The Rural Times

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Edition. Page 9

ENDING 25TH JUly 2023

ISSUE

006

Banditry: Guns go silent as government, partners commence development

PRICE KSH50

Other stories

Mathias journey from banditry-prone Kenyan village to American University

Hungry bandits attack victims waiting to be served relief food courtesy of office of First Lady Rachel Ruto and Peacenet-Africa. JOSEPH KANGOGO

Peacenet-Africa CEO James Kandagor addressing recent peace meeting at Kabirwok, Baringo North-Tiaty border.

Sigh of relief as government sets up raft of measures to stop banditry, restore peace in North Rift. The menace persisted since 1970s and escalated from the onset of millennium, year 2005 to date...Story page 2

2023 Budget Approved, Amid Azimio’s Dismisal

BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

The Finance Bill has spiked a row between the Kenya Kwanza Government and the opposition. The opposition claim that the Finance Bill will make the cost of living unbearable due to the high taxation.

On the other hand, according to the government imposing taxes on people will help bring revenue, for the government to be able to run as expected. Read More on page 3

He narrates his story of being born and raised as a victim of frequent attack by gun-wielding bandits, balancing challenges of harsh drought, water crisis, food shortage, education and his athletics career.

Read More on page 14.

Flooded Baringo Sec in Recovery Process, Seeks Funds For Completion

Read More on page 3.

Continued from page 1

BY JEREMIAH CHOGE

Granny Kimoi Chelal, 84, from banditry-prone Chemoe village, Baringo North Sub-county can now afford at least nights of sleep.

Kimoi, alias Kokop Jepkemoi, had lost hope and even surrendered her life to armed bandits saying she has grown old and fallen weak after many years of running to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps while fleeing bandits.

"From today, if the bandits strike again, I am ready to face them and die because I am already growing old, weak and helpless, I can nolonger manage to run and hide” Chelal said.

She said for over 30 years she has been a fugitive in her own country, saying she is now ready to face the bandit's bullet.

But finally it is a sigh of relief for her as the government finally puts on a raft of measures to silence the guns and restore back peace.

Banditry has reigned in the North Rift since the 1970s and escalated in the onset of the millennium, 2005 to date.

Kimoi is among thousands of people, among them the elderly, women and children displaced by bandits in volatile Baringo North and Baringo South Sub-counties.

Hope

At least guns have go silent, government and partners are already showing commitment of getting down to help end banditry and restore peace among warring pastoral communities in North rift and its environs.

Currently Borders Community Peacenet-Africa (BCP-A) in partnership with the office of First Lady Her Exellency Rachel Ruto is committed to spearheading Anti-Cattle Rustling Program.

BCP-A CEO Dr. James Kandagor says the Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO), doesn't use guns, instead they are looking for possiblle ways to transform the lives of people.

"Currently we have reached out to preach and foster peace across 33 volatile counties across the country, through rigorous development" Kandagor said.

He said the program funded by partners and government of Kenya targets to open up and connect the volatile regions to the civilized world.

Kandagor noted ongoing opening up of multimillion security roads, sinking and drilling of pan dam and boreholes and construction of police Anti-Stock Theft unit structure at Kabirwok, Baringo North-Tiaty border.

"We are aiming at converting the diserted once-a-battle field into a city status, afterwich it will see locals

and all Kenyan communities come together to do business" he said.

He said the project has bore fruits as it has historically seen over 5000 warring Tugen and Pokot pastoral communities converge to share relief foodstuff, interact and even spend the nights together.

"What a joy, the narrative has now changed from locals fleeing their homes to resuming back while the armed bandits run away into hiding" Kandagor said.

He says the idea also looks at creating a peaceful environment to see opening up several frequently disturbed and temporarily closed schools in the area due to insecurity among them; Chepkesin, Tuluk, Chemoe, Yatia, Mukutani, Kapndasum, Kasiela, Kinyach, Arabal, Noosukro, Rugus, Mochongoi, Kapkechir, Sirata and Kiserian.

The CEO further said completion of a 3kilometre Road by BCP-A organisation aided erection of Safaricom mast network connectivity at Kasogot Hill, Bartabwa, Baringo North.

Kandagor said similar activities are ongoing along Kerio valley, Kinyach and Kolowa porous border of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot Counties.

He appeals to the government and partners to consider distributing foodstuff to the starving residents and allocating funds to develop and invest in the expansive regions

"Government can now utilize the peaceful moment as an opportunity to easily pursue the bandits and seize the illegal guns" Kandagor said.

During a recent visit, Pastor Edward Ng'aira, peace crusader from the office of First lady Rachel Ruto to inspect the ongoing projects, he called upon residents to embrace peace and shun cattle rustling.

He lauded the government for ongoing security operation saying it should last until the last gun and bullet is repossessed.

"I have noted since the operation started, majority of the bandits have surrendered their guns and opted venturing into other benefitial businesses, others should follown suit" Ng'aira said.

Early this year Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Professor Kindiki Kithure

promised saying government shall pitch tent until entire menace gets over and ensure all communities coexist in peace.

"Being our commitment, we shall use both land and choppers to pursue the notorious armed criminals into their hideouts" Kithure said.

He reiterated President Dr. William Ruto’s adminstration commitment to bringing peace and stability to North Rift region, warning to bandits that their days were numbered.

CS Kindiki however apologized to families who lost their loved ones, property and rendered homeless.

He also called for collective efforts by partners to help end the criminal act and emphasized on the government's commitment to use necessary force to seize illegal firearms.

The CS further condemned political leaders who incited violence through negative rhetorics and assured the public that these individuals would face full force of the law.

He was speaking at a peace and security meeting in Sarmach, Turkwel.

CS Kindiki acknowledged recent incidents of violence and called for an end to such acts that endanger the lives of residents.

To tackle the security situation, the CS announced the establishment of seven new divisions and the deployment of additional security personnel in the Pokot-Turkana border area.

He also directed the reopening of the Konyao one-stop border crossing to facilitate trade and movement.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior pledged support for the reconstruction of a security road connecting Turkwel to Kasei, aiming to uplift development in the region and combat insecurity.

CS Kindiki instructed his security team in Kapenguria to fill vacant positions of Chiefs and assistant Chiefs to strengthen governance and law enforcement at the grassroots level.

Regarding education, the CS announced the immediate reopening of schools, with necessary security measures in place.

He also allocated Ksh. 100 million for the reconstruction of schools that were closed due to insecurity, with support from the Kenya Defense

Forces (KDF) and the National Youth Service (NYS).

To enhance security patrols and combat banditry, the government planned to assign additional National Police Reservists (NPR) and establish security personnel units (formed camps) in the affected region.

The CS proposed the gazetting of Embotut Forest as a disturbed area due to security concerns.

Governor Simon Kachapin highlighted the relatively low crime rates in the region and stressed the need for border peace.

He proposed the establishment of a police station at Lami Nyeusi and called for equal distribution of National Police Reservists (NPRs) among all communities.

Deputy Governor Robert Komolle urged leaders to unite and find solutions, emphasizing that without unity, peace would remain elusive. He criticized leaders who made inflammatory speeches and called for the arrest of those inciting violence.

To enhance peace efforts, he announced the establishment of a General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Chesogon, aiming to bring peace and stability to an area plagued by cattle rustling, conflicts, and violence.

The CS also pledged support for elders involved in peace initiatives, emphasizing the ministry's assistance in their efforts. In addition, he declared Embotut Forest, known as a hideout for criminals, as 'disturbed,' signaling a crackdown to flush out criminals from the area.

To ensure the resumption of normalcy, CS Kindiki ordered the reopening of schools that had been closed due to insecurity, with the assurance of police protection for the schools.

Deputy Governor Robert Komolle emphasized the importance of peace in the border area, stating that without it, the communities would not be able to fully utilize the abundant resources in the region. He urged the communities to find common ground and work together to achieve lasting peace.

The border meeting, attended by Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wesley Korir, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, Tiaty MP William Kamket, County Assembly Speaker Fred Kaptui, and others, served as a platform for initiating a journey towards lasting peace along the borders of the two counties, aiming to put an end to the reign of banditry and terrorism.

The Kerio Valley has long been plagued by lawlessness, negatively impacting the socio-economic development of the region.

Continued from page 1

The voting of the Finance Bill took place on Tuesday June 14, 2023 in Parliament, with 257 Members of Parliament in attendance. 176 voted for the Bill while 81 voted against.

