TAITA-TAVETA EXPRESS ISSUE NO 23

NO 23

Government throws spanners in the works as it emerges that the project cost has to be revised downwards , meaning it’s back to the drawing board for the ambitious mega project

-PAGE 8

Water and Sanitation CS Zachariah Njeru

Hon Simon K.Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary,ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development during the official opening of Qwetu Sacco Plaza in Voi. The CS was accompanied by among others Taita-Taveta governor

Andrew Mwadime, senator Jones Mwaruma, MPs John Bwire(Taveta) and Canon Peter Shake(Mwatate)

-Pages

Fresh hurdle towards implementation of the Mzima Two water project

The much awaited Mzima Two water project faces a new hurdle following the government announcement that it was going back to the drawing board over funding implications.

Despite the fact that successive governments have been hyping on this mega project and using it as a campaign tool every time elections are around the corner, it’s becoming apparently clear that there has been no goodwill towards the full implementation of the project.

This means that the water woes facing Taita -Taveta County and Coast region are far from over as the government sought to scrap the implementation of the Sh35 billion project.

According to Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Zachariah Njeru, the government was seeking an alternative approach to implement the project.

The CS who was addressing senators recently after the issue was raised by Taita-Taveta senator Jones Mwaruma pointed out that the initiative was terminated after it proved too costly and unattractive to investors.

The move has elicited mixed reactions from Tait-Taveta leaders who feel shortchanged.

“When will Taita-Taveta County and Coast region be taken seriously by the national government? When the government says the project is too costly and has to be halted who is to be believed because projects are undertaken after due diligence and cost implications have been considered” quipped former Voi nominated councilor Zacchaeus Maghanga.

In the recent past government leaders have been issuing contradicting statements concerning the project, which has raised doubts on its viability.

During a tour of Mzima Springs in October 2020, the then Water Cabinet Secretary Cicily Kariuki termed the mega project as key to serving the water needs of millions of people in Coast region.

The CS had noted that the commercial agreement was already in place with the financing to be executed by Exim Bank of China.

Previously, Taita-Taveta leaders have voiced protests over government plans to put up the second Mzima pipeline to serve mainly Mombasa are just indicators of a long running controversy over the water project spanning close to twenty years.

In fact if ever the project takes off, then chances of confrontations over the supply of water are high, if the recent pronouncements by local leaders are anything to go by.

During the leadership of governor John Mruttu, suggestions by Taita-Taveta leaders that the county should start levying charges on Mombasa county for using Mzima water met stiff resistance from the then governor Hassan Joho, forcing the Taita leaders to rescind their decision.

Taita-Taveta leaders, led by governor Andrew Mwadime and the five local MPs alleged that the government had launched the Mzima Two project behind their backs with intentions of supplying Mombasa.

Another bone of contention was that the Kenya Pipeline Corporation(KPC) was planning to recycle a used oil pipeline to supply water, with fears that this could pose a health risk to consumers.

However, KPC says it will undertake proper environmental and health audit before the oil pipes can be used.

Since 2018 the government has been saying the project had been failing to take off due to lack of funds.

The demand for water in Mombasa is about 150,000cubic metres daily against a supply of 67,000cubic metres.

Among the townships served by the Mzima pipeline include Voi, Maungu, Taru, Macknnon Road, Mariakani,Miritini and Mazeras.

The Mzima I pipeline is 220 kilometres long from its source at Mzima Springs in TaitaTaveta County to Mombasa. It was constructed in 1953 and took close to four years to reach Mombasa.

Knowing very well that the population would grow steadily over the years thereby raising the demand for water, the colonial government put up a Mzima II outlet which would run parallel with the existing one.

However 70 years down the line the Mzima II pipeline remains a pipedream despite the rapid growth in population in Mombasa and

other smaller towns along the pipeline.

In 2012 there seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel when plans were mooted to put up the second pipeline at a cost of Sh 40bn from the World Bank.

