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Restive residents want action
Taking Charge
WATER and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu has moved to close a leadership vacuum in Ukambani in a bid to restore honour and reverse poverty among the population.
Making the declaration in Machakos, Mrs Ngilu said the abject poverty facing the citizens is indicative of failing leadership of a people, a situation, she said she would not tolerate any further.
She first made the remarks at the funeral of leading Machakos Businessman Josiah Munuka. She said Kamba leaders in government had clear responsibilities within their dockets and challenged each of them to take action. She said she would ensure water for humanity, their livestock and irrigation on the farms. ™ Let the other leaders do their part and keep off my line of duty. Kila mtu atumie talanta yake∫. She said to wild cheers.
She took up the same line of thought during a historic meeting convened under the chairmanship of businessman Mr Tito Musyoka where Agriculture Minister William Ruto came to explain what his ministry would do to ensure food in Ukambani. Mrs. Ngilu also used the forum to explain what she was doing to ensure provision of water in Ukambani where over 100 water projects are being carried out.
™ I have decided that this meeting was necessary to be held to address agriculture in Ukambani because our other leaders are obsessed with sycophantic leadership while our people suffer in poverty∫, she thundered to the applause of citizens who overflowed Machakos Social Hall, venue of the meeting.
The meeting was planned soon after the Munuka burial. Mrs Ngilu met local residents who asked her what the community would do to get seeds that are reported to be available to farmers in the Rift Valley. She responded instantly to the request by setting out a day when she said she would haul Mr Ruto to Machakos to respond to the concerns.
Mrs Ngilu told the meeting how she stormed Mr Ruto's office and convinced him to come to Ukambani to explain what the ministry of Agriculture would do to boost farming in the region.
™These people want to know how many tractors will be send to plough their farms just as it is planned for the Rift Valley. They also want seeds and fertilizer for their farms besides adequate water for irrigation∫, Mrs Ngilu said.
She explained that she would not be cowed into silence by leaders whose only quest is to be recognized while the majority of residents remained poor. ™ This is what has driven me to calling this meeting. I shall not wait for those seeking glory for their time is over, Mrs Ngilu said.
The meeting caused tension in
Dr Munyaka arrived at the meeting breathing fire and brimstone, claiming that he had not been informed about the meeting. But the fact that such a big meeting would be convened in his constituency without being consulted spoke volumes over his relevance or otherwise in Machakos Town.
Even as he tried to scuttle the meeting in vain, so strong was the surge that he had to appear there anyway or become irrelevant altogether. His militias could do nothing either when they saw the humanity that had assembled to listen to the two ministers. So shameful were his schemes that some of the youth called other leaders from the meeting venue and the leaders listened as Munyaka and some civic leaders insulted those they perceived to be their detractors. Sources said one local MP sent Sh 100,000 to buy intoxicants to the youth to cause mayhem. They were paid Sh 200, according to Kioko Ndeto, one of the militiamen assembled for the dirty job.
The Ruto visit took him to Yatta where the government plans to sue over Sh 2b to erect a dam and revamp the Yatta Farrow. They also flew to Kibwezi where a major irrigation scheme is taking off to address food shortage.
Mr Ruto said he had come to Machakos to address citizens needs and not to do politics.∫ Therefore I want all of you to relax because we came here to work∫. He caused laughter when he asked if there was an election in the offing because of the tension he saw in the meeting.
Much as the pair had come to work, there were clear political overtones as Mrs Ngilu was clearly making a political comeback in Ukambani politics. It was the first time in a long time that she organised a meeting in
Observers see the meeting as a daring statement from Mrs Ngilu that the days ahead will be repleat with political shows of supremacy. Mrs Ngilu's resurgence is linked to the massive mobilization of resources in Ukambani to provide residents with water.
Her efforts to provide water cover the entire region, including Mwingi North, the VP's constituency where she has spread her tentacles to she was appointed to the slot, courtesy of Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Her detractors have been pouring cold water on her efforts, saying that the water was being provided by the Government. Some of them have also been going round saying that they would also put up dams. Mrs Ngilu has countered the claims by asking why her detractors have not brought the same resources to Ukambani despite the fact that they have been in Government longer than her- a clear reference to the VP.
™What she has done is to identify a gaping void in the Kamba body politic. She has identified the weakest point in the rival camp and it appears that it is working∫, said Hillary Kimeu, an NGO executive who is working in Ukambani to address food security and understands the failures of politicians.
™She brings the promise of a better life. When she comes calling, she is bringing hope to the people- not mere promises and empty re-assurances that have been made for far too long∫, he added.
Mrs Ngilu is riding high on the fact that what she says she will do, she does it promptly. Even as Mr Ruto pledged to provide seeds worth Sh 179m, Mrs Ngilu quickly calculated and said her constituency would get approximately Sh 10m.
She told residents to note that there were seeds awaiting collection for distribution' ™All you neeed to do is to pressurize your MP to go for the seeds. But if you note that they are not keen to do so, do not hesitate to seek the fastest way to get the seeds yourselves∫, Mrs Ngilu said.
Assistant minister Wavinya Ndeti, former MPs Kalembe Ndile, Mwanzia Daudi and Grace Mwewa also addressed the meeting.
The Agriculture minister said the government plans to turn the semi arid Ukambani region into a food surplus zone from the current food deficit.
To this end, he said, 60,000 acres will be put under irrigation in the next five years to realize the ambitious dream.∫Ukambani has the potential to become a food basket if water for irrigation is available∫, he declared
He said at least one million acres of land will have been put into irrigation nationally in the next five years .
Mrs,Ngilu and Ndeti said the people of Ukambani were tired of depending on relief food handouts and called for a lasting solution to the food insecurity in the region.
of dams and sinking of boreholes.
Musila stands up to Kibaki
Defence Assistant Minister and Mwingi South MP David Musila showed unwavering leadership in Parliament by rising to oppose the decision by President Kibaki to reappoint Justice Aaron Ringera to head KACC.His position is bound to ruffle feathers in his party- ODM-K where party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Secretary General Mutula Kilonzo have taken sycophantic stances to defend the President. Kangundo MP Johnson Muthama also took a similar stance.
Musila, speaking boldly as did Water and Irrigation Minster Charity Ngilu in opposing the president, said what matters most for him was his bond with Mwingi South voters and not the position of Assistant Minister.∫ That is what matters to me. Other things are secondary∫, he said as he jumped over the loop of collective responsibility that tames members of government from criticizing it.
Ngilu, making a personal statement from the floor, Ngilu said she was as opposed to the reappointment of Justice Ringera as she was when he was appointed in the first place.
She tore into Mr Kilonzo for reading a list of alleged suspects of corruption that included her name, saying Mutula himself had no moral authority to table such a list, citing his past. ™He should be the one being investigated∫, Mrs Ngilu charged
Musila said he had asked himself four crucial questions, whose answers were in the negative. He said Justice Ringera had failed in his work and as such his reappointment should not arise.
Mr Musila said the only other option that the KACC Director has was, he should do the President a favour and resign and allow Kenyans to select a person who is going to help this country move forward in the fight against corruption.
Musila who received prolonged foot thumping from back benchers and a section of ministers who were supporting the endorsement of the report nullifying reappointment of Justice Ringera, stood ground that despite being an assistant ministers he bore more responsibility to the Mwingi South electorate than the executive.
He survived attempts by those who were supporting reappointment of Ringera as Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim overruled untenable points of order from the MPs.
Such stances as seen in the House are what informs the unfolding events in the political fortunes of Mr Musyoka, who has been running desperate to retain a foothold not just in National politics, but also in Ukambani where he is considered to have big following.
Tanathi undertakes new dam and enhancement of Yatta Canal
Tanathi Water Services Board is spending Sh. 2billion to improve water supply in Yatta District.
The project will erect a dam and refurbish the
Tanathi Chief Executive Officer Engineer Mutuku Nzesya told our reporters that the board is joining hands with the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Government to raise the required money.
The project's objectives include constructing a dam at Mavoloni along the
The dam will cover an area of 1000 acres that the Tanathi is buying from Mavoloni Farmers' Company and will effectively compensate the affected families.
This will ensure that most of flood water along the river that goes to waste each rainy season is impounded for economic activity within the Yatta Plateau.
The dam will mitigate effects of the existing obstruction of the river by multinationals operating within the area and ensure maximum utilization of water along the river.
Currently, the
The 62km canal will also be concreted along its walls minimize water seepage which is currently accounts for 60 percent of the water. Once the lining is complete, water is estimated to flow further downstream and serve all year round.
The Yatta furrow currently irrigates an area of 200 acres. It is projected to irrigate 2000 acres of land once the upgrading works are over.
Mr Nzesya said the Tanathi project will also construct a water treatment plant with a capacity of 6 ½ million liters of water per day.
It will also construct the water distribution network for Matuu and Kithimani townships, running for about 45 kilometers. Another water distribution network will be built to Ndalani and Kanyoonyoo, covering another distance of 30 kilometers. This will bring the total pipeline network to 75 kilometers.
Moreover, the construction of a sewerage system for Matuu and Kithimani is planned to be undertaken in the project.
The project is targeting to serve and improve the lives of 188.000 people and serve 13,500 livestock.
Currently revenue from the
The shame of KMC's off-take plan
THE Kenya Meat Commission's Off-Take cattle programme is enduring trouble following the death of close to 2,000 cattle
This is an indication of how uncoordinated the project has been since it was launched over five months ago.
Scenes from Mavoko in recent days have jolted meat lovers to the reality that the meat they may be eating may well belong to the carcasses they have been seeing on Television.
Livestock Development minister Mohammed Kuti toured the holding ground belonging to the East African Portland Cement described it as an extremely ugly, disturbing scene.
Grand irrigation plan for Kibwezi
Minister of Water and Irrigation Charity Kaluki Ngilu has assured Kibwezi and Makindu residents that days of relief food mwolyo are now numbered , and sent a grave warning to Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to keep off water projects in the entire country .
In her working tour of Kibwezi and Makindu ,Mrs. Ngilu said each official in the current government had a clear responsibility and said each of them should carry out one's duties without meddling with other people's dockets.
She said her ministry through Tanathi Water Services Board and other organs of the ministry created under the Water Reform Sector were responsible for water provision and no one should traverse the country claiming he has plans for water when that is not true.
Mr Musyoka has been claiming that his Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation would build 1,000 dams in Ukambani and those who know the state of funds at the foundation are questioning the authenticity of the claims.
Skeptics of the VP believe that his remarks are aimed at taking advantage of what the ministry is doing so that he can also claim credit in the provision of water in Ukambani which looks more likely now than ever before.
Mrs Ngilu has been quick to question In contention has been the refurbishment of Maruba Dam in Machakos that Mrs Ngilu has championed and ensured it is done. The VP's brigade, led by Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka has been claiming credit to the project and a speaker at a forum addressed by the VP recently urged him to ensure that President Mwai Kibaki inaugurates the project, and not Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Sources knowing the politics behind water say Mrs Ngilu will herself inaugurate the project at a date to be set, underlining the fact that she will not be pushed by anyone in running affairs of the ministry.
Speaking in Kibwezi days after a botched trip by the VP where reports indicated he would launch an irrigation project, Mrs Ngilu said her ministry is spending Sh 8 billion to irrigate 30,000acres of land by 2015 towards poverty alleviation and creation of jobs to the youth.
Ngilu said the current government has failed to feed a population of 30 million people while a country like
She said it is demeaning for our people to be given two to three kilos of maize on monthly basis while given water the residents can be productive.
Some of the irrigation programmes to benefit from the Kitty are Kake irrigation project at Kwachai Kibwezi which will receive 428 million shillings and Masimbani irrigation scheme/Mboosoni at Masongaleni which will get 468 million .
Minister Ngilu instructed the D.C Kibwezi and Makindu to ensure fair representation on youth and groups of women who will benefit from this programme on Kazi kwa Vijana to be taken from all villages.
Water and irrigation engineers accompanying the minister assured residents that the first harvest will be out by January 31 2010.
She also said research and irrigation at Nairobi University Kisayani in Kibwezi will start immediately following a memorandum of understanding between her ministry , the relevant authority in Isreal after her recent visit in that country and India.
Minister Ngilu was accompanied by research and irrigation experts from
Minister Ngilu blamed the government on the current boundary dispute between the Kamba community and their Taita counterparts at Mtito-Andei area. Ngilu said administrative boundaries have not changed since 1963 and there should be no question on who is supposed to be where.
She said leaders in that area and other parts of Ukambani are burying their heads in the sand as pertains to this issue while billions of shillings from hotels at Tsavo west and East go to Coast province while councils like Mtito-Andei is closing down due to financial crises . Revenue from most of the hotels in the Tsavo conservation area and Mzima springs the major source of water for the Coast region is paid to Taita area believed to be in Ukambani.
Women face breach of peace charges
FIVE women from Mwitika location in Mutitu District have been charged in a Kitui law court with causing disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. However, the accused Kavii Mathenge, Ndanu Kyalo, Kongu Lombe, Kalunda Nzuki and Mwathi Kimanzi denied the charges before the Kitui Senior Resident Magistrate, Mrs.Eizabeth Juma Osoro. The magistrate released them on Sh 8,000 bond each.
The five were arrested at the Sombe market in Sombe location, Mutitu District on August 21, 2009 at 7AM by the Mutitu OCS, Police Inspector J.Kiptoo. They are said to be protesting against the move to deny Mutitu Market becoming the headquarters of the newly created Mutitu District. Majority of the residents need Sombe market to be the district's headquarters.