As much as Azimio’s stand was to vote against the Bill, two of its members voted for the Bill; Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwour.

This caused an uproar by the Azimio Party Members claiming that some of their members were not loyal enough.

Similar to Azimio’s case, UDA’s Gathoni Wamuchomba voted against the Bill.

However, on June 16, 2023, the Nairobi Women Representative

through a tweet defended her Membership in ODM. She says that although she is a loyal Party Member, people must be taxed to enable the government deliver its mandate.

“I’m still in Azimio, I have been in ODM since 2007 and I have supported Baba and he has also supported us as candidates. Any government cannot deliver services without money, the country has a huge debt at the moment. People must be taxed to enable the government deliver its mandate,” said the tweet.

Embakasi Member of Parliament Paul Ongili Owino alias Babu Owino commented how he was shocked to find out a majority of Azimio MPs didn’t show up for the voting even if they were against it. He however defended them by stating that there was

a mishap on the voting dates.

“I realised that the speaker made some changes and ruled that voting was to take place on Wednesday. By that time, so many members were anticipating that voting will occur next week. That explains why so many members, especially from the Azimio Coalition missed the sitting,” he stated.

The Finance Bill was approved on June 15, 2023 in Parliament and the CS Treasury Njuguna Ndung’u read the 2023 budget. However, Azimio MPs staged a walk out of parliament as the CS commenced the reading, claiming that the Speaker Moses Wetangula had not followed the parliament’s procedure.

According to them, the Finance Bill voting was supposed to take place next week on Tuesday and not on June

14, 2023, therefore dismissed the 2023 Budget.

Speaking to the press, Babu Owino stated that the Azimio MPs walked out of parliament because the budget has been fuelled by the Financial Bill. “We are walking out of Parliament because the budget has been fuelled by the Illegal Financial Bill which increases the cost of living. The government ignored the plight of poor Kenyans,” he said.

However, According to CS Treasury, through the budget, the Kenyan Kwanza government has begun the journey to bring down the cost of living and improve livelihoods while at the same time fostering a sustainable, inclusive economic transformation.

Baringo Secondary in Recovery Process, Seeks Funds For Completion

BY WALTER KIBET

Baringo Secondary School is in the process of recovery after it was affected by floods in July, 2020.

The school, which is located in Baringo County lost all its infrastructure and had to relocate to a new environment after the disaster.

According to the principal Samson Lekakimon, the new location had no structure, forcing the management to start from scratch. “The school lost 100 percent of the school land and buildings; we relocated to a new land with nothing.”

Luckily, well wishers together with the government aided in the construction of 8 classrooms, which has enabled studies to continue running as expected. The Kenyan Urban Roads Authority through their Social Corporate Responsibility also took part in the construction of one classroom. Currently, the school has a total of 10 classrooms.

Despite the progress, the school still faces a myriad of challenges, the growing population of students being one of them. The school now has a

population of 312 students, making accommodation difficult since the school only has two dormitories, which are made of iron sheets.

Various constructions to bring the school to shape are among the many activities the management is working on. The school library is on the slab level of construction. Moreover, the construction of a new administration block is still underway, requiring sh. 30 million to complete. The lab also requires sh. 4 million of funds to be complete. “We have started con-

well as a dining hall for students to eat. The problem of water is also evident in the school.

structions; the administration block and the school laboratory and are waiting for funds to be able to complete,” said the principal.

According to the principal, the construction of major hostels for both the boys and girls will improve the status of accommodation aside from pushing the population to around 600.

Since the school currently has no fence, this poses a challenge of security to the students.

The school lacks a kitchen as

Academically, the school scored a mean of 4.353 in the 2022 K.C.S.E examinations with 3 students scoring the minimum required grade for university. The principal says the set target for this year is a mean of 5.

He also thanked the stakeholders, the community, board of management, parents, teachers, ministry of education as well as well-wishers for being part of the recovery process.

Flooded Lake Baringo Secondary School in recovery process that seeks help

Principal Samson Lekakimon

Pattern of collecting bribes should stop to reduce road accidents

There are rising cases of rogue traffic officers who blackmail motorists and drivers, arresting them if they fail to give them bribes.

They have turned the duty of checking if vehicles are roadworthy into a way of collecting bribes from drivers. A driver would rather pay the bribe rather than being taken to court for offending the traffic rules.

Aside from the control and guide of traffic flow on roads, traffic police also have a duty of inspecting motor vehicles and ensuring that roads are really worthy of transportation.

Traffic police also have a duty of inspecting motor vehicles and ensuring that roads are really worthy of transportation.

This helps much, because road accidents do occur as a result of unroadworthiness of vehicles on roads.

The episode was one of the most terrible, resulting in untimely deaths that were difficult to bear.

Kenyan drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in good condition in order to avoid being blackmailed by traffic police officers.

Hunger for money should not be a cause of premature deaths on our roads.

Six-Hour Teaching Time not functionable in Kenya’s Education System

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu suggested standard six-hour schedule for teaching and classroom activities is expected to impose considerable constraints that will impede and interfere with effective education delivery and student growth.

Teaching should begin at 8 a.m. and stop at 3:45 p.m., according to CS Machogu.

The proposed teaching session, is unlikely to function for the following reasons.

First, the tremendous amount of content to be covered is one of the key reasons why teaching cannot occur adequately within a sixhour period.

The Kenyan Education system frequently stresses a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of disciplines and themes. As a result, teachers will struggle to cover all of the required content in the allotted time.

This hasty approach frequently results in superficial learning and insufficient time for in-depth debate, critical thinking, and active participation among students.

Secondly, group discussions, projects, experiments, and handson activities are examples of active learning practices that have been

shown to improve student engagement and comprehension. However, these strategies necessitate more time than typical lecture-style education.

Teachers may struggle to include these interactive activities effectively within the six-hour timeframe because they are obliged to prioritize subject coverage over active learning.

As a result, children may miss out on opportunities to develop important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, cooperation, and creativity.

Lastly, Education should promote comprehensive development, including physical, emotional and social growth, rather than just intellectual performance. Unfortunately, the proposed six-hour timetable overlooks these critical elements.

Students' abilities to explore their gifts, develop interpersonal skills and nurture their overall well-being are hampered by a lack of time for physical education, arts, music, and extracurricular activities.

A well-rounded education is required to produce individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

Student who committed suicide laid to rest as questions on safety of Kenyan students abroad continue to linger

BY JEREMIAH CHOGE

Uasin Gishu County government is on the spot for doing little to address the plight of Kenyan students studying in foreign countries which has resulted to some of them to commit suicide due to depression.

The deceased, Rodgers Kipruto, 26, had enrolled for a degree in nursing at Laurea University's Tikkurila campus in Finland after quitting his job as a nurse at Nakuru Level-five Hospital

A sombre mood engulfed his home during his burial at Chirchir farm in Kesses sub-county with mourner after mourner describing him as a hardworking and dedicated person.

Kipruto’s uncle Dennis Kemboi revealed that he had on many occasions wanted to come back home arguing that life was unbearable in the foreign country.

He argued that students under the county program were left on their own with no one to liaise with in case of any challenges.

“Many students in the foreign country are suffering silently. Students under the county scholarship program have been left on their own with no one to liaise with in case of any challenges,” said Kemboi.

Many students who spoke during the burial said the county government do little to address their plight but only communicate when fees are due to be paid.

“Many students suffer from depression when they land to the foreign country because they don’t get what they had been promised when they left the country,” said a student. Rural Times established that Kipruto’s family had raised millions of shillings to help him join the Uasin Gishu scholarship program as he had been promised that he would work in hospitals in Finland as he pursues his studies.

It also emerged that language barrier was another big challenge that many Kenyan students in Finland were grappling with making it difficult for them to secure jobs.

According to Uasin Gishu County government, the first group of 202 students who went to Finland left Kenya between September 2021 and September 2022 with 111 going to Tampere University, Jvaskyla (25), while 66 went to Laurea University. In the arrangement, each parent of the students managed to raise Sh1.19 million as school fees for the county government to ensure that they are placed at universities in Finland. The parents also raised Sh100, 000 (air ticket), three months accommodation (Sh80, 000), insurance (Sh30, 000), visa (Sh49, 000) and Covid-19 certificate Sh5, 000. However, months later, cracks are emerging in the programme with many students risking being deported back to the country after the devolved unit failed to channel the

ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER

money into the various universities accounts as per the agreement with the parents.

