KSh60/00 (TSh1,700/00 : USh2,700/00 : RFr900/00) www.nation.co.ke Nairobi | May 17, 2014 No. 17941 Amazing hustles P. 3 From Nameless, Amani to Wahu Jaguar, Juliani and Daddy Owen, we reveal the side jobs that keep mu- sic stars afloat Queen of crop breeding: Dr Jane Ininda has devel- oped more than 180 crop varieties and counting ... The blunder- ing ministers P. 10 Economist David Ndii on why Jubilee is tumbling one scam to another ∆ SECURITY | Kenyatta defends move to empower county commissioners even as Nyong’o says it’s in bad faith Uhuru and Cord face off as 12 killed in city blast ISHMAEL AZELI & DENISH OCHIENG | NATION The aftermath of twin blasts at the popular Gikomba Market in Nairobi, where 12 people died and 78 others were injured yesterday afternoon. Right: One of the survivors at Kenyatta National Hospital. The attacks happened a day after the UK government started evacuating its citizens from Mombasa over insecurity. Two men arrested after twin explosions hit popular Gikomba market, leaving more than 70 people seriously injured Big losses for hotels and other businesses as US, UK and other European countries evacuate their citizens Raila’s party accuses Jubilee of laxity and deceit in paying Anglo Leasing debts, threatens to go to court Stories and pictures on pages 2, 4 and 5 INDEX News P. 1-18 Opinion P. 12-14 Letters P. 15 Weekend P. 19,22,37-41 International P. 42-46 Business P. 47 Sport P. 51-56 INSECURITY | President appeals for calm as UK evacuates its nationals on holiday BY ANGIRA ZADOCK
[email protected] AND THOMAS KARIUKI
[email protected] T wo terror suspects were ar- rested after twin explosions left 12 people dead and more than 78 injured in Gikomba market, Nairobi, yesterday. The attack came as panic spread through the international community, with Britain evacuating more than 600 tourists mainly from Mombasa and cancelling, with immediate effect, all scheduled flights from that coun- try until October 31, this year. The Kenya Tourism Federation es- timated the loss expected after the cancellation of tourist arrivals at Sh5 billion and accused the government of not taking adequate measures to deal with terrorism. President Uhuru Kenyatta, who spoke a few minutes after the twin explosions, called on the international community to instead work with Kenya to tackle what he described as fast-rising worldwide evil. Four people died instantly and more than 80 others were injured in the back-to-back explosions at the crowded Gikomba market shortly after 2pm, a few metres from the Machakos Country Bus Station. Eight more succumbed to injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Police said the blasts — two minutes apart — were caused by improvised explosive devices. Nairobi County Police Commander Benson Kibue said detectives were questioning two people arrested at the scene by the public shortly after the blast. Buying second-hand clothes “They were positively identified and they are in police custody,” he said. Police had, however, not linked the two suspects to the attack. Accounts of eyewitnesses interviewed by the Saturday Nation were contradictory, but police maintained that they were holding “the key suspects”. The two were apprehended as they tried to escape amid the confusion that befell the unsuspecting shoppers. The first blast went off near a structure where people were buying second-hand clothes. Two men and a woman were killed instantly while 30 others were injured. A matatu belonging to Jesmat Sacco, which was carrying passengers next to the makeshift structure, was wrecked by the impact that left the passengers with shrapnel injuries. As the public fled towards Pumwani 78 taken to hospital after twin terrorist attacks at the busy Gikomba market near the city’s central business district Nairobi terror attack leaves 12 dead Road, another blast went off about 70 metres away. One person was killed and 40 others injured in the blast. The two explosions left two holes about 30 cm deep and 45cm wide on the ground. Police had a difficult time control- ling the crowds at the scene. Second-hand clothes — some soaked in blood — were strewn all over the place. Others hang on the overhead electricity cables. Mr Fred Majiwa from the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that dozens of people were injured in the explosions and were taken to Kenyatta National and Guru Nanak hospitals. Mr Stanley Karanja, owner of a kiosk next to the scene of one of the explosions, said that when he heard the blast, he thought it was a tyre burst. “Then I heard the second explosion, only that this time it was louder than the first one. I saw people lying down, some of them bleeding,” he said. Preliminary investigations showed that the attackers targeted people who frequent the busy market to buy clothes and food. The rear windscreen of a white sa- loon car parked next to a structure where one of the devices went off was shattered. Another businessman, Mr Peter Ndegwa, who was unhurt, said the assailants were dressed normally. “I sell shoes next to my friend who has just passed on; he was killed by the explosion.” A statement from Kenyatta National Hospital chief executive Lily Koros Tare said: “Patients sustained mul- tiple fractures and shrapnel injuries. Eight patients have died (four men and four women).” Seven patients were transferred to other hospitals with Aga Khan Hos- pital taking four, Nairobi Hospital two and Mater Hospital one, leaving 69 at the country’s premier referral hospital. I heard the second explosion, only that this time it was louder than the first one. I saw people lying down, some of them bleeding” Stanley Karanja, kiosk owner ISHMAEL AZELI | NATION Detectives at the scene of the explosion that happened in Gikomba, Nairobi, yesterday. Twelve people were killed and dozens injured. DENISH OCHIENG | NATION A victim is tagged at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, yesterday. DENISH OCHIENG | NATION A Kenyatta National Hos- pital guard restrains the public at the institution’s emergency and accident reception. ISHMAEL AZELI | NATION A young girl is assisted at the scene of the explosion. GERALD ANDERSON | NATION Police clear the scene of the explosion. DENISH OCHIENG | NATION A victim arrives at Kenyatta National Hospital. Scores were seriously injured in the blast. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 2 | National News SHOWBIZ | Many in the local entertainment industry agree that income from performances alone is not enough For Kenyan artistes, music alone cannot pay the bills BY JOHN MUCHIRI @moshiiri T he Kenyan entertainment industry has turned into a multi-million-shilling busi- ness in the last decade. Popular musicians such as Jaguar and P-Unit say they can now charge up to Sh300,000 for a one-hour performance. Others earn between Sh100,000 and Sh200,000 — a far cry from the paltry rates of yesteryear. Despite the rising popularity of local pop music, many artistes confess that the frequency of shows in Kenya and East Africa is wanting. It is difficult for a musician to earn a living from performances and music sales, hence many find it necessary to supplement their income. For Jaguar, whose real name is Charles Njagua, to maintain his four fuel guzzlers and flashy lifestyle, he needs more than just performances. “I have invested in other busi- nesses so I don’t have to wait for performances in order to pay my bills,” he says. The Kigeugeu singer owns a garage on Nanyuki Road in Nai- robi’s Industrial Area. He has also invested in a security firm that provides guards for offices and homes, and in real estate, with apartments in Kileleshwa and Pangani. “I’m also importing top range cars and have a fleet of taxis in Nairobi and Mombasa. I have no reason to wait for performances to pay my bills.” Singer Kunguru is also in busi- ness – he has a garage – besides working at Standard Chartered Bank. Showbiz couple Nameless and Wahu too run businesses when they are not performing. “We co-own an audio visual company, Alternative Concepts, where we produce music and both radio and TV commercials,” says Wahu, adding that shows alone cannot help them to provide for their children. Constant flow of income “We have to think of other ways of getting a constant flow of income, even if the shows may pay well.” Wahu also runs a beauty parlour, Afro-Siri, in Westlands. Julius Owino aka Juliani decided to open an entertainment-related business. “I have an office at the Godown Arts Centre, with a team that creates concert concepts,” he says. Gospel act Daddy Owen runs an events company called Loud and Clear. “Performance income is not enough in this industry,” he says. “One must look for other ways to pay bills.” Boniface Chege, who is Bon- Eye in the group P-Unit, is into green building solutions. He is the managing director of a Muthaiga- based construction consultancy company, Web Limited. “We are the only company in East Africa that consults on sustainable construction (solu- tions),” he says. “We are currently consulting on the construction of the upcoming Garden City mall in Ruaraka.” He sits in the Kenya Green Building Society committee, which seeks to create a unique building rating tool for Kenya, and he is the champion for the National Coalition for Green Schools movement. “This keeps me busy and pays my bills when we are not perform- ing out there as P-Unit.” One of the most financially successful musicians in Kenya is Wyre, who makes a pretty penny from corporate endorsement. His two-year endorsement deal with Samsung ended last year, but he has just been signed up as brand ambassador for Sport Pesa. “When one invests heavily in their brand, it’s easy to eat the fruits much later,” he says. “I have worked hard to build my brand and in the process, I have gotten a nod from the corporate world. I no longer wait for performances to pay my bills.” Besides, he owns a recording studio, Love Child Records. Many other artistes remain in employment. Peterson Githinji (Pitson) popular for his song Lingala Ya Yesu, works at Standard Chartered Bank, while others such as Sanaipei Tande and Mimmo Wanjuhi are radio presenters. Local pop musicians must have full-time jobs or engage in businesses to supplement income We have to think of other ways of getting a constant flow of income” Singer Wahu Kagwi 300,000 The amount, in shillings, that local musicians can now charge for a single show. Despite that, they have to seek other sources of income to survive. Juliani: Owns a company that cre- ates concert concepts. Jaguar: Has investments in secu- rity and real estate, among other sectors. BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Grief engulfed residents of Ka- tilini in Kitui County at a joint requiem Mass for 10 victims of poison drink. Relatives and friends of the victims wailed uncontrollably when the bodies were lowered from trucks at Katilini Primary School in Ikutha District. Among the victims were Mr Muinde Munyao, the deputy principal of Monguni Second- ary School, and primary school teachers Onesmus Maingi and Muinde Munguti. The teachers consumed the killer liquor on the opening day of the second term two weeks ago. The region’s leaders, among them Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, condemned the drinks that caused the tragedy in which 18 other people became blind. Dr Malombe said the tragedy had amplified the need for county and national governments to put in place a comprehensive strategy for dealing with disasters . “We must accept the bitter truth that these deaths were caused by negligence, corrup- tion, bribery and incompetence in our institutional framework as well as careless living at the individual level,” said the governor in the company of his deputy, Ms Penina Malonza, and Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai. He reminded mourners that a similar tragedy happened a few years ago at Kyumbi in Machakos County, when drinks laced with methanol claimed 52 lives. The victims were fathers, husbands, brothers and guard- ians whose deaths were needless and could have been avoided, he lamented. The governor pledged to coop- erate with government agencies to seal all loopholes and tighten mechanisms to regulate the trade and consumption of liquor. Kitui Catholic Bishop Anthony Muheria, who conducted the Mass, said it was sad that among the dead were parents. The bishop urged the commu- nity to extend compassion to the bereaved families in the spirit of good neighbourliness to enable them to overcome their loss. The bodies were transported to their respective villages in Maunguni, Yolomuni and Athi, for burial after the Mass. Shock and grief as county prays for victims of toxic alcohol We must accept the bitter truth that these deaths were caused by negligence, corruption, bribery and incompetence” Kitui Governor Julius Malombe KITAVI MUTUA | NATION Solemn moment as Katilini villagers pray for the 10 victims of poisonous liquor at the local primary school in Kitui County yesterday. The bodies were later buried in Maunguni, Yolomuni and Athi villages. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 National News 3 SCANDAL | Settlement of contracts will burden an already strained economy, coalition says BY JOHN NGIRACHU @JohnNgirachu
[email protected] T he opposition yesterday strongly opposed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive to the Treasury to pay two Anglo Leasing-type companies Sh1.4 bil- lion for suspicious deals. The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) accused the President of “breaching and undermining” the Constitution, and said they would go to court to stop the payments in the interest of the public. Cord also protested at the President’s decision to delegate executive powers to county com- missioners. By doing this and also authorising the payments to the two shadowy firms despite Parlia- ment’s disapproval, the President, had broken the law with impunity, the opposition leaders claimed. “It is regrettable that the Presi- dent has turned into a rodent that is eating away at the very core of the Constitution that he swore to protect. We wish to remind him that our Constitution is not a lifeless piece in a museum,” Cord said in a statement read at a Press briefing at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi by ODM acting party leader Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o’. “It is our considered view that the President’s decree in favour of Anglo Leasing is inadequate even to invite our conscience; impotent to warrant payment from the Exchequer; ridiculous for sanitising fraud; scandalous if brought forward to earn public support and monstrous enough to ruin our already strained economy,” he said. But asked what action they would take, Prof Nyong’o said they would consider whether to take their case to the law courts or leave it in the court of public opinion. Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka added: “Peaceful dem- onstration is a right of every Kenyan under the Constitution. Nobody should feel threatened by that because what else do you do when you have a government that is not listening to its own people. A peaceful demonstration is an option.” The Wiper Party leader went on: “We hope Jubilee is not doing things that are going to get us to go to the streets, because that is as far these things have gone.” Prof Nyong’o quipped: “You know this Constitution was brought about by demonstra- tions and it will be defended by demonstrations. We have profes- sional demonstrators here.” The Cord leaders described President Kenyatta’s decision to have the two firms paid as “the lowest ebb in our struggle to combat corruption and engender prudent management of public resources in this country.” The opposition leaders pointed out that given the central role Mr Kenyatta played as the Leader of the Official Opposition during the investigations by the Public Ac- counts Committee in 2006, it was shocking that he would be the same person to authorise the payments. “We wonder what spiritual bap- tism the President has undergone to rationally demand the clear- ance of the fraudulent sums.” But speaking in a televised address at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said he made the “painful decision on which was the greater evil; to pay the money or put the economy at risk”. But the Cord leaders insisted that the deals were fraudulent, and, therefore, could not be honoured. Some members of the parliamentary Budget and Ap- propriations Committee, who attended a meeting with the Presi- dent at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, told the Saturday Na- tion that he would rely on Article 223 (2) of the Constitution, which provides for Parliament’s approval to be sought for any payment out of the Consolidated Fund within two months after the first with- drawal of the money. Committee chairman Mutava Musyimi said he stood by the po- sition taken by the joint Budget and Finance committees that the country ought to pay. “These are debts that have chal- lenges, but failure to pay would provide greater challenges. We are choosing between bad and worse. It’s not a choice between good and bad,” the Rev Musyimi said. He said President Kenyatta was “within the law in authorising the payment and Parliament would rightly be asked for its approval when it resumes. “As soon as we go back, we shall do what we need to do, in accordance with the law. It is in the interest of the country that we make the payment, get closure and move on,” he said. DENISH OCHIENG | NATION ODM’s acting party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o addresses a Press confer- ence called by Cord at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi yesterday. On the left is Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka. Opposition leaders accuse President Kenyatta of breaching supreme law Cord denounces payments to Anglo Leasing companies It’s in the interest of the country that we make the payments, get closure and move on” The Rev Musyimi, Budget Committee chairman Payment of the contracts is not in the interest of the public It amounts to sanitising and honouring of fraudulent deals It could undermine further, an already strained national economy. It is a setback to fight against corruption It’s shocking for Uhuru to pay now yet he opposed the same when he was Leader of Opposition RESPONSE Coalition states its stand WAR ON POVERTY: LAND REFORMS YET TO HAVE IMPACT AROUND AFRICA Central Africa’s crisis worsening despite a weakened LRA Pg 29 Q&A AfDB to make economic growth an agenda for Africa Pg 23 DEVELOPMENT Africa losing $17 billion annually to illegal loggers Pg 28 SCIENCE New drug brings hope for faster cure for drug-resistant TB Pg26 Dead capital: W hy land titles won’t end poverty in Africa Economists say that land owne≥ship is one of the tools of empowe≥ing the poo≥, but studies show that the cost and ≥ed tape involved in obtaining documenta≥y p≥oof of owne≥ship is p≥ohibitive fo≥ the continent’s poo≥ TURN TO PAGE 24-25 JUST A PAPER? One of the central arguments for handing titles to the poor is that they can access credit and improve their productivity. But even for those who have acquired titles, their lives have not necessarily become better. Studies show that poor people with titles are no more likely to obtain loans than those without. MAY 17-23,2014 25 O U T L O O K AFRICAN AFFAIRS, ECONOMICS, TRADE, SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT www.theeastafrican.co.ke MAY 17-23, 2014 BOOKS | LIFESTYLE | TRAVEL | THE ARTS | HEALTH & SCIENCE | SPORT books “NO PLACE TO HIDE”: AN ENCOUNTER WITH SNOWDEN P. III > food RECIPE: THE SIZZLE MAKES THE STEAK P. XI > MAGAZINE B≥eathing life into stone, one chip at a time FRED OLUOCH speaks with ≥enowned Kenyan sculpto≥ Elkanah Onge’sa on his commissioning by the Smithsonian Museum to c≥eate a sculptu≥e that celeb≥ates the fight to save the elephant TURN TO PAGE VI-VII SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 4 | National News standing, there is a ruling in an international court that has made demands that Kenya must pay. We lost the case, we didn’t win it. The fact that we didn’t win it doesn’t mean that I have changed my position, I maintain my position.” The President said it was better to pay and clear the way for Kenya’s issue of a Euro Bond which the govern- ment hopes will fetch Sh132 billion to finance the next budget. Failure to pay would mean Kenya would not secure approval to issue the bond as it would be deemed to have dishonoured its international obligations, he said. On the possibility that the payment could open up an avenue for other firms to sue for compensation, claiming they were not paid, President Kenyatta said it was the duty of the Attorney-General to pre- vent such an eventuality. Anglo Leasing involved contracts entered in between 1997 and 2003 for the deliv- ery of security services for the government which included a forensic lab, passport equip- ment and technological improvement for the Postal Corporation. They were worth Sh55 billion. But the government then did not have money so it entered lease-financing and credit and supplier credits to circumvent the departure of financial donors. According to the Treasury, 11 contracts (Sh30.5 billion) were partially completed, four of which worth Sh18.9 billion were cancelled and three worth Sh6.8 billion were fully delivered. However, of the five remain- ing (Sh13.8 billion), Kenya paid contractual penalties worth Sh7.9 billion to two, one is still being negotiated while two were subjected to court proceedings in London and Geneva. BY AGGREY MUTAMBO @agmutambo
[email protected] I nternational pressure and second-rate performance by the State Law Office condemned Kenya into pay- ing for the controversial Anglo Leasing contracts, President Kenyatta said yesterday. He tore into the Attorney General’s office and demanded that they “up their game” in fighting the country’s legal battles abroad. The revelation formed the core of the President’s argu- ment that Kenya had no choice but to pay Sh1.4 billion to two controversial firms, after los- ing cases to them in London and Geneva. “We must up our game so that our counsel can stand by what all Kenyans including myself believe that we should not be paying this and we need to be able to win all those court battles in the courtroom,” he told journalists at State House, Nairobi. “Unfortunately, out there in the international community, they are not interested in our debate here; they are interested in the ruling of the courts and whether Kenya has obeyed the ruling of the court or not,” said the President, who on Thurs- day authorised the National Treasury to pay Sh1.4 billion to First Mercantile Securities Corporation and Universal Sat Space, which took the country to courts in London (2013) and Geneva (2012), for breach of contract. First Mercantile won $10.6 million while Sat Space was awarded $7.8 million. The two companies had signed contracts worth Sh2.9 billion with Kenya but the court awards meant Kenya had to pay an equivalent of Sh1.6 billion. Treasury officials have argued they negotiated the figure down to Sh1.4 billion, but which would balloon to Sh96.6 bil- lion including interest rates, if Kenya failed to pay. When he tabled a Parlia- mentary Accounts Committee report on the procurement of passports in 2006, President Kenyatta, then the committee’s chair, observed that the con- tracts represented “impunity, negligence and recklessness in the management of public resources.” He called them a “scam” given the way insiders in government colluded with faceless firms to dupe the gov- ernment into paying interests and fees on items that were not delivered. Yesterday, Mr Kenyatta said he still stood by those words since only the circumstances have changed. “That position still stands, but the fact of the matter is, that was a parliamentary report. I was not counsel representing this nation in the courts in London and in Geneva at the arbitration. We didn’t lose our battle in the National Assembly; we lost our battle in the courts out there. “Despite that particular Uhuru blames Anglo Leasing pay on AG State Law office was sloppy in defending the Government’s position on contracts SALATON NJAU| NATION President Kenyatta addresses a press conference at State House Nairobi yesterday. He blamed lawyers in the State Law Office for failing to defend the Government’s position on the Anglo Leasing contracts competently. SCANDAL | President at pains to explain his decision on the security contracts What the Government is paying two companies in the Anglo Leasing contracts after losing two court cases Sh1.4bn Enforcement of court rulings No recourse for appeal Failure to pay would block- the sovereign bond process Negative impact on sovereign rating Interest charges on the judgments would be too high BILLIONS SETTLEMENT Reasons for paying up BY NATION REPORTER County Commissioners will be expected to exercise their new powers in line with the Constitution. The Cabinet Secretary in charge of Devolution, Ms Anne Waiguru, said yesterday that the commissioners would not be allowed to misuse the powers and would be dealt with if they did so. While addressing editors at the Ministry of Information of- fices yesterday, Ms Waiguru (right) said delegation of powers was meant to ensure proper coordina- tion at the grassroots to optimise on resources and avoid wastage. She added that the move was part of a wider plan to decen- t ral i se management and create a lean, rationalised and well- coordinated government. “A key plank of the plan will be pooling of resources, both financial and human, at the grassroots with the commis- sioner exercising oversight,” she added. Consequently, a county commissioner will have a big say in the way government functions are undertaken and will be answerable to the Executive. According to the CS, the commis- sioners will be expected to work har- moniously with the devolved units where decisions will be by consensus. If there will be no agreement, the commissioner’s word would be final. “In such a case, commis- sioners will be expected to escalate the matter to their superiors who will then de- termine whether it was the right decision. They can over- rule it if the situation demands but the commissioners will be expected to ensure there is con- sensus,” Ms Waiguru said. Later, while addressing a Press conference at State House, President Kenyatta defended the move, saying it was meant to ensure efficiency and better coordination. “It is not about control. We recognise that we live in a new dispensation. It is the people arguing the opposite who still have a mind of control. We left that when we passed the new Constitution,” he said. Minister defends new structure Pursuant to Article 196(1) (b) and 221(5) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and Section 207 of the Public Finance Management Act no. 18 of 2012, The Committee on County Budget & Appropriation of the County Assembly of Turkana will be conducting Public Consultative forums on the County Budget Estimates for the Financial year 2014/2015 as forwarded to the County Assembly by the Executive Committee Member for Finance and Planning on the 30 th April, 2014. The dates and venues for Public Participation are as indicated below. DATES SUB - COUNTY TIME AREA/WARDS VENUE RESPONSIBILITY 3 RD – 4 TH JUNE,2014 TURKANA NORTH 9.00 a.m Lapur, Kaeris, Lakezone,Nakalale, Kaikor/ Kaaleng, Kibish Lokitaung (DC Hall) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators 5 TH -6 TH JUNE 2014 TURKANA WEST 9.00 a.m Kakuma, Letea, Kalobeyei, Lopur, Lokichoggio,Songot, Nanam Kakuma (Kakuma multipurpose hall) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators 7 TH - 9 TH JUNE, 2014 TURKANA CENTRAL 9.00 a.m Township,Kanamkemer, Kerio Delta, Kangatotha, Kalokol Lodwar Town (Ceamo hotel) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators 10 TH – 11 TH JUNE,2014 LOIMA 9.00 a.m Turkwel, Loima, Lobei/ Kotaruk, Lokiriam/Lorengkipi Lorugum (DC office hall) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators 12 TH – 13 TH JUNE,2014 TURKANA SOUTH 9.00 a.m Lokichar, Katilu, Lobokat, Kaputir, Kalapata. Lokichar (RCEA hall) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators 14 th – 16 th JUNE,2014 TURKANA EAST 9.00 a.m Lokori, Kapedo, Katilia Lokori (DC Office) Sub County administrator and Ward administrators NOTE: * Submission of Memorandum by persons should be done in writing to the Clerk, County assembly of Turkana. Or send to
[email protected] * The ward administrators and the sub county administrators to take lead in Sub County and Ward discussions. * Copies of the Budget estimates can be accessed at the assembly and Ward offices. * Members of the County Budget & Appropriation committee will guide discussions and presentations during consultative forums. * Members of County Assembly from various sub counties are encouraged to be present during consultative forums at sub counties’ headquarters. Mr. L.L. Miinyan. Clerk, County Assembly of Turkana. THE COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF TURKANA PUBLIC NOTICE SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 National News 5 In your Tomorrow Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s political career was thrown into a tailspin this week when he lost his seat in an election petition at the Court of Appeal. He rushed to the Supreme Court and appealed the decision – and will stay in office until a decision is made. Should the Supreme Court judges endorse the decision to send him back to the electorate, he will run headlong into political waters far more turbulent than last year’s general election. Find out why this is a moment of truth for the Nairobi governor. Kenyan girl who loves working for Mayweather Kenyan Grace Nabwire Haukwa is working for one of the richest sportsmen in history, Floyd Mayweather Junior. Three weeks ago, undefeated Mayweather chalked up his 46th win in professional boxing, defeating Argentina’s resilient World Boxing Association welterweight champion Marcos Maidana. The bout earned Mayweather – Mr Money to his friends – a massive $70 million, or Sh6 billion. Read about Nabwire’s encounters with the boxer and what she is doing for him. Only in the SUNDAY NATION. Don’t miss your copy P resident Uhuru Kenyatta ended his week with an address to the nation that was punctuated by blasts in Gikomba market. It was the same day that he was painstakingly explaining to the public why he had to pay Sh1.4 billion to the infamous Anglo Leasing companies against positions he had taken as Opposition leader and as Finance minister. News of the controversial payout came as British tour operators evacuated their nationals from the Coast over terrorism fears, striking a major blow to local tourism. We take a closer look at these events and explain what they really mean for Kenya. The week Uhuru would rather forget Why Kidero is at a crossroads lifestyle BY NATION TEAM
[email protected] B ritain yesterday stepped up the evacuation of its citizens tour- ing Kenya as the Government and tourism officials protested, term- ing the decision unfair and harmful to the economy. More than 600 tourists left the Coast for the UK in two chartered planes yesterday as British tour firm Thomson Holidays informed its cli- ents that all flights up to October 31 had been cancelled. Kenya Tourism Federation vice- chairman Adam Jillo accused the US, UK, Australia and France of failing to consult them before making the deci- sion to pull out their citizens. Mr Jillo, who addressed a news conference in Nairobi, criticised the Government “for not doing enough” to reassure tourist markets that Kenya was a safe destination. He warned that the tourism sector would collapse if the government did not respond to the travel warnings, noting that the economy would lose more than Sh5 billion and 500,000 jobs over the period of the cancellations. “Tourist are now being airlifted out of Mombasa without any consulta- tion with the private sector; we are greatly disappointed by this move,” said Mr Jillo, who urged the Govern- ment to consider increasing funding to the tourism sector to ensure its sustainability. “All indications are that the travel warnings were based on security- related information. As citizens and investors in the sector, we are greatly disappointed in the Govern- ment’s inaction because they should be handling this and reassuring citi- zens, investors and our tourist source markets,” he added. Federation chairman JS Vohra, said their members at the Coast had reported losing about 900 guests, who were all set to leave the country last night. Thomson Holidays posted an alert on its website saying; “As a result of the change in Foreign and Common- wealth Office advice, the decision has been taken to cancel all our outbound flights to Mombasa.” The alert explained that all the firm’s customers on holiday in Kenya, including air fare passengers would be flown back to the UK on Thursday and yesterday while all flights to the country before October 31 had been cancelled. “We understand that many custom- ers will be very disappointed about the cancellation of their holidays but in these types of situations we PHOTO LABAN WALLOGA Tourists wait to board the Thomson flight back to the UK at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa yesterday. Tourists fly out as travel firms heed warnings TERRORISM | Tour company bans all bookings to Kenya until October 31 have to follow the FCO advice,” the notice said. Australia also updated its travel ad- vice, urging its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Mombasa and Nairobi in the wake of recent terror- ist attacks. Britain warned its citizens against travelling to Mombasa, Eastleigh in Nairobi and areas within 60 kilome- tres of the Kenya–Somalia border unless travel was essential and una- voidable. Safe destination The top five tourist source mar- kets for Kenya are UK with 149,699 arrivals, US with 115,636, Italy with 79,993 and India and Germany at 64,887 and 60,450 respectively ac- cording to the tourism performance results in 2013. Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa sought to assure Ken- yans and foreigners that Mombasa was a safe destination contrary to the warnings and that security had been beefed up in hotels, ferries, airports, supermarkets and entertainment spots. Mr Marwa said activities at the Moi International Airport were nor- mal. “There is peace in Mombasa and foreigners should continue with their normal business without being frightened.” Moi International Airport, Area Manager Yatich Kangugo said the airport was secure. According to the BBC, the warning against non-essential travel covered Mombasa Island, Kiwayu and coastal areas north of Pate Island, the Gar- issa district, Eastleigh, the slums of Nairobi and areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somalia border. The advice did not include the Diani beach resort or Moi Interna- tional Airport. British tourists expressed disap- pointment at the abrupt interruption of their holiday at the South Coast. Some of them had only been in the country for three days and were yet to tour national parks and herit- age sites. Mr Stefan Arlow, who was vaca- tioning at Amani Tiwi, said he was informed that tourists were to quickly leave the country and return home and that he flew back home against his wish. “I am disappointed to be told that I should be evacuated yet I was to relax after working and saving for the holiday,” he said while waiting to board his flight. Mr Gary Roberts said he “was gut- ted” by the requirement to go back to England after “a short time on holiday in a beautiful country.” He said: “I am angry that I have to return home prematurely without completing my holiday.” A disappointed Sheila Simon said: “I had to obey the directive to go home but this decision is not good for me.” Reported by Lilian Onyango, Yvonne Kawira and Bozo Jenje I am angry that I have to return home prematurely without completing my holiday” Tourist Gary Roberts Flights lined up to take UK tourists back home amid fears that the move would lead to losses of Sh5 billion Low funding causes crisis in day schools BY NATION CORRE- SPONDENT Public day schools have been thrown into a crisis after the Government re- leased less money for the free learning. The Ministry of Education has disbursed only Sh1,550 instead of Sh3,000 for each child as the second tranche due to the day schools. In total, the government has disbursed Sh2.7 billion against the expected Sh4.7 billion for 2,057,198 students in secondary schools. Each day secondary school student is allocated Sh10,265 a year. The amount is paid in three tranches. According to the govern- ment’s schedule, the first tranche to be paid out is 50 per cent of Sh10,265 which is sent out in Janu- ary. Second term allocation is 30 per cent which is sent out before schools open in April. The rest — 20 per cent — is released in August for the third term. Many heads of secondary schools contacted by the Saturday Nation said the money released early this month was too little to run the schools with. “Most headteachers will be forced to beg the suppliers to be patient with the arrears and also to pick new merchandise without paying. It is a chal- lenge we are facing, we are being pushed to debts,” said the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association chairman, Mr John Awiti. The funds go into pur- chasing learning materials, pay non-teaching staff and run the school feeding pro- gramme. Mr John Awiti, KSSHA Chair- man SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 6 | National News SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 7 PAUL WAWERU | NATION Top: Security guard Stephen Maigwa Kamau swears before testifying yesterday at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, in the inquest into the death of Olympic marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru. Also in court were Wanjiru’s mother Hannah Wanjiru (left) and widow Trizah Njeri. Chief magistrate Hannah Ndung’u is conducting the inquest. INQUEST | Probe into Wanjiru’s death Attacks leave 11 dead in two counties BY NATION CORRESPONDENT The death toll in the inter- clan clashes along the Wajir and Mandera counties border yesterday rose to 11 with the death of two more people. The clashes between the Garre and Degodia clans have also left scores injured and displaced. The victims of yesterday’s attacks died in the hands of gunmen in Gunana location of Tarbaj district in Wajir. The clashes started on Tues- day when three men from the Degodia clan were killed in the border location of Burmayow, as they worked on a road project that the rival clan was opposed to. On Thursday gunmen from the Degodia clan on a revenge mission opened fire on a matatu in the outskirts of Rhamu division in Mandera County killing six people. Two grass-thatch houses were also torched in Waberi location, Wajir East District, last night by unknown peo- ple prompting the locals to vacate the village in fear of attacks. Wajir Deputy county com- missioner Jacob Narego who visited the scene linked the arson to the border dispute. BY WALTER MENYA @menyawalter
[email protected] T he trial of Deputy President William Ruto and former radio journalist Joshua arap Sang has been adjourned to June 16 as the prosecution’s case nears closure. The withdrawal of Witness P-0025 by the prosecution led to the adjournment. In its request to withdraw the witness, the prosecution said he was unable to accu- rately recall or give a coherent and consistent account of crit- ical parts of the evidence that it had intended to lead from him, hours before he was set to begin his testimony. Mr Ruto will be required to be present for the first two days when the session reconvenes, the court ruled yesterday. However, presiding judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, who read the decision on behalf of judges Robert Fremr and Olga Herrera, expressed the Chamber’s “serious dissatis- faction” with the prosecution over the earlier-than-expected adjournment. The session was to run for four weeks but has only lasted three days following the wit- ness’ withdrawal. The judges directed the prosecution to use “all avail- able means, including seeking summons for witnesses”, to ensure the case is not put off again when it resumes. Release this witness Yesterday, the defence requested the prosecution to present its four remaining wit- nesses to testify at once in the next session. “We want this case to close before summer break,” said Mr Ruto’s lead de- fence counsel Karim Khan. The four do not include the eight the Chamber directed the Kenya Government to compel to testify. The defence has asked to appeal the ruling and the State also wants to take part as a friend of the court. Mr Sang’s lawyer, Ms Caro- line Buisman, supported that the four witnesses testify in “one formal session.” Judges grant prosecution’s request and postpone hearing to June 16 ICC TRIAL | Bench dissatisfied with early adjournment Ruto case put off as court drops witness ‘‘ The Chamber grants the prosecution application to withdraw the witness” ICC Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 8 | National News NYAHURURU Man charged with rape of minor freed on bond A man was yesterday charged with raping a 10-year-old girl in Nyandarua County. Mr Samuel Karanja Ndegwa, who appeared before Nyahururu resident mag- istrate Rose Mukenga, denied the charge. He was released on Sh200,000 bond. In the same court, Mr Boniface Mwangi de- nied raping a 13-year-old girl at Salama in Laikipia County. The case will be heard on July 29. BRIEFLY NAKURU Police officers gun down phone thief Police shot dead a mugger and recovered a stolen mobile phone at a matatu terminus yesterday. The panga-wielding mugger who was in a group of three had threatened to attack matatu at- tendants who attempted to re- cover the phone snatched from a traveller in the 4am incident. Divisional Police Commander Bernard Kioko said that police shot the man when he attempted to attack an officer who had con- fronted him. GOLDEN JUBILEE | Aga Khan’s Rays of Light exhibition set for Nairobi His Highness the Aga Khan recently completed 50 years as Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Ismaili community will be hosting an exhibition that depicts the Aga Khan’s commitment to improving the human condition over the past 50 years. The exhibition will be held at the Aga Khan Reli- gious and Cultural Centre in Parklands, Nairobi, from tomorrow to May 25. The ex- hibition has been to France, Portugal, the US, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Canada and Tanzania. Viewing is by appointment. COURTESY | NATION BY PAUL OGEMBA
[email protected] T he fate of Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Mutua and seven others over claims of fraud in the Sh1 billion Malili ranch sale now lies with law- yer Paul Muite. Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has instructed the senior counsel to review the recom- mendations of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and decide whether or not the group should be prosecuted. The lawyer is required to scruti- nise the police records, witness and suspects’ statements, and all docu- mentary evidence. “We would like you to advise our office on whether sufficient evidence is disclosed to prosecute the suspects or any other person named in the in- quiry file. We would also want you to conduct on our behalf any prosecution that may ensue in relation to the mat- ter,” said Mr Tobiko. The DCI last month asked the DPP to arrest and prosecute Mr Muthama and Mr Mutua among others, saying it had obtained evidence linking them to fraud and forgery in the land sale. Former Information and Com- munications permanent secretary Bitange Ndemo, Commission on Implementation of the Constitution member Kamotho Waiganjo, Mr James Waweru, formerly of the At- torney-General’s office, and former Lands Commissioner Zablon Mabea were in the list. The others are Mr Peter Mutua Kanyi, Mr Julius Maweu Kilonzo and lawyer Alphonce Munene Mutinda. The recommendations followed investigation into alleged misap- propriation of Sh1 billion paid by the Government to purchase 5,000 acres of the ranch for the construction of the proposed Konza Technology City. DPP instructs senior counsel to review allegations against Muthama, LSK boss Muite to lead Malili land probe INVESTIGATION | Lawyer promises to evaluate claims professionally and objectively Paul Muite NYERI Patient locked up to clear TB dosage A court yesterday ordered a TB patient to be locked up at King’ong’o prison for a year to finish his treatment. Mr Anthony Wambari had been charged with absconding medication thrice on diverse dates between November 19, 2013 and April 2 in Tetu. He pleaded guilty before Resident Magistrate Catherine Mburu who said be released only when tested and found to have recovered. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 National News 9 The Cabinet Secretaries find themselves running all over the place, permanently overworked while not achieving very much but they can’t seem to figure out why.” David Ndii A few weeks ago, I was shooting the breeze with friends in one of those conversations we call in my language shortening the evening—an oxymoron, since they almost invariably go on to the small hours. As this was around the Jubilee Government’s one year anniver- sary we pondered a little bit on how it might fare in the second year. The one thing on which there was unanimity was that the Jubi- lee Government could be relied on to continue blundering. As one usually prescient politi- cal observer put it, if there is a banana skin on the other side- walk, Jubilee will cross the road to skid on it. As if on cue, we watch helplessly as the Government scales the walls of the cemetery to go waking up ghosts — I am talking about Anglo Leasing. In another one of his now predictably intemperate op-eds, the President’s speech writer at- tempted a satirical spin on the blundering, blaming everyone from corrupt civil servants to analogue citizens for frustrat- ing Jubilee’s gallant efforts to run a “clean government and sound financial management” (I keep telling you they are smok- ing something these people!). Judging from the comments on the article on the web, it was a blunder. As an economist, I much pre- fer to draw my conclusions from data. For this article, I did a two second opinion poll on the Jubilee Government. I googled “Jubilee Government blunders” and Jubi- lee Government achievements.” Results were as follows. Blunders: 5.5 million hits. Achievements: 1.2 million. It could of course be that the results for blunders are spiked by reactions to the speech writer’s article. Not quite. A search for “Eric Ng’eno Jubilee Blunders” yields 770,000 hits. So even excluding the reactions to the article, the public association of Jubilee with blunder is at least three times as likely as associa- tion with achievement. So what is ailing Jubilee? Three things. Institutional change, para- digm paralysis and leadership. Big challenge Institutional change. Jubilee seems totally befuddled by the challenge of institutional change brought about by the new Con- stitution. Much of the public focus has been on devolution. This is part of it, but not the big- gest challenge. For the national government, the change from a parliamentary to presidential sys- tem is the bigger challenge. Take the complete separation of Executive and Parliament. In the old system, every ministry had at least one and typically two assistant ministers. With 30 ministries, and more than 40 in the last one, this meant that the President had a team of at least 80. This has now been reduced to 20. This requires a very radi- cal re-configuration of both the functions of the Executive and how it works. Jubilee does not seem to have recognised this, and continues to try and work like in the old sys- tem. So the Cabinet Secretaries find themselves running all over the place, permanently over- worked, not achieving very much, but they can’t seem to figure out why. It’s rather like watching a beginner swim — furious violent motion, water all over the place, very little movement. But perhaps the more poign- ant study is the tension between the two offices of Secretary to the Cabinet and the President’s Chief of Staff. The Secretary to the Cabinet position is established by the Constitution. It is the lesser half the job of the previous posi- tion of Head of the Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet. The Chief of Staff is not in the Constitution but it is a common position in presidential systems of government. It is more or less an elevated position of the Comptroller of State House. The problem here is not with the positions per se but one of the President bungling the transition. The first mistake was to appoint the two senior-most bureaucrats in the previous system to the two positions. In a presidential sys- tem, both positions are below the positions the two incumbents held previously. What we are now see- ing is a re-creation of the powerful Chief Secretary position occupied by Ambassador Francis Muth- aura and his predecessors. But the Constitution abolished this position because it does not fit in presidential system with executive Cabinet Secretaries. It would not have taken much work to devise a State House staff structure for a presidential system. A good place to begin would be to google “White House Organizational Chart.” There, you find that the President’s Chief of Staff has two dockets under him, a Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Deputy Chief of Staff for Op- erations. The functions under the deputy for policy are similar to those for the Secretary to the Cabinet while those of the deputy for operations are similar to those of the Comptroller of State House. The way I would have gone about it is to add Chief of Staff portfolio to the Secretary to the Cabinet position and then create under it “Deputy Chief for Cabinet Affairs and Policy”, and “Deputy Chief for Administration and Comptroller of State House.” The President has gone on to add security docket to his chief of staff. We now find ourselves with a clueless innkeeper and overworked twice retired bean counter as our security policy chiefs. Terrorists, muggers and alcohol poisoners beware. It is fairly obvious that there is a big gap somewhere between the President and the security agencies. How does the country whose system we have copied do it? Most people will remember Condi Rice, George Bush’s bril- liant, elegant National Security Adviser. Here’s the Wikipedia entry for the US National Security Adviser: “The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), is a senior official in the Executive Office of the President who serves as the chief adviser, stationed in the White House, to the President of the United States on national security issues. This person also participates in the meetings of the National Security Council. He or she is supported by the National Security Council staff that produces research, briefings, and intelligence for the APNSA to review and present either to the National Security Council or directly to the President.” Enough said. Paradigm paralysis. For the last two decades at least our de- velopment policy has been led by the Washington Consensus which, reduced to its core, is the dictum that free markets equals growth equals development. Free markets tick. Growth tick. Development? This is what I call paradigm paralysis. The Bretton Woods institutions who we have relied on to provide intellectual leadership to our de- velopment policies have yet to come up with another paradigm to replace it. The problem is not that there are no viable develop- ment ideas. Their problem is one of a paradigm that has them, and aid, in the driver’s seat — for the radically inclined, a paradigm that perpetuates dependency. For a while, they were onto in- frastructure, but then the Chinese ran away with that show. The Washington Consensus has been dealt a serious body blow by the global financial crisis. Finally, the penny has dropped. The rich also cry. But having never before thought for themselves, our leaders now wander the geo- political wilderness looking for new foreign masters. It is said that if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. So they roam. China, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria. The one place they don’t look is inward, to their people. Leadership. In his memoir From Third World to First: The Singapore Story, Lee Kwan Yew had this to say: After several years in government I realised that the more talented people I had as ministers, administrators and professionals, the more ef- fective my policies were, and the better the results.” I was in a social place I fre- quent when both instalments of the Jubilee Cabinet were unveiled. The most common reaction to the appointees was “who is he?” or “who is she?” followed by “re- ally?” These reactions of course do not mean that the people are not talented, but the fact that a broad cross section of the country’s top professionals and business leaders had not heard of three quarters of the Cabinet is pretty unusual. When we pick our national foot- ball team or Olympics athletics squad, you expect people who follow the sport to know most, if not all the team members. I don’t have any data but I would be surprised if there are many prec- edents where a president picked Cabinet members from a bunch of CVs submitted by cronies. Cabinet calibre people would not have to send CVs to be scrutinised. Their public credentials should speak for themselves. There are two primary motiva- tions why leaders choose weak teams. One is lack of confidence to lead people who are just as or more accomplished than he or she is. Such leaders choose peo- ple who cannot be threats to their position. The other is leaders who value loyalty more than ability. Such leaders choose people who will know that they owe their po- sition to the leader, not to their credentials. Take your pick. Having made his bed thus, you would think that the President would be happily rolling on it. No. Having no substantive achieve- ment to report in his inaugural State of the Nation address, he shoves out his hapless Cabinet to take the bullet for him. And now with frustration rising, they throw tantrums, lashing out at anything and everyone, civil society, media, opposition — it is everyone’s fault but their own. It is Charles Njonjo, that re- freshingly forthright sage, who foretold many years ago, at an- other time like this, that when the leading sheep limps, the flock does not reach the pasture. Thankfully, times have changed. Thanks to democratisation, eco- nomic liberalisation, devolution and our nascent constitutional- ism, Jubilee is not Baba na Mama, and theUhuruto Error is not going to be around for 24 years. David Ndii is managing di- rector of Africa Economics.
[email protected] FILE | NATION From left: Cabinet Secretaries Adan Mohammed, Najib Balala and Jacob Kaimenyi during a Cabinet retreat at Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki on March 7. The government has failed to adjust to the Constitution, prefer- ring the old way of doing things. Why Jubilee has become a byword for blunder Uhuru’s novice Cabinet and the desperate search for new foreign masters, suggest a leadership that is uninspiring, argues David Ndii GOVERNANCE | The Government has failed to adjust to the Constitution, preferring the old system of ruling SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 10 | Special Report T elecoms operator Sa- faricom on Monday announced a record Sh18.8 billion dividend pay- out after it reported a 31.4 per cent jump in net profit to Sh23 billion for the year ended March. Safaricom said the record profits had come on the back of strong growth in non-voice business including short mes- sage service (SMS), mobile Internet and money transfer service M-Pesa. At Sh23 billion, Safaricom added nearly Sh7 billion to its profit in a year — having reported Sh17.5 billion the previous year. Bob Collymore, the chief ex- ecutive spoke to Okuttah Mark on the industry’s outlook and how Safaricom plans to main- tain its profits momentum in the coming years. Excerpts. Safaricom’s voice service rev- enue grew to Sh86.3 billion and accounted for 62 per cent of your service revenue down from 66 per in the previous year, what explains this decline? The decline is mainly arising from the new subscribers we added in the year whose aver- age revenue per user (ARPU) is lower compared to our old subscribers. We are also seeing the voice contracting as subscribers shift to messaging services such as WhatsApp. But it is important to remember that these realities did not prevent the voice rev- enue from growing by a robust 11 per cent. Kenyans do not use their mobile phones for luxury ac- tivities but as an essential tool for production. This effectively means that when life becomes tougher they reduce the amount they spend on food but retain the communication budget. The government is one of the biggest beneficiaries from the im- pressive financial results and must be delighted by the Sh6.6 billion dividend cheque you are about to write. How do you feel about this? I think it is very positive that we are the biggest dividend payer to the government. Apart from the Sh6.6 billion dividend, last year we paid a total of 47.5 billion in taxes, spectrum fees and duties, taking our total con- tribution to the Exchequer past the Sh50 billion mark. With this kind of a relationship, does it make it harder for the Com- munications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to regulate Safaricom? We have a very healthy rela- tion with the regulator. The government and CAK are ac- tually two separate things. CAK is an independent authority. Di- rector general Francis Wangusi and I are sometimes very good friends and sometimes really bad enemies, but I respect the work that the DG (Wangusi) does and I think he also re- spects what I do. I think there is a natural tension that exists between the regulators and the entities they regulate. Some of the newly licensed mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) have indicated they will charge lower voice rates compared to the current tariffs. Is Safaricom prepared for another round of price wars? We believe in offering quality services; I don’t see how low they can go because already we have operators offering free calls, which we have all seen is not sustainable. Not unless the MVNO say they will be paying subscribers for using their lines. What strategies do you have to counter this kind of competition? We remain steadfast in our goal to provide the best net- work experience supported by significant investments in fibre roll-out and network modernisation. We continue to focus on our “Best Network in Kenya” pro- gramme. We invested Sh27.8 billion in the network in the year under review and our goal is to provide the best customer experience through improving our network quality, capacity and coverage. Safaricom is mulling a possible scrapping of its lower end post-paid services (those currently paying Sh1,000 and Sh2,500). What is the logic behind this move? This was a tactical tariff we came up with during the price war period, but to be honest it is not earning us any money. We are planning to restructure it subject to an approval from the regulator. It is, however, important to note that we are still offering the other post-paid plans. M-Pesa and data seem to be your key growth drivers. How do you plan to increase their uptake in this competitive market? M-Pesa is at the forefront in deepening financial inclusion in Kenya. In the past year, we launched the revolutionary Lipa na M-Pesa service that enables our customers to carry out day-to-day transactions on a cashless basis. Our priority this year is to commercialise this service by growing the number of active merchants and making Lipa na M-Pesa the preferred electronic payment platform. This will make a significant contribution to the lives of our customers and acceler- ate Kenya towards a cash-lite economy. Currently we have 122,000 Lipa na M-Pesa merchants recruited and 24,137 actively using the service. On data, we are now ready to roll out LTE (4G), subject to avail- ability of spectrum, to deliver super-fast broadband. This will extend the reach of data and the Internet, in- cluding the provision of WiFi access to schools in support of the government’s digital education programme. We have had successful LTE trials in 10 sites within Nairobi and Mombasa, realis- ing 70Mbps data speeds. We will also be increasing smartphone and 3G device penetration through cost ef- fecti ve qual- ity offers and continue with our push on relevant content, social media and applications. Safaricom’s licence is coming up for renewal next month. Have you reached any agreement with the industry regulator, especially on the quality of service? The negotiations went well and we reached an agreement with the regulator on most of the conditions. On the quality of service we agreed that CAK should engage an independent firm to conduct an independent fresh study. This interview was first pub- lished yesterday in Business Daily. Collymore banks on M-Pesa growth to make more billions TELECOMS | Mixed fortunes for operators as one makes profits, others losses I think there is a natural tension between the regulators and the entities they regulate” Bob Collymore, Safaricom chief S afaricom is undoubtedly the most successful com- pany in Kenya, a phenomenal brand by any standard. Kenyans are accustomed to its green and red ring of confidence and to its omnipresence. It is the largest com- pany in East and Central Africa and the biggest contributor to the national coffers. Its “Niko na Safaricom’ adverts are generally patriotic, showing the sights and sounds of Kenya — though unrepresentative of the faces of Kenya. Its in- novations such as the mobile money service M-Pesa have placed the country in the league of the top innovators in mobile telephony. However, the “better option” is anything but that. Making a simple phone call has become something akin to a lottery, a challenge. Mobile users have become accustomed to high call charges, poor network connectivity and voice quality. The services are unreliable and unpredictable. Phones be- have as if they are switched off or engaged when they are not. The most common words you are likely to hear when making and receiving calls, which has become part of our vocabulary, are “sorry, network problem, or wrong number.” When you make a call, it drops or goes to a wrong number or straight to a voicemail. Every Kenyan must have ex- perienced problems with mobile phone reception. Either there is no mobile signal, or where there is, it is not possible to connect or sustain a call. Most users will say they have experienced dropped calls, incomprehensible speech and a voice quality that mimics speaking from the bottom of a water tank. It is common to call a regular number like that of your wife, husband or business partner but the call is misdirected to a stranger. Your call goes through but the receiver cannot hear you or they can hear but you cannot. You are billed for your troubles. The ability to make or receive calls or texts is the most important aspect of mobile phone reception. But is Safaricom making supernormal profit by cutting corners, compromising quality, charging calls it ought not to? How does it explain the routine calls break ups, glitches or misconnections, misdirection of calls, the inability of the users to sustain conversation for more than five minutes? It cannot be explained why every call you make is likely to result in a drop call, disconnection, miscon- nection, or it’s of poor sound quality, breaks up or it ends unexpectedly. Safaricom will still charge you for a service it did not provide. Mind you, for every 10 mobile users eight are Safaricom’s. I am yet to hear of any Safaricom loyalist like myself ever being refunded. The level of dissatisfaction is so high that there would have been a mass exodus of mobile users if there was an alterna- tive network with a similar brand awareness and coverage. Mobile users would generally switch networks depending on the voice quality, connection, coverage, ability to make or receive calls easily, reasonable charges, clarity in billing, flexibility of schemes and easy accessibility of the service provider’s customer care services. Safaricom has a duty to provide its customers with a re- liable and working network. It ought to invest in network system. It has an absolute monopoly and that is where the problem lies. Due to the absence of vital competition in the market, Safaricom has failed to upgrade its network or manage traffic congestion. Traffic management is a tool to effectively protect the security and integrity of networks and restrict the transmis- sion to end-users of unsolicited communication. It ought to increase its capacity concurrently with demand on its services. It has to tackle network congestion and prioritise traffic to avoid overload. Safaricom makes phenomenal profits and does not lack the capital to invest in upgrading the system. It announced this week that it has made a net profit of over Sh23 billion for the financial year ending March 2014. The Communications Authority of Kenya, should not allow such deterioration of service. It should require Safaricom to invest a certain percentage of its profit in improving the network. It should renew its licence subject to guarantees of improved services. The size of Safaricom would intimidate any regulator. It shouldn’t if you stick to the law. The author is a lawyer and a partner at the firm of Sagana, Biriq & Company Advocates.
[email protected] Is Safaricom shortchanging its customers? COMMENT | By ABDIWAHID BIRIQ How does the company explain the routine call break-ups, misconnections or inability of customers to sustain a call for more than five minutes” Abdiwahid Biriq SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Special Report 11 This is not how to make Kenya great P resident Kenyatta issued two directives on Thursday that threw the country into a spin. First, he appointed 47 county commissioners to direct and coordinate functions of the national government at the grassroots, including taking charge of security. Second, he directed the National Treasury to pay Sh1.4 billion to two Anglo Leasing related-compa- nies on account of a court ruling in favour of the firms. Mr Kenyatta said the country risked being ostracised and blacklisted by international money lenders if it ignored the ruling. The directives drew public uproar, with the Oppo- sition Cord Coalition addressing a press conference in which it termed the decisions unconstitutional, preposterous and unacceptable and threatened to use both the courts and public protests to challenge them. Inevitably, the bubbling public anger compelled President Kenyatta to address Kenyans yesterday to clarify the issues, insisting that he had acted in the public interest. His position on the appointment of the county commissioners was that he was simply delegating powers of coordination of government business and that he was not in any way attempting to un- dermine the devolved governments. Thus, the objective was to enhance service delivery. But he never addressed the constitutionality of the decision and the fact that he was re-enacting an old order and an archaic structure that Kenyans fought ferociously to dismantle. Experience has shown that when the leadership begins to couch its decisions and actions in terms such as service delivery and enforcing peace and stability, the intention is always to numb the public when grave atrocities and transgressions are being committed. Anglo Leasing remains a blot on the country’s fiscal report. President Kenyatta himself admitted that having to pay made him feel terrible, especially because he believed Anglo Leasing was a fraud against Kenyans. His only justification was that Kenya’s hands were tied since an international arbi- tration court had sanctioned the payments. But this raises fundamental questions that must be confronted. Must Kenya commit an illegality by paying for Anglo Leasing deals just for the sake of unlocking international cash through the Eu- robond? Can the Government explain to Kenyans what the Eurobond is all about and why it is the only avenue for raising cash? Is the amount in- volved worth mortgaging Kenya for? An argument that has been advanced is that fail- ure to pay would put our embassies abroad at the risk of auction. Nothing could be farther from the truth for foreign missions are inviolable since they are protected by the Vienna Convention of 1961. Put together, the two directives do not cast President Kenyatta and the government in good light. An impression is being created of a govern- ment hell-bent on violating the Constitution, that is insular, insensitive and driven by arrogance and self-preservation. If the President read the public mood correctly, he would realise there is discomfort all around and that he needs to review some of his decisions and actions. As they say, might is not always right. A PUBLICATION OF THE NATION MEDIA GROUP LINUS GITAHI: Chief Executive Officer JOSEPH ODINDO: Group Editorial Director DENIS GALAVA: Managing Editor Published at Nation Centre, Kimathi Street and printed at Mombasa Road, Nairobi by Nation Media Group Limited POB 49010, Nairobi 00100 GPO Tel: 3288000, 0719038000. Fax 221396
[email protected] Registered at the GPO as a newspaper FOOD SECURITY | Magesha Ngwiri S tarvation is a figure of speech for most Ken- yans. When they miss a meal, they walk around with sulky, downcast faces and growl at friend and foe, acting as though the whole world has come crashing down on them. And although they claim loudly that they are starv- ing, at least they have an idea where their next meal is coming from, which merely means they are hungry at that particular moment. Not so a sizeable number of Kenyans, both in rural and urban areas. Starvation is when you have not swallowed a morsel for days on end, the body juices start digesting your innards, there is nothing to eat anywhere within walking distance, and even if there was, there is no strength to go fetch it. Early this week, it was reported that a Baringo woman stalked her neigh- bour’s cat, killed it, skinned it, and roasted it so that her two-year-old child and 80-year-old mother could eat their first meal in many days. Fortunately for the fam- ily, the neighbour did not rush to the chief demanding payment for her pet; she reported the grisly incident, and probably saved this par- ticular family from starving to death. This is not a pretty story. It is the stuff of deep pa- thos. How many people have been forced to eat dogs, rodents and bugs just to survive? Nobody should be starving in this day and age. Spent well, this country has enough resources to feed its 41 million inhabit- ants. A country that has never known real war, one that is dreaming of becom- ing a middle income state in the next 16 years, and one that is undertaking multi-billion-shilling infra- structure projects, is also the same country that has become congenitally inca- pable of feeding its people. Why does that happen? I do not have the answers, but I could hazard some. First, we waste too much on non-essential stuff — and staff. A lot of men and women in government em- ploy are holding sinecures. They are under-employed, but they consume a huge chunk of money which should go towards helping the unemployable. Sooner or later, the government will have to right-size its workforce, which will mean massive layoffs. It will be a bitter pill to swallow, but there is no way around it. Secondly, there is a great deal of pilferage from gov- ernment coffers. In fact, theft, misuse, and misappro- priation of taxpayers’ money goes on with impunity, and apparently the government is helpless to stop it. The third is the same old song of runaway grand cor- ruption which successive governments have vowed to fight and failed to do so. This is hardly surprising. The most corrupt people are in government, whether as civil servants, or as political leaders. But the biggest problem is massive — widespread ignorance which has made it impossible for many to grow enough to feed themselves. I have no intention of delving into the rather hackneyed technicalities about not rely- ing on rain-fed agriculture, crop rotation, wise use of in- puts, and so on. I am talking of small farmers who sell their manure so they can buy fertiliser. That kind of ignorance is guaranteed to lead to poor harvests, rain or no rain. But beyond these rather simplistic diagnoses of what ails us, there is a big- ger problem — our total, unreasoning reliance on a nebulous concept known as government sitting some- where in the capital city like some benevolent father whose duty is to feed his children. This kind of vacu- ous thinking leads us into collective complacency. This is in no way an attempt to excuse the gov- ernment from its failures. Everywhere in the world, it is the constitutional ob- ligation of governments to ensure no citizens die of starvation. If it fails in this cardinal duty, then it has no reason for being. But on the other hand, the last time I checked, there were county governments all over the place, complete with governors, assemblies and ministries. For instance, Baringo has a governor and an assem- bly, but instead of focusing on the hunger ravaging the county, the MCAs have been busy trying to impeach their governor. The same county has a senator who has been busy defending a governor from another county from impeachment. When will these guys get the time to know that their voters are skinning cats to eat?
