Cr e version august

COUN TY REVIEW Issue 012

AUGUST 2015

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Under wold of Chuka male prostitutes PAGE 2

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Politics and lack of sponsorship threaten chogoria all stars survival PAGE 31

Dogs bark cash for two men of God PAGE 15

Midterm poll indicates Meru Embu and Tharaka Nithi politicians who are likely to survive the tide and those likely to drown

Why Governors face tough battle in 2017 - High number of undecided voters

in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi suggests an open race - Governors Peter Munya, Samuel Ragwa and Martin Wambora face

stiff competition from rivals in the election and new entrants - Senators Kithure Kindiki, Lenny Kivuti and Kiraitu Murungi are yet to get formidable opponents

- Women reps Florence Kajuju and Rose Mitaru look safe but Tharaka Nithi’s Beatrice Nkatha faces stiff competition from Mercy Kirito

STORY ON PAGE 2

COUNTY SIDE MAGAZINE

Science discovers what you need to say on a first date

STORY ON PAGE 2 >>

What are fathers doing for their daughters?

STORY ON PAGE 5 >> Approval rating Peter Munya

28%

Approval rating Mbae Ragwa

11%

Approval rating Martin Wambora

22%

Dealing with a control freak?

Here is how to STORY ON PAGE 6 >>

2

COUNTY REVIEW

features

AUGUST 2015

society

>> DRUG ABUSE

Gay prostitutes of Chuka Men selling their bodies to other men in the largest town of Tharaka Nithi County when the sun sets. About 20 in number, they say a lack of employment pushed them to the vice.

BY STEVE MBEGO AND AGNES MWANGII

W

hen Mato* lost his job in Nairobi he decided to go back to Chuka – his home town – and earn a living as a male prostitute. In Chuka town he found out he was not alone.

Maurice* is also a man of easy virtue who was initiated to the vice by a friend while still a secondary school student. He would later use the experience he gained to earn a living.

Petro* was exposed to homosexuality when he was serving a jail term for smoking bhang. The three are among a group of about 20 young men in their mid-twenties who work as male prostitutes in Chuka town.

Mato is a man of few words. He has a deep voice. Maurice is outspoken.

Petro is the pimp – the broker – for the prostitutes. He is their de facto leader.

We met the three at a popular night club in Chuka town. They turned away our proposal to meet at a quiet place such as a hotel. They told us that they are comfortable in the club because that is where they connect with their clients.

Their clients are drawn mostly from Chuka’s white collar workers.

Once a customer identifies them, he treats them to drinks then they book a room.

The trade has a coded language. “If I give you Sh10,000 and tell you to hide it in your body in a place I cannot find, where will you hide it?” This may seem like an innocuous question to the uninitiated. But Petro says for the male prostitutes, the answer is usually a**.

Clients pop such random questions to random guys in clubs to identify the prostitutes.

Petro told us another way is for the male prostitute to choose a table and sit alone with no drink. A client will then identify them and offer to buy a drink, and in the process negotiate for services.

But when a client does not approach them, the male prostitutes are forced to hunt for them. They market themselves through their mode of walking and dressing or talking to potential clients with hope that they (the clients) will buy what they are selling.

In the middle of the interview, a man walked to our table, greeted us and asked us to buy him a drink but we did not. Later Petro told us he is male prostitute scouting for clients.

Shocked, we asked him how he identified the prostitute. Petro told us the man was standing with his behind popped up and had tucked a part of his shirt under the belt.

And Petro chided him for being unkempt, “Wengine wako kwa hii biashara na hata grooming hawajui. Sasa huyu na hii madevu yote?”

(Some of the guys in this business are not well groomed. This one has too much facial hair) grumbled the clean shaven pimp while shaking his head in disapproval.

“Sometimes the networks we have established overtime link us with our clients,” Maurice added.

Once the client and the male prostitute are together, negotiations for the pay begin. “The pay depends on the person you meet. Sometimes, you might meet a generous person who parts with Sh1,000 for a session. But the pay may go down to Sh800 or

even Sh700,” he revealed.

After an agreement is reached, the male prostitute then books a room.

We asked them how come their activities have never aroused the suspicion of the club owners and the trio had a resounding response: “The club owners are in business just like us. They want money. And still when we book rooms it is not their business to find out what goes on in those rooms,” they said.

Maurice said he will never leave the business because it offers him quick money and it is less complicated, “All I do is talk to a client. There is no third party involved,” he said.

The other two are willing to leave the trade owing to various challenges like loose anal muscles that require them to relieve themselves immediately after the act.

“We have to use the toilet without delay when the urge comes. We cannot hold for long like normal people do,” Petro says.

Another frequent problem is getting injured by well-endowed men.

Mato said once he his injured, he either chooses to nurse the injuries at home or seek medical attention.

We asked him whether the medics know what he does. “You have to tell them what transpired in order to get assisted,” he says.

He adds that they are usually use lubricants and free condoms supplied by the government to ply their trade and avoid sexually transmitted diseases.

Mary Gitonga, head of care and comprehensive centre at Chuka Hospital said she has heard about male sex workers but the only homosexual related cases she has come across are two sodomy victims.

The male sex workers also get arrested by the police who harass them because their activities take place late in the night. They then have to bribe the police with the cash they have earned the hard way. Left penniless, they to go out to look for more money the next day.

The parting shot: When the group of about 20 are not scouting for clients or offering their bodies in exchange for money, they sleep with each other Mato says. *Names changed to protect the sources’ privacy.

Region’s war on illicit brews continues Mt. Kenya East facing the reality of second generation alcohol war in the aftermath of successful seizure by concerted efforts of the public civic leaders and police

BY COUNTY REVIEW TEAM

A

s the crackdown of the illicit brew continues in Embu County, where more than four factories have been closed down, more than 160,000 liters of the opaque drink poured and several bars closed, Embu County is not relenting on this move.

According to the Embu West OCPD Francis Sang investigations are still ongoing to ensure the illicit brands that may have been left out are not hidden in homes and people are not pretending to be hawking brew in flasks in the name of tea.

County Executive Commissioner for Health, Pauline Njagi confirmed that several progresses have been made in the County where more than 30 victims of the illicit liquor are undergoing counseling due to withdrawal systems and they are making good follow ups to ensure they do not relapse.

She also said that among the ten people, who had been admitted at the Embu Level Five Hospital, eight have already been discharged and two are still undergoing treatment.

Rehabilitation of Survivors She added that as a County, they are advocating for a rehabilitation center in the near future to deal with similar cases noting that even people in the higher ranks of society like teachers and bankers still suffer from alcoholism.

More than nine hundred cartons of illicit brew were on recently seized in Isiolo town during a raid that saw police and chiefs and their assistants combine efforts in curbing the menace.

During the operation that begun very early in the morning four people were arrested with chang’aa and kangara brews around Isiolo Market and are expected to be aligned in court.

Traffic congestion chokes Meru CBD

BY MUSYOKA NGUI

C

ongestion has hit the Meru central business district as streets increasingly get jammed with vehicles jostling for parking space effectively making the pedestrians to contend with shop pavements which teem with wares displayed by business owners as well as hawkers.

As a consequence the limited space has been restricted by business including banks, insurance agencies and hotels. One hotel on the Meru-Makutano road restricts the parking permit to the guests and revellers to keep other mo-

torists at bay.

A spot check by the County Review found that some parts of the CBD are, however, underutilised. A country bus stage near Tuskys Supermarket is largely empty. The bus stage bore tarmac marks to streamline parking, but the spaces were left vacant as boda operators, private car owners and PSVs concentrate on dropping and picking passengers near the CBD, against the county bylaws.

The Meru County Government charges taxi operators a monthly fee of Sh1,000 as parking fee. As vehicles snake their way out of Meru town towards Makutano, they are caught up

in traffic gridlock that wastes valuable man-hours that could be used doing productive work. The traffic jam does not help matters as careless motorists speed along the roundabout in a busy Njuri Njeke Street.

The gravity of congestion was evidenced by long haul vehicles being parked right inside the main highway.

A cereal dealer dried maize along MeruGakoromone road. Meru town residents belief the problem is attributed to shoddy planning of the town.

Meru town is a growing city given it is the regional headquarters of major government installations in the Upper Eastern region. What’s more, it is lo-

Confirming the incidence Assistant Superintendent Fredrick Acholla said in the case where the 900 cartons were captured, the bar owner hid and no one was arrested.

The police broke into the store of the bar where the brew, Metropolitan, estimated to be of more than one million Kenya shillings was kept.

Acholla added that the seized brew was of low quality and was of great harm to the consumers.

The operation to eradicate the second generation brew is projected to continue in the whole of Isiolo County until there will be none of it left.

This has come just a day after some other more than a thousand liters of chang’aa were seized in Isiolo Bulla Pesa estate though no one was arrested.

Residents of Githongo market in Abothugichi West in Central Imenti joined hands together with the security officers to destroy illicit brew worth two million shillings holding the same serial number and packed in illegal packages of 205ml instead of 250ml.This arises even after the president ordered the leaders from Mount Kenya region to start a fight with the second generation brew. According to the Assistant County Commissioner of Central Imenti Mr. Martin Mbae told the County Review that he was alerted by the public where they raided a store that contained more than 2000 cartons of illicit brew known as Metropolitan.

The owner of the consignment is still unknown. Mr Mbae said that during the operation 56 rolls of bhang worth KSh 1,120 and eight liters of chang’aa was discovered and two people a gentleman and a lady arrested .According to the residents of Githongo who were helping in pouring the brew said that it had destroyed their families. “At least our husbands come home early these days and they help in some family

CONT. ON PAGE 5 >> cated along the Lamu Port South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor which is a Vision 2030 project set to open the city for international connection, tourism and ultra-modern facilities such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and a host of other recreation spots.

There are fears that land grabbing by greedy individuals could be encroaching to the narrow streets and roads.

Makutano has attracted leading investors since it is more spacious and serene than the CBD. Notable investors like Nakumatt Supermarket, Meru Slopes Hotel, Alba, Avanti and Elsa restaurants are located in Makutano.

However, Meru town still remains a centre for corporate bigwigs since it is where most banks, insurance firms, and is where government offices are housed.

COUNTY REVIEW

INTERVIEW

AUGUST 2015

3

one on one

Radio is fun, television my future Q We hear you on Meru FM every evening, where did you emerge from?

People think that I am new in the industry but my journey started way back in 2010 in Mugambo FM, a community radio station based in Tigania West sub county (Kianjai) have also done a number of thing in Pamoja FM based in Kibera, Nairobi later joined Meru FM at 2012. I am also an actor which many people don’t know am the man in black suit behind Ali Masumbuko (Ali’s bodyguard first right handman) that is Waridi programme which airs on Africa Magic Swahili on GOtv You love political talk, why so?

M

y name is Felix Mwenda alias Mwenda Saba a son of Mzee Saba Muuru and Ann Gacheri second born and first son from my mum Ann, born many years back in a small village called Gikumbo in Mitunguu ward, South Imenti sub county, I am 28. Mmy bio is that short “scientist never talk much” unike historians who can use the whole page defining one word.

Politics carries the day even in your own house you need to get majority to rule, you have to convince your own children to back you up to be the head of the family imagine your own children if then decide to throw their support behind your wife, automatically your wife becomes the head Your most memorable radio interviews and why?

It will be tomorrow you need to keep it Meru FM you can’t afford to miss this one, because I believe the mistake I did yesterday I have a chance to correct it tomorrow and write history What the hell is Ntogo ya Kinyinga and who came up with the name?

Meru MCAs vote to end budget standoff

The funny thing people think that the whole show is called Ntogo ya Kinyinga, this a segment in a show, Twitanie is the name of the show which airs from 6pm to 9pm, but I am happy the name Ntogo ya Kinyinga has carried the day. It was my idea as you know traditionally the Meru people gathered in the evening around elders to hear stories and in the middles of the circle there was a big fire with huge smoke the name tells it all.

Married? If yes tell us more, if not, what are you waiting for?

Oh yes I am married to a very beautiful lady called Nancy Saba. She is an air travel consultant, very caring, God-fearing and loving she means the world to me. Soon I will pass some good news to you, so keep your phone on. I promise you will be first desk to get the news…I am tempted to reveal…well make sure your phone is on Which schools did you attend and how did they shape you, if indeed they did?

I am an old boy of Nkuene Boys High School, that where it all began later East Africa School. Education is the most important tool to change the word even with talent you need some professional skill and papers at the end of the day to boost your bargaining power.

You best and worst teacher, reasons?

My language teacher Mr Kimathi at Nkuene Boys remain to be my best teacher he has a wealth of knowledge in literature which is a basic need in my career, I was the school

We are now inside the leading supermarkets in:

BY CORRESPONDENT

T

he Meru County Assembly on Friday, August 7, 2015, passed the Appropriation bill 2015 in a special sitting ending weeks budget standoff with the executive.

During the sitting attended by 16 of the 69 members, the MCAs approved a memorandum by Governor Peter Munya on spending of the Sh7.6 billion 2015/16 budget.

The MCAs had earlier allocated Sh1.5 billion to a Ward Development Fund by scrapping various allocations of the executive leading to disagreements. Each of the 45 wards was to get Sh35 million for development.

Following the amendment moved by Abothuguchi Central representative Ayub Bundi, the Ward Development fund gets Sh900 million where each ward will be allocated Sh20 million.

In the memorandum by governor Munya, the county assembly was the main loser after shedding Sh57.7 million from its budget.

All departments of the executive emerged winners after their allocations were increased in the amendment.

Mr Munya had refused to assent to the appropriation bill saying more cash had to be allocated for development Meru Speaker Joseph Kaberia said the assembly had to hold a special sitting before breaking for the recess to meet the timelines stipulated by the law.

“The main issue of the special sitting was to discuss the amendments cited by the office of governor” Mr Kaberia said.

The members said they considered the fact that county workers had not received their July salary and that funds meant for the wards was delayed.

Roysambu, Zimmerman, Kahawa West and Kasarani.

Get your copy !

language captain so I did not have worst teacher.

You look a born-town. What was your teenage experience with girls?

Oh my God me a born town? Believe it mimi ni jamaa wa shagz. I am from village and County Review you need to stop this rumours that am a born Town or else we face in court… oh my…County Review you can take this to the bank a nice smell keeps a lady closer to you.

Who is your image consultant?

My wife Nancy Saba does it all she knows my taste, she is the only person who can tell me the naked truth, she is my mirror.

Say something about your annoying laughter?

That is the natural me, my doctor told me that the best medicine is laughter, then my cohost the ever comical Mzee M’Lithara makes my evening with his comic. I can’t imagine an evening without this mzee’s jokes.

Where are you in five years?

In a national radio station or TV it has been my dream, but many prophets have seen it that I will be Meru County governor I am confused whether to believe them but only Meru people will have the final word.

Parting shots...

Your talent can make you eat in the same table with kings and queens make use of it.

4

Others

12

Kathomi Njeru

2

Others

9

Undecided

49

Kambanja

4

Undecided

41

Others

2

Undecided

78

politics

COUNTY REVIEW

AUGUST 2015

Why Munya, Ragwa and Wambora Midterm poll indicates Meru Embu and Tharaka Nithi politicians who are likely to survive the tide and those likely to drown

EMBU COUNTY Preferred candidates (%)

THARAKA NITHI COUNTY Preferred candidates (%)

MERU COUNTY Preferred candidates (%)

Governor

Governor

Governor

Wambora

22

Ragwa

11

Peter Munya

28

Cecily Mbarire

27

Muthomi

9

Dr Kilemi Mwila

18

Kithinji Kiragu

6

Petkay

5

Kiraitu Murunu

8

Undecided

41

Others

3

Undecided

42

Others

4

Undecided

72

Others

4

Senator (%)

Senator (%)

Senator (%) Lenny Kivuti

47

Kithure Kindiki

10

Kiraitu Murungi

56

Njeru Ndwiga

6

Kaburu

2

Others

3

Others

3

Others

2

Undecided

41

Undecided

44

Undecided

86

Women Rep

Women Rep (%)

Women Rep (%)

Nkunini

1

32

Beatrice Nkatha

Dorothy Nditi

8

Mercy Kirito

7

Kailemia

1

Others

12

Kathomi Njeru

2

Others

9

Undecided

49

Kambanja

4

Undecided

41

Others

2

Undecided

78

T

he three Mt Kenya east governors will have a tough task come 2017, a new survey indicates.

According to the same poll, the three senators of Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi would easily get back to Parliament if elections were conducted today.

The survey was conducted between July 20 and 25 this year.

The poll conducted in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi also indicates that all the governors would face stiff competition but two would still win if they managed to convince the huge number of undecided voters in their areas In Meru, Governor Peter Gatirau Munya faces stiff competition from Dr

Kilemei Mwiria, who vied on TNA ticket in the last election and lost narrowly.

Even though Dr Kilemei is yet to declare his candidature, a large portion of those interviewed seemed to favour him. But Mr Munya still leads marginally at 28 per cent against Kilemi’s 18 per cent Those undecided in Meru on the governor seat total 42 per cent, indicative of the hard task that the contenders will have to deal with.

Meru Senator Kiraitu is considered among the likely candidates. Although he has denied harbouring any ambitions to vie for the gubernatorial seat, Mr Kiraitu is considered fit for the position by up to eight per cent.

Rumours that the former Imenti South legislator could be planning to

try his luck in 2017 as a governor have been making rounds. There are reports that he is under immense pressure to go for the seat, which would then break his political relationship with Mr Munya, and complicate the county politics.

In the women representative seat, the incumbent Florence Kajuju is the people’s favourite at 48 per cent with others like Nkunini and Kailemia trailing.

In Embu, there is Runyejes MP Cecil Mbarire who has already declared her candidature. Clearly playing within the complicated ethnic equation, Ms Mbarire seems to have a head-start at a 27 per cent compared to Governor Martin Wambora’s 22 per cent.

Mr Wambora’s inability to handle political dealings in the country, hence

Mt Kenya east residents want leaders to do more

BY MUGAMBI MUTUERANDU

H

48

Rose Mitaru

BY COUNTY REVIEW TEAM

7

Florence Kajuju

alfway the electoral cycle, a majority of Mt Kenya east residents have generally expressed disappointment with their elected leaders.

A midterm survey carried out by the Media Mechanics Research unit indicates that most of the residents want the leaders to up their performance in the next half of their term.

The polls were conducted in the three counties, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru- between July 20

and 25. Up to 600 residents were interviewed using a standard questionnaire across the region.

Asked to name the top projects that they hoped their political leaders would implement in their term, a majority of respondents named Agricultural, roads, water, education, health and youth welfare as top on their wish list.

Security also featured prominently, indicating that the impact of general insecurity that has hit the country is being felt at home.

For years, it was small-time crimes like burglary; chicken and goat theft and alcohol brewing that were most

common in the region.

But in recent days, more sophisticated kidnappings, robbery with violence and even terror threats have become common across the region, hence the security concerns.

Nationally, police statics suggests an overall dip in crime in the region. That has not erased the issue from resident’s concerns.

In Embu County, roads, water, education and agriculture topped the list of the key areas that residents hoped their leaders would boost.

CONT. ON PAGE 5 >>

stalling a lot of his programmes thanks to sustained opposition from different quarters, seems a big threat to his political career.

Others mentioned by those surveyed included Kithinji Kiragu and Njeru Nd-

wiga. They both vied in the 2013 elections at the county level, with Mr Kithinji going for governorship and Ndwiga trying to capture the senatorial seat on a TNA ticket.

For the Senate, Lenny Kivuti leads at 47 per cent with his closest rival Njeru Ndwiga attracting a paltry six per cent up to 44 per cent are yet to decide on this slot Rose Mitaru also leads at 32 per cent with Dorothy Nditi following at eight per cent, for the women representative seat.

Other names that were mentioned for this slot included Ms Mbarire and the Deputy Governor Dorothy Nditi.

Both have not declared their interest in the seat publicly.

In Tharaka Nithi, often called the stronghold due to the way it votes as a bloc, Mr Samuel Ragwa, the current governor, is under immense pressure from Chuka Igambangombe MP Muthomi Njuki.

According to the survey, up to 18 per cent are aware that Mr Muthomi is interested in the governor’s seat compared to six per cent on Samuel Ragwa’s side.

But even then, only nine per cent said they would vote for Mr Njuki, compared to 11 per cent that confirmed they would vote for Mr Ragwa.

In the last two years, Mr Njuki and his tech-savvy communication team has been all guns blazing, especially on social media, to market their candidate.

Even then, there has been resistance in some quarters, thanks to the nature of Tharaka Nithi politics.

The county has three almost equal voting blocs, Tharaka, Maara and Chuka. Mr Muthomi is still trying to make inroads into Tharaka, seen as the likely source of swing votes.

CONT. ON PAGE 5 >>

COUNTY REVIEW

politics

AUGUST 2015

face tough battle in 2017

>> IN BRIEF

Leaders’ want auditor general’s report analysed

Midterm poll indicates Meru Embu and Tharaka Nithi politicians who are likely to survive the tide and those likely to drown

BY ANN WANGUI

<< CONT FROMT PAGE 4

“

In Tharaka Nithi, often called the stronghold due to the way it votes as a bloc, Mr Samuel Ragwa, the current governor, is under immense pressure from Chuka Igambangombe MP Muthomi Njuki.

Only last month, Tharaka MP Mpuru Aburi was heard on radio endorsing Mr Muthomi, something that could earn him a bit of mileage. Mr Njuki has also increasingly participated in public activities in Tharaka, a move seen as a mission to endear himself to the Tharaka.

Even then, Mr Ragwa’s camp seems to be monitoring the Chuka Igambangombe legislator’s moves, taking to the social media and other public platforms to neutralise what Mr Muthomi is trying to do. That could be producing mixed results.

Others mentioned as likely candidates are former Nithi MP, Petkay Miriti, County Assembly

Speaker John Mbaabu and Kunga Ngeche, who has been offering community services across the county.

Mr Mbaabu is seen as likely to go for the Chuka-Igambang’ombe parliamentary seat currently held

by Muthomi Njuki.

On the Senatorial position, the incumbent, Prof Kithure Kindiki, seems to have no match despite the large number of undecided respondents.

His closest rival is Domiciano Kaburu. Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, who has publicly declared interest in the seat in 2022, was also voted.

The county MP, Mama Beatrice Nkatha, seems to have a fierce

competitor in Mercy Kirito. According to the survey, Mama Nkatha and Kirito, who also vied for the position in 2013 are at par seven per cent.

So far, Ms Kirito has declared her interest in Chuka Igambangombe parliamentary seat. Others who are seen as likely competition to Ms Nkatha are Kambanja, and Kathomi Njeru. Both vied for the slot in 2013.

Overall, the women reps and senators may have it easier.

But even then, last minute entries may upset the game, now that the overall number of undecided voters is much higher than the undecided across the region.

You can do better, residents tell Mt. Kenya east leaders << CONT FROMT PAGE 4 Even then, up to 89 per cent of the 200 respondents interviewed from across the Martin Wambora-led County said they were still waiting to see implementation of their preferred projects.

In the last two-and-half years, Embu County leaders have been embroiled in unending political circus, pitting the executive against the assembly, stalling most of Wambora’s projects.

This followed corruption and mismanagement allegations that led to double impeachment of Mr Wambora by the assembly, something that the Senate gave a green-light before the governor sought court intervention.

The issue is still before the courts.

According to the Media Mechanics polls, an overwhelming majority of Embu residents are yet to decide on who they would vote for if they were forced into polls.

That is probably because it is still two years to the polls, or just a reflection of the apathy on the part of voters.

In Meru, levels of dissatisfaction are also obvious.

Up to 60 per cent of respondents in Meru County expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the county leadership on development projects.

Asked whether they were happy with

candidates who have shown interest in leadership positions, around 40 per cent said they were not and are hoping to see more names, with 45 per cent saying they are not yet sure.

Still on implementation, about 17 per cent of those interviewed were not sure on the score with 23 per cent saying that they were happy with Governor Peter Munya’s development record.

So far, the governor has launched a number of development projects, with the Probase Road attracting most attention.

Mr Munya, who is also the chairman of the Council of Governors, is upgrading the Kinoru Stadium in Meru town to international standards with an eye on sports and cultural tourism.

On investment, Meru has held two conferences where different investors have pledged development projects.

The county has also launched an investment arm which is expected to spur the region’s economic growth.

Most of the Tharaka Nithi County residents wish for better roads, education and healthcare in their area in that order of preference.

Surprisingly, around 57 per cent of those polled said they were happy with project implementation across the county.

THARAKA NITHI - 100 : Chuka20 • Marima-10 • Mukuuni-10 • Kaanwa-10 • Kathwana-10 • Marimanti-10 • Chogoria-10 • Magu-

According to the Media

<< CONT FROMT PAGE 2

Mechanics polls, an overwhelming majority of Embu residents are yet to decide on who they would vote for if they were forced into polls.

For years, the county which was once under the larger Meru District was marginalised with the national government considering it as part of Meru, which has always been better developed.

With devolution, residents have seen more work accomplished in their area compared to any other area.

But that has not shielded the Ragwa government from criticisms, especially from the social media lobbyists, especially on Tharaka Nithi County Speaks platform on Facebook.

tuni-10 • Mukothima-10 EMBU 200: Kiritiri- 20 • Gachoka-20 • Ishiara- 20 • Siakago- 20 • Embu40 • Runyenjes-20 • Mbui Njeru-20 • Rukuriri-20 • Kianjokoma-20 MERU-300: Meru-50 • Nkubu-35 •

M

t Kenya East leaders led by the majority leader of the senate have come out strongly to emphasize that the auditor general’s report which reveals that National and County government funds have been embezzled should be critically analyzed.

Speaking at a fund raising ceremony at a local school in Ishiara, Mbeere North Sub County in Embu County, Hon Kithure Kindiki stated that as the senate, they support President Uhuru Kenyatta in the fight against corruption.

“Our Country is facing serious corruption issues which in turn have hindered development and all those culpable will be dealt with despite who they are because no one is above the law,” he insisted.

He added that as Mt. Kenya East leaders, they support the president’s move to suspend all those officials with graft allegations.

His sentiments were also echoed by the area MP Charles Njagagua who said that ministries and parastatals should be accountable on the use of public funds.

He also urged the Central and the County governments to come clear so as not to tarnish the name of the president.

“All Counties have abused their powers and privileges in the management of County funds,” he stated.

Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire said that the senate should exercise their oversight role in ensuring that all funds are used appropriately and those that have been embezzled be returned.

She pointed out that the report shows that sh400, 000,000 has not been utilized well in Embu County and should be returned.

“We will not let our money be misused hence we need answers from all ministries and parastatals,” said Mbarire.

The speaker of Embu County assembly Kariuki Mate expressed his concerns on the report saying that it is embarrassing since many Counties are not doing well.

He called on the senate to hold all leaders who have been given County funds accountable so as to ensure development

Leaders in war against illicit brews

How survey was conducted The survey involved administration of 600 questionnaires evenly spread across the three counties this way:

5

Maua-35 • Laare-15 • Athiru-15 • Mikinduri-20 • Igoji-30 • Timau-30 Kibirichia-20 • Kionyo-20 • Mitunguu-30 The respondents were drawn from diverse education levels, age brackets and genders.

works,” said Irene Nkatha who was one of the women in that operation adding that at least after the fight with the second generation brew their husbands can now fulfill their conjugal rights that they did not when they were the husband was taking the brew. In the last days many of those who used to take the brew started showing withdrawal symptoms where some were reported dead due to lack of the brew. According to one of the doctors who was administering the medication to one of the victims it was hard for some who had made it a daily routine to indulge in illicit liquor to cope but after some time after taking some medicines they would.

Shaking Teacher Who Cannot Hold Chalk Mike Mutuma who is a teacher and used to take the brew on daily basis said that he can’t do anything for his shaky hands can’t hold a chalk without tasting something.