The five women have been released from the Kitui GK Prison's remand after having spent five days in the remand. Their Member of Parliament Julius Kiema Kilonzo mobilised his councilors who went together with the local Constituency Development Fund (CDF) secretary Mutavanya Mutia and businessman Duncan Singi to pay the bonds for the accused.
The accused's case will be mentioned on September 4, 2009.The councilors were John Mang'uye, who also is the Chairman of the Kitui County Council, Simon Kombo, Billy Mativo Kilonzi, James Mumo Mutio and Josephine Matulu.
Speaking to journalists in Kitui town after the release of the accused from the remand, the councilors, Mutia and Singi condemned the five women's arrest. They alleged that the five were arrested by the OCS under instructs of the area District Officer Reuben Kimosop. They accused the DO and the OCS of allegedly harassing the public. They further appealed to the government to withdraw that case complaining that it (the case) had no base that it was causing insecurity in the new district. ™The accused are elderly. They are over 60 years. They had come to sell kales at the Sombe market and they had no any ill motive.
The OCS did not give them chance to defend themselves. They were arrested unfairly,∫ the complainants added. The women regretted that it was their first time to be remanded since their birth. At the same time, the civic leaders, Mutavanya and Singi called upon the government to allow the Mutitu District leaders to agree on where the district's headquarters should be. The residents of Sombe, Mwitika, Kyamatu, Endau and Malalani locations need Sombe market. But those of Mutitu location need Mutitu market, while that of Kaliku location are for their location (Kaliku).
56 primary schools looped in feeding programme
56 primary schools in Machakos, Kathiani and Athi River districts are set to benefit from the school feeding program.This declaration was done at the Annual General Meeting of education stakeholders conducted in Machakos town at the District Commissioner's office. The school feeding program dubbed The Homegrown Program is set to feed than 5,000 school going children.
Besides, the government is giving Sh 60 million for the construction of one secondary school which will serve as a Centre for Excellency in the region and another Sh 14 million for the construction of four primary schools.
On the other hand in a bid to curb the looming drought and hunger in the region the government is availing Sh 2.4 million for tree planting projects in 40 schools in
All this is being done to ensure that the education system in
Who will protect teacher's money?
Looting spree goes on as Plaza borrows Sh 20m
Members of
They have known from experience from Masaku Teachers Sacco that reports Inquiry by the Commissioner of Co-operatives do not matter.
Since the report of inquiry was published members have not benefited from its recommendations despite the reality that the report implicated who is who in the Sacco and the Top guns in the KNUT Machakos branch. Their building (Plaza) earns them Sh 280,000 monthly rent which is gobbled up by the financial cancer afflicting the Sacco.
Sources say Sacco has pre-paid its rent upto July 2010 as they repay a loan of Sh 20m that the Plaza team took from Industrial Development Bank.
The Sacco management used Sh 6 million to buy land to construct a mortuary at Kibwezi who donated the land to the Plaza only to be informed later that the land belongs to the Kenya Forest Service.
The managers of the plaza withdrew Sh 400,000 from the Saccos most abused Account 8157 and approached a teacher who agreed to sale them a plot at Kibarani area at a cost of 70,000/= the rest of the money has never been accounted for and no one asks for it.
The borrowed Sh20million was to fund the construction of the mortuary. The cash was borrowed without the approval of plaza members. But the construction is near completion. Mr. J Katolo a Branch Executive Committee member from Kibwezi complained bitterly at a meeting, saying that no tendering was done to supply materials for the construction.
Recently, Sacco General Manager Stanley Kyelenzi wrote to IDB, informing them not to worry about delay in the repayment of the loan and added that the Masaku Teachers Sacco would pay, even if the Plaza was unable to. This letter has caused an uproar at the Sacco as it amounts to monumental liability by the Sacco even when its members have not passed a resolution to that effect. This is notwithstanding the reality that the Sacco itself is immersed in debt to insolvency levels.
The managers took another Sh 2.8million to purchase two vehicles to be used as Hearse in June 2008 and the vehicles have been operational since. Two weeks ago, the management confiscated the vehicles claiming that money generated does not reach management.
After investigations, the managers claim vehicles had made a loss of 2,000.
As we went to press, the Hearses were released to their base (Makindu), the only noticeable change being the employment of two new drivers. Teachers are waiting to see whether the change of drivers of the two Hearses will bring any meaningful change that may generate there dividends.
Mismanagement of the project has led to the dismissal of the plaza, chairman Mr. Patrick Mutisya and his secretary Mr. Kikumu. Interestingly, the Treasurer who should have been handling the money was spared and remained in office. He has been accused of embezzlement of funds and the Sacco report of inquiry had implicated him to have misused over 9 million.
The managers come calling and requested for more funds amounting to 800,000/= from Sacco to complete a section of post mortem unit. The money was advanced to them and the section has been completed.
However the opening of the mortuary is uncertain after NEMA questioned its location, based on the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment report on the surrounding areas.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that NEMA has raised questions on the suitability of the mortuary in a village and again there is a boarding primary school next to it.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the management is working with the provincial administration in Makueni to plead with NEMA to issue authorization.
Seek loans from Disabled Fund, official appeals
THE disabled persons in
The call was made in Kitui District by the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) Properties Manager, Mrs. Joyce M. Kitavi. The manager at the same time asked them to be proud of their country. She told the disabled that the fund in the country for their sake. She asked the beneficiaries not to sell or exchange the facilities they are awarded by the fund. Kitavi advised them to initiate businesses in order to be self reliant.
The parastatal official was speaking at the Kitui District Commissioner Joshua K. Chepchieng's office after officially donating machinery worth Sh146,056 to some eleven local disabled persons.
She further donated Sh100,000 to some local disabled persons' institutions. The machinery include sewing machines, ploughs, knitting machines and wheelchairs. The eleven beneficiaries are among hundreds of others from across
Kitavi told the disabled in the country: ™Our aim is to make you to be self reliant. Disability is not inability. You are part of us and we like you very much.∫ She asked them not to feel they are neglected in the society and she further appealed to them to tell other people with disabilities about the NFDK to benefit from the fund.
The manager, told the disabled to get application forms from the District Commissioners. ™We will consider the applications. Please multiply what we give you to be added more.∫, she quipped. She said that they (the fund) will go to Kitui District again next year to see how the disabled are progressing themselves in the district.
She added that many disabled people in the country had progressed themselves a lot through the facilities given to them by the fund. The fund was initiated by President Moi in 1980 for the good of the disabled in the country. She regretted that in other districts of the country, the disabled sell the facilities given to them by the fund.
But she expressed her gladness that no case had been heard of from Kitui District. The NFDK official lauded the disabled in Kitui District for not selling their facilities. The official had been accompanied by the fund's programmes clerk Amos Mukenye.
The Kitui DC thanked the fund for responding to the applications of the eleven disabled persons in the district. The DC said that the disability is a normal thing, saying that anybody can be disabled. ™Disability is not a funny thing. The disabled person should be integrated in the society,∫ the DC added.
Chepchieng told the disabled that it is their right to be served, to be listened to,ºº..He asked them to be attending the District Development and Locational Development Committees Meetings.. He told them that they should not request to do that. ™It is your right to come to those forums,∫ the DC told the disabled.
He asked those who have not succeeded in the applications there to fill the application forms again to benefit from the fund. Others who also addressed the function included the Kitui District Social Development Officer Robert Kinge, the Kitui District Disabled Persons Association Chairman Daniel J. Kakungi and the association's spokesman Francis Muthui.
From Kitui District, the NFDK officials toured the Mwingi District.
The National Fund for Disabled of Kenya's officials have already toured and donated facilities to the disabled in Kangundo, Mwala, Wote, Machakos, Kitui and Mwingi Districts.
Machakos Water boss replaced
The Managing Director of the Machakos Water Company Mr Kitavi has been shown the door. Mr Kitavi was asked to vacate the office under the supervision of the Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr Bernard Kamba.
He departure follows an advertisement that was done some months ago calling for applications for the post of Managing Director for the company, among many others.
Mr Kitavi has hardly served in Machakos for five months after he relocated from Makindu Water Company where he left under acrimonious circumstances. It remained unclear why he was shown the door in Machakos although workers spoke of a difficult relationship between him and also board members.
Bank sources said the board wrote to close their accounts to ensure no withdrawals were made until change of signatures were effected. Staff said the last disagreement with them was over a salary rationalization plan that had been agreed upon that the MD allegedly reneged on
Panic as
Lives of more than 299,000 residents of the Yatta plateau are at stake after their only lifeline the
The 60Km canal which was constructed by maumau detainees in the colonial era has been lifeline for residents for irrigation apart from other water needs since the settlement on the plateau more than fifty years ago.
Many residents interviewed said since the canal dried up ago, they were forced to trek for long distances to look for water both for their needs and that of their livestock.
According to the affected residents, the drought is the first one of its kind since none has ever been witnessed before to leave the canal dry.
Most of them who used to lead comfortable life from the proceeds of irrigation farming have now turned into other means including relief food for survival.
Consequently, the drought has also affected fruits and vegetable traders at the famous Kithimani trading centre on the Thika/Garissa highway where there used to be a booming hawking business to motorists.The traders who depended on the canal for cheaper fruits are now forced to import the same from Thika,Nairobi and Embu at very exorbitant prices with minimal profits.
The intensive tour on the canal by journalists revealed that its source, the
The drought has reduced the
However, further investigations revealed that despite the persisted drought, the river's water level had been adversely affected by intensive farming by a pineapple growing company near Thika by the name Delmonte(K)Ltd which uses excess water from the river.
Kitui Adult learners clock 5,000 mark
The area District Adult Education Officer, Mr William Mwongela Kimeu said Yatta division was leading in the district with 1,191 women and 292 men, followed by the Central division with 960 women and 636 men and the Kyuluni division being in the third position with 377 women and 43 men.
The fourth is the Mwitika division with a total of 355 women and 57 men, followed by the Mutitu division with 291 women and 63 men. In total, the five divisions have some 4,190 learners. Kimeu said that he had no compilation of the figures of the Matinyani and Mutonguni divisions.
The Matinyani District Officer, Mrs. Teresia Mburu, was the chief guest at the function where she read the Education Minister Professor Sam K.Ongeri's speech. Kimeu said that the area has eight Community Learning Resource Centres and added that the government has plans to construct more centres in the area. He thanked the local women for having been leading in the adult education there always. And he challenged the men to emulate them.
The DAEO congratulated the learners in Yatta division for leading in the district for the fourth year consecutively under the good leadership of their Divisional Adult Education Supervisor Vincent Kioko.
Kimeu said that the illiterate should not cheat themselves that they can progress themselves education without joining the adult education classes. He said that the learning is important for the society and the nation. ™It is your right to learn. It is your right to acquire skills through education,∫ the officer told the adult education learners.
On her part, the DO stressed the importance of adult education and asked those who had not joined the programme in the district to do so. She at the same time said that the government had banned charcoal burning, transportation and marketing in Kitui District. She asked the public to report any culprit to the relevant authorities including the police and location chiefs for legal action. Other speakers included the local District Youth Affairs Officer Mutisya Muindi.
Women lead men in Adult Education in Kangundo, Matungulu
It was excitement and pomp , at Tala Township Primary School grounds during the world literacy Day in Matungulu District for more than 1000 adults learners who have registered from both Kangundo and Matungulu Districts when they come together to celebrate the International Literacy Day.
The adult learners who have been performing well in their classes were rewarded with trophies and certificates.
Most learners in the Adult Literacy Programme are aged between 20, 60 and 70 years.
They include ordinary youths, business people, farmers and housewives.
According to the Kangundo District Adult Education Officer.Mr Charles King'ori, Adult Education's mission is to eradicate illiteracy and promote life-long learning among adults and out of school. Mr Kingo'ri, says each District has supervisors, fulltime teachers who work under self help basis .He adds that men and women's attend classes for the three hours between 2pm and 6 pm everyday. He said women in both districts do better in proficiency tests because they are patient and hardworking, but men are different because often skip classes .This explains why there are more women than men in the programme, he says.
Mr Muli Mutua from Matungulu, an Adult learner, says ™I drop away from classes because I didn't want to be known that I was illiterate .I felt very shy because people will believe I had gone to school late in my life, he says.
Mrs Mary Nduku,76, an adult learner in Kangundo ,says she wants to know how to read and write. This will help me to keep records of the business I do and avoid being misled by those who know how to keep records.
Mrs Elizabeth Kalondu,74, an adult learner at Matungulu, says she joined adult literacy classes because she was unable to read and write for herself.
Mr Kingo'ri says that many of the men who enroll in adult classes drop out of school because they are busy looking for money to feed their families. He added very few men enroll and more drop out because they feel embarrassed attending classes with women. He said more women than men complete their courses and are rewarded with certificates .He said youth who drop out of school and those who sit KCPE but do not join secondary school find their way to adult classes.
Thus, Matungulu DC Fauzia Shauri and Kangundo DC Charity Chepkonga have made a point to encourage men to enroll in the adult literacy to boost male participation in adult literacy each time they hold barazas in the villages. This is the same message the drummed up as they spoke during the world literacy day.
Mr Daniel Nginga, the Kangundo Knut Executive Secretary says the the CDF committee and Kangundo Town Council should contribute some money to pay adult teachers because the contribution is part of the development in the two districts.
Mr Nginga adds he intends to mobilize teachers from all the Districts who are members of Masaku Teachers Sacco,in order to be given names of staff members and former elected members who looted the sacco and were not prosecuted and the money paid back to the kitty.
He asked the teachers not to sit back and allow some few individuals to enrich themselves with their contributions as if they have nothing to do with their money.
