The County Times edition 66 final

Laikipia East Mp refutes petition rumours

Petition challenging Samburu Governor elect filed

sTory on paGe 12

sTory on paGe 13

OCTOBER 2017

ISSUE NO 66

www.thecountytimes.co.ke

Multi-million special Unit at a Meru School

on oTher paGes LAIKIPIA COUNTY

EDUCATION | Kristina Pratt pledges government support in provision of special education

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according to the school’s Board of management the project was initiated after two children in the area died when their house caught fire. The children had been locked in the house during the incident By fred koome

hildren with special needs are set to benefit from the commissioning of a Sh. 2 million special unit at Rwanyange Primary school in North Imenti Sub County courtesy of The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya.

The special unit which was officially handed over to the school will cater for more than 30 children living with disability.

According to the school’s Board of Management the project was initiated after two children in the area died when their house caught fire. The children had been locked in the house during the incident.

The NFDK Board of Trustees Member Prof. Francis Kibera, representing the Board Chairperson Kristina Pratt said the government would provide special education and encourage fair treatment to children with special needs in the country.

“Besides helping those living with

ConTinued on paGe 10

INDEX

County News Pg, 1,2,4,6,7,8,10,11.12.13,20

BATUK Pg 5

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Opinion Pg 9

Entertainment Pg 14

Charity Ball to be held on 28th October for Black Rhino sTory on paGe 11

NYERI COUNTY

Mission to find body of tourist on Mt Kenya ends in landmark airlift sTory on paGe 18

Lifestyle Pg, 19

Sports, Pg 21

2 | County News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Ol Pejeta’s continued commitment to sustainable development and conservation feted at national awards ceremony

Ecotourism Ecowarrior Awards 2017

Pastoralists advised to conserve environment

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is extremely honoured to have won the overall prize at this year’s Ecotourism Kenya #EcoWarriorAwards.

By andie maina

T

he awards were held on 27th September at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi and were graced by the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Hon. Najib Balala and Principal Secretary for Tourism Fatuma Hirsi.

Ol Pejeta also managed to win the top honours in both of the categories that we were nominated for, namely: Protecting Life on Land Award and Decent work and Economic Growth Award.

Ol Pejeta’s Events Coordinator, Camilla McConnell, was on hand to receive the awards on behalf of the Conservancy.

The awards recognise Kenyan tourism initiatives with good practices that have infused distinct Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations and can positively demonstrate and report tangible outcomes. In a world where resources are increasingly scarce, innovation is essential to ensure we are able to continue protecting and preserving biodiversity, whilst balancing the needs

Veterinary doctors administering drench and pesticides to livestock at Gachuru village in Isiolo County on September 16 2017

Ol Pejeta Events Coordinator Camilla McConnell (Centre) receiving the awards and interests of communities.

Ol Pejeta has over the years implemented a novel conservation model that uses complementary enterprises such as tourism and livestock ranching to further wildlife conservation and community development. “I am extremely proud of my team. This is a tremendous achievement,” said Richard Vigne, Ol Pejeta’s CEO. Congratulations also go

to El Karama Eco Lodge who won the category for Sustainable Consumption and Production.

Congratulations are in order to the runners up in each of the categories; Northern Rangelands Trust and Sirikoi Lodge for Decent Work and Safarilink Aviation and Gamewatchers Safaris for Life on Land.

In the last five years, Ol Pejeta Conservancy has won

the Private Conservancy of the Year award thrice and its latest wins are a testament to the continued dedication to excellence in sustainable tourism and would like to thank Ecotourism Kenya for their efforts in promoting and rewarding these standards across the country; keeping Kenya’s tourism industry a key player on a global scale.

Devolution must be functional, says CoG chair The chairman Council of Governors Josphat Nanok says heads of devolved units were committed in ensuring that devolution works for the country.

N

anok said this commitment has been a major driving force to find an amicable solution and avert a looming strike by clinical officers.

The Turkana Governor said they were holding talks with the clinicians union and Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to

address their grievances as the nurses strike enters its forth month.

Speaking at the burial of Laikipia Governor’s mother Elizabeth Mumbi, 86, at Shamanei village, Laikipia West sub-county, Nanok appealed to nurses to resume work as their grievances were being addressed.

Clinical officers have accused SRC of failing to recognize them as professionals and putting them in their respective grades in a recently released job evaluation report.

Nanok urged Kenyans to

maintain peaceful as the country inches closer to the repeat presidential election next month.

“We have no other country to turn to,” Nanok told mourners who included retired President Mwai Kibaki, Cabinet secretaries Mwangi Kiunjuri, James Macharia and other dignitaries.

Nanok added, “This problem of election must be solved to enable us move this country forward.”

Meanwhile, a catholic priest decried the decaying moral standards in the society that has triggered numerous vices.

Fr. John Gakena of Igwamiti catholic parish in Laikipia County urged leaders to be role models and execute their responsibilities credibly. The cleric was presiding over the funeral service of the late mother of county Governor Nderitu Muriithi. Gakena challenged leaders to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness noting that Kenyans were busy killing their moral principles.

He told residents to embrace the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood for peace to prevail in the country.

Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya has urged residents to conserve environment to avoid the current drought that has devastated the County after two rainy seasons failed.

By hussein GalGalo

S

peaking during a camel walk organized by several NGOs, Natembeya further said it was high time pastoralist communities stopped engaging in cattle rustling and sought ways of maintaining peace.

The camel walk which took place at the Isiolo-Samburu border was to promote peace and unity among the Isiolo and Samburu County pastoralists.

Camels were involved in the walk as a symbol of tolerance as they are known to withstand drought and survive without water for a long period of time. The walk was also a way of securing

Ewaso Nyiro River which is a source of water for pastoralists in the area.

The County Commissioner further said the government will not spare people involved in killing others and anyone found guilty of murder will face the full force of the law.

“Any member of the pastoralist communities who will be found mishandling his gun will be treated with the contempt it deserves and the weapon will be taken away from him immediately. We want to send a tough warning to criminals involved in murder that the government will use the same bullet to eradicate them,” he said.

Natembeya further called on residents to take advantage of the Isiolo International Airport to improve their livelihoods. He urged the people to be more aggressive in doing businesses of selling meat that would earn them some profitable income rather than engaging in fights.

Safety for road users enhanced

By GiTenGuri kuria

Residents of Ngarariga trading centre along NyeriNanyuki highway in Nyeri County and other road users have had their cry heard after rumble strip bumps were erected on the busy road.

The residents had earlier this year erected manmade bumps along the road using mounds of soil and had urged the Kenya National Highway Authority to erect speed

bumps to reduce the number of reported bodaboda accidents and also in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and school children as they crossed the road.

The contractor who has been assigned with the construction of the road has heeded to the request and has finally erected three sets of rumble strip bumps which have eased in limiting the speed from motorists.

Advertiser Feature | 3

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4| Editorial

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

EDITORIAL Peace, Love and Unity In a previous edition, the author noted something that is worth highlighting again that, ‘Voting in the forthcoming election will give you the power to decide how the country is run. Voting is the simplest way of making a change if any is needed’.

Each person is free to choose a candidate to suit to your views and who can represent your views at the national and local level. When you are voting, you have an influence on every aspect of your lives. Your vote is your voice and it counts.

Thank you for maintaining peace during this time when the political heat is quite high.

The other day I was travelling past Gatheri in Meru County and I saw boda boda riders ferrying sacks full of nappier grass and fodder heading into Nanyuki town direction. Out of curiosity I engaged a rider and he informed me that he had travelled a long distance looking for animal feeds/fodder that could be found since part of Nyeri County in particular Kieni East was very dry and animal had nothing to graze on. He went ahead to inform me that the residents of Gatheri were very generous and had allowed them in their farms to harvest whatever they would afford to carry for free.

This is great stuff right here. This is a great example of who we are as Kenyans; a people who help each other out in good and bad times, peaceful and generous.

Kenyans were voted number three worldwide as the most generous people .

Let’s not allow politicians to dilute this wonderful spirit of oneness.

In the words of late Ronald Reagan an American statesman and actor who served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989, if we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.

As we prepare for the 26th October, I urge all Kenyans regardless of their ethnic background to keep peace and promote harmony amongst fellow neighbours wherever we may be, and to accept the result of our democratic process.

County Media Group Team Editor: Robert Nyaliya Sub-Editor: Gitenguri Kuria Contributors: Kellen Ngatia ,Gitenguri Kuria , Andie Maina, Hussein Galgalo, Fred Koome, Boniface Wanjiku, Jane Gerald, Bob Gachingiri, Beatrice Mugendi, Purity Maina Graphics Designer: Jeff Mwarari Sales Executive: Kellen Ngatia Advertising : County Media Group Ltd Distribution: County Media Group Ltd The County Times is published in Nanyuki by The County Media Group Ltd. P.O Box 1148 Nanyuki 10400.

E-mail: info@thecountytimes.co.ke Send us comments ideas or suggestions to editor@thecountytimes.co.ke or Call 0718 609532 Keep the conversation going

TheCountyTimesKenya @groupcounty

Be of service to others. Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.

The pacesetting Nation Kenya in her own unique ways has hit international headlines for the right, and at times the wrong reasons. Early this year, she was ranked as the country that has the cleanest air in the world. story and Compilation

by Gitenguri kuria

A

ccording to thesaurus dictionary, a pace setter is a person, group, or organization that is the most progressive or successful and serves as a model to be imitated. In a casual conversation I held sometime back with a close friend and someone I spend much of my time with, I took note of something that was generated from our discussion; Kenya best set the pace for the rest of the world when she got her new Constitution. Most countries that obtained their Constitutions were under political pressure or at war, but Kenya obtained her new Constitution in the midst of peace. She proved to the world that indeed it is possible for any country in the world to make its most important decisions through sober engagements that would translate into a peaceful process.

A recent study conducted by Charity Aids Foundation; a leading international charity registered in the United Kingdom, with presence in nine countries covering six continents with a mission to motivate society to give ever more effectively and help transform lives and communities around the

A weasel rides on the back of a Woodpecker Photo by Google world, working globally to increase the flow of funds to the charity and non-profit sectors through the provision of philanthropy advice and services, to provide insight into the scope and nature of giving around the world. In order to ensure that giving is understood in its various forms, the report looked at 3 aspects of giving behavior.

The questions that lay at the heart of the report are: have you helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help in the past month? Have you donated money to a charity in the past month? Have you volunteered your time to an organization in the past month?

Give of yourself. Be of service to others. Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life. If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.

The late Mary Kay Ash, an American entrepreneur once stated that before you ever receive the wonderful treasures of a happy life, you must first give. Give of yourself. Be of service to others. Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life. That is the law of the harvest, the law of the ten-fold return.

If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.

Kenya was ranked number 3, among the world’s 20 top countries in giving behaviours scoring 76% at helping a stranger, 52% at donating money and 51% at volunteering time with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zambia following at a distance in number 12, 14 and 18.

In a survey in the period between 2012-2016 Kenya was ranked number 12 with a giving index of 51%, 71% in helping a stranger, 41% in donating money, and 40% in volunteering time, with no other African country making it to the top 20 list of world ranking

research design who did the research?

Gallup’s World View World Poll12 How many people?

1,000 in each country How were they chosen?

Representative sample Where do they live?

Across the country of each participating country (rural and urban) When was the poll done?

2012-2016

Questions asked • Have you helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help in the past month?

• Have you donated money to a charity in the past month?

• Have you volunteered your time to an organization in the past month?

World Mental Health Day story and Compilation

by Gitenguri kuria

A

ccording to the World Health organization World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people

worldwide.

This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is mental health in the workplace.

Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s

population; about 450 million or one out of every four people around the world will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment.

Mental health in the workplace During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall wellbeing. Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work. A negative working

environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity.

Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively.

Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s population; about 450 million or one out of every four people around the world will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment.

Advertiser Feature | 5

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

BRITISH ARMY TRAINING UNIT KENYA (BATUK) The RETETI sanctuary is one of the only community owned animal sanctuaries in Africa

BATUK builds airstrip for elephant sanctuary to reduce human wildlife conflict

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ATUK has built an airstrip for the community owned RETETI Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu to enable rescued elephants from across Kenya to be rescued and flown in. It was established in the year 2016 through the Kenya Wildlife Service and Samburu County Government as a refuge for orphaned and abandoned elephant calves north of the Equator. The calves are orphaned or abandoned as a result of poaching, manmade wells, drought, humanwildlife conflict and natural mortality.

The RETETI sanctuary is one of the only community owned animal sanctuaries in Africa with the community being actively engaged in protecting the wildlife around them. It aims to reduce human wildlife conflict by removing orphaned elephants from contested environments so that they can flourish in the local conservancy.

Inititially attempts are made to reunite vulnerable and isolated baby elephants are with their mothers. If

The Completed Airstrip

BATUK SSgt Thapa with the community

this is not possible they are rescued, nurtured and will then be rereleased back into the wild by members of the local community. RETETI thus offers livelihood opportunities for

the community members while restoring the beauty of the area through wildlife conservation. The airstrip constructed by BATUK is part of an ongoing project that will

BATUK Diggers at work

enable the conservancy to airlift the elephant calves into RETETI for their rehabilitation. The project is part of BATUK’s commitment towards reducing human wildlife

Refurbishment of Ewaso Boys School The CIS and 101 engineer regiment from BATUK recently embarked on a variety of tasks at EWASO Boy’s School in Samburu.

The school which provides schooling for 320 boys had suffered deteriorating conditions; a shortage of beds as well as an irregular water supply. BATUK team repaired 20 bunk beds and installed a water harvesting system.