In August 2015 the then water and irrigation CS Eugene Wamalwa announced that Sh150m had been set aside as part of the Sh40bn funding for the project under the aegis of the Exim Bank of China.

He said TaitaTaveta County would be given priority in the water supply.

Since then, the pipeline project has been used as a political campaign tool, with little to show on the ground.

Taita-Taveta leaders have on many occasions raised concern over the poor supply of water to the county from the Mzima pipeline while a larger volume of water goes to Mombasa.

The panacea has been seen in the second Mzima pipeline which Taita-Taveta leaders insist should satisfy the county water demands before supplying Mombasa.

While serving as the chairman of the Coast Water Services Board(CWSB) former governor Granton Samboja picked up the project and later used it as a campaign tool but failed miserably.

Matters reached a head recently when information began circulating to the effect that the proposed pipeline would be put up largely to serve Mombasa town, drawing condemnation from Taita-Taveta leaders.

The project is also being dogged by controversy over allegations that a recycled oil pipeline would be used for the water project…et

Mzima Springs, key Coastal water source

that should be protected and jealously guarded

One of the major tourist attractions located in Tsavo West national park is Mzima springs.

Forever bubbling with life,Mzima is a wonder to behold as it is like a mystic fountain in an area that is perennially hot and dry. No other place is as breathtaking as the springs where visitors in need of enjoying a picnic can have a treat of a lifetime.

Visitors from tourist facilities such as Ngulia and Kilaguni safari lodges usually crown their tour of the park by visiting the springs.

At the springs visitors can also behold the aweinspiring Shetani lava flows.

The famous lava gets its name from the traditional belief that the volcanic activity that led to its formation was the work of the devil.

Local lore claims that on certain quiet nights, the screams of those who perished during the volcanic activity more than five hundred years ago can still be heard, when the earth heaved with fire and molten rock, burying hundreds of people alive.

From Mzima one can also view the bewitching Chyullu hills and the Five Sisters, small volcanic mountains which are products of the shetani lava flows.

Daily, the Mzima springs

gushes out with thousands of litres of crystal clear water that feeds Coastal counties with the precious commodity.

Visitors to the springs are usually thrilled by a glass house constructed smack in the middle of the springs lake, where once inside, they can view fish dancing as if in an aquarium as well as hippos moving leisurely or snoozing in the clear water.

There are also hundreds of mischievous monkeys which can be seen jumping from branch to branch of the acacia trees surrounding the springs.

Virtually all the wild animals, small and big, troop to the springs to quench their thirst, giving tourists and visitors an opportunity to view them at close range and take pictures.

Being the single most important source of water for the Coast region, Mzima pipeline has been a cause of much tension for coastal counties since the supply of water has been inadequate to meet the needs of the ever growing populations.

The Mzima 1 pipeline which was constructed in 1953 has now begun to succumb to age leading to frequent bursts and leakages which causes water shortages in Taita-Taveta County and other towns along the pipeline on the way to Mombasa.

Such a key water source that is both a tourist attraction and a source of water for thousands of Coastal people needs to be protect-

ed and jealousy guarded. However, selfish politics has always come in the way of proposed developments centering around the water source.

A couple of years ago, tension erupted between leaders from Taita-Taveta and Makueni counties, each claiming ownership of the water source.

On the other hand, the proposed Mzima Two pipeline has remained a pipe dream for the last two decades with political aspirants using it as a vote hunting bait but after taking office the matter is forgotten.

However, in the recent past, there have been renewed efforts to actualize the water pipeline, with the Exim Bank of China expressing willingness to fund the project at a cost of Sh40 billion.

Mombasa leaders have been vocal in petitioning the government to prioritize the water project that would go a long way in alleviating the regions water woes, especially the tourist Coastal city of Mombasa.

Mombasa requires about 150m litres of water daily, with the demand projected to increase to more than 187m litres in the near future.

The new project will see an additional 105,000 cubic metres of water daily.