Mr Nginga added the Government should arrest those robbers and not let them walk freely in the eyes of the members without prosecution.
Kangundo DC Ms Charity Chepkonga (centre) and Adult education Officer ,Mr Charles Kingo'ri (left)and right is Matungulu DC Ms Fauzia Shauri and near him is Mr Daniel Nginga,the Executive Secrectary Knut in Kangundo branch ,being shown traditional food crops that might eliminate hunger ,during the celebration of international literacy Day in Tala Township Primary Schools grounds .
EDITORIAL
A lesson for President Kibaki
UPON the launch of The Anchor, we did state that one of our key objectives is the enhancement of good governance in
It is our belief that one of the foundations upon which good governance can thrive is the protection of Human Rights and the enjoyment of basic freedoms for our citizens. Such freedoms as free expression, Freedom of Association and Freedom of Information are so crucial to humanity as they seek to ensure that justice thrives for the betterment f all.
There is no doubt whatsoever that in order to enhance good governance, proper structures of government must be enforced to ensure checks and balances so as to tame the excesses of those at the helm. We believe thus that the three arms of Government- the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must carry out their mandate without undue overlap, so that in the usual checks function, none of them overruns the role o the other or even the rights of citizens.
In the last few weeks, Kenyans have witnessed an unprecedented war between the three arms of government over the appointment of Justice Aaron Ringera to head the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission(KACC) for another term, along with his two adjutants Dr Smokin Wanjala and Fatuma Sichale.
The War stemmed from the re-appointment of the trio by President Mwai Kibaki without going through the process set out by the law for the holders of those positions. A plan was even mooted to send parliament on recess as soon as the appointments were done, in the hope that the matter would die.Luckily, Parliament refused to be sent on recess so as to deal with what in our view was a clear overindulgence of the Executive. In exercise of the check and balances function, MPs overturned the Presidential overlap. Dr Wanjala soon quit his job.
As they debated in the committees and the chamber, MPs expressed themselves freely and with courage, if only to spare this country a brazen miscarriage of procedure by non other than the President himself.We have said it on this column, and we wish, for the record, to do it again: That this is not the Kenya of yesteryears. Besides, Kenyans still believe very well that the results of the last election were stolen and that the government in place is not what they elected in the 2007 election.
The clamour for justice over post election violence is far from over. The citizens' wailing over impunity is yet to be addressed. The spirit upon which a coalition government was founded, giving Mr Kibaki a semblance of legitimacy as president is certainly on the cards here. Clearly and sadly, the re- appointments jog the memories of citizens that there is an obtrusive disconnect between them and their president.
It has been said that the Nation of Kenya needs a healing process so as to overcome the injustices of the past. But this mind frame can not be enhanced when the person who ought to be kingpin in the process is dancing to some musing only he is hearing.
It is our contention that we as Kenyans need to read from the same script when it comes to issues that define our nationhood. Such issues relate to reversing the advancement of poverty, protection of our environment, the Rule of Law, the respect of Human Rights and enjoyment of fundamental freedoms.
Therefore we take this opportunity to thank the legislators who stood up to the executive so as to change the course of history in our country. Mr Kibaki and future presidents of
Dr Munyaka and his militia
Recently as Agriculture Minster William Ruto and water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu assembled in Machakos to explain their respective ministries agenda for the region, Machakos Town MP Dr Victor Munyaka was conscripting a militia to disrupt the meeting.
The reason is that as MP for Machakos Town, he had not been informed of the meeting. Dr Munyaka was elected in 2007 with a slogan-Muvango Muvangoni( a plan within a plan). It now transpires, following the events of the day, that a Mivango Militia was assembled and paid some 200 shillings to disrupt the meeting that hundreds of farmers attended.
How would they have done it? The brief was to heckle speakers and if possible scatter those at the meeting. Unavoidably, it would have resulted in violence and a disruption of the peace. Police never arrested anyone and the MP was not questioned over the matter either. At a time when the country is seeking to punish perpetrators of post election violence, it is unbelievable that a young and educated MP like Dr Victor Kioko Munyaka aka Muvango Muvangoni would want to construct his road to infamy- call it
What honourable people do especially in circumstances where your adversaries organise a successful meeting is to keep off the meetings or, better still, emerge at the assembly with superior ideas.
MPs have the `Honourable' tag prefixed on their names. Honourable people need not do horrible things. What honour is there for those who do not deserve it?
Why Ringera team must face new vetting to stay on as KACC bosses
The controversy surrounding the re-appointment of Justice Aaron Ringera as Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, as well as that of Smokin Wanjala and Fatuma Sichale as Assistant Commissioners turns on the correct interpretation of the provisions of section 8(4) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and paragraph 3 of the First Schedule to the Act. The provisions are set out in full below:
Section 8 provides:
(3) The Director and Assistant Directors shall be persons recommended by the Advisory Board and approved by the National Assembly for appointment to their respective positions.(4) On the approval of a person by the National Assembly under subsection (3), the President shall appoint the person concerned to the office in respect of which the approval was given.
And paragraph 3(1) of the First Schedule provides:
The term of office of the Director or an Assistant Director shall be five years: Provided that an Assistant Director may be appointed for a term of four years to avoid having the Assistant Director's term expire on or around the time the Director's term expires.
The Minister for Justice and the KACC have both argued that as this is a renewal of an existing appointment, there is no need for a parliamentary approval. Such an approval is only necessary when considering a fresh appointment. There are two main difficulties to the argument by the Minister and the KACC. First, one of the assistant directors, Perminus Mutonyi, served a full term of four years and came up for renewal was subjected to parliamentary approval, which is somehow now being dispensed with. The question is: why treat the others differently from the way Mutonyi was treated?
The argument might be advanced that Mutonyi served a full term, left the Commission and was recruited afresh from home, which is why he had to be interviewed competitively and had then to undergo the scrutiny of parliament. This argument is not convincing. At the time of appointment, each commissioner gets a defined term of office. This term cannot be abridged by a fresh appointment, and any subsequent appointment can only start after the existing appointment ends.
Secondly, it is not disputed that the President acting alone cannot make a first appointment to any of the positions in the KACC. The president has to work in concert with the National Assembly which approves such appoints, and the Advisory Committee, which starts the process of appointment. Section 8(4) clearly identifies the President as the person who makes an original appointment and the National assembly as the organ that approves such persons for appointment by the President. In contrast, the provisions of the First Schedule do not expressly state whose responsibility it is to renew the term of office through a re-appointment. The question then is, on what basis was it assumed that it is the President and not, for example, the Advisory Board or the National Assembly whose role it is to renew an appointment under this provision? Since it is not clarified who should make the appointment under this provision, the only fair conclusion has to be that it is all the players in the appointment process who have to come together in order to make the appointment. If it is objectionable for the National Assembly or the Advisory Board acting alone to make an appointment under this provision, it has to be equally objectionable for the President acting alone to renew an appointment under the Act.
The Ugandan Position
Uganda had to deal with exactly the same problem in relation to the renewal of the term of office for the Inspector General of Government, as that presented by the re-appointment of the Directors of the KACC. The provisions establishing the office of the Inspector General of Government are found under section 223 (4) and (7) of the Constitution of Uganda and are set out below:(4) The Inspector General of Government and a Deputy Inspector General shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and shall not, while holding office, hold any other office of emolument in the public service.(7) The Inspector General of Government and Deputy Inspectors General shall hold office for a term of four years but shall be eligible for reappointment only once.
The first term of office for Inspector General of Government, Justice Faith Mwondha ended in April 2009 together with that of the Deputy Inspector, Raphael Baku. Whereas
In April 2009, 22 citizens filed a petition in the Constitutional Court1 seeking a declaration that Justice Mwondha was exempt form a fresh scrutiny for her second term. President Yoweri Museveni, who supported the view, held by Justice Mwondha that she did not need a second scrutiny filed an affidavit in the suit supporting this position. The Attorney General, Dr Khiddu Mabukaya, had however provided a legal opinion advising that a fresh scrutiny was a requirement of the Constitution. In filing the affidavit, the President went against legal advice.
The 22 petitioners applied to the court seeking various declarations which were crystallized into one issue, namely:
™Whether or not the re-appointment of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and Deputy IGG requires Parliamentary approval in order for them to serve their respective second term and last terms of office under Article 223 (7) of the Constitution.∫
The following are the facts as summarized by the court in its judgement. On 23n February 2005, the President of Uganda appointed Hon. Lady Justice Faith Mwondha, as Inspector General of Government (IGG) in accordance with Article 223 (4) of the Constitution, with the approval of Parliament. Before the constitutional term of 4(four) years ended, which was due to expire on 23 February 2009, the President signed an instrument of appointment on 12 February 2009 renewing her contract as IGG. By a letter dated 13 February 2009, the Principal Private Secretary to the President wrote to the Head of Public Service forwarding this instrument for his further management.
On 22 April 2009, the petitioners filed the petition under discussion here which was amended on 8 May 2009. At the scheduling conference and in court, the issue remained whether or not the reappointment of the 1GG and Deputy IGG requires parliamentary approval in order for them to serve their respective second and last terms of office under Article 223 (7) of the Constitution.
The arguments advanced to the court for the petitioners were that there was no requirement for the IGG and Deputy IGG to appear before Parliament for approval for their second and last term of office. The acts of the President, the relevant officers and relevant institutions to wit the Attorney General, the Head of Public Service, Clerk to Parliament, the Appointments Committee of Parliament were unconstitutional and that article 253(1) was inapplicable and that this provision only applies to an officer who has vacated office.
In a unanimous decision, the
The Court provided the rationale for its decision as follows:
In interpreting the constitutional provisions we are alive to the following guidelines, namely:
a) That the constitution is the Supreme law of the land.
b) All provisions relevant to an issue are to be brought into perspective to give effect to or not to derogate from the intention of the Constitution.
c) The method of interpretation is an open-ended process. It explores and attaches significance to every word or clause and the grammar in relation to the whole context; the court searches for the exact meaning of words and use of terms.
d) The Constitution is interpreted in the context that exists at the time and when not it was passed. Otherwise it will cease to take into account the growth of the society which it seeks to regulate.
e) The purpose and effect of the provisions is relevant in determining constitutionality
The court then came to the following finding: "Having regard to the foregoing principles of interpretation, more particularly (b), we find the inevitable and inescapable conclusion to be that parliamentary approval is a constitutional requirement under article 223(4) for the IGG and Deputy. IGG to serve their respective second terms in office under article 223 (7). Were we to hold otherwise we would be strongly at variance with the spirit of the Constitution."The Court therefore dismissed the suit with costs.
Conclusion
The authorities are clear that a person whose appointment is subject to the approval of the legislature must seek and obtain such approval even in respect of the renewal of the appointment.
Environmental project in Kalundu makes a mark in fight against poverty
THE Kalundu/Nzeeu Environmental Conservation Project of the Central division, Kitui District is alleviating the poverty through environmental protection.
The project's chairperson, Mrs. Christine Wanzuu Katiwa, further said that what they are doing in the Central division is helping the whole Kitui District, the whole
She said that the project was started in the year 2007 and that it is an umbrella organisation for 54 self-help groups from all the 12 locations of the Central division, Kitui District. Katiwa said that the 54 groups do among others protect forests, goat rearing, rivers protection, bee-keeping, bricks making and sisal production.
The chairperson said: ™Some 1,540 adults (90 percent being women) and 40 youths are direct beneficiaries from the project.
Those benefiting indirectly from the project are 40,000 people. The government on its part benefits from the project through improved forest cover and improved food security.∫ She added that the local government benefits from the project through improved water supply and schools. The project chairperson was speaking to the project's 1,524 members during their first annual general meeting held at the Kitui Agricultural Training Centre.
Katiwa said that their project comprises of six networks and one community based organization. She said that the whole community within the Kalundu and
Among those disadvantaged groups are the widows, orphans, those afflicted by the HIV/AIDS, the physically and visually impaired and single women/men headed households. She disclosed that the project is funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) through the
Now Mutula seeks probe on CDF use at Kalawa Girls
A CABINET minister has called on the CDF National Secretariat Chief Executive Officer to investigate a CDF funded project in his Mbooni constituency.Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo expressed his disappointment with the implementation of Kalawa Girls secondary school which has so far taken over kshs.6m.
™I have personally visited the project and the complaints from the local stakeholders are legitimate from what I saw on the ground'', read the letter to the CEO requesting the probe.
Mutula has since warned that those who will be found to have diverted the CDF funds will face the full face of the law.™I will not allow anyone charged with the responsibility of managing tax payers money to divert a single cent, not me sorry∫, he said.
The project referred to as a white elephant by the local community has been shrouded with controversy.Investigations by The Standard revealed that the contractor who has been on site 2003 has done very little and shoddily.Mutula's letter to the CDF National Secretariat followed numerous verbal and written complaints from the local stakeholders.Local residents, the school administration and ministry of public works officers are raising issues pertaining to use of CDF funds in the project.As the management controversy raged, the local administration and education officials bowed to pressure to disband the former committee and allowed the residents to elect a new PMC on March 9,2009.But what baffled the stakeholders most is the withdrawal of more than kshs.1m by the `'sacked∫ PMC executive committee officials on March 19,2009.
`'We demand an explanation from the area Education Officer and the Mbooni District Development Officer as to why they authorised the withdrawal by sacked PMC members when they knew they had been replaced 10 days earlier and account signatories changed∫, said the stakeholders.They charged that the money withdrawn illegally cannot be accounted for, so are the funds withdrawn earlier before the replacement of the old committee, hence the need for a forensic probe.