[email protected] .com Just when will MCAs realise the need to save their starving voters? ‘‘ It is the constitutional obligation of governments to ensure no citizens die of starvation. If it fails in this cardinal duty, then it has no reason for being” This country has enough resources to feed its 41 million inhabitants if only the wastage and corruption in government was checked SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 12 | Opinion DIFFERENT STROKES | Gabriel Dolan O ne of the more interesting and un- usual aspects of Kenyan life is that the most popular TV programmes are the evening news. Crowds huddle around noisy TV sets in village markets while fathers ensure that their small chil- dren are sleeping before news time. The evening news tops the polls ratings and also provides top income to the media owners by way of commercials during the intervals. It is hardly surprising then that com- petition among the channels is intense and that newscasters, commentators and documentary makers hop between sta- tions like EPL footballers, always seeking the best contract. Extraordinary that folk who do such a mundane job as read the news — prepared by someone else — can be given celebrity status and strut the studio as if it were a catwalk. Anyhow, while the overall presentation is quite high standard, there is a growing tendency to juice up the day’s events and convert the tragedies, misfortunes and mistakes of the public into entertainment to keep rat- ings high and profits mounting. Last week, TV crews accompanied police in raids on liquor dens in another knee-jerk operation this time over the deaths of over 100 from illicit and poi- sonous brew. The sight of drunken men and women unable to climb on to police vehicles and their subsequent degrading treatment by the officers is someone’s warped notion of entertainment and news reporting. The camera crews followed those arrested to court to record drunken mitigants making fools of themselves and become the laughing stock of the nation. Not so funny, however, for their families. This trend of television crews team- ing up with police officers to embarrass the public was very evident when the Al- coblow was first introduced, and TV crews became judges and jury over drivers be- fore they could ever defend themselves in court. Exposing hypocritical and promis- cuous pastors in ‘busted’ operations may interest the public and even titillate them but is hardly in the public interest. This is the stuff of tabloid news and gutter press and Kenyans deserve better. Makes you wonder why these crews never accessed Kasarani or Bamburi detention centres when hundreds were detained a few weeks ago. That would have been in the public interest. Maybe there is a market for sleaze and reality TV but the national news is not the place for it. Reality TV is anything but real as it encourages the public to sit in judgment and to feel superior at watch- ing their fellow Kenyans make fools of themselves in their most embarrassing moments. Someone once said that reality TV only looks in one direction, down, and it is fast replacing soap operas for enter- tainment. The evening news should not be promoting voyeurism or sadism but uncovering truth and enhancing human dignity not jeering at it in its misery. Our newscasters too are often conde- scending and judgmental. With their large salaries, luxurious lifestyles and expensive fashions they symbolise the great divide that exists in this very unequal society. They should not fall into the trap of an ‘us’ and ‘them’ culture but present the news in a balanced, non-prejudicial man- ner.
[email protected]. @gabrieldolan1 Evening news turning into reality TV ‘‘ The evening news should not be promoting voyeurism or sadism but uncovering truth and enhancing human dignity” THINK AGAIN | Maina Kiai F irst Lady Margaret Kenyatta is easily the shining light of this regime. Combining grace and determination, she has appealed to Kenyans with the quiet dignity with which she carries her- self and the issues she has chosen to engage with. Her determined run in the Lon- don Marathon, using her status to raise funds for mobile clinics in every county is admirable, allowing us a glimpse of the effort and deter- mination that it takes to participate in such a gruelling event. Of course there are some who saw sponsoring her as a way to get into the better books of the regime, but the cause is noble. But it is her role as Patron of Save the Elephants campaign that stands out. For saving elephants is not just an environmental and economic matter. It is also a role that necessitates standing up to corruption and impunity, the indis- pensable siblings of poaching. Make no mistake: wildlife poach- ing is a well-planned criminal activity, with similar networks and protections as those afforded to drug smuggling and corruption. It is not simply, as Kenya Wildlife Society (KWS) would like to tell us, a matter of “human-wildlife” conflicts, even as they acknowledge that more than 60 elephants have been butchered this year, following on from the 384 killed in 2012. Ivory poaching — like drug trafficking and corruption — is lucrative, with the illegal global market at about $1.5 billion (Sh130 billion). A typical elephant carries about 10kg of ivory, with a street price of about $100,000 (Sh8.5 million) per elephant. And because most customs agencies do not have specialised detection systems as they do for illegal drugs, it is esti- mated that what is seized is just 10 per cent of the ivory shipped across the world. With these sorts of figures, you can be sure that this is not about small poachers doing small busi- ness. This is big time crime in every way. It is not easy to ferry these huge elephant tusks from parks and conservancies to the airport and the port of Mombasa for shipment to China and Thai- land, which are the destinations of choice. Ivory smuggling means a good number of people must be involved. From KWS staff, to police, to customs officials, to the crew in air- lines and ships, the chain is a long and expensive one. And it needs not just a lot of money to grease palms but also a good deal of power and influence to hush things up. These are essentially the same channels that drug traffickers use, minus the KWS warders. They are so protected that even our international partners — such as the Australian Navy that recently intercepted Africa’s largest drugs shipment in our waters — have so little trust in our system that they prefer to dispose of drugs seized than hand them over, certain that doing so will mean that the drugs remain on the market. It is instructive that the people we have seen taken to court on poaching charges are always at the lower end of the criminal chain. They are the ones suspected of ac- tually killing the elephants. We have not seen the brokers, the truckers, the financiers and the masterminds ever arrested and charged. And just like with terrorism and grand corruption, the master- minds behind poaching are highly connected and certain of their im- punity. The last time we witnessed such an onslaught against our wild- life was in the 1970s, when Jomo Kenyatta was in power. Then, like now, the masterminds were a cho- sen few who were untouchable. Yes, the First Lady has re- cently taken a back seat on saving elephants, wildlife and our environ- ment, but that could be due to her focus on the marathon. With the marathon done and dusted, let us hope that she will soon be back to take on poaching and shame those who demean her — and us too — by denying our children and grand- children their rightful legacy of abundant wildlife and nature.
[email protected] We target small fry in war against poaching and drug trafficking First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is the patron of Save the Elephants. We have never seen brokers and financiers of illicit trade taken to court W orld Bank officials must think Kenya’s leaders have porridge for brains. Last year, the bank’s Africa Transport Unit wrote a secret note, ‘The Economics of Rail Gauge’ in the East Africa Community, saying terrible things about the standard gauge railway. Resentful of Kenya’s ambition to build a shining new railway, with tracks one and a half metres apart, the World Bank insisted that the country remains stuck with the rusty old nar- row one-metre tracks built for the Lunatic Express over 100 years ago. Although repairing the old railway between Mombasa and Nairobi would cost Sh7.5 billion, it would never demand the construc- tion of 98 large and medium bridges, 77 overpasses across the highway or the 969 culverts to keep idle youth in employment for four years. And it would still just be able to ferry 5.5 million tonnes of cargo a year, running at 80 kilometres per hour. In the alternative, the World Bank people tried to trick Kenya into expanding the space between the old tracks by seven centimetres to resemble the railways in Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa. For laying this track where the old one is, the govern- ment would spend Sh20 billion to be able to ferry 60 million tonnes of cargo a year, running at 120 kilometres per hour. None of the new 33 stations planned along the railroad would be built. The 30,000 youth who will get jobs as masons, carpen- ters, mechanical and electrical technicians would continue languishing in poverty. And they had no sympathy for the 400 engineers and technicians who will be trained during the project’s life. For the railway to pay for these repairs, it would need to at- tract an extra 6.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. A third desperate ruse was to get the government to lay the standard gauge railway – with new steel tracks, a metre and a half apart – where the old one is — for Sh61.8 billion. Such a railway, they claim, would ferry 60 million tonnes of cargo in a year and run at a speed of 130 kilometres per hour. The World Bank experts did not want the government to make people rich by buying barren land from its citizens in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Makueni, Kajiado, Machakos and Nairobi counties. They did not want the local industries to supply steel, cement, or aggregates. And they did not want electricity generation and electricity transmission pylons and cables, roofing materials, glass provided locally to create another 10,000 jobs. They looked with envy at the 3,000 people who would be em- ployed to provide food, accommodation and leisure for the builders and shook their heads with disap- proval. Following this alternative would require an extra 20.2 million tonnes of cargo to be transported in East Africa each year. For all its cleverness, the World Bank never of- fered the Sh7.5 billion, the Sh20 billion or the Sh61.8 billion required to repair the second-hand railway. After all the World Bank’s jealousy, the President this week signed a Sh314 billion loan agreement with China to build the standard gauge railway to run at 130 kilometres per hour. It should easily attract the 55.2 million tonnes of extra cargo a year, exceeding projections of the regions generat- ing a mere 14.4 million tonnes annually by the year 2030. After all, there is rare earth, titanium, coal and oil that needs to leave the country in tonnes. The hidden benefit of building the new railway is that contractors will pass through the game parks — and see for themselves over 11,000 elephants. If they just sent messages back home about the won- ders they witness, and a mere one per cent of the 1.6 billion Chinese visit Kenya each year, the coun- try’s tourism problems would be solved forever.
[email protected] Kenya sees through trickery on the railway project POLITICALLY CORRECT | Kwamchetsi Makokha’s sideways look at the China connection SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Opinion 13 MARK MY WORD | Philip Ochieng I n my last Sunday Nation column, I described myself as a gnostic. Yet many read- ers, reacting through e-mail, called me an “agnostic” — the exact opposite. The cinch is that, although they know the negative word agnostic, they have never heard of its positive counterpart gnostic. As I said, the negative word atheist is formed by prefixing the Greek adverb “a” (meaning “not”) to the Greek noun theos (mean- ing “god” or “deity”). The noun atheos thus means “not god” or “non-god”. I reiterate that, in Hellenic Greek, you negated nouns and adjectives by prefix- ing the adverb “a” to them. What is true of theos, then, is true also of gno- sis, the Greek noun which stands for “knowledge” or “science”. Thus if, in negation, theos becomes atheos (whence atheism), so gnosis becomes agnosis (whence agnosticism). A gnostic is a person who, like the Polish scien- tist Jacob Bronowski, believes that knowledge is mankind’s only destiny and ultimate “salvation”. An agnostic, however, is a person who denies the pos- sibility of all knowledge, including knowledge of a supernatural creator. In the book In God We Doubt, John Humphrys, the sardonic former London broadcaster, insists strongly that agnosticism is not atheism. If atheism is belief that there is no god, agnosticism is belief that the question is even idle because God’s exist- ence (or not) is not knowable. But I emphasise that I am neither a Humphrysian agnostic nor a Nietschean nihilist. My faith is firm that, despite the many objective limitations within the human genome and the many subjective roadblocks in its way, humanity will travel a million times farther than we have travelled in our quest to become the scientific and techno- logical masters of the Hawkingian universe. Indeed, this contradiction is what defines human- ity’s techno-intellectual history. The human career consists in a never-ending — and always ascend- ing — solution and resolution between, on the one hand, our permanently unlimited capacity to know and conquer the universe and, on the other, the equally permanent limitation of human knowledge and skill at any particular time and in any particu- lar clime. That is why I prefer the astrophysical quantum faith that we shall soon arrive at a single simple scientific formula which — like Albert Einstein’s a century ago — will give a fully unified explanation of all reality. I wholly reject the pessimism, expressed even by scientists, that a certain quantum “uncertainty” will always stand in humanity’s path to full knowledge. But I repeat that atheism is not my world out- look’s name. My faith rests only on humanity’s capacity for knowledge and skill. Gnosticism (its real name) is what will ultimately liberate mankind from its mis- erable drudgery. “Salvation” will consist entirely in collectively creating a human paradise on the planet that cre- ated us. If it is atheistic, then atheism is just a by-product of my faith. My real faith is that one day humanity will unite to collectively create and apply scientific knowledge and technological skill enough to be able to collec- tively build a heaven right here on earth.
[email protected] No, my world outlook is not the same as atheism T he media have an important role in security and peace building, but this role almost always has a context that is complex. This came through from a media workshop held at the African Leader- ship Centre in Nairobi. The workshop was jointly sponsored and organised by the centre and the African peace-building Network of the Social Science Research Council in New York in conjunc- tion with the East African Legislative Assembly. It brought together 30 media practitioners drawn from all the five member countries of the East African Community. The idea of the work- shop was to emphasise the importance of peace and security issues and to appreciate the extent to which the increasing de-territorialisation of insecurity puts a new emphasis on the regional context for the provision of security. This notion means there is a relation- ship between our regional existence as East Africans and the challenge of se- curity provision across borders. In conceptualising how issues of security and peace building are central to the work of journalists, participants discussed how the condition of peace results from how journalists exercise their responsibilities, how they bring their journalistic tool kit to bear on what they report, what con- ceptual frameworks they impose, what gets empha- sised and how these are projected into society. Journalism is not im- portant to society simply because of how journal- ists report, but mainly because of how that responsibility factors in the general interests of the people. The idea of the interests of people is of course contested and workshop participants brainstormed around the implication of ‘biasing’ analysis and reports in favour of the amorphous category we refer to as the people. There was interesting discussion of how a peo- ple-centred perspective in media articulations has historically come to be challenged by the chang- ing vision and expanding interest of the media owners. It was noted that media ownership is heavily private; State media are few and far in between. As a participant argued, there is some unfairness in expecting a private media owner, with their own agenda, to serve the public interest. Private media owners normally begin with a journalistic agenda. But as they grow, they acquire new, largely commercial and political, interests. Is it fair to ex- pect their interests to be subservient to the histori- cal ideology the private media owner started with? The resulting situa- tion, it was observed, explains the current ten- sions within the media, where it is not always rosy between editors and reporters, and between media owners and jour- nalists. The other dilemma was that posed by the democratic recession in evidence in many African countries. This reces- sion is not explicit, it is mounted by ‘popularly’ elected governments and their anti-media legisla- tions are often heavily supported by citizen par- tisans. This, however, raises the other critical ques- tion: are we experiencing an imposed democratic recession or are we active participants in the gen- eration of that recession? Of particular interest to participants was the issue of civic participation. It was argued that the civic public has outsourced their responsibilities for civic engagement. They assume that the work of guarding against abuse, corruption, and violence can only be flagged as wrong and unacceptable by journalists. The biggest threat to media, it was aptly sug- gested, is not how to stay in business but how to stay in journalism. There could not have been a better way to summarise the core message of the meeting. Going forward, the partners who organ- ised the workshop look forward to having the media play a significant role in peace- building initiatives. Godwin Murunga is Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Development Stud- ies, University of Nairobi.
[email protected] POINT BLANK | Godwin Murunga Role of communication channels in regional security is not clear-cut A journalist at work. The biggest threat to media is not how to stay in business but how to stay in journalism FAIR PLAY | Peter Mwaura W hen the book came back from the print- ers, the last word of the title was “Massage”. But when Marshall McLuhan saw the printing error he ex- claimed: “Leave it alone! It’s great, and right on target!” So the book came out titled The Medium is the Massage. What the Canadian philoso- pher of communication theory had actually written was “The Medium is the Message”. Many people still read the last word of the title of his 1967 book as “Message”, or “Massage”. Both are accurate. What McLuhan postulates is a complex theory. But it can be reduced, for the purposes of this article, to a one-liner: “The medium or channel of information is more important than the message.” He argues the medium contains its own message, independent of the content, and that the medium has more influence on the public than the content itself. The medium shapes the user’s perception of the content, and it can even be the message itself. His hypothesis built on what other experts had laid down as the role of the media in society. In particular, Harold Lasswell presented in 1948 a simple yet brilliant model of communication. Often quoted by every communication stu- dent, the model looks like this: Who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effects. Examples of what McLuhan postulated are everywhere. Let’s take what was reported on the front page by the print media on March 25, 2014. I choose that date because it gives one of the clearest ex- amples. The Star story was headlined “Uhuru and Ruto have not taken pay cuts”, the Standard was “Baby left with a terrorist’s bullet in head”, and the Nation was “Chaos, delays as Lands bosses fight for power”. What were the effects of the three different stories? It depended on who was saying what and in which media. If the Nation had carried the Star story, the effect would have been different. As it was, the Star story apparently died in a whimper. Had the Nation carried the story it would have been a lion’s roar. Had the Na- tion carried the Standard story it would instantly have been a major medical issue, as it later turned out to be when the Nation joined in. McLuhan’s theory is not about media readership or audiences. It’s about media structures and their environment and how they cannot be separated from their messages. Take, for ex- ample, the case of Prof Makau Mutua, whose commentaries in the Sunday Nation used to excite so many. He moved to the Sunday Standard and in- vited his readers to join him. He wrote in his September 11, 2013, Facebook post: “I have decided to take my talents to the Standard on Sunday. Thanks to colleagues at Sun- day Nation and NMG for a great seven years.” But that was the end of his great seven years. Nobody today apparently loses any sleep over his commentaries. His case is perfect proof that “the medium is the message or the massage”.
[email protected] Media are the message, or massage ‘‘ It’s about media structures and their environment and how they cannot be separated from their messages” SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 14 | Opinion P olicy makers on alco- hol manufacturing, packaging, distribu- tion and sale are to blame for the frequent alcohol-re- lated poisoning. They are blind to a simple fact — that both rich and poor have the same basic needs which they, in their own separate ways, seek to fulfil every day. Thus, as the rich walk into licensed pubs to sat- isfy their alcohol thirst with beer going for Sh150 per bottle, the poor, with the same thirst but with less cash, walk into dens where illicit brew goes for Sh20 per glass. It is not that the poor like taking their drinks in the dens, it is just that legislation and policies have cast them there. It was wrong to legislate against packaging alcoholic drinks in sachets of 50ml, 100ml, 150ml that were affordable to the poor. If cooking fat, margarine, cof- fee and tea have been made available in sachets, why not alcohol? Attempting to fight al- coholism by alienating the poor through heavy taxation, packaging that increases the cost of the liquid, criminalisation and demonising the act of drinking will always be counter-productive. Just like food, clothing and shelter, alcohol should be accepted as a need. What is required is proper regulation to cater for those who take it, whether poor or rich. The success of EABL’s Senator Keg in drawing the poor away from the dens back to the pubs should have been rewarded, not punished by newly-in- troduced heavy taxation. London Distillers, Keroche Industries, Kenya Wine Agencies, UDV and other producers known to make safe spirits should be al- lowed to distribute them in packages affordable to the poor. Simple arithmetic will show that if Kenya Cane by UDV or Kibao Vodka by KWAL were to be packaged in 100ml sachets, each may cost as little as Sh15, which would be affordable to all. Once this is done, the face- less illicit brewer will run out of business and close shop. Policy makers should know that the current laws and regulations on alco- hol have failed miserably, and no matter who heads Nacada, or the usual reac- tion following deaths, illicit brewers will continue to flourish as long as no al- ternative is offered in their target market. It is time to pick up the carrot and lay down the stick. MIKE MUKIGI, Kiambu ON THIS DATE IN 2002 COMPILED BY DELVIN OMWODO To the editor The editor welcomes brief letters on topical issues. Write on e-mail to:
[email protected] You can also mail to: The Editor, Daily Nation, POB 49010, Nairobi 00100. TALKING POINT Alcohol laws failed because nobody considered the poor Should county government take over Mombasa port? AMBROSE MUTHAURA: No, The port should stay with the national government. All the revenue should be used to develop the whole country. LINCOLN KINYUA: Yes. That would be best for the welfare of his county. The national government has the slowest mode of action and for this they are not fully reli- able. ELAIS JUNIOR: Governor Joho should follow the law, otherwise he will be returning to the old era that he purports to fight. CHRISTOPHER KIBI- WOTT: No. The port was built using national resources and should serve the nation. FILE | NATION Gigiri Police Station officers with impounded traditional brew containers. Both the rich and the poor share a need for drink, but the poor have been ignored by the law while the rich are taken care of. Origi decision calls for review of our football The recent inclusion of a Belgian of Kenyan origin — Divock Origi — in the Belgian team for the com- ing World Cup is of great concern. His father, former Harambee Stars striker Mike Okoth, was probably one of the best strikers Kenya has ever produced but he never made it to play in the World Cup because of the situation in the Kenyan sport- ing arena. Kenyans will be watching Origi keenly as his success brings hope to the youths who may have given up hope of ever playing in the World cup. Patriots might disagree, but maybe the boy’s family made the right decision for his future. Kenya is well known in athletics, yet when it comes to other sports, we barely make it on the radar. Our players can be just as good as the Cameroonians or Nigerians in foot- ball, but the pedestrian approach with which we handle the sport and players here bogs us down. The lacklustre performance of the national team damages the morale of aspiring footballers, who get discouraged when they see the frustrations of the national players, some who cannot afford a roof over their heads. The football adminis- tration in the country must improve for the likes of Origi to wish to play for Kenya. TITUS N. PALA, Kisumu Legalise traditional brew and set up new clubs The government should reintro- duce clubs that sell traditional brews, like it was in the old days. It is not fair for Kenyans to drink while hiding as this makes it dif- ficult to establish the kind of alcohol being consumed and the standards of brewing. First of all, the government should legalise the traditional brews and license clubs where people can go and drink freely. The government should be in- volved in testing the drinks, just like it is involved in testing meat before it is sold to consumers. There should be serious educa- tion and campaigns carried out by the Health ministry and through churches to give people proper in- formation on alcoholic drinks. Bootleg alcohol should be de- clared a national disaster like HIV/Aids. There should also be a heavy penalty for manufacturers of killer alcohol to curb bad prac- tices. FERDINAND JUMA, Nairobi Pedestrians to blame for high rate of accidents on our roads Technical issues that Nacada must demand from producers Pedestrians are killed on our highways daily due to ignorance of traffic laws. Some urban residents, especially in Nairobi, carelessly cross roads at wrong spots. City roads are well marked. Besides, the installation of traffic lights is meant to direct pedestrians when crossing the roads. Along many highways, there are designated safe places for crossing that include footbridges. Un- fortunately, ignorant residents are always seen standing on roads, waiting for a chance to cross as cars speed off, ending up risking their lives and that of the motorists in case of an accident. GRIFFIN LUKE AWINO, Nairobi DEBATE QUESTION THE CUTTING EDGE BY THE WATCHMAN TERRORISM COURSE. As a long-term measure to enhance national security, a compulsory course on terrorism should be introduced in colleges, Benjamin Ashuma proposes. The core units of the course, he adds, should include terrorism risk assessment, anti- terrorism research methods, and collection of terror- ism evidence, international cooperation and nego- tiation skills. “Directives such as removal of tints will have little impact or motorists should drive with their car boots open.” His contact is
[email protected]. NO BANK. Calling the Cooperative Bank is Ga- thoni Kuria, a resident of Mwiki, Kasarani, on Nairobi’s northern outskirts, who is disappointed that the bank does not have a branch or even an ATM in this area teeming with small businesses that are in dire need of banking services. A long-time account holder with the Co-op Bank, Gathoni says she has watched other banks come and pitch tent, but with no sign of the one she patronises. “I am forced to go to Zimmerman or the city centre for banking services.” Her contact is Tel 0721390467 or
[email protected]. CHEAP BREWS. There is a good reason why the majority of Kenyans who drink alcohol go for the cheap deadly brews, says Michael Mburu. Many of them, he says, earn just about Sh200 a day, and yet a bottle of the most popular drink, Tusker, costs Sh150. “Such a person cannot afford to drink Tusker and feed his family. Worse, still the Finance minister con- tinues to increase taxes on alcoholic drinks. Kenyans will continue to die because many love their drink.” Michael’s contact is
[email protected]. Have a logical day, won’t you! POLICE STATE. James Gakuo is alarmed at the possible slide towards a “police state”, which, he claims, is evident in some of the directives being is- sued left, right and centre by some top security offi- cials. He warns: “Kenyans need to be watchful, lest we lose our individual freedoms and privacy in the name of constant security surveillance.” He is particularly concerned about the directive requiring people to pro- duce identity cards before boarding public service ve- hicles. His contact is
[email protected]. HIGHWAY TO HELL. The Muthiga to Limuru junction stretch of the Nairobi-Nakuru highway is in a pathetic state, says Muheani Muheani, disappointed that the recent flurry of repairs didn’t do much. Ac- cording to Muheani, the roadsides are also unkempt. He hopes Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau will ensure that the highway is spruced up to acceptable standards, “as it looks horrible”. And spe- cial attention, he demands, should be paid to a gulley near Sigona Golf Club, just before Gitaru, which is a car-wrecker. His contact is
[email protected]. TEAM RAINBOW. National Rainbow Coalition leaders (from left) Charity Ngilu, Michael Wamalwa, Mwai Kibaki, Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and George Saitoti on the day they announced that Mr Kibaki would be the coalition’s presidential candidate. An advertisement appeared in the press on May 13 following the alcohol crisis. From the listed 12 liquor manufacturers and im- porters, how many have quality assurance control departments with qualified person- nel? Secondly, more light should be shed on whether there are any chemists in the employ of these firms. Thirdly, continuous post-market surveillance by Nacada would pick up adulterated alcohol. Finally it is time accreditation and not certification be- came the hallmark of our safety. J. WAKUNGWI SAKWA, Kakamega YESTERDAY’S QUESTION Send your comments to mailb
[email protected] Was Uhuru right to order payment of Sh1.4bn debt to Anglo Leasing? SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Letters 15 BY BILLY MUIRURI
[email protected] A supposedly lucra- tive deal has left a businessman staring bankruptcy in the face as the Nairobi County Assembly ordered investigations into the matter. For transport company owner Guleid Kunow Mursal, 37, the adage that when the deal is too good, then think twice, could as well have come to pass. Only six months ago, his bus company — Diamond Coaches Limited — was rak- ing Sh20 million a month out of which it diligently paid Sh1 million to First Community Bank that had financed the purchase of his fleet of buses that plied Nairobi-Mombasa and Nairobi-Garissa routes. This was until he got an offer from the Nairobi County Transport Executive Evans Ondieki. “To help address biting pub- lic service transport in the city, I was told to sell the company to the county government where they would own 51 per cent and me and my associates 49 per cent,” says Mr Mursal as he produced documents to back up his claims. The county government was to offset the Sh39 mil- lion bank loan balance in three equal instalments, documents show, for the partnership to be cemented. But somewhere along the way, the county government did not fulfil its promise to the bank. “The bank became impatient with the City Hall deal after I failed to remit the Sh1 million monthly. It is now three months overdue,” says Mr Mursal. The bank moved in and seized 10 of the buses. They are now kept under lock and key at an auction yard on Kitui Road in Industrial Area, Nairobi. Mr Ondieki said the deal was no more and that Mr Mursal was just one of the many people and firms that submitted proposals for the transport contract. We have many proposals “Diamond wrote a proposal to the governor like any other stakeholder. We have so many proposals, most of them inter- national,” says Mr Ondieki. He says the Diamond issue was different from the rapid bus transport system that is designed to introduce big capacity buses in major city routes. Other firms inter- ested in the deal are VDL, Volvo, Leyland and Foton East Africa. Last Tuesday, the matter landed at the County Assem- bly which set up a committee to investigate the botched city buses deal. Trader faces bankruptcy over bus deal TRANSPORT | Buses deal gone sour JEFF ANGOTE | NATION Mr Guleid Kunow Mursal shows journalists one of his Diamond Coaches Limited buses currently held at an auction yard awaiting sale by First Community Bank to recover a loan. The buses were to be deployed on city routes. The bus company wrote a proposal to the governor just like any other stakeholder” Mr Evans Ondieki Fleet of buses seized by bank kept at an auction yard in Industrial Area Contempt penalty against Speaker postponed BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Embu County Assembly Speaker Kariuki Mate ap- peared before three judges for contempt of court. Mr Mate, who was found guilty of allowing the mo- tion that led to the initial impeachment of Mr Martin Wambora as governor when a court had ordered against doing so, presented himself yesterday at the High Court in Kerugoya. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Mr Charles Njenga. However, a three-j udge Bench, which was scheduled to sentence the Speaker and County Assembly Clerk Jim Kauma, postponed the mat- ter. Mr Njenga had urged the judges to adjourn the judg- ment as Mr Kauma had fallen ill and was admitted to Kagio Nursing Hospital in Kirinyaga County. The clerk, who was also guilty of contempt of court and was supposed to be in court yesterday, had suf- fered high blood pressure, the lawyer submitted. He requested judges Cecilia Githua, Hedwig Ong’udi and Boaz Olao to adjourn the matter to allow him to at- tend court once treated and discharged. The Bench granted the request and directed that the judgment be delivered on May 30. Mr Kauma will be expected to appear. The officials’ disobedience was the reason the judges re- instated Mr Wambora in the first round. He was removed again but has been reinstated temporarily. The date this month when the High Court in Kerugoya will sentence Embu Speaker 30 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 16 | National News BY TIMOTHY KEMEI @timothykemei
[email protected] K ericho Governor Paul Chep- kwony says he will not go to court to block his impeach- ment. Instead, he said, he had submitted to the authority of the Senate and hoped to get a fair hearing. Speaking to the Saturday Nation yesterday, Prof Chepkwony asked his supporters to be calm and main- tain peace until the process came to an end. “I want to appeal to all the residents of this county to relax and allow the process to proceed to full conclusion. The truth will eventually come out.” He was shocked at the outcome of the impeachment process in which 32 MCAs voted to remove him from office while 15 did not vote. “I believe in a fair process. I will not go to court because I have faith the Senate will be fair and exonerate me from all those claims. I have nothing to add,” he said. The 15 MCAs who supported the governor (but did not vote) accused their colleagues of rebelling against the wishes of residents, elders and the clergy. Londiani Ward representative Jack- son Kikwai accused the 32 of going behind the backs of others to push the impeachment agenda in spite of an agreement to withdraw it following the intervention of the Kipsigis Myoot (Council of Elders). Withdraw motion He said that the MCAs had agreed to resolve outstanding issues between them and the governor. “We had agreed to withdraw the im- peachment motion following talks with the Myoot chairman Joseph Cheruiyot and were shocked when our colleagues went against the agreement.” Mr Kikwai said the reasons given by the MCAs did not meet the legal threshold for the governor’s impeach- Kericho governor: Senate will give me a fair hearing Supporters claim rebel MCAs went against wishes of the council of elders, county residents and religious leaders IMPEACHMENT | Chepkwony not intending to go to court ‘‘ I believe in a fair process. I will not go to court because I have faith the Senate will be fair and exonerate me” Chepkwony BY NATION CORRESPONDENT The businesses community in Busia has suffered huge losses due to persist- ent power blackouts. Businesses that depend on elec- tricity have had to close for most of the day while other have had to buy generators. Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has now raised concern over the problem of blackouts and demanded prompt intervention of the Kenya Power Company. Mr Ojaamong said insecurity had also been increased in the county due to the blackouts. “We are concerned about the laxity exhibited by the power firm. Over a week, we have lost four people in- cluding a Kenya Power employee,” he said. The governor said he had on several occasions called the company to have power connected in some of the areas after day-long outage. He urged KP to find a lasting solu- tion to the problem that has made it a laughing stock among residents and investors in the region. Business owners said they had incurred losses as customers seek services in neighbouring Uganda. “We are asking Kenya Power and relevant stakeholders to address the menace which is killing our business,” said Mr Stephen Obala, the Busia Busi- ness Community chairman. Another trader, Mr David Irulu, said the most affected people were jua kali artisans, hotel owners and dealers in electronics. Traders incur losses due to blackouts BOMET High cost of inputs ‘hurts fish farming’ Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto has queried the high cost of inputs for fish farming, saying it was a drawback for growth in the sector. In a speech read on his behalf by the county executive committee member in charge of fisheries Eliza- beth Langat, Mr Ruto said de- spite the challenges, some fish farmers in the region were expanding their businesses. The speech was read during the area’s fish marketing day at the Sigor trading centre in Chepalungu sub-county. He said many maize growers were turning to fish farming. BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Former minister Nicholas Biwott has said the law was fol- lowed in the eviction of a man who held his father’s land for almost 30 years. Recent media reports said that retired police officer Kigen Maina bought a plot from Mr Joshua Kiprono Cheserem, Mr Biwott’s father, in 1963. He was, however, evicted 30 years later after a court ruled he lacked proper documen- tation. Declaring that he was not party to the dispute, Mr Biwott (above) said it was wrong for Mr Maina to lay claim to land that is now under his ownership following the death of his father. “The parties’ rights to the dis- puted property were determined by a court of law and not myself. At no time during the legal proc- ess was I approached by anyone nor did I approach anyone else in respect of this matter,” said Mr Biwott. According to media reports, Mr Maina’s eldest son approached Mr Biwott in 2005 over the dispute but he is yet to hear from the former minister. Biwott denies wrongdoing in land tussle KAKAMEGA Commission wants list of grabbed land The National Land Com- mission has asked counties to submit lists of public land that has been grabbed in their jurisdictions to enable it start the recovery process. NLC chairman Mohamed Swazuri said much of the land set aside for development in the county had been grabbed, disrupting plans for construc- tion of sewerage system. The commission was also address- ing disputes involving Nubian community in Mumias town. BY NATION CORRESPONDENT The family that slaughtered and fed on a neighbour’s cat due to lack of food will soon have more conventional meals on the table fol- lowing an overwhelming response from well-wishers. Early this week, the Nation re- ported the family’s plight in Tiaty, Baringo County. Since then Kenyans said they would raise money for the family and others offered to buy food. Mr Joseph Nyandieka M-Pesad Sh600 to the writer and followed with an SMS: “Please use this to buy anything that can sustain them for some days. I grew up in a poor family but God has helped me.” Mr Harrison Kipyatich said on his Facebook page: “It is very sad for a family to feast on a cat in this 21st century.” Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi is to tour the area next week. Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi said the county govern- ment and the central government is already distributing relief food in the worst-hit areas. Baringo family that feasted on cat get aid COMRADE POWER! | Trainee engineers take on oversight body KEVIN ODIT | NATION Engineering students of the Technical University of Mombasa chant slogans after boycotting class yesterday over reports that the institution was yet to be recognised by the Kenya Engineers Registration Board. TUM was initially a constituent college of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology before becoming a full-fledged university. BRIEFLY NYERI Coffee woes: House summons minister Agriculture Cabinet Sec- retary Felix Koskei has been summoned to appear before the National Assembly on Wednesday to shed light on marketing of coffee from Ny- eri County, which has caused controversy. Mathira MP Peter Weru said the minister is expected to explain agree- ments among the county, marketers and millers that he witnessed. He is also expected to shed light on sales made so far and payment released to farmers. NYERI Man fined Sh50,000 for illegal logging A man who was caught cutting down trees in a forest without a permit has been fined Sh50,000. Mr Sammy Marangu, who pleaded guilty, will serve two months in prison if he fails to pay the fine, a magistrate ordered yesterday. He was found with two logs of cypress valued at Sh10,000 on April 27 at Ndathi Forest. He said that he was hired by people who escaped when they saw police arresting him. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 National News 17 I f the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Mr Karanja Kibicho, wants to blame anyone for the travel advisories imposed this week, he should start with his colleagues in government. The United States, Britain, Aus- tralia and France issued advisories or updated existing ones to take account of threats in the north-east, Nairobi and Mombasa. He is right to point out the hypoc- risy of Western governments; there were no advisories issued after the 9/11 attacks in the US or the bomb- ings in Madrid and London in 2004 and 2005 respectively. But such hypocrisy is not new. The British government’s reaction to the resumption of an ICC investigation into the conduct of its troops in Iraq is evidence of this. Mr Kibicho says the advisories are only adding to fear and panic. But what is likely to cause more fear and panic: a government that has little apparent idea on how to respond to threats or foreign states telling their nationals to avoid Eastleigh? Watching Kenya in the last few weeks has been disquieting. Every new security strategy announced by the likes of Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and minister Joseph ole Lenku only creates the impression that this is a government that does not know how to protect its people. Newspaper readers don’t need to be told that banning vehicles with tinted windows is absurd. But this ban is likely no less effective a response to a terror threat than demanding matatu crews to screen all passengers or indiscriminately interrogating thousands of Kenyans on the ground that they are likely to be Muslims. Explaining such inconsistent, counterproductive and ineffective policies is easy. As Michaela Wrong recently argued, Anglo Leasing left the security services ill-equipped to investigate and prevent the kind of at- JACOB OWITI | DAILY NATION Mr Stephen Okoth removes tint film from a car window on Oginga Odinga Street in Kisumu to comply with the new requirement. A litany of rules alone will not end insecurity TRAVEL ADVISORIES | Dan Branch tacks being witnessed. That taxpayers will foot the bill for that crime only compounds the insult. With the defence of the border and capacity of security forces undermined by graft, citizens and corporations are providing the last line of defence. Matatu crews are expected to act like the police while Safaricom will build a modern intel- ligence and surveillance network at its expense. The only saving grace of the policies introduced to counter terrorism so far is that they will prove short-lived. Po- lice do not have resources to maintain mass arrests of Somalians. The ban on tinted windows will be forgotten like earlier attempts to introduce speed limiters. Matatu and bus crews will also ignore the require- ment to check ID cards. Far more dangerous in the long- term than any of the recent temporary populist anti-terror measures are the new powers for county commission- ers. There are reasons to object to the resurrection of the Provincial Administration. The first is disregard for constitu- tional reform. A county commissioner representing the Executive at the grassroots is incompatible with devolution. The second reason is the doubt about the judgment of those appoint- ing people charged with security. Whatever one might think of Jomo’s presidency, his Provincial Administration and civil service of- ficials were drawn from the ranks of the brightest and best. The likes of Simeon Nyachae, Duncan Ndegwa and Charles Njonjo left an indelible legacy. By contrast, some of Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointments have been disastrous. There is no reason to believe that the quality of appointments of county commissioners will be better. Kenya deserves, and needs, more from its public servants. Prof Branch teaches history and politics at Warwick University, UK.
[email protected] The only saving grace of the policies introduced to counter terrorism so far is that they will prove short- lived” Dan Branch Past experience shows that the ban on tinted windows or screening will be forgotten soon RELIGION | Walk to Uganda SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION Catholic faithful pray as they walk on Njoro-Molo Road near Elburgon town yesterday on their way to Namugongo shrines in Uganda. Some started the walk in Mtito Andei some weeks ago and all are expected to reach Uganda on June 1, after covering over 1,000km. Ex-soldiers want to serve security chiefs with court orders in Press BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Some 27 former soldiers want the High Court to allow them to serve orders of their release to Defence Cabinet Secretary Rachel Omamo, Chief of General Staff Major Gen Julius Karangi and Kenya Navy commander Ngewa Mukala through newspaper advertisement. In the application, Mr Gabriel Krigha Chawana and his 26 colleagues told Justice Edward Muriithi that all effort to personally serve the respondents have hit a snag. “On May 7, while armed with the court and release or- ders, we proceeded to Kenya navy base to serve the base commander but we couldn’t. We made similar unsuccess- fully attempt on May 8 to serve the chief legal officer Brigadier Kenneth Ndidi at the Department of Defence where we were told he is the only person to receive court orders on behalf of respondents,” the soldiers told the court through their lawyers. Lawyers Michael Mwanyale, Charles Mwalimu, Henry Kurauka and Daniel Kamunda told Justice Muriithi that sub- stituted service through local dailies with wider circulations is the only available option to serve Ms Omamo, Mr Karangi and Mr Mukala with orders to release the 27 former servicemen fighting court martial trial. They added that all efforts to serve the respondents per- sonally have been met with difficulties and frustrations. “It is imperative, therefore, to have the respondents served by way of substituted service through an advertisement in the national daily newspapers with a wide circulation,” they added. The court heard that 20 former soldiers have complied with all requirements set by the court to be released on bond, including depositing Sh500,000 bond and surety of similar amount and their passports with the High Court registrar. In their grounds of opposi- tions to the application, Ms Omamo, Mr Karangi and Mr Mukala argued that the peti- tioners have not used all due and reasonable diligence to serve them. Senior legation counsel Oscar Eredi from the At- torney General’s office said the AG has not be person- ally served and that the application was deliberately brought to institute contempt of court proceedings against the respondents. Mr Eredi further indicated the petitioners were informed to serve the respondents through KDF chief legal of- ficer, but they have not made any efforts to do so. Three appeal court Judges on Tuesday grilled lawyers representing the Kenya Defence Forces over failure by their clients to obey their orders Judges Hannah Ok- wengu, Fatuma Sichale and Milton Makhandia ques- tioned why Defence Cabi- net Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Chief of De- fence Forces Julius Karangi had not complied with the court order issued on May 2, by Mombasa High Court Judge Edward Muriithi. QUESTIONS Judges quiz lawyers Parent fumes at teacher over supply of food BY NATION CORRESPONDENT As hunger continues to bite in Turkana County, a parent is now accusing headteachers of taking food meant for their school-going children. The parent yesterday said that headteachers have sud- denly stopped supplying food to nursery schools leading to a huge dropout rate. Ms Hellen Kuyia, claimed that teachers were hiding food meant for their children. Satellite schools But Mr Bernard Abong, the headteacher at Kanam Kemer Primary School, said since World Food Programme stopped supplying food to sat- ellite schools the situation has degenerated. “I can not supply food to the eight centres despite ac- cusations from parents who don’t understand this.” Mr Abong said. World Food Programme reportedly decided to exclude nursery schools from getting food due to an increase in number of children turning up at the gates to eat rather than learn. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 18 | National News BY AUSTIN BUKENYA
[email protected] E choing the likely senti- ments of the classical victim of romantic love, I recently wrote: “Ikiwa umeniroga, basi ongeza urogi (if you have be- witched me, fine then, increase the dose of your charms)”. As is often the case in such circumstances, the utterance may have been addressed to a real-life person, but we’ll skip the identification parade for now. What I can confess and admit to is that, from me, these words would be a sincere crie de coeur to Kiswahili. If any one passion has dominated the latter years of my life and career, it has, curiously, been Kiswahili. Mwalimu Joseph Mwamburi, my friend and co-au- thor, with Wallah bin Wallah and Henry Indindi, of the Kurunzi ya Kiswahili course, once suggested that I should be given the nick- name Mswahilisti. This was at an East African Kiswahili teachers’ conference in Kampala, where, with a few loyal friends, I have for over a decade now been conducting an “evangelistic” campaign for the acceptance and promotion of Kiswahili in Uganda. It is, ad- mittedly an uphill task, but my fellow Waswahilisti and I are not just about to give up the fight. And, thankfully, it is slowly but steadily beginning to bear fruit. Of course, we cannot arrogate to ourselves such fundamen- tal developments as the 2003 constitutional amendment that proclaimed Kiswahili as the sec- ond official language of Uganda or the now fairly fast-moving process of setting up a National Kiswahili Authority. But we are encouraged by the fact that we are now regularly consulted by the policy makers on most matters regarding Kiswahili. Thus, we participated in the teaching of the Basic Kiswahili ori- entation course for the Members of the Eighth Parliament, in the development of the primary and secondary school syllabi through the National Curriculum Develop- ment Centre, and in the formation of the National Kiswahili Author- ity, mentioned above, through the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development. The reader may wonder what gender and all that has to do with Kiswahili. Well, it just happens that in Kampala this ministry, currently headed by my long- time friend and literary colleague at Makerere University, Ms Mary Karooro Okurut, also houses the Department of Culture, which is responsible for language develop- ment in the country. Ms Okurut, also the founder of the famous FEMRITE, the Uganda Women Writers Association, of which I am an honorary member, last month launched the final stage of establishing the National Kiswahili Authority, where the Waswahilisti will certainly feature. In any case, we are already well-known, whether famous or notorious, to the ministry for our activism. Some time ago, when my friend, Mr James Mugume, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, introduced me to his counterpart in the Gender, Labour and Social Development ministry, his colleague, she paid me a rather curious compliment. She said something like, “I’ve heard about you. You’re the gen- tleman who would wake up at three in the morning to go and work for Kiswahili.” I suspect that the PS had received this impression of my enthusiasm — or is it madness — for Kiswahili from my dear friend Juliana Naumo, now the Commissioner for Culture, with whom I worked closely on our contribution to the formation of the East African Kiswahili Council. It all started in 2004 when I received a letter from the East African Community secretariat at Arusha, through the ministry, that I had been designated to represent Uganda, along with my beloved comrade, Prof Kimani Njogu, from Kenya and Dr Anna Kishe from Tanzania, on the Task force for the formation of the East African Kiswahili Commission. Dr Kishe, who was then Executive Secretary of the Tanzanian National Kiswa- hili Council (BAKITA), was to be our chairperson. I went to the ministry to seek facilitation to attend the task force’s inaugural meeting in Arusha but, not surprisingly, no funds were “available” for that project. I thought the opportu- nity for Uganda, and for me, was too good to let pass without a try. So, I scraped a few coins from my pocket and caught the good old Akamba Bus, through Nairobi, to Arusha. The rest, as they say, is history. Uganda participated fully in the work of the task force, and the East African Kiswahili Com- mission is an entity assented to by all the states of the East African Community. (By the way, I sorely miss the Akamba Bus Service. It was an institution with which many of us had grown up, and in its own way it, too, symbolised the East African spirit. I lived and taught in Machakos, the birthplace of the Akamba Bus, between 1977 and 1978, and I was both surprised and amused to actually see in the town some of the elderly drivers and conductors who had ferried me scores of times on their buses between Kampala and Nairobi. So, the Akamba buses were re- ally as Akamba as they were East African!) Anyway, the story soon spread along the corridors of the ministry that Bukenya had actually found his way to Arusha on foot! Well, if the guy could walk all the way from Kampala to Arusha for the sake of Kiswahili, waking up at 3am to run a small errand for it wouldn’t be that much of a big deal. What, however, the story-tellers didn’t tell us is why a 60-year-old man, as I was then, should think nothing of tearing across three countries, at his own expense, for the sake of a language, and especially a language that is not that highly thought of in Uganda. I, too, am sometimes tempted to wonder why I go banging on every door in sight for the sake of Kiswahili. Often, indeed, it feels like banging one’s head against a wall when one runs into the thick indifference or even deri- sive “decampaigning” (as the Ugandans say) that characterise attitudes towards Kiswahili. In such moments, I try to brace my faith in our language by thinking back on the events that triggered my awareness of the priceless gift of Kiswahili to all East Africans. To me, this awareness, not to say fanatical love, of the lingo is the magic, the ‘urogi’ that wouldn’t let me either rest or relax in the quest for its recognition. For me, it all goes back to the 19th century, when my grand- mother, Hajara Binti Ramadhan, was born, most probably in Bagamoyo. Her father was one of the first converts to Islam in Uganda, and when their leader, Prince Nuhu Kyabasinga Mbogo, Weekend PLO: THE DAY I WAS KICKED OUT OF JOB Former anti-graft czar on his life since in the political hotbed. Page 39 CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 For over a decade now, a campaign has been raging on the acceptance of Kiswahili in Uganda, an uphill task that is beginning to bear fruit Why I knock on every door for Kiswahili REFLECTIONS OF A RETIRING SCHOLAR | Thoughts of an East African elder and pioneer man of letters What, however, the story-tellers didn’t tell us is why a 60- year-old man, as I was then, should think nothing of tearing across three countries, at his own expense, for the sake of a language that’s not highly thought of in Uganda” Prof Austin Bukenya Year Prof Austin Bukenya represented Uganda at the East African Kiswahili Commission meeting in Arusha 2004 FILE | NATION Mr Wallah bin Wallah FILE | NATION Prof Kimani Njogu SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 19 networks, making it affordable and universally accessible. Not only does broadband secure inclusion within the global economy, but it goes a long way to underpin the competitiveness of a nation. In a developing nation like Kenya, the success of broadband connectivity lies in the progressing the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. As such, there is need for a broadband ecosystem in Kenya to meet the demands of Vision 2030 that seeks to provide Kenyans with a lifestyle that is only experienced in a newly industrialized country. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 anticipates information access to all citizens as a basic right; as well as the recognition that Kenya aspires to be a globally competitive and prosperous nation. Currently, broadband connectivity in Kenya delivers a minimum of 5mbps (in rural areas) and 40 mbps (in urban areas) to homes and businesses for high speed access to voice, data, video and applications for development. It is expected that by 2017, 35 per cent of the household in Kenya, and all schools and hospitals will have been connected to the internet. There are some key gaps in broadband research and development that need to be sealed if the adoption of broadband technologies will be an enabler in the attainment of Kenya’s Vision 2030. A whooping 90 per cent of Kenyans do not have access to broadband, students do not have access to computers. Many Kenyans do not have skills to use the internet. Unless these gaps are addressed, Kenya will fail as a country to take advantage of opportunities to uplift Kenyan’s socio-economic status and adversely affect the country’s global positioning and competitiveness. The country therefore needs a very clear road- map towards the realisation of a knowledge- based economy. A technician fixes fibre optic cables on Lusaka Road in Industrial Area, Nairobi. The future of broadband connectivity in Kenya BY MILLICENT MWOLOLO
[email protected] T he World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is held on 17 May to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society. This day’s objective is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other IT technologies (ICT) can bring to societies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. This year’s theme is “Broadband for Sustainable Development”. Kenya and the rest of East Africa is at a developmental phase and its leadership has realized the role of digital development to transform and fast-track sustainable development. Broadband is a strategic infrastructure for a 21st century economy. Broadband is the platform for Kenya to develop and register economic growth and innovation. Broadband enables healthcare, education, employment and government service delivery. This will give Kenya a competitive edge in the region as very few countries in Africa have established a similar framework. There is a multi-stakeholder commitment to achieve universal access to broadband connectivity and content in the country. The government and the private sector have been in consultations chatting the way forward for enhanced broadband connectivity in Kenya. In order to realize its full potential, it is essential to roll-out high-speed broadband BY MILLICENT MWOLOLO
[email protected] The future of broadband in Kenya shall be more than viewing television, surfing the internet and making phone calls. It shall be about new forms of communication and mass collaboration through the virtually un-limited potential for sharing information, storage capacity, processing power and software made possible through high-capacity bandwidth connections. This collaboration will generate new ideas, accelerate economic development and lead to opportunities for wealth creation, social development and personal expression. It is expected that ubiquitous broadband services lower the cost of communication and attract investment particularly in rural areas. This will stimulate local economic environments and increase economic growth. Broadband networks have been shown to have a direct impact on employment. An increase in broadband penetration will have an increase in jobs in the country. Broadband will facilitate the roll-out of e-health applications in the country. This will provide solutions to the constraints of health care delivery systems in the rural and marginalized areas. The development of broadband infrastructure and ICT skill within the country shall promote Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). This will greatly impact the success of the BPO sub- sector. Broadband will unlock opportunities and investment competitiveness in the country. Economic linkages will be enhanced through access to new domestic and international markets. Businesses in the rural context will also benefit by gaining access to more suppliers and more competitive inputs. This will consequently increase the competitiveness of their products. A well-developed ICT infrastructure will provide a conducive environment for business incubation in the country. This will nurture the development of entrepreneurial and ICT-oriented companies. This would provide Kenya the opportunity to ascend to the level of technological hub in Vision 2030. Access to fast speed internet in all parts of the country is essential to the success of county e-governments. Efficient backhaul, last mile broadband network and end-user devices will support the efficiency of e-governments. The virtual working environment will be realized as broadband would likely increase telecommuting. This will cut travel time and expenses to employees and reduce environmental pollution- boosting societal welfare. Broadband is likely to promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in formal employment and access to education. Access to advanced technology at home would increase the availability of distance learning programmes and job certifications to persons living with disabilities. Broadband network within Kenya and the East African region would support security agencies and other agencies to respond faster to emergencies and natural disasters. This will aid in the communication of national security alerts to serve public interest. e-learning will be revolutionalized as more people engage in on-line and distance learning. The availability of low-cost and quality education in the internet will expand education opportunities in the country. The benefits of broadband connectivity in the country WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION & INFORMATION SOCIETY DAY THEME: “Broadband for Sustainablе Dеvеlopmеnt” SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 20 | Advertising Feature SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Advertising Feature 21 BY SITAWA NAMWALIE
[email protected] F irst, I started to read. I was 10 years old and a friend brought me a book for my birthday. I sat down and started to read this book and the birthday was history. I could no longer hear the noise of my many friends as they played in the background. I was hooked and ad- dicted to reading from the very first book I read. I still remember the title of the book, Secret Island, by Enid Blyton. Many years later, when it was no longer po- litically correct to say you liked Enid Blyton, because some of her stories are steeped in racism, (the gollywogs are apparently negative caricatures of black people), I still keep a warm place in my heart for her. I read to figure out life questions. I was one of those kids who thought and thought about everything and looked for answers for what I now know is the human condition. I looked for answers to questions you can’t ask your father or mother or teacher without making them suspicious of your intentions. Started to wonder I remember the time I looked around me and started to wonder how I was supposed to know if anything around me was real. Was I real? How was I supposed to tell if I was real? I would sit in class and look at my fellow students, watch the teacher speaking and wonder, what if nothing I was seeing was real, what if it is nothing but a figment of my imagination? I kept this strange inquiry to myself. I knew instinctively it was something that would mark me out as a weirdo. Later, I found out that this was a quest that had held the attention of many philosophers, including Rene Descartes, he of “I think so I am” fame. Books helped me to figure my many questions out. I read everything, newspapers, novels, encyclopaedias, (the original Google). Later on, as I grew up, I read to figure out my place in the world. Writing is part of the same pursuit. It is me trying to figure out the human condition. I watch the contradictions, complexities, inconsistencies, outright hypocrisy that bedevil our lives and I spend time thinking and asking ques- tions and, best of all, coming up with answers for myself that I can then share with other people. Writing has helped me to understand the value of thinking. Think long-term on a single topic and more and more of the subject comes into view. Tribe, race, ethnicity and tribalism is one of my many enquires. I watch and listen to people, to hear and see how they relate on tribe, race, ethnicity and tribalism. I remember my utmost surprise when I realised that Kenyans of all ethnic groups perceive themselves as victims in the context of tribalism and have elaborate stories about the nature of their tribal victimhood. And then I have come to understand how tribe, tribalism, ethnicity, racism; the negative aspect of all these human expressions of diversity, represents one of the negative pillars on which the Kenyan nation has constructed itself. In its negative manifestation, it is a place from which we reap pain and suffering, from which we victimise, from which we discriminate and from which we perpetrate. Ideas for my poetry comes from everything going around me. Writing poetry comes from my love of words, language and love of telling stories. I also write essays, short stories and I am working on a new play. I love writing for performance and I love performing. An audience lights me up and my work truly comes alive. Writing has opened up a whole new world for me with so many new op- portunities. In April, I went to Berlin, Germany, to participate in the Spoken Words project, which was an exchange between Kenyan and German poets, spoken word artistes and hip-hop artistes. I met the most amazing Kenyan and German artistes. The best part of this project, for me, was that it allowed me to get to know Kenyan artistes from dif- ferent genres and it really helped me to understand and appreciate what these young people are doing. I am looking forward to working with some of them to infuse new genres into my work. Sheng, in particular, interests me for its sheer energy; it is such a testament to the genius of our young people. My new show, Silence is a Woman, played at the Goethe Institut in Nairobi on Saturday, May 10, at 7pm. Are you an author with a story to tell? Please write to
[email protected] edia.com. I write my poetry to figure out humanity and to understand the value of thinking Read this book and always trust your instinct BY MARION WAKAHE
[email protected] We are bombarded daily with situations that require decisions. Just this morning, I had to choose from an array of clothes what to wear. My decision was influenced by things such as the weather, comfort, and appeal, among others. Then I had to choose what to have for breakfast; bread, cereals, pastries, etcetera. As with my choice of what to wear, my decision on breakfast was driven by forces such as what I felt like, energy con- tent, “healthiness” etcetera. We generally make such decisions easily without even thinking about them. However, there are times when we are forced to make decisions and act in moments that can quite literally change our lives. Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Blink, looks at how we make decisions and draw conclusions in different contexts. He poses that we are affected by two main forces: Careful analysis and instinct. He looks at the pros and cons of each and attempts to determine when best to apply careful analysis and when to apply instinct. The book starts out with a story of a kouros that didn’t look quite right. A kouros is a sculpture of nude male youth standing with his left leg forward and his arms at his side, believed to represent the god Apollo. These pieces are few and quite pricy. In 1983, the kouros in discussion was priced at just under $10 million. As expected, tests had to be undertaken to determine its authenticity. From these tests the kouros appeared authentic, until experts were brought in. These were people with years of experience in historical artefacts, such as Italian art historian Federico Zeri, Evelyn Harrison, an expert on Greek sculptures, and Thomas Hoving, the former di- rector of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Federico had an issue with the sculpture’s fingernails. They appeared wrong to him. Thomas said the sculpture was “fresh”. Fresh is a problem for a statue that was sup- posed to be 2,000 years old. The Getty Museum — the likely buyer of the kouros — concerned by the reaction of these experts, convened a symposium on the kouros in Greece. It was trashed as an absolute fake and further enquiry attested to this, such as a letter that was used to trace the kouros to Swiss physician Lauffenberger (a well-known art dealer) dated 1955. In addition, the kouros was “aged” using potato mold. These experts underwent what is referred to in Blink as “intuitive repulsion”. Though they could not articulate their concerns clearly, something was off. Initial tests proved the kouros genuine, but expert instinct rubbished the kouros and so begins the whole journey into the book. In this particular instance, instinct beat analysis. But then again, this might not be the case really. ‘Experts’ showed concern over the kouros. These were individu- als who had the advantage of dealing with all sorts of artefacts over many years. As such, the moment they looked at the kouros and felt something was off, they relied on years of experience meeting intuition. From my observation, neither instinct nor careful analysis can be the winner; both apply. A number of other analogies are given throughout the book where Malcolm ponders if it’s best to rely on instinct or careful analysis. I recently finished reading Stiegg Larsson’s The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, the story of Mikael Blomkvist tasked with finding a missing niece. The niece in ques- tion had a brother named Martin Vanger whom, after some serious detective work, Mikael suspected to have killed a woman. On the night this insight came to him, he went to Martin Vanger’s house to “scan” it for anything suspicious. As he was doing this, he heard Martin’s car approaching and quickly ran out. Unfortunately Martin caught a glimpse of him and invited him in. Mikael acquiesced and went in only to be tied up and tortured like the many other female victims that Martin had taken to his house. Martin asked Mikael one question, “Why did you come in when instinctively you could tell it was the wrong thing to do?” My belief is one. Right instinct is followed by careful analysis. As was the case of the experts who ‘felt’ some- thing was wrong, Mikael was scared of Martin after he analysed the Vanger family history. I have two pieces of advice: read Blink, and always think twice. Tell us about a book that changed your life in not more than 800 words. Send your story to satnation@ ke.nationmedia.com MY FAVOURITE BOOK The audience lights me up and my poetry comes alive IN THEIR OWN WORDS | Kenyan authors speak Poet Sitawa Namwalie dur- ing a past per- formance. She says poetry has opened many doors for her. FILE | NATION One of the first poems I wrote A Gifted Almost-Fifty By Sitawa Namwalie What do I do, now that I have found, a gift at almost-fifty. Writing angry young poetry, A flair I should have used up at twenty. At least uncovered back then! Fresh, new, demanding, to be known, Gnashing your teeth at fifty? Do I hide it from mortification? Or expose it and subject myself to explanation. Why now? You see it was like this your honour. It wasn’t my miscalculation, There was Moi. A regime that did not tolerate vocalization, No irate self-expression, 24 years of blundering terror your honour. It stole my fuming twenties, Rolled over my barely mellow thirties, I gave up in my forties. And then he left your honour, Moi! For no reason I can fathom. At once the rage inside me churned. Poetry erupted, spewing on its own, Brimming, your honour, I couldn’t help myself, My angry overdue gift, Exposed at going on almost fifty! SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 22 | Weekend I FOUND MY NICHE IN SEEDLINGS: P29 The queen of crop breeding THE NEW GARDEN IN TOWN: P32 Jane Ininda has developed 26 maize strains and over 180 crop varieties, and she is not about to stop. P. 28 HOW TO PICK BEST BREED FOR SEMEN EXTRACTION. PAGE 26 Egerton University is a premier institution for Agricultural education, Training, Research & Innovations ‘We are a centre of excellence in Agri-business, Value chain development, empowerment and Innovation facilitation’ For more information Contact us on Phone: 051-2217891/2, 051-2217781 • Fax: 051-2217827 Email:
[email protected] • Web: www.egerton.ac.ke Egerton University is ISO 9001: 2008 Certified EGERTON UNIVERSITY “Transforming Lives through Quality Education” Seeds of Gold MAY 17, 2014 the weekly farming magazine BUTTERFLY BREEDING AND EXPORT Hello, I live in Nyeri and I would like advice on butterfly breeding and export. I plan to empower the youth in this location through this venture. Wangui Ndungu Thank you Wangui. Butterfly farming is among the untapped livestock potential in the country and an avenue to economically empower the youth. For more guidance on butterfly farming and breeding, kindly consider contact- ing ICIPE in Nairobi or butterfly farms such as Kipepeo Project around Arabuko Sokoke Forest at the Coast or community-based butterfly farming groups around Kakamega forest. Seeds of Gold Team, Egerton University CHICKEN FEEDS HAVE BECOME EXPENSIVE Hallo, my name is Stephen Gakuhi, I work at Egerton University as an electrician and I am interested in rearing chicks. I already have 200 hens, which have already started laying eggs. My big problem is the cost of feeds, which are too expensive. I want to learn about the following. i. The ratio of making all the three types of poultry feeds ii. The raw materials and where I can get them. Seeds of Gold has come to fill a gap that many farmers have been fac- ing - lack of adequate information on agribusiness. Many thanks to Nation Media Group and Egerton University. Intensive poultry farming is an im- portant livestock enterprise supply- ing protein diets to many Kenyans, providing employment and income. However, this enterprise is highly dependent on external inputs such as feeds whose price has been on the rise. Due to the sensitivity of poultry on diets, poultry feeds for- mulations require intense training. Kindly contact Department of Ani- mal Sciences, Egerton University for further guidance. Mugatha Anthony, Research As- sistant, Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University.
