ILLICIT BREW STILL A THREAT IN KIRINYAGA.
JANE MUGAMBI 21ST OCT 2011.
Residents of Kirinyaga West District have been urged to engage in viable incoming generating activities in the area to propel development in the area.
Kirinyaga West district commissioner Rhoda Onyancha noted that many people had ventured into initiatives like brewing of illicit beer as a means of earning a living something he noted had hindered economic development in most areas of the county.
“Instead of brewing beer people should resort into starting investing in milk and farming activities while taking advantage of the improved infrastructures in the area.’ she said
On her part Kirinyaga West DC Rhoda Onyancha decried the high rate of poverty and escalating social ills like suicide as a direct consequence of parent’s failure to take their rightful place in the family.
“We are the ones responsible for the ills affecting our children” she said.
“By denying our children quality education we are destroying them by driving them into anti-social behaviors like drugs and suicidal tendencies”
While noting that brewing and consumption of illicit liquors had gone down in the area Onyancha still warned bar owners flouting the Alcoholic Act would have their licences revoked.
She also called upon parents to be liberal enough on matters pertains to bequeathing property to their children especially land.
“You don’t have to issue a title deed to your son.” Said the DC.
“Allocate him a piece of land where he can work and eke a living as this will eliminate many problems affecting the family today.’’
Many were also advised to invest their money wisely especially with the coming payment of coffee and tea bonuses.
She decried the fact that many men are moving to Embu, Karatina and Kerugoya to spend their money in lavish lifestyles while leaving their families to suffer at home.
Touching on security the DC urged residents to volunteer any strangers in their areas to the relevant authorities for appropriate action to be taken.
Residents were also reminded to be fully conversant with the contents of the constitution as they prepare to go to elections come next year.
“We must understand the contents of the constitution to know our roles and required responsibilities of the leaders of the leaders to choose’’ she added.
ends...
0723321326
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
DIRECTOR AND ZONAL FOREST OFFICER RELEASED ON A 70,000/- CASH BAIL.
DIRECTOR AND ZONAL FOREST OFFICER RELEASED ON A 70,000/- CASH BAIL.
JANE MUGAMBI 7TH OCT 2011.
Kenya Forest service director David Mbugua together with his Kirinyaga Zonal Forest Officer Francis Misonge were released on a 70,000/- cash bail each by a Kianyaga Court.
The two pleaded not guilty to three charges that on 21st Sept 2011 at castle forest within Kirinyaga County, they were found harvesting pine trees without an Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A)report contrary to the Environmental Act.
THE second count read that the two failed to comply with a legal order of stopping felling of trees in Kamweti and Castle forest.
The third count which fell to the Zonal forest manager was that he blocked the NEMA officers Samuel Kivuti from getting out of the forest where they had gone to do an EIA.
According to their lawyer Joe Kathungu, made an application to have his clients be supplied with statement and copies so as to proceed.
Mr. Kathungu apologized for the director who did not appear in court yesterday saying that it was as a result of communication breakdown adding it was not his intention.
“I apologize on behalf of the director, it was due to communication breakdown in his office he did not fail to be in court as required yesterday intentionally” added Kathungu.
Senior resident magistrate Thomas Mwangi said that the copies, statement will be supplied to the defense so that they can be conversant with the charges.
Mr. Mwangi also said that he will make his rule on their on defense saying that since they pleaded not guilty to the offences, their will both be released on a 100,000/- bond of one surety or 70,000/- cash bail or they be remanded in custody.
They were both bailed out by the Timber Manufacturers members who had come to Kianyaga court to show their solidarity.
Ends…
0723321326
JANE MUGAMBI 7TH OCT 2011.
Kenya Forest service director David Mbugua together with his Kirinyaga Zonal Forest Officer Francis Misonge were released on a 70,000/- cash bail each by a Kianyaga Court.
The two pleaded not guilty to three charges that on 21st Sept 2011 at castle forest within Kirinyaga County, they were found harvesting pine trees without an Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A)report contrary to the Environmental Act.
THE second count read that the two failed to comply with a legal order of stopping felling of trees in Kamweti and Castle forest.
The third count which fell to the Zonal forest manager was that he blocked the NEMA officers Samuel Kivuti from getting out of the forest where they had gone to do an EIA.
According to their lawyer Joe Kathungu, made an application to have his clients be supplied with statement and copies so as to proceed.
Mr. Kathungu apologized for the director who did not appear in court yesterday saying that it was as a result of communication breakdown adding it was not his intention.
“I apologize on behalf of the director, it was due to communication breakdown in his office he did not fail to be in court as required yesterday intentionally” added Kathungu.
Senior resident magistrate Thomas Mwangi said that the copies, statement will be supplied to the defense so that they can be conversant with the charges.
Mr. Mwangi also said that he will make his rule on their on defense saying that since they pleaded not guilty to the offences, their will both be released on a 100,000/- bond of one surety or 70,000/- cash bail or they be remanded in custody.
They were both bailed out by the Timber Manufacturers members who had come to Kianyaga court to show their solidarity.
Ends…
0723321326
CHIEF AND HIS ASSISTANT INTERDICTED OVER ILLICIT BREWING.
CHIEF AND HIS ASSISTANT INTERDICTED OVER ILLICIT BREWING.
JANE MUGAMBI 25TH OCT 2011.
A chief and his assistant have been interdicted by the Central Regional Commissioner Anne Ng’etich over illicit brews.
Kanyekiini administrators were interdicted after 10,000 liters of makabo were found in an abandoned house in Mukinduri village in Kirinyaga Central district.