This was carried out with the view of reducing the burden on the intermittent and salty water supply, as part of their continued work to improve water supplies in conjunction with the Mt Kenya Ewaso

Water Partnership (MKEWP) The team of BATUK volunteers also refurbished the dormitories in partnership with the community who had raised resources to help improve the school. The four dormitories were all built by BATUK Engineers in 2009, so it was great for them to continue to support the school. BATUK hopes the support for the school in partnership with the community will lead to improved living conditions for the students and produce a more positive learning environment.

The Samburu Serge

This month BATUK has surged manpower and effort to support community engagement projects in and around Archers Post. Lots of great projects were concluded with a friendly football match against the local team Exotica – with an opportunity for the Commander to address the community and engage with key community leaders.

Soldiers offloading the beds

Laptops donation to schools and NGOS BATUK supported the Turing trust in delivering over 16 laptops to schools and NGO’s across KenyaTuring trust is a UK charity that aims to increase education opportunities in ICT for people living in rural Africa, by increasing access to computers. .

The Trust was set up by close family members of Alan Turing who was a leading code-breaker during World War 2 and closely involved in the designing the world’s earliest computers.

BATUK helped Turing trust realise its objective in Nanyuki by assisting with the delivery of laptops to IMPACT a local organization that seeks to uphold the rights and inclusion of indigenous people in the region. BATUK is proud to have supported this initiative towards ICT education and hopes that their support will help connect communities in the area connect with the fast developing digital world.

conflict whilst preserving environmental heritage of region.

the the

The BATUK water project at PEFA school

Commander BATUK at the opening of the project No longer will PEFA School be reliant on water donations.

BATUK has connected the school to the mains water supply, giving the PEFA community and school a sustainable and reliable source of fresh water, all year round. The Commander BATUK officially opened the project, in front of a lot of happy children. PEFA (Pentecostal Evangelist Fellowship of Africa) Blessed Academy is a school situated at Archers Post.

The school predominantly caters in most cases but not

only for pupils with various issues including FGM, early marriages, drought affected families to name a few. The whole site where the school is located is run by the Pastor and church elders. Other than ensuring a constant supply of water connection to the mains supply will help reduce costs of filling the water tank at the school by truck. Water remains BATUK’s top priority for community projects, and they coordinate their efforts with the Mt Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP).

6 | NEWS

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Although the abattoir is 60% complete, poor workmanship is evident

Isiolo Governor first 100 days in office

Strategy for quality and affordable healthcare to Laikipia residents

The stalled Isiolo modern abattoir that was started by the national government in 2007 and handed over to the County government in 2014 work will commence in 100 days.

By hussein GalGalo

T

he County governor Dr. Mohammed Kuti said his government will ensure that the abattoir becomes operational as soon as possible to ensure that the region is able to export livestock products into the international market.

“We want to take advantage of the newly commissioned Isiolo International Airport to export livestock products especially meat to the Middle East so that our people get more value for their livestock that constitutes the highest percentage of our livelihood,” said the governor.

Dr. Kuti said the abattoir is his own brain child when he was the Minister for Livestock, and lamented that the outgoing County government has done very little to ensure it becomes a reality and benefits Isiolo and neighbouring Counties.

“Although the abattoir is 60% complete, poor workmanship is evident. Being expected to meet international standards the slaughter house should have been done better but with contractors struggling without payment it may be understood,” said the governor while on an inspection tour of the abattoir.

He said funds to complete the slaughter house were budgeted for every financial year, but it was unfortunate that the contractors are still claiming over Sh.100 million, raising an audit query that is expected to be revealed by forensic

By Governors Press Service

The stalled Isiolo modern abattoir that is expected to meet international standards Photo by David Mutwiri examination.

“To complete the project the County government requires Sh300 million. We wish to negotiate with the national government after a forensic audit on how the funds were utilized for us to seek for new means to complete the project,” said the Governor.

He said the National Director for Livestock Production Julius Kiptarus will be visiting the county to chart a way forward to ensure that work

,

He added that the slaughter house once put into operation will have 50 to 100 camels, 200 cattle and 500 goats slaughtered daily.

at the stalled abattoir commences within the one hundred days Dr. Kuti pledged during his campaigns.

The governor said by the time he completed his tenure as the Minister for Livestock the abattoir was almost complete but counter changes by the County government caused the delays.

“The slaughterhouse was originally designed for cattle, goats and sheep but later changed to include camels. The changes have caused some delays because the entrance cannot accommodate camels and the changes have to be done,” said Dr. Kuti.

He added that the slaughter house once put into operation will have 50 to 100 camels, 200 cattle and 500 goats slaughtered daily.

The governor said the slaughterhouse will connect the people of Isiolo and neighbouring Counties to the international market especially the Middle East where there is much consumption of meat.

Laikipia County government has kicked off the process to subsidize the cost of healthcare as a key plank for Governor Ndiritu Muriithi’s agenda for the health sector.

He is also pushing for the elevation of Nyahururu and Nanyuki County hospitals from Level Four to Level Five status. Stakeholders in the health sector have been exploring the best way that the County government could subsidize the cost National Hospital Insurance Fund for poor households to ensure universal access to quality health.

“We want Laikipia residents to enjoy a quality and healthy life and increase the productivity of the residents,” Mr Muriithi said while addressing the first round table for the stakeholders in Nanyuki.

He urged the representatives drawn from NHIF, Amref, IBM, Centre for Health Solutions (CHS), University of Nairobi and County government officials to develop a good formula of implementing his vision.

AMREF is expected to support enrolment to national health insurance scheme at the community level using mobile money transfer services, while CHS will support the implementation through its existing HIV programme.

The County government will provide legal framework and partial financing of the programme. IBM shared its experience in developing health sector management tools.

The County governor also announced plans to upgrade the two County hospitals during a tour of Nyahururu hospital. Nyahururu hospital will be given a major facelift through the expansion of the maternity wing, laboratory and other departments which will enable it respond to the increased number of patients seeking services at the facility.

Nanyuki hospital will also be expanded into a major hospital with a medical school; with KMTC Nyahururu campus receiving new classrooms built to increase the student enrolment.

The County governor was accompanied by Dr Lawrence Kamande who is the hospital Medical Superintendent and the hospital administrator Dr Roba Harake, Nyahururu KMTC Principal Dr Rose King’ori and a number of nurses.

Dr King’ori said the expansion of the infrastructures will enable the college to offer other courses.

County News | 7

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October, 2017

Young people should be allowed to be drivers of initiatives aimed at empowering them.

Youth empowerment through social and economic support E

quipping youths with life skills and access to friendly reproductive health services can reduce the risk of contracting Aids and teenage pregnancies, Laikipia county First Lady Maria Mbeneka has said.

She said lack of emotional support for adolescents and youths results in increased sexual activities, unsafe sex, commercial sexual exploitation and other social and medical problems.

“Construction and equipping of youth friendly reproductive health centres at sub-county hospitals and training government health workers and peer educators on provision of friendly services would go a long way in empowering youths,” Laikipia County First Lady Madam Mbeneke participates in the laikipia Youth Week. Photo by Robert Mwaniki Mbeneka said advocated for empowerment of the Speaking when she launched the In addition, the youth should Laikipia Youth Week at Nanyuki be trained on understanding and youth economically by involving Professional Centre, Mbeneka said managing their sexuality and them in environment conservation activities like waste management young people should be allowed to reproductive health. activities, ICT and innovation and be drivers of initiatives aimed at The County First Lady also talent management and personal empowering them.

A

situation would likely be experienced on Friday the 13th October but be confined to fewer areas around the Mt. Elgon. The situation may result in isolated cases of flooding.

On 12th the Counties that were likely to receive the heavy rains are; Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, parts of Narok and parts of the Aberdares with an epicenter in South Rift Valley. The epicenter would shift to the Central Rift Valley and Western Kenya with

the affected Counties being; Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Laikipia, parts of Samburu, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Migori, Nakuru and parts of Narok.

On 13th, this would probably remain in Counties around Mt. Elgon.

Residents in all areas are advised to be on the lookout for flash floods as some areas which were previously dry may receive heavy rainfall during the late afternoon and the night. Ponds and large bodies of

Children rescue center’s watchman murdered By fred koome

branding.

She said waste management presents youths with several economic activities like collection services, recycling and reclamation of recreational parks.

The ICT sector, she said, should support the youth through adoption and development of youth-based technological innovations and innovation hubs.

“Investing in youth friendly communication and digital platforms will engage the youth to achieve their personal interest while also serving in realizing development of the country,” she said Mbeneka said building of well-equipped sports and talent academies would bring out gifted youth especially those in rural areas who lack proper platforms to showcase their talents and skills for a more meaningful life.

Heavy rainfall expected in some parts of Laikipia ccording to the Kenya Meteorological Service, h eavy rainfall of more than 50mm was likely to occur in the evening of 11th October, in some areas of Counties around the South Rift Valley region and parts of Aberdares Ranges. On 12th October, the area under threat would extend to more areas of Western Kenya, Central Rift Valley, the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya highlands. A similar

COUNTY BRIEFS

moving water may suddenly appear in unlikely places. People should also avoid wading through these waters when they are 1 foot high. Continue listening to local media as updates will be provided if conditions change significantly.

Further advisories will be issued as follow up on the progress of this weather event is made by the Meteorological department

A 56 year old watchman at a children rescue centre in Meru County has been murdered by unknown assailants.

The body of Fredrick Kubai that had knife stabs on the stomach and chest was found at Giika village in Igembe South Sub County, a short distance from Watoto Wa Ahadi children rescue centre that he was guarding.

Confirming the incident Maua OCS David K. Terer said the death report was made by the institution’s manager Geoffrey Mchama.

The OCS said the body was moved to Nyambene Sub-County hospital mortuary for post-mortem adding they have launched investigations.

Modern Library opened By lenny maina

A modern ICT equipped JBL library, courtesy of Stephanie Powers, was opened in Ngenia Secondary School, a function attended by Laikipia North MP Hon Sarah Lekorere.

Ngenia School is a major beneficiary of the William Holden Foundation artruism. The current Board of Members chairman, Alfred Gitonga being a former student of the school said he knew the importance of a library in a school and urged the students to befriend and make use of the library.

8| County News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Isiolo County Executive Committee Sworn in

I

siolo Governor Dr. Mohammed Kuti asked area residents to keep his government on toes as he disclosed that the County Executive Committee members will be put on a three year renewable performance based contract.

Kenya Colour Run is coming to Nanyuki on 9th December

Dr. Kuti said his government would not entertain any form of corruption and asked County residents to report any form of corruption to ensure his government delivers on pledges made during his campaigns.

“Any public officer with intention of constructing huge storey buildings over night has no place in my government. Public funds should be properly utilised to ensure the people of Isiolo enjoy the fruits of devolution,” said the governor after the swearing in of a six member County Executive Committee.

He said he expected government officers to desist from tribalism and serve all people equally besides ensuring that the youth, women and people living with disabilities get their rightful share of 30% of tenders under their dockets.

Dr. Kuti said his government will complete stalled projects such as the Isiolo modern abattoir besides giving priority to those affected by the prevailing drought and the recent fire tragedy that left over a thousand people jobless.

He said the implementation of performance contracts will continue to be a deliberate strategy of turning

Isiolo County Governor Dr. Mohamed Kuti (in grey suit) joins Borana traditional dancers during the swearing in ceremony for County Executive Committee members outside the Isiolo County Assembly

around the performance of public service in order to achieve economic development and improved living standards.

“That is why in the spirit of leading by example you will be put on a three year contract which is renewable based on your performance,” the governor told his six member County Executive Committee that had just been sworn in.

He said as part of the commitment to improve on service delivery, the officers must ensure maximum accountability and transparency in the management of public funds and resources to reflect the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Mr. Mwenda Thiribi was given Finance and Economic Planning docket while the Lands, Physical Planning, Works and Urban Development went to Mohamed Ali Sime.

Yusuf Daudi Adha will be incharge of Water, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources docket and Mohamud Abdullahi Haji Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development.

Others are Abdinassir Ali Abduba Tourism, Trade, Cooperative and Enterprise Development department and the only woman Ms. Josephine Kirior Eregai, a former administrator of Ngaremara ward will head Education, Sports, Youth, Gender and Social Services docket.

T

he Kenya Colour Run is the country’s most creative and fun 5km run! This unique run involves participants of all abilities and ages being doused from head to toe with corn-starch colour powder while they sprint, jog or walk the 5km route on a marked course. The main goal of Kenya Colour Run in 2017 is to promote peace awareness as we celebrate Kenya’s rich ethnic diversity. The plethora of colour is representative of our rich diversity as Kenyans. The run also seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle by making physical activity – FUN! Kenya Colour Run purposes to bring together different communities in Laikipia and spread the message of peace on December 9th, 2017. If peace is restored, tourism and other businesses

in Laikipia will thrive. We are partnering with tour operators, hotel and lodges to promote and sell Laikipia.

Kenya Colour Run held the inaugural colour run edition event in Nairobi in June this year and the overwhelming success of the same has encouraged the event management team to forge ahead with the vision of hosting other colour run events beyond Nairobi.

Kenya Colour Run is the fundraising effort for Sports for Change, a local charity whose primary cause is to support disadvantaged but academically gifted youths by meeting their education fees and costs through high school, tertiary and university education.

Let’s join hands memorable event.

and

make

this

Together, we can eradicate rabies in Laikipia!

The Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign In Kenya, the majority of annual rabies-related deaths occur where vaccination programs are limited or non-existent, and where low income communities reside.

By laikipia wildlife forum

T

he Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign (LRVC) begun in 2015 by the Mpala Research Centre in order to provide real-time health benefits for these vulnerable communities, as well as domestic animals and wildlife. Last year’s campaign saw over 4, 000 dogs vaccinated as a result of support from various partners that included Bruce Ludwig, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, the County Government of Laikipia, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy among others.