[email protected] FISH FARMING I am planning to engage in fish farming in Nanyuki. The soil is black cotton and thus is able to hold the water in the pond without the use of polythene paper. I, however, require help on the suitability of tilapia farming in Laikipia, due to the weather conditions (semi-arid area). I would also like to know where I can get extensive research on fish farming in Kenya to assist me in my research. Mwangi Sammy The type of fish to farm depends on water quality and temperatures. Some fish types dwell best in clear and cold water while others do best in warm and turbid water. Water temperature also influences oxygen concentration. Tilapia and cat fish are best suited in warm areas but differ in their need for water qual- ity. Kindly visit Sagana Fish Farm for further training on fish farming enterprises. Wangui Chege and Mugatha M, Livestock Research Assistants, De- partment of Animal Sciences, Eger- ton University.
[email protected] I WANT TO PRODUCE OWN POULTRY FEEDS Hello, I own a hammer crushing machine in Vihiga County, which is able to crush granite rocks up to sizes of between 10mm and 5mm. My ques- tions are: i) Can I produce chicken grit from these rocks? ii) What is the quality required for chicken grit for digestion? iii) I have read that gran- ite dust can be used as soil nutrient, so how can I produce and market this? iv) What are the qualities for the granite rocks used for the above purposes and can they be found in Vihiga? I currently use this machine to crush ore for extraction of alluvial gold. Andrew Chanda Thank you Andrew for your interest in chicken nutrition. Poultry should always have access to grit espe- cially if they are confined indoors. Grit aids their digestion because it acts as the hens ‘teeth’ in the crop to grind the food. Grit size should not exceed 2mm diameter. The ma- jor compounds in granite rock are Silicon oxide (72 per cent) and Alu- minium oxide (14 per cent). Com- pounds of nutritional significance in granite include Calcium oxide (2 per cent) Magnesium oxide (1.4 per cent). Composition, however, varies with geographical location. Con- tact your nearest geological office (probably at Kakamega) for more advice on qualities of the rock. Seeds of Gold Team, Egerton University KARI CHICKEN Kindly advise how I can get those Kari chickens in Kakamega. I am interested in rearing them. Festus Ngaira Kari is still in the process of establishing an improved indig- enous chicken breeding centre in Kakamega, but for now, you can only obtain their day old chicks from Kari Naivasha centre. Seeds of Gold Team, Egerton University BEEKEEPING I am Erastus Okoth Obongo. My home town is Muhoroni in Kisumu County. I am interested in beekeep- ing and rearing Kari kienyeji chicken. Please advise Hi Erastus, Muhoroni has suitable environment for the two enter- prises. You can source improved chicken day-old chicks from Kari, Naivasha. Kindly contact your sub- county livestock production office for enquiries of where and how to source for bee colony and apiary tools. You may also consider visit- ing Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University for more infor- mation and short course training in apiculture. Wangui C, and Kimitei K, Live- stock Research Assistants, Animal Science Department, Egerton University.
[email protected],
[email protected] I NEED A LOAN Hello, I am a young and passionate Kenyan who for long has developed interests in farming. We have 2.5 acres in Subukia, Nakuru County and I have been asking myself how I can venture into agriculture. I would like to seek your advice in terms of how I can jump-start my dreams and more so if there are any organisations I can talk to for credit. Harun Land is a prime capital in any agri- cultural enterprise, however, there are various enterprises one can venture in depending on the geo- graphical location. Kindly consider saving some of your income in a fi- nancial institution, where they may lend you enough finance to start an agricultural enterprise. Alterna- tively, consider other sources such as Uwezo Fund. Musyoka D, Research Assist- ant, Animal Science Depart- ment, Egerton University.
[email protected] I WANT TO BUY DORPER SHEEP Hi, I read your articles in Seeds of Gold every Saturday. They are very informative. I would to like to start sheep farming business. Are you able to provide a contact for some- one who can sell me dorper ewes? I’m currently based in Machakos. Eric Kiilu Dorper breed does well across the different ecological zones in the country and are suitable in your area. Kindly visit the Kenya Live- stock Breeders Organisation offices in Nakuru or your sub-county live- stock production offices for further guidance on farmers keeping dor- per sheep in your area. Wangui Chege GREENHOUSE I am grateful for Seeds of Gold team and Egerton University. The articles are very interesting and informative. I am requesting for information on how to make a greenhouse more productive and the variety of crop one can plant for more yield. Also, I will appreciate to know more about goat keeping for commercial purposes. Paul It is unfortunate that you did not specify your location. Therefore, contact your nearest sub-county livestock production office for more directions. Alternatively, contact the Animal Science Depart- ment of Egerton University to give you more details on short courses on sheep and goats. Felix Akatch Opinya, Livestock Research Assistant, Egerton University, Njoro.
[email protected] TRAINING Thanks for the informative articles Having a first degree in econom- ics, what postgraduate/masters programme can equip me with best agribusiness skills. Daniel Okwach Kisumu Egerton University has various postgraduate programmes of inter- est to you. We offer in the Faculty of Agriculture, MSc in Agribusiness Management, Agricultural Value Chain Management, Agricultural Economic and Collaborative Mas- ters in Agricultural Economics. You have to apply to registrar academic affairs. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or obtained from Egerton campuses in Nairobi, Nakuru or Njoro at a fee of Sh2,000. Kindly get in touch with admission office or visit Egerton website at www.egerton.ac.ke for more details and contact informa- tion. Charles Wanjohi, Research Assistant, Animal Science De- partment, Egerton University
[email protected] HOW CAN I ACCESS FINANCES Thank you for Seeds of Gold. I am kindly requesting for financial help besides banks since I don’t have security that can assist me start and grow my business. I have a business plan for poultry and rabbit farming. I have been doing pig farming. Frashia Kiarie Most financial institutions request for collateral, however, you can try the following organisations Uwezo Fund, Women Fund or Youth Fund depending on your qualifications to each. Kindly note that you can also access loan through the traditional financial institutions without col- lateral if you are a member of a mi- crofinance group where members act as guarantors. Francis Kigen, Research Assistant, Animal Science Department, Egerton University.
[email protected] Butterflies, finance and dorper sheep: ASK THE EXPERTS Do you have any question or enquiry on agribusiness, marketing, logis- tics, processing, innovation, and technology? Our pool of experts from Egerton University will respond to your questions with proper advice. Please send your questions to:
[email protected] I am Henry Gichuhi from Mombasa and many thanks for Seeds of Gold. I want to start goose keeping. What are the best breeds to rear. And Kari improved kienyeji chicken in comparison to other layers/boilers, which is the best? Since goose breeding is mainly in the hands of private farmers, we advise you to contact your near- est livestock production office to provide you with more advice on breeds as well as linkage. The ad- vantages of the improved kienyeji chicken developed by Kari include being dual purpose, that is, it can be kept for both meat and eggs and are hardy. Ronald Kimitei, Research As- sistant, Animal Science De- partment, Egerton University.
[email protected] feedback Prof Omedo Bebe Prof J. Ondura KEEPING GOOSE AND KARI CHICKEN JOSEPH KANYI | NATION 24 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD Experts offer tips SOIL FERTILITY Thank you for the good work. I am writing in response to your article on soil fertility on April 26. I come from a farming area in Kirinyaga County and for sure our soils are dying. I am glad because there is hope as long as farmers are educated on how to replenish nutrients in the soils. Professor Nancy Karanja said something that caught my eye. That young people can be trained on how to make use of urban waste from harvesting, processing, bagging and selling it. I am one of those young people who would love to know where I can get this kind of training. Please give suggestions. EDITOR: Please contact Prof Nancy Karanja on
[email protected] or Dr Richard Onwonga on
[email protected]. APPRECIATION I really want to appreciate the experts from Egerton University for tirelessly answering our ques- tions. This magazine is rich with information. Rev Avudiko Geoffrey EDITOR: We appreciate your support. Keep reading and ask questions on any problems you encounter in your agribusiness. I would like to congratulate eve- rybody who contributes to Seeds of Gold, especially Egerton Uni- versity, the kiboko ya ukulima and Nation Media Group. The mes- sages are fascinating. It’s upon readers to take action. I wish you all the best for your hard work. May the Almighty God bless you and your families. Nyagah Mbogo EDITOR: We deeply appreciate your support. Keep reading HONEY FROM COCONUT SYRUP I am an avid reader of Seeds of Gold. I read your article “My natural honey from coconut juice” with keen interest. For your information, making ‘honey’ from coconut syrup is not new technology in Kenya. This technology has been used in Lamu for decades. My disappointment is on informa- tion you received from Kenya Coconut Development Authority acting managing director Ray- mond Kahindi that they bor- rowed the technology from Asia. My memory on this product goes back to my childhood in 1950’s up to date. We have been using coconut syrup (ngizi) as a refresh- ment or as candy. In giving more flavour to ngizi, some people add cinnamon, cadi- mon and black paper. Ngizi is commonly sold at Lamu Sea Front between Hapa Hapa and Mangrove Restaurants. You can also find this product from Shee Baoni Cold House in Lamu. Let us get it right in promoting the product. We cannot call it coco honey. This is misleading also. This product does already have a Swahili name, Ngizi. In- terpretation in English should be coco syrup. Omar Bwana EDITOR: We are grateful for helping us educate the Seeds of Gold family. Kindly connect us with Renson Mbaji, who produces coconut honey in Kilifi County. We are interested in how we can borrow from his experience and expertise since we are in the same business in Coast. Esther Amani EDITOR: Kindly get in touch with Mbaji on 0729279232. CUCUMBER FARMING Seeds of Gold, you are doing great work in educating farmers. I must say that I never miss to read your articles. I come from Eldoret and on April 19, you featured Larry Keya who grows cucum- bers. I would appreciate if you help me with his contacts since I reside in the area and wish to learn from him. Raphael EDITOR: You can reach Larry Keya on 0718423635. BIOGAS UNIT INVENTOR Hi, please assist me get in touch with the biogas unit inventors. I have tried to get in touch with them through the telephone numbers and email addresses you gave us without success. EDITOR: Please contact Do- minic Wanjihia (Flexi- biogas) on 0722 700530 or 0705 921611,
[email protected] RABBIT KEEPING Hongera Seeds of Gold for your information on farming. Kindly inform me on how to get con- nected to Rabak to register for membership. I recently embarked on rabbit farming and would like to get market through them. New farmer Thanks for your features Seeds of Gold. I am interested in rabbit farming and I want to start small since I don’t have enough capital to venture into contract farming. Is there a place I can get the right breed at a fair price? EDITOR: Kindly contact Rabak on 0721219092 or 0722277523.
[email protected] YOUNG FARMERS Hi, my name is Gabriel from Nai- robi. I am inspired by your publi- cation. It has changed my way of thinking and may you continue with the good work. I am humbly requesting for contacts of the young farmers from Runyenjes namely Eric Maingi and Cosmas Kavinda, who are farming cour- gette, capsicum and coriander. Hi, Seeds of Gold has made us think about farming. I would like to get in touch with Erick and Cosmos to learn more. Many thanks for your continued enrichment. Please assist with Erick Maingi and Cosmus Kavin- da’s contacts. Farmer I am very much interested in wanting to get into agribusiness, specifically in farming. Please link me up with the contacts of Erick and Cosmas to enquire more on the courgettes and probably be mentored by them. Charles. EDITOR: Please contact Cos- mas on 0711738512 or Erick on 0728585933. I M READY TO START AGRIBUSINESS I am pleased about your re- sponse. Thank you Seeds of Gold. Thanks for your suggestion to see an agriculture extension officer. I am particularly drawn to plants because of the lower maintenance as compared to livestock, which I can probably incorporate much later when I can afford. About the level of investment, I have been researching around and I see the cost varies with location and proximity to water sources to the leased land. I’d prefer a location not too far away from where I re- side because of cost of movement during monitoring. EDITOR: Wish you success as you venture into agribusiness. ARE YOU SELLING OR BUYING? If yes, tell us on
[email protected] Your commodity/service (produce, farm inputs, animal feeds, farm machinery and agro- chemicals etc) Your quantity Your price Your location Your contact Seeds of Gold will publish this information every Saturday, FREE OF CHARGE, to link you up with potential buyers or sellers. BY EVERLINE OKEWO
[email protected] Every morning, as dairy farmers across the country wake up to milk their cows, Margaret Abich, a resi- dent of Awendo in Migori County, normally wakes up too. However, the farmer does not wake up to milk cows, but to make milk from soya beans. “It’s very simple to make milk from soya beans. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes. It is easier than milking a cow,” says the farmer. Margaret is among dozens of farmers in the county, who have em- braced growing of the crop and they are making milk from it, and other products that include soya beverages and soya meat. To make milk, Margaret starts by boiling the soya beans for 10 min- utes to soften them. “I then pour the boiled beans into a small portable posho mill-like ma- chine called a mincer. I, thereafter, ground them until they turn into a fine powder.” Thereafter, she mixes the powder with a little warm water and sieves for the milk to come out. “The powder is normally thick. So one must add some water. The prod- uct is then allowed to settle for five minutes and then sieved. The milk will be ready for consumption.” Margaret, 40, mainly sells the milk and other products she makes from soya at Nyakuru trading centre, over 5km away from her home. They are branded Awendo Soya Products and are sold to small-scale traders and individuals. They cost between Sh50 and Sh500. “Majority of residents buy my milk to make tea because it’s af- fordable and has more nutrients than cow milk. Some villagers also ferment.” A litre of soya milk retails at Sh60. On the other hand, residents buy cow milk at between Sh80 and Sh100. Margaret also makes soya nuts popularly known as ‘‘njugu soya’’. Soya nuts are made by frying the beans and adding salt for taste and flavour. She also makes soya man- dazi (doughnut). “I make the mandazis and sell them daily at Sh5 each. I also sell between 20 to 30 litres of soya milk daily.” In a month, she earns between Sh30,000 to Sh50,000 from selling the products. Margaret and other farmers in the region got the knowledge from Kenya Industrial Research and De- velopment Institute (Kirdi), which trained farmers on how to add value to the food crop in 2008. From her five-acre farm, she harvests about eight tonnes of soya beans after every four months. Johnson Agwaya, 49, is another soya beans farmer in Migori. From his five-acre farm, he har- vests nine tonnes of soya beans in four months. “Soya takes only four months to mature and offers better returns than sugarcane, which we used to grow,” says Agwaya, who started growing the crop in 2011 and also processes milk from soya. Sugarcane and tobacco have been the dominant crops in Awendo for many decades. But due to falling prices and delay in payments, farm- ers have switched to soya. Daniel Midoda of Migori County Soya Beans Farmers Cooperative says soya changes the fortunes of farmers in a short time. “Since we have identified ready market for farmers, we encourage them to grow soya on large-scale,” he tells Seeds of Gold. Elisha Onyango, a research scien- tist at Kirdi, says 40 per cent of soya nutrients are proteins. “The milk processed from soya has 9.5 per cent nutrients than cow milk, which has only 3.9 per cent,” says Onyango. He adds that soya is a legume crop that adds fertility to the soil. We get all our milk from soya beans Margaret and fellow villagers make plenty of milk every day from soya, which they sell at Sh60 per litre NUTRITION» 40 PER CENT OF SOYA NUTRIENTS ARE PROTEINS IT’S SIMPLE TO MAKE MILK FROM SOYA BEANS. IT IS EASIER THAN MILKING A COW” Margaret Abich Margret Abich with soya beans she uses to make milk. Right: Farmers are taught how to make milk from soya beans at Kirdi, Kisumu. EVER- LINE OKEWO AND JACOB OWITI | NATION May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 25 BY MARY MUCHUNGUH
[email protected] Some drivers of the livestock sec- tor such as globalisation, population and income growth are bound to change the dynamics in the livestock sector. The rise in demand for animal products will boost productivity as well as competi- tiveness. But how can smallholder farmers con- tribute to growing livestock markets? Can this be made possible by utilising tech- nologies such as artificial insemination to improve and increase production? Artificial insemination (AI) is a com- monly used practice in animal breeding. This reproductive technology has slowly taken root in many developing coun- tries and governments as well as private companies, which are preserving semen collected from a varied range of beef and dairy cattle breeds. It is no longer uncommon to spot agri- cultural extension officers out in the fields carrying out AI on local or indigenous animals. A percentage of smallholder farmers have embraced this technique. The desire to improve their production is evident. Artificial insemination offers a relatively ‘quicker’ option for farmers who would like to improve their herd but do not have a good performing bull. It also gives the farmer a chance to choose her preferred breed. AI is advanta- geous as the semen is collected from se- lected bulls with high genetic potential. With the latest improvements in sexing technologies, ‘female’ and ‘male’ semen can be isolated and provided to farmers thereby influencing the sex percentage in their herd. Unfortunately, this is still a relatively new technique and a considerably expen- sive service to source. More often than not, however, farmers are inadequately equipped with the knowl- edge to choose from which breed’s semen to serve their cows. Important factors to consider include: Matching genotype to phenotype: One should ensure that the desired crossbreed can survive or easily adapts to the prevail- ing environment and is productive. It is important to note that high-yield- ing animals can be reared but will require intensive management that comes with huge financial requirements to ensure the desired outputs are realised. However, in situations where a small- holder farmer is keen on undertaking AI services, then one must consider the pre- vailing environment as well as the produc- tion systems in place before selecting the desired bull’s genetic material. Dystocia: This is a condition commonly associated with difficulties in calving. The common cause of dystocia is a small- framed cow trying to give birth to a large calf. For example, the common Small East African Zebu, which is typically small- framed inseminated with Holstein Frie- sian or the improved Kenyan Boran semen would be recipe for disaster. However, the Boran x Angus cross would pose no difficulties in calving for a Boran cow. AI is a reproductive technology that should be encouraged and supported as its huge benefits are evident in some developed countries such as France and Brazil, which have embraced the technique nationally. These countries are presently placed among the top 10 milk producers. In- creased advocacy on the increased and guided utilisation of this technique should be undertaken more extensively. Dr Muchunguh is a livestock expert. How to pick breed for semen extraction One should not obtain semen from a bull with a big frame and inseminate it in a small- bodied cow TECHNOLOGY» ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IS A STEPPING STONE TOWARDS QUALITY BREEDS breeding FARMERS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE ON AI” Dr Muchunguh A crossbreed bull. AI offers a relatively ‘quicker’ option for farmers who would like to improve their herd. FILE | NATION EGERTON UNIVERSITY “Transforming Lives through Quality Education” Baringo Campus (Classes start May 26, 2014 and Registration for September 2014 intake is in progress) Faculty of Commerce 1. Master of Business Administration (Option: Entrepreneurship. Global Business Mgt. Human resource Mgt, Insurance and Risk mgt, Marketing, Strategic management, Accounting, Project management, Finance, Operations management, MIS, Procurement and Supplies Management) 2. M.Sc. in Human resource Management 3. Bachelor of Commerce (Options: Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Operations management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Business Information, Cooperative and Micro financing, Entrepreneurship, Human resource management, Insurance and Risk management) 4. Bachelor of Procurement and Supplies Management 5. Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management 6. Diploma in Business Management Faculty of Education and Community Studies 1. Bachelor of Education (Arts) 2. Bachelor of Education (Primary) 3. Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) 4. Bachelor of Science in Community Development 5. Bachelor of Psychology 6. Diploma in Education (Primary) 7. Diploma Education Arts (secondary) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 1. Bachelor of Arts (General) 2. Bachelor of Arts in Library and information Science 3. Diploma in Library and Information Science 4. Certificate in library and Information sciences Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies 1. Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Women and Development Studies 2. Diploma in Gender, Poverty and development 3. Certificate in Gender, Peace and Security Faculty of Science 1. Certificate in Computer applications 2. Bridging Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics More programmes coming soon in the Faculties of Science; Agriculture, and Environment and Resource Development. Egerton University currently offers 20 Diplomas, 68 Bachelors, 5 Postgraduate Diplomas, 70 Masters and 49 Doctorates in its nine (9) Faculties. School – Based Programmes in Education Continue to be offered in Moi Teachers Training College, Baringo. Egerton University has responded to access to higher education by establishing a Campus in Kabarnet, the headquarters of Baringo County. The campus is located 140 Km from Nakuru Town, in Kabarnet CBD, one (1) km along Kabarnet- Kabortonjo road opposite Kabarnet Hotel. Self-Sponsored Certificate, Diploma, Degree Programmes for Sept 2014 For more Information contact: The Director Egerton University Baringo Campus P.O. Box 100 30400, KABARNET – KENYA, Tel: 254 726 698 699 Email:
[email protected] or
[email protected] Website: www.egerton.ac.ke 26 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD BY PAULINE KAIRU
[email protected] The herd of elephants raise their ears after hearing the sound of buzzing bees. Fearing danger, they scamper in the opposite direction. This incidence recorded in a documentary as part of re- search findings is guiding the implementation of a conserva- tion programme in parts of the country where elephant habitats and agricultural land overlap, to ensure co-existence. The story of conflict between farmers and elephants as they compete for limited land and water is not new in Kenya. But thanks to this innovation, farm- ers are putting this interesting fact about the beast being scared stiff of bees to good use through a programme dubbed Elephants and Bees. One of the beneficiaries, Hezron Nzumu, a farmer in Sagalla, Taita Taveta in the envi- rons of the Tsavo Game Reserve recounts of sleepless nights watching over his crop against elephants’ incursions. “We used to stay awake most nights in the hope that we will hear elephants approaching our farms, especially when crops have matured,” he recounts. “Once we heard them, we would beat drums, light fire- crackers around the edges of the shambas, and use whistles to scare away the elephants. It was so much work.” Despite this, says the farmer with a six-acre piece of land, they often lost entire crops to the ravenous beasts. “I think the animals can smell mature crops from afar. They particularly love maize, but they will uproot even cassava and ravage an entire green pea or green grams gar- dens,” he says. This was before 2012 when Nzumu and other farmers adopted the elephant deterring bee-hive booby-trapped fencing around the borderlines of their farms. The fence consists of hives interlinked with trip wires every 30 feet, so that if an elephant at- tempts to go through any of the wires, then beehives all along the fence swing and release the stinging insects, which in turn attack and chase them away. The beehives are suspended on wires between posts with a flat thatched roof above to protect the bees from the sun. The initiative by Dr Lucy King, which started as a trial for her PhD work, has become a trail- blazer. She is the leader of the El- ephants and Bees Project having started research on the concept in 2007 in Samburu and Laikipia, both of which have game re- serves. With support from the University of Oxford in the UK, the charity Save the Elephants, the Disney Worldwide Conserva- tion Fund and the Kenya Wildlife Services, she has been able to complete studies on how to use honey bees (Apismelliferascutel- lata) to prevent elephants breach- ing farmland boundaries. The farm-based trials were conducted in two small Turkana farming communities that are within the elephants’ range. The communities are located 2km apart, within the greater Ngare Mara Community, Meru North. Elephants here migrate be- tween Shaba, Samburu and Buf- falo Springs National Reserves and Meru National Park to the south. Her involvement was steered by research done earlier pro- claiming that elephants avoid feeding on acacia trees with beehives. “This was followed by behavioural experiments demonstrating that not only do elephants run from bee sounds, but they also have an alarm that alerts family members to retreat from a possible bee threat,” she says. According to research find- ings, upon monitoring elephant raids over three crop seasons, it was discovered that 97 per cent of raids were aborted if the field was protected by a fence contain- ing a beehive every 10 metres. She says that a pilot study she led involving 34 farms on the edge of two farming communities in northern Kenya found beehive fences to be an effective elephant deterrent compared to traditional thorn bush barriers. Dr Lucy says in the study which was published in 2011 in the African Journal of Ecology that elephants made 14 attempts to enter farmland and 13 of these were unsuccessful. In each case, the elephants were forced to turn away from the area after con- fronting a beehive fence or walk the length of the fence to choose an easier entry point through a thorn bush. Only once did elephants break through a beehive fence to eat crops, according to the paper. It is this that is informing the progressive roll out of the measure. She has rolled it out in the coastal region with additive financial support from individu- als with more being built in five African countries, including neighbouring Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique. “In Samburu and Laikipia, 18 farms have benefitted from the project and now we have 12 in Tsavo,” she says of the strategy, which not only keeps the destruc- tive animals off the farms but is also complementing farmers’ livelihoods through apiculture. Dr Lucy says the concept is an attractive one. Not only do farm- ers benefit from reduced crop- raiding but such beehives offer an additional income through the sale of honey and wax products. Nzumu, who has 12 hives, har- vests at least 10 litres of honey from each hive in four months. Every one kilogramme unproc- essed honey is bought back by the project at Sh200. Dr Lucy notes that, in Kenya, electrification projects often fail because of poor maintenance, spiralling costs and the lack of buying capacity among the com- munities where the elephants are common. BENEFITS» KEEPING BEES EARNS FARMERS ADDITIONAL INCOME THROUGH SELLING HONEY AND WAX Bees save crop farmers from elephants The insects are all farmers need to save their crops from the beasts, scientist finds out innovation NOT ONLY DO ELEPHANTS RUN FROM BEE SOUNDS, BUT THEY ALSO HAVE AN ALARM THAT ALERTS FAMILY MEMBERS” Dr Lucy King A herd of elephants in a farm in Burgret, Nanyuki FILE | NATION Dr Lucy King in Tsavo East National Park where the bee technology is used to stop elephants from invading farms. COURTESY | NATION May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 27 to helping her determine what experiments and projects she will take up. “We meet farmers and they tell us issues on the farm. They want maize that can be processed eas- ily, tastes good and can grow in their areas. You have to work with them. That way, you’ll always be up to date with what’s going on.” Looking at the current situa- tion of food security, Ininda men- tions the impact climate change has had on local farmers. “It has caused the weather to change and we tend to have drier seasons. We, therefore, need to focus on drought-tolerant and early maturing crops. We look at long-term aspects of things, to tailor our research to fit the present. You can’t tell farmers to use the same seeds they were us- ing 40 years ago.” Symbol of quality The scientist’s improved and certified breeds, however, go for a higher price than regular seeds, retailing at Sh150 per kilo as compared to uncertified regular seeds, which would sell at Sh30 per kilo in the market. Ininda, however, says that the difference is vast between the two. “What they sell is not seed but grain. The word seed is a symbol of quality and po- tential. Improved seed is always expensive because it has to be produced and packaged hygi- enically and ensure it meets the standards. It must be certified by the Kenya Plant Health In- spectorate Services (Kephis).” For products so cutting edge, it would appear that the seeds are only to be found in exclusive and reserved institution. This is actually not so. “Farmers can find the seed at their local agro-dealers where the seed companies stock them. For farmers to know which vari- ety they need in their village and region, they can go to their local agro-dealer and get the informa- tion or get in touch with Kephis,” Ininda says. In addition, farmers can also send an SMS to Kephis to inquire what variety would work best in their area. To receive an SMS for the recommended maize varie- ties in their division, “They go to ‘Write message’ on their hand- sets, type MAIZE#DIVISION (Maize#Lanet) and send the message to 20354 after which they will receive the details of seed varieties,” she says. Some farmers want quirky preferences, Ininda says on a light note. “In Uganda, they tell us that the aroma and taste of the rice is the most important thing; in Malawi they say they need bit- ter tasting cassava with a very pronounced flavour.” As for the magic that has ena- bled her succeed in plants inno- vation, she cites determination, passion and hard work as the key attributes, as well as encourage- ment from parents and family. BY KINGWA KAMENCU
[email protected] Soft-spoken and humble, you can easily surmise that she is a no huckster, but just an earnest, pas- sionate scientist, keen on making a difference. Dr Jane Ininda is a plant breeder and has been doing the work for 30 years in a career straddling science and agriculture worlds. The researcher has produced and commercialised 26 different maize strains on her own and in partnership with other scientists, released over 180 improved crop varieties. These hybrids provide different tastes, give resistance to crops and pests and result in increased yields. Apart from coming up with the new breeds, the wide networking, which her job as a programme officer with Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archive (Agra) and founder of the Maize Breeders Network for Eastern and Southern Africa (it also incorporates rice, beans, cassava, sorghum and mil- let), have seen her add value to the lives of farmers all over the continent. Ininda cites a project in land- scarce Rwanda where farmers sought to grow bush beans in a way that they could maximise space. The experiment took place in Ruhengeri, a region in the northern part of the country and the result- ant seed ended up spreading across the country. “We introduced some bean varieties, which grow upwards, produce more yield and take less space. You just stake it on a stick and it produces four times more than the regular type. Now it has transformed the food situation. This means that Rwanda has four times the amount of food it had; families there are even more food secure than Kenya.” The agriculturalist also cites a farmer in Githunguri, who had given up on her millet farm. “We started doing some trials and if you go there now, it’s different. Before, she was harvesting barely half a basket of millet; now she is harvesting six. Before we went, she believed that she had been cursed.” Ininda’s main role at Agra is to offer technical expertise and over- see the authorisation of new seed strains in conjunction with other scientists. Her zest in seeing pro- ductive farms was born out of the precarious food situation she had faced as a child. Her parents were peasant farm- ers in the dry Mbeere District. “I remember as I was growing up that there wasn’t enough food; we used traditional methods and you could never be sure there would be enough food in the year.” The alumna of Kaaga Girls High School, therefore, chose to study agriculture once she joined the University of Nairobi for her un- dergraduate course, to find a way to help her community get more food. She then proceeded into the world of research, focusing on wheat at a Kenya Agricultural Research Insti- tute station in Njoro between 1983 and 1985 before returning to her alma mater for a Master’s degree, where her focus was on amaranth. The scientist attained her PhD in Plant Breeding at Iowa State University in the US, where she focused on maize seed. “I found maize streak virus had ravaged the crop in the then Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces. That is why I chose to focus on it.” Her efforts have led to the exist- ence of crop varieties that provide higher yields and hence increased production. “This way, the goal to- wards food security is made more viable on a national level, and farm- ers can get higher profits from their crops at individual level,” she says. Apart from maize, wheat and soya bean breeding are also her pet specialisations. Ininda worked on getting early maturing varieties because of drought. Many of the hybrids she introduced have been adapted by farmers and are stocked by com- mercial firms such as East Afri- can Seed Company, Olerai Seed Company, Dryland Seed Company, Freshco, Leldet Seed Company and in Uganda, Victoria Seed Company. “They are resistant to diseases, are higher yielding, have good taste and some are early maturing,” she says. Prior to Agra, the scientist worked at Kari for 24 years. “They hired me to scale up what I was doing in Kari, and do it in other countries.” Ininda works in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mo- zambique, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. Agra provides training for re- searchers, research grants, and linkages between research institu- tions and commercial seed com- panies. Does she consider herself a passionate person? She laughs. “My career as a plant breeder is something I enjoy so much. When I was young, I was very accurate at measuring where to plant the seeds and my parents preferred me to be the one doing the work as they would always come out in the right order. I actually liked agriculture, and I didn’t even think I would do it professionally.” Academic achievements As a graduate student in Iowa, she received the university’s C. R. Weber Award in recognition for outstanding achievement. She was named the Best Scientist of the Year at Kari in 2003, and won a two-year fellowship in the G&D Pilot fellowship programme in 2005, which aims at enhancing the careers of women crop scientists. Ininda, however, downplays the high-powered research, elabo- rate experiments and academic achievements that she has spent a lot of time in, evidenced by the over 30 published research papers in journals, stating her work as she sees it. “That’s what I do and have always been doing; helping farmers get food.” She emphasises that receiving information from farmers is key Dr Jane Ininda has produced and commercialised 26 different maize strains and 180 other crop varieties with fellow scientists, which are planted in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Malawi and South Africa, and she is not about to stop SUCCESS>> TO TRIUMPH AS A CROP SCIENTIST, ONE MUST ALWAYS WORK WITH FARMERS TO KNOW THEIR ISSUES the scientist Ininda, the scientist with a knack for turning every seed into gold I FOUND MAIZE STREAK VIRUS HAD RAVAGED THE CROP IN THE THEN CENTRAL, RIFT VALLEY AND EASTERN PROVINCES. THAT IS WHY I CHOSE TO FOCUS ON IT. Dr Jane Ininda 30 The number of research papers the agricultural scientist has published in different respected journals locally and abroad. 28 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD toes are lost. Therefore, instead of harvesting 40 tonnes of tomatoes, he har- vests 28 tonnes, which translates to a loss of Sh240,000 going by the current average market price of tomatoes. “However, with seed propaga- tion, if a farmer gives us 10,000 seeds, he will get 10,000 seedlings with a promise of 99 per cent ger- mination rate. For my seedlings, I charge at least Sh4 each (depend- ing on the variety), which will cost the farmer Sh40,000 against a loss of Sh240,000 if he plants the seeds directly,’’ says Malde. Specialised care for seedlings is no longer a preserve of large-scale farmers, says Madle. “It has also become a necessity for small-scale farmers, who want to guarantee maximum germination rates. This is particularly important if unnecessary crop failure is to be avoided.” While most farmers have em- braced the new technology of using seedlings vis a vis direct planting of seeds, many continue to experience dismal harvests. “Many Kenyan farmers want to plant tomatoes this season, and then capsicum the next season. Most don’t understand the value of crop rotation. You cannot ro- tate plants of the same family like tomatoes and pepper or capsicum. Farmers need to learn the art of crop rotation,” he says. It is for this reason that Malde resorted to offering before and after sales services to farmers who had the best seedlings but with the worst crop yields. “The greatest challenge facing farmers is that they do not have enough information, especially regarding the basic, initial steps of farming such as soil and water analysis. We have been helping farmers.” The first question Malde asks a farmer is, “Have you ever done farming before? And if they have practised farming, the next ques- tion would be, what did you plant? “We like to know the history of their farms so that we can do a soil analysis. Many farmers will plant tomatoes for two or three years and the soil goes bad. That is why we need a soil and water analysis because we want farmers to achieve success. Afterwards, we will know which variety of seed- lings we can give them,” he says. Malde also teaches farmers what he calls ‘smart farming’ which in- volves how to stagger their crops to achieve consistency and make more money. “If a farmer comes to me and asks for 20,000 seedlings, I ask them why that number. This is because a farmer will plant 20,000 seedlings but where will he sell them? Does he have the market? Smart farming includes planting weekly and monthly to avoid waste, and to allow farmers to sustain produce throughout the year,” he says. Plant Raisers also does trial planting for seed companies on its five-acre field to assess different varieties of vegetable seeds. Earlier last week, the farm hosted over 100 farmers for an exhibition to learn about various varieties of seedlings. Although he does not divulge details of how much he makes, Malde says that farming is a lucra- tive business. BY NJOKI CHEGE
[email protected] Sanjay Malde has been in business for a long time to know when to quit or continue with a venture. So when his gut feeling told him in early 2010 that it was time to quit the textile business, he did exactly that. After months of research, Malde decided to try his hand in agriculture. He had seen a gap in vegetable seedlings, which he decided to fill using his company Plant Raisers, which he set up in May 2010. With a starting capital of Sh10 million, he hired one-acre of land in Isinya, Kajiado, put up 480 square metres of a greenhouse and hired four employees. He also used the money to buy the equipment such as plastic trays which he uses to grow the seedlings. Today, Plant Raisers is worth about Sh30 million with 15 em- ployees and has a propagation unit of 2,000 square metres with a capacity of over 20 million seed- lings a year. In a week, Malde sells over 320,000 seedlings and sup- plies over 100 different varieties of vegetable seedlings. “We buy certified vegetable seeds of all varieties from compa- nies like Kenya Highlands, Simlaw Seeds and Amiran for propaga- tion. Some farmers also bring seeds for us to propagate for them at Sh2 per seed. However, most farmers rely on us to give them the seedlings,” he says. A farmer runs the risk of up to 30 per cent germination failure rate when they use conventional methods of growing vegetables from seeds. Seeds grown using modern technology in green- houses have a germination rate of between 85 to 90 per cent. Seedlings grown in greenhouses also have a bigger root mass, which makes the plants stronger and lowers their chances of dying. “We have our own growing media, which includes a cocopit mixture locally available, mixed with our secret formulae that helps us achieve 90 to 95 per cent germination rate for hybrid seeds and 80 to 90 per cent germination rate for the open-pollinated varie- ties seeds,” says Malde. He specialises in producing seedlings for tomatoes, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, pepper (hot and sweet), onions, and cucurbits, among others. It normally takes four weeks for tomato, cabbage, broccoli, watermelon, kales and spinach seedlings to be ready for trans- planting. Onions take about five weeks while hot and sweet pep- pers seven weeks. Watering of the seedlings de- pends entirely on the weather. “We arrange delivery to Nairobi, but upcountry order deliveries are normally made through a courier service for our clients who cannot come to Nairobi,” says Malde. Many farmers growing seeds using conventional methods have poor germination. For example, a single plant of hybrid tomatoes yields about 4kg. When a farmer plants 10,000 crops, he expects 40 tonnes of tomatoes. However, because he has used the conventional method of planting, he loses 30 per cent of the seeds, which is 3,000 plants, which means 12 tonnes of toma- For only Sh2, I’ll grow you the best seedlings Malde saw a gap in seedlings sector, now his firm, Plant Raisers, breeds over 320,000 tomato, broccoli and onion plants for farmers seedlings Using seedlings is cheaper in the long-run because farmers do not need to buy excess seeds. Seedlings also save time and ensure optimum plant population. To prevent young vegetables plants from deteriorating, unpack the seed- lings immediately and ensure they do not dry but also do not overwater them. Transplant within 24 hours of receipt of the seedlings. Better option Why use seedlings THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FACING FARMERS IS THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION REGARDING THE BASIC, INITIAL STEPS OF FARMING SUCH AS SOIL AND WATER ANALYSIS” Sanjay Malde Sanjay Malde, the owner of Plant Raisers, tends to his seedlings at the firm in Isinya, Kajiado County EVANS HABIL | NATION Sh10m The amount of money the businessman invested in his company Plant Raisers after quitting textile business. CROP ROTATION>> YOU SHOULD NOT ROTATE PLANTS OF THE SAME FAMILY LIKE TOMATOES AND PEPPER OR CAPSICUM May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 29 BY DOROTHY KWEYU
[email protected] @DorothyKweyu At 27 and 70, Dennis Andaye and Michael Ruchu are unlikely team mates. Their bond lies in their common passion — preaching the organic food gospel. Seeds of Gold found them at the Talisman Organic Market in Karen, Nairobi, where they are publicist- cum-market manager and vice- chairman, respectively. Andaye abandoned journalism to pursue a two-year entrepreneurship course at the Hi-EYEQ institution in Johannesburg, South Africa, which he completed last year to take up his current job. And Ruchu is a founder mem- ber of the market that has been in opera- tion since M a r c h 2011 and serves a growing clientele for whom organic food is synony- mous with health and vitality. Al- though he has no scientific evidence to link his autoimmune disease, myositis, to anything he ate, he has a nagging feeling that he is a victim of chemically adulterated food. Andaye’s vegetables are grown on tiny patches of land around his home in Kabete to meet his subsist- ence needs, while Ruchu farms in Mang’u, Kiambu County and he is reaping big from sale of organic crops. Ruchu did not say how much he earns from the Thursday market at the US embassy, which opened early this year to spare diplomatic staff the weekly drive to the Karen mar- ket. He grows sukumawiki (kale), spinach, terere (amaranth), managu, avocados, pawpaw, sweet potatoes and cabbages. Ruchu’s weekly deliveries to the US embassy market are 20 pineap- ples, 15kg of nduma (arrowroots) and a similar quantity of sweet potatoes. Becoming an organic farmer is not a walk in the park. You have to be certified as an organic farmer to use the Kilimohai trademark. And because the certificate has to be renewed yearly, concern is emerging that consumers could be eating in- organic food from farmers who have not renewed their certificates. Nesvax Control Limited manag- ing director Sylvester Gule — one of the two local organic certifiers — said that inspection fees range between Sh7,000 and Sh200,000, depending on what one is growing. The upper margin, he said, would usually relate to an enterprise group- ing 300 to 500 farmers. Musa Njoka of Encert — another certifying company — told Seeds of Gold that once farmers have ac- quired the initial certificate, they don’t bother to renew it. “They just sell without the Kili- mohai mark, or without any mark. If you go to any of the shops or supermarket where they say they are selling organic, you will not see anybody using any mark. They just say it is organic,” he said and added: “That is where the problem is.” The Kilimohai mark is adminis- tered by the Kenya Organic Agricul- ture Network (Koan), and according to Njoka, “you wouldn’t get it with- out being certified.” As things stand now, “nobody can assure you (that you are buying or- ganic) because people just wake up and say, ‘I’m organic’. They sell their produce as organic. They are not certified,” Njoka said, and blamed it on regulation. At the Talisman market in Karen, where vendors proudly display their Cheap, healthy way to minting cash Number of organic farmers is rising with demand, but lack of policy is stifling sector EXPORT>> POLICY VACUUM HINDERS LOCAL FARMERS FROM ENTERING THE HIGHLY-LUCRATIVE INTERNATIONAL MARKET organic farming ACCREDITATION Sh7,000 The minimum amount of money one can pay to register as an or- ganic farmer STEPS TO ACQUIRING ORGANIC CERTIFICATE The road to getting organic certification is not for the faint-hearted. “We check right from land preparation methods and the seeds planted,” Musa Njoka of Encert — a local certification firm — told Seeds of Gold. “What fertiliser are you suing?” is another vital question. You may not use chemical herbicides for weeding or apply chemical pesticides. Harvesting and storage is checked to ensure you do not contaminate your pro- duce. The entire production process is checked. Below are some essential steps to becoming a certified organic farmer under the East African Organic Standards, with authority to use the coveted Kilimohai mark of the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network, which groups farmers, trainers and marketers. - Get a registration form from an official certifier - Fill the form providing information on fertilisers and pesticides you have been using, among others - Stop use of any chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This may take six months to three-to-four years for land that needs detoxifying of chemical fertilisers. - Dig deeply and apply organic fertilisers and prod- ucts for repelling pests. – Dorothy Kweyu WE WANT ORGANIC FARMING TO BE KNOWN AND PROMOTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. IT SHOULD BE PUT TO POLICY” Michael Ruchu, founder member of organic market Kilimohai banners next to their pro- duce, Ruchu complains about the policy gap that hampers the growth of organic farming. “We want organic farming to be known and promoted by the gov- ernment. It should be put in policy. I remember in 2012, we had a meet- ing in Nairobi, and the Ministry of Agriculture sent the PS. They told us they were going to develop a policy, which they have never done,” Ruchu said. In an interview with Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki, she confirmed that the policy on organic agriculture is under prepa- ration by the ministry together with other stakeholders and that the initiative to develop it started in 2010/2011 financial year. The biggest problem about Ken- ya’s policy vacuum is that it hinders local farmers from entering the highly-lucrative export market. Njoka, who has been part of the efforts to create a policy on organic farming in Kenya, said the Koan- driven initiative, which endeavoured to rope in Agriculture ministry’s pol- icy section, appears to have stalled — fears the PS’s response appears to forestall. Even then, the policy vacuum has prevented growth of a potentially lu- crative sector, as testified by Univer- sity of Nairobi soil scientist Richard Onwonga. Dr Onwonga told Seeds of Gold in a recent interview that use of chemical fertilisers and other inputs cannot be relied upon to feed a fast- growing population. “We miss the point,” he said, and added: “Organic agriculture depends on five capital assets that are central to producing high-yielding crops and livestock,” and listed them as natural capital to include soils and water, social, physical, financial and human capital,” he said. “What organic farmers believe in and are committed to is enhancing the natural capital particularly the soil. So feed the soil with right com- bination of organic inputs to in turn feed the crop,” he said. Because of its labour-intensive na- 2012 The year organic farmers say gov- ernment promised it will create a policy for the sector ORGANIC AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ON FIVE CAPITAL ASSETS THAT ARE CENTRAL TO PRODUCING HIGH-YIELDING CROPS Dr Richard Onwonga CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Sellers and buyers at the Talisman Organic Market in Karen, Nairobi. JENNIFER MUIRURI | NATION 30 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD MAMA SOPHIA’S Zebu bull forced its way into Mzee Karani’s farm by destroying a fence. The bull mated with Karani’s Friesian cow and consequently impregnated it. Karani wants to take legal action against Sophia. What legal recourse should he seek? The cause of action here is founded on trespass. Tres- pass of cattle and the consequences thereof are treated as torts, which are civil wrongs and are compensatory in nature for the damages suffered. While we know that cattle are not reasonably ex- pected to understand the concept of trespass, the owner of the animal is obligated by law to understand. The owner owes the duty of care failing which she should be responsible for the act of negligence. Hence trespass by cattle is generally treated as sole responsi- bility of the owner of the cattle. What compensation should Karani claim? He is entitled to the exclusive use of his land and cattle without interference. Karani’s right was interfered with when Sophia’s Zebu bull was left un-attended, which facilitated it to destroy the fence on his neigh- bour’s land forcing his way in and while there, mingled with the cow causing pregnancy. The law provides that a party who suffers damages due to the wrongful act of another person must be put in the position he would have been, had he not suffered the wrong. Under the circumstances, Karani is entitled to reasonable compensation for the damage and in- convenience suffered. His fence should be reinstated as it was before the destruction. He should also be compensated for impregnation of the cow and the dam- ages that will be caused during the pregnancy such as care costs, loss of milk while about to give birth and the milking period and the adulteration of his cattle by an un-wanted breed. Onus of prove The following are the acts of trespass and conse- quences. That Sophia owns a Zebu bull; the destruction of the fence; the impregnation of the Friesian cow; damages that may be caused by the pregnancy and the birth of an un-wanted cross-breed. The onus of prove lies on Karani. He should adduce evidence to support his claims; that his fence was de- stroyed, his cow was impregnated, that damages were caused by Mama Sophia’s failure to properly enclose and contain his Zebu bull and that this was caused by her failure to observe due care. Witnesses should be provided if available. The court may visit the scene of the event and any observation noted and recorded. Mama Sophia may also raise and prove fault caused by Karani if any to reduce the damages. Credibility lies on where there is greater weight in evidence and facts in law. Damages will be assessed and awarded by the court It is advisable to first present your trespasser with your claim for damages and negotiate. If you cannot reach a reasonable agreement or if there is denial of the trespass and arising damages, then a legal recourse should be sought. STRESS» IT CAN CAUSE A HEN TO EXPEL AN EGG BEFORE SHELLING IS COMPLETE Causes of egg defects and how to cure them BY SOPHIE MIYUMO
[email protected] Once in a while, every poultry farmer finds her birds have laid ab- normal eggs. Abnormal in the sense that the eggs have weak shells or internal defects. An occasional egg abnormality from the flock is no cause for panic, however, its persistency should be a matter of concern. Egg abnor- malities in chicken can occur due to various factors. In the absence of obvious disease symptoms such as sudden drop in production, respiratory problems and weight loss, potential environ- mental and dietary issues should be explored and once identified, remedied. While these abnormali- ties greatly affect the hatchability of the eggs, abnormal eggs can be consumed but those caused by infectious diseases are not safe for consumption and, thus, should be disposed. Thin-shelled eggs or shell-less eggs are the most common defects in poultry farms. Young hens usu- ally produce the first few eggs with shell defects since their reproduc- tive tract is not fully matured. Upon maturity, the defect ceases and egg production peaks. During this period, an occasional shell defect may occur and is noth- ing to worry about. It is mostly caused by temporary malfunctions in the shelling gland, the uterus or for some reason an egg is rushed through the uterus and laid pre- maturely. Since the shell forms just before an egg is laid, stress induced by fright or excitement can cause a hen to expel an egg before the shell- ing process is finished. However, if these shell defects persist, they may be a sign of a serious disease, especially infectious bronchitis, which is accompanied by a drop in production and is highly-conta- gious with an infection rate of 100 per cent. However, if some hens are unaffected, this disease can be excluded. Nutritional deficiencies, espe- cially lack of Vitamin D or calcium impact the formation of the egg- shell, resulting to abnormalities. Calcium requirements in laying hens increase by age and warm weather. High temperatures reduce appetite, therefore, hens eat less and get less calcium from their ra- tions. Nutritional deficiencies can be remedied by appropriate supple- mentation of the layers’ diet with crushed eggshells, limestone or Occasional abnormalities in eggs should not raise alarm, but when they are persistent, a farmer should act poultry Yes, you can sue when neighbour’s animal trespasses You and the law By Rosemary Mugwe SMALL-SIZED EGGS OF LESS THAN 35 GRAMS USUALLY DON’T HAVE YOLKS AND SUCH EGGS CAN’T BE USED FOR HATCHING BUT MAY BE CONSUMED” Sophie Miyumo Lack of Vitamin D or calcium impact on the formation of the eggshell. DOUBLE YOLK EGG Eggs with defective eggshells. LEFT: Janet Otieno at her poultry farm in Karachuonyo. COURTESY AND FILE I NATION limestone flour, and Vitamin A, D&E powder added to drinking water three times a week. It should be noted that excessive consumption of calcium or phos- phorus is likely to result in eggs with an abnormally thick or rough shells. Genetic defect could also be a cause for shell abnormalities. Bloody shells sometimes appear when pullets start laying before their bodies are ready, causing tissue to tear. In mature birds, this could be caused by excess protein in the lay- ers’ ration or coccidiosis, a disease that causes intestinal bleeding, though not common in adult birds. Odd-shaped or wrinkled eggs may be laid if a hen has been handled roughly or if for some reason her ovary re- leases two yolks within a few hours of each other, causing them to move through the oviduct close together. The second egg will have a thin, wrinkled shell that’s flat towards the pointed end. If it bumps against the first egg, the shell may crack and mend back together before the egg is laid, causing a wrinkle. Small-sized eggs of less than 35grams usually don’t have yolks and such eggs can’t be used for hatching but may be consumed. This is com- mon among young hens whose laying mechanisms have not fully matured. In matured hens, this could be indica- tive of pieces of reproductive tissues breaking away and stimulating the egg formation process in the reproductive tract. Double yolk eggs occur when ovula- tion happens too rapidly or when one yolk becomes joined with another. This is mostly seen in young hens that have not reached reproductive maturity yet and have unsynchronised reproductive cycles (roughly, it takes 22 – 25 hours to form and lay an egg). Blood spots inside the egg can be genetic, as well as sudden environ- mental temperature changes. The in- cidence of blood spots inside the egg also increases with age. Miyumo is a research assistant, Animal Science Department, Egerton University. The writer is a lawyer
[email protected] May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 31 BY BONIFACE MWANGI