Reading the interdiction letters at Mukinduri catholic grounds, Mrs. Ng’etich said that Lawrence Munyi and Andrew Koori have since ceased from being the administrators of the said area.
“Macharia Munyi and Andrew Koori are not working for you wananchi since you know that there has been brewing of makabo in the area for a very long time that needed to be controlled” added the regional commissioner.
She said that Central has witnessed deaths and the whole country is astonished with the crisis that is in the region.
The administrator added that there should not be any hesitant while dealing with drunkard ness in the region.
“We should not hesitate while dealing with drunkard ness in the region, many lives have been lost to illicit brews in Central” added Mrs. Ng’etich.
The Regional PC added that the law has to be followed by all administrators in curbing the rising brewing of the illicit brew saying that there are also finding a long lasting solution of making sure that second generation brews are never manufactured saying that they are a disaster.
Area Councillor John Kibara said that for a very long time political interference has seen very many chiefs and their assistants interdicted in the area ruling out that there is a politician who is behind the whole issue since the chief has been doing his work well.
She also said that political interference should not bee seen as the main cause of the interdiction of the two administrators.
“Politics should not be brought in the issue, it was evident that 10,000liters were in the market on Sunday ready to be sold to people, as the administration we are working to make sure that the Rapid response initiative which has given them 100 days is effected” added the PC.
She said that it is action that is being taken against the administrators adding that whoever is going home is not due to a politician but due to his won failure to act.
“Whoever is going home will have called for the sacking, how comes a PC can raid the area without the chief and his assistant being aware of the brews” she added.
ENDS..
0723321326
JANE MUGAMBI 25TH OCT 2011.
A chief and his assistant have been interdicted by the Central Regional Commissioner Anne Ng’etich over illicit brews.
Kanyekiini administrators were interdicted after 10,000 liters of makabo were found in an abandoned house in Mukinduri village in Kirinyaga Central district.
Reading the interdiction letters at Mukinduri catholic grounds, Mrs. Ng’etich said that Lawrence Munyi and Andrew Koori have since ceased from being the administrators of the said area.
“Macharia Munyi and Andrew Koori are not working for you wananchi since you know that there has been brewing of makabo in the area for a very long time that needed to be controlled” added the regional commissioner.
She said that Central has witnessed deaths and the whole country is astonished with the crisis that is in the region.
The administrator added that there should not be any hesitant while dealing with drunkard ness in the region.
“We should not hesitate while dealing with drunkard ness in the region, many lives have been lost to illicit brews in Central” added Mrs. Ng’etich.
The Regional PC added that the law has to be followed by all administrators in curbing the rising brewing of the illicit brew saying that there are also finding a long lasting solution of making sure that second generation brews are never manufactured saying that they are a disaster.
Area Councillor John Kibara said that for a very long time political interference has seen very many chiefs and their assistants interdicted in the area ruling out that there is a politician who is behind the whole issue since the chief has been doing his work well.
She also said that political interference should not bee seen as the main cause of the interdiction of the two administrators.
“Politics should not be brought in the issue, it was evident that 10,000liters were in the market on Sunday ready to be sold to people, as the administration we are working to make sure that the Rapid response initiative which has given them 100 days is effected” added the PC.
She said that it is action that is being taken against the administrators adding that whoever is going home is not due to a politician but due to his won failure to act.
“Whoever is going home will have called for the sacking, how comes a PC can raid the area without the chief and his assistant being aware of the brews” she added.
ENDS..
0723321326
Monday, October 10, 2011
PROBATION TEACHING PETTY OFFENDERS ON WAYS OF GETTING MONEY WHEN THEY
LEAVE PRISON.
JANE MUGAMBI 28TH SEPT 2011.
The Kirinyaga Central Probation department has embarked on a
systematic process geared not only in promoting crime prevention
activities but also impart the offenders with self-sustenance skills
once they are through with their probation stints.
“We have undertaken a comprehensive program for CSO(Community Service
Offenders) to help them work part-time and also give them a chance to
do alternative jobs’’ said Mr. Mwaniki Korugari, Kirinyaga District
Probation Officer.
‘’This is usually possible since we teach them skills that equip them
to be economically empowered in developing not only himself but the
also the society.’’
The Probation Service department was instituted in the Office of the
Vice President and Ministry of Home Affairs in 1999.It’s main agenda
was to assist petty offenders in resettlement and reintegration in the
society through provision of unpaid work to government institutions
and members of public.
The CSO are usually allocated a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5
working hours everyday at their designated sites.
It also provides counseling services to them in order to reduce the
social stigma attached to criminals by the society.
The department mostly deals with people serving non-custodial
sentences in petty offences like drunkenness and disorder, creating
disturbance, assault, affray and being in possession of local liquor.
It also aims in empowering offenders improve their quality of life
through self-help initiatives that tap their unutilized skills.
The CSO are mostly deployed in government and public institutions like
schools, hospitals, construction sites and rural water projects where
they provide unpaid community service.
“It is a pay-back to the public since they had offended the public’’
says Mwaniki.
The department has an 1/8 acre of land where CSO are trained in good
crop husbandry not only to make them self dependent but also enable
the society benefit as well.
The specially prepared demonstration plots utilize natural organic
systems which are not only locally available but have little or no
side effects.
They are also less costly in relation to convection horticulture farming.
