meru 13.Tharaka-Nithi 14. Embu 15. Kitui 16. Machakos 17. Makueni 18. Nyandarua 19. Nyeri 20. Kirinyaga 21. Murang'a 22. Kiambu 23.Turkana 24. West Pokot 25.Samburu 26.TransNzoia 27.UasinGishu 28.Elgeyo/Marakwet 29.Nandi 30. Baringo 31.Laikipia 32.Nakuru 33. Narok 34. Kajiado 35. Kericho 36. Bomet 37. Kakamega 38. Vihiga 39. Bungoma 40. Busia 41.Siaya 42. Kisumu 43. HomaBay 44. Migori 45. Kisii 46. Nyamira 47. Nairobi City Historically the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) was founded in 1960, to challenge KANU whose interest was mainly on the major ethnic communities. KADU founded to defend the interests of the tribes so-called KAMATUSA (an acronym for Kalenjin, Maasai, and Samburu, against the dominance of the larger Luo and Kikuyu tribes that comprised the majority of KANU's membership (Kenyatta himself being a K)kiyi). KANU was totally against this proposal and instead favoured of centralism where all the collected revenues came to the Central Government.
Given that this could not work as desired it can explain why the current KADU-Asili (registered on 28 September 2006) is a replica of KADU. Its stand and core policy is the Devolution of power structure and Regionalism, which gives all communities realistic choices and equitable distribution of resources such as revenue, natural resources and opportunities.
Although it could be argued that politicians who advocate for Majimbo believe that a well thought out devolution system will ensure that their marginalized communities will have a better access to resources as opposed to a purely centralized system, the whole truth however, is that most of politicians view devolution as a means of creating a power base in their respective regions so they can perpetually use these basis in perceived power games with the Central government. Some politicians and church leaders are opposed to Majimbo on the basis that it is a very destructive and dangerous system that seeks to create ethnic fiefdoms while threatening Kenyans with evictions from where they have settled, purchased property, set up businesses or are otherwise gainfully employed.If implemented it would mean that the Kikuyu which is Kenya's most populous ethnic group and are spread all over Kenya will suffer a great deal. There are about 6,347,000 Kikuyu people in Kenya equal to about 22 percent of Kenya's total population.
The Luhya is the second largest communities in Kenya. They number about 5.4 million people, or 14 percent of Kenya's total population of about 40 million. There are 16 sub-tribes among the Luhya of Kenya, each with a distinct dialect. They include Bukusu, Idakho, Isukha, Kabras, Khayo, Kisa, Marachi, Maragoili, Marama, Nyala, Nyole, Samia, Tachoni, Tiriki, Tsotso and Wanga.
The third largest ethnic group which can also be affected is Luo with a population of about 3,185,000 equal to 11 percent. It is followed by the Kalenjin- estimated at roughly 3 million. Like Luhya there are several smaller tribal groupings within the Kalenjin. They include Elgeyo, Endorois, Kipsigis, Marakwet, Nandi, Pokot, Sabaot, Terik, Tuqen, and Sebei. Given that they are pastoralists it means that they cannot be allowed to move from one place to the other with their animals.
Other ethnic groups who could be affected include Kamba- living in the semi-arid Eastern Province of Kenya, Kisii, also known as Gusii and Abagusii with the population of about 28547 according to the GeoNames geographical database.
Other ethnic groups in Kenya include Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Mjikenda living along the coast from the border of Somalia in the north to the border of Tanzania in the south. The Mjikenda include the Digo, Chonyi, Kambe, Duruma, Kauma, Rabai, Jibana and Giriama.
We have also Oromos in northern Kenya who first entered the region from southern Ethiopia during a major migratory expansion in the late 10th century. They then differentiated into the cattle-keeping Borana and the camel-keeping Gabbra and Sakuye.
We also have the Ogiek, an indigenous hunting and gathering community who live in the several forests in Kenya. A few who are also marginalized live in North Tingeret Forest in Uasin Gishu District. They are nicknamed Dorobo which means poor people who cannot afford cattle. They speak Kalenjin dialect but do not consider themselves to be Tugen, Nandi or Kipsigis.
There is also the little known El molo ethnic group, the smallest community in Kenya living in small villages on the southeastern shore of Lake Turkana. El molo's total population is about 4000 people but pure Elmolo people are very few with increased access to modern medicine and intermarriages with neighboring Turkana and Samburu people.
The link between bad weather, prostitution
poverty and sand harvesting is revealed
THE ministry of environment and natural resources is being petitioned to review by-laws governing sand harvesting to guard against wanton degradation of ecosystems.
Speaking in Masinga district, residents led by Japeth Mulwa cited rivers Ndela and Myuuya Ng'ang'a as examples of how uncontrolled sand harvesting could adversely affect the environment.
Mulwa noted that the two permanent rivers had now degenerated to seasonal springs due to uncontrolled scooping of sand. He petitioned the district environment committee to put in place stringent rules for people applying for sand harvesting licenses.
Masinga District Commissioner Gitoga Marete said sand acts as a safe aquifer for water flowing below and through it. Removal of sand results in destruction of underground aquifers and loss of safe water. Sand scooping adversely affects surface water quality and quantity and damages the aquatic ecosystem.
Marete said haulage of sand by heavy trucks causes environmental degradation by accelerating soil erosion and affecting soil stability. Storage of sand causes destruction of surface areas through clearing of vegetation and uses land that could be used for agriculture.
The DC said related social and health problems include prostitution and high school drop-out rate leading to serious social and health problems. The beneficial effects of sand harvesting include local employment; however, the share of monetary benefits to locals is minimal.
™The results show that the local community gains the least from sand harvesting, but stands to suffer the most if the degradation of the river system continues. Suggestions are made for safe and sustainable methods of managing sand harvesting, in which greater local involvement and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect the environment are vital∫ he said.