The MCA representing Abothuguchi West Daniel Kiogora said that the battle with the illicit brew in the region was just starting as some of the brew are even manufactured in the area. Mr Kiogora requested the chiefs to stay alert in the battle to ensure the area is a free of alcohol and requested the members of the public to be the watchdogs by reporting where the second generation brews are sold for legal actions to be taken.

Notorious Bula Pesa Ward Police in Isiolo Sub County last month raided Bula Pesa area and seized 1000 litres of chang’aa in the fight against second genera-

tion brews.The seized liquor was in different stages of preparation including that ready for consumption where the officers poured the chang’aa and destroyed more than twenty containers after packing other more in their vehicles to use as evidence.Some of the captured unhygienic liquor was recovered from pit latrines and others hidden in the bedrooms in the slum.

Confirming the incident, Isiolo County Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo said that illicit brew had planted its roots in the Bulla Pesa ward of Isiolo Sub County unlike in other sub counties of Merti and Garbatula adding that he will dispatch a squad of police officers in hotspots areas of Bulla Pesa. “Since we began the crackdown, we have noted that it is within Bulla Pesa ward of Isiolo Sub County that a lot of this liquor is. Merti and Garbatulla sub counties have no incidences of the brew,” said Musiambo.

The suspected brewers were said to have left after the armed police officers surrounded the brewing den. Mr. Musiambo said the crackdown will continue until all the second generation brews will be wiped out.

The Commissioner further urged residents to report brewers to police in order to curb the menace that had reached an alarming level countrywide.

During the raid, a woman was also arrested after she was found with parts of a computer, which was found to be government’s property.

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COUNTY REVIEW

BRIEFS

AUGUST 2015

Fire destroys dormitory at Igwanjau Secondary

BY Agnes Nyawera

F

ire that local police boss suspects might have been started by students partially destroyed a dormitory at Igwanjau Secondary School in Maara sub-county, Tharaka-Nith as spate of unrest hits schools in Mt Kenya East with six institutions of learning going on strike in recent weeks.

The fire started

when the students were in class for the evening preps. However, the learners and a few teachers managed to put off the fire before it spread.

According to a witness, the fire began at around 6:30pm.

A big cloud of smoke was seen coming out of the roof of the dormitory prompting students to disrupt their studies and rush to put it out.

Maara OCPD John Njihia said: “We have launched investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire that destroyed mattresses, boxes and other student belongings.”

He added that no one was injured in the incident, but suspects that the it may have been caused by examination phobia.

Tharaka Nithi director of education Jane Njogu condemned the incident and said the ministry would investigate the incident as well as cause of rampages in schools.

Other institutions of learning in the county that have gone on strike in the past two weeks include Ikuu Boys, Mukuuni Mixed, Marimanti Girls, Ngeru Boys and St Ann’s Boys. A student strike was thwarted at Chuka Boys last week.

Police arrest man suspected of killing son

hospitality

By Purity Waithera

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CI MP, Muthomi njuki, in red, joins residents at kathwana. PHOTO/morris MBoGO

olice have arrested a man on suspicions that he killed his son. Muriithi Nkari from Mukuuni, Chuka Igambang’ombe sub-county is suspected to have committed the offence and fled but was later seized following a manhunt.

Confirming the incident, Tharaka-Nithi county police commander Johnston Ipara said the deceased had deep head and hand injuries. The man and his son are believed to have gotten into an argument over land. Investigations are still underway.

Suspected thief set on fire Embu county clerk faults

BY Ann Wangui public for seeking hand-outs

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suspected thief is fighting for his life at the Embu Level Five hospital, after he was set on fire in Dallas Estate, Embu West sub-county. The man who is in his early 30s together with two others had allegedly robbed a student of Sh3,000, a pair of shoes and clothes the previous night.

The distressed student together with colleagues mounted a search in the area and found the suspect allegedly wearing the shirt he had stolen the previous day. An angry mob flushed the man from a house he had fled into in Kwa Muthoni area, at around 11am. The public beat him up and set him on fire.

However, the residents were frustrated in their bid to kill the suspect as the fire went off the three times it was lit. The mob thought the man was using witchcraft. It is only after a member of the lynch mob suggested that they forcefully remove a ring that the suspect was wearing that the fire engulfed the man.

“We set him on fire three times but the fire kept going off. The man was also bragging that we could not kill him. It is only after he removed the ring he was wearing that the fire started engulfing him,” said a witness.

However, the police rescued the suspect.

Buuri Women protest in row over relief food

BY Antony Miriti

A

ngry women from Ruiri rwa Rera in Buuri Constituency temporarily closed the Meru-Isiolo road for four hours on July 22 to protest unequal distribution of relief food by their area chief.

They accused chief Japheth

Kairingo of distributing the food unfairly by giving only to a few.

The protesters calmed down after the Meru County women representative Florence Kajuju addressed them. She said she would get a report on the food released from the sub-county offices in Timau.

Residents cry foul over Sh4m Embu budget for stalled project

BY Ann Wangui

R

esidents from Majimbo estate in Embu caused a stir at a recent public participation forum on the county’s budget about the building of a child protection unit in the area which has been allocated Sh4 million for its phase II in the 2015/2016 financial year.

They argued that its construction had not yet kicked off although Phase I of the project was allocated Sh3 million in the last financial year.

Michael Njeru, vice chairman of Embu County Assembly budget committee urged residents to turn up in large numbers at such public forums because the matters discussed there affect them.

Speaking at Embu Cultural Hall, Mr Njeru who is also the Kithimu ward MCA expressed disappointment at the low turnout at the event.

He said the budget forum was important because it is an opportunity for citizens to know what the county government is doing for them and how their taxes are used. “As a committee, we felt that organising this forum will ensure that devolution is felt at the grass root level,” he said.

Mr Njeru added that public contributions at the forum were an eye opener and that his committee and the assembly would follow up on the suggestions for the county executive to implement.

“The budget preparation process was supposed to end before June 30 but we had to wait for the national government to disburse funds hence the controller of budget has given the assembly up to July 10 to complete the process,” he said.

Members of the Bunge la Wananchi group from Kithimu said they attended the forum so as to be well versed with the county government’s plans.

They blamed the poor turn out on MCAs for failing to mobilise people from their wards. “MCAs should take the initiative to inform their people,” said Bunge la Wananchi Speaker James Muchangi.

Zephaniah Ireri, the group’s clerk, said they were satisfied that they presented their grievances and expressed optimism that they would be incorporated in the final budget.

“We have faith that the committee will consider all the issues we have raised failure to which we will take them to task,” he said.

NGO says poverty lures youths to terrorism

BYAnn Wangui

BY Ann Wangui

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mbu residents have been asked to stop demanding payment for attending public forums.

County assembly clerk Jim Kauma said citizens should exercise their civic duty of giving their opinion on assembly Bills without expecting hand-outs.

The clerk observed that it has become a trend for citizens to snub public participation forums because there are no cash

hand-outs. “We have no budgetary allocation to pay people for appearing in public participation forums. We take proposed legislation to the people for their own benefit,” he said.

“The Assembly does not gain financially for conducting public participation.”

The clerk added that the gains brought about by devolution gave all citizens a golden opportunity to air views on proposed laws before they are passed at the assembly.

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n NGO involved in sensitising the youth on the dangers of being radicalised by terrorists has started a programme to create awareness in Embu County in partnership with Centre for Security Studies.

During a youth workshop at a hotel in Embu, Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative (TEAM) programme officer, Ms Miriam Abdallah, said the increasing levels of extremism and radicalisation was due to high levels of poverty, unstable livelihood and political isolation. Ms Abdallah said the poor state of social security in Kenya provides potential grounds for terrorists to attract the youths with perceived gainful engagement and employment. The participants at the workshop blamed bad governance for radicalisation and said that government failure to empower the youths economically had worsened the situation.

COUNTY REVIEW

BRIEFS

AUGUST 2015

Mbarire leads fight against killer drinks

BY Ann Wangui

R

unyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire has urged her constituents to help crack down on second generation liquor that has led to the death of many people, especially the youth.

Speaking at Ena Market where she raided the brewer of liquor popularly known as Kathambo, the MP asked residents to give informa-

tion on illicit brewers so as to curb the menace.

She said they had confiscated about 20,000 litres of brew during the raid.

“There is a small hole on the wall where Kathambo is sold at Sh10 per sachet,” said Ms Mbarire.

“It is quite shocking to discover some of the ingredients used to make the brew such as (formalin) a chemical used in mortuaries to preserve bodies, underwear, sanitary towels,

radio batteries, and pesticides. I will take a sample of the liquor to the government chemist to find out the harmful chemicals it contains.”

She also revealed that they also found 20 stones of bhang but the peddler managed to escape. “The peddler has been taking chiefs to court stop them from arresting him. We will not allow him to operate in this village again so as to save our youths from drugs,” she said.

The MP appreciated the efforts of the provincial administration and the police in the crackdown insisting that they would do the same in the entire constituency.

Embu court sentences four men to death

BY Ann Wangui

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court in Embu has sentenced four men to death after they were found guilty of robbery with vio-

Police seize liquor hidden in Isiolo pit latrines

BY Nicholas Njue

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olice in Isiolo raided Bula Pesa area and seized 1,000 litres of chang’aa in the fight against illegal brews. Some of the liquor was recovered from pit latrines.

The seized liquor was in different stages of preparation, and some of it was ready for con-

BY Ann Wangui

A

man in Embu whose three storey brewery was demolished in Embu County was arraigned in a Runyenjes court charged with selling illicit liquor.

Runyenjes principal magistrate Beatrice Kimemia ordered Mr Leonard Nyaga Kiura, popularly known as Kathambo, be remanded in custody to allow police conclude investigations into his activities.

Mr Kiura denied that he was found hawking 55 sachets of ‘mashore’ illicit brew on a mo-

torcycle at Ena Market, in Embu East sub-county. The accused told the magistrate that police who arrested him had allegedly stolen his Sh90,000 during the July 19 incident.

However, the prosecution argued that it was premature for Mr Kiura to make the allegations since investigations had not yet been finalised.

In mid-July, government administrators led by Embu County commissioner Amos Gathecha oversaw the demolishing of a three-storey building associated with the accused

lence.

James Kariuki Njeru, Michael Dominick Muriithi, Joseph Mugendi Wanjira and Silas Gitonga were convicted by senior principal magistrate Paul Biwott.

The four assaulted Robert Kariithi Njue and violently robbed him a mobile phone worth Sh12,000 at Gold Tavern Bar in Embu County on December 28, 2012. They used a sharp wooden object to attack Mr Kariithi who went into a comma for several months and was later

sumption. Police disposed of the chang’aa and destroyed more than 20 containers and kept some for use as exhibit in court.

Isiolo County commissioner Wanyama Musiambo said illicit brew was a menace in Bulla Pesa ward of Isiolo sub-county unlike in Merti and Garbatula. He said police officers would intensify crackdown of illicit alcohol in the ward.

Runyenjes brewer charged with selling illegal alcohol alleging that illicit liquor was brewed there. Used condoms, sanitary pads and other unhygienic materials were retrieved from tanks containing the illicit brew.

The building popularly known as ‘White House’ was brought down by a bulldozer belonging to the National Youth Service.

Thousands of litres of liquor and brewing ingredients were found in the heavily fortified underground bunker of the building.

Man in fake money scam jailed

Igembe Central unveils civic education drive

paralysed.

According to Dr Godfrey Njuki, the assault damaged the victim’s brain tissues and injured his spinal cord. The victim went into coma, and could not use his lower limb or control his bladder. The doctor said Mr Kariithi needed physiotherapy and family care for him to recover gradually owing to the injury.

Two other suspects, who were accused jointly with the four convicts, were charged differently with possession of the stolen phone after the court found them not directly involved with assault.

Lydiah Mukami and Bedan Igoti were arrested after they were found with the stolen mobile phone.

Probox set ablaze

By Daniel Kalung’e

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esidents of Njia ward in Igembe Central have launched a committee to educate the public on their political rights. The committee plans to hold meetings on Sundays at different shopping centres with members of the public. The group is led by Eduard Papaa and James Muthee among others.

The group is calling itself Njia Political Development Forum. Speaking during its launch, Papaa said that it is out of ignorance that citizens continue to suffer poor leadership like lack of transparency, regional imbalance in employment, and neglected infrastructure despite money being allocated for the same.

He also cited selling of borehole water meant to assist people in semi-arid areas instead off adding more boreholes as another example of poor leadership in Njia.

Tana River gets Sh5bn equipment to boost irrigation

A Probox set ablaze by wananchi in Mbeere after it hit and killed a boda boda rider on Embu-Mwea highway.

Proboxs ferry miraa from Mbeere and are driven very recklessly.

Youth fund aims to create 200 new businesses in Embu

By Ann Wangui

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By Ann Wangui

BY Antony Miriti

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Meru court has sentenced a man to four years in jail with an option of paying Sh60,000 fine after he was found guilty of possessing fake bank notes and lying about his identity.

Thomas Maina Ndege alias Mbithi Musyoka was charged with the offences before resident magistrate Mercy Nasmiyu.

The prosecution told the court

that Maina was arrested by police officers on April 10, while shopping with fake bank notes at Uchumi supermarket in Meru town. After he was searched, police found four more fake bank notes of Sh1000 domination each.

The court heard that he told police his name was Mbithi Musyoka, but police got an ID card in his pocket with the name Nehemiah Oroko Ongenyi.

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nvironment secretary Judi Wakhungu has asked government officers and local communities in the Upper Tana catchment region to devise innovative and timely solutions to the challenges affecting sustainable use of natural resources in the region.

She said this in a speech read on her behalf by the deputy secretary, water and irrigation, Mr James Ntabo, during a commissioning of 39 vehicles, 73 motor cycles, and seven tractors worth

Sh230 million in Embu County.

She said the vehicles were meant to reduce poverty through provision of irrigation water as well as conserve the environment. The vehicles were procured by International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Spanish Trust Fund.

The minister said Tana River provides 50 per cent of the country’s hydroelectric power, supports 5.2 million livelihoods and supplies 95 per cent of water used in Nairobi and thus concerted efforts must be made to conserve the water tower.

he Ministry of Youth, Gender and Sports aims to create 200 new businesses in Embu, according to Mercy Mongo, county’s director of youth. This means 50 new businesses in each of Embu’s four sub-counties.

Ms Mongo was speaking at Embu municipal hall where more than 100 youths from the county were trained in entrepreneurship.

The county chief urged the youths to form groups and start their own companies. “Form youth Saccos (savings and credit societies) to enable you pull resources together,” she said.

“Then apply for tenders set aside for the youth.”

She added that most of the loan applicants would not be issued with cash directly, but where items for running the business can be purchased directly, such as boda bodas and salon equipment the ministry would buy the equipment for the individuals.

She said the ministry would also deploy field officers to support the youths in business. The loan which has attracts an interest rate of five per cent can be repaid weekly or monthly via mobile phone.

8

COUNTY REVIEW

POLITICS

AUGUST 2015

Boiling pot Embu of politics

Mugambi Mugwetwa The Political Eye

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By COUNTY REVIEWER

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nyone who knows anything about Embu knows of its high – wired intrigues, political heat, rivalry and power play that have become a central part and character of its politics.

That a rift exists between the Embu and Mbeere communities in Embu County is an open secret. At times, this political rivalry and power play often take frightening dimension as a result of the bitter rivalry between the political heavyweights from both regions.

Leading up to the 2017 polls, the national spotlight will be on the Embu Governors seat contest. It is expected the contest will be among three candidates in 2017, Martin Wambora, Kithinji kiragu popularly known as KK and Cecily mbarire.

Another rumored possible contender is former PS Dr. Cyrus Njiru. In this contest, the Mbeere Embu divide will still play out although the three candidates all come from the Embu community. Wambora and Mbarire are both from Runyenjes Constituency while Kithinji Kiragu comes from Manyatta. Although last elections were largely agreed on a regional balancing formula with Senate seat going to Lenny Kivuti of Mbeere and Governor going to Wambora of Embu,

this time around it looks unlikely for such a deal to hold.

Expect a bare knuckle fight for the Mbeere vote.

The baptism of fire that Martin Wambora is undergoing since his election is a testament that the power play in Embu is an everyday issue.

Since he took office, he has been in court fighting for political survival. It all started with a petition lodged against him

by Kithinji Kiragu of APK. This dragged on for months until his County Assembly impeached him. He was later re-instated by the High Court, but the Assembly impeached him again.

Wambora has since launched a spirited defense through the appeal process. Sources close to him indicate that he is prepared to go all the way to the supreme court of Kenya. The strategy being to run the clock out so that by the time the case is decided, it will be of no consequences.

All the focus is now on winning in 2017.

According to insiders, Wambora’s woes are guided by political supremacy battles. Ceccilie Mbarire enjoys the support of Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and Assembly Speaker Kariuki Mate, both of who come from the Mbeere community. Kiriuki is rumored to be positioning himself to be Mbarire’s running mate. Senator Kivuti supported Kithinji Kiragu last election largely due to party

loyalty. They were both in APK (MBUS) this time around KK had to battle it out with the rest for the newly formed JAP. All three candidates can’t ignore the Mbeere factor although they all from Embu.

They all realize that although they have numerical superiority over the Mbeere, whoever gets the majority of the votes from Mbeere will be next Governor. In 2013, there were 227,286 registered voters in Embu County. The breakdown of registered voters by constituency was Manyatta (Embu) 74, 505, Runyenjes (Embu) 66, 047, Mbeere South, 50,141 and Mbeere North 36,593 Wambora and Mbarire come from Runyenjes, meaning they will be battling for home vote while Kithinji Kiragu is from Manyatta. Assuming he carries the home vote, the real battle will be for the Mbeere Vote.

The rumored entry of Dr. Cyrus Njiru, a former PS in the Kibaki Government may send strategists from the three front runners back to the drawing boards. He was head hunted by the Kibaki Government to head the ministry of trade later to Transport and was the highest pain civil servant. He was paid more his Francis Muthaura, his supervisor then.

His international career includes the principal infrastructure development and management advisor at the African

Development Bank’s (AfDB) based in Tunisia and a research and consultant manager at the Institute of Development Engineering in the United Kingdom. Njiru also consulted widely with international development institutions such as the World Bank, Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency and the Department for International Development (DfID) in Europe, Asia and Africa.

He holds a PhD in infrastructure development and management, a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), with a bias on strategic planning.

If he throws his hat in the ring, the already interesting political landscape will be even more interesting.

The baptism of fire that Martin Wambora is undergoing since his election is a testament that the power play in Embu is an everyday issue.

ou are getting into politics? Not a bad idea but there are cardinal rules you must arm yourself with.

In this murky field, there are several unwritten rules and expectations that go with the territory.

Here, I quickly take you through a few of these.

One of the key components of any effective political engagement is apt communication, which then creates the picture-perfect message to easily draw people, read votes, to your side. This is an effort you must be ready to make.

US President Barack Obama created a great inspirational message, telling Americans they can at a time when their economy was at the lowest ebb. Uhuru Kenyatta brought in the digital prospects, and Kenyans loved it compared to the “digital” message from the Vasco Da Gama era politicians, as they were labeled. Communication! Communication! Communication!

In the course of creating the intended picture, there are several landmines that every politician, young or old, must avoid ahead of their campaigns if they are to win the hearts and mind of their constituency.

One of these dangerous spots is badmouthing your rivals.

Avoid that trap in every way.

A lot of people plunging into the 2017 political podium witnessed campaigns in the 90s and late 80s. That was an era where politics meant talking ill of your opponents, and lying a lot to voters.It was siasa, which then meant ujanja, mischief. The more hare-like, the more likely to earn votes at the time.

I witnessed mean-looking politicians pour all sorts of tricks and scorn to outmaneuver their rivals, even if it meant plain porojo, which means hollow lies.

That was a time when illiteracy levels, in terms of understanding the depth and breadth of politics, was extremely high. Voters just needed some crystals of salt and some five shillings, which bought a loaf of bread at the time, to cast a vote in your favour. Their decisions were mostly clouded by lack of information to help them separate chaff from wheat on most matters, which meant that whatever political and other opinion leaders said was good sermon. That was that era.

Today, the world is much more informed. There are several platforms, mostly on social and mainstream media, which chronicle a lot of what happens in politics. This way, lies, half-truths and other shades of porojo are easily understood for what they are: useless lies.

As a politicians eying any position, work with facts. If need be, tweak them to favour you. But below-the-belt attacks against your opponent will only make you look a political minion, suffering inferiority. By all means, top it.

If you must shred your rival’s image, don’t do it in a straight line. There are guys called proxies. Get many of these to make serious propaganda machinery and keep them very discreet and professional.

When we talk propaganda, we mean seriously researched facts used witty to paint a certain strategic picture, with the endgame in mind. Underline words like facts, witty and endgame.

Whether the US, Germans or even Chinese, propaganda is a great tool if used cleverly to make it easy for leaders, current or aspiring, to keep those they lead focused on your ball. Get experts for this.

The other thing you must avoid if getting into the political space is trying to impress everyone. Even biblical prophets did not manage to. It is not only very expensive but unsustainable too. What is extremely important: research, research and research again Just like every product launch, one requires a very good understanding of the space within which they will be operating. Without this, political friends surrounding you will only feed you with the sweet things you want to hear.

The research should establish a few things. One is the voters, in terms of spread and demographics. This will help you plan where to lay emphasis and even what to ignore.

You may also want to understand the past voting patterns of the area in focus. This may give you insights on who to include in your political campaign, and the kind of messages to deliver to each of the areas. That is critical.

Two years to elections, you may want to avoid long absences from your constituency. That means spending more quality time with the voters, without disclosing your intentions. Bonding, bonding and bonding.

Usually, a lot of political aspirants think that money can do the trick. It doesn’t. Instead, it is presence and a clear understanding of the pains and issues that affect the people plus ability to deliver acceptable, credible solutions that give leaders a headstart in politics.

To connect, don’t start with cash. In any case, voters are not just interested in your money, unless they are not keen on your leadership. What they need most is a connection and genuineness.

Read more of the do and don’ts in the next issue.

The writer holds a Masters in International Relations, who is currently running a political and communications strategy consultancy. He can be reached via:editor@countyreview.co.ke

OPINION

& IDEAS

Young innovator with eyes on greenhouse farming PAGE 12

this & that

NIGHT OUT

Thieving monkeys of gachuriri

BY PEREZ BARINE A political rally in Meru, 2013. /PHOTO/MERU COUNTY PRESS

Senator Kiraitu in the eye of brewing Meru political storm

By Loyd Kibaara Opinion

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ast month, I suggested that Senator Kiraitu Murungi of Meru may be considering running for the governor’s seat to cement his political legacy. The man has a strong desire to stand as the undisputed king of Meru. But whatever is now unfolding in his larger Meru backyard may end up boxing him to a corner and keep him busy trying to weather a storm.

A political wave is blowing across the larger Meru region. A political storm is brewing within the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK). Meru Governor Peter Munya has threatened to abandon the party. Why? The source of his frustration comes from the move by the county assembly to allocate Sh35 million for each ward slashing Sh1 billion from the executives recurrent expenditure, a move those in Munya’s camp feel has the support of top party leadership.

If the governor makes good his threat and leaves the party it would come at a time when the party seems undecided on whether to join the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP). The anxiety and disruption such a move would create does not auger well for Kiraitu and would sure derail his strategy of consolidating the Meru vote ahead of 2017.

Complicating matters even more, the latest political intrigues shaped by recent attempts to tame the Education minister, Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, the Njuri Ncheke faction’s showdown and Kiraitu’ spirited battle to protect his dy-

nasty have come to full light. The recent censure motion against Education CS was viewed as an opportunity to tame the minister by a political faction allied to a splinter Njuri Ncheke group. Prof Kaimenyi is being targeted by this group due to his perceived closeness with Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki and a group of elders led by Rutere and M’Ethinkia.

The possibility of Kindiki running for the presidency in 2022 is something the Kiraitu inner group feels will overshadow the Meru Senator in the region, resulting in counter moves to tame the Tharaka Nithi Senator through proxy.

The Njuri Ncheke faction backed by Munya, Kiraitu and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi seemed united in getting Kaimenyi at their recent retreat at the Nchiru shrine. Linturi, who said at the time that he supports the motion to censure Kaimenyi later found himself at a lonely corner when Kiraitu joined senators Kindiki of Tharaka Nithi, Lenny Kivuti of Embu and area MPs in defense of the embattled Cabinet secretary.

A day to the censure motion, the Kathera-led Njuri Ncheke sensed defeat and to save face, hastily organised a ceremony to lift the curse invoked on him. A fine of Sh100,000 was allegedly paid with the Kathera group claiming to have cleansed the CS at a council’s shrine at Nchiru before he faced the censure motion. The CS has since denied he had anything to do with the ritual. Claims have been made that the Meru County government provided Sh500,000 for the ceremony. True or not, it points to how important it was for this group to claim credit for lifting a curse they cast on Kaimenyi to help him win the censure motion.

Another sign that the ground is shifting is the back peddling by Kiraitu on

A political wave is blowing across the larger Meru region. A political storm is brewing within the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK). Meru Governor Peter Munya has threatened to abandon the party.

positions once thought to be firm. It is slowly becoming clear that the enthusiasm with which he embraced JAP is slowly going cold. He is now working closely with Munya and Linturi whom he had earlier broken ranks with and signalled his willingness to fold up APK in favour of the new JAP on a promise that he would be made the party national coordinator. In the recent past, Kiraitu has led a section of Meru leaders and are loudly stating that they aren’t ready to abandon the ‘Mbus’ for JAP until they are told what is in it for the Meru people.

Sources in the know indicate that Kiraitu’s change of mind is the realisation that Kindiki may be planning to run for presidency come 2022. In such a scenario, he realises he may be relegated to a support role nationally as the Tharaka Nithi senator takes the spotlight. That seems to be his main reason of renewing his support for Munya and reinforce the Njuri Ncheke group allied to the later in an attempt to weaken the other group which seems to have gotten a leg up by getting an audience with President Uhuru Kenyatta at the State House. This visit viewed as a victory and recognition for the Rutere group reportedly rubbed Kiraitu the wrong way for leaving him out of the State House visit planning.

When they gathered at Njuri Ncheke Shrine in Nchiru, Kiraitu using traditional “kirarire” openly mocked the opposing group and threatened to “bring the hawk flying above down with his stick”. As he thumped his chest, the Ruteere group was busy making plans to move to compel the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission to revisit his past, an attempt to re-open the corruption scandals of Anglo Leasing and Triton oil allegedly committed under Kiraitu’s watch when he was in President Kibaki’s Cabinet. The clouds have gathered, is this a sign of stormy days ahead or just passing clouds. Time will tell.

The writer is the managing director of Media Mechanics, the publisher of the County Review.

Views shared here are personal.

A deadly human- wildlife conflict is brewing in Gachuriri sub-location in Mbeere, Embu County. Monkeys have invaded people even in their homes, sometimes stealing foodstuffs right from inside houses. Hellen, who works for Kirin- an agri-business company situated in the locality bought a loaf of bread one morning, left it in her house and went to gather some firewood. On coming back she found a monkey coming out of the house with it. The animal dodged around her and disappeared into the nearby bushes, still clutching the loaf. “ I had placed the loaf on the table then turned to get cups from the side-board. Next thing I saw was the tail as the monkey sped off with the loaf. It must have followed me to the house from the shop,” Hellen says, laughing.

Next day, Hellen’s neighbour lost her entire dinner of chapatis when the monkeys managed to unlatch the door of her house, access the cupboard where she had kept the chappos and carried them off. The primates could be seen making faces at the astonished villagers as they chewed the chapatis gleefully. Villagers say the primates have become so audacious they are even snatching food from the women and children.