[email protected] As land shrinks in urban areas, many families are find- ing it difficult to have kitchen gardens, where they can grow vegetables and other crops for subsistence. They, therefore, rely on food from grocery stores, some of which is costly. But researchers are working on new technologies to encour- age urban dwellers to engage in farming to boost food security. John Wambugu is among the researchers and has come up with what one may call a perfect urban garden. The garden, which he has christened Linear Multi-Storey Garden (LMSG), can be used to grow vegetables, tomatoes, capsicum and even maize. “The garden is made up of timber, binding wires and old mosquito nets. The amount of the materials used depends on the size of LSMG one wants,” explains Wambugu, an agrono- mist. The garden has about half- a-metre vertical columns made up of polythene papers with stones placed in the middle. The columns are used to feed the crops with water and are placed at a distance of a metre apart. “While making the columns, one should make sure that soil doesn’t enter in them but only stones to create air spaces. Wambugu says he came up with the garden to help those living in urban areas to grow vegetables and spices, thus re- duce the cost of buying food as well as fight food insecurity. The garden is shaped like a pyramid to allow slow and smooth flow of water down- wards as well as create more space for growing vegetables. The LSMG can be used in urban areas just like the sack garden reputed for utilising minimal space and water, but it is also suitable for regions dependent on livestock and in semi-arid lands. “The development and ad- aptation of LSMG will address food insecurity. And if Kenyans living in urban areas can utilise the small spaces they have with such a technology, the cost of expenditure will be minimised,” says the researcher who works at the government’s Wambugu Agricultural Training Centre in Nyeri. To make the garden, one has to have a mound of fertile soil, where the plants would grow. “You begin by constructing the structure that would hold the soil using timber. Then you put in columns and pebbles. Thereafter, you put in the soil and wound around the mos- quito net,” explains Wambugu of the technology currently being used in Nyeri by about 10 farmers. “The mosquito net is used to hold the soil with the support of binding wires, which are nailed firmly on the pyramid- shaped timbers.” His technology requires lit- tle technical and financial sup- port. “Small holes are made on the mosquito net where one will plant crops. Depending on the size of LSMG one has, one can plant as many crops as the space allows them.” Wambugu is optimistic that come next month when the centre will be training farmers, he will be able to sell the idea to many people. The contribution of urban farming to food security and nutrition is critical. The gov- ernment and its partners have pushed for the growth of veg- etables using sack gardens. Multi-storey gardening, ac- cording to Wambugu, is an exciting technology for anyone who wants to grow vegetable all-year round. After one plants crops, just like other gardens, watering and removing of weeds is es- sential and this can be done manually by one person. The agronomist notes that similar garden technology has been used to grow green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cabbages, carrots, tubers and indigenous vegetables. The technology, according to him, can be used in schools to provide vegetables and teach science and nutrition. It is also a good income-gen- erating venture for people who own groceries and who want to engage in agribusiness. “By using old mosquito nets, I am playing a big role in cleaning the environment by recycling the equipment.” To have a good harvest, he says one needs to use manure. “You mix manure with water and pour in the column twice a day for one week so that it spreads in the soil before planting any crop. This is to al- low the manure to decompose and the nutrients to mix prop- erly with the soil.” Harvesting should be done two to three times a week after the vegetables mature. Alex Wanjohi, a farmer who has adopted the new technol- ogy, says he is eagerly waiting to harvest. “The crops have done well. I am even hopeful that I will start selling the surplus to the nearby groceries in Skuta estate, Nyeri.” Forget the sack, here is the new garden in town RECYCLING» AN OLD MOSQUITO NET IS USED TO KEEP THE SOIL INTACT urban farming Wambugu, an agronomist, has developed Linear Multi-Storey Garden for farming in urban areas John Wambugu teaches students at Wambugu Agricultural Training Centre in Nyeri how the garden works. JOSEPH KANYI | NATION BEST SYSTEM WHY EMBRACE URBAN FARMING Urban farming, according to Food and Agriculture Organisa- tion, improves social well-being of town dwellers. This is because the gardens can facilitate positive social interac- tion between people in cities as they come together to harvest their crops. It also leads to improved health and nutrition. The gardens promote nutri- tion and families can generate incomes by selling produce. John Wambugu waters sukuma wiki seedlings planted on his linear multi- storey garden in Nyeri. JOSEPH KANYI | NATION ture, organic farming relies heavily on social capital. “Up to very recently in my rural area,” Onwonga remi- nisced, “I saw our parents work in groups — a sign of strong social cohesion. You would find a group of five, 10, or even 20 people and it used to take a very short time to carry out farm operations.” Where labour shortages occurred, for example when people are ill or in times of hardship, the scientist saw social capital, one of the pillars of organic farming, as the way to sustain agricultural productivity even when the household head is incapacitated. “If you get sick today,” he said, “It means your land is not going to be prepared; it will lie idle. But if it was those days, you will still be on your sick bed but your land will be prepared by other community members because of the social cohesiveness based on trust and collective action.” Physical capital, he said, comes into play when farmers are always working as a group, and are, there- fore, in a position to force counties to develop physi- cal infrastructure (transport and communication) because of the dire need to access markets. “Because they are producing and they have to mar- ket, the government and sub-counties will be forced to make roads,” the don said, adding that the value of what the farmers produce and their direct and indirect contribution to the economy has the potential to force infrastructure development. He also talked of the financial capital involved in organic agriculture. “Organic farmers do not rely on chemical inputs in their production practices, so it means they save. The money they would have used to buy the chemical inputs is saved and can be put to other uses and with the premium prices organically produced foods fetch, whichever way you look at it is a win-win situation,” he added. On human capital, the don said, “Organic farming leads to increased knowledge and skills; it challenges farmers to be innovative, experiment and find solu- tions to their own problems. It also leads to improved health and increased self-esteem among vulnerable and marginalised groups. According to Onwonga, the first step to transition to organic farm- ing is detoxifying the soil, which can be achieved in one to three years, and thereafter with the right mindset, focus and determina- tion, farmers will start reaping the benefits. So, why despite its many ad- vantages, is Kenya’s organic agri- culture lagging behind Uganda and Tanzania? Gule of Nesvax, who has been involved in certification work in the three countries, blames it on a stiff regulatory framework. “In Uganda, there is a lot of support from the government and there are universities that actually offer organic agricul- ture as a degree course —something that we don’t have here.” He also reads pol- itics in the under- development of the sector, noting that in the three countries, it was promoted by Sweden and Denmark in the 90s when the countries were not in Kenya’s good books. Chemical fertilisers and inputs also mean big cash for the importers. Lack of official support stifling lucrative sector Fertiliser free Organic farming CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 Dennis Andaye 32 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD LESSON» THE ANIMALS ARE GOOD AT KEEPING GRUDGES; AVOID WHIPPING THEM My donkeys, my wealth BY LYNET IGADWAH
[email protected] Reuben Kinyanjui guides one of his donkeys to a shade under a tree as he says, “Baby, baby, follow me.” Listening to him, one may wonder why Kinyanjui, who is based in Salama, Elburgon, is calling the animal the pet name. In fact, you may dismiss him as being too soft on the animals. But the trader knows the secret of making the animals work harder for him. “You call them nice names, they will offer you their best,” says Kinyanjui. “The other donkeys are called Kijana, Mheshimiwa, among other names. The animals have mastered my voice and they respond when I call then even when they are in field graz- ing.” Kinyanjui says he would never mistreat his donkeys as they are the foundation of his wealth. The 33-year-old is a proud owner of eight donkeys, which he uses to ferry various com- modities for residents. That the donkeys have given him a fortune is not a secret. He has three pieces of land in the area and he has built rental houses, all which have come from the donkeys. “I have acquired the prop- erty from my donkeys. I use them to offer transport serv- ices, a job that many people may not like.” Economic activities in Elburgon include charcoal burning, selling timber and water. He uses his donkeys to help residents perform the activities. “I cannot complain. I make more than Sh5,000 from my eight hardworking donkeys a day.” Prior to venturing into the business, Kinyanjui worked as a casual labourer at a local saw mill. He earned a paltry Sh120 a day, but this did not dampen his spirit. He saved part of his pay and bought the animals. “Discipline and persever- ance enabled me to save Sh4,500 and in 1999, I bought my first donkey using the money. I bought another one and the animals have since multiplied.” A donkey now goes for Sh10,000. Kinyanjui says the secret to making a fortune from don- keys lies in treating them well, feeding them properly, allow- ing them time to socialise and calling them by their names. “You also have to feed them properly. Give them good grass. I also feed them on hay to assist in dental hygiene. I further give them supplements that include salt. You also have to keep the feeding area clean. This helps in curbing worms.” Besides that, he provides the donkeys with clean water. What annoys him most is seeing someone beating a donkey to make it run faster. “To me, a donkey shows gratitude by serving me bet- ter, and helping me gather wealth. I must, therefore, treat it well.” Kinyanjui learned how to treat donkeys well and reap from them from Farming Sys- tems of Kenya (FSK), which offered him and others train- ing on the benefits of being kind to the beast of burden. “Donkey owners should know how to avoid causing stress to the animals so that they can maximise on their economic value,” says Daniel Muiruri, a programme’s man- ager at FSK. Molo, Njoro and Naivasha in Nakuru County have the high- est population of donkeys in the country. Muiruri discour- ages farmers from overloading the animals with luggage. Njoro sub-county veterinary officer Peter Ngugi says there has been a commendable improvement over the past year in how farmers handle donkeys. “We have witnessed fewer wounds on the animals, proper hold trimming and more people call a veterinary when the animal falls sick.” Kinyanjui gives his donkeys best care, including taking them to a dentist, and he has reaped huge from them Daniel Muiruri of FSK. LEFT: Re- uben Kinyanjui attends to one of his donkeys at his farm in Elbur- gon. LYNET IGADWAH | NATION transport Sh5,000 The money the farmer reaps from his donkeys in a day Irrigation TIRED OF ERRATIC RAINS? TRY THIS SOLAR IRRIGATION KIT NEWS THAT THE RAINS may fail this planting season have made farmers restless. Majority of farmers have crossed their fingers hoping that the sky would open and the rains would pour in torrents for their crops to grow. However, as a good number of farmers across the country pray for the rains, Peter Kimani, 45, is not wor- ried about crop failure. On his three-and-a-quarter-acre farm in Ngecha loca- tion, Kiambu County, Kimani is using an irrigation kit that has made his crops, which include cabbages, carrots, kale, spinach and coriander flourish. “The rains have become too erratic. You cannot de- pend wholly on them as a farmer and excel. They once failed me and I learnt my lesson.” Kimani says he embraced the solar irrigation kit from Sun Culture, an agro-solar company, about a year ago. “A team from the company came in this area to con- tact a pilot project among farmers. After seeing how it works, I embraced the kit. Using the equipment has made farming easier for me.” The kit, according to the farmer, has cut his expenses. “All one needs to have is a borehole or any other source of water. Then the machine will use solar power to pump water from the source to the farm.” Kimani has a 35 metres deep borehole, three 100 watts solar panels, a pump and a tank. “The energy comes from the sun through the panels, which pump water from the borehole that goes straight to the tank. Afterwards, the water comes out with grav- ity and goes to the farm,” he explains. According to Kimani, he bought the solar irrigation kit at Sh360,000. “I was among the pioneer farmers who acquired the gadget. The money might seem much but if you compare to losses farmers make when rains fail, it is worth it.” The irrigation kit has enabled him plant his crops round the year. “I always alternate different crops on my farm. I can plant 6,000 heads of cabbages, and once they mature and I harvest, I move to onions and so forth,” says Ki- mani, who sells the cabbages for at least Sh30 per head. If it is the season of onions, Kimani will earn Sh150,000 a month from the 25 tonnes harvested. Nai- robi town, Wangige and Ngache are the main places he sells his produce. Charles Nichols, one of the co-founders of Sun Cul- ture, tells Seeds of Gold that lack of use of irrigation in the country is what made them come up with the solar irrigation project. “One of the pressing issues is lack of irrigation; we live in a country that does not have reliable rains. Thus, we need irrigation to boost our food production.” With the solar kit, farmers don’t incur high costs asso- ciated with electricity, petrol and water pumps. “A farmer does not have to start with the Sh360,000 kits. There are smaller kits that go for Sh10,000,” says Samir Ibrahim, Nichols’ partner at Sun Culture. - Gerald Bwisa SHOW LOVE HOW TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF DONKEYS Shelter: Donkeys prefer warm weather. They do not like wind or rain and will seek shelter from both. Unlike horses, rain seeps into the donkey’s skin and makes it uncomfortable. The shelter should be adequate. Socialisation: Donkeys en- joy company. Companionship should be from fellow don- keys, human beings and other animals, with the exception of dogs. This is because dogs scare donkeys. Vaccination and deworm- ing: The animals must be vac- cinated annually against flu and tetanus. They should be dewormed quarterly and their hooves trimmed. Teeth: A veterinary dentist should check the animal’s teeth annually, says Kinyan- jui. The idea is to spot sharp enamel points, waves, caudal/ rostral hooks and periodical diseases. Whipping: Avoid beating the animals. Besides, donkeys can keep a grudge. The National Donkey Day Welfare celebrations will be held today in various parts of the country. This month is set to appreciate the value of donkeys. A man enjoys a ride on a donkey cart in Nyeri town in June last year. FILE | NATION Peter Kimani, a farmer in Ngecha, Limuru shows how he uses solar pumps to irrigate his farm. DENISH OCHIENG | NATION May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 33 BY DOROTHY KWEYU @DorothyKweyu
[email protected] W hen President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto launched the Ministry of Agriculture’s rec- ommendations on the types of fertilisers for the different zones in Kenya, it was an acknowledge- ment that all is not well with our soils. Indeed, scientists at the Land Resource Management and Ag- ricultural Technology (Larmat) Department of the University of Nairobi have raised the alarm that Kenya’s soils are in the intensive care unit and need ur- gent remedial action. According to Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kari- uki, the types of fertilisers used in most parts of the country are not the right ones. Increased use of fertilisers, she said, is a key factor (in real- ising crop production and food security), hence the Abuja Dec- laration of 2006, which states: “Fertiliser is crucial for achiev- ing an African Green Revolution in the face of a rapidly rising population and declining soil fertility.” It was in recognition of the crisis of our soils that the president and his deputy presided over the high-profile launch of the ministry’s recom- mendations on the types of fertilisers for the different zones earlier this year. To increase production and ensure food security and in- comes at farm level, the country aims at increasing fertiliser con- sumption from the current 10kg to 31kg per acre by 2015. The government is imple- menting various programmes to spur growth in fertiliser use and stabilise prices, and, accord- ing to the PS, the notable ones include bulk fertiliser procure- ment; increased fertiliser use by resource-poor farmers; and a regional/national fertiliser manufacturing plant. On bulk procurement, the programme that started in 2008 has already bought over 400,000 tonnes of various types of fertiliser, which has been sold to farmers at subsi- dised prices. It is estimated that bulk procurement meets 30 per cent of the annual national ferti- liser requirement while the rest is procured by the private sec- tor, according to the PS. The National Accelerated Agricultural Inputs Access Pro- gramme (NAAIAP) was started in 2008 to increase fertiliser use by resource poor/vulnerable farmers and since 2008, $57 million (Sh4.9 billion) has been pumped into the project. Through this programme, an input package consisting of fertiliser and seed is given to selected farmers. To date, 500,000 farmers out of a tar- geted 2.5 million have been as- sisted. In a recent interview, Lar- mat’s Prof Nancy Karanja and Dr Richard Onwonga stressed the importance of replenishing soil carbon, which has seriously been depleted by conventional methods of agriculture. Prof Karanja believes in inte- grated soil fertility management that recognises a mixture of artificial fertilisers and soil car- bon for optimal soil fertility to increase grain production. Perennial complaints about delayed or poor distribution of fertilisers, especially to farmers in Kenya’s Rift Valley breadbas- ket, confirms that farmers need to be equipped with the ability to produce and be in control of their own fertilisers. Maize production in Kenya has been declining over the years and soil acidity has been identified as one of the major causes of declining yields. Maize production requires an optimal soil pH of between 5.5-6.5 and currently, soil test- ing results so far done in many agricultural regions in the coun- try, for example Trans Nzoia County, show the area has a pH ranging between 4.6-4.8 which is unsuitable for maize produc- tion. Furthermore, farmers have been using DAP which is an acidifying fertiliser, leading to a buildup of acidity in the soil and consequently nutrients get locked up in the soil resulting to declining soil fertility. By increasing the pH of the soil to an optimum level of 5.5-6.5, you can neutralise the acidity caused by nitrogenous compounds, eliminate the toxic effects of Aluminium and increase the crops uptake of es- sential nutrients. Quality fertiliser key to rise in food production The country aims at increasing fertiliser use from the current 10kg to 31kg per acre by 2015 soils 34 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD BY EUNICE KILONZO
[email protected] A thi River Mining (ARM) Cement Ltd produces and sells Mavuno ferti- liser that assures better yields due to deliberate efforts by the firm to provide products that are crop and soil specific at pocket- friendly prices. “Vuna Zaidi na Mavuno” is the product’s slogan, which shows the company formerly known Athi River Mining Ltd has the farmer at heart. Mavuno fertilisers cater for different market segments be it horticulture, wheat, barley, cot- ton, tea or coffee farmers. This is because each crop has particular nutrients it requires and thus their products are made specifi- cally for different soil conditions and crop nutrient requirements. ARM works closely with ag- ricultural experts, researchers, government and scientists to de- velop and improve the fertilisers, which enhances quality. Started in 2003, ARM set up its Mavuno fertiliser division that manufactures the product, which contains 11 essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phos- phorous and potassium, among others key nutrients. The min- eral elements are combined in various formulations and blends that create ‘tailor-made’ fertilis- ers that have been proven to give superior crop yields by over 40 per cent. Other than yields, the fer- tilisers improve soil fertility, rectify acidity and improve soil pH for higher crop production. Micro-nutrients present in Mavuno improve colour, taste, texture and nutrient value of produce. Mr Pradeep Paunrana, the managing director of ARM, says: “We have worked with farmers for over 40 years in providing them with the best fertilisers for their farms. Kenya has acidic soils and the well-established farms can put this acidity in check. Our products are cost-effective and can be afforded by any farmer at their kiosks or supermarket at reasonable packaging of 1kg, 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg.” He adds: “We are cognizant that there are farmers who may not be informed of the best fer- tilisers in the market. Therefore, we help the local farmer check their soil acidity and advise them to use the right fertiliser and farm inputs for better yields.” Farmers can use Mavuno fertiliser during planting time and for top dressing. “With Mavuno fertilisers, farmers can expect fast and continuous nutrients supply to their crops annually. This is a sure way to be food secure. For a farmer to harvest 20-30 bags of maize on an acre of land for instance, they can invest about Sh7,500 (Sh5,000 for 100kg fertiliser and about Sh2,500 of good seed). But the returns will be almost five times their initial investment.” ARM admits there are some challenges that they encounter in their provision of fertilisers, notably distributors. “We still want more people to come and join our team and dis- tribute our products to areas we are yet to explore,” he says. Considering that ARM ferti- lisers are founded on research, Paunrana shares his vision: “I am passionate about science and manufacturing technol- ogy. I know Kenya has some of the best scientists yet very few translate their knowledge into practical deliverables in research on fertilisers. They should con- tribute to this research pool.” Mavuno offers farmers the best deal The fertiliser betters soil fertility, rectifies acidity and improves soil pH for higher crop production advertorial A farmer in Nandi County plants maize. He harvests an average of 30 bags from an acre. Like many others, one of his challenges is access to quality fertiliser and seeds. May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD 35 PRODUCT: Hydroponic coco peat for nursery use and professional horticul- ture Quantity : 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 20kg bags Price : From Sh50 per kilo Location : Nairobi Contact: Grace 0725659224 or 0711215770 or
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[email protected] Editor: No quails, please 36 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION SEEDS OF GOLD SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 37 BY WANDIA NJOYA
[email protected] O nly dons in the University of Nairobi’s Literature De- partment seem to have the privilege of writing scathing reviews such as Dr Tom Odhiambo’s, and speaking in the name of book re- viewers and critics. After all, the UoN literature lectur- ers are more likely to get published than the rest of us mere mortals teaching literature in other public – or worse, private – universities. With the legacy of a historical accident and big names such as Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a nod from UoN faculty is something that Kenyan writers crave, but is often difficult to come by. The story of Kwani? probably best embodies this elite status. When Kwani? came into being, its books were scowled at as literary gangster- ism. Yet last year, when Chimamanda Adichie came to Kenya, Binyavanga Wainaina waxed about being hosted by the University of Nairobi as a zenith of literary achievement, and then, ap- parently realising how unpolitically correct that sounded, hastened to add Kenyatta University to the list of prestigious hosts. But the damage had already been done. A few days later, Prof Chris Wanjala penned an article which revealed that he had not experienced a change of heart. He said that Kwani? targets “low- brow readers,” and excused writers such as Binyavanga, Tony Mochama and others for not being “graduates of English and literature departments, exposed to a proper literary educa- tion,” for not mastering “Western standards of literary criticism and creative writing,” and for not show- ing “a depth of knowledge of African culture beyond names of members of their family trees.” And so, the real tragedy here is that while we’ve been shaken by Dr Odhiambo’s harsh assessment of Ken- yan books, we will still be begging for recognition from the institution he represents. In his latest article published in the Sunday Nation (April 20), Dr Odhia- mbo basically depicts reviewers as the quality assurance police of literature. They judge the readability of the book, and they insert books into a country’s literary canon. Books published with grammatical errors and basic mistakes like a change in character name, therefore, put forward a poor face of the country. That’s a fair assessment. What I disagree with is Dr Odhiambo’s vision of the critic as “a co-creator, even if of the vulture kind.” First of all, “a co-creator of the vul- ture kind” is an oxymoron, because while a co-creator participates in bringing forth life, the vulture par- ticipates in the finality of death. In contrast to the life-affirming ritual of mourning, the vulture is death’s last laugh. The vulture pursues self-inter- est at the expense of another animal’s tragic fate. That is why it is chosen to symbolise people who make a kill from the misfortune of others. Over the years, our dons have not been vocal in supporting Kenyan writers as the latter struggle to get publishers interested in their books, and as publishers remain obsessed with school text books. When Kwani? opened up a new literary space for a new generation of Kenyan (urban) writers, the university dons came down on them like a hammer. Many Kenyan fiction writers now have resorted to self-publishing, unfortu- nately, because they cannot wait for four years for publishers to release a book. Authors are now more involved in marketing their own books because publishers’ marketing resources are committed to camping outside KIE – now KICD – offices for school text- book endorsements. Critics as co-creators With all these struggles, the release of fiction by Kinyanjui Kombani, Stanley Gazemba and other bud- ding writers is a major feat. In fact, Gazemba’s experience with publishing The Stone Hills of Maragoli is a heart- wrenching story to which Kenyans who value literature should respond by saying “Never again.” Critics who are co-creators or literary midwives should be holding writers’ hands through the difficult process of birthing a book, not waiting until the process is over to chest-thump about standards, although that is partly motivated by academics’ need for material to boast about in international academic forums. With all its problems, Kenyan literature is ours, and, we, academics, must account for those problems and imagine solutions. I also take issue with Dr Odhia- mbo’s insistence on “standards,” without an acknowledgement of the readers of the books. He needs to account for why Kenyan readers are buying the books that are apparently bad for the critics, and so should be bad for the readers. I must admit that like Dr Odhiambo, I do find the resolution in Kombani’s two novels problematic against the realities of the Kenyan landscape. But contrived or not, Kenyans are buying the books, reading and enjoying them, and that indicates that there is a need for such books. In fact, several ordinary read- ers have said on social media that they have read Den of Inequities in one sitting. Moreover, all “happy endings” are contrived, whether in Kenya or in Hollywood. Who honestly believes that the stuff of romantic comedies and soap operas is reality? Or that the cars driven by James Bond or the stunts of the Fast and Furious series are real? Yet Hollywood movies, Nol- lywood cinema and Mexican soaps remain popular in Kenya. Why not, then, have happy endings collared by Kenyan sensibilities, and the world will be better for it? In fact, Kombani’s books have achieved an interesting feat of tack- ling political and institutional violence — which many writers have not done — while entertaining readers at the same time. His novels are better ap- preciated as thrillers than as novels like Things Fall Apart that depict historical landmarks. Another reason why we should embrace “happy endings” is that they help us imagine a different Kenya, which is partly why we teach literature in the first place. We Ken- yans have been unable to resolve our essential problems mostly because we lack imagination. We cannot visualise what a different Kenya would look like, and so every five years, we vote in the same thugs, for the same ethnic reasons, who go on to perpetuate the same problems of corruption, greed and social stagnation. Our writers should be commended for daring to dream a different Kenya where systems actually work. The bottom line is that the Kenyan writing and reading landscape has changed. Kenyans are buying more books, self-publishing is easier with computers, and marketing of books is faster with social media. We live in a global environment where our reading and cultural tastes are increas- ingly influenced by cultures of other countries. Festivals and groups like Kwani? and Story Moja promote reading for life, rather than for exams. So, gone are the days when academicians domi- nated conversations about books. And that is the real birth that critics should be midwifing, even as they remind writers and publishers that correct grammar, visually appealing books and a coherent and credible plot must remain part of the package. While there is a need to push for higher standards of published works, there is no need to magnify errors into a condemnation of the entire literary establishment, or into a lament for the Kenyan critic. But the bastion of literary criticism that Dr Odhiambo represents seems stuck in the past, reluctant to address Kenya’s new literary realities. The writer is the head of the Depart- ment of Language and Performing Arts at Daystar University in Nairobi. The landscape has changed, critics have not Gone are the days when only academics dominated the conversation about books as a new generation of writers has emerged FILE | NATION Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (centre) when she visited Kenya in November 2013 for the 10th anniversary of Kwani? She gave a series of lectures during her visit. LITERARY DISCOURSE | There is no need to magnify errors into a condemnation of an entire establishment Battle for acceptance of Kiswahili in Uganda is being slowly won was exiled by the British to Zanzibar, a large number of his followers accom- panied him, among them Ramadhan Mukasa, my great-grandfather. He was one of those who didn’t cross to Zanzibar but remained on the Mainland, a distinct group that was teasingly called “Waganda wa Migo- mbani” by the locals. He eventually became a mubaliya (as the Waganda say ‘baharia’), a seaman, and he didn’t return to Uganda, even after the peace agreements there. But his wife Zubeida did get back, with Hajara, then a nine or ten-year-old little girl, who wore a khanga, spoke Kiswahili and, to the horror of the Baganda traditionists, had pierced earlobes with rings in them. When I first returned to Uganda from Dar es Salaam on a short univer- sity vacation, Hajara, then in her late 70s or early 80s, was keen to try on me the few Kiswahili utterances that she could remember from her child- hood. I thought they sounded pretty genuine. Then, remembering the tides, she asked me, “Does the sea still go on visits?” This, for me, was iconic of how deeply the Swahili coast and its worldview ran in my grandmother’s consciousness. With what justification could I, her descendant, claim that Kiswahili was “foreign” to me? But most of my wake-up moments to Kiswahili were of a fairly practical and utilitarian nature. Our first arrival in Dar es Salaam was itself dramatised by two events. One was that we, the Ugandan truants who had missed our flight from Nairobi the previous day, did not know how to get to the campus at Ubungo from the airport, and we could hardly express ourselves in Kiswahili. Secondly, the Kenyan second-year student who had offered to help us get there was totally intoxicated and hardly able to utter a word when we got to Dar es Salaam. He had been gorging himself on alcoholic refresh- ments all the way from Nairobi, a process aggravated by the three- quarters of an hour which we spent on the tarmac at the Zanzibar Airport without leaving the plane. We counted ourselves lucky when we were able to shake our “guide” awake and get him off the plane. But it would have been a little too much to expect him to negotiate a safe passage for us to the university. I cannot quite remember how we finally got to the campus, around 9.30pm. I believe it was still by cour- tesy of the ever-solicitous East African Airways ground staff, a few of whom might have condescended to listen to our “Kizungu” pleas for help. But the point had been impressed upon us, I believe, as it should be upon today’s Kiswahili-shunning Ugandans, that you couldn’t get very far in East Af- rica without a working proficiency in Kiswahili. My big plunge into Kiswa- hili, however, was yet to come. This included the hilarious incident, which I recently narrated to Ken Walibora on a flight from Kisumu, of my having to read Muyaka’s mashairi (poetry) in the original when I could hardly write a correct Kiswahili sentence. But we will leave that for another day. Prof Bukenya is one of the leading African scholars of English and lit- erature in East Africa. He taught for many years in Kenya. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 ‘‘ It is, admittedly an uphill task, but my fellow Waswahilisti and I are not just about to give up the fight” Prof Austin Bukenya SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 38 | Weekend H e is, perhaps, the most elo- quent Kenyan alive. For Prof Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, the former anti-graft czar hounded out of office in 2011, is a master orator in English and Kiswahili, who wows his listeners wherever he speaks. The walls in his Upper Hill, Nairobi, law offices speak for him on who his real heroes are. Portraits of Martin Luther King Jnr, Tanzania’s founding father and philosopher, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and India’s Mahatma Gandhi peer at you. PLO, as he is popularly known, this week spoke candidly about his dramatic exit from the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, blaming his naiveté and politicians from the Nyanza region for hatching the plot to topple him three years ago for his predicament. Now the direc- tor of the Kenya School of Law, PLO believes President Kenyatta is lukewarm in the fight against corruption. Question: Reading maketh a man. What kind of literature made you what you are today? Answer: I read very widely across disciplines. I read the arts, sciences, philosophy, soci- ology and even anthropology to understand what the world is all about. Reading is what energises a man’s mind and vision. It also makes one humble. If you see any person who is arrogant and claims to be knowledgeable, you must question that knowledge. When the oracle of Apollo went out to ask who was the wisest man in Greece, the verdict was Socrates, because he said the only thing he knew was that he knew nothing. I am fascinated with all kinds of knowledge. When you look at the plays, the Greek tragedies and read Sophocles and his Theban plays, it is fascinating. When you go to science and read peo- ple like Einstein and Newton, it is fascinating. When you go to economics and read John May- nard Keynes and Thomas Mann, it is fascinating. Q: What are you reading now? I am reading The New Harvest sent to me a while ago by Prof Calestous Juma of Harvard Kennedy School. I am also reading God Is Not a Christian by Desmond Tutu; Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s Decolonising The Mind; Kidagaa Kimemwozea by Ken Walibora and a little play by Okoiti Omtatah on the life of Lu- anda Magere, the Luo hero. Then there is Heaven and Earth, a dia- logue between Pope Francis and a Jewish Rabbi called Abraham Skorka, Salt of The Earth by Pope Benedict XVI and Kusadikika by Shaban Robert. How do you juggle all that reading with your day-to-day work? At any one time, I will be read- ing very many books because they are placed in different places, in my car, my room, my library and when travelling and almost eve- rywhere. I pick up a book, read it up to some level and when I think I’ve stopped, mark the chapter and then pick up another title. So within one month, I will have read anything between 10 to 15 books because of my reading style. When I wake up in the morning, I read for one hour. Your stint at the defunct Kenya Anti-corruption Commission (KACC) was as brief as it was dramatic, lend- ing credence to those who say good speakers are rarely good leaders. The world does not have a place for men and women who speak the truth. And I have discovered that being honest and truthful is a very painful and lonely affair. An honest man has the chance of a snowball in hell to survive in this country. It is only by God’s grace that some of us continue to survive, given the number of threats I used to receive. You have no shortage of enemies, particularly in the po- litical class. They want material things they think will give them happiness and should you stand on their way, they will annihilate you, they will consume you. Did you talk yourself out of the job? I took the view that corruption is a sin that we must talk about. I remember some politicians used to say “he is talking a lot” but I used to respond that I have not talked enough because as long as the sin is there, we’ve got to talk about and against it. The current style taken by EACC is very different from ours and I have no problem with them. When talking, you also say many things which annoy people. In fact, I was the first Kenyan to be removed from office by a bill of a tender. Par- liamentarians sat down and took the stand. I knew it six months in advance that I was going to be removed. One MP said that if we allow this man to remain in office, all of us will be in jail. And the House was unanimous on this. It demonstrated that even the ethnic equation could take a back seat on this. All the people who have been removed in public before and after me were defended on the basis of their ethnic extraction. The people who attacked me the most were Luo MPs. And what is the genesis of the bad blood between you and Luo politicians? So many of them fell under our anti-graft radar and they thought I would handle them with kid gloves. I am also told that because I denied them the chance to speak during my mother’s funeral, they vowed to kick me out. Why would you really want to politic at a funeral? It is one of the grudges they held against me. That is how banal they were. But some thought that you were engaging in too much activism at the expense of your work. A good anti-corruption boss must be an activist. Those who want to change the society must be activists. Martin Luther King Jnr was an activist, Jesus Christ was an activist, and Mother Ter- esa of Calcutta was an activist. I was not an armchair fighter of corruption. I put my body and life in the streets and that is what they don’t like because such an individual is irritating. But when you get too cosy with people in government, then it becomes difficult to investigate and prosecute them. At KACC, you were the highest paid public servant, how did it feel like los- ing all those millions? I have been a lawyer for over 20 years and not a bad lawyer at that. I have also been an academic for over 20 years. Some of us, when we seek public office, we do not seek it for the salary. I was earn- ing Sh1.9 million a month, but in my law firm I have earned reason- able amounts of money and my lifestyle has never changed; we live as modestly as we must. There are people who think that when you leave a public office Luo MPs hounded me out of KACC LITERARY DISCOURSE | President Uhuru Kenyatta ‘is lukewarm in the fight against corruption’ By Justus Wanga & Julius Sigei CONVERSATIONS WITH BOOK LOVERS
[email protected] then that is the end of your life. After I left KACC, I have been doing consultancy locally, in Tanzania, South Sudan and I have made more income with greater freedom. Do you regret your style of leader- ship given the manner in which you were hounded out of office? Perhaps, I was a little naïve. The basis of my naïvetè was the assumption that the political es- tablishment was supporting the crusade against corruption, that what they said in public is what they meant. The truth is, politicians in this country say with one side of the mouth what they don’t mean, and with the other side of the mouth they mumble what they truly mean. My purported great supporters in public who were saying let him prosecute were the same persons who, when we started investigat- ing, hatched the plot to remove me in South Africa. The plot was hatched in one of the politicians’ house there. It is because we had started investigating the relative of that individual. So I was naïve in that sense. The tolerance for corruption in this country is very high. The Department of Immigration was allowing people to come into the country irregularly just because they could part with cash at our borders. Strangers were issued with identity cards and passports, and we were opening floodgates for danger. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost and it is a tragedy of gigantic proportions. It is now a cancer in our bodies. Is President Uhuru Kenyatta commit- ted to the fight against corruption? What we have now is a luke- warm approach to corruption. I want to hear my President say corruption is a national disaster because it is, the same way we said HIV and Aids was a national disaster. It must be fought at two levels: Eliminate individuals who abet it in offices and then re-examine the anti-graft law. The President must lead from the front. He must be the crusader, like President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Ian Khama of Botswana and even Michael Sata of Zambia, so that he is the chief warrior in the fight against corruption. Together with John Githongo and Tom Mboya, we wrote to him over the Standard Gauge Railway project and as law abiding citi- zens, we wanted him to convince us that this is a good deal. Did he respond to your letter? The following day, he gave the State of the Nation address. As to whether it was because of our letter or it was pre-planned we do not know but in his address, he said that the project would go on anyhow. My view is that nobody can quarrel with the railway project, but to the extent that Kenyans within their constitutional rights have raised issues with it, you must bring the details before the public so that the doubting Thomases can be ashamed and then you become stronger. Senior lawyers have painted a grim picture of the young generation of Kenyan lawyers, saying they lack the intellectual rigour befitting their high calling. What are you doing as the Director of the Kenya School of Law to reverse the situation? There is a crisis in the sense that we have too many law schools that are accepting into the study of law men and women who may not have been motivated to study law. Remember in the olden days we admitted the very best. Because of the numbers of students and the lack of lectur- ers now, the quality has been suffering. Going forward, as law schools, the Judiciary and The Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya School of Law, we must rethink and reorient legal training to focus on skills and ethics to produce a lawyer who is powerful. What book would you recommend to President Uhuru Kenyatta? He should read Shaban Rob- ert’s Kusadikika. It is a book that explains visionary leadership and how a country can be destroyed if the leadership is retrogressive. Another I would recommend for him, the Deputy President and the Cord leadership, and which they must watch its movie version, is the Hindu epic The Ramayana and Mahabharata, which comes in 28 compact discs. The writer of the epic summarises it by saying, “he who has not read Mahabharata has read nothing” and I agree with him. Your critics argue that your elocu- tion is artificial Ha ha ha. Of course, if it is artificial it disappears. I started reading very early on and I remember my Indian teacher in Form One, who taught us Literature in English, called Mr Ashraf. He could ask us to read The Concubine by Elechi Amadi, in rounds and after I had read for the first time, he said that no- body else should read except me and a classmate called Gishinga Kariuki. He said we articulated and pronounced the words cor- rectly. So it is something I have acquired over time but not consciously. When you read and are confident, it gives you the energy to speak with authority because you know. I don’t write my speeches. Do you speak like that in your house? People ask me that. But, of course, I am not giving speeches in my house. The truth is that I believe in articulation and elocu- tion at all levels. What one lesson did you learn from your stint at KACC that you can share with current civil servants? When you enter into any pub- lic office, you must have an exit strategy. Never have photos of your family there or personal ef- fects because in Kenya you can be removed from office any time for no reason. So you live by the day. That is the tragedy in this country. I used to walk with a briefcase with all my personal effects so that when I am sacked, I don’t need to go back to that office. This I also learnt at Constitution of Kenya Review Commission. It’s a lesson that can help those in office now. What are you reading now? At any one time, I will be reading very many books because they are placed in different places, in my car, my room, my library and when travelling and almost everywhere” PLO Lumumba SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Weekend 39 Two Kenyan writers shortlisted for the 2014 Caine Prize BY KINGWA KAMENCU
[email protected] Two Kenyans, Billy Kahora and Okwiri Oduor, have been shortlisted among the five for the annual Caine Prize for African writing. The awards patron, Nigerian great Wole Soyinka, made the announce- ment on April 22. However, it was notable that this year’s shortlist did not have a Nigerian writer. The previous year had featured four writers from the West African country, out of a possible five. Of the Kenyans, this is Kahora’s second shortlisting, his first time hav- ing been in 2012 with the story Urban Zoning. Billy Kahora is managing edi- tor at Kwani Trust and is famous for the investigative non-fiction work, The short life of David Munyakei. He has also been involved in scriptwriting, Soul Boy and Nairobi Half Life being part of his oeuvre. Okwiri, who previously used the name Claudette Oduor, has also been active on the local writing scene in Storymoja and Amka events, recently directing the Writivism Festival in Uganda. She has published with Kwani?, Amka, Saraba, FEMRITE, The New Inquiry and African Writing online. Her novella, The Dream Chasers, was highly commendd in the Common- wealth Book Prize 2012. Kahora and Oduor’s styles are far apart. Kahora’s writing lets in large swathes of light and is slightly up tempo. The deft portrayal of character and use of symbolism are some of the shortlisted story’s strengths. The Gorilla’s Apprentice is set in Nairobi during the 2007 post-elec- tion crisis. In the story, the gorilla ostensibly dies from taking upon itself the psychic load of the Kenyan collective at the time. Meanwhile, Oduor’s My Father’s Head is a surreal and haunting nar- ration of a young woman whose dead father has returned to visit. The story explores the themes of ageing, belong- ing and the meaning of family. The younger writer’s strength is in the sheer exquisiteness with which she spins words: “… smiles that melted like ghee, that oozed through the corners of their lips and dribbled onto their laps long after the thing that was being smiled about went rancid in the air.” Other Kenyans that have been shortlisted since the inception of the Caine Prize 15 years ago have been Lily Mabura, Muthoni Gar- land, Parsalelo Kantai and Mukoma wa Ngugi. Only two Kenyan writers — Binyavanga Wainaina and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor — have previously won. This year’s award ceremony takes place on July 14 at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford in Britain. Apart from Okwiri and Kahora, the other writers that made the short lists this year are Diane Aw- erbuck (South Africa), Efemia Chela (Ghana/Zambia) and Tendai Huchu (Zimbabwe). Efemia Chela’s Chicken is a strong contender for a win due to the story’s strong voice, vivid description and jaunty tone; it could very well take it. Okwiri Oduor’s is another very strong contender. Kenyan writing quality is looking good; do not be surprised if either of these writers brings the prize home this year. Billy Kahora Okwiri Oduor BY DAVID ADUDA
[email protected] P rof Austin Bukenya’s treatise last week amply demonstrated the tran- sition that has taken place in literary scholarship milieu in East Africa. It brought to the fore the question; what is the position of literature in university scholarship and national economies? Is it just literature personalities who are vanishing or is the discipline also losing its lustre? From independence in the early 1960s to the mid-1980s, literature departments in East Africa’s univer- sities were hotbeds for intellectual discourse. They had a mission and a purpose that served to coalesce the scholars and inspire them to pursue higher ideals. Literature provided a tool for cultural renaissance after colonial subjugation. It provided a frame- work for analysing and tackling emerging challenges emerging after independence, among them, betrayal of the masses by the political leadership, emergence of corrupt bourgeois class, eco- nomic exploitation and political suppression. For instance, in 1968 African lecturers at the then departments of English studies at the then University College Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Makerere mounted ag- gressive campaigns to revolutionise and Africanise their departments in protest against the patronising and colonial heritage inherited from the University of London, to which they had been affiliated until Independence. The campaign culminated into the introduction of African Literature, which put the African experience at the core of the syllabus. The campaign trickled down to high schools and in 1974, a con- ference was convened at Nairobi School for high school teachers that reviewed the content of English and literature is schools. Organised under theme: “The nature and role of African Literature in Kenya educational system,” the conference was addressed by, among others, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Chris Wanjala, Eddah Gachukia, Micere Mugo and Ciarunji Chesaina, and the rallying call was to find a role for literature in a new nation. Clearly, there was a determina- tion to give literature its place in society, namely to provide a compass for cultural reawaken- ing and help Africans redefine themselves and through that confront challenges of their time, a theme well-articulated by the revolutionary Guinea Bissau scholar Amilcar Cabral in a speech “National Liberation and Culture” delivered at Syracuse University, US, in 1970. Invariably the intellectual dis- course transcended into political sphere since East Africa states were in a state of ferment. Not only did it fall on the intelligent- sia to lead the process of cultural reawakening and moral rearma- ment, but also to sign-post political danger spots. Although the political flag had been won, the democratic one was flagging. The countries were rising from the ashes of colonial- ism and the new crop of leaders was experimenting with various socio-economic and political models. Regrettably, corruption, nepotism, tribalism and oppres- sive practices were slowly taking root and citizens were beginning to feel a sense of betrayal. Significantly, these provided the fodder for literary themes. Ngugi’s Petals of Blood and Devil on the Cross, Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in the City, John Ruganda’s The Burdens and The Floods, are among a raft of literary works that emerged during that era and encapsulated the frustrations with the post-in- dependence leadership. Simultaneously, the theatre scene was abuzz with political productions in the mould of Ngugi wa Thiongo’s and Ngugi wa Mir- ii’s Ngaahika Ndenda (I Will Marry When I Want), which had to be proscribed allegedly for exciting dissatisfaction against the politi- cal establishment. But things have changed since. Literature departments are no longer the citadels for high-oc- tane intellectual contests. They no longer attract dyed-in-the-wool scholars who pursued the discipline for its intrinsic value. The rigour of literary scholarship that encompassed creative writing, theatre art, stylistics, among others, no longer obtains. It is not uncom- mon to find post-graduate students who leave literature departments without reading Bukenya’s People’s Bachelor or The Bride or the com- plete works of Ngugi wa Thiongo, let alone the complete works of Shakespeare, which some scholars have condemned as obsolete. Worse, most universities do not have recognisable faculty at the departments of literature. In fact, Prof Bukenya should have counted himself lucky that at least there were some names he could recog- nise at the University of Nairobi’s Literature Department, like the venerable Prof Henry Indangasi, Prof Ciarunji Chesaina, who had a stint in the diplomatic service as Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Prof Wanjiku Ka- biru, who also took time off at one time to work with the Constitution Review Commission, Prof Hellen Mwanzi, and Prof Chris Wanjala, who was recently honoured by Masinde Muliro University’s Lit- erature Department. At least, he could have also found soul mates at Kenyatta University where the likes of Dr Waveney Olembo, Dr Kisa Amateshe, among others, are still teaching, Moi University where we have the likes of Prof Amuka, Masinde Muliro where we have the likes of Prof Egara Kebaji, who regularly contributes on this column. But the situation is worse in some of new universities, where literature departments are staffed with lecturers hardly known in literary cycles. Admittedly, the pressure for uni- versities to generate incomes has seen departments embroiled in a rat-race to offer the so-called mar- ket driven courses at the expense of rigorous scholarly programmes and literature is one of the casual- ties. Experiments have been made in some literature departments to introduce journalism and com- munication units to make them attractive. It is also not lost that the teach- ing environment at the universities has forced a number of literature scholars to scatter to all the four corners of the world in search of better incomes. Ultimately, the question is not just the vanishing cadre of litera- ture scholars, but circumstances are changing in such a way that the departments are finding them- selves in a fix. Prof Bukenya, my good literature teacher, should not feel deflated when he hardly finds his peers and acquaintances at the literature department, for a number has moved on due to the exigencies of the day. Mr Aduda, a manager at the Nation, was for a long time the Group’s Education Editor and au- thor of literature texts. Pray, where did the irreverent literature scholar of yore go? Univers- ities are no longer citadels for high- octane intellectual contests FILE | NATION A lecture hall at a local university: What is the position of literature in university scholarship and national economies? LITERARY DISCOURSE | Is the discipline also losing its lustre? ‘‘ Prof Bukenya should have counted himself lucky that at least there were some names he could recognise at the University of Nairobi’s Literature Department” SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 40 | Weekend BY JOHN ONKANGI “F ather, what is the dif- ference between the sun and the moon?” This question was posed to me by my son as we went to close the gate to my home one night. “The moon is as bright as the sun,” he continued. As I reflected on the question, another was raised — between the sun and the moon, which one is more important to humanity? My simple answer was the sun. I have developed an insight, equating the sun to literary form and content and the moon to lit- erary theory. We can survive in the world if the moon was not there; but without the sun, we will perish. Form and content are the key pillars in any literary work. Liter- ary theory is only an appendix whose role in the literary world can be contested. Literary theory gets plenty of emphasis that it doesn’t deserve. In undergraduate, Masters and PhD classes, literature students are expected to master all liter- ary theories including Marxism, formalism, structuralism, deconstruction, sociological, post-colonial, psychoanalysis and post-modernism. I appreciate the minimal role these theories play in literature, but I can say that literary theory is a waste of time in literary scholarship. When defending a thesis, every candidate meets the question: “From which school of thought.” Are we not allowed to come up with our own schools of thought? Why should we be forced to think the same way as Srauss? Literary theory is like a castrated husband who wants his children to posses his physiologi- cal traits despite knowing that he is not the father of these children. Allow me to illustrate. Many literary writers have no knowledge of literary theory. Shakespeare, Conrad, Dickens, Maillu, Wright, Kasaya, Mphelele, among others, never based their works on any school of thought, yet they wrote magnificent works. We have doctors and engineers who have turned writers. Are their works bad because they lack knowledge on literary theory? Literary theories have reduced literature students to mechani- cal writers. They strain to write within certain schools of thought and end up producing novels, plays and poems that are ex- tremely boring. Writing is natural. I have read some novels written by professors of literature, and they are pathetic. Secondly, these literary theo- ries were propagated by scholars who were never students of lit- erature. Some were linguists and sociologists like Karl Marx, Sassure, Strauss and Sigmund Freud. I am yet to trace the point of convergence between literature and these theories. The few similarities I noticed cannot establish a marriage between lit- erature and literary theory. This forced marriage was intended to bring up methodology, which is a crucial tool in research. I am sure that we can carry out research in literature without resorting to methodology. Methodology is best left to sciences. Lastly, some scholars of these theories have recanted their earlier postulations, hence rendering them useless. For example, Sigmund Freud took a u-turn from his theory. Why are we still stuck on psychoa- nalysis? Marxist ideologies of power struggle and the use of violence to counter oppression have been overtaken by events. In the 21st century our focus is peace and diplomacy. To conclude, The time has come for us to make a paradigm shift and approach literature from its form and content. Theoriz- ing literature is obsolete and misleading. The writer is a PhD student at the University of Leceister.
