COUNTY PRESS NEWSPAPER by countypresskenya

DECEMBER, 2019

COUNTY PRESS

Maasai youth turn to polygamy

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A section of young Maasai men in Kajiado County are seemingly embracing the community polygamous way of life to curb extramarital affairs despite economic hardship. STORY PAGE 14 Amos Kayiok Mpote with his three wives.

RELAYING FRESH NEWS FROM

ISSUE NO. 101

KAJIADO & NAROK COUNTIES

MARCH, 2020

BBI: Maa want 25% vote rule at wards STORY PAGE 5

KSHS. 60.00 / TSH.1080

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku handing over BBI proposals by the Maa Nation to ODM leader Raila Odinga and BBI taskforce member Maison Leshoomo. Photo/Ben Leshau

NAROK MOST IMPROVED PAGE 27 SCHOOLS IN 2019 KCSE

See exclusive BBI coverage on pages 10, 11, 12 & 25

1,200 title deeds to end Trans Mara land BACK PAGE tussles

How Lenku turned tables on rivals to become Maa BBI pointman PAGE 10

Deliver or lose in 2022, Nkedianye tells Lenku Former Kajiado Governor Dr David Nkedianye calls on Governor Joseph ole Lenku to use allocated resources to transform the County. Nkedianye says that

the County Government is now receiving more than double budget of what he used to receive when he was the governor, funds which should be put in good use for development projects. PAGE 24

Narok Lancaster hero speaks

Mzee Ole Lemein is one of Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first nationalists, who started his education in 1938. He studied together with Justus ole Tipis, Stanley Oloitipitip, William ole Ntimama, John Keen among other Maasai prominent leaders. He has been decorated with tens of medals in Kenya and beyond.

PAGE 19

Kajiado risks losing donor funds in town PAGE 3 facelifts

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

Demolition looms to reclaim encroached road reserves By Our Reporter

Farmers try to scare away desert locusts that invaded Kajiado Central subcounty. Inset: A farmer displays a handful of desert locusts. Photo/Abdi Hussein

Locusts subdued in Kajiado By Obegi Malack Desert locusts that had invaded Kajiado County on February this year threatening food security have been subdued. County Executive Member in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jackline Koin said the mitigation measures employed by the County prior to the anticipated locust invasion were key in averting wanton destruction of crops and vegetation in the affected areas. She said the desert locusts which were mature and at egg laying phase have since migrated to unknown areas outside the County. The locust invasion had caused panic among famers and herders in the county. They had invaded when the farmers were expecting a plentiful harvest and herders enjoying plenty of pasture after long rains. “County officers on the ground will maintain close vigilance on the affected areas to see if the nymphs will reemerge for ground spraying to be effected, “ Koin said. Less than 5% of vegetation cover in the affected areas was destroyed by the locusts. The swarms were mostly feeding on indigenous trees. County Treasury had procured and dispatched to the affected areas, immediate mitigation equipment including 15 motorized sprayers, 30 knapsack sprayers and 300 litres of pesticides. These were used for ground mitigation efforts prior to aerial spraying by the State Department of Agriculture. Members of the public were urged

Ka jiad o

A major demolition looms in all Kajiado County towns to reclaim encroached road reserves. Over the years Kajiado urban centres have become epicentres of encroachment of road reserves, resulting in daily traffic jam to the chagrin of local residents and motorists. The menace is not restricted to major roads only, but also to feeder roads making these towns’ traffic management chaotic. However, the County Government of Kajiado is putting stringent measures to reclaim the encroached road reserves by individuals and institutions. The county Ministry of Roads, Public Works and Transport is moving in earnest to identify encroached road reserves to reclaim them. Addressing the press recently, the chief officer Engineer Lekina Tutui said massive encroachment in several satellite towns has been a major

challenge towards road expansion. He said the department was liaising with relevant both county and National government departments to map up the encroached road reserves guided by the law to guide demolitions. “The mess in our major towns is out of non-planned urban centres. Most these problems are as a result of land owners subdividing their land into plots without proper planning,” he added. Some landlords are said to have set up illegal septic tanks by road reserves. The trend is said to be common in populous Ong’ata Rongai and Kitengela towns. A spot check indicated some individuals has erected perimeter walls on road reserves with others extending their borderline to road reserves blocking most feeder roads. Most affected are rural areas roads with some cutting off villages. Some roads that require urgent action fall under Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra).

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to report any new sightings to the local administration for further action as the County Government continues with surveillance and movement of the swarms. The desert locusts’ invasion was first reported on 7th February 2020 in Dalalekutuk and Matapato North Ward with one swarm originating from Oloibelbel splitting into three swarms that flew to Pilewa, Oloomunyi and Malilima areas. The other medium sized swarms were reported in Lele, Bissil,Meto and Ilmarba areas. Kajiado County has been selected among other counties that will benefit from a USAID capacity building program on pest management. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock has proposed to have pest control equipments as well as community sensitization exercises on the same. Youth from different Wards will also be recruited and trained on pest management.

Kajiado County Agriculuture Chief Officer, Moses Murunya display a desert locust,Looking on Agriculture CEC Jackline Koin. Photo Abdi Hussein

Demolition of billboards in Kitengela in 2014. The county Government has announced a fresh round of demolitions on structures that have encroached on road reserves. File photo

Rheumatoid arthritis patient in aid appeal By Obegi Malack A woman suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis is calling for well-wishers to support her to get treatment. Pauline Wanjiru from Kware Nkaimurunya Ward has been living with the disease for 14 years.The ailment has affected her joints and she moves with difficulties and cannot work. She had visited Kenyatta National Hospital where she was directed to St Marys Kikuyu who sent her to Rongai Orthopedic Medical Service. She was tested in the hospital and pronounced to suffer from the disease on April 2017. The hospital indicated that she needed urgent operation which was to cost her Sh400,000, the surgery was scheduled on June 2017. She was also given medication which she finished, but has no money to purchase more. Wanjiru who has seven children she depends on well-wishers for food and rent payment.The woman lives in Kware slum. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and

Pauline Wanjiru blood vessels. It affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. For assistance Contact her on 0787310762.

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

Donor billions set to be lost as Kajiado Municipalities remain dysfunctional By Obegi Malack Ngong and Kajiado Municipalities are not yet fully functional after release of a charter two years ago. Most of their functions detailed in the charter are still performed by different departments of County Government of Kajiado. Chartered and gazetted functions of the Municipalities alongside their resources and personnel are yet to be transferred to the two entities. According to Urban Areas and Cities Act 2011 sub section 21 (1) Municipalities should function independently from the County Government. Professionals fear the two municipalities will miss future funding from international and local bodies if they are not allowed to start operating independently. The two municipal managers Parsimei Gitau (Kajiado) and David Kuntai Kobaai (Ngong) say they have made some steps in ensuring they do not miss funding, but there are challenges. They have been able to have boards in place. According to the charter all powers of the Municipality are vested in the Boards. In 2018/19 financial year, World Bank allocated the municipalities Sh215 million for Ngong and Sh 50 million for Kajiado which they used for tarmacking several roads in their jurisdictions. Ngong Milele Mall road to Florida tarmacking cost Sh 51 million, Olkeri Kiserian Primary road was done at Sh 53 million, Rongai Kobil road Sh 69.9 million and Kajiado KCB road at Sh 50 million.. County government was supposed to transfer staff from different departments to work under the municipalities in implementing its roles. They have only received few staff who are yet to be vetted. They managers want the county government to speed up the transfer of staff to prevent challenges that may delay funding from bodies such as World Bank, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Kenya Urban Support Programmes (KUSP), the European Union, JICA, USAID, UKAID, the UN funding among others. During BBI forum in Kajiado North, Persimei said the urban centres problems should be solved by the municipalities if they are fully functional. “Empowerment will see the municipalities get allocations from international bodies, this will reduce amount of money sent to the municipality ward from county government and the allocations will be used in other works not served by municipality,” he stated. Opinion leaders who attended the BBI said they are yet to witness municipalities’ roles. They claimed the county government has failed to let the municipalities function fully in implementing their roles. In an interview with County Press ,chairperson of the Ngong municipality Patrick Mugo, who is a retired architect, detailed that the department of Lands and Physical Planning has failed in ensuring there is transfer of the roles. “It is taking too long even after the go-ahead from Governor Joseph ole Lenku,” he added.

Ngong Municipality Manager, Mr David Kuntai Kobaai.

Kajiado Municipality Manager, Mr Parsimei Gitau. "There is resistance from the county, it is not the governor but his generals, they do not understand the roles of the municipalities. We had a meeting with governor and he gave a go-ahead for the department to ensure the municipality is full functional but we are yet to witness anything,” he explained. “Most of the board members use their money to carry out municipality duties. I am working on a strategic plan but I have never received any funding.The only people who are in county government payroll are the two managers, other officials are supposed to be paid allowances when they hold meetings,” he said. The World Bank had also given Sh40 million for Urban Integrated Grant (UIG) for training and empowering people about the municipalities but Kajiado county has not used it, he said. “They have failed to put in place structures on how the money should be put to use and I fear the money will be taken back as before. ” he lamented. Money for the projects from World Bank was managed by the county government, he said, adding, the county has the accounts which should be run by the municipality. The county used its procurement and engineers to monitor the tarmacking of roads, he said. The chairperson said in UN Habitat international conference they did not send any member because they had no funding. “We had drafted a budget but it was not passed, they only passed salary for officials,” he said. He however, noted that Kisumu County has successfully transferred roles to municipality which receives billions of shilling every year from donors. Nkaimurunya Ward representative James Waisha said the municipalities should be made fully functional. County Executive Committe Member (CECM) in charge of Lands and Physical Planning, Mr Hamilton Ole Parseina said the municipalities are under the county government. He said he charter was published and the manager and board perform their functions. In May last year MCAs led by Mwathi Pere questioned why residents are not updated on what is going on the Municipalities. He said World Bank money donated could be returned if not spent. Governor Lenku echoed the MCAs’ sentiments on challenges facing municipalities saying the problem is not the boards or managers but the county government department Lands and Physical Planning. “The problem is the county department concerned, I am directing the CECM Parseina to ensure that the municipality has been allocated their budget and staff, so that we do a

From right to left: MCAs James Waisha, Washuka Mathenge, Violet Wahinya, Robert Sungura and Ngong Municipality manager David Kobaai during Madaraka Day celebrations in Ngong. Photo/Obegi Malack transfer of mandate that will happen in the next three months. By August there will be a vibrant municipality,” Lenku said. The charter was to be effective on 14th January 2018. Some of the functions of Board of the Municipality is to derive its revenue and funds from monies allocated by the County Assembly for the purposes of the management and service delivery. The charter details that the board should be given role of employing its own staff. Accord ing to the charter in Section 3.2.1; Board of the

Municipality may subject to the approval by the County Public Service Board, employ officers and employees as it deems necessary to execute the powers and duties provided by this Charter or other any other law. The board is mandated to promote and undertaking infrastructural development and services within municipality and any other functions as may be delegated by the County Executive Committee.

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COUNTY PRESS

MARCH 2020

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Rooting Democracy in Kenya through Informed Citizenry educated on different articles of the constitution including the bill of rights. The FODDAJ 10 civic educators and in collaboration with local theatre groups such as Full House Arts and Osupuko Drama and Arts groups different grassroots groups were educated and informed on public civic actions designed to ensure that all citizen groups voices are heard .The constitution details that the groups ; shall participate and are represented in governance and other spheres of life; are provided equal opportunities in educational and economic fields; are provided special opportunities for access to employment; health education, develop their cultural values, languagOsupuko Drama and Arts group performing at a public es and practices; and have reasonable access to water, health services and event in Ewuaso Kedong. infrastructure. On matters of Persons with disBy Obegi Malack abilities the constitution details that ; A person with any disability is enForum for Women in Developtitled; to be treated with dignity and rement, Democracy and Justice held spect and to be addressed and referred public education forums Kajiado to in a manner that is not demeaning; West, Kajiado Central and Kajiado to access educational institutions and North Sub Counties to educate local facilities for persons with disabilities residents of the county on their Conthat are integrated into society to the stitutional rights to access economic extent compatible with the interests opportunities, better living conditions and improved service delivery from Full House Arts group of the person; to reasonable access to the local government. Citizens were performing in Nkaimurunya all places, public transport and infor-

Ward.

Civic educator in Magadi Ward. mation; to use Sign language, Braille cation and training; have opportunior other appropriate means of com- ties to associate, be represented and munication; and to access materials participate in political, social, ecoand devices to overcome constraints nomic and other spheres of life; acarising from the person’s disability. cess employment; and are protected The State shall ensure the progressive from harmful cultural practices and implementation of the principle that at exploitation. Through funding from URAIA least five percent of the members of the public in elective and appointive TRUST FODDAJ is carrying out the program “Rooting Democracy in bodies are persons with disabilities. Youths were also taken through Kenya through informed citizenry” in constitution Article 55 , that details Kajiado County Bill of Rights , The State shall take measures, includ- Forum for Women in Develoment, ing affirmative action proDemocracy and Justice grammes, to ensure that the P.O. Box 1039-00208, youth--access relevant eduNgong Hills, Kajiado.

Phone: 020-8890271, 0705486778

Lenku had not been seeing eye to eye with Speaker Osoi over control of the assembly. At some point the Governor sought to have him impeached

Lenku, Osoi finally get into truce By Abdi Hussein Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku and the Assembly Speaker, Johnson Osoi have finally buried the hatchet, heralding an end to long standing divisions among MCAs and handing a political life to the speaker. The speaker is seemingly out of the woods and his ouster drumbeats are falling silent. The warring factions have forged a unity. In the last one year, divisive politics had taken toll of the assembly splitting the MCAs down the middle, with one faction, allied to Governor Lenku and the other supporting the assembly second term speaker. The MCAs, drawn from both Jubilee and the Opposition had accused Mr Osoi of abuse office in running the County Assembly. With majority-30MCAs allied to Governor Lenku, a conspiracy to oust the speaker had been hatched in huff late last year and an impeach-

tives,” said Moipaai. The same sentiments were echoed by several MCAs lead by Ngaimuruing them to join the band- nya MCA James Waichanguru. wagon. However, Francis KaeMCAs earlier allied to the speaker has vowed sha, Oloosirkon/Sholinke to unite with their major- MCA said the new found ity colleagues to offer non MCAs unity will remain partisan oversight role to lukewarm that may not the executive.They heaped stand the test of time. Mr Kaesha said the repraises to governor Lenku development records espe- cent county assembly crisis was a well calculated to sicially in education sector. Majority leader Julius lence some independent voMoipaai said time for syco- cal individuals. Meanwhile, Governor phancy politics are over and urged his Joseph Lenku chided politicians playing cheap poliLenku, Os tics with development oi in bitte projects and lauded the MCAs ar e divided r r ivalry into two fac allied to Go tions vernor Le MCAs for their current led by MP nku and the , one s Tobiko an other to ouster Sp d eaker Osoi Memusi in push unity. to Kajiado speaker Johnson Osoi is said to have been on an official tour abroad for a couple Governor Joseph of weeks with his handlers ole Lenku, maintaining he has mended fences with Governor Lenshove, elders’ interven- tions. ku. tion leading to a truce. E w u a s o Political pundits deThe new found unity among Oonkidong’i MCA Justus colleagues scribe speaker Osoi as a the MCAs was demonstrat- Kilesi Ole Ngossor-chair- not to be driven by partisan proverbial cat with nine ed in a recent public event man education assembly politics. life’s.Is it speaker Osoi has to disburse bursary to needy committee-jokingly told the “We welcome our col- mastered the ‘survival’ polstudents in Kajiado. meeting how their general- leagues who have seen the itics or were the accusations The governor arrived speaker Osoi-had left them light.our assembly biggest earlier leveled against him flanked by a troop of MCAs in battle field to dine with role is to support governor flimsy and politically instifrom the previous two fac- their perceived enemy forc- Lenku development initia- gated? Only time will tell. SEPTEM

BER, 201 9

WIDENING

CRACKS

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Speaker Johnson Osoi ment motion notice was moved by majority leader Julius Moipaai before the assembly went for recess. Some changes were pushed in the assembly with Osoi’s foot soldiers becoming casualties. However, after months of push and

post in 201 7 but he was his ally Len ditched by ku few days tion of Oso to nominai. Speaking in Ong’ata at Kware AIC chur ch Rongai rece nor Lenku ntly Gover(Purko, ODM slammed the ), opposed few MCAs Dickson (Matapato to North, ODMNkaloyo them prop his leadership calli Matuyia ng hets of doo ), Paul (Kitenģela,O m. “Our coun DM), Sam uel Teum ty assembl (Ildamat, y leaderWiper), Josh - ship is on the Oluwuasa course. Onl ua MC (Kaputei As out of y nine North,Wiper Amos Pesh 41 who ), noises, ut ( Imaroro we have maj are making , Wiper). However, ority line the Ass ODM Sholinke embly lead to stream MCA Fran Oloosirkon/ our ership as party poli cis Kaesha the ongoing per cies said live wrangles r to our peop to be able to dewill derail velopment le,” deand said Lenku. The sam their political the two leaders test e sentime supremacy. echoed by Kajiado Nor nts were “I will not be seph th swa MP Man yed any unjust Joto support je calling course for on MCAs Johnson money. I have solve their diffe refused to to rences in join Osoi, Ka somber Kaesha, lead Lenku camp,” said manner and ensu County jia re they er of minority Assembly do block the do not exec party. The revolt Speake Kajiado peop utive from serving against r. er was le. also fuelled the SpeakOso formation by the his i came out of an ad to defend hoc commit- self saying it is tee to coll not the man himect date of Water harv views on the Rain Speaker to elect maj By Abdi esting Bill ority or min ity leader Hussein Ngogoyo orin the floo by MCA as he by-p r of the hou He assed the se. ter and Wa- a part said the wrangles Environmen county coun are purely y mat tee t ter. com chaired by Supremacy cil chairma Nkaimuruny mit- working with He also denied to Ole Kores, n Tarayia Jam Kajiado Cou battle is brewing es who a opp MC Wai ter might also osition sayi be A is enjo changuru, in for gub against his nty Assemb be going a Lenku ally. ng he ying health ernatorial removal. Governor The two tied by 15 Both seat, but curr rela Joseph Len ly pitting in supp tion Governor camps are lists othe ship with members. ently nam ort of the Speaker John ku against Lenku. r thro at each Some MC group trav es appeared son Osoi As as clan ats a move seen by “It ersing in a political the county prom contest that in both lists critics opp is not true am wor ’s political say some ising elec . Critics may sway a hurrican king with MCAs are contest osition to torates completely the waves 2022 succ e political not decided they were undermine of 2022. ession poli change poli that may leadersh wind com but scap Lenku ip. A spea tical land e external being swayed by face e in Kajiado. It is no long tics. ker is not - tician less forces. er at ease a polias per say The Tob County Ass Incase spea in the ikoand Mem embly with The 202 agen started diffe ker Osoi 2 political usi camp soft targets da is non-issu ed. Daniel vided into is oustring with have been bevy ladi e to me,” two factions MCAs di- Lenku Kanchole, es serving Governor a might he said. Fireworks over the Tata Lenku’s . Each side said to be as honorab be are nominated push is gadi le Kanchol the preferred succ PA floor of the coun expected in the MCAs to Ltd stalemat Chemicals Ma‘master’ with ing the agenda of essor. the votes. e had show ty assembl sway the e its Gov intense lobb assembly n interest ernment whe with the County ing centre ying takassumes sittin y when for the re they stage. The this month. ported the gs early multination have sup- put thei Speaker ruled Jubi The high lee to al. r house in voltage poli The team perienced order in the tics exhas been ty assembl has indeed counon Lenku’s y. exposed the throat accusing his widening BROOKHIL cracks of In a rejo administratio of misappro L Jubilee part EDU inde the county n r CAT pria the embattle majority lead y in ION CEN tion of pub desp Magadi Road d TRE er has sinc lic recontinuously ite the party officials sources and poor Next to Lais his e dism opp performance issed onents sayi assuring developm Ongata Ron er Hill Academy all is well on start electorates ent projects gai Nairobi-K . ers and not ng there are non. enya They have +254 722 Since ince has been defe happy on how COURSE 642 500 been push DCI to inve ption of he S OFFERE +254 720 ing the nding the unit in 201 devolved 173 832 stigate the D county gov ernment on 3, the part IGCSE: O’ county boss and his adm the floor of y has been Level & A’ joying maj inistration the house. Level en- tion ority supp A second on corrupKCSE: Re-si allegations. ort in both term Jubi tional and t & Private intimated Nalee County asse MCA Candidate to County In August, mblies. s Computer Lenku, Sen Press that the MCAs war witnesse Packages have reso the ator Phil seemed to d in county and Wom Language involves a assemblies an Represe ip Mpeyai Majority undingly rejected lot of und Jubilee Arabic s: English, French, ntative Jane Teiya wer Leader Juliu erground Spanish, paigns e are also t moval camelected on engineered s Moipai’s re- peop and handouts to by bilee ticket. Ju- MC faceless le to influ As with alleg by Jubilee rebel ence MC Osoi, imm war As. ed is back “The not abou Speaker. ediate Cou ing of the DEGREE C semblies nty AsOURSE A vice delivery t wanjiku and serForu VAILABLE Later, the but two lead removal from m (CAF) chair face Bachelor Lenku ing their ers flexs threw of Science office over financials in IT (BscI the Assemb allied MCAs mus ported dall his purand political T) ianc cles.” ly business Bachelor disarray of the Governo e with opponents in after they tion (BBA business administr of Although r walked out ) asome Jubi drafted him who have allegedly of the chambers MC in lee As as their sena prot rebe walked out led by Nom Bachelor est. They l choice in of education shouting inated MC Onesmus the 2022 elec torial seat of wor (Bed) Ngogoyo, A ms that has opening a can (Ew tions. Bachelor Justus Ngo He is said in Islamic become the uaso Inki ssor sembly. Studies (BAIS) to be supp don Kajiado East Asg), Moses Sao orting (Keekonyok MP Peris NAIROBI yo ie) C 58 Jubilee Chie COUNTY Tobiko line up consistin Masters in KAJIADO mia (Oloolua and Njogu Kim COUNTY f Whip - Njogu g of rabb e(MAIS) Islamic Studies ), joined the Martin le rouser jiado Cen Kimemia, camp, at KaSpeaker’s tral Ololua war Lenku’s arch MP Elijah Memusi, MCA notified Spe d in turn least seven NASA aker on a MCAs joined the critic, form to remove letter tor Peter Lenku brig Moipai but er SenaMositet as The NAS ade. minutes later embattled 23 min well as form A MC maj As, who ority lead joined the er the spea NAIROBI have er notified Governo COUNTY ker LUCERNA