The Mzima 2 will run parallel to the existing Mzima 1 ,thereby minimizing issues of compensation.

Why Taita-Taveta leaders betrayed residents of Mswambeni in the recent homes demolitions

The demolition of houses belonging to more than 3,000 residents at Mswambeni in Voi sub county has once again exposed the highly emotive issues of land ownership as well as the rotten underbelly of land acquisition.

Leaders of no less caliber than that of Azimio coalition leader Raila Odinga have expressed dismay at the inhuman action by the land owners.

During his tour of the area Raila empathized with the victims while saying the Azimio coalition was against such demolitions terming them inhuman Taita-Taveta leaders were also in tow,some shedding crocodile tears and giving promises (which most of them will not honour) to help the victims get justice.

They say justice delayed is justice denied.

However its an open secret that these leaders have been around since the Mswambeni controversy began,some have bought plots in the same area and disposed them, leaving the buyers at the receiving end.

In fact the Mswambeni debacle is a historical injustice that has taken so long to address.

When Bata company was invited by one of the pioneer political leaders in Voi, he was given the goodwill to set up a shoe factory so that local youths could get employment and boost the towns economy.

That was not a bad idea. However for reasons

that have not been clearly explained Bata relocated to Limuru but his signboard reading “Bata coming soon “ remained an eyesore for decades while the land was being subdivided and changing hands.

The so-called indigenous people began selling plots to unsuspecting people who in the absence of a caveat emptor, went ahead to put up permanent and semi permanent structures. This was despite the fact that another company had been registered and claimed ownership of the land from Bata.

It's sheer callousness for the new landowner to have been playing possum as people continued buying plots and settling, only to wake up and ordering the so called squatters to leave.

Our courts came in tow by issuing eviction notices culminating in the January demolitions. It's thus foolhardy for the same investor to come out and pretend to be waving an olive branch and asking those whose homes they demolished to sit with them and work out modalities of buying their plots back.

Many Victims are reading bad faith on the part of the investor saying had he meaning well, they should have approached the settlers and negotiated with them before demolishing their houses.

They say once beaten, twice shy.

The leaders in the county owe the Mswambeni residents an unequivocal apology for taking them for a ride for all these years the land controversy has been boiling under the surface.

Take serious and timely measures to curb deaths and injuriesinthemines

the carpet.

Recently three miners lost their lives when floodwaters swamped a mine at Kamtonga in Mwatate sub county.

Several others were injured.

Shortly afterwards, another miner died after a pit collapsed at Mkuki mines in the same sub count.

This is not the first time miners have been injured or killed in the line of duty.

However, it’s sad to see that after every accident, leaders condole with the bereaved, some shade crocodile tears and after a while it’s business as usual, till another disaster occurs.

The lives of people are not mere statistics because we are talking about bread winners who leavee their families languishing in poverty.

Whether it’s a pit collapsing on miners or wildlife attacks, the losses incurred cannot just be swept under

First it’s worthwhile to point out that most miners work in deplorable conditions, without protective gear to guard them against falling rocks and earth.

Safety of the miners is the prerogative of the employer and it begs the question as to the number of times the concerned government officials inspect the mines.

It's not far fetched to believe that there are basic safety standards laid out by the government and it beats all reason why deaths in the mines cannot be avoided.

On the other hand, there have been reports alleging that some of those who perish in these freak accidents are thieves who stealthily enter the mines to steal gemstones.

This is criminal. Yet it’s the responsibility of the mine owners to ensure that there is enough security, enough to keep out encroachers and thieves.

Crackdown on suspicious andunhealthyalcoholtimely

Cases of people being blinded or dying after consuming poisonous alcohol are not new in the country.

Homes have lost breadwinners while others have been left tending and nursing otherwise healthy people who have been incapacitated by the injurious brews. The burden of this nature cannot be taken lightly.

First, alcoholic drinks must be inspected to ensure that the alcohol content does not exceed the acceptable levels for human consumption.