Using improvised watering equipments and mulch the department has
given the trainees a hands on skill approach in growing of vegetables
like kales, spinach, lettuce, carrots, amaranths, tomatoes and onions
Besides horticulture and as a mitigation to deforestation there are
nurseries where eucalyptus and bougainvillaea seedlings have been
grown to be distributed to the CSO to plant in their farms back in the
villages.
According to Mr. Mwaniki the entire farming practice is carried out
organically using green manure mulch and biological pest control
methods.
“After probation we do follow up on the offenders by giving them seeds
to start up own projects, ’’added Mr. Mwaniki.
“This has seen an 85% reduction in new offences among the CSO and also
crime in the District.’’
ENDS…
0723321326
LEAVE PRISON.
JANE MUGAMBI 28TH SEPT 2011.
The Kirinyaga Central Probation department has embarked on a
systematic process geared not only in promoting crime prevention
activities but also impart the offenders with self-sustenance skills
once they are through with their probation stints.
“We have undertaken a comprehensive program for CSO(Community Service
Offenders) to help them work part-time and also give them a chance to
do alternative jobs’’ said Mr. Mwaniki Korugari, Kirinyaga District
Probation Officer.
‘’This is usually possible since we teach them skills that equip them
to be economically empowered in developing not only himself but the
also the society.’’
The Probation Service department was instituted in the Office of the
Vice President and Ministry of Home Affairs in 1999.It’s main agenda
was to assist petty offenders in resettlement and reintegration in the
society through provision of unpaid work to government institutions
and members of public.
The CSO are usually allocated a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 5
working hours everyday at their designated sites.
It also provides counseling services to them in order to reduce the
social stigma attached to criminals by the society.
The department mostly deals with people serving non-custodial
sentences in petty offences like drunkenness and disorder, creating
disturbance, assault, affray and being in possession of local liquor.
It also aims in empowering offenders improve their quality of life
through self-help initiatives that tap their unutilized skills.
The CSO are mostly deployed in government and public institutions like
schools, hospitals, construction sites and rural water projects where
they provide unpaid community service.
“It is a pay-back to the public since they had offended the public’’
says Mwaniki.
The department has an 1/8 acre of land where CSO are trained in good
crop husbandry not only to make them self dependent but also enable
the society benefit as well.
The specially prepared demonstration plots utilize natural organic
systems which are not only locally available but have little or no
side effects.
They are also less costly in relation to convection horticulture farming.
Using improvised watering equipments and mulch the department has
given the trainees a hands on skill approach in growing of vegetables
like kales, spinach, lettuce, carrots, amaranths, tomatoes and onions
Besides horticulture and as a mitigation to deforestation there are
nurseries where eucalyptus and bougainvillaea seedlings have been
grown to be distributed to the CSO to plant in their farms back in the
villages.
According to Mr. Mwaniki the entire farming practice is carried out
organically using green manure mulch and biological pest control
methods.
“After probation we do follow up on the offenders by giving them seeds
to start up own projects, ’’added Mr. Mwaniki.
“This has seen an 85% reduction in new offences among the CSO and also
crime in the District.’’
ENDS…
0723321326
20 children rescued from child labour in mwea.
20 CHILDREN RESCUED FROM CHILD LABOUR IN MWEA.
JANE MUGAMBI 5TH OCTOBER 2011.
TWENTY children from Nguka village have been rescued by the Provincial
Administration in Mwea.
The children who are between 12 and 18 years were removed from the
shamba where they had gone to start their work of chasing quelea
birds.
According to area Assistant Chief David Gikunju, he was informed of
young boys who had been spotted hovering around the rice fields by
teachers.
He said that the children have been working for a very longtime in the
fields with the knowledge of their parents.
The Administrator said that the children dropped out of school to work
in the rice fields and some have been skiving going to school to work
in the rice field.
Mr. Gikunju gave a stern warning to all parents who have collaborated
with their children to drop out of school is going to be charged in a
court of law.
“Parents who are not taking their children in school are going to be
punished by a court of law for being irresponsible” he added.
He also said that together with the children department, the children
are not going to be taken back to their homes saying that the same
parents will not emphasize on them going back to school saying that
they are looking for a children’s home where they will be taken as the
court decided their fate.
Peter Ndambiri an educationist said that the boy child in Mwea is at
risk citing that the biggest number has dropped out of school to work
in the rice fields.
He said that as a matter of concern the education sector needs to
sensitize parents through the media on the importance of education.
“The education sector needs to take a step and educate parents on the
importance of education in Kenya” added Ndambiri.
HE said that parents who are leaving their children to work in rice
fields need to be punished thoroughly.
Mr.Ndambiri also added that the employers of the underage boys need to
be punished.
Ends…
0723321326
JANE MUGAMBI 5TH OCTOBER 2011.
TWENTY children from Nguka village have been rescued by the Provincial
Administration in Mwea.
The children who are between 12 and 18 years were removed from the
shamba where they had gone to start their work of chasing quelea
birds.
According to area Assistant Chief David Gikunju, he was informed of
young boys who had been spotted hovering around the rice fields by
teachers.
He said that the children have been working for a very longtime in the
fields with the knowledge of their parents.
The Administrator said that the children dropped out of school to work
in the rice fields and some have been skiving going to school to work
in the rice field.
Mr. Gikunju gave a stern warning to all parents who have collaborated
with their children to drop out of school is going to be charged in a
court of law.
“Parents who are not taking their children in school are going to be
punished by a court of law for being irresponsible” he added.
He also said that together with the children department, the children
are not going to be taken back to their homes saying that the same
parents will not emphasize on them going back to school saying that
they are looking for a children’s home where they will be taken as the
court decided their fate.