In Laikipia, we know that there are significant numbers of undocumented rabies cases in domestic animals, wildlife and humans annually. When faced with such statistics

we must ask ourselves can the strategy of making Laikipia Kenya’s first rabies free county really work? The answer is a resounding YES, but only if Laikipians as well as County Government can work together to eradicate this deadly virus.

If we take informed steps, we can significantly minimise exposure to rabies and accomplish Kenya’s 2030 vision of being an entirely rabies free nation. We will however not be able to reach this goal without your help.

The 2017 LRVC plans to widen its scope and reach out to more people.

The campaign will take place over all weekends from 3rd November to 10th December 2017. Our goal is to vaccinate over 5,000 dogs and cats during this period. The campaign will target approximately 20 communities bordering Mpala Research Centre as well as Ol Jogi, Segera, Ol Pejeta, Loisaba, Ol Lentille, Karisia/ Tumaren, Naibunga, Lewa and Borana Conservancies.

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial to our efforts. The number of students, vets and community members who are always willing to volunteer is always encouraging but we do need more financial support.

The 2017 LRVC, which now includes Distemper, is predicted to cost approximately Ksh 2M (USD $20, 000). With this money we will be able to cover the costs of over 5000 Rabies and Distemper vaccines, transport, accommodation and meals for all LRVC staff and volunteers during the campaign and the production of rabies civic education material LWF and Mpala Research Centre will give a full transparent account of how all monies donated will be utilised, as well as a final report after completion of the campaign.

To donate please use the following:

MPESA: 1. Select the MPESA service On Your Phone 2. Select Lipa Na MPESA

A photo illustration of a child holding a recently vaccinated dog Photo

by LWF

3. Select Pay Bill 4. Enter Business Number: 991503 5. When asked for Account Name: Please Type In Your Full Name 6. Donate For bank transfers, please use: Bank: Stanbic Bank Swift Code: SBICKENX Branch Code: 017

Account Number: 0100004071926 Account Name: Laikipia Wildlife Forum For more information, please contact John Gitonga on John.Gitonga@laikipia.org Laikipia Wildlife Forum will be working with the LRVC, led by Mpala Research Centre, and will keep you up to date on this very important initiative.

Rabies is an almost invariably fatal disease for both humans and animals. Vaccination of domestic animals is a critical step that we should all participate in for the protection of domestic animals, our already fragile wildlife population and most importantly, public health.

Together, we can eradicate rabies in Laikipia!

Opinion | 9

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

Un-inspected meat could be sold or distributed to locals owing to looming drought

Fear of donkey meat guised as beef in Isiolo Residents of Kiwanjani estate in Isiolo County ambushed and apprehended two people found slaughtering donkeys at a residential plot.

By HUSSEIN GALGALO

By Chris Harrison

Get out of the office Last week I was out on the ground. In a regional market where a client intends to launch their brand. It was a long, hot, dusty day … but a very valuable one.

I

saw retail premises as smart and as well displayed as you would find in any capital city.

These shops bore little relation to the dark and grubby dukas, kiosks and kafundas of old. Places where the merchandise and staff were separated from the customers by wire mesh. Where torn and defaced product posters overlapped along the walls. Where customer service was dead-eyed and dull.

The new shops I saw had tiled floors, glass display cabinets, bright lighting and smart point of sale materials displayed in a disciplined way. The sales staff were out in the middle of the shop, talking to customers. The whole impression was very professional. These weren’t the kind of places that convert into a makeshift bar at dusk. They were in business to make buying a more enjoyable experience for the customer.

We toured a large market town, looking for cues on how best to tackle it. Local intelligence identified an area of schools and universities, a central business and government district, and a sizeable open market.

This enabled us to plot different marketing approaches to different target audiences by location. We did this as a collaborative exercise between the client’s sales and marketing leaders. It worked very well, and produced a balanced consensus on the parameters of the launch plan.

You may think there is nothing

remarkable about this. You would say it makes absolute sense for the two market-facing departments in the business to work together from the outset. To get out on the ground together and gather the insights that create success.

But it is remarkable because, in many companies, key departments keep themselves separate. They pursue their own agendas. They perpetuate a stereotypical view of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. So, when a very visible project forces them out into the open, their primary focus is on avoiding blame for poor performance.

This is not a failure of capability or capacity; it’s a failure of business culture.

Sales teams believe that they drive revenues, win against competitors and build the relationships the business depends upon. They expect marketers to produce the support materials they need, and to join them on the ground when the action hots up.

They believe that marketers are reluctant to leave the comfort of their own offices.

Marketers see salespeople as glory-seeking footsloggers who don’t get the big picture. They resent producing materials to a sales brief, and they hold on to the high ground of branding.

As a business leader, you must be able to address the unhelpful behaviours that hold your brand back. And a good way to do this is to force the protagonists to confront the business realities out there in the market. Together.

Chris Harrison leads The Brand Inside. www.brandinside.com

R

esidents of Kiwanjani estate in Isiolo County ambushed and apprehended two people found slaughtering donkeys at a residential plot.

Upon finding 30 donkeys in the plot with one of the animals already skinned, residents raised alarm.

The suspects were caught redhanded, while slaughtering one of the donkeys which they claimed was sick. Citizens employed community policing tactic and called police who arrested the two men.

Residents who tipped the area assistant chief Daniel Kathunkumi declined to burn the slaughtered animal.

Kathunkumi confirmed that the suspects admitted that local business people were involved in

Donkeys found being herded at a residential plot in Isiolo town transporting donkeys to Naivasha slaughter house for export.

He added that the animals were brought to the plot on Sunday evening and urged the law enforcers to investigate their origin.

The administrator appealed to public health officials to conduct

a swift search of donkey meat in Isiolo town butcheries alleging the meat was being distributed at night.

A community health worker Florence Kojuri suspected that un-inspected meat could be sold or distributed to locals owing to looming drought.

Meru County Govt fraud alert

BY FRED KOOME

M

eru County government has raised concern over alleged fraudsters masquerading as County employees who are taking advantage of the campaign manifesto on establishment of a County Government Youth Service to con innocent job seekers.

The County Chief of Staff and Acting County Secretary Mr. Gideon Kimathi said they had received worrying reports that people purporting to be County government employees were fleecing money from young people in the name of helping them secure jobs in the new administration.

Addressing the media in his office, Kimathi warned the alleged masqueraders noting that they shall be dealt with in accordance with the law. He said reports have emerged in Maua, Igembe South Sub County with a number of youth suspected to have been lured into the trap.

,

Meru County Chief of Staff Gideon Kimathi addressing media in his office

All our recruitments will be advertised in the media as per the demands of the law

Kimathi reiterated that the County government had no vacancies at the moment until an ongoing human resource audit is completed.

“All our recruitments will be advertised in the media as per the demands of the law. An infrastructural establishment of the Meru Youth Service is on course before embarking on any recruitment,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged youth to be patient and careful until the necessary structures were laid down, a service that is bound to absorb many of them.

“We are urging our unemployed youth to wait as the new government takes complete shape,” he appealed.

Many youth in the region are expectant of getting jobs owing to the ambitious campaign manifesto

by Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his deputy Titus Ntuchiu.

Green accounting adoption towards forest conservation

By Michael Anyonge It is evident that we now risk rapid and uncontrolled exploitation of our forest resource base as Laikipia County due to the rising demand of timber products in sustaining the scaling rate of development in the building and construction sector showcasing currently in Nanyuki and its environs.

With our current economic investment projections as a County in real estate development and the mushrooming number of licensed timber yards in our study locale, the demand on timber products is set to skyrocket. Therefore, in the spirit of forecasting sustainable development, it is of both ecological and economic importance that such environmental

considerations are factored in the planning and decision making process of development projects in the built environment sector.

As a County, we are ecologically more vulnerable to the risk of climate change and desertification due to our largely harsh and fragile arid and semi arid ecosystem. We therefore cannot allow this form of environmental degradation to crop in due to the serious potential for conflict of livelihoods likely to emerge. Hunger and starvation is now threatening the survival of pastoral livelihoods in the northern parts of the County worsened by the influx of population migrating from high potential agro ecological zones into these affected parts. We

may agree hypothetically that more trees will probably be needed and cut down to provide space and as input for infrastructural development as we head into the future. Our call as Laikipia Voices of Nature to those tasked to oversee the management of our County forest resources is that we set up an elaborate integrated County system of economic and environmental accounting (SEEA) through a multidisciplinary approach to monitor flows and stocks of our forest reserves in line with the County’s economic growth projections in the construction and building industry both in the private and public sector in order to mitigate and cushion our economy from the risk of non-linear changes

in our forest ecosystems and services.

This will also be a long range shot in reducing the risk of overlooking impacts on the slowly changing supporting and regulating services of our forest ecosystems by our County forest managers in pursuit of increased use of provisioning services.

Through an integrated system of economic and environmental accounting framework, the County will be able to improve its economic policy in line with sustainable development not only in forest resource management but across all aspects of natural resource management. This will form a viable and reliable County financing framework for budgetary allocations in monetary values to meet environmental cost sustained in the

harvesting process of forest resources and covering what is considered waste from a value chain analysis of completed and ongoing building and construction projects.

What will be more interesting and probably our economic downfall as a County if we do not act now, is that we will soon exceed our forest resource carrying capacity and thus create a shortage in timber supply. Of much greater concern will be the eminent environmental degradation through loss of biodiversity, destruction of key wildlife habitats as well as disruption of life sustaining forest ecosystem functions. Let us inform action through green accounting and act to conserve our forest reserve as Laikipia County.

10 | County News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Those who are suffering should come to Nanyuki Nursing and Maternity Home on 9th October

Lions Club Nanyuki Medical Outreach

Nyandarua County to introduce Potato Packaging law By andie maina

N

yandarua is set to fight exploitation of potato farmers by introducing own law barring packaging of the produce in weights exceeding 50Kg. Through the Nyandarua County Potato production and Marketing Bill, 2017, the County seeks to address among other things the issue of potato packaging in order to have the same standards entrenched in the County bylaws.

Lion Eye medical camp was held on 11th September from 10 am to 4 pm at the Nanyuki Maternity and Nursing Home. The event that is held every month was not possible due to the uncertainties that are brought by the elections.

Process

Governor Francis Kimemia disclosed that the bill that seeks to punish defaulters heavily will cushion farmers against brokers who demand that the crop be packaged in extended bags weighing up to 200Kg. “Past efforts to have the potatoes packaged in weights not exceeding 50Kg were challenged in court. This has led to exploitation of our farmers by middlemen thus impacting negatively on the enterprise returns,” said Kimemia in Ol Kalou.

By Gitenguri Kuria

W

ith the guidance and directives from volunteers and the support of Mrs Kurutu, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady Laikipia County, patients were taken through a well organized vigorous process from a reception desk where vital information was collected to aid through the process.

The new patients were required to part with shs 30 for the patient’s history book (card).

He said about 131,000 families in the County depended solely on potato farming that generated over Shs.8 billion

annually thus making potato not just a food crop but a major cash crop in the County.

Nyandarua is one of the major potato producing areas in Kenya, commanding about 33 percent of the national potato production with an estimated 36,000 hectares under the crop annually.

The Governor regretted that the subsidized fertilizer received from the National Government through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots, was meager noting that with more, the County’s potential will be fully exploited.

“For instance in the year 2016 we had an allocation of 21,320 bags from the National Government which is hardly enough since the County requirement is over 300,000 bags,” he said.

He added that the County government will further explore the option of revolving the funds in order to buy more fertilizer for using the same allocation instead of a one off procurement.

The County has been supplementing the national government’s efforts by allocating funds to procure additional fertilizer and seeds for the farmers.

Kiraitu to support security initiatives

Visual Acquity

BY FRED KOOME

The patients were required to read letters varying in font size on a placard placed 6 metres away

M

eru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has assured residents of improved security in parts of the region that have in the recent passed experienced banditry.

Success Salima Ibrahim who had been experiencing sight problem since 2012, visited many hospitals and advised to use dark shades (goggles) heard about Lions Club from close friends and decided to visit them in January 2017. She was taken through the process and was diagnosed with Cataracts (occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, restricting the amount of light that reaches the retina, leading to a decrease in vision) and was booked for Nairobi through the support of Lions Club. She was offered for free transport to and from Nairobi, hospitality through the period she was undergoing her operation.

The service was to cost her shs 130000 but with the support from Lions Club, she received free medical attention. Full of praise and gratitude for the Lion Club initiative, she spreads the good news by informing all friends some as far as Nkubu in Meru, who have

Speaking during the official opening of first session of the Second Meru County Assembly, Kiraitu said discussions on the security situation at the areas bordering Isiolo County were at an advanced stage.

“Regular and predictable cycle of drought in northern Kenya have caused permanent tensions, insecurity, violence, deaths, untold suffering and economic destruction in the Tigania and Igembe areas along Meru-Isiolo border,” he mentioned.

He said he had already held discussions with President Uhuru Kenyatta and action was being taken through the County Commissioner’s office.

Salima Ibrahim (Right) beneficiary of the program pose with a member of Lion's Club Madam Hellen Kurutu (Left) Photo by Gitenguri Kuria also been assisted.

With her eyesight restored, she comfortably reads the newspaper and her text messages with ease.

“Those who are suffering should

come to Nanyuki Nursing and Maternity Home on 9th October for registration and begin their journey of sight restoration”, she said.

Kiraitu underscored the importance of peace and security in promoting development within the region.

He added that his County government was providing vehicles and rangers to help in restoring peace in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Governor lauded his Isiolo Counterpart Mohammed Kuti for appointing a County Executive

Committee (CEC) member for Finance from Meru.

“The appointment of one of our own in an executive position in the neighbouring County will cement a good working relationship between the two Counties,” stated Kiraitu.

He maintained that his government shall be engaging with the leaders of Isiolo County to seek a lasting solution to the perennial resource conflict that has threatened the security and economic cooperation between the two Counties.