At one point, the District Works Officer Makueni Mr. J.M. Weru warned the Project Management Committee (PMC) that his office will not get involved in the project if any works were carried without its input.
™For our future involvement in the project, the PMC should liase with the undersigned for further technical advise'', Weru said in a letter to the committee.
On his part the school principal Mr.John Kaloki wrote to Mutula supporting the investigation, saying ™the local community is not pleased with the work so far done∫.
Incidentally, the last cheque was released by Mutula himself days after the recipient committee had been axed.
Mbooni CDF causes MP headache
Mutula gave out Sh 1m cheque which swindlers shared
The Anchor exposed this mess several months ago. Today, corruption within Mbooni CDF has become Mutula Kilonzo's local headache.
When he handed the last cheque of Sh. 1,080,000 in March 2009 to the management committee of Kalawa Girls, days after kicking out Former chairman Peter Mwanthi, little did Mutula know that not a single cent would go towards the project.
Those who know the saga say that Kalawa Girls saga was the driving force behind Mwanthi's removal, among other things. His accusers had claimed he had withheld the cheque, thus slowing down `development' in Mbooni. His ouster was sealed in March 12 2009. Days later, the ousted committee of Kalawa girls was at hand in
Recently, Mutula announced that he will not allow more public funds to be allocated to projects in Kalawa division till probe is contacted on several dubious projects, and those who know the saga are saying the matter would not have been this bad had Mutula been hands on in Mbooni constituency. The minister who was furious and visibly annoyed made the surprise pronouncements before a huge public baraza at Katangini market Kalawa Division, Mbooni East District at the end of a two day tour of development projects cum meet the people tour.
Minster Kilonzo who was accompanied by all the Mbooni constituency councilors and the CDF committee throughout the two day tour met irate residents at the stalled Kalawa girls' secondary school project where about Ksh.7 million has been embezzled since 2003. Mr. James Munguti a school teacher together with Mr. Nason Manthi both of whom confessed were members of the former school's project management committee shocked the minister and the other leaders as they revealed that the Ksh.7 million was literally ™eaten∫ without fear of God by the a contractor and an education official and former executive committee members who are local residents.
The two alleged that the official collaborated with a local politician and the contractor by forging the other committee member's signatures to withdraw money from the bank. They pleaded with the Justice Minister to use his office and ensure that the stolen millions are fully recovered and returned to develop the girls' school. ™Take the looters to the Hague∫ said Mr. Munguti.
The shaken minister informed the concerned residents that he has already demanded full investigations into the matter from the National CDF Chief Executive Officer.( see story on side bar) He promised to make sure any one found to have dipped their fingers into the projects kitty will surely be imprisoned.
As he toured the projects it emerged that some projects were irregularly allocated public funds to the tune of 6,500,000/= Mau drift was allocated Ksh.3,400,000/=
The shocked residents and local leaders vowed to block payments to the contractors who were given the jobs straight by the CDF committee without regard to residents' prioratised projects which were forwarded to the CDF committee by the chiefs through the location development committees. At
The leaders supported the minister on his move to bring to book crooked individuals who for many years have milked dry all public projects. One CDF member who said he was ashamed to be a member of a committee where some members are more equal than others.
Minister Kilonzo also announced that bursaries were meant for the needy poor and said people in gainful employment should not benefit.
He ordered the CDF chairman to carefully scrutinize all application forms and ensure only the poor benefit. He asked the residents to report to him undeserving cases who may benefit. Some residents had earlier complained to him that chief Kalawa Jones Ngumbu had awarded bursary worth Ksh 7,000/ to his daughter. The minister addressed huge excited crowds at Miangeni and Kalawa markets who had turned out in their hundreds.
The councilors and the Kalawa division leaders were unanimous that the entire Mbooni CDF committee should be shown the door before more millions of public funds go down the drain or benefit a few individuals.
They said that the chairman Cllr. Nzeki Mutulili who has been at the helm for about 6 months has totally failed to show leadership. ™The executive committee members and the accounts manager of CDF should be arrested and charged∫ demanded clr. Alex Nthitu .
ADVERTISERS FEATURE
Tanathi WSB hits the ground running to provide water in arid region
TANATHI Water Services Board (TAWSB) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Water and Irrigation created under Section 51 of the Water Act, 2002.
It was created by Legal Notice No.69 dated 4th June, 2008, signed by Water and Irrigation Minister Mrs. C.K Ngilu. By Legal Notice No.68 dated 4th June , Kenya Gazette Supplement No.25), TAWSB was hived from Tana and Athi Water Services Boards, to be the eighth Water Services Board, created to bring about efficiency, economy and sustainability in the provision of water and sewerage services in Kenya.
By this Notice, the Limits of Water Supply of the Athi Water Services Board were varied by removing the greater districts of Kajiado, Machakos, and Makueni.At the same time the Limits of Water Supply of the Tana Water Services Board were varied by removing the districts of Kitui, Mwingi and Kyuso.
Governance
TANATHI WSB has nine directors appointed by the Minister in charge of water affairs.The CEO, Engineer Mutuku Nzesya sits in the Board as the secretary while the represantive from Inspector State Coorporation advices the Board. The Board is composed of the following:
Hon. Godfrey Ole Parasaoti ± Chairman
Margaret John ± Director
Charles M. Kiliku ± Director
Robert K. Saidimu ± Director
Representative PS; Ministry of Water and Irrigation ± Alternate Director
Represenative PS; Ministry of Finance ± Alternate Director
Represenative PS;
Representative PS; Ministry of Local Government ± Alternate Director
TAWSB covers an area of 65,888 Km2 which is largely arid and semi arid and serves a population of over 4.3 million. It has the mandate of ensuring efficient and economical provision of water and sewerage services in its area of jurisdiction which includes thirty two administrative districts namely Kajiado Central, Kajiado North, Machakos, Mwala, Kangundo, Yatta, Lower Yatta, Loitoktok, Makueni, Kibwezi, Mbooni West, Mbooni East, Nzaui, Kitui West, Kitui Central, Mutomo, Mwingi Central, Mwingi West, Mwingi East, Kyuso, Nzambani, Mutitu, Tseikuru, Athi River, Matungulu, Kilungu, Kathiani, Mukaa, Kathonzweni, Makindu, Masinga and Mumoni.
This ever growing number of districts is typically ASALs. Approximately, 56 percent of residents of these districts live below poverty threshold of a dollar per day.
Population, Water and Sanitation Coverage
The population in 2008 in the region is approximately 4.1 million (1999 census projected at a growth rate of 2 percent per annum) and estimated to be 4. 5 million at the end of the plan period in 2013. Safe water coverage in the urban areas is estimated at 24.2 percent, meaning that about 80percent is without water coverage. It is not possible to estimate the safe sanitation coverage but it is generally agreed that the sanitation coverage is by far less than the safe water coverage. The coverage situation is very low and requires immediate attention through rehabilitation and augmentation to increase output and coverage of existing schemes.
Though there has been rehabilitation and augmentation of water and sanitation infrastructure, the proportion of non-served people still remain about the same mainly due to rapid population growth in urban settlements Since majority of the people live below the poverty line in the Board area, the focus on the poor is therefore important in order to increase water and basic sanitation coverage in these areas. Sustainability concerns in rural water supplies with its water points and small scale systems require Redressing
Access to water services for both human and livestock in the rural areas is appallingly low at 38 percent- which is significantly below the national average of 42 percent. The situation is no better for the principal urban centres within the Board's area of jurisdiction which have dilapidated infrastructure and all lack centralised waste water systems.
Accordingly, huge financial investment is required to develop Water and Sewerage infrastructure in conformity with
Recently, the Board audited the entire physical infrastructure for all the 19 Water Service Providers to the utter realisation of the need to urgently invest Sh 9.8 billion to rehabilitate and augment the dilapidated infrastructure to enable the WSPs meet the minimum service level defined by the Water Service Regulatory Board.
TAWSB's core functions include but not limited to: -
l Efficient and economical provision of water and sewerage services in its area of jurisdiction
l Development and management of water and sewerage assets.
l Ownership and holding of water and sewerage infrastructure &
l Contracting Water Service Providers and ensuring efficient and economical provision of water and sewerage services.
The
™To ensure provision of potable, reliable, affordable and sustainable water and sewerage services to our customers in collaboration with Stakeholders through leasing, development, continuous improvement and expansion of facilities and contracting of competent Water Service Providers∫
The Vision of TAWSB
™To be the premier Water Services Board in the African region∫
Tanathi Water Services Board is committed to the values and principles of good corporate governance. The demand for good governance is in line with the water sector reforms, as outlined in the National Development Goals and articulated in the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) for wealth and employment creation (2003).
It has developed guidelines for good corporate governance. As a State Corporation, the Board's decisions are guided by the core tenets prescribed in the Public Officer's Ethics Act and internal code of ethics which has been signed by all directors.
TAWSB TO SPEND KSH 8.3 BILLIONS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ON SIX FLAGSHIP WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION PROJECTS
TAWSB has rolled out an ambitious plan to increase water and sanitation access within its area of jurisdiction in the next five years as chronicled in the strategic plan 2008 - 2012.
It is note worthy that water access currently stands at 24% and 40% in rural and urban areas respectively; which is below the national average of 46% and 65 % respectively. Whereas on-site sanitation coverage is 85% in rural areas, the situation is deplorable in urban centre as only two out of the sixteen urban centers have centralized waste water management systems.
The commitment for funding by the African Development Bank, (ADB) amounting to Ksh 4.2 Billion will enable the TAWSB to augment and rehabilitate Kitui Water Supply at a cost of Ksh 2.2 Billion and the balance amounting to Ksh 2 Billion would be channeled to the implementation of Yatta Water Supply and Sanitation Project.
Works for Kitui Water Supply and Sanitation will involve construction of 9,000 M3/D treatment plant at Masinga dam, while an additional source will also be developed at Athi River of capacity 6,500M3/D. A sewerage system will also be developed for Kitui town consisting of stabilization ponds capable of treating 5,000M3/D. Once fully implemented, the project will serve 262, 000 people living within the project corridor and Kitui town.
Yatta Water Supply and Sanitation Project will involve construction of Yatta dam of storage capacity 10 Million M3 across Thika River, augmentation of Matuu treatment works to 6500M3/D, construction of Matuu and Kithimani towns reticulation systems, and a 76 km of 400 DN gravity main traversing the Yatta Plateau to serve the rural population. Pipe borne sewerage system shall also be developed for Matuu and Kithimani town cluster. Also prioritized for rehabilitation is the concrete lining of the 60km earth
The implementation of Phase 2 of Kiambere ±Mwingi Water Supply and Sanitation project through a bilateral loan from the Italian Government, amounting to Ksh 1.2 Billion, entailing source works augmentation from 3,250 M3/D to 8,500 M3/D, and pipeline extension to newly created Districts of Kyuso, Tseikuru, Muumoni and Migwani. A centralized waste water disposal and management system shall also be developed for both Mwingi and Kyuso towns. Proposed works are under detailed design and implementation is scheduled to begin May 2010.
Under the Kenya Italy Debt for Development Programme, TAWSB will with effect from October 2009 implement the Ikanga ± Mutomo Water Supply at acost of Ksh 150 Million. The project scope involves bore holes whose yield is 60 M3/hr, 46 km of 150 DN pipeline, storage facilities and reticulation system for Mutomo town, which iscurrently served by a low yielding borehole located at the banks of
Optimization of the Nol - Turesh springs located at the eastern base of
Also lined for implementation is the Ilika Water and Sanitation Project at a cost of Ksh 800 Million. The project scope entails
TAWSB is greatly concerned about the weak organizational structures of the contracted water service providers (WSPs), as often reported by the Water Resources Regulatory Board (WASREB) annual IMPACT evaluation analysis on performance of (WSPs). Consequently, this calls for capacity building of Machakos, Loitoktok, Nol Turesh, Kajiado, Yatta, Mavoko, Kitui and Kiambere-Mwingi WSPs to be an integral component of the infrastructure development projects. Currently, only 4 out of the 19 contracted WSPs break commercial even due to a host of draw backs ranging from high Unaccounted for Water (UFW), low collection efficiency, dilapidated infrastructure, and more critically inadequate water supply. Under funding for utilities expansion and renewal by the state in the TAWSB's area in the past has solely contributed to the sorry state of current affairs as generally all the water supplies have reached the zenith of their process and physical capacity.
The soft ware component will thus focus on technical assistance to implement comprehensive monitoring, evaluation and feedback framework, carry out asset valuation and update of asset registers, Financial Management Information System, human resources up-scaling and legal audits. TAWSB is currently improving and/or developing billing systems, customer care and communication policy. Entrenching of Water Information System (WARIS) data and automation as a quality control reporting mechanism for regulatory compliance for upscalled operational efficiency and regulation have also been prioritized.
TAWSB will also construct Wote Water Supply at a cost of Ksh.252 Million beginning October 2009. The project scope entails infiltration gallery system at
Pro Poor Strategies
It is note worthy that donor funding unduly favours urban areas due to perceived low investment risks on account of high ability to pay for water services as these are capital works on loan facility. Consequently, the rural poor undergo a lot of pain and agony in search of water. This calls for concerted efforts for accelerated improvement on water access because TAWSB's area of jurisdiction is 100% arid and semi arid (ASAL).