This has been happening but probably due to corruption and laxity among the law enforcement agencies, the amounts of injurious and dangerous chemicals being sold as alcohol has increased

tremendously. It's a matter of concern that while the consumers are suffering from imbibing dangerous liquor, the brewers and distributors are smiling all the way to the bank.

As such the recent crackdown on sellers and distributors of alcohol couldn’t have come at a better time.

It's understandable that bars and wines and spirits outlets employ thousands of people countrywide but it’s also worthwhile to point out that safety and adherence to law must override all other concerns.

At the end of the day what we want is a healthy and working nation, not a society of sick and wretched people reduced to zombies by third generation alcoholic beverages .

Time to get to the bottom of Mzima Two conundrum

The recent statement from Water and Sanitation CS Zachariah Njeru that the Mzima Two water project won’t start soon over costing challenges implies that the project has been a myth all along.

Just like the Voi-Taveta road that was tarmacked long before it was actually repaired, the Mzima Two water project is yet to see the light of day.

Many see it as a political pipe dream that is revived on paper every time elections are around the corner.

Aspirants, both for national and county posts, have used the project to convince voters that it was about to become a reality only to vanish after the polls.

It's instructive to note that politics controls virtually every facet of our daily lives, for better for worse.

That a project of such magnitude in Coast region is being treated so casually goes along way to tell how our leaders are being taken for granted by the government.

While ideally development cake is supposed to be shared equitably to all parts of the country, reality on the ground shows a skewed system where the “politically correct”

regions benefit more than those perceived as peripheral or undeserving. This shouldn’t be the case since every Kenyan is a taxpayer and deserves to enjoy services without bias.

aggressive

However when all is said and done, the buck stops with Coast leaders who many perceive as docile and not aggressive enough to stand up for issues germane to their region.

The Mzima Two is one project that our leaders must now get to the bottom of. No pulling punches.

Positive growth outlook for Qwetu as Qwetu Sacco Plaza is opened in Voi CBD

The financial year ending December 31 2023 recorded an upward growth in all key areas for Qwetu Sacco.

According to the Annual report and Financial statements presented to the delegates during this year’s ADM at Vacani Hotel in Voi by the sacco chairman Alfred Mlolwa, there was remarkable growth in membership, asset base, members deposits, loan portfolio and share capital.

The share capital recorded an impressive growth of 24 per cent, rising from Ksh 127, 529,814 in the year 2022 to Ksh 158, 964,828 in 2023.

The loan portfolio grew by 14 per cent, rising from Ksh 2,387, 680,175 in the year 2022 to Ksh 2, 733, 880,628 in 2023.

The asset base grew from Ksh 3,223,610,935 in 2022 to Ksh3,556,846,061, representing an upward increase of 10 per cent.

Members deposits increased from Ksh 2,133,418,234 in 2022 to Ksh 2,353,596,252 in 2023, an incease of 10 per cent as well.

The sacco membership increased

from 53,691 in 2022 to 55,615 in 2023.

“The major business of the sacco is savings and credit for the mutual benefit of members. It’s from these savings that we build enough working capital to fund sacco activities like advancing credit to members and these loans ultimately help the sacco to generate income in the form of interest and other commissions which form the bulk of the income” said Mlolwa.

On that positive note, the sacco members would be smiling all the way to the bank to cash in on dividends with the board of directors ratifying dividends of 13 per cent on share capital and interest of 9.8 per cent on members long term deposits.

Mr Mlolwa at the same time pointed out that the sacco would continue working with the communities on various socio-economic areas through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The sacco chairman revealed that the strategic plan document was already in place and urged delegates to assist in implementing it.

Jubilation, song and dance as Qwetu Sacco Plaza is officially opened

It was jubilation, song and dance during the much awaited official opening of the Qwetu Sacco Plaza at the Voi CBD . Businesses almost came to a standstill as excited residents lined the streets to witness the colourful procession weaving its way from the magnificent building towards the Moi Stadium.