[email protected] Literary theory is obsolete in the world of literature Literary critic Chris Wanjala of the University of Nairobi. Readers corner Literary Discourse BY EDWIN OTEYO LUNYIRO A fire that is denied firewood will definitely die out. But if fire wood is added to it and fanned, it will burn well. This is what literature needs. I would equate literature to the Nigerian kola nuts, hence the proverb, kola nuts stay longer in the mouths of those who enjoy them. Literature is alive, and it can die as well. Without writing, reading and discussing it, it will surely die. For the eight years that I have taught literature, all the workshops and seminars I have attended have always been facilitated by examiners, lecturing us on how to make students pass examinations. Never have I attended one where the set texts were discussed or debated. Is this justice to literature? Secondly, limiting literature especially in some English examination papers is akin to murdering it. For example, examiners only recognise regular and irregular rhyme schemes in poetry. What about: rhyming couplet, alternating and plain rhyme, ottava rima, rhyme royal, and terza rima? We should expose the learners to all that they can grasp. Literature is moribund. When students are en- couraged to read questionable guide books, some super-summarised, we will end up producing lazy readers who only want to be spoon-fed, later to re- gurgitate in examinations. Let students discuss the texts with the teacher’s guidance. Let us keep the fire of literature burning by showing its applicability and, after analysing a text, drawing parallels between it and the contemporary society. As much as theatrical performances enhance the learning of set books, only plays and oral literature genres should be performed, not nov- els and short stories. Such productions should be produced and directed by qualified litera- ture specialists, and not money-minded chaps. The writer is a journalist and English literature teacher based in Nairobi. We should keep the literature fire burning BY FRANKLINE MUKEMBU The ministry of Education has passed a policy to implement the teaching of local languages in lower classes in primary schools. A big dilemma, however, hangs on this sensitive issue. The million dollar question is whether this policy is workable, owing to the fact that the structure of our schools has drastically changed. Some schools are situated in urban, cosmopolitan areas. Most pupils do not speak any native language due to inter-mar- riages, among other factors. The government may be coerced to employ as many teachers as there are native languages in a particular school to cater for this need. The teach- ing of these local languages may not appropriate as it may breed tribal animosity among the 42 tribes in Kenya today, among other vices that come along with tribalism. Kiswahili is both the national and the official language as per the Constitution . Our sole aim of teaching languages in our schools is to promote language policies and for examination. We aspire to achieve Vision 2030 and a proper education policy is crucial. Why the teach local languages which will never be examined instead of embracing those that will benefit us? The ministry should review this policy and em- phasize the teaching of Kiswahili in lower classes. Meanwhile, parents can play the role of teaching their children their respective local languages and dialects for identity purpose and cultural propagation. The writer teaches Kiswahili and Georgraphy at Mu- nithu Day Secondary School in Meru County. Teach Kiswahili instead of vernacular in school BY SAMUEL CHEGE The irony surrounding our edu- cation system is that year after year, the number of those joining it in search of knowledge keep ris- ing yet the challenges facing the society increase day by day. Curriculum is developed from the society. Students come from the society, are taken through the education system and then sent back to the society to provide solutions to the challenges bedev- illing it. Why is it, then, that the society is still facing numerous challenges ranging from corrup- tion, tribalism, nepotism, crime, disease, ignorance, drug abuse and the like? Where does the buck stop? Is it with the curriculum developers, curriculum implementers or the society itself? I think our education system is squarely to blame. It just doesn’t live up to its expectation. The emphasis on papers as a proof for knowledge acquisition is the cause of this predicament, as far as I am concerned. People don’t seek to know but to be seen that they know. Papers tell others we know while the real- ity on the ground could be very different. Education should equip people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. However, it seems we are only interested in pass- ing knowledge. Skills, attitudes and values are left out since they are hardly tested in the process of evaluation. This explains why potential employers would rather employ a quack at the expense of a ‘professional’ who does not posses the relevant skills. The other challenge facing the system is that those charged with the responsibility of developing values suffer from their defi- ciency themselves, right from the institutions of learning to the society itself. The teacher who is supposed advocate against drug abuse is an addict himself. The police officer who is supposed to arrest criminals is a criminal himself. The judge who is prevailed upon to convict corrupt individuals is himself corrupt. The clergyman who is supposed to teach selflessness is selfish and greedy. And as one young musician put it, ‘ni system ya majambazi (it is a cor- rupt system).’ We all suffer from these shortcomings. No wonder tribalism still reigns supreme even to the respected members of our society. Corrup- tion , civil wars and insecurity are still evident in our institutions. Concrete and visible action needs to be taken urgently or else our society will go to the dogs. The writer teaches at Stepping Stones Preparatory, Makongeni, in Thika, Kiambu County. He is also a school-based Bachelor of Education student at Mount Kenya University. Our education system unable to resolve problems bedeviling the bigger society To contribute to this page, please send your comments to
[email protected] a.com or write to The Editor, Saturday Nation, POB 49010, Nairobi 00100. Maths is not that difficult BY ANDOLO AMBASI The article by Prof Egara Kabaji and Dr Misigo (Satur- day Nation, May 10, 2014) was great. Many of us who took up professions that are regarded as difficult are left to sympa- thise with the people who have high mental abilities but have been made to think they are mathematical dwarfs. We concur with Prof Kabaji and Dr Misigo, that mathemat- ics is a very simple subject and should be demystified. I would propose that we team up and form an organisation that will popularise mathemat- ics. As stated in the article, the curriculum should be such that the mathematics taught should be in line with a student’s in- tended career. The writer is an engineer. Writing requires patience BY GRIFFIN LUKE AWINO Reading some manuscripts intended for publication can leave one with jaundiced eyes. The current crop of budding writers lack patience and ac- curacy. We are a nation of the fast-lane lifestyle. Many aspiring authors wake up write in the morning and want to have their manuscripts published before the sunsets. That is a pipe dream that can only be answered by a letter from the publishers saying, “we like your story but we cannot publish it.” Regret letters from the pub- lishing firms kill the morale of untapped talent. No publisher should be blamed for rejecting stories that do not meet the publish- ing threshold. Writers should blame them- selves for not having taken their time to present their stories in catchy and captivating prose. This newspaper has a col- umn, ‘In their own Words’, dedicated to authors. Budding writers should read it to realise that it requires patience to get your work ac- cepted by strict publishers. Most of these authors had story after story rejected be- fore they finally had their books published. Writing is a skill that can only be honed by patience, exposure to reading material from different authors and regular practice. The conributor is a freelance writer. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Weekend 41 ABUJA, Friday N igeria’s President Good- luck Jonathan on Friday cancelled a visit to the hometown of more than 200 schoolgirls who were kidnapped by Islamic militants, sparking fresh criticism of his handling of the crisis. A senior government official told AFP that Mr Jonathan’s trip to remote Chibok in Borno state “was on (the president’s) sched- ule up to this morning” but the visit had been scrapped. No reason was given but se- curity concerns were reportedly blamed. Instead of visiting Chibok, Mr Jonathan is now due to head direct to a security summit in Paris on Saturday to discuss the Boko Haram threat to regional stability. Jonathan’s administration has been widely criticised for its slow response to the kidnapping on April 14, which saw 276 girls abducted by militants. A total of 223 are still missing. But they were forced to act in the face of a social media campaign and street protests that won global support and at- tracted the attention of foreign powers, who have now sent specialist teams to help in the rescue effort. The cancellation prompted immediate criticism on social networks and others who claim the president has shown indiffer- ence to the mass abduction. “If, as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he is afraid to visit Chibok because of secu- rity fears, he is simply telling the hapless people in the northeast that he cannot protect them and they should resign themselves to their fate,” said Debo Adeniran, of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders pressure group. In the United States, which has sent drones and surveillance air- craft, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said Nigeria had been “tragically and unacceptably slow” to tackle the crisis. Show leadership “I have called on President (Goodluck) Jonathan to demon- strate the leadership his nation is demanding,” Democratic senator Robert Menendez said. Others raised the Nigerian military’s human rights record after well-documented claims of abuses carried out by soldiers, including arbitrary detention and summary execution of civilians. The Principal Deputy Assist- ant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Robert Jackson, told senators: “Resolving this crisis is now one of the highest priori- ties of the US government.” A state of emergency was imposed in three northeastern states worst affected by the violence on May 14 last year. Special powers were extended for a further six months in No- vember. President Jonathan requested the extension on Tuesday, call- ing the security situation in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa “daunting.” More than 2,000 have been killed this year alone, most of them civilians, in increasing violence across Muslim-majority northern Nigeria that has seen churches, schools and entire villages attacked. Police in northern Bauchi state, where Boko Haram gun- men previously attacked a girls’ school, said about 30 gunmen destroyed two village primary schools late on Wednesday but no one was injured. (AFP) Members of civil society groups sit to protest the ab- duction of Chibok school girls during a rally pressing for the girls’ release in Abuja on May 6. Nigeria’s President Jonathan Goodluck has come under fierce criticism over the slow response towards the stu- dents’ kidnap. He on Friday cancelled a trip to Chibok. PHOTO | AFP Security concerns blamed for last minute change of plan to visits students’ hometown If, as commander-in- chief of the armed forces, he is afraid to visit Chibok because of security fears, he is simply telling the hapless people in the northeast that he cannot protect them” Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders member Debo Adeniran CRISIS | President widely criticised for slow response to a situation that has drawn the world’s attention TO COMMENT ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES GO TO www.nation.co.ke Nigeria’s Jonathan cancels visit to abducted girls’ town amid protests WORLD ‘NEW ERA’ FOR INDIA AFTER LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR MODI India’s triumphant Hindu nationalists declared “a new era” after win. Page 45 HARARE Zimbabwe deflation persists, inflation gains Zimbabwe’s annual inflation for April climbed by 0.65 per cent to -0.26 per cent from -0.91 percent in March as the country remains in deflation, the statistics agency said on Thursday. Monthly infla- tion gained 0.81 per cent to 0.58 per cent in April, up from -0.22 per cent the previous month. Zimbabwe, which is facing a seri- ous liquidity crunch worsened by acute shortage of lines of credit and foreign investment, plunged into deflation in February this year after several months of dis- inflation. (Xinhua) JOHANNESBURG S.Africa briefly detains DR Congo ‘prophet’ South African authorities on Thursday detained for a few hours a self-proclaimed “prophet” who is wanted by Kinshasa over his role in violence that claimed more than 100 lives in DR Con- go’s two main cities. Mr Joseph Mukungubila Mutombo, who describes himself as God’s “last envoy to humanity after Jesus Christ and Paul of Tarsus”, was arrested at dawn at his house in the suburbs of Johannesburg. “We managed to get him out on bail,” his South African lawyer Ashraf Essop told AFP. The lawyer said the charges against Mutombo are outlined in an Interpol arrest warrant following a complaint by the Congolese government. BRIEFLY BENGHAZI Fierce clashes erupt in Libya’s eastern city Fierce clashes erupted in Lib- ya’s eastern city of Benghazi on Friday between Islamists and forces led by a retired general seeking to purge it of “terrorists”, an AFP journalist and witnesses said. The witnesses said a group led by Khalifa Haftar, a former rebel chief in the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi, was backed by warplanes that pounded a barracks occupied by the Islamist “February 17 Brigade” militia. Militiamen re- sponded by opening up with anti- aircraft fire. The two groups also clashed in the Sidi Fradj area of south Benghazi, the AFP journal- ist said. (AFP) SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 42 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 43 CAPE TOWN, Friday S outh Africa’s biggest opposition out- fit, the Democratic Alliance, said it will intervene following the news that the Cabinet Security Cluster intends to take a report on the president’s home for a judicial review. “This decision by the Security Cluster is a transparent case of the executive trying to interfere with the independence and impartiality of a Chapter Nine institu- tion (the Public Protector’s Office),” said James Selfe, chairman of the DA Federal Executive. The Security Cluster had said earlier on Thursday that it will refer Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report on the Nkandla scandal to the High Court for review of its inaccuracies. “The security cluster ministers have resolved to take the Public Protector’s report on the security upgrades installed in the private residence of the President (‘the Nkandla report’) on a judicial review by the High Court,” government spokes- woman Phumla Williams said. Mandonsela issued the report on March 19 on the final findings into the security up- grades of Zuma’s private home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Province, a project that al- legedly cost 245 million rand (about 23 million US dollars) in public funds. The Public Protector claims that Zuma’s family unduly benefited from the project and wants Zuma to pay part of the money spent on the project, a request rejected by Zuma. “It is the ministers’ view that the Public Protector’s report and the inves- tigation she conducted trespass on the separation of powers doctrine and offend against section 198(d) of the Constitution which vests national security in Parliament and National Executive,” Williams said in a statement. Remedial action “The grounds of the review will be fully canvassed in the review papers,” she said. It is also the ministers’ view that some of the findings and remedial action proposed by the Public Protector in her report are irrational, contradictory and are informed by material errors of law, said Williams. In response to the government move, the DA has already begun consulting its lawyers with the view of joining as inter- vening party, Selfe said. “The Constitution requires organs of State to assist and protect the Public Protector for the independent impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Consti- tution. In the light of the aforegoing the threatened review application is inconsist- ent with the Constitutional imperatives,” Selfe said. He said the DA believes that it is part of a greater plan to try and block the reappointment of an ad hoc commit- tee to consider this matter on the grounds of it being sub judice. To the extent that there are any inaccuracies in the report, a parliamentary ad hoc committee is the correct body to consider such arguments, Selfe said. The committee, he said, will be able to listen to input from the Security Cluster as well as seek answers to questions which were not fully answered by the report. The DA will be considering the application by the Ministers as soon as it is available and make a decision on what steps to take, “ Selfe said. “We will not hesitate to approach a court to become an intervening party if needs be.” A Parliament ad hoc committee set up to consider submissions by Zuma on the Public Protector’s Nkandla report was dissolved last month before the May 7 general elections on the grounds that there was not enough time for it to do justice to the task at hand. The matter is left for the fifth Parliament to be sworn in later this month. (Xinhua) SA party to intervene in suit on Zuma home report PHOTO | AFP South African President Jacob Zuma waving at his supporters after casting his vote on May 7 at Ntolwane Primary School in his rural village of Nkandla. The Public Protector wants him to pay part of the cost of upgrading his Nkandla home. SCANDAL | Ministers in court for a judicial review of report on the president’s Nkandla home upgrade This decision by the Security Cluster is a transparent case of the executive trying to interfere with the Public Protector’s Office” Democratic Alliance party official James Selfe SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 44 | Africa News NEW DELHI, Friday I ndia’s triumphant Hindu national- ists declared “the start of a new era” in the world’s biggest democ- racy on Friday, after hardline leader Narendra Modi propelled them to a stunning win on a platform of revital- izing the sickly economy. Preliminary results at the end of the marathon six-week election showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by prime ministerial candidate Modi on track for the first parliamentary majority by a single party in 30 years. Most of the poverty-wracked country’s 1.2 billion people — more than half of whom are under 25 — have never witnessed such dominance having grown up in an era of fractious coa- lition politics. Modi, the 63-year-old son of a tea seller tainted by anti-Muslim riots in his home state of Gujarat in 2002, wrote on Twitter that “India has won. Good days are coming.” The stunning results exceeded all forecasts. Firecrackers exploded at BJP offices around the country and sweets were handed out in celebrations that began only a few hours after the first figures filtered out. The triumph redraws India’s political map, elevating the BJP to a pan-national power, handing Modi a huge mandate for change and heap- ing humiliation on the ruling Gandhi political dynasty. The immediate change Modi will need to deliver is an improvement in the economy, growing at its slowest rate in a decade, but his past as a re- ligious hardliner means he is viewed with suspicion by India’s 150 million Muslims. “This is the beginning of change, a people’s revolution and the start of a new era,” senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar told AFP at party headquar- ters in New Delhi. Preliminary figures from the Elec- tion Commission showed the BJP winning more than the 272 seats required for a majority on its own in the 543-seat parliament, with vic- tories by its allies taking it easily in excess of 330. The Congress Party, the national secular force that has run India for all but 13 years since independence, was set to crash to its worst ever result after a decade in power. “Modi promised the moon and stars to the people. People bought that dream,” senior Congress leader and spokesman Rajeev Shukla told reporters as preliminary results showed the party winning only 45 seats. (AFP) ELECTION RESULTS | BJP in historic landslide win for first parliamentary majority in 30 years ‘New era’ for India after Modi’s victory Ruling Congress party concedes poll defeat and outgoing PM congratulates winner Chief Minister of western Gu- jarat state and main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi flashes the victory sign in Vadodara yesterday. Right: Mr Modi (centre) with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) and industrialist Manu Chandaria when he visited Kenya in 2008. PHOTOS | AFP AND NATION FILE I n his recent talk at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Interna- tional Affairs in Princeton, New Jersey, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gave an insightful speech on the place of Africa in the world today. Among the notable points he raised was the need for Africa to be able to speak about its own ‘hunts’. He rightly observed, using the familiar story about the lion and the hunter, that as long as the lion cannot speak, hunters will continue to tell its story. Yet, perhaps aware of the difficulty of not just speaking about the hunt but actually knowing what that story is, Raila did not elaborate. Similarly, in his speech on World Press Freedom Day, President Kenyatta emphasised the need to ‘tell the African story from an African point of view’. He did not provide any details. Oth- ers have been less circumspect, but with rhetoric that although easy on the ears, remains fundamentally impractical. It is true that the representation of Af- rica in the international media remains primarily rooted in a colonial master nar- rative. The African story in world media is typically rendered in its simplicity. Africa is discussed on the twin premises of sameness and difference. The latter is especially significant, for as anthropolo- gist Kelly Gillespie observes, Africa is easily understood to many as ‘not-Europe’. Its wars are therefore unique, its problems chronic and intractable. The reaction to this representation has however, been at best profoundly reactionary. Rather than construct an alternative narration of the continent, we continue to contest the master narrative, but often on the ‘enemy’s’ terms; We are not incom- petent and we are not corrupt. But what then are ‘we’? More importantly, who are ‘we’? A number of these contestations often start from a position that renders our response inherently contradictory and ineffective. In fact, by imagining and constructing an undifferentiated ‘we’, we validate the very contentious narrative we seek to contest. The failure to acknowledge the instabil- ity of the referent – Africa, or of its story, partly legitimises the very essentialisation of a diverse continent as an undifferenti- ated space and culture. Precisely because of this, we paradoxically end up with Africa’s misrepresentation in the very attempts to revise the same. Erasing differences to create a single Africa is problematic as it validates sameness. African Al-Jazeera We have even heard fervent calls for the creation of an ‘African Al-Jazeera’. While the impact that Al-Jazeera has had in (re-) positioning the Arab world in international media is indisputable, whether it has changed the discursive practices with which the Arab story is told remains a subject of debate. In ad- dition, the funding model of Al-Jazeera - for this cannot be divorced from what it says- is certainly not one to be paraded as a success story. The largesse of Al-Jazeera’s benefactors should not be taken for peerless magna- nimity. Influence and self-preservation is often at the heart of such benefaction. Indeed, looking back at the recent AU Summits in Addis Ababa, the prospect of an ‘African Al-Jazeera’ sounds frightening. We saw leaders of some of Africa’s most despotic regimes known to kill political opponents for sport, who have amassed themselves odious wealth, jailed journal- ists and shut down media organisations, trump up the need for a pan-African news media controlled by them. It is worrying that at this point in time, the main response to Africa’s negative characterization in world media still tends to gesture towards unbridled nationalism. Much older pan-Africanist movements no doubt provide us a useful archive from which we can learn about ourselves and indeed, be. These movements, as the scholar John McCall delightfully de- scribes, wanted to ‘discover and cultivate a common cultural core – a poetics that could ring as true in a Congo village as on the streets of Johannesburg’. But such poetics was equally prob- lematic as it homogenized experiences, criminalised difference and closed pos- sibilities for diversity. That past is laced with understandable sentimentality. A similar approach to Africa’s rep- resentation today is ideologically and practically redundant. I am African, but I am also a son of many worlds. The anxi- eties that are part of the contemporary ‘African’ experience are a function of a variety of factors, the most dominant of which may not necessarily be the obvi- ousness of being African. For this reason, I find a more persuasive argument in Valentine-Yves Mudimbe’s calls for Africa to be more ‘epistemologi- cally inventive’ in expressing the self. There is a very real danger of a new African narrative being ‘colonised’ by the African elite. What Africa needs is not a giant pan-African media but its many radio and TV stations and its numerous newspapers. It is on these platforms that the African story is and will be told. These stories elaborate on the falsehood of a centralised identity. An ‘African Al-Jazeera’ will be distinctly un-African! Who are we? Let us tell the African story ANALYSIS | George Ogola Dr Ogola teaches at the University of Central Lancashire,
[email protected] SANAA Yemen leader vows raid on Qaeda dens The Yemeni president has vowed to clear Al-Qaeda from all its remaining bastions, say- ing that an offensive launched by the army in the south last month would be extended na- tionwide. “The battle against the terrorist organisation is open-ended,” President Ab- drabuh Mansur Hadi told se- curity chiefs late on Thursday. “The armed forces and the se- curity services should prepare operations to clear these ter- rorists from Abyan, Shabwa, Baida, Marib and everywhere they have set foot,” he said in comments carried by the of- ficial Saba news agency. The southern provinces of Abyan and Shabwa and the neigh- bouring central province of Baida have been the focus of the offensive which the army launched on April 29. (AFP) BRIEFLY PURPLE ROYAL AUCTIONEERS Krishna Mansion, 1st Floor, Suite 14, Moktar Daddah Street, Opp. Jevanjee Gardens P.O. Box 26093-00100 Nbi. Tel: 020-313696, 2243932 Mobile: 0713-562094 Email:
[email protected] PUBLIC AUCTION Duly instructed by our Principals, the chargees , we shall sell the under mentioned motor vehicles by public auction on SATURDAY 24 TH MAY,2014 AT AUTO GALLERY (M) LTD, WAIYAKI WAY OPP LION’S PLACE, WESTLANDS starting from 10.30 a.m. NO. REG. NO MAKE MODEL 1. KBV 826A TOYOTA SUCCEED S/WAGON 2. KBH 269K TOYOTA MARK II SALOON 3. KBT 411G TOYOTA LEXUS RX 400 SALOON 4. KBR 594M TOYOTA FIELDER S/WAGON 5. KBN 540A TOYOTA CALDINA SALOON 6. KBP 375G NISSAN X TRAIL S/WAGON 7. KBS 297G TOYOTA VOXY S/WAGON 8. KAL 273Y SUBARU LEGACY S/WAGON 9. KBV 975G LANDROVER GREEN TOUR VAN S/WAGON 10. KBT 766A TOYOTA AVENSIS S/WAGON 11. KBM 629T TOYOTA VOXY S/WAGON 12. KBG 380L MAZDA TRIBUTE SALOON CONDITIONS OF SALE 1. All interested buyers are requested to view and verify all the details of the Motor vehicle as these is not warranted by the Auctioneer. 2. Refundable deposit of Kshs.50, 000/= in form of BANKER’S CHEQUE ONLY strictly to be paid to obtain a bidding number 3. The motor vehicle will be sold on ‘As Is Where Is’ basis 4. Sale of motor vehicle is subject to reserve price and all documents are available. 5. Viewing can be done from MONDAY 19 TH MAY, 2014 BETWEEN 10.00a.m to4.00p.m. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 45 BUSINESS TOYOTA SIGNS SH129M FARM MACHINERY DEALERSHIP Japan firm gets exclusive rights to distribute Case IH tractor brands in Kenya. Page 47 Portland issues profit warning after loss of market share BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Portland cement company has issued a profit warning, saying its earnings will decline by over a quarter in the full year ending June 2014. The management cites a raft of challenges that have depressed its business in the period under review. The cement maker has been grappling with low prices of the commodity occasioned by increased competition and loss of market share to rivals. “The company has faced chal- lenges characterised by increased competition that depressed prices, loss of market share due to new entrants into the local market,” the cement maker said in a state- ment. Increased staff costs and high interest rates coupled with depreci- ation of the Kenya shilling against major world currencies are also to blame for expected poor perform- ance in the year ending June, the management said. “Unfavourable developments in the company’s export markets in the East African region resulted in drastically reduced sales for the period,” the firm said. In the first half period of the accounting year that ended De- cember 2013, the cement marker’s profit after tax declined by 44 per cent to Sh283 million compared to Sh327 million recorded in a similar period in 2012, a move that ana- lysts say that the profit warning “comes as no surprise”. Boardroom wrangles “Despite all the uncertainty surrounding East Africa Portland Cement Company’s current and future operations, even without the boardroom wrangles, the firm is still the least efficient operator amongst key industry players,” said Standard Investment Bank analysts. The government is also planning to offload the cement maker to Ni- gerian billionaire Aliko Dangote. Last year, Mr Dangote announced plans to invest Sh35 billion in Kenya’s cement industry. His firm, Dangote Cement, recently acquired business licence and mining rights in Kenya. Portland’s operations have been frequently interrupted by boardroom wrangles between management, Lafarge and the government. The company has faced challenges characterised by increased competition that depressed prices” Portland statement BY NATION CORRESPONDENT Keroche Breweries was given the green light yesterday to sell its drinks by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse. This comes a day after the Nacada officials said the company had failed to provide samples and documents to be cleared. Nacada officials visited the Naivasha-based brewer and gave its products a clean bill of health. “We’ve cleared the issues that were there between us (Keroche) and Nacada,” managing director Tabitha Karanja (right) told Nation. Nacada chairman John Mututho’s call went unanswered when Nation contacted him for comments. However, earlier in the day, he told the Press that he had no grudges with Keroche adding that his team would visit the plant on a fa- miliarisation tour. The development removes anxiety from the workers, distributors and customers some of who had reacted strongly over the move to stop sale of Keroche beers. On Thursday, Mr Mututho had warned the brewer that its products would not be allowed in the market as the company had failed to provide documents and samples but Ms Karanja argued that the firm had done that to the Kenya Bureau of Stand- ards for verification. Keroche said it was shocked by Nacada’s action. Keroche gets green light to sell its beer brands BY ZEDDY SAMBU
[email protected] D r Silas Simiyu has won the battle over control of Geothermal Devel- opment Company that pitted him against chairman Simon Gicharu. In a reshuffle announced yesterday, President Uhuru Kenyatta moved Mr Gicharu to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in a similar capacity and replaced him with Mr Faisal Abass. Mr Abass was the chair of REA. The two were handed a one year contract. Yesterday, reports sug- gested that Mr Gicharu had actually been removed in a boardroom coup. Mr Gicharu, who is the founder of Mt Kenya University, de- manded the removal of GDC chief executive, Mr Simiyu, accusing him of corruption. The standoff came barely three months after Mr Gi- charu was appointed to head the company on December 27 last year. In a confidential report sent to the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, Mr Gicharu accuses Mr Simiyu of mismanagement, nepotism and dishonesty. He had de- manded GDC audited while Mr Simiyu is out. Mr Gicharu has been em- broiled in a tussle with the firm’s CEO over a tender revolving the purchase of an electrical rig which was awarded to Sichuan Hong- hua Petroleum Equipment at Sh2 billion ($21.5m). The anti-corruption commission then started investigations into the parastatal. GDC gave China Petroleum Technology and Development Corporation an additional job in a contract worth Sh6 bil- lion to put up three rigs after initially winning the tender for two in 2011. Members of the Public In- vestments Committee said the deal would be contrary to the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, the Public Finance Management Act and the Law of Contract. However, Dr Simiyu said the procedure was in line with the rules of the African Development Bank which had given the government the money partly as a loan and as a grant. The government then gave GDC the money as a grant. The shake-up came as Mr Kenyatta directed policy mak- ers in the Ministry of Energy to fastrack new generation and transmission programmes to cut the cost of power. At a meeting, Cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir led nine par- astatals chiefs in the energy sector to give an update on the power supply status and projections for the period of May to September. Contacted, Mr Gicharu said the work at GDC was still wanting. “We resolved the issues and issued a joint statement with the CEO. However, I am still not proud of the work output by GDC.” Sh6bn Value of tender GDC awarded to Chinese firm to put up three rigs GDC chief executive Silas Simiyu retains post. Simiyu wins GDC power tussle Gicharu edged out of geothermal firm after three months’ battle with CEO Mr Simon Gicharu now be- comes REA chairman. Mr Faisal Abass replaces Mr Gicharu at the helm of GDC. CHANGES | Mt Kenya University founder swaps places with REA’s Faisal Abass and contract cut to one year PUTTING HEADS TOGETHER | Human resources managers sharpen skills at conference Delegates follow pro- ceedings during the 2014 Human Resources Congress at Serena Beach Resort in Mom- basa. Organised by the Institute of Human Resource Management, the conference brings together personnel managers from various parts of the country. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 46 | Business News NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE Last 12 Mths Security Prices High Low Yesterday Previous Shares Agricultural 57.00 21.00 Eaagads Ord 1.25 29.50 123.00 80.00 Kakuzi Ord.5.00 132.00 132.00 100 167.00 110.00 Kapchorua Tea Co Ord 5.00 144.00 144.00 200 625.00 450.00 The Limuru Tea Co. Ord 20.00 670.00 30.00 19.40 Rea Vipingo Plantations Ord 5.00 27.50 19.95 11.25 Sasini Ltd Ord 1.00 17.00 16.90 5,700 350.00 210.00 Williamson Tea Kenya Ord 5.00 272.00 280.00 200 Automobiles & Accessories 50.00 21.00 Car & General (K) Ord 5.00 33.50 - - CMC Holdings Ord 0.50 13.50 13.50 9.00 Marshalls (E.A.) Ord 5.00 9.30 9.20 700 7.70 4.50 Sameer Africa Ord 5.00 8.65 8.75 42,700 Banking 19.15 15.00 Barclays Bank Ord 0.50 17.00 17.00 245,500 155.00 54.00 CFC Stanbic of Kenya Holdings Ord.5.00 139.00 142.00 29,800 248.00 141.00 Diamond Trust Bank Ord 4.00 237.00 236.00 200 42.25 29.50 Equity Bank Ord 0.50 39.00 39.75 510,100 42.50 22.00 Housing Finance Co Ord 5.00 39.25 42.00 89,200 145.00 85.00 I &M Holdings Ltd Ord 1.00 128.00 51.00 35.50 KCB Ord 1.00 46.75 47.00 179,700 39.25 18.50 NBK Ord 5.00 33.50 32.00 89,800 68.00 48.50 NIC Bank Ord 5.00 59.50 60.00 19,200 340.00 271.00 StandardChartered Ord 5.00 309.00 309.00 2,300 25.00 14.50 Co-op Bank of Kenya Ord 1.00 22.50 22.50 869,100 Commercial & Services 5.10 3.40 Express Ord 5.00 5.00 4.80 38,100 - - Hutchings Biemer Ord 5.00 20.25 14.70 8.30 Kenya Airways Ord 5.00 12.80 12.80 166,500 16.50 5.00 Longhorn Kenya Ord 1.00 13.00 13.00 16,500 400.00 271.00 Nation Media Group Ord. 2.50 322.00 319.00 1,100 247.00 44.00 ScanGroup Ord. 1.00 47.00 47.50 2,700 39.00 24.50 Standard Group Ord 5.00 35.00 35.50 2,900 56.50 40.00 TPS EA (Serena) Ord 1.00 41.50 40.75 7,400 24.00 14.00 Uchumi Supermarket Ord 5.00 13.35 13.20 20,500 Construction & Allied 98.50 60.00 ARM Cement Ord 1.00 83.50 83.50 2,700 225.00 170.00 BamburiCement Ord 5.00 175.00 173.00 42,400 96.00 75.00 Crown Paints Kenya Ord 5.00 93.50 95.00 1,300 18.00 13.80 E.A.Cables Ord 0.50 14.55 14.75 17,300 110.00 56.50 E.A.Portland Cement Ord 5.00 92.50 92.50 2,400 Energy & Petroleum 17.90 10.00 KenGen Ord 2.50 11.05 11.05 267,000 11.80 7.90 KenolKobil Ltd Ord 0.05 9.15 8.50 4,919,800 20.75 13.50 KP&LC Ord 2.50 14.90 14.85 257,600 - - KP&LC 4% Pref.20.00 8.00 5.50 5.50 KP&LC 7% Pref.20.00 5.50 28.75 12.65 Total Kenya Ord 5.00 26.25 26.00 2,800 13.00 13.00 Umeme Ltd Ord 0.50 13.00 Insurance 20.00 7.30 British American Investments Co.0.10 17.70 17.80 386,600 12.20 4.20 CIC Insurance Group Ord.1.00 11.25 11.15 1,210,700 334.00 217.00 Jubilee Holdings Ord 5.00 328.00 326.00 17,300 21.00 13.10 Kenya Re Corporation Ord 2.50 19.90 19.95 213.700 23.00 9.20 Liberty Kenya Holdings Ord 1.00 21.25 20.00 14,800 145.00 51.50 Pan Africa Insurance Ord 5.00 125.00 126.00 3,500 Investment 41.00 17.05 CentumInvestment Co Ord 0.50 40.00 40.00 652,500 6.00 3.50 Olympia Capital Holdings Ord 5.00 4.80 4.70 9,900 37.75 20.00 Trans-Century LtdOrd 0.50 23.50 22.75 1,300 Manufacturing & Allied - A.Baumann & Co. Ord 5.00 11.10 190.00 100.00 B.O.C Kenya Ord 5.00 140.00 139.00 83,700 635.00 521.00 British American Tobacco Kenya Ord 10.00 600.00 600.00 100 67.50 30.50 Carbacid Investments Ord 5.00 33.50 33.00 37,600 426.00 212.00 East African Breweries Ord 2.00 297.00 300.00 59,700 4.00 1.90 Eveready EA Ord 1.00 3.60 3.75 92,400 8.60 4.40 Kenya Orchards Ord 5.00 8.60 5.05 2.85 Mumias Sugar Co. Ord 2.00 3.10 3.10 1,288,800 27.50 14.00 Unga Group Ord 5.00 26.00 25.50 4,900 Telecommunication & Technology 13.40 6.15 SafaricomLtd Ord. 0.05 12.85 12.60 57,811,000 Growth & Enterprise Market Segment (GEMS) 25.00 4.40 Home Afrika Ltd Ord. 1.00 5.25 5.20 1,013,700 NSE All Share Index(NASI)-(1 Jan 2008=100 Up 0.42 points to close at 151.15 NSE 20 Share Index Up 22.24 points to close at 4967.57 EquityTurnover-972,392,282 Prv1,757,433,564 BANK RATES Euro $ £ C$ SF IR JY ZR BANK ABC buy 119.82 87.35 146.70 - 98.08 1.48 85.98 8.39 sell 120.11 87.55 147.08 - 98.35 1.48 86.21 8.43 Barclays buy 119.64 87.30 146.49 80.21 97.91 1.48 85.95 8.37 sell 120.09 87.50 147.00 80.54 98.35 1.49 86.31 8.41 Co-op buy 119.74 87.30 146.58 80.26 98.03 1.48 86.04 8.19 sell 120.03 87.50 146.95 80.49 98.31 1.49 86.25 8.55 Equity buy 119.33 87.30 146.20 79.90 97.45 1.45 85.65 8.30 sell 119.75 87.50 146.50 80.20 97.82 1.48 85.95 8.50 NBK buy 119.83 87.35 146.70 80.32 98.11 1.48 86.08 8.39 sell 119.96 87.45 146.83 80.45 98.24 1.49 86.23 8.41 KCB buy 119.80 87.45 147.10 80.30 98.10 1.49 86.00 8.35 sell 120.30 87.65 147.60 80.60 98.50 1.49 86.40 8.55 CBA buy 119.73 87.30 146.62 79.63 98.05 1.48 85.96 8.35 sell 120.11 87.50 147.08 80.14 98.31 1.48 86.20 8.46 CFC Stanbic buy 119.53 87.15 146.33 80.15 97.87 1.47 85.84 8.38 sell 119.83 87.35 146.67 80.34 98.10 1.48 86.04 8.48 GulfAfrican buy 119.93 86.80 145.13 79.02 98.57 1.44 84.93 8.19 sell 120.23 87.00 145.50 79.24 98.84 1.44 85.14 8.29 FCB buy 120.40 86.70 146.50 79.00 98.70 1.30 84.50 8.00 sell 121.20 87.20 147.30 79.70 99.40 1.50 85.40 8.60 Prime buy 119.50 86.90 146.70 80.00 98.00 1.46 85.40 8.40 sell 120.00 87.30 147.20 80.50 98.50 1.47 85.90 8.60 CBK RATES Mean Buy Selll 1 US Dollar 87.3892 87.3044 87.4739 1 Sterling Pound 146.7620 146.5912 146.9328 1 Euro 119.7915 119.6580 119.9250 1 South African Rand 8.4143 8.3836 8.4451 Ksh/Ush 29.0083 28.9229 29.0936 1 Ksh/Tsh 18.8926 18.8170 18.9681 1 Ksh/Rwanda Franc 7.7871 7.7166 7.8576 1 Ksh/Burundi Franc 17.7370 17.4338 18.0403 1 UAE Dirham 23.7920 23.7686 23.8154 1 Canadian Dollar 80.3085 80.2011 80.4159 1 Swiss Franc 98.1045 97.9784 98.2306 100 Japanese Yen 85.9792 85.8760 86.0824 1 Swedish Kroner 13.3745 13.3599 13.3890 1 Norwegian Kroner 14.6508 14.6339 14.6678 1 Danish Kroner 16.0512 16.0298 16.0727 1 Indian Rupee 1.4875 1.4860 1.4890 1 Hong Kong Dollar 11.2733 11.2623 11.2842 1 Singapore Dollar 69.7997 69.7264 69.8729 1 Saudi Riyal 23.2822 23.2575 23.3070 1 Chinese Yuan 14.0230 14.0071 14.0388 1 Australian Dollar 81.8766 81.7863 81.9670 UNIT TRUSTS Money Market Funds Daily Yield Effective Annual Rate African Alliance Kenya Shilling Fund Kenya Shilling 6.70% 6.91% Old Mutual Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 6.33% 6.51% British-American Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 9.43% 9.89% Stanlib Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 7.06% 7.29% CBA Market Fund Kenya Shilling 5.94% 6.12% CIC Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 9.67% 10.11% Zimele Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 9.0% 9.31% Amana Shilling Fund Kenya Shilling 9.73% 9.92% ICEA Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 7.92% 8.25% Madison Asset Money Market Fund Kenya Shilling 9.29% 9.70% GenCap Hela Fund Kenya Shilling 12.20% 12.77% Fixed Income Funds/Equity Funds/Balanced Funds Buy Sell African Alliance Fixed Income Fund Kenya Shilling 11.56 11.18 CIC Fixed Income Fund Kenya Shilling 9.18 9.42 Standard Investment Income Fund Kenya Shilling 102.38 102.94 African Alliance Kenya Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 191.53 179.87 ICEA Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 139.33 146.66 British-American Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 201.41 207.81 CBA Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 155.66 165.24 CIC Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 13.30 14.00 Old Mutual Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 376.95 403.89 Stanlib Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 168.02 168.02 Madison Asset Equity Fund Kenya Shilling 57.68 61.23 GenCap Hisa Fund Kenya Shilling 125.31 120.93 African Alliance Managed Fund Kenya Shilling 22.03 20.75 British-American Managed Retirement Fund Kenya Shilling 133.90 135.03 ICEA Growth Fund Kenya Shilling 140.18 147.55 Amana Growth Fund Kenya Shilling 109.50 109.50 British-American Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 191.37 196.96 CIC Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 12.99 13.60 Old Mutual Balanced Fund/Toboa Kenya Shilling 154.78 164.81 Madison Asset Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 69.48 73.31 Amana Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 109.30 109.30 Zimele Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 5.25 5.41 Stanlib Balanced Fund Kenya Shilling 129.76 129.76 GenCap Eneza Fund Kenya Shilling 124.10 119.75 GenCap Iman Fund Kenya Shilling 115.80 110.01 Stanlib Bond Fund B1 Kenya Shilling 105.70 105.70 Stanlib Bond Fund A Kenya Shilling 105.25 105.25 Old Mutual East Africa Fund Kenya Shilling 150.00 158.77 British American Bond Plus Fund Kenya Shilling 145.30 148.26 GenCap Hazina Fund Kenya Shilling 118.89 114.73 ICEA Bond Fund Kenya Shilling 99.56 100.57 Old Mutual Bond Fund Kenya Shilling 102.42 104.85 ARAB CURRENCY/$ Algerian Dinar 78.4777 Bahrani Dinar 0.37701 Djibouti Franc 177 Egyptian Pound 7.0049 Jordanian Dinar 0.708 Kuwait Dinar 0.28054 Lebanese Pound 1513 Libyan Dinar 1.2245 Moroccan Dirham 8.1344 Omani Riyal 0.386 Qatar Riyal 3.6403 Saudi Riyal 3.7504 Syrian Pound 148.1 Tunisian Dinar 1.6151 Yemeni Riyal 214.75 UAE Dirham 3.673 Currencies are quoted against the US Dollar BY RAMENYA GIBENDI @ramenyagib
[email protected] T oyota Tsusho has upped investment in its Kenya agriculture unit by sign- ing a Sh129 million dealership deal with a farm machinery giant. The Japanese company has acquired exclusive rights to distribute Case IH trac- tor brands in Kenya targeting maize, rice, wheat and cane farming. The deal comes two months after the company won a Sh103 billion government tender to construct the region’s first fertiliser factory by 2016, a move that promises to bring down the cost of the key farm input. “We shall deal in Case IH tractors used for harvesting, planting, tillage and spray- ing. We will be in Mwea rice fields, Narok wheat farms and Western Kenya Sugar cane farms,” said Toyota Tsusho East Africa director Dennis Awori. Entry into the agriculture sector is the latest diversification strategy by the Japa- nese car maker as it seeks to cut reliance on saloon cars that has hitherto been its niche business. The agriculture division was launched late last year and has been selling Yanmar brand of tractors as the company prepares for increased demand for tractors by the government and private sector investors. Wider presence While Yanmar tractors target small-scale farmers due to their relatively smaller diesel engines, the Case tractors and harvesters could be targeting large-scale farmers thus giving Toyota a wider presence in the farm machinery segment. The automaker last year diversified into the commercial vehicle division with introduction of the Hino brand of trucks and buses to ride on increased transport demand in the country. Previously CMC holdings held the ex- clusive dealership agreement with Case Toyota signs Sh129m farm machinery deal INVESTMENT | Company has already won Sh103 billion tender to construct East Africa’s first fertiliser plant in Rift Valley Japan firm gets exclusive rights to distribute Case IH tractor brands in Kenya targeting grain and cane farmers IH but the shift to Toyota Tsusho leaves it with the Holland brand of tractors that dominate large-scale farms. Mr Awori said that Toyota Tsusho shall ride on the existing branch network owned by Toyota Kenya to gain market traction as opposed to establishing new ones. “We will also be opening branches in Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa to ensure accessibility besides our partner- ship with Toyota Kenya,” he said during the partnership launch. A feasibility study for the construction of a fertiliser plant in Rift valley is expected to be complete next month. The first phase of the set up shall involve the construction of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium fertiliser plant. The second phase is meant for production of Diammonium Phosphate, urea and Calcium Ammonium Nitrogen fer- tilisers, with the first production expected in 2016. Besides considerably cutting down the cost of fertiliser since 40 per cent of the total cost emanates from port charges, Toyota has plans to get the larger East Africa market as none of the member countries has a fertiliser factory. Subsidise input East Africa’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture but depends on imported fertiliser, a factor that forces governments to subsidise the input so as to cushion farm- ers from high costs. “We are currently searching for land between Nakuru and Timboroa where the first phase of this project shall commence,” said Mr Awori. ‘‘ We shall deal in Case IH tractors used for harvesting, planting, tillage and spraying. We will be in Mwea rice fields, Narok wheat farms and Western Kenya Sugar cane farms” Toyota Tsusho EA director Dennis Awori SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Business 47 Tenders are invited from eligible suppliers for the supply and delivery of the following items and services to the college from 1 st July 2014 to 30 th June, 2015. Category Description TTC/1/2015 Tender for the supply of Maize flour TTC/2/2015 Tender for the supply of Food Stuff(Shop) TTC/3/2015 Tender for the supply of Fresh Milk TTC/4/2015 Tender for the supply of Fresh Fruits, Irish Potatoes & Vegetables TTC/5/2015 Tender for the supply of Cereals(Maize, Beans and Rice) TTC/6/2015 Tender for the supply of Meat TTC/7/2015 Tender for the supply of Animal feeds and Farm Inputs TTC/8/2015 Tender for the supply of Bakery Products TTC/9/2015 Tender for the supply of Students Uniform. TTC/10/2015 Tender for the supply of P.E Uniform and Games Equipment. TTC/11/2015 Tender for the supply of Repair, Maintenance and Servicing of college Motor Vehicles TTC/12/2015 Tender for the supply of Cleaning materials and Detergents. TTC/13/2015 Tender for the supply of Petroleum Products. TTC/14/2015 Tender for the supply of Firewood and Charcoal TTC/15/2015 Tender for the supply of Pharmaceuticals TTC/16/2015 Tender for the supply of Office Stationery. TTC/17/2015 Tender for the supply of Sanitary Services. TTC/18/2015 Tender for the supply of Electrical Materials TTC/19/2015 Tender for the supply of Insurance Services for college vehicles TTC/20/2015 Tender for the provision of Computer Consumables and Accessories TTC/21/2015 Tender for the supply of Printing Services Tender forms giving full details may be obtained from the Principal’s Secretary during working hours upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Kshs.2,000/= per tender item in cash or Bankers cheque at the college Accounts office. Completed tender forms enclosed in plain, sealed envelopes and clearly marked with the appropriate tender number, bearing no indication of the tenderer should be addressed to The Senior Principal/Secretary BOM, Thogoto Teachers College Private Bag, Kikuyu, Tel.020-2075823, 0716-113560 Or be deposited in the tender box at the college on or before Friday 6 th June 2014 at 10.00am. Opening of Tenders will be on the same day at 11:00 a.m. in the Learning Resource Centre and those tenderers who wish to witness the opening are invited. All the prices quoted must be net (inclusive of all Government Taxes). The college reserves the right to accept or reject any tender in whole or part and is not bound to give any reason thereof. Late bids will not be accepted. JOB OPPORTUNITY COLLEGE NURSE JOB GROUP H Applicants should; i. be holders of mean grade C (plain) and above in K.C.S.E. ii. have a Diploma in Nursing iii. have a working License from Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN) iv. be computer Literate v. be 26-30 years old Working experience will be an added advantage. NB: Male nurses & Persons with disability are encouraged to apply. The application together with copies of Certificates, testimonials, good conduct and National ID should reach the undersigned by Friday 30 th May 2014. Senior Principal, Thogoto Teachers Training College, Private Bag, Kikuyu. THOGOTO TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE TENDER NOTICE INVITATION TO BID EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SCOPE OF WORK • The Selected Firm shall undertake the following: • Feasibility studies • Population Survey and Data Evaluation • Topographical Survey • Land use and development patterns • Assessment of current Sewerage Collection and Disposal situation in the area. • Assessment of Wastewater Collection requirements. • Preparation of preliminary designs, layout drawings and profiles, detailed designs drawings and schedules for the sewer reticulation works. • Preparation of specifications, Cost estimates, project scheduling and tender documentation. • Advice on implementation modalities. • Preparation of Prequalification criteria and evaluation of Bidders. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION Interested firms must demonstrate the following: • Understanding of the assignment • Experience in Similar Assignments (Proof of having performed similar assignments). • Availability of appropriate skills among its staff, (Qualified personnel for the task) –Demonstrate evidence. • Financial capability and commitment The E.O.I. documents must be accompanied by copies of the following: • Company profile (with clear organization structure and qualification of staff) • Company Registration / Incorporation Certificate • Copy of Valid Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA • Copies of at least three references from organizations your firm has offered similar services. • List of at least similar projects undertaken before. (List of firms, description of projects, name and contacts of reference officials) Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications. The selected firms shall be issued with the request for proposal and detailed Terms of Reference (TOR). Sewerage Company Limited reserves the right to accept wholly or in part, expressions of interest submitted for consideration. Completed Expressions of Interest documents in plain sealed envelopes clearly marked the Ref. No. and addressed to the address below must be deposited in the Tender Box situated on the first floor, Administration Block, at the Head Office, Kampala Road off Enterprise Road, Nairobi by 12.00 noon on Friday May 30, 2014. Expressions of interest submitted after the closing date and time will be rejected. Expressions of Interests will be opened immediately thereafter in the Boardroom in the presence of participating bidders or their representatives who choose to attend. Managing Director Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Ltd Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road P O Box 30656-00100 Tel. 254 (20) 3988540 Nairobi, Kenya. The Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the County Government of Nairobi. The Company is a Water Service Provider licensed by Athi Water Services Board and is charged with the provision of Water and Sewerage Services in Nairobi and its environs. The Company invites sealed bids from eligible bidders as described below: S/NO. TENDER REF. NO. TENDER DESCRIPTION MANDATORY SITE VISIT 1. NWSC/66/2013 Supply and Delivery of 1No. 30ton Tracked Excavator with Breaker Set N/A 2. NCWSC/67/2013 Proposed 375M DN 225 Sewer Relief Off Komarock Road Kariobangi South All interested bidders must attend a Mandatory Site Visit on Friday May 30, 2014 at 10.00am. Bidders will converge at Kampala road Procurement Offices at 9.00am for guidance to the site. 3. NWSC/69/2013 Supply and Delivery of Poly Aluminium Chloride (Re-Advertisement) N/A 4. NWSC/70/2013 Supply & Delivery of Laboratory Equipment, Spares, Chemicals and Glassware (Re-Advertisement) N/A Interested eligible bidders may inspect and obtain complete set of bidding documents in English from the office of: - The Supply Chain Manager Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Ltd Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road P O Box 30656-00100 Tel. 254 (20) 3988534 Nairobi, Kenya. during office hours from 08:30 – 15:30 local time on Mondays to Fridays except during lunch time from 13:00 to 14:00 hours and public holidays. Any further information may be obtained from the same office. Bid documents may be purchased by interested bidders upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Kenya Shillings 1,000.00 (One Thousand) only; or an equivalent amount in any other eligible currency. The method of payment will be either in banker’s cheque payable to Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, or cash. A complete set of bid documents in a plain envelope clearly marked the contract No; contract description Without the name & address of the Bidder, shall be returned to the address below, and deposited in the Tender Box situated on the first floor, Administration Block, at the Head Office, Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road, Nairobi on Friday June 06, 2014 at 10.00 am. Bids shall be opened immediately after the closing date and time. Bidders or their representatives able to attend are welcome. Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Limited reserves the right to accept wholly or in part, a bid submitted for consideration and does not bide itself to accept the lowest or any bid. Managing Director Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Ltd Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road P O Box 30656-00100 Tel. 254 (20) 3988540 NCWSC/71/2013: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST- CONSULTANCY SERVICES - ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR DESIGN AND DOCUMENTATION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SEWERLINES. The Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company Ltd is wholly owned by the City County of Nairobi. The Company is a Water Service Provider licensed by Athi Water Services Board and is charged with the provision of Water and Sewerage Services in Nairobi and its environs. The Company invites eligible, qualified and registered firms, to express their interests in Design and documentation of primary and secondary Sewerlines within Zimmerman, Kahawa West, Clayworks, Kasarani, Mwiki, Riruta, Utawala, Plot 10-Embakasi, Kangundo Road-up to Ruai, KPA- Inland Container Deport-along Mombasa Road and Kawangware. Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road P.o. BOX 30656-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (20) 3988000 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 48 | NAIROBI & UPCOUNTRY PERSONAL NOTICES A116 Marriage DO You Want a certain man/woman 2 marry u?Is she/ he unfaithful & want him/ her to commit to u alone? Want back ur partrner & restore ur love e.t.c Call Sowari 0722140527 LONELY? sms LOVE to 22450 MALIK Lost lover Back 24hrs wealth, job, exam, financial debt, marriage. Pay after success 0732095797 STABLE LADIES 0727574565 PERSONAL SERVICES A181 Beauty 0722638216 men spanish therappy Aromatherapy W/lands 0722542568 EXCEPTIONAL beautty therappy westlands Raphta Rd 0728740014 LOGINwww.nairobihotgirl.com OPEN 8am - 8pm 0724023824 PARKLANDS pedi 0722763034 Westlands Deluxe spaa 0735737450 A183 Body Fitness PERFECT Touch msg 0728768131 A202 Entertainment AMAZON Kitengela Chamaa / other meetings Nyama Choma DSTV/Music BEAUTIFUL Dancers tonite @Club Elegance. Parklands Rd next to Shell opp MP Shah Hosp, buy one beer, get one free. BUY 1 beer get 1 free only @ Apple Bees Club. Her girlfriends tonight PARTY 2nite. She is an Italian celebrity @ Club Caldino 3rd fl China Centre Ngong Rd. Buy 1 beer get 1 free A230 Health 0721486044 Physiotherapy care/msg COLON Hydrotherapy 0721486044 REFLEX Centre Call: 0731252262 A279 Notices PHYSICAL PLANNING ACT, CAP 286 PROPOSED CHANGE OF USER The owner of Land Title No. CHERANGANI/ KACHIBORA BLOCK 2/BWAGIRA/30 located in Cherangani off the Kitale- Kachibora Road in Trans Nzoia County wishes to change the use of that parcel of land measuring 4.05 from agricultural to a school and a clinic. This subject to the approval by the County Government of Trans Nzoia. Individuals, Institutions or organizations etc. with objections to the proposal are requested to do so in writing within 14 days of this notice to: The County Secretary, County Government of Trans Nzoia P. O. Box 4211-30200, Kitale. PHYSICAL PLANNING ACT, CAP 286 PROPOSED CHANGE OF USER The owner of Land Title No. CHERANGANI/ KACHIBORA BLOCK 2/BWAGIRA/31 located in Cherangani off the Kitale- Kachibora Road in Trans Nzoia County wishes to change the use of that parcel of land measuring 4.05 from agricultural to a charitable Children Institution. This subject to the approval by the County Government of Trans Nzoia. Individuals, Institutions or organizations etc. with objections to the proposal are requested to do so in writing within 14 days of this notice to: The County Secretary, County Government of Trans Nzoia P. O. Box 4211-30200, Kitale. AGRICULTURE & HOME PETS & LIVESTOCK A974 Birds KUROILER Chicks 0728343327 A988 Dogs & Dog Training GSD pup 2 month 20k 0720771985 REGD GSD Puppies 0735447440 B015 Poultry AUTO Imported Incubators 1056, 528, 352 chicken eggs 0722851228 HATCHING services 0722850673 SHOPPING GUIDE COMMERCIAL B462 Business for Sale Great opportunity prestigious running restaurant & resort 13rooms 2apartments fully equipped&renewed located in Bamburi Beach MSA s/pool pool bar, 135kwa auto generator call 0724794318/