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COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

Maa leaders want 25pc votes rule for slots By Obegi Malack Maa leaders want Maa counties and constituencies to be protected in the constitution both in elective representation and self-determination. In proposals they presented to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the leaders proposed that in the elective county level seats (Governor, Senate, Woman Rep), a successful candidate running for such positions must garner at least a minimum of 25 per cent of all cast votes in more than half of all the electoral wards in the respective counties. Led by Governor Joseph ole Lenku, who chairs the BBI South Rift, the elected leaders rejected the establishment of the regional (ThirdTier) government, and strongly support retaining of the current 47 counties. They expressed their supports for a parliamentary system of government with an executive Prime Minister and two deputies, in proposal they presented to the BBI Taskforce in William Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok. “Allocation of resources should be based on geographical parameters; status of development and historical marginalization, One Shilling-One Kilometer formula should be used.” They also proposed that the Commission on Historical Land Injustices and Contested Communal Land Claims to be established to implement the Ndungu Land, Njonjo and TJRC commissions reports with a 10 to 15 years window. They want an allocation of at least Sh 200 billion to their counties every five years as compensation of injustices meted out their communities. They also want all the Mau land, all Laikipia white settlers, ADC and other contested lands reverted to the Maa Nation as well as Magadi Soda 222,778 acres of concessional

land returned to the community and Implementation of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce Report on the Maasai Mau Forest. Other communal land that they want given back to Maa includes Kedong land and Oldonyo Ng’iro Trust land in Isiolo. Government should also adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), they said. “The State should establish a special fund kitty to compensate vic- Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga hands over Maa proposals to BBI taskforce during the Narok tims of para-military rally. Photo GPS operations and facilitate complete removal of landmines 100 Constitution 2010,” stated their jobs for other communities who Kipsigis leaders failed to attend and other military ordinances, including compensation memorandum containing recom- are not indigenous of certain coun- the rally after Emurua Dikirr MP mendations on the issues under con- ties as well as executive positions to Johana Ng’eno and Narok Deputy for the livestock killed in Laikipia.” They also recommended Suguta sideration by the building bridges be shared by all communities. They Governor Evalyn Aruasa walked out Valley and its environs in Samburu initiative presented by the Maa Na- also proposed for official languages of the meeting over discrimination. to be used during public and official “Speakers expressed issues in north to be declared as a security tion leaders. It appears that proposals by lead- meetings. Maasai language which left nondisturbed area and all the IDPs be Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina speaking residents out of the whole resettled and the government should ers from cosmopolitan areas such as also strengthen community role in Kajiado North were not included in reportedly said Manje cannot articu- issue meant to unite the county,” said security promotion initiatives in- the report they submitted to the BBI late Maa issues in BBI and is only Ngeno Maa leaders that can do that, insistFormer Prime Minister Raila cluding legal arms licensing and the taskforce. In a meeting held at Smith hotel ing that the Narok BBI rally was to Odinga said he had a meeting with National Police reservists (NPR) apin Ongata Rongai, Kajiado North address land use policy and other is- President Uhuru Kenyatta and he proach. “That all Maa and in particu- residents had proposed inclusivity sues affecting the Maasais, who he had assured him that land issues will lar the Ilchamus and those resident in all the 47 county governments. said has been harassed and terrorized be solved citing the Kitet commuin other counties including Isiolo, Led by MP Joseph Manje, they had by non-locals who want to take over nity land. Odinga told off critics derailMarsabit, Taita taveta, Laikipia, proposed change of laws to demand their political leadership. National Kwale, Nairobi, Machakos and Na- those seeking gubernatorial posi- Cohesion and Integration Commis- ing the BBI initiative he said every kuru should have special nomina- tions to have their running mate sion had condemned Ledama’s re- leader will be given an opportunity marks, who was later questioned by to give his/her proposals. tive and appointive positions in both from other tribes. They also demanded increase the DCI and has a date with court in national and county governments in tandem with aspirations of Article from 30 per cent to 40 per cent of March.

Dalalekutuk MCA under fire from youth By Our Reporter

Dalalekutuk Ward in Kajiado Central has exploded into vicious political infighting that is now seen as the beginning of a rebellion against area MCA Ntaati Lesere. Ntaati has lost a significant segment of his 2017 backers who incidentally are made of senior staff of the County Government and who have over the years backed him. The politician, one of the greatest allies of Governor Joseph ole Lenku, is one of the most influential MCAs in Kajiado due to his long standing friendship with the Governor who strongly supported him against the ODM candidate, John Loisa, in 2017 and former Governor David Ole Nkedianye who had vowed to remove him as MCA. Ntaati’s new troubles in Dalalekutuk are a result of bitter fallout with the County Government employees after he allegedly attempted to sack a senior officer at the County Roads Department. The County staff was acrimoniously transferred to the nondescript Department. Efforts to have him sacked failed but the County Secretary, Samuel Seki, who also comes from Dalalekutuk,

wrote his transfer letter. But when reached for comment, the County Secretary dismissed the allegations and warned staff against channeling official matters through the media stating that there were clearly spelt out procedures of han-

Government structures. “If there is a staff who feels they were mistreated or discriminated against in interviews, promotion or deployment, they know how to go about airing their complaints. As the head of Public Service in the County, I will not tolerate official matters matters being handled through the media” warned Seki. Interestingly, the embattled MCA and the County staff come from the same Ilatayiok sub-section of the larger Oroo-Kiteng section. “We cannot understand why the MCA wants to finish his own son. They are from the same house and we have not heard of anything to warrant the sacking of the officer” said a county staff from the ward. Efforts to reach Ntaati to shed light on the comments were unsuccessful as he was not responding to his calls nor responding to messages. The rebellion against Ntaati has mutated into an opposing camp that is trading as VuguVuMCA James Lesere - Dalale- gu, which is composed of ambitious youth keen to dethrone him kutuk from power in 2022. The outfit is coalescing around a group of dling grievances within the County County employees and several

other youth activists. VuguVugu fallout with Ntaati started during the succession of the County Public Service Board where board member Joseph Nailole was retiring. The nascent movement wanted him replaced by a county staff from his Ilmolelian kinsman who had expressed interest and applied for the position. It is said the MCA used his closeness to top barons at the County Government to ensure that he was not even shortlisted despite being fully qualified. In what was also seen as Ntaati’s mission to vanquish his constituents, he joined forces at the County Assembly that had plotted to remove Speaker Johnson Osoi from office last year. The move by Ntaati not to defend Osoi, his own voter, who is from the Ilukumae clan, caught many Dalalekutuk residents by surprise as they expected him to stand with his beleaguered voter. “We were shocked. We kept asking why our MCA was not defending the Speaker yet they are village mates. That was a big political mistake,” another Vugu Vugu member confided in Coun-

ty Press in Kajiado town. Vugu Vugu seems to have risen to challenge the Muungano coalition which is made up Mr Ntaati and his former opponents with whom he extended a handshake and vowed to work with for faster development. The group is made of a former councilor in the area whom Ntaati, his former employee, removed from office. The Dalalekutuk MCA has been dismissive of VuguVugu saying his political network at the county is intact as he has the backing of people who matter. One of the people he may have been referring to is a senior Government official within the County Government. “Ntaati thinks he only needs the County official with deep pockets . We are aware they are working together and we shall find a way of dismantling them,” said the young man from Sajiloni. Whether the Dalalekutuk political will survive the brewing storm, is a matter of conjuncture. As it stands out, he is a man in the eye of a storm.

COUNTY PRESS

It is an honour and privilege to invite him into this meeting...

editorial

Step up efforts to stamp out FGM Campaigns to discard female genital mutilation have met with impediments, mostly cultural, invoked to justify continued practice of the vice. Though outlawed, the practice is so entrenched among some communities in Kenya that some individuals are prepared to risk even jail terms to perpetrate the harmful act. Girls who have not been circumcised often face stigmatization. The practice is known to have lasting physical and sometimes mental negative effects. In Narok and Kajiado counties and others, young girls are still subjected to the harmful malpractice in utter contravention of the law. Related to this is early marriages. A 12-year-old girl was recently rescued from the home of a 30-year-old man who had taken her as a wife. She was later taken to a safe centre for counselling and assistance. In Loitokitok in Kajiado South, traditional circumcisers are known to disguise themselves as relatives visiting families to quietly carry out the illegal act. Other times the girls are surreptitiously sent across the border to Tanzania where they undergo the cut. Practiced since time immemorial as rite of passage, some people feel threats and deadlines alone will not win the war. That is why sensitisaiton is vital. While the State has set 2022 as the date by which the FGM will have been completely discarded, resistance is rampant in some communities. The vice is linked to disadvantages like prolonged labour and fistula, especially because after the cut young girls are deemed fit to be married off. In African continent, besides Kenya, strict law enforcement in other countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Central African Republic has driven the vice underground. In Egypt, the rite is often done secretly in hospitals. Recently an Egyptian 12-year-old girl died after the rite was secretly performed in a hospital. To discard this retrogressive practice that compromises the rights of the girl-child and her education, the government and stakeholders should ratchet up efforts to stamp it out.

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KAJIADO & NAROK COUNTIES

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MARCH, 2020

This "reggae" is unstoppable!

BBI RALLY

Incitement

Tonizzo

opinion & commentary

Empowerment, education ensure gender equality ‘Everyone benefits when all people are treated with fairness and respect.’ Some norms that define how men and women should be and act have developed over centuries and are deeply entrenched in collective memory. Male and female roles are strongly influenced by tradition and faith. Historically, world religions represent the dominance of men over women who are required to be submissive. However, the more women’s rights gain acceptance, the more society will enjoy equal rights and the inviolability of human dignity is realized. Gender inequality is one of the barriers on the way towards becoming a prospering and inclusive economy. This gender parity is enshrined in the UN 2030 agenda number 5 which demands gender balance. Crucially important for this is the empowerment of women and girls. There has been a tendency to lean more on putting emphasis on women to fight for their rights, but it is equally important to sensitize men as well. Men and boys need to realize what equality means and that everyone benefits when people are treated with fairness and respect. Generally, women do not enjoy equal rights as men because the latter normally own the land and control all properties owned by the family. In the employment sector, women are concentrated in the low paying cadre and nontechnical jobs. In an effort to realize the

SDG 5, most governments in the developing countries have spelled out several healthy ambitions. These include ensuring women are empowered to be in the main streamline decision making on matters related to land ownership. The issue of girls being readmitted to school if they dropped out because of pregnancy is also now more emphasized. It has also been noted that most governments have aspired to improve education opportunities and health-care services. Governments are now not only committed to quality sex education, but also to ending forced marriages, girl-child FGM as well as child marriages. Top on their agenda too, is to boost women’s labour market participation rate, including well paid, high-skills positions. Success will depend on improving girls’ education. The lack of education permeates all dimensions of gender equality. Typically, uneducated parents perpetuate traditions that negatively affect their daughters’ future prospects. Also, belief in superstition and witchcraft is common to the unschooled lot. Education therefore has the potential to address all the challenges associated with gender disparities. The point is that education empowers women make informed decisions and empowers them to participate in meaningful political agendas, social matters, and economic development. Moreover, better education enables them to take better care of their own health and the wellbeing of their families in general. Better opportunities for women and girls would indeed

improve the outlook of any country in the developing world. It is a general observation that women tend to spend about 90% of their hard earned income on family matters. The flip side of this argument is that 16% of the world population (1.2 billion) is adolescent. Far too many of them do not get the sex education they need. Girls in particular deserve more and better information concerning both reproductive health and the psychology of intimacy. Sociocultural taboos are the greatest obstacle to sex education be it at home or school. Such names as “family lifestyle” or “family education” is preferred and used in the place of “sex education” which has a tendency to make people uncomfortable. Stigma that surrounds discussing matters of sexual nature prevents open and nurturing counseling. Even faith leaders do not assume responsibility for providing the information required. Thus adolescents depend on what their peers tell them or what they find especially in the social media. Our youth who are grappling with physical and mental change need more than rumors and fantasies. This exposes our adolescents to distorted role models and destructive narratives leading to irresponsible sexual behavior, early marriages, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe and illegal abortions and a high chance of HIV/AIDS infections. Good sex education therefore, inform the youth about health risks, contraceptive options and emotional aspects of intimacy. Girls need sex education more than boys, as they are the ones

Douglas Sikawa. who fall pregnant and they are the ones who get stigmatized for being sexually active. They are also more at risk of violence and infections,with a high number having experienced forced sex. Leaders in most developing countries, argue that sex education entices teenagers to become sexually active. In some highincome countries such as the USA, sex education becomes controversial. Here, pregnancy rates are relatively high where religious conservatives have been fighting sex education for decades. According to the New York Times, a 41% drop was realized after President Barack Obama introduced a comprehensive sexeducation programme. In conclusion, the health for all which the UN has promised to achieve by 2030 cannot be realized without competent sex education. Also as long as the women continue to earn less on average than men while doing the lion’s share of domestic work, gender equality will not be achieved easily. The writer is a wildlife conservationist and security consultant. He can be reached at nosimsec.agencies@gmail.com

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

opinions & commentarIES

Maasai marriage: Debunking the Spear planting myth Marriage known in Maa as En-kiyama is a culmination of a very noble process. This process can be in two forms. First, two families may like each other so much and when either of the women of the of the two families becomes pregnant the other family would visit their counterparts, and with either butter or cow-dung will use it to mark the belly of the pregnant woman a process known as E-siret e nk-oshoke– the marking of the womb. This is an engagement already. So should the woman give birth to a baby girl the other family will provide the boy who will marry this young girl when time is ripe. In case the child happens to be a baby boy the other family will provide a girl who will henceforth be married to the little boy. This is mostly found in those families that really desire to strengthen their relationships with each other and it’s rarely practiced these days. The other form which is most common among the Maasai according to MzeeTiampati Ole Masikonte of Enaibelibel is a process that begins with a man meeting a girl that he grows to like. The man will go praising the lady known in Maa as a-serem en-tito and he will then go on to place a small chain known as Ol-pisiai on her. This news like bush fire will spread very fast and shortly after the prospective bridegroom will bring honey and give it to the women of his clan living in the girl’s neighborhood. It’s these women who will in turn take the honey and milk to the mother of the girl. This honey is also known as E-siret e nk-oshoke– in this case a ‘sign of the stomach’ since when a girl becomes engaged to a man a sign with butter or cow-dung is made on her belly as an indication of engagement. Also known as Osaia, meaning, making a humble prayer or supplication to the girls’ family to allow the approaching family to engage their daughter for marriage.

By Lemomo ole Kulet

Adultery, especially across agegroups is never tolerated, and is completely prohibited. If detected, the persons involved are warned by an elder. A repeat is usually settled in a violent manner. Ole Masikonte notes that after sometime the young man will again bring some honey, but this time the honey will be much more than the first time. It is again given to the women who this time will brew it into honeybeer to be given to the men. This will include the father to the girl, his brothers, elders of his clan and elders of his circumcision group known as Ol-porror. When the beer is ready to be served, the young man’s escort comes to talk with the elders about the prospective marriage. This beer is called – En-Kiroret- a drink over which to hold discussions. Mzee Jonah Ole Kasura of ilmasheriani Narok explains: “It’s during these discussions that the man who had proposed is told whether his proposal is acceptable. If the parents agree then a lifelong friendship called En-kaputi is cemented immediately while on the other hand if his proposal is rejected, he is also informed.” Assuming that the proposal is acceptable Mzee Kasura notes: “The bridegroom on the wedding day brings two heifers and one bull, all of which must be of the same colour with no blemishes and with no scars. He also brings two female sheep, a ram and an ewe. Of the heifers brought by the young man one is given to the girl’s father so that there after the young man and his father-inlaw will call each other ‘Pa-kiteng’ or ‘En-tawuo’ while the lamb is given to the bridegroom’s mother-in-law and henceforth the young man and

his age set call her ‘Pa-ker’ meaning the one whom I gave an ewe.” Such a marriage is highly regarded and a divorce is not envisaged. The woman is regarded as the first and paramount wife in that home. Being polygamous, the Maasai men will marry more than one wife. All these wives will stay within one enclosure known as En-kang’ which has several huts, one for each of the wives. It’s within these enclosures that it has always been misconstrued that a man can enter an En-kang’ and go straight to one of the huts ‘plant’ a spear and goes on to have the woman of the house for the night.This cultural phenomenon has over the years brewed some controversy and requires elucidation. The myth of “planting a spear” has its origin probably in a misunderstood truth. According to the myth, all that a male visitor visiting a Maasai Village needs to do is plant his spear outside a woman’s house, and she is his for the asking. It is true that a man could plant a spear outside a woman’s house and befriend the woman of the house and proceeds to partake the illicit love that is proffered, just as it would happen in any other society. But it would be disastrous to assume that any sojourner who finds accommodation in a woman’s house automatically finds conjugal accommodation as well. The truth of the matter according to a renowned novelist and the

winner of the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature, 2009 H.R. Ole Kulet is that in the Maasai Society, any sojourner is entitled to two forms of hospitality, namely, food to eat and a house to sleep in and let it be known that Maasai men travel a lot, crisscrossing the savannah lands in pursuit of various missions that include, finding pastures for their livestock, visiting relatives etc. In all these journeys they never carry food, nor do they ever sleep in the forests, for culture has provided for these needs. Ole Kulet notes: “the house in which a man finds accommodation is usually owned by a wife belonging to his circumcision age group. The husband is not allowed by culture to sleep in the same house with the sojourner. And since such an elder usually has more than one wife, he moves to his other wife, leaving the visitor to sleep in the house he first entered. It may be assumed that (if he is randy) the visitor may (and this is unlikely) woo the wife, but success or failure of such an adventure is a purely personal matter, and is never encouraged. It may also be pertinent to add that Maasai women don’t give in easily. And a woman who is known to accept the lure of a sojourner is looked down upon and considered to be promiscuous.’’ But where did the question of “planting a spear” spring from? Ole Kulet explains: “When a man is travelling, he always carries either a spear or a sword or both. At nightfall he stops in a home and asks for the house of his age-group, naming the particular age-group to which he belongs. The house is pointed out to him. He plants his spear at the entrance and he goes in to book his accommodation for the night. In every Maasai house there are two beds, the woman’s bed, (commonly known as small bed) and the big bed, (known as the large bed). The visitor unties his sword and hangs

YOUR TELL US

Stop hiking fares whenever it rains

Some PSVs plying the Ongata Rongai-Nairobi route have formed a very bad habit of increasing fares any time it rains. What is the point of charging more because it has rained? Does it mean commuters all of a sudden become rich when it has started raining. It is very disappointing when, as soon as it rains they demand Sh150 instead of the normal Sh100, especially when one is travelling from Nairobi city to Ongata Rongai. In some places, a distance they usually charge Sh30, they will instead ask you to pay between Sh50 and Sh60. Why don’t they make it a habit to charge a standard charge come rain or shine? Much as they want to make a profit they must be fair to residents who are obviously hustling to make ends meet. Justus Lolpus Moeye Ongata Rongai

it at a prominent place by the large bed as a sign that he has booked, not the woman, but the bed. Any other visitor arriving in the same house, by merely looking, will know that there is already a visiting male in the house and will therefore have to go out to look for accommodation elsewhere.’’ Adultery, especially across age-groups is never tolerated, and is completely prohibited. If detected, the persons involved are warned by an elder. A repeat is usually settled in a violent manner that serves as an unpalatable deterrent that discourages future attempts. Lemomo, a PhD student at JKUAT, writes on Maa cultural issues.

The passing of retired president Moi: A perspective of what he stood for Retired president Daniel arap Moi has gone to his eternal rest. Like anything mortal this is the ultimate fate of any one living on earth as part of the transition. Mzee Moi has a big history to read about in Kenya. I grew perfectly in his reign of 24 years. I began schooling when Moi was the president of Kenya and cleared the 8-4-4 system of schooling (which was part of his many initiatives as the Kenyan leader) with him still ruling. I started working, begun the path of more ageing and being experienced when he was still in power. So my youthful life has Moi rule marks. Being a young political enthusiast and who liked some bit of student political activism and keen on writing stories, I perfectly know what it meant living under the powerful president Moi and KANU rule. Few times I crossed the line that was not tolerated by the regime and some regime discipline (even mere threat of dealing with us) though not in the measures some especially the real politicians, dons, student leaders, academicians went through though also for small political underlings like yours truly they had their way of putting them under check. Of course having

By Harrison Ikunda

Kenya has not grown any better in political terms due to over grown ethnicity and corruption. grown through the rural obscurity, upbringing and trying to get some good education to survive for a dreamed better future amidst a tough economy, there was enough to have my like lie low as we climbed the academic ladder though harbouring the ambitions and desires of political nature burning deep inside. By the time I was through with the 8-4-4 schooling the economy was so difficult and enough to break my spirit of keeping up with the political desire. After all jobs were not easy to get for my like despite having university education and legion of courses studied. The first step was therefore to think how to secure a job and some source of livelihood to relieve our struggling parents some burden which was quite heavy on them. That is how part of

my political desires at early age were curtailled. Nonetheless, there are so many things I learnt about the Mzee some which did show his political brilliance, the discipline and the ruthlessness of his long reign. If I were to write the many things that I grew to read, hear and see about his regime I think I would would fill plenty of books. Something outside on his long reign amidst some bright spots and the numerous shortcomings, I do acknowledge is that Kenya’s history pre-independence and postindependence has been all rotten. Post-independence Kenya did not and has not lived to expectations. The shortcomings of bad politics, bad economic moves and rotten culture of corruption and tribalism have failed Kenya all through even after gaining independence from

Britain (UK). All along the Kenyan communities seem to have been in ruthless political economic competition. During Jomo Kenyatta’s reign there was a coalescing of what was regarded as the Kiambu Mafia and a tribal cabal that had no time for Mzee Moi. That he survived the assault to ride into power was a sleight of hand of pure luck and political ingenuity not least with the help of his friend then Charles Mugane Njonjo who was the Attorney General. That Moi was regarded in some quarters as a passing cloud in political terms and with not so much of education to write home about, but went on to rule Kenya for 24 good years, shows he had accumulated immense political skills. Moi had evolved into a political maestro. But not to forget the power held by the seat of presidency could determine the political or economic fortunes of an individual or an organization.This helped him a lot. Kenya has not grown any better in political terms due to over grown ethnicity and corruption. Corruption in its many forms and formations has come to influence the body politics and its growing influence getting worse by the day.