In view of the foregoing, TAWSB in liaison with the Water Services Trust Fund (WSTF) identified 86 target water stressed locations which will access up to a maximum of Ksh. 10 million each for construction of rural water schemes. TAWSB has to date prepared 50 proposals all of which have been funded and works are ongoing. Other 30 proposals are under preparation stage and shall be completed in January 2010. This will avail water to 186,000 people once the projects are completed.
For further information, please contact:
The Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +254-020 8009628,
Tanathi Water Services Board
Fax: +254-44-22108
Email: tanathiwsb@gmail.com
Website: www.tanathi.go.ke
Private Bag-90200,
KITUI-KENYA
Water Services Providers
1. Mavoko-EPZA Water and Sewerage Co.
2. Oloolaiser Water and Sewerage Co.
3. Kitui Water and Sanitation Co
4. Mwingi-Kiambere Water and Sanitaion Co.
5. Machakos Water and Sewerage Co.
6. Olkejuado Water and Sewerage Co.
7. Loitoktok Water and Sewerage Co.
8. Yatta Water Company
9. Makindu Water and Sewerage Co.
10. Mwala Water Users Association
11. Kibauni Water and Sewerageco.
12. Nol-Turesh Bulk Water and Sewerage Co.
13. Wote Water Co.
14. Kibwezi ±Mtito Andei Water and ¡Sewerage
15. Namanga Community Water Trust
16. Kangundo- Matungulu Water and Sewerage Co.
17. Wamuya Water Users
18. Mbika Water and Sanitation Co.
19. Tana Boreholes Water and Sanitaion Co.
Villagers investigate Mutito CDF
Letter from alert citizens of Mutito Constituency
In pursuance to one of its registered objectives `promotion of good governance and ethics', the forum has tabulated the alleged allocation of the above captioned funds in the effort to carry out a public audit. This is as reported to the CDF Management Committee of the parliament and published in their website www.cdf.go.ke.
It is our pleasure to share this information with you and the entire public for your general knowledge and reaction as need may be. Kindly scrutinize the attached details and share the information with those who may fall within your jurisdiction and reach.
We intend to visit all your offices to collect your views on the same. This will be presented in an objective manner free of biasness and witch hunting then disseminated back to the public for their consumption in the effort of creating awareness to our beloved people of Mutito.
As we create more awareness on our people, we believe that they will be in a position to rise up boldly enough and fairly demand for their share of the `national cake'. We also believe that, unless we are bold enough to audit these CDF and other public funds allocated to us, we cannot hold public offices accountable for our money and other allocated resources, which is our national duty.
We hope that the information availed to you shall also be used to demand for what is indicated as having been allocated to you but not yet received.
Yours faithfully
Mulaimu Mavusyu
CHAIRMAN- KWITU DEVELOPMENT FORUM.
CC
The PC ± Eastern Province.
The DCs ± Mutito District & Kitui District
The Controller and Auditor General ±Embu.
The District Internal Auditor-Kitui.
The DDO-Kitui
All Churches
Mutito CDF allocations show unmitigated bias
Mutito CDF allocations show unmitigated bias
MUTITO CONSTITUENCY C.D.F ALLOCATION
KALIKU LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Kaliku Sec 250,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 100,000.00
Kaliku Disp 250,000.00
Kyaimu Disp 250,000.00 100,000.00
Kawala Poly 150,000.00
Kawala Pri 50,000.00
Kaliko Pri 50,000.00
Imwatine Pri 40,000.00
Itangani Pri 40,000.00
Totals 250,000.00 250,000.00 300,000.00 450,000.00 530,000.00 -
ENDAU LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Endau Sec 100,000.00 100,000.00 200,000.00 150,000.00 200,000.00
Youngoni Water Project 250,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00
Endau Disp 250,000.00 250,000.00
Kinanie Disp 250,000.00 150,000.00
Katumbi Disp 250,000.00 150,000.00
Yiuku Disp 250,000.00 100,000.00
Endau Poly 100,000.00 100,000.00
Syou Poly 100,000.00
Endau Pri 50,000.00
Kaunange Pri 50,000.00
Katumbi Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Mitaani Pri 60,400.00 60,400.00
Kinanie Pri 60,400.00 60,400.00
Kathua 90,600.00
Totals 100,000.00 350,000.00 200,000.00 1,500,000.00 1,361,400.00 502,000.00
MALALANI LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Katothya W. ppl 300,000.00 250,000.00 300,000.00
Ikisaya Poly 250,000.00 100,000.00
Malalani Sec 1,000,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00
Chiefs Office 100,000.00
Malalani Disp 200,000.00 150,000.00
Makuka Disp 200,000.00
Twambui Disp 200,000.00 150,000.00
Makuka Pit latrine 50,000.00
Malalani Pri 60,000.00
Ikisaya Pri 50,000.00
Twambui Pri 50,000.00
Makuka Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Ndooni Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Ndovoini Pri 130,600.00 90,600.00
Koi Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Totals 300,000.00 500,000.00 1,100,000.00 1,550,000.00 1,112,400.00 562,400.00
MUTITO LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Mutito poly 200,000.00 100,000.00
Kwatundo Sec 200,000.00 100,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00
Mutwa kwa Katuni ppl 200,000.00 300,000.00
Police Station 500,000.00
Yoonye Disp 300,000.00 300,000.00 100,000.00
Chiefs Office 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
Mutito Pri 200,000.00 50,000.00
Mutito Girls 150,000.00 150,000.00 300,000.00
Mutito Boys 150,000.00 150,000.00 300,000.00
Itoko Disp 500,000.00 200,000.00
Uwu C. Disp 100,000.00
Manyoeni Disp 250,000.00 100,000.00
Masasini Disp 300,000.00
Itiko Pri 50,000.00
Yoonye Pri 50,000.00
Manyoeni Pri 50,000.00
Musukini Pri 40,000.00
Uwu Pri 40,000.00
Kataka Pri 60,400.00 60,400.00
Syumbandu Pri 50,000.00
Totals 200,000.00 900,000.00 500,000.00 2,550,000.00 1,490,400.00 960,400.00
KYAMATU LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Kyamatu Sec 500,000.00 250,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 300,000.00
Muthungue Disp 100,000.00 150,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00
Nzanzu disp 100,000.00 200,000.00
Kyamatu c. dip 150,000.00 100,000.00
Chiefs office 100,000.00 100,000.00
Kyukuni disp 300,000.00 150,000.00
Matundu disp 200,000.00 100,000.00
Ikyatine dam 1,000,000.00
Kyukuni Pri 71,180.00 63,580.00
Kyamatu Pri 50,000.00
Muthungue Pri 92,800.00 98,800.00
Kamwiu Pri 40,000.00
Ituusya Pri 78,000.00 43,000.00
Kanguli Pri 106,620.00 106,620.00
Masikalini Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Ndulikye Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Ikyatine Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Kalalani Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Matundu Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Inyokoni Pri 30,000.00
Totals - 950,000.00 400,000.00 2,300,000.00 1,771,600.00 1,365,000.00
VOO LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Kinakoni Disp 200,000.00 100,000.00
Voo Disp 250,000.00 100,000.00
Voo Sec 200,000.00 400,000.00 100,000.00
Kyaango Disp 500,000.00 250,000.00 100,000.00
Emwaa R. Catchment 100,000.00 200,000.00
Kasyonoo Drift 700,000.00
Kinakoni Poly 100,000.00 400,000.00
Kasangu Disp
Kyaango Sec 500,000.00 100,000.00 300,000.00
Nduluni Poly 250,000.00 200,000.00
Chiefs Office 200,000.00 150,000.00
Kaluasi Sec 200,000.00
Waani Pri 100,000.00
Kasang’u 100,000.00
Munyuni Disp 200,000.00
Nzambani/Voo office 300,000.00
Kwa Ndulya Cattle Dip 150,000.00
Voo Pri 110,400.00 60,400.00
Kaluasi Pri 50,000.00
Kinakoni Pri 50,000.00
Nzunguni Pri 50,000.00
Kyangini Pri 130,600.00 60,400.00
Nduluni Pri 138,000.00 48,000.00
Kasang’u Pri 40,000.00
Ikyatini Pri 30,000.00
Munyuni Pri 60,400.00 60,400.00
Totals 450,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 1,900,000.00 2,859,400.00 529,200.00
THUA LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Thua Sec Sch 500,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00 500,000.00 300,000.00 400,000.00
Kanguu Poly 100,000.00
Kiongwe Disp 250,000.00 200,000.00 100,000.00 200,000.00
Inyuu Cattle Dip 100,000.00 100,000.00
Chiefs Office 100,000.00 100,000.00
Kiviu Rock Catchment 300,000.00
Kwa Amutei Disp 250,000.00 250,000.00
Kamaembe Disp 200,000.00
Kiongwe Drift 1,800,000.00
Inyuu Pri 50,000.00 104,500.00
Kanguu Pri 154,500.00 90,600.00
Kwa-Amutei Pri 140,600.00
Kiongwe Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Kwa wewa Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Kinzeni Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Totals 500,000.00 850,000.00 600,000.00 1,150,000.00 3,366,900.00 1,066,900.00
MWITIKA LOCATION.
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Mwitika sec. school 500,000.00 - 250,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00 250,000.00
Mwitika dispensary 500,000.00 250,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 300,000.00
Makongo disp. 250,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
Ngomano disp 250,000.00
Ngomano Kikuu Wp 400,000.00 250,000.00
Kikuu disp. 250,000.00 150,000.00
Katikoni poly 200,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 250,000.00
Kaumboni Rock 250,000.00 300,000.00
Chiefs office 100,000.00
Kikuu Pri 50,000.00
Mwitika Pri 50,000.00
Ngaaka Yakwa 50,000.00
Kyangeni Pri 40,000.00
Makongo Pri 40,000.00
Kathaa Pri 90,600.00
Yamanza Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Nzookoni Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Kadongo Pri 90,600.00 90,600.00
Kaluluni Pri 60,400.00 60,400.00
Ngomano W PPL 200,000.00
Dos Residential House 500,000.00
Totals 500,000.00 1,000,000.00 1,600,000.00 1,900,000.00 1,452,800.00 1,632,200.00
ZOMBE LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Kavaani Sec 300,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00 250,000.00
Zombe Girls 287,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 300,000.00 350,000.00
Ngelani Disp 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
Kasongoni Disp 100,000.00
Ngungi Sec 100,000.00 500,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00
Chiefs Office 250,000.00
Ithangathi Pri 500,000.00 50,000.00
St. Nicholas Poly 300,000.00 250,000.00
Banda Shed 1,250,000.00
Mang’ola Pri 100,000.00
Ngungi Disp 200,000.00 100,000.00
Kisyiuni Disp 200,000.00
Zombe Poly 150,000.00 100,000.00
Zombe ECD Office 300,000.00
Ngungi Pri 50,000.00
Zombe Pri 148,800.00 98,800.00
Kaumu Pri 50,000.00
Kabati Pri 50,000.00
Kasunguni Pri 50,000.00
Kyululu Pri 127,000.00 87,000.00
Kawea 40,000.00
Kathande 90,600.00 90,600.00
RGC Child Development Centre 200,000.00
Kathande –
Totals 300,000.00 1,087,000.00 900,000.00 2,900,000.00 2,206,400.00 2,026,400.00
NZANGATHI
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Kanduti Poly 500,000 250,000 150,000 150,000 300,000
Kaluva Sec 300,000 200,000 150,000
Nzangathi Disp 500,000 300,000 200,000
Katumbu Disp 200,000 100,000 100,000
Kalulu kwa Munyalo road 500,000
Kanzawu Disp 200,000 250,000 200,000
Kamulu Mbangulo road 500,000
Katumbu Sec 100,000
Nzangathi Sec 200,000
Kanduti Sec 300,000 400,000
Mbangulo Dam 1,500,000 2,000,000
Ndui Dam 1,500,000
Chiefs office 100,000
Kanduti/Ndunga road 500,000
Utwii Pri 140,600 90,600
Kavumbuni Pri 50,000
Kanzauw’u Pri 50,000
Nzangathi Pri 140,600 90,600
Kanduti Pri 140,600 90,600
Kalulu Pri 130,600 90,600
Ndunga Pri 130,600 90,600
Ngamango Pri 90,600 90,600
Kitho Pri 90,600 90,600
Kanzauwa Disp 200,000
Kalulu Disp 200,000
Kaluva water ppl 1,000,000
Kanzauwu-Kivutini kya mutivi Rd 500,000
Totals 500,000.00 1,500,000.00 750,000.00 1,200,000.00 7,364,200.00 4,534,200.00
NZAMBANI LOCATION
PROJECT 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Chuluni Water ppl 2,000,000.00
Kavalula Pri 200,000.00 154,500.00 104,500.00
Ngengi Pri 200,000.00 130,600.00 99,200.00
Syombuku 100,000.00 140,600.00 99,200.00
Kyanika Sec 1,000,000.00 200,000.00 500,000.00 300,000.00 400,000.00
Chuluni Sec 287,000.00 150,000.00 200,000.00 400,000.00
Kilonzo Sec 200,017.00 100,000.00 150,000.00 150,000.00
Nzambani Sec 250,000.00 150,000.00 150,000.00 350,000.00
Kunguluni Pri 500,000.00 200,000.00 30,000.00
Kagweni Poly 100,000.00 250,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00
Mathulini Poly 100,000.00 250,000.00 150,000.00 500,000.00
Ikuyuni Disp 100,000.00 100,000.00 200,000.00 300,000.00
Nzambani Rural elect 5,000,000.00
CDF Office 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00
Kakungu Disp 500,000.00 400,000.00 200,000.00 400,000.00 300,000.00
Chuluni social hall 200,000.00 500,000.00 200,000.00 400,000.00
Syokimuu Earth Dam 2,000,000.00
Kavea Sec 100,000.00 200,000.00 500,000.00 300,000.00 300,000.00
Ikuyuni Sec 250,000.00 100,000.00 300,000.00 500,000.00 500,000.00
Yanzuu Disp 200,000.00 100,000.00 200,000.00
Chuluni Disp 100,000.00 287,832.00 500,000.00 100,000.00 300,000.00
Chuluni Maluma Wppl 1,500,000.00
Chuluni Pit Latrine 100,000.00 50,000.00
Kamale Poly 150,000.00 150,000.00 400,000.00
Syumbuku Poly 500,000.00 500,000.00
Kateke Pri 150,000.00 200,000.00
Nzeeu drift 500,000.00
Purchase of motor cycle 900,000.00
Mbaa Nginga ppl 300,000.00
Kiema Pri 200,000.00
Kiini Yanzuu/Kagweni ppl 1,500,000.00
Agroforestry/Environmental 216,931.00
Ithumula Pri 154,500.00 104,500.00
Kamale Pri 164,500.00 104,500.00
Kavingo Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Kiini Pri 154,500.00 104,500.00
Ikuyuni Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Kyunduani Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Mathulini Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Moi Pri 154,500.00 104,600.00
Nzambani Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Kilonzo Pri 140,600.00 90,600.00
Kagweni Pri 154,500.00 104,500.00
Katundo Pri 98,600.00 98,600.00
Muambani 42,800.00 42,800.00
Kivutini Sec School 200,000.00
Kyuluni police 500,000.00
CDF vehicle 3,000,000.00
CDF motor cycle 900,000.00
Rural electrification 2,500,000.00
Kavuti drift 1,000,000.00
Totals 2,500,000.00 9,887,017.00 5,337,832.00 5,650,000.00 8,840,131.00 14,460,500.00
FY 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
TOTALS 5,600,000.00 18,074,017.00 12,487,832.00 23,050,000.00 32,355,631.00 27,639,200.00
ALLOCATION 6,000,000.00 25,636,443.00 33,153,782.00 48,631,236.00 46,214,931.00 46,214,931.00
OFFICE/OTHER USES 400,000.00 7,562,426.00 20,665,950.00 25,581,236.00 13,859,300.00 18,575,731.00
Misused cash in Mutito
MISDIRECTED/MISAPPROPRIATED FUNDS
The listed projects allocation is some of money suspected to have been mis-di-rected, misappropriated or out rightly withdrawn from the CDF bank accounts which shifted from NBK, KCB and Equity Bank all in Kitui Branches.
