police reforms

POLICE REFORMS. JANE MUGAMBI 7TH NOV 2013. Three civil society groups have come out to educate members of the public on ways of transforming the police force to a service. Rights promotions and protection centers, Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU) and Katiba Institute programme coordinators said public participation has not been embraced well when vetting is being done. Eunice Oloo Rights promotions and protection centers acting coordinator said that the role of citizens in the transformation process has not been felt and that they have not been involved in vetting process and other engagements. She also said that the proposed guidelines, proposals were adapted well but the exercise has been moving on slowly. “The exercise(vetting) is moving very slowly but we are anticipating that the guidelines and the proposals that we gave the National police force was adapted but we have noted that the public has not been involved in a satisfying way” said Eunice. She also added that the guidelines entail integrity, education level, whether they have been engaged in human violating, corruption. Eunice however urged members of the public to stop waiting so much from the government saying that it has very many issues that is implementing, they(public) take part in transforming the police force by playing their part of being watchdogs in making them(police) be accountable of their deeds. Sandra Ochola programme associate at Katiba Institute said that human resource has been a problem for long citing that a 40 year problem cannot be effected within 2 years. She said that there is no proper bench markings made in ensuring that the guidelines are followed to the latter. She also said that the slow pace in transforming the police has come up due to the wrangles that are between National police service chairman Johnstone Kavulundi and the Inspector general David Kimaiyo. “We expect that some effects will be felt ones the wrangles between Kavulundi and Kimaiyo are over, the 40 years personnel issues cannot be dealt with within 2 years, Kenyans have to be patient and also take part in ensuring that the police are responsible for what they are doing” said Sandra. She said that the civic education is going on in the country revealing that there is a group that is in Naivasha that is working on the vetting tools. Ends…

STOVE JIKO IN KIRINYAGA. JANE MUGAMBI 9TH AUGUST 2013. A prominent businessman from Kirinyaga County has been awarded a certificate by an Italian university after introducing a cooker stove jiko as a way of conserving the environment. Charles Njiru Nice rice millers director better known as Mkombozi was given the certificate by Luigi Polonini a student who was doing a research on a modern cooker (jiko) that used rice husks on behalf of his university. “I am presenting a recognition certificate to Charles for allowing me to use my skills and developed a modern cooker that uses Rice husks” said Luigi. The award is to recognize his effort to recycle rice husk which has been an environmental hazard in the expansive Mwea rice irrigation scheme. Luigi said that Nice Rice miller has become a research centre and also a learning center for many people from different countries serving in different ministries on the appropriate technology for environmental management in developing countries in Africa. Nice Rice Millers management has managed to help the farmers in the rice irrigation area to recycle the husk which is going to be a source of fire to them. “We came up with such cookers to show people that rice husk is also an alternative a source of fire like firewood, gas” revealed Luigi. Speaking to press in his premises in Mwea after receiving an award Njiru termed the certificate as a motivator for him and also a recognition which is going to help farmers and other people use husk. Njiru pointed out that rice waste management which has been a problem will now be a thing of the past in Mwea and farmers will be able to use the waste for their domestic use. “Rice husk disposal was a problem for a very long for rice farmers, now we have a solution” he added. He revealed that he has also received government commendation on food and agriculture organization from the United Nation world food day 2012, Head of State commendation in line with vision 2030. The director said that with the new technology environmental conservation will be enhanced since many people will not use firewood for domestic use thus felling of trees is going to be minimal. The cook jiko will manage pollution as farmers, adding that the Jiko is available to farmers at 1,500/- a price he said is affordable to most of the farmers in the area per piece. ENDS............................................... 0723321326