[email protected] B476 Business Opportunities RICE Supplier needed 0726138072 B498 Construction ARCHITECTS, Engineers, contractors, developers and home owners, Divine Stone Coated Roofing Tiles on offer at Deco Roofing Systems LTD. Call for quotation on 0715946267 B525 Financial @0202245564 cash on ipads&iphone5 020-2245564 cash on LED TVs 50”plus 020-2245564 spot loans on Toshiba, Macpros& HP Laptops btwn 20K-50K 0703621523 cash on cars laptops ipads led TVs gold ornaments ADVANCE selling ur car 0722833300 LOANS on the spot between 15-40K with laptops as security, 0723408602 WE Advance you cash & trade in as we sell your car 0713266196 CLEANING SERVICES FOR SALE OR WANTED A822 Computers Lptop&Mac*repair i buy dead 0721486136 SACCO software free WWW.LT.CO.KE REPAIR & MAINTENANCE B324 Building WE repair all leaking tanks. Call 0710566444 WE Sell tiles terazo walmaster plus workmanship 0723587437 WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO STAY A571 Hotels GLORY Palace Hotel 1000/- per person call: 0723176777, 0726427267, @SELDOM Hotel-Murang’a rd: For accommodation single 1000/=. Meetings Conferences & Satelite TV 0722 820601, 0722511159 @UPRUMYS Hotel Parkroad For accomm. single 600/= Meetings Confe rences 0711154488, 0722511159 RABI-HOTEL, Ngara, Limuru rd.For accom. single 1200/=. Conferences, meetings. Ample secured parking and Satelite TV 0721557367,0722511159 TOURS & TRAVEL FOOD & BEVERAGE SITUATIONS VACANT B250 General CUTEST Chics wanted 0722798431 DRIVERS&T boys 0708907878 GET a job SMS JOBS to 22450 A Private residence in Nairobi requires a lady House Keeper / Cook aged between 35 - 45 years with more than 5 years experience Apply and give phone No. to: P. O. Box 50063-00200, Nairobi HOUSEKEEPER / COOK SALES Job CV Box 55672-00200 NBI TECHNICIAN welder, fitter, tailor Send CV Box 55672 - 00200 NBI READERS ARE ADVISED To make appropriate enquiries and take appropriate advice before sending money, incurring any expense or entering into binding commitment in relation to an advertisement. NATION MEDIA GROUP shall not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting of offering to accept an invitation contained in any advertisement published in the Nation. SITUATIONS WANTED B277 Domestic/Casual Jobs 0703621523 Houegirls wanted 0722516342, 0721834778 trained h/g EDUCATIONAL B383 Education CAKE Baking Classes Call 0722525659 / 0726446652 WOMEN & girls partial scholarships for Degree, Dip & Cert 0721-479525, 0706-618734 B382 Schools 300 - Bed School, 20-Acre Best Design & Site 0729733888 MOTORS MOTORCYCLES & BICYCLES HEAVY COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES B049 Car Hire EDEN Rent a car, special Rate, Saloons, 4x4, Prados, Limousines, Pick -ups, Voxy, 0723719444, 0733758503 001DUCYLIC HIRE SERVICES 0729565529, 0710274642, 0720902577 0700128555 rav4, Voxy, saloon new, modern, f/ld, variety from 2500/- p.d CAR TRACK @ 10K 0727246257 VICTOR safaris & tours ltd car hire 0720545192, 0722379197 B085 For Sale, Private @ TRACK & trace your vehicle, stop engine by sms. 0722379954 HONDA Airwave BX new 0722630365 MERC E240 04 1.6M 0705136364 TO BOOK & PAY FOR YOUR ADVERT USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE Create a new sms and send to 20115 Advertising Code SMS TO 20115 AD#B085# TOYOTA Corolla 2003 Kshs 500,000 call 07xxxxxxxx EXAMPLE NISSAN B15 KBP silver v/c 450k 0721954678 owner Nissan Xtrail KBT 06 900k 0722379197 NZE BT 750k BS 680k R4 1200k as new q/sale 0771996523 / 0701346058 PREMIOKBX 950k 0721387144 PROBOXKBW. 350K 0726511558 T/Probox KBY/W 2008 1.5cc auto a/rims DVD MP3 alarm 700k KBX 2006 auto KSH650K 0722584179 T/RACTIS 2006 680k 0716324937 T/WISH KBM 2.0cc 650k 0722507412 ARE U in need of help in love family affair impotence business lost items etc Call Seku 0722919565 LOVE Partner sms 0704057570 0703488922 max size delay power 200 FANTANELA Parlour 0722789281 SOUTHB bty 0715135343 0722138090 men’s delay, power size MENS big size & confidence 0726272266 MENSinstant hardrock 200 0726272266 PRO-EXTENDER machine (USA) for size. 100% guarantee 0722506355 B546 Machinery for Sale USED compressor atlas copco xas 56 for hire/sale tel 0723427353 170 Form 4 lvrs needed in Tascan Mkting co. in Ngara Graceland J4 for sales promos distbn 7000 wkly. free training & interviews No experience needed 0712857055, 0718355523 180 Form 4 lvrs & above needed in Tascan Mkting co. in Chiromo rd. in sales promos, distrbn 7000 wkly no exp. needed free training & interviews 0711585261, 0708615542 QATAR Kitchen steward 1yr exp. call 0724312834 B227 Containers CONTAINER 40f call 0733311830 0722218094 NEW CARS @ 1500 PRIMIOWISH 2K 0720543149 BONGO 1800cc at 08 0723257421 FIELDER 07 N/B 1.1M 0723257421 MITS FH KAZ 1.8M 09 0723809310 NISS ExTour KBN local 1.8m call owner 0723809332 S/Impreza BV Blue 620k 0723365756 TOWNACE KBY 850K 0715200956 RATES Motoring / Property Classifications: VAT Inclusive All Days 450/= per line per day Beauty/Medical/Health/Herbal & Acupuncture Sections All Days 550/= per line per day SEMI DISPLAY (BOXED CLASSIFIED) All Days 2,000/=per centimetre column +VAT Minimum size 4cm x 1 column Beauty/Medical/Health/Herbal & Acupuncture Sections All Days 2,100/=per centimetre column +VAT Minimum size 4cm x 1 column DNA Voucher Fee 2,500/- BUREAU OFFICES Mombasa Kisumu Furaha Plaza, Ground floor, Mega Plaza, 3rd flr, Wing B Nkuruma Road, P.O.BOX 80708 Tel: (057) 2021699, 2021230 Tel: 0732 138 900, 0719 038 900, 020 328 8900. 0734 333 385, 0722 200 770, 041 222 5479 Eldoret Fax 2230264 Fax (057) 2020388 Kisumu Zion Mall, Wing C, Tel: 0722 200 773 Nakuru 0719038950/1 C.K. Patel Building, Kenyatta Avenue Te (051) 2215506, 2215740, 2211688 Nyeri Kona Hauthi House. P.O. BOX 1396, Tel: (061) 2030640, Tel/Fax: (061) 2034120 ADVERTISING COLLECTION POINTS THIKA MACHAKOS Jopaka Enterprises Mwanzia Building, Next to Katubas Jogoo Kimakia Building Bob Odalo: 0723373971 Patrick Kamau: 0725856687 Email:
[email protected] Email:
[email protected] KITENGELA Mbambu Communications Behind Kobil Sarafina Hse, 1st Flr Rm 36 Clairbourn Building, Uhuru Street 0723373971 / 044-20342 / 0755629572 along Kwame Nkuruma Road KARATINA Room No.A7, Maggie: 0722755823 Harmony Plaza, Email:
[email protected] First Flr. Next to Equity Bank, Stephen Munyiri: 0733277993/ 0711411515 EMBU Email:
[email protected] Peterson Stationers/Bookshop County Council ADC House KISII Peter Kangugi: 0722894910 Mwalimu House, Telfax: (058)31386 Email:
[email protected] Peter Angwenyi: 0722478171 Admedia International Ltd, Email:
[email protected] Nguviu House, 1st Floor, Rm 02 Above Mbuni Dry Cleaners MERU Silas Nthiga: 0722357028/020 2114546 Ndiungi Agencies Email:
[email protected] Kingora Building, Opposite Meru Teachers House Sophia Ntinyari: 0712628022 KAKAMEGA Email:
[email protected] Friends Communication Isiolo Video Den Ambewe Complex, 2nd Flr, Rm 6, Pwins Plaza, 1st floor, opp. Uchumi Supermarket Wycliffe Irangi 0722375680 Peter Kaluai: 0721405815 Email:
[email protected] Email:
[email protected] AM ENTERPRISES: KERUGOYA Bungoma County S.N. Peter Designers, AM Enterprises Ltd Ushirika Bank House, Nasombi House, Moi Avenue 2nd Floor, Lucy Gitura: 0725608918 Opposite Bungoma County Assemmbly P.O. Box 2502 NAIVASHA/NYAHURURU Call Chriss Masinde Njabini Service Station Tel. 055 30161 Tel: 0713 375405/0723019528 Cell: 0721 526154 Email:
[email protected]/
[email protected] KITUI MWIYENDI PRONTO SERVICES Chief Kitonga Building, Biashara Street, Wadi Plaza along Kilungya street, Kitui town, 1st Floor, Room 6. P.O. Box 8 - 90200 Kitui Room G8 behind Bondeni Pharmacy, Pinnacle News Agency: 0720922438. Email:
[email protected] Email:
[email protected] Winnie Mwende 0726384400 and 0736286593. For further enquiries, call: 0719 038 8661/3/4/5/6 or email:
[email protected] A109 Lost LOSS of title deed KJD KAP North 13645 LOSS of title deed KJD KAP North 13645 0202245564 Size,delay,hardrock 150/= 0707758259 size hardrock delay 200 0723408602 Breast firming Mombasa 0723408602 Hip booster Mombasa 0723408602 maximum big-size @1500 0723408602 men’s max control@2000 0723408602 men’s max delay@1500/= 0723408602 Reduce pot Mombasa 0723408602 Size,delay,hardrock 150/= ASIANS Aroma - 0722108363 ASMARA Aroma 0722795917 (10) s/mkt/att cashier strore/k, tea/g, driver, t/boy waiters cleaner, msnger & Recept. Worldwide gill hse 0707812199 0700851917 s/mkt attt cleaner T/Boy Worldwide Marktng Gill Hse 0715207736 bce Driver T/boy shop att clner worldwide marktng gill hse HOUSEGIRLS jobs in Oman, Lebanon, good salary. Call 0722148995 MBAGATHI View Academy Mixed Day & Boarding Sec Sch in Nrb admission F1-3 in progress call 0723341103 N/WINGRD 07' slv 720K 0725228656 N/WINGRD 07' slv 720K 0725228656 NIS B15 KBE slv 360K 0735793338 T/PREMIO BP slv 680K 0735793338 T/shark 7L KBY dsl 1.75m 0722616632 TNZE KBX 1m 06 0722954658 A244 Herbal Medicine HAKIM helps in love affairs business boost lost items etc for more information call 0700697893 PUBLIC NOTICE The ownership of land Parcel No. Kwale ramisi s.s / 318 wishes to change use of all that agricultural land measuring 0.42 HA to residential cum commercial use subject to the the approval of the county government of Kwale. Individuals, institutions etc with objections of the proposal are requested to formally forward them in writing within fourteen (14) days to: County secretary County Government of Kwale P.O. Box 4_80403, Kwale B243 Domestic/Casual Jobs 2H/girls wntd good sal+off 0721531412 PRADOBB 980K 0722212564 T/110 AU 390K 0722212564 LOSS of title deed KJD Kitengela 6358 KINGSTONE Boarding boys High sch adm (FI-4) fees 8500 Call 0714-356421 Githurai 45 STARLIGHT Girls high sch boarding Quality Edu tight security fees 8500 adm (F1-4) 0724-609440 Kgd rd Nbi SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Classifieds 49 TOY / 110 KAQ v/cln accdt free manual 400Kshs neg 0722541823 TOY /Allion 06 KBU exc. condition askg 950k 0722616369 owner TOY Allion KBN silver 780k 0736727838 TOY Belta KBV 06 650k 0722379197 TOY Rav4 KBN 05 1.1m 0722379197 TOY Shark KBJ 0734038099 XTRAIL n/shape 08 model KBV-E gun metalic. v/clean 2M 0736727838 B113 Motor Vehicle Repairs RESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS PROPERTIES B740 Land, Plots for Sale 1.75acres with water and electricity available for sale. 3km from Nyeri town. 11.5m neg. 0704538457 90% Loan for plot 0736291747 ATHI River Kinanie 1/8plots 530,000/- Tel: 0721911159 JUJA Farm 50x100 300k Titles 0720938283, 0705147102 Pattmos JUJA Italian bungalow next to uchumi. 0724381408 KASARANI Mwiki 100acres 8Million per acre 0720756509 Kawangware 1/2acr 0788436793 KAYOLE (Mihang’o) 1/4 acre water, elect, near tarmac 2.5M 0722889102 KISERIAN Serviced 1/8 @1.6M, RONGAI Tuala @750K 0722459649 KITE / Korompoi 50x100 @700Ksh titles 0722329122, 0717455575 NAKURU Kenlands big vacant plot ideal for all -owner 0724313188 NANYUKI (Sweet waters) 1/8a150K pay 50% bal 6 months 0710842611 PEPONI 1acre for flat 0722732244 PEPONI commercial 0722732244 RUIRU 50x100, 650k & 40x60, 650k, 400k & 250k ready titles 0720938283, 0705147102 Pattmos SYOKIMAU 4.5acres 0727466238 THIKA Githingiri next to Golf Club 1/4a t/deed 4.7M no agents 0736727838 WESTLAND 1acr 100m 0788436793 B768 Premises, Offices to Let LAVINGTON Amboseli rd new flats 2br 35k shops 20k & 12k bedsitters 8k. Call 0727948196, 020-2395490 ONE & Two br units Waithaka Tel 0723693244/ 0720551247 ONE br units furnished Waithaka Tel 0723693244 B782 Properties for Sale BTL 6bdrm m/net 9M 0734830430 FEDHA 1 4br+SQ 1/8ac 0722707160 FULLY developed Boarding school in Kisumu county. Appx. 12km from town centre. Electricity and water available, asking 50m. 0788138881 LORESHO Springs apt 3br 14m gym 4sale 17.5m Eve gardens 4br b nxt 2 KCB College 60m King’ara Springs 3br 18m call 0721558342 ORONGAI houses 4 sale 100K income 16M. Call 0725-020802 RONGAI 4b/rm all ensuite maisonette 1/8ac perimeter wall, garage 8.2m ONLY!!! Quick sale 0720-005073 TASSIA flat monthly income 200k asking 22m 0722465544 owner B789 Properties to Let B/BURU1br 6k 0726511558 0wr FEDHA 1 4br+SQ 1/8ac 0722707160 MWAMUTO2brm 16K 0715690506 NEWKITISURU New 5brm hse all on suite. Tel: 0720813178 O/Rongai 2bd flat 11k 0722306657 OLIVE Imara Daima 2 &3 brm @30k & 40k 0713042048 OLIVE Kikuyu rd 2brm very spacious 35k 0713042048 OLIVE Nairobi West shops & restaurant to let 0713042048 OLIVE Naivasha rd 2brm from 18k to 27k 0713042048 OLIVE Rongai 3br15k,25k 0713042048 THREE bedroomed flat sunrise estate twigacourt, adj to imara daima. call 0722522576or 0733738574 U/HILL 2br15k 0728282530 onr STORAGE & W/HOUSING COAST (Telephone Coast Numbers Only) HOTELS D531 Hotels A. Glory Nyali holiday resort 1,500/- pp + b/fast & swimming pool 020- 2107105, 0721-895935, 0720- 298208 D557 Apartments available D557 Apartments Available PRESTIGE Holiday resort Mtwapa fully furnished Apartments/Rooms self catering s/pool AC DSTV WIFI restaurant 3000/= p/day 0722351275 0722712009 www.letsgoprestige.com E782 Properties for Sale 1/4ACRE Bombolulu main rd 20m 1&1/2 acre Mtwapa main rd 28m Call 0720384359 0713774244 It is with deep sorrow, that we announce the death of Jackson Muchemi Macharia of Burguret Farm, Nanyuki on 10th May 2014. Son of the late Samuel Macharia Gathoroko and the late Beatrice Njoki Macharia. Husband of the late Esther Nyakirima Muchemi. Father of Maina, Macharia, Nderitu, Lilian Nyandoro, Njeri and Nyawira. Grandfather of many and great grandfather of two. Brother of the late John Nderitu, the late Mary Salome Karanja, the late Hezron Theuri, Stephen Maitai, the late Wilson Mathenge and Justus Waigwa. Uncle of many. Friends and relatives are meeting at his home in Burguret Farm, Nanyuki and Mahiga-ini Kianjogu, Nyeri. Nairobi meeting is scheduled for Sunday 18th May, 2014 at the Ben Rose Motel Umoja (on Kangundo Road) from 3 p.m. The cortege will depart from Jamii Hospital, Karatina on Tuesday 20th May, 2014 at 9.00 a.m. Funeral service and burial will be held at Mahiga-ini Springs, Kianjogu village, Nyeri County. Information and Mpesa line – 0721 549722 / 0720 363121. In God’s hands one never dies. Death Announcement Jackson Muchemi Macharia There has not been a day That we don’t think of you You are always in our hearts We cherish your memories Sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family: Melanie/Osman Miyanji, Michaela/Clay Nicholls, Maura/Clarence Abranches, Lucy/Ralph Diaper, Maurice De Souza, Nieces and Nephews. Grace Catherina Carmelina De Souza (A.c. De Souza & Co. Kilindini Bar) 1st Anniversary It is with humble acceptance that we announce the passing on of Eliphas Kaburu Mwiandi (Taati) which occurred on 13th May 2014 at Chogoria Hospital. Husband of Rose Karimi Kaburu. Father of Ann Gakii Kaburu (South Africa), Victoria Nyawira Kaburu (Nairobi). Brother of Japhet Njagi Mwiandi, Godfrey Kariuki Mwiandi, Grace Kaari Njeru, Mercy Muthoni Kaburu, Justus Njeru Mwiandi, Jasper Mbae Mwiandi, the late Esther Gatune John and Aphaxard Muriithi Mwiandi (Min of Agriculture - Kilimo Hse), among others, Grandfather of Ricky (South Africa). Father-in-law of Chriss Dunn. Family and friends are meeting daily at Garden Square, Nairobi from 5.30p.m and at his home in Giakiri, Chogoria – Meru. Brurial will be held on 20th May 2014 at his home in Giakiri, Chogoria - Meru He is before all things, and in Him all things hold up together. Col. 1:17. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace. Death and Funeral Announcement Eliphas Kaburu Mwiandi (Taati) TOY 110KAZ170K 0727554102 OWN TOY - Townace 2006 KBS-Z petrol auto, v.clean Shs660k, 0728-987833 LONGONOT GATE MAINROAD 50/100 PLOTS. 0737450917 MUUMANDU10acres 0721284122 UTAWALA Gsu 40x60 0721284122 KIKUYU ongoing academy 0721797550 SOUTH B 3br + sq 12M 0735034628 1&2b/r Museum Hill 8-25k 0720040895 1b/r ext Upperhill 9,000/- 0727032058 MICHIGAN & Partners 0721666333 Mtwapa Shanzu Kikambala properties farms plots 50x100 onward Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association-Rachuonyo North Chapter regrets to announce the untimely death of George Sylvster Omollo Ogola (Acampo) who met his death, in a tragic road accident whicoccurred at Chagaik, along the Nakuru – Kericho road on 1st May, 2014. The late George, until his death, was the principal of St. Bernard’s Otaro High School. Son of the late Martin Ogola Otieno and Wilkister Modi Ogola. Formerly married of Everlyne Atien O. Oketch of Obengle Primary School, Phoebe Jael Odoyo of Mirogi Boys Sec School. Father of Diana Marjorie of Mary Hill Girls’ High School, Lisa, Cathy and Rose Anne. Brother of Florence Aketch Goga of Kosele, Margaret A. Ogola of Otieno Oyoo High School, the late Roselyn Auma, Pet er Otieno, the late Thomas Ogo la of KEMFI-Kisumu, Gladys Achieng, Prima Ogola of Kandiege Sub District Hospital, Stephen Ogola of St. Peter’s Disii Sec, John Ojijo and Rose Mary Awuor. Brother in-law of Pamela Ole la, Linet A. Owino, Sophy A. Odhiambo, the late Celine Adhiambo, Hellen, Alice, Gerald Aketch Goga and Peter Ochumba of KEMFI. Nephew of Wilson Agawo Ojwando of Karachuonyo Ka Auma. Uncle of Millicent Aketch, Jacob Aketch, Redempta Ochumba, ngela, Vicky, Vera, Georgian Ochumba, Edward, Ronney, Sharon, Bossy, Gerald, Lydia, Venesa, Lennox, Vallary, Fidel, Molley Achieng, Geofry, Kevin and Wilder, Amondi. Cousin of Benedict Aoko Oduong’o and Valentine Kamboka, Charles Achieng. The body is at Aga Khan Mortuary in Kisumu. The body leaves the mortuary on Monday 19th May, 2014 for Homa-Bay County. Funeral service will be held at Dr. Mbai - Majiwa Secondary School on Tuesday 20th May, 2014. Burial will take place at his home, Got-Kawiya-Kothidha Location the same day. Forever in our hearts. George Sylvster Omollo Ogola Dec 1968 – 01/05/2014 Death and Funeral Announcement It has been 2 years since you left us. Every day, memories of you come our way. Though absent, you are ever near. Mum, you are missed, loved and ever dear. In God’s hands you rest Mum, in our hearts you live forever. 2nd Anniversary Salome Mukami Karioki TOY Shark KBK/BH 0753972064 UTAWALA Next to Fahari Hotel 50x100 3M call 0722406941 E212 Tractors For Sale DIANI 1/4acre near Beach 7.5m ideal for holiday homes 0734407071 It is with humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the death of Lieutenant Charles Letoya ole Mapelu (Banyo) of Kenya Air Force which occurred on Mon 12 May 2014. Son of Mr Felix mapelu Zakayo and Mrs Gladys Mapelu Zakayo. Brother of Evan Leiyan ole Mapelu, Zachariah Lemerian ole Mapelu, Irene Naanyu Mapelu-Mokaya. Brother in law of Doreen Leiyan and Micah Mokaya Omato. Nephew, Uncle and cousin to many. Family and friends are meeting daily at Nairobi, Molo, Nairagie-enkare and Narok. There will be a memorial service at St. Peter’s on the Hill Church Moi Air Base (Eastlegh) on Mon 19 May, 14 at 2.00 pm. The cortege leaves Defense Forces Memorial Hospital funeral home on Tuesday, 20 May 14 at 07.30 am for burial at 20 Acres in Nairagie-Enkare, Narok County. For more information contact 0722242766. Lt. Charles Ole Mapelu (Banyo) Death and Funeral Announcement It is with humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the death of Inspector Samuel Karigitho Murakaru, Prosecutor Garissa law courts of Mairo inya, Nyahururu , Nyandarua County which occurred on Monday 12th May 2014. Son of the late David Murakaru Gicheru and the late Esther Warigia Murakaru. Husband of Lydiah Karigitho . Father of Benjamin Karigitho and Nicholas Karigitho. Brother of Rachael Nyawira, Benard Kinyua, Late Gladys Konyu, Rose Wachuka, Joseph Wachira, Kinyua, Njoki, Muthoni, Mwangi and the late Wanjiru Murakaru all of Gathumbi, Mathira, Nyeri county. Son in law of the late Benjamin Gichohi of Wandumbi, Nyeri county. Family friends and relatives are meeting daily at his home Mairo inya nyahururu and Emmacra hotel Nairobi daily at 4.00pm for prayers and funeral arrangements.The cortege leaves Nyahururu District Hospital Mortuary on Monday 19th May, 2014 at 8.30am and thereafter burial ceremony at his ritaya farm Mairo inya Nyahururu. “I have fought the good fight,finished the race and kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Police Inspector Samuel Karigitho Murakaru Celebration of a Life Well Lived SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 50 | Classified/Transition KENYA CUP | Wanyore seek to extend dominance over bankers at RFUEA BY AYUMBA AYODI @AyumbAyodi
[email protected] T hree-time champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) take on defend- ing champions Nakuru in the Kenya Cup final at the RFUEA grounds this afternoon. The two giants met in the Enterprise Cup final at the same venue six weeks ago where Nakuru claimed their sixth Cup success with an 18- 13 win over the bankers. Nakuru scored five tries, a penalty and conversions to edge out Strathmore Leos 30-16 at the Nakuru Athletics Club while KCB scored three converted tries to crush Kenya Harlequin 24-8 at RFUEA to set up today’s final. Recent past Nakuru have dominated KCB in the recent past but these statistic may not necessarily be important today. Nakuru beat KCB 24-10 in the regular league but Nakuru coach Dominique Habimana says that is water under the bridge. “We have put the Enterprise Cup and league Champions renew rivalry with KCB in Cup final today Nakuru out to defend title CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION Kenya Harlequin’s Eden Agero (right) tackles Allan Omuka of KCB during their Kenya Cup semi-final match at the RFUEA grounds last week. KCB face Nakuru in the final at the same venue this afternoon. victories behind us. We are now concentrating on the Kenya Cup final because we know KCB will come a totally different side,” said Habimana. But KCB coach Curtis Olago has urged his charges to con- centrate. “I want them to make this game memorable one. We’ll try out everything there is in rugby to win,” Olago said. Nakuru last year became the first team outside Nairobi to clinch Kenya Cup after beat- ing Strathmore 37-3. KCB, who last held the tro- phy in 2007, are seeking their fourth Cup title. Habimana has kept faith in most of the players that won their maiden title in 2013. But injured eighth man Lawrence Buyachi has been replaced by Martin Owila. I want them (KCB players) to make this game memorable. We’ll try out everything there is in rugby to win” Curtis Olago, KCB coach Kenya Cup final Nakuru v KCB (4pm) Eric Shirley Shield final Nakuru II v. KCB II (2pm) TODAY’S FIXTURES BY AYUMBA AYODI
[email protected] World Half Marathon sil- ver medallist Mary Wacera took her revenge on Stacy Ndiwa when she won the Kenya Police Service Athlet- ics Championships 5,000m race yesterday. The 24-year-old Wacera dominated the race before last year’s winner Ndiwa claimed the lead after the bell, with 300m left at Kasarani. However, Ndiwa’s timing proved suicidal as Wacera unleashed a powerful kick in the last 150m to win in 16 minutes and 22.0 seconds. Ndiwa, the 2010 Youth Commonwealth Games 1,500m champion, claimed silver in 16:22.3 as Anne Wanjiru ( 16:31.0) took bronze. “I am glad my revenge was swift,” said Wacera, who is preparing to defend her na- tional 5,000m title on June 5 to 7 at Nyayo. Wacera won the Washington 12km race on May 4 before finishing third at New York 10km race last weekend. “I am preparing to de- fend my national 5,000m title, hoping make it to the Commonwealth Games,” said Wacera. The Com- monwealth Games are due July 23 to August 3, in Scotland. Wacera says she will focus on more road races depend- ing whether she will make the Glasgow team. “But I will first consult with my manager Owen Anderson,” said Wacera, who helped Kenya win the team title at the World Half Marathon in March in Copenhagen. Last bend, Ndiwa said she could have taken gold if she had delayed her kick abit. “I should have beaten her again if I waited perhaps in the last 150m or at the last bend,” Ndiwa said. The 2008 Poland World Junior 10,000m champion Josphat Bett won men’s 10,000m in 28:36.2. Bett, who represented Kenya last at the 2008 Polish event, beat Peter Kirui and John Kemboi to silver and bronze in 28:36.5 and 28: 40.0 respectively. “I hope to perform well at the nationals and make the Commonwealth Games team,” said Bett, who ran a 26:48.0 PB in 10,000m in 2011 Eugene Classic but didn’t make the team for the 2011 Daegu Worlds. Wacera avenges Ndiwa loss to win Police race CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION Mary Wacera (left) beats Stacy Ndiwa to win women’s 5,000m rare during Kenya Police championships yesterday. 16:22.0 Mary Wacera’s winning time at the Kenya Police 5,000m race at Kasarani yesterday Controversy rocks Nyandarua athletics meeting BY DAVID MACHARIA
[email protected] Turf wars between the county government and Athletics Kenya are threatening to derail the Nyandarua athletics cham- pionships this weekend. While the AK is pushing for the event to be moved to Nyahururu in Laikipia County citing lack of facilities, Nyandarau county government has insisted the championships must be held ‘at home’. Nyandarua AK sub branch has vowed to hold parallel meeting if the county gov- ernment goes ahead to hold another event in Ol Kalau town. The county government was yesterday preparing the Ol Kalau Stadium ahead of the event to be used to pick the team to Aberdare regional championships. AK sub branch boss, Fran- cis Mwaniki, said there was no facility in Nyandarua to host a credible athletics event. “No stadium in Nyandarua has equipment steeplechase hurdles and field events. The hurdles are at the Nyahururu Stadium and that is where the event should be held,” Mwaniki said after meeting coaches in Nyahururu town. He insisted that AK was in charge of organising athletics competitions and will therefore go ahead with their plans. “There is an emerging trend where some county officials overlook AK in decisions af- fecting the sport,” Mwaniki lamented. Meanwhile, financial chal- lenges have forced the Laikipia County AK to hold two parallel competitions to pick athletes to the South Rift regional cham- pionships. Laikipia County AK chairman, John Wachira, said they had agreed to hold two parallel meets – in Nanyuki and Nyahururu- after which they would compare the times achieved and decide on who to make the regional team. No stadium in Nyandarua has steeplechase hurdles and other field events equipment” Nyandarua AK chairman Francis Mwaniki VOLLEYBALL Pipeline in top form at Nyeri leg of league Fresh from their CAVB African Women’s Club Championship berth in Tunisia, Kenya Pipeline were merciless as the third leg of the national volleyball league served off at Nyeri’s Ruring’u stadium yesterday . Pipeline beat Mt Kenya Univer- sity (Eldoret Campus) 3-0 sets of 25-4, 25-4 and 25-7. Pipeline who bagged bronze in the Tuni- sia club competitions two weeks ago then beat Kenya Defence Forces 25-13, 25-16 and 25-11 in their next fixture. League leaders Nairobi Water, unbeaten this season, beat MKU (Thika) in straight sets of (25-18, 25-16, 25-17) to retain the top spot on nine points. MKU Eldoret suffered another defeat, losing to National Youth Talent Acad- emy in straight sets of 25-16, 25-4 and 25-7. Kenya Commercial Bank recovered from a 3-0 thrash- ing by Nairobi Water in their last match to defeat Oserian 3-0 in sets of (25-21, 25-13, and 25-14). Champions Kenya Prisons did not par- ticipate in this leg. Sport 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP Combative Keshi is not been afraid to upset European-based stars and introduce home-based talent, something pretty much unheard of under previous coaches. P. 54 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 51 Mariga backs Stars to reach next year’s Africa Nations Cup finals MAERTIN MUKANGU | NATION Harambee stars golkeepers Col- lins Ochieng, Fredrick On- yango and Wilson Oburu train at Nyayo Stadium yes- terday ahead of tomorrow’s 2015 Africa Cup of Na- tions preliminary match against Comoros. BY DAVID KWALIMWA @kwalimwadavid
[email protected] T he national football team has what it takes to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Na- tions tournament in Morocco, Kenya and Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga has said. Mariga yesterday said Harambee Stars stand a good chance of qualify- ing for the tournament, insisting the team has enough quality and depth to achieve the task. The preliminary phase of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualification cam- paign begins tomorrow with 14 fixtures lined up across the continent. Kenya requires aggregate wins over both Comoros Islands and either Le- sotho or Liberia in the preliminaries, to earn the right of competing in the qualifiers proper in Group C alongside Gabon, Angola and Burkina Fasso. And the Inter Milan player who is angling for a starting role in at- tacking midfield against Comoros tomorrow, says Kenya stands as good a qualification chance as any of the aforementioned sides. “There is maturity and quality in the team that is needed in this competi- tion. We are also lucky have a very good coach who has already cultivated FOOTBALL | Coach Amrouche confident his charges will deliver in tomorrow’s match at Nyayo Inter Milan midfielder says team has requisite depth, quality to qualify a winning culture. This is a big plus,” Mariga, who is seeking his first appearance at the tournament, yesterday. The player added: “The rule book (on how to qualify) is similar all over. We need good preparation, build-up games, study our opponents and a good start, then we have a chance of going to Morrocco. I am really motivated to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.” The former Parma FC and Real Socieadad midfielder - who is set to leave Inter Milan when his contract expires end of this month - will compete for a starting role with Johanna Omollo, Victor Wanyama, Anthony Akumu, Harrison Mwendwa and Geoffrey Kataka. “We have a chance to start positively and get the morale that can lead us through to achieving our target. The play- ers are committed and want to do well, I am confident in their abilities and I know we will perform well.” Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche. Meanwhile, Stars opponents Comoros yesterday held train- ing at Nyayo Stadium, the venue of Sunday’s qualifier. Among the players to watch out for in the squad includes striker Ben El Fardou who has scored a dozen goals for Greek top flight side Veria FC. Others are Scottish-based mid- fielder Fouad Bachirou who scored the lone goal during the team’s 1-1 draw against Burkina Fasso in a friendly in March. Comoros squad: Goal keepers: Ludovic Delapeyre (OHA, France), Mroivili Mah- moud (Volcan, Comoros), Mohamed Hassane, Comoros). Defenders: Fouad Mdroudjae (Marseille - CFA 2, France), Chaker Alhadhur (Nantes, France), Salim Mraboini (Consolat, France), Ibrahim Rachedi (Uzes, France), Faydine Daroussi (Aubagne, France), Kassim Abdallah (Evian TG, France), David Humblot (Volcan, Comoros). Midfielders: Fouad Rachid (Nancy, France), Y. Mchangama (Uzes, France), Samir Bertin (Roye, France), Mohamed Youssouf (Amiens, France), Chadhouli Mdradabi (Djabal, Comoros), Nadjim Abdou (Milwal, England), Fouad Bachirou (Morton FC, Scotland), Yacine Saandi (Tampton, Reunion). Strikers: Hamadi Combo (Belfort, France), Ben El Fardou (Veria, Greece), Ali M’Madi (Ajaccio, France), M. Nchangama (Consolat, France), Nasser Chamed (Chatearoux, France) ‘‘ There is maturity and quality in the team that is needed in this We have a very good coach who has already cultivated a winning culture. This is a big plus” McDonald Mariga 14 Preliminary matches of the 2015 Nations Cup tournament set for this weekend Coast’s Timbe grabs two-shot lead in Tour BY LARRY NGALA
[email protected] Coast-based Kopan Timbe jumped to the top of the leader board at the close of yesterday’s first round of the 2014 KCB Golf Tour at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Estate course. Timbe bogeyed two holes and three putted the par five- 18th after firing two solid three-wood off the tee and approach shots to close the day on four under par 68 for a two-shot lead. Tough course “It’s a tough and long course, particularly the par threes where it’s difficult to pick up birdies. The course needs time to mature,’’ Timbe, who had birdied the first, second, fourth at the front nine and at the 13th and 15th at the back nine, said. Tied in second place on two under par 70 in the field of 36 pros who turned out for the first leg were Nyanza’s David Odhiambo, Thika’s Simon Ngige and Sigona’s John Wangai. Ngige eagled the par five- second, picked up birdies at the fourth, seventh and 18th but dropped shorts at the third and sixth and at the 14th. Odhiambo also eagled the second hole after open- ing with a birdie at the first, but had to wait up to the 18th to write on his second birdie. Like the others, Odhiambo dropped a shot at the sixth, having bogeyed the hole before that. Royal Nairobi’s Ken Abuto and Muthaiga’s Paul Thuo were on one under par 71. Dismas Indiza led Eric Ooko, Anil Shah and David Opati on level par 72. Today’s sec- ond round starts at 8am. MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION Kopan Timbe BY RICHARD MWANGI
[email protected] Kenya’s skipper, Rakep Patel (above), knocked a quick half a century to help Kanbis win their opening friendly match against Bhavsinhji Cricket Club by 97 runs at the Nairobi Gymkhana. Patel’s 72 runs yesterday came off 57 deliveries with seven bounda- ries and two towering sixes. He was Kanbis’ highest runs getter. Put in to bat first by Bhavsinhji’s captain Satyajit Gohil who won the toss and elected to field first, Kanbis set the tourists a target of 269 in their allotted 50 overs. Besides Rakep, Narendra Patel (59) and Rajesh Varsani (49) were Kanbis’ other batsmen who did well with the bat. Wicket takers Bhavsinhji’s wicket takers in- cluded Gohil (2/63), Balkrishna Jadeja (2/45) and Dinjaraj Chau- han (2/45). In reply, the visitors lost wickets at a more regular interval without meaningful runs showing on the scoreboard and were routed for a paltry 171 with 15 overs in hand. Taranj Johel top-scored for Bhavs- inhji with 57. Aezaz Kotharia (43) and Chauhan (21) also managed to get meaningful runs for the side. Rakepl was Bhavsinhji’s main ex- ecutioner, taking four wickets for 27. He was supported by Rikesh Hirani (3/68) and Bhavin Bhudia who took wicket from the single ball he bowled. The cricket adage ‘catches win matches’ came true for Kanbis whose nine dismals were through catches. Fielding has Kanbis’ main strength and has seen the team dominate the local cricket scene for more than a decade. The two teams will meet again at the same venue today in the first Twenty20 game which will be held in memory of two Kanbis former players - Alpesh Bhudia and Harshin Sangani - who died in a road acci- dent a couple of years ago. The second Twenty20 game will be between Nairobi Gymkhana and Cutchi Leva at Simba Union. Bhavs- inhji Cricket Club of Gujarat, India, is on a three-week tour of the coun- try for a series of friendly matches inj Nairobi and Momasa. The team arrived in the country yesterday and will leave on Thursday. Rakep half ton lifts Kanbis past tourists 97 Runs by which Kanbis beat Bhavsinhji Cricket Club from India yesterday in a friendly match SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 52 | Sport Arsenal’s perfect chance to end trophy drought since Arsenal last won something, while United and Chelsea have amassed 25 trophies between them in that period. Consistent qualification for the Cham- pions League has kept Arsenal among the European elite, but the achieve- ments of manager Arsene Wenger’s 17-year tenure risk being undermined if the rot does not stop soon. Another disappointment against Hull would also leave the 64-year-old Frenchman in a delicate position ahead of negotiations to extend his contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season. Finished 16th in the league Hull, who have never previously reached an FA Cup final and finished 16th in the Premier League, appear ideal cannon fodder, but Arsenal have learnt from bitter experience not to underestimate supposedly weaker opponents. They lost to Birmingham in the 2011 League Cup final, after an 89th-minute mix-up between goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny gifted their adversaries victory, and needed penalties to see off Wigan in this sea- son’s FA Cup semi-finals. Wenger admitted that his players succumbed to “nerves” against second- tier Wigan, who were the defending champions, but believes that they should take heart from the manner of their victory. Equal United’s overall record “We played against a good team,” said the Arsenal manager, whose side have not played outside London once during the competition. “Let’s not forget Wigan went to Man City and beat Man City at Man City (in the quarter-finals). So we knew we were super favourites, not at our best and that we played against a team who has made some great results. “I don’t believe we need any warning. We know that a final is a final, that Hull is a Premier League team. They can pass the ball, they can create chances. “It’s just down to us to perform well on the day of the game. We just want to focus on that.” While victory would see Arsenal equal United’s overall record of 11 FA Cup wins, Hull’s trophy cabinet is completely devoid of major honours. (AFP) CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE ‘‘ I don’t believe we need any warning. We know that a final is a final, that Hull is a Premier League team. They can pass the ball, they can create chances. It’s just down to us to perform well on the day of the game. We just want to focus on that” Arsene Wenger N ews that Divock Origi has been called up to the Belgian national team should be greeted with joy by Kenyan football fans. With our hapless football federation, non-existent youth development programme and lacklustre football infrastructure, we have no chance of going to the World Cup any time soon and we should be happy that someone of Kenyan origin will be at the biggest show on earth. The most exciting thing about Ori- gi’s call-up is that he joins perhaps the most talented young team in the world. Golden generation The tag “golden generation” is usually affixed on the shoulders of a team which brings together a crop of outstandingly gifted players at the same time who either go on to win big things or, for a period, promise their fans that they are poised to sweep all before them aside and then let them down. The term was first used in Por- tugal with reference to the team spearheaded by Luis Figo, Rui Costa and the goalkeeper Vitor Baia which caught world attention by winning a series of youth championships in the early 1990s playing a brand of excellent passing football and briefly seemed poised to rule the world. Unfortunately, they fell short, most bitterly in losing to Greece in the Euro 2004 final on home soil. Since then, the term has been used retrospectively to refer to other great teams of the past such as the Brazil 1982 and 1970 sides and the Ajax team coached by Louis van Gaal to the 1995 Champions League title which was headlined by the likes of Patrick Kluivert, De Boer brothers Frank and Ronald, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Edwin Van Der Sar which won the title playing a rare brand of total football. Failed to leave impact In Africa, perhaps the most daz- zling golden generation of recent years was the Nigeria side of the mid 1990s featuring Stephen Keshi, Uche Okechukwu, Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha, Emmanuel Amunike, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh, Rashid Yekini, Victor Ikpeba among many others whose failure to make an impression still haunts African football fans of a certain age today. The current Cote d’Ivoire team, too, flattered to deceive and Didier Drogba, the leader for so long, seems set to retire without seeing his side achieve the trophies their talent de- served. Going into the World Cup, Belgium will be the comfortable holders of the title of dark horses – the team that could come from nowhere and achieve glory. It’s needless bemoaning loss of Origi, we have no chance of reaching World Cup ‘With a hapless federation, non-existent youth structures and lacklustre infrastructure, we stand no chance of playing at the global level. We should be glad someone of Kenyan origin will be at the biggest show on earth’ AFP | PHOTO Lille’s Belgium forward Divock Origi celebrates his goal against Valen- ciennes in the French Ligue 1 at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in northern france on February 8 last year. The son of former Ken- yan international Mike Okoth will represent Belgium at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The side shimmers with talent. Although the term “golden genera- tion” sometimes piles too much pressure on a side and the media hype becomes a burden, as it did with the crushed hopes of the England side from 2004 featur- ing Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and others which achieved nothing, the Belgian side is a genu- ine collection of the best young stars on the planet. In goal, they have to choose between Thibaut Courtois, the Chelsea goalkeeper who will line up for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final and Simon Mignolet, the Liverpool shot stop- per. On the training pitch, Origi might partner Everton’s star striker Romelu Lukaku, an ex- plosive talent who was top scorer in Belgium at the age of 16 and scored his first international goal at the same age. Chris- tian Benteke, who Origi replaced in the squad is an- other young striker who will make a big impression in his career when he recovers from injury. Coach Marc Wilmots will have selection headaches in midfield where he can call on the likes of Eden Hazard, Moussa Dembélé, Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fel- laini who is a guaranteed starter for Belgium despite his problems at Manchester United, his team mate Adnan Januzaj and young stars Steven Defour of Porto and Kevin De Bruyne of Wolfsburg. The defence is quite reasonable, too, featuring a spine of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen at centre back. Favoured with a reasonably kind draw which will pit them against Russia, South Korea and Algeria, don’t bet against the Belgians going very far at the World Cup. This will be a great learning expe- rience for Origi. Just being part of this squad will be a thrilling affair and if he gets to play at least as a substitute or in the third match when qualification for the quar- ter-finals is secured, it will be a historic moment for East Africa. There is no need to bemoan his loss because Kenya has no chance of going to the World Cup unless there is a major overhaul of the whole system with a focus on youth development and im- proved coaching across the board. Teams like Germany which have led the way in this score in recent years have shown that it takes great investment with even third division clubs required to have youth teams. The result has been visible in the progress the team has made in recent years. It would be alright to moan if David Rudisha woke up and chose to run for another country. But in a team sport where we have no chance of making a mark any time soon, we should just adopt Belgium as a second team and cheer on Origi as he takes his place in a golden generation that goes into the World Cup with nothing to lose. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Sport 53 Dribbling wizard Messi grows into greatness Buenos Aires Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (left) has already won everything he can at club level and on an individual basis. But the World Cup gnaws at him. World Player of the Year awards, six La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and a mountain of goalscor- ing records only begin to tell the tale of the extraordinary career of a player who is still only 26. However, there is one thing missing from Messi’s trophy cabinet; a major in- ternational triumph with Argentina. Messi has made his name with Barcelona, who spotted him as an 11-year-old and agreed to pay the $900 (about Sh78,200) a month for his growth hormone treatment if he moved to Spain. Grown into greatness The rest is history. Messi has grown into greatness and says he is ready to finish his career at Barcelona. But while nobody disputes the global drawing power of the Champions League, a title on the world stage is the one achieve- ment that continues to separate Messi from the game’s all-time greats such as Diego Maradona and Pele. This will be Messi’s third World Cup. In 2006 as a raw 18-year-old he scored his only goal in the competi- tion so far, but was not given much chance to shine by Argentina coach Jose Pekerman. He did not even make it off the bench as Argentina succumbed to hosts Germany on penalties in the quarter-finals. Four years later in South Africa, at the same stage and against the same opponents, the circumstances were far different. (AFP) Lagos S tephen Keshi has earned the right to be considered an icon of Nigerian football after cap- taining and coaching the country to Africa Cup of Nations titles. He led Nigeria to their first ever World Cup finals in 1994 in the United States — the same year the team won a second Africa Cup of Nations — and coached them to last year’s African title before steer- ing them to this year’s World Cup finals. Keshi was Nigeria’s longest serving captain, holding the role for 13 years. He is known as “Big Boss” and he has certainly stamped his personality on a group of players, whose talent has never been in doubt, but who have proved dif- ficult to manage. A commanding and skillful cen- tral defender, he was so influential that there were claims he and other senior players often decided the team for internationals. Keshi showed he had an inde- pendent streak when he joined Belgian giants Anderlecht — via Ivorian outfit Stade Abidjan — soon after being banned for refusing to join up with the national team. His first experience with the na- tional side as a coach was when he helped Shuaibu Amodu secure a berth at the 2002 World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan. But after the 2002 Nations Cup, both coaches were sacked follow- ing a row with top officials at the tournament. Out of favour in his homeland, Keshi took charge of tiny Togo in 2004 and proved his credentials by guiding the unfancied west African nation to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. But history repeated itself and Keshi — who had almost come to blows with Togo’s star player Em- manuel Adebayor on the team bus at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year — was replaced for the tournament. Keshi’s combative approach has continued with his stewardship of the ‘Super Eagles’ where he has not been afraid to upset European-based stars and introduce home-based talent, something pretty much unheard of under previous coaches. As a result, players such as Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Ejike Uzoenyi have blossomed into full internationals. He hasn’t been afraid either to take on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and he even quit immedi- ately after the country won the 2013 Nations Cup. The 52-year-old claimed top of- ficials were interfering and he did not enjoy their full confidence. But he returned to the helm. This has given him some leeway when it comes to rows with high- profile players such as Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie, who he dropped from the 2013 Nations Cup squad, while he has overlooked in-form forward Ikechukwu Uche, who has scored 12 goals for Spanish side Villarreal this season. Confident team Keshi’s Nigeria is now a more settled and confident team, who play a 4-4-2 formation that gives Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi a more attacking role in midfield. But the coach has refused to commit to a target at the World Cup. Despite his continued strained ties with the NFF, he has said he wants to stay on. The federation has, however, sacked all four of the coaches who took the team to the World Cup. “If the conditions are good, I will definitely stay,” he said. “I am not in Nigeria (as coach) to make money, if I wanted to do that, I would have been in other countries that offered me more.” (AFP) FILE | AFP Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi gestures as his players train at Soccer City in Soweto, South Africa on February 9, 2013. ‘Big Boss’ Keshi stamps his SUPER EAGLES TO SOAR? | The African champions have not set any targets but the balanced side A combative coach not afraid to speak his mind who has brought star players into line Nigeria first appeared at the Fifa World Cup in 1994 in the USA and were managed by Dutchman Clements Westerhof. In the month of April 1994, Nigeria were ranked fifth by Fifa. This is the highest world ranking ever achieved by an African team. Nigeria have played in five World Cups. The made the second round in 1994 and 1998 and exited in the group stages in 2002 and 2010. Giant forward Rashid Yekini scored Nigeria’s first World Cup draw in 3-0 victory over Bul- garia in 1994. Current Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi was the captain of the team that played in the 1994 world finals. His assistant, Daniel Amokachi was also a player in the 1994 squad. DID YOU KNOW? Eagles highest ranked African team in history I am not in Nigeria (as coach) to make money, if I wanted to do that, I would have been in other countries that offered me more” Stephen Keshi, Nigeria coach Road to Brazil 26 Days to G -AL! W. CUP WATCH LAUSANNE Qatar 2022 World Cup a mistake: Blatter Fifa president Sepp Blatter has said it was a mistake to choose Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup because of the country’s sweltering summertime climate. When asked if it was a mistake choosing the Middle East country because of its high temperatures during the summer months, Blat- ter said in an interview Thursday with Swiss RTS station: “Yes, of course.” “You know, everyone makes mistakes in life,” he added. The average temperature tops 40°C in June and July (104 de- grees Fahrenheit), when World Cup finals usually take place. TEHRAN Sanctions and socks hit Iran’s preparations International sanctions over Iran’s nuclear programme have cast a shadow over Carlos Quei- roz’s efforts to build a team that can make a mark on the World Cup finals. The Portuguese coach will need something special to motivate his multi-national band of players take on global super- stars Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko . This week Queiroz and some of his players complained that not enough kit had been supplied by Germany company Uhlsport and that the boots were too small and the socks shrank. TOKYO Tourney brings new Japan-S. Korea rivalry Japan and South Korea will need to produce something spe- cial to meet at the World Cup, but expect a cut-throat battle for bragging rights in one of interna- tional football’s fiercest rivalries. The tournament will also be tinged with emotion for both sides, with Japan playing for the victims of the deadly tsunami in 2011 and the Koreans keen to provide a measure of solace after last month’s ferry tragedy. Asian champions Japan and South Korea, World Cup semi- finalists in 2002, could theo- retically clash in the last four in what would be a highly charged encounter as diplomatic relations between the countries remain icy. PARIS Now Deschamps files complaint over insults France coach Didier Des- champs yesterday filed a com- plaint against Samir Nasri’s girlfriend for launching a foul- mouthed attack after hearing he had left the Manchester City midfielder out of his World Cup squad. The complaint was filed in Paris, according to RMC sport radio. While Nasri accepted his omis- sion, respecting Deschamps’ choice, “which hasn’t been a sur- prise for me”, the news did not sit so well with his girlfriend Anara Atanes. “F*** france and f*** des- champs! What a s*** manager!” Atanes tweeted. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 54 | Sport Argentina primed to deliver in Brazil Buenos Aires The scintillating form of Lionel Messi and the steady hand of coach Alejandro Sabella (left) have left many believing that Argentina are ready to end their long wait for a third World Cup crown. The South American giants have regularly been favourites heading to recent World Cup finals, only to wilt under pres- sure once the action starts. Successive squads bristling with world-class talent have rarely delivered, meaning that 28 long years have passed since a Diego Maradona-in- spired Argentina last lifted the trophy, in Mexico in 1986. Yet there are several signs that this year it could be different. In stark contrast to their turbulent qualifying campaign for the 2010 tour- nament under Maradona’s management, when they only just got one of the auto- matic places in South Africa, Argentina waltzed through the qualifying competition for Brazil. They booked their place with two matches to spare, destroying Paraguay 5-2 away in Asuncion with a display of attacking football that will serve as a warning to Group F opponents Iran, Nigeria and debutants Bosnia- Hercegovina. (AFP) Lagos C helsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, making his debut at the World Cup finals, will be crucial in determining how far Nigeria go in Brazil. According to former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia, Mikel and forwards Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike will be the central players for the African champions. “Mikel will be key for Nigeria, having played at the highest level for a top club like Chelsea for many years. Such an experience should count for something,” he said. But Siasia, who featured for Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, said he was concerned that the 27-year-old Mikel and some of the Super Eagles’ top stars had not been first-team regulars at their clubs. “The biggest problem (for the team) is that most of the players did not play regularly for their various clubs and this cannot be good for the team,” he said. “What you can do when the play- ers come together for the training camp for the World Cup would be mostly tactical and so I don’t know how (coach Stephen) Keshi will go around this problem.” Former Nigeria striker Benedict Akwuegbu also said he expected Mikel to play a big role and de- scribed him as “the engine room of the Eagles’ midfield”. Mikel, who missed the last World Cup finals because of a knee injury, is a holding midfielder club at the English Premier League side but is given a freer, more attacking role for his country as Lazio youngster Ogenyi Onazi does all the grafting alongside him. Attacking midfielder He started out as an attacking midfielder and it was in that role that he was voted the second best player at the 2005 FIFA Under- 20 World Cup behind four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi. His superb vision and ball skills prompted Nigeria’s media to com- pare him with the legendary Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha. But he was overlooked by Nigeria for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, where the west African giants reached a second tournament final. There was also a time when his commitment to the national team was questioned. But Keshi said he was delighted the player has shone under him as the Eagles won a third Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year and also featured at the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup. (AFP) Hungry for glory Super Eagles look up to the solid experience of Mikel Obi to guide them far into the tourney Name: John Micheal Nchekwube Obinna Was born in Nigeria on 22nd April, 1987. Started his football career aged 12 when he was selected from a tal- ented pool of 3,000 players to feature for the Pepsi Football Acad- emy team. During the preparations for the 2003 Under-17 World Champion- ships, the Nigerian Football As- sociation mistakenly submitted his name as Mikel, saying he liked the corrupted version. He made his Super Eagles debut on August 17, 2005 as a second half substitute in a 1-0 friendly in- ternational win over Libya. MIKEL OBI BIO will not be expected to just make up the numbers in South America authority on Nigeria PHOTO | FILE Nigeria’s John Mikel Obi. Road to Brazil 26 Days to G -AL! SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Sport 55 CONTINUED ON PAGE 53 Gunners scent FA Cup glory WEMBLEY SHOWDOWN | Wenger’s men face Hull City in final this afternoon London A rsenal have a gilt-edged opportunity to end their increasingly burdensome nine-year trophy drought today when the underachieving Eng- lish giants meet Hull City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Not since 2005, and an FA Cup final success on penalties against Manchester United in Cardiff, have Arsenal won a piece of silverware, and the frustration has become more pronounced with each passing season. Portsmouth, Birming- ham City, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic are among the teams to have tasted cup glory Arsenal have perfect chance to end nine-year trophy drought Arsenal vs Hull City, FA Cup Final, Wembley Stadium 7pm Sport MARIGA BACKS KENYA TO REACH 2015 AFCON FOOTBALL Inter Milan midfielder says team has the necessary depth and quality to qualify. P. 52 SIDESHOWS Instead of bemoaning loss of Origi to Belgium, we should be glad someone of Kenyan origin will be at the World Cup, argues Murithi Mutiga. P. 53 SATURDAY NATION Saturday May 17, 2014 Download the NMG PLAY app on Google Play and scan this QR code with your smart phone for pictures, videos and more stories. FREE WI TΗ YOUR SATURDAY NATI ON 17 MAY 2014 EAT COMFORT FOOD WITΗOUT TΗE GUILT! PG 15 MONEY Forget уour emploуer - onlу YOU can raise уour income! LIVING WITΗ LUPUS MAIN FEATURE TΗREE READERS SΗOW US ΗOW TΗIS IMMUNE DISORDER AFFECTS TΗEIR LIVES RELATIONSΗIPS Is уour white knight reallу just sabotaging уou? May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 2 saturday magazine D iseases and conditions that we spend our time managing them in order for them not to affect us. Psуchological conditions that come disguised as good but are reallу quite bad. This is what has been on mу mind this week. Allow me to eхplain. There are diseases – like colds and flus and malaria – whose sуmptoms are obvious. Theу are in уour face. With a cold, уou cough, уou sniffle, уou blow уour nose permanentlу, уou have lost the abilitу to enunciate the sуllable ‘ng’. But these are not embarrassing diseases to have – уou go to the doctor, he gives уou something to ease the sуmptoms, уou go home, уou heal, уou look forward to catching another cold. It’s not the same with diseases that can make it difficult to thrive on a social and professional level. And lupus is one of them. This is not an instance where the application of medication will make things better. This is a situation where awareness, management – and the empathу of people уou work and live with are what will help уou manage the sуmptoms of this disease. For the most part, women living with lupus do not look like theу are ‘sick’, whatever that looks like to уou. So if уou met her уou would probablу dismiss her as ‘fussу’ or ‘moodу’ rather than ‘ill’. Do not judge another human being until уou know what theу are living through. Mental illnesses are another lot that are completelу misunderstood. We think that people who are bipolar, clinicallу depressed, schizophrenic or otherwise ill should be able to ‘behave better’ or ‘talk themselves out of it’. I think what manу people fail to understand is that the brain is an organ – and as such, it is vulnerable to its own diseases. Show some compassion. And as for the second item on mу mind, it strikes me verу often just how manу women are waiting for a knight in shining armour to take them awaу from their troubles and set them up in the lap of luхurу. Yes, of course there are verу manу who want to work for their own, but I daresaу a majoritу would down their tools if theу met the Rich Prince Charming. But then there’s no such thing as a free lunch, is there? If уou do happen to meet a man who wants to rescue уou from уour sad life of povertу (well, relative povertу) and take уour burdens on himself like his name is Jesus, ask уourself: What price is he asking уou to paу in return? Turn to our relationships feature to find out. F r o m t h e e d i t o r Waуua Muli
[email protected] The team SATURDAY is published everу week bу Nation Media Group Limited. It is distributed free with everу Saturdaу’s ‘Dailу Nation’. Unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, transparencies are submitted at the sender’s risk. While everу care will be taken on receipt of such material, the Nation Media Group Limited cannot accept responsibilitу for accidental loss or damage. ©Nation Media Group Limited, 2010. All rights reserved. Regulars Flakes 5 Lizzie’s World 8 Woman of Passion 9 Heart Advice 11 Money 17 Leisure 21 Click & stay in touch Cover credits: Grace Mbesa is a student. She wears a bordeauх and black dress from Lillian. Makeup: Shiro Wanуoike p20 Managing Editor: Denis Galava Editor: Waуua Muli Sub-Editor: Felista Wangari. Contributors: Kate Getao, Bon Vivant, Jackson Biko, Rupi Mangat, Waceke Nduati-Omanga, Sona Parmar Mukherjee, Irene Njoroge, Lуdia Omolo, Maurice Matheka, Truphenah Wakaba, Tricia Wanjala, Florence Bett, Joan Thatiah, Photo Editor: Joan Pereruan Chief Graphic Designer: Roger Mogusu Graphic Designers: Nzisa Mulli, Alice Othieno, Joу Abisagi Cover photo: Duncan Willets Do not judge another human being until you know what they are living through, and remember to show some compassion Five ways to ease constipation p10 Ladies, please pay up! p12 Wraps to get you through bad hair days p15 What to do when you find it hard to fall pregnant p18 Why that good guy is actually a bad guy p9 Take a tablespoon of castor oil. Don’t forget to take at least siх to eight glasses of water and to eхercise. East sesame seeds Take a portion of oatmeal everу daу. Eat a handful of raisins often. p19 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 3 What a mother needs Thank уou for last Saturdaу’s main feature on mothers. It helped me reflect on the role of mothers in our lives. Although mу wife was awaу in the village visiting her mother during Mother’s Daу, the article inspired me to call her and commend her for her unwavering care for our children. As we celebrate our mothers, we should ask ourselves if theу should onlу be acknowledged once a уear. We ought to remember our mothers everу single daу and show them concern and appreciation alwaуs because theу cherished us and raised us ever since we were conceived and did not abort us or dump us in pit latrines. If уour mother is still alive, уou should appreciate her both in word and deed. And as husbands, we should remember to appreciate our wives because theу care for our children fulltime. We maу not be able to repaу their goodness in full, but mothers deserve honour and respect. John Kamande, Vihiga *** Motherhood is a challenging task, but our mothers overcome those challenges to make us who we are. Personallу, I honour mу late mother and I wish she was still alive. If she was I would acknowledge her efforts. Nevertheless, I still celebrate her. Our wives, sisters, cousins, daughters and nieces should put in as much effort as our mothers did. Calvin Queens, via email *** Ηappу Mother’s Daу, mum Jackson Biko has a waу with words and the waу in which he personalises issues and owns them is verу refreshing. It makes them easier to relate to. Upon reading his piece last Saturdaу, I cried and praуed for mу mum who took her final bow three уears ago. Life has never been the same since she died. She was the glue that held our familу together and now that she is gone, our familу and sibling relationships are shattered. It is onlу now that we realise the value our mother added to our lives; in fact mothers are priceless. Just like Biko, mу advice to those who have turned their backs on their mothers is that theу should mend the bridges todaу because if theу don’t theу will crу a river, in regret, tomorrow. Salim Ibrahim, via email *** Once again Biko made me crу with his Mother’s Daу piece. Reading his article made me miss mу own mother, whom I did not grow up with because of divorce. This left a scar that has never healed. And now as a mother I know that a home is basicallу a home because of the presence of a mother. Ηannah K, via email *** Everу time Biko talks about his mum I crу. I feel challenged to care for mу mother and most of all to be a good mother to mу four boуs. I am glad that his grief is better this уear than it was at this time last уear. Maу the Lord comfort Biko and his familу. Thank уou for such good writing. Debbу M, via email *** Sh20 million idea Time and again Waceke Nduati Omanga has written about a challenge she gives participants of her personal finance course. She also eхtended the challenge to us, her readers, asking us what we would do to make Sh20 million in two уears. At first I thought that was impossible and wondered how it could be done, but I decided to take her advice, blocked out all the negative thoughts that negated the possibilitу of achieving this goal and focused on how it can be achieved. Believe it or not, I got an idea that I know would be huge if implemented. I’m planning on asking people about it as Waceke advised, though that is quite a challenge. Thanks for уour advice on financial matters. I hope one daу I can attend Waceke’s class and learn even more. Joуce Boro, via email *** Sickness, disabilitу and love Your Ηealth Matters article on intimacу with a spouse who is sick or disabled eхposed limited knowledge on seхualitу and paralуsis. I do not think it was well-researched. I also did not like that the article concentrated on a couple where the husband was a paraplegic. It did not give a fair representation of a tуpical spouse with acquired or congenital disabilitу. I appreciate that towards the end of the article, the writer seemed to highlight some element of adaptation and moving on from the life-changing event. Ηowever, overall the article was a slap in the face of persons with disabilities and I hope we will not see such uninformed articles again. Muigwa Michael, via email *** Your wish is mу command I enjoуed reading the feature on Khadija Ηussein in the Woman of Passion segment. Ηowever, I wish Kinuthia Mburu told us a bit more about her. I was left wondering how much Khadija earns, where she is based, whether she has a familу, how she gives back to societу, and what her future plans for the business are. In short, Kinuthia Mburu left us with more questions than answers, but it was a good storу all the same. Veronica O, via email Click & stay in touch Send уour feedback to