“The monkeys have become a real danger to the community, especially inside Kirin Company residence. Now they are attacking children. Only recently, they attacked Mrs Lydia Mwangi’s boy, biting him on the buttocks,” says Eric Gakunju, a manager with Kirin Agri-business. Mr. Gakunju says the monkeys are becoming desperate with hunger.

“They are marooned in the company land.

They can’t go out because locals will kill them on sight. The food is becoming scarce in here; they depend on any left-overs thrown in dustbins around.”

Mr Gakunju says that they reported the matter to the Kenya Wildlife Service for a solution and though at first the KWS was reluctant to act, they recently gave the aggrieved residents the green light to eliminate the animals any way they could.

“Now, although the Kirin management is offering KSH. 5000/= for each monkey killed, the monkeys have become quite smart. It is extremely difficult to corner them, and they are very aggressive now and they will eat anything, including chicken” Mr Gakunju adds.

It appears the job still awaits those trained for it. Over to you, the KWS department.

10

COUNTY REVIEW

opinion & ideas

AUGUST 2015

They gave Munya a rope Ken Miriti

Parents should raise children who value peace and dialogue and not hotheads.

I

Opinion

T

wo months ago, the Council of Governors (CoG) got a new sheriff; the strong willed Governor for Meru County Hon Peter Munya. Contrary to the expectations, the governor does not seem as excited as one would expect from his elevation. Slowly the task is dawning on the him that this job can break or make him.

The former boss also set a high standard to match.

The council of Governors’ Chairman is the designated spokesperson of the county bosses. He represents them in key decisions with the national government and other stakeholders. This is an engaging job that if not well handled can take over a Governor’s time to the extent of compromising his primary duty of running the county. In this position, you are the voice of the voiceless governors. You must be seen to be their leader even in very difficult situations.

You will remember the outgone CoG, Bomet Governor , Isaac Ruto; the CoG job brought him to the limelight and made him household name in the country. Most of the times he was busy defending the governors’ actions of commission or omission. This generated straining relations with the national government to an extent of name calling and emotional risings. It seems Ruto has now retracted to Bomet to cover the lost ground.

There are possible implications for Governor Munya’s elevation to the position. For him, it is even more tricky because he comes from a region that is naturally supporting the national government. Kenyans are currently questioning their decisions to create devolution and Munya must continually try and disabuse

>>EDITORIAL

the perception that county governments are cash cows for the masters. This is a hard sell given the recently released audit reports misappropriations in the counties. Being a sharp lawyer, he knows pretty well that this cannot be an easy task but it must be done.

Mt Kenya East region, where Munya hails from has continually supported the national government. Before devolution stabilizes, there is bound to be differing opinions between the two governments especially on devolved finances and services. Munya must therefore vocally defend his colleagues opinions. This is likely to put him into a position where he will have to exchange political jabs with people like the parliamentary Leaders of Majority in both houses. To complicate matters for Munya, Senate leader of Majority, Prof Kithure Kindiki comes from the Meru region. The professor seems to have a brief to consolidate Mt Kenya East into one voting basket. The two lawyers are also not the best of friends and there seems to be a supremacy battle between them.

The council of Governors’ Chairman is the designated spokesperson of the county bosses.

He represents them in key decisions with the national government and other stakeholders.

Munya must tread carefully on his public utterances. It is mentioned that if he wavers in support for Uhuruto, his king maker, Hon Kiraitu, may go for the Governor’s seat come 2017. Expectedly, Munya must not antagonize Uhuruto if he does not wish to have a fire lit to smoke him out of Meru county. It makes his job very hard.

The CoG is also a cosponsor for Pesa Mashinani campaign.

The cord leader has mentioned that they are on course for the same and signatures will be

presented to the IEBC in the month of August. Being the leader of the governors, it is expected Munya will be at the forefront. This has two implications for him; he either gets a national appeal and becomes a respected national leader, or it completely erodes his chances of recapturing his seat.

In my opinion, Jubilee handed this CoG job to finish him. We must understand that Uhuruto are bright politicians with very tactical futuristic plans. My thesis is that Jubilee might have campaigned quietly to have Munya elevated to this position to achieve two things. First to divert his attention from developing Meru County, then render him unelectable. Two, being from MT Kenya, Munya’s abrasion with the national government will naturally annoy the electorate.

It will be easy for his competitors to eclipse him and therefore make him jobless in 2017.

Over you Munya, navigate.

The writer is an insurance expert based in Nairobi.

ndeed the country at large has been shocked by the increase in the number of students’ strikes in secondary schools where property of unknown values have been reduced to ashes. The saddest part is some parents have lost their children to these strikes. Recently three students sleeping in one of the dormitories set on fire by students belonging StephJoy secondary in Nakuru County lost their lives.

In Mt. Kenya East counties at least 24 secondary schools have reported student strikes cases with Embu county accounting for 18 and Tharaka Nithi county 6.

Three girls at Gituntu secondary school in Maara sub-county in Tharaka Nithi were taken to Ntumu police station after they were suspected of planning to torch a dormitory, a dormitory in igwangau secondary school was partially destroyed by fire that the local police boss suspects might have been started by students.

Strike attempts by students belonging to Chuka boy’s secondary schools were thwarted by police.

Among the reasons given by the striking students for their unbecoming behavior is to frustrate efforts to have the form fours sit for the MOCK examinations. The decay in moral behavior among this next generation can be attributed to poor parenting that has resulted in the loosening of moral social fabric.

Discipline starts at home. Parents are reminded to take this opportunity now that schools have closed and students are at home to help instill discipline in their children by advising them on the importance of dialogue in conflict resolutions wherever they go.

They should remind them that destroying property does not offer solutions to problems.

The parents should help advice their children against conforming to peer pressure that has seen most of the students fall victim to drug abuse and other related vices. They should create time from their busy schedules to listen to the challenges afflicting this young generations and help in raising up of children who value peace and not hotheads.

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COUNTY REVIEW

opinion & ideas

AUGUST 2015

11

It’s all Jubilee talk no action for Tharaka Nithi

BY VICTOR KARIUKI

I

t is more than two years since the Jubilee government came to power. The greater Meru region voted to the last man for President Uhuru Kenyatta. Tharaka Nithi County has specifically acquired the ‘stronghold’ tag for its overwhelming voting patterns for former President Kibaki and now Kenyatta.

To many, the region that comprises Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties benefited exceedingly from Kibaki’s government, having been key to his

election and re-election. Lost to many is the fact that Nithi was also loyal to Kibaki in the presidential elections he lost in 1992, and 1997. But that is a story for another day.

Also unknown too is that not all areas in the region benefited from the magnanimity of Kibaki’s regime in terms of development. A close scrutiny shows that nearly all development projects initiated by the Kibaki regime were concentrated in the populous and agricultural rich Meru County as compared to the more arid Tharaka Nithi.

With Jubilee’s ascent to power,

Tharaka Nithi residents hoped to get more attention from the government.

However, this has not been forthcoming. It is for this reason that the residents of Tharaka Nithi are disgruntled with Jubilee. So far, all Tharaka-Nithi has got from Jubilee are promises of development. Residents have not had a taste of serious infrastructural developments and inclusivity. All they have seen and heard are presidential visits and downright rhetoric respectively.

Deputy President William Ruto, and the Senate Majority leader who is also Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure

Kindiki have been in the fore front of announcing the promises to the residents. Some of the pledges include construction of a High Court, a Huduma Centre, and a Kenya Medical Training College in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency. Other promises include the construction of 15 dams both in Chuka Igambang’ombe and Tharaka constituencies, a pledge of Sh380 million for Marimanti Hospital, and Sh420 million for Chuka Hospital.

More significant is the commissioning of projects that have not started.

They include the Kajiunduthi-Weru-Iriga-Mutindwa-Chogoria road by the Deputy President. Oddly, this project had been launched by Frankiln Bett when he was the Minister for Roads.

In the same characteristic manner of unfulfilled pledges, Prof Kindiki announced that the Ciakariga-Marimanti-Gatunga-Meru National Park and Weru-Kianjagi-Gitombani-Chogoria roads would be commissioned

by President Kenyatta for tarmacking.

Prof Kindiki is also on record promising the construction of a mega dam that spans Tharaka, Igambang’ombe, Mbeere and Mwingi areas.

Mr Ruto who has been a frequent visitor to Tharaka Nithi at the invitation of area legislators only engages in what locals see as small projects such as the commissioning of milk cooling plant funded by the Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency Development Fund, handing over of grain storage facilities (MP Mbiuki Kareke’s initiative in the larger Nithi) and attending fundraisers in aid of school projects. While locals appreciate these gestures, the general feeling is that the

county deserves more from the Jubilee administration.

So discernible are these unfulfilled promises that at one point Senator Kindiki had to implore the Deputy President in his latest visit to confirm that indeed the government was committed to fulfilling them, only for Mr Ruto to request that Tharaka Nithi exercise patience even as the Jubilee administration doles goodies to opposition strongholds. The feeling of desertion is widespread across the entire central Kenya as the presidency puts up a “nationalistic” approach to national matters.

This trend of unfulfilled promises in Tharaka Nithi indicts the elected leadership for a lack of synergistic approach to pertinent issues. The elected leaders in the county have never come together to bargain for a bigger piece of the pie at the national table. All they engage in is showmanship to demonstrate who is more influential, who can lure the attention of the presidency and be seen with Mr Kenyatta or his deputy at the county, obviously for political expediency.

Tharaka Nithi leaders must come together, and forge a united front on development issues and demand that the county gets its fair share of the national cake that justifies its overwhelming votes for the presidency. They must also unequivocally insist on the actualisation of these promises before they become political hot potatoes even for the presidency.

The writer is a PhD Candidate at SUNY Binghamton,NY.

Why muguka is crop to watch in Embu

BY KARIUKI BANDA

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hat, mairûngi, mîraa, mûgûka, kirûa, mùri; different names for the ‘green gold’ of Embu County. In the beginning, this stimulant was just called mîraa, just like the Meru variety. Mûgûka was the name of the most popular sub-species of the Embu variety.

Other sub-species included mîtî mîtî-rî, mîkûrûkûrû, mûta mûciî and gachavîrî, among others. Mîraa gen-

erally grew unattended in some farms and in the wild where the few who consumed it would go searching for it.

Old people would chew the herb while cultivating their farms. It was also popular with watchmen in local primary schools.

A few men who were consistent consumers of khat kept well maintained shrubs within their shambas. These were for personal use and when they shared their ‘leaves’ with fellow consumers, it was usually for free. Ngurû wa Ndumberi and Mwaniki wa

Njesengo stood out in Mûrarû area of Mbeere South for their well-tended mîraa trees in the late 1970s and early 80s.

As consumption increased, the few who had mîraa started restricting access to their crop. Consumers then started offering to buy from the owners. With money trickling in, mîraa owners started tending the crops more seriously, and planting more. Thus it was that mîraa transformed from a social utility crop to a commercial one in Mbeere.

In the late 1980s, some people from three small villages in Mbeere experimented with selling the herb, mostly in Embu town. The villages were Gîkiîro and Gacavîrî in Mbeere South, and Kwandwambogo in Mbeere North. By early 1990s, the popularity of the leafy herb was on the rise and the crop was now being farmed commercially, though still on a small scale.

As new markets emerged outside Embu, mîraa farming slowly expanded from the initial three villages to other areas of lower Embu like Siakago, Kiritiri and later to Ena and Runyenjes in upper Embu. It was when this mîraa

variety of Embu County penetrated the Nairobi market that it took the official name of mûgûka, as a way of distinguishing it from the Meru variety.

Today, this crop is extensively and intensively farmed in many areas of the county. Every morning, this produce is transported to markets in Ukambani, Nairobi, and central Kenya regions. Those who have used Nairobi-Embu highway in mid-morning have seen the numerous Probox cars used in transporting the mîraa driven at frighteningly high speeds.

If the lifestyle of farmers and traders of this herb is anything to go by, then there is no other crop that is as well-paying as mairûngi. There is no doubt too that millions of shillings come to the county every month from mîraa. Many auxiliary businesses like restaurants, butcheries, boda boda transport and retail shops are directly dependent on this crop.

Questions have been asked as to whether mîraa farming is a blessing to Embu County or a curse? This is a question for another day. Here were want to point out that despite the massive amounts of money the crop injects

into the Embu economy, policymakers do not seem to recognise the importance of this crop in developing the county’s economy.

Policymakers remain focused on traditional cash crops of tea, coffee macadamia, and a recent one – mangoes. Farmers of these crops are set to benefit from value-addition initiatives spearheaded by the county government. The installation of coffee milling machinery at Kavûtîrî is one such initiative.

The only initiative directed towards mîraa trade was an attempt to tax it more in order to raise more revenue.

This led to riots and the heavy taxation was withdrawn. Yet mîraa can also undergo value addition. I once witnessed the sale of a drink called ChaMi; short for for Chai Mîraa. I did not drink it so I cannot give firsthand account of its effects.

It may not be possible to wake up suddenly and mill mîraa and package it in sachets like tea. Such a possibility needs much research and marketing.

But it would wise if the county could, at least recognise khat as one of the drivers of its economy.

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COUNTY REVIEW

FEATURE

AUGUST 2015

Young innovator with eyes on greenhouse farming

EDUCATION

STRIVING FOR THE WIND?

The dark side of miraa

TECHNOLOGY

By Perez Barine

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Steve Kisinga at the Mertu show in July 2015. PHOTO. Musyoka Ngui

By MUSYOKA NGUI

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teve Kisinga cuts an image of a solution oriented entrepreneur articulate in what he thinks is the answer to food security nightmare prevalent in Kenya.

Being only a sophomore he has come up with an Android application that controls all the operations of his greenhouse. He uses his own smartphone to demonstrate to the visitors and adjudicators who visited the Meru University of Science and Technology stand during the annual Meru National Show at the Gitoro Show Ground.

Kisinga commands his smart farm with just a tap on the touch screen. And the farm doesn’t disappoint. He tells me sometimes there are some delays like lighting due to the fact that the command center is supposed to be naturally simulated by sunshine “a delay which the plants don’t mind”.

Unlike other greenhouse which rely on poorly regulated conditions, Kisinga’s can be optimized. He can precisely control temperature, humidity, soil moisture and lighting.

Auto Overriding Capability The app also contains a security feature that goes off whenever a vandal or a thief breaks into the farm. The farm can be set to operate automatically or

Kisinga can be reached via the addresses via the following contacts; 0702604380, www.cipherelectronics. co.ke and info@ cipherelectronics.co.ke manually. Kisinga tells me that if he inputs a command to open the water valves manually, the automatic signal will be disabled. The opposite is true.

The application also has optimal figures displayed indicating the greenhouse values besides giving the maximum and minimum values which the plants can operate.

Kisinga is not an agriculture major but has a passion for agricultural engineering. He pursues a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.

The Meru University of Science and Technology smart greenhouse is an invention that brings a whole new dimension in farming.

The invention was a result of the realization that many farmers are incurring heavy losses despite having greenhouses, which begs

the question why. By giving the farmer direct access to the different environmental variables, farmers are able to remotely monitor their greenhouse and even have the Android App make decisions on its own.

Coupled with an android application that relays all the information on a graphical interface, the system is capable of not only automating the most important farm operation but also advises the farmer on how to do go about growing selected specific crops from the time of planting until harvesting. MUST strongly believe that technology should be embraced. And that farmers can witness the future today Clearly, Kisinga is an industrialist already having founded the Cipher Electronics this year. His company incubates technological ideas whose viabilities are assessed before they are meticulously executed.

I ask him if he could quit school if the project is adopted in the market on large scale as a result of a windfall. He says no and further disabuses the notion that entrepreneurs are college drop outs. He insists that formal education is as good as apprentice when it comes to technological inventions.

Kisinga can be reached via the addresses via the following contacts; 0702604380, www.ci-

pherelectronics.co.ke and info@ cipherelectronics.co.ke His university has also produced detergents for sale. It also trains women and youth groups.

Chemust Multipurpose Detergent comes in two sizes; small and large. The one liter jerrican retails at KSh.100 and the five liter container goes for KSh. 450. There is also a shampoo that costs KSh.80.

All these products are from the Physical Science Department and students earn allowance for making the chemicals.

Separately, Chuka University has taken cue from the technology university has also started its own detergent production and sale. The national show opened on 3rd June and will close on 6th June covering four days of exhibition. Adults paid KSh.250 for entry tickets while children paid KSh.200.

A leading hotelier was skeptical when asked if she had a stand at the show. She attributed her snubbing the show for “exorbitant charges” and “people have not yet appreciated expensive services”. She was however confident that the attitude will change for the better in future if industry players and the media invest in behavior change campaigns.

s Barack Obama-the President of the United States of America- declared to his Kenyan youthful “cousins” that , “there is no limit to what a child can do…” to achieve his or her dream , in a small town called Mutuati somewhere deep in the Nyambene Ridges in Meru County Obama’s words echoed in an eleven-year old boy, Andrew Muthomi .* Currently, Andrew is in Class three in a boarding school, his third primary school to attend. Muthomi should actually be in Class six but he had to settle for Class three. The Head teacher of his current school, Ms Joyce Rithaa explains why.

“When the boy was brought to us we interviewed him, only to realize that he couldn’t cope with Class six work. In fact he could hardly read and he wrote with difficulty. We tested him downwards to Class three syllabus. The parent didn’t mind because he just wants the best for the boy; Muthomi too agreed.”

Asked what he aims to be in life, Muthomi replies hesitantly, as if the vision is still blurred in his mind: “I want to become a doctor…or maybe a teacher.”

An interview with Muthomi reveals that his learning has been rather scanty. He started his primary school education in Class Two. But how? Muthomi explains that one day he simply followed others to school, entered where they did( Class 2), sat down and became a member of the class!

He attended first term, skipped term two and only went back at the end of term three, to sit the end-year exams. For Std. 3 Muthomi did term 1, stayed out for the rest of the year and only resurfaced to do end-year exams. In class 4 he managed only term I and 2.

Andrew’s father moved the boy to a new school, an academy in Mutuati, where Muthomi enrolled in Class 5.

He schooled for the first term only, then again stopped. A sister realized the boy was getting wasted, so she suggested he be taken to the current school, far from the home environment. What was the cause of this bizarre schooling pattern? Muthomi’s guardian explains.

“Truancy. The influence of money from Miraa picking is too strong for the young boys. Even if you wanted you won’t keep your child away, especially because his age-mates will keep luring him into truancy,” But Muthomi will not accept full responsibility for his poor school attendance. “ Sometimes I get busy harvesting my father’s Miraa.

Many boys do that. But others hide from school to go and harvest for money.” Don’t their parents stop them?

Muthomi says the boys pretend they have gone to school but along the way they change into home clothes then disappear into the Miraa plantations where labour is plenty, especially during the rainy season.

“A boy can harvest as much as 500/- per day.” Of course Muthomi refuses to admit that he too ends up engaging in child labour. He says he harvests only his father’s khat. “In any case, most parents don’t really care; they are too busy drinking and chewing miraa. When the parent learns his son is not attending school he simply disowns him.”

Five hundred is a lot of money for a little boy. What do they do with it? Muthomi says they buy food, clothes and phones.“ They also leave school and go to roam in towns” Don’t the teachers keep track of their pupils?

“Nobody cares for education. Teachers don’t care whether you pass or fail; you simply go on to the next class.

Even if you don’t attend lessons, you can still do exams.

Some of them have their own Miraa farms,” asserts Muthomi. The boy laments that there is nobody to look up to.

“You can only admire people with big shambas of Miraa.

My father’s shamba earns over 40,000/- per round of harvest. But I want to do something else.” Ms Rithaa says Muthomi is a humble, disciplined and determined learner, who can achieve his dream. Maybe Andrew Muthomi will be the role model that his home place, Mutuati, is missing.

Though there is no limit to what a child can do, it is evident that Miraa farming critically limits meaningful educational progress for many Mutuati children like Andrew Muthomi.

COUNTY REVIEW

ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 2015

On the deck with

Meru artiste, Nassizu cuts his 21 birthday cake. PHOTO | COUNTY REVIEW.

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Pastor stabs Munjure of Nyambene Stars On May 12, a renowned Meru artiste Munjure, who released the “Kimeria arume” hit was allegedly stabbed by a pastor and later hospitalised after a scuffle that was linked to the man of God’s wife.

Munjure, who is now healed, has denied the claims and said actually the brawl was related to land ownership dispute between him and the clergyman whom he says is his cousin.

Many couldn’t comprehend how a cousin and a pastor could be that lethal, especially to his own kin.

Baichu ditches family for a ‘colleague’ Another top Meru artiste Murega Baichu was linked with breaking up with his longtime wife with whom they have kids, and moving in with a lady who is a popular Meru politician.

The rumours have been flying in Meru showbiz circles for some time now, as well as in social media. Some say it is a breakup, others claim he abandoned his previous family.

We could not verify the claims, though the two ‘love birds’ are known to be currently working at a local TV station said to be owned by both. The Facebook account of the artiste carries a photo of both hugging and smiling fondly. These are personal family matters we cannot rush to judge, they know better.

DJ Skolla Msanii Kamamu keeps mum on ‘Baite Inside’ tiff

BIRTHDAY

very growing industry has its thrills.

Controversies come with the territory, and gossip coats the drama.

In recent days, fights, beefs and scandals have been rocking Meru showbiz industry.

With Meru artistes making names at home, in Nairobi and overseas like Silas Mwenda and producer George Limiri in the US are doing, expect a little more. From the DJ’s deck, I will keep an eye and update you every month.

The journey starts here.

13

The latest and hottest beef of July was between a Meru brand ambassador and top graphic designer Kenny Kaburu as well as a leading Meru musician Kamanu.

It all started in Facebook when Kaburu went public about issues between them that he could not disclose.

He threatened to go public about it if Kamanu continued to be “arrogant” and “declining meeting with him”. It was followed by Kamanu posting a detailed document, refuting any claims of business dealgone-sour with the graphic designer. He said he didn’t

owe anyone anything and he believed there were people who are determined to tarnish his brand.

Then the social media fans and friends of both followed up, some even exchanging bitter words and insults! After investigations we found out the issue revolved around ‘Baite Inside’ logo.

Kaburu says “Kamanu was adamant of us meeting before and agreeing on our differences but after seeing the heat generated by my post threatening of spilling the beans, he agreed to a meeting…Actually the issue does not revolve around

Baite Inside logo only but there’s much more.

Our curiosity led us to reaching Kamanu for his side of story but he declined to shed light on the matter. He simply said “I’ve no comment about the issue as per now”.

We are informed that the meeting is yet to happen.

We are also eager to find out what this is all about, between people who have been great friends for long.

With all this happening around our entertainment industry, you can judge for yourself…whether it is a growth sign or a flaw sign.

Savouring beauty at Mt. Kenya University

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happen to be around Nkubu town and oh yes, there’s a campus event happening around here. It has been two years since a similar event was held, meaning the former Mr and Miss MKU Nkubu have held the titles for two years.

You can tell by the excitement of one student leader M’Mukindia Ciomwere (academic secretary), that it will be a big event. This is after a phone call, “Skolla, I know we had promised to work with you on entertainment matters this time but after deliberations, your charges emerged a bit higher, so we settled on someone else to provide the services. However being such a great friend, kindly do not miss the event, i invite you on my bill” These guys are nice, they don’t give you a job, yet they invite you to grace their occasion! I tell myself, I must attend it. After all it’s a weekend and he isn’t aware I’ll be collecting news of the event, on behalf of The County Review!

It is on the a bit chilly evening of July 18, the security at the campus gate is tight because they know the campus’ events attracts many non-student youths around Nkubu. After all, it is the only campus around here.

I am accompanied by three student and two non-student friends. Upon reaching the gate, I make a call and we are ushered in without commotions. It is around 10pm, the

music is cool, and there’s a sizeable number of students. I pass through the crowd and the first person I stumble on is Ciomwere who had been waiting for me. The first thing he does is buy me a drink…anyway it’s a Meru culture to receive a guest with food or a drink, the style has only evolved a bit!

On the stage side, I meet a good number of Meru entertainers and other showbiz figures and I’m like, “Were you all guys invited to perform here or ‘mmedandia matt’ ya night DJ?” They are all seated on the right side of the runway, lined up behind the DJ. There’s Erico the producer, Nonni the designer, my long-time friend Kayfar, Mboko the artiste, Kennie the dancer and yes Nassizu Mmoja of the Churchill show fame, is also in, ready to thrill his fans. I look around and realise the DJ is DJ Mizael – a friend too. MC Wenger is the one headlining the show. I feel a tap on my shoulder, alas it is Mugambi of Wazito Sounds!

Now I feel at home, and I am in the mood to know new people too. I meet MC Tesh, MC Judge, Rasho the Artiste and DJ Kaboom for the first time.

The mood is getting warmer and warmer, the DJ is electrifying the surging crowd, people are shouting as their favourite contestants walk in style on the runway to showcase different attires. A good number is sober, few are drunk. This is odd

in an all-youth, night event! I hear one claim “Pombe leo ni xpe…” I then understand why…

One of the judges is a woman, dressed in Maasai regalia. She catches my attention and I think she looks really stunning.

The creative wear is one of my best moments, from contestants wearing cabbage clothing, another one with a newspaper dress, and another lady spots clothing made of plates!

It is past midnight, Jakim performs on stage, Lady Brenda soothes crowd with a cool reggae song you will think she’s Jamaican. I decide to hop there and do two songs, then Nassizu enters the stage with all craze. He has amassed a new big number of fans over the previous month. He sings his heart out and you can really tell, unless this guy messes with branding and marketing, he is going far.

It is judges’ time and guess what – the winners are none other than Gladys Kathure as the new Miss MKU Nkubu and Chrispus Mwiti as Mr MKU Nkubu.

Students cheer up, almost everyone competes for a chance to get best shots of photos with them. The dean of students, Ms Jessica Mwaki, congratulates the winners and is full of praise for the event.

“Tonight we decided to have more of Meru entertainers and no much of foreign guest entertainers because we wanted

to give our students what they proposed – a pure taste of our Meru culture,” she tells me.

I get a chance to interview the new Miss and Mr MKU Nkubu.

They have one strong area that they specialised in-creative wear. And this is what earned them bigger marks. They both want to use their new titles to work with community and improve their living standards.

They are ready too for collaboration with any willing individual or organisation, to embark on a project aimed at growing the community.

Its then DJ’s time as students dance to the mix of latest hits except for the poorly lit stage, personally I’ve not seen any other oddities. I sit down on one corner of the venue enjoying the dance. I am tired and I don’t know how I slept off, I am awoken “Skolla amka kumekucha bwana”. It is Ken, the finance secretary and his colleague Ciomwere!

Few people are around, most of my friends have left….i stand up and drag my heavy feet. The great show is over, amid the chilly weather!

(The writer is a DJ, artiste, and Meru showbiz entrepreneur and promoter with vast knowledge of Meru showbiz circles. He can be reached on Facebook as: DJ Skolla Msanii, Email:salutimziki@ gmail.com)

14

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Dogs bark cash for two men of God When it comes to security, it is easier to compromise a watchman than a dog

In action. PHOTO/CORRESPONDENT

By Ann WanguiI

T

echnology has brought with it sophisticated security systems and gadgets. But dogs still remain man’s best friend when it comes to dealing with dangerous intruders. Two pastors in Embu County who breed and train dogs say they have a passion for the animals and rake in cash while at it.

Joseph Mung’ara Chege, owner Ecoexcel Dogs Breeding Company and Sammy Ndwiga Wari of Yako Kenya Dog Trainers have partnered to satisfy the rising need for security through a rare venture. “We met early last year through a security firm that wanted to buy a dog from me and connected me with Sammy,” Chege says.