Peter Ndambiri an educationist said that the boy child in Mwea is at
risk citing that the biggest number has dropped out of school to work
in the rice fields.
He said that as a matter of concern the education sector needs to
sensitize parents through the media on the importance of education.
“The education sector needs to take a step and educate parents on the
importance of education in Kenya” added Ndambiri.
HE said that parents who are leaving their children to work in rice
fields need to be punished thoroughly.
Mr.Ndambiri also added that the employers of the underage boys need to
be punished.
Ends…
0723321326
caption Timber Manufacturers Association (TMA) during a press conference at Kutus town on Saturday. From left Bernard Gitau TMA National chairman flagged by National secretary John Wakaba.
TIMBER MANUFACTURES ASSOCIATION.
JANE MUGAMBI 9TH OCTOBER 2011.
Timber Manufacturers Association has said that timber worth 56 billion shilling is wasting away in 38 hectares in Mt.Kenya forest.
According to TMA chairman Bernard Gitau said that the timber wasting is due to the rules that NEMA has issued to KFS on harvesting and felling of trees.
He said that NEMA should understand that there is dense cover in 19000 hectares which need to be respaced management issue that does not allow any other party setting in.
“Kenya Forest Service and Timber Manufacturers association have been rehabilitating neglected nurseries in Mt.Kenya forest in two years” he added.
HE said that KFS should be left to manage the forest saying that it has professionals who know their work saying that other parastatals (KWS, NEMA) are behind the cancellation of harvesting of forest.
Mr. Gitau also said that their mandate is to conserve the forest saying that the loggers who have been cutting down indigenous trees are not their members.
“TMA has never been allowed to cut indigenous trees, KFS does not issue permit for indigenous clearing” added Gitau.
He said that they have 600 saw millers and 300 wood industries where 1 million Kenyans benefit from their services.
He said that the trees planted are for commercial purposes saying that logging should not be presumed as destruction.
Mr. Gitau also said that it is very contradicting to have government officers being taken to court by the same law that gives them power.
HE said that the three parastatals need to sit down and talk on the measures that should be taken to avert more court cases to support that pin pointing fingers on KFS.
John Wakaba the National secretary said that Kamweti forest which is 150 hectares is under forest management by KFS.
HE said that proper planting need to be done in the said forest which is under controversy after NEMA boss directed KFS not to issue any license to loggers.
Kamweti and castle forest has seen the director of KFS and the zonal manager arraigned in court facing three charges for failing to comply with NEMA law to carry Environmental impact Assessment
Ends..
0723321326
TIMBER MANUFACTURES ASSOCIATION.
JANE MUGAMBI 9TH OCTOBER 2011.
Timber Manufacturers Association has said that timber worth 56 billion shilling is wasting away in 38 hectares in Mt.Kenya forest.
According to TMA chairman Bernard Gitau said that the timber wasting is due to the rules that NEMA has issued to KFS on harvesting and felling of trees.
He said that NEMA should understand that there is dense cover in 19000 hectares which need to be respaced management issue that does not allow any other party setting in.
“Kenya Forest Service and Timber Manufacturers association have been rehabilitating neglected nurseries in Mt.Kenya forest in two years” he added.
HE said that KFS should be left to manage the forest saying that it has professionals who know their work saying that other parastatals (KWS, NEMA) are behind the cancellation of harvesting of forest.
Mr. Gitau also said that their mandate is to conserve the forest saying that the loggers who have been cutting down indigenous trees are not their members.
“TMA has never been allowed to cut indigenous trees, KFS does not issue permit for indigenous clearing” added Gitau.
He said that they have 600 saw millers and 300 wood industries where 1 million Kenyans benefit from their services.
He said that the trees planted are for commercial purposes saying that logging should not be presumed as destruction.
Mr. Gitau also said that it is very contradicting to have government officers being taken to court by the same law that gives them power.
HE said that the three parastatals need to sit down and talk on the measures that should be taken to avert more court cases to support that pin pointing fingers on KFS.
John Wakaba the National secretary said that Kamweti forest which is 150 hectares is under forest management by KFS.
HE said that proper planting need to be done in the said forest which is under controversy after NEMA boss directed KFS not to issue any license to loggers.
Kamweti and castle forest has seen the director of KFS and the zonal manager arraigned in court facing three charges for failing to comply with NEMA law to carry Environmental impact Assessment
Ends..
0723321326
MEN JOIN HANDS IN FIGHTING AIDS.
MEN JOIN HANDS IN FIGHTING AIDS.
Every child has the right to live despite being disabled or even HIV
positive, the new constitution has a bill of rights which should be
followed.
Article 53(1) sub-section ‘e’ reads, ‘Every child has the right to
parental care and protection, which includes equal responsibilities of
the mother and father to provide for the child, whether they are
married to each other or not…It is against this vital social
obligation that an organization was found in 2001 to eradicate the
misconceived idea that men have little or no role in bringing up
children.
“We need to sensitize men on the need to be involved in the family,’’
said Mr. John Wesonga a coordinator with Movement of Men against AIDS
In Kenya(MMAAK) in Kerugoya.
MMAK which has several branches in Kenya was started as a rallying
call for men to take their central role in the family especially in
the fight against HIV/AIDS and child education in the context of their
sexuality.
With its headquarters in Nairobi the organization has been able to
spread its tentacles in Mombasa, Karatina, Kericho, Kisumu and
Kirinyaga County.