The Voi AIC church brass band belted out heartrending melodies as they led the march , to the excitement of all those who had attended the colorful event.

The Taita-Taveta County government choir was also at hand to play their part with well orchestrated music while the Mwazindika drummers made the climax of the entertainment at Moi stadium where the invited leaders joined in to dance and partake of the enchanting dances.

The chief guest during the event Hon Simon Chelugui, the Cabinet secretary for MSME Development said he had visited different sections of the building and was satisfied that it had met all the key requirements of a banking facility.

“I have been conducted through various sections of this building and I must say its design conforms with the requirements of a banking facility,” said Chelugui while praising the sacco for choosing an ultramodern designer for this facility.

Addressing invited leaders, Qwetu business partners and wananchi at Moi sta-

dium, Hon Chelugui said that through Qwetu the residents of Taita-Taveta and beyond would get greater access to financial services that would enable them undertake various investments and improve their financial wellbeing.

“An investment of the nature and scale we are witnessing today is a testament to the immense trust, sacrifice and commitment your members have put in the sacco. The grassroot presence of Qwetu sacco in the four sub-counties of TaitaTaveta and the opening of the new plaza in Voi is an affirmation of the society’s impressive growth trajectory” said CS Chelugui.

The CS pointed out that Kenyans were leading in terms of savings with more than Sh 1 trillion savings, with more than Sh 1.1 trn borrowed annually.

“Wth a sacco membership of more than 14 million, Kenya is leading in Africa in terms of membership, loan books and assets” said the CS.

With more than 30 per cent of national savings in saccos, the CS said the government was committed to ensuring that there is proper governance in saccos to safeguard the finances and savings of the various stakeholders.

Taita-Taveta governor Andrew Mwadime , senator Johnes Mwaruma and MPs Peter Shake(Voi) and John Bwire(Taveta) urged Taita- Taveta residents to join Qwetu in large numbers to make it the beacon of investment opportunities not only in Taita-Taveta but nationally as well.

The Board, management and staff of Qwetu SACCO wish to convey heartfelt gratitude to the Cabinet Secretary , ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development Hon. Simon K.Chelugui EGH,for successfully officiating the opening of the Qwetu Sacco Plaza in Voi over the weekend.

We are also grateful to Taita-Taveta Governor, Hon. Andrew Mwadime, his CECMs Getrude Shuwe, Danson Katuu and Shadrack Mutungi alongside chief officers Elizabeth

MPs, Canon Peter Mbogho Shake(Mwatate), Taveta county assembly speaker Wisdom Mwamburi and Mzugha , leaders from the provincial adminThe Principal secretary ministry of coopera-

All our partners and stakeholders including saccos that supported the event: Kenya police DT sacco, Imarika sacco,Tabasamu sacco,Ports sacco, Bandari DT sacco, Tabasuri sacco, Imarisha sacco, Chai sacco, Solutions

We are also greatly indebted to our banking other companies such as Centrino Technolosacco members and customers who have continued to be the backbone and momen-

QWETU SACCO CHAIRMAN ALFRED MLOLWA SPEECH DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF QWETU SACCO PLAZA ON APRIL 20 2024

QWETU SACCO CEO CHARLES KABA SPEECH DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF QWETU SACCO PLAZA ON APRIL 20 2024

HON SIMON K. CHELUGUI, EGH, THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR COOPERATIVES AND MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (MSMEs)

MR PATRICK KILEMI, THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (MSMEs)

MR DAVID OBONYO, THE COMMISSIONER FOR COOPERATIVES

H.E ANDREW MWADIME, THE TAITA-TAVETA COUNTY GOVERNOR

HON. JONES MWASHUSHE MWARUMA, THE TAITA-TAVETA SENATOR

HON.LYDIA HAIKA MIZIGI, THE TAITA-TAVETA WOMEN REP

HON. WISDOM MWAMBURI , THE TAITATAVETA COUNTY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER MADAM JOSEPHINE ONUNGA, THE TAITATAVETA COUNTY COMMISSIONER, MADAM GETRUDE NGINAI SHUWE, COUNTY

CECM, TRADE, COOPERATIVES, TOURISM AND INDUSTRIALIZATION , MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, QWETU SACCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT STAFF,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning

Today we are privileged to gather here for this important occasion for the official opening of Qwetu Sacco Plaza as we mark our 56 anniversary.