1. 2003/04-Kyamatu/Voo thua river Drift-500,000
2. 2005/06:
- CDF vehicle - 2,000,000.00
- Rural electrification - 6,000,000.00
3. 2006/07:
- Endau Sec. School - 200,000.00
- Zombe Complex - 3,000,000.00
- Malalani Disp. - 200,000.00
- Yiuku Disp - 250,000.00
- Makuka Disp. - 200,000.00
- Vutu Earth Dam - 200,000.00
- Ikyatine Earth Dam - 1,000,000.00
- Mitaani Earth Dam - 1,000,000.00
- Mbangulo Earth Dam - 1,000,000.00
- Nzangathi Earth Dam - 1,000,000.00
- Borehole - 500,000.00
- Zombe Mutito - 350,000.00
- Zombe Mwitika - 250,000.00
- Nzagathi- Ngomano - 300,000.00
- Mbangulo-Kalulu - 500,000.00
- Ngomango-Kamulu - 500,000.00
- Kinanie Drift - 200,000.00
- Mutito Agro forest - 554,548.00
- Purchase of motor cycle - 900,000.00
4. 2008/09:
- CDF motor vehicle - 3,000,000.00
- CDF motor cycles - 900,000.00
- Mbangulo dam - 2,000,000.00
- Kamulu-Mbangulo Road - 400,000.00
- Katumbu-Mbangulo - `300,000.00
- Kanzauwu Kivutini - 500,000.00
- Kaluva water pple - 1,000,000.00
- Syokimau Earth dam - 2,000,000.00
- Rural electrification - 2,500,000.00
5. Primary School - 11,000,000.00
Bursary - 20,332,240.00
Emergency - 9,990,352.00
Missing not allocated to any project
2004/05 1,100,000.00
2005/06 13,250,000.00
2006/07 12,750,000.00
2007/08 1,190,200.00
TOTAL 75,677,140.00
Special Report
State finally removes defiant principal from Machakos Girls School
Audit report exposes an insolent and catastrophic tenure
WITHIN months since The Anchor exposed worrying corruption levels at Machakos Girls High School, the government has moved to restore order, albeit with desperate drama by embattled Principal Joyce Kikuvi.
Even with her replacement by Mrs Mulatya from Mbooni Girls, Mrs Kikuvi refused to handover the school and had to do it in the office of the Machakos DEO Mr Abdulkadir Ali, becoming the first hand- over ceremony for a school to be done in the DEO's office.
The decision to rout Mrs Kikuvi was first made public during a recent District Education Board Meeting where Mr Ali said a decision had been made to replace her.She was still floating as we went to Press and there was no indication that nay school would want to have her as Principal until such a time that the mess at Machakos Girls is resolved.
Activist groups within the town are positioning themselves for action if she is posted to another school unless there is a clear justification for her actions or full prosecution is undertaken to deal with the matter which is not isolated only on Machakos Girls.
Even after a date had been set for a transition, Mrs Kikuvi refused to turn up, forcing the Eastern Provincial Director of Education to direct that the change over be done even in her absence. Once the new Principal was in office, Mrs Kikuvi realized that the last of her tricks to cling on Machakos girls had crumbled.
The Anchor reported in August of the pressure to force Mrs Kikuvi out of the school and her plea to the board to seek a `graceful exit ` during the holidays. During one of the usually chaotic biard meetings during her time, Mrs Kikuvi had pleaded that she be allowed to leave once the schools close so that the students would not have to see her pack and leave. Even then Mrs Kikuvi used all tricks in the book to cling on until she realized that the board would not work with her an extra day of the new term.
So as students returned, they found Mrs Mulatya as hew Principal. But the shadow of Mrs Kikuvi hung over the school like a dark cloud as officials knew that she was yet to hand over and clear from the school's residence of the principal.
We had reported that the School Board of Governors, under the Chairman of Retired Judge Kasanga Mulwa had assembled an unassailable arsenal of bad deeds by Mrs Kikuvi that had been packaged into a booklet that was circulated in high offices where Mrs Kikuvi used to get protection from, making her extremely vulnerable as Principal.
If the report did not have the requisite legal force, then an audit report from officers from the office of the Controller and Auditor General made Mrs Kikuvi the most suitable guest of state to face fraud, forgery and abuse of office charges.
The report details cases of falsified board minutes that remain unsigned, authorized expenditure, unaccounted for funds among other.
Lest you miss it out, herewith, The Anchor presents to you verbatim, the report, which, sources say, must reach parliament's Public Accounts Committee.
It is addressed to The Permanent Secretary for Education Prof Karega Mutahi.
™RE: AUDIT INSPECTION REPORT
Pursuant to section 105 of the constitution of
Various observations were made and discussed between the Management, the board Executive, and the Audit Team in the presence of the District Education Office and subsequently a Management letter issued to the management arising from the observations, and various recommendations given.
The Management is yet to respond to the issues raised in the Management letter, however, the following issues are being brought to your attention, as they may be considered for inclusion in The Controller and Auditor General Report.
Unauthorised Payment Vouchers
Examination of payment vouchers of the institution revealed that various payments had been made without being signed by the school Principal.
They include;
Date Amount Payee Item
24/7/09 11,800 John Chikati Fish, Bananas
24/7/09 7,000 Cateress Meat
21/7/09 12,000 Saso Musyoka Materials for Dormitory
15/7/09 26,400 Makamithi Finishers, Amlyte
10/7/09 8,000 Jackson Mutuku Salary
01/7/09 15,000 Mr. Makau Items for Art Project
04/3/09 75,000 Southern Division Activity (Drama)
155,200 Sec Sch Heads Ass
The above payments were paid without the authority of the head of the institution who is the officer authorized to incur expenditure. This could either be as a result of the authorizing officer failing in her duties or the paying officer paying without authority. Regulations require that all payments be authorized by the head of the institution who will be held responsible to ensure that goods and services paid for are duly delivered and reasonably priced.
Irregular Payments.
Further, payments were made without following the laid down Government Procedures or without seeking the Authority of the Board of Governors, more so the payments had not been budgeted for in the Schools current budget.
They Include:
Date Payee Amount Item
18/7/09 Various Teachers 38,000 Extra Contact hours for teachers
7/7/09 Various Teachers 18,800 Extra Contact hours for teachers
05/7/09 Various Teachers 22,000 Extra Contact Hours for teachers
05/7/09 Various Teachers 19,600 Extra Contact Hours for teachers
15/7/09 MDSSJA 76,900 Joint Activity Fund
13/7/09 Various Teachers 11,000 Lunch allowance @ 700 per person
15/3/09 Various Teachers 211,000 Rewards for KCSE perfomance
31/3/09 Lukenya Gateway 28,400 Refreshments for teachers
TOTAL 425,700
Payments for Extra Contacts hours for teachers were made without approval by the Board of governors. These payments had not been budgeted for in the current financial year.
Payments to reward teachers for good 2008 KCSE results and refreshments were also made without approval by the Board of Governors; where as Payment to MDSSJA did not comply with a circular by DEO earlier in the year requiring schools to pay at the rate of Ksh. 150 per student to this fund. The school had already paid the required amount as per the circular and this particular payment appeared to be an overpayment. The payment was also not properly supported since no official receipt was attached to the payment vouchers. Instead, handwritten notes were attached in support of this payment. Further, payments of lunch allowances at a flat rate of Kshs. 700 contravene Government regulations on payment of subsistence and accommodation allowances. This requires that allowances be paid based on ones Job Group and with regard to the area an officer takes lunch or seeks accommodation.
Payments for irregularly procured Goods and Services
The management irregularly procured Goods and Services without competitive bidding process from suppliers against the requirements of the public procurement regulations.
Date Payee Amount Item
09/3/09 Drick Electrotech 145,000 Photocopier
09/3/09 Mutinda Makenzie 112,000 40 Bags Maize
03/6/09 Samson Software 40,000 School Manager program
09/3/09 Makueni office & Sch. Supp. 40,000 Beds
12/3/09 Makueni office & Sch. Supp. 368,000 Exercise Books
28/1/09 Rokim Communications 106,600 Wireless Telephone
13/2/09 Loinit Enterprises 288,000 90 Lockers & Chairs 1,099,600
Payments for the photocopier, school manager program, Beds, Wireless Telephone, Lockers and Chairs were single sourced. No quotations were invited from interested suppliers.
Payments for Maize and Exercise Books were paid to non prequalified suppliers. Supply of cereals had been awarded to Mrs. Mumo while supply of stationery had been awarded to Wamkoh. No tender Committee Minutes were availed to explain why the school procured from suppliers other than the ones already awarded the tenders.
In addition to buying from a non prequalified supplier, the payment of Kshs. 368,000 paid to Makueni Office & School Supplies for Exercise Books exceeded the quantity budgeted for the year 2009 by 30 Gross. The books were also received in the school stores under unclear circumstances. The store keeper denies receiving the items and signing the supplier's delivery note.
Indeed, it is not known who received the books since no member of the staff has owned up to the signature in the delivery note. Further, the books were entered in the stationery stores ledger under unclear circumstances since the storekeeper denies entering the books in the ledger. This is despite the fact that the books were received and taken on charge in the stores ledger, this borders on forgery and falsification of records.
Further various cash payments for supply of meat were made, this was despite the fact that a supplier had been awarded for the supply of this item (Heritage Butchery). There were no tender committee deliberations to stop his services.
The school management contravened the provisions of the public procurement and disposal act 2005, and Public Procurement Regulations 2006 (Legal Notice No. 174) of 1 January 2007. As a result, over Kshs. 1,099,600.00 spent by the school as enumerated above was used without the benefits of a competitive process. We cannot therefore confirm whether the school derived value from this money.
Irregular collection of funds
The school Management irregularly collected funds from parents as school uniforms fee without properly receipting and recording of the collections in the school's official books, instead the collections were done using unofficial cash sale receipt. Further, despite the fact that the collections were meant for school uniforms the amounts were not banked but were used for payments in cash for irregularly procured goods and services which to date have not been recorded in the institutions books but have been accounted for in some schedules availed to us during the Audit. Despite the collections not being banked the uniforms were paid for from the school account by cheques amounting to Kshs 824,430.00 and a balance of Kshs 112,640.00 is outstanding among the school creditors in Appendix 1 attached.
The collections and payments are as below:
Collections from Parents for Uniforms
Cash collected 953,990.00
Direct Payments to Bank 97,650.00
Total 1,051,640.00
Payments for Uniforms out, of School account.
Date Cheque no. Amount Payee
18/2/09 00160 150,000 Tala garments
9/03/09 00183 183,670 Tala garments
13/05/09 0027 48,190 Mshono
19/5/09 0034 25,000 Muthike
18/6/09 00154 65,580 Umiisyo
20/6/09 0067 132,070 Tala garments
30/6/09 00268 108,000 Muthike
4/08/09 00270 112,000 Tala garments
Total 824,430
Total cash collected for uniforms of Kshs. 953,990.00 was spent irregularly without being banked. We were not able to vouch for these expenditures since there were no official payment vouchers to support the expenditures. Only handwritten schedules were available to us showing how the amount was spent.