Semi-Arid Regions Environmental Services (SARES) Managing Director Jeremiah Simba said the sand harvesting business is booming due to the growing demand in construction industry. As a result streams around Machakos, Kangundo, Kathiani, and Mwala are also affected and the damage done has implications for the local area and Nairobi , Athi River and Thika areas although more harm is done in the greater Machakos district than in Nairobi city and its environs who are the main beneficiaries of the business.
He said that 170,400 tonnes of sand are harvested yearly in the greater Machakos district with very little income earned being ploughed back to the local area for development. The practice of irresponsible and unsustainable sand harvesting has caused environmental destruction and devastated scenery.
Simba said more harm is done in the greater Machakos district than in Nairobi city and its environs who are the main beneficiaries of the business. Environmental degradation is best witnessed along Thwake River in the larger Machakos.
The director said research attributes much of the problem to the lack of an enforceable sand harvesting policy and poor knowledge of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) and a disintegrated approach to environmental management by all stakeholders and agencies.
Of great concern is the failure by the relevant ministry to gazette sand harvesting guidelines developed by the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with other lead agencies and stakeholders.
Rotting maize
piles up in depots
Thousands of tones of maize are pilling at three depots, with farmers and businessmen uncertain of the board resuming purchase of their stock.
The review of the aflatoxin findings have slapped local businessmen who have huge stocks of the cereal waiting to sell to the board upon resuming buying of the cereals.
A prominent businessman in Wote town who is holding a stock of 5,000 bags of maize, to sell to the board almost collapsed after he learnt of the WFP aflatoxin findings. The businessmen were purchasing the maize from farmers at eight to eleven shilling per kilo after the board closed doors for the analysis.
The businessmen and farmers point accusing fingers at depot managers accusing them of corruption that led to aflatoxin, claiming that some businessmen colluded with the depot managers to sneak in maize from neighboring areas .
However, the Makueni depot manager Mr. Njeru denied the allegation of maize having being sneaked in the depot from ™The samples were also taken to ascertain the sources of the cereals especially maize∫ said Mr. Njeru.
Efforts to get amount of tones of maize purchased by local NCPB from farmers at the Makueni district agricultural office was fruitless as the District agricultural officer Mr. John Kibe had no figures over the same.
Farmers and businessmen in Makueni district panic as cases of aflatoxin discovered in maize purchased locally by national cereals and produce board recently.
The farmers were shocked by reports appearing in local dailies last week over high levels of aflatoxin food poisoning in maize purchased from local farmers by the board in March this year.
Reports quoted from world food programme [WFP] who carried analysis of the poison contents in the maize and declared the cereal pilling at NCPB Depots at Makueni, Kibwezi and Emali outlets unfit for human consumption.
According to the manager at National Cereals and Produce Board [NCPB], Makueni depot Mr. Peter Njeru, officers from the board headquarters and NCPB took some samples for analysis early last month upon discontinuing further purchase of the cereal, from farmers to await the analysis of the maize already purchased.
The depot managers have declined to disclose metric tones of maize purchased from local farmers as well hiding amount of money used in purchasing the cereals. ™I have released all reports to my boss at headquarters even no copy left behind∫ Makueni depot manager Mr. Njeru told reporters, referring press to enquire from their headquarters.
Retired teachers push KNUT to
recover their plot in Machakos
By ANCHOR WRITER
THE row over ownership of the building occupied by Machakos Knut branch has refused to end even with the intervention of the union top leadership.
Information available to us indicates that this as a result of grandstanding at the Machakos Knut branch, with the officials refusing to implement agreements struck with retired teachers who own the building.
The standoff comes as the retired teachers refused to withdraw a case they have filed in Court, seeking a declaration that they, and not Knut, own the building.
The matter seemed sorted when Union Secretary General Mr L.K. Majali wrote to the retired teachers asking them to withdraw the suit and return to the negotiating table, saying that the union saw no need for them to seek court declarations on the ownership of the building. A document seen by The Anchor says ™ We do not therefore see any need in you having to obtain orders in court to require that which is agreeable without orders∫. It is signed by Mr Majali.
Matters were made easy when the retired teachers formed the United Retired Teachers Company at the bidding of Mr Majali to facilitate the transfer of the property. It was incorporated in December last year with Mr Gibson Ngondu as Chairman. Mr Francis Mainga is the Managing Director of URTC.
The first meeting of URTC and Machakos Knut Branch was arranged by Mr Majali on February 15,2010. It was to be held on February 18,2010 at Machakos Knut offices.
But the meeting was not to be and Machakos Knut Secretary Albanus Mutisya has been playing ping pong with the directors of UTRC.
UTRC is seeking the property- Machakos LR No. 1/59- to be transferred to them as they are the real owners.
The matter went to court after cash strapped Knut branch obtained a loan os Sh 30m from IDB to facilitate loans to teachers under the Education Scheme.
The branch is at its lowest ebb after years of ruinous leadership where theft is done boldly. This streak of plunder has seen a disastrous borrowing spree at the Masaku Teachers Sacco where virtually all Knut leaders, present and past are heavily indebted.
As we went to press, The Anchor learnt that the Saccos General Manager Stanley Kyelenzi- himself indebted to the neck, had written demand letters to guarantors seeking urgent repayment.(See Defaulted Loan Recovery note to one of the notorious borrowers, who is a former Knut Treasurer Mr Cyrus Mutisya Makau)
In civil suit num‑ber 32 of 2009 in the matter of Macha‑kos Mu‑nici‑pality Block 1/59, Gibson Ngondu, Francis Mainga, George Ndolo and Isaac Wambua Nzioka are listed as lead plaintiffs along with another 121 unlisted pe‑ti‑tioners.The plaintiffs have refused to withdraw the matter, citing the dilly dallying shown by Mr Mutisya over the matter.