Through the support of our esteemed members, government and non-state actors, we are today celebrating this remarkable event in the history of the sacco.

The journey has been tough but our resolve has been steadfast, that’s why we can stand here today and boast of a membership of more than 55,000.

Due to our dedication to offer quality and efficient services to our members, Qwetu sacco has remained the sacco of choice not only in Taita-Taveta county but the whole of Coast region.

For many years we have been offering services from rented premises but now we are proud to offer the same in an ultramodern spacious environment.

Initially we had been domiciled at Tatecoh building in Wundanyi but after this building was completed in 2022,we relocated to Voi. Voi is the fastest growing urban centres in the county and the business enterprises coming up are a testimony to the centrality of the town for investment.

However our customers continue to get the relevant services from our sub county branches in Voi, Taveta, Wundanyi and Mwatate while plans are underway to set up another office in Mombasa.

Our members include those from the teaching profession, county government employees, parastatals and other corporates, ministry of health, business community, MPs, Knut, farmers, elected leaders and boda boda operators.

The Sacco rebranded from Taita-Taveta Teachers sacco to Qwetu sacco in 2014.

The sacco opened its common bond in 2002.

Governance:There are 9 Board of directors and 3 supervisory, all in line with the 1/3 gender requirement.

The society was officially registered in 1976. With the adoption of modern technology however, our customers continue to enjoy top notch services from their mobile devices with-

out having to travel physically to our offices for the same.

Secondly I must point out that issues of cyber crime are still an existential threat to all saccos and serious efforts are being geared towards ensuring that such miscreants do not access and interfere with members hard earned savings.

I must also underscore the fact that the sacco movement has continued to be the backbone of our economy especially in supporting small and micro enterprise ventures.

Through the strict enforcement of the legal framework, Kenya’s cooperative movement is ranked the first in Africa and the seventh internationally.

In 2013, Kenyan saccos were recognized as the fastest growing subsector in the world.

So far cooperative enterprises provide direct employment opportunities to over half a million people while over 2 million are benefitting indirectly.

The country’s saccos have so far mobilised savings to the tune of more than Ksh680 billion with assets base slightly higher than this. Savings mobilization in the saccos has been growing at the average rate of 30 per cent per annum with corresponding increase in income for cooperators.

On the other hand,there has been tremendous growth of cooperatives financial organization into giant financial power houses which surpassed the normal commercial banks and other financial institutions.

In fact the sacco sector has grown to a point where some saccos are bigger than commercial banks, with individual contributions also increasing at a steady rate.

Therefore as we gather here today to celebrate this remarkable milestone in the development of Qwetu Sacco.

I would therefore wish to appeal to all our members, business partners and other stakeholders in the cooperative movement to join hands with us so that we can propel the sacco to greater heights of achievement. Already there are all indicators that a lot can be achieved with resolve and unity of purpose. Thank you all and God bless. ALFRED

HON SIMON K. CHELUGUI, EGH, THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR COOPERATIVES AND MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT (MSMEs)

MR PATRICK KILEMI, THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (MSMEs)