“We have seen that men can play a big role in the prevention of
HIV/AIDS in the context of their families especially PMTCT (Prevention
of Mother to Child Transmission)’’ added Mr. Wesonga.
Initially the brainchild of HIV positive men, MMAAK currently has 180
fully trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). The CHWs are
currently working with trained health service providers from Ministry
of Public Health and Sanitation in designated locations in the
country.
MMAAK is also providing care and support to the infected and affected
men in Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Coast and Nairobi.
This is done through home based care and visits, Voluntary Counseling
and Testing, provision of Anti Retroviral, Nutrition and Referrals.
Through its slogan ‘Man can make a Difference’ the organization has
undertaken three projects in PMTCT, Families Matter! and AB(Abstinence
and Being Faithful).
According to Mr.Wesonga Kirinyaga Central has been earmarked as a
pilot site in Kirinyaga County.
“We need to lay groundwork survey here before rolling our programs in
other areas of the county’’ said Mr. Wesonga.
To achieve their objectives in Kirinyaga Central, MMAK has demarcated
their area of operations into 5 divisions; Kanyekiini Kanyeii, Nduini,
Ngaru, Kimandi and Karia where they have stationed their
Community Health Workers to facilitate their programs.
“The PMTCT program is specially meant to encourage men in the family
be participants and not spectators in family affairs during and after
the pregnancy of their spouses. We also advice the men to undergo
counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS alongside their wives.’’ Added
Wesonga.
Through the various workshops carried in the area, men have slowly but
surely shed the long-held traditional view that the role of bringing
up a child lies solely on the mother.
As a result the men are not only helping in shedding the stigma
attached to HIV/AIDS sufferers but also participating in family
planning, nutrition of mother and child during pre and post-natal
periods.
“Most of these workshops are targeting men in the rural areas where
cultural attachments are deeply rooted. Here men still hold to
retrogressive ideals geared towards isolating them from being part and
parcel of their wives. It’s difficult but it can be done.’’ Says
Wesonga.
The organizers have also received invaluable support from CRS
(Catholic Relief Services) and funding from CDC (Centre for Disease
Control) of US.
According to Mr. Wilson Nzau another facilitator from MMAK the advent
of illicit brews in the country have impacted negatively on the
society leading to rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and the eventual demise of
the family.
“When we came we realized that men were not interested in raising up
of their children but had delegated it to their wives. ‘Said Wesonga.
We have seen that men can play a big role in prevention of HIV/AIDS in
the context of their families especially PMTCT.’’
The PMCT project is a pilot project being carried out in the District
within the next four years.
It is basically designed to stem the rapid spread of the scourge
especially by reduction of infection among the babies born from
infected mothers.
There are 9 VCT centers which have been established in the county
together with 6 CCCs (Comprehensive Care Clinics) and 45 health
facilities offering PMTCT according to Kirinyaga District Development
Plan (2008-2012).
Currently there are 11,900 people living with the virus with only
2,735 receiving ARVs despite the district having a 90% awareness of
the pandemic.
The AB project is aimed at drastically reducing the growing number of
new infections both among married couples and the youth who are hard-
hit by the disease.
“We advocated for AB since it was the only one which is 100%
effective.’ says Nzau.
“We gave advice on how to live positively once one tested positive for HIV’’.
As part of their efforts to reach the wider community the organizers
hold their sessions in the five divisions on a rotational basis.
Each session has a class of 12 to 18 adults and every member must have
a child aged 9 to 12 years old.
Most of their classes have an average of 14 men and 4 women .Here the
participants hold discussions of how couples can be of integral
importance in raising children and inculcating vital truths as far as
sex and sexuality is concerned.
Through these interactive programs men are challenged on their need to
be there for their children and family at large instead of assuming
the presence is not vital.
‘’Men should not only be providers but protectors of their families.’
emphasized Mr.Nzau.
‘’Children who are informed by their parents in sexuality delay sex as
compared to those who have never been sensitized.’’
After 5 weeks of intensive training, the members are ready for their
graduation and equipped with necessary skills to be inculcated to
others in the community.
Basically it is these trained parents together with MMAK staff who
play the bigger role of spreading the message to the uninformed.
MMAK also utilizes the local churches and the Provincial
Administrators in accomplishing their mandate at the grassroots.
Most of the classes are held in Chief’s barazas or in church halls.
Last year alone the association was able to train 360 people most of
who are actively involved in giving handy advice to their peers.
“The program has really helped the men to appreciate their families.
Men must lead from the front and take time for their families.’’added
Nzau.
The Families Matter! Programs have been geared towards wooing the
husbands into taking the lead in the welfare of their children.
The efforts include visiting them in school and being involved in
heart-to-heart talks on issues like sex erstwhile almost deemed a
taboo in family circles.
As a result of these discussions communication between the spouses has
tremendously improved albeit for the better.
The association has also constructed a waiting bay at the Kerugoya
District Hospital where men can relax while waiting for their spouses
during their routine ante and pre-natal clinic.
The facility which is set to be launched in October this year was
built at a cost of sh900, 000.
Once operational it will be installed with a television set fully
connected to Dstv channels where they can watch their favorite soccer
teams and get educated on HIV and AIDS.
“We are looking forward to many men accompanying their wives whilst on
visits to the clinics.’ Said Maddo Onyango a program officer for
MMAAK.
‘’This will encourage others to take a similar step in the long run.’’
Similarly children awareness on emerging social issues has improved to
a great extent.
However according to Mr. Nzau a lot is yet to be realized.
One of the challenges facing the families in the locality is
gender-violence against women.