Multi-million special Unit at a Meru School CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

disabilities with mobility and other aid, we also offer grants of up to Sh300,000 to institutions in support of infrastructural development or small scale income generating activities,” said Prof. Kibera.

He appealed to the residents

to support infrastrure in areas or institutions meant for persons with living with disability “We should be among the category of people who make things happen. With whatever little contribution and effort you can establish more facilities to benefit those with disabilities,” he added.

The school head Ms. Doris Karuru said the institution needs latrines that are friendly to pupils with special needs.

Another Trustee Member Mr. Clement Kiteme said the region was endowed with agricultural resources that can be utilized to support special school programmes.

Mr.Kiteme cautioned

parents in the area against hiding children living with disability saying it is a violation of children’s rights.

He said some of the children are gifted and should be assisted to realise their potential.

The facility is among the 53 projects to be commissioned across the country by the end of the week.

COUNTY NEWS| 11

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October, 2017

Laikipia hosts more than 50% of Kenya’s black rhino population. Kenya’s vision 2030 aims to have a total population of 2000 black rhinos, a huge goal in 13 years

Charity Ball to be held on 28th October for Black Rhino The Laikipia Wildlife Forum, together with Dance Savoir Faire, and Dancesport Kenya are offering a ball and safari weekend that combines a unique dance opportunity with support for rhino conservation in the Laikipia landscape.

T

he ball is set to take place on the 28th of October at Kongoni Camp This dance journey began earlier this year when 3 Rhino Conservancies – Borana, Ol Pejeta and Ol Jogi received support from the USAIDKenya/US Department of the Interior in support of endangered species conservation. The grant, administered by LWF, was used to train rhino conservancy rangers, purchase equipment, and train sniffer dogs.

According to the Association of Private Land Rhino Sanctuaries (APLRS), Laikipia hosts more than 50% of Kenya’s black rhino population. Kenya’s vision 2030 aims to have a total population of 2000 black rhinos, a huge goal in 13 years. Tsavo and Laikipia are the best hosts of rhinos to meet this goal.

Given present conservation efforts, private rhino conservancies spend between 30 - 40,000 US dollars per/ acre per year for rhino conservation.

These include both direct and indirect costs associated with rhino conservation.

Most of this money used for rhino conservation on private land comes from a multiple land use approach (tourism, livestock and some agriculture) and donor funding.

At present levels, most private conservancies will be hard-pressed to meet the national goal, as well as meet the escalating costs of rhino conservation without some level of government intervention, economies of scale, or both.

The “Bring Black Back” charity ball represents a unique opportunity to dance ballroom with a Strictly Come Dancing professional, while learning of and supporting the Laikipia vision to develop rhino conservation as a landscape management tool.

Major investment by conservancies has proved successful, and Laikipia has been one of the leaders. Laikipia even hosts the last known Northern White Rhinos with the greatest hope for preventing extinction of this species.

Laikipia has been facing challenges recently, but looks forward to finding peaceful ways forward towards sustainable landscape conservation for the benefit of all citizens, livestock and wildlife. Select Laikipia conservancies have shown that Black Rhino conservation can be a tool for peace and security, for revenue generation and employment, for revenue sharing and livelihoods, and for biodiversity, habitat and landscape conservation.

It’s a model that can be replicated.

We have a dream - for the greater

A photo of a calf and a rhino bonding.

Laikipia area, to be a world leader in rhino conservation, hand- in-hand with sustainable management of its resources. Let us collaborate for this goal of mutual benefit and celebrate it with the joy of dance.

Save The Date and Book Your Ticket Now The Rhino Ball will be held on Saturday 28th October in Nanyuki at Kongoni Camp. It will include dinner and a performance from Andrew Cuerden, a Strictly Come Dancing professional and his partner Christin Neisler, live music by renowned band “The Itch”, and dancing till late.

For more information about tickets contact: Grace.Wanjiku@laikipia. org

Photo by LWF

Additional tickets can be obtained that include a group dance class on the Saturday morning and a discounted pass into Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the Sunday to see rhino conservation in action.

Both group and private dance, and yoga classes are also possible by arrangement. Sweetwaters Serena Camp on Ol Pejeta will host those who wish to purchase a weekend ticket and will arrange transfers to and from the Ball.

There are only 100 Ball Tickets Available!

Basic tickets are Ksh 5,000 per person and include a fabulous dinner with complimentary wine, as well as all set festivities for the night. If coming with friends, reserve a table to avoid disappointment.

For more information about tickets contact: Grace.Wanjiku@laikipia.org

Procedure for obtaining a ticket 1. Select the MPESA service On Your Phone 2. Select Lipa Na MPESA 3. Select Pay Bill 4. Enter Business Number: 898370 5. When asked for Account Name: Please Type In: Rhino (Your Full Name) 6. Pay To find out more about private or group dance lessons on Saturday, October 28, or for discounted access to Ol Pejeta Conservancy to see rhino conservation in action on Sunday, October 29, please contact: Dr. Kes Smith on akkessmith@ gmail.com For more information about LWF’s support to rhino conservation, please contact: John Gitonga on: John.Gitonga@laikipia.org

LWF honors Blessed Women Group

B

lessed Women’s Group from Matanya continues to empower surrounding communities, and commendably churning out smart water farmers. These women have seen how water can be a cause of conflict and strife and are on a mission to ensure that their farming practices do not hinder water conservation efforts. They are part of the Laikipia Irrigation Acceleration Platform (IAP) of which the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership is the secretariat.

The IAP in Laikipia County is making great strides in water management for the smallholder agriculture sector.

The Platform was established in May this year by the Smart Water for Agriculture Program of SNV (Netherlands Development Organisation).

This Project aims to increase income and food security for households around the County.

The Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership (MKEWP) is supported by an LWF

secretariat.

Halima Mohammed, Secretary of Blessed Women’s Group, together with 20 other members were recently supported by MKEWP to attend a Kisima field day. We caught up with them to find out more about their activities, and how similar platforms have played a key role in actualising their water conservation efforts.

LWF: Tell us about Blessed Women’s Group Halima Mohammed (HM) on behalf of Blessed women’s Group: (laughing) We are currently 30 members all living in Matanya. I joined the group over 5 years ago so these women are like my sisters. We all make a living off the farming that we engage in so that we can support our families and take our children to school.

We realised that we needed to become more organised so that we can participate in discussions around water conservation. We knew we can make a difference in the

way we use water, after all, we are 30 members in the group but truthfully we are almost 150 if you count all our family members.

LWF: Are all 30 members of the group women?

HM: Yes, initially that was how we were structured. But one of our members passed away… that was a very sad day for all of us. She left behind a family. Her husband insisted on continuing his wife’s work. He felt strongly about being a part of us and wanted his children to continue learning about water conservation, so now he is officially part of our group.

Blessed Women Group field visit at Kisima photo by LWF

LWF: And what do you farm?

because they give us a lot of information on market linkages for our produce.

HM: We all plant vegetables like Sukuma, spinach, maize, potatoes and tomatoes depending on the season.

Some of us have a dairy cow or two that provide milk for the family. The excess is sold.

But it is not always easy trying to get our produce to market and that is why we were so excited to join Laikipia’s IAP

HM: We will have a stand of our own and a demonstration field…if they would allow us.

LWF: What advice would you give young women who want to succeed in farming and community engagement?

LWF: If we were attending a Kisima field day 10 years from now, what would your participation look like?

HM: Get organised! You can do so much when you work as an organised group; we have seen this first hand. Also, young women should not fear asking questions and getting involved in issues such as conservation.

Important MKEWP Update: We are honoured to announce that the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership’s Flora and Fauna International proposal to the Darwin initiative has been approved. The UK£

400,000 project will run for the next four years and is as a result of an integrated community development effort that will focus on the communities surrounding Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The Water Conservation component will be implemented in partnership with the MKEWP. Launch of the Project’s work plan and collaborative actions commenced in September

12 | COUNTY NEWS

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Sell some of your livestock and purchase food for the remaining ones to survive

Isiolo County drought preparedness strategy Pastoralists in Isiolo County have been advised to purchase fodder for their livestock in order to ensure that they survive prevailing drought that has cut across two rainy seasons.

By HUSSEIN GALGALO

S

peaking during the launch of a new programme to mitigate against the prolonged drought, the County Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries Adan Jaldesa called on pastoralist to desist from relying on government interventions, but rather sell some of their livestock and purchase food for the remaining ones to survive.

“It is advisable to sell two goats and purchase animal feed for the fifteen remaining ones, rather than loose the whole lot as we wait for the rains to come. The food is being sold in Isiolo town and any small quantity of the same will make your animals survive the dry spell,” said Jaldesa while addressing pastoralists at Gotu shopping centre in Garemara ward.

The Chief Officer said the County

government will hit the ground running to help pastoralists earn good income from their livestock once they settle in office but cautionestrategyd them against over reliance on the government when they are capable of keeping their animals alive.

Jaldesa represented the area governor on an inspection tour of the project being funded by the national government to deworm, deal with external parasites and give mineral plus vitamin supplements to livestock to help them survive until the rains come.

According to the Isiolo County Director for Veterinary Services Dr. Joseph Githinji, the programme whose budget was about Sh7 million is supported by the national government. It involves parasite control for both internal and external parasites, and supportive treatment including mineral and vitamin supplements besides treatment of common illnesses. Dr. Githinji said they have received veterinary medical supplies, fuel for the vehicles and operation expenditure estimated at the market value to about Sh3 million.

Veterinary doctors administering drench and pesticides to livestock at Gachuru village in Isiolo County

This is the 4th programme to be funded by the national government to mitigate against the prolonged drought this year.

the beginning of the year were vaccines against various livestock diseases in January, disease surveillance funds in the same month and pesticides for external parasites in March,” he said.

“The other three programmes since

The veterinary director said the

programme will proceed in all the three Isiolo Sub-Counties where drenching for de-worming and pesticides for external parasites will be effected to save the livestock from sharing the little food available with parasites.

CIDP: what you need to know An open public participation forum sponsored by the County government for the residents of Thingithu ward, Nanyuki town, Laikipia County was held at the Nanyuki Community hall on 12th September from 10am.

Economic Forum (CB&EF).

Public Finance Management Act 2012 (PFM 137) provides that a county government shall establish the CB&EF. It shall comprise the Governor and members of the county executive committee, an equal number of nominees of Non State Actors (NSA) (professionals, business, labour, women, and persons with disabilities, elderly and faith based groups at county level). The forum shall provide a means of consultation on the planning budgeting, economic and financial management processes in the County.

By Gitenguri Kuria

T

he event which is a part of County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) was coordinated by the ward administrator for Thingithu Hellen Wambui, and representatives from various ministries drawn from the County government. In attendance too was Thingithu MCA Stephen Ndiritu Kamau. Issues raised by electorates ranged from health to education and cut across all the other ministries in the County government.

County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) The Constitution of Kenya 2010 established two tier governance systems with a national government and 47 County governments.

The County Government Act 2012 stipulates the need for all Counties to prepare five-year County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) which replaces District Development Plans (DDPs) that used to guide development under former constitutional dispensation. These plans are expected to integrate County governments’ functions as

An illustration of a person budgeting By Google specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution and on relevant national policies.

The County Governments Act, 2012(CGA),104 obligates a County to develop an integrated plan, designate planning units’ at all County administrative levels and promote public participation and engagement by non state actors in the planning process.

The County plans should consist of the following; The County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) is a 5 year plan that shall inform the county’s annual budget; County Sectoral Plan (10 year plan); County Spatial Plan is a 10 year plan using the Geographic Information System (GIS)based system and will be reviewed every 5 years; City and municipal plans.

In view of the constitutional

requirements and the need to promote the welfare of the residents of a given County, CIDP is a blueprint that should act as a guide for present and future development agenda of a given County. The Plan, which may vary across counties, form a basis for appropriating County public funds and integrates economic, physical, social, environmental and spatial aspects of a County.

Role of the public in the County planning process Citizen participation is mandatory in the planning process. CGA, 106 (4) states “county planning shall provide for citizen participation” and shall be done in a process that “involves meaningful engagement of citizens” (CGA, 105 (1-d). Public participation shall be facilitated for example through:The

County

Budget

and

The other members of the inspection team include the team leader for Regional Pastoral Livelihood Resilience Programmed (RPLRP) Abdullahi Wario and the County Director of Fisheries Felix Muthomi.

Laikipia East Mp refutes petition rumours and social media are untrue, adding that somebody is out to tarnish his name for unknown reasons. The Legislator, who was speaking to the press in Nanyuki town, said he would be the last person to do such a thing considering that he was not a gubernatorial candidate.

County Citizen Engagement Framework. (CGA Part VIII) obligates the county government to establish structures for citizen participation. These are guided by principles set out in CGA87.

County Civic Education Strategy (CGA Part X) requires the county government to develop an effective civic education framework through which it shall empower and enlighten citizens and promote the principles of devolution in the constitution on a continual basis.

It is important for the leaders to recognize the existence of socio-economic challenges affecting residents that include poverty, rampant insecurity, poor infrastructure and effects of climate change. As an effort to promote the welfare of all residents, the CIDP should have an overall objective, in my view, of creating a platform for informed decision making, create an environment for robust economic development, building social cohesion

By COUNTY CORRESPONDENT

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Laikipia East, Mohammed Amin Deddy, has denied allegations that he has petitioned the election of Laikipia governor, Nderitu Mureithi.

Deddy said rumours doing the round in Nanyuki town

He added that the lawyer the petitioner used to file the case against the governor is the same one who was representing him when he had a CDF related court case with the former MP for Laikipia East Kimaru Mutahi and wondered if this could be the reason people are associating him with the matter.

Sammy Ndung’u from Laikipia East Constituency and Dennis Leman from Laikipia North filed before the High Court in Nanyuki a petition challenging the election of Governor Nderitu Mureithi.