rice farming

RICE FARMING. JANE MUGAMBI 23RD AUGUST 2013. Principal Secretary Ministry of agriculture Cecily Kariuki has said illegal importation of rice in Mwea will be a past ones the government comes up with a policy. Speaking during a tour to Kirinyaga County on Thursday, she said that stopping of rice imports will bring sanity in the rice market in Mwea. Ms. Kariuki added that disorganization that has been there has made rice farmers anguish in the market since it is liberalized. “My visit is to make sure that I get the ailing issues in rice farming, my discussion with the governor will bear fruits ones a policy has been formulated on controlling the price and importation of substandard rice” said Kariuki. She said that her ministry is seriously concerned by disorganized nature of rice marketing in the country but she was quick to point out that her ministry is addressing the issue. She said that Rice farming has to be taken seriously citing that 60% of rice that is consumed in the country comes from Mwea where adulteration has to be stopped. Ms Muriuki said that the matter of rice import and counterfeiting needs government effort but she was quick to point out that her ministry was aware of the problem saying that she has decided to face the problem head on and come with a lasting solution. “We have decided to come on the ground and engage with all stakeholders we understand the issues and be able to come up with interventions that are going to help our farmers”. She said. She revealed that the government through donor support has initiated a couple of programs to support rice farming in the expansive Mwea irrigation scheme. She assured farmers that the programs and projects that have already been initiated by national government will proceed as planned noting that national government will continue to maintain engagement with county government. “Importation, counterfeits come with intervention that will support in food security so as to improve their livelihoods” she added. Mwea rice irrigation scheme in Kirinyaga County produce 80% of rice consumed in the country 110,000 metrics tons. However unscrupulous business takes the opportunity to flood the market with cheap rice which affects farmers market. Kirinyaga governor Joseph Ndathi revealed that the agricultural sector has been allocated 109 million shillings that will be channeled in boosting various agriculture projects. He lamented that the 2.8 billion shillings allocated to County government is very low revealing that 243 million shillings will revert to the national government to cater for grants and loans of ongoing projects in the County. “As a County we reserved 109 million shillings for agricultural sector, as you can appreciate Kirinyaga County we received a budget allocation of 2.8 billion shillings which is too low for many projects we are planning to initiate”. Ndathi said. Ndathi urged the government to deal with rice market problem decisively so that farmers can be able to enjoy the fruits of their labors. ends... 0723321326

60% ON ILLICIT BEER TAKING. JANE MUGAMBI 13THAUGUST 2013. Lack of workers in Kirinyaga County has been attributed to the high indulgence and the increased taking of illicit brewing. According to the statistic released by NACADA, 60% the age of 16-35years both girls and boys are consuming either second generation or illicit brew. NACADA also released that 15% are girls between the ages bracket of 20-35 citing that adolescents have also turned to taking second generation beer since it available. “Second generation taking has increased in adolescents, youths who are between the ages of 19- 10% to 15% rising concerns” said NACADA representative in Kirinyaga James Gachoki. Gachoki said the most affected group is between the age of 16-35 yrs both boys and girls attributing the high number to peer pressure. He also said that 60% of the youths are taking bhang,18% family men and men taking, beer,2% are taking other narcotics like cocaine heroine where the 18% has attributed o family break up,divorces . Gachoki has said that vigorous campaign against drug taking abuse so as to sensitize the youths and other drug users knows the danger. “I cannot address the drug issue alone,otther stakeholders need to join NACADA to sensitize,inform those that are abusing drugs are in danger” he added. In the past leaders from all quotas in the county have been blaming the police, administration for not taking “Mututho” laws seriously ensuring that bars are opened at the right time (5pm-11.00pm) and also issuing licenses to operators who do not meet the required standards. Ndia Mp Engineer Stephen Ngari showed his fury when he told the area administrators to be on the lookout for bars that are selling beer against the required time.re Ngari said that it is very worrying seeing youths drunk as early as 6am wondering where the brews are bought if the bars are closed at 11pm and opened at 5pm saying that there other dens that are selling illicit and second generation brews contrary to the time. Kirinyaga County has four licensed brewing industries which have increased the production of cheap and substandard beer. County liquor licensing board has reduced the bars by half so as to minimize the increased intake in beer and also trying to bring sanity in the county. Ends... 0723321326