According to him most women don’t know their rights.
They only come in the open when something horrible like incest has
happened in the family.
This has been a challenge which has often led to suspicion in the family.
Similarly illicit brews have taken a huge toll on men compounded by
abuse of drugs.
This has led men to neglect their duties in the family.
Another problem has been men absconding duties in the homes and
putting up with well-up women where everything is provided.
This has specially been rampant in Mwea and Sagana.
Despite the odds the organization has achieved a lot in the area in
safeguarding a generation’s survival in view of the short duration of
5 months they have been in operation in Kirinyaga Central.
Mr. Nzau’s parting advice to fathers is to have at least 30 minutes
talk to their children once in a while and make that day special to
the kids.
This may be all the child will need in making of informed choices at
the earliest opportunity.
“You either talk to your child or you burry him’’ concludes Mr. Nzau.
Ends…
0723321326
Every child has the right to live despite being disabled or even HIV
positive, the new constitution has a bill of rights which should be
followed.
Article 53(1) sub-section ‘e’ reads, ‘Every child has the right to
parental care and protection, which includes equal responsibilities of
the mother and father to provide for the child, whether they are
married to each other or not…It is against this vital social
obligation that an organization was found in 2001 to eradicate the
misconceived idea that men have little or no role in bringing up
children.
“We need to sensitize men on the need to be involved in the family,’’
said Mr. John Wesonga a coordinator with Movement of Men against AIDS
In Kenya(MMAAK) in Kerugoya.
MMAK which has several branches in Kenya was started as a rallying
call for men to take their central role in the family especially in
the fight against HIV/AIDS and child education in the context of their
sexuality.
With its headquarters in Nairobi the organization has been able to
spread its tentacles in Mombasa, Karatina, Kericho, Kisumu and
Kirinyaga County.
“We have seen that men can play a big role in the prevention of
HIV/AIDS in the context of their families especially PMTCT (Prevention
of Mother to Child Transmission)’’ added Mr. Wesonga.
Initially the brainchild of HIV positive men, MMAAK currently has 180
fully trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). The CHWs are
currently working with trained health service providers from Ministry
of Public Health and Sanitation in designated locations in the
country.
MMAAK is also providing care and support to the infected and affected
men in Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Coast and Nairobi.
This is done through home based care and visits, Voluntary Counseling
and Testing, provision of Anti Retroviral, Nutrition and Referrals.
Through its slogan ‘Man can make a Difference’ the organization has
undertaken three projects in PMTCT, Families Matter! and AB(Abstinence
and Being Faithful).
According to Mr.Wesonga Kirinyaga Central has been earmarked as a
pilot site in Kirinyaga County.
“We need to lay groundwork survey here before rolling our programs in
other areas of the county’’ said Mr. Wesonga.
To achieve their objectives in Kirinyaga Central, MMAK has demarcated
their area of operations into 5 divisions; Kanyekiini Kanyeii, Nduini,
Ngaru, Kimandi and Karia where they have stationed their
Community Health Workers to facilitate their programs.
“The PMTCT program is specially meant to encourage men in the family
be participants and not spectators in family affairs during and after
the pregnancy of their spouses. We also advice the men to undergo
counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS alongside their wives.’’ Added
Wesonga.
Through the various workshops carried in the area, men have slowly but
surely shed the long-held traditional view that the role of bringing
up a child lies solely on the mother.
As a result the men are not only helping in shedding the stigma
attached to HIV/AIDS sufferers but also participating in family
planning, nutrition of mother and child during pre and post-natal
periods.
“Most of these workshops are targeting men in the rural areas where
cultural attachments are deeply rooted. Here men still hold to
retrogressive ideals geared towards isolating them from being part and
parcel of their wives. It’s difficult but it can be done.’’ Says
Wesonga.
The organizers have also received invaluable support from CRS
(Catholic Relief Services) and funding from CDC (Centre for Disease
Control) of US.
According to Mr. Wilson Nzau another facilitator from MMAK the advent
of illicit brews in the country have impacted negatively on the
society leading to rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and the eventual demise of
the family.
“When we came we realized that men were not interested in raising up
of their children but had delegated it to their wives. ‘Said Wesonga.
We have seen that men can play a big role in prevention of HIV/AIDS in
the context of their families especially PMTCT.’’
The PMCT project is a pilot project being carried out in the District
within the next four years.
It is basically designed to stem the rapid spread of the scourge
especially by reduction of infection among the babies born from
infected mothers.
There are 9 VCT centers which have been established in the county
together with 6 CCCs (Comprehensive Care Clinics) and 45 health
facilities offering PMTCT according to Kirinyaga District Development
Plan (2008-2012).
Currently there are 11,900 people living with the virus with only
2,735 receiving ARVs despite the district having a 90% awareness of
the pandemic.
The AB project is aimed at drastically reducing the growing number of
new infections both among married couples and the youth who are hard-
hit by the disease.
“We advocated for AB since it was the only one which is 100%
effective.’ says Nzau.
“We gave advice on how to live positively once one tested positive for HIV’’.
As part of their efforts to reach the wider community the organizers
hold their sessions in the five divisions on a rotational basis.
Each session has a class of 12 to 18 adults and every member must have
a child aged 9 to 12 years old.
Most of their classes have an average of 14 men and 4 women .Here the
participants hold discussions of how couples can be of integral
importance in raising children and inculcating vital truths as far as
sex and sexuality is concerned.
Through these interactive programs men are challenged on their need to
be there for their children and family at large instead of assuming
the presence is not vital.