“I needed a trainer for my dogs and for my customers’ dogs thus the urge for

partnership.”

Chege says breeding is usually done at his Muthatari home in Itabua sub-location, Embu West, while training is conducted at Wari’s home in Kiereri village, Kiangima sub-location in Embu north.

“I started dog keeping to curb robbery at our family home in Nakuru seven years ago before we relocated to Embu,” says Chege.

“I did not have a dog keeping business in mind until one day when armed robbers raided our home. Rockie, a dog I had acquired scared them away which made me realise the importance of dogs in boosting security.”

Chege said he did not go to any school to learn breeding. Instead, he bought books and researched from the Internet on breeding, training and general dog care.

Wari, on the other hand, is a former police constable who worked as a dog trainer. He quit the police force in 1991 to concentrate on dog training after realising there was a demand for skilled dogs.

“I started training dogs on large scale in 2005. I train both for organisations and individuals. I also train dog handlers,” he says.

Wari says the money he makes from his job has helped him take his children through primary, secondary and tertiary education. He has also taught one of his sons how to handle dogs to ensure that the business continues in his family.

BREEDING The duo says that breeding requires healthy dogs. They insisted on the need

to provide the animals with a balanced diet for proper results. They say before breeding, both the male and female dogs must be at least a year old so as to produce strong puppies. “A healthy bitch can give birth to 12 puppies twice a year,” says Chege.

However, bigger bodied breeds such as St Bernard take longer to mature. They, therefore, must be at least two years old to breed.

Chege explained that the puppies breastfeed exclusively for two months after which they are introduced to other foods. “I hand them over to the trainer when they are six months old,” he adds.

TRAINING Wari says he trains on narcotics and explosives detection, obedience, attack and tracking. He expounds that obedience entails training the dog how to detect poison so that it does not go eating anything it comes across.

“When training guard dogs, I teach them how to differentiate between a criminal and an ordinary passer-by so that they can attack only when necessary,” he explains.

“A dog can sense someone from as far as two kilometres away. They also sense and attack snakes,” he adds enthusiastically.

Wari adds that a dog is better at protecting its owner than a watchman because it is more difficult to compromise a dog.

The former policeman also trains dog trainers and issues them with certificates. He also trains dog owners on how to handle their dogs.

Scrap metal sculptor turns tables in home décor

BY NICHOLAS NJUE

I

n modern day home décor it’s common to encounter artistic sculptures made of wood or painted portraits but imagine a metal sculpture decor. A carved metal shirt on a hanger along your hallway or a metallic shark with a twisted tail sitting on your glass table

in you glossy living room. It all seems bizarre but meet Grishon Ngari a young scrap metal sculptor who is turning tables in this industry. At 21 years of age he is bringing diverse difference, ultimately giving life to discarded metal and taking the industry by storm.

Hailing from Gachoka, Mbeere Sub County where

his workshop and home is, he comes up with adorable iconic sculptures, which pay handsomely at exhibitions.

“Since I was young I have had an eye for art and am glad my dream is slowly becoming a reality, I used to draw Maddo’s cartoons and undisputedly was the class artist,” says the son to Gerrishon and Rhoda Ngari. “I get scrap metal from my father’s metal workshop which makes products such as doors so I use the off cut pieces to come up with this art.

It’s a craft that requires a lot of creativity, patience and mind engagement, it’s more like solving a jigsaw puzzle,” Adds the second born in a family of two. “I weld my pieces when need be, mark you, I have never been to a wielding class but after interaction with the welders at my father’s workshop I can now easily weld. This reduces the duration of creating a sculpture which depends on its size and the flow of idea.” This he says makes his work a lot easier and faster.

From a young age Grishon confirms that he already knew

Police officer arrested over alleged rape

BY NICHOLAS NJUE

A

police Constable attached to Garbatulla Police Station has been arrested for allegedly raping a 16 year old house help.

County Criminal Investigating Officer (CCIO) David Cheruiyot confirmed the arrest of Constable Peter Maina.

The CCIO said, the Constable who is in his 30’s was arrested on Monday for defiling a 16 year old girl who was a house help for one of the officers in the station.

Mr. Cheruiyot allegedly said the Officer forcefully dragged the girl out of her boss’s house and took her to his house where he performed the act.

The incident is said to have happened on Monday at around 9.00a.m. The victim then reported the alleged defilement to the same police station.

“We arrested the police officer after the girl reported the incident,” said the CCIO. The Officer was arraigned in Maua Court.

The CID officer further warned that anyone found defiling minors will be arrested and prosecuted.

Explosive device found hidden in Isiolo cemetery

BY NICHOLAS NJUE

N

ARTS

he had a talent in the artistic world. He says his only worry was how he would show case his works for the public to see and claim a firm and unshakable position in the artistic world. “This year I got a display table at the agricultural show in Embu County at Njukiri Grounds. This gave me a platform to showcase my art to the public and even to leaders who attended. In addition, I showcase my work together with other artists every last Friday of the month at a poetry and art event hosted

by Junes Fire and Ice Café in Embu town. My pieces are flaunted at G8 Yatch Villa on Embu-Kiritiri Highway. Moreover, I am also launching my website www.brickhouseconcepts.co.ke where the public will be able to view my works and be able to order and buy.”

The answer to what inspires him in designing his art, “I simply love vintage, its edgy and never fading look. I also get inspiration from current trending issues, my most recent was the sculptural piece titled ‘Winning the war’ which touches on terrorism. I also do pieces for interior de-

cor.

The response I get from people is quite encouraging in terms of comments and level of attraction towards my art. I sold my first item at Sh1,500, which was a scrap metal mirror frame. Apart from metal sculpturing, I also do painting portraits and other art using paper mache and ceiling off cuts. I also use wood at times to express my ideas.” He reminisces of a time he made his sister a television stand using wood. The University of Nairobi student also does attractive interior designing, in this he has teamed up with his cousin who is owner of Catch 22, a hotel, and the home of art and design.

Considering this is a passion, what major constrains do you face? “I need to find a place I can use to continue with the art when I get back to school in Nairobi. Secondly Finances, this is mostly when transporting life size sculptures to exhibitions,” he highlights.

“The greatest pleasure in art is a face to an art piece,” he concludes.

15

ational Youth Service (NYS) casual workers have found a suspected Explosive device hidden at Jamia Cemetery, Isiolo.

The incident caused anxiety among the residents of Bulla-Pesa before An Administration police arrived and took the device.

Adan Mohammed, who works with NYS project, said his colleagues found the bomb who later informed police about the device.

“We were clearing the cemetery, we saw a metal device and called the police” said Mohammed.

Isiolo AP Chief Inspector Adano Abkula confirmed the incident and said bomb experts have been called to detonate the bomb.

“We have not established if it has been used before or not, in fact its serial number is not clear,” said Abkula.

The Chief Inspector said his officers removed the bomb from the scene and was taken to Isiolo Police Post awaiting experts.

He only confirmed that the bomb is a manufactured device and it might have hidden in the cemetery for more than two weeks.

The bomb was found about half a kilo meter from Isiolo town, with its head facing the town.

The Chief Inspector appealed to members of the public to report to relevant authorities whenever they encounter such explosives.

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COUNTY REVIEW

NEWS

AUGUST 2015

Ikuu school safe haven for children with special needs

BY Purity Waithera

I

kuu Special School is located a few kilometres from Chuka town in Tharaka-Nithi County. It accommodates children from all over Kenya with an autistic problem and those with motor and academic problems. Its main purpose is to enable them to live a normal life with little dependency on other people.

The school started in 1996 as a

unit under Ikuu Primary School with a population of six students.

It currently has 153 students – 84 boys and 69 girls.

The condition of the students means they cannot be taught like an ordinary school does. They take different time spans to learn the different skills. Some of the courses offered are tailoring, dress making, leather work, beauty therapy and hair dressing. The school, for example, has its own barber facility

and salon where the pupils practise hairdressing skills.

Starting this year, the students will take part in the national examinations offered by Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

The school has several classes which include the autistic class which has 13 students. Then there are the pre-nursery class, primary 1 and 2, pro-vocational classes One to Four. The vocational class is the highest level in the school.

Where do the students go after graduating?

“We are coming up with an exit plan to protect our students after graduating,” said Ramson Nyamu, the head teacher.

“Currently, we have two students who have successfully gone through the school. They are now living fulfilling lives, and don’t have to depend on anyone,” he added.

One of the students is Arnold Mugendi who joined the school in 1998 as a seven-year-old. He resides in Kirege, is married and operates boda boda and owns a barber shop. Through his savings, he has bought his wife a sewing machine.

Another graduate Dorothy Kawira was employed as support staff in the school after completing her vocational class. The management of the school decided to do this because they realised that she could do ordinary household chores and can perfectly take care of herself.

“We also wanted her to remain here to act as a role model to our

students since they interact and she tells them her story,” the head teacher said.

One of the students, *Wanja, a member of the vocational class, says that coming to this school is the best thing that ever happened to her since she is now able to lead a more normal life. She also hopes to live a responsibly after she leaves the school.

Some of the products students make include floor mats, table clothes, neck pieces, earrings, and beautiful serviette holders. The girls also make their own petticoats from the skills learnt in the dressmaking class.

The school is constantly running awareness programmes in the community. This is important because some students occasionally get too aggressive and sneak out of school. But with the good relations between the locals and the school, the students are always brought back to the school by members of the community.

The head teacher adds that the biggest challenge the management faces is largely finances. “Parents are expected to pay a little boarding subsidy. They rarely pay anything and we have to depend on charity to run the school,” he said.

Mr Nyamu says handling a child with a mental illness can be quite challenging because they need adult supervision at all times. Sadly, once some children are taken to the school, the parents rarely come back to visit or pick them during half terms and school holidays.

>>BRIEFS EXTRA

Isiolo cholera outbreak kills one, family admitted to hospital

BY NICHOLAS NJUE

One person is confirmed dead while seven others are admitted to Isiolo County Referral Hospital with cholera. Cases of the disease that is associated with unhygienic handling of food were first reported on July 22 in the county where a child below the age of four died before reaching the hospital. Seven members of the child’s family are now isolated in a ward to contain the disease.

Isiolo Medical superintendent Mohammud Abdikadir Guyo confirmed that the arrival of the family in the hospital with symptoms similar to those of cholera prompted the institution to send samples to Kenya Medical Research Institute for analysis. The samples tested positive for cholera.

Dr Guyo said the family had travelled to Kisumu for three weeks. On its way back to Isiolo, one of the children started vomiting and was rushed to the hospital. The following day, another child succumbed before reaching the hospital.

Suspected thief set on fire

BY ANN WANGUI

A suspected thief is fighting for his life at the Embu Level Five hospital, after he was set on fire in Dallas Estate, Embu West sub-county. The man who is in his early 30s together with two others had allegedly robbed a student of Sh3,000, a pair of shoes and clothes the previous night.

The distressed student together with colleagues mounted a search in the area and found the suspect allegedly wearing the shirt he had stolen the previous day. An angry mob flushed the man from a house he had fled into in Kwa Muthoni area, at around 11am. The public beat him up and set him on fire.However, the residents were frustrated in their bid to kill the suspect as the fire went off the three times it was lit. The mob thought the man was using witchcraft. It is only after a member of the lynch mob suggested that they forcefully remove a ring that the suspect was wearing that the fire engulfed the man.

“We set him on fire three times but the fire kept going off. The man was also bragging that we could not kill him. It is only after he removed the ring he was wearing that the fire started engulfing him,” said a witness.

However, the police rescued the suspect.

Continuous learning key in business growth

BY Murori Kiunga

H

enry Ford once said: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” In other words, it is insanity to do same things but expect different results. Yet this is what most people, especially in business do.

If you find your business has stagnated yet you work hard every day, most probably you are not doing things right. You have got to do different things to get different results. If you want to get something you have not gotten before, then

you have to do something you have never done before.

This reminds me of a very inspirational and instructive story an Asian friend told me. It is an ancient story, the epic of Mahabharata.

In one episode of one of the longest epics in the world, on the 13th night of the battle of Mahabharata, Jayadratha commits the despicable act of killing Abhimanyu, the son of the great warrior Arjuna. Arjuna, in revenge, swears to kill Jayadratha before sunset on the next day.

Failure to which, he vowed, he would commit self-immolation. This unexpected turn of events caused panic in the two rival camps. Both camps became restless as they awaited certain doom at dawn.

The panic-stricken Jayadratha rushed to the great teacher, Guru Dronacharya, for guidance. He asked him several questions but two form the basis of our business lesson today. He asked: “Arjuna and I, both are your students ... We grew up together, learnt the same things and graduated together. But, then why is Arjuna the number one archer in the world?” Why am I so vulnerable in front of him that my death tomorrow is certain if he finds me on the battleground?”

Dronacharya answered: “It is true that Arjuna and you both got the same education. In fact, I gave the same education to all others along with you both without favour or discrimination. It is also true that you all graduated together and you all had a similar level of knowledge when you left the Ashram. “But … the difference began after you all graduated!

While you became satisfied with the knowledge you received in the Ashram and became complacent with what you had, Arjuna made that same knowledge a foundation for the greatness he had to achieve.

His pursuit of knowledge continued and he kept accumulating new knowledge, new skills wherever he could. He grabbed every opportunity to learn one more new thing.

That is the reason he is who he is today. That’s exactly why it is not only you who is worried. I am also worried about your life tomorrow.”

Most people are like Jayadratha.

They are constantly wondering why their competitors or colleagues are doing better than them in the market. Probably they share many things yet their competency and bottom lines are far apart.

They are always wondering why

others are seemingly sailing so easily in the market. Some go to the extent of blaming circumstances and others except themselves.

It is easy for them to claim that winners in the market are bribing customers, politically connected or using charms and other unorthodox ways of getting business. Yet the truth lies in what you do and how you do it.

Self- improvement after you complete college or start business is the single greatest force that will put you miles ahead of your competitors or colleagues.

Ironically, self-improvement is one thing that is hardly appreciated in many spheres of life. In business success it is one of the few things that can increase your ability to earn and survive any recession, obstacle or any form of business threat.

Very few businesspeople find time to attend self-development workshops, read business books or magazines or spend an evening surfing the Internet — which is a sea of information — to catch up with the latest happenings in their industry.

The key outcome of not reading and consulting widely is learning from your mistakes, rather than the mistakes of others. Trying to reinvent

the wheel in a rapidly changing business environment is like chasing a shadow. By learning from others and increasing you business knowledge you tremendously reduce the learning curve and achieve success faster.

Today, there are several ways of increasing you business knowledge.

You can take a short course in entrepreneurship on relevant areas such as marketing, customer care or business management.

You can attend workshops and seminars, exhibitions, trade fairs and other forums where new developments in your industry are showcased and discussed. You can read books, surf the Internet, read business magazines and newspapers or hire a consultant. All these will put you ahead of your competitors in the market.

With new business trends, changing customer preferences and influx of products and technologies in the market, if you don’t increase your knowledge in order to adapt rapidly to changing environment, you make yourself vulnerable to your competitors.

Mr Kiunga is a business trainer and the author of ‘The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Employment to Business’.

Science discovers what you need to say on a first date

Beauty with a purpose Pg 10

Pg 2

COUNTYside

PHOTOS / BETAFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

AUGUST 2015 LIFESTYLE i PROFILES i TRAVEL i LEISURE

TIPS: Look 10 years younger with expert anti-aging tips> PAGE 3

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COUNTYSIDE

MAIN FEATURE

AUGUST 2015

Science discovers what you need to say on a first date Researchers have figured out what to say and what not to say on a first date -- don’t open your mouth until you’ve read this.

R

esearchers have done us all a favour and figured out what to say and what not to say on a first date. Which is handy.

To carry out their study, the Stanford and the University of California researchers ran and recorded free speed-dating events for heterosexual grad students. After the date, the students reported how well they “clicked” with their partners for roughly a thousand four-minute conversations.

Before we get started, let’s point out that the research found that physical and character traits, like men’s height and shared hobbies, initially had a larger influence on whether couples clicked than what they actually said to each other. But with each additional minute the couple spent together, physical traits and hobbies became less important when compared to

the actual flow of conversation.

So, here’s what you’ve got to do to make your first date a success: • Mimic a lady’s laughter. By this we don’t mean make fun of her like a arsehole, but laugh when she laughs.

That’s better.

• Interrupt them. Again, don’t get too excited, but occasionally interrupting to ask a further question demonstrates your interest.

• Say lots of nice things. Duh. • Use the word “you” a lot. Do this at all costs.

And how do you know that these carefully deployed tactics are reeling in that lady of your dreams? Well, she will: • Vary the volume of her speech.

• Vary and speak at a higher pitch — in a more feminine voice basically.

• Use the word “I” a lot.

• Use self-markers.

And if you suspect you’re shooting blanks, look for these telltale signs: • She asks a lot of questions.

This doesn’t necessarily mean she’s interested in you. It just means she’s trying to prop up the conversation. Sorry, bro.

• She hedges, using terms like “maybe” and “probably” and “kinda”.

• She’s doing all the talking.

Again, maybe you’re asking the right questions. Or maybe she just finds you boring.

Otherwise, the research pointed out some interesting quirks about the way we go about dating. Firstly, women report feeling a connection when men interrupt them to show that they’re paying attention and say nice things that indicate that they appreciate them. However, men who report

feeling connected to women don’t actually do these things all that much. Which means we’re missing a trick. Secondly, the researchers’ results suggest that there’s an uneven relationship between men and women — that whether a couple clicks is mostly down to the woman.

But the study also suggests the possibility that the whole thing is down to first date gender rituals — that we act out a role society has already defined for us in this situation. “Certain gender ideals are staged in speed-dating events,” said the researchers. “In the case of speed-dating, we believe the staging hyper-ritualises gender ideals – even for our highly educated graduate student sample.”

Source: Askmen.com

COUNTYSIDE

STYLE

AUGUST 2015

3

tips

Look 10 years younger with expert anti-aging tips

hair, too. My skin looks better and I feel better when I take my omega-3 supplements.”

EXFOLIATE REGULARLY “A weekly buffing of the skin gets rid of dead skin and stimulates cell turnover,” says Barton-Schwartz. “This helps your skin produce new collagen, leaving your face and body feeling smooth and refreshed. I recommend nonabrasive peels.”

BREAK A SWEAT “Exercise improves circulation, increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells and tissues, and it also reduces wrinkle-causing inflammation,” Barton-Schwartz says.

APPLY FOOD-BASED NUTRIENTS “Research has shown that many foodbased nutrients provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity when applied topically,” says Barton-Schwartz. “Topical antioxidants work synergistically to enhance the natural health of the skin alongside a healthy diet and supplements. Our most popular antioxidant moisturizer contains ingredients like grape seed oil, orange flower, neroli, chamomile, sage, bergamot tea, avocado oil and soy.”

BY correspondent

D

o you have friends or family members who seem to never age? No matter how old they get, their appearance is youthful and glowing. While genes play a role in how the body ages, they are not the only factor in aging gracefully. In fact, erasing years from your appearance is actually simpler than most people think.

“When a person is young, it’s easy to have clear, translucent skin. Keeping it that way is a lifelong commitment,” says Veronica Barton-Schwartz, a leading expert in skin care with more than 30 years of experience. “Age is just a number when it comes to good skin care. My skin at 66 is better than it was at 30. I believe that all of us can age with grace and help delay the onset of age-related disease with a healthy lifestyle.”

Barton-Schwartz’s clientele includes ev-

eryone from surfers who have sun-damaged skin to aging Hollywood actresses who are trying to maintain an edge in their career.

She notes that repairing skin must happen from the inside out. Here are her top recommendations for maintaining that coveted youthful glow:

drinking enough water from the condition of their skin,” says Barton-Schwartz. “Water protects cardiovascular health, keeps the brain in top working condition, facilitates weight loss and promotes detoxification.

Water also transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste and protects our joints and organs.”

STEER CLEAR OF SKIN SABOTEURS EAT SMART “Smoking and sun damage accelerate aging and put you at risk for certain cancers,” says Barton-Schwartz. “Apply sunscreen faithfully. Opt for broad-spectrum formulas with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to offset ultraviolet light. Be sure to wear a 4-inch brim hat, UV sunglasses and UV clothing when in the mid-day sun.”

STAY HYDRATED “I can always tell when someone isn’t

“What benefits the skin the most is eliminating sugar and white flour from your diet.

You should also increase your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein, “ Barton-Schwartz says. “Then, add in an omega-3 supplement every day. My favorite brand is Nordic Naturals. Most associate omega-3s with cardiovascular health, but the benefits go far beyond the heart. Omega-3s benefit brain and cognitive function, joint mobility, eye health and healthy skin and

SLEEP WELL Barton-Schwartz notes the term “beauty sleep” actually has some science behind it.

“Certain hormones are released during specific stages of sleep. A lack of consistent sleep disrupts the normal release of those hormones, impacting every single biological process,” she says. “This leads to an increase in inflammatory substances in your blood stream that damage your skin on a cellular lever, as well as accelerate aging.”

PRIORITISE ORAL HEALTH “Poor oral health is linked to everything from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis,” Barton-Schwartz says. “I work with a dentist in Malibu and when someone thinks they need a facelift, what they really need is to get their teeth fixed. Nothing is more youthful than a healthy, beautiful smile.”

STYLE-UP

How to keep warm in this ungodly weather T

he weather outside is cold as a witch’s teat.

It’s also indecisive on some days, unable to make up it’s mind between chilly and sunny so it plays around with your feelings.

You dress up warm in the morning only to be sweating and feeling terribly overdressed later in the day. So how do you dress and manage not to look like you’re going to the moon? This is your guide to beating the weather at it’s mind games and looking stylish while at it

Eva Nkatha

Layering is an art. You have to know which items can be layered. Use thin, warm layers. Have a shirt, a sweater and a light coat.

This will insulate well and it’ll be easy to loose some items later when it gets warm. Make sure you’re comfortable with the garments underneath.

If you’re wearing your former favourite shirt that was accidentally burnt by the evil iron box on that fateful morning, then you’ll be stuck with your layers all day even if temperatures hit the roof.

Talking of layering, you

can layer your necklaces, because why wear one when you can wear all of them? If you have a couple of dainty necklaces in your jewelry box do not be afraid to take them all out.

Varying lengths of these necklaces help you to achieve the effect. If you have a chocker, the better.

Mixing silver and gold can be tricky, if you decide to do this, make sure it doesn’t look clumsy. Make it look aesthetic.

Back to the cold, make sure you consider your day’s schedule before putting the an outfit together.

If you’re going to have lots

of activity that might make it harder for you to loose some.

If you’re wearing a dress or skirt for a day at the office, pair it with a pair of stockings. Do not go for the very light ones, these are only pretty to look at but offer no warmth at all. Go for a pair that has a layer of fleece on the inside. This will keep you warm all day.

Leg earners- yes I know you’re thinking boarding school. Chunky, woven garments worn over your socks. No honey, you’re not 12 anymore. You can keep warm without

looking like an Eskimo.

These look like socks and are glued to your skin but are stretchy at the same time. Therefore offering comfort. Wear them under your jeans or between your tights and boots.

If it’s extremely cold you could wear a pair of gloves and a hat. Get yourself a pair of boots. My love affair with boots might get in the way of this very objective article but these shoes are the it. They’re stylish, will have you walking through puddles of water like Jesus and will keep you very warm. Go get yourself a pair.

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COUNTYSIDE

TALKING POINT

AUGUST 2015

SHEKI-LEGI

Why we will miss you Baba Nais

By GRACE BOMU

R

Muuga FM radio presenter Mbaka Muriuki, left, with Baitu Night organiser at the event. It was held at the Stardom Hotel, Kasarani Nairobi last month. PHOTO | KOOME SPRINKLE

What are fathers doing for their daughters?

Fred Mbogo

T

here is a beautiful fat lie floating in the air. If you sniff about you will get to smell its sweetness because it comes clothed in the name of Lupita Nyong’o. Those people who lie in her name say things like: “Your daughter, born and bred in Kathangiriri, of Embu, will finish primary school and join a secondary School that makes her pass with flying colours.

From there, she won’t go to either the slow-growing Embu or the still toddler Chuka University. No. She will go straight to the prestigious University of Nairobi – it is ranked as the fourth best university in Africa! Did you know?

Your good daughter will then become a star like Kawira of Papa Shirandula, from Meru. Why not? She will have walked to the KBC studios next to the prestigious university and the rest shall be history, as they say. Then, unlike Kawira, she will get a scholarship for further studies in the US where it will be easy to get an acting job in one of the many films in that country. And just like that, voila, she will have become the

Your daughter, born and bred in Kathangiriri, of Embu, will finish primary school and join a secondary School that makes her pass with flying colours

new Lupita, even greater, perhaps!”

If life were a fairy tale, that is how our good daughter from Kathangiriri would fly into high society. But life isn’t a fairy tale, it isn’t even remotely fair. Sometimes, we are born to families that find it a miracle that someone should finish primary school. Sometimes households just want to exist, nothing more.

Sometimes there is a madness related to poverty that stifles growth.

Sometimes families, even those run by prominent teachers, don’t know what to do with their daughters. They have no idea of new worlds, new careers, and that new thinking about taking chances.

So people will opt for the beaten path, those known directions where they will swear: “That my daughter, when she passes well, shall not join a boarding school. That my daughter shall not engage in time wasting activities like drama and choir. That my daughter, no, my daughter shall not, cannot, be a writer: what is a writer anyway? That my daughter, when she passes, will only become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer.

That my daughter must think about marriage sooner, not waste time like so and so’s. That my daughter’s life must never be greater than that of my son.

Never!”

So many things can be said, but the truth of the matter is that if you want your daughter to become a Lupita Nyong’o, perhaps you have to be a parent in the mould of Lupita’s father. You might need to be a well travelled individual; to have studied in far-away lands, to have been a professor at a university, to have been a minister in government, to have written books, to know what art is.

This puts you in a position to allow your daughter to take courses that might otherwise be considered risky at university, like drama or “the classics” or “the trombone.” It allows your daughter

to play; act in theatres where sometimes there is no pay, or play music in bands which won’t give her bus fare, because you support her. Somewhere in this playing, in the unending experimentation, she might discover her talents and apply to study in a top university like Yale School of Drama in America. From there, of course, her dreams can never be stopped.

It is that easy, and then it is not, most likely because the support structure is not there. Not all of us can live the life of Lupita’s father, where we can provide such grounding for our daughters, unfortunately. Our priorities might be about finding that next meal, not paying fees so our daughters may learn such fine things like art, music or film.

This is where the superstructure comes in: what are our values us a society? Do we vote for someone who cares about education? Do we have a system that allows girls to fly; whether at the local sub-county or MCA level, or within, say, Embu County?

There must be a way for us to imagine a life for our daughters where learning is provided to its fullest. Or even simpler, we must start to think of giving equal opportunities for growth for all by the kind of infrastructure we create. In the absence of fathers of Lupita’s ilk, we must find fathers, even without great wealth, who can still dream that their daughters can be something. These must be fathers who seek opportunities and utilise them. There must also be fathers that must want to influence policy, if only so their daughters might get a chance at hoping! With hope, that beautiful fat lie melts, and the truth settles in. The daughter can become anything, even a miracle worker!

Dr Mbogo teaches at Moi University.

aise your hand if have attended, if not organised, a number of conferences. It is a Kenyan, nay human behaviour, to acquire as much as possible conference material. Here I restrain myself from mentioning a certain person whose entire pencil case is filled with hotel branded pens.

Heck, the other day an NGO type guy invited me to his house for lunch and on one corner of his sitting room lay a neat pile of A4 writing pads. I was just thinking to myself that this guy should be knighted for giving a whole new meaning to “collection” when he caught my stare.

“Oh, those are writing pads from meetings I have attended. I want to take them to a primary school in shags,” he explained.