STOVE JIKO IN KIRINYAGA. JANE MUGAMBI 9TH AUGUST 2013. A prominent businessman from Kirinyaga County has been awarded a certificate by an Italian university after introducing a cooker stove jiko as a way of conserving the environment. Charles Njiru Nice rice millers director better known as Mkombozi was given the certificate by Luigi Polonini a student who was doing a research on a modern cooker (jiko) that used rice husks on behalf of his university. “I am presenting a recognition certificate to Charles for allowing me to use my skills and developed a modern cooker that uses Rice husks” said Luigi. The award is to recognize his effort to recycle rice husk which has been an environmental hazard in the expansive Mwea rice irrigation scheme. Luigi said that Nice Rice miller has become a research centre and also a learning center for many people from different countries serving in different ministries on the appropriate technology for environmental management in developing countries in Africa. Nice Rice Millers management has managed to help the farmers in the rice irrigation area to recycle the husk which is going to be a source of fire to them. “We came up with such cookers to show people that rice husk is also an alternative a source of fire like firewood, gas” revealed Luigi. Speaking to press in his premises in Mwea after receiving an award Njiru termed the certificate as a motivator for him and also a recognition which is going to help farmers and other people use husk. Njiru pointed out that rice waste management which has been a problem will now be a thing of the past in Mwea and farmers will be able to use the waste for their domestic use. “Rice husk disposal was a problem for a very long for rice farmers, now we have a solution” he added. He revealed that he has also received government commendation on food and agriculture organization from the United Nation world food day 2012, Head of State commendation in line with vision 2030. The director said that with the new technology environmental conservation will be enhanced since many people will not use firewood for domestic use thus felling of trees is going to be minimal. The cook jiko will manage pollution as farmers, adding that the Jiko is available to farmers at 1,500/- a price he said is affordable to most of the farmers in the area per piece. ENDS............................................... 0723321326

BINGWA SACCO. Shareholders of the giant Bingwa Sacco in Kirinyaga County are smiling all the way to the bank after the financial institution board of directors announced a 14% divided following what they termed remarkable growth. According to the Sacco Chairman Cyrus Kabira Njine the Sacco has grown tremendously in the last one year following what he attributed on aggressive marketing strategy and favorable climatic condition prevailing in the country. The Sacco which target mostly tea farmers also revealed that the institution assets have grown with 400 million from initial 1.5 billion in 2012 to 1.9 billion by 31st December 2012. The Sacco mobilized funds have also grew with over 143 million shillings from 554,708,000 in 2011 to 697,883,000 last year with member’s deposits standing on 730,417,000 shillings. Mr Kabira revealed that he’s satisfied by the way the shareholders have been repaying their loans saying that the society loan balance has grown from 790 million by 31 December 2011 to 961 million 31 December 2012. The cumulative loan disbursed by the society since inception now stands at 7.1 billion. The Sacco according to the chairman” plans to diversify further in level with its growth of membership development of potential areas of business in our County and Country at large”. He said that the society plan to open two new branches in order to reach more customers in the country saying that the Sacco plan to reach all parts of the country. Franked by other senior bank officials the chairman said that they will review the strategic plan this year pointing that he’s optimistic the new strategic will propel the Sacco to a greater height. Said he “We have achieved most of its set targets in the year 2012 and now we plan review the strategic plan this year and we are optimistic that we will accomplish all the goals projected”. He noted. Ends..............................................................................................................................

A JIKO THAT USES RICE HUSKS IN MWEA. JANE MUGAMBI 3RD MAY 2013. An Italian student has come up with a cooking stove Jiko which will use rice husks. In His thesis on appropriate technology for an emancipating cooperation,the development of an effective improve cook-stove, Luigi Polonini, a student of Brescia University has come up with a cooking stove that will use rice husk as a source of cooking material without cutting down trees. He said that the first place for the experiment was at Nice rice milers which is the biggest rice haulers in Kirinyaga county, Luigi a fourth year student at University of Brescia said that the decision to take Mwea as a case study is because of it’s a rice growing area where the waste product(husk) is thrown away and wanted to show that it can be a source of fuel for many people in the area. The cooking stove he said is very cheap to make it as it requires bricks and cement only will go for 1,000/- at the market. Luigi said that the innovation is to reduce the use of firewood which is the main source of fuel in sub-Saharan countries, saying that the technology is a way of addressing the energy access challenge in low income countries. “This cooking stove can be found in the market soonest possible at only 1000/-,the reason is to address the energy challenges that is affecting sub-Saharan countries and low income countries” said Luigi. He cited that the three stone fires is still being used largely by many families posing a health challenge saying that the introduction of this cook stove will reduce the health impact that is caused by smoke and other impurities. Luigi also cited that use of husks will keep many from cutting down trees so as to get firewood as a source of energy. He said that bridging the gap with alternative to conventional fossils fuels is necessary to avoid wars over resources. Cyrus Njiru aka Mkombozi said that the stove has come to save Mwea people who saw rice husks as dirt, now they have practically seen that rice husk is fuel. “It takes hours to cook Githeri, when the food stuff is placed on the stove it took three hours to be ready” said Mkombozi the CEO of Nice rice millers. Ends.. 0723321326