They list Alexander Mutinda Mwini, Albanus Paul Mutisya, Ber‑nard Mutuku Ndungi who have been sued as the Chairman, Sec‑re‑tary and Treasurer re‑spec‑tively of The Kenya Na‑tional Union Of Teachers Macha‑kos Branch.
When the matter came before Judge Lenaola, the plaintiffs prayed for Grant of injunctory orders to stop the defendants from encumbering the Plaintiffs' property known as Machakos Municipality Block 1/59 whether by charging, appropriating the loan advanced to them by In‑dus‑trial Development Bank or doing any other thing adverse to the interests of the Plaintiffs un‑til such time that the Origi‑nating Summons herein is heard and determined.
They also sought and obtained a temporary injunction freezing the account Number 0102066215600 in which the proceeds of the con‑tentious loan is held until the matter is heard and determined.
Even then events took place too fast for the retirees, forcing them to adopt a double pronged strategy to secure their rights over the property. It is then that they sought the intervention of Mr Majali, leading to current hope and correspondence that Knut would, after all, transfer the plot to their company.
They based their application on the grounds that unless the or‑ders are granted immediately the suit property will be ex‑posed into a real danger of being lost as the unauthorized loan is unlikely to be serviced.
They also contend that the per‑sons who negotiated the loan which led to the reg‑is‑tration of a charge against the suit property were not authorized and had no legal or other capacity to do what they did.
They are represented by veteran advocate Mr F. M. MULWA. The suit is the re‑placement of an ear‑lier one (1062 0f 2008) that the plain‑tiffs had withdrawn upon the advise of their lawyer Mr L.N Ngolya to enable the parties seek an out of court settlement.
However the plaintiffs dashed back to court and filed the current suit. The suit was listed for hearing on March 31 but when the parties met before Judge Lenaola, it transpired that the respondents had not responded to averments of the plaintiffs owing to the claim that their lawyer, this time Mr Sila was served with suit papers the pre‑vious day.
Even then, The Anchor has seen a letter to the Knut group from Mr Mulwa where he is asking the officials for give an offer to buy the property and save the parties from engaging in a lengthy court battle.
It is likely that the plaintiffs are also eying the Sh 30m, in as much as the Knut branch des‑per‑ately wants the cash to resuscitate its dying programmes- the Burial and Benevolent Fund as well as the Education Scheme that is currently indebted to the tune of nearly Sh 40m.
However given the desperation afflicting the management of Knut affairs in Machakos, it is unlikely that they would want to use the cash to pay off the plaintiffs, who are retired teachers and may not raise much hell in the daily man‑agement of Knut as the active membership would, other than seeking justice over the building.
It is believed that the Knut branch leadership has no clue over what to do with the charge it made on a property it did not own. The Anchor will relate this drama as it unfolds. Stay Anchored!
How did your Local
Authority per-form last year?
Out of the 175 Local Authorities that were evaluated, eleven (11),representing 6 per cent, achieved the ™Very Good∫ grade. A total of 14Local Authorities, representing 84 per cent, achieved the ™Good∫ grade.Seven (7) Local Authorities, representing 4 per cent, and 10 LocalAuthorities, representing 6 per cent, achieved the Fair and Poor grades respectively.
Out of the 68 Tertiary Institutions that made a debut in Performance Contracting, 24, representing 36 per cent, achieved ™Very Good grade,Thirty nine (39), representing 59 per cent, achieved ™Good∫ grade.
One (1) Tertiary Institution, representing 2 per cent, and four (4) TertiaryInstitutions, representing 6 per cent, achieved ™Fair∫ and ™Poor∫ grades respectively. It is important to note that two of the Tertiary Institutions in the ™Poor∫ grade did not submit Performance Reports for evaluation.Over the last five years of the implementation of Performance Contracts by Public Agencies, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the Performance Contracting Strategy has enhanced overall performance and service delivery in Public Agencies. From the results, it is clear that sustained application of the Performance Contracting Strategy is a necessary pre-requisite for streamlining the management and operations of the Public Service so as to work better more efficiently. However, for the Strategy to be fully integrated and become effective, it is imperative that it is extended to all institutions within the three arms of Government and cascaded to all levels.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION RESULTS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES
VERY GOOD
1 Town Council of Kangundo 2.0476
2 Town Council of Malava 2.1660
3 Municipal Council of Mombasa 2.3348
4 Town Council of Rongo 2.4096
5 County Council of Bungoma 2.4139
6 Town Council of Malaba 2.4236
7 Town Council of Narok 2.4558
8 Town Council of Ugunja 2.4694
9 County Council of Nzoia 2.4718
10 County Council of Kitui 2.4800
11 Town Council of Molo 2.4865
GOOD
12 County Council of Busia 2.5120
13 Municipal Council of Machakos 2.5168
14 County Council of Kakamega 2.5178
15 County Council of Embu 2.5183
16 Town Council of Kikuyu 2.5319
17 County Council of Bureti 2.5330
18 Municipal Council of Nyeri 2.5374
19 County Council of Moyale 2.5545
49
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
20 County Council of Kilifi 2.5700
21 Municipal Council of Webuy e 2.5968
22 Municipal Council of Mavoko 2.5974
23 County Council of Nyambene 2.6002
24 Town Council of Muhoroni 2.6116
25 Town Council of Masimba 2.6120
26 Municipal Council of Eldoret 2.6129
27 County Council of Kwale 2.6147
28 County Council of Masaku 2.6166
29 Town Council of Burnt Forest 2.6210