Apart from this guy, I only know one other person who made good use of their conference material. Some time back in 2009, I accompanied Nais Karia to Enaibor Ajijik Village, some 50 or so kilometres from Naivasha town. My other friend Sue Ellen insisted on coming with us. So did Martha Wangari Wanjira, now a senator, Eunice Mogusu, Beth Waruguru, Jacinta Munyiva Caroline Mutung’u and others. By the way, that was the last blue moon day when Martha made us chapos.

What I can remember is how shocked by the cold the girls got as night drew on. Enaibor Ajijik is one of those sleepy villages where people from Nairobi are received so heartily that they just start snuggling warmly in their minds at the sight of the beautiful smiles and expansive wheat fields. By the way, women there generally greet esteemed visitors with strong hugs and a kiss on the lips – Just throwing that in there for those planning to travel to EA this Saturday with Nais.

Anyway, once the women are done welcoming the visitors and as dusk sets in, they disappear, one by one to their homesteads to milk, prepare supper and all that appertains to womanhood in shags. Then the cold sets in. At first gently, almost comfortably because the air is so pure. Then, by 8pm, it gets so harsh that the Kenyan winter we are currently experiencing seems like comparing Elgeyo Marakwet Road in Adams to Ngong-Kiserian Road potholes.

So that particular time, come 8.30pm, Sue was almost sitting on the fire in search of warmth when Baba Nais called us to the main house. Sue brought along a jiko and was threatening to rearrange the sofas so as to fix the jiko in what she imagined was a warmer corner when Baba Nais offered her a blanket. He then walked to the kitambaa covered table – turned out to be his desk – and unleashed a foolscap pad from a conference bag plus a pen and handed them to me. He informed us that we were indeed in a meeting, called the meeting to order and asked me to take minutes. After a round of introductions, he asked each one of us to state our expectations.

Yaani, what did we hope to get from visiting his home? I will refrain from listing some of the expectations stated by the girls because in hindsight, many concoctions had been imbibed on the long journey to the village.

And unlike many conference organisers, we had a session the next day before leaving where he reviewed my – nicely handwritten – notes on the foolscap and asked us if he had met our expectations. To a large extent he had met them by the way.

Farewell Baba Nais. You lived a colourful life. You lived your life intensely. You questioned the order of things. You hosted great parties and you had great vision for your people. You brought up equally colourful children. We are honoured to have met you in person and through your children. We miss you.

COUNTYSIDE

FAMILY LIFE

AUGUST 2015

How parenting has made me a better person

BY KAGENI MUSE

J

ames, a friend, told me a story that well illustrates that Sunday School song, “Be careful little eyes what you see…”

He was driving in Nairobi with his daughter on the back seat when another driver overlapped on the road and cut in front of him.

“Stupid idiot!” He muttered under his breath as he stepped on the brakes.

His wife who was on the passenger seat

shot him a look that told him he had crossed a line, and immediately, he explained to his four-year-old daughter that he was sorry for using “bad” words against people and that one should not use those “bad’ words against others no matter what they did.

James understood the power of modelling when it comes to impressionable toddlers.

You cannot tell little children to do what you say, and not what you do. If you call drivers who cut in front of you idiots before your daughter, you lose all moral authority of telling

her not to call her rude friends the same.

I find myself sounding off sentences in my head before I say them to or in front of my three-year-old. If a word or phrase will not sound right coming from my son’s mouth to his friends, then it should not come from my mouth.

I had the habit of telling him, “You are not my friend,” whenever he did something that annoyed me. But then I thought of the impact those few words would have on his friends. That simple sentence can become

5

a ground for bullying and segregation. Kids will be kids, but he should not learn to hate others and victimise them from me.

The other day my house help, in a moment of anger, asked my son, “Nini mbaya na wewe?” Of course I should have been angry for her implying something was wrong with the little boy. But I asked her to imagine the boy asking the same question to one of his playmates. It was clear that those were words we did not want to hear from our children. Consequently, they are words that were not going to come out of any of the adults in my house.

I once stopped a stranger on the road for hitting her small boy in the head and calling him “mjinga wewe” after he wandered onto an oncoming car. What the child did was dangerous and the mom was obviously reacting in panic. But she was calling her son stupid, and implying that when others do foolish things, we hit them and call them names.

What are you modelling to your children?

Do you hit out when you are angry instead of reining in your anger and dealing with the problem? Do you cuss people under your breath or to their faces? Do you stagger home drunk, shouting at the top of your voice? Do you lie outright even when your children are listening? Are you cheating on the mother or father of your children with their knowledge?

Be careful what you do for little eyes are watching and little feet are trying to walk in your shoes. Let your children help you become a better person.

Dealing with a control freak? Here is how to

BY FLORENCE NJAGI

S

o you recently got the job of your dreams and all the colleagues were very welcoming and hospitable to you but there is one who initially seemed ‘to go out of his way to offer all the advice and practically to help you with your responsibilities’ but lately seems to get on your every nerve because they simply cannot let you be? Or you have just met this ‘amazing partner’ who is everything you have ever dreamt of and initially you were very appreciative on their opinion on almost everything about you from what they think looks good on you, to what you should eat, to

what job fits you best and how to do it right; but now you can barely stand them as he/she makes you feel suffocated?

Take a deep breath first: you are dealing with a control freak! According to the dictionary, a control freak is a person who feels an obsessive need to exercise control over themselves and others and to take command of any situation.

This person wants to be in a position of control all the time even pertaining other people’s personal issues. They want to be aware of everything that is going on around them, and they want to have control over it in some way or the other.

A control freak sincerely believes

that others around them are incapable of doing something on their own, and need their constant intervention and guidance just to do something right, they believe they know what is best for their lover, family or even their workplace and are convinced that everything can be completed to perfection only with their involvement. It is their way or no way, they Love their schedule and they really don’t love when you try to switch things up, they Like to feel like king or queen of the relationship which really can be harmful because a healthy relationship is a balanced and equal partnership, they are sometimes needy and clingy with displays of extreme jealous and they are critical of you.

Of importance to note is that there is a little bit of a control freak in each one of us but the difference is that it is controlled and not obsessive. There are many causes leading to one being a control freak but it is vital to remember that largely influencing the control freak behaviour is a deep fear for vulnerability and low self esteem.

They believe they can protect themselves by staying in control of every aspect of their lives, including their relationships. The control freak in us can take over our lives for different reasons.

At times, a bad childhood where you felt helpless all the time could force you to become a control freak to control your surroundings, and at other times, your overconfidence and know-it-all attitude too could lead to the same consequences. It is crucial for a control freak to seek the services of a counselor to empower them

to be emotionally health thus living more fulfilling lives.

Being around a control freak is never easy or pleasant, whether you’re dealing with a bossy best friend, a micromanaging boss, or an older sister who wants everything done her way. However, there are some times when you cannot just escape the person and need to learn how to cope with his or her behaviour so you do not end up pulling all of your hair out.

When it comes to dealing with a control freak, it is all about staying calm, understanding where the behaviour is coming from, and avoiding the situation when you can.

First try and understand their need for control: The worst part about being a control freak is the annoying tendency to overlook that behavior within themselves.

Control freaks never know they are control freaks. Instead, they assume they are generously helpful and concerned about others, and constantly try to help others achieve their full potential by correcting them and keeping an eye on them all the time.

The more helpful the control freak in you thinks you are, the more annoying you could get.

They lost control somewhere in their lives thus have this constant fear of abandonment and insatiable need to feel superior, to resist control attempts and to prove something. Once you understand that, learn how to respond to the control freak constructively by asserting yourself; maintaining your calm and looking for the positives in the control freaks and actually praising them when they deserve

it! Initially, let them control the agenda but you control the pacing. If you stay calm and speak slowly, you will be in command of the pacing of the conversation. Be very patient as control freaks need to feel heard; Pay attention to your induced reactions as this will give you important clues as to how to deal with them more effectively and appropriately. Treat them with kindness but also make demands on them because by asking something of them, you will be indicating that you are not intimidated or diminished by their behaviour patterns.

Keep in mind that control freaks are not trying to hurt you; they are trying to protect themselves. Remind yourself that their behavior toward you is not personal; the compulsion was there before they met you, and it will be their forever unless they get help. Understand that they are skilled manipulators, artful and intimidating, rehearsed debaters and excellent at distorting reality.

In order to not feel degraded, humiliated and have your sense of self and self worth assaulted, you need to avoid being bulldozed by a controlling lover, boss or friend.

When you are caught up in a truly destructive/controlling attachment, the best response may be to walk out. You have to understand that whatever you do will have a limited effect. These people are angry and afraid to let go of you.

Hence, it is your job to let go of them, protect yourself in the process and grow by realizing that your personal value is not derived from this person.

6

COUNTY OUTING social scene

left king`ua, right karimi bruno @ stardom hotel during baite night live

Muuga FM head Winnie Kungania

Kenny the dancer @ stardom hotel

Erick Kinoti and Martin Mutwiri @ stardom hotel during baite night live

Lawyer and County Review legal columnist, Mwiti Kaburu with his wife at the BAITE night.

xxxxx

Families and schools have fun at the Embu show that was held in July 2015. The annual event showcases different products and innovation from across the region. PHOTO . MUNENE RWIGI

BELOW LEFT: Cliff Mwiathi weds Juliet Waithira in Lavington Nairobi.

BELOW RIGHT Josephine Kaari & Steve Kahura at the KCB grounds, Thika road, Nairobi.

PHOTOS / BETAFLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Ameru crew@ stardom hotel during baite night live

FEATURE

7

modelling

Beauty with a purpose M

iss World Kenya is a title associated with beauty and most perceive it as a crown of glamour and class. However, Gladys Koki Njeru the reigning Miss World Kenya (2014) Embu County is redefining the concept of being a beauty queen. She is leaving no stones unturned through her project to help regain smiles on faces of many, in partnership with Smile Train she is aiding in facilitating provision of surgery to anyone with a cleft lip or palate.Afterall itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about beauty but beauty with a purpose. This is what she shared with County Review about her work and life.

Who is Gladys Koki Njeru?

I am a social, humble lady who hails from Embu County but brought up in Runyenjes .Raised in a family of seven am the fifth born and currently in Embu full time for my project.

Is modelling what you have been doing all along?:

Surprisingly, Miss World Kenya was my first competition I was pushed by my sister and my friends.

They kept telling me that my body and waist was ideal for modelling. I decided to audition for the contest in Nairobi and emerged among the fourteen sent to Embu.

How was the competition generally?

The competition was tough and demanded concentration and hard work as from county auditions to finals for Miss World Kenya. I learnt etiquette and how to carry myself around gracefully, the art of tolerance, calmness, networking and temperamental control aspects as a beauty peagant.I also won Miss Congeniality for most sociable person.

Your beauty with a purpose project?

My project entails cleft lip and cleft palate patients both children and adults. In conjunction with Smile Train I search for patients with cleft lip and palate and present them for surgery at Embu Provincial Hospital.

Why cleft lip and cleft palate?

It hurts me to see kids crying when breastfeeding because of pain due to a cleft lip or palate. The condition also causes adults inability to speak fluently and audibly.

Q: How do you go about it?

The chief stumbling block is mobilization. This entails the search for those suffering from this condition. Due to stigma most guardians and parents conceal them from the public. As mentioned earlier we have visited different sub-counties to sensitize them on the curability of the condition we have also been placing posters about the campaign.

Secondly, after patient identification and convincing presenting them for surgery follows. Surgeries around Embu will take place on Monday 6th July at Embu General Hospital-Level 5 facilitated by the Ministry of Health-Embu County How is your campaign so far?

I thank God for this far.I have managed to access at least 10 patients who are willing to undergo

surgery. Moreover,I have also covered Runyenjes, Mbeere, Ishiara and Manyatta sub counties in abid to create awareness about my project in the county. The Department of Film Services; Embu Regional Office has been filming my project through different sub counties.

Most memorable moment in your campaign I met a woman who had fistula and cancer at the same time but she afforded a smile despite the pain she was going through.

What next after cleft lip and cleft palate?

Am planning also on identifying women with fistula. I have been trying to find partners and sponsors for this campaign.

8

COUNTYSIDE

ARTS

AUGUST 2015

Rover mania

music

Crew flies Meru flag high musically Their dream is to do African music that can sell in the world by building a brand that Merians and Kenyans will be proud off.

Would you wish to be part of the team supplying the 2015

Ameru crew members with Lisa Gatwiri, center. PHOTO . Koome Sprinkle.

BY STEVE MBEGO

I

t was a backwater of sorts in regard to cultural production for years, but with the new crop of promising artistes, Mt Kenya east is on a roll.

Ameru Crew, a hippy musical group coming out of the region exemplifies the region’s determination to emerge tops, internationally.

So far, Meru County has produced many national household names in the showbiz industry. DJ Joe Mfalme, Pierra Makena, Kawira wa Papa Shirandula, MC Jessy and others, all trace their roots to the county.

Keen to make a global and national mark in the music industry is group from Meru town known as Ameru crew.

Ameru crew consists of four members and boasts of two Groove award nominations where their songs competed in the category of Eastern song of the Year in 2013 and 2015. These are Twendaneni Meru and Mwinire, a call to worship.

The group members comprises Wycliffe Muthomi (Colonel Wicky), Boniface Muthomi (Mr Somi), Euticus Murori (Faiteziki) and Kenneth Kirimi (Falaki).

The group also mentors Lisa Gatwiri.

An unconfirmed rumour indicates that one of the members has bolted out to chase a different career dream. But that, said one of the members in a radio interview, does not cloud them group’s dream.

Ameru crew was formed in 2010 out of the need to unite artistes in Meru music industry. And just like Henry Ford said coming together is a beginning,

keeping together is progress and working together is success, the group star seems to be shining brighter five years, a phenomenon that has won them admiration from all and sundry, far and wide.

“We came together after we realised there were cracks in Meru music industry. We were unified by a single beat,” says Faiteziki.

When news broke out that that their song “Mwinire” had been nominated for an award as Eastern Best Song of the Year, fans showered the group they call “our own” with love.

Graphic designer and events organiser Kenny Kaburu, one of their diehard supporters, opened a Facebook page to rally people to vote for the crew. Media houses led by Baite TV and Meru FM took to the airwaves to offer them the much needed support too.

And when they narrowly missed the award, disgruntled fans led by Meru FM DJ Patchez scorned the Groove Award organisers on the social media accusing them of favouritism. He claimed the organisers have been favouring kambaa artistes.

“I think Meru is always sidelined in Groove tours and awards out of the fact that we share the same region from where the Groove CEO comes from,” DJ Patchez told this writer.

An award is like oxygen to an artiste.

Faiteziki says that it gives musicians publicity which translates to shows and album sales. Wyclife adds it’s always a good thing to add to one’s profile. But the group is quick to remind their fans not to lose hope.

Managing relations might be consid-

ered hard and true to the claim some music groups are known to split but the group is there to stay. Three members of the crew – Wyclife, Somi and Faiteziki schooled at Abothuguchi Boys. They have stuck together for a while now. Melanin Falaki went to Meru School.

“Working as a group is easy and extremely hard at the same time since we have other commitments. Balancing is not easy,” says Faiteziki.

When not singing or doing group activity, the members get themselves busy in other jobs. Mr Somi whom Wycliffe describes as soft spoken and a beast behind the keyboard is a music producer at FM. He produced the group’s first song “Twendaneni”. Falaki who is described as cool by Faiteziki and takes time to write his Lyrics is a medic in one of the region’s public hospitals. Both Wycliffe and Faiteziki are entrepreneurs.

DREAMS AND CHALLENGES The group like any other faces challenges, but the most unpleasant one is being conned numerously by fake promoters. This has prompted the group to hire a lawyer who takes care of their contracts.

“There are fake promoters, we hired a lawyer and now every event has to have a contract,” says Wycliffe.

In 10 years’ time the group hopes to have gone international. Their dream is to do African music that can sell in the world by building a brand that Merians and other Kenyans will be proud of.

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COUNTYSIDE

TRAVEl

MAY 2015

9

Peace and tranquillity reign in Laikipia

BY ANNRITA GACHERI

T

hrow back Thursday comes and goes and it’s Friday. The office is at its slowest. Guys seem to wait for the day to end occasionally pulling on their wrists to check the time. The weekend is here and you don’t know what you are going to do with yourself. You enquire if there is anyone coming to work on Saturday so that you can join but it’s like everyone has their weekend figured out.

Then the phone rings. You know what the call is about; it’s a hook up, where you are expected to hang out and drink your guts out, be spontaneous and have fun. Only these kinds of weekends don’t excite you no more.

You are opposed to the constant high; you are opposed to the throbbingheadaches hangover Mondays. You ignore that call, you fish out your diary and perform a soul search, and you realise that you actually enjoy long sober drives and weekend out of the city with plenty of fresh air.

Then you remember that nice article I wrote about travelling without money.

You are broke because one, it is midmonth and according to the way you have been living your life, your alcohol bill usually bigger than you rent. That’s a nice excuse, you are actually broke because you have an eight to five job that doesn’t pay you nearly enough to afford you anything decent. But you have just discovered you are a closeted traveller and life is too short to be living a life that is not yours. With the spirit of Lady Jay and Caitlyn Jenner, you come out as just that. You denounce weekend drinking sprees; you denounce Naivasha camping, which is the euphuism for drinking your way to Naivasha and sleeping in tented rooms. You embrace sobriety, discipline and proper rest. But still the money issue is there; an impenetrable fog. You fight the temptation to call back the bad influence successively this time.

Well that’s basically my story and the story of many others. That’s how I found myself looking for a place to couch-surf. A friend told me that they were driving to Laikipia and that I could

hitch-hike and even stay at their farm for the weekend. Am writing this to show the reality of travelling without money. Within no time, I was driving towards Laikipia with a mature crowd.

I had never been to Laikipia, but it was worth all the while. The road was incredible, maybe so because Kibaki’s Sh500 million farewell home is enroute.

Laikipia or rather the Laikipia I visited was scarce of settlements, am told a few settlements are coming up though. The place is a maze of vast private owned farms that extend unapologetically. The colonial and neocolonial spirits lurk there. Farms here are equipped with helipads. The whoowns -what arrive in choppers to dine.

I didn’t stop feeling that I had probably made a bad bargain with life.

In the evening farm-hands are seen walking all breeds of security dogs.

The kind whose barks emanate from the pit of your stomach – the German shepherds, loyal, calm and fearless, the Kuvasz-a dog whose ability to mark boundaries will make your girlfriend jealous and the Komondor, this one, am told, is a natural. It was traditionally trusted with herding sheep. All this I learn at Laikipia.

Laikipia’s unpolluted air, the peace and tranquillity is unmatched. You can experience Laikipia by staying in some of the ranches open to public such as Ol Jogi or Borana ranches. If you are into wildlife, then Laikipia plateau National Reserve is the place to be or in one of the Animal Conservancies such as the Ol Pajeta Animal or Ol Jorgi Wildlife Conservancies.

At Laikipia, you could also experience or socialise with agricultural activities such as horticulture, and pastoralism.

Here is a link where you can read on all what Laikipia has to offer and I promise you it’s plenty: http://shabiqkenya. co.ke/laikipia.html.

This is a place am certainly coming back, only with money this time. It is well connected to Meru, Isiolo, and Embu counties so you can just drive past on your way home. You might also want to find the land rates from the ground, before you are lured into con programme that promise you a haven with the surety of rich neighbours.

10

COUNTYSIDE

HEALTH

AUGUST 2015

Embu family in agony as kin suffers from rare ailment Out of the seven kids, four have been affected by the strange disease, two have already died and the remaining two are infected. The mother can only hope for the best as she is unable to meet the hospital costs.

BY YVONNE NDUNGE

W

elcome to the humble homestead of Mr Kinyua and family: A house made of mud bricks, a chicken pen and a shamba on the side.

Apart from the clacking of chicken the stillness in this homestead is ghostly.

You would expect sounds of children crying and shouting at one another.

But not here in this home in Ciamburi, Mbeere South, Embu County.

There are two graves a stone throw from the house. They are painful reminders that death is never far away.

One grave has fresh soil. Both are well guarded by thorn plants. A sombre mood sets in as we sit down with the Kinyuas. Evidently they are tired of telling and re-telling the story of the skin disorder that is cruelly snapping life out of their children.

“Out of seven kids, four have been affected. Of the four, two have already passed on and the other two are living with the disease. As a mother, I can only hope for the best for them,” a depressed Marion points out as she is overcome by emotions.

Marion Kinyua, the mother of the children, says doctors have not yet diagnosed the killer disease, however much they stay in hospital. “I first noticed the children’s eyes welling up with tears.

This persisted. Then I noticed swellings on their skin which became painful wounds that would not heal. That is when we started seeking medical assistance.

We first went to Embu General Hospital and the children were admitted for three months. Doctors observed them and said that they could not diagnose the problem,” says Mrs Kinyua.

The mother sells groceries at Ciamburi Shopping Centre. She describes the doctors’ feedback as heart-breaking. She didn’t know how to handle her own kids anymore as their condition worsened. “We were then referred to Kenyatta National Hospital where the children were again admitted for six months. I was hopeful this time that my children would be well in no time,” she said.

But doctors at Kenyatta failed to diagnose the problem.

Mr Kinyua, a mason, says his meagre earnings could not support their monthly trips to Nairobi for check-ups as advised by doctors at Kenyatta.

“We would spend Sh10,000 per trip – Sh8,000 on transport, and Sh2,000 on check-ups.”

He says well-wishers once raised money for them, but it was all spent in the trips to Kenyatta. When no more help was forthcoming, death struck cruelly and the first two children died at ages 14 and 12.

“The affected kids are supposed to be under a black net to prevent excessive light from reaching their open wounds. They also need to be bathed gently and carefully due to the painful freckles,” says Kinyua.

“This condition has robbed us two kids. The affected need to be kept in a clean place to prevent houseflies from getting to the wounds,” he adds.

The condition has exposed the family to social stigma. As a result, the children cannot board local matatus to hospital. That forces the parents to hire taxis for them. The affected kids also don’t mingle because other parents falsely think that their children will get the skin disease.

Dr Charles Mutinda, a surgeon based in Embu points out that the condition affecting Kinyua’s children is scientifically referred to as xeroderma pigmentosum or XP. “It is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder of DNA repair in which the ability to repair damage caused ultraviolet light is deficient,” says Dr Mutinda. “Children affected are colloquially referred as ‘Children of the Night’ in the medical world.”

Parents are unaffected but are carriers of the condition in their genes. Children of parents with the gene are either fully affected, or unaffected. And they are also carriers,” the doctor said.

Dr Mutinda says there is no cure for the condition but it could be minimised by avoiding exposure to sunlight.

“Fewer than 40 per cent of individuals with the disease survive beyond the age of 20,” he explained.

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COUNTYSIDE

LEISURE

AUGUST 2015

BY Steenie Njoroge

COMPLEX CROSSWORD

COUNTY REVIEW

LYRICS

ARTIST: JAH CURE SONG: All Of Me PRODUCTION/LABEL: YEAR: 2014 (Verse 1) What would I do without your smart mouth Drawing me in then you kicking me out Got my head spinning, no kidding I cant pin you down What’s going on in your beautiful mind Am on your magical mystery rhyme And am so dizzy, than no addict mi But i’ll be alright

(Verse 2) How many times do I have to tell you Even when your crying your beautiful too The world is beating you, now am around For every mood, your my downfall Your my amused, my worst distraction My rhythm and blues I cant stop sing and it’s ringing in my head for you (Repeat Chorus 2X)

MAY WORD SEARCH Spot the following fifteen cities in the grid above 1. ACCRA 2. ATHENS 3. AMSTREDAM 4. CAIRO 5. ISTANBUL 6. LIMA 7. LISBON 8. MONTREAL 9. MANILA 10. MOSCOW 11. NICOSIA 12. OSLO 13. ROME 14. TOKYO 15. LUSAKA

BY STEENIE NJOROGE

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ACROSS 8. Receptacle (5) 9. Validate (7) 10. Howl (7) 11. Deluge (5) 12. Exploit (4) 13. Stock (5) 18. Not clergy (5) 19. Palaver (4) 23. Force down (5) 24. Invoke (7)

25. Unlawful (7) 26. Senior (5)

7. Blot (6) 14. Decompose (3) 15. Pillage (7) 16. East Central Africa Republic (7) 17. Mar (6) 20. Fortified wine (6) 21. Gelatin (5) 22. Bury (5) 24. Metropolis (4)

DOWN 1. Ludicrous (6) 4. Square measure (4) 5. Merged (7) 6. A bovine mammal (5)

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS

(Chorus) My heads on the water am breathing fine Your crazy and am out of my mind Cause all a me, loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges All your perfect imperfection Give your all to me, I give my all to you Your my end and my beginning Even when I lose am winning Cause I give you all of me You give me all of you

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DOWN 1.Canvass 2.Emerald 4.Edition 5.Gnats 6.Fakir 9.Sorceress14.Acquire 15.Malindi 16.Big Name 19.Farms 20.Waltz 21.Usual

ACROSS 7.Armour 8.Odinga 10.Vertigo 11.Tutui 12.Silk 13.Scoop 17.Score 18.Fafi 22.Ababu 23.Sossion 24.Muturi 25.Random

SIMPLE CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. A substance, especially a liquid that can dissolve another substance 4. A natural ability to do something well 7. Tall decorated containers used for holding the ashes of dead persons 8. Stopped a process or a development 10. The scientific study of changes in number of deaths, births or diseases in a community for a long period of time 12. Partly burnt coal or wood that is no longer burning but may still be hot 13. Plural of the inside parts of animals cooked and eaten as food 16. The quality of being average or not very good 20. A pale purple color 21. Long piece of wood that is fastened across the necks of animals so that they can pull heavy loads 22. Plural of radius 23. An amount of money that is

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paid regularly especially to a priest, as wages or money to live on DOWN 1. Something you hear 2. A liquid that you rub into your skin to reduce pain 3. A situation or activity that could cause harm or danger 4. To feel embarrassed or ashamed 5. Highest female voice 6. Puzzles 9. In stories, a cruel and frightening giant who eats people 11. A piece of women’s underwear that covers the top part of the body, with straps at the shoulders 12. Someone whose job is to repair shoes 14. A piece of true information 15. Large Asian wild animals of the cat family 17. To happen after something else, often as a result of it 18. To finally agree to do what someone else wants you to do 19. Very enthusiastic about something you do regularly

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JUNE 2015 CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS 7.Cursor 8.Deluge 10.Octagon 11.Litre 12.Lull 13.Noise 17.Pound 18.Chef 22.Clamp 23.Entwine 24.Retard 25.Sleeve

DOWN 1.Schools 2.Brittle 3.Dodge 4.Recluse 5.Quite 6.Lever 9.Announcer14.Compare 15. Shrines 16.Offered 19.Scarf 20.Caste 21.Atoll

LEARN NEW WORDS MERRIAM – webster dictionary added many new words in 2014 here are some of the favourites. - Steenie Njoroge 1. Copyleft - Opposite of copyright. Whereas copyright imposes restrictions on the distribution of work or publication, copyleft eliminates restrictions and allows freedom of use for all.

a company.

2. Cot potato - Very young child who spends a lot of time watching television.

6. Elancer - A professional person who works from home and provides services on the internet.

3. Cyberloaf - Spend time on the internet at work doing personal things.

7. Emoji - Icon used in electronic messages and webpages.

15) Fashionista - Person who dresses according to the latest fashion trends.

4. Decruitment - Euphemism for laying off staff or downsizing

5. Dramedy - Combination of ‘Drama’ and ‘Comedy’. A film, play ot tv proramme that mixes drama and comedy.

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Head, Meru FM.