These are shortcomings that do not lead to a stable democracy in future and its high time efforts are made to fix this problem. So much of his long reign was deeply influenced in part by the actions and shortcomings of his predecessor regime. The then existing ethnic fears and risks therein, events such as the attempted 1982 military coup and the West versus East global ideological differences influenced politics in many parts of the world including Kenya and perhaps his persona. Whether his regime could have done better in the so complicated circumstances, local and international in nature is a good subject of discussion. It’s up to the current government to work to a better future country as it has the present and the chance. It can’t afford to waste it at all. For now like any good African I can only wish Mzee Moi a peaceful rest.He had his opportunities in life and he did what he did and achieved what he did. He touched people and wronged others like many do The Writer is a political, economic and social analyst and commentator.

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Magadi Soda School fetes its top KCPE 2019 achievers

By Obegi Malack

agadi Soda School has celebrated its KCPE 2019 top achievers who enabled the institution to rank among top schools nationally. The school management held a Thanks-giving and dedication ceremony attended by hundreds of parents, students, teachers, invited dignitaries among them various leaders. The institution has been commended for putting Kajiado County on the map of the country’s top performers. Its top student, Ayven Kimuhu was ranked position 4 nationally with 437 marks out of a possible 500. Top students in the country had 440 marks. The school with a candidature of 63 posted a mean score of 385.6 with 30 of its candidates scoring above 400 marks. In 2018, 15 pupils scored over 400 marks, attaining a mean score of 375. Head teacher Daniel Sasine attributed the admirable

performance to motivation accorded teachers and students, co-operation of stakeholders, discipline and teamwork. This effort was boosted by support from the school founder, Tata Chemicals Limited and the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. The firm supports the school as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He said his heroes are four students who used to score 150 marks in normal tests, but in the final exam scored over 259 marks. “They were nurtured and given the right direction. A good institution is one that gives all students a chance to grow and nurture talents," he noted. During the event the best students and teachers were awarded by the company while the community also gave goats and bulls as a reward to the management. “For someone to perform you have to motivate them, students who performed well were awarded shopping

ACK Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit (left) being awarded by Stephen Moiko director TCML Board during the Thanksgiving and Dedication ceremony.

is his school of choice. All the 2019 students were enrolled in best performing secondary schools with more than half of the students making it to National schools. The top student’ s father, Mr Peter Salaton said the school is one of the best in the country and thanked it for moulding students who excel in both academics and cocurricular activities. The ceremony’s chief Tata Company Head of Human Resource, Prisca Dorine Otipa guest, Mr Stephen Moiko, awarding Education official Mr Boru Kampicha. director TCML Board congratulated, all stakeholders for working as a team in ensuring the school recorded good performance. He said the company will continue to put support schools with more resources. Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit dedicated the candidates of class 2020. The Archbishop said the school had done the community proud and appealed to parents to team up with stakeholders to achieve the 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary. Tata Company Head of Human Resource Prisca Dorine Otipa He urged the community awards Head Teacher Daniel Sasine. and church leaders to put more vouchers and teachers too,” to teamwork, hard work and effort in conducting sensitizahe said. This year they are excellent working relationship tion and holding meeting in targeting a mean score of 400 with teachers. He is now in the villages to end which, he said, is within their Alliance High School which reach. They also want to produce top studentS nationally. He said the school gives tips to other schools around to be able to perform well, “Some have learned from our school and have managed to do well,” noted the head teacher who is also a member of Magadi Division academic committee. Ryan Salaton who scored 430 marks in 2019 KCPE, said his good performance was due ACK Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit plants a tree during the event.

Magadi Soda School teachers entertain guests during Thanksgiving and Dedication ceremony.

The Archbishop inspects a guard of honour mounted by Magadi Soda School scouts.

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

female genital mutilation. He noted that the boy-child should also be encouraged to remain in school. He challenged the leaders to manage resources properly and fight corruption to offer services to every Kenyan. Tata Chemicals Head of Human Resource Prisca Dorine Otipa, head of Corporate Affairs Francis,TSC official Jane Kinyua, sub county director of education official Borru, education official Mbugua Karanja and other officials commended the school for the good performance. The school produced 2 best students in 100 countries globally where Tata Company has business interests. Bursaries The school was commended for participating in the Tata Young Expressions children art work and essay competition as well as for having had the highest number of entries. Two winning students and their parents travelled to India (courtesy of TCML) in July last year to receive their awards from the Chairman of Tata Group in Mumbai. Tata Chemicals Magadi and Magadi Soda Foundation have been supporting the community to improve the standards of education in Magadi and Kajiado County and have so far provided bursaries to 1,622 beneficiaries among them 103 graduates and five post graduate students.

Parents receiving prizes.

Pupils follow proceedings during the event.

A staff member receiving a prize.

MAGADI SODA SCHOOL Magadi Soda School started back in 1980 as a Nursery School to cater for management staff children and gradually moved to accommodate children from the local community. Due to exemplary performance, the demand for admission unprecedentedly went up and a boarding wing was launched in 2014. The school student composition is now made of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited employees, the Local Community of Magadi and Kajiado as well as students from the rest of Kenya.

In addition to its exemplary performance the school also offers the following: 1. Spanish and French as foreign languages 2. Swimming lessons where students participate in various swimming gala competitions. 3. State-of-the-Art Dining Hall and a kitchen where hot meals are served to students with a sumptuous menu. 4. Ultra-modern dorms with caring patrons, matrons and care givers for the boys and girls boarding section.

KAJIADO SOUTH

FGM: Cross border circumcisers blamed for escalating vice By Abdi Hussein Loitokitok administration officials in Kajiado South sub-county are on high alert to curb escalating cross border cases of female genital mutilation. The new trend in the border town entails traditional circumcisers crossing over into the sub-county to carry out the illegal exercise on Kenyan soil or girls crossing over to Tanzania for the exercise. Reports from some residents indicated that 20 Kenyan girls from Loitokitok underwent the cut last December to the chagrin of anti FGM crusaders. In one incident, parents are said to have colluded with a foreign circumciser who disguised herself as a visiting relative to one of the families and

managed to conduct the exercise after evading the administration dragnet. Anti-FGM crusader, Ms Dorcas Parit, told County Press, the trend is deep rooted owing to the fact that Maasai enkisongo sub section are found in both countries. The exercise is being done secretly at night even to much younger girls, she said. "We have on record 20 girls who underwent the cut during the last December holiday at the hands of a Tanzanian circumciser. We also have a handful of girls who crossed the border to undergo the cut in disguise. They had pretended to be visiting relatives. It’s a sad situation,” lamented Parit. An 11-year-old girl revealed how she was forcibly sent to her maternal

aunt’s home in Tanzania only to be forced to undergo the cut at night on the day she arrived. “I thought it was a normal visit only for my aunt to introduce me to an aging woman who then forcibly circumcised me at night. I felt demeaned by the act to extent of falling into depression,” narrated the minor, who is currently in a safe house in Kajiado South. Area local administration official is astonished by the new trend of cross border FGM activities. Loitokitok town Chief Isaiah Semala described the situatiation as dire, adding that administration is forced collect data of homesteads with girls and monitor them closely so as avert the vice. “We are on high alert to ensure no more girls are subjected to the bar-

baric act. However, we may have no control over families crossing over to Tanzania to ‘visit’ their relatives. It is a daunting task” he added. However, dozens of girls have been rescued by anti FGM NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in collaboration with Nyumba Kumi elders in different parts of Kajiado county recently. These girls are currently staying in safe houses to avoid being subjected to forced marriages by their parents and at least will have a chance to continue with their education. Retrogressive culture including FGM, early marriage have been identified as the biggest setback to Maasai girl-child’s formal education, despite the Kenyan government frantic effort to curb the vice. Ms Dorcas Parit

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

How Lenku beat rivals to win BBI battle By Abdi Hussein

Most Organized. Most attended. Most drama free. Most emotive. This is just a few ways to describe the mega Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally held at the Maasai Nation headquarters-Narok town- on February 22. But behind the successful rally that has elicited national debate more than any other held so far, and which is likely to define Maasai politics, going forward, was an intricate balancing act that saw bitter foes join the BBI train after a series of backstabbing and political wheel dealing. At the centre of the BBI intrigues was Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku-the man President Kenyatta picked to spearhead the BBI narrative in the South Rift with a special focus on Narok, Kajiado and Samburu counties. Aware of the clan and political dynamics in the Maa Nation, President Kenyatta might have settled on Governor Lenku due to his amiable and perceived non-confrontational nature, a trait that would go a long way to bring together bitter rivals in Narok, Samburu and even in his Kajiado backyard. Narok Governor, although senior politically, was bypassed for his perceived closeness to Deputy President William Ruto, a critic of the BBI. Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal is facing corruption charges and was therefore deemed unfit. Governor Lenku’s task was hard from the word go. In Narok, Governor Tunai has not been in talking terms with Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, the supposed host of the rally. But through Mr Lenku’s diplomatic efforts, the two joined the BBI table and held several separate meetings with both of them, before they finally converged in Kajiado for a joint meeting at Tumaini Gardens on February 5. In Samburu, Governor Lenolkulal does not see eye to eye with Senator Steve Lelegwe, whose camp enjoy support of Deputy Governor Julius Leseeto who had made an attempt to hound the Governor out of office following the corruption charges. Back home in Kajiado, Governor Lenku’s bitter rivals Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East) and Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central) had openly opposed appointment of Mr Lenku as the Maasailand BBI co-ordinator by President Kenyatta and threatened to boycott BBI activities. Said Ms Tobiko at a press conference at Gracia Hotel in Nairobi: “There is no official appointment of Governor Lenku to that position. We have not seen official communication from the President. In fact, we are the real BBI crusaders.” The two MPs had brought to their rebel camp, former Governor David Nkedianye, former senator Peter Mositet, former NTSA Director General Francis Meja, 2017 gubernatorial loser Tarayia Ole Kores and a horde of rebel Jubilee MCAs at the County Assembly. Mr Mositet, in fact, declared at the press conference that they had chosen Mr Memusi as the BBI co-ordinator for Kajiado County. In Narok, controversial senator Ledama Ole Kina had demanded to be the BBI kingpin, but President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga shot down the demand saying he was a divisive figure in Narok due to his reckless tongue. No wonder, only three days

Left to right: ODM Nominated Senator, Judith Pareno, Narok Senator, Ledama ole Kina, Kajiado Governor, Joseph ole Lenku, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Narok Governor, Samwel Tunai at Maasai Mara University during the Maa Nation delegates conference on February 21, 2020 ahead of the BBI rally the following day. after the Narok rally, he was arrested over alleged inciting remarks. In Samburu, Naisula Lesuuda, the Samburu West MP was the face of BBI with the Women Rep Maison Leshoomo being in the BBI task force. Other Samburu MPs seemed to watch the BBI game from the sidelines. It is in Kajiado where Governor Lenku’s masterstroke on Maasai politics seemed to have come in handy. With full backing of President Kenyatta and State House, Mr Lenku’s hold onto the BBI steering wheel was boosted by the endorsement of Mr Odinga, during a consultative meeting at his Capital Hill in Nairobi on February 4. After Mr Odinga’s blessings, Mr Lenku hosted elected leaders from Kajiado and Narok the following day, with a few allied to Ms Tobiko and Mr Memusi keeping off. Here , Mr Lenku, backed by Mr Tunai and both Narok Speaker Nkoidila Ole Lankas and his Kajiado counterpart Johnson Osoi marshalled more than 70 MCAs to the meeting, with Mr Lenku declaring that the MCAs would be facilitated to ensure the BBI story reached the grassroots. It is after this meeting that it was revealed the Tobiko-Memusi

Lenku said the Narok rally was unstoppable and called leaders to shelve their political ambitions and give Maa community a chance to articulate pertinent issues through BBI. axis was plotting to prevail upon Mr Odinga to reject Mr Lenku and instead, appoint Environment CS Keriako Tobiko as chairman of the BBI in Maaailand. It was no wonder then that when Mr Odinga summoned all Maa Nation elected and opinion leaders at Maasai Lodge in Ongata Rongai, an opportunity presented itself for the rebels to dethrone Mr Lenku.

UNITED FOR THE MAA: Left to right: Governors drawn from Maa Counties-Samwel Tunai (Narok), Joseph Lenku (Kajiado) and Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu) during the well-attended BBI rally in Narok town recently. What they did not know is that Mr Lenku had told Mr Odinga what the group was planning through intelligence. In fact, an intelligence brief to President Kenyatta had indicated that the Memusi-Tobiko group had secretly met CS Tobiko where they prevailed upon him to take up their role. February 17 was a politically stormy day for Kajiado. The Lenku team arrived at Masai Lodge and secured a table while the Memusi group secured another. By the time Mr Odinga was arriving, battle lines had been drawn. The rebel MPs had plotted a coup against Mr Lenku forcing Mr Odinga to spend three hours of the meeting convincing the MPs and their cohorts to either join the Lenku-led team or be deemed to be against the BBI. Tension was high. Mr Mositet categorically told Mr Odinga that their position was that the Governor should not lead the BBI team. The former Prime Minister seemed interested in the team joining the already rolling team, rather than change the leadership, which in any case was not his appointment, but Mr Kenyatta’s. Mr Odinga is said to have read the riot act to Mr Ledama, the Narok Senator, for an earlier statement that dismissed the BBI input of non-Maasai living in Maa counties. It is also said Mr Odinga termed the utterances as “reckless”, divisive

and unwarranted. Mr Ledama, at a leaders meeting at Panafric hotel on February 14, had dismissed Kajiado North MP Joseph Manje as an “outsider” on BBI matters in the Maa counties. Mr Odinga was well aware of the conspiracy to oust Governor Lenku and replace him with Environment cabinet secretary Keriako Tobiko who was in attendance. CS Tobiko is brother to Kajiado East MP, Peris Tobiko, a Lenku arch political rival. “The leaders opposing governor Lenku had their Memorandum prepared wanting to water down Lenku led secretariat prepared document articulating Maa Nation issues. The anti-Lenku group had wanted their memorandum adopted to be presented to members of public during the Narok rally,” said a source. At one point, the leaders became unruly and anger flared from the two factions. The ODM leader is said to have momentarily been unable to control the meeting seeking the intervention of former Kajiado West legislator Moses Sakuda, Governor Lenku’s close ally. “Governor Lenku was agitated and breathing fire after again noticing the last leg of the meeting was about to go south, but Mr Raila prevailed against the leaders,” said the source. Finally, Mr. Odinga managed to control the warring factions with a resolution to adopt the Lenku led secretariat Memorundum ahead of

Narok rally. Like an experienced gallant soldier, Mr Odinga managed to broker truce and break the months’ ice. When the leaders came out to address the media, the division was visible though with coy smile towards the media cameras. “We reached a common ground for leaders to work together to sensitize the Maa community on BBI. Let’s all of us know we have a role to resolve issues affecting our Nation via BBI,” said Odinga. It is after this ceasefire at Masai Lodge that Governor Lenku fully took the mantle of leadership with the rivals all set for a leaders’ conference at the Maasai Mara University only a day before the rally. However, Lenku said the Narok rally was unstoppable and called leaders to shelve their political ambitions and give Maa community a chance to articulate pertinent issues through BBI. “This is not the time to flex political muscles but to listen to voice of reason to our people. We have a chance to address issues the 2010 promulgated constitution has failed to address,” said Lenku. The same sentiments were echoed by Narok Governor Tunai, saying different opinions should not be translated to enmity. Mr Memusi, Ms Tobiko and their allies attended the conference before they sauntered into the rally on Saturday and were both given a chance to address the mammoth rally.

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

What Maa want from BBI Memorandum of the Maa Nation in: 1. Narok 2. Laikipia 3. Kajiado 4. Nakuru (Naivasha) 5. Isiolo (Laparau) 6. Nairobi, 7. Marsabit (Laisamis & Loyankalani) 8. Samburu and 9. Ilchamus (Baringo).

Recommendations on the issues under consideration by the BBI. 22nd February, 2020. William ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

e the Maa Nation in Kenya having held robust deliberations and reflections on the aspirations of the Building Bridges Initiative as captured in the BBI Taskforce’s report. WELCOMING the Spirit of goodwill for all Kenyans symbolized by the handshake between the President of

the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. HOPEFUL of the golden opportunity presented to all Kenyans under the Building Bridges Initiative to transform Kenya from a geographical patch-up of antagonizing indigenous nationalities to a symphony of a

Urgent Declarations by the Maa Nation:

That a Commission on Historical Land Injustices & Contested Communal Land Claims be established to implement Taskforces and Land related Commissions, including the Ndungu Land Commission, Njonjo and TJRC with a 10 - 15-year window and allocation of at least Kshs. 200B per 5 years.

( a) Revert back the entire Mau Narok settlers and ADC/ KALRO lands in Nakuru to the Maa Nation (b) Revert back all Laikipia white settlers, ADC and other contested lands to the Maa Nation (c) Revert back Magadi Soda 222,778 acres of concessional land and other contentious parcels in Kajiado to the Maa Nation. (d) Fully implement the Prime Minister’s Taskforce Report on the Maasai Mau Forest. Establish a fully-fledged well-resourced forests ecosystems & Water catchments restoration program supported through a Community Forests Conservation Fund. (e) Revert back Kedong land to the Maa Nation (f) Revert back Oldonyo Ng’iro Trust land in Isiolo to the Maa Nation

thriving nationhood. RE-AFFIRMING that the Maa Nation is an indigenous peoples group recognized in international law, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights and the Kenyan Constitution 2010. The Maa Nation in Kenya, do hereby make the following recommendations:

That as a matter of priority Government of Kenya should with immediate effect Ratify/Adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UN-DRIP).

( a) Establish a National Indigenous Peoples Affairs Commission/Authority respecting the 2/3 gender rule, Youth and PWDs representation to oversee realization and aspiration of the affirmative action clauses for indigenous, minorities and marginalized groups as enshrined in Constitution 2010. (b) Ensure respect and protection of Maa Intellectual and Cultural Property rights

3. That all Maa and in particular the Ilchamus and those resident in other counties including Isiolo, Marsabit, Taita taveta, Laikipia, Kwale, Nairobi, Machakos and Nakuru should have special nominative and appointive positions in both national and county governments in tandem with aspirations of art. 100 Constitution 2010.

(a) Establish a legal mechanism for affirmative action in political party nomination opportunities at County and National level to guarantee inclusion of the Ilchamus community in recognition of the Court decisions in favour of this concern (Civil App. No. 305 of 2004. b. Re-align the boundaries of the Ilchamus community geographical space to fall administratively and in electoral representation to come under Samburu County or Laikipia

COUNTY PRESS

That the government ensure and guarantee Security in Maa Nation by:

(a) Strengthen community role in security promotion initiatives including legal arms licensing and the National Police reservists (NPR) approach. Page | 6 (b) The state should establish a special fund kitty to adequately and timely compensate victims of para-military operations and facilitate complete removal of landmines and other military ordinances, including compensation for the Livestock killed in Laikipia, loss of lives and property including the confiscated livestock in Ilchamus, Samburu and Laikipia. (c) That Suguta Valley and its environs in Samburu north be declared as a security disturbed area and all the IDPs be resettled. (d) That the government immediately stops on-going harassment and systematic displacement of the Maa people living in Laikipia, Kedong ranch, Samburu north, Isiolo north, Ilchamus and Nakuru.

That we the Maa Nation wholly rejects the establishment of the Regional (Third-Tier) government and supports the retaining of the current 47 counties

MARCH, 2020

That Maa Counties and Constituencies should be protected in the constitution both in elective representation and self-determination. (a)Apply the principles related to Presidential elections as contained in art. 138 (4)(b) of the Kenyan constitution, 2010 to all the three elective County level seats (Governor, Senate, Women rep.). A successful candidate running for such positions must garner at least a minimum of 25% of all cast votes in more than 50% of the electoral wards in the respective Counties. b. Allocation of resources should be based on geographical parameters, status of development and historical marginalization: One Shilling - One Kilometer!

That We the Maa Nation supports a parliamentary system of government with an executive Prime Minister and 2 deputies.

Dated at William ole Ntimama stadium, at Narok town on 22nd February, 2020.

Kajiado Governor, Joseph ole Lenku delivering his speech during the BBI rally.

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga (centre) with Governors drawn from Maa Counties-Samwel Tunai (Narok) (left), Joseph Lenku (Kajiado) (second right) and Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu) (right) during the well-attended BBI rally in Narok town.