30 Town Council of Bondo 2.6241
31 Town Council of Chogoria 2.6243
32 Town Council of Ol Kalou 2.6344
33 County Council of Suba 2.6429
34 Town Council of Sagana 2.6433
35 County Council of Bomet 2.6533
36 Town Council of Londiani 2.6583
37 County Council of Kisumu 2.6589
38 Municipal Council of Murang’a 2.6600
39 County Council of Rachuonyo 2.6610
40 County Council of Homa Bay 2.6656
41 Municipal Council of Naivasha 2.6672
42 County Council of Teso 2.6746
43 Town Council of Kipkelion 2.6763
44 Town Council of Ukwala 2.6840
45 Town Council of Mandera 2.6855
46 Town Council of Iten–Tambach 2.6963
50
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
47 County Council of Turkana 2.7091
48 Municipal Council of Kehancha 2.7154
49 County Council of Tharaka 2.7182
50 Municipal Council of Kakamega 2.7267
51 County Council of Malindi 2.7299
52 County Council of Garissa 2.7304
53 Town Council of Wote 2.7312
54 Municipal Council of Nakuru 2.7350
55 Municipal Council of Nanyuki 2.7350
56 County Council of Siaya 2.7380
57 Municipal Council of Kericho 2.7650
58 Municipal Council of Kitale 2.7828
59 County Council of Wajir 2.7888
60 Town Council of Eldama Ravine 2.7923
61 Town Council of Port Victoria 2.7927
62 County Council of Vihiga 2.7934
63 Town Council of Nambale 2.7978
64 Municipal Council of Kapsabet 2.7984
65 County Council of Thika 2.8013
66 Municipal Council of Chuka 2.8092
67 Town Council of Ogembo 2.8136
68 County Council of Nandi 2.8258
69 Town Council of Luanda 2.8300
70 Municipal Council of Vihiga 2.8307
71 County Council of Makueni 2.8487
72 County Council of Nyandarua 2.8487
73 Municipal Council of Embu 2.8552
51
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
74 Town Council of Kajiado 2.8585
75 Municipal Council of Mumias 2.8604
76 Town Council of Maralal 2.8702
77 County Council of Gusii 2.8726
78 Municipal Council of Kisii 2.8942
79 Town Council of Makuyu 2.8973
80 Municipal Council of Bungoma 2.9015
81 County Council of Butere–Mumias 2.9087
82 County Council of Migori 2.9129
83 County Council of Isiolo 2.9349
84 County Council of Koibatek 2.9356
85 County Council of Mt. Elgon 2.9441
86 Town Council of Nyamira 2.9470
87 Municipal Council of Thika 2.9480
88 Municipal Council of Nyahururu 2.9491
89 County Council of Marsabit 2.9527
90 Town Council of Tabaka 2.9582
91 County Council of Mandera 2.9693
92 County Council of Samburu 2.9713
93 Municipal Council of Kitui 2.9836
94 County Council of Meru Central 2.9880
95 County Council of Keiyo 2.9885
96 Municipal Council of Garissa 2.9895
97 Municipal Council of Homabay 3.0033
98 County Council of Murang’a 3.0077
99 Town Council of Maragua 3.0168
100 County Council of Nyando 3.0238
52
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
101 County Council of Pokot 3.0246
102 City Council of Nairobi 3.0410
103 County Council of Wareng 3.0554
104 Municipal Council of Maua 3.0684
105 Town Council of Mtito Andei 3.0735
106 County Council of Gucha 3.0749
107 Town Council of Malakisi 3.0764
108 Municipal Council of Kiambu 3.0768
109 Municipal Council of Kabarnet 3.0922
110 Town Council of Karuri 3.0941
111 County Council of Lamu 3.0951
112 Municipal Council of Meru 3.0954
113 County Council of Kiambu 3.1020
114 County Council of Nyamira 3.1082
115 Town Council of Yala 3.1083
116 Town Council of Rumuruti 3.1237
117 Town Council of Suneka 3.1296
118 Town Council of Litein 3.1497
119 Town Council of Keroka 3.1510
120 Municipal Council of Migori 3.1580
121 County Council of Kipsigis 3.1583
122 County Council of Bondo 3.1840
123 County Council of Taita Taveta 3.1872
124 Municipal Council of Bomet 3.2178
125 Town Council of Sotik 3.2184
126 County Council of Nakuru 3.2374
127 County Council of Transmara 3.2385
53
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
128 Town Council of Mbita Point 3.2457
129 Municipal Council of Limuru 3.2495
130 County Council of Laikipia 3.2592
131 County Council of Mbeere 3.2908
132 Town Council of Taveta 3.2920
133 County Council of Lugari 3.2924
134 Town Council of Nyamache 3.2932
135 Town Council of Kangema 3.2974
136 Town Council of Funyula 3.3036
137 Town Council of Othaya 3.3109
138 Municipal Council of Siaya 3.3112
139 Town Council of Chepareria 3.3324
140 County Council of Tana River 3.3364
141 Town Council of Kilifi 3.3376
142 Town Council of Mariakani 3.3416
143 Town Council of Awendo 3.3464
144 Municipal Council of Kapenguria 3.3535
145 Municipal Council of Ruiru 3.3650
146 Town Council of Nandi-Hills 3.3868
147 Town Council of Kandara 3.3883
148 Municipal Council of Kimilili 3.3944
149 Municipal Council of Karatina 3.3949
150 County Council of Ijara 3.4054
151 Municipal Council of Malindi 3.4066
152 County Council of Meru South 3.4087
153 Town Council of Nyansiongo 3.4393
154 Municipal Council of Voi 3.4481
54
NO. LOCAL AUTHORITY COMPOSITE SCORE
155 County Council of Narok 3.4679
156 County Council of Ol–Kejuado 3.4683
157 Town Council of Mwingi 3.4684
158 County Council of Marakwet 3.4848
FAIR
159 County Council of Maragua 3.5076
160 Municipal Council of Runyenjes 3.5116
161 Town Council of Kwale 3.5237
162 Town Council of Kendu Bay 3.5266
163 Municipal Council of Kisumu 3.5286
164 Town Council of Sirisia 3.5413
165 Municipal Council of Lodwar 3.5759
POOR
166 Municipal Council of Busia 3.6248
167 Municipal Council of Kerugoya–Kutus 3.6706
168 County Council of Mwingi 3.6804
169 Town Council of Matuu 3.7493
170 County Council of Baringo 3.7869
171 Town Council of Ahero 3.8097
172 County Council of Kirinyaga 3.8302
173 Town Council of Nyamarambe 3.8597
174 County Council of Nyeri 3.8710
175 Town Council of Oyugis 4.3970
Why slaughter on
our roads is preventable
By Jonathan Mutiso
The highest number of people killed through road accidents is between 16 and 45 years, most of them in their prime. Over13,000 road accidents are reported in Kenya annually, causing 3,000 deaths and leaving 11,000 people seriously injured and 23,000 with minor injuries.