MR DAVID OBONYO, THE COMMISSIONER FOR COOPERATIVES

H.E ANDREW MWADIME, THE TAITA-TAVETA COUNTY GOVERNOR

HON. JONES MWASHUSHE MWARUMA, THE TAITA-TAVETA SENATOR

HON.LYDIA HAIKA MIZIGI, THE TAITATAVETA WOMEN REP

HON. WISDOM MWAMBURI , THE TAITATAVETA COUNTY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER MADAM JOSEPHINE ONUNGA, THE TAITATAVETA COUNTY COMMISSIONER, MADAM GETRUDE NGINAI SHUWE, COUNTY CECM, TRADE, COOPERATIVES, TOURISM AND INDUSTRIALIZATION , MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, QWETU SACCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT STAFF,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Morning

It’s with great honour and appreciation that I hereby invite all guests, sacco members and staff to this auspicious occasion on the official opening of Qwetu Sacco Plaza within the Voi Central Business District.

The sacco Plaza strategic location in what we may refer to as our “treasury square” makes it possible to be easily accessed by all customers within the county and beyond.

As Qwetu we have come a long way and were it not for the steadfast support we have received from our esteemed members, development partners and the business community, we couldn’t be here today to partake of the fruits of this great work.

In fact the milestone we celebrate today was not without precedents. Many will remember the days when we used to undertake our businesses in rented premises, sometimes under crowded conditions that were not so comfortable. However that did not discourage our members from continuing to patronize our products. It’s such support in moments of difficulties that has enabled us to set up this prestigious building that we are officially opening today.

In an effort to diversify our products range last year we launched the Bakisha Account product. This is an account that targets all members who want to make savings and withdrawals at their comfort of working places or even their homes. Another attractive feature of Bakisha is that a member can save as little as 20 shillings and withdraw the same amount anytime they want. Among the attractive features of Bakisha include nil account opening, deposit or leger fees.

All one is required to have is a Fosa account with Qwetu Sacco.

On the other hand it must be appreciated that our sacco membership has been growing steadily since the sacco opened a common bond in 2002 which opened doors to non teaching members.

Since then the sacco has been growing from strength to strength and continues to be the sacco of choice not only in Taita-Taveta county but the Coast region and the nation as a whole.

In 2001 the Front office Service Activities (FOSA) was introduced. In 2003 the microcredit section was opened.

The sacco has been regulated by SASRA since 2012.

The sacco has 76 members of staff operating within our branches in Taveta, Mwatate, Voi and Wundanyi.

So ladies and gentlemen as we stand here today I am proud to inform you that our sacco now boasts a membership of more than 55,000 members and the numbers continue to grow with the passing of each day. I hereby make a passionate appeal to the local community and Kenyans at large to join Qwetu sacco so that they can save and enjoy our credit facilities and consequently improve their economic and social wellbeing. So ladies and gentlemen welcome once again as we celebrate this remarkable milestone in the history of Qwetu Sacco.

MR CHARLES MTOTO KABA

Charles Kaba

QWETU SACCO CEO

#Faida Leo na Kesho”

Voi Msambweni residents in dilemma as they mull over buying back plots after demolitions

By special correspondent

Former residents of Mswambeni estate in Voi who were recently evicted by a company that claims ownership of the land are in dilemma as it emerged that they will be required to buy back the plots where their houses once stood.

According to one of the affected residents the company requires them to pay Sh450,000 to secure ownership of the plots before reconstructing their houses.

The action which drew condemnation from none other than Azimio coalition leader Raila Odinga who visited the area recently, has left many residents in shock and despondency.

“We are reading bad faith on the part of the company because if they had meant well, they could have approached us for negotiations before pulling down our houses” said the distraught resident who said he had already bought another plot elsewhere.

“I can’t go back to that place to live with the painful memories. In any case there are rumours that part of this land is being earmarked for the affordable housing project. That only goes to show that the company had all along being planning to evict us to pave way for the project” he said ruefully.

Among those who have had to endure the suffering is a 90-year-old granny and her 60year-old disabled daughter have been reduced to paupers after their house was demolished.

Ms Saumu Kajuma and her daughter Hadija Mkamburi are among the thousands of squatters who lost their homes and livelihoods to a private company, Sparkle Properties Limited, that claims ownership of the 134-acre contested land.