KIRINYAGA COUNTY MINISTERS.

JANE MUGAMBI Kirinyaga County governor Joseph Ndathi unveiled his nine executive member committee. The nine hold masters degree in various portfolios. The eldest being Harry Mugo a 60 year old member who will be the minister for planning and the youngest being a Joyce Muriithi,27,who will be running the health docket. The governor insisted that the county has been rocked for a very long time with harvesting of trees in the forests where he directed the Environment minister Dr Joseph Muthike who holds a PHD in Environmental studies to make sure that the forest cover is back. “I am directing you to make sure that the forest cover that has disappeared from Kamweti and other forests that are in Mt.Kenya gets back” said Ndathi. HE said that getting back the forest cover, Kirinyaga is blessed with four rivers that come from the forest, water scarcity that has been witnessed lately will be of the past. Ndathi also told the environment minister that he should partner with the forest department to make sure that the environment is protected. The others are Ann Wambui Mwangi,33, who holds a masters degree in Planning and management and a degree holder in education, Murimi Murage,31, holds a masters degree in ,and also has a degree in law will run the trade docket, Reverend Magdalene Nduta will run the culture and social service docket, Stanley Gachungo, finance, Ephraim Wambu the agriculture docket and Peter Warui the transport docket. They all promised to work without fear or favour for the sake of Kirinyaga people. The governor told them that there is no time to waste since the wananchi are waiting to be served and that despite having no official offices, they will serve the residents from the temporarily offices that they are going to be allocated. “You are the servants of the people, there is no time to waste and the criticism that is there that we are not working should be erased from their minds when they get you in offices” added Ndathi. He urged them to work together with the members of the county assembly for a smoother running so as to achieve the goals. ends... 0723321326

NDATHI.

NDATHI. JANE MUGAMBI 19TH APRIL 2013. Kirinyaga County governor Joseph Ndathi has warned corrupt officers in the former county and municipal councils. Speaking after opening the County Assembly meeting, Ndathi said that there is an audit that is going to be made in Kagio/Sagana town council to see whether the money that was being collected from quarries reflects in the Natural resources account. “An audit is going to be done at Kagio/Sagana town council on where the council had given licenses to miners to see whether according to the depleted situation that I saw and the years the mining has been done whether the money [paid was being banked in the relevant account” said Ndathi. He however added that if there is no money reflecting then the relevant officers, be prepared to be sacked and face the law for abuse of office. Ndathi also went on to say that for now no one has been sacked but investigations are going to be done. He added that on disaster management, there is a policy that is going to be formulated to make sure that the hit areas of Ng’othi, Mwea, Riandira, Kwa-vii will never flood again. “We are going to have a policy where Kirinyaga people will not be displaced by floods by coming up with a policy of disaster management” added Ndathi He said that after visiting the flooded area, they have resolved to first drain away the water by making trenches that are going to drain water. Also on rice, he said that they are going to have a policy that will bar importation of Pakistan rice that is making Mwea farmers suffer. He said that the two or three individuals in Mwea who are enjoying the importation favour will soon be blocked so that Mwea rice (Basmati) can be sold at a very competitive price. Ends… 0723321326

INSECURITY MWEA.