Documents in our possession indicate that fees for the second semester in other universities in Finland were due on March 31st,2023 while the due date for Tampere University has lapsed.

The Uasin-Gishu County Assembly adhoc committee which investigated the scholarship scam found out that three senior officers under former Governor Jackson Mandago’s administration were responsible for the mess as they made themselves signatories of the fund to enrich themselves and withdrew millions of shillings on diverse dates.

Among others, the Uasin-Gishu County Assembly ad-hoc committee has recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conduct a probe into forgery, abuse of office and integrity of county officers who served under Mandago’s administration.

Rural Times established that Laurea University had put on hold studies for students pursuing nursing and physiotherapy until the tuition fees for the second semester are paid.

Uasin Gishu County Government has since moved to address the plight of hundreds of students under the Finland Scholarship programme even as the devolved unit continues to come under fire for abandoning them in a

foreign land.

Deputy Governor John Barorot who spoke during Kipruto’s burial said the county government has already set up a task force to address challenges facing the programme.

“I will next week personally visit Finland to get first-hand information on the challenges the students are facing. It is true may be some are frustrated because when they reached the country, they did not get what they had anticipated,” said Mr Barorot.

He said the county government will also be offering counseling services to the students before travelling to prepare them physiologically.

Mr Barorot said the devolved unit will also seek to re-negotiate some of the agreements that the students had with the institutions when they joined.

“Among the issues, we will be discussing with the universities the possibility of the students getting more time to work, to raise finances that can help in funding their expenses and fees while in Finland,” said Mr Barorot.

The Deputy Governor assured parents that the county government will continue offering any kind of support to ensure the safety of their students abroad.

Rural Times established that Kipruto had always wanted to come back home citing hardship in the foreign country.

Sh450 Million for water projects in Kerio Valley

BY WALTER KIBET

The government of Kenya has allocated an additional 450 million shillings for the funding of 30 water projects in the North Rift region through the regional development.

Through the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development ASALS the Principal Secretary

in the Department of Regional Development and ASALs Salim Dakota noted that the region has been faced with insecurity due to the scarcity of shared resources such as water.

Speaking at Rokocho Honey Processing Factory where he commissioned a 7.5 million shillings Community borehole, the PS said the projects will include sinking of more boreholes and construction of boreholes which will solve water problems in the region.

“Water is a scarce resource in this region that has brought conflicts among pastoralist communities living in Kerio Valley and by bringing additional water projects we will have peace in the area” PS Salim noted.

The PS said that the regional

developments will be working with the water ministry to ensure that the water projects once complete will be distributed to households.

In a bid to improve the livelihoods in the north rift region Dakota has said that the government wants farmers to move away from rain fed agriculture and shift to irrigation farming.

The PS promised to ensure that Elgeyo Marakwet County which was previously classified under the Arid and Semi-arid Lands will be reviewed and included.

“We are currently looking at the factors that led to the removal of this county from the ASALs while all the indicators have shown that it should be included in the arid lands” he noted.

The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Managing Director Sammy Naporos has said that the water pans and boreholes will significantly reduce the conflicts which have always been fueled by scarcity of water.

“We look forward to the next financial year as we get additional funds to reach more communities and farmers in terms of improvement of their livelihood through water provision” Naporos said.

According to the PS the community borehole that was commissioned in Rokocho will serve up to 350 households who have been trekking for kilometers in search of clean water during the drought season and in addition the water is expected to see more than 40,000 livestock in the area get water.

Tugen Council of Elders' role in Communal Governance

BY KIPKEMOI ARAAP KORIR

The Tugen Territorial organization was related to age organization traditionally, and councils of elders are still important in local administration.

The largest traditionally autonomous territorial unit of the Tugen was termed Pororiet (pl., Pororiosek ), which British colonial administrators translated as 'location'.

Locations or Pororiosek are still local administrative units in independent Kenya. Informants said the British changed the boundaries in a few cases, and then only slightly, and retained the traditional names.

The British also fixed the boundary of the 'tribal territory' (Emet) as they found it on their arrival, and thus prevented the creation, with the growth of the population, of new Pororiosek on the edges of Tugen territory.

Prior to the colonial era boundaries were determined by customary preferences, demographic conditions, and the political realities of inter-tribal relations, and not by an imposed imperial force.

A consequence of this tribal containment policy was that population density began to increase in traditional locations beyond customary capacity.

As might be gathered from this, the label 'Tugen' in pre-colonial times designated the people of a region. But it had no political-administrative significance, since Tugen locations bordered on Nandi locations near lembus, and relationships between them did not differ from relationships between those within the Tugen area itself.

The British stopped this, and by demarcating administrative boundaries, gave a definiteness to larger Kalenjin regional segments than they had ever had in the past.

In this way the notion 'tribe' came into being.

Each location had a council of elders which was itself called Pororiet, headed by a prominent elder ( kirwogin), a pororiet council was composed of elders (poiyot, poisiek) representing the constituent patricians (oret, ortinwek).

The kirwogin had no authority to lead; he gained this status by force of personality, his ability to reconcile conflicting parties, and his eloquence and generosity.

Authority was vested in the council, never in an individual no matter how much he was respected.

The pororiet council advised raiding parties of pororiet warriors and blessed them, but only if they felt that the venture was sensible and auspicious. Pororiet elders disciplined the warriors through the threat of their curse, the reverse of their power to bless, which they had, and are still believed to have by virtue of their status as elders. But they were not always successful in restraining warriors from military ventures they felt were foolhardy.

Disputes among members of constituent clans and cases of wrong-doing were tried by the Pororiet council, and still are, unless they are of a serious criminal nature, or defy resolution on the location level, in which instance cases go to a government court.

The Poisiek hold a preliminary hearing on the issue, even if it must go to a government court. Cases involving more than one location were heard by the relevant councils together.

Pororiet elders were, and are today as far as non- Christians are concerned, also responsible for the spiritual well-being of their location.

Hence they conducted periodic

prayers and sacrifices of stock to the diety to obtain his blessing, particularly for abundance of the next harvest, and for their own fertility and that of their stock and still does, community work by directing people, particularly groups of warriors, to keep paths clear and make new ones, to maintain and build bridges over streams, and the like.

For services rendered, such as blessings and completion of rituals, it is customary to give a gift of stock for a feast, or beer, or both, the amount varying with the service and circumstances. Fines were imposed on wrongdoers, whether individuals or a warrior age-set, and paid to the council in stock.

A gift of stock and beer was also necessary for the removal of a curse. The judgements of the pororiet council were enforced by the warriors of the location, so that the elders had the sanction, not only( of their curse, but also of punishment).

Each location comprised several smaller ’neighbourhoods’ ( kokwet, kokwetinwek), each with its own council of elders, also called kokwet. My informants were vague about the boundaries of their neighbourhoods.

Furthermore, although two people of the same patri-clan will say that members of their clan resident in the clan area ( koret) , and wives of clansmen, are bikap kokwet (’people of the neighbourhood’), they will not necessarily include all of the same people who are not resident in the clan area proper.

This difference arises largely because they live in different parts of their clan area, and naturally have different neighbours, outside of koret residents.

The kokwet council for any Tugen is primarily the elders of the clan, or the

elders of the husband's clan for a married woman, together with other elders of neighbouring clans of the location who may be present at the time.

The composition of a kokwet council is not likely to be exactly the same from one meeting to the next. The role of this lower-level, local council for the neighbourhood is essentially the same as the role of the pororiet council for the location.

Litigation they may hear are cases and disputes within the neighbourhood. Their decisions cannot be appealed on the level of the pororiet council. However, if the kokwet council is unable to resolve the case, or if one party requests that the case be tried by the pororiet council, then this takes place.

Although administrative chiefs and courts, backed up by a police-force which elders cannot command, have greatly curbed their authority, the elders still command respect ( konyit). A good example of this attitude occurred when I was talking with a group of young men in a local bar. One of them noticed an elder approaching and said to me, "Things will be well now, here comes an elder of the kokwet."

Tugen Council of Elders-MYOOT Cluster Tugen Council of elders is organized in six tiers; Branch, Sub-branch, Ward, Location, Sub-location and diaspora.