Thus, road traffic injuries pose public health challenges , Machakos Red Cross awareness group has revealed.It is reported that road accidents take their toll on lives and productivity of Kenyans to a horrifying degree, as many others die as a result of injuries or complications due to road accidents. Human error contributes 85 percent of all road accidents, these include inexperienced, young and reckless drivers; driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, ignorance of traffic rules and regulations and reluctance to use safety devices such as belts and helmets.
According to Machakos Red Cross coordinator Joe Mbalu, road accidents are preventable by changing the mindset of road users so that they appreciate their role in ensuring road safety for all. Consequently, there have been road safety campaigns with the objective of reducing road accidents.∫An estimated 1.17 million deaths occur each year worldwide due to road accidents. The majority of these deaths, about 70 percent, occur in developing countries. 65 percent of deaths involve pedestrians and 35 percent of pedestrian deaths are children∫ Mbalu said.He said over 10 million people are crippled or injured each year.
In 1998, the World Health Organisation ranked road accidents as the 9th leading cause of mortality and disease.Kenya ranked the 5th highest number of accidents per licensed vehicles out of 29 selected countries worldwide according to a research carried out by the UK Transport Research Laboratory (TRRL) in 1986. Unfortunately, road safety trends in Kenya are worsening.Mbalu said the reported accidents have continued to rise from 10,300 recorded in 1990 to 13,900 in 2000 representing an average growth rate of 3 percent per annum. During the same period, vehicle population grew by an average of 0.8 percent from 350,000 to 530,000.
At independence, Kenya had a road network comprising 41,800km classified roads and 108,800km of unclassified roads.He said ™Of the classified network, only 1,800km was paved while a large proportion of the unpaved network was not all weather condition. The unclassified network ranged from road to tracks∫.In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Government focused on the expansion and upgrading of the major highways.
Thereafter in the mid 1970s up to the 1980s, the focus shifted to construction of rural feeder and minor roads under the Rural Access Roads Programme in order to link economically productive rural areas to market centers. A total of 8,700km rural roads were achieved.However, in the early 90s, Kenya 's economy shrunk dramatically and this affected the Government's ability to provide road infrastructure.
During this period, there was very little construction and maintenance work which resulted in a drastic deterioration and weathering of the road network. A dedicated road fund (fuel levy fund) was established in 1993 and this partly helped to arrest the rapid deterioration of the network.The co-ordinator added the poor state of the road infrastructure has been identified as a major constraint to economic and social development.
A road condition survey carried out in December 2002 by the Material Branch of the Ministry of Roads and Public Works on the classified road network estimated that 17 percent of the network is in good condition, 39% in fair condition (due for periodic maintenance), 27 percent in poor condition (requires rehabilitation) and the remaining 16 percent is failed and requires reconstruction. Mbalu says these rules stipulate that all public service vehicles should be fitted with safety belts as well as speed regulators that restrict their travelling speed to 80kph.
Drivers and conductors are also required to get a certificate of good conduct from Kenya `s Transport Licensing Board and to wear uniforms for easy identification.It has been reported that some drivers have the additional problem of disturbed sleep which causes profound day time sleepiness. The traffic volume is actually an important parameter used to determine the level of service for a road to end carnage. And though police reports the roads department regularly carries traffic counts at specific locations. This is carried out annually in July and August to determine the actual traffic volumes. Athi River Traffic officer Elena Wairimu said it is possible that some highway accidents are caused not by the bad state of the roads but by drivers who have taken a nap This normally happens to long-distance drivers on smooth highways with light traffic.
∫There are some clear indications of sleep-related accidents. For instance, if the accident involves only one vehicle which runs off the road into a crush barrier, an embankment, a tree, rock or another vehicle, then sleep might be the culprit, this can be confirmed by lack of skid marks or any signs of braking.∫ says Wairimu. Research has shown that a driver who is alert to an imminent crash grips the steering wheel and sustains different types of injuries from one who is a sleep and holding the wheel loosely.
Driving Without Awareness (DWA) has also been described by some researchers as a profound trance-like state induced by the monotony of highways which can render drivers oblivious to external events. Such drivers get involved in accidents which to another person, say a passenger, could easily have been avoided- like running at full speed into a stationary vehicle that was visible several seconds before hand. There is nothing particularly wrong with saying a driver can go into a ™trance∫ after day-dreaming while driving monotonous roads. Other regular drivers will attest to the experience of having driven several miles without any recollection of that part of the journey.
Hundreds of ID cards await collection in Mwala
The government is asking owners of over 530 processed identity cards lying at Mwala district registration office to make effort of collecting them
The documents have been lying uncollected for close to two months since they were delivered from in Nairobi end of March, according to an official at the registration office ms Eunice Kyenze.