Governor Joseph Lenku during handing over of BBI proposals by the Maa Nation to ODM leader Raila Odinga and BBI taskforce member Maison Leshoomo.

Narok County 13

MARCH, 2020

County govt spends Sh20m to revamp health sector By Bell Pere Narok County Government through the ministry of Health has spent Sh 20 million at the Narok County Referral Hospital in an effort to address drug and medical issues facing the county. Speaking during the flagging off ceremony of a consignment of drugs, Governor Samuel Tunai said that the drugs will be distributed across all subcounty hospitals and dispensaries. “Health issues are very critical and therefore should be handled in a very special way,” he said. The County is also looking forward to revamp the health sector by planning to purchase more ambulances.

“The common mwananchi deep in the interior of Narok County will not have to tarmac long distances to get medical attention anymore,” he said. The County Government budget on Healthcare now stands at 22 per cent but after the Governor signed the Inter-governmental agreement with the National Government this will go up to 30 per cent. One of the other terms of the Inter-governmental treaty is to monitor the County and ensure that there are adequate health resources. Residents of Narok are now looking forward to the fulfillment of the Governor’s promise to transform healthcare across the County. In the current budget,

Narok County Governor Samuel Tunai (in maroon blazer) flagging off drugs consignment at Narok Referral Hospital. Photo/Bell Pere

the county government allocated Sh 221 million for construction of health centres and an additional Sh200 million for leasing of medical equipment.

Sh149 million was allocated for drugs while Sh.94.5 million was given for ambulance services in the county.

Heavy rains cause destruction in Narok By Our Reporter Residents of Narok town have urged the County Government to improve the drainage system to avert destruction of property after heavy rain pounded the area, flooding some sections of the town. So far three deaths have been confirmed and associated to the flash floods that have been occurring since last year. The constant flush floods experienced in Narok Central Business District every time there is a heavy downpour within the county’s highlands has on many occasions brought

businesses and transport to a standstill. Martha Wairumu a retail shop owner within town, incurred losses of up to Sh40, 000 when the Narok River broke its banks during the previous flash floods. Her shop just like countless others has experienced the same misfortune many times. Motorist including pedestrians have been severally forced to wait for the floods to subside for them drive past the town. Peter Lemayian who lives in Lenana area and daily has to go across a bridge says he wastes countless hours waiting for water to subside to cross to other

A house ruined by flash floods at Total area Narok North Sub-County. Photo/Our Reporter

side.

“This issue is not new to residents and surprisingly enough people have gotten used to it,” he lamented. A petrol station on one of the busiest streets closes down during the downpour as it becomes inaccessible. Residents now want the County government to construct better drainage systems and bridges to prevent flooding. Recently, flash floods destroyed property worth millions of shillings in Total area near Maasai Mara University after heavy downpours were experienced during the night. The all nightlong heavy rains broke the walls of two rental houses before sweeping away all the household property. The Nyumba Kumi representative in the area, Mr Jacob Otieno blamed the county government for lack of a proper drainage system even as many buildings are coming up in the area. “Investors are putting up buildings everywhere due to the high demand of the univer-

sity students accommodation, hence interfering with the water path. I have never seen such a huge destruction caused by rains in the area since I began living here 12 years ago,” said the village elder. However, Otieno said no one was injured during the incident as the occupants of a building, who are Maasai Mara University students were on their short holiday session. One of the tenants, Samuel Kimutai said they heard a loud bang from one of the houses and was surprised when they went to check out only to find a stream of water flowing towards the gate. “Two vehicles that were packed inside the plot were also swept by the waters but recovered downstream,” he said. Heavy rain is still pounding the area with Meteorological department advising residents to be cautious. The Director of Meteorology, Peter Runanu advised residents in flood prone areas to be careful and move to safer grounds to avoid being swept by flash floods.

News

Family in shock as man commits suicide in cell By Staff Reporter A 21-year-old man was found dead in a police cell having allegedly committed suicide during the night at Ololulung’a police station. The families of the deceased are now demanding answers on how he was able to commit suicide under police custody. They called for investigations to ascertain the cause of death. According to his, father David Mutai who lives in Nkobenarea, Narok South Sub County, his son Vincent Kiplagat had been arrested and put in the police station after he allegedly assaulted his wife. He said that the deceased was to be arraigned in court the following day only for them to be informed about his death. Mutai said he was called by police officers who informed him that his son had committed suicide by hanging himself using a blanket during the night. “The deceased had been arrested at Longisa trading centre after he reportedly was involved in domestic violence with his wife who was demanding separation and division of property,” said Mr. Mutai. Confirming the incident, area Sub County Police Commander, Ezekiel Kiiche said the deceased had a history of violence and mental sickness, which could have led to his death. “We have realized that the young man had a history of violence and mental illness. During the day of arrest, he was very violent and spoke as if he suffered a mental illness,” Kiiche explained.

Mr David Mutai, Vincent Kiplagat’s father.

county press

MARCH, 2020

Can young Maasai men’s backing of polygamy curb promiscuity? By Abdi Hussein

A section of young Maasai men in Kajiado County are seemingly embracing the community polygamous way of life to curb extra-marital affairs despite economic hardship. Though Maasai community is traditionally not averse to polygamous marriages, the trend has been fading away due to Christianity and economic hardship. It is, however, slowly rising especially among the young men. In the recent past, immorality is said to have increased in Kajiado satellite towns involving young Maasai men, resulting in altercations and condemnation from elders. Recently, a Maasai young man hit the headlines after he was photographed in company of two brides in what reported as a church wedding. Early last year, Maasai women protested at Ilbissil trading centre faulting their husbands for promiscuity. The same protests were replicated in Kajiado. Men were accused of selling their ancestral pieces of land only to run to town to their numerous concubines. More young women are giving in to polygamous marriages despite their tender age. 32-year-old Amos Kayiok Mpote from Impiro Location of Kajiado County is the talk of town after capturing the attention of his Maasai community for marrying three wives. The jovial young man has married Lilian Kayiok (30 years), Lucy Kayiok (29 years) and Wambui Kayiok (25 years) in close succession. The last two are from Kikuyu community. His first wife, Lucy Kayiok, is from the Maa community. Mrs Lucy Kayiok said she has never been bothered by her co-wives, insisting that they live harmoniously.

Amos Kayiok Mpote with his three wives during Olngesheri ceremony in Kajiado Central which brought together 129 Maasai members of the same age group called Ilkileko. Photo/ Abdi Hussein “My husband has freedom to since his childhood he hated being hugs them freely. marry as he deems it fit. We all have unfaithful, and that’s why he chose The local business man was the responsibility to take care of our to come out in the open and marry not shy to say he married from husband. It is good to know your the three wives. another community for love and husband is with your co-wife than He claims the wives live individual’s characters. to get lost in town with mipango ya together without any problem and “My last two wives are kando-concubines,” she said. love one another so much because enterprising and they help me In an ongoing Maasai he has taught them the art of living with business. They have adapted community festival dubbed harmoniously. to Maasai culture. You can hardly Olngesheri in Kajiado Central “I decided to marry my three tell they come from a different which has brought together 129 wives instead of having concubines community,’’ he added. Maasai members of the same age in most satellite towns. Most men To add an extra feather to group called Ilkileko, the man of hide in the shadow of church, but his hat, the bold and courageous the moment is living in a manyatta end up with multiple side women in Mpote has invested heavily in his with his three wives. towns. Am proud to have taken the three wives; each one of them This is unique as the rite is bold decision,’’ stated Mpote amid owns a business as economic meant for youthful lot who arguably laughter. empowerment. cannot have attained that number of Kayiok is undoubtedly an He remains the talk of the wives. According to Maasai custom outstanding young man whose village and envy of his age mates, and tradition, a man of 60 years of record number of wives and though pundits say polygamous age is the one expected to have such seven children is unrivalled in the marriages come with myriad number of wives. society. His affection for his wives challenges. Mr Mpote, however, said is displayed in the open when he

Fear grips Isinya village as human leg recovered

By Our Reporter Fear gripped Empuyiankat village residents in Isinya Sub County after a human leg was recovered in the area. It was suspected to be of a victim of wild animals attack. Residents who woke up to the bizarre incident said the human leg was found near a residential home adjacent to railway line. The left leg from the knee downwards still had a piece of the trouser, black socks and a safari boot shoe. The incident raised tension attracting locals in large numbers. No one had been reported missing in the village. ‘’The incident shook the whole village. We suspect the victim must have been mauled by wild animals,’’ said Paul Toret, a resident. Fear gripped with the elders said they planned to hold prayers to cleanse their village from bad omen. Residents called for security to be beefed up in the village. Locals alerted police officers from Isinya police station who launched investigations. Isinya police boss Kinyua Mugambi said: “There is a possibility of murder theory and wildlife attack making it a bit complicated but we are investigating the incident.” Mr Mugambi asked families who may missing kin to report to Isinya police station for follow up. The incidents come barely two months after a middle aged man was mauled by a stray lion at Twala village, Kajiado East Sub County. Early 2019 body parts of a herder were also discovered at Empakasi village in Kitengela in similar circumstances as Human –wildlife conflicts escalates.

Woman who benefited from Moi generosity By Staff Reporter As the whole nation mourned retired president Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, in Kajiado county Moi was eulogized as former head of state who left an indelible mark in many people’s lives. In his death, President Moi remains a colossal figure having helped individuals from poor background attain their formal education to the highest amplitudes. To many, Moi had a golden touch that propelled many people to success in different sectors. Sixty years old Amina Ahamed from Ilbissil town mourned the late head of state as the pillar of her family. President Moi helped to educate six of her children and gave her a job that she held until she retired recently. When we caught up with Amina in her Ilbissil home, she was in tears after receiving news of the death of the retired president. She

was wailing uncontrollably. In sobs, Amina remembered with nostalgia how she met Moi in 1996 at Ilbissil town one afternoon. The president was on his way to Nairobi from Tanzania when his convoy stopped at Ilbissil town to address hundreds residents who had thronged both sides of the road, Moi was not new to road side addresses. At 33, Amina a young mother and naive, she wanted to talk to the president on the pressing issues concerning her children’s education. But, the president security detail could not let her. “Like the famous Bartimaeus in the holy Bible, I ensured I was on raised ground and began calling the president in high voice to catch his attention. He heard me and asked his security to let me pass. I told him that my children’s education was in limbo and I was jobless,’’ said Amina. Ms Amina said Moi listened pensively, nodding his head before she told her to see then Kajiado

Amina Ahamed form Ilbissil town; She eulogise the late president in a unique way. Photo/Abdi Hussein

district commissioner the following morning. Not knowing that she had rattled the snake, she visited the DC office the following morning accompanied by her husband but things took an ugly twist. “The angry DC accused me of insubordination and kicked me out of his office. I felt dejected and unworthy and cried like a baby. Deep down I had some strength to soldier on ,’’ she reminisced. Coincidentally, back in Ilbissil town, rumours were rife that some people were organising a State House visit the following morning. She managed to get her name into the register and the following day she was among selected residents who were en route to State House. At State House Amina managed to meet the Comptroller one Mr Kiptanui. She shared with him her last 24 hours tribulations at the hands of the DC. Though she was never accorded a chance to talk to Moi, she was assured positive response.

Early the following morning, the official district commissioner Land Rover hooting woke up the couple. They were required to accompany the driver to the DCs office. Fear ran down Amina’s spine but she had to go. “That morning a warm cup of coffee was served in the DCs office and the man who had chased me away the previous day was calm and friendly. I was offered a job at registrar of person’s office and bursary for all my six children was assured from that day,” says Amina Ms Amina worked at Registrar of Persons office for 13 years before she was deployed to Ministry of Health until she retired in 2017. She says her children never disappointed and they are successful in their lives. “I live in a good home courtesy of Mzee Moi generosity. I do not know what could have befallen my children were it not for him. May God give him eternity. He touched our lives in a special way,’’ she said.

The County

INSIDE

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Ngare â&#x20AC;¢Duka Moja â&#x20AC;¢Naikara â&#x20AC;¢Naroosura â&#x20AC;¢Sogoo â&#x20AC;¢Loita â&#x20AC;¢Ntulele â&#x20AC;¢Mosilo AND BEYOND.

un ro e s e sl os tus l ta ty en ali K P icip : M un k ro M Na e in on

The rise and rise of Isinya town

Isinya: Former colonial prison now a leading business hub By Our Reporter

Isinya town has been for the past three decades seen as a sleepy town, but currently has acquired new status of a business hub attracting investors by droves. The name Isinya, from Maasai word Osinyai is translated as river sand (changarawe) in Kiswahili language. River sand obtained from the nearby Isinya river used to be lucrative but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not any more. The natives of the area are said to be the first lot among the Maasai to embrace formal education and Christianity in what used to be larger Kajiado district. Apart from the town serving as Kajiado East Sub county headquarters, it is said to be the district politics heartbeat over the years and had been used by politicians for major political declarations. Initially, the town used to be a British colonizerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mini prison that use to hold Mau Mau adherents, where now Anglican church and Isinya polytechnic-initially village poly technique- stands. The prison closed doors immediately after independence in 1963. The town later moved to its current site in 1990s under the defunct Olkejuado county council when town COUNTY PRESS

The aerial view of the fast-growing Tsinya town in Kajiado East. Photo/ Abdi Hussein. plots were issued to locals. Mr Moses Parantai attributes the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth to flower farms and sale of pieces of land to immigrants. In the last decade, many residential homes have come up with dozens of investors setting up companies. Mr Parantai says the numerous flower farms mushrooming in the area have been the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic backbone since 1990s. Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have seen the town grow since 1961 from a mini prison and a few shops to what it has become today. Pj dev begun the first flower farm in 1990s followed by two others in close succession. We have more than 15 big flower farms employing hundreds of workers who contribute to the local economy,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; explained Paran-

tai, a local businessman cum politician. Mr James Kariuki Wainaina,65, first came to Isinya in 1970s and has seen the town grown by leaps and bounds. He describes the town as awaking giant in business. He says availability of land has acted as magnet to potential land buyers. Vegetables and onions business has,too, been booming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those with big chunks of lands have been disposing part of their lands to educate their children or to meet pressing needs. Most locals have also adopted Agri business instead of traditional pastoral way of life,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; noted Kamau of founder Bethel Worship Centre. However, there are those who disposed of their pieces of lands only to squander DECEMBER, 2019

GREENGARNET ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Compliance Licensing

Kilimanjaro and Namanga heading either to Nairobi Â or Narok county via NgongSuswa road. The road network has seen land value in the area appreciate tenfold. Over the years, the town has remained the political epicentre for Maasai Kaputiei section. In early 1990s the former larger Kajiado MP, the late George Saitoti had it rough in campaign tours when he was attacked by locals. He was rescued by his handlers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Famous declarations by different local politicians have been made in this town. The town has a unique way of swaying political tides especially in Kajiado East constituency,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Mr Kamau. Though Kitengela is said to be the fastest growing town in east and central Africa, most investors has been shifting base to Isinya due to high cost of expansion land. An eighth acre plot in Kitengela town currentls goes for not less than Sh 50 million. However, residents grapple with acute water shortage and raw sewage management as happens in all satellite towns in the entire Kajiado County.

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their fortune with concubines in the very town. Less than 10 years ago, shops used to close by 7pm and the town would sink into eerie darkness. However, the trend is changing with the town transforming into a 24-hour economy with several petrol stations and night clubs. Livestock market and slaughterhouse has expanded recently attracting X

far flung herders and more customers. The current slaughterhouse has been in existence since early 1990s.Â Also the town boasts of a weighbridge on the Namanga-Kiserian high way road junction. With tarmacking of Isara-Kajiado and Isinya-Ngong roads underway, the town is expected to be elevated to higher status. Isinya will be arguably the transit town for tourists from

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FEBRUARY, 2020

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The County Shopper

MARCH, 2020

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Ongata Rongai residents attend free eye medical camp By Obegi Malack Hundreds of Kajiado County residents have benefited from a free eye medical camp and other medical services at Ongata Rongai hospital in Kajiado North Constituency. The camp was organized by Kiserian and Ongata Rongai Residents Association (KORRA) and sponsored by Joy Guru Foundation USA . Other partners were Nairobi Women Hospital, ARK Counseling and Wellness Service, Rotary Club of Rongai and Rongai East. The exercise was launched by MP Joseph Manje and county government of Kajiado CECM in charge of Health Esther Somoire. Joy Guru Foundation founder, Dr Satya Mitra and his wife who were present said they grew up with difficulties in life and they

are passionate in helping the community by offering humanitarian services. “We have extended our humanitarian services to other parts of the world, we help homeless people in USA and do other services, we use our money to help those who need help,” he noted. Somoire said the county government is committed in ensuring that it has more health officers to deal with the eye problems, adding that they are investing in more staff to work in the sector. She said the county has been able to open two hospitals in the sub-county to deal with increased number of patients. The health centres are Olekasasi and Matasia health Centres. They are also planning to equip and open the Gataka health centre, she added. The eye camp did more than

1,500 screenings and surgeries. Eye problem is among five common diseases in the county. Nkaimurunya MCA James Waisha and nominated MCA Lucy Mathenge urged the residents to register for NHIF to benefit from hospital services. The county is expected to upgrade the Rongai hospital to level 4 status. The move will see the patents access services through NHIF. He said patients without NHIF, however, get free services. Area Member of Parliament Joseph Manje challenged the locals to take patients to hospitals that they can afford. He said private hospitals are expensive, adding that increase of patients create hostile climate and welcomed more partnerships to help the government in dealing with health challenges.

MP Joseph Manje, Manje,CEC CECM member Healthhealth EstherEsther Somoire Somoire, and Rotary Rotary club club officials officials measure tested their during blooda pressure free medical during camp a free in Rongai medical sponsored camp in Rongai by Joy sponsored Guru Foundation by Joy Guru USA.Foundation Photo/ObegiUSA. Malack Photo/Obegi Malack

Legislator decries delay in tarmacking road section By Our Reporter A contractor tarmacking Gataka road in Kajiado North Constituency has been urged to speed up work on an incomplete section. Residents had complained at the slow pace at which the work was being done. The locals said the contractor had started working on Gataka Rongai section last year and made it impassable. They said a section had been left incomplete.

Gonza Fwonyellence, a resident claimed the section had been made impassable inconveniencing locals. The road is used by Public Service Vehicles PSVs due to traffic jam on Magadi road. Area MP Joseph Manje, who was accused of not doing enough to ensure the road is fixed on time, said the tarmacking was slowed because of long rains. Manje accused Kenya Power of demanding the construction company to

pay Sh 28 million to relocate power lines. He said the power company should reduce the charges to allow work to proceed. A firm was awarded a tender to tarmac 64 kilometre in the constituency and work will be completed in February 2022.Other feeder roads in the constituency have also become impassable due to long rains. Olkeri Residents Association has also written to Kenya Rural Roads Authority to complain over Olkeri to Gataka Section.

LIVESTOCK & AGRICULTURE

Locusts, fall army worn pesticides ban will hit food supply, govt told By Correspondent Agricultural and industry organisations have called on the government of Kenya to intervene to secure due process in the country’s pesticide regulation, amid warnings that a current initiative

by four NGOs could wipe out the country’s food production within months. Move to ban pesticides being used to curb locusts and Fall Army Worm will lead to a drop in food production. A move to secure a ban by Parliament of 262 pesticides approved

for use in Kenya, but banned in European Union countries , would slash the country’s maize production by 70 per cent, create a ballooning locust problem and lead to the collapse of the agriculture sector, warned the growers and scientists. The calls come in response to a petition to parliament seeking the banning of the products that are currently being used to prevent the infestation of Kenyan maize by Fall Army Worm and to curb the locust invasion in northern Kenya. The petitioners want the pesticides banned following a change in the European pesticide regulation, which has seen the EU abandon risk assessment as a basis for approving pest control products. Instead of considering the safety of products when they are used in pest control, as elsewhere in the world,

Kajiado satellite towns launch clean-up exercise By Abdi Hussein Kajiado county government has launched a monthly structured cleanup exercise of all satellite towns in the vast county. This has been prompted by massive outcry by the business community over garbage menace strewn all over major towns. Raw sewage flows freely resulting in foul odour and clogged culverts especially in Kitengela,Ongata Rongai, Kiserian and Ngong towns. Solid waste management has been a daunting task to the devolved unit despite frantic efforts to address it. Dumping sites are filled up to capacity. County government and handful Kajiado assembly MCAs joined members of public organized into groups in the exercise. However, the county government in partnership with National Environment Management Authority(NEMA) and other stakeholders launched a unique clean exercise in Kitengela town recently dubbed “Clean and Green towns” Nema director General , Mamo B Mamo said the initiative targets a

the EU now approves products only where they are non-hazardous in all circumstances, meaning, for instance, that consumers could safely drink them. “The consequences of changing our pesticide approval criteria, by default, without changing our current laws, without scientific assessments, and as an appeal to elected members of parliament who have no background on pesticide approvals, will be literally catastrophic,” said Fresh Produce Consortium CEO, Ojepat Okisegere. “We lost 70 per cent of our maize production in 2017 to Fall Army Worm, which is now restored due to pest control. If we now ban the pesticide, we shall move back to crop devastation, in

holistic environmental conservation approach. Mamo said the exercise seek public sensitization and mobilization to jointly make environmental clean. Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho reasurred residents that the county will ensure garbage collecting trucks are up and running as scheduled. Moshisho acknowledged the sorry state of most towns, but insisted the new found partnership between the public and county government will improve the towns.. The clean up programme co-ordinator, James Sankale, Chief Officer Environment ,said the county government has put up plans to ensure sustainability. Meanwhile,the county assembly of Kajiado has passed an Environment bill putting stringent measures against those found guilty of illegal waste dumping. Mr James Ndirangu, assembly chairman of Environment and sanitation says once the report is adopted, the high penalties imposed will bring sanity in the waste and sewer water management.

an environment where pest infestation is skyrocketing across our agricultural production,” he said. The pest infestation rate for cabbages would move to around 98 per cent, tomatoes to 24 per cent, produce such as flowers, French beans and soybeans, to around 66 per cent, and 40 to 80 per cent on wheat and other crops, he said. “Pest such as Tuta absoluta, which is notorious in attacking tomatoes can wipe out 100 per cent of the yields within days, and attacks whenever the host is available. Female pests can produce up to 260 eggs in 21 days, while stem borer, FAW and cutworms have been the famous pests attacking our maize crops cutting our yields by almost half,” said Ojepat.