[email protected] Ηow to increase уour personal value STAR POWER D o уou feel as though уou are invisible and taken for granted? Do уou sometimes find уourself stagnating and feel as if уou are going nowhere fast in all areas of уour life? It maу be time to regroup and think about how to up уour game. Some of the most practical waуs to do this include making subtle changes to уour etiquette. These waуs do not cost a pennу and maу be implemented almost overnight. Theу do not involve anу psуchoanalуsis and other long and drawn out methods. Ηere are some waуs to help transform уou from mediocre to sought-after star. 1 Stop talking too much: When уou speak all the time, people tend to switch off and ignore what уou are saуing. You are considered a noisemaker and loudmouth who is not quite taken seriouslу. Maуbe some of the things уou saу are ridiculous, or perhaps уou take jokes too far, especiallу when уou have had one too manу to drink. 2 Become unavailable: Rare commodities acquire greater value. If уou are alwaуs around when people call уou or need уou, it is easу for уou to be taken for granted. Maуbe уou are too eager to please others and find уourself being misused as an odd-job person. This sort of reputation makes people think уou are a doormat. Trу making уourself scarce for a while and see how reactions start changing. 3 Change уour demeanor: If уou alwaуs show up with overlу humble and apologetic gestures and puppу dog eуes, people maу devalue уou. This especiallу applies to women who desperatelу want to get into a relationship. The minute уou show a little bit of attitude, уou become a challenge to other people and theу start becoming more respectful of уou. 4 Learn to intimidate: There are times when people ought to fear уou, and not think that уou are simplу too nice all the time. It starts with уour dressing: wear a black skirt, black heels and stockings and a matching top. Maintain a straight, no-nonsense face and steadу eуe contact. Smile onlу when necessarу and use as few words in low tones as possible to communicate. You will be surprised at the reaction of others, as theу are taken aback 5 Do a disappearing act for a while: The old saуing that “familiaritу breeds contempt”could implу that if уou are around certain people, all the time, it is possible to become contemptuous to them. If уou sense that уour presence has become too much, it is time to do a disappearing act. Leave town to undertake some studies, or if уou can afford it, travel to another countrу. While уou are awaу, resist the temptation to call or communicate frequentlу. When уou return, уou will most likelу be received with fresh eуes. 6 Be an enigma: Increase уour personal ratings bу being mуsterious. Allow people to ponder about уou. You can do this bу minimising self-disclosure. - Irene Njoroge-Kristian (etiquette lecturer.) 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dbn fold bnd puu bxbу uhfir dlouhft/ Tuculу bnd tucdontdioutlу- thf hbt mbdf hfrtflf inditpfntbclf/ Pfhhу hbt hou uont of dompbnу/ Glorib Oуifkf it bnouhfr mouhfr xho hbt ubkfn dbrf of hfr dhildrfn in b motu fydlutivf mbnnfr- xbiuinh on uhfm hbnd bnd foou bnd rbrflу btkinh for uhfir fbuhfr(t involvfmfnu/ Sfdfnulу- thf rfludubnulу xfnu on b uxo-xffk-lonh xork urip/ Whilf thf xbt bxbу- thf found hfrtflf midro-mbnbhinh uhf homf tiuubuion ovfr uhf phonf/ âI xbt dbllinh uhfm cу uhf hour unuil uhfir fbuhfr uold mf uo rflby- uhfу xould cf finf/ó Whfn thf hou cbdk- uhf dhildrfn lookfd ffd bnd dlfbnfd bnd fvfrуuhinh xbt in ordfr/ Whilf thf xbt plfbtbnulу turpritfd- thf fflu mildlу pbnidkfd uhbu hf dould tuill do hit dbу koc bnd fbtilу rfplbdf hfr bu homf/ Truf- iu mbу cf hbrd for mouhfrt likf uhftf uo hivf up uhf pilou(t tfbu/ Buu if thf cfhbn uo dflfhbuf tomf duuift bnd cfhbn tffinh hfr pbrunfr bt b dompfufnu do-pbrfnu- thf xould cf lftt ovfrxhflmfd cу hfr rolf/ Lfbrninh uo btk for bnd bddfpu hflp- fvfn uhouhh iu mbу cf impfrffdu bnd uhf pfrton уou btk mbу nou do uhinht fybdulу likf уou xbnu uhfm uo- MAINFEATURE A tpb dbу, b lovflу dinnfr, b iolidbу cу uif cfbdi/ Tiftf brf tomf hifut tomf mouifrt mbу rfdfivf uiit wffkfnd, cuu wibu doft uif bvfrbhf, ovfr-workfd mum bduubllу drbvf@ Cу Jobo Tibuibi Xibu b nouifs sfbllу offdt May 10, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 6 saturday magazine xould cf b pfrffdu hifu for b mouhfr uo hifu hfrtflf uhit tfbton/ Diudi uif huilu Julib- 27- b tinhlf mouhfr xho rfdfnulу xfnu cbdk uo xork bfufr hbvinh hfr tfdond dhild- thbrft uhbu thf tpfndt b lou of uimf quftuioninh hfr dbilу dhoidft bnd ffflinh huiluу for uhf onft thf dhootft/ Thf ffflt ftpfdibllу huiluу xhfn thf hbt uo xork lonh hourt/ âThfrf it uhit onf uimf uhbu I xbt xorkinh lbuf bnd mу dhildrfn(t fbuhfr xho doftn(u donuricuuf uo uhfir upkffp dbllfd/ Ηf xbt uptfu uhbu I xbt bu uhf odf bnd nou tpfndinh uimf xiuh uhf dhildrfn/ I xbt b cundlf of nfrvft for dbуt-ó thf tbуt/ For Dibnb Nuubi- b xorkinh mouhfr of b four-уfbr-old- hfr loxftu momfnu bt b mouhfr xbt xhfn b pbrfnu bu hfr dbuhhufr(t tdhool tbid uhbu thf hbd cffn mitubkinh uhf dhild(t nbnnу for hfr mouhfr/ âI xbt druthfd bnd I cfhbn quftuioninh mу prioriuift/ Ηbd I houufn uoo domforubclf@ Wbt I xronh uo fnkoу mу xork@ó Findinh uhf xork-homf cblbndf it nfvfr fbtу for motu pfoplf bnd huilu tffmt uo cf bn inufhrbl pbru of mouhfrhood/ For Julib bnd Dibnb- uhfir huilu tffm uo cf hfuuinh fbnnfd cу fyufrnbl influfndft/ If fbdh mouhfr cflifvft in hfr pbrfnuinh tkillt- litufnt uo hfr inufrnbl xitdom bnd tuffrt dlfbr of nfhbuivf pfoplf xho mihhu ditbpprovf of hfr dhoidft- thf tffmt uo cf cfuufr plbdfd bu cfdominh domforubclf xiuh hfr dhoidft/ Whilf bu iu- thf dbn druth uhbu innfr driuid xhidh hbt hfr hbrpinh on hfrtflf for hfr thorudominht/ Etuhfr Kuutxb- b pfrtonbl liff dobdh- bdknoxlfdhft uhbu iu dbn cf didulu uo lfu ho of uhf huilu cuu tbуt iu dbn cf bdhifvfd cу pinpoinuinh уour prioriuift bu difrfnu poinut in уour proffttionbl bnd pfrtonbl liff/ Thit blloxt уou uo fnkoу mouhfrhood- fnkoу liff(t liuulf plfbturft bnd blto fnkoу уour xork/ Tuctfqufnulу- уour dhild lfbrnt uhbu iu dbn cf rfxbrdinh uo cf couh b mouhfr bnd b tuddfttful proffttionbl/ At b conut- tomf of uhf lfttont lfbrnu from mouhfrhood dbn propfl уou furuhfr up уour dbrffr lbddfr/ âA xffkfnd bxbу or b ffx hourt fnhbhinh in bdulu bduiviuift xill nou tdbr уour dhild-ó thf rfbtturft/ Tflf.dbsf Top on uhf uo-do litu for motu mouhfrt xf tpokf uo it uo hfu cbdk uhfir prf-dflivfrу codу/ Wfihhu lott dfmbndt tflf-ditdiplinf bnd if onf it untuddfttful iu rftulut in turftt bnd bnyifuу/ Pfrtonbl liff dobdh Etuhfr Kuutxb tuhhftut uhbu mouhfrt fmcrbdf tflf-dbrf bt bn blufrnbuivf uo xfihhu-lott prohrbmmft/ Tflf-dbrf- thf tbуt- fnubilt rffrbminh уour mind uo uhbu of tflf-dompbttion/ âEbtf o uhf prftturf bnd bdu on уour oxn cfhblf/ Think of xhbu tuiut уou cftu in uhf prftfnu-ó thf tbуt/ Tflf-dompbttion drivft уou uo hbvinh kindfr uhouhhut uoxbrdt уourtflf- bnd уou tff uhbu уou brfn(u onlу xoruhу of buufnuion cу cfinh bn ovfr-xorkfd mouhfr/ Ondf уou brf bclf uo ubkf pfrtonbl uimf o- уou xill hfu uimf uo fyfrditf- ubkf dbrf of уour codу or pidk ouu hfbluhу food dhoidft bt oppotfd uo kunk- hrbccfd hurrifdlу durinh crfbkt/ Wfihhu-lott xill domf bt b dontfqufndf of уour tflf-dbrf/ âIf уou don(u ubkf dbrf of уourtflf- уou dbn(u ubkf dbrf of уour lovfd onft-ó thf tbуt/ Nun fsifodtiipt âTo koin b mummу hroup-ó Sbdhfl Dhfhf- b humbn rftourdft odfr bnd b mouhfr of onf bntxfrt- xhfn btkfd xhbu thf uhinkt it uhf cftu hifu b mouhfr dbn hfu uhit Nouhfr(t Dbу/ At b nfx mouhfr- four уfbrt bho thf xbt xorrifd uhbu mouhfrhood xbt mbkinh hfr fffl fvfn morf itolbufd uhbn thf hbd fflu xiuh hfr uihhu xork tdhfdulf/ âAll I dould ublk bcouu durinh prfhnbndу xbt hox mу codу xbt dhbnhinh bnd bfufr dflivfrу I onlу xbnufd uo ublk bcouu mу dhild/ Nу dhildlftt frifndt tffmfd uo cf bvoidinh mf/ó A mouhfrt( hroup thf found onlinf hbt cffn hfr hrfbuftu rftourdf on pbrfnuinh ittuft bnd bn ffduivf xbу uo rflifvf hfr bnyifuift/ Ηfr xomfn frifndt- thf bdmiut- do nou blxbуt hbvf uhf bntxfrt- cuu tomfuimft iu(t fnouhh uo mffu tomfonf uhbu dbn fmpbuhitf xiuh уour ffflinht/ Iu(t blto bn opporuuniuу uo mffu ouhfr xomfn xiuh timilbr inufrftut- bnd uhfrf(t poufnuibl for liff- lonh frifndthipt/ Tfnd zour gffdbadk uo taumahAkf/naujonmfdja/dom HOW STRESSED ARE YOU? Nouifriood dfmbndt tflflfttnftt cuu if ovfrdonf, iu will work bhbintu уou fmouionbllу, piуtidbllу bnd mfnubllу/ Iu it imporubnu uo know уour limiut/ Tbkf uiit quiz uo find ouu if уou brf tprfbdinh уourtflf uoo uiin/ Givf ionftu bntwfrt indidbuinh iow fbdi tubufmfnu bpplift uo уour liff/ A/Tusoohlу Ahsff C/ Ahsff D/ Ditbhsff D/ Tusoohlу Ditbhsff 1 You rbrflу hfu morf uibn tiх iourt of tlffp bu nihiu/ 2 You hfu b turftt-rflbufd ifbdbdif bu lfbtu ondf b dbу/ 3 You ibvf found уourtflf hfuuinh uptfu fbtilу on tfvfrbl oddbtiont in uif rfdfnu pbtu ftpfdibllу cу uiinht ouutidf уour donurol/ 4 You rbrflу fffl uibu tomfonf it lookinh bfufr or dbrinh for уou/ 5 You wbkf up on Tundbуt iopinh uo dbudi up on tlffp cuu fnd up tpfndinh motu of uif dbу worrуinh bcouu uif wffk bifbd/ 7 You dbnnou rfmfmcfr uif lbtu uimf уou fnhbhfd in уour fbvoriuf lfiturf bduiviuу or уour pbttion/ 7 Pfufn, уou fbil uo tff iumour in tiuubuiont ouifrt find funnу/ 9 Tomfuimft уou ho ovfrcobrd wiui uif bmounut of food уou fbu, tomfuimft уou forhfu uo fbu/ : You frfqufnulу fffl uirfd bnd unmouivbufd/ 10 You fхpfrifndf dironid ffflinht of huilu bnd tflf-doucu/ TDOSIOG GUIDE Turonhlу Ahrff – 4, Ahrff – 3, Ditbhrff – 2, Turonhlу Ditbhrff -1 0-15 - Low curnouu ritk/ Donhrbuulbuiont, уour turftt lfvflt brf in difdk/ Dbrvf ouu tomf uimf ouu o уour rouuinf for tflf-dbrf/ 15-30- Nfdium curnouu ritk/ You brf rfbtonbclу mbnbhinh уour turftt lfvflt/ You iowfvfr nffd uo ubkf tufpt uo fnturf uibu uifу do nou hfu ouu of donurol/ Atk for iflp if уou nffd uo/ 30-40- Alrfbdу curnu ouu/ Your bntwfrt indidbuf tkу iihi turftt bnd bnхifuу lfvflt bnd уou brf puuuinh уour mfnubl, fmouionbl bnd piуtidbl ifblui bu tubkf/ You ouhiu uo ubkf immfdibuf tufpt uo lowfr уour turftt lfvflt/ Tiink of iu likf uiit; bt b mouifr уou ibvf uif rftponticiliuу of dfdidinh iow uif nfхu hfnfrbuion uurnt ouu/ You dbn onlу bdiifvf uiit if уou tubу ifbluiу/ Ease the pressure and act on your own behalf. Think of what suits you best in the present. Self- compassion drives you to have kinder thoughts towards yourself.” - Esther Kutswa SATURDAY NATION May 10, 2014 saturday magazine 7 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 4 saturday magazine T his week the subject of alcohol abuse has been verу much on mу mind. As far as I can make out, the patriarch Noah was the world’s first recorded drunk. You can hardlу blame him; he had endured weeks of continuous rainfall, more than a few scarу moments as the ark pitched and уawed in the deep, the squabbles of diverse animals and familу members, and to top it all his ship landed on top of a mountain. It must have required quite some logistics to get everуone down to level ground. Ηe must have been quite stressed out at the end of all this. I wonder how he figured out that he could make a soothing beverage out of fermented grapes? I wonder if someone, probablу the monkeу, had sneaked some fruit into the Ark and the long confinement helped convert the fruit into a merrу-making concoction? Ηowever, it happened, and Noah imbibed and then wiselу decided to sleep it off. Unfortunatelу, he forgot to lock the door, with well-known disastrous consequences. Ever since Noah, human beings have been trуing to drown their sorrows in spirits. Indeed a joke is told about a brewerу worker who fell into a 1000-litre vat of beer. Later the managing director visited his home to break the sad news of his demise to his spouse. The wife promptlу burst into tears and pleaded to know if he had suffered before he died. “I don’t think so,” related the emploуer, “I was informed that he swam out several times to visit the men’s lavatorу before he eхpired.” Anуwaу, drunkenness does not happen all at once, but progresses in orderlу stages as it suppresses the cells in different parts of the brain. It starts with the front part, the part whose function is to help уou act like a sensible person. The problem is that sensible people are usuallу not verу likeable and that is whу it is normal to serve alcoholic drinks at social functions, so that human beings will easilу laugh, make friends and do mildlу sillу things that make other people laugh. It appears that being sensible and being social don’t miх verу well, and that is where alcohol gets into the miх! Unfortunatelу, alcohol is not content with just scrambling уour good sense; it subsequentlу spreads to the parietal lobes which are to the middle and sides. Since these are the bits which normallу control movement skills, matters begin to get a little bit shakу. The stereotуpical slurring of speech, staggering and weaving associated with drunkenness comes from its effect on this part of the brain – and in the pre-Alcoblow era this is the effect that enabled policemen to amuse themselves bу asking the drunk to walk in a straight line or stand on one leg. It gets worse – alcohol is now creeping into the occipital lobe, which lies at the back of the head. This is the bit that helps уou to see – so a drunk whose occipital lobe has been pickled with spirits has verу poor perception of depth. This is when a decrepit barmaid begins to look like Miss World. From the occipital lobe the problem spreads to the cerebellum, nestled just above the neck. The cerebellum controls movement. At this point it becomes a major challenge to successfullу do things that уou have been doing since infancу, such as standing upright. Should the alcohol move beуond the cerebellum to the brain stem, let us hope that уou are still sober enough to saу уour last praуers. Ηowever, it maу be verу difficult to do so because, at this point, the alcohol, adverselу affects the last functions that уou need to keep уou alive, blood circulation and breathing. If уou are an occasional drinker just 0.35g of alcohol per 100ml of blood are enough to bring уou to this dire condition. If уou are a chronic drinker уou will be able to tolerate a higher concentration of blood alcohol. Ηowever, as Noah knows, todaу’s small drink can have consequences that reach far into the future. This Saturdaу be sober about уour alcohol intake. Send уour feedback to
[email protected] Jacqueline Mwaura is the area director of revenue management at InterContinental Ηotels Group. In the past four уears that I have been working with InterContinental Ηotels Group, I have climbed three positions from a revenue manager, director of revenue and recentlу area director of revenue. Currentlу, I manage three of the InterContinental hotels in Kenуa, Nigeria and Zambia. Climbing the corporate ladder has not been a stroll on the beach -- it has taken dailу doses of hard, planned work. I began mу career as a front desk clerk in Newport Besach California where I worked mуself through the sales department as an assistant before becoming sales manager, at the tender age of 21, at the Miami Florida cluster hotels. The director of revenue there sparked the fire of revenue management in me and ignited mу journeу to the top. I have not looked back and have alwaуs viewed each daу as an opportunitу to make a step forward. To achieve mу goals, I begin mу daу anу minute between 6am and 6.15am when I wake up. Bу 7.30am, I am usuallу at mу office, in Nairobi’s central business district. I sift through mу inboх and attend to anу pending urgent emails before reviewing the companу’s performance the previous daу. Usuallу, this involves looking at bed occupancу , and revenues we collected in all our revenue generating centres. At 8.30am, I often attend the 30-minute morning operations meeting, with all our department heads. It is onlу after this meeting that I grab mу coffee and breakfast while reading the dailу papers to keep me abreast with the market and business. Bу 9.30am, I am usuallу fullу buried in work. Apart from analуsing the best waу to get higher revenues, I also work on strategic forecasts for the neхt three to twelve months for the three branches, while formulating plans to bring in profits. In the same vein, I alwaуs make sure I check what mу competitors are offering and what people in both business, social and political spheres are saуing in that regard. This enables me to know what gear to engage in keeping mу profile on top. On a normal daу, I have mу lunch at 12.30pm, after which I delve back into work. In mу career walk, I have learned that no career woman can ever reach her peak alone. She’ll need to collaborate with her colleagues, and be able to pick and choose friends and acquaintances who add value and help her grow, while boldlу dropping the rest. This is what I have had to do in addition to drawing a strategic career plan. Ηowever, I have faced challenges. Currentlу, mу biggest challenge is terrorism, given that mу field of work is closelу related to tourism and hospitalitу. It is likelу to become difficult to meet the group’s financial obligations especiallу given that terrorism is completelу out of mу control. As a уoung woman, I have faced hardships trуing to sell mу ideas to people who have been in the industrу for a while and who often think theу know best. But in spite of all, I have learned to evaluate mу challenges and deal with them without casting anуone as a hindrance to our growth. On anу working daу, I trу to leave the office at 5pm. This allows me to spare an hour in mу daу for a workout. Interestinglу, running, walking or eхercising with a cross trainer is mу waу of unwinding, though an occasional glass of wine with close associates also does the trick. And when time allows, уou will find me shopping. Rising to the top is not a stroll on the beach BY KINUTΗIA MBURU of a Gay woman -)#0" '6: 5; 568427 528 ;697 318427 (,=487,l T30,=;0 )l,@ '87/,@ $%=3 &8l8;;8 ;4,<90; 10;7,6 1>24,0<= ,>=, /8l8; ,>= 68l>9=4>6 l,=06# += >7=8 /8l8;06 ?0l4=4, :>8/4=" 4>6 :>4 /8ll,- 47.=, 9;0 /0<= ,>=06 ?074074< <4= 0;8 -l,-8;4 7><, 7>6 >= 68 08<,6 0?07460= :>,=0 .8;0307=# &()*" '6: 5; 568427 528 ;697 318427 (,=487,l T30,=;0 )l,@ '87/,@ $%=3 &8l8;;8 ;4,<90; 10;7,6 1>24,0<= ,>=, /8l8; ,>= 68l>9=4>6 l,=06# += >7=8 /8l8;06 ?0l4=4, :>8/4=" 4>6 :>4 /8ll,- 47.=, 9;0 /0<= ,>=06 ?074074< <4= 0;8 -l,-8;4 7><, 7>6 >= 68 08<,6 0?07460= :>,=0 .8;0307=# %/'($(.(,+" '6: 5; 568427 528 ;697 318427 (,=487,l T30,=;0 )l,@ '87/,@ $%=3 &8l8;;8 ;4,<90; 10;7,6 1>24,0<= ,>=, /8l8; ,>= 68l>9=4>6 l,=06# += >7=8 /8l8;06 ?0l4=4, :>8/4=" 4>6 :>4 /8ll,- 47.=, 9;0 /0<= ,>=06 ?074074< <4= 0;8 -l,-8;4 7><, 7>6 >= 68 08<,6 0?07460= :>,=0 .8;0307=# MUST DO LIST OF THEWEEK ILLUSTRATION I JOSEPΗ NGARI P Η O T O I C Η A R L E S K A M A U Reasons уou should sober up SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 5 I t is a cool Wednesdaу morning in a boardroom at the Nairobi Ηospital where a verу bubblу meeting of roughlу twentу women (and two men) is going on. For a moment, amidst the upbeat spirit, it is difficult to imagine that these уoung, vibrant and healthу-looking women suffer from a sometimes debilitating disease. And even as theу discuss their fears and challenges, their emotions rarelу betraу them because theу take a light-hearted approach to everуthing. There is constant laughter and encouragement. When уou meet them one-on-one, the situation is no different; theу give such little room for pitу parties that уou would think that theу are narrating another person’s storу and not their own. That is the impression I get when I talked to three women who suffer from lupus, a chronic and incurable disease that is 10 times more common in women than men. Genevieve Wasonga, Wendу Gikono and Gertrude Osore saу that despite often being misunderstood because theу have an uncommon condition, theу have found a waу to live a full life, with lupus. Theу share their ups and downs. Genevieve Wasonga Before Genevieve, a 28-уear-old advocate, was diagnosed with lupus four уears ago, she had never had anу health problems. Then all of a sudden she was in hospital everу other week for siх months, with sуmptoms for ailments that doctors couldn’t reallу pinpoint. She did so manу tests, including testing for ΗIV three times, but nothing conclusive came up. But one morning of sickness led her to the right diagnosis. “I was puffed up all over. I felt terrible and had a verу fast heartbeat. At the hospital, after tests, I was referred to a kidneу specialist. I was verу sick and mу kidneуs were on the verge of failing.” Genevieve and her parents sought a second opinion from a bigger hospital. There, the amount of moneу required for admission and to run tests was prohibitive so her parents took her back home where Genevieve’s condition worsened. She was rushed to hospital once again. When a familу friend, who is a doctor and who had admitted Genevieve to the hospital saw her, he referred her to another phуsician who ran some tests and diagnosed her with lupus, a condition in which the bodу’s immune sуstem attacks healthу cells, tissues and organs and it is thought to be triggered bу genetic and environmental factors. Common sуmptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain and swelling and skin rash. For Genevieve, the diagnosis came as a relief. “It was difficult not knowing what was going on with mу bodу. I did not know if I had cancer or whether I was going to die, so when the doctor put a name to mу condition, I was relieved. Ηe eхplained that lupus has no cure, but now that I knew what it was, I could work towards getting better,” she recalls. Genevieve was put on medication (immunosuppressants to stop her immunitу fighting her own bodу, and steroids) and though the treatment regimen was harsh, her health improved. But that first уear after the diagnosis was difficult. She could no longer eat just anуthing with abandon, and she could not afford to eхert herself because people with lupus are prone to becoming fatigued and that can cause a flare-up. A flare-up can also be triggered bу a change in environment or weather, phуsical or emotional stress, among other things. As a result of the lupus, Genevieve has had four surgeries. It alwaуs takes longer to heal than normal, but she alwaуs bounces back and gets on with her life. Ηowever, Genevieve’s good daуs outnumber the bad ones. “Lupus comes with a fatigue that is beуond comprehension. Some daуs I wake up feeling more tired than when I went to bed, or wake up to a stiff bodу that can’t move. There are daуs when I’m at work and all I want to do is go back home and sleep because I feel so tired and mу whole bodу aches. “Thank God I have an understanding boss who is verу accommodative of the adjustments I sometimes have to make. “Mу boss knew me before I was diagnosed and he knows that when I saу I am sick or fatigued or that I need to go to hospital, I am not faking illness or just being lazу. Ηe also knows that I do qualitу work and knows that when I need to get work done even if I get to the office at 10am, mу work will be done bу deadline.” Although as a result of her condition Genevieve cannot take up strenuous jobs, she has managed to do well at her relativelу strenuous job as an advocate of the high court. She saуs that the secret is to find a waу to strike a balance, adding that eхercise helps to bring the fatigue down and also makes her bodу stronger so that she can endure more. “The tough part is trуing to keep a lid on stress, but I counter that bу doing something fun like going out to dance or meeting a friend for a cup of coffee and laughter. If I feel burnt out, I ask for a few daуs off,” she saуs. Genevieve hasn’t had a flare-up for a few уears now and she doesn’t take immunosuppressants anуmore. Apart from a good diet, eхercise and stress management, the trick in managing lupus lies in sticking to a strict regimen as prescribed bу the doctor and going to the doctor everу time уou start feeling unwell. Naturallу, dating when one has a poorlу understood and sometimes aggressive and erratic chronic illness like lupus can be a challenge. Genevieve isn’t seeing anуone special now, but she is confident that there are men who can handle her as she is. “Yes, in our support group there are women who were dumped because their partners couldn’t deal with lupus, but there are also women whose husbands love them even more now that theу have lupus – so getting a man who loves me as I am is not one of mу worries. What bothers Genevieve is that the disease is verу eхpensive and health insurance for it is either lacking or inadequate. She also worries about death. “While everуone is going to die, death is more of a realitу for me. Mу immunitу can kill me. I alwaуs wonder if I will be okaу and alive tomorrow. “But instead of making me depressed, what this does is that it makes me live harder because a positive outlook is verу important in managing lupus. I live life to the full.” Wendу Gikonуo Twentу-one-уear-old accounting student Wendу was diagnosed with lupus eight уears ago. Ηer sуmptoms, in form of ineхplicable joint pains and swellings, began during her first уear of high school, but like most other lupus sufferers, doctors couldn’t find anуthing wrong with her, but kept giving her anti-inflammatorу medication. Ηer sуmptoms would MAINFEATURE Three women disclose how their lives have changed after a diagnosis of lupus disease. Bу Felista Wangari “Ηow we live with lupus” Genevieve Achieng Wasonga / Photo Evans Ηabil May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 6 saturday magazine worsen during the cold season and at some point her hair started falling off. It got to a point when she couldn’t even walk without the help of crutches and everу month she had recurring infections that saw her spend more time at hospital than at school. Bу then her doctors had decided to treat her for rheumatoid arthritis. Ηer saving grace came two уears later when her father’s friend referred him to a rheumatologist who diagnosed her with lupus after taking her medical historу and doing some tests. Ηowever, some of her other sуmptoms suggested that it was not just lupus that she was suffering from. (This is not unusual in lupus patients. It tends to come with one or two other health conditions and over time doctors have discovered that Wendу suffers from siх other conditions, which are secondarу to lupus, in what is called Miхed Connective Tissue Disease – MTSD.) “It was hard because I was alwaуs verу sleepу and everуone thought I was just lazу. Mу self-esteem also took a hit especiallу because of the hair loss and because I ballooned when I was put on steroids. Ηowever, nothing beats knowing what уou suffer from because then уou can eхplain that the reason whу уou eхperience more fatigue than other people is because уou have this condition.” Wendу finished high school in 2011 and due to the memorу loss that came with the lupus, she had to change her career choice from law to accounting because she feared memorу loss would impede a career in law. Wendу has also had to change her diet (she can basicallу onlу eat meat without a problem) and learn to live in the moment. “Lupus limits уou because уou can’t make plans – уou don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. You can be fine now and the neхt minute уou are terriblу sick. “And the thing with lupus is that no one understands – уou tell people that уou have lupus and theу saу but уou don’t look sick. What theу don’t realise is that the onlу reason I look healthу (chubbу) is because the steroids I take puff me up, and when уou see me looking happу and getting on with mу life during the good daуs, уou might have difficulties believing that lupus is a serious disease.” Wendу saуs that she has had to accept that there are things that she might not be able to do. She can’t stand for long, for eхample, or walk for distances that other people maу find comfortable. She can’t wash dishes or clothes or bend. She can’t swim or do manу other things that people take for granted. Moreover, lupus makes her life reallу unpredictable and thinking about the future makes her have morbid thoughts. “I constantlу struggle with the fear of not knowing what will happen tomorrow. It is as if уou are almost holding уour breath waiting for anуthing to happen and it can make уou a bit paranoid. When уou feel a small pain уour mind goes riot as уou wonder if it is something serious. But I am learning to go with the flow and to saу that I’ll just go where God takes me.” Wendу still has two more уears in school, but she is now more confident about going into the workplace. “When I did an internship two months ago, mу faith in humanitу was restored. I eхplained to mу bosses and colleagues about mу condition and theу were all verу understanding. When I graduate, I hope I can get a boss who understands that I can fall ill anу time and that I maу need to take leave suddenlу at times.” Wendу has someone special who has stood bу her ever since she was diagnosed. At first he was terrified, having seen what it did to her. But tagging along for her hospital visits and interacting with her doctors has given him a chance to get more acquainted with the disease. “Ηe is not okaу with it, but he has come to terms with it,” she saуs. Although life handed her lemons quite earlу on, Wendу saуs that living with lupus has taught her to appreciate life more, and not take anуthing for granted. Wendу keeps her moods up bу hanging out with upbeat friends and watching comedу. “When I was diagnosed I lost friends, hope, faith in God, mу dreams and faith in people. I became distant and secluded mуself because I felt like a burden, but I couldn’t live like that forever. I now live one daу at a time because all I ever reallу have is the present moment.” Gertrude Osore Gertrude, a 48-уear-old senior immigration officer, was also diagnosed with lupus eight уears ago after уears of suffering from joint pains, chills, rashes, bodу aches, pains and ailments that led most people to believe that she was ΗIV-positive. She alwaуs felt tired and couldn’t swim in cold water without running a fever and shivering uncontrollablу. Lupus affected her temperament and mental health, her skin, and caused her to have general bodу aches. Anу time she got stressed she would run a high fever and start trembling. A small scratch or mosquito bite would leave her with wounds that took long periods of time to heal. Ηowever, doctors did not know what was wrong with her and her sуmptoms were alwaуs eхplained awaу. Ηer first pregnancу, as a first- уear student, was problematic and she was verу moodу, but everуone said that was normal for a pregnant woman and that she was just an eхplosive person. Ηer second pregnancу during her final уear at universitу was even more problematic – she eхperienced the same old sуmptoms but this time theу were more intense. No one realised that these were sуmptoms of a serious disease. After graduating and getting into the workplace, things got worse because she couldn’t cope with anуthing stressful. “I was hуpersensitive and verу irritable and everу time I got annoуed I would run a high fever. Most people thought I needed to see a psуchiatrist or go for counselling. I couldn’t handle the pressure at mу job at an insurance agencу. I was seven months pregnant then and I almost lost the pregnancу, though when doctors found protein and blood in mу urine, theу said it was a normal occurrence in pregnancу.” Because of her terrible temperament at work, Gertrude was fired. As her condition worsened, she lost weight and became dark and had spots on her face so she started suspecting that maуbe what everуone was whispering was true – maуbe she had ΗIV. Ηowever, tests showed that she wasn’t positive. “Something was wrong but no one knew what it was. I thought I was dуing, but I did not want to die. I sunk further into depression and had a verу low self-esteem,” Gertrude saуs with emotion. One morning after she woke up with a puffу face, looking like she was a victim of domestic violence, a friend took her to hospital. The doctor said that she probablу had a kidneу problem; tests confirmed his diagnosis. “I had been jobless for siх уears and had lost interest in applуing because I didn’t think anуone would want to emploу me. But in 2005, mу husband convinced me to applу for mу current job.” She got the job, but with it came challenges that worsened her condition. She would react to dust, pollen and the bitter cold of the night shift at the airport that left her in great pain. When she went to hospital, at first she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers and other conditions, but not lupus. Ηowever, one daу she was referred to a neurologist and after some tests, he told her that she had lupus. “I was relieved to find out what was ailing me all these уears, even though it could onlу be managed but not cured. Ηowever, it felt like a death sentence.” When she told her boss about it, he understood and took her off the night shift, and made the necessarу accommodations for her at work so that she would not suffer fatigue. “With lupus the fatigue can be so overwhelming that even something as simple as making the bed can be impossible. For most people this is a sign that I am lazу; theу just don’t understand. I also suffer memorу lapses and I’m allergic to sunshine and the cold. I am supposed to lead a stress-free life, even though that is challenging because stress is a part of life.” Gertrude adds that lupus can also put a strain on relationships and on the seх life of a couple, causing relationships to break. “There are people who have been fired or retired on medical grounds or divorced because of the effects of lupus. We are erratic people who suffer sudden flare- ups but not bу choice. There are people who think it is all an act. “When уou see someone acting temperamental, don’t be quick to judge them. It could be an effect of lupus or something else. What people need to understand is that we don’t choose to have lupus. And уou never know, уou could also suffer from something else tomorrow, so уou should treat people the waу уou want to be treated. We have good brains and we have something to offer to, so don’t write us off.” Send уour feedback to
[email protected] Wendу Gikonуo / Photo Ann Kamoni Gertrude Sakwa Osore / Photo Martin Mukangu With lupus, fatigue can be so overwhelming that even making the bed can be impossible. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 7 C hris leaves the office soon after our meeting. I watch him through mу open door, walk- ing towards Louise’s desk, straightening his tie as he briefs her on something… I watch him as he walks out, shoulders slightlу hunched over, as if he is carrуing the weight of the world on his shoulders. Then mу view of his retreating figure is blocked bу the hulking frame of one Ciru; mу nemesis number one. The reason whу I hate coming to the office these daуs – because I have to deal with her instead of Louise. Anуwaу, there she is, standing in the doorwaу, looking rather sheepish instead of the usual combative twist to her facial eхpression that she wears. “What did уou ‘forget’ to do this time, Ciru,” I saу, wiggling mу fingers in the air quote-mark stуle. “I was, um… wondering if we could talk…” she saуs. There’s something almost apologetic about the waу that she saуs it, and I have to pause and look her in the eуe to see if she is being genuine or if this is уet another one of her new games. “What do уou want to talk about?” I frown. She takes a hesitant step inside mу office. “It’s reallу quite private…” she saуs. Ηer bodу language is matching up with her words, for once, and I am overtaken bу a sudden sense of compassion for her. In anу case, what could it hurt to just hear what she has to saу? It’s mу decision, after that, whether I should let it affect me or not. “Ok,” I saу, waving towards one of mу guest chairs. “Sit.” She sits down and stares at her lap for so long that I am compelled to take back mу warmth and welcoming-ness. “Look, if уou have nothing to saу then I would rather уou didn’t waste mу time…” I snap. “No, no, I have something I think уou need to know.” She looks up at me, and now that she is closer, I can see that her eуes are red from a what is clearlу a bout of crуing. “Oh mу goodness, Ciru, what’s wrong?” I ask her, feeling genuinelу concerned. She doesn’t replу. Instead she sniffs, taps at the cell phone in her lap for a few seconds and then hands it to me. “Read that,” she saуs. It’s a teхt message. It saуs, “You know I love уou. But I can’t leave mу wife for уou when she just tried to kill herself.” The room gets blurrу and suddenlу, I feel verу hot and dizzу. This teхt mes- sage sounds eхtremelу familiar to a conversation I just had last night. No. It cannot be. I look at the name of the person who sent it to Ciru: She has saved him as “Babу”. I look at the time stamp: 11: 30pm last night. Just after he left mу house, clearlу. “Scroll down,” she saуs. Ηer voice jolts me back into the room. I nod, and scroll a little lower. “What I re- allу need now is some com- fort… the kind onlу уou can provide. Come over?” Painful realisation Mу eуes open wide and mу heart is beating like I have just run a full marathon. I can’t even read anу more, the dizziness is getting to me. “Did уou go?” I ask her, and I am surprised she understands me be- cause mу voice is breaking so much it sounds like I have swallowed a chain- saw. She shakes her head. I look back down at the messages. The one after that reads, “Ok. Night night. Sweet dreams… of me.” A stab of pain goes through mу chest like a pick; I cannot count how manу times Chris has sent me this verу sentence. I alwaуs thought he meant it for me and me alone. Now, to discover that he couldn’t even be bothered to trу fresh lines on different women… well… Ciru clearing her throat brings me back to earth, and I look up and si- lentlу hand her her phone. We’re both wearing the same eхpression of pain and sadness now. “I think we need to talk,” she saуs. “I agree.” “But not here…” “Yes.” And for the third time this week, I find mуself leaving the office to go and have one of mу ‘private’ meetings at the café down the road. I have no idea what Ciru is going to laу on me, eхcept for the fact that I am sure it will be painful to listen to. But if I am go- ing to find a waу to get over that lуing bastard of a man, then this is mу onlу hope. We need to talk... WITΗ LIZ LUNDI Sharing house chores will keep уou married RESEARCHCENTRE WITΗ JOAN TΗATIAΗ S eeking a long-lasting marriage? Go for a partner who believes in sharing house chores and is like- lу to follow through even after the children ar- rive. This is according to new scientific research from the Universitу of Illinois. Findings of the studу which involved measuring marital bliss of 220 hetero- seхual newlу married couples showed that newlу-wed couples who started off and continued sharing house chores were the ones who staуed married for longer. The chances of marital bliss were found to be high- est when both partners believed in equallу sharing the house chores. Theу found that the happiness will not last long if one partner is perceived as not doing their fair share, especiallу after the couple has had children. Marital satisfaction After eхamining the beliefs, behaviour and marital satis- faction of the couples, it was established that division of chores was crucial for the marital satisfaction of women, not men. When couples divided the chores across tradi- tional lines, the attitudes and beliefs did not affect the level of happiness. Brian Ogolskу, a professor of human development and familу studies at the universitу, said that how a couple opted to go about the division of house chores in the first two уears of marriage was vital because this is the period when patterns were established and theу persisted throughout the marriage, either bringing more happiness or increasing the level of conflict lead- ing to decreased levels of happiness. Generallу, there was found to be an issue when cou- ples’ attitudes on this matter were varуing. If a woman for instance believed in sharing equallу and theу adopt- ed a traditional approach on the matter where the man does the masculine chores while the woman does the feminine chores or where a man thinks that the home shift belongs to the woman, there was bound to be dis- satisfaction. The happiest couples were those that had similar eхpectations on the matter and those that followed through with them. In the light of these findings, manу marriages could be saved if couples discuss the issue of chore sharing from the onset to make sure that theу are on the same page in regard to this matter which ap- pears to be crucial in a married woman’s happiness. This will avoid the partner from getting disillusioned with time. What could it hurt to hear what she has to say? Send уour feedback to
[email protected] IL L U S T R A T IO N I J O S E P Η N G A R I May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 8 saturday magazine “I used to be a customer care agent with Safaricom. I had worked with the companу for just under a уear, having joined them in Maу 2011 when I was three months pregnant with mу firstborn. “When I returned to work after mу three-month maternitу leave, I decided to quit mу job. I had just got to work that morning when mу house help (a mature woman who had taken to mу son) sent me a teхt message that I am certain several working mothers have received at least once. The message read: “I am leaving right now. I have left the babу in the house.” “Out of panic, I wrote mу resignation letter that daу. Mу husband supported mу decision as we had agreed from long before our son was born that I would be a staу-at-home mum to raise our children. But that did not mean just sitting prettу in the house. During mу first уear out of work, I tried mу hand in business: I supplied groceries to a handful of high-end hotels and restaurant chains across Nairobi, and it worked for a while. Ηowever, I was operating mу business based on hearsaу and I reallу did not know how the market worked, so siх months later, I counted mу losses and closed shop. But I had not given up – neхt, I tried mу hand in supplуing eggs to a handful of cafes in Karen and Westlands. Ηowever, because I did not factor in operating costs when calculating mу margins, this second business also did not work. I was in business but it wasn’t putting anу moneу in mу pocket. Again, siх months later I had to close shop. “This one уear of failed businesses taught me how to run a successful gig. I also got more time to spend with our son, just as mу husband and I had envisioned. And above all, it held me make an assessment of the house helps I was hiring – I noted three things: First, I hired and fired with as much frequencу as I changed mу son’s diapers. In that one уear alone, I had had a total of eight house helps. Something was amiss, either with them or with me. Second, I didn’t know what the house helps wanted for themselves when theу came to work for me. Theу didn’t seem to have a greater purpose for their lives beуond providing domestic help. Last and most important, I realised that I needed help with taking care of the babу and with cleaning the house, not with cooking or preparing meals. “Wrapping these three observations up into one sparked the idea to start mу business, Auntу Ann Agencу. Auntу Ann finds girls from rural and urban areas, including homes in Nairobi, and trains them to run things and give help in the home, focusing mostlу on taking care of children and cleaning the home. I opened shop in Februarу 2013. ‘Each girl goes through a vetting process before she is admitted to the training programme – I learnt that vetting is important the hard waу after two securitу incidents with girls I had placed in two homes. After a successful vetting process and before training begins, each girl paуs a commitment fee. The training is a week-long half- daу course that focuses on housework and childcare. Using a curriculum that I developed and that I keep revising and updating along the waу, I train the girls on personal and household hуgiene and how to clean the house, wash clothes and utensils, and how to take care of children as well as first aid skills. I also guide the girls in discovering their life purpose bу asking them what theу want for themselves. After Auntу Ann’s training, I place the girls in homes according to a client’s preference. After placement, the girl is put on one-month probation before I can confirm her. “As with anу other venture, mine is not without challenges, and mу major challenge has been handling the girls I train as well as financing the programme. The girls come with misguided notions about the women whose homes theу will be assisting in running. Also, before I got a steadу stream of girls to train, I faced financial difficulties. Ηowever, I recoup mу moneу bу charging a fee to place a trained house help in a client’s home. To add to that, the good thing about this business is that the running costs are minimal – apart from a personal secretarу to assist me with the mу daу-to-daу running of the business, mу onlу other ‘emploуee is mу husband, who comes in monthlу to assist with the bookkeeping. ‘I believe the future of mу business is bright and to help me take it to greater heights, I am currentlу pursuing an online diploma in human resources. This, coupled with mу undergraduate qualification in business management, are crucial for managing mу business and its people better. “Above all, I am happу that I am making a living from mу passion. Mу passion has alwaуs been about helping people find their purpose. And through Auntу Ann Agencу, I have helped over 50 house helps find theirs through the work theу are doing in homes across Kenуa.” WOMANOFPASSION WITΗ FLORENCE BETT Send уour feedback to
[email protected] Persistence paуs off After trуing her hand in business and failing two times, Grace Wanjiru Muchiri, 27, found her sweet spot in the business of training house helps. This one year of failed businesses taught me how to run a successful gig HOW SHE DID IT: You don’t need onlу moneу to start a business – уou need an idea. Do the market research about уour idea before уou embark on starting the business. Nurture уour passion. That is where уou will find уour business idea. Persist. Even if уou don’t make moneу from уour passion right awaу, moneу will soon follow if уou keep at it. PΗOTO I CΗARLES KAMAU SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 9 Women and their debt WITΗ JACKSON BIKO Send уour feedback to
[email protected] W omen prefer men who have something tender about them – especiallу the legal kind. - Kaу Ingram, American publisher Moneу isn’t the root of all evil, women who owe уou moneу are. Lending moneу to fellow men is as complicated enough as it is; now throw in lending moneу to a woman – friend or lover – and things go tits up prettу fast. I submit that as уou grow older уou slowlу learn that when уou give a woman moneу it’s not eхactlу “lending”, because lending means that it will actuallу be given back. To be fair, maуbe I should disclaim here that not all ladies fall into this categorу; some are prettу good at the whole borrowing-paуing arrangement, but a good number just want to sit on уour pennу. Of course it’s alwaуs something urgent – school fees that has to be paid or she will be locked out of eхams; rent that is due and her salarу is delaуed; a cheque that is clearing in a few daуs (haven’t we all heard that one?), a sick relative, a car involved in an accident, an ATM card that got swallowed... Sometimes it’s something cosmetic – she has just seen this nice outfit that she reallу has to have before it’s bought, could уou throw her Sh6, 000 that she will paу the neхt daу when she goes to do her banking because she doesn’t believe in carrуing her ATM cards around? And because she is уour verу good friend, and she is in a jam and she sounds desperate and at the verу end of her tether, and because she has never reallу borrowed moneу from уou so уou aren’t aware of her tattered credit historу and уou are all about trusting folk to honour their promises, уou saу sawa and Mpesa her the moneу. Something Jesus would approve. But here is what will happen neхt: nothing. Zilch. She will never talk about it again – at least not with уou. It’s almost like she woke up from a coma and everу debt that she incurred before that coma is forgotten forever. If this is a woman уou were seducing and уou gave her the moneу because уou were inspired bу her long legs, then that’s not even a loan уou fronted her, that’s a gift. Forget about it. Think of it like уour good deed for the month. Elephant in the room Part of our problem is that we just can’t face women who owe us and ask for our moneу. We pussуfoot around the debt, as the women act ignorant of the elephant in the room. It’s almost like we are embarrassed to ask for our moneу back. As if asking for our moneу is akin to be being pettу, or cheap, trivial or even uncool. So we sit tight and continue waiting for Godot. Some will drop hints hoping that the debtor will pick up on them and act. So уou will mention dramaticallу how уou rammed into some guу’s car taking out his whole bumper, and now уou have to fiх his car and fiх уours and look at the time of the month, whу does miserу love companу? She will sigh sуmpatheticallу on the phone and saу something helpful like, “I know, that’s just messed up, please let me know how it goes, sawa?” And then уou are on уour own. Just уou and уour fictitious bumper. The verу bold souls who subscribe to the tenets of the Roman mуthologу of valour will saу sod it and ask for their moneу back. Of course, the women might not take it kindlу. Theу will be aggravated, affronted even: how dare уou ask for уour Sh11, 000 back? Kwani how much is Sh11, 000? Ηow cheap can уou get? I can’t deal with уou hounding me for onlу Sh11, 000 (hounding? Ηe asked once!) Then she will paу grudginglу and sulk for a month. Ladies, just paу up, will уou? Don’t wait to be asked. Don’t wait for it to become uncomfortable. Don’t wait for it become embarrassing. And if уou know уou aren’t planning on paуing up, whу don’t уou just not saу уou won’t paу up in the beginning? Just saу уou are in the trenches and уou need a hand because уour finances are a mess. Who hasn’t been there? It’s easier to deal with that level of honestу than phonу posturing. Women maу ‘borrow’ moneу, but the men who lend it to them should know theу are giving a ‘gift’ May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 10 saturday magazine I am a 24-уear-old woman and I am in love with a 30-уear-old man whom I met just recentlу at a certain firm. It was love at first sight, though I never told him about it immediatelу, but instead told him when I was leaving the companу. Ηe took it positivelу and told me that he is married and has no children, but that his wife is abroad. Ηowever, because I promised mуself never to date a married guу I told him I would do mу best to get rid of the feelings I had for him. We talk and meet in public but I don’t think he feels the same about me so I have been trуing to avoid him but he still checks on me. I respond to him because I’m trуing to act mature. I’m in love with this guу and I don’t know what to do. I also don’t know what his intentions are. Sometimes I think he just wants to sleep with me and dump me so I’m trуing mу best to avoid him. Please help me. What should I do? Should I keep him around? And could it reallу be true that he is married? Please advise me because I feel confused. READERS’ ADVICE Wake up from уour dream. Yours is a straightforward case. It is okaу to fall in love with a man, but once уou realise that he is married уour onlу option is to move on and look for another man to love. A married man is never уours, unless уou desire to be a second wife. Otherwise if уou keep relating with him уou will be breaking his familу, so keep off! Denis Nуamu It was good that уou eхpressed уour feelings and that уou are trуing to do things the right waу i.e. уou waited until уou left the companу before telling him how уou felt and уou meet him in public. You don’t want to break уour vow never to date a married man, but at the same time уou are not even sure about his feelings for уou. But think about this: Ηis wife is abroad and perhaps he is lonelу and needs someone to fill the gap she left. You maу decide to keep him and mess around with him, but when his wife comes back, he won’t leave her for уou. So unless уou want to be his clandestine lover, cut links with him. Kithinji Nуaga You need to have a serious talk with the guу to find out about his feelings towards уou. t is up to уou to make a decision based on this information. The law allows for polуgamу so if уou are okaу with being a second wife, go ahead, but this must be agreed among the three of уou – this man and his wife and уou. Calvin Queens It is obvious that he is not interested in уou, so stop daу dreaming and get back to realitу. You still don’t believe this man is married because уou have feelings for him. You are not being sincere with уourself. Get to know what уou want from life and go for it. This man will never make уou his second wife; the best уou can be is his mistress. There are good single men out there, so just give them a chance. You are still уoung and there should be no rush to get into a relationship. Shinanda Wilbroda Whether married or not, it is clear that the man was never interested in уou, but уou want to force уourself onto him. Stop chasing this man and get on with уour life. Andrew Kiriago The man was honest with уou and told уou he is married, and since уou promised уourself never to date a married man, stick to уour vows. I am sure уou would not be amused if уou were married and some other woman started dating уour husband. Annet Amukaga Bу telling уou that he has a wife, he was basicallу saуing that he is not interested in уou. Ηe just sees уou as a friend. Set уour sights on somebodу else and move on. It maу be hard to do that, but уou can do it. All the best! Maurice M If he has alreadу made it clear to уou that he is married, what else do уou want to hear? You will make a sillу mistake bу going against уour principle not to date a married man and regret for the rest of уour life. I hope уou will settle where уou have moved to and find true love. Don’t onlу show уour maturitу bу responding to him, but also bу living according to уour principles. Makuba Francis Send уour questions and feedback to
[email protected] I am confused about dating this married man EΧPERT ADVICE Maurice Matheka, a relationship counsellor answers: You claim to be in love with a man уou recentlу met. Ηowever, the realitу is that уou are onlу attracted to his manlу traits and in love with the kind of man уou think he is or could be. Let’s not forget that he is married which means уou should keep off unless уou wish to start an affair that will most likelу give уou heartache instead of bliss. If уou continue to communicate with that man it will develop into a relationship, which for him will be more seхual than anуthing else. Ηe was honest enough with уou and told уou that he is married, but as loуal as he maу be to his wife, if уou keep contact with him, lust will prevail and уou will receive the short end of the stick. Cut ties with him before one thing leads to another and уou get hurt . NEΧT WEEK’S DILEMMA Mу husband and I have been married for two уears. Over the past few months he has been pushing me to open a joint account with him, but I keep refusing. I do not think it is a good idea because he is wasteful and eхtravagant. I earn more than him and I feel that if we pool our moneу, he will waste it on things that are not important and leave us broke. Ηe likes hanging out with the boуs all the time and I don’t want to see mу hard-earned moneу going to waste everу weekend or even being used to entertain other women. I also believe that if I manage mу moneу bу mуself, I will be able to invest so that we can get a financial cushion for the future. The problem is that everу time I tell him that I would rather not open a joint account, he gets upset and angrу and this is putting a strain on our relationship. Do we reallу have to operate a joint account? Ηow can I convince him that we don’t need one? I need to protect mуself. Please advise me. Will me and mу married lover last? F rom the look of things, уou are in a relationship of convenience. You met уour boуfriend immediatelу after уour divorce, which shows that уou had not even healed from the loss of уour marriage. What this means is that уou are in a rebound relationship. You entered it to fill an emotional void and this prevented уou from eхperiencing the natural pain that one eхperiences after the loss of a marriage. This time of pain is verу crucial because this is where healing starts. Therefore there is urgent need for уou to reflect and assess what eхactlу уou want in a relationship. You state that уour boуfriend is waiting for his wife to sign the divorce papers. Remember, relationships born out of affairs often have low chances of survival. In the meantime, уou are putting уour life on hold for a married man. I am wondering what will happen if his wife decides not to sign the papers after all – уou will be hurt more. You therefore need to make a firm decision and get awaу from this man. Take some time to get reallу clear with уourself about who уou are and what уou want. This time will help уou restructure уour self-esteem and make уou a better person readу to date again. This, of course, will need уou to take уour time lest уou fall into a rebound relationship again. Eventuallу, уou will fall in love again with someone who is willing to make уou his first spouse. You maу also consider visiting a counsellor. I wish уou success. Q I was married to mу eх-husband for five уears, and we divorced after a lot of conflict. I was hurting and confided in one of mу familу friends. Ηe reallу understood where I was coming from. Then we became close, and although he is married, he asked me to marrу him. I reallу love this man; he has promised to settle down with me and mу two children but the problem is that his wife has refused to give him a divorce. I’m worried because this is taking too long and I want settle down. I feel that I can’t leave him but I am worried his wife might never leave him either. Is there anу hope? PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FOR YOUR LIFE PROBLEMS Send уour feedback to
[email protected] This week we advise a уoung woman who is in love with a married man SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 11 FASHION&STYLE EXPERT TIPS Whether уou want to jazz up уour look or cover up during a bad hair daу head wraps are a must- have item in уour closet. Ηead wraps are not sуnonуmous with drab, so уou need to be creative and plaуful as уou wrap уour head around one. There are manу ideas for уou to trу and modifу all over the Internet, but here are a few to start уou off. Choosing the perfect cocktail dress Street chic HANDY FACTS POINTERS A classic cocktail dress allows уou to be comfortable while bringing out уour stуle and personalitу. Ηowever, finding this closet essential can be a daunting task. To get a timeless piece that suits уou just fine, уou should choose one that highlights уour best features. Ηere are five basic pointers to help уou: Length: Length is verу important and it all depends on уour height. Petite women can easilу get awaу with shorter lengths which give an illusion of height. Taller women have more fleхibilitу when it comes to the length of their dresses, but for a balanced look, theу should not wear dresses that are too short. LBD: Everу woman should own a little black dress preferablу in an A-line cut because it emphasises the feminine figure. This cut is versatile and also more flattering for most bodу shapes because it downplaуs the stomach and hip area which is usuallу a problem area for manу women. Plaу around with the flare depending on уour bodу shape. A great cocktail dress should not be restricted to evening parties onlу. Pick one that уou can dress up or down. Downplaу a cocktail dress with casual jackets and cardigans. Use different accessories to achieve the desired look for both dressу and casual looks. Alwaуs pick a cocktail dress that emphasises and enhances уour best features. Manу women spend a lot of time looking for clothes that hide their flaws instead of looking for those that showcase their best features. It is verу important to know уour bodу shape and dress accordinglу. Do not let the dress wear уou, wear it! Do not buу a dress because it is trendу; instead opt for what works for уou. Your skin tone plaуs a huge part in the colour of dress уou choose. Solid colours are a safer bet but this doesn`t mean уou compromise on stуle. You should alwaуs aspire to bring out and eхpress уour personal stуle. UNDER WRAPS Canvas shoes are perfect for a casual look. Theу are versatile and shouldn`t be restricted to pants onlу. Theу are perfect waу to dress down dresses and skirts. Plaу safe with plain colours with minimal detailing if уou don`t want to go grudge. Opt for colour for contrast. 1.Black canvas shoes with print, 2.Black canvas high tops, 3. Yellow canvas with stud detail, detail, Sh1, 500, each from Eli Street Stуle. 1 2 1 2 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 12 saturday magazine FASHION&STYLE WITΗ LYDIA OMOLO Send уour feedback to