`'The applicants are required to pick the cards at the offices of their respective chiefs and assistant chiefs where they have been dispatched last week, the official said adding that they belonged to those who applied for them between January and February this year.
`'We have dispatched them [IDs] to chiefs and assistant chiefs offices in Masii, Kibauni, Yathui and Mwala divisions where the owners hailed from to ease collection'' Ms. Eunice Kyenze said while briefing district commissioner Ms Florence Amoit on progress of the registration exercise in the district.
Residents want Mwala MP Daniel Muoki to get more involved in showing leadership in empowering the youth.
The DC said the government wanted issuance of identity cards to eligible Kenyans fast-tracked and recalled that it had released Sh. 200 million through ministry of immigration and registration of persons for the purpose.
`'The money was specifically intended to fast-track ID issuance to boost voter enrolment ahead of the referendum on the new constitution but although that has been overtaken by events, your department must maintain the tempo in preparation for similar activities in future,'' Ms. Amoit said during the meeting in her office.
Ms. Kyenze said most of the unpicked cards belonged to youngsters who qualified for registration after meeting the 18-year requirement while the others are for adults replacing lost or the old generation cards.
She said an extra 1,628 ID application forms had been send for processing to Nairobi and are expected to be ready after 30 working days. `' Mobile registration will continue in Kyawango, Mbiuni, Wamunyu and Vyulya locations,'' she noted adding a similar drive was planned for Kabaaa, Mango, Kathama and Muthetheni locations as well.
Ms. Kyenze said there was consistent supply of ID application materials from the ministry headquarters including the 166A forms which have been distributed to the chiefs for issuance to ID applicants in their jurisdictions. She however, decried severe understaffing in her department, saying it was hampering efforts to meet job targets.
Benefits that proposed laws
guarantee 47 County Govts
Kenyans will be empowered by the new constitution through massive allocation of resources to regional governments.
Regional Governments will be entitled to 15 per cent of the national budget under the proposed constitution money for development activities in the devolved units.
™This will be in addition to the 2.5 per cent allocated through the CDF kitty which translates to about Sh 60 million annually per constituency and the 5 per cent channelled to local authorities through the Local Authority Transfer Fund [LATF] which stands at about Sh 100 million,''
Estimates show that in total each of the 47 entities will be getting close to Sh 2 billion for development.
Nairobi metropolitan minister Mr. Robinson Njeru Githae urged Kenyans to support the document, saying, it will boost development for them, he said during a function in Mwala district.
The minister said demands for pay increase by councilors during the KICC meeting a few days ago was due to their failure to read the new document which he said had many benefits for them.
™Under the new laws, councillors will be referred as county representatives on full time job, with power to determe their salary package and allowances and general expenditure of the 15 per cent allocation from the national government.
"The county representatives will, in addition, have powers to summon district commissioners or members of parliament to explain issues of their concern,'' the Ndia MP went on adding even the Christian leaders in the NO campaign were in agreement that the new constitution was good save for the sections on kadhi courts and abortion which they wanted amended.
He said it was impossible to make amendments to the contentious sections before the referendum owing to the timeframe dictated by the Constitution of Kenya Review Amendment Act. Without elaborating, the minister however, said plans to change the offending clauses after the referendum had started.
Mr. Githae asked Kenyans not to listen to propaganda against the new constitution and instead read and understand the document themselves to avoid being mislead. He dismissed claims that the government will take over land from communities as totally untrue.
™People have been told that the government will kill all elderly above 65 years old in Kisii, which cannot happen,'' he said to the amusement of the crowd.
Mr. Muoki on his part said opinion of all Kenyans on the new constitution ought to be taken into account and proponents of the No campaign respected because all they wanted was a good constitution.
He said the new constitution was rotten without amendments to the contentious clause. He recalled the events of 2005 when the referendum campaigns polarized the nation and cautioned that 2010 should not be made a fight between religions.
Mwala's 200 fish
ponds halfway done
The government is constructing 200 fish ponds in Mwala District at a cost of Sh. 3.4 million.
The project, according to district fisheries officer Mr Bildad Kanuri is part of the Economic Stimulus Programme in the area and is intended to promote fish farming in the region.
`''50 per cent of the planned activities have successfully been executed,'' Mr. Kanuri told members of the district executive committee during a meeting chaired by the district commissioner Ms Florence Amoit in her office.
100 out of the 200 fish ponds have been completed; the fisheries officer said while presenting progress report adding that already 18 of the accomplished ones had been stocked with a total of 20,000 species of tilapia with each getting a share of 1,050 fingerings in addition to enough stocks of feed.
He said 6 of the operational ponds are in Vyulya and another 6 in Kathama locations while the remaining 6 are spread in Miu, Muthetheni, Masii, Yathui, Wamunyu and Makutano locations. He said an additional 25 ponds out of the completed ones will be stocked by next week. `'Our Machakos regional office is in the process of purchasing 25,000 fingerings from Sagana fish research farm for the purpose,'' the official noted adding the remaining 58 are to be stocked before the closure of this financial year in June.
The project, the official said, was being implemented in partnership with the beneficiaries who were selected on condition of meeting specific conditions including availability of water from permanent source like borehole or piped, adequate land for building a 300 square meter fish pond and the ability to buy for self the fish liner, the cheapest of which is sh 34,000. `'the fish liners are for holding water at the ponds because the soil in this area is porous and cannot retain it for a long duration,'' the official explained.
Targeted groups include individual entrepreneurs and youth and women groups capable of sustaining the fish projects on their own after the government assist them to start the venture, he noted adding the tilapia breed was the best choice for the region because they preferred stagnant water and takes only 8 months to mature.