The County Shopper

March, 2020

St.Joseph Ngong

Catholic Academy VISION

Empowering Children for Future Through Holistic Education.

MISSION

To educate the whole child spiritualy, physically and emotionally for a sense of moral, professional and social responsbility.

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Storm over Narok BBI land proposals

By Ben Leshau

Land issues took the centrestage at the fifth edition of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) forum recently held in Narok. And the proposals could be marred by tribal affiliations, after a group of leaders from the Kipsigis community stormed out of a forum, accusing the organisers of sidelining them. Speaking after the meeting to discuss resolutions to be endorsed the leaders said land taken away from the Maasai community should be given back to them. “That a commission of historical land injustices and contested communal land claims be established to implement reports of task forces and land related commissions, including the Ndung’u Land Commission, Njonjo and the

TJRC with a 10 to 15 year window,” reads the recommendations. The community leaders also recommended that a kitty of Sh200 billion is set aside for the implementation of the reports. The memorandum by the leaders was to be read at the rally by Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and his Kajiado counterpart Joseph ole Lenku. The memorandum that was read to the delegates by former IEBC Commissioner Thomas Letangule, from Ilchamus, cited dispossession of the Maa of their trust land in Laikipia, Nakuru, Kedong Ranch and Oldonyo Ng’iro in Isiolo. Earlier, the Kipsigis had complained that the meeting at the Maasai Mara University was being conducted in the Maa l a n guage, t h u s limiting their

participation. Aruasa, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno and MCAs Jefferson Lang’at (Ololung’a), Wesley Koech (Sagamian), Sammy Kositany (Ailmootiok), Philemon Aruasa (Melelo) and Gabriel Mibei (Angata Barikoi) said they could not continue being part of a setting where they were not needed. ODM leader Raila Odinga was expected to grace the event. Prior to the meeting Raila, who is spearheading the BBI public consultative forum, had warned co-ordinators of the rally against sidelining participants. “Given the cosmopolitan nature of the seven counties to be represented at this meeting, I urge the co-ordinators of the two-day event to ensure participants reflect particularly the ethnic and occupational diversities of the counties to include ethnic minorities, herdsmen, farmers, women and the youth,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesman

Narok West MP, Patrick ole Ntutu with Emurua Dikirr legislator, Johana Ng’eno in a past function. Dennis Onyango. Apart from land matters, the community resolved to back a parliamentary system of government composed of an executive prime minister and two deputies. They suggested that a minority community should be represented in the top leadership. The Maasai leaders also planned to push for a rotational presidency between the majority and minority communities to promote equity. They further proposed the creation of Indecent Indigenous People Authority to look into the affairs of the marginalised communities. On management of shared natural reJohana Ng’eno, Emurua Dikirr MP and Everlyne Aruasa, Narok Deputy Governor.

sources, the Maasai sought a 25 per cent share of resources generated from what they described as establishments previously at the heart of Maasai land such as Amboseli, Nakuru and Tsavo National parks. They wanted the parks put under county governments so that the community can benefit from a share of the revenue generated. Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine was missing at the deliberation but Lenku said the suspended county chief had sent his apologies. Other leaders present were MPs Kanchory Memusi (Kajiado Central), Katoo ole Metito (Kajiado South), Lemanken Aramat (Narok East), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Korei Lemein (Narok South), Senator Ledama ole Kina and Samburu East MP Naisula Lesuuda.

The County

FOCUS ON TOP SCHOOLS

Bringing Buyers and Sellers together •Kajiado •Narok •Nairobi

March, 2020

HOLYSTAR ACADEMY Education is never complete without character

ADMISSION OPEN

1 2 1

Prof Musa Nyakora from Adventist University of Africa awards former Holy star Academy pupil who scored 414 marks. He was enrolled in Maseno School.

Prof Musa Nyakora inspects a guard of honour mounted by Holystar Academy scouts.

4 Kajiado North Sub-County education official Hellen Kitunga awards Holystar Academy head teacher Isaac Nyandieka for the institution’s exemplary performance in 2019 KCPE.

Some of the students and other participants follow proceedings during the school’s Prize-giving ceremony.

Nurturing academic excellence and talent development.

Holystar Academy P.O. BOX 8209, 00200 Nairobi. Phone:0725559391 0718820525

Maasai Girls shines in Narok in 2019 KCSE

Mrs Rose Anyango Oteku, School Principal. By Bell Pere Maasai Girls Secondary School emerged as one of the best secondary schools in Narok County after recording sterling results in the 2019 KCSE exams. The school posted a mean score of 6.4 with three

girls managing to get a mean grade of B+. This mean score is an improvement from 5.6 recorded in the previous exams. According to Mrs Rose Anyango Oteku, the School Principal, the improved performance is due to strategies that have been in place since Administration Block. 2017 when she came into office. At that time, the school our goals,” explains Mrs was performing poorly forc- Oteku. ing her to put in place meaShe also revealed that the sures to change the situation. administration also encour“The plan involved use aged teachers to finish teachof past exam papers for revi- ing the syllabus early enough sion, picked from a few top to enable students do their schools. We then sat down revision. and worked hard to achieve Maasai Girls recorded a

School dorms.

mean grade of A in History (A) Computer Studies B+, Home Science B+, Business Studies B- Agriculture B-, CRE B- and Geography B-. Those who scored B+ were Kabiru Wanjiru, Ezra Nyatachi and Jayada Nkaruyia. The school had 12 B, 16

School Gate.

B-, 34 C +, 55 C, 34 C- and 9 D+. Linet Kanyi, student president of Maasai Girls congratulated the 2019 class and said this year’s candidates aim to achieve a mean score of 7.2 and have more than 100 students qualify for university. Mrs Oteku appealed to the County and National government to assist the school expand its facilities so as to cope with increased student enrolment. She appealed to TSC to post more teachers to assist the 41 teachers against a student population of 1,200. Maasai Girls School,

Linet Kanyi, Student president. whose motto is: Discipline and Hardwork and which values efficiency, innovation, integrity, self-service and fear of God, is located in Narok North Sub-County 4 kilometres from Narok Town- along Narok Town Lenana road.

One of the institution's buses.

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

SPECIAL FEATURE

How Moi picked me, Tipis to form KADU: Lancaster hero Ole Lemein By Bell Pere He has been honoured with some of the utmost medals and merits in Kenya for having bled for the country before and since independence, with the recent one Silver Lion Medal (SLM) awarded for “Distinguished service and exceptional character in the Scout movement” by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta. The man is Philip Toikan ole Lemein or famously known as “Mr Senator Sir!” Even in his 90s his gaze is filled with ‘youthfulness’ and joy. Born in 1926 at Melili area in the now Narok North Sub County in Narok County, Mzee Ole Lemein, one of Kenya’s first nationalists, started his education in 1938 at Government African school Narok (currently Ole Sankale Primary School). He studied together with Justus Ole Tipis, Stanley Oloitipitip, William ole Ntimama, John Keen among other Maasai prominent leaders and pioneers. “I later joined Kapsaket Teachers Training College in 1942. Where I met and studied with the former President Daniel arap Moi but my studies were cut short by the effects of Second World War,” he grimly reminisces. His desire for education did not die. He later on joined Kahuhia Teachers College Murang’a in 1947 to 1948 where he earned a P4 certificate and was recruited into Scout movement by his European Teacher Mr Hooper, who was then Scout Commissioner, a service he has practised to date. “Mr Hooper influenced me into joining the scout movement which later on immensely transformed my life,” he added. During his teaching career Mr Lemein taught some prominent personnel such as Shardrack ole Rotiken, William ole Yiaile former Narok county council chairman, Professor Ole Karei, Chancellor Moi University, Titus Ole Naikuni former Kenya Airways boss, Stephen ole Ntutu former senator Narok and after retirement when on voluntary teaching, Ledama ole Kina current Senator Narok County and nominated MP David ole Sankok among others. Mzee Lemein later started Masikonde Primary School Narok in 1961, but later cut short his teachings to join active politics

His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta awarding Mzee Ole Lemein the Silver Lion Medal for distinguished service and exceptional character in the Scout Movement. in 1962. During his active years in politics, he had a passion for the education and allocated to schools. Among the first beneficiaries were Ilmashariani Primary School, and Ole Tipis Girls, which got 40 hectares – now a national school. In the same year Mzee

Mzee Lemein has been a staunch Christian who donated land for building of Light Christian Fellowship Church and Nursery school in 2003. Lemein recalls how he was approached by former President Daniel arap Moi and Justus Ole Tipis to form a new political party-Kenya Africa Democratic Union (KADU). “They elected me to become the 1st Narok District treasurer for the party. It also gave me an opportunity to host President Moi at my home,” he recalls. He later on joined a delegation to Lancaster House

Mzee Ole Lemein with his grandson Reverend George Lemein of Light Christian Fellowship Church. Photo/Bell Pere Conference in London in 1962, where he was tasked in the drafting of the first Kenyan constitution that led to Independence and Formation of the senate (upper house), Parliament (lower house) Majimbo Districts (currently county government) local Government- (currently ward). “My stay there completely changed my character as I mingled with Kenya’s first president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and other prominent nationalists such

as Tom Mboya,” he added. At one point during the delegation, Mzee Lemein further recalls with pride walking out of the Lancaster house conference, he and the other Maasai leaders in the delegation under the Maasai United Front (MUF), a party that brought together Maasai leaders from Narok, Kajiado and Samburu districts, in protest due to disagreement on Maasai land issues based on the famous Olonana land agreement of 1912-1914.

On returning from Lancaster house conference, Mzee Lemein was elected as the first Senator for Narok District from 1963 to 1966 before the Senate was abolished. He was later elected as the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Narok South constituencey and served from 1966 to1969. He was able to achieve quite a number of notable accomplishments such as the first Narok – Mai Mahiu Tarmac Road, introduced the first cattle dip in Narok at Loita, Naikarra, Majimoto and Siapei Locations, initiated the introduction of wheat farming in Ildamat, Olchorro and Upper Melili, moved a motion in Parliament for the introduction of Narok Post Office that is operational to date. He also advocated the formation of District Land Adjudication and introduced the first Water Pump Project for Mosiro and Morijo locations. He continued serving as MP for the three years but later on moved to Narok North where he lived and no longer found it fit to represent in an area where he was not a resident. “I wanted to contest in Narok North but the then friend of mine Daniel Moi, contacted me not to challenge Tipis who was then a powerful minister in the office of the president.” Mzee Lemein has been a staunch Christian who donated land for building of Light Christian Fellowship Church and Nursery school in 2003. In the community, he started the Narok village Polytechnic in 1965, now Narok Vocational and Training centre. He was appointed to Land Dispute Tribunal (1994-2004) besides serving as chairman

of Narok District Peace Committee 2002-2004. He also served as secretary and was awarded Head of State Commendation (HSC) by former president Mwai Kibaki. A man who loves his community, he donated land for water Pump Project that is currently serving the residents of Lenana, Fanaka and Osinoni people. “I remember with the growing population of residents in Narok, water was becoming an issue and, therefore, as a community leader we had to seek a solution to it. We mobilized resources and drilled a borehole that is still used to date,” he added. Among his other accolades are medal of merits, awarded for “outstanding services in the scout movement” by the former Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1968); Long service decoration, awarded for “faithful and efficient services to the scout movement,” by Mzee Moi; Acceptation of pilgrimage, awarded in Jerusalem, Israel by the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry in (1988); Freedom of the city of Nairobi “Honorary award” given by former Nairobi mayor Dick Wathika (2006). A resource and employment centre was started in his honour to train youth and women in the community. He was recently awarded Silver Lion Medal for “Distinguished service and exceptional character in the scout movement”, by president Uhuru Kenyatta on 24, November 2019. “To move the country forward we have to fight corruption from the top government officials. I hope the Building Bridges Initiative will provide a clear way in doing this,” he said.

Groom Philip Toikan Ole Lemein was among the first to conduct a church wedding in Narok.

county press

Narok County News

MARCH, 2020

Narok North PLWDs get Sh475, 000 trade tools

By Staff Reporter

National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) has distributed tools of trade and assistive devices worth Sh475,000 to 19 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) in Narok North Sub County. The NFDK Assistant Project Manager Mr Isaack Alia who was present during the kitty distribution said the tools will empower PLWDs economically through start-ups and micro enterprises to enhance self-reliance. Some of the trade tools issued to beneficiaries included: welding machines, hair salon kits, sewing machines, farm toolsand masonry kits, knitting machines, barber tools, carpentry tools and wheel-chairs. Speaking at Narok North youth empowerment centre hall during the distribution exercise, Mr Alia said the

equipment were part of a national programme that would not only see persons with disability benefit, but also public learning institutions receive special needs classrooms the PLWDs. He thus urged parents to shun the cultural practice of hiding their physically challenged children and instead take them to schools equipped with the necessary devices to aid their learning. Narok North Deputy County Commissioner, Mr Mutuku Mwenga urged those awarded with the equipment not to sell or store them in their houses but use them for their own benefit. Ms Juliana Kicheson whose son received a wheelchair said he has been carrying his son who suffers from cerebral palsy for the last 22 years as she could not afford a wheelchair.

Narok DCC Mutuko Mwenga (in yellow shirt) and ACC Abdul Diba presenting a sewing machine to a beneficiary. Photo/Staff Reporter

Sh8m water project to serve over 1,000 households By Bell Pere The government through Ewaso Nyiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) has commissioned a Sh8 million water borehole that will serve over 1,000 households at Enabelbel area in Narok North Sub County. The project, which was launched by Environment Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli in the company of ENSDA chairman and Narok County Commissioner, has been strategically placed at Ntimama Mixed Secondary school where the villagers could access the water easily. Speaking during the commissioning, PS Charles Sunkuli said he was very pleased at how both the county and national government worked hand in hand in ensuring the success of the project. He said the project will not only help in solving water challenges, but also help learners especially the girls concentrate in school. “Girls from the school are mostly forced to fetch

water far away and in the process exposed toimmoral activities that lead to unwanted pregnancies and consequently early marriages,” he added. Mr Sunkuli also said that the water project boost primary to secondary school transition in Narok which currently stands at 91% as it will attract parents and learners to the institute. “I am sure now that learning will improve and parents will take their children to school,” he added. Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti praised ENSDA for its efforts and ability to identify Enbelbel area, Olorropil ward for assistance. He said that the government will use multiagency approach in resolving critical challenges facing the residents. He further said that they were in agreement with the PS on a quest to ensure that the Maasai community understood the importance of education. “We shall soon hold massive campaigns especially in

the rural areas of this county to show residents the importance of education,” he said. Selei Ole Mwanik, ENSDA Chairman who was present during the commissioning said that at Ewaso Nyiro it being a regional development authority was also tasked in ensuring that challenged such as water are addressed. He said that ENSDA had drilled a borehole, provided water tanks for storage and placed solar panels for efficient electricity. “We are also hoping that the water project will soon be extended to the milk cooler plantation that is nearby,” he further added. Mary Siameto a form three student at Ntimama secondary school was quite overjoyed by the water project. She was forced on a daily routine to walk over three kilometres in search of water before or after school. She says most of her classmates fall into immoral activities while they head to fetch water which will now adversely reduce.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

Bishop Peter Nakola Chairman of Narok pastors accompanied by Theory Lontino, the leader of the SOS Adventure missionary group during a press briefing. Photo/Our Reporter

300 missionaries expected in Narok to reach out to vulnerable groups By Our Reporter Over 300 missionaries are expected in Narok County to preach the gospel and to reach out to the needy, drug addicts, orphans and prisoners. Bishop Peter Nakola Chairman of Narok pastors, speaking during a church service at Narok Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church (PAG) attended by 300 pastors to strategize for the event, said the missionaries from SOS Adventures were expected to arrive sometime in June this year. “We are really privileged as a county because out of all the counties in Kenya, the missionaries decided to pick Narok in order to do their divine work,” he observed.

Alarm as lions move out of Maasai Mara park By Ben Leshau

Environment PS Charles Sunkuli commissioning the water borehole. Photo/Bell Pere

He further added that the missionaries are expected to come from over fifteen states across the world. They will cover areas such Ntulele, Rotian, Ololulung’a Ewaso Ngiro, Maasai Mara, Kilgoris and many. Theory Lontino, leader of the SOS Adventure missionary group, who was also present during the meeting, said already 1.6 million US dollars worth of equipment had already been shipped into Kenya to aid the activities that would be undertaken. He said they will also be on a humanitarian mission to provide food and sanitary towels to the needy. A rally is expected to climax the mission at Narok Stadium where both spiritual and political leaders are expected to attend.

Human-wildlife conflict is looming in areas near the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve as lions stray due to starvation after their prey (grazers) moved out of the park to nearby community conservancies to avoid the tall grass occasioned by the ongoing heavy rains. According to ecologists, contrary to the notion that the grazers like gazelles,topis, and zebras like to enjoy grass during rainy season, the opposite is true as they dislike tall grass as it exposes them to the predators. For the lions according to the Maasai Mara Deputy Chief Park Warden, Mr Edward Nkoitoi, the height of the grass at the park has adversely affected the hunting patterns of the

lions leaving them starved as they cannot sight the prey. “Due to the ongoing heavy rains the grassland savanna is now lush-green with grass growing very tall. Medium-sized grazers like gazelles, elands, wildebeests and zebras which are favourite meal for the lions prefer shorter grass and as a result have migrated to the conservancies,” said Mr Nkoitoi. He said that the few territorial lions are still in the park and have developed survival tactics exhibiting unusual traits such as climbing trees, rock, and anthills to get a glimpse of the prey. Leonard Sadera, a veteran Tour Guide/ driver at the park said the sights of lions climbing trees is a phenomenon to behold for tourists.

property world

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

Real estate finance flows on the rise, say analysts By Grace Munyi The real estate market is poised for an uptick in activity, according to East African Property Investment (EAPI) Summit analysts, following the recent moves to reopen financial flows into the sector by uncapping interest rates. The change follows a decline in financing that saw the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP halve from 8.8 per cent in 2016 to 4.1 per cent by 2018. “The lifting of the caps has prompted renewed interest by investors in the Kenyan market, which marks a distinct and new development. Following the introduction of the interest cap in 2016, international and local investors shied away from investing in property funds, particularly in the high-end residential, retail and commercial segments. Only logistics investments withstood the financial clampdown,” said Kfir Rusin, Managing Director of the East Africa Property Investment Summit. However, the easing of the constraints on debt lending to developers and home buyers now comes as Acorn last month led the way in Kenya with the launch of its Sh4.3 billion bond to fund the building of environmentally friendly student accommodation for 5,000 students in the capital. The bond, which is also being listed on the London Stock Exchange, is a significant step forwards in the nation’s mission of expanding affordable housing and coincides with a parallel new flow of UK investments into the housing sector from the UK Africa Investment Summit. “The opening of new routes to housing finance and lifting of restrictions on debt financing mark material turning points for the real estate market, which has become notably subdued,” said Kfir. Over the last three years, the growth in property market activity has slowed as commercial credit from banking institutions has tightened. According to the Bank Supervision Annual Report by the Central Bank of Kenya, the net growth in commercial loans fell to eight per cent following the introduction of the rate cap in 2016, which was just one 12th of the 96 per cent growth rate recorded in 2015. Loans to the real estate sector dropped even more sharply, falling by nine per cent in 2017. In

Silver Harbor by South River in Kilimani, Dagoretti North.

‘The lifting of the caps has prompted renewed interest by investors in the Kenyan market, which marks a distinct and new development.’ 2018, property loans increased marginally, by four per cent, but the majority of the new loans were distributed as refinance for affordable housing mortgages, rather than as real estate development finance. The cap additionally saw banks and investors compensate for reduced interest income by offloading or avoiding

stocks perceived to be less liquid or higher risk, such as real estate, and purchasing more liquid investments, like government bonds. As a result, by the end of 2017, government securities accounted for 24.9 per cent of

total banking sector assets, up from 23.4 per cent prior to the caps. This shift from commercial loans to government bonds continued throughout 2018 and 2019. As a result of these multiple shifts, construction levels slowed down, with developers focusing on completing and selling existing projects. By the end of 2019, building

plans approved for building permits by the Nairobi City County Government had declined by 10.89 per cent from a year earlier, to 957 approvals. At the same time, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported decelerating growth in the property sector to 5.8 per cent by the end of 2019, which was its slowest growth since 2014. However, the removal of the rate cap is now expected to restore market liquidity, in a prospect that prompted a rally in Kenyan bank shares on the Nairobi Stock Exchange as investors rushed to buy the stocks in anticipation of increased gains ahead. “As a dynamic that has positively influenced the bourse and promises greater access to mortgage credit too, we now expect more activity from local banks in the form of debt lending to the real estate sector,” said Rusin. “However, we do anticipate a time-lag in this, as developers weigh the new array of financing options and apply for approvals.” EAPI issued its outlook ahead of the seventh Annual East Africa Property Summit, to be held in Nairobi on 1st and 2nd April 2020, bringing together over 500 local and international investors from over 250 companies. The stakeholders’ focus this year is on thinking differently in unlocking new financing routes, achieving competitive pricing, learning from emerging markets globally, and future proofing developments against cycles ahead.

New World Gardens Estate off the Nairobi-Namanga highway. Real estate agents are reaping millions as demand for houses goes up.