Role in Governance

1. To uphold the values of the Community in promoting good governance and hold the civic leaders to account.

2. Provide checks and balances in communal affairs; primarily as custodians of moral values

3. Source of information/reference on matters background of development and guidance in decision making

4. Provide guidance, inspiration, advice and direction to the Tugen Community in the appreciation and enjoyment of their culture, traditions and customs and provide opportunity to every member to exploit their God-given talent singly or collectively

5. To reactivate and promote the relevant cultures and customs of the Community.

6. To provide peaceful coexistence with all neighbours on the tenets of mutual respect and similar aspirations.

7. Ensure prudent use of land and natural resources of the community and discourage unscrupulous disposal and misuse of the same.

Current leaders:

Reverend Wilson Sambo-Koibatek

James Sergon- Mogotio

Jonathan Barkutwo-Baringo Central

Reverend Zachariah Chirchir-Baringo North

Tugen elders in a previous function

Sakaja's public school feeding program to increase enrollment and performance of learners

BY CORRESPONDENT

Nairobi governor Sakaja Johnson announced the roll out of public primary school feeding program and early childhood development centres aiming to increase school enrollment, improve concentration levels and performance of the learners, enhance cognitive abilities and increase overall engagement in the learning process.

The county government seeks to reduce the cost of meals by implementing centralized kitchen model alias hub and spoke central cooking system that will serve over 250,000 learners in all 210 public primary schools, heavily impacted by urban poverty hindering school attendance.

The comprehensive public school food subsidy, born out of an understanding of the critical role nutrition plays in children's development, is set to begin by September 2023, in line with the beginning of 3rd school term.

The county is looking to build central kitchens and serving sheds in all 17 sub-counties targeting to serve about 10 to 15 schools.

The program will alleviate the challenges associated with hunger and ultimately fostering a conducive environment to learning and academic success.

Focus on development not politics, President William Ruto urges Narok leaders

BY CORRESPONDENT

BOMET

President Willam Ruto has today asked leaders from Narok County to focus on development rather than politics, as he committed to work with all county leaders without regard to political party affiliation.

The president was speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony of Hon. Soipan Tuya at Leshuta Village, Naikarra Ward, in Narok West.

The president asked leaders to emulate Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, whose focus on development has already enabled the County and national governments to process over 5,000 Title Deeds for residents of Narok County. An additional 10,000 Title Deeds are undergoing processing, with governor Ntutu’s administration covering the costs of the demarcations.

The president further under-

took to consider all the development requests made by various Narok County leaders at the ceremony, and directed the Ministry of Education, whose Minister was present, to set aside ksh5M for development at Leshuta Primary School and a further Ksh10M for the newly established Soipan Primary School.

The president was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula and Attorney General Justin Muturi.

Also present were Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Ten Cabinet Secretaries, over 30 Members of Parliament and a host of MCAs from Narok, Kajiado and Samburu counties.

The county government of Bomet partners with Centre for Rights and Education awareness

BY CORRESPONDENT

The county government of Bomet has partnered with Centre for Rights and Education awareness (CREAW) to

advocate for gender equality and uplift women, girls, boys and people living with disabilities in the society.

The engagement brought together all stakeholders from the National Government, County Government departmental heads, and religious leaders among others. The County Assembly was represented by Hon.Monica Taputany,Deputy Chair Gender Culture and social Service Committee and Hon.Felody Chepkirui nominated MCA representing youths. The representatives will be helpful in mentoring the identified vulnerable groups in forums to be rolled out at the community level, in the near future.

As a way of addressing challeng-

es like GBV, the department is working closely with the office of the county commissioner to establish a child holding centre at the Bomet police station to address issues to do with children seeking legal redress.

Speaking during the forum, CREAW representative Duncan Mwatha warned parents against absconding their parental responsibility of mentoring their children especially girls, adding that it exposes the vulnerable girls to sexual abuse , even by their own close relatives.

Big blow to First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency as court dismissed its petition against a human rights activist

BY JEREMIAH CHOGE

First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency has been dealt a blow after a court in Eldoret dismissed its petition filed against an Eldoret Based Human Rights Activist, Kimutai Kirui.

The recruitment agency has come under fire after collecting billions of shillings from youth drawn from various parts of Rift Valley promising to place them in jobs in Qatar which flopped.

In its petition, the agency through its director Judy Chepchirchir which was filed on 16th December, 2022 had sought a permanent injunction restraining Kirui from publishing defamatory articles against the agency which is under probe.

The petition had also sought orders of the court to have the activist pull down and or delete any published articles on social media Platforms or elsewhere regarding the dubious dealings of the agency that has led to more than 8,000 youth losing millions of shillings after being promised jobs abroad.

However, in his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate P.N Areri dismissed the petition with costs noting

that the applicant did not establish sufficient grounds for gagging the activist by a temporary injunction.

According to the magistrate, Kirui had also reported the recruitment agency to other relevant government authorities mandated with protecting members of the community from fraud.

“There was no justification from the plaintiff and issuing such orders will violate his right to free speech and a violation of the fundamental rights of the members of the community to information,” ruled Areri.

“I therefore dismiss the application dated 16th December, 2022 with costs to the defendant,” added the magistrate. Early this month, the Senate standing committee on Labour and Social welfare summoned Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore and Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome to appear before it to shed light on the alleged fraud by the recruitment agency.

This followed a petition by a section of Uasin Gishu County residents and human rights groups in the region.

The committee raised concerns over the regulatory role of The National Employment Authority (NEA) on recruitment agencies and companies.

According to the petition, the agency collected billions of shillings for jobs and studies abroad which did not materialize.

The petitioners have called on the Senate to come up with regulations to ensure that recruitment agencies in the country are well vetted before being allowed to operate.

“It is now a major scandal that has robbed many families and youth livelihoods and property running into millions. This has prompted us to petition the senate to take up the issue as a matter of national concern,” adds the petition.

The senate standing committee has also directed Mr Koome to submit a comprehensive report over numerous concerns raised in the petition regarding mistreatment by police in Uasin Gishu County who allegedly conspired with the management of the agency to intimidate the petitioners.

The senate committee has directed the National Employment

Authority (NEA) to investigate the First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy Agency and if found culpable take necessary action including revoking the license issued to it.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also been directed to investigate allegations of threats of intimidation on the petitioners, and if the allegations are true, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to put them on a witness protection program to guarantee their safety during the period that the investigation by relevant bodies is being conducted.

Jepchirchir has also been tasked by the committee to provide a refund formula in tabular form for each of the affected people.

Jepchirchir who recently appeared before the Senate defended the organization against the accusations of embezzlement noting that some of the youths were barred from traveling to the gulf country as they failed medical tests while others were not qualified for the positions they were seeking.

According to the official, 2,011 applications were made for shortterm employment during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, some individuals were unable to attend. As a company, we value our clients and continue to sympathize with those who were affected,” Jepchirchir told the Senate committee.

According to Ms Jepchirchir, 177 individuals have since been reimbursed their money while another 449 have been transferred for a twoyear employment in Poland, Qatar, Canada, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom.

Rural Times has established that most of the affected youth parted with a lump sum of between Sh40, 000 to Sh200, 000.

Jepchirchir said that her organization has managed to airlift more than 6,000 youth to Qatar since its inception three years ago.

Tugenesis routes back 21 years later Page 2

THE COUNTY FOCUS PROPOSED BARINGO WORLD BEST FRIENDS INNOVATION CENTRE

-BARINGO

Second phase

of coffee seedlings distribution

Page 3

CIVIC EDUCATION

ISSUE 002

EMPOWERING THE GRASSROOT HUSTLER

The County Government’s journey on the road to going digital has taken significant steps towards the realization of Baringo’s innovation centre which will be equipped on digital infrastructure and Internet connectivity.

Baringo County Government in partnership with The World Best Friend of South Korea is determined to boost innovation by ensuring modern infrastructure is constructed at the Baringo World Best Friend ICT Centre, Kabarnet.

Flanked by CECM Devolution, Public service and Administration, Hon. Peninah Bartuin and Chief Officer for the Department of ICT, Charles Kipkulei, Rev. Cha of World Best

Friend today unveiled the designed proposal for the Innovation Centre.