Ndung’u is questioning the electoral process that declared Nderitu Mureithi and his deputy John Mwaniki the winner.

The petitioners has named the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as the first respondent, Governor Nderitu Mureithi and his deputy John Mwaniki as the second and third respondents while County returning Officer Agnes Mutisya has been named as the fourth respondent.

Court News | 13

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

Justice Kasango ruled that the matter be mentioned on 2nd October, 2017

Election of Governor Nderitu Muriithi challenged in court of his petition.

Leman told Nanyuki Resident Judge Justice Mary Kasango that his decision to withdraw from the matter was out of his own will and not from any influence.

The two petitioners were challenging election of Muriithi mainly on the ground that during the elections there was breach of peace in Laikipia North which adversely affected Pokot community.

BY ANDIE MAINA

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he hearing of a petition challenging the election of Laikipia County Governor Nderitu Muriithi filed on September 8 has kicked off at Nanyuki High Court.

The petition which was filed by two petitioners; Sammy Ndungu and Dennis Leman was set for mention; however Leman applied for withdrawal

The petition claims that security forces in the region including KDF, regular police and Kenya reservists intimidated members of the community from voting by moving in contingents from one polling centre to another.

According to the petition, due to the heavy security presence in the region which supported former governor Joshua Irungu, over 5, 000 voters failed to vote.

Leman who comes from Sosian Ward

Governor Muriithi first consultative meeting

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aikipia County government has organized the first Laikipia Contract’s Roundtable consultative meeting aimed at transforming farming to a profitable business.

The government is committed to provide a streamlined process and a dedicated team to support processors and traders to find and contract with farmers promptly as well as to register and enforce contracts.

Addressing the meeting, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi noted that prospective partners have accepted his government’s request to provide comprehensive packages that include certified seeds and customized fertilizers, weather indexed insurance, land preparation, warehousing, custodial and transport services in order to raise uptake by farmers.

This program will also enable and attract Saccos and banks to finance the farmers as they try to maximize production according to Muriithi. He noted that they will also be supporting poor households to subscribe to these services through the Laikipia Enterprise and the Cooperative Revolving Funds.

The thirty day Contracting drive for the short rains expected in October and November was launched at the Governors official residence in Nanyuki where processing companies like New KCC noted that the production of milk in Laikipia is below per considering that there are two plants in the region.

According to Nanyuki Plant manager Irene Mwaka, they are only receiving 5,000 litres of milk per day while they have a capacity of over 28,000 in the cooling plant.

Similarly at Nyahururu where the company has a processing plant the commodity is below per and to address this, the company aims at working with the farmers to start their Sacco of bleeding their own cows to maximize production.

“We are also working with the County government to make sure that there is enough water for production of fodder that will see the program sustain itself,” Mwaka noted Muriithi noted that this is the third pillar in his manifesto and the coming of different stakeholders from the different sector is major boost.

Others who will be contracting with the farmers include EABL for Sorghum farming, MEA Fertilizers, ACRE Africa for insurance, Laikipia Farmers Association for the large scale ranching and beef production, KCB, Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mobile Financial Solutions Ltd, AEA Limited among others.

Prospective partners have accepted his government’s request to provide comprehensive packages

in Laikipia North Constituency was not in court and his application was filed by his lawyer Michael Muchemi.

Justice Kasango ruled that the matter be mentioned on 2nd October, 2017 for the consideration of the Leman’s withdrawal application.

On the same mention date the court will set hearing date for pretrial of the matter.

IEBC is the 1st respondent in the petition; others being Nderitu Muriithi and his Deputy John Mwaniki and the County Returning officer.

Governor Muriithi was not in court but was represented by lawyers Evans Monari and the vice president of East Africa Law Society Ms Maria Mbeneka.

Mwaniki was in court with his two lawyers Mwangi Wanjohi and James Njengo while IEBC was represented

by Lawyers Eric Gumbo and Bush Wanjala.

Four County staff arraigned in court for abuse of office

By FRED KOOME

F

our Tharaka-Nithi County employees were arraigned in Chuka Law Court on counts of abuse of office and fraud.

Mr. Kenneth Kanga (Secretary County Public Service Board), Ms Karen Gatune (Human Resource of the Secretariat, County Public Service Board), Ms Lydia Wangui (County Payroll Manager) and Ms Jacinta Kathambi (Clerk payroll department) were charged on various counts related to abuse of office.

Mr. Kanga and Ms. Gatune were charged with arbitrarily and irregularly employing workers to the County against the authority of the office. Ms Wangui was accused of irregularly inserting workers to the County government payroll.

Together with Ms. Kathambi, the two were charged with preparing certain payroll and disposing off government revenue which had been entrusted to them by virtue of their employment.

Before Resident Magistrate Lydia Mummassaba, the four pleaded not guilty of all the accusations and were released on bond of Sh500, 000 or Sh250, 000 cash bail.

The accused persons’ advocates asked the court to hold a pre-trial session to familiarize themselves with the case.

“We ask for pre-trial because this case involves many counts,” said Mr. Benson Kinjaru, one of the accused advocates.

The case was mentioned on September 28 and will be heard on December 14

Petition challenging Samburu Governor elect filed

A man in court for defiling two nursery school girls

By ANDIE MAINA

A 21 year old mentally sick man was arraigned in a Nanyuki court charged with defiling two nursery school girls.

Joseph Kanyi allegedly defiled the minors aged four and five years inside his house at Murungai village in Laikipia County on Friday, 15th, September.

The prosecutor Ms Caroline Muriu said on the material day, the two were walking home from school when it started raining and they decided to shelter in the nearest house, which happened to be Kanyi’s. Muriu said it was then that the accused ushered them in, defiled and later released them.

“On arriving to their respective homes, the girls who were complaining of pain in private parts informed their mothers what had befallen them and the parents reported the matter to Umande police station before proceeding to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral hospital for medication,” she said. The accused was later arrested and charged.

Ms. Muriu informed Principal Magistrate Waititu Gichimo past medical records showed the accused was mentally disturbed and requested the court to adjourn plea taking until Monday 25th, September for the accused mental state to be assessed at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral hospital.

A file photo of Samburu West MP Lati Lelelit with Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal Google photos

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lection of Governor of Samburu County, H.E Moses Kasaine Lenolkulal has been challenged by Lesirma Simon Saimanga.

Saimanga wants the court to nullify election of Lenolkulal on grounds of irregularities of process of voting which were designed to favour him.

However Justice Kasango observed that the matter is gazetted to be heard before Justice Roseline Wendoh of Nyahururu high court and was to be mentioned on September 25 in Nyahururu court.

One speared dead by cattle rustlers

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n attack at a tourist lodge in Laikipia North left one employee dead and his colleague admitted to a hospital with multiple leg fractures.

The incident which happened at night at Enasoit Wildlife Sanctuary left 25 year old Paul Kagema dead and George Wachira, 27 injured.

Laikipia North Police commander Joel Otii told the press that Kagema was in the company of his four colleagues and they were coming back to the lodge from a nearby market at around 7.30pm.

They were confronted by a group of cattle rustlers with stolen camels and they shot Wachira in the leg.

When the deceased saw what had happened to his colleague, he screamed which is when one of the cattle rustlers speared him, killing him on the spot.

Otii said the other two escaped without injuries while the rustlers disappeared into the bush with unknown number of camels.

According to the police boss the cattle rustlers are still at large.

14 | Entertainment

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

County STARS Award winning Teen Model

story By GiTenGuri kuria

Glad you made it, talk to the readers I am Benson Kimotho, a second year JKUAT student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information and technology (IT), a Model with Tianar Modelling Agency

What is modeling?

Within modelling, there are a variety of different categories where some models will flourish whilst others may find themselves better suited to different kinds of modelling than others; runway where designers promote their clothes., commercial modeling where companies hire models as brand promoters and photo shoot for self-marketing

What does it take to be a model?

World of Modelling If you’re a model, your job is to model clothes made by fashion designers and brands. If someone asks you what you’re doing, you say that you’re modelling.

If you like to create something but used another piece of work as inspiration, you can say you modeled your work after something. Or you can say you modelled it. To help us through the modelling business is one of our very own

There are no formal education requirements for anyone wishing to pursue a career in modeling. Other requirements in terms of physical characteristics may vary from one client to another depending on the industry and the product they wish to promote. A model has to regularly make attempts to stay in shape and learn how to move gracefully and confidently in public.

How long have you been doing this?

I began my modeling career in 2015 immediately after clearing high school

Does modelling pay?

Passion comes before pay. Its fame without money, but eventually through hardwork efforts pays off

Are there any challenges and how do Models overcome them?

Hoodwinking by organizations.

The best way of overcoming such challenges is by having an Agent who represents you. The Agent represents the Model and sign necessary agreements on one’s behalf. They are a Model’s Manager.

Apart from runway, camera lenses and fashion, what are the other duties of a model?

Reviewing past experiences to identify weaknesses in order to correct them, to be brand ambassadors of their agencies, get involved with high impact charity projects as a means of social responsibility and Learning

There seems to me as if there is a relationship between Modelling and drug use and abuse, is that really the case?

(We both burst into laughter) Not really, it all goes down to what a person holds true as their values, and having the discipline to respect and uphold those values.

What are your greatest achievements so far and what’s your advice to anyone out there aspiring to be a Model?

Being crowned as Mr Teen 2017 on 12th February 2017. Most people especially teenagers expect to shine, earn and get real cash when they join modeling however, that is not the case. A person has to struggle with getting connections before finally succeeding

Volunteering as a form of livelihood Dunstan Maraka from Bungoma is a G-United cohort 3 volunteer in Nyeri County (an initiative by the government towards creating national cohesion) under the Ministry of education, department of basic education and leads a team of 29 Volunteer graduate assistants, posted in 15 public primary schools across Nyeri.

By GiTenGuri kuria

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n this particular day of our encounter, he had traveled from Mathira Constituency to come to Nanyuki and serve at the Lions Club Medical Camp held every month in Nanyuki, at the Nanyuki Nursing and Maternity Hospital.

Passion for helping people improve in different areas of their lives led him to take up Volunteering as a job. Volunteering in this project according to him has been a great experience and has given him the exposure that has changed his perception about other people.

For a person wishing to join the program, one has to hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognized university and be 29 years of age or below. A person also has, most importantly, to demonstrate the ability to live among people from different ethnic backgrounds. During placement, the head teacher of the selected primary school for a Volunteer graduate looks for a suitable host family for the volunteer.

The greatest challenge Maraka has encountered is language barrier.

In addition, community projects demand funds to start and sustain and its insufficiency brought about by financial constraints renders a

Dunston Maraka left with Salome Ndirangu right in Nanyuki serving at the Lions Club Medical camp in Nanyuki Photo by Gitenguri Kuria big blow to volunteers.

As a means of survival, the government has a planned a stipend that is generated through the host family. His call to the youths who claim there are no jobs is a review of their definition of a job. A personal interpretation of a job dictate whether a person realizes a

job opportunity or not and urges the youth to keenly and soberly reevaluate their definition of what truly a job is. Maraka holds to the belief that a job is the ability of a person to give benefit or impact to the community or people around them.

Maraka travels far distances

whenever a call for Volunteering is raised. He loves what he does and appeals to all Kenyans to maintain peace during this electioneering period and also urges the government and key players to follow up on noble programmes as his so as to ensure their survival and success.

County News | 15

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

Volunteers have come in handy to play a supplementary role in taking care of our children

A Call for Volunteers to work with children

NYS project avenue for national cohesion, Says CS

Do you want to volunteer at Neema House Infant Rescue Centre? Volunteers come every day from as early as 8am and leave at their own discretion By neema

C

hildren develop optimally based on secure relationships with their parents or care givers. This secure attachment is developed in moment to moment interactions between the baby and the care giver in which the baby expresses his/her needs and the care giver responds appropriately to them in playful matching loving interactions. Majority of children in our care have experienced trauma, before and after birth thereby rendering them to need care and protection.

Having lost their primary attachment, therefore, our permanent staff/caregivers ensure that they exercise all in their power to build and repair those broken/ non-existent attachments.

Volunteers have come in handy to play a supplementary role in taking care of our children in areas of feeding, holding and playing with the children, folding clothes, cleaning utensils, repairs, laundry, reading books among other activities.

We encourage and partner with both the local and international communities to work alongside our staff in ensuring that children in and out of our care are safe and happy. However, there are

A group photo of NEEMA volunteers Photo by NEEMA laid down rules that must be adhered to by anyone willing to volunteer with us at the Centre, among them: • Washing hands/ sanitize before and after handling the babies.

• When feeding, keep the bottle tilted so the teat is always full of milk to avoid taking in air.

• If the baby does not know how to suck, put the teat in the mouth and hold one finger below the chin to help them suck.

• Never prop up a bottle and leave the baby to feed alone; he or she may choke.

Instead, hold the baby as you feed him/her. Also for bonding purposes, hold the baby in your lap, making eye contact and talking to them no matter

how small.

• Older children must be put in a sitting position while being fed to avoid choking • After feeding, hold babies upright against shoulder or propped forward on lap and gently rub babies back to remove air/Bringing up wind. This may cause discomfort if not removed.

• No food or snack from outside the home is to be given to the babies • If the baby cries neither for hunger nor a nappy change, try: rocking the baby or putting baby to bed, walking around with the baby, distracting the baby with noise, music, a rattle, etc.

• Never shake a baby, it can cause bleeding and can damage the brain.

• Never pick a baby up by one arm, use both hands for support when handling babies.