THE CLASSROOM MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

Is computer mightier than pen and sword? “The pedagogy for our school children must accommodate the radical changes in technology that have occurred over the past couple of decades” By Dennis Monirei It is official, in 2015 the keyboard began to genuinely challenge the pen for dominance in the classroom. With Finland and some schools in Kenya having decided that it will no longer teach cursive handwriting in primary schools, replacing it with typing lessons for students, and with pen manufacturer BIC fighting for penmanship to save handwriting in Australia, it could be argued that the humble pen might finally be singing its swan song. But what does this mean for the local classroom, now that smartphones are ordinary and gadgets are invading every part of our lives? Education vs technology Education has always embraced technology. From the humble overhead projector, to the TV with VCR that was pushed into the classroom on a trolley, to the computer labs full of Commodore 64s, new technology in the consumer space has always found its way into the classroom. What is changing, though, is the availability of that technology.

As a middle-class student growing up on the Kaputiei plains in the 1990s, I remember clearly how computer time worked. The classroom I sat in every day had no computers, but once a week we would all queue up and march down to the staff room to spend a minute using the only one available. Even in my later years in high school, the computer labs were always a separate activity, reserved for special classes on Business Technology or Computers in Schools. Now, 30 years later, my neighbor’s son is attending prep at a school like Sathya Sai schoolKisaju in Kajiado County that boasts a 1-to-1 computer policy. The teacher uses a smart board for learning connected to a server and builds lessons around the technology that the students have access to. As he grows up, I’m sure my neighbor’s son will request a smartphone of his own, and I hope that the school he goes to (probably the upcoming Sathya Sai University) will encourage him to use it for learning as well. Results from my research in various schools within the county, show that, no longer is technology relegated to just the computer. Rather, it’s built into every facet of the students’ lives. This has the potential to change classrooms, villages and county in ways that have never been seen before. Back in 2001, Marc Prensky coined the term digital native to

describe a different type of individual, one who does not know a world without technology in it. I personally learnt the term around three years ago, and since then have noticed a certain amount of controversy about its use, especially amongst those considered digital immigrants, individuals who grew up in a world before technology was commonplace. Among the immigrants, the notion that there is a divide between those who know technology and those who do not is difficult to come to terms with. Many counterpoints to Prensky’s work have been written, as well as other terms proposed like David White’s Digital Resident/Digital Visitor, or the Active Learner to describe the change in learning. For some reason though, the term digital native persists, perhaps because, despite its flaws, it acknowledges a change in the way that we interact with the world, regardless of our generational differences. Technology is integral to the lives of digital natives, but is our

education system catching up? The best example I can give just like I did earlier is from my own experience. When I was young I never walked around grazing without my sword even now sometimes. When I was a student, a pen was an important implement to take to lectures and tutorials. It allowed me to not only make notes but also write down other pieces of information, like the lecturer’s contact details or the submission time for an assignment. Now, I notice that students no longer take pens to class, and when they want to take notes, they instead use their mobile phone’s inbuilt camera. As a digital immigrant, I found myself totally floored the first time that a student submitted an assignment via the online Learning Management System in front of me, and when I suggested that they print the confirmation page, they instead took out their phone and took a photo of the screen! Last gasp the pen Of course, this transition is not without its challenges. Technology moves quickly, and as soon as one piece of technology becomes popular, it gets replaced with another and definitely the disadvantage of moral degrada-

Dennis T. Monirei tion for irresponsible users cannot be ignored. In Sathya Sai School, even these challenges are surmountable. As a matter of fact, in addition to new technology, Sathya Sai School has integrated the basic ethical human values that are essential for positive human behavior and actions in our daily lives. They are formed on the basis of interests, choices, needs, desires and have successfully solved the new pedagogical challenges for the 21st Century student and thus successfully managed the effort of student character building which is the significance of education. Sathya Sai School concludes that the end of education is character. The writer is PRO, Sathya Sai School, Kisaju.

Complete village’s only public school, Lenku petitioned By Christine Tarayie

Grace Naserian (centre) dances during her graduation party held at Sholinke. Inset: Grace and other villagers chat during the occasion. Photo/Christine Tarayie

Residents of Sholinke Kajiado East have urged Governor Joseph ole Lenku to intervene to ensure completion of the village’s only public boarding school. Speaking during the graduation party of Sholinke primary school alumna Grace Naserian, locals said education in the area continues to deteriorate due to lack of boarding facility. Majority of the kids walk up to 10kms to school, a fact adversely affecting literacy levels in the area. Sholinke primary school has a boarding facility funded by the devolved unit, but is not equipped and has stalled since 2015. “If we get a boarding facility in our village it will serve a big number of kids even in the neighboring village.,” said

Amos Keshoko, a resident. Stanley Sompiroi says most parents have embraced formal education, but were still facing many challenges especially due to abject poverty. Wilson Kirayian who has been in the forefront advocating girl-child education said if a boarding facility is put up in the area, it will boost education among young girls and discourage teenage pregnancy. “I managed to join college after four years when I finished secondary school. It was not an easy journey, but I thank God and my family for the moral and financial support,” stated Naserian. Naserian graduated with a diploma in teaching and has gone back to teach in her former primary school. She aspires to pursue further studies.

NEWS FEATURE

Kajiado west

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya (left) with other administrators during a visit to the restive Trans-Mara West area.

We are tired of war: Transmara West residents

By Bell Pere It has been 44 years now since the inter–section clashes began without any amicable solutions found to it as lives have been lost, families broken and hatred sown in the hearts of the two Maasai groups. The Maasai sections are deeply rooted in their ancestral land and would do anything to fight for it, even fight against each other, and that is what has been ongoing with the Siria and Uasingishu sections in Transmara West sub-county, Narok county. The government tried new strategies in trying to resolve the conflict including the latest, the issuance of title deeds so that the residents could individually be accounted Mary Naishorua a resident of Nkararu area talking to the press. for in their issues. A visit to the hostile area perceived by The clashes scare away investors from many to be the cursed lands following the murders of innocents and cries of mothers the fertile lands of Nkararu, leaving the and widows whose sons and husbands were town desolate. Mud houses dominate the killed during the numerous clashes over the area and a few rusty, old iron sheet houses past 44 years is revealing. It is undeniably here and there. Meshack Kibunei, a retail trader, said quite fertile red soils and receives a lot of rain that not only supports staple foods such business is low at Nkararu because no one as maize but also cash crops such as tea and wishes to invest in such a hostile environment where insecurity is a headache. sugarcane. A resident of Sirisia section blames the Nkararu residents want peace as war has taken so many of their people, de- authorities for doing nothing. Most consulstroyed lives and left others in despair tation barazas have been held on the Uasin physically and emotionally. Bernard Tome, Gishu side with no or few leaders from the a victim who almost lost his life narrates Siria clan. “Our leaders are to be blamed, they alhow a gang of armed men late in the eveways favor one side.Why should they not ning attacked him. “I was coming home from a long safari consult us, it is better we die than let our riding on my motorbike when a group of lands be taken,” he said. Rift Valley Regional Commissioner men stormed and attacked me, pinned me down and started hacking me with machet- George Natembeya, who visited the area, recently warned the people against the killes,” he sais. It was only by the will of God that he ings and the incitement by politicians. He said the land belongs to individual was able to escape and hide in thickets where he was able to call the police for help. owners and that is the reason why we have “Since the horrific day last year, my life to ensure every person living in this area has never been the same, I cannot sleep I has legal documentation of his land,” said cannot walk outside without overlooking Natembeya. He directed the land adjudication offimy shoulder,” he added. Tome’s head bears four machete scars cials to ascertain the boundaries of the land as well as on the legs and hands. For many to give proper boundaries and documentadays, he has tried to understand why a tion to the residents to avert future crisis. “The government will do anything to group of his tribesmen would want him dead yet his land isn’t near the conflict area. resolve the long-standing dispute even if Mary Naishorua, a mother of two also it means buying land for the families with tells how the nights at Nkararu area have dispute,” reiterated Natembeya. He also condemned the recent killings become long and cold as her husband has where a police officer was brutally killed to hide every night. She says that every evening she cooks along the road by unknown persons and his for her husband quite early so that he can go body thrown into a sugar plantation. “The issue of killing people must end and hide in the sugarcane plantations. “The attackers usually come at night now. I swear no one will kill again and just and if they find our husbands at home, they go unpunished,” said Natembeya. Natembeya also sounded a stern warneither hack them or torch our houses,” she ing to politicians who he alleged could be added. fueling the fracas . A commissioner with National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Dr. Danvas Makori, lauded the multiagency approach in resolving the dispute.

See related story on Page Fertile lands of Nkararu area in Transmara West. Photos/ Bell Pere

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

Keekonyokie Ward residents in demo over health centre By Obegi Malack Residents of Keekonyokie Ward in Kajiado West Constituency who staged a demonstration over claims their health centre project had been relocatedhave been assured by the county government that it had not been shifted. The residents had accused the county government relocating health centre project to Olkeri Ward, Kajiado North Constituency. They accused the county government of removing machines from the construction site in the Narumoru. In a rejoinder, the county government communication team, denied that the county was relocating the project, saying the county is funding health centre projects in Keekonyokie and Olkeri.

The officers said the matter has been politicized by critics of the governor. Residents had claimed the Governor is punishing them after reportedly having political differences with their ward representative Moses Saoyo. They had claimed the governor has not been in good terms with the MCA and has been punishing him by allegedly denying the ward county projects. Stephen Ngoge said the governor held a meeting in the site inspecting the project and promised the locals that the project will continue. A resident Josephine Pulei said the land was purchased by the Olkejuado County Council and the health centre should be built on the land to benefit residents.

MP George Sunkuyia also promised to allocate money from National Government constituency fund to put up a secondary school. Pulei said: “We have been visiting Kajiado North to get health services we now need services closer,” she added. Florence Wangare had said they had planned to protest and prevent the launching of the Olkeri health project but security personnel were sent to stop the protest. Lenku had inspected the Narumoru Health center and afterwards held a public baraza to assure the residents that the construction will continue and urged the community to continue supporting government programmes.

Residents of Keekonyokie Ward in Kajiado West Constituency stage demo over alleged relocation of their project. Photo/Obegi Malack

Why Moi trusted Maasai on security docket By Ben Leshau The late former President Daniel Moi had an immense trust for the Maasai on the country’s security docket in his 24-year stint as the country’s Commander-In-Chief (CIC). This is according to Narok Governor Samuel Tunai who described the late Moi as a great darling of the Maasai and pastoral communities. Eulogizing the former president in Narok recently, Tunai said the love, trust Moi had for the Maasai community saw him appoint their sons to key security docket due to their loyalty. “During Moi era, all the longest-serving and successful Internal Security Ministers were from the Maa communities. This earned him the support across the pastoral communities who felt that they were at the centre of the Moi government,” said Governor Tunai. Mr Tunai, who also served in the Moi’s elite Special Branch which is currently National Intelligence Service (NIS) before joining politics, said Moi was very cautious on

security matters which enabled him to develop other sectors such as education, health and infrastructure. The Governor who spoke during the signing of the Moi condolence book also revealed that it was during the Moi era that the Maasai community embraced modernity and education. He said the Maziwa ya Nyayo (free school milk) attracted pastoral children to attend school and as a result exposing them to the modern world. On the security docket, Mr Tunai cited notable Internal Security Ministers from the Maa community such as George Saitoti who also served as longest Vice President, Justus Tipis, William ole Ntimama,

Julius Sunkuli as well as Army Commander James ole Lenges from Samburu. Apart from the appointments, Mr Tunai termed Moi as a sociable person who kept friends across the country and beyond. “As Maa-speaking counties we have all the reasons to celebrate Moi’s life that touched every corner of this country. We condole with the family during this time of grief and mourning,”said Tunai. Moi according to Tunai was also a peace maker who ensured that all the pastoral communities were living in peace despite frequent conflicts that were as a result of cattle rustling.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai signing condolence book of the late retired President Daniel Moi. Photo/Ben Leshau

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

Nkedianye to Lenku: Deliver or lose in 2022 By Obegi Malack Former Kajiado County Governor Dr David Nkedianye has challenged Governor Joseph ole Lenku to use allocated resources to transform the county. Nkedianye, who was spaeking during a burial politician Marias ole Pakini wife, said the county government was allocated more than double budget of what he used to receive when he was the governor which should be put to good use. “The county received more than Sh10 billion, I know work will be done unless there is a problem the Deputy Governor is here and he has been told to work. I know is listening, those elected must work since we are watching,” he said. The burial was attended by Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho, Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, Senator Mary Seneta, former Senator Peter Mositet, politicians Tarayia Kores, George Mocheche, Samson Moindi, Alfayo Otuke and several MCAs led by Oloosirkon MCA Francis Kaesha among others. Leaders present pocked holes on Lenku’s government saying it has failed to implement what it had promised the electorate. Nominated Senator Seneta hitherto a rival to Tobiko said

VOICE

she is supporting the MP for the gubernatorial position. Seneta said she was beaten by Tobiko in the last elections and is looking forward to work with her to transform the county as an MP and governor. She challenged the county government to upgrade roads that are pathetic status adding that the region is a source of sand. “My sister is going for the top seat, I will take her MP position, two women will not fail in fixing these pathetic roads,” she said. Tobiko said the county revenue has doubled, but it has failed to fix impassable roads in the region. “Lenku was given responsibilities to work for the electorates but has failed. Electorates are crying about pathetic roads and garbage in towns,” she said. “The county has money but has failed to fix that, he needs prayers, as things on the ground are different.” She noted that it was time for women to lead the county. Mositet said the leaders should cobe given democratic space to speak what concerns the locals. Kores said that the county has been collecting more than

From right: Senator Mary Seneta , former Governor Dr David Nkedianye, Peter Mositet, Marias Pakini,Tarayia Kores, MP Peris Tobiko, and DG Martin Moshisho during the funeral of wife to Pakini. Photo Obegi/Malack a million shillings from lorries that transport sand from the ward, but has failed to fix the roads. Kores who read former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s condolence message to the family said the locals should support the Building Bridges

of REASON

Frank and to the point

Initiative (BBI) to liberate Kenya. Kores, a former gubernatorial aspirant, supported MCAs Onesmus Ngogoyo , YvonneTonkei, Mwathi Pere in opposing land rates proposals for freehold land owners. He said they are illegal and will not be allowed in the county. MCA Kaesha requested the Governor to give him back his role of allocating bursaries. He claimed governor does not pick his calls because he attends Tobiko’s meetings and has taken over his roles. DG Moshisho defended the county development record,

saying the leaders were not sincere and are playing politics of witch-hunt. He said the county has tarmacked roads in the region, allocated bursaries while NHIF has benefited people from the region. The county government has in the recent past received opposition from a group of leaders led by Tobiko who has shown intentions of vying for the gubernatorial position. The burial ceremony was attended by most of the Lenku’s rivals who strategically used the service to poke holes on his administration.

Residents petition county over development issues

By B.W. Young Natembeya

Keep wild animals in the park

s someone in the Nairobi National Park sleeping on their job? Lions, hyenas and leopards are crossing the buffer line and wreaking havoc to residents of Masai Lodge, Tuala and Emakoko areas. Most homes have lost a dog, sheep, pigs or a goat, yet their cry for help has no one to answer. A notorious lioness named Neema with its two cubs has left many residents living in fear despite being fitted with a collar for easier monitoring by KWS. Wild animals cause untold damage yet the compensation process is tedious. KWS needs to do more to solve this perennial humanwildlife conflict. The decline in the number of gazelles and impalas among other preys, has forced the feline animals to stray to the residential areas. Can KWS do better in the management of this precious park? During Dr Leakey’s and Dr David Western time at the park things were better and conflict between human and wild animals was minimal.

Lions love grassland but this has been replaced by bushes and forests affecting their hunting in the park. Fencing of the park at the moment is not the solution; the solution is to manage the park in a way that the carnivorous animal can hunt effectively. At the moment it is said there are 38 lions in the national park, 12 of which are cubs, most of the lions are concentrated at the Kitengela side. If the issue of human-wildlife conflict is not sorted in the right frame of time, then the consequence could be bad. People are tired. KWS and other relevant stakeholders should offer civic education in regard to the animals to people living on the edge of the park. Compensation should be fast to avoid bad blood. KWS declined to talk on the issue. Hopefully, they will address the problem once and for all. The writer is Property Consultant in Ongata Rongai, Can be reached at bwafyoung2014@gmail.com

By Our Reporter Residents in Kajiado North and West sub-counties have petitioned the County Government on issues they want to be quickly addressed. In Ngong Ward, residents called for relocation of the Mathare dumpsite which is a health hazard. In the petition signed by residents they want the dumpsite land to be used for recreation purposes. In a letter addressed to the area MCA Robert Sungura they want revenue generated from Ngong town to be used to relocate the dumpsite because it has also affected school going children who scavenge for valuables.

The Public Health Act cap 242 (116) demands that local authorities (counties) maintain cleanness and prevent nuisances. The people living with disability had also written a petition do demand recognition by the County Government and National Government in development issues. Ewuaso Kedong and Oloolua ward s residents also petitioned their MCAs Martin Kimemia (Oloolua) and Justus Ngussur ( Ewuaso) over issuance of bursaries. They claim many needy students are not benefiting Kibiko women want the county government to address issue of drug abuse in Kibiko centre, which has left many youths unproductive.

Residents sign petitions that were presented to county government to solve issues of bursary, drugs and dumpsite. Photo/Obegi Malack

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

KAJIADO NORTH

BBI: Cosmopolitan leaders push for inclusivity

By Obegi Malack

Leaders in cosmopolitan areas are pushing for Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) to address inclusivity in the 47 county governments. The leaders who met in Nkoroi, Olkeri Ward, Kajiado North Sub County, proposed change of laws to demand those seeking gubernatorial positions to have their running mate from other tribes. Richard Boro from Ngong Ward said the deputy governor position should be a powerful position and not merely ceremonial. Ex-Ngong MCA Paul Supet said the proposal should be implemented countrywide and demanded increase from 30 per cent to 40 per cent jobs for other communities who are not indigenous of certain counties. Executive positions, he said, should also be shared by all communities. The constitution allows the indigenous communities to take 70 per cent positions.The leaders said in Kajiado the indigenous people

have taken more than 80 per cent Ngong Municipality board member Caroline Chege said the Governor and DG positions should be shared by both genders and three quarters gender rule adhered to. Former Kajiado North MP aspirant Samson Moindi said there should be strict penalties for leaders who do not implement the 70% - 30% rule of employment. Kajiado Municipality manager Parsimei Gitau said elected leaders should ensure the proposed issues are implemented. He said more resources and personnel should be channelled to municipalities. The locals also demanded creation of opposition office in counties. The governors were accused of working with opposition MCAs to frustrate the electorates. They wanted independent individuals who will oversight the counties. Haron Gikera, who presented Nkaimurunya Ward people’s proposals, said the county and national government should also

Residents of Ngong Ward, Kajiado North constituency presenting their BBI proposals. Photo/Obegi Malack consider employing professinals who are not involved in politics. Kamau Karioki said the impeachment should be made easy for those leaders who do not perform Area MP Joseph Manje said they will present issues that were

discussed. Nkimurunya MCA James Waisha noted the BBI will not solve the power sharing issues, adding that the matter is political. Nominated MCA Onesmus Ngogoyo also echoed other leaders’ sentiments on population to

be considered in resource allocations. The attendees also proposed for official languages to be used during public and official meetings. He said youths should also be exempted from paying tax for a period of time.

Finnish MPs back Ngong dumpsite relocation Umoja Road Residents Association with their lawyer at Milimani court. The associstion was sued for demanding relocation of a fence on road reserve. Photo/ Obegi Malack

Resident sues association By Our Reporter Umoja Road Residents Association in Rongai Ward has been sued by a resident after demanding relocation of a fence which is said to be on public road. The resident, John Muigai, sued the association accusing it of interfering with his property. He claims in an affidavit that he has been in possession of the land with no intention of encroaching on public roads. He said no survey has been done to establish the correct position of the road. “Expansion of the road access ought to be done uniformly and procedurally.” He demands an injunction to be used to stop any demolition of his fence by the respondent and their associates.

The association had written on January 6th, 2020 to the resident after a meeting demanding relocation of his fence which they indicated was in a road reserve. They argued that the road is supposed to be 7.5 metres but is now 3.9 metres. The association’s lawyer Wokabi Mathenge and Co Advocates said the court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter and make any determination, adding an association cannot be sued. The association members were in the Milimani Court for the matter but it was adjourned to a later date. The association chair Edward Teka said alleged encroaching of the road reserve has made it impossible for government to upgrade the road.

During a public participation meeting in Rongai, Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku said any structure on road reserve must be demolished. Elsewhere, in Kimani road residents are against an investor who had planned to put up an alcohol industry in the area. They claimed no public participation has taken place. The Kimani road residents said the industry owner had not used legal way in getting cleared to put up the brewery Amos Parsanka Public Health Officer in charge of Nkaimurunya Ward said the investor is yet to be cleared to put up the structure since the matter is still with National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

By Staff Reporter

She said a recycling plant can solve the dumpsite issues. United Nations official Sari Seppanen said the UN supports effective environmental protection policies for green economy. Kajiado Municipality manager Persimei Gitau said a recycling plant will benefit 150 families who make their living from the dumpsite. Present were among others CECMs Michael Semera and Hamilton Parseina.

Kajiado County Government has maintained that the plan to relocate Ngong dumpsite is still on to give the town a clean environment. Speaking in the site, Ngong Municipality manager George Kuubai said they are planning to have a recycling plant to recycle the waste. Kubaai who ushered Members of National Parliament of Finland who visited the site, said investors are ready to partner with the county government and municipality to deal with the matter. The Finland legislators had visited the country to identify projects that could be sponsored by United Nations. Kajiado County Government had sent representatives to their country. Lawmaker Saara Sofia said in Finland the country has implemented its Finnish legislators and Kajiado County environment policy which entails protect- Government, Municipalities officials at ing the environment. Ngong dumpsite. Photo/Obegi Malack

Kiserian Primary 1.4km road reduces traffic congestion By Our Reporter

Kiserian Primary Road. Photo Obegi Malack

Tarmacking of Kiserian Primary road in Olkeri Ward Kajiado North Sub county is now complete and the road open for public use. The 1.4 kilometres road cost the Ngong Municipality Sh53 million, money funded by World Bank. The road has reduced

congestion in Kiserian town, most motorists now access Ngong through the junction road. Kiserian resident Haron Oenga said the county should now put up matatus stage and finish work on modern market in the town to attract investors. He said there is no parking and people are forced to park on the road to shop.