The initiative, Mr. Kanuri said was being implemented under the economic stimulus package. The government announced the sh 24 billion stimulus program last year to rejuvenate the rural economies following the adversity of the prolonged drought and world economic recession.
`'There is good news for the upcoming fish farmers because two investors have pledged to establish cold rooms for fish storage at Wamunyu and Machakos towns respectively to act as buying centers for local fish,'' the official responded to a query on the marketing challenges by one of the committee members.
He said sh 2.5 million out of the 3.4 was allocated for putting up the fish facilities through the Kazi Kwa Vijana initiative while the remaining sh 900,000 is for purchase of the fish fingerings, feeds, fertilization of the pond water and training of the beneficiaries on pond management and breeding of fish. The government, Mr. Kanuri said was expected to release additional funds to cater for building of more fish ponds. `'This is in the cards and so far 91 beneficiaries have been identified for the second phase,'' he went.
One of the challenges hampering implementation of the project was the high cost of the fish fingerings, according to Mr. Kanuri. `'We are being forced to buy a single fingering at SH 10 at the privately owned breeding farms after stocks run out at the government owned farms where the same is only sh 3,'' the official lamented saying the exorbitant price was frustrating the stocking efforts. He also cited lack of transport and severe understaffing as the other challenges facing implementation of the project.
He said the farmers will be required to form clusters and register with the ministry of culture and social services after which the fisheries ministry will facilitate their enrollment with the aqua culture association of Kenyafor marketing of their fish. Mr. Kanuri said the biggest threat to the survival of fish was polluting the water for it interfered with their breathing system.
Shame of biased allocation
of CDF in Makueni
In a letter to Mapaca signed by Wilfred Buyema for the Chief Executive Officer, the board said the issues of alleged misappropriation of CDF cash in Makueni were getting the necessary attention. " We shall update you on the outcome of the investigation", said Mr. Buyema.
Mapaca had alleged in the letter that contracts for CDF projects were being awarded to allies of the MP or friends of CDC committee members and some to companies belonging to staff of the MP.
Mapaca also alleged that the MP Mr. Peter Kiilu had allocated CDF cash in a biased manner, favouring areas that voted for him and discriminating against other areas where he got marginal support.
The letter alleged that procurement procedures were being abused in awarding tenders, leading to the cited anomalies. It is also alleged that the team had refused to make public lists of approved projects of the CDF, despite it being a requirement.
The letter had also requested lists of projects submitted by the MP. The CEO attached a list of projects presented by the CDF committee, which prove that the allocations were extremely lopsided.
An analysis done by Mapaca proves that out of Sh 42,552780 that went to development projects, a whooping Sh 11,573,231 went to Nguu Division, the home of the CDF Manager Daniel Musau Masika. Mr Kiilu's Mbitini Division received Sh 10,069,978, while far flanked and less developed Mavindini Division got only Sh 650,000.
It remains unknown how the CDF committee appropriated Sh 2,332,619 set aside for emergencies as they are yet to present a list of interventions.
In terms of Districts, Peter Kiilu's Nzaui District shamelessly scooped Sh 30,345,209, Makueni got Sh 4,500,000 while Kathonzweni District got Sh 7,707,571.
The Anchor now runs the entire list of allocations showing blatant abuse of office.
GRAFT
Illegal levies mooted
for Parents in Machakos
GREEDY Machakos District Education officials are at it again!. A verbal demand has gone out to over 230 Primary School heads and about 56 Principals, seeking to raise cash to fund the Education Day.
Officials are demanding Sh 1,000 from Primary Schools and Sh 3,000 from secondary schools even when such budget lines are catered for within the Free Education framework.
Organizers purport that the cash will be used to buy trophies and other award items aimed at motivating teachers into performing better at national examinations. Incidentally, this issue of fund-raising was not prioritized during a Stakeholders Forum called by the Education Ministry to chart out ways of improving dwindling education standards in the district.
To avoid being trapped, education officials, through Zonal Education heads have devised a verbal communication as trick to beat the need to write a circular to demand the cash since the Ministry of Education is believed to be livid with any arrangement that asks cash directly from parents, especially at this time when it is trying to resolve the theft of millions of Free Primary Education cash.
The visit came as the Parliamentary Committee on Education visited Kombu Primary School to inspect five classrooms constructed from the development kitty of the FPE funds.
If the cash is collected, the educationists will rake in close to Sh 400,000, whose use will be unaccounted for. Traditionally, schools asked to give this cash go back to parents where each child is required to bring not more than Sh 20 per child, which strategy, in most cases, raised more than the Sh 1,000 asked for, leaving the rest of the cash in the hands of school heads.
The usual practice is that the money is never accounted for as official receipts are never issued either. Informed sources say education officials are telling teachers who dare ask about the levy that the Machakos District Education Board had approved the levy.
During a planning session of the Education Day, a School principal pleaded with the members not to reveal the levy to our reporters, alleging that the leakage is normally made by Primary School teachers. Just for how long will the Machakos Education Office continue to levy illegal charges and get away with it?
Two to hang over
murder of school head
Two men have been sentenced to hang murdering a primary school head teacher in Masinga district.
Sammy Daniel Kikongo and Denis Musyoka Kivaya were handed the death sentence by High Court Judge Isaac Lenaola.
The accused were charged with the brutal murder of the late Benson Nzomo Maingi, who was the Katothya primary school headmaster on July 9,2004 at his home in Katothya village.
The Judge however acquitted the deceased’s wife Gladys Kamene Nzomo who was listed as first accused in the murder case for lack of evidence. She is a sister to the condemned Denis Musyoka Kivaya.
‘’I find that the case against Gladys has not been proved beyond reasonable doubt and is found not quilty’’, said Lenaola in his 18 page ruling delivered at Machakos.
The judge went on to say there was no tangible evidence that the widow planned and executed her husband’s death.