‘’Men should not only be providers but protectors of their families.’
emphasized Mr.Nzau.
‘’Children who are informed by their parents in sexuality delay sex as
compared to those who have never been sensitized.’’
After 5 weeks of intensive training, the members are ready for their
graduation and equipped with necessary skills to be inculcated to
others in the community.
Basically it is these trained parents together with MMAK staff who
play the bigger role of spreading the message to the uninformed.
MMAK also utilizes the local churches and the Provincial
Administrators in accomplishing their mandate at the grassroots.
Most of the classes are held in Chief’s barazas or in church halls.
Last year alone the association was able to train 360 people most of
who are actively involved in giving handy advice to their peers.
“The program has really helped the men to appreciate their families.
Men must lead from the front and take time for their families.’’added
Nzau.
The Families Matter! Programs have been geared towards wooing the
husbands into taking the lead in the welfare of their children.
The efforts include visiting them in school and being involved in
heart-to-heart talks on issues like sex erstwhile almost deemed a
taboo in family circles.
As a result of these discussions communication between the spouses has
tremendously improved albeit for the better.
The association has also constructed a waiting bay at the Kerugoya
District Hospital where men can relax while waiting for their spouses
during their routine ante and pre-natal clinic.
The facility which is set to be launched in October this year was
built at a cost of sh900, 000.
Once operational it will be installed with a television set fully
connected to Dstv channels where they can watch their favorite soccer
teams and get educated on HIV and AIDS.
“We are looking forward to many men accompanying their wives whilst on
visits to the clinics.’ Said Maddo Onyango a program officer for
MMAAK.
‘’This will encourage others to take a similar step in the long run.’’
Similarly children awareness on emerging social issues has improved to
a great extent.
However according to Mr. Nzau a lot is yet to be realized.
One of the challenges facing the families in the locality is
gender-violence against women.
According to him most women don’t know their rights.
They only come in the open when something horrible like incest has
happened in the family.
This has been a challenge which has often led to suspicion in the family.
Similarly illicit brews have taken a huge toll on men compounded by
abuse of drugs.
This has led men to neglect their duties in the family.
Another problem has been men absconding duties in the homes and
putting up with well-up women where everything is provided.
This has specially been rampant in Mwea and Sagana.
Despite the odds the organization has achieved a lot in the area in
safeguarding a generation’s survival in view of the short duration of
5 months they have been in operation in Kirinyaga Central.
Mr. Nzau’s parting advice to fathers is to have at least 30 minutes
talk to their children once in a while and make that day special to
the kids.
This may be all the child will need in making of informed choices at
the earliest opportunity.
“You either talk to your child or you burry him’’ concludes Mr. Nzau.
Ends…
0723321326
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
HYDRO POWER.
JANE MUGAMBI 10th August 2011.
As the country grapples with shortfalls in power supply due to high demand
which has resulted to rationing, a tiny village in the slopes of Mt. Kenya
forest has no worries.
After many years of struggle Kiangima-Kiangibuini community group has
successfully commissioned a micro hydro power project that has lit the
entire Thaita village in Kirinyaga County.
Started 11 years ago the group intention was to get their homes connected to
the national power grid from Kerugoya town about 15 kilometres away but this
was never to be.
The chairman John Waweru Karani recalls that they approached Kenya Power as
80 members and requested for a quotation of the cost of supplying their
homes with electricity.
“We were given a sh7.4 million quotation and we knew our quest to lit our
homes had been doomed since we could not afford that amount,” says Karani.
For some time the group became docile as the members resigned to the fate
that they would never find their homes connected to power as the money
required was beyond reach.
But along River Rutui which cuts across their village is a rocky water fall
and from the stories they have heard such natural rapid water falls were
capable of generating power.
An idea was born and the rest is history. Currently the group is generating
11 KVA of electricity which has supplied 23 homes.
Karani says that each of the 80 members have contributed sh28, 000 each and
the group also benefitted with sh800, 000 from the Kirinyaga Central
Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“The initial capital was not easy to raise and we wrote a proposal to the
CDF which was funded to boost our savings,” says the chairman.
They constructed a power house at the base of the water cliff and a dam
across the river to collect water which is used to drive the turbines.
Project consultant Kinyua Ngigi explains that the water is fed to a 10 inch
galvanized iron pipe from the dam and cascades 14 metres to the power house
through the pipe.
“This gives the water more pressure to turn the close flown turbine in the
power house which is firmly held on the concrete floor,” noted the
technician.
The turbine turns a three phase alternator which generates electricity that
goes to the control switch before it is transmitted via high voltage
aluminum cables to the end users.
Ngigi says that the turbine is made in such a way that it turns the
alternator three times more and depending with the water pressure it could
generate up to one megawatt of electricity.
During off peak hours when consumption is relatively low extra power is
wasted through heat by six 1,000 watts ballast resistors to avoid over
damaging the alternator.
After water runs the turbine it is released back to the river and the
process is repeated every minute to keep the lights on.
“An environment impact assessment gave the project a clean bill of health
since water is only diverted to turn turbines then released to the main
river. The energy is also clean,” notes Ngigi.
The green fields of tea plantations have been dotted with electric poles
that dot the village delivering power to several home steads as far as two
kilomtres away from the power house.
“It had never come to my mind that I would one day have electricity in my
house until September last year when the dream came to be true,” says Joseph
Ndinwa a committee member.
He says that after paying the sh28, 000 one is connected to the power which
is reliable and very cheap to maintain. Kenya Power charges about sh35, 000
to connect a single phase power to an individual.