The road has been under construction for six months and residents had protested forcing the authorities to closely monitor the tarmacking. George Munene, who was the chairperson of the road committee, said they had to protest to ensure project was completed. “The road is now better

since we monitored,” he said. Ngong Municipality manager David Kobaai said the Municipality will tarmac more roads in the next financial year after receiving money from the World Bank. The World Bank had also funded Ngong Milele road at a cost of Sh51 million and Rongai Kobil road at a cost of Sh 69.9 million.

County Business COUNTY PRESS

September, 2018

KAJIADO COUNTY PRESS COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020 COUNTY PRESS

Kajiado land titles credible, Lenku assures banks By Abdi Hussein Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku has assured banks land documents in Kajiado are usable as collateral. He allayed fears over influx of fake land documents associated with the county. “Land documents issued by County Government of Kajiado are undergoing a thorough vetting and therefore are genuine enough for use as collateral,” he said. He said his administration has exposed fraudulent cartels that have duped investors with fake titles and allotment letters. Lands department has been implementing a robust digitization programme that has cleaned up thousands of pieces of land and plots and validated them, he added. Allotment letters “Validation has already covered more than 30 satellites towns and genuine plot owners have been issued with new generation allotment letters. We have digitized our land registry locking out alleged land grabbers and fraud cartels,” said the Governor. The Governor was addressing over 1,500 customers of Family Bank during a thanksgiving dinner in Kitengela recently. “We are open to the banks for clarification if there is any query. Our land system has struck the dragon of fraud and any document issued by us, especially after 2018, including allotment letters, has undergone the necessary

security checks. We are ready to help investors get value for their land in Kajiado,” he noted. “Two years ago, he set up the County Alternative Land Disputes Resolution Committee to quickly address the rampant cases that were stalling beneficial land use. Customers The dinner which was attended by the Bank’s founder Titus Muya, chairman Wilfred Kiboro and Managing Director Rebecca Mbithi, saw the customers seek investment opportunities in Kajiado, top on the list being land. Mr Kiboro hailed Kajiado as the next theatre of economic growth and said it would become the fastest growing County in the country after Nairobi. “Kajiado county has a wide economic potential for investors and commercial banks.We are ready to grow with the county especially now that the county government is addressing land fraud,” said Mr Kiboro. Mr Muya said the Bank had identified Kajiado as an investment friendly county whose opportunities were boundless. “The county has enough land resources, hospitable people and a leadership that is seeking to unify all the communities. These factors have enabled our bank to expand in a very short time,” said Mr Muya. Governor Lenku said his administration recognizes commercial banks as county development partners. In the recent past, Kajiado

Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and CECs receive a gift from the management of Family Bank led by founder Titus Muya and chairman Wilfred Kiboro (third right) during a customers corporate dinner in Kitengela.

County has attracted individuals and companies investing in land due to its proximity to the country’s capital city, Nairobi. The unscrupulous people are, however, said to be working in ca-

hoots with some corrupt National Kajiado land registry officials to defraud land buyers. In 2015, then Kajiado Governor Dr David Nkedianye banned sale of land in the entire county to neutralize the alleged land cartels but the national government dismissed the move saying it was not the county prerogative to regulate free holds lands. However, the county government has put up stringent measures in county land registry to protect land buyers. Kajiado county commissioner Joshua Nkanatha urged land buyers conned by land brokers into

buying non-existent land should to report to authorities for action. Sh14 million GIS software have been procured to enable digitization of the maps and geo referencing of the plots which were drawn as sketches with no accurate location points. According to the land CECM Hamilton Parseina all land brokers must be registered to lock out unscrupulous land cartels from conning unsuspecting land owners and investors.

Oral tradition of storytelling passes knowledge to next generation By Lemomo Ole Kulet In his paper entitled “Keeping the traditional African storytelling alive” Octavia Utley notes that; Storytelling takes you on a journey that inspires you to learn about yourself and the world around you. It reflects social values in a culture that motivates people in their pursuit of a meaningful life. The oral tradition of storytelling makes it possible for a culture to pass knowledge, history, and experiences from one generation to the next. Many cultures in Africa have rituals of oral storytelling. Traditional storytelling in Africa reveals ideas, themes, beliefs, and facts that are widely spread. It discloses conceptions that are unique to a tribe, village, or region. Among the Maasai there is a rich tradition of oral storytelling as a way of passing indigenous knowledge across generations. Maasai women are not only the greatest storytellers in the community, but also play an important role in the day-to-day affairs of her home and the wider community. Being the person nature has given the

role of nurturing children, the Maasai woman is inevitably the custodian of the Maasai culture and, therefore, ensures continuity of the Maasai traditions. This continuity is through storytelling. A new book entitled ‘Stories from Maasai Land’ by David Ole Munkea, a don at Maasai Mara Universisty School of business and economics and published by Queenex Publishing Limited is a collection of such stories that were told to younger children by their grandparents among the Maasai community. The collection of the seven stories have been artistically written in a simple and unique way that makes them so relevant in our contemporary world. This collection of stories will surely keep the traditional African storytelling alive. The book provides unique stories loaded with morals and written through the use of dialogues making it interesting to read and understand. The book has been written with a target of learners who are seeking to not only improve their

language skills but also their story telling skills. Those with an interest of learning the African oral culture and more so the Maasai oral culture will find this book very important. The book has a section of “New Words” where it acts as a mini dictionary such that a learner does not need to look for the dictionary to check on the meaning of the new words he or she encounters while reading the book. This section helps the learner to build his or her vocabulary. There is also a section dedicated for questions on each of the seven stories in the collection. The section is important not only in testing the ability of learners in understanding the stories they have read, but also in improving their creativity and thinking ability as some of the questions require one to think. This book has also pictorial illustrations in each and every story which goes a long way in making the reader have a feel of visual aspect of the story. This makes the reader feel part and parcel of the story. It’s a nice book that can suit all age groups.

MARCH, 2020

62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

NTULELE SECONDARY SOGOO SECONDARY CHEBULU SEC KUTO OLTANKI ENKARE NAIROWUA GIRLS OLE TIPIS GIRLS NKARETA KILETIEN SEC KABOLECHO GIRLS. CHESMA SEC ANGAGA MIXED SALABWEK SHARTUKA G. CHEPKOIYET SEC ENOOSAEN G. OUR LADY OF ANGELS GIRLS CHEMWOKTER

NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK NORTH NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST

COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY NATIONAL COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SHARTUKA SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY

28 66 41 60 38 27 258 87 77 70 22 39 50 26 73 43 16 19

2.535 3.7576 4.365 4.55 2.79 4.111 5.77255814 3.103448276 4.442 4.657 2.4545 3.538461538 3.62 3 4.111 3.186 4.6875 2.578947368

2.171 3.417 4.033 4.21875 2.464 3.8 5.462 2.8 4.153 4.373 2.188 3.275862069 3.369565217 2.75 3.869 2.971 4.4765 2.368421053

2.032258065 2.976 NEW 3.787234043 2.967 2.8 5.59727907 2.951724138 2.354 NEW 3.05 3.086956522 3.19047619 2.094 NEW 2.724 3.533 2.5

0.364 0.3406 0.332 0.33125 0.326 0.311 0.31055814 0.303448276 0.289 0.284 0.2665 0.262599469 0.250434783 0.25 0.242 0.215 0.211 0.210526316

80 81 82

KAPSASIAN SOSIANA SEC. SIRIA HIGH

TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST

SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY

25 25 29

3.16 2.96 3.448

3.0 2.75 3.265

2.4 3.55 3.5

0.21 0.21 0.183

83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153

ST ANTONYS SECONDARY NKORRNKORI KAMERMERU SEC MARINWA SECONDARY EMURUA DIKIRR SEC SIWOT SECONDARY BISHOP COLLINS OLALUI KISIARA SEC OLOIRIEN SECONDARY ST MARY'S GIRLS SHANKOE OLASITI SECONDARY LOITA HIGH SCHOOL MAASAI MARA SEC KIMELOK ENELERAI NGIITO EMORIJOI MIXED OLORROPIL OLEREKO CHEBITOIK SEC OSONKOROI OLMEKENYU SECONDARY KIPISE HILLS SECONDARY KURESIET SEC SALEITA SECONDARY OLENKAPUNE SECONDARY ILKERIN MIXED NTIMAMA PIMBINIET MIXED ROMOSHA SENCHURA OLEREUT SIRIA GIRLS KEEKONYOKIE SECONDARY NDAMAMA SEC ENTONTOL ABOSSI GIRLS SIS MARY S. NKOITOI SAKUTIEK OLDONYOOROK OLCHORO OIROWUA OLTARAKWAI SECONDARY KAPUNE MOI NAIKARRA PIRRAR GIRLS SUSWA GIRLS SECONDARY CHORONOK SECONDARY MASESE OLPUKOTI SECONDARY O/BARRIKOI B. MURKAN SEC FANAKA H. SCH. NKARONI SECONDARY MELELO SECONDARY SEKENANI GIRLS MAO SPRING SIRUA AULO OLDERKESI KELONGET SEC NAISUDORI SECONDARY LELECHONIK SEC TALEK B. CHERAMGOI GIRLS KOISAGAT SEC KIBISORWET SEC SIANA TALEK G. OLEMUNA SECONDARY ENOOSEYA SECONDARY

NAROK EAST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK SOUTH NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST NAROK WEST NAROK WEST NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH NAROK SOUTH NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK EAST

COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY SUB COUNTY PRIVATE SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY PRIVATE COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY PRIVATE COUTNY COUNTY COUNTY PRIVATE SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY

109 49 45 34 93 34 34 18 28 35 105 131 122 34 43 20 53 128 17 20 20 69 31 63 25 29 18 21 97 44 18 15 104 68 30 53 62 37 23 180 64 87 41 44 20 207 26 89 24 24 38 55 56 33 86 36 44 27 32 90 53 18 37 57 20 20 20 5 29 22 22

3.477 3.367346939 3.2444 3.382 5.677 3.27 4.264705882 2 2.6428 2.9714 3.914285714 3.2 2.2148 3.705 4.372093023 2.2 2.660377358 5.1640625 2.588235294 2.25 2.85 3.52 2.419 2.968 3.12 2.483 2.222 2.905 3.8438 2.477272727 2.888888889 2.6 2.452 2.102941176 2.73 2 3.3387 1.972972973 2.478 6.265536723 3.5625 3.517 2.804878049 3.04 2.3 6.623188406 2.32 2.8721 2.66 3.875 2.789 4.24 3.875 2.96969697 2.5 2.278 4.227272727 1 4.688 4.522222222 4.06 3.8889 3.75 3.631578947 3.4 3.15 3 3 2.965517241 2.518 2.27

3.3032 3.204081633 3.0967 3.235 5.534 3.13 4.126984127 1.864 2.52 2.8529 3.8 3.086 2.11 3.602 4.27027027 2.1 2.564516129 5.072072072 2.5 2.17 2.778 3.45 2.366 2.923 3.08 2.448 2.1875 2.882 3.821 2.4565 2.875 2.6 2.46 2.112903226 2.75 2.08 3.426 2.1 2.611 6.4203 3.75 3.76 3.063829787 3.325 2.6 6.949494949 2.647 3.2058 3.04 4.259259259 3.194 4.7813 4.433 3.7 3.33 3.375 5.466666667 3.1 NEW NEW 3.69 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

2.922077922 2.742424242 2 2.33 NEW 2.36 4.325581395 NEW 3.071 2.905 3.857142857 3.45 2.3679 2.751 NEW 2.15 1.949494949 4.404958678 NEW 2.21 2.571 3.772 2.857 2.894 2.28 2.457 2.4 NEW NEW 2.466886364 NEW 2 2.1 2.098765432 2.708 1.8357 2.821 2.036486486 3.719 6.342918362 3.65625 2.673 2.288888889 2.8421 1.7 7.169811321 2.667 new 2.27 NEW 2.79 4.118 NEW 3.334848485 2.34 2.786 NEW 2.05 NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

0.1738 0.163265306 0.1477 0.147 0.143 0.14 0.137721755 0.136 0.1228 0.1185 0.114285714 0.114 0.1048 0.103 0.101822753 0.1 0.095861229 0.091990428 0.088235294 0.08 0.072 0.07 0.053 0.045 0.04 0.035 0.0345 0.023 0.0228 0.020772727 0.013888889 0 -0.008 -0.009962049 -0.02 -0.08 -0.0873 -0.127027027 -0.133 -0.154763277 -0.1875 -0.243 -0.258951738 -0.285 -0.3 -0.326306544 -0.327 -0.3337 -0.38 -0.384259259 -0.405 -0.5413 -0.558 -0.73030303 -0.83 -1.097 -1.239393939 -2.1 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!

TOTAL

COUNTY PRESS

NAROK RANKING OF MOST IMPROVED SCHOOLS IN 2019 KCSE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

SCHOOL LEMEK NAMUNYAK G KAPKATET SECONDARY SIKAWA ENOOSAEN B. O/BARRIKOI G. OLKIRIANE MIXED SECONDARY JEESUN RYU EMARTI TENGECHA ESOIT SECONDARY SAGAMIAN SECONDARY ILMOTIOK MASURURA SOSIO KODAMET ILKERIN GIRLS OLMELIL EOR EKULE NAROOSURA MIXED KURONGURIK SEC LALUK SEC MOGOIYUET SANKALE MABWAITA KUTETE MIXED MASIKONDE DAY OLORUKOTI

SUB COUNTY NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST

CATEGORY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUTNY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY

TOTAL 52 45 15 28 19 46 26 49 42 16 61 19 48 27 46 96 145 36 46 26 51 20 19 30 82 51

2019 MS 5.173076923 4.6 4 4.143 4.79 5.282 4.013 4.08 4.5476 3.875 6.31147541 3.21 3.292 3.519 3.913 3.489 4.331 3.333 3.718 4.230769231 4.705882353 1.89 3.526 3.7 6.543209877 5.6

2018 MS 2.489795918 2.86 2.31 2.459 3.313 3.8205 2.609 2.78 3.3406 2.6774 5.132075472 2.071 2.227 2.5 2.94 2.52 3.3656 2.403 2.832 3.392857143 3.875 1.063 2.71 2.894736842 5.7532 4.85

2017 MS NEW 3.04 2.706 2.6 3.15 2.75 2.556 2.707 3.1212 2.5 4.5625 NEW 2.551 1.957 NEW 2.394 2.8224 2.701 NEW 2.098039216 3.25 2 NEW NEW 6.148204938 3.5

DEV 2.683281005 1.74 1.69 1.684 1.477 1.4615 1.404 1.3 1.207 1.1976 1.179399938 1.139 1.065 1.019 0.973 0.969 0.9654 0.93 0.886 0.837912088 0.830882353 0.827 0.816 0.805263158 0.790009877 0.75

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

SAMOEI KIPTEDEN TUMOIYOT SECONDARY MAASAI GIRLS NAROK HIGH POROKO OLMARIKO KISARUNI OLELESHWA KISIRIRI KILGORIS BOYS SIMOTWET SEC. OLOOMIRANI BOYS OLOLOIPANGI SECONDARY ENOOSOGON SECONDARY TAKITECH SEC OLOKURTO OSAS OLOLULUNGA BOYS HIGH KILGORIS GIRLS MOKONDO SEC OLPUSIMORU FANAKA SCHOOLS ROGENA MUTENKUAR NKARARO OLPOPONGI SEC KAPWERIA SEC LELAGOIN SEC OLOKIRIKIRAI

NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK NORTH NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK NORTH

SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY PRIVATE SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY PRIVATE EXTRA COUNTY EXTRA COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY PRIVATE SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY

20 18 163 149 132 34 46 47 114 107 63 32 28 15 31 17 285 121 54 24 38 66 42 13 54 69 18 45

4.1 2.7778 6.380368098 5.77852349 3.598 4.363636364 6.282608696 3.239130435 5.307 4.21 4.603174603 2.59375 2.8 3.2 2.903225806 4.117647059 4.637 4.942 5.09 4 3.368421053 3.712121212 3.21 2.692 3.15 3.942 2.722 3.6

3.357142857 2.04 5.645 5.0571 2.879 3.645 5.565217391 2.5391 4.622 3.53 3.925925926 1.9743 2.182 2.6 2.315 3.535714286 4.067 4.4 4.56 3.5 2.9 3.243902439 2.742 2.227 2.689 3.487 2.27 3.154

2.96 NEW 6.012684049 5.417811745 3.098 4.004318182 4.714285714 2.889115217 5.738 NEW 2.941666667 2.444 NEW NEW 2.609112903 3.514285714 3.653 3.885 NEW 3.75 3.134210526 2.784615385 2.656 2.467 NEW 3.523 NEW 3.377

0.742857143 0.7378 0.735368098 0.72142349 0.719 0.718636364 0.717391304 0.700030435 0.685 0.68 0.677248677 0.61945 0.618 0.6 0.588225806 0.581932773 0.57 0.542 0.53 0.5 0.468421053 0.468218773 0.468 0.465 0.461 0.455 0.452 0.446

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

SAIRE SECONDARY MASHANGWA ENAKISHOMI SECONDARY OLCHORRO OLOOMIRANI GIRLS SHARTUKA B. E/ONKOPIT NTULELE SECONDARY SOGOO SECONDARY CHEBULU SEC KUTO OLTANKI ENKARE NAIROWUA GIRLS OLE TIPIS GIRLS NKARETA KILETIEN SEC KABOLECHO GIRLS. CHESMA SEC ANGAGA MIXED SALABWEK SHARTUKA G. CHEPKOIYET SEC ENOOSAEN G. OUR LADY OF ANGELS GIRLS CHEMWOKTER

NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK NORTH NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK EAST NAROK SOUTH TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK NORTH NAROK NORTH TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST NAROK WEST NAROK WEST TRANSMARA WEST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST NAROK SOUTH NAROK WEST

SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY NATIONAL COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY SHARTUKA SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY

52 27 59 68 75 68 15 28 66 41 60 38 27 258 87 77 70 22 39 50 26 73 43 16 19

3.596 2.741 3.076 2.880597015 3.72 3.09 2.143 2.535 3.7576 4.365 4.55 2.79 4.111 5.77255814 3.103448276 4.442 4.657 2.4545 3.538461538 3.62 3 4.111 3.186 4.6875 2.578947368

3.155 2.3 2.655 2.478 3.322033898 2.7 1.778 2.171 3.417 4.033 4.21875 2.464 3.8 5.462 2.8 4.153 4.373 2.188 3.275862069 3.369565217 2.75 3.869 2.971 4.4765 2.368421053

2.76 2.355 3 2.679298507 2.982758621 2.86 2.167 2.032258065 2.976 NEW 3.787234043 2.967 2.8 5.59727907 2.951724138 2.354 NEW 3.05 3.086956522 3.19047619 2.094 NEW 2.724 3.533 2.5

0.441 0.441 0.421 0.402597015 0.397966102 0.39 0.365 0.364 0.3406 0.332 0.33125 0.326 0.311 0.31055814 0.303448276 0.289 0.284 0.2665 0.262599469 0.250434783 0.25 0.242 0.215 0.211 0.210526316

80 81 82

KAPSASIAN SOSIANA SEC. SIRIA HIGH

TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA EAST TRANSMARA WEST

SUB COUNTY SUB COUNTY COUNTY

25 25 29

3.16 2.96 3.448

3.0 2.75 3.265

2.4 3.55 3.5

0.21 0.21 0.183

S/NO SUB COUNTY

Ngatataek residents protest over poor road By Staff Reporter Irate Ngatataek residents in Kajiado county are ups in arms over poor state of Namanga road. Recently, irate residents paralyzed operations along the busy Namanga road for hours protesting over the state of the road. They attributed numerous accidents to the poor condition the road. The residents claimed five people have died and scores injured after their vehicles skidded on the road due to loose chippings. The dejected residents barricaded the busy road using stones. Relevant authorities “We raised the alarm but we continue to suffer as people continue to perish,’’ lamented John Kamau, a resident. The residents called on the relevant authorities to intervene and save them further agony. Travellers and trucks were blocked for hours. Vehicles ferrying perishable goods from a neighboring country

were the hardest hit. Some tourists from Tanzania travelling to Kenya were devastated. Tourist attraction “We have been held for several hours here. Obviously, we will be late to our next tourist attraction but we have to wait,” said a tourist. Police officers, however dispersed the protesters allowing normal traffic flow. Kajiado county commissioner Joshua Nkanatha (pictured) urged members of public to be patient as their grievances had reached relevant offices.

8054 3.566741874

3.237882705

3.048112131 0.328859169

OPINION

Biogas saves environment By Paul Kithinji Murerwa Environmental conservation is the practice of protecting the environment either by governments or organizations and individuals. The main objectives are usually to protect the natural resources and the existing environment, and where possible to repair damage or reverse dangerous trends affecting the environment, according to www.wikipedia.org. Most of the time the population as a whole rarely takes the need to be keen on conserving the environment seriously. Thus, in the recent past we have been seeing a gradual deterioration of the environment, from global warming to deforestation. This has affected the survival of the human race as each passing day we are uncertain of what Mother Nature has in store for us due to our greed and ungrateful behaviour.