‘’I considered her conduct on the material day and there is nothing that she did which pointed to her part in the conspiracy to eliminate her husband’’, added.
In her defence, the widow told the court her departed husband went to bed at 8.00pm and she joined him later.
She said robbers later broke into their house and killed her husband before rapping her after blindfolding and tying her hands.
Gladys said she was rescued by family members and later arrested in connection with the death of her husband.
The state had advanced the theory that the widow and her husband had marital problems that led to the deceased’s decision to marry a second wife.
Incensed at that decision, claimed the State, the widow, her brother and the second accused mooted a plan to eliminate him, which they executed on the fateful night.
A daughter to the deceased Anne Ndinda Nzomo had told the court that her parents had a frosty relationship.
She said her late father had declared in her presence to her mother that he wanted to marry a second wife ‘’because my mother was too quarrelsome’’.
Anne told the court that her mother hit back by telling her father that she was going to do something surprising if he went ahead with his plan.
Thereafter, her father stopped eating any food at his home, including the day he was brutally murdered in his sleep.
On the material day, she went on, her father returned home at about 5.00pm and watched television before he went to sleep.
The daughter said she went to sleep at 9.00pm but was woken up by her mother who told her that her father been cut severally by robbers who also drove away their cows which turned out to be a blatant lie.
The deceased’s father testified that his son and the daughter in law had frequent quarrels which his and Glady’s parents tried to resolve without success as both blamed each other for their marital problems.
The court noted that the viciousness of the attacker was a clear indication that the intention of the attackers was murder and not robbery as claimed by his distraught wife.
The lawyer for Kivaya Mr.Onesmus Maka trashed the judgment terming it unfair and said he was waiting for further instruction for a possible appeal against it.
Row as Mutituni parents
demand removal of deputies
By Jonathan Mutiso.
Parents from Mutituni primarywant the two school deputies transferred or demoted due to the bad leadership, poor teaching and pitiable relation with the whole school fraternity.
The two teachers Mr. John Masila who is also a KNUT official and a Mrs. Mwongela have been not been teaching their pupils as required hence recording poor grades in the school.
Parents have been petitioning the DEO’s office to remove the pair to no avail. Parents believe that Knut officials led by the Machakos Executive Secretary Albanus Mutisya and his coterie of supporters are to blame for the stand off after overwhelming the DEOs office not to move the teachers.
To crystallize their demand, the parents paralyzed learning at the school on the opening date by collecting their children out of the school and demanded for the transfer of the two teachers.
Parents had hoped that the pair would be out of the school by the opening day.
In turn, the two deputies have been demanding the transfer of the school headmistress Mrs. Halima Ahmed, alleging that she was heading the wrong school because she is a Muslim.
Besides, the pair is in bad books with the school committee and parents who say they see no problem with Mrs Ahmed since she reported to the school nearly one year ago.
Furious parents who took the protest to the DEO’s office demanded for immediate transfer of these two teachers lest they transfer their children to another school.
Sources who know the saga allege that the Machakos DEO Abdi kadir Hassan, Mr Mutisya and KNUT treasurer met on April 26,at the DEO’s office discussing the issues of the school after the headmistress had reported the matter to the office.
On May 4, 2010 this year five members from KNUT led by Mr. Albans Mutisya met in a small hotel at Mutituni market discussing how to turn the tide against Mrs Ahmed and pluck the headmistress from the school since she is in league with parents out to oust teachers allied to the union.
After two days of no classes in the school, Machakos Central AEO Mr Sammy Nyala, a well known side kick of Mr Mutisya came calling, purpoting to be a neutral harbitrator.
In the meeting also attended by other the education officials together with parents and the KNUT officials, a KNUT official Mr. Michael Kitisya was booed and forced to sit down by parents after he said that “If KNUT threatens Government just who are these Mutituni parents”
Mr. Nyala cooled the tension after parents raised alarm over the Kitisya’s statement.
The parents urged the area DEO to intervene and transfer the two teachers lest they transfer their pupils to another school.
The KNUT officials were urged by the parents to step aside in the running of the school since their work is to look at the well being of the teachers in the region, yet they had gone ahead to dictate the working of the teachers.Stay Anchored!
Top performing Town
Clerk moved to Kitui
OP performing Town Clerk Mrs Lucy Waema has been moved to Kitui Municipality. Mrs Waema found KituiI Municipal Councillors alert and waiting to welcome her to Kitui.
They unanimously declared that they are ready to work with her for the good of the council. They described her as hard working official whp had steered Kangundo to the top.
The all 15 civic leaders, led by the Mayor Alex Mwendwa Munyoki, were holding a Full Council Meeting that he chaired at the County Hall. “By supporting you as our Town Clerk, our council will rise up in terms of improved services to the public. The council will climb up to the standards of the other civic bodies in the country for you are a person who knows your work,” they told her.
Waema reported as the Kitui Town Clerk last week. She has been transferred from the Kangundo Town Council where she was the Town Clerk. Waema has been transferred to Kitui to replace Philip O.Adundo who was rejected by the councilors as their Town Clerk last month.
Under Waema’s leadership as the Kangundo Town Clerk, the council has scooped the position one among the 175 councils in Kenya in terms of improved service delivery.
The Kitui Municipal Councillors told Waema: “We know that you are going to make our council good like that of Kangundo. All of us are happy with you as our new Town Clerk.” ”Actually, we have seen a change since you reported as our Town Clerk one week ago.
The Kitui Municipal Council is the largest municipality in Kenya with an area of 547,000 square kilometres. In his brief speech, the Mayor supported the Kenya ’s draft constitution. Munyoki asked the people to read the draft constitution clearly. “It is the one that will solve our problems. It is good for all Kenyans,” the Mayor added.