This amounts to misuse of funds.
Kshs. 824,430 spent from the school funds to pay for uniforms was irregularly spent since there was no allocation in the school budget for uniforms. This also amounts to misuse of school funds.
It's a serious breach of financial regulations to collect money in the school without issuing official receipts for the same. This is clearly spelt out in the Unit 4 of the financial Management instructions for secondary schools, Colleges and Polytechnics. The school Management therefore contravened the rules by collecting Kshs 953,990 from parents without proper accounting records.
The school management failed to adhere to its budgeted vote allocation by spending school money meant for other activities to pay uniforms despite the fact that uniform money had been collected separately. Regulation 3.2.1 of the financial Management instructions for secondary schools, Colleges and Polytechnics requires that school managers strictly adhere to vote heads which should be approved by the BOG.
School Creditors
We observed that the institution was indebted to the tune of Kshs. 4,559,913.00 as at the time of our audit. This was in form of debts mainly owed to the suppliers. This amount represents over 50% increase in creditors since January 2009 when the creditors were totaling Kshs. 2,962,621.
Appendix 1
Falsifying of Board Minutes
Examination of Board Minutes revealed that various Meetings had been held since January, however out of the four full board meetings and three Executive meeting only one full Board Meeting Minutes were signed, in our sitting with the Executive Board Members and in the presence of a representative from the District Education Officer's office the Board indicate that the rest of the minutes had not been signed because they all had been deliberately falsified by the Secretary/ Principal, as such did not represent the true discussions of the meetings. We were therefore not able to rely on all the unsigned minutes.
CONCLUSION
Please study the report and let us have your comments indicating action taken if any, soon as is applicable.
Appendix 1
Creditors List as at 30 June 2009
Names Amount
Masaku chemists 102,561.00
Pasha Enterprises 542,387.00
Makamithi 50,680.00
Kib Electricals 75,325.00
J.Muthama 54,324.00
Tala garments 112,640.00
Muthike Kavoya 108,000.00
J. Muthama stores 54,324.00
Masaku School & Supplies 718,200.00
Makamithi 50,680.00
Makueni Office & Sch. Supplies 258,070.00
KPLC 112,522.00
Somson 68,000.00
Catolic Garage 35,322.00
Waki Enren 35,000.00
Ndovu Generalconst. 320,629.00
Beta Bakers 58,110.00
Muthike Kavoya 108,000.00
Wamkoh 423,460.00
Fralex 277,000.00
Jane Sila 504,377.00
Economic Maintenance Products 6,728.00
Masii Farmers 26,500.00
Perrezz Universal Supplies 63,000.00
Rentaline 19,500.00
4,559,913.00"
Education suffers as Machakos Knut bosses and teachers become warlords
By Anchor Reporters
The KNUT Machakos Branch is embroiled by internal and external problems that may lead to its closure.
These problems are making operations of the branch difficult and it is only a matter of time before things explode.
They revolve around the Branch Executive Secretary Mr. Albanus Mutisya and his supporters on the one hand and his deputy Mr Nicholas Musyoka with a gang of teachers on the other side.
The situation is such that class-work is grounding to a halt within the branch as the two leaders fight, with teachers spending more time in planning intrigue after another, aimed at flooring the rival group.
The row has spread to the education office where officials have aligned themselves with the factions and decisions like transfers and dealing with impunity in cases of discipline are pegged to who is allied to who.
The feuding has defined the practice as head teachers have been so emboldened that they know they can steal school funds and be defended by Knut officials because the issue at hand is preservation of offices and not the enhancement of education.
Traditionally, the DEO's office endures an adversarial relationship with Knut officials. ™ But that is not the case in Machakos. Each faction has its own officials whom they se to fight the other faction∫, a well placed security source told The Anchor, adding that the whole fiasco extends to all government offices including the Police where Knut officials can influence who is to be investigated or not.
This situation explains why there is a long standing outcry over inaction over the theft of millions at the teachers Sacco, where virtually one on each side of the divide is implicated in outright theft of cash or non performing loan accounts.
The officials of the Sacco, who are active teachers have become untouchables as they swagger around with envelops stashed with money to close or force open doors that favour their interests.
In the latest event, Fred Ngumba, a Loans Officer with the Sacco was sacked after he wrote letters to guarantors of Mr Mutisya's loans that total over Sh 3m, seeking to attach their salaries due to the fact that the Knut boss, who ought to supervise the Sacco, had defaulted repayment of loans. Others shown the door in recent weeks are Branch managers Penina Mutuku( Wote) and Judy George( Kangundo), alongside Registry Officer Moses Muthoka.
What complicates matters is that teachers' issues are conjoined at the chest. ™They are like a spider's web and to extricate the issues now is almost impossible. The whole scenario is a mountain of trouble∫, said another education officer, also aligned to the other faction.
As a result, consultations among the teaching fraternity is nil an they have become warlords, leading to the skipping of AGMs, and non filling of vacant posts in the Burial and Benevolent Fund(BBF).
Investigations show elections have not been called because of the fear that a rival's choice may be elected to fill the vacancies.
The wars have led to Mr Mutisya devising a way of evading the tension by operating from outside the office or in his car.
As a result, teachers accuse Mr. Mutisya for not being available in the office and cannot be reached through his mobile lines.
Due to the many complaints by the teachers to the branch, Mr. Mutisya has totally been pushed to the wall and survival instincts now force him to fight tooth and nail for his survival.
Teachers believe Mr Mutisya is eying a seat in the national office and his detractors have been so vicious that he has not had time to focus on campaigning for the national position, where he already serves a Knut Trustee.
So vicious is the fight that Mutisya has had to constitute a triumvirate of three Branch Executive Secretaries- Mwala, Machakos and Yatta to manage the branch.
This has ensured that properties for the old Machakos branch, which are in question, are not shared as has been done in other branches.
Each bid to solve a problem has been met with a complication. For instance, an attempt to buoy the Education Scheme has resulted in a court case after money borrowed from IDB ended up in the pockets of some bosses while scheme beneficiaries went home with bouncing cheques.
The Anchor established that Mr Mutisya has become a fire fighter of some sorts- making court appearances and at the same time seeking out the litigants to make peace to avoid the full ramifications of a court based settlement.
As this unfolds, Education officials told The Anchor that the fighting will ensure that Machakos remains at the very bottom in performance index.
™Each time the bell rings, they rush out to go and undo one another. They have no more time left to ensure results are achieved∫, said an official allied to one of the groups who is nevertheless bitter that poor results will impact negatively on education officials themselves.
As we went to press, plans were being rolled out to oust Mr Musyoka from his position, a matter that will escalate the infighting into a full scale war.
On its part, Knut headquarters is said to be studying the unfolding feuding in Machakos. Sources say some national officials would be too happy to collapse Machakos Branch with a view to embarrassing Mr Mutisya to ensure that he has no guts left to seek any other slot in Knut leadership if he can not manage Machakos as small as it has become.
When Teachers Sacco debt nearly hit a Billion Shillings
Inquiry report shows how sacco branches are all running at a loss
Loan Portfolio
According to the 2007 Audited accounts, Loans outstanding balance was Kshs. 900,000,000.00 in the control account against a listing of Kshs. 360,000,000.00. This literally means there are loans to the tune of Kshs. 570,000,000.00 which cannot be identified with anybody after having been granted; a situation that is unacceptable.
In the light of creative accounting that was, this calls for urgent reconciliation to determine the correct balances for outstanding loans.
Recommendation
- All loan application should strictly be in compliance with the loaning policy in the society.
- All loan applications should be treated equally and not where money is set aside for staff for top-ups yet the loan portfolio for ordinary members is not satisfied.
- In cases where the society funds are inadequate during approval of loans, loans application with small amounts should be considered as stated in the loan policy.
- All top up loans should be abolished until such a time when the society will experience idle cash after satisfying the loans.
- Approval of all loans should remain the mandate of the credit committee and the central committee should only adopts report of the credit committee during CMC meetings.
BACK OFFICE
COMMITTEE LOAN BALANCES AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2008.
NAME SHARES L/BALANCE L/BAL DEC 07
Mwanzia Muthonga 98,600.00 194,032.00 147,723.70
Mbwika Mutinga 186,023.50 312,100.00 399,588.00
Nicholas Mutunga 460,844.00 - -
Paul K. Ilii 169,198.00 255,432.00 311,432.00
Josphat Kalanzo 257,470.00 293,954.00 359,754.00
Benjamin Isika 138,700.00 182,526.00 199,200.00
Daniel Nzioka 192,100.00 301,300.00 345,050.00
James Nduta 314,080.00 530,912.00 633,112.00
Julius Nzioka 160,940.00 70,994.00 168,494.00
Paul Kioko 137,967.00 112,000.00 179,200.00
2,115,922.50 2,253,250.00 2,743,553.70
SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE
Onesmus Kiinga 114,900.00
Eric Ngunzi 168,400.00 353,789.00 411,189.60
283,300.00 353,789.00 411, 189.60
STAFF LOAN BALANCES AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2008.
NAME SHARES L/BALANCE L/BAL DEC 07
Moses Muthoka 280,000.00 568,000.00 523,000.00
Paul Mulandi 390,516.00 40,348.00 231,298.00
Augustine Mutisya 351,000.00 666,800.00 660,645.00
Stephen Mbalya 542,000.00 749,605.00 926,450.00
Josphat Malila 342,520.00 738,500.00 898,500.00
Onesmus Musyoki 275,695.00 745,400.00 691,250.00
Judith George 221,070.00 533,627.00 527,790.00
Stephen Soo 186,620.00 532,628.00 368,000.00
Lucas Mutinda 78,000.00 22,000.00 36,000.00
Colleta Tom 170,995.00 341,200.00 -
Benson Mbithi 164,900.00 571,420.00 365,710.00
Gedion Mativo 161,000.00 410,386.00 -
Josefridah Musyoki 27,000.00 79,612.00 23,250.00
Matilda Ndungwa 46,000.00 68,600.00 -
Silvester Nzangi 76,000.00 180,166.00 -
Susan M. Muia 175,100.00 283,900.00 321,950.00
Michael Muema 216,500.00 512,000.00 489,000.00
Peninah Mutuku 189,300.00 295,053.00 372,993.50
Justus Nzioki 218,000.00 387,668.00 383,200.00
Makau Mathendu 78,000.00 - 6,560.00
Patrick Kivindo 40,900.00 136,148.00 51,200.00
Solomon Ngomo 477,150.00 1,292,800.00 1,292,800.00
Lucas King'oo 409,000.00 613,272.00 613,272.00
Angelyn Mueni 50,000.00 - -
Susan Makau 40,000.00 - -
Serah Musyoki 151,100.00 118,400.00 227,400.00
Felister Mutiso 102,766.00 224,000.00 110,000.00
Josphat Makeke 167,247.50 363,550.00 380,550.00
Hellen Musembi 127,550.00 116,206.00 154,206.00
Janet David 151,850.00 433,324.00 378,200.00
5,907,779.50 11,024,613.00 10,033,224.50
Banking Services
Masaku Fosa operations started in October 1999 when the first salaries were paid using Coop Bank TSC Salary Code. Later, a number of branches were started to serve members who are situated in areas far off from the main FOSA offices in Machakos town.
Masaku Teachers Sacco Fosa has six pay points (hitherto referred to as branches) opened in various areas of operation with the sole purpose of bring services closer to the members and also to promote the society image in the newsly formed districts borne out of the greater Machakos. There pay points (branches) were linked with the Headquarters first via satellite installed by Calkey and currently through Kenline provided by Telkom Kenya Ltd. Provision of branch network and equipment including safes and assorted furniture and fittings took large amount of financial resources.
The said branches are in serious business only once every month during payment of salaries. This takes place at month end for 3 to 4 consecutive days. Thereafter, the branches are mere collecting centres for loans forms. The staff are actually idle most of the time and therefore underutilized for that matter.
All the opened branches have been networked to the main office for easy monitoring of operation during pay days and equipped with costly safes despite low key business levels.
Whereas they may be considered viable from the political front, economically they are a burden to the society's budget. As much as there is need to maintain the society's presence in the new districts is vital, wasy and means should be sought to increase the membership in the said areas and therefore register sustainability of the branches. Membership drive should be manned to enroll more members.
In the absence of a revival plan, the society should come up with ways of still paying members' salaries through mobile services at designated places at month end. A link with Provincial Administration where payments could be made at the DC's /D.O's offices could be an option.
The branches are as below:-
1. Kangundo Branch
Located in Kangundo town is purportedly fully operational though not independent from the main office as most of the activities are done in the main office in Machakos.
It is manned by 2 staff members (branch manager and teller ± contractee), very spacious banking hall with 10 teller cubicles but only one is in use.
Due to massive ember exodus following the financial crisis which affected the sacco in 2007, the branch serves on average less than 150 members.
Kangundo has potential if only new products could be introduced like photocopier, MPesa partnership and most importantly, enroll more members.
Below is an extract of its operation expenses for the month of April 2008
Particulars Amount
Income from commission less operation expenses (76, 071)
Rent 36,000
Staff salary (2) 64,145
Sundry expenses 50,000
Total (226, 216)
2. Matuu Branch
Located in Matuu town and is open during salary pay day only i.e. 3 days per month. It is manned by one staff who doubles as branch supervisor and teller during pay days.
Currently serving less than 100 members due to withdrawal of members from the sacco. Below is an illustration of its operations from the moths April, June ± October.
Particulars Apri. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct.