INSECURITY MWEA. JANE MUGAMBI 25TH APRIL 2013. Residents of Kirinyaga south in Kirinyaga County are living in fear after the resurfacing of notorious criminals in the area. The souring security is as a result after three armed gang started terrorizing residents and cattle thieves changed tactics from stealing cattle to robbing and killing boda boda people. The most affected areas are Kiandegwa, Mutithi where a gang of three believed to be behind the shooting of a businessman two weeks ago are terrorizing residents and robbing them. On Saturday, the gang of three armed with an AK 47 raided an M-Pesa shop in Ngurubani town and stole over 100,000/- before proceeding to the village where they also robbed several business premises of unknown amount of money. Another gang believed to be behind the theft of cattle has now resurfaced and have turned to stealing and killing boda boda operators where they are dismantling the cycle before taking it to a ready market. On Sunday morning a family of a middle aged man believed to be a member of the gang had their house torched after wananchi did not get the suspected thief at home. The family suffered loss as they were not at home during the unexpected visit. The suspected thief was later spotted in Kagio town where wananchi tried to stop him but he ran away attracting a hot pursuit where they were able to corner him, he was killed and his accomplice was injured seriously but was taken to undisclosed hospital. The residents say that laxity in the police force has resulted to the increase in criminal activities where criminals are not being arrested despite their names being forwarded to the police. Contacted for comments, area police boss Apollo Onyonyi said rubbished the claims of laxity saying that the gang went into hiding after they learnt that police was looking for them. He said that the “new” crime of boda boda theft, they are following some leads which will lead to the arrest of the criminals urging residents to be patient as they are investigating the matter. Onyonyi however urged members of the public not to take law into their hands as the deceased could have given very vital information that could have lead to the arrest of his accomplices. “We are following the criminals closely, what we are being accused of laxity is not true as the criminals who have come back had gone into hiding. They strike and go into hiding, soon we are going to fish them out from their hide outs” said Onyonyi. ends..... 0723321326

KIRINYAGA-

KIRINYAGA- JANE WANGECHI Kirinyaga residents expect the governor and his team to improve the status of the markets that are in the county. The markets that are in deplorable condition has become a headache to traders and also consumers who say that the money allocated by Constituency development fund for rehabilitation of markets was mismanaged by the CDF committees becoming a headache for the county government. Alice Njeri a trader at Kagio market was quick to say that the situation gets out of hand mostly during the rainy season. She said that there has been very many promises that were put across by the then Kagio/Sagana town council where the market was supposed to have its floor have marrum spread. “What I am expecting as a trader is to have the floor of our market in Kagio be made better because when it rains the market becomes soggy, impassible and terrible. Our commodities like cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon go bad as no customers who agree to get in” she said. Another trader John Kamau, also blamed the council officers for collecting money, increasing rent rates and licences when the markets are in a pathetic condition. HE said that the county government should act fast to make sure that their goods do not get bad before they are sold as they are costly. On the other hand rice farmers were not left behind; their plight is to have the county government stablelise the rice prices despite the market being liberalized. Mary Njeri from Wamumu section said that for long National Irrigation board has been colluding with government officers in oppressing them by not doing their job but working under Mwea Rice Growers (MRGM). Njeri said that if the county government restructures the society, then rice prices will be better. “My only cry is that the county government restructures the ministry of Agriculture and that of cooperative for the benefit of farmers. We have been oppressed by the two ministries” Njeri added.

RICE MARKET JANE MUGAMBI 25/03/12 Rice farmers in the expansive Mwea rice irrigation scheme in Kirinyaga County are smiling all the way to the bank after the prices of their precious commodity shoot up with over 60%. Farmers are selling a 100 kilogram bag of unprocessed rice at 5,500 shillings up from 4,000 shillings last year December. A 100 kilogram of processed rice is now trading at 10,000 shillings following an intervention by National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). The government owned NCPB has started purchasing the commodity after farmers urged the government to intervene and rescue them from unscrupulous business men who were buying their produce at a throw away prices. The government through ministry of finance has also banned importation of cheap rice from Pakistan a move which has stabilized the prices in the area. NCPB has taken over former National Irrigation Board warehouses which there are buying the produce from the farmers. In December unscrupulous business men were blending the imported rice with local aromatic bishori which they later sold at very low prices polarizing the market. Also some business people bought the commodity from the farmers and hoarded it in order to cash in during the rainy seasons where prices shoot up with over 100%. A farmer Gibson Karanja termed the current prices as encouraging pointing out that the prices may shoot up. HE also said that this will be for the first time since rice prices were polarized in the 90's. "I am very happy to know that the price of Mwea rice better known as Bishori is going up compared to the 90's when the farmers were robbed off their money by Sacco's and several individuals"said Karanja. Mwea multipurpose society chairman Pius Njogu said that he’s pleased by turnaround saying that farmers would have something to smile about. Ends…………………………………………………………………… 0723321326

LEADERS ELECTED.