Ms Kajuma, who also takes care of Ms Mkamburi whose eyesight is failing due to diabetes, said they cannot afford rent and wellwishers have offered to take them in in Taveta.

The elderly lady said she was traveling to Taveta against her wish as she wanted to go back to her demolished house.

“Since my house was demolished I have never shed a tear. I can’t believe I have become homeless at my age. I wanted to go back to my house even if I die there it is better,” she said.

She said she has lived there since the 1970s and the demolitions have left her devastated.

Ms Kajuma and her daughter have lived in a rental house for the last month but they were unable to raise the rent for this month.

“My friends have offered to give us a room to accommodate us. That is why we have packed our household stuff to move there,”

said Ms Mkamburi who is disabled and walks on crutches.

Ms Mkamburi said that due to her illness, she cannot do menial jobs to cater for their daily meals and they only depend on wellwishers for support.

“I’m the only daughter of my mother after my sister died. Life has become unbearable for us,” she said.

Her niece Asina Mwanakombo whose house was also demolished said she cannot support her grandmother and her aunt as she is financially unstable. She called on well-wishers to support the family get back on their feet.

“Whatever little I get I try to share with them but it is not enough. My grandmother is still in denial as she does not believe that she will not get back to her house again,” she said.

The family's predicament comes as some of the Msambweni squatters, whose houses were recently demolished by Sparkle Properties Limited, are exploring an option of returning to court over the contested land.

This comes even after some of the victims rushed to meet the investor to negotiate about buying the land where their houses sit to get resettled back.

The new development has created a division between the squatters with some ruling out the option of making any negotiations with the investor. They say that the land is their ancestral land and they are not ready to give up on it anytime soon.

“We have lived here for generations and we will not accept any offer from the company that destroyed our homes and livelihoods. We want justice and we will go back to court if necessary,” said Mr Johana Ngai one of the squatters.

Mr Betty Tole, another squatter said the investor should meet them in Voi instead of them travelling to Mombasa for the meetings.

“We better seek justice through the courts. The land is ours so we will not bow to what he wants,” said Ms Tole.

Some of the options that are being explored by the families that are seeking a court option include adverse possession and seeking compensation.

They say that the court did not give them a chance to defend themselves and that the case that was concluded last year involved only eight squatters who did not represent the whole community.

Last year, the Court of Appeal upheld a decision of the Mombasa Environment and Land Court that ruled in favour of the company that had sued some of the squatters for settling on the land.

The Court of Appeal's decision followed an appeal by the squat-

ters against the company which had won the case at the Mombasa Environment and Land Court on February 23, 2020.

The Mombasa High Court declared the company the bona fide owner of the property after the investor had moved to court in 2013. The court also issued eviction orders and ordered the squatters to pay trespass damages of Sh1 million and the cost of the suit.

On his part, Governor Andrew Mwadime said he would support the decision that will be taken by the affected residents.

He said his administration is committed to resolving the matter that has affected over 3,500 people in Msambweni village.

“We are aware of the plight of the squatters whose some are still homeless and we are working to find a lasting solution. We will respect the wishes of the people and my administration will help them accordingly,” said the governor.

He said he had advised the investor to meet the squatters to hear their voice on the matter.

“I have not denied the company approvals but I had to first get the views of the affected families before I make any move,” he said.

On the other hand, Sparkle Properties Limited has already sought approvals for fencing and subdivision of the land.

The company is planning to invest in the land and also subdivide a portion to willing buyers. They are also planning to set aside a portion of land to resettle vulnerable families who were affected by the demolition.

The company’s In-charge of property Francis Mulili said they had made progress on resettling the willing buyers of the land.

“Over 200 people have come to us saying they are ready to be resettled. Our doors are open for anyone they can come we listen to them,” he said.

Ms Saumu Kajumwa narrating her tribulations