The proposed structure will be a one storey building containing a Lower Ground Floor, Upper Ground Floor and the First floor. The First Floor of the proposed design will have Co Working Space, Administrative Offices, Classroom, Basic Computing, Classroom, Advanced Computing among other facilities.

The facility will provide the young people with digital skills, e-services, and online opportunities and the chance to be innovative and creative.

Present: Mr Tirok Chesang, the ICT director, and the Korean delegation of pastors and Reverends.

Human empowerment is key. The Deputy Governor of Baringo County Eng. Felix Maiyo believes that when individuals are empowered, they are given control over their own lives enabling them to represent their interests responsibly.

Eng. Maiyo together with Tirioko Ward MCA Hon. Lokales and Zachary Kiprotich CECM in charge of Industry, Enterprise &Cooperative Development, flagged off Motorcycles to Ngoron Young Farmers Coop Society from Tirioko Ward of Tiaty West Sub- County.

The motorcycle will aid the cooperative by generating income and creating job opportunities within the area.

The beneficiaries were also trained on basic business management skills which help complete a variety of tasks and handle a larger workload in a limited time.

He further urged the residents from the area to support the cooperative as it catalyses their empowerment by generating socio-economic opportunities while having a positive climate impact in the county.

INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWLY APPOINTED CHIEF OFFICERS TO THE PUBLIC

In order to improve service delivery and enhance efficiency in his administration, Baringo County Governor H.E Benjamin Cheboi has today officially introduced to office his chief officers who were recently appointed.

In a brief meeting he held with them in his office, Governor Cheboi urged them to work hard, remain

transparent and accountable to the people of Baringo while executing their mandates saying that their roles are key in achieving development by prudently utilizing county’s resources.

“I have given you this responsibility of managing and administering county’s resources because I trust in your abilities. Make sure you deliver

because I have a Manifesto that the people of Baringo believed in it and they will eventually judge me based on the implementations of that Blueprint,” Governor Cheboi asked them. A commitment that each Chief Officer accepted and they promised to execute in order to actualise the Governor’s development agenda.

BARINGO'S ORRORIN TUGENESIS ROUTES BACK 21 YEARS LATER

allocated funds to construct ongoing museum premise in Kipsaraman to completion.

"We thank Kitonga for taking care and placing our heritage in safe custody, Museums is now a devolved function under amended constitution 2010 and it is about time now we reclaim back our natural resource" Cheboi said.

He said he will sit down with stakeholders to discuss on formula to ensure the fossil, a high tourists attraction facility, is maximised to benefit local community, County government and Kenya at large.

Kitonga, our communities will reap from their heritage" Aengwo said.

Chebon termed it a new dawn saying through the tourism resource, roads and businesses will be opened.

"We feel happy and expect this thing will now be put to rest and will not be mentioned on bad light again" he said.

Reason to smile as Baringo's 6.7m-year-old oldest man scientifically known as 'Orrorin Tugenesis' fossil now finds way back home.

The fossil discovered by French scientists back in 2001 and has for the last 21years been in the custody of Nairobi-based Community Museums of Kenya (CMK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eustus Kitonga.

"It is true I have since been looking after the safety of Orrorin Tugenesis fossil as far as heritage of our country Kenya is concern" Kitonga said.

He spoke recently while he met Governor Benjamin Cheboi in his office to discuss plans to return the fossil back.

Kitonga cited 1.1m-year-old 'King man' fossil in China discovered by American scientist in 1944,

it later got lost to date without trace.

Historically, the Orrorin Tugenesis fossil was discovered in 2001 by a team of French scientists led by palaeontologist Brigitte Senut and Geologist Martin Pickford in Rondinin village along Tugen Hills, Baringo North.

Museum was then constructed at Kipsaraman in Saimo-Kipsaraman ward to store the fossil, but it was substandard.

"I am ready to hand over the fossil back to Baringo once permanent house is completed" Kitonga said.

He futher said as soon as the facility is in place he will release the fossil (Orrorin Tugenesis) in accompany of 50,000 other fossils found alongside it.

However Governor Cheboi said already his administration has

"We will partner with museums Kenya and professions to research for more fossils and make Kipsaraman Museum a learning institution" Cheboi said.

Saimo-Soi Kipsaraman Ward MCA John Aengwo together with his Saimo-Soi counterpart Michael Chebon lauded for engaging talks with Kitonga to return back the fossil.

"For sure our communities in Saimo-Soi and Kipsaraman these have lost alot but never the less with assurance of Governor Cheboi and

Sikika Community Based Organisation(CBO) Chairman Evans Mengich earlier said he had accompanied a team of county government officials and the museum curator to CMK headquarters in Nairobi where they confirmed the fossil is actually in safe custody.

“It only awaited construction of a model structure in Kipsaraman before being released back to the community” he said.

‘Orrorin Tugenensis’ is a Tugen language meaning the ‘Original Man’ in the region is one of the oldest human, the size of a chimpanzee with small teeth and thick enamel similar to the modern humans.

Researchers also found-along with the mysterious Orrorin Tugenesis fossil some 50,000 native fossils aged 6.0 and 6.2million years old.

COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNING AMONG THE NOREB MEMBER COUNTIES

riculture, pastoralism, tourism, and mining.

Baringo County Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Maiyo participated in the signing of a cooperation agreement with the 8 counties that are members of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB)that will give NOREB a legal framework to implement its agendas.

The agreement will activate the NOREB Bill that will be presented in the 8 county assemblies for ratification and approval.

To complement the National Government efforts to address insecurity in five counties termed as disturbed the NOREB leadership agreed to hold a peace summit in Trans-Nzoia County next month to convene political leaders and other actors to develop and agree on a common approach that will ensure they have long-term peace in the region.

North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) aims to build on the competitiveness of the various econ-

omies by facilitating international trade and investment opportunities in the member counties such as ag-

The cooperation will enable individual counties that are at times too small to leverage the economies of scale.

Present during the event Wesley Rotich Governor, Elgeyo Markwet, George Natembeya, Transzoia, Stephen Sang, Nandi, Simon Kachapin, West pokot, Jeremiah Lomorukai, Turkana and John Barorot ,Uasin -Gishu Deputy Governor .

SECOND PHASE OF COFFEE SEEDLINGS DISTRIBUTION

that affected many farmers.

While accompanying Rev. Cha Bo Yong in a seedlings’ distribution exercise at Baringo Cha Coffee Mill in Katimok area of Baringo North sub county, County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony, emphasized the importance of community empowerment through initiatives like the coffee factory that that are geared towards creating food and nutrition security and wealth creation as well.

the investor has also distributed more than 100 coffee pulping machines in order to enhance the quality of the produce from the farms.

Coffee farmers in Baringo County are reaping big from a mutual relationship muted eight years ago by County Government through Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and WorldBest Friend, a South Korea based NGO initiated by Governor H.E Benjamin Cheboi EGH, EBS to improve food security.

This is after a Korean Investor Rev. Cha Bo Yong supported them with hybrid coffee seedlings worth

Five million Kenya shillings in order to enhance production of coffee in Baringo.

This year as outlined by the department of Agriculture, Livestock and the Blue Economy, farmers were able to export to South Korea 60 Metric Tonnes of clean coffee worth Kshs 37 million although a slide drop from the previous year when they received Kshs 42 million from the same exports due to this year's drought situation

“These interventions employed through implementation of the County Flagship projects, Ward fund-specific projects and support from strategic partners is going to transform the lives of our people. Through this continued partnership with our Korean friends, we have seen great milestones in addressing food insecurity, wealth creation and income despite the project being operationalized recently,” he explained.

CECM Agriculture, Livestock and the Blue Economy, Risper Chepkong’a reiterated that apart from the support of the seedlings,

Baringo County boasts of a 1.2 tonne per hour milling factory and direct export market for coffee courtesy of Rev. Cha Bo Yong and WorldBest Friend who donated the project to actualize the devolution agenda of enhancing food security. In line with the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the County Integrated Development Plan, and the Governor’s Manifesto on Economic Empowerment through Agricultural development, the County has initiated the coffee improvement projects as part of the flagship projects to achieve economic empowerment. In order to motivate more farmers to venture into coffee farming, County government intends to play a vital role in streamlining the negotiation process with the direct market and create a credit facility that will act as a revolving fund.

CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

use of alternative fuel sources that are environmentally friendly, discouraged illegal logging and encroachment on forested land, charcoal production, water pollution and illegal dumping of wastes and negative human activities by enforcing the existing environmental laws in collaboration with other enforcement agencies," she added.