Members pay sh100 per month regardless of the electricity they have consumed
making it affordable to many villagers.
Currently the project has installed a three phase electricity line due to
limitation of funds with about 60 members waiting to be connected.
“Aluminum wires are very expensive as well as treated poles that we use to
distribute power across the ridges,” explains the chairman.
Another challenge has been the low water levels of the river which if the
dam is expanded the alternator could be maximized since now it is only
producing 110 KVA compared to 1 MW at maximum.
But it is all happiness in homes where electricity has reached them as they
no longer buy paraffin to light their houses at night.
Stanley Karimi and his wife Sarah Wanjiku life has changed since they were
connected to the power with their farm completely transformed.
Apart from watching a coloured television which was never to be found in the
village, they have bought a chuff cutter which is powered by electricity.
“We have several dairy cows and with the chuff cutter our work has been made
easier since we get our feeds from the shamba and cut them using the
machine,” says Karimi.
The couple has also invested in chicken rearing with hatcheries using
electricity and the sky is the limit for them courtesy of the investment.
Several salons, barber shops and other cottage industries are evident and
positively transforming lives in a village that could have been forgotten in
the power grid.
As some Kenyans grapple with power rationing the Thaita villagers are
enjoying electricity 24 hours and as long as the turbine roars their lives
will continue to be better in years to come.
Ends…
0723321326
JANE MUGAMBI 10th August 2011.
As the country grapples with shortfalls in power supply due to high demand
which has resulted to rationing, a tiny village in the slopes of Mt. Kenya
forest has no worries.
After many years of struggle Kiangima-Kiangibuini community group has
successfully commissioned a micro hydro power project that has lit the
entire Thaita village in Kirinyaga County.
Started 11 years ago the group intention was to get their homes connected to
the national power grid from Kerugoya town about 15 kilometres away but this
was never to be.
The chairman John Waweru Karani recalls that they approached Kenya Power as
80 members and requested for a quotation of the cost of supplying their
homes with electricity.
“We were given a sh7.4 million quotation and we knew our quest to lit our
homes had been doomed since we could not afford that amount,” says Karani.
For some time the group became docile as the members resigned to the fate
that they would never find their homes connected to power as the money
required was beyond reach.
But along River Rutui which cuts across their village is a rocky water fall
and from the stories they have heard such natural rapid water falls were
capable of generating power.
An idea was born and the rest is history. Currently the group is generating
11 KVA of electricity which has supplied 23 homes.
Karani says that each of the 80 members have contributed sh28, 000 each and
the group also benefitted with sh800, 000 from the Kirinyaga Central
Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“The initial capital was not easy to raise and we wrote a proposal to the
CDF which was funded to boost our savings,” says the chairman.
They constructed a power house at the base of the water cliff and a dam
across the river to collect water which is used to drive the turbines.
Project consultant Kinyua Ngigi explains that the water is fed to a 10 inch
galvanized iron pipe from the dam and cascades 14 metres to the power house
through the pipe.
“This gives the water more pressure to turn the close flown turbine in the
power house which is firmly held on the concrete floor,” noted the
technician.
The turbine turns a three phase alternator which generates electricity that
goes to the control switch before it is transmitted via high voltage
aluminum cables to the end users.
Ngigi says that the turbine is made in such a way that it turns the
alternator three times more and depending with the water pressure it could
generate up to one megawatt of electricity.
During off peak hours when consumption is relatively low extra power is
wasted through heat by six 1,000 watts ballast resistors to avoid over
damaging the alternator.
After water runs the turbine it is released back to the river and the
process is repeated every minute to keep the lights on.
“An environment impact assessment gave the project a clean bill of health
since water is only diverted to turn turbines then released to the main
river. The energy is also clean,” notes Ngigi.
The green fields of tea plantations have been dotted with electric poles
that dot the village delivering power to several home steads as far as two
kilomtres away from the power house.
“It had never come to my mind that I would one day have electricity in my
house until September last year when the dream came to be true,” says Joseph
Ndinwa a committee member.
He says that after paying the sh28, 000 one is connected to the power which
is reliable and very cheap to maintain. Kenya Power charges about sh35, 000
to connect a single phase power to an individual.
Members pay sh100 per month regardless of the electricity they have consumed
making it affordable to many villagers.
Currently the project has installed a three phase electricity line due to
limitation of funds with about 60 members waiting to be connected.
“Aluminum wires are very expensive as well as treated poles that we use to
distribute power across the ridges,” explains the chairman.
Another challenge has been the low water levels of the river which if the
dam is expanded the alternator could be maximized since now it is only
producing 110 KVA compared to 1 MW at maximum.
But it is all happiness in homes where electricity has reached them as they
no longer buy paraffin to light their houses at night.
Stanley Karimi and his wife Sarah Wanjiku life has changed since they were
connected to the power with their farm completely transformed.
Apart from watching a coloured television which was never to be found in the
village, they have bought a chuff cutter which is powered by electricity.
“We have several dairy cows and with the chuff cutter our work has been made
easier since we get our feeds from the shamba and cut them using the
machine,” says Karimi.
The couple has also invested in chicken rearing with hatcheries using
electricity and the sky is the limit for them courtesy of the investment.
Several salons, barber shops and other cottage industries are evident and
positively transforming lives in a village that could have been forgotten in
the power grid.
As some Kenyans grapple with power rationing the Thaita villagers are
enjoying electricity 24 hours and as long as the turbine roars their lives
will continue to be better in years to come.
Ends…
0723321326
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