COUNTYSIDE

AUGUST 2015

Neither celeb nor socialite: Blogger Kenny Kaburu

Perils of ‘lust’ life in varsities Pg 18

Pg 19

education

Careers i Schools i Colleges i Opportunities

Scholarships corner

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Teacher’s get creative as fee guidelines kick in

BY NJAGI RWIGI & PEREZ BARINE

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n February this year the Education Cabinet Secretary Professor Jacob Kaimenyi released new secondary school fee guidelines.

This was to put a control on overcharging of fees, which had become haphazard and sometimes outright extortion, threatening to lock out the economically challenged in the society.

In Kaimenyi’s guidelines, Day Schools must not charge over Ksh9,374 per year. Boarding schools are required to charge Ksh53,553 whilst Special Schools must not exceed Ksh37,210/-.These amounts are less the Ksh 12,870/- that the government provides as grant-in-aid to the Kenyan public secondary school. The fees is to

be paid in as follows: Term one-50%, Term two-30% while the remaining 20 % should be paid in Term Three.

Releasing the guidelines, the CS said they should be followed to the letter, directing that “certain non-essential vote heads such as teacher motivation, education improvement, county education levies have to be discontinued forthwith.”

Development is to be financed by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the County governments.

In addition, “bloated” Non-teaching Staff has to be down-sized.

It is public knowledge that some secondary schools had inflated fees in their schools to ridiculous amounts.

For instance some schools charged as much as Ksh130,000/- per year.

County Review sought views on how the new regulation will impact

on education in the Mt. Kenya region.

Asked what she thinks about the new directive on fees, the principal of Chogoria Girls, Mrs V. Gitonga says the fees ceiling will affect delivery of the curriculum in some way, though with appropriate interventions stability can be regained.

“Obviously, quite a number of programmes will have to be scrapped. The 53,000/- can run the school so long as we don’t factor in motivation, co-curricular activities, development and students’ uniform. The biggest worry is lack of teachers. For instance we are in need of 8 to 10 teachers. We can overload the ones we have, but when a teacher overworks he will burn out, compromising his health and his output. If the government can provide enough teachers it would be a great relief.” Mrs Gitonga says that now that

Economics and Social Sciences, Mathematics/ Natural Sciences, Medicine, Agriculture, Forestry and Nutritional Science except human medicine (Dr. med.), veterinary medicine (Dr. med. vet.) or dentistry (Dr. med. dent.).

Eligible Students: Foreign Students Application Deadline 1st October 2015

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For more information, Contact: editor@countyreview.co.ke

the school management has to comply with the directive she’ll have to rely more on income generating activities.

She observes that infrastructural development and co-curricular activities may be ignored but the classroom is essential to curriculum delivery, and that cannot be compromised.

“We just have to supplement with our IGAS-the farm, bakery, and to buy foodstuffs when they are in season… employ more effective negotiation skills with suppliers, and keep working together with parents, exploring.”

Chogoria Girls is a national school in Tharaka Nithi County.

Mr. Muriuki of St. Paul’s Kevote, Embu County is glad that his school –categorised as Extra County- is not affected by the Kaimenyi directive. He is however aware that some schools will be affected.

“Our fees is below the figure stipulated in the guideline. But think of schools that have swimming pools and that require money for maintenance and workers to man them. Such schools will obviously feel the effect.

I think the Ministry should have categorized the schools such that those with high budgets are given their own ceiling, then the county and the sub-county.” Mr. Muriuki advises the schools affected to make use of any resources they have to generate the short-fall. “ If a school has a large tract of land it can meet the food demand which is a heavy expenditure. Even for my school to maintain a reasonable fee levy, we have to generate funds from our bus, crops and dairy produce.”

Mr. Kamundi, principal of Gatunga Secondary in Tharaka, T/Nithi County doesn’t see the fees directive affecting his school. However, he has to employ the IGAs strategy. He says the fees the school charges is way below the stipulated amount, but he still has to work hard to make the school run.

“Even if we were to charge the Ksh53,000/- no parent would be able to pay. In fact we largely depend on our income-generating activities; we grow foodstuffs, and rear cows and goats. To us prioritizing is very impor-

tant. We have put on hold important but not urgent activities like repairs and maintenance and development of infrastructure. But we have to raise money to support curriculum delivery.” The school-a county school- has five B.O.M- employed teachers.

The Highlands Region Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairman, who is also the principal of Kaaga Boys High School, Mr. Mwirigi points out that should the Kaimenyi guidelines take effect, then infrastructural development will be greatly hampered, leading to educational standards being compromised.

He points out that not every school receives C.D.F funding.

“But negotiations are still going on; we will wait until the final agreement is made, then we shall know what decision to take, he says.

Mrs K. Mutembei, a parent at Chogoria Boys High School says that though they have been paying is slightly above the stipulated figure, she is satisfied with the uses the money is put to.

“What is important is that I get to understand why I have to pay certain money, otherwise no parent would want to pay little only to receive a failure in return. I’d say we get value for our money.” These sentiments are echoed by Mr. Mutugi, a parent at Meru School, which is national. He says though they pay beyond the stipulated figure, he is satisfied with what the money does for his boy.

“The students get quality academic programmes and good boarding facilities. We passed the fees in a parents’ AGM. I am satisfied with what I pay. The KUPPET executive secretary Tharaka Nithi County, Mr Patrick Gitonga says the fees issue is sensitive and should be handled with care, otherwise the learner may be the one to suffer. “ It is true some school heads inflate the school fees, but we must not forget they have a task to carry out. So a consensus is necessary.”

It is clear that, for both parent and head teacher, quality of education is paramount.

C ampus

Runner With Victor Chacha

Perils of ‘lust’ life in varsities

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niversity students in Kenya make it to the limelight for all the wrong reasons. Ladies are accused of trading sex for grades with their lectures and dating old men enough to be their fathers. They have also been accused

of drinking more than their fathers in clubs and living in posh estates.

Students who get engaged in this kind of life are mostly new to college who feel the pressure to dress, talk and hang out where their counterparts in order to fit in. All of a

sudden, they get an expensive taste in clothes, shoes and jewelry. Talk about acquired tastes!

But it is not only girls who are desperate for money. A good number of guys are said to have sugar mummies who give them money.

‘Ruth’ a comrade from Meru University narrates

how she caught her boyfriend in the act with a sugar mummy.

“I spotted him in one the most expensive hotels in Meru with her. Lately, he has had a lot of cash and spends lavishly on me. When I asked where he gets the money from, he said his uncle who lives abroad sends him cash nowadays. I believed him until I busted him two weeks ago,” Ruth said.

In campus, relationships end as fast as they start. And they are mostly influenced and sustained by favours. Sex is normally casual. In most cases, as soon as a couple gets comfortable with each other, which can be after as few as three days, or a week or months of dating, they ‘trust’ each other to the level of having unprotected sex.

‘Alert letters’ are common in universities in Kenya. What are these? People claiming to be living with HIV and Aids confess that they have been on a revenge mission and slept with many students in their institutions and infected them with the virus. They then list down names and post the list on a notice board. This writer has never met anybody who has been listed in those alerts though.

How accomodation problems have affected ‘the exile’

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he first word that I came to learn after joining college was ‘exile’.

By definition, an exile is a polite evacuation from a university hostel to allow some ‘construction’ activities to take place. The word polite is the key word here since many are the times that comrades are kicked out of their hostels in the crudest manner possible, mostly forcefully. Normally, the vice chancellor, on behalf of the senate, writes a notice advising the students to leave their hostels within the shortest time possible.

‘Due to the trouble caused by a few unruly students, the university senate has decided to close down the university indefinitely. All the students are required to vacate the university premises within

fifteen minutes’, the notice reads. No one knows when exactly the countdown of the fifteen minutes starts since by the time the circular reaches the students, or is pinned on the notice boards, the anti riot police, in their complete regalia, are already in the hostels implementing the orders to the letter. Notably, they enter the ladies hostels first, but it is actually the young men who are always in the forefront agitating for their RIGHTS. Only the good Lord knows why they enter the ladies hostels first.

Back to the polite evacuation. Now, it is easier to exile one or two people from the room but when the numbers go beyond four, the situation becomes tricky. This has been the predicament of the current

lot of students who have to contend with staying in a room that accommodates mostly six students. In such cases, an exile notice must be given two weeks prior the day of the actual exile. No ambushes.

I remember visiting this room where one of the roommates had given such a notice, two weeks earlier as the ‘constitution’ stipulates. It read, ‘a notice is hereby given that you shall be required to vacate this room on the 28th of March 2014 to allow a colleague attend to some pressing matters. Any inconvenience caused by the aforementioned activity is highly regrettable’.

In as much as it is easier to exile comrades, it is never a walk in the park trying to exile those staunch, diehard Christian

Union members, mostly officials. If you have one as a roomy, then brace yourself for a clash of the titans. However, to the guys with a ‘don’t care’ attitude, unfortunately they are few; they have no time to convince such characters to disembark from the room. They continue with their profanities right there before the eyes of the brethren. For fear of committing a sin by seeing, the CU brothers choose to do the honourable thing and leave, albeit unwillingly, perhaps to go and commit such lost sheep into the hands of the man above.

KING’ORI WA GITAHI MUKUUNI, CHUKA.

COUNTY REVIEW

CAREERs

AUGUST 2015

19

Neither celeb nor socialite: Blogger Kenny Kaburu You will often spot him on Facebook agitating on matters of public interest. He also know what entertainment event is happening where and when, not just in his home village but nationally. Some will refer to him as a celeb, others, especially politicians see him a dog in a manger.

Q

So who is the real Kenny Kaburu?

Apart from Facebook posts and artworks at the Standard, Kenny Kaburu is a youth leader who believes in empowering youth.

I run a youth foundation that is present in over 200 schools around the country. We also have TV and radio shows targeting the youth in and out of school.

I am a social media enthusiast too and one of the founder director of OLX Social Media awards, now on its third year. I I have also worked as an editorial cartoonist for the Nation Media Group sitting in for Gado before I joined the Standard.

I have worked for several organisations as an illustrator.

I attended Muthambi Primary School, St Pius X Seminary and Kajiunduthi High School.

I am also the current chairman of the Friends of Tharaka Nithi lobby group.

You were destined for priesthood before you took a turn into the club, and fun-love…

got huge respect for him.

My admiration for the ‘people of cloth’ started when I was an altar boy at Muthambi Catholic Parish. When I completed Class 8, the then assistant priest in charge Fr David Murungi implored me to join the seminary.

My dream was actually to become a priest and later the first African Pope! I always have big dreams! But I have since understood it’s all church politics and humans to a certain extent determine who the next Pope is.

But I am still young and unmarried…If I was destined to be a priest, how can I hide from God? I been working for almost eight years now with a popular entertainment magazine called Pulse published by the Standard Media Group, naturally, we are invited to cover events and that’s why you see many party photos on my Instagram and Facebook. I am also an event organiser and I own Trigger Events, an events company.

Why a socialite? According to the Urban Dictionary, a socialite is someone who has money and doesn’t work, instead devoting his or her life to being “socially active.” Socialites go to parties, gather media attention, and essentially “work” at being popular.

Do I fit the bill? I don’t have money and I attend events to work! I am not a celebrity either as few people would even notice me on the streets! Kenny is just a down to earth guy with popular social media pages and popular newspaper artworks.

You and Dennis Itumbi

What’s happening between you and Kamanu?

Dennis Itumbi is my friend of many years and we have worked for four years at the now defunct weekly newspaper called ‘The Kenyan Spectator’. We have worked together on many projects before and he knows my social media influence and mobilising skills. He has since overtaken me and I doubt if he will ever need my services again!

Itumbi’s attempt at that time to involve me in #TeamUhuru activities met a lot resistance. Despite my stand, they would have no problem with me sitting and listening as they planned mobilisation activities for youth, together with Hon Sakaja and the then TNA activist Moses Kuria at our usual watering hole, Giggles Restaurant. Itumbi would still support my youth outreach activities.

He still does. I have

A socialite or celebrity?

Are you an idealist who is completely disconnected from the realities of the world, especially political world?

I am not completely an idealist. I am a human too, therefore, fully aware of human’s shortcomings. I refuse to take things as they are, if they can be made better.

Answer: I will call it a siblings’ disagreement. See, Kamanu is my personal friend and he is among the most talented Meru artiste we have and I am personally proud of him.

We have organised several successful Meru events with before and he has helped to clear the notion that Merus can’t sing. This is why when he invited me to help #Twine Cietu brand grow, I offered my services for free.

In order to generate more income, I offered not to sell my Baite Inside T-shirts during his event. He has other personal T-shirts brands like ‘Arume ti ba Nyakwe, and Kimera Gietu.

Baite Inside brand was already out there and is more popular. All what I wanted him to do was to clearly mark his T-shirts as Kamanu so that we could tell the difference. This offer was for the Twine Cietu events only, which I also participated. I later understood that the T-shirts were on sale during his other public performances.

Had you registered Baite Inside?

No. Intel inside logo is already a trade mark for Intel software. In a bid to instil Meru patriotism and promote bonding and networking, I pioneered Meru social events in 2008 and I have been using the phrase ‘Baite Inside’ which on our merchandise which have been selling like a hot cake.

It’s this

phrase that I shared with Kamanu to promote his Twine Cietu events when I chipped in to help the brand grow. I never charged a cent.

The use of the phrase by Kamanu was just a gentleman’s agreement, and that’s why I objected when he continued to use it for financial gain, even after the agreement was over. But we have resolved to settle the issue outside public view, just like we did when we agreed to the deal.

Are you still in touch with Marima, your home town?

I am very in touch with home. I was home in April and really enjoyed sharing with my homeboys, the majority of whom look up to me as their model. I have even established a very popular Facebook group called ‘Marima Sweet Home’ to connect and network with the hometown. Ningetaka kutuma salamu kwa Nubi Mkongwe, my pointman there, Dennis Kihoto Njiru, Mawira Lewis aka Semo, Kibaara wa Mururu and all my boys there!

By the way, you don’t seem to have very kind words for Tharaka Nithi government, any political ambitions?

That is not entirely true. I believe in good governance. My contribution to good governance is not sycophancy, but genuine.

I am very passionate about Tharaka Nithi County. I believe we got all it takes to become the national economic, political and social ‘stronghold’.

We have the resources, and manpower to propel the county to even greater heights. But to achieve this, we need committed leaders and citizens participation. That’s why when the devolution gave us the new county, my friends and I started consultative forums to discuss how we could position our county to benefit from devolution. We brought in experts to share at the forums the opportunities we needed to exploit, given that our county was starting from scratch with very little infrastructure.

We founded Friends of Tharaka Nithi lobby group, which was to involve all stakeholders in Tharaka Nithi to develop strategies that would encourage public participation in developing our county in spheres revolving governance, youth, environment, women, education etc.

In short, it’s the love of my county that pushes me to put our leaders on the spot.

Question: When are we cutting the cake?

You had to ask this? LOL! Very are soon.

When I finally get my rib, I will let you know.

Meanwhile, I keep picking collar and other bones.

Obama homecoming, summit brings out the best of Kenya LESLEY MUKAMI

Prayer instantly answered

Pg 22

Pg 24

sk lwaves

Oasis in desert: Barracks secondary school( baraxz)- Isiolo county

Reading for pleasure ‘boosts social relations’

BARRACKS PRESS CLUB (BPC).

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n the recent past the education sector has faced a number of challenges in Isiolo County. The region experiences sporadic cases of insecurity either in form of cattle rustling or ethnic unrest, traditional early marriages, poor attitude towards the girl child education and high poverty levels which often keep learners away from the classroom for long periods of time. Lack of sanitary towels for girls, the bodaboda business that has taken a chunk of boys who either work throughout the night or part time or leave school altogether are other challenges.

So when the Kenya Defence Forces sponsored a school- Barracks Mixed Day Secondary school in 2010 you can understand why so many wanted to join it. Our school offers solutions to these many challenges. This is

>>Students Forum

because it is situated in the KDF barracks, and is able to offer security and resources. A true oasis in the desert.

The learners are able to do quite well in academics as well as co-curricular activities. In 2013 KCSE results one candidate from Barracks secondary led in the whole county with a mean grade of B+. This was a rare achievement which even caught the eye of the cabinet secretary professor Jacob Kaimenyi and the office of the first Lady. The education fraternity however seems to have geared up for a better cause because in 2014 KCSE results were even more encouraging with several grade As with the leading candidate from Isiolo Boys. In games Baraxz clinched the inter-military school soccer trophy. 2012 saw mighty Baraxz again defeating the giants Isiolo Boys in the regional games to

take the junior trophy.

We have also done well in Drama, going up to the regionals in 2012 where we brought back several awards.

Lack of transport has been our school’s weak point.

Now Mighty Baraxz has got its own school bus, there is no stopping us. This bus is expected to create a whole difference in our academic landscape. For our school to be the only day school in the county to own a new bus is such prestige! Other than ferrying us in the morning to attend our lessons on time, it will take us for academic outings which will improve the learners’ experiences.

We can’t wait to hold our new bouncing baby.

Long live mighty Baraxz!

IKUU BOYS

Read this poem and respond to it( appreciate it) using the information discussed above.

EASTER RAIN @ GARISSA: A REQUIEM

BY PEREZ BARINE

E

aster is time for rainBlessings from high above; Easter is a time of renewalA time to sow seeds of hopeOf a more lasting life…

So much agony on the cross So heavy mine price was paid I’m freed from unending ransom.

Yet what manner of deity Thunders with wanton death

At dawn, brutally, mercilessly Raining hailstones of death Cutting short young dreams Dreams for tomorrow’s dawn?

“Abba, father, forgive them For they know not their nature” My price was paid, in full At Calvary’s cruel hour; Why then must I Continue to pay Ransom to a god unknown?

Ikuu boys students roaming Chuka town morning after they went on rampage photo Morris Mbogo. PHOTO: MBOGO MORRIS

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etting stuck into a good book can boost people’s ability to relate to each other and increase their empathy, a report suggests.

A review of research for the Reading Agency says reading for pleasure does much more than boost educational outcomes among adults and children.

One recent study quoted - of 4,000 adults - says reading for pleasure can help them enjoy social occasions more.

It can also boost children’s emotional understanding, the research adds.

In general, the study found reading was associated with enjoyment, relaxation and escapism.

‘Recognising feelings’ The research involving a poll of 4,000 people that is cited by the report looked at how mental and physical health can be boosted by the enjoyment of reading.

It said those who read regularly for pleasure: • were less likely to have feelings of stress and depression • had more self-esteem • were more able to deal with difficult situations • had better sleeping patterns It also cited research carried out in Germany, with children aged seven to nine, that looked at possible links between literacy and emotional understanding.

The report focused on the impact of after-school literacy sessions in which children’s books with emotional content were read and discussed by the group.

It found the scheme enhanced the children’s emotional vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of emotions.

Increasing understanding It also found boys were more “positively influenced in their capability to recognise masked feelings than girls”.

The report concluded that: “Reading is closely linked to increasing understanding of our own identities and can also play a large part in relating to others, understanding their world views and so forth.”

Sue Wilkinson, chief executive of The Reading Agency, said the findings of the report showed that “everything changes when we read.

-BBC

COUNTY REVIEW

skool waves

AUGUST 2015

Readers’ Digest

THROWBACK

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Good old days

BY Agnes Nyawera

U

nlike in boy schools where the high school experience is filled with aggressive action, most girl schools are characterised by subtle and sometimes not so subtle class and physical appearance. Here we go.

My first days at Moi Equator Girls High School were traumatic. For the first time in my life I was away from home. This experience was not made easy by the fact that only two things seemed to count at Moi Equator – social status and looks.

Status usually came either by association or the fact that your family had more than just the basic needs. Those with the status automatically earned friends and protection from bullies. Unlike the ordinary folks, they never missed a cup of tea. Neither would their potatoes be snatched from them during lunch time. In return they would provide biscuits and cakes for their mother guides in the morning.

As for looks, the more one was appealing to the beholder the higher the chances of getting protection

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and care from a mother guide.

Me? Fate seemed to have conspired against my wellbeing. In terms of status I was way down in the ranks, especially considering that my grandmother in all kindness had offered me enough to buy only the bare necessities.

When it came to looks, my baby face and chubby cheeks were not anywhere near the description of “beautiful”. And my flat chest and the not so conspicuous hips placed me…miles away from the celebrities.

I got a mother guide, whom I have a lot to thank for to date.

She was so caring to the extent that she would kick me out of the bed at 4am and drag me to the bathroom. The freezing morning breeze of Nanyuki was skin tearing. Bathing out at the washing tabs courtesy of overcrowded bathrooms still gives me nightmares to date.

Throughout the week we had our minds prepared for the ritual of “Mono Dance” courtesy of SNT— the Saturday night entertainment. From what our se-

Appreciating the inner beauty of poetry

By Perez Barine

xxxxxxxx niors had been saying we were all prepared for what seemed like a night in hell. This seemed like the wrong place for me, the young God -fearing sister whose latest hour outside our home had been in a kesha.

Come that first Saturday night and my worst moment happened.

In the frenzy of “Mono Dance” a

Form Three girl pushed me to the dance floor. Once in cheers started and a beat I still recall began “Gully Creeper” by Elephant man. It was a high school national anthem then. In boldness I tried to master the move.

Poor me; the weird moves I made earned me a nickname…

KYENI GIRLS

Members of journalism club, Kyeni Girls. PHOTO: MBOGO MORRIS

CAPTION THIS AND WIN Sh1,000

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oetry is one of the areas that make up the Kenya Secondary School English course. Poetry is usually examined in Paper One(Oral Skills) and Paper Two(Literary appreciation). It accounts for about 20 per cent of the total marks.

A lot has been said concerning poetry; how it is too abstract, personal and hard to comprehend. Yet nothing can be further from the truth. Why? This is because poetry is essentially music. And we all love the sound of music, right? Give the average Kenyan teenager a song-especially pop- to listen to. By the third listening he/she will be singing along. Youth will discuss songs by Beyonce, Daddy Owen, Sauti Sol or …….endlessly, pointing out various features that make them memorable. Why? One word: ATTITUDE. They want to. Because they like the songs. Just that. This can also apply to poetry. Poetry, just like music, appeals primarily to our sensessight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. And to our hearts too.

Poetry is described as “…the music of the soul…music of the Universe.” Poetry is that which appeals to our emotional self. When the poet picks the best words and arranges them in the best order to tell us something about life-that becomes music to our ears…and that IS poetry.

Poetry connects with our heart first, not our head; it appeals to our emotion, not intellect. We so often get into trouble with a poem because we want to work out its meaning by use of a certain formula. That will never do. One has to allow it to soak in steadily, like a dose of sun-warmth during the cold season. This needs patience. One has to allow the warmth from the sun to soak slowly into the body to drive out the cold, right? A learner of poetry has to be patient; read and re-read the poem. Feel the words, allow the words to trigger, to incite, to evoke some emotions- a memory, experience,connection, an association with the natural world surrounding you.

True, once in a while you’ll encounter a “difficult” piece that proves hard to unravel because of its unfamiliar setting, “foreign” imagery or odd choice of symbols. You will, however, with patience and honest appreciation, be able to get to the meaning. But you can still enjoy a poem without understanding the message the way the poet intended it. After all, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Even so, a poet usually has at his disposal a set of tools called poetic devices, which she uses to facilitate delivery of her message. A poet creates a persona. This is the speaker in the poem, the “voice” speaking to the reader; he could be a farmer, an abused child or an observer watching as things unfold. Imagery (similes, metaphors, personification,) helps to create powerful images in the reader’s mind. They are also called figures of speech. Symbolism is the poet’s style of using an object-often concrete- to stand for another object or an idea, thus making it easier for one to draw conclusions.

Satire is a more general term; it means using an indirect way to criticize or condemn an undesirable idea, habit, behavior or lifestyle practiced by an individual, institution or society.

Satire uses any or all of the following: Humour, sarcasm, ridicule, irony and hyperbole. Careful choice of words (diction) and setting(what is happening in the poem and where) helps the poet to create tone(a standpoint or outlook), Attitude( the poet’s or the persona’s feelings towards the subject of discussion, and mood( the general feeling generated by the poem). Sound patterns like rhyme, repetition, assonance, alliteration, consonance help to create rhythm and musicality that lures us so strongly to music.

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COUNTY REVIEW

TeaCHER NEWS

AUGUST 2015

Prayer instantly answered

By Perez Barine

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prayer of faith produced an instant answer last Sunday when a man who had stolen funeral food confessed his evil deed mid-way through the prayer.

Family members of the departed-a Mr Gitonga- together with committee members organizing the burial, had led residents of Chogoria in contributing foodstuffs to be cooked during the burial, only the previous day, worth over KSH.30,000. The food was to be eaten by guests during the funeral scheduled for three days later. Unknown to them, a member of the committee was hatching a different plan. The youth-a nephew to the dead man- carefully observed where the food articles were stored.

In the dead of night he broke into the store and ferried everything to a secret location. The following morning- a Sunday, the youth secured a buyer for his stolen merchandise, a local “hotelier”. He then attended the meeting later in the daywhich was to be the last before the burial. He waited, all innocence, to see the way the cat would jump.

The disappearance of the food had apparently been kept secret. So when the chairman of the committee gravely informed the members about it there was absolute consternation. How could a sane person steal food meant for mourners!

Eventually, it was decided that the ‘less critical’ activities be scrapped off the programme to create money for the food.

When everything was concluded the chairman asked

for the closing prayer. It was then that the person leading the prayer reminded God that since He knew everything and granted those that prayed in faith whatever they asked, then let Him reveal the thief of their labours. As she continued beseeching God vehemently, the youth jumped up and confessed having done the heinous act. At first the dumb-founded members refused to believe… that indeed God had answered their prayer instantly. The apparently contrite youth offered to take them to the place he had sold the loot. To their utter amazement, they found and recovered all the articles.

Unfortunately, the Godly people didn’t find in themselves the grace to forgive the youth and his accomplice. Both were immediately dispatched to the local police post.

Ex-President doing well in high school, but is risk dropping out soon

Bill Kinaro, whose brother Danny Kinaro is the former President Children’s Government. PHOTO: MBOGO MORRIS

By Perez Barine.

The out-going president of the Children’s government in Master Danny Kinaro is doing quite well in his first year in high school.

According to Ms Lucyline Kinyua- Danny’s mother, the boy has settled fast in his dream school, Mangu High School which is about three Kilometres from Thika Town in Kiambu County. “ I visited him during the school’s Visiting Day(on 7th June,2015). He is happy and focused. He scored A- in his last internal exam,” she shares.

Danny is already the coordinator of all the six streams of Form One Class(the earliest one can hold prefect ship in the school is in Form Two.) “He was asked to address the whole school at his very first Morning Assembly,” says the proud mother.

But Danny’s future at Mangu High School is clouded with uncertainty; his parents can barely raise his school fees.

The boy actually reported to the school two days late.

“It wasn’t easy putting together the joining fees but we managed. I hope we’ll be able to keep him in school,”

Isiolo student in police custody after punching teacher

BY NICHOLAS NJUE

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student from St. Paul’s Kiwanjani Secondary School is being held at Isiolo Police Station for allegedly punching his teacher.

The form one student is alleged to

Reluctant teacher WITH GACHERI

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arlier, I have indicated that some of my male colleagues are drunkards. I would want at this point to bring it to light that my drunkard colleagues were among the consumer of the so called “second generation drinks”.

That morning, I saw the male teachers crammed at teacher Anthony’s desk. They were downcast as they perused through the newspaper. We were already in the know that this time, the government was serious about the crackdown. The shacks where these people drink from had been closed the previous night.

Where I come from, there is a shoddy brewery that makes cheap, sub-standard alcohol. Most people were hopeful that this was

have beaten his teacher when tension erupted in school after some boys were sent home to shave and accompany their parents the following day, only to come back and attack two teachers in the compound early in the morning that following day.