Hon. Bartuin outlined county government's action towards fighting the effects of climate change; a total of 156,800 indigenous and exotic trees planted across the county especially in water springs and catchment areas and protected water sources as well as catchment areas.

As the world marked the World Environment Day, Baringo County government in collaboration with its lead agencies today planted 5,575 tree seedlings at Sawich area of Chemususu Dam catchment in a bid to protect the springs that feed the dam.

While gracing the noble event, the CECM for Devolution, Public Service, ICT and eGovernment

Peninah Bartuin reiterated that tackling the effects of climate change requires concerted efforts from all the stakeholders warning that if decisive action is not taken against this glob-

al crisis most countries Kenya included will suffer both economically and socially.

She gave an example of a frequent droughts experienced in the County leading to drying of rivers, dams and other water bodies resulting in conflicts like the one witnessed recently along river Emining where property worth millions were destroyed in the fight against water resources.

"County government is committed in the fight against global change and so far, we have enhanced tree planting, initiated the

'We are focusing on wetlands and catchment because it is key in tackling this problem. Also, the department of Environment and Natural Resources has fenced off 42 water springs, rehabilitated two swamps, protected four hilltops and two river banks as well as building gabions on eroded areas of the rivers and planting trees to protect the soil,' read part of the Governor's speech she delivered while representing him in the event.

Kenya Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals envisages attaining a long-term develop-

ment blueprint through empowering communities to own up environmental conservation agenda if the 10% forest cover and sustainable use of natural resources is to be achieved.

The Kenya Kwanza Administration ‘Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda’ (BETA) as championed H.E President Dr. William Ruto EGH targets to attain the planting of 15 billion trees in the next ten years through their campaign dubbed ‘The national tree growing and restoration campaign’ as one of the initiatives to address the effects of climate change.

According to the County Forest Conservator, Anne Nyaoke, so far, the campaign has seen the planting of 2.2 million trees in Baringo County against the President's annual county target of 46 million trees this year.

In order to upscale food security efforts and enhance forest cover, county Government intends to distribute more fruits seedling to communities and schools.

So far, more than 200,000 assorted fruit seedlings among them mango, Hass avocado and macadamia have been distributed to farmers across the county.

GENDER RESPONSIVE BUDGETING WEARS THE ‘SHE’ LENSES IN BARINGO COUNTY

to analyze and address the different needs, priorities, and impacts of budget policies available and resource allocations on both women and men, boys and girls. Gender Responsive Budgeting is not exclusively a “women” thing. It is going to be a long shot to demystify this notion but with constant and intentional education, it will be easy to involve women in matters around the budget without seeing it as “women” thing.

The Problem.

Word Bank defines public participation as the process where individuals, governmental and non-governmental groups influence decision making in policy, legislation, service delivery, oversight and development matters.

implementation and audit and The Budget Champions disseminate budget information, and lead communities in analysis of the budget documents and deliberating the decision at hand. To ensure that the community proposals are documented, they support in development and submission of budget memoranda to communicate and present priorities and recommendations to the relevant arms of government at any given point of decision making in the budget cycle. They also spearhead monitoring of budget implementation with a focus on particular programmes and projects of priority to the most vulnerable members of the community.

The birth of women only budget cell.

ences in service delivery provide stronger justifications.

This was the main reason for the birth of the ‘Women Only Budget Cell, ’piloted in Kabarnet ward, Baringo County Women drawn from all walks of life, meet under a tree or in a place of convenience to deliberate on a budget decision at hand. They analyze the relevant budget documents. and come up with budget proposals accompanied by justifications. These are usually relayed to the Sector Working Groups, County Treasury or County Assembly depending on the decision at hand.

In the recent past, the word gender has been used widely and, in many circumstances, to mean “women, girls or female”. No appointment, no selection, no recruitment, no elections and basically no representation of any kind that carries numbers goes without the mention of “Gender” to mean balancing the equation with women in order to be compliant with – section27 (3) of the constitution of the land that states; women and men have the right to equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural and social spheres. The rights of participation of women in democratic governance is enshrined in article 26 (6), article 27 (8) and article 81 (b) that seeks to solve the issue of gender imbalance in leadership positions by stating that no more than two – thirds of the members in any appointive or elective positions shall be of the same gender. The constitution brought with it a new phenomenon, the issue of gender equality and gender representation is now imprinted and stuck in the minds of Kenyans even if it’s not well understood by many.

It is no wonder the term “Gender responsive budgeting” comes with the notion that women have to be allocated their provision in the budget in order to bridge the gaps that are seen in the society as being the reason for the differences that exist between Men and Women in the society. While gender refers to the socially and culturally defined roles, norms, expectations and identities that are associated by either being male or female. It is Important to note that that this is different from sex, which is the biological attributes that differentiates men and women and how those attributes are expressed. Over time, these two have brought so much confusion and fights and the solution to this has been to shout “Gender” whenever women are underrepresented.

Even though gender responsive budgeting came up as a strategy to address and to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, it goes beyond addressing women's issues alone. GRB aims

Public participation gives assurance that citizens are heard and willingly and actively get involved in decisions that impact their lives. It is not only a basic right guaranteed in the constitution of Kenya but also civic responsibility.

Attributed to low awareness and also traceable to patriarchy that is deeply entrenched in the norms and beliefs of majority of communities in Kenya, participation of women has been very low. At the onset of devolution, public participation in Baringo County continued to be a “men” dominated affair. This conclusion was based in deliberate observation of attendance and deliberations county-led budget forums. Development committees were also dominated by men, with women playing the peripheral roles. Consequently, budget decisions were hardly addressing the unique needs of women.

Centre for enhancing Democracy and good governance (CEDGG) has been in the frontline in working to improve the capacity of marginalized and vulnerable groups to engage with and participate in decision making around the constitutional reform agenda and development processes.

With support from International Budget Partnership Kenya, CEDGG scaled up interventions to build the capacity building of communities in budget engagement.

The two organizations have trained budget facilitators and budget champions who help in educating the public and mobilizing them to participate throughout the stages of the budget cycle i.e., budget formulation, budget approval, budget

Historically, women have been assigned the caregiving responsibilities in the society, these responsibilities are not limited to child-rearing, housekeeping, nursing, feeding, farming, animal rearing among others. These unpaid chores and caregiving responsibilities can only be made bearable if the budgeting processes bears these in mind and ensures that budgeting is Programme based and service delivery is ensured with every budgetary allocation, implementation and completion of projects. The voice of women is important when making such decisions because it is mostly the women that relate to the proverbial ‘only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.’ If a woman has to walk for a distance of more than five kilometers in search of water for family care, a woman has to travel several kilometers far from home in search of medical assistance for self, children and other family members, if a woman’s Sexual health and reproductive rights services are not available to her within reasonable distance, among other very many reasons, then the need for Women to actively and intentionally participate in the county governance processes cannot be understated.

In the course of her work, CEDGG learnt that in their own spaces, women are able to deliberate budgets in their own ‘language’ and at their own pace, which improves their knowledge, confidence and skills to negotiate. They come up with budget priorities that address their unique needs. In some occasions, these priorities may be the similar to those identified by the larger community but their experi-

A key achievement of the Women Only Budget Cell is improved capacity among women to engage in the budget processes. The County Government of Baringo has also been responsive to the issues advocated by the cell. Observably, there is emphasis on completion of water projects to improve water access; In health sector, priority has shifted to operationalization of health facilities constructed in remote locations and expansion of services with a focus on reproductive health.

In social protection sector, besides economic empowerment programmes spread across the county, the Women Only Budget Cell has been deliberate to push for allocations to combat Gender Based Violence – commemoration of gender calendar days for awareness campaigns, provision of dignity packs to the most vulnerable adolescent girls and boys and establishment of GBV rescue centre.

The Women Only Budget Cell has had its teething problems, especially in the beginning where it appeared as if it is ‘us’ against ‘them’ idea, some sort of a tug of war between women and men tag of war in the budgetary allocation decisions. To mitigate this, the budget cell identifies and communicates the benefits that would accrue to the entire communities, once the service delivery issues, they are championing for are addressed

To sustain these gains, the leadership of the women budget cell, urges CEDGG, IBPK, BACSOF and other like-minded partners to deepen the capacity of women budget cell and expand the model to cover the entire county. As required by law, the County Government of Baringo should embrace inclusivity in in her public participation spaces. Facilitators of government-led budget forums should be intentional in the application of fair deliberation process- to ensure that the voice of every member of the community is heard regardless of their gender, physical abilities and social status.