• In case of an emergency, inform the Director/ Matron immediately to fill out the Incident Reporting Form available in the office • No babies are allowed into the kitchen unless accompanied by an adult • Avoid cell phones when feeding babies to enhance attachment and reduce infections • Do not shout at the babies; be gentle and kind exercising age appropriate rules For more information on how to volunteer, please get in touch with us on 0740 130 170 or neemahouseirc@ gmail.com

Kuti unveils his County Executive Committee Isiolo Governor Dr. Mohamed Kuti has unveiled what he termed as a streamlined six-member County Executive Committee (CEC).

D

r. Kuti said he had consulted widely to bring on board the interests of all communities in the county but was not possible to include everyone who had expressed interest.

He called on Isiolo residents to judge his executive by work performance rather than by their ethnic identities.

“We did our best to take the interests of all communities on board but we could not be 100 percent because the positions are few.

However, we considered the youth, the middle aged

and the elderly, besides academic qualifications and experience,” said the governor while announcing the executive members.

He said health services were considered to be of paramount importance and therefore placed it under the office of the deputy governor who is a medical doctor so as to ensure that the residents get quick and quality medical attention.

,

We considered the youth, the middle aged and the elderly, besides academic qualifications and experience,”

Isiolo Governor Dr. Mohamed Kuti

The Finance and Economic Planning docket was given to Mr. Mwenda Thiribi while the Lands, Physical Planning, Works and Urban Development went to Mohamed Ali Sime.

Water, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources

docket was given to Yusuf Daudi Adha and that of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development taken

by Mohamud Abdullahi Haji.

The Tourism, Trade, Cooperative and Enterprise Development department was given to Abdinassir Ali Abduba while the only woman in the list Ms. Josephine Kirior Eregai, a former administrator of Ngaremara ward assumes Education, Sports, Youth, Gender and Social Services.

Dr. Kuti called on the County Assembly to hasten the vetting of the proposed CECs once tabled to them to allow quick formation of the county government and an early execution of duties bearing in mind that the county was facing a prolonged drought.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ms Sicily Kariuki has described the National Youth Service (NYS) programme that was started by the Jubilee government in 2015 as an avenue of bonding the youth to stop engaging in ethnic conflicts.

By HUSSEIN GALGALO

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s Kariuki said as the youth interact in their daily activities the NYS cohorts in Isiolo County and other Counties.

“The NYS project not only empowers our youth economically but as they interact in their daily activities they tend to understand other ethnic communities’ culture which ends up strengthening national cohesion,” said Ms Kariuki.

Presiding over the launch of the second phase of the NYS project in Isiolo town, the CS called on the County government to chip in by seeking ways of creating employment for the youth both directly and giving them their rightful share of 30% of tenders given out by the County.

She said the Jubilee government has allocated Sh9 billion for this second phase of the NYS project to empower the youth to earn an honest living besides providing many to engage in business ventures that have multiple multiply effects.

“The youth who benefited from the first phase of the project have already joined the business community through income generating ventures such as bodaboda operations, kiosks, transport and even M-Pesa shops to earn an honest living,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

Jubilee government has allocated Sh9 billion for this second phase of the NYS project

She said the youth are paid a total sum of Shs 541 per day out of which 30% is given to the NYS Sacco to enable them engage in income generating activities after the completion of their term in employment as cohorts as a way of ensuring that the project is sustainable.

Ms. Kariuki said in the first phase of the project 1,300 Isiolo youth benefited and the project reached 260 constituencies and looks forward to reach all Counties.

“We have heard your request for an additional number of youth employment from your leader and the deputy governor.

I now throw the ball to the Deputy Governor’s court and ask him to empower the youth through direct employment and giving them their share of tenders,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

She asked the people of Isiolo to come out in huge numbers to vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta to give him a second term to complete his development projects which include the NYS programme.

Speaking to the press shortly after the event, the chairman of the Isiolo NYS cohorts Joseph Eskuku said they appreciate the project that has enabled many youth to enter into business but called on the government to consider increasing the number and the emoluments.

“90% of the youth in Isiolo are unemployed and the NYS project has absorbed 40% implying that 50% are still desperate. We also ask for a higher pay because after the 30% deduction into the NYS Sacco many end up struggling to pay for rent and other family commitments,” said the youth leader.

The NYS Sacco is a government initiative to empower youth by using savings from their earnings from the NYS project to empower them acquire loans to start businesses.

When the Youth Enterprise Fund was introduced, most of the Isiolo youth who received the funds failed to repay making Isiolo County be blacklisted but with the introduction of the NYS Sacco many youth have successfully joined the business community.

16| County News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

As a priority, we must exercise prudent management of the public finances especially the overall wage bill

Isiolo Governor in a bid to restructure the County govt The Isiolo County will streamline all government agencies in line with the County Government Act that envisages a lean and effective government.

By HUSSEIN GALGALO

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he Isiolo County Governor Dr. Mohamed Kuti who was presiding over the opening of the second County Assembly said this will involve not just reducing the number of departments but restructuring the entire government and changing its operations. He added that this was necessary so as to end confusion and wasteful overlap of responsibilities.

“As a priority, we must exercise prudent management of the public finances especially the overall wage

bill. Today recurrent expenditure is reaching unsustainable levels, squeezing out resources meant for development. We must keep the public wage bill in check,” said the governor.

Dr. Kuti gave the example of the current financial year that has a total estimated wage bill of Kshs 1.5 billion terming it as unsustainable which also poses a serious threat to the funding of important development projects and has the potential to severely affect the County’s economic prospects.

“All arms of government must set the example and lead the way in bringing this wage bill down. Our focus both as the executive and the legislature must be on reducing the cost of living and

All arms of government must set the example and lead the way in bringing this wage bill down.

making Isiolo much more competitive thereby increasing opportunities while improving the standard of living.

Indeed that shall be the centre piece of our government,” the governor asserted.

He said the most urgent tasks are to grow the County economy, ensure food security, provide quality education and health services, and create jobs for the youth and firmly crackdown on corruption and impunity that makes the County less attractive as an investment destination.

Dr. Kuti’s speech was applauded by several people who described it as a cause for hope among Isiolo residents who have benefited very little from devolution with the first County government having spent most of its time in wrangles and being involved in massive corruption, Isiolo County ‘Maendeleo ya Wanawake’ chairperson Asili Fayo said the speech was very encouraging

Second County Assembly officially opened By fred koome

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overnor Kiraitu Murungi on led the official opening of the second Meru County Assembly where he pledged to drive a clear development agenda for the region.

Addressing the house, Kiraitu said he will promote participatory leadership to ensure the County realizes its social and economic potential.

He said his administration will move away from the past regime which he accused of having a poor working relationship with other levels of government.

“I want to open a new chapter in the history of Meru. A chapter of

strong and mutually rewarding friendship and cooperation between the County and the national government,” stated Kiraitu.

The governor added that he will be keen to build a mutual working relationship between the County executive and the County assembly based on friendship, cooperation and understanding.

“Our relationship should not be merely based on the constitution and the County Government Act,” noted Kiraitu.

He outlined plans for the development of the County, stating that his administration will establish boards that will help in driving the development agenda, key among them the Meru County

Development Board, Sub-County Development Board, Ward Development Board, County Tourism Board, Health Board, and Town Management Board.

He said the Sub County Development Boards shall help in forging a close working relationship between the County and the national government staff, which lacked in the previous regime.

“Each Board shall have a member from the national government staff working in that area together with elected leaders,” he disclosed.

He however noted that the boards’ mandates will be limited to advisory and not executive.

Kiraitu to support security initiatives

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eru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has assured residents of improved security in parts of the region that have in the recent passed experienced banditry.

Speaking during the official opening of first session of the Second Meru County Assembly, Kiraitu said discussions on the security situation at the areas bordering Isiolo County were at an advanced stage.

“Regular and predictable cycle of drought in northern Kenya have caused permanent tensions, insecurity, violence, deaths, untold suffering and economic destruction in the Tigania and Igembe areas along Meru-Isiolo border,” he mentioned.

He said he had already held discussions with President

Uhuru Kenyatta and action was being taken through the County Commissioner’s office.

Kiraitu underscored the importance of peace and security in promoting development within the region.

He added that his County government was providing vehicles and rangers to help in restoring peace in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Governor lauded his Isiolo Counterpart Mohammed Kuti for appointing a County Executive

Committee (CEC) member for Finance from Meru.

“The appointment of one of our own in an executive position in the neighbouring County will cement a good working relationship between the two Counties,” stated Kiraitu.

He maintained that his government shall be engaging with the leaders of Isiolo County to seek a lasting solution to the perennial resource conflict that has threatened the security and economic cooperation between the two counties.

Meru County Assembly led by their speaker Joseph Kaberia (seated centre) pose for a group photo after the official opening of the first session of the second County Assembly by Governor Kiraitu Murungi (seated second

Isiolo County ‘Maendeleo ya Wanawake’ chairperson Asili Fayo Photo by David Mutwiri especially to women, youth and People living with Disabilities who only used to hear that they had a share in tenders and funds but never received them.

“We were happy to hear the governor present the Youth, Women and People with Disability Fund Bill and once passed by the County Assembly it will of much value to us especially women who have joined many businesses prior dominated by men,” said Ms.

Fayo.

The Chairman of the cattle market Ibrahim Halakhe said they are happy that the speech which touched on the Isiolo abattoir that will open the livestock products market to the international market but called on the County Assembly to hit the road running and avoid the wrangles that took much time of the former assembly.

Woman killed and another injured in a drinking joint A 21 year old woman was stabbed to death by her drinking companion inside a beer joint in Isiolo town.

According to an eye witness Sobe Lokiral, a Security guard at the club, the assailant also stabbed a bar waitress who tried to save the victim and she was rushed to an unidentified hospital.

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okiral said the man and the young woman had been drinking together the whole night on the verandah of Little Reds club. The woman had even ordered for chips in his presence only for the couple to start an argument over un-established matter culminating in the tragedy.

“I do not know what they disagreed on before the woman rushed into the club and the man followed her brandishing a knife.

Minutes later I saw the lady being moved out with blood splashing out from many parts of her body,” said the security guard. He said it appeared like a love affair gone sour as nothing was stolen from the victim.

Ms. Diana Kinoti who arrived at the scene shortly after the traumatising incident said it was unfortunate as it happened around 7.00 am and witnessed by pupils who were walking to school.

Isiolo youth leader Abdifatah Ahmednoor called on young people to involve themselves in productive activities rather than vices such as prostitution and crimes.

“We are human beings and these evil acts of killing others or being involved in prostitution is bad. I call on all Isiolo youth irrespective of their ethnic identities to maintain peace and embrace legal sources of income. Youth especially Muslims should be nowhere near where alcoholic beverages are being served,” said the youth leader.

Ahmednoor called for immediate closure of the bar describing it as insecure. “There are no security guards and had the man entered the bar with a bomb he would have killed many people,” he said.

Similarly a resident of Bulla Pesa suburb only identified as Hashim or Baba Saum called on the youth to join the National Youth Service Programme rather than involve themselves in evil activities.

He however felt that instead of closing the bar altogether the owners should beef up security to ensure such incidences do not reoccur.

Administration Police who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident took the body to Isiolo Hospital mortuary.

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Baba Saum called on the youth to join the National Youth Service Programme rather than involve themselves in evil activities.

Feature Story | 17

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

YOUTH & DEVELOPMENT

By GiTenGuri kuria

Minimum Tillage methods As farmers seek to grow more crops with less cost and investment of time, the notion of zero or reduced tillage has developed.

By GiTenGuri kuria

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n reduced tillage, minimal soil disturbance is done to get a good plant stand Conservation tillage is a form of reduced tillage where one-pass of the plow is done and a layer of residue is left on the soil surface. This helps increase water infiltration, reduce erosion and reduce costs In zero-tillage, another variation of reduced tillage, the equipment used makes a narrow slot in the field where the seed is dropped and the rest of the field is un-tilled.

Surface mulch determines the success or failure of zero-tillage; without the surface mulch the soil gets compacted and yields are low, whereas with the mulch, the

Photo illustrations of conservation agriculture tillage method. Photo courtesy Google surface soil physical and biological properties are improved leading to a healthy soil and a good crop.

Choosing which reduced tillage system to use will depend on the

local situation, soil texture, and the availability of suitable equipment.

Advantages of conservation agriculture It saves time resulting to timelier

planting and better yields, costs less, saves water and therefore better water infiltration and better moisture in the soil profile, less soil erosion since water infiltration is improved, Soil organic matter increases, especially at the soil surface where it is most important.

In addition soil physical properties including surface soil aggregates improve. Soil biological diversity increases leading to more biological tillage and better recycling of

Keeping in touch with mother nature through photography 1. How do you manage to juggle between a demanding day job and your nature photography?

My rule has always been to give 100 % to both worlds.This means between 8 and 5 I am fully dedicated to my employer and during my free time (mornings, evenings and most weekends) I curate various photography experiences.

2. How did you land on nature photography as your favorite?

I was a member of the photojournalism club in primary school and as long as I can remember I have always been drawn to nature and animals.

3. ‘Mukuhi’ in our lingua would translate to a ‘short person’. To infer, what are some of your shortcomings as a nature photojournalist?

Sometimes it is hard to find balance between my day job and photography. I only have the weekends to travel, I am not able to travel as far as I would like.

4. Laikipia County is home to some of the most celebrated wildlife conservancies. In the past months we have had heavily armed nomadic herders invading these spaces and indiscriminately destroying the flora and fauna inhabiting here. What has been the impact, especially on your craft?

In some areas most of the wildlife was forced to migrate to escape the chaos so even if I went there as a photographer, I would probably be documenting the aftermath of the looting, killing and destruction.

5. It’s rare to come across a talented photojournalist who can create an enticing, accompanying narrative i.e. a photostory. Has writing always been one of the feathers to your cap?

I took part in every writing competition in high school which gave me a good foundation for writing. Photography helps me tell stories because in most cases my writing is usually a description of what is happening in the photo.