Learning was disrupted for the

better part of the day after students rushed outside to witness the fight.

According to the School’s head teacher George Mbijiwe, the group of boys was sent home but came back to school and incited others to cause chaos in school.

The head teacher called the police

to calm the situation but some boys who mastermind the chaos resisted arrest.

Mr. Mbijiwe confirmed that one of his teachers was injured and rushed to hospital.

He further said that staffroom windows of administration block were de-

Ms Kinyua confides. Danny’s mother does some retail grain business while the father, Paul Wahinya Kinaro works in a quarry where he mines bricks.

Danny’s younger brother Bill, in Class 7 at Kianjeru Boarding primary schools has clinched the position of Deputy Speaker at the just concluded Children’s government national elections. His elder sister Beatrice is a student at Kenya Technical University, in Nairobi. Ms Kinyua is hopeful that God will continue to provide for her son’s education.

stroyed during the incident.

When contacted, Isiolo County Police Chief Nelson Okioga confirmed the arrest and said that police have launched investigation of the happenings.

Education officials headed by Sub -County Education officer Fatuma Mohammed and Teachers Service Commission staff visited the school to solve the issue.

Crackdown on illegal brew leaves teacher Ndeke high and dry at the very least legal because the owner is well acquainted with the local police boss.

They argued that his networks were too strong for him to close down. When it was hit, hearts of the drunkards were broken, but mothers and wives praised whatever powers there be for finally answering their prayer.

The brewery was a union of thuggery, bullying and irresponsibility. Children missed classes for the warm beer. Husbands and sons were always plying the brewery for the beer which cost Sh30 per bottle regardless of the fact that its alcohol content was almost twice as much as your regular beer.

It happened that the shack closed down at that time of the month when most of these colleagues had taken and drunk away their

salary advance. We had heard in the news of people suffering bad withdrawal symptoms and we were in the lookout for our colleagues and Mr Ndeke, especially. As we had predicted, Mr Ndeke developed tremors in the late afternoon.

I felt that the tremors were more a manifestation of the frustration the crackdown had caused rather than the actual effects of lack of alcohol. I argued that Mr Ndeke managed 8-10 active hours daily in the school and that nothing like this had happened. Teacher Anthony mused that it’s not always a duck that walks like a duck. Apparently Mr Ndeke was in the habit of passing by his favourite wines and spirits every morning and would come with a quarter of the infamous Moonwalker or Le-

gend vodka and whisky respectively which he would put in his chest pocket and sip throughout the day. Yet we had wondered why he never let go his coat even when the sun was scorching hot!

I had never seen an addict before, except those folks who claim headaches when they have not taken tea. The tremors graduated to fits and sweat waves. Ms Mugambi poured a jug of cold water on him as we hurriedly contributed Sh700 to get him a proper generation drink. He came by after the second sip that he had to be bottle fed, ungrateful as ever. He reached for the bottle and marched out of the staffroom holding the bottle like a crux. We were left behind awed, flabbergasted, entertained and SMH-ing.

Save for Mr Ndeke, I can proudly say that my village is the sanest it has ever been. Wives and mothers are happier and there is a rejuvenated energy all over the place. Better still, most of our pupils are back to school full time.

We are for once enjoying teaching full classes without pupils missing out because of hangovers. And there are no longer women breaking down at our feet praying that we talk to their sons to stop visiting that rogue’s joint.

However, I have discovered that more people are making their own traditional brews. But with the government on the lookout, we are hopeful that this will take a more responsible approach.

COUNTY REVIEW

POLITICAL ANALYSIS

AUGUST 2015

23

LEADERSHIP

President Uhuru scores big with ban on illegal alcohol

BY Macharia Munene

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resident Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee has been in office for slightly more than two years, facing many trials and producing two images. First he gets credit, like his predecessor Mwai Kibaki, for dreaming big about large projects that would have long lasting beneficial impact on Kenya. The second image is negative; that of a president who is dogged by seeming indecision, a lack of control of the domestic agenda, and possible insubordination and sabotage.

Uhuru appears to have big image problems, at times influenced from outside. From neighbouring and fragmented Somalia, the Al Shabaab continues to create sense of insecurity that affects the economy negatively. Opposition politicians excel in finding fault and even those allied to Jubilee ignore some of his wishes. In this, Mr Kenyatta has problems with the media that are good at portraying him as indecisive, not in control of the security situation, and presiding over a regime that is held hostage to corruption. Even Mediamax, the media house that is supposedly associated with the President, repeatedly hit him hard in “talk shows” and other TV programmes. Subsequently, Kenyatta administration seems battered and responding to the political agenda of

other people.

The illicit brew issue, however, uplifted Mr Kenyatta’s image at home as being decisive on a social challenge that threatens the survival of large and critical Kenyan communities. The general feeling was that there was deliberate campaign to annihilate Mount Kenya populations by inducing impotence on the part of young men through illicit alcohol. This feeling was reinforced by claims that the illicit drinks were not found in other parts of the country where the young men and women are repeatedly encouraged to increase the populations and the more the better for the respected communities. The supposed long term political strategy to hold socio-economic horses back so as to enable donkeys to catch up seemed to be working. The danger became so pronounced that young women in the mountain region complained that they were being denied their natural rights to become mothers of healthy babies because of the failure of “transformers” to function when the need arose. Adding socio-cultural injury to demographically wounded people, political leaders from other regions ridicule those from the mountain by mockingly offering to export young men to provide “service” in the mountain region.

There was, therefore, a growing sense of social despair and demographic hopelessness

Uhuru appears to have big image problems, at times influenced from outside. From neighbouring and fragmented somalia, the al shabaab continues to create sense of insecurity that affects the economy negatively. due to dangerous drinks mainly in that area; Uhuru restored some hope with his decree to ban the production, possession, and selling of illicit alcohol. The destruction of the youth was mostly the work of illicit brew peddlers that preyed on growing numbers of illicit brew addicts that were found mainly in the mountain region. The rescue had seemingly started with bombastic Ferdinand Waititu, new MP for Kabete, leading a group of people to destroy illicit drinks in Wangige Market. When the president called MPs from the Mount Kenya region and charged them with the responsibility of redeeming the community by ending rampant alcoholism, he released a force that few had anticipated.

Four things happened as a result of the ban.

First, Mr Waititu’s image was thereby boosted as a doer. Second, the women as well as the regional affiliated media became enthusiastic crusaders against demon “second generation alcohol”. Third, the media industry benefitted from intensified campaigns by “legitimate” brewers who advertised big to convince people to continue enjoying their drinks responsibly.

When critics complained that some legitimate brewers were being victimised in the process of destroying the illicit ones, a prominent politician retorted that it would be unusual for a slaughterhouse not to have blood. Fourth, there was increased effort to treat destitute alcoholism as disease and, therefore, to establish rehabilitation centres. The women in the region appeared happy with the prospects of becoming healthy mothers because of the rehabilitation of their men. The credit, however, goes to Mr Kenyatta for setting the national agenda of rescuing generations of illicit brew addicts from illicit brew peddlers. The ban on illicit alcohol was good for the country and for Mr Kenyatta’s image.

The writer, a professor of History and International Relations at the United States International University-Africa, is an internationally recognised author of several titles on history and diplomacy.

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COUNTY REVIEW

COLUMN

AUGUST 2015

Obama homecoming, summit brings out the best of Kenya LESLEY MUKAMI

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he past few weeks have seen Kenya become a hive of activity and of course caused a lot of excitement. I mean president of the free world Barack Obama aka POTUS was coming home.

Son of the land was coming home.

The preparations Kenya made to welcome him home were top notch. I mean let’s not even go to the Kidero grass which was under so much pressure to grow in three days, which saw people go crazy on Twitter making fun about it. It din’t stop there, flower pots were put by the highways, that was

just hilarious. Given the chance even the city benches in Nairobi would have seat covers. The famous Nairobi traffic of both cars and people had completely cleared by Friday afternoon before the delegates’ dinner and arrival of President Obama. I would still like to know where people disappeared to. Come to think of it if President Obama came to Kenya three-four more times in one year we would achieve Vision 2030 by 2017. Well I wish we could always stay organised at all times.

I was lucky enough to have the rare but very precious chance to take part in the Sixth Global Entrepreneurship summit. The GES week kicked off with exhibitions that saw several entrepreneurs, artists, innovators and designers showcase their talents at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre which was a clear eye opener about the creative minds Kenyans have. It was amazing to see students from various learning institutions in Kenya show case their innovations including Jomo Kenyatta Uni-

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versity of Agriculture and Technology which has created the first Kenyan laptop called the Taifa that was recently launched and is already in the market. I have to admit it was impressive. Some of the counties in Kenya also had the chance to show people what they were doing in their counties as well as guiding potential investors in the various sectors with potential investment.

Having used the chance to network and ofcourse to collect a number of business cards, I got to learn that the greatest challenge as potential entrepreneurs is that we are ignorant of the many opportunities that are available for us. People have multimillion dollar ideas but lack the capital to implement these ideas moreover, from what I came to learn, it is not the capital we lack but what we lack is the exposure. If young entrepreneurs were well exposed, they would know about the many business people and companies that train and incubate entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into viable businesses. We therefore hope to see more summits both domestic and international to help young entrepreneurs grow and network with the successful entre-

preneurs we have in the world today.

The success of the GES means a better view of Kenya to the world, even after CNN called Kenya a terrorist bed, the successful and safe tour of POTUS to Kenya has changed the negative perception that had been presented to the world about Kenya and we therefore look forward to hosting more tourists in Kenya and more investors coming to exploit the untapped resources we have in this beautiful country. Like the trending hash tag, #CHOOSEKENYA we sure do need the world to choose Kenya and help us grow more because we do have a lot to offer and the world needs to not just see but acknowledge it.

Moreover, Kenyan entrepreneurs have a better chance to develop their ideas. Having the shark tank billionaires among other successful business people from all-over the world means that the world knows Kenya has the potential to grow and are willing to share their experiences and skills in business and we should therefore use this platform and motivation as a starting point to our economic growth.

A Girls’ musings

Rising to the occasioin, the nightmare of men

BY KAWIRA KANINI

A

ll over the world and across all living creatures, the male dominates.

From the man in the house, the cockerel in the coop to the lion in the den, the masculine lead. In his space the man will give a command, the cock crows and will do his jig while the lion roars.

They all love to display style, power and strength. Man will use money to buy style and authority; the cockerel will shake the red crown on his head while the lion will walk majestically like he owns the world. For him the mane tells

it all!

All these are considered to be an integral part of the respective male characteristic. It is generally expected that the males will behave in a certain way to lord their authority over the females.

I have watched the behavior of the masculine from the animal kingdom and have observed some interesting characteristics; The cockrel, once let out of the coop together with several hens, will take charge of the group. He will guide them towards the direction he wants; calling out in cockerel language .He will dig the ground with his feet for worms in

the ground and feed the mature hens like chicks. Alert all this time, his cockeye will glance in all directions and if he notices the unwelcome predator, he`ll give a warning and the hens will scamper to safety. He`ll occasionally swallow just a morsel to keep him going and give some energy for the ultimate price; mating Men are not different from their counterparts from the animal kingdom. Indeed the late Zairen former president Mobutu Sese Seko used to refer to himself as Kuku Ngbendu Waza Banga (The cockerel that watches/crows over all the hens)! This was in obvious admira-

tion of the cockerel lifestyle.

A little down south in Swaziland, king Mswati dances with a hundred virgins to secure his umpteenth bride. I once asked a male friend what his best wish would be and he said he would wish to be the king of Swaziland!

The terrorists are not to be left behind by this male obsession with the females. It is romoured that male suicide bombers are promised 72 virgins when they go to the next word. This wonder promise gives them the courage to plunge themselves into horrendous acts as they look forward to the party on the next planet.

Thus it comes as a little surprise that men dread the inability to rise to the occasion like plague. Ask any grown man what the biggest challenge he ever came across and the story will be the same; that night he went out with a woman and couldn’t do a thing.

Some men are known to carry energy boosters on the standby just in case. Others have taken an overdose of sexual potency drugs with disastrous and sometimes fatal consequences, all in the name of the ability to perform. Is this a curse of the masculine?

COUNTY REVIEW

bizwise

AUGUST 2015

25

Self-confidence biggest asset in business growth Many entrepreneurs have self-limiting beliefs and doubts that drag start-up’s pursuit for success

BY Eric Kinoti

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ost people want success; successful businesses and successful life, but they how they describe themselves and their start-ups, you can tell they are not confident enough and they don’t believe in themselves. One of the major characteristics of entrepreneurs is self-confidence. They believe that their business ideas are better than others. Successful entrepreneurs do not have to worry about the problems they will meet in the future.

They know that they have selfconfidence and the ability to solve any challenge they may face.

In my many interactions with budding entrepreneurs, I have come to realise that the biggest thing that hold us back is confidence. You will hear someone introduce him/herself like, I am so and so and I HAVE A SMALL BIZ… You see right there, they have already limited themselves with their words. There is no biashara that is small if it’s operating.

If you go to the west, a startup talks and sees his company

as a global enterprise. He may not have an office of the capital to expand, but they believe in their ideas so much that they see them as global ideas. “And what’s true for America is also true for Kenya. You can’t be complacent and accept the world just as it is. You have to imagine what the world might be and then push and work toward that future. Progress requires that you honestly confront the dark corners of our own past; extend rights and opportunities to achieve excellence,” US President Barack Obama told Kenyans recently.

I struggled with my self-confidence when I was starting, I had some many doubts in my head that when I approached anyone, it’s like they saw my doubts too. The thing is if you don’t believe in yourself, no one will ever give you a minute of their time. You must master the art of expressing yourself with confidence and the interesting thing about self-confidence is that, no matter what your history, background, or current state of confidence you can learn to be self-confident.

Many young people think that entrepreneurship is doing

something that has never been done before, but no one has ever sat down, looked around and see what is being imported and see if it is possible for them to produce those products to bridge the gap?

You see, this goes back to confidence, we think we cannot refine an idea unless we sit pretty and wait until when our mind will come up with something. The things we are importing and yet we have the capacity and produce them locally are many. I am told most huge supermarkets import chopped chips from Egypt; something that can be done here, locally. We buy wheat flour from other nations when Kenyan highlands are producing wheat.

The same case with many agricultural and industrial products. It is time to start filling the gaps in our economy if we want to move up the ranks.

I believe now more than ever that African youth are the most innovative and if we could only have confidence and trust in our ideas and everything we put our mind into, there is nothing we can import from the West.

In order to be a successful entrepreneur you need to develop and have self-confidence. Today. As you leave your house, declare this with me, “i believe, first of all, in god, and next to all, in me”. You need to stop looking for some extra-ordinary ideas, start looking for existing ideas that haven’t been done here, yet, study them, research extensively on them, better them and confidently execute them. I believe if I did it with Shade Systems, anyone can do it.

It’s from self-awareness and the willingness to work with and listen to others that you gain self-confidence. Confidence means that one has enough self-belief and belief in those around him or her to resist the knocks that will usually come and still pursue their vision.They also need to have the confidence to lead and they must be able to converse with confidence when dealing with others outside of the immediate organisation. A confident entrepreneurs has a clear and achievable vision • A vision where all the resources may not be in their

control • Self-awareness • Confidence • Self-motivation • A willingness to take calculated risks • A willingness to listen to others • A lack of fear of failure • A willingness to work hard Just as Obama said during the Global Entrepreneurs Summit, Kenya is on the Move, Africa is on the Move and it will need confident young entrepreneurs to steer it forward.

You don’t have to go to any other country to get anything, everything you need to start and achieve great heights is right here.

Eric Kinoti is the founder and directorof Shade Systems (EA) Ltd, Alma Tents Ltd, Bag Base Kenya Ltd and Safi Sana Home Services Ltd.He been listed on Business Daily’s Kenya Top 40 under 40 and Forbes’ Top 30 under 30 and voted the Most Infl uential SME personality at the SOMA Awards.

Read more at www.erickinoti.com and www.entrepreneursbootcamp.net

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COUNTY REVIEW

ADVERTORIAL

AUGUST 2015

September and December Admissions Faculty of arts and humanities 1) Diploma in community development 2) Diploma in journalism & mass communication 3) Bachelor of arts (BA) 4) BA in economics and sociology 5) BA in communication and media 6) Ba criminology & security 7) B.Sc. in community development 8) B. of library and information studies 9) MA in history 10) MA in geography 11) MA in philosophy 12) MA in religious studies 13) MA in English language and linguistics 14) MA in Kiswahili 15) MA in literature 16) MA in sociology 17) M.Sc. in community development 18) Ph.D. in community development 19) MA in journalism and mass communication 20) Ph.D.in literature 21) Ph.D.in English 22) Ph.D. in religious studies 23) Ph.D. in communication and media 24) Ph.D. in Kiswahili 25) Ph.D. in history and political science

April, May September & December Intakes

Faculty of Agriculture and environmental studies 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

Diploma in animal health and production Diploma in farm management Diploma in horticulture Diploma in tourism and hotel management B.Sc. animal science B.Sc. in agriculture B.Sc. in agricultural economics B.Sc. horticulture B.Sc. in ecotourism & hospitality management 10) Bachelor of catering and hotel management 11) Bachelor of tourism and hotel management 12) B.Sc. in wildlife enterprise 13) B.Sc. in environmental science 14) B.Sc. in natural resources 15) M.Sc. in animal nutrition 16) M.Sc. in horticulture 17) M.Sc. in plant biotechnology 18) M.Sc. in agronomy 19) Masters in tourism management 20) M.Sc. in environmental science 21) Ph.D. in horticulture 22) Ph.D. in animal science 23) Ph.D. in plant Biotechnology 24) Ph.D. in crop science

25) Ph.D. in dry land agriculture 26) Ph.D. in food science 27) Ph.D. in environmental science 28) Certificate in hospitality and ecotourism 29) Certificate in animal health and production

Faculty of business studies 1. Certificate in Business Management 2. Certificate in Sales and marketing 3. Certificate in procurement and Logistics Management 4. Diploma in Business management 5. Diploma in Human Resource management 6. Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Management 7. Bachelor of Commerce 8. Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and small Business Management 9. Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management 10. B.Sc. in Economics and Statistics 11. Bachelor of agro business management 12. Masters of business administration 13. Ph.D. in business and management

Faculty of Science and Technology 1) Certificate in Computer Science 2) Certificate in Computer Literacy 3) Certificate in Computer Repairs 4) Certificate in Software Engineering 5) Certificate in IC Technology 6) Diploma in Computer Science 7) Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] 8) B.Sc. in Computer Science 9) B.Sc. in Applied Computer Science 10) B.Sc. in Biochemistry 11) B.Sc. [Biomedical Science and Technology] 12) M.Sc. in Chemistry 13) M.Sc. in Mathematics 14) Ph.D. in Biochemistry 15) Ph.D. in Biomedicine 16) Ph.D. in Chemistry 17) Ph.D. in Mathematics 18) Ph.D. in Statistics

Faculty of Education and Resource Development 1) Diploma in Education [Primary] 2) Diploma in Education [Secondary] 3) Diploma in Guidance and Counseling 4) Diploma in Early Childhood Education 5) B.Ed. in Early Childhood Education 6) Bachelor of Education [Primary] 7) Bachelor of Education [Arts] 8) Bachelor of Education [Science] 9) B.Sc. in Agricultural Education and Ext. 10) Bachelor of Psychology 11) Postgraduate Diploma in Education 12) M.Ed. in Curriculum and instruction

13) M.Ed. in Educational Foundations 14) M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling 15) M.Ed. in Educational Management 16) M.Ed. in Science Education 17) Ph.D. in Psychology 18) Ph.D. in Educational Management 19) Ph.D.in Curriculum Development 20) Ph.D.in Science Education 21) Ph.D.in Educational Foundations

Faculty of Health Sciences 1) B.Sc. in Nursing [Basics] 2) B.Sc. in Nursing [Upgrading]

BRIDGING COURSES English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology etc

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 1.

2.

Doctorate Master’s Degree in the relevant field.

Masters Bachelor’s Degree with at least Upper Second class Honors or its equivalent in the relevant field OR Bachelor’s Degree with lower second class Honors with 2 years’ experience or its equivalent in the relevant field.

3. Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Holders of any of the following Degrees:

B.A., B.Sc., M.A. 4. Bachelors

K.C.S.E with an average of C+ and above Passes in five approved subjects as determined by Senate from time to time

A Diploma or equivalent with distinction or credit in the relevant field.

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K.C.S.E with a C and above or its equivalent, except where specified.

A certificate from a recognized institution or equivalent with a credit.

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K.C.S.E with a minimum of D+ A certificate from recognized institution 7. Bridging courses

K.S.C.E average of c and above for those planning to join diploma an degree courses, respectively All certificates and diploma courses gives candidate access to higher courses through credit transfer where applicable

Degree programme takes four years Diploma programmes take 18- 36 months depending on the programme

Certificate course take two weeks to 18 months depending on the programme

Bridging courses take (8) weeks

APPLICATION PROCEDURE a) Applications should be on official forms available at the main campus at Chuka, Igembe campus at Ntuene secondary school, Embu campus in Embu town OR on website www.Chuka.ac.ke b) Nonrefundable fee for degree and diploma programmes and 1000 Kenya shillings for certificate courses to be deposited in the: Kenya commercial bank, Chuka branch A/C no. 011 29058189900 c) Deposits may be at any branch d) Return applications to P.O BOX 10960400 Chuka. Attention should be: Director, Graduate school for post graduate programmes, and Registrar (academics) for under graduate, diploma and certificate courses. Certified copies of certificates and original fee payment receipt MUST be attached to the application form and returned latest two weeks prior to the commencement date given for the programmes e) One academic year is equivalent to two semesters for full time, or three blocks for school based students. f) Diploma holders may take a shorter period through credit transfer g) Preferred campus should be indicated on the application form

FEES STRUCTURE Ph.D.

145,000 per year

Masters :( arts)

120,000 per year

Masters :( sciences) 130,000 per year PGDE

90,000 per year

Bachelors (arts)

100,000 per year

NB: additional entry requirements may be specified under each programme/course Duration

Bachelors :( sciences) 110,000 per year Certificate

7500 to 60,000

Bridging

17,000 per course

Masters programs take two years PGDE programme takes one year

Diploma

80,000 per year

COUNTY REVIEW

BUSINESS

AUGUST 2015

bizwise

Mt Kenya east suppliers cry foul over supermarkets

By MUSYOKA NGUI

S

uppliers across the Mt Kenya east are hopeful that the growing number of supermarket chains entering the region’s retain business will soon boost their businesses.

So far, it is clear: the supermarkets largely sell products sourced outside the region, at the expense of the locals.

According to random spot checks by the County Review, local suppliers trying to do businesses with the incoming retail outlets have largely been frustrated.

Decision makers running the businesses say that suppliers’ lists are finalised either in Nairobi, Nakuru or Thika, where most of these supermarkets have their headquarters.

In some instances, the supermarkets are just not interested in local products, saying that they are under instructions not to take them in.

There are cases where some of the local producers have failed to meet basic requirements, especially bar coding of their products and even packaging.

Then there are those who may not meet the capital requirements to quality as a supplier to the retail outlets.

In a bid to entice the retail outlets

operating in the region to procure locally, the Meru County government had proposed a law. The outlets were supposed to give priority to local businesses when it comes to procuring and staffing. It was not immediately clear how that went.

Suppliers prefer supermarkets for a number of reasons, among them the fat profit margins they offer. A report indicates that supermarkets offer 10 to 20 per cent higher margins.

Up to 46 per cent of suppliers say that they prefer dealing with supermarkets as it is an easier way, which lowers their costs.

In many countries across the world, governments impose strict quotas on local products vis-à-vis international ones, plus on human resources. This means, businesses operating within their territories must involve local businesses.

Meanwhile, the region’s retain sector continues to grow.

Supermarket retail chain Mathai supermarket is the latest entrant into the region. It has opened a branch in Meru town.

Located opposite Angaine Plaza, the retail chain joins leading players in the sector who include Nakumatt,

Tuskys, Uchumi, Budget, and Samrat supermarkets, which have outlets in the town and elsewhere.

The new investments clearly prove the town’s economic muscle and unexploited business potential.

According to the Meru County First County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2013-2017, there are more than 100,000 people aged between 15 and 49 years working in the town.

The Embu county CIDP notes that the “county is likely to witness a more rapid rise in population due to the increase in rural urban migration. It is only town in Mt. Kenya East which has a Naivas supermarket outlet.

Chuka town in Tharaka-Nithi County recently welcomed a new entrant into the retail chain industry after Magunas pitched camp just opposite its main competitor Jatomy in Chuka. Magunas is spreading its tentacles from Embu and other towns.

Mathai supermarket will offer bakery, kitchen services, butchery, fresh farm produce and assorted goods to the fast growing Meru town population.

Mathai has branches in Nyeri, Thika and Embu. Having spread its wings to Meru, the local supermarket retail competition is bound to up the retail ante to the advantage of shoppers.

Mathai covers the ground floor, first and second floors of the building that housed Cooperative College which relocated to Makutano in the outskirts of Meru town opposite Angaine Plaza.

There has been a trend that businesses prefer the Makutano area of the Meru town as opposed to the business district. The heavy traffic jams on the Makutano-Meru road has made accessing the business district difficult for people who live in the Makutano side of the town.

Another interesting entrant into the supermarket chain in Meru is Magunas Supermarket.

The outlet’s Meru team leader, Amos Kyalo at the Makutano branch which is coming up says that Makutano is a 24 hour economy. He notes that even when in Meru town businesses close at 10 p.m, Makutano is still very much awake.

27

New entrant, Equitel takes 1.9 per cent share of mobile subscriptions

By correspondent

T

he Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Finserve Africa (Equitel) acquired a share of 1.9 per cent of the total mobile subscriptions by registering 665,661 mobile subscribers during the JanuaryMarch 2015 period.

According to the latest statistics from the Communications Authority, Equitel recorded on-net traffic of 2.3 million minutes during the quarter while the traffic to other mobile networks stood at 17.2 million.

The entry into the market by the MVNO shows that there is still potential for growth and further competition in the mobile sub sector.

Mobile subscriptions continued on the upward trajectory and recorded a growth of 3.6 per cent to reach 34.8million subscribers from 33.6million recorded in the previous quarter. This represents mobile penetration of 85.5 per cent.

According to the report, the number of mobile money transfer subscribers increased by 3.0 percent to reach 26.7 million up from 26.0 million recorded during the last quarter while the number of agents rose to 126,622 up from 121,924.

Data/internet subscriptions grew to 18.8 million up from 16.3 million subscriptions recorded during the last quarter, a growth of 14.3 percent. Internet users, as a result, rose to 29.1 million up from 26.1 million the previous quarter.

This raised the population with access to internet to 71.7 percent up from 64.1 percent during the last quarter.

Fixed network traffic declined by 11.2 percent to register 22.3 million minutes down from 25.1 million minutes realised during the last quarter.

The number of postal and courier outlets remained stagnant during the quarter and stood at 622 and 788 respectively Source- Communications Authority of Kenya http://www.ca.go.ke/index.php/what-we-do/94-news/344-newentrant-equitel-curves-out-1-9-share-of-mobile-subscriptions

28

COUNTY REVIEW

ADVERTORIAL

AUGUST 2015

COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF THARAKA NITHI

Tharaka Nithi County Assembly invites citzens to participate direct participation or indirectly through elected representatives.

Article 10 (2) of the Constitution provides that public participation is a national value and principle of Governance. One of the objects of devolution is to give powers of selfgovernance to the people and enhance the participation of the people in making decisions affecting them. This is a principal we hold dear in Tharaka Nithi County Assembly We are therefore calling on all Citizens to participate in all or some of the many ways provided for in our constitution.