On her part, the Women Only Budget Cell will continue to amplify the voice of women in all budget decisions through budget training, joint budget analysis and engagement.

Janet Nandwa Ongoli Budget Champion/Team leader –Women Only Budget Cell. janetongoli@gmail.com

Janet Nandwa Ongoli

Governor Kachapin flags off Items worth sh200 million

ing promises we made to our people" Kachapin said.

On town planning, the governor asked members of public to allow space for road construction and expansions.

He said many locals had encroached on road reserves, making it difficult to expand road networks. He therefore appealed to residents to allow road works to continue without hindrance.

His deputy Robert Komolle hailed the governor’s efforts and initiatives to transform the county to be at par with other advanced counties.

"Since he assumed office, we have seen many positive developments in the county" Komolle said.

Governor Simon Kachapin flags off sh200million-worth items meant to improve healthcare services.

He said apart from health his administration is keen to ensure residents receive essential services such as clean water, education and roads infrastructure.

"We are rolling out new health facilities and expanding existing

ones across the county" Kachapin said.

County boss commissioned sh17million-worth drugs and pharmaceuticals, Beyond Zero mobile clinic and firefighting engine that had been grounded.

Others are new ambulance worth sh10 million, new grader(sh 20 million), education items costing 1m and foodstuff worth sh5 million

He asked local leaders to unite to ensure implementation and completion of various projects.

As part of the efforts to achieve universal healthcare, governor Kachapin said his government is rolling out new health facilities and expanding existing ones

across the county.

He commissioned groundbreaking of sh73 million one-storey health facility targeted to offer specialized health services to residents in Makutano Town and ease congestion in Kapenguria County Referral Hospital.

including 360 bags of maize, 60 bags of rice, 30 bags of beans and 33 cartons of cooking oil.

This is part of my administration’s efforts to ensure services reach all residents across the county" he said.

He further said sh5million food donations would be distributed to drought-affected families as well as those currently facing hun-

ger even in urban areas.

“Hunger affects everyone, even those living in Makutano Town. We will identify affected persons and ensure the food aid reaches them,” he said.

He further urged fellow affected leaders to desist from politicking and focus on development.

"It is too early to engage in 2027 politics,let's focus on deliver-

Uneasy calm returns to banditry prone North Rift after years of bloodshed

BY JEREMIAH CHOGE

Uneasy calm is finally returning to the banditry prone counties in the North Rift after years of bloodshed, destruction of property and displacement of people following the government’s move to roll out a massive disarmament exercise in the region.

The government termed six banditry-prone counties in the North Rift among them Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu as 'disturbed' and 'dangerous' following the killing of at least 100 civilians and 16 police officers by armed bandits early this year and rolled out the security operation conducted by the National Police Service with the help of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

A spot check by Rural Times established that the massive operation seems to have borne fruit with calm returning to the region with residents beginning to lead their normal lives and engaging in their

daily chores, a sharp contrast to what was the norm in the past.

Residents from the banditry prone region yesterday called on the government to ensure security is sustained in the restive region for normalcy to continue in the area.

In Samburu County, areas which were in the past notorious for runaway banditry such as Losuk, Molok, Longewan,Koron and Morio peace has been restored with locals going about their normal businesses.

“We thank the government for its efforts to assure us of our safety. Our people can now sleep peacefully. We wish the KDF will permanently remain here,” said Chris Lekailepi, a member of the Samburu council of elders.

“Our lives had completely been shattered following rampant cases of insecurity over the years as we could not engage in our daily activities. Our children had also been

at home after many schools were closed down as a result of insecurity,” added Mr Lekailepi.

The same has been witnessed in Kapedo at the border of Baringo and Turkana counties and Kerio Valley in the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet County where no insecurity incident has been reported in the past one month.

Area residents said the region is endowed with enormous resources especially in tourism which they said if harnessed will transform the area economically.

“This region has continued to lag behind in development over the years due to runaway insecurity which has scared away potential investors. We are hopeful that the peace being witnessed currently will be sustained,” said Richard Chepchomei, a resident from the banditry prone Bartabwa in Baringo North constituency.

The security operation has so far seen the recovery of 148 firearms, with 96 of them being surrendered in Samburu County, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

According to Kindiki, 31 people have so far been arrested in connection with banditry since the government launched the multi-agency security operation early this year.

“We will soon apprehend more people in connection with banditry in the North Rift. Some of those targeted are government officials, politicians and civilians,” said

Prof Kindiki when he toured the region last week.

“Our officers from the KDF and the National Police Service are working seamlessly to ensure that the ongoing operation to pacify the North Rift region succeeds,” added the CS.

The government has already established a security camp at Kolowa at the border of Tiaty constituency in Baringo County and Marakwet East in the neighbouring Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

The camp will have specialized security officers and will remain active even after the ongoing operation ‘Maliza Uhalifu North Rift’, according to Kindiki.

The government has since embarked on reconstruction of hundreds of schools which were vandalized as a result of the perennial banditry in the restive region which will cost Sh100 million.

The worst hit schools are in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana and West Pokot counties which have seen learning paralyzed for many years.

According to Prof Kindiki, the money has already been released with officers from the KDF tasked to lead in the reconstruction exercise.

“We must make sure that this place remains out of bounds to bandits for the rest of our time,” said Prof Kindiki.

The government has already trained more than 200 National Police Reservists (NPRs) who will assist security personnel in beefing up security in the banditry prone region.

State doubles honey capacity production in Kerio Valley

BY WALTER KIBET

The government has unveiled plans to increase the capacity of honey production in the Kerio Valley region.

Through the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development ASALS the government is set to double honey capacity production in Kerio Valley.

While speaking during a visit to the Rokocho Honey Processing

factory, The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Regional Development and ASALs Salim Dakota has said that the government has put in place structures to boost honey production.

“Currently we are talking about 120,000 tons a year in this factory. We intend to increase the capacity to 350,000 tons a year with more farmers and counties in the

region to be involved” the PS noted.

In a bid to support the promotion of bee keeping the PS Salim Dakota has said that the state department will be training women groups in the region on bee keeping and beehive construction.

Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Managing Director Sammy Naporos stated during the visit that the honey program is part

of the livelihood support in the regional development.

“In the past one year alone we have managed to support farmers in the region by purchasing honey worth Ksh 60 million” Naporos said.

The factory which is located in the Kerio Valley region has been able to support farmers through training them on best farming and bee keeping practices.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

STATE DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING

THE ELDORET NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC

P. O. BOX 4461, Tel. 0797222666, 0738092126, ELDORET Website: http://www.tenp.ac.ke, email: info@tenp.ac.ke

THE ELDORET NATIONA L POLYTECHNIC TOWN CAMPUS

ZION MALL Courses 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Eldoret National Polytechnic keen to offer quality training

The Eldoret National Polytechnic is a fully registered TIVET instution established back in 1985 and upgraded in 2013 into National Polytechnic through an act of Parliament. It currently boasts 18,000 student population and targets to attain 20,000 in the coming financial year.

It has got state of the art training and learning equipment for Science, Technical and Mathematics (STEM) courses.

The institution is located in a serene environment, 4kilometres off Eldoret town CBD along Eldoret-Kisumu road.

REUBEN CHEPKURUI: Baringo Endorois legend who killed Lion

BY KIPKEMBOI ARAAP KORIR

This is the story of Reuben Chepkurui a living Bar-Ngetuny from Kamurian Village, Kamar Location in Mogotio Sub-county, Baringo County who killed a lion.

He says he acted out of ignorance, taking part in the killing of that precious lion, a National treasure and the pride of our Nationhood.

Today, the same man is a leading voice in the noble mission to conserve and protect all forms of Wild life, and especially the endangered Great Kudu.

In the 1960s, a male lion often descended from the Hills of Mochongoi in the modern day Baringo South, and wreaked havoc in the lower regions of Loboi and the hills of Kamar.