Surplus/deficit 22,500 (19,359) (22,904) (28,006) (27,526) (27,904)
Rent 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000
Staff salary 31,234 31,234 31,234 31,234 31,234 31,234
Sundry expenses 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000
Total (66,244) (106,593) (110,138) (115,236) (114,860) (115,138)
3. Kibwezi Branch
Located in Kibwezi and is open during pay days i.e 3 days per month. It is manned by one staff who serves as the teller during pay days. The branch is currently operating at loss of over 60,000/= every month.
4. Wote Branch
Located in Wote town and is open during paydays only. It's manned by one staff that doubles as the branch supervisor and casher during salary pay days.
Currently operating at loss of over Kshs. 70,000 every month as it serves less than 100 members due mass withdrawal of members last year due to financial crisis experienced.
5. Emali Branch
Located in Emali town and is open only during pay days which are 3 consecutive days a month. It's manned by one staff doubles as the teller during payment and the branch supervisor.
This is the branch in which large amount of money has been spent in terms of networking, Vsat installation, internet installation among others without the purported works having been carried out.
The average monthly branch loss is Kshs. 70,500/=; a situation which is not likely to improve soon.
6. Kikima Branch
Located in Kikima market in Mbooni electoral area and is open only during pay days. Unlike others it is not manned by any staff hence giving lesser losses as compared to other branches. Well networked and equipped to work independently once fully operational.
Currently operating at a loss of Kshs. 40,000 per month.
Observation
The branches are operating at a total loss of over Kshs. 575,000 per month which translate to Kshs. 6.9 million a year, thus putting a drain to the sacco funds.
It is apparent that branch expenses surpass the incomes generated. The management should find ways and means of revitalizing the branches through recruitment drives so that they could break even.
Every effort should be made to cut down on branch expenses.
FOSA Customers Identification
FOSA offers various products including savings accounts, loans, salary advances, overdraft loans, Fixed deposits to the customers. Although the FOSA is widely acclaimed to be computerized, some crucial operations like identification of customers during cash withdrawal remains manual. Software to assist in identification through electronic strip cards was sources at a not very cheap price, installed but remains unused to this day.
Fixed Deposit Accounts
Original records of the Fixed Deposit Accounts were not available. Word has it that most of the fixed deposit accounts may have been created without actual cash deposits. In cases where physical cash deposits were made to the casher, there were no bank deposits but instead the money was diverted to issuance of cash advances to customers. The society management did not find fit to re-invest the Fixed Deposit funds with banks. All the same, the operations of these FDRs are wanting in the way rates were being applied. For instance w.e.f. 25/5/06 the rates were as follows:-
Want to keep your shape all time attractive as a mother? The remedy is on your chest
By Shannon NaliakaHow many times have you had a woman say, ™Am too fat, my cloths don't fit any more, my tummy is bulging, I have stretch marksº.∫This are just but a few of the complains made by most women all over the world on the weight or size.
It has always been every woman's greatest desire to look fit, healthy and attractive, but in today's world weight related problems are the biggest challenges faced by women from the point of conceiving.
Many have been known to have the fit figure as they call it, up until they start growing big and bigger when they are pregnant. Trouble starts once they deliver and the growing doesn't go down or for some cases stop and this is when frustration starts to build up.
Many have tried slimming pills, slimming tea, slimming diets and so much more that has lead some to suffer even bigger consequences but little do all these women know that the solution to their weight problems is simple and not in all those things they consider a remedy.
The solution lies in the little bundle of joy they bring home after nine or less months of pregnancy and many hours of painful labour, it lies in their new born babies.
Health officials have been trying to sensitize women on the need of breastfeeding since it saves the lives of infants. But still, some women wean their children at a very tender age because they have something else in mind. It could be a job, or the fact that they are too cautious about the shapes of their breasts, among many other excuses that women give.
The body of a woman takes in a lot of calories during the pregnancy duration this is because most if not all women tend to have a liking of chosen tasty foods which are usually too fatty. Worse still, they do not exercise. As a consequence, once they deliver they are unable to remove excess fats and calories that have build up in the body.
What women need know is that during breast feeding they lose the excess fats and calories, enhancing the likelihood f retaining their fit figures while also keeping their children healthy and alive. It is like killing two birds with one stone. Breast milk drains the body fats which constitute an infant's required diet.
The highest population of those affected by weight concerns are the up town women, the very same ones who detest breast feeding the children they claim to love. They are those who prefer and can afford expensive formula milk.
Yes, formula milk has raised babies but they turn out to be very fragile human species, unlike the breast fed breed who are a hardy, healthy bundles of joy, with a fabled resistant to most diseases that kill infants and are known to be very intelligent from a tender age. Better still, they help keep their mothers looking good all the time.
Consideration must be made for working women who can not be able to stay at home and breastfeed for the required time, but this should not be taken as an excuse for not properly breast feeding their babies.
But they also are blessed with the various options. One is to milk their breast and store the milk for the baby when they are away. This may certainly sound disgusting to the modern woman due the fixation we have will milking a cow. But another option is to live close to ones' working place so that you can take breaks to go and cater for the baby. If this is impossible there is the option of a daycare close to work. Loving mothers can just take a few minutes to feed the baby to take advantage of this win-win situation.
Research has proven that women who have breast fed their babies well live a happy long life. It also shows that women who discover the weapon behind a suckling baby tend not to stop their children from breastfeeding when they get to that age since they are afraid of gaining weight which will not happen unless one stops feeding properly. Consequently there are a few cases of babies who are as old as five years and are still being breast fed. It becomes addictive.
With a little exercise, healthy eating and breast feeding, that good shape women long for longed for shape becomes a reality and not fiction. If you are eager to prove it take a keen look at traditional African women who wean their children at an older age. You will notice they maintain their bobby shapes and manage to remain fit all through the motherhood period.
Their secret is in breast feeding since they do it for the required time. Are you a due for breast feeding? Do you have weight related issues? Do you want to remain fit? Look no further the answer lies closer than you thought.
New grouping for Coffee farmers
By Shannon Naliaka
Ministry of Co-operatives Development is working on enrolling Coffee farmers into a new movement.
The new outfit- the Kenya Coffee Co-operative Exporters (KCCE) is hoped to help farmers eradicate the negative influence of middle men who have exploited the trade to the disadvantage of farmers.
According to the KCCE Chief Executive Officer Ms Lucy Muramba they have plans to partner with Kenyans to promote local consumption of coffee and also loan farmers money to improve their livelihood
Ms. Muramba asked the farmers to enroll as members and get shares stating that a member can own a maximum of 1000 shares and each share will be worth Sh. 100 as well as get protection from the cartels that are out to exploit them.
Ms Muramba was speaking in Machakos during a one day meeting of coffee farmers and Co-operative societies union members from Machakos, Kangundo and Makueni regions at the Masaku County Council social hall.
The meeting was told that the Co-operative Bank of Kenya has issued a Sh. 1 billion grant to act as a guarantee for the coffee farmers incase their produce gets lost or is tempered with once it is handed over to the newly established co-operative.
Speaking during the meeting which brought together more than three hundred farmers and cooperative society officials the Minister for Co-operative Development Mr Joseph Nyaga condemned the exploitation of farmers by some of the co-operatives.
The minister promised to work on ensuring everything is done according protocol.
™It is true members have been exploited before but we are now introducing training guidelines as well as governance guidelines to ensure everything is accounted for,∫ he said.
The minister went on, ™We need to go back to the time when coffee was known as black gold.∫
The Kenya National Federation of Coffee chairman Philip Muchiri said they have been mandated to act as a watchdog to ensure that the KCCE works according to laid down regulations.
™The co-operative union is targeting farmers all over the country and looks forward to establishing a united movement in the coffee market that will bring transparency in the transaction of coffee from the farmers' hands to the consumers table ensuring that the coffee farmers get what they deserve∫, Mr Muchiri said.
Ban on charcoal trade in Kitui
By BONIFACE MULU
THE charcoal production, transportation and marketing has been banned in Kitui, an action that observers see as too little,too late but is nonetheless welcome.
Effecting the ban, the local Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Zone Manager, Mr. Joseph M.Njigoya, regretted that the charcoal burning had become a real issue in the area. ™I have therefore decided to write this letter whose contents are to rescue the zone's trees and forests from the heinous wanton destruction by charcoal burners,∫ he told journalists in his office as he read the statement to them.
™I have copied the letter to our head of conservancy in Embu. I have also copied it to the Kitui, Machakos, Mwingi and Makueni District Commissioners and the areas' Officers Commanding Police Divisions (OCPDs),∫ Njigoya added.
How the ban is to be enforced remains to be seen as charcoal trade is one lucrative venture that everyone along the chain- from the forester, the logger, the burner, the brokers, the transporters, the policemen along the roads and their bosses in the offices is terminally embedded to the gravy train
The forester further said that he had copied the letter to all the forest officers in Kitui Zone (the larger Kitui District including Mutomo). Njigoya said that the main task of the Kenya Forest Service is to enhance conservation through sustainable management of forests and associated resources for environmental stability and social economic development. ™We must therefore Endeavour to ensure that this goal is reached by educating the public in liaison with other stakeholders in the forestry sector on the need to conserve and sustainably manage the forest resources in the area,∫ he added.
He added that it is also their responsibility to regulate the production, transportation and marketing of charcoal there to ensure the industry is sustainable. He added: ™However, the current situation of environmental degradation as a result of tree cutting for charcoal production in the region's farm land has reached alarming levels and especially as a result of the current drought situation in the region.
And hence the charcoal industry can no longer be sustainable without compromising the fragile environment.∫ Njigoya said that it was for that reason and the need to ensure a stop to any further loss of biodiversity that it has now become necessary. ™Some mitigation measures have to be put in place to alleviate any further degradation of the environment; an important source of livelihood. After consultations with other stakeholders in the forest sector, I now suspend charcoal production, transportation and marketing indefinitely in the entire Kitui Zone effective from the Saturday, August 29, 2009 until such a time when adequate measures are put in place by my office to ensure that the industry is not only sustainable but also friendly to environmental conservation,∫ Njigoya said.
He said that he was therefore directing all forest officers within the Kitui Zone to enforce the ban in liaison with the local provincial administration and police. The forester at the same time called upon all charcoal transporters to be warned that no charcoal will be allowed to leave the region as doing so would be contrary to the provision of the Forest Act Number 7 of the year 2005 of the laws of Kenya and the necessary legal action will be taken against any person contravening the law.
He said that the general public in the entire Kitui Region is consequently advised to stop any further cutting of trees for the purposes of burning charcoal in order to safeguard our fragile environment and to ensure water resources which is under serious threat is safeguarded.
He added that this will also ensure that the livestock have something to feed on as trees provide an important fodder especially during this period of drought. The specialist said that all persons are requested to comply. ™Our zone is very intact and that is why 40 percent is still forested and is what is under threat. This what we want to safeguard,∫ he said. ™The zone's game parks are protected but what is in the farm land is under threat .We need climate change. We need to conserve our trees. If not so, they will have a very serious effects for us. We are emphasizing on sustainable utilisation of tree resources to ensure they are available today, tomorrow and in the future,∫ the KFS Kitui Zone Manager further said.
He said that the rate at which trees are being cut for charcoal burning there is worrying. He said that the rate of tree cutting for the last three months is estimated at 20,000 trees a month. ™Those are the figures I have in my records here. That is why I took that bold step to safeguard our environment. This is not something to be ignored especially taking into consideration this current situation of drought and water scarcity that is associated with loss of vegetation cover,∫ he said. ™I am calling upon the public to support this initiative in the entire Kitui Region to ensure that our environment is protected,∫ Njigoya added.
Musila runs into trouble with constituents
Defence assistant minister, David Musila, faced-off with leaders in his Mwingi South Constituency in a row over location of Mwingi East District headquarters.
Musila's face fell yesterday when the leaders drawn from Nuu and Nguni divisions heckled and shouted him down forcing him to cut short his speech and sit down in fury.
The leaders blatantly rejected Musila's and Mui division leaders' choice of Mathuki market as the proposed headquarters of the newly-created district.
The meeting chaired by area DC, Martin Mwaro, and assisted by his Mwingi Central counterpart, Peter Kinuthia, ended prematurely and in disarray at
Mwaro reported a month ago and set camp at Mathuki market, stirring fierce row over the centrality of the location.
The assistant minister ran into trouble with the leaders when he said it would not be easy and an overnight task to re-allocate the headquarters from Mathuki market to any another place.
Musila accused the `groaning' leaders of using the headquarters dispute as a platform to advance their quest to oppose him in the 2012 General Election.
∫This is a misplaced political tug of war. You cannot infiltrate into the matter to undermine me and discredit my political career by engaging in chest thumping matches∫, Musila furiously rebuked the critics.
But Joe Mutambu, Revered Petros Kalii and Ngui Kiruru told off the MP to his face, accusing him of attempting to bulldoze the leaders from Nuu and Nguni divisions into accepting his choice by imposing unpopular decision on the constituents.
∫This is unacceptable and a bombshell to Musila. He cannot take us for a ride and get away with it. There must be a price if he does not abide by the majority opposed to Mathuki proposal∫, Fredrick Musyimi who hails from Nuu division retorted.
However Professor Kiteme Kamuti and an advocate Eric Mutua both from Mui division countered their rivals and told them to be positive and stop politicising the issue which could be solved soberly and amicably without issuing threats and ultimatums.
When the altercations threatened to generate into ugly confrontations, Mwaro intercepted and declared the meeting closed and asked everyone to leave the hall.
The DC said that the meeting stood adjourned indefinitely until he consulted his seniors for direction and the next course of action.
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