MESSAGE FROM THE SPEAKER

I

am grateful and honored for the privilege to serve as the the first Speaker of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly. My commitment as speaker is to continue playing the role of a non biased referee, moderator and champion of key legislative bills that will serve to bring great service and development for the benefit of the good citizens of this county.

The Assembly is the House of the People of Tharaka Nithi County, open to the citizens, an Assembly that is yours. This is where those elected by the people legislate, exercise oversight, make representation and debate questions of general interest.

We invite you to come and visit your Assembly. Public participation is a principle that has been given prominence in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The people’s sovereign power can be expressed through

Some bills that have been passed by the house so far as follows: How can one Participate in the events of the County Assembly?

There are many ways on how the public can be engaged or get involved in the events of County Assembly, these include:

• Observe debates in the Plenary Session.

You can observe plenary sessions from the public galleries of the Chamber. The House meets at 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday and at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Kathwana County Assembly Chambers.

• Attend a Committee meeting.

You can observe committee discussions, kindly check on the committee scheduling on date and time of a committee sitting. If you wish to speak before a

committee, authorization is required.

•Submissions A submission to a Committee of County Assembly is one way of making your voice heard in Assembly. By making a submission, you have an opportunity to influence the opinion of Members of a Committee who are discussing and debating a particular piece of legislation before it is finalized.

The first step is usually to make a written submission to a Committee.

Members of that particular Committee will go through all the written submissions received from members of the public or interested organizations and then, based on the written submissions, may decide to invite some to appear before the Committee to explain their written submission. That is called an oral submission.

County Assembly Committees, through advertisements, often invite members of the public to make written submissions when they are considering a particular matter. The relevant contact details will be contained in the invitation for submissions.

General tips on making a submission There is no set format for a written submission. Your submission could be a simple letter of support or opposition. It could also be a longer document with suggestions for changes. The important thing is to say clearly what you want to say. The following tips may help you when preparing your submission: 1. The shorter and simpler, the

better. Committees receive many submissions at a time and a submission that is brief and to the point will facilitate their work.

2. If your document is long, include a summary of the main points and recommendations.

3. If you are making the submission as an individual, explain why you want to comment on the legislation. State if you have training or experience that is relevant to the issue.

4. If you are making the submission as an organization, briefly describe the organization. Who are its members? Why are they concerned about this particular matter? Does the organization have special expertise or experience in regard to the substance of the matter being discussed?

5. Explain your point of view. Say whether you want to support or oppose a bill or the issue being deliberated upon. If you want to suggest changes, explain what they are.

6. Use the language that you feel most comfortable with.

Assembly, as the representative of the people, encourages the use of all official languages and would like all citizens to feel free to participate in the work of the Assembly in the language of their choice.

How to deliver a submission You can deliver your written submission personally, or post it. If you post it, ensure that you leave enough time for it to arrive before the deadline. Indicate on your submission if you would also like to

COUNTY REVIEW

ADVERTORIAL

AUGUST 2015

COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF THARAKA NITHI

Active County Assembly passes several Bills into Acts ensure development and services reach the grassroots level.

7. The Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Service Board Bill 2013 This Bill sponsored by Hon. Wilson Nyaga, Chairperson Majority Leader This act makes further provisions for the County Assembly Service Board and the County Assembly Service as established under â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the County Governments Act and for connected purposes.

8. The Tharaka Nithi County Appropriation Bill,2014 1. Tharaka Nithi Assembly Revolving Fund 2014

T

his bill sponsored by Hon. Albano Kiania, Chairperson Planning, Trade &Cooperative Committee This is an Act of the County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi to establish a revolving fund to provide low interest loans to members and staff of the County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi and for connected purposes 2. Tharaka Nithi County Appropriation Act 2014 This Bill sponsored by Hon. Albano Kiania, Chairperson Planning, Trade &Co-operative Committee This is a law that sets money aside for specific spending. In the Kenya devolved system of government, approval of the county assembly is necessary for the county government to spend money. The act authorizes the county treasury to spend money for services and goods for the financial year. It is also commonly known as the Budget.

Participation Bill 2014 3. The Tharaka Nithi County Finance Act 2013 This Bill sponsored by Hon. Bedford Mwambia, Chairperson Budget and Appropriation committee The purpose of the finance act is to provide for the revenue raising measures of the County Government of Tharaka Nithi and for connected purposes. It relates to taxes, service fees and other revenue measures by the Tharaka Nithi County Government. This is the law that authorizes and guides the County Government on revenue measures 4. The Tharaka Nithi County Bursaries Fund Bill 2014 Bill sponsored by Hon. P.K. Mwabu Chairperson Early Childhood & Vocational training The purpose of the Act is to provide for the Bursary Fund and procedures for efficient allocation and disbursement of bursaries and other related scholarships by the County Government 5. The Tharaka Nithi County Public

This bill sponsored by Hon. Royford Muchiri Chairperson Labour & Social welfare committee The act provides a mechanism for the involvement of and participation by the public in decision-making and governance processes in Tharaka Nithi County in accordance to the Provisions of Articles 1, 10, 174, and 232 of the Constitution and Sections 87, 88 and 91 of the County Governments Act and other laws requiring public participation.

6. The Tharaka Nithi County ward Development Fund Bill 2014 This Bill sponsored by Hon. Bedford Mwambia, Chairperson Budget and Appropriation committee This law provides for the establishment of a Fund for promoting development in the Wards and to set up institutional framework for coordinating development initiatives and projects in the Wards, and for connected purposes. It allows for creation of ward committees and ward administration infrastructure to

This bill sponsored by Hon. Bedford Mwambia, Chairperson Budget and Appropriation committee The act authorizes the county treasury to spend money for services and goods for the financial year 2014/2015.

9. The Tharaka Nithi County Alcohol Control Bill,2014 This bill sponsored by Erastus Kinyua -Chairperson Committee on Delegated County Legislation This Act provides for the licensing and regulation of the production, sale, distribution, consumption and outdoor advertising, of alcoholic drinks, and for connected purposes 10. The Tharaka Nithi County Finance Bill,2014 This bill sponsored by Hon. Bedford Mwambia, Chairperson Budget and Appropriation committee Provide for the revenue raising measures of the County Government of Tharaka Nithi and for connected purposes for the financial year 2014/2015

29

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COUNTY REVIEW

Classifieds

MOB WORKS CELLULAR SOLUTIONS

Bhajia, chips, pilau, matoke and pepper steak, Tea Coffee Contacts: 0722 329 628

RAMEX ENTERPRISES

Located at Morning Glory plaza Service offered:Repairs and Sale of touch screens, Flashing phone memories,Sale of batteries and screen guards Contacts 07222 80864 Email: mobworksnet@gmail.com

BROAD ENTERTAINMENT

Services offered: Sale of accessories like chargers, earphones and cables, Sale of movies Contacts 0710 5277 32

JJ ELECTRONICS-

Located at Baraka Plaza Services: Sale of electronics, motorbikes,& Water pumps Contacts 0722 882 502 Email: jjelectronicsconnect@ yahoo.com

ITABUA CHEMIST- OPP KIRITIRI STAGE

Located at Blue Valley Service offered: Supply of flour, Cooking oil Contacts: 0729391299 Email: alyky88@ gmail.com ETharaka Nithi county

HIRAM PHOTOGRAPHY, Dealers in professional event photography Nairobi Call: 0716555321.

THE BLACKMERG GROUP

Services offered: events management and entertainment Nairobi.

Mobile: 0719333444.

Dealers in residential internet connectivity for heavy users, research projects and consultancy on online jobs, sale of Safaricom Data bundles, Contact 0715 180 235

BISMATEC SOLUTIONS

MASHARIKI PRODUCTIONS Service offered: Sale of drugs and cosmetics Contacts 07222 84296

located at Kubukubu Shopping center, services: Dry cleaning clothes, carpets, mats Contacts 0722 566 580

Dealers in Wedding accessories, flowers, wholesale and retail prices available.

Located at Mosque hill road Tawakal Building Meru, room no 16 Telephone: 0725 337 900 0725 924 505

NEEMA OPTICIANS

SAM ELECTRONICS

Dealers in: mobile phones and Electronics Contacts: 0724640951

REGIB GENERAL SHOP

Dealers in electronics mobile phones and parts, mpesa services Ndagani Contact: 0706838303

JUMA DELTA STATIONERS-

Located at Mama Ngina Street Service offered: Stationeries, Mobi cash (Dipek agent) Airtel money transfer, Co op Jirani

GOLDEN STRANDZ

Service offered: Facial therapy, Bridal packages Baby locks,Weaving,Manicure,pedicure Contacts: 0729 937 001

CHEMYS JUICE PARLOR/ CAFE

Service offered: Healthy juices – carrot juice, wheat grass juice, Passion juice, Cocktail, Fruit salad

Services: video coverage, photography, GoTv installation, urgent passport, and video editing.

Chuka town Contact us on: 0723920872 Silmo driving school Services; driving course class in E, BCE,and FG, motorcycleand refresher causes Chuka.

JOYFUL WOMEN ORGANIZATION (JOYWO)

DARIMA PROPERTIES LTD

opp ntugi towers deals with real estate mgt events,rent collection,consultancy services letting services contact:0729859025-Anthony Kirea

DIANA REAL ESTATE AGENCY

QUEENS CAFE

GIGGS CYBER

along njuuri ncheke street equity agent,cooperative agent deals with all types of phones and phones accessories contact:0723530017 or 0727570084

HANDI PRINTERS

opposite post bank Meru 0722821405-Elizabeth

DATOH ELECTRONICS AND MPESA AGENT

WESTGATE COMPUTER SERVICES

Real estate and property developers’ services Located at ndagani along the Meru-Nairobi highway Contact: 0721 336 687

SOPHIE’S ENTERPRISE AND GROCERIES

KIJATA ENTERPRISES

KELIS SNACKS AND GROCERY BASE

GREAT VISION INSURANC AGECY

bakes all types of cakes and breads opposite equity bank meru contact:0710120157

For the sweetest snacks and fresh groceries delivery sevices also provided Contact us on 0702662978 Located at Ndagani

located at riverland trade center room 8 contact:0720723904 deals with insurance covers eg:motorvehicles,psv,properties etc.

KILELE BYTES

FIRST LADY BEAUTY SHOP

HEALTHY ME

near imenti wines and spirit Meru town contact:0725427746 John Bosco Ndegwa

FARMERS CENTRE LTD

P.o box 2068-60200 Meru.Tel:0722-478264 located along Njuri Ncheke street next to cfc Bank.

COURTESY CYBER

Dealers in trendy second hand ladies clothings, New shoes, flats, Nail art & Jewellry.

Chuka Call/whatsapp: 0701689002

UNCLE MARTO ELECTRONICS

Dealer’s in electrical equipment’s, phone repair, digital decoder installation, and mpesa services, Ndagani

AFFPOL GARBAGE COLLECTION AND CLEANING SERVICE

Services offered: Garbage collection, Mama Safi, Pest control, carpet cleaning & Car wash Call: 0720772289 or 0717315619

Provides the best indigenous porridge and a wonderful pudding at your door step.Different indigenous porridge floor combinations also available.

Located at Ndagani opposite the Chuka university pavilion.

Contact: 0724866525.

SOKOFRESHI

Provides a ready market and for your produce at the comfort of your home through your phone.

Best mobile phone platform for both clients and suppliers Contacts :0723466067.

Opp consolidated bank for first internet services contact:0721338704 Kenneth kiambi.

METROPOL-EMPOWERING BUSINESS DECISIONS

Credit reporting,credit rating,credit $ risk mgt solutions opp consolidate bank Tom mboya street Tel:0721338704 Meru

SAWASAWA UNIFORMS LTD

For all land matters located along tom mboya street Murerwa building first floor contact:0721945552-Njuguna kimani

We sell electronics phones, asseccories laptons and originalallied We are locatwed oppossite equilty/ sunrise hotel in embu Please call jane 0725225250

MEJIKEN INSURANCE AGENCY

ACK DiOCISAN OF EMBU BOOKSHOP

Tom mboya street Murerwa building first floor contact:0717304000

XTRADIMENSION BUILDING PLANS contact:0720708528 Tom mboya street,Murerwa building

KIAMA INDUSTRIES LTD

Tom mboya steet deals with school uniforms,yarns,blankets and baby items contact:0722578336-Kiara mugambi

BARISTA MARTINI BAR AND RESTAURANT Isiolo, Basilio Nthiga 0723212366 18. Visit Club Liquid Isiolo.

19. First lady Beauty shop next to Imenti wines and spirits Meru Contact John Boscso Ndegwa.

0725427746

OYFUL WOMEN ORGARNISATION (JOYWO)

Deals with all types of school uniforms,baby wear,beddings women and men clothes etc. along tom mboya street contact:0722780534

You get all primary secondary / colleges and other institutions books here We are located in embu near sun rise hotel Please call Joseph on 071665465

SLOPES COSMETICS/SUPPLY We supply all cosmetics in embu county and outside visit us in slopes building opposite Naivas supermarket for more information call Elizabeth Nteere 0722355780

CLASSIC KINYOZI IN EMBU

For a good cut visit us slopes building opposite Magunandu Supermarket please call raphael on 0719779272 Friends pub/senator keg and pork joint embu oppossite Magunandu Supermarket Please call Charles 0719104582

KIENI HOTEL/BAR / BUTCHARY

Empowering women through education Tharaka Nithi Nthiga plaza Contact: 0720175944

SHAMMAH TEXTILES

For tents and chairs for hire, outside catering, wedding decorations etc.

Located in Chuka town along forest road.

For delicious meals hot and cold drinks located near meru stage oppossite Magunandu Supermarket all are welcome

JAMTECH MINI SUPERMARKET.

MAMA MWENDE HARDWARE

For foodstuffs and household items Next to glorious hotel Ndagani market.

Contact: 0717775762.

BEI NAFUU AUTO WEAR, For men, women and children’s outfits Next to Magunandu supermarket Chuka town.

Contact: 0718232954.

KELLY INVESTMENT

For foodstuffs and household items.

Located in Ndagani market, Contact: 0727558233.

LITMUS HOTEL

For delicious meals e.g. fish, litmus rice, etc.

Near petrol station Ndagani market, Contacts: 0717775762.

INTEDEVELOPERS CONSTRUCTION NDAGANI

NORBERT HERBAL PRODUCTS

Dealers in herbal medical products ranging from soaps, beauty care lotions and many more Meru.

Contacts: 0720815082, 0738378215 Marite Agency - Meru

GENERATIONS ELECTRONICS AND ALLIED

Located in Chuka town, Messacco building Chogoria opposite stage Nkubu opposite stage.

For fashionable women clothes, shoes, and all type of groceries Located at ndagani.

Contact: 0726370485

For the best meals and efficient deliveries. Located at ndagani Contact:0728970092

B.N.R TRADERS EMBU

RIRAC DRIVING SCHOOL

computer sales,repair accessories,computer college printing and photocopy services opp nkubu main stage

P.C.E.A church.

Wines and spirits /mpesa We sell wines and spirit in embu town near county view hotel 0723499120 Beatrice

opp consolidated bank contact:0722446347-cornad momanyi

Empowering women through savings table banking and other empowerment programs Chuka Contact us on:0720 175944 Services: printing, lamination scanning, binding, stationaries, and all internet related servicesNdagani. contact us : 0712326953

NGEMA LAND AGENCIES

MERU MEDICARE STORES LTD

deals with:residential houses rental bussiness rooms, rent collections,property mgt, property sales i.e land,plots,houses etc.

Tom mboya street, murerwa building Tel:0722633318-mercy mwendwa

LINDAH’S BOUTIQUE

MUSA ELECTRONICS

Located at Kubukubu Road Opp Naivas Supermarket Services: Sale of electronics Contacts 0720 649 250 Email: musa459@gmail.com

EMTO VIDEO CENTER

Get help in house/office search in Meru town. Rent collection, property management Call: 0700634005

FRIM AGENCY NDAGANI Dealers in Event photography, event management online marketing and graphic design.

Located in chuka town.

Contact 0710477982 Meru county

SHYROMAT ENTERPRISES,

Located At Makuti Building OPP Kiritiri/Siakago Stage Service offered: Free eye examination and counseling Free repair and advice to our customers Eye check up using auto refractor, slit lamp Advanced eye examination with competency Reader@ Kshs 300 New frames with cheapest prices and designer frames Driving and computer glasses available Contacts 0721 266 955

services offered : video shooting, event coverage, digital photo processing, instant passport, photo framing and enlargement of photos. Chuka town contact us on: 0721307714

Services provide: printing, lamination, scanning, binding, stationaries, and all computer related services. Ndagani.

Contacts: 0721988445

MOUNT KENYA WINES AND SPIRITS LIMITED

RAYS DRY CLEANERS

SUNSHINE PHOTO STUDIO

MOGERE ONLINE SERVICES

Dealers in: M-pesa, sim card replacement and airtime Located at: Ndagani market off Ndagani Taxi stage contacts: 0723428075

Service offered: Sale of all types of wines and spirits Contact: 0725 093 91/0706 019 830 Email:mwanikimwara@gmail.com

AUGUST 2015

located near Meru stage oppossite iko toilets embu 0720483411 Kirimari chemist embu situated at embu stage oppossite iko toilets New sammar electrical we are in embu.

NICE CHIPS SAUSAGES AND CHICKEN CAFÉ WE are in

embu town next to magunandu supermarket for delicious meals visit s.

KIANJAGI MIXED DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL. Vacancies available in all classes Contact Principal 0721106633 Wellcome to Comfort inn @ marimanti. For tasty meals at our bar and restaurant. Accomodation and conference facilities available.

Your comfort is our pride. Call 254707581088

COUNTY REVIEW

For wines and spirit, m-pesa and equity agent services.

Located in Ndagani market, Contacts: 0722866835.

BOOK YOUR CLASIFIED AD WHILE OUR SPECIAL SME RATE of 3Kshs 3,000 Apply

HAWKS PRINTERS.

FOR MORE, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

For printing, scanning, photocopy, lamination, typesetting, designing cards etc.

Located in Ndagani, opposite

www.facebook.com/ countyreview

COUNTY REVIEW

SPORTS

AUGUST 2015

topsports

31

>>FOOTBALL

Woman referee rules a men dominated field

COOLING DOWN

By PURITY WAITHERA

L

A leading Senegalese wrestler takes a break. PHOTO. BBC.

Politics and lack of sponsorship threaten chogoria all stars survival

By NJAGI RWIGI

H

aving played only 13 games so far, Chogoria Allstars has already built a name all over Kenya due to its good performance in the Kenya Division 1 Football League. The club, which started in 2010 as Chogoria Medical Football Club used to get sponsorship from Chogoria Hospital, but last year the sponsorship was halted after they entered the national league due to the high budget needed to maintain it.

This led to the intervention of Tharaka-Nithi County Government which offered the club help and ensured they played their matches last year.

However, with the start of a new season this year, things have not been very good for the club. “We are facing a lot of challenges as a club this season. This is our best season yet it seems there are people who cant see that and all they want is the club to go down,” says

the team manager Tony Muriuki.

The club currently sits 4th after missing two games due to inadequate funds. According to the club official, the County Government has withdrawn their support citing lack of funds. This has led the club to not honoring two matches and the club fears that worse could happen. “That does not mean we have not sourced for other ways. We have tried to look for sponsors but again it’s not very easy. We are still waiting for a reply from MasterMind and John ‘Chap Chap’ and others.

We hope that we will get support,” Says Tony.

According to The Cabinet Secretary in charge of youth and sports in Tharaka-Nithi County Mr. Njoka, “We have been helping the club and its astonishing to hear claims that the club has missed matches because of lack of money. Yes we faced a hard financial month in June and July and that is always so because it’s the start of a new financial year but that does not

mean we couldn’t squeeze ourselves like we do other times when we don’t have money.”

He further continued to say that the County Government has not set any budget to support a club but they try to help.

According to Football Kenya Federation Lower Eastern Region (Embu, TNC) Vice Secretary Peterson Mugendi commonly known as Pele, “ It’s only in Tharaka-Nithi County where the county government doesn’t seem fully committed and involved. Embu County, Meru County, Isiolo, Machakos, to name but a few sponsor county teams and know the value of supporting sports. That is why Meru is the home of Tusker FC.” Recently, a member of County Assembly from Maara Constituency claimed that the club has a lot of foreigners and thus does not benefit the people of Tharaka-Nithi, remarks that did not go well with the Team Manager Tony and Pele.

“The club has only seven players who have been sourced

from outside out of 22. Football is not tribal or regional. Football is business. To shine you have to have the best. If you don’t have, you shop and the ones you shop will definitely motivate the young talents you have,” they said.

With the first leg not yet complete the club has long way.

Getting a sponsor will not only benefit the club and give players morale, but it will market the county as well as improve the economy of the county when they hold their home matches. Football officials believe there is need for the county government to partner well with officials and people with the technical knowhow to ensure that talents do not go to waste and that proper structures are put in place.

As the players go to practice in the morning and evening, they cross their fingers hoping that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. That everyone will support their journey to get into top flight football in the country.

et’s think football. Now, let’s think referee.

We all thought male, right? Well, one lady is here to show that, that is just a misconception. This is a lady, who has been able to climb the heights of refereeing despite the many challenges that come with it.

This is the story of Millicent Muguna from Tharaka constituency of Tharaka Nithi County who works as a referee.

I started refereeing in 2009 after playing for Mathare youths under 25 for one year. I was inspired by Tabitha Wambui, a highly sought after female ref, who refereed us during a match in Machakos. I could see the passion in her eyes when she said that football meant the world to her. Her passion, knowledge and skills while manning the game are what made me want to be just like her. I also wanted to help girls from my community become good in the football game.

This was the starting point for me.

The first game I refereed was a match between Muslim girls and Muthaiga football club in Nairobi in 2010. I also refereed a Copa coca cola league at Kibugua, Chuka. After that, I got to referee often and in 2012, I had a match every weekend.

I have refereed in many leagues and tournaments within and out of Tharaka Nithi County, especially in Mwingi and Machakos. I also got a chance to referee in Rwanda at Kayciru in Hope Academy during their annual tournament while on assignment there for one year.

Being a female referee in a region where this is considered a male profession can be quite hectic.

Challenges are not a rare thing here, considering my gender. But I have not let this challenges bring down my career. Challenges are part of life and I have gone through some. One big challenge I have faced is few training chances because football needs extensive training even for referees.

And sometimes, this exercise can be quite strenuous and could take a toll on my health. Despite this, I am slowly getting there and as of now I Can confidently exercise with my male colleagues without feeling strained.

I also get few chances to referee because male referees will rarely involve me while planning for matches simply because I am a woman. Sometimes, there is that fear that you will shine over them which will give you more chances only because you are a woman. This lifts up my pride and makes me want to work harder than normal because then I know that I have something big to offer which makes my male colleagues afraid of my work.

Sometimes I get a chance to referee but the teams are not amused by a female referee because of the misconception that male referees know football better therefore, better at refereeing.

However, I am humbled that I have refereed many male matches and at one time, I stopped a fight between players in a game and they listened, respected and adhered to my orders. A red card followed thereafter of course. Challenges make us stronger and I am glad that I have been through some; otherwise, I would not be where I am today.

This is something that I do passionately and so I do not intend to quit football as long as my age allows it…uzee tu. I intend to help young ladies become great footballers and better referees than I am. If we are more, then we will not have problems getting matches to referee. I love what I do and if I was to start over again, I would most definitely be referee.

Well, there you have it folks. This only proves the saying kazi ni kazi right. This should in one way or another encourage all the girls out there who want to pursue male oriented fields to go for it with no hesitation whatsoever.

COUNTY REVIEW

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AUGUST 2015

Political Analysis with

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Top five radio personalities in Mt. Kenya east

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ost of the radio listeners across the Mt Kenya East still prefer Muuga FM, a Royal Media radio station that broadcasts in Kimeru.

A new survey carried out by the Media Mechanics research unit last month between July 20 and 25 indicates that even with Muuga popularity, Meru FM is increasingly attracting more listeners, even outpacing older radio stations like Mwariama and Mugambo in the region’s vernacular segment.

As per a recent Ipsos media rating on listenership trends in the period between October and December 2014, Muuga FM was the most listened to radio station in Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.

The radio had a commanding market share of 43.2 per cent, with its two competitors Mwariama FM and Mugambo FM tying at 4.6 per cent.

KBC’s Mwago FM had 3.9 per cent of the ears.

At the time, Meru FM, which is

Mugambo 2% Others 1%

Thiiri 12% Mwariama 5%

Muuga 50% Meru 18% Mwariama 5% Mwago 8%

Meru 28%

Inooro 5%

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Favourite radio on Agriculture information

Muuga 43%

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BY MUSYOKA NGUI

Meru 18%

Meru 20%

BY George Kiogora

Felix Mwenda alias Mwenda Saba

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Muuga 38%

Others 1% Thiiri 3% Wimwaro 3% Musyi 1% Inooro 1% Mwago 3%

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Cooro 24%

Mbaitu 1%

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Self-styled medical ‘experts’ prey on Nkubu residents

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www.countyreview.co.ke

Muuga FM retains radio lead as Meru FM beats older rivals

INSIDE

Prof.

Macharia Munene

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owned by the Media Max that is associated with President Uhuru Kenyatta, took 4.2 per cent share.

Coming a few months after Meru FM raided the Muuga FM and poached some of its top presenters, the growth could be attributed to a number of factors, including new talent and the stepping up of the station’s marketing campaigns.

According to the Media Mechanics survey results, Muuga leads in most of the segments in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, closely followed by the Meru FM. Wimwaro FM, aslo owned by the Royal Media Services leads in Embu where a number of Gikuyu radio stations also commanding a good following. These include Cooro, Kameme and Inooro. Kikamba stations, Musyi and Mbaitu FM, also have listeners in Embu County. This is not surprising as Embu is also inhabited by Akamba on some parts.

In Embu, where radio is the most popular source of information on county affairs, Wimwaro FM takes the lion share in the different segments, including entertainment, politics, Ag-

County Review is Published by The Media Mechanics LTD, Printed by

riculture and news.

Meru listeners, on the other hand, are very particular about their vernacular radio station. Muuga leads, with Meru FM giving the Royal Media station a run for its money.

Muuga is exceptionally good in news and politics, with the new kid on the block, Thiiri FM, beating an older rival Mwariama on coverage of politics.

Surprisingly, Mwariama FM is loved by many on entertainment matters, standing just a few points below Muuga FM. In Tharaka Nithi where more people say they get information on counties from Facebook compared to those who get it from Churches and public barazas, Meru FM seems to have made great inroads.

The radio station has eaten into Muuga FM’s listeners seeking entertainment in the county headquartered in Kathwana.

The same is true on news and politics. Muuga still leads overall.

Feedback: editor@countyreview.co.ke

A

self-proclaimed herbal doctor stationed near Nkubu Bus Stage had the public mill around his concoctions as he demonstrated mysterious experiments to the shock of the onlookers.

The aging herbalist sporting advanced bald and kinky hair derided popular makers of soda and other soft drinks saying that they are the cause of cancer, high blood pressure, low libido and a raft of lifestyle diseases that dog today’s generation.

The herbalist performed “medical” exhibitions in a dirty mat as concoctions lay on the ground simmering to the amazement of the public.

The public needs civic education to discern con artists who scheme to fleece the unsuspecting ones.

One man who asked how to take the prescribed concoctions was dismissed by the herbalist to shut up and go to his home, climb a tree and pluck leaves and mix them with water stir and drink.

The herbalist had ‘newspaper’ cuttings as evidence of the popularity of alternative medicine. The public purchased drugs in varying amounts starting from Sh100 upwards. The herbalist also quoted the Bible – which he had a copy – as he went about his business undeterred.

The Ministry of Health and Kenya Poisons and Pharmacy Board should vet practicing medics in Kenya.

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