6. I recently wrote an article on the state of photojournalism in Kenya and it was my idea that Kenyan photojournalism needs a paradigm shift if it continues being a craft that many can look up to tell the Kenyan story. What are your thoughts on this?

Photographers like anyone else must keep reinventing themselves and improving their craft.

7. The security of freelance photographers and photography equipment is something that is rarely

addressed. What are your thoughts on this?

As a nature/ wildlife photographer, I have not experienced this. However, safety should always come first whether you are photographing people or wild animals after all photography equipment does not come cheap.

8. When you are not at your day job or taking shots of nature, what pastimes do you engage in?

I watch a lot of series/movies and documentaries, I also read a lot and I have recently taken up running.

9. Who are some of the nature, wildlife and landscape photographers whose portfolio impresses you both locally and globally?

Locally I am in awe of ‘The Kenyan camper’. The way he incorporates photography, writing and local travel is amazing. Internationally, Ami Vitale is best of the best in wildlife photography. I am also inspired by Niels Van Gijn (popularly known as Silverless) from the UK, Andrew Beck and Rudi Hulshof from South Africa.

10.

Is it any ambition of yours to find your work featured on any science, cultural and travel magazines?

Which ones have you reached out to?

Having my work featured locally and internationally would be a dream come true. So far, I have had one of my photos featured as the photo of the day on shots of Africa and another one was featured on the top 1000 on Nature Africa’s photography contest.

11. Nature photography comes with a lot of learning. You get to interact with loads of new information. How has the experience been?

It has been amazing. I have mastered how to set the camera right for different situations. The most exciting experience was learning how to photograph the moon 12 Nature photography heavily relies on texture and use of color. Why is it important?

Nature is dynamic. The colors change depending on the time of day, the position of the sun, whether it is cloudy or not and so many other factors. Nature photography is about blending all these aspects while preserving the natural look on the final product.

Interviewer- Sam Kairu

nutrients.

Pest and disease problems are less.

For pests, the residue on the surface promotes and provides a habitat for beneficial insects. For diseases, soil microbial diversity is increased leading to better disease control and reduction in proliferation of just a few pathogenic diseases.

Mulch from cereal residue has allelopathic properties that reduce weed germination

18 | County News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Awareness education on unexploded ordnance

C

hildren from over 10 schools around Archer’s Post were educated on the dangers of unexploded ordinance by the 101 Engineer Regiment.

The regiment was deployed on a range clearance exercise which takes place in Samburu each year. The aim of the exercise is to detect and safely dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) are explosives such as bombs, missiles, grenades or fuses, that did not detonate when they were first used and so pose a continued danger until they are removed or detonated in place. One bomb that was defused by BATUK dated back to German World War Two bombings!

The Engineer regiment who worked in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces also conducted awareness sessions for other members of the community around Archer’s Post. These sessions included education on how to recognise and avoid

DANGER (HATARI)

INALIPUKA

UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE {BOMU AMBAYO HAIJALIPUKA} MISEIYE

KEEP OFF TALAMA USIKARARIBIE

EXPLOSIVE INALIPUKA ILBOOM DO NOT TOUCH MISEIYE USIGUZE

BATUK and KDF soldiers display types of UXOs UXO’s and was supported by colourful leaflets in Swahili and the local dialect showing

the dangers of the ordnances.

The field squadron have also been clearing UXOs from

the joint British/Kenyan army training areas in Samburu clearing over 95 km sq.

Mission to find body of tourist on Mt redeeming Kenyan beauty through Waste Management Kenya ends in landmark airlift

Hierarchy illustration by Google photos. sTory By GiTenGuri

Rescue team members ferrying the body By andie maina

A

fter four days of fatigue, toil and cold, the mission to find the body of a Chinese tourist on Mt Kenya ended in a landmark airlift.

A team of six endured a three-day hike through treacherous terrain to retrieve the body of 33-year-old Fang Wenchao, who died while attempting to reach the peak of Africa’s second highest mountain.

Shortly after a one-and-a-half kilometer ascend, Wenchao and his guide David Muigai took the decision to head down.

KWS Assistant Director in charge of Conservation Simon Gitau said during descent, communication is vital as only one person can be on a rope at any given time. He also headed the rescue team.

Mr. Muigai said he signaled Wenchao to inform him that he was safely off the lifeline and he could advance down.

CLIMBED DOWN “The next thing I saw was the tourist falling. He hit a rock after about 30 meters and fell another three metres,” Mr Muigai said, adding that he climbed down, about 200ft to where Wenchao was, and found he was dead.

Mr. Muigai said that after securing the body, he descended to Shipton Camp around 10 pm to report the accident.

On Monday afternoon, a team of about 20 hikers was put together to get the body from the mountain.

The initial plan was to carry the body from the peak by a team of six. A second team would carry the body to

a van at Old Moses Camp.

HIKERS The team went to retrieve the body from where it had been kept. One of the hikers Simon Thumuni strapped the body on himself and climbed on slippery rocks to a higher ground.

Tropic Air pilot Ben Simpson and his colleague Tim Flowers made the decision to attempt a first airlift at almost 17,000ft above sea level.

“At 17,000ft, the helicopter is strained.

Most alpine rescues in Europe are done at about 14000ft,” he said.

Mr. Simpson kept watching the clouds and the pair took off from Nanyuki.

“To let the team prepare the body and strap it to the stretcher, we flew away.

Once they were done, they radioed us and we came back,” the pilot said.

All human activities generate waste which requires to be properly managed to protect human health and environment while enhancing aesthetics. This scenario is particularly evident in urban settlements which generate large quantities of solid waste due to high human population The impacts of poor solid waste management within the urban settlements particularly cities and big municipalities can be disastrous. As such there is need for proper and efficient waste management.

Kenya Vision 2030 recognizes the need for efficient and sustainable waste management systems to be established as the country develops into a newly industrialized state by 2030. In this regard the Vision 2030 identified Solid waste management for five cities and towns namely; Mombasa, Kisumu,

Eldoret, Nakuru and Thika as one of the flagship projects. This Strategy was to be piloted in the above five cities and towns and shall also be applied countrywide.

Christopher Muriithi of Nanyuki Waste Management, an organization dedicated to the development and empowerment of the community through grassroots action, research and education, takes us through what Integrated Solid waste management is about.

Integrated waste management is built upon the 3 Rs –reduce, reuse and recycle, and on the waste hierarchy, involves using a combination of waste management methods to achieve the best waste management solution and builds on the four principles of equity, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.

It has three components: the waste system elements; stakeholders; and influencing factors and can be applied to towns and cities of all sizes but the details will vary depending on the population size and amount of waste produced.

Integrated Solid Waste Management can be defined in many ways but it is probably best to think of it as a way of using a combination of waste management techniques to treat the different types of waste in ways that are environmentally, financially and socially sustainable.

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

LIFESTYLE

Good sleep hygiene

Story and Compilation by Gitenguri Kuria & Kellen Ngatia During our English lessons the teacher would teach us different words but the rest was up to us to do the research and widen our knowledge. In this edition we are going to learn or know more facts about regular words.  A group of whales is called a pod  a group of geese is called a gaggle  a group of owls is called a parliament

OTHER WORDS IN ENGLISH WE USE THEM BUT WE DON’T KNOW THEIR ORIGIN OR WHAT THEY STAND FOR.  The word ‘testify’ derived from a time when men were required to swear on their testicles  That you can spell the word ‘level’ and ‘racecar’ the same backwards  VHS stands for Video Home System  The WD in WD-40 stands for Water Displacer  The word ‘underground is the only word that begins and ends with the letters ‘und’  The word ‘almost’ is the longest word spelt alphabetically  The coloured part of your eye is called the iris  EMI awards stands for ‘Electrical and Musical Instruments’  The side of a hammer is called a cheek  The longest word that can be typed using only our right hand is ‘lollipop’  The word ‘lethologica’

describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want  The atomic symbol for iron is Fe but what we don’t know is that the original name for iron was Ferric  ‘Underground’ is the only word that begins and ends with the letters ‘und’  The number 4 is the only number that has the same number of letters in it  A connected bunch of bananas is called a hand and individual bananas are called fingers  A 15th anniversary is called a quindecennial  The word ‘karate’ means ‘empty hand’  The word ‘almost’ is the longest in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order  The most commonly used word in English conversation is ‘I’  The word ‘taxi’ is spelled the same in English, German, French, Swedish, and Portuguese We all have fears in our lives and others we don’t have names for them. Check out in what you experiences might be one of this • Ablutophobia is the fear of bathing • Achluophobiais the fear of the dark • Acrophobia is the fear of heights

Custard Apple Custard apple, also known as Cherimoya also as tomoko in Swahili is soft and chewy with a hard exterior.

The flesh is white in color and has a creamy texture. The pulp coats black shiny seeds that are not consumed. Its high calories and natural sugars are great for dessert and as a nutritious snack. It can be consumed by itself or in the form of shakes, smoothies, desserts and ice cream.

The creamy flesh or pulp can be used as an ointment to treat boils and ulcers.

All this made possible due to its high levels of Vitamin A WEIGHT Contrary to other fruits Cherimoya helps in adding weight. A mixture of honey and custard apple when consumed regularly will help add on the required weight and those much required calories PREGNANCY

Custard apple is great for healthy skin and hair and for better sight. It plays a role in moisturisation and anti-aging.

It helps develop the brain, nervous system and immune system of a foetus. Regular eating of custard apple

FRIDGE CARE

HAIR AND SKIN

A clean kitchen required for food safety For optimum food safety, we need to keep our kitchen clean. Start with the refrigerator freezer, the appliance that works non-stop to keep our perishable foods safely stored. Then tackle kitchen cabinets and pantries, where shelf stable foods are stored.

Always wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before handling food in storage.

Refrigerator and freezer

Lifestyle | 19

• Regulate your body’s clock. Stick to a sleep schedule of the same bedtime and wake up time, even

on the weekends.

• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. The one you have been using for years may have exceeded its life expectancy

Kitchen Tips

Mango & Passion Milkshake

PROCEDURE MANGO AND PASSION MILKSHAKE • Place the mango slices, passion fruit pulp, lime • 2-3 smaller mangoes or 1 large juice, milk and honey in a mango (slice) blender.

• 11/2 cup of fresh passion fruit • Mix until smooth pulp • N/B For a frozen treat add • ¼ cup fresh lime juice ice to the blender and crush • 1 or 1 ½ cups of milk until smooth.

• 3 spoonful of honey • Serve the passion fruit • Ice if needed mango shake garnished Garnish with piece of passion fruit Piece of passion fruit also reduces the risk of miscarriage and minimizes the amount of labor pain during childbirth, also helps the expectant mother to cope with morning sickness, fight nausea, numbness and mood swings. Regular consumption during pregnancy is excellent for production of breast milk.

water will help heal diarrhea.

ASTHMA

Custard apples contain high levels of niacin and dietary fiber, help lower cholesterol level effectively.

Custard apple is rich in vitamin B6, which help reduce the bronchial irritation and help prevent asthmatic attacks

Tech-WIZ

BLOODPRESSURE The apples are good sources of potassium and magnesium which help keep the blood pressure levels in control.

CHOLESTEROL

DIGESTION Custard apple is rich in copper and dietary fibre, which aids in digestion; help ease bowel movement and relives from constipation. Sun dried custard apple pulp can be crushed into powder and consumption of the powder with

Daily maintenance makes cleaning easier. Wipe up refrigerator spills immediately with water and dishwashing liquid, then rinse. Make it a habit to check perishable foods daily. Cooked leftovers should be consumed or frozen in 2-3 days. Check food “use by dates,” and discard if the date has passed While cleaning the refrigerator or freezer, keep foods cold in an ice packed cooler. Bacteria grow rapidly on foods at room temperature, such as in the kitchen sink or on the countertop.

Whether a bachelor, spinster, single or married the kitchen is a must have in every household.

Below are tips on how to keep a kitchen clean or in order.

• If you over salt a pot of soup, just drop in a peeled potato, it shall absorb excess salt.

• When boiling eggs, add a pinch of salt to keep the shell from cracking.

• Never put citrus fruits or tomatoes in the fridge, the low temperature degrades the aroma and flavor of the fruits.

• When storing empty airtight containers throw in a pinch of salt to keep them from getting stinky.

• To keep potatoes from budding in the bag, put an apple in with them.

Remove refrigerator freezer shelves and drawers for cleaning. Wash in water and dishwashing liquid soap. Rinse in water and sanitize with a chlorine bleach solution (instructions following). Air dry shelves and drawers or dry with single use paper towels. Dish towels can contaminate.

Wash the interior surfaces of the refrigerator and freezer, including gaskets, with water and dishwashing liquid soap, then rinse. Avoid abrasives, solvents, or any cleaning agent that

It is crucial to keep your phone in a temperate zone. The worst enemy for lithium-ion batteries is heat. Keeping your phone as close to room temperature is idyllic, and if you’re keeping all your gadgets right next to each other, separate them. Separating your Smartphone from other devices allows your devices to breathe instead of creating more heat.

could damage the interior finishes or leave a chemical taste on foods. Baking soda and water is a good choice for cleaning if oduors exist.

20 | News

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

It pains the mothers when they witness young elected politicians utter disrespectful statements

Laikipia women fault the Opposition

By Gitenguri Kuria

I

n a meeting held in Nanyuki town at the Comfort hotel, a group of women drawn from Laikipia East held a meeting to condemn the antics by NASA politicians.

A statement in part read, ‘as mothers we are concerned at the state of the country, we held a peaceful election on 8/8/17. The Presidential Election was nullified and peacefully as mothers we accepted the court ruling and are ready to go back to the ballot and elect the leader of our choice.’

The representatives indicated their disappointment with the opposition’s current behavior of opposing every proposal made by the government. This in her view has contributed to an unfavourable climate for the school children who are about to sit for their final examinations adding that when the Nation is at war women and children are the ones that suffer. She urged the leader of opposition to start

campaigning and leave boardroom political campaigns.