LEADERS ELECTED. JANE MUGAMBI 6TH MARCH 2013. Songs and dance marked the final tilling of Kirinyaga governor, senatorial and women representative seats after the returning officers declared TNA candidates as the winners. Supporters of the various candidates braved the scorching sun for hours as they wait for returning officers to declare the final results. The process was slow and tire ling but the candidates and their supporters remained glued to their seats waiting the results to be announced. And at around 5.30pm Kirinyaga County returning officer Paul Munene announced the results 48 hours after voters casted their votes. Former director of administration in the ministry foreign affair Joseph Ndathi was declared the new Kirinyaga governor beating four other candidates. Ndathi TNA candidate won the seat with landslide after gunning 148,226 votes with closest rival Bedan Kagai of GNU bagging only 65070 votes. Others who also contested the seat are James Kibicho of Narc-Kenya who polled 10,325 votes, Nyaga Munyambu of DP got 6435 and John Kiragu of Agano party bagging 7135 votes. Former Kirinyaga central MP Daniel Karaba emerged the winner after polling 215,977 votes to emerge the clear winner. Karaba also of TNA give four other candidates a run for their money to win the seat with landslide. Dickson Kirima polled 11,199 votes to finish second; James Karubiu polled 5628 while Julius Wanjohi gunned 4438 votes. On county women representative seat Winnie Karimi of TNA polled 160,000 votes to emerge the winner. Beth Ngunyi of mazingira green party became second after gunning 48,279 votes. Ends………… 0723321326

A MAN WHO MURDERED HIS COUSIN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS IN JAIL BY A KERUGOYA COURT.

A MAN WHO MURDERED HIS COUSIN SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS IN JAIL BY A KERUGOYA COURT. JANE MUGAMBI 13TH MARCH 2013. A 22 year old man who murdered his cousin because of three eggs has been sentenced to seven years in Jail by a Kerugoya court. Bernard Ngaire was accused that on 20th February last month at Kiangwaci market, he accidentally stabbed his cousin Simon Mwangi with a kitchen knife where he later died while undergoing treatment after a quarrel. Senior Principal Magistrate Teresiah Ngugi said that with the evidence that was given by their cousin who was with the deceased Stephen Kinyua where he had gone to sell his three eggs, said that it was evident that the accused had always had a grudge with the decease. “It is very clear that with the evidence given by your cousin Kinyua, it seems that you(Ngaire) always picked a quarrel but the deceased was always very polite and used to walk away. What were you doing with a knife?”Said the magistrate. The deceased died while undergoing treatment at Karatina general hospital where he was rushed by police after he collapsed at the police station where he had gone to place a formal complain against his cousin. He was taken to Kerugoya G.K prison awaiting to be transferred to King’ong’o prison. Ends….. 0723321326

COUNTY HEADQUARTERS WAR.

COUNTY HEADQUARTERS WAR. JANE MUGAMBI 13TH MARCH 2013. There is a tough of war on where the governor and his team will have their offices. A section of leaders have come out strongly opposing the governor's office to be in Kerugoya and instead to be in Kutus. During the meetings that have been held, retired Archbishop David Gitari,finance minister Njeru Githae among other leaders has been very vocal saying that the county headquarters be at Kutus since it is a central place. On the other hand former Gichugu MP Martha Karua,has differed with them over the decision citing that the government does not have resources to put up new buildings and also the proposed town does not have land where there could be offices. Out of the decision, the county commission has decided to hold the swearing in ceremony at Kutus town. The swearing in will take place at Kutus primary school where the procession will start from Kirinyaga University college grounds where he called upon all Kirinyaga residents to attend the ceremony so as to hear what their elected leaders plan to do for the county. He said that from the deliberations, the governor and his team will occupy Kirinyaga county council and part of the District's offices that are on second floor saying that the occupants have always been evacuated and moved to other offices and renovation has started. “From the outcome of the deliberations, we have decided the governor and his team will occupy the County council offices while other will be at the District officer’s office on the second floor” said Keter. He said that renovation has already started and that by the time they are sworn in, the offices will be ready and they can start working in. Ends.. 0723321326