In Kenya for example; we have experienced a change in weather patterns i.e. for the most parts of the year 2019 we faced drought which led to hunger across most parts of the country. This should have served as a wake-up call for the conscious mind to help in the conservation of the environment. Kenya is a very wealthy nation in terms of resources, but still one of the most wasteful nations. We are ignorant and only take things seriously when it is too late. We have enough resources to sustain the whole nation, but due to poor governance, people encroach the forests so as to find pieces of land to cultivate which in turn has led to deforestation The other thing is waste management. The country’s waste management system is very poor and even most of the sewer lines in the country are poorly managed.

The world is evolving and so is technology. Technology has developed ways of dealing with waste and waste treatment through the use of biofuels like animal waste and even human waste. There is even a modern way of treating human waste which is the modern use of bio-septic tanks. The production of biogas through the use of animal waste has been very helpful to the protection of the environment as it reduces the cutting of trees by providing a cheaper alternative to the production of cooking gas and even lighting. I would advise most farm owners to take up the idea of biogas as it is cheap, efficient and very idealistic and a thing of the future. The writer is Networking and Fundraising Officer,Takamoto Biogas Company.

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KAJIADO

Kajiado launches Sh150 million Bursary kitty for needy students By Obegi Malack County Government of Kajiado has set up a Sh150 million bursaries and scholarships kitty to assist bright but needy students. The fund will benefit more than 9,000 students who will be enabled to proceed with their education in secondary schools, middle level colleges and universities. Speaking during disbursement of Sh75 milliom from the kitty to beneficiaries during a function at the KCB Grounds, Kajiado, Lenku said the bursary will promote education among the students from vulnerable families. The Governor who noted that the exercise marked a milestone, said the county government was giving out scholarship to needy students, unlike in the past when it used to only give bursaries. The county government had increased the funds from Sh 80 million in the Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku hands a dummy cheque for Sh75 million to school principals, parents last financial year to Sh 150 and guardians at Kajiado KCB Grounds during the bursaries disbursement. million this year , he said, adding that a total of 430 students received the scholarships, 250 were from secondary school and 180 from The county college and universities. provides health The governor presented a and nutritional dummy cheque for Sh75 services to all ECDE million to cover the first phase of disbursement. centres and we Lenku ordered the dehave introduced a partment of education to feeding programme ensure that the funds are that allows pupils distributed on April and to take porridge December every year to prevent late reporting of to keep them in students and to follow eduschool. The procation calendar. gramme has proved The county used to colto be a major tool lect between Sh300 and to not only improve Sh500 million in revenue previous, but now it colthe health of chillects more than Sh 1 billion dren but also boost he noted, adding that the inclass attendance. crease of revenue collection -Martin Moshisho has led to more funds being allocated to education secSome of the parents of needy students pose for a photo with Governor Lenku after retor. The Governor said the ceiving bursary cheques. He however, noted that funds benefited all deserving cases from all regions the county had in the past He said there is ac- 100 % transition from 70%, been behind in matters of government 100 % transition and communities. but currently from primary to secondary countability in allocation of from primary to secondary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No single needy student education, the funds and the students The county provides was left out. Education funds investing in the sector to level. The Governor challenged should report to school and health and nutritional servicare given in openness to ensure the county emerged teachers from public schools perform well to give back to es to all ECDE centres and benefit all needy students. as education giant. I had introduced a feeding He commended the local to improve performance in the community. There is a committee in the Deputy Governor Martin programme that allows puward level involved in selec- administrators in ensuring Kenya Certificate of Primary tion of those that should ben- children report to school Education (KCPE) and Kenya Moshisho said the county pils to take porridge to keep of Secondary government is putting more them in school, he said. and for supporting of the Certificate efit,â&#x20AC;? he explained. Education (KCSE). effort in ensuring there is

MARCH, 2020

COUNTY PRESS

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KAJIADO

School feeding programme enhances enrolment

Governor Joseph ole Lenku, Kajiado is welcomed by Mr Jeremiah ole The Governor presenting bursary cheques to needy students' parents. Ncharo, CECM Education and Vocational Training on arrival at KCB Grounds before launch of the Bursary kitty and disbursement of Sh75 million to the beneficiaries. The programme has proved to be a major tool to not only improving the health of children but also boost class attendance, he said. The county procured and distributed to schools 145,200 kilogrammes of fortified porridge flour worth Sh20, 328,000. The first consignment was flagged off in 2018. It employed more than 593 ECDE teachers on permanent basis, it also supported training of 420 ECDE teachers to enhance quality and learning in 2018/19 financial year, the DG said. Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho said the education funds are giving good foundation to children, adding that educating one child is supporting the community. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Education, M r Jeremiah ole Ncharo said they will monitor the beneficiaries in

schools to ensure they performed well. The county undertakes routine assessment and inspection of teachers to ensure quality standards are adhered to. County Assembly education committee chair, Justus Ngussur said the scholarships will keep children in school and improve their performance. He praised the county governor for his role of ensuring more funds channeled to the education department. The event was attended by several MCAs, county officials and members of public from the five sub counties. He added that how much rental yields these container business Governor Lenku hands cheques to some of the parents of beneficiaries premises attract depends on their of bursaries and full scholarships. location, interior designs and human traffic.

Parents and guardians at KCB Ground, Kajiado follow proceedings durdisbursement of Sh75 million from the bursary kitty to support eduMembers of the public and county officials during the bursary kitty ing cation. launch.

COUNTY PRESS

MARCH, 2020

kajiado CENTRAL

Anguish, stress and terror for Namanga land owners The land validation exercise they hoped would enable them start the process of acquiring title deeds has caused them anguish, emotional stress and even loss of life. By Our Reporter When the County Government of Kajiado announced last March that it was undertaking a validation of plots exercise in Namanga Township, land owners received the news with jubilation and much expectation. Little did they know that the exercise they expected would enable them start the process of acquiring title deeds would cause them anger, anguish, emotional stress and even loss of life. “It not only caused us extreme pain and distress but also created hostility and antagonism between plots owners who are mostly investors from other parts of Kenya and the local community who sold them the land,” said Boniface Agufa. The shopkeeper, who is also the Secretary of the Namanga Trans Border Traders Association went to Namanga as a civil servant about 10 years ago and later bought a plot in 2012 to construct a residential house. About three years later many people from Nairobi and other areas, moved to Namanga to purchase land for residential and commercial use that was selling at about Sh200,000 for 100 by 50 size plot. Agufa again used the opportunity to purchase two plots that caused him and his family a lot of suffering and stress early this year. The County government

lands department sent out a circular advising people to stand next to their plots when land surveyors visited in March, an exercise that turned chaotic and violent. First, some interested parties conducted a search at the Kajiado Lands Registry and identified plots that did not have allotment letters. They then passed the information to Masaai men living around Namanga with instructions that they forcibly claim the land during the validation exercise. “They ganged in groups of about 20 each and positioned themselves next to the targeted plots and in the process intimidated the owners by shouting and harassing us in the presence of the surveyors,” claimed Agufa. Powerless and without anything to show that they were rightful owners the victims were drowned by shouts of hiyo siyako, niyahuyu (It is not yours, it belongs to this man), forcing owners to either flee or watch the brazen land grabbing helplessly. In some cases the mob turned violent and Agufa is among those who were physically molested and left with injuries when he insisted that they were impostors who had taken advantage of their vulnerability to grab the plots. “A Somali man who lost his plot to the grabbers collapsed and died and although the cause of his death was not established

Hamilton Parseina, Lands CEC Kajiado County because he was buried the same day. It was suspected that he succumbed to a heart attack,” said Agufa. Asked why no action was taken to stop the land grabbing, a local politician who declined to be named, pointed fingers at some politicians who allegedly incited the mobs to attack innocent plot owners. After that experience, the value of land in Namanga plummeted because not many property buyers are interested in risking their money without an assurance that they will get title deeds. Although almost all land along the Kajiado – Namanga road has been sold to investors, the no sub-division order issued by Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku in 2017 made it difficult for the owners to either sell plots or divide it into affordable parcels. Early last year, it was reported that property dealers were avoiding to make purchases in the Kajiado because

of the sub-division ban despite assurance from the Governor that the directive was to protect buyers as long as they put the land to the intended use. “Whether you have a quarter of an acre or a thousand acres, you have a right to own that land as long as it is being used for what it was meant for. What we are against are cartels that buy land and fraudulently change its usage,” said Lenku. Lenku further warned that those intending to buy land in cattle rearing areas, must also keep livestock like the local people. “We do not want people taking land meant for livestock, subdividing that land and putting it to different use,” said Lenku. He insisted that his government was determined to protect genuine landowners from cartels selling agricultural land for residential use. County lands minister, Hamilton Parseina further clarified that the county had put in place a Spatial Plan for land use in the county. He said: “The Spatial plan clearly spells out how land is supposed to be used in the county and the new laws were meant to cushion people who have bought land.” He explained that land meant for agriculture, industry,

“

It not only caused us extreme pain and distress but also created hostility and antagonism between plot owners who are mostly investors from other parts of Kenya and the local community who sold them the land.

Boniface Agufa, Namanga businessman who lost two plots to land grabbers ranching and human settlement had been clearly marked and that demarcation ought to be respected. Lenku’s predecessor David Nkedianye first introduced stringent land buying restrictions in 2014 which required tedious processes of certification before issuance of land title deeds. Two years ago Lenku again raised tension when he announced that land buyers in the area that they risked finding themselves with worthless titles because con men had advertised “fake” plots for sale. He also cautioned that no approval would be made for rural land subdivided into “uneconomical” pieces. “Any hawking of quarteracre pieces of land in the heart of Kajiado is fake and will not be tolerated and that is the official position of the Kajiado County Government,” said Mr Lenku. However, that warning did not deter group ranches like Oldonyoro and Mailua in Kajiado Central that still own large tracts of land from offering their prized property for sale. “Land sale was not stopped. It is a case of willing buyer willing seller. It is only that all sales must now be approved by the Land Control Board which issues permits for approvals,” said Chief Robert Loris of Maili Tisa Location. An acre of land located near the highway from Kajiado to Ilbissil and between Maili Tisa and Namanga is currently selling at over Sh1 million and around Sh400,000 at areas around Ngatatoek.

Maili Tisa town, where land, charcoal, sand fuel crime, prostitution By Our Reporter It is 9.30 am and the scene is a bar at Maili Tisa along the Kajiado Namanga highway, where a chatty bar attendant is busy serving customers beer, some sitting on sofa sets watching TV. At the other end of the bar, a middle-aged woman, sleeping on a chair with her head stooping and saliva drooling from her mouth, has two bottles of beer, one empty and the other half full sitting in front of her face. “Amekesha na pombe lakini atakuwa sawa tu, hiyo ni kawaida (she has drunk the whole night but that is normal),” says the bar attendant. A noisy drunkard addressed as John by patrons, repeatedly shouts at the bar attendant asking her to ‘loan’ him half bottle of Chrome Vodka but his appeals are ignored

A street in Maili Tisa. before he walks towards me asking for a drink. A few minutes later the bar attendant walks to the rear side of the bar and takes a few minutes before coming back. Curious, I walk there, where I encounter about 10

inebriated men and women drinking beer and chewing miraa. Back to my seat, I quickly drain my drink and request John to show me around because I can only afford to buy him illicit beer in the back streets if he doesn’t mind, an offer he

quickly accepts. “Where are you taking him? Don’t give him another woman out there, make sure he comes back here,” a jovial looking bar attendant shouts at John as we exit the bar for the narrow dusty back streets of Maili Tisa. But before we get far, John notices that I’m carrying a note book, making him uneasy: “Leave that book behind,” he tells me, adding that there are people monitoring us and so I oblige and ask a vegetable vendor to keep it for me at her stand. He leads me to a dingy bar where he changes tune and requests that I buy him a tot of Chrome which I decline and we part company. I’m lucky to bump into a namesake also known as John behind the bar, where I see a house disguised as a tea kiosk but where people are busy consuming changaa, a potent local brew going for Sh50

per glass that I quickly order for him. Satisfied with what I saw, I asked my new friend to escort me out but he insists that I buy one more glass to which I oblige and leave him to enjoy it in a more relaxed mood with his friends. After picking my notebook from the mama mboga, I went around interviewing people on the streets of Maili Tisa where I learned that until last year crime levels and prostitution were very high. “There was a lot of money here because group ranches were sub dividing and selling land but that has declined after the County Government ordered that any land sales must be approved by the Land Control Board,” said a man repairing boda boda motorbikes, who declined to give his name.

Continued in page 31

MARCH, 2020

SPORTS

3 stadiums to get facelift this year-Lenku

Kajiado County Governor Joseph ole Lenku has said the county government will carpet three stadiums this year to support sports activities. Lenku, who was speaking when he awarded Kajiado North sub-county students bursaries, said Kitengela, Kajiado and Ngong stadiums will be renovated. The Governor said he will ensure the promises are fulfilled. The Ngong stadium which was launched by former governor David ole Nkedianye has been abandoned for a long time after audit queries were raised. Lenku had appeared before the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee (PAIC) to shed light on the project. The Auditor General further queried

Kajiado clinches most promising boxers award

By Obegi Malack

Abandoned Ngong stadium. The facility requires an urgent facelift. Photo/Obegi malack

By Our Reporter

COUNTY PRESS

status of the construction of the stadium, which had stalled a few years ago after a conflict between the contractor and Lenku’s administration. The stadium project was awarded to M/S York Investments company at a cost of Sh198 million and was supposed to take four years to complete but stalled. After he took office, Lenku ordered Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho to form a taskforce to find out why the project had stalled. Nkaimurunya MCA James Waisha said the county will upgrade the Nakeel stadium and construct a social hall to nurture talents. The Olekasasi stadium has also been abandoned; the gates were vandalized with fence falling apart, the ground is poorly maitaine.

Kajiado County boxers have clinched most promising boxers in the country award after participating in National Novices Boxing Championships for the first time. The seven boxers represented the county after winning in different categories in boxing competition in Kajiado North Sub-County. The National competition was held in Charter Hall in Nairobi County where three boxers, Paul Teeka (Light Fly Weight) Abdul Rahmani (Middle Weight) and Linford Aima (Light Weight) managed to box to semi finals. Other two

in quarter finals are Francis Xadie (Light Weight) and Kefa Kanali (Bantam weight). Others who participated are Paul Teeka (Light Fly Weight), Andrew Ohawa (Fly Weight) and Joseph Maingi (Welter). The boxers are under Kajiado County Boxing Association (KCBA), which is an affiliate of the Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) and the Ministry of Sports an Heritage. They were sponsored by well-wishers and businessman Anthony Keen, who congratulated the team for their good performance in their first national competition.

Keen, who is also their patron, said he will try to get more sponsorship to ensure the team sharpen their skills for future competitions. He said with trainings and sponsorship boxers will perform better . He threw a party for them to celebrate their achievements. Youth Director Moses Kamalik said the next event of KCBA Men & Women Intermediate Boxing Tournament will be held on March 7th – 2020 at Ngong’, National Intermediate Boxing Championship March 12 -14th , Kenya Open April and KCBA League May - October 2020.

Kajiado County boxing team, officials and supporters during National Novices Boxing Championships in Charter Hall, Nairobi County.

kajiado CENTRAL

Maili Tisa: Booming business has led to escalation of crime and prostitution

Motorcycle repair mechanics busy fixing boda bodas at Maili Tisa. Below: A sign post welcoming visitors to Maili Tisa.

Continued from page 30 He said a large number of prostitutes also flocked to the small town from Nairobi and Tanzania because they knew that Maasai men who sold land were walking around with large amounts of money. George Kepha, a guest attendant in Namanga, also recounted a hilarious story of a Maasai man from Maili Tisa who booked a room last year and spent a night with a woman from Nairobi

at a Guest House, only to be found in the morning wailing with his ears chained on the bed. “We later learned that the woman paid Sh10,000 to hire a Matatu which took her to Nairobi after stealing Sh300,000 from the old man whose culturally stretched earlobes were chained to the bed,” said Kepha. A young woman from Meru, who sells Muguka at her base a small kiosk next to the a Shuttle Matatu offices also recounted how money used to flow from sand harvesting sales at the river near the town. Sand harvesting still takes place at the river but lorries which used to go there from Nairobi and other areas stopped and now only those returning empty after delivering cargo in Tanzania pass by to collect sand on their way back to Nairobi. Charcoal burning was also banned by the County administration and the Chief’s office although it still goes on clandestinely on a very small scale. Area Chief Lois Robert says Maili Tisa town has a population of 3,700 people

as per data from the recently concluded census but more people come there from the villages especially on market days. “It is true that crime here was high because of money from land sale by group ranches but the value has really gone high with an acre along the highway selling at between Sh 1 and 2 million,” said Chief Lois. He clarified that the County government did not ban the sale of land but only set new rules that require group ranches to be given a permit by the Land Control

One of the back streets at Maili Tisa trading centre where sale of illicit brews and sex trade thrive.

Board before they can engage in the process of subdividing and disposing land. He says although Maili Tisa was known as the epicenter of crime in the past, crooks and criminals were either arrested or fled the area when they learned that they were being pursued.

County Press MARCH, 2020

Is handwriting dying in Page the face of computer era? 22

Govt to issue 1,200 title deeds to end group ranch tussle By Bell Pere The Government is planning to issue 1,200 title deeds to the Siria and Uasin Gishu Maasai sections in a bid to resolve their prolonged group ranch conflict that has been experienced over the years. Narok County Commissioner, Mr Samwel Kimiti, who held separate barazas with the two Maasai sections said he had already held consultative meetings with top officials from the Ministry of Lands and was assured that the title deeds will be issued soon. The

Nkararu group ranch members during a reconciliation meeting in Trans Mara West Sub County. Photo/Bell Pere

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE

Narok-Kisiriri road project starts after 30 months delay By Our Reporter The construction of Narok-Kisiriri road which was launched in 2017 has begun, 30 months late despite the government having released funds up to Sh 701 million. During the road project assessment led by Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti who was accompanied by the County Development Implementation Co-ordination Committee, an ultimatum was given for completion of the road. Kimiti was concerned as to why the road was not yet complete two years after it was launched. “We cannot sit down as government officials and watch government projects not being completed. We want the road to be completed on time and the work done perfectly,” reiterated Kimiti. The road was estimated to cost Sh1.2 billion and already Sh701 million had been released but only 45 per cent of the project had been done. The construction of the road to bitumen standard was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in July 2017. Kimiti was also accompanied by COUNTY PRESS

Narok County Commissioner, Samuel Kimiti. officers from the Presidential Delivery Unity, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the County top security team. Last year, the former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Chimwaga Mongo inspected the road and asked the contractor to complete the work within the given timelines. Sammy Nangari, a resident of Kisiriri area, told the county commissioner that the community was excited when the construction was

launched in 2017, but are worried because of the slow pace of construction. “We long for the completion of this road because it will open up the Nakuru market for the farmers who are producers of potatoes, maize, carrots and cabbage,” said Nangari. Another resident Margaret Morgan, who owns 20 acres of land in Kisiriri, said for many years farmers have been incurring losses due to impassable roads especially during rainy seasons forcing their produce to rot in the shamba. She added that construction of the road will enable many vehicles use the highway, hence most of their produce will be sold to the road users. Residents of Mau area have in the past held demonstrations to pressure the government to build the road but their cry mostly fell on deaf ears. Politicians campaigning to be elected in office take advantage of the road where they promising to prioritize the road once they get in office, but they do very little once they ascended to power. Olokruto, Oloropil and Olposumoru wards that are in the Narok Mau region where the road is passing are the main food basket of the county as the area experiences rain throughout the year.

opposing sections are part of Nkararu group ranch in Trans Mara West Sub County. “We believe the main cause of violence that experienced in this area since 1976 is caused by lack of legal land documents. We want to deal with individual land and not community land,” said Kimiti. Kimiti said that in giving out individual titles, land rights will be guaranteed and stop trespassing or grabbing of land. During the separate meetings, both sections accused the Government of favouring the other over boundaries dispute. Kimiti however said the boundaries were fixed by professionals from the Government who held no bias and will therefore not be changed.

“The boundaries will stay because they were put there by professionals with the help and supervision by elders from the two sections,” he added. Mr Kimiti observed only less than 10 per cent of the title deeds to be issued had pending issues and promised to resolve the matter. Tension began building in the area recently following the brutal killing of a police officer during scuffle that also left several residents injured and a number of houses razed down. In August last year, the two communities agreed to resolve their differences in a meeting held at the county commissioner’s boardroom that brought together the village elders from the two sections and security officers.

Herders raise alarm over Foot-and-mouth outbreak By Abdi Hussein Hundreds of Kajiado County herders have called for urgent action to control a major outbreak of foot-andmouth disease. They fear that if it spreads throughout the vast Kajiado county, it will have serious implications for food security among the Maa community. According to Kajiado veterinary department, vaccine resistant Ugandan virus causing foot and mouth diseases (FMD) have been reported across the county. Most herders are now in panic mode with the deadly disease affecting most livestock in Kajiado Central, Kajiado East and Kajiado West sub counties. It is estimated more than 500,000 animals could be affected. Dejected pastoral herders fear the trend may affect their food security in this season of plenty pasture occasioned by ongoing rains. In Enkorika, Oloibelbel villages in Kajiado Central Sub County, most livestock has

been hard hit. Most animals are unable to go back home after grazing in fields. The disease might also affected wild animals in sanctuaries, National parks including Amboseli National Park as the wild animals mix freely with domesticated animals. Loisah Lemayian, a local herder appealed to authorities to act fast to prevent animal deaths. “The county government ought to have seized the meteorological advice on prolonged rains to put up the diseases mitigation plan,’’ said John Tupet, a herder from Magadi. Kajiado County CECM for Agriculture Jackline Koin said there is a new FMD virus outbreak sweeping the country despite the recent countywide livestock vaccination. Koin says late last year the country government vaccinated 2.2 million animals but the resistant virus is recurring in between three to six months affecting animals.

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