Nanyuki ward MCA, Veronica Muthoni noted that the current political situation has affected many businesses and has crippled the economy of Kenya In a statement read on behalf of Laikipia East women by Laikipia Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady Hellen Kurutu read in part that it pains the mothers when they witness young elected politicians utter disrespectful statements.

The statement further called on politicians to set a good example to the aspiring politicians.

‘Even now we your mothers are concerned because we have brought you up as decent children and when we hear a young leader like Babu Owino use bad language and disrespect the President we wonder where we failed as a country’, read part of the statement.

Guided by their slogan, ‘Mungu ni Yule Yule , Siku ni ile ile na msimamo

Nanyuki ward MCA Veronica Muthoni (second from left) with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Chairlady Laikipia County Hellen Kurutu Photo by Gitenguri Kuria

‘Mungu ni Yule Yule , Siku ni ile ile na msimamo ni Ule Ule

ni Ule Ule-Uhuru tano tena’ the leaders urged their supporters to come out in large numbers on the 26th of October to vote for President Uhuru Kenyatta, noting that he deserved a second term in office with his deputy William Ruto for holding women, youths and people living with disabilities in high regard more than any previous regimes

thus they will be campaigning for his re-election bid.

The women took offense with the opposition leaders remarks that it was not a must that he would appear on their planned demonstrations; with the women noting that it is their children who are being used by the opposition for him to achieve his selfish ambitions

Road users can reduce carnage Boda boda peace initiative

caravan

A group of boda boda riders from Chaka town in Nyeri County have joined hands in championing for peace, targeting their fellow operators.

By Gitenguri Kuria

File photo of a road carnage in Meru. Google photo

M

eru Traffic Base Commander Vincent Okoth has urged road users to be more proactive by being conversant with traffic rules and regulations to enhance compliance.

Speaking to the media in Meru town, Okoth said public, private vehicle drivers among other road users had a crucial role to play in containing accidents in the region.

“A police officer will only come in after an accident has occurred and the damage has already been done for purposes of assessing the scene for further investigation on the cause of the accident and fast track possible prosecution of a suspect,” Okoth noted.

Okoth decried the increasing number of fatal road accidents along the main roads from Meru town to Embu, Nanyuki and Isiolo attributing the situation to

careless use of the road besides having many road signs along the way.

The Base Commander lamented that in the last one month, the region had recorded several fatal accidents where over ten lives were lost while others were still admitted in different health facilities nursing serious injuries.

Okoth urged all road users to uphold discipline and respect for each other so as to ensure no lives were lost, saying there was need for everybody to be aware of accident prone areas usually referred to as black spots on the roads they used.

He alerted road users along the Nkubu-Meru town of the Black Africa area near Kariene market and Ngo’nyi which was a few kilometers from Meru town, saying those using the NanyukiMeru road should be aware of the Subuiga area which was at the

junction to Isiolo town.

The Base Commander assured the public that the government was committed to assisting Kenyans abide by the law and anybody found to be breaching it would have nobody to blame as they go through the prosecution systems.

Okoth further challenged the public to take courage and be bold enough to make use of his office to report any errand traffic police officers accused of soliciting money from drivers and conductors of vehicles that were mechanically unfit to be on the road.

“May I appeal to anybody with information on any malpractice by traffic police officers to come forth and bring the same for the necessary disciplinary action to be taken for the benefit of all road users,” the Traffic commander appealed.

Founded by Mr Stephen Njeru Gikonyo soon after the Supreme Court nullified the presidential results, the boda boda riders ride from one stage to another talking to fellow boda boda riders urging them to maintain peace during this period.

They also urges riders not to fall prey to the tricks by some politicians noting that there has been incidences in the past where boda boda riders have been used by politicians and have had their motorcycles destroyed when supporters clashed.

He urged the boda boda operators to defend the development which has been witnessed in most parts of the country by not engaging in destructive politics.

The initial 6 member group has now grown to a caravan with Mr Njeru acting as the father figure and mentor to the young boda boda riders.

He advocates for peace during this period when the nation

is rocked in long periods of politics and urges all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation to promote peace and unity wherever they are and to come out in large numbers on 26th October to elect the leader of their choice

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October 2017

County News

| 21

Fuel your heart Compiled By GiTenGuri kuria

In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer and claiming 17.5 million live each year.

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day is the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden. Our aim to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.

The World Heart Foundation organises World Heart Day on September 29 every year to emphasise on the importance of being active and staying informed about cardiovascular health and diseases. The day promotes preventative measures and steps that people should inculcate in their lifestyle to keep heart attacks at bay.

What are Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVD)?

According to WHD website, CardioVascular Diseases include heart conditions consisting of blood clots, diseased vessels and structural problems of the heart, like

stroke, congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, high blood pressure, etc. The risk factors that lead to cardio-vascular diseases includes sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, heightened levels of glucose, bad cholesterol and blood pressure in the body.

This year, the worldheartday.org has decided to bring into perspective four important dimensions of how one can take care of one’s heart; know your heart, fuel your heart, move your heart and love your heart.

KNOW YOUR HEART Looking after your heart starts with understanding your risk, so make sure you know all your health numbers. Visit your healthcare professional and ask for a few simple checks. Know your blood glucose levels, know your blood pressure, know your numbers (cholesterol levels, weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as your blood pressure and blood glucose) and know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

FUEL YOUR HEART Eating and drinking well gives your heart the fuel it needs for you to live your life.

Try changing your diet not to eat so many processed and prepackaged foods which are often high in sugar and fat, Swap sweet, sugary treats for fresh fruit as a healthy

Kikwetu Festival

alternative, Keep the amount of alcohol you drink within recommended guidelines or Try to eat 5 portions (about a handful) of fruit and vegetables a day

times a week

MOVE YOUR HEART

LOVE YOUR HEART

Physical inactivity can contribute significantly to heart disease as it can lead to unhealthy weight gain, diabetes and raised blood pressure. Today, take control of your heart health by getting more active. For example be more active every day – take the stairs, walk or cycle instead of driving, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five

Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your heart health.

Today, make a commitment to quit and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, and that of those around you; within 2 years of quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is substantially reduced.

The best type of activities include aerobics or Stretching activities like Yoga

Kenya Volleyball Federation

GSU are the winners of the KVF Open 2017 at Wote in Makueni County after a win against Prison Kenya 3-2 (25-17, 18-25, 25-23, 2527 and 15-11)

Kikwetu is a Swahili word which means “our culture, our style”.

A festival is a day or time of the year when people have a holiday from work and celebrate some special organized series of events such as musical concerts or drama.

This year BATUK and family members participated in the Laikipia Kikwetu festival by indulging into cultural participation and display from different communities, games and traditional dances.

BATUK FC Vs EXOTICA FC BATUK took the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the community in Archers Post with a friendly football match against the

22 |Feature

Issue No 66 October 2017 | THE COUNTY TIMES

Signs of domestic violence A common pattern of domestic abuse is that the perpetrator alternates between violent, abusive behavior and apologetic behavior with apparently heartfelt promises to change.

By Gitenguri Kuria

T

he abuser may be very pleasant most of the time.

Therein lies the perpetual appeal of the abusing partner and why many people are unable to leave the abusive relationship.

Learning to recognize the signs of domestic violence represents the first step toward getting help for yourself or someone you know.

Every relationship has its challenges and the majority of couples argue once in a while, but domestic abuse goes beyond the typical problems of those in intimate relationships.

You can learn to recognize abusive patterns in relationships by familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of domestic abuse.

Common Signs of Domestic Abuse These signs of domestic abuse

point to probable psychological and emotional abuse. The victim may experience physical violence as well, even if you cannot see any visible signs like bruises.

Verbal cruelty – perpetrator verbally abuses and berates his or her intimate partner. Use of derogatory phrases, such as, “You’re worthless,” or “You’re crazy,” and the like is a common tactic of abusers. Domestic abusers frequently use obscene language targeting the victim.

Physical and Emotional Control – Abusers do not allow their partners to enjoy the independence that other adults have over their lives.

This extreme control may manifest through displays of extreme jealousy and possessiveness, or threats and coerciveness. Perhaps you’ve decided to join your partner

Learning to recognize the signs of domestic violence represents the first step toward getting help for yourself or someone you know.

An illustration of a woman pleading Photo by Google becomes angry that you didn’t consult him or her accusing the other person of not considering his or her wishes or say that the partner is selfish to take that time for themselves.

Lack of Respect (publicly, privately, or both) – Abusers often belittle or nullify the opinions of their victims. In a public setting may make fun of the victim’s attempt to contribute an opinion in a group discussion, or simply ignore it altogether. Many abusers are very careful to mask abuse as diminutive

affection or protectiveness in public settings. In private, abusers openly and purposely show lack of respect for their intimate partner’s desires and needs Fear and Anxiety – Victims of domestic violence and abuse often live in fear of their partners.

Although they may tell friends and family that everything is fine, they often seem overly anxious when their partner is around, or may exhibit visible signs of fear (i.e. shaking, trembling) after a phone conversation with their partner.

Signs of domestic violence often show up as visible injuries on victims. It’s important to note that a lack of physical evidence of domestic abuse is not a guarantee that none is taking place. Read these examples of both visible signs of violence and other non-visible indicators for example bruises or injuries eg black eye, Victim comes up with unlikely excuses for how they obtained bruises or injuries, Talks of the partner’s volatile temper, but stops short of disclosing information that may indicate abuse

Camel milk cooperative society launched in Isiolo Isiolo camel herders have a reason to smile after a Nongovernmental organization has realized the value of this domestic animal and formed a camel milk cooperative society.

V

eterinaires San Frontieres (VSF) has realized that the camel is the biggest natural gift among the pastoralist communities, and has embarked on a mission to market the milk for the resilient domestic animal.

Speaking during the launch, the Isiolo Deputy Governor Ibrahim Issa said his government will work to ensure that Isiolo remains the major source for camel milk.

“The international airport will link the country to the Middle East for export of camel milk and a wider market. We look forward to more cooperatives in Isiolo to develop fully,” said the deputy governor.

The camel milk cooperative society is a brainchild of the Anolei Women group, which has been collecting and transporting milk to Nairobi.

The group started raking in thousands of shillings after their quantity of milk transported daily hit the 2000 litre mark for the first time in the year 2015.

Ms. Abiba Mohamed, a camel herder and a member of the co-operative society, said milk production increased from the usual 500-900 litres a day to more than 2000 litres, thanks to the then elnino rains that made shrubs thaw abundantly.

“Camels that were producing as low as 4 litres of milk during the preceding drought are now producing as much as 10 litres a day and with my five camels, I am able to sell as much as 40 litres daily,” Ms. Mohamed had said Speaking at the camel milk collection centre in Isiolo town, the camel herder further disclosed that unlike cattle milk that fetched between Sh 30 and 50 per litre, camel milk fetched up to Sh 150 per litre because the consumers understand it’s medicinal value.

“Due to the many different shrubs that the camel consumes, its milk mixed with urine heals many ailments that include amoebiosis, typhoid, malaria

Isiolo Deputy Governor Ibrahim Issa cuts the tape to mark the launch of the launching of the Isiolo County camel milk marketing cooperative society Photo by David Mutwiri and even diabetes,” said Ms. Mohamed.

Similar sentiments were echoed by another herder The international airport will link the country to the Middle East for export of camel milk and a wider market.

Ms. Khadija Robo, who said during extended droughts camel milk production falls to as low as 300 litres.

Ms. Robo further disclosed that camels consume virtually all shrubs, including thorns, making their milk and fat rich in nutritional and medicinal purposes.

“Besides milk and healing the many illnesses, camel

fat is mixed with maize flour to treat women who would otherwise miscarry pregnancies due to bleeding,” she further elaborated.

Kenya Dairy Board Upper Eastern Coordinator Wambugu Mureithi and the Isiolo Sub Public Health officer David Chege emphasized the high risk of contamination of

camel milk.

They said camel milk is very sensitive and should be handled with high level of cleanliness because once it is contaminated; it produces micro bacteria that multiply very fast.

They said any person handling the milk should have medical certificate to prove that they are trained.

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LAIKIPIA YOUTH WEEK FOrUM PICTOrIAL

H.E first lady Laikipia County

Madam Jane Kagiri on entrepreneurship

Advertiser feature |24

THE COUNTY TIMES | Issue No 66 October , 2017

NANYUKI WATER & SEWERAGE COMPANY P.O. BOX 995-10400, Nanyuki. Tel: 062-31351 E-mail: nawascom@yahoo.com Website: www.nawasco.com info@nawasco.com

CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS

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The water undergoes physiochemical and bacteriological analysis on quarterly yearly basis at Kenya Bureau of Standards. Retention samples are taken from each batch for further quality control checks.

Our CSR:

Been part of various major events through sponsorship here in Nanyuki by offering sponsorship and water on location e.g KCB Safari Rally, The Governors Camp Hunt Me Not 7-aside tournament, sponsorship of Nanyuki Rally Team amongst others.

We offer free drinking water deliveries for more than 10 packs.

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Wholesale pricelist of Equator Glaciers within Nanyuki Town PACKAGE

QUANTITY

500ML 24 ( 1Carton) 1 Litre 12 ( 1Carton) 1.5 Litres 12 ( 1Carton) 2 Litres 1 PC 3 Litres 1 PC 5 Litres 1 PC 10 Litres 1 PC 10 Litres REFILL 18.9 Litres REFILL 18.9 Litres ( Soft container) 1 18.9 Litres ( Hard container) 1

WHOLESALE 350.00 350.00 500.00 75.00 90.00 140.00 230.00 160.00 300.00 450.00 1,350.00

M-pesa Till Number :869751

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