The lion was believed to be a resident of Keneroi Forest in Mochongoi, and had a distinguished appetite for cow meat. The lion had several accusations in the court of Mankind within Kamar. He was also guilty of eating several goats and sheep, a crime he dismissed arguing that goats and sheep were just a

the beast into the banks of the massive Molok

River, The Lion was quietly digesting his meal when deafening noise roused him up from his slumber land!

Due to his physical agility and fame as a traditional dancer and a commander, Chepkurui was armed with an assortment of arrows and a special dagger (Changina) among the Kalenjin speaking dialects. The sword is mainly used to kill an enemy through stabbing and strangely.

The other three commanders were the Late Mzee Tolia from Lelen Village,The Late Mzee Cheparakwa of Kaplelwo Village and Mzee

Takrok Kamurmuch of Kaplelelwo Village,The four commanders took a Vow to lead the assault and to coordinate every move.

‘’There was a small cliff near the river and the Lion tried to manoeuvre his way up the rocks and to his surprise, he was already surrounded by an army of men each speaking in ‘his

own tongues’ the old man narrated without forgetting to reveal that during those days, each every Endorois warrior ‘owned a special song mostly dedicated to a favourite bull the warrior owned.

‘’My song was called Getumunye and I still own the copyright! The song was in honour of a big bull which I owned and swore by him! I was singing my song and my fellow Morans were doing the same’’ the old man who is a great admirer of former Mogotio Legislator Professor Helen Sambili said.

The moment of reckoning arrived, time to decide if it is the dog that wags the tail, it was about 3pm when the Operation started rolling, the lion had to choose between fighting to survive or to die in the fight for his life! An arrow from one of the commanders landed and sunk right into the lion’s dark mane. The beast leaped up and roar that came from his mouth was reportedly heard in Radad and environs 40Km radius!

snack and not a real meal.

During those days, thick bushes engulfed the whole of Kamar Location. Regions around Lake Bogoria were a real wilderness, providing a unique cover for the lion that was now becoming a menace and unpredictable like the Man eaters of the Tsavo!

"In the year 1970, the Lion was sighted at a place called Kap-Lomaria. He was travelling towards Kamar and that was going to be his end. The Morans of Kamar remained on a high alert,"

Mzee Chepkurui who does not know the year of his birth said. That same night, the lion killed a cow at the home of Mzee Chepyegon Tarkwen. The Morans felt outwitted by the fierce beast and they knew that without an immediate action to stop the beast, more cattle would be lost and poverty would become their new resident! Cattle were their only wealth, mark of status and their only savings account.

Armed with clubs, spears, bows and arrows, about eighty Murenik of the Endorois pursued

According to Chepkurui,the beast bite the arrow that was lodged in his mane and broke it to pieces while More arrows landed on the beast and he continued roaring in great pain, Chepkurui was losing his hearing and the battle was raging

The infantry retreated leaving the four commandos at the mercy of their ancestral gods.

In a nutshell,the beast went for Chepkurui having accessed that he was the biggest threat! He was making an advance aiming to plunge the sword into the heart of the beast. One of the commandos was to cover him but it was becoming unbearable.

The Commando tasked to provide cover decided to flee, though he had two spears to defend the assault team! Mzee Tolia however stood his ground and managed to dispatch a blow that crippled the beast and silenced it forever.

Chepkurui was already wounded and was writhing in great pain!

The beast sunk his sharp canines right in his left shoulder, completely shattering his left collar bone, He was Flowing Blood like a small river when he used a nearby tractor as an ambulance to rush him for first aid treatment.

Reuben Chepkurui showing where the lion sunk his sharp canines right in his left shoulder, completely shattering his left collar bone.

Mathias journey from banditry-prone Kenyan village to American University

BY PENDO SETIM

Mathias Cheboi, 27 the fifth born child in a family of eight from banditry-prone Koiboware village in Sibilo location, Soi ward in Baringo North Sub-county.

He narrates his story of being born and raised as a victim of frequent attack by gun-wielding, balancing challenges of harsh drought, water crisis, food shortage, education and his athletics career.

“My story mirrors the true outcome of hard work, persistence, perseverance, and undying hope,” Cheboi said.

Living through intermittent disruption of schooling occasioned by bandits, Cheboi has undying hope that things will someday get better for school-going children in his motherland, Baringo.

“We survived the banditry attack, but never forgot the narrow escape. It therefore pains my heart that the gun-totters have continued to encroach with resurgence to kill, disrupt education, talent development and suppress dreams for young and innocent children. Something must be done

to intervene.”he posed.

Cheboi started his educational journey in remotest Koiboware Primary School, where he was forced to repeat class 8 in 2009 due to lack of school fees, despite him attaining 363 marks.

This time, he changed his name from Allan to Mathias. The 2010 KCPE had him score 377 marks and secured admission place at Nakuru High School.

His school fees were paid, thanks to the support of the then Baringo North MP and current Senator William Cheptumo.

“The leader awarded 10 best performers in the constituency. I was among the 5 best boys and received Kshs.20, 000 that was paid directly to the school.” he said.

Nonetheless, Cheboi still struggled with school fees despite him performing well

“I worked hard from day one, ending the first term with a strong grade of A plain. I reported the second term about two weeks late and without any fees." He said.

Luckily, the Red Rubber Ball

Foundation (RRBF) awarded Mathias a scholarship, which cleared his fees.

“The very day I was to be sent home, RRBF awarded me a scholarship that not only cleared the accrued arrears but also covered the remaining period of my high school," Cheboi said.

The scholarship pushed his educational level and was able to clear his secondary school education.

He got admitted to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in 2015 after scoring a grade of A- in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education-KCSE.

He however deferred his first year due to lack of school fees.

Seeking an alternative path, Mathias Cheboi joined the athletic training camp in Kaptagat in Eldoret, aiming for a scholarship in the United States of America-U.S.A.

Besides working hard in the camp, Cheboi also sought ways of getting income.

“I tried contributing to community development occasionally and whenever possible, I participated regularly in opinion writing on one of the Kenya's daily newspapers," Cheboi recalls.

Cheboi however had to quit the training due to financial constraints.

“Training camp was a self-sponsored affair and all expenses had to be paid out of pocket. I prioritized my mental health and took a break indefinitely," he said.

Cheboi however resolved taking a part-time job as a non-TSC teacher in a local private high school owned by a friend in Kericho.

He also sought casual labor in construction sites during the weekends. He had to collect enough money, to report to school a few months later.

The lad reported back to school in September 2017 and deferred the semester for the third time and went back to the training camp in Eldoret.

Cheboi finally secured a scholarship at Grambling State University of Louisiana in U.SA after 10 months of continuous training.

“I secured an athletic scholarship at Grambling State University of Louisiana, USA, to pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). That was after an attempt to join the Lethbridge College in Canada was denied by the Canadian embassy." He said.

After leaving the country for U.S.A, he became the champion in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) cross-country after winning the men’s

8km race plus the MVP award.

He continued winning several races in the subsequent years.

The youth admits that balancing between education and athletics was not easy.

“I must say balancing the two is not for the faint-hearted. It requires the greatest level of discipline, diligence, resilience, and firm believe in God. The life of a student-athlete is tough and complex, especially when taking demanding majors like nursing."

Even though the nursing profession seemed harder for him, he had to work harder.

“Hospital-based clinical practice and preceptorship came into play. The former required a 12-hour shift every week while the latter demanded 90 clinical hours to be completed within a period of 4 weeks – all running concurrently with class activities and daily track practice." He said.

In May 2023, Cheboi was awarded three prestigious awards during the Grambling State University awards ceremony: The Most Inspirational Track & Field Athlete, Most Valuable Athlete, and the Letterman award.

Cheboi won the 10000m and 5000m and placed second in both 3000m steeplechase and 1500m in the 2023 Track and Field Championships in Praire View, Texas.

Graduated

In May 12, 2023, Cheboi graduated with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and was also among the top performers in the nursing class of 2023, being the only African graduand.

The ceremony took place at Grambling State University Assembly Center (AC), Louisiana State. “Friends, current and some former teammates, coaches, professors, and mentors were in attendance,” said Cheboi.

His family however, who could not attend, due to immigration logistics, live-streamed the ceremony on YouTube. "They were indeed overexcited" he said.

The graduation presented a joyful moment, hardly describable in words, considering that they started the class with 40 students and only 11 remained.

The 2 years journey in nursing school presented resilience and hard work.

Cheboi generally describes his journey as tough, since he had to endure the challenges amidst his progress.