HEALTH

ready for comments from colleagues. HEALTH. Thousands of Kenyans suffering from various diseases are seeking treatment in India’s best hospitals for cure. The patients who are suffering from Kidney failure and cancer have decided to spend large sums of money to see that they get their health back. Apollo Hospital, Medanta and Indians spinal Injuries in New Delhi are the best hospitals in India where Kenyans and other people from the world bring their loved ones for treatment after the service lack in their own country. At the Apollo’s hospital December alone, out of the 70 kidney transplants that were done in the month of December,60 patients were Kenyans stating that the senior surgeon Doctor Vijaya Rajikumari the best renal surgeon performed surgeries to them giving them hope to see another day. In an exclusive interview Dr. Vijaya better known as Viji said that that was her busiest month citing that she would carry out 5 transplants a day 24/7. “Ever I started working in the hospital, the month of December has been one of my busiest months having done over 60 kidney transplants to Kenyans alone posing a very big question and also worrying” said Dr. Vijaya. Dr. Viji said that she is very much ready if the Indian and Kenyans government can have an exchange programme to atleast hold some sessions to teach Kenyan doctors who she said need to be equipped with the evolving technology in medicine and other fields when it comes to treating patients. “It is very costly to get treatment in India and I have seen how relatives who have kidney patients since it is my line of duty struggle even to make sure that they are able to get the expensive medicine from India and if given a chance and the two governments invites us as experts to give some lessons, I will be very happy because the cost will be cut and Kenyans will be able to get treatment at home” She added. She said that the cheapest transplant goes for 10,000 lurks bringing the figures to be close to 2 million Kenyans shillings being for medication without for maintenance and buying of medicines which goes for close to 500,000/- Kenyans shillings. In the month of January she did about 40 transplants bringing the number down citing that she is ready to give patients another smile after a long struggle with dialysis and other infections. Dan Seth,38, a primary school teacher in Rift valley could not believe his eyes when he saw a container full of urine that was his was being emptied after close to three years being on dialysis where he would spend close to five hours as the dialyising machine removed waste from his body as it was toxic to him. HE said that though the operation is expensive, it was worth as he is now back on track without going for dialysis which was time consuming and also needed a lot of resources for one to be “clean”. “I cannot say I have used a lot of money for the transplant compared that I will never go to the hospital to be dialysed. Now it’s about being a “new” creature to the old as I can now remove the waste product that was being removed by machines” said Dan. Joseph Kimiiri,45, shifted from Bombay in Mumbai to New Delhi after doctors told him that he had to stay another one year with a stomach dialyser. When he went to Apollo hospital, he had to be on Dr.Vijaya’s observation after he got an infection which postponed his transplant severally but after it was contained, he was transplanted on 17th January after a four months stay in India. “I cannot regret as to why I had to stay for such long in India because after the six months stay three in Mumbai and three in New Delhi, I got hope in New Delhi where the doctor had to fight the infection that I had very serious to ensure that the purpose that had taken me there many miles away from home had been accomplished” said Kimiiri. The youngest was Millicent Njeri 23, who had been on dialysis for close to three years at last she had her transplant on 17th of January a day that will never be erased easily from her mind. Having been in and out of hospital for various infections which doctors from Kenyatta to Nairobi west hospital could not identify, she is now at rest after the transplant. Their message to other Kenyans suffering from various ailments that is life threatening is to take a bold step and seek assistance for treatment. “I am urging any Kenyan suffering because having been born urinating then all over sudden there is no excretion, it is very disturbing. Let Kenyans not fear to seek for assistance as this is the only way to restore their hope in living” said Vincent Kamau. ends... 0723321326