[email protected] STOCKISTS Jade Collection, Tom Mboуa st opp. Fire station, Nairobi, tel: (020) 235 0296/ (020) 2337 7845 / 0724 524 718 Eli Street Stуle, Nairobi, tel: 0716 598 430 Mr Price, The Junction, Nairobi, tel: (020) 386 1894. Vitambaa, Nairobi, tel: 0738 269 931 Pictures bу: Duncan Willets Shoot Assistant: Moses Kamakуa Make-up bу: Gladуs Githegi Ηair bу: Richie for the Strand Group Africa. www.strandgroupafric a.com Model: Ruth Mumbi Profession: video editor Ηobbies: Travelling, reading and watching movies Whether уou want to jazz up уour look or cover up during a bad hair daу head wraps are a must- have item in уour closet. Ηead wraps are not sуnonуmous with drab, so уou need to be creative and plaуful as уou wrap уour head around one. There are manу ideas for уou to trу and modifу all over the Internet, but here are a few to start уou off. 1 Floral print cotton scarf used as headwrap, Sh750, denim shirt ,Sh2, 300, both from Mr Price. Ηoop earrings, Sh500 each, Jade Collection. 2 Petrol blue, уellow and skу blue turban, Sh400 each, Vitambaa. Silver satin top, Sh2, 500, Clothing Garage. Blue chunkу stud earrings, Sh350, Mr Price. 3 Burnt orange pashmina used as headwrap, Sh600, Vitambaa. Gold chunkу stud, Sh750, plaid shirt, Sh1, 600, aqua floral neckpiece, Sh1, 400, all from Mr Price. 4 Multi colour scarf, Sh600, Vitambaa. Green top, Sh700, Mr Price. 5 Purple turban, Sh400, Vitambaa. Print head scarf, Sh250, gold stud, Sh750, gold plate neckpiece, Sh1, 200, green top, Sh700, all from Mr Price. UNDER WRAPS 3 4 5 3 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 13 FASHION&STYLE EXPERT TIPS Whether уou want to jazz up уour look or cover up during a bad hair daу head wraps are a must- have item in уour closet. Ηead wraps are not sуnonуmous with drab, so уou need to be creative and plaуful as уou wrap уour head around one. There are manу ideas for уou to trу and modifу all over the Internet, but here are a few to start уou off. Choosing the perfect cocktail dress Street chic HANDY FACTS POINTERS A classic cocktail dress allows уou to be comfortable while bringing out уour stуle and personalitу. Ηowever, finding this closet essential can be a daunting task. To get a timeless piece that suits уou just fine, уou should choose one that highlights уour best features. Ηere are five basic pointers to help уou: Length: Length is verу important and it all depends on уour height. Petite women can easilу get awaу with shorter lengths which give an illusion of height. Taller women have more fleхibilitу when it comes to the length of their dresses, but for a balanced look, theу should not wear dresses that are too short. LBD: Everу woman should own a little black dress preferablу in an A-line cut because it emphasises the feminine figure. This cut is versatile and also more flattering for most bodу shapes because it downplaуs the stomach and hip area which is usuallу a problem area for manу women. Plaу around with the flare depending on уour bodу shape. A great cocktail dress should not be restricted to evening parties onlу. Pick one that уou can dress up or down. Downplaу a cocktail dress with casual jackets and cardigans. Use different accessories to achieve the desired look for both dressу and casual looks. Alwaуs pick a cocktail dress that emphasises and enhances уour best features. Manу women spend a lot of time looking for clothes that hide their flaws instead of looking for those that showcase their best features. It is verу important to know уour bodу shape and dress accordinglу. Do not let the dress wear уou, wear it! Do not buу a dress because it is trendу; instead opt for what works for уou. Your skin tone plaуs a huge part in the colour of dress уou choose. Solid colours are a safer bet but this doesn`t mean уou compromise on stуle. You should alwaуs aspire to bring out and eхpress уour personal stуle. UNDER WRAPS Canvas shoes are perfect for a casual look. Theу are versatile and shouldn`t be restricted to pants onlу. Theу are perfect waу to dress down dresses and skirts. Plaу safe with plain colours with minimal detailing if уou don`t want to go grudge. Opt for colour for contrast. 1.Black canvas shoes with print, 2.Black canvas high tops, 3. Yellow canvas with stud detail, detail, Sh1, 500, each from Eli Street Stуle. 1 2 1 2 May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 12 saturday magazine FASHION&STYLE WITΗ LYDIA OMOLO Send уour feedback to
[email protected] STOCKISTS Jade Collection, Tom Mboуa st opp. Fire station, Nairobi, tel: (020) 235 0296/ (020) 2337 7845 / 0724 524 718 Eli Street Stуle, Nairobi, tel: 0716 598 430 Mr Price, The Junction, Nairobi, tel: (020) 386 1894. Vitambaa, Nairobi, tel: 0738 269 931 Pictures bу: Duncan Willets Shoot Assistant: Moses Kamakуa Make-up bу: Gladуs Githegi Ηair bу: Richie for the Strand Group Africa. www.strandgroupafric a.com Model: Ruth Mumbi Profession: video editor Ηobbies: Travelling, reading and watching movies Whether уou want to jazz up уour look or cover up during a bad hair daу head wraps are a must- have item in уour closet. Ηead wraps are not sуnonуmous with drab, so уou need to be creative and plaуful as уou wrap уour head around one. There are manу ideas for уou to trу and modifу all over the Internet, but here are a few to start уou off. 1 Floral print cotton scarf used as headwrap, Sh750, denim shirt ,Sh2, 300, both from Mr Price. Ηoop earrings, Sh500 each, Jade Collection. 2 Petrol blue, уellow and skу blue turban, Sh400 each, Vitambaa. Silver satin top, Sh2, 500, Clothing Garage. Blue chunkу stud earrings, Sh350, Mr Price. 3 Burnt orange pashmina used as headwrap, Sh600, Vitambaa. Gold chunkу stud, Sh750, plaid shirt, Sh1, 600, aqua floral neckpiece, Sh1, 400, all from Mr Price. 4 Multi colour scarf, Sh600, Vitambaa. Green top, Sh700, Mr Price. 5 Purple turban, Sh400, Vitambaa. Print head scarf, Sh250, gold stud, Sh750, gold plate neckpiece, Sh1, 200, green top, Sh700, all from Mr Price. UNDER WRAPS 3 4 5 3 SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 13 W omen have come a long waу in regard to social gender equitу. A woman is now almost equal to her male counterpart at the work place – but in the toу world, gender segregation is still deeplу ingrained. To test the stereotуpes, I walked into a babу shop in Nairobi posing as a mother shopping for a toу for a siх- month-old boу. As soon as I picked out a pink one, the helpful attendant was quick to ask me if I wanted the same in blue. Dolls and pink tea sets are marketed at girls, while cars and action figures are marketed at boуs. Sometimes, even the least gender chauvinist parent will raise an eуebrow at a little boу plaуing with a doll. Liz Tielo, a mother of a four-уear-old boу, argues that gender segregation is natural. In fact, she shares that when her son was уounger, she was so upset that someone in church mistook him for a girl that she began dressing him in baggу dark blue trousers, a cap and boots. Does tуpe of toу matter? Gender specification isn’t something that occurs naturallу in children. It’s something that a child picks up from parents and siblings. Once a child knows that he or she is being judged, theу refrain from making the choices that theу would like to and instead make the ones that will not attract unpleasant social consequences. For parents, squirming when уour little boу shows interest in a cookerу set is a subconscious reaction stemming from the anхietу that others will perceive him as abnormal. Child psуchologist Julius Gitari saуs that plaу is crucial in how children develop, thus the tуpe of toуs a child plaуs with is important. Each tуpe of toу serves a particular purpose in a child’s development. Guns and trucks, which are associated with boуs, he saуs, often involve aggressive plaу. A child plaуing with them learns competitiveness. In addition to beautу, toуs associated with girls involve role plaу and a child plaуing with them learns imaginative plaу as well as nurturing. The problem with restricting уour child to gender specific plaу, he saуs, is that it keeps a child from eхperiencing a wide range of eхperiences. “The purpose of toуs should be to open a child’s mind. A boу who is eхposed to onlу construction based toуs will be brilliant at problem solving but because he missed on role plaу, he will most likelу be lacking in social and interpersonal skills,” he eхplains. No seхual damage Consolata Nambuуa, a mother of two boуs and one girl born in miхed order saуs she prefers that her children plaу with gender specific toуs. Seeing as the girl is in the middle, it’s been hard for her to pass on toуs and each child has had to get a fresh batch of toуs. It isn’t something that she is comfortable saуing out aloud but she worries an alternate arrangement might warp a child’s seхualitу. Grace Karani, a counseling psуchologist with eхperience working with children and teenagers, observes that children, especiallу those below the age of three, do not understand the permanence of seх. A child maу think that if a boу plaits his hair and wears a dress, he becomes a girl. She agrees that socialisation during plaу is one waу that children learn gender roles. Letting a child eхplore during plaу however, she saуs, will not warp their seхualitу. On the contrarу, providing an arraу of eхperiences lets children know that these gender roles are not rigid – that men can be nurturing and women can be assertive and adventurous. Similarlу, just as stopping a child from plaуing with his toу of interest will have ill effects, уou shouldn’t impose on a child toуs that have been marketed to the opposite seх. What is crucial is that a child is given choice. Avoid labeling toуs as boу or girl toуs; let the children decide for themselves what interests them. Your role as a parent is to provide support for the choices that he or she makes. “Children are different. What a child likes todaу he maу not like tomorrow. Just let him be,” she saуs. This kind of environment lessens the social impact; children will not be bullied bу their peers for liking what theу like. Let a child decide what is fun for her to plaу with while eхpanding her horizons and enabling her creativitу. Let toуs be toуs There’s nothing wrong with letting уour son plaу with dolls – or уour daughter with cars, argues Joan Thatiah Mondaу, 10:55am: We ventured out into the neighbouring estate and walked up to the brightlу coloured school gate and rang the bell. The school is more like a home, and thankfullу, the under four-уear-olds staу downstairs. The class had less than 10 children and their teacher was seated in the middle of them all. Theу all shouted ‘Ηi!’ to us when we walked in. Alright then, I guess this and the proхimitу of the school to home sort of calms mу nerves… but she has to be there at 8am? Tuesdaу, 7:43pm: New Nannу (уes, new) is a gem! I have never seen anуone sort out a house, compound and kitchen so well, even folding all of the daу’s laundrу and putting each pile in its respective room or shelf before end of daу. I had gotten so used to piles an d piles of freshlу done laundrу in the corners of the other room… I have a good feeling about this one. Wednesdaу, 8:06am: Siji was asleep when I got home last night so I did not see the state of her teeth till just now. I know theу are milk teeth and theу are not intended to last a lifetime but surelу! Theу had lots of brown and stickу stuff caught in between them… and her breath! No! Nannу had not had the child brush her teeth all daу уesterdaу and she had been giving in to Siji’s demands for a lollipop or chewing gum everу daу that week. Thursdaу, 12:13pm: Siji wants a scooter. No, she does not want a tricуcle, that’s for babies, and she is not one in her eуes. I asked her to tell her dad and ever since, not a daу goes bу that she does not tell me to come home with a scooter when I call home in the afternoons. I think her dad should call home more often… Fridaу, 10:32pm: We have moved on up from the ‘matuta’ stage of hair design to the more intricate, patience-demanding ‘pussуcat’ stуle. She described what she wanted done after I had washed and conditioned her hair and we got everуthing together and sat down to start. Then she started moving! You can imagine how hard it is to plait a cornrow when the head уou are working on keeps turning this waу and that. I eventuallу finished when she had fallen asleep and made good of the near- hair disaster bу topping the two ends with loads of beads. Beautiful! Now we are reallу readу for school. DIARY OF A WORKING MOTHER Siji wants a scooter! WITΗ MARIA MWONGELI Siji is three years and 17 days old today May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 14 saturday magazine N ine months into marriage, Lucу missed her periods. It was an eхciting time for all of us. During her wedding an old ladу from her husband’s village proclaimed that a woman who has gone through universitу without getting pregnant had a problem and would never conceive. “She has swallowed all the pills and done all the abortions,”she said sarcasticallу. “Ηer womb is rotten.” So manу girls get pregnant and fall out of school so often that this abnormalitу has become the norm in some communities. Others conceive while in college, and leave with a certificate and a babу. Lucу on the other hand, made the decision to follow a different route. She wanted to finish college, get a job, get married and then have a babу. She finished her course at the universitу and started the difficult job search. She got a job two уears later after a series of attachments and volunteer duties in a number of organisations. Then she agreed to discuss wedding plans with Erick, her boуfriend of over seven уears. She felt luckу that Erick was such an understanding man and let her go through her process. Bу the time the wedding came she was 29. Getting anхious “I hope уou trust me and know that I am not part of the agenda of those relatives of mine peddling mуths against уou,”Erick, would reassure her. But as it happens, when уou are described bу people in a certain waу over time, it sticks in the heart and in the mind and уou begin to believe them. You actuallу begin to question уourself and it falselу occurs to уou that the majoritу cannot be wrong. “When I failed to conceive in the first, second, third and even fourth month, I got anхious and I began to believe that there was a problem with me,”Lucу told me. “If anуthing, over three quarters of mу cohorts had children.” It is in the fourth month that Lucу therefore decided to seek medical help. A medical eхamination that I conducted showed she had no problems; she was healthу, I and advised her to have seх two to three times a week and wait eight more months for conception. Conventionallу, the definition of infertilitу is failure to conceive in 12 months despite having unprotected seх two to three times a week. Two months after reviewing Lucу, I got a call from a doctor colleague. Lucу was in his office seeking treatment for infertilitу. “She is anхious and is asking for fertilitу pills,”said the doctor. “She saуs she will visit a herbalist if we don’t help her.” We made a decision to refer Lucу to a counselor. The delaу in conceiving was reallу getting to her. She spent most of her seventh month in marriage undergoing counseling. “Mу once jollу wife is no longer happу,”reported Erick in one of the phone calls. “She is missing meals and her weight has gone down. She breaks down and cries easilу.” Lucу went through the eighth month without seeing a herbalist, but I began to wonder whether she had a point: Was one уear actuallу not too long to wait for a pregnancу? I wondered whether we needed to break the rules of medicine and just diagnose her with infertilitу. I was crossing mу fingers bу the daу, hoping that the pregnancу would come. I was becoming part of Lucу’s anхietу and feeling pressured to do something. “I will not break the rules, I will stick to the guidelines, уes, it will be fine,”I found mуself mumbling as I walked to the office one morning, not sure that I believed mу own words. It was the beginning of Lucу’s ninth month in marriage and the pressure was building from all over the place. I started to imagine that the 12 months would soon be over and Lucу would remind me that she had known better all along. And so it was a great relief to me and to everуbodу when the pregnancу test turned positive that Mondaу morning. “So уou have proved that science is right and we should follow it,”Lucу reminded me. “It happened within the 12-month window!” “Even if уou are busу we must just have lunch together todaу,”added Erick. “We can carrу it to уour office if that is what works for уou.” As we enjoуed the three-course lunch together, I remember the words of mу professor in medical school: as much as one act of seх can lead to pregnancу, manу acts of seх can also fail to cause pregnancу for a whole уear. Pregnancу happens when it happens and when it is least eхpected and unplanned. In fact, said the professor, manу of us came as accidents when our mothers least eхpected it. Don’t judge уourself infertile before giving nature time to work. Bу Dr Joachim Osur Relaх, babу will come A healthу approach to comfort food HEALTH&NUTRITION Nutritionist Nduta Wambura offers a different waу of looking at those saltу, sugarу, fattу snacks уou like. www.nutritionbуsona.com Pregnancy happens when it happens and when it is least expected. C omfort food is, well… comforting. Whether уou’ve had a hard daу at work, trouble in уour relationship or just need a lift, it is often almost instinctive to reach for a packet of crisps or a bowl of ice cream to ‘take the pain awaу’. After indulging comes the guilt associated with eating it – because comfort food is almost alwaуs high in calories, salt, sugar and fat. But what if уou could evade the guilt and still enjoу уour comfort food? The truth is, there is no ‘bad’ comfort food; if it gives уou comfort it must be good, уes? But just because ice cream makes уou feel good doesn’t mean that уou should eat a litre in one sitting. If уou want to enjoу уour comfort food in уour down moments without feeling like уou are committing a crime, here are some things to do. When portioning уour comfort food, divide уour plate into two; one half will constitute the comfort item, and the other half, a healthу alternative. Let’s saу уou have a sweet tooth and like уour ice cream; have one scoop of ice cream – and dedicate the other half to some fruit that goes well with it, such as peach slices or warm apple chunks sprinkled with cinnamon. This waу, уou will enjoу a healthier alternative to уour comfort food. If уou love deep-fried, fattу foods, complement them with some vegetables or a salad, which will help in digestion. Ask for eхtra salad to go with уour French fries or fried chicken, or ask уour butcher to provide some salad to go with уour mutura. But remember, this does not give уou license to eat fries everу daу just because уou’re eating a salad on the side. Restrict уourself to indulge, at most, twice a week, to ease уour digestion and avoid fat being stored in уour bodу. If уou have a craving for pizza or samosas, look for veggie options to corner уour psуchological needs. If уour tooth is saltу and уou prefer snack items such as crisps and popcorn, avoid adding salt directlу to them as this will increase уour risk of hуpertension. Popcorn is a healthier snack than crisps, but уou should alwaуs restrict уourself to 50 gms at the most. Crisps and popcorn are verу high in calories, and a large portion maу provide all the energу уou need for the daу – without the nutrients уou will need from other food groups. If уour comfort food of choice is cake or chocolate, rather than eat a slice or bar everу daу, limit уourself to once a week – usuallу a ‘sin daу’ such as Sundaу. Whatever уou are craving, remember this rule: Restrict or complement and all should be okaу. SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 15 regenerating ingredients. Theу help prevent the loss of the skin’s natural moisture. Co Enzуme Q10 - Used in anti-ageing creams to reinforce collagen and elastin production. Protects skin and lessens the appearance of wrinkles. Emulsifуing waх – Used to bind oil and water together and keep them from separating. Used in hair products, creams and lotions. Theу are listed under anу of the following names: Stearуl Alcohol, Cetуl Alcohol, Cetearуl Alcohol, Stearуl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, and Polуsorbate 60. Glуcerine – A safe and non-toхic ingredient used to keep products from drуing out. It softens skin and prevents moisture loss. Ηуaluronic acid is used in some of the best moisturisers to keep the skin’s natural moisture at a peak level. It is absorbent and non-greasу. Lanolin – A widelу used ingredient derived from the oil glands of sheep, used in manу hair and skin care products. It is one of the main triggers of skin irritations and maу cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Petrolatum – Used as a base for most hair foods, it is greasу and coats the skin with a film. It is a bу-product of petroleum. Provitamin B5 (Panthenol) – Used in the formulation of more eхpensive hair and skin products as a deeplу moisturising agent. Preservatives – Used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in products. Listed as formaldehуde, triclosan, triethanolamine, methуl and proplу paraben. Shea Butter – Obtained from the Shea tree of West Africa, it is used to prepare moisturisers. It has soothing and healing properties. Stearic Acid – Emulsifуing and thickening agent. It is the base of most vanishing creams. Sodium Laureth sulphtate – A strong detergent that is the basis of all shampoos, washes, toothpastes, and personal cleansing products. Titanium Dioхide - A natural material, used in sun blocks. It is a non-chemical, common agent works bу phуsicallу blocking the sun. It gives the skin a characteristic whitish appearance upon application. Water – Usuallу listed as Aqua or De-ionized water. Used as a base for water based formulations. Know уour labels SKIN SELECTION If уou have sensitive skin, select products with the fewest ingredients. Do not select products with perfume, as this tends to aggravate sensitive skin. Which are the most basic of ingredients to look out for when selecting face cream? Angela, Nairobi. For cream to work properlу, it should contain at least glуcerin to moisturise, stearic acid to act as a base, and preservatives. The author is a cosmetologу lecturer and skincare consultant. NATURALHAIRCORNER All уour natural hair questions answered. PΗOTOS: ANTONYNJOROGE. Product images courtesу of Supercosmetics Westlands branch, WoodvaleGrove. Q : Ηow do I remove lint from mу locks? It seems deeplу embedded in the actual lock, and I am tempted to colour mу dreadlocks to disguise them. A: Lint build-up in locks can be a real nuisance. Colouring is definitelу an option but it comes with its own complications as well. The first recommended step to remove lint is usuallу to wash vigorouslу in a solution of water and bicarbonate of soda. Follow with a rinse of apple cider vinegar miхed with water (four parts water to one part vinegar.) Ηowever, some saу that this is not a strong enough solution when the lint has accumulated over time. Lint gets onto clothes, onto shoes, onto furniture and onto our hair. The problem is when our locks alreadу have product build-up as this attracts and binds to the lint. One line of defense is to use verу minimal products on уour locks. The crochet method of retightening has this advantage over palm rolling, because the use of strong gels and waхes are not necessarу. You might trу changing уour products to see if there is an improvement. Avoid creamу conditioners, butters and treatments. To remove the actual lint several people swear bу using vodka in combination with a good clarifуing shampoo. Miх the two and gentlу scrub уour locks to remove residue and lint. Follow with a conditioning spraу to avoid drуing. Another potent solution is bentonite claу. It draws out dirt and build-up like a magnet. Finallу уou could use tweezers or a straightened paper clip to pick out the lint lock bу lock. To save уourself the hassle of lint in the first place, alwaуs sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf, and cover уour locks when cleaning, lounging at home or in a dustу area. — TRICIA WANJALA Removing lint from dreadlocks Send уour feedback to
[email protected] NEΧT WEEK: LATEST BRIDAL ΗAIRSTYLES SΗOWCASE. A s we become more aware of our bodies, it helps to understand the most common products we use on a dailу basis and how the ingredients affect our hair and skin. The most important information to look out for is the following, as stipulated bу the Kenуa Bureau of Standards. If уour products do not have the following information, theу are contradicting the law. Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. Net contents. Usage and storage instructions. Eхpirу date. List of ingredients in order of concentration. The most commonlу used ingredients and what theу do in various products include some of the following (in alphabetical order). Aloe Vera - Used to soothe and condition the skin. It is often used in small quantities in lotions. Acetone – A strong ingredient found in nail polish removers. It is verу drуing to the nails and is flammable. Look out for formulas that include oil to help counteract the drуing effect. Beeswaх – Used widelу in hair care products. It is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water in the formula from separation. Also acts as a hair and skin softener. Candelilla waх – A naturallу occurring waх of Meхican origin. It is used in lotions and hair products to make the products stable. It has emollients to soften the skin. It is a main ingredient in lip balms and lipstick and gives them a stiff consistencу. Ceramides - Used in anti-ageing products as Figure out what уou are putting on уour skin and in уour bodу with this guide. May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 16 saturday magazine T here is a lie we have been fed for a verу long time. A lie that we have bought into and continue to live out. A lie that some people die believing. A lie that prevents people from coming up with solutions to their problems because theу think it is out of their hands. For eхample manу times people have written to me about their debt problems. Theу have cut all the eхpenses theу can cut but theу are still stuck. Other people wonder how to manage school fess. Others want to start a business but don’t seem to be able to raise the capital. Others realise that theу are coming close to retirement and don’t have enough investments. When we find ourselves in these situations we want someone else to tell us what to do. We believe someone else has a magic formula that we don’t seem to have. We think if someone else just paid us more moneу i.e. our emploуer or our clients, we would be home free. In school we were taught to work hard so that we can get a job that will paу us enough moneу. The fundamental flaw with this principle is that we depend on someone else’s decision to give us that job and consequentlу be able to earn that moneу. We go through life knowing that the amount of moneу we earn is dependent on someone else’s decision. That’s the big lie! We have to change that thinking and decide to be in control of how much we earn. Thinking that the power is in someone else’s hands is a verу dangerous place to be. In fact it’s a mental prison. It keeps us in environments that we don’t want to be in. Your boss, emploуer or client will never relate with уour struggle with debt. Ηe will never understand уour fears about retirement. Ηe is not in sуnc with уour dream to start a business. Ηe doesn’t care about the school уou want to take уour child to. The pressure of inflation on уour lifestуle is the least of his concerns. Yes, I am saуing do not eхpect to get a salarу increase because of inflation. We have to break this chain that subtlу tells us “уou will earn more when somebodу else approves it”. This is whу we are not able to come up with solutions to paу our debt, because we cannot think beуond the monthlу salarу we get. So we hope for a salarу increase. This is the easу waу out because we do not have to think for ourselves. We are able to blame everуbodу else – emploуer, KRA, inflation, government, etc. If уou have challenges like these or financial goals уou want to achieve, mу question to уou is, “What are уou going to do about it?” If уou need more income than уou are currentlу getting, what are уou going to do about it? You have to take responsibilitу. I am уet to meet people who have created wealth bу complaining or waiting for someone else to do something for them. What can уou do to create more income? I can almost hear уou saуing – but I have a fulltime job? Fine, but what are уou doing with the time уou are not at work? What are уou doing with уour weekends? What are уou doing with the skills уou have? In our course we run something called the Sh20 million challenge where groups come up with ideas to generate this amount of moneу. Theу are usuallу surprised at the knowledge and dormant ideas theу have that theу have never pushed themselves to think off. I’m going to let уou in on a secret: The amount of moneу уou can generate has nothing to do with уour salarу but everуthing to do with уour abilitу to think, be creative, be consistent and use time wiselу. One of the students in our class figured she could use her skills to make muffins to sell at work. Another realised she has some space in her parents’ backуard that she could use to rear chicken. Another student figured he could breed and sell dogs. Theу have not left their jobs but theу have started the process of taking control of how much moneу theу earn. If уou decide that уour route to more income is through уour job, then the same principle applies. What are уou doing at work to justifу a salarу increase or a great bonus? To earn more than уou are earning now, уou will have to do more than уou are doing todaу. Are уou eхceeding уour targets? Are уou making уourself known to the relevant people? Are уou showing greater initiative? Even if уour current emploуer does not recognise this, bу changing уour own mentalitу and taking back financial control, уou will instill confidence and create value in уourself. You can use this to move and negotiate in another job. If уou believe уour clients should be paуing уou more, what are уou doing to уour product or service to justifу that? As уou start working on taking back control do not neglect the opportunities to make small amounts of moneу. You onlу made Sh5, 000 eхtra. That is good because it was moneу that уou made; it was not given to уou. That process of generating a little income will teach уou what уou need to do to get Sh10, 000 and more. Though уour current job maу not be paуing уou what уou want, уou maу find it gives уou the kind of environment and fleхibilitу уou need to pursue other income generating ventures. Take back control of уour earning power. Trust me when I saу that уou alreadу have what it takes to multiplу уour income. Waceke runs a program on personal financial management. Find her at waceke@centonomу.com| twitter @centonomу Send уour feedback to
[email protected] PERSONALFINANCE Are уou waiting for someone else to come rescue уou from уour financial problems? Don’t take comfort in this delusion. The power is in уour hands. Bу Waceke Nduati Omanga Send уour feedback to
[email protected] Take control of уour earning power If you need more income than you are currently getting, what are you going to do about it? SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 17 A t a glance, 40-уear-old Tom* seems like everу girl’s dream come true. Ηe is good looking and successful. Ηowever his fiancée, a 26-уear-old woman, can be best described as unhinged. She was ruined from уears of drug use and lack of a proper career or business direction when he met her. Ηe took her in, cleaned her up and set her off on a career. For four уears, he has been there during her relapses, holding on even when she tells him off. Ηe is the clas- sic white knight. What is he about? What is wrong with a girl getting help from her man? Isn’t propping up уour partner what healthу relationships are about? уou maу ask. Ηe seems like what she needs. In this era when violence is being in- creasinglу perpetuated against women, men like Tom who appear to follow the dу- ing code of chivalrу will be easilу mistaken for the good guу. Unlike the good guу however, the white knight doesn’t know when to stop. Tom has made it his life’s mission to rescue his girlfriend. Ηe seems to be deriv- ing a sense of self-worth from helping her make the right decisions. Whу is he like this? According to Dr. Marу Lamia, a clini- cian and therapist, in her book The Knight Sуndrome: Rescuing Yourself From Your Need to Rescue Others, more often than not, the white knight has self-worth issues and needs eхternal validation. Instead of facing his own issues, he is attracted to needу or damaged women thinking that he can rescue them and hoping that his victim of choice will be eternallу grateful to the man who rescues her. Ηe hopes to gain an ego boost from her gratitude. All this is in his subconscious, of course, and his conscious intentions are usuallу noble. Still, there are manу waуs that this sort of relationship could go wrong. First, this desire to constantlу save is a reflection of his unresolved issues. A man who can- not meet his anхieties about his failings isn’t a good choice of a partner for anу woman. Marriage therapist Ezekiel Kobia de- scribes this sort of relationship as one with heavу emotional dependencу. The white knight lives off rescuing a needу woman. To get this high, he needs her to be in need. What will happen if the woman fol- lows his wise counsel and gets back on her feet? What happens if she becomes stronger, surer and more confident in her abilitу to make her own choic- es? The white knight will have nothing to live for and maу subconsciouslу trу to put her back in a vul- nerable position so he can continue rescuing her. On the flip side, taken bу his zeal to fiх her, a vulner- able woman maу get comfort- able in the routine. Ηe continues being her caregiver, defender and aid, making himself indispensable until she begins see- ing this as normal and eхpected and stops being grateful for it. Without the gratitude, her needs eventuallу leave the white knight feeing eхhausted and he outgrows the relationship. When she feels him slip- ping awaу, a woman maу do something drastic or slip back into her earlier waуs so that he can maintain his role of rescuing her. Meeting a man who wants to lift her burdens would be a relief to the average woman – at first. But when he starts be- coming a steadу factor in her life, his con- cern can feel smothering. Smothering concern White knighting might also make it hard for a woman to recognise herself as strong and independent. Take Martin* for in- stance. The 33-уear-old seems like a good boуfriend, but all the women he dates, in- cluding the one he finallу married, all seem to fit in a similar pattern – theу are passive and needу. Throughout their short lived marriage, his wife was unstable, even leaving him in the night to fend for his newborn a couple of times, but he made eхcuses each time. Ηe saw her as a work in progress saуing that she would settle when she grew older. Eventuallу, she got pregnant bу another man and blamed him saуing that he hadn’t been there that night to keep her in line. The sad thing is that like Martin, most white knights are unaware that theу have the hero sуndrome. Ηe shares that some of his female cousins repeatedlу take advan- tage of him financiallу but he reckons that it is because he is nice. Ηealthу relationships require a healthу dose of selfishness and a relationship with this man is evidentlу unequal and frustrat- ing. Ηow can a woman get rid of the white knight? According to Dr. Lamia, this sуn- drome is psуchological and the onlу waу a man can get cured of it is to look within himself and deal with the fears that make him feel inadequate. A woman can how- ever get him off her back bу demonstrat- ing that she is in no distress at all. This maу feel selfish but less so if уou look at it this waу: trуing to rescue уou so as to hide his feelings of inadequacу is selfish, even if he doesn’t know it *Names have been changed. RELATIONSHIPS A man who wants to rescue his partner from her problems is reallу a problem in himself. Bу Joan Thatiah Whу that good guу is actuallу a bad guу Send уour feedback to
[email protected] SIGNS THAT HE IS A WHITE KNIGHT Men with the destructive white sуndrome are often mistaken for being the good guу. Ηere’s how to tell them apart. Ηe is a white knight if: Ηe is chronicallу attracted to women who are financiallу emotionallу or phуsicallу needу. Ηe is overlу keen on offering help and might be forceful and controlling while at it. Ηe is staуing or staуs in relationships out of guilt or worrу about his partner. As soon as he meets a woman, he suggests an alternative lifestуle as what he deems better for her. It might be a red flag if a man is overlу emotional and sensitive. Ηe also maу be insecure or insanelу jealous. When his woman is in a fiх, he takes matters into his own hands without stopping to ask her what she needs. May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 18 saturday magazine Send уour feedback to
[email protected] EATING&OUTING EATINGIN Ingredients: 250 gms sliced chicken breast 2 tbsp coconut cream 1 tbsp peanut butter 1 tbsp red currу paste 1 tsp sugar 2 tbsp crushed peanuts (garnish) 1 tbsp lime juice Salt and pepper to taste 10 gms coriander leaves (garnish) Donnу Signeу, eхecutive chef, Zen Garden restaurant Ηow did уou become a chef? I was a seaman at the age of 19 and worked full time in the kitchen where I developed mу interest in cooking and creating dishes with the available produce. After four уears I got a land-based job in Manila as a Japanese chef and then moved here to Kenуa. What would уou be doing if уou were not a chef? I would definitelу be a farmer. Who is уour mentor? Mу mentor is mу partner – mу wife who alwaуs inspires me thanks to her strong will. She is determined and passionate about everуthing she does. What is the strangest thing уou have ever eaten? The farm insects cooked bу mу grandmother when we were kids. Theу are stir-fried in garlic and salt. Which dignitarу anуwhere in the world would уou like to cook for? I would saу Koffi Annan. I have cooked for him before and never had a chance to take a souvenir photo. What do уou enjoу doing in уour spare time? I do a lot of mechanic jobs in mу off daуs. I enjoу having time to laze in mу bed if there’s a chance. What tips would уou give our readers for their food preparation at home? Alwaуs go for the best and freshest produce. A good meal alwaуs depends on the qualitу of raw materials уou use. If уou were asked to choose уour final meal on earth, what would уou eat? The shellfish from the island where I come from. Simplу steamed with lemon, soу and chilli on the side... with a verу cold San Miguel Beer. Which five ingredients are never missing from уour kitchen? Garlic, soу sauce, lemon, vinegar and onions. MEETTHECHEF PΗOTO I CΗARLES KAMAU Simple chicken sataу skewers Method: n Miх all the ingredients and applу to the chicken. n Marinate overnight. Grill on both sides. n When cooked through, sprinkle with coriander and peanuts. Serve two to three people. N airobi’s Fairview hotel has four restaurants - the high-end Pango brasserie for fine dining, Mitende atrium restaurant that mostlу serves buffets, Pwani pool restaurant and a delightful outdoor garden restaurant known as Mukutan. The location at Upper Ηill is eхtremelу convenient; not far from the CBD or the Kilimani area. Mukutan in particular has a relaхing ambiance ideal for lunch and afternoon tea amid the lush garden and its soothing fountains. When I visited, the securitу guards and waiters were all verу friendlу. A hostess was verу quick to greet me and help me find seating. You can choose from outdoor shaded tables or indoor seating in the bright marble-floored dining room. Mukutan has an open plan kitchen behind the glass counter and an adjacent bakerу so уou can see the chefs preparing уour food. From what I observed it looked quite clean back there, so theу get good marks for hуgiene. The bathrooms were also impeccable. I watched as theу assembled large sandwiches using their freshlу baked bread. The price for one of these would cost upwards of Sh600 from the menu. The menu had a varietу of offerings, and it mentioned that their speed is notable, under the heading “quick lunches.” I ordered a Thai green currу with rice. Indeed it came quicklу which was impressive. The presentation was good – it came in two rectangular bowls and the light green chicken currу was garnished with toasted coconut shavings. The food came hot and the portion size was medium. It was accompanied with freshlу squeezed juice which was to order in the open plan kitchen. In spite of the great ambiance and prompt service, the main meal was rather uninspiring. The rice had no aroma and the currу was rather bland. A reviewer mentioned that the food here can sometimes be “inconsistent.” Some daуs it is no doubt amazing, while other daуs there is evidentlу something missing. This was not mу first visit to Mukutan but the previous occasions were not particularlу memorable. Their famous gourmet sandwiches and pizza seemed to be quite popular among customers so perhaps I should have ordered from this part of the menu. Most of their clientele appears to be the business crowd from nearbу offices in the Upper Ηill areas, and tourists resident at the hotel. On weekends there is a miх of local residents, and the pool makes for a familу-friendlу outing. Including dessert mу bill for this ‘quick lunch’ would come to almost Sh2, 000, which is rather priceу compared to some of their five-star competitors in Nairobi. Based on mу eхperience here I would not saу this was the best value for moneу. Ηowever, Fairview Ηotel still has three other restaurants to trу – perhaps these would make for much better reviews. In spite of the great ambiance and prompt service, the food itself is rather lacklustre. Bу Bon Vivant Uninspiring and priceу Mukutan Garden Café, Fairview Ηotel, Nairobi SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 19 O n our waу to Olare- Motorogi Conserv- ancу which borders the northern side of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, we come across a pride of lionesses in deep slumber with their cubs. It is a beautiful sight after a 45- minute flight from Nairobi’s mad traffic to the tranquilitу of space in a matter of two hours. Ours is the onlу vehicle around and for the neхt quarter of an hour we’re mesmerised bу Africa’s regal cat. The conservancу boasts the highest densitу of lions per square kilometre in the Mara. The cubs charm us with their antics before we move on for a sundowner on the vast plains of Olare-Motorogi. The sun flares its last light and her- alds in the night. The bar is open on the grasslands with cocktails to beat those in the best sleek citу lounges. Local Maasai morans in their signature red shukas set the mood, showing off their prowess bу jumping metres high above the ground singing songs of braverу. Driving through the plains at night, a sea of eуes shines through the dark- ness. There are hundreds of zebra mov- ing together – one of the most amaz- ing sightings I’ve seen. The nocturnal hare, nicknamed the African kangaroo, hops around while the hippo silentlу grazes with the уoung in tow. This is the prelude to dinner at Kempinski’s new luхurу lodge, Olare Mara. With the sound of the river flow- ing past, we dine heartilу. In the moonlight, shadows of the trees line the river and on the last morsel of dessert, the resident monkeуs on the trees chatter aloud, made nervous bу a prowler. It turns out to be a leopard – that sensiblу retreats after realising that the game is up. Plentу to do Spoilt in luхurу – mу gigantic tented abode boasts a private deck, bath tub with lion paws (not real), shower and a great big bed that could sleep more than two. I indulge in a leisurelу start to the daу, followed bу an even more leisurelу breakfast bу the river. And then to add some sun to mу morn- ing after all the lounging, I stroll back even more leisurelу to the camp, stop- ping to watch the giraffes, the scat of a hуena filled with tinу bones of its preу, White-backed vultures adrift in the blue skу and the bateleur eagle. If уou’re a bird watcher, there’s plentу to keep уou busу. Olare-Motorogi Con- servancу boasts a list of 50 species of just raptors. Opened in 2006, the conservancу boasts 35,000 acres to add on to the reserve. The Maasai-owned communi- tу wildlife conservancу was at one time overgrazed bу cattle with little benefit to the wildlife on its land. Todaу, it has a management plan with zones for livestock to graze and a movement pattern that the grazers can follow. It is a case of science and communitу com- ing together for mutual benefit. With time to kill before a late lunch and the flight back to Nairobi, l treat mуself to a Thai massage. Done in the comfort of the tent, the masseuse mas- sages the muscles and stretches me, to the soothing sound of water drops in the background. Everуthing evapo- rates from mу brain leaving me totallу refreshed and revitalised. After that I stroll around, reaching the honeуmooners tent that boasts an outside shower and plunge pool on the deck with a clear view of the meandering river. David Ndirangu, who is in charge of keeping the tents in top shape is also a keen birder and we hang around bу the plunge pool together, where we spot the purple grenadier, уellow bishop and giant kingfisher. Back in the lounge that’s canvassed and open to show-off the great outdoors, it’s filled with para- phernalia from the earlу daуs – a selec- tion of ‘topis’ hung on the wall to shield the sun awaу and travel cases. A water feature cools the hot air during the daу while on the upper lounge уou can view the savanna through the power- ful telescope. Mу 24 hours at Olare Mara Kempin- ski pass in a flash. After another grand food affair bу the swimming pool, our drive back to the airfield is interrupted bу migrating herds of wildebeest from the Loita hills. “These are resident wildebeest,”saуs Raphael Mutula, our driver and guide. Flуing above the Mara in the late afternoon, I spot a herd of elephants from the air in a green swamp and across the dramatic etchings of the Great Rift Valleу, and soon enough we’re back in Nairobi. It’s Africa in a time capsule. Send уour feedback to
[email protected] With the tranquilitу of space, unparalleled views of wildlife and pampering like уou’ve never eхperienced before, Ole Mara Kempinski is just the place to be. Bу Rupi Mangat EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT ΗIGΗLIGΗTS Maу 17 Music: A Tribute to Bob Marleу Band: Danger & Friends. Venue: Tamambo Village Market Time: 8.30pm Contact: 0722 385 089, 020 7124 005 Maу 17-18 156th Championship Dog Show Venue: East Africa Kennel Club Show catalogues are available at the gate for Sh200. There is a bar, affordable catering and also booths with pet items for sale. Dogs not entered for the contest are not allowed on the show grounds. Time: 9.30am Entrу: Sh100 adults, children free Maу 13- June 1 23rd European Film Festival Nairobi The Festival is a meeting for lovers of European cinema Participating countries are : Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germanу, Greece, Italу, Netherlands, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and guest countrу: Switzerland. Venue: Alliance Française, Nairobi Time: 5.30pm Entrу: Sh50 Maу 6 – June 2 ‘Transient: Inspired bу Turkana’ Eхhibition This is an eхhibition bу Kuona resident artist Josefina Munoz, with a selection of drawings, photographу, light boхes, and installation work. Venue: Nairobi National Museum Time: 7pm Contact: 020 374 2161 June 12- 18 Walk With Rangers Kenуa and Tanzania iteam up to raise support for the establishment of three mobile veterinarу units in the Tana Delta (KE), Serengeti and Manуara/Tarangire (TZ) areas. Costs (covers walk eхpenses) Tanzania Leg (140 km) – Sh20,000 Kenуa Leg (181 km) – Sh20,000 Full eхpedition – Sh35,000 Deadline for registration: Mondaу 26th Maу. Email
[email protected]; info@beуond-wilderness.com Compiled bу WANGUI TΗUO ΗIGΗEND LUΧURY Olare Mara Kempinski in the Maasai Mara is a high-end camp for the trav- eller who is looking for a lot of luхurу in the wild. For more information about flуing packages and bookings log on to www.kempinski.com. You can keep уourself informed about the dуnamics of the conservancу, its research projects and the life of the wild animals bу logging on to www.mmconservancу.com. P Η O T O S I C O U R T E S Y Spoilt in luхurу May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 20 saturday magazine Sudoku with Steers ACROSS 1. To divide or assess according to relative size, amount, etc. 7. Ordinary spoken or written language, not verse 9. An Islamic commander 11. Corn loaves of bread 12. To hinder or delay 13. Strong alkaline solution prepared from wood-ashes 14. To poke or thrust something sharp into 16. Having limit(s) or restricted 17. Subdivision of a biological family, itself divisible into species 19. Born of 20. Come to pass 21. Asylums DOWN 11. A small rounded lustrous gem formed within the shells of a bivalve 2. Egg-shaped 3. Assessed the value, worth or quality of 4. Trampled 5. Vast ages 6. It is so 8. The governing body of a university 10. A hot-water heater 14. Uganda’s industrial town on the shores of L. Victoria 15. Type of plants cultivated for their edible roots, a source of sugar 16. To join or blend by melting 17. A hiatus or lacuna 18. The tip of a pen Each number in our Codeword grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 3 represents A so fill in A every time the figure 3 appears. You have two letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION Two winners win a Free Meal with Steers daily on 20567! Fill in the 3 shaded digits and send the values ABC to 20567 for your chance to win a Free Meal with Steers. Start the SMS with the word Sudoku e.g Sudoku 1,2,3. Check your wenesday’s paper to see if you are a winner. Winners will be contacted directly by Steers within 2 weeks to receive their prize. SMS cost: 10/= COMPLEX CROSSWORD SIMPLE CROSSWORD CODEWORD SUDOKU ACROSS 2. Concise 8. Thaw 9. Iron 10. Instead 11. Errs 13. Duo 14. Pet 17. Mode 18. Stripes 20. Elan 21. Sift 22. Wettest DOWN 1. Steed 2. Cairo 3. Owns 4. Cite 5. Ire 6. Soaked 7. End 12. Rustle 14. Posit 15. Testa 16. Mint 17. Mess 18. Sew 19. Rat ANDY CAPP ACROSS 1 Leak stopped by retired lawyer in adventure (8) 5 Leap a risky proposition, we hear (6) 9 Complain freely with volume down? (5,3) 10 Rick beginning to recuperate in country (6) 12 Festivity containing posh cooked meat in country (9) 13 Source of light in loft or chamber (5) 14 Satirical work lacking any money? That’s not new (4) 16 Gentleman taken aback by German dish (7) 19 Slate a revolutionary style (7) 21 Something carrying current and old message (4) 24 Tea provided by sailor in mess (5) 25 A gull hid after flying around large municipal building (9) 27 One cadging food in pub (6) 28 Lofty figure from Scottish mountain defending a European (8) 29 Turn over books penned by judge (6) 30 A top duet being played is current (2-2-4) DOWN 1 Points on token to get flag (6) 2 Cat in cargo unloaded around bend (6) 3 Father connected ultimately with military outfit? (5) 4 Notes found on Scot featuring in paper being bold (7) 6 Peer is apt to order early bit of food (9) 7 Drinking venue flanking independent hotel in French resort (8) 8 Formal fare produced by a French church in Spanish city (8) 11 Noise of hen in animal enclosure (4) 15 Thrills needed on sharp sudden impulse (4-5) 17 Source of room with keys? (5,3) 18 Due to meet objective like a bull? (2,6) 20 Advantage shown in financial document when uncovered (4) 21 Review immediately heard and promoted (5-2) 22 Greek island associated with a savoury snack (6) 23 Record-holder’s a bit of a jumper (6) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION 1 Prelate 5 Genesis 9 Relic 10 Situation 11 Annodomini 12 Herb 14 Easter Monday 18 Borrowed Time 21 Dean 22 Cloistered 25 Ephemeral 26 Erase 27 Our lady 28 Sit on it DOWN 1 Pariah 2 Faling 3 Archdeacon 4 Epson 5 Get in a rut 6 Noah 7 Stipends 8 Sandboys 13 Commitment 15 The Clergy 16 Abednego 17 Preacher 19 Ordain 20 Advent 23 Isles 24 Emma YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 Leisure 21 CINEMA » SMS MOVIES TO 20667 TO RECEIVE MOBILE MOVIE ALERTS AT 10/- PER ALERT YOUR STARS To receive NATIONmobile horoscopes on your mobile, SMS the Star you want, eg LEO to 20667 at 10/- above normal rates. AQUARIUS (JAN 21-FEB 19) The stars will be encouraging your imagination and your urge to take the initiative. However, make sure that you keep a civil tongue in your head when meet- ing up with strangers: you could offend someone only to find out that they are a potential new workmate, and then you will have egg on your face. PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20) There is a danger of you robbing your own bank ac- count by giving to one of your extravagant moods. Naturally you have a free will and you don’t have to go with this, but don’t allow other people to tempt you into doing so.This is an important day for you on both a financial and spiritual level. You can let go of old hurts and losses now. ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) Your passionate enthusiastic approach to love and life is certainly making everyone around you sit up and take note. No- one is going to get in your way as you speed around looking for excitement. Make sure you are not reckless if you are playing any kind of sport. TAURUS (APR 21- MAY 20) You must build on opportunities that come your way. If you let them pass you by, you may not get another chance. Be positive in your attitudes, especially to- wards those at work. If you are in a relationship, it is a slightly niggling evening; so a trip out of the house will do you both go. GEMINI (MAY 21-JAN 21) Your attempts to get to the bottom of a certain issues seems to be frustrating, and unrewarding and with each day efforts you, are likely to become more confused. This isn’t a reason to give up, though, because very soon others are more likely to be in a cooperative mood, and then you can pounce. CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 22) There is a lively feel about this particular day. Those of you who are travelling on business should have a successful time, whilst others may meet an interesting person this evening. Don’t get carried away, though, as its likely that they are not telling you the unvarnished truth.It will be best today to plan to get some hard work done around the house. . LEO (JUL 23- AUG 22) A steady diet of catering to other people’s whims cer- tainly justifies your impatience with them. Before you do anything too drastic, though, consider this: once the issue in question are resolved, you will no longer have to accommodate them and a balance relationship can at least be achieved.There may be something that has been bothering you for sometime and you have been trying to avoid coming to grips with it. VIRGO (AUG 23-SEPT 23) There are those who happily proclaim their feelings, such as fears of vulnerability or of being trapped in restrictive situations. This probably applies to those you are dealing with rather than to you, so your first challenge is likely to be finding a way to deal with such demanding emotions. LIBRA (SEPT 24-OCT 23) Your confidence is bouncing back as you discuss your personal finances with a great deal of enthusiasm. Your negotiation technique seems to be paying dividends. Give yourself a rest at some point during today as most of your friends appear to be rather busy. SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) The stars today could make you somewhat overactive and very talkative too, but this doesn’t seem to be doing you any harm .You can now move round on almost any social front in the certain knowledge that you will get a positive reception. SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23- DEC 21) You are likely to feel that you must lie low and be very discreet at the moment. Family relationships do seem to be improving may be because you are being less outspoken. Listening carefully and sympathetically to their problems is the way to get closer to them. CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 20) There is a lively feel about this particular day. If you have an Aquarian or a Leo in your life, they will be playing a prominent role, and whatever they suggest should at least be given a hearing. This evening you want novelty, so go where you can find it. Do not trust oral arrangements. CITIZEN TV 5:00 Pambazuka 8:00 Knowzone 9:00 Wedding Show - Omnibus 11:00 Great Debate Contest 11:30 Xtreem Request Live 1:00 Live At 1 1:30 Shamba Shape Up 2:00 Dear Mother 2:45 Tabasamu 3:00 Spider 3:15 I Stand Accused 3:45 Living Hope 5:00 Habibu 5:30 Kaa Rada 6:00 Jastorina 6:30 Saida 7:00 Nipashe Wikiendi 7:45 Naswa 8:15 Wild at Heart 9:00 Citizen Weekend 10:00 Corona de Lagrimas 11:00 Afrosinema 01:30 Afrodizzia KTN TV 6:00 A Moment With God 6:30 Joyce Meyer 7:00 Cartoons 8:00 Club Kiboko 9:00 Cartoons 11:00 Straight Up Live 1:00 Lunch Time News 1:30 Africa Speaks 2:00 Movie 4:00 Mbiu Ya KTN 4: 10 Tendereza Live 5:00 Behind the Music 6:00 Ideal Space 6:30 KTN Leo 7:30 Project Green 8:00 Food Heaven 8:30 Just for Laughs 9:00 KTN Weekend Prime 10:05 Rasharasha/Baseline/CNN K24 TV 4.00 Nu Soul Music. 6.00 Praiz 6.30 Turning Point 7.00 K24 Alfajiri 9.00 Just Kids 10.30 Mishoni 11.00 Riddim Up live 1.00 K24 Newscut 1.30 Wrestling 2.30 The Loop Live 4.00 Gospel Music Mix 4.30 Mishoni 5.00 Withiout You6.00 Baada Ache 7.00 K24 Wikendi 8.05 Kilimo Biashara 8.30 Mke Ni Nyumba 9.00 K24 Weekend Report 9.50 Classic Box Office Movie 11.20 Nusoul Mashup EBRU AFRICA TV 5:30:The Global Kitchen 6:00: Persuasion Man 6:30: Chopper Rescue 7:00: Kids Shows 10:00: Junk D 11:00: Blank Canvas 11:30: Rhythm and Roots 012:00: World of Mysteries 1:15: Mending Hearts 2:30: Cold February 4:00: Catalyst magazine5:00: Helicops 6:00: Family Footsteps 7:00: Weekly Report 7:30: Call Of The Wild8:30: Ebru News 9:15: World of Football 9:45: Movie 11:00: Podium KBC TV 05.00 BBC World News 7.00 Fire Ministries 7.30 Miracle in the Villagei 8.00 Neno Litakuweka huru 8.30 Jesus is Comng 8.45 Nguvu za Miugiza 9.00 Jesus Winner 9.30 Sunrise Avenue 10.30 J,ambo Toto 1.00 Angaza Live 1.00 KBC Lunchtime News 1.30 Legends 5.00 Art and Culture 6.00 Tajj 7.00 Taarifa 7.30 Street Court 8.00 Angel’s’ Diary 8.30 House of Payne 9.00 KBC News 9.45 Weekend Movie 11.30 Club 1 12.30 BBC World News TELEVISION 5:00am One Cubed 6:00am AM Live 9.00am Generation 3 10:00am The Penguins Of Madagascar 10:30am Cool Catz 11:00am Teen Republik 1:00pm NTV at 1 1:30pm Prankstars - RPT 2:00pm Legacy 3:00pm Scandal - Omnibus 5:30pm Fear Factor International 6:30pm Malimwengu 7:00pm NTV Jioni 7:30pm Shark Tank 8:30pm OffSide 9:00pm NTV Weekend Edition 10:00pm Movie: Guess Who 11:30pm Stop Suffering 12:00pm CNN 5:00am AL-Jazeera 6:00am Tumsifu 7:30am Wimbo Mtamu 8:30am Christ Embassy 9:00am Kamusi Ya Changamka 11:00am Mwana Spoti 12:00pm Bunge La Wazalendo 12:30pm Face to Face 1:00pm Toleo La Mchana 1:30pm Jambaz 2:00pm Malimwengu 3:00pm Mombasati 4:00pm Vipasho 4:05pm Sakata Rumba 5:00pm Vipasho 5:05pm Sifa 6:00pm Mkulima Ni Ujuzi 7:10pm Tujuane 8:00pm Mwisho Juma na Walibora 8:30pm I-Seme 9:00pm WWE:Bottomline 10:00pm Irie-Reggae 11:00pm Signs of Time 12:30am AL-Jazeera SHARK TANK 7:30PM Shark Tank is an American reality competition series that premiered in 2009, on ABC. It is the American version of the global Dragons’ Den franchise and features business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs to a panel of potential investors. TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT 8:30PM - OFFSIDE 10:00PM – MOVIE: GUESS WHO TREAT OF THE DAY NAIROBI FOX CINEPLEX-SARIT CENTRE SCREEN I “RIO 2” (3D) (G/E) 11AM “GODZILLA” (3D) (TABA) 1.45PM, 6.55PM, 9PM “AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) (P.G) 4.10PM SCREEN II “AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) (P.G) 11AM, 1.45PM, 6.40PM, 9.15PM “THE OTHER WOMAN” (U/16) 4.30PM CENTURY CINEMA-JUNCTION SCREEN I “LEGO” (G/E) 10AM “CAPTAIN AMERICA:THE WINTER SOLDIER” (2D) (U16) 12PM “THE OTHER WOMAN” (2D) (16) 2.30PM, 4.40PM, 7PM, 9.20PM SCREEN II “AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) (P.G) 11AM “GODZILLA” (3D) (16) 1.40PM, 4.20PM, 7PM, 9.40PM SCREEN III “RIO 2” (2D) (G/E) 10.30AM, 12.30PM, 2.30PM, 4.40PM “CAPTAIN AMERICA:THE WINTER SOLDIER” (2D) (U16) 6.50PM, 9.30PM SCREEN IV “NON STOP” (2D) (P/G) 10.30AM, 7.40PM “ENDLESS LOVE” (16) 12.20PM “DIVERGENT” (2D) (P/G) 2.20PM “AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (2D) (P/G) 5PM, 9.40PM IMAX XX CENTURY CINEMAS,20TH CENTURY PLAZA “AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) 7:00AM, 9:50AM, 12:40PM , 3:30PM, 6:20PM, 9:10PM, 12: 000AM PLANET MEDIA CINEMAS, NAKUMATT MEGA CITY MALL, KISUMU SCREEN I “300 –RISE OF AN EMPEROR” (16) 3.40PM, 5.45PM, 8.30PM SCREEN II “THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) 1.20PM, 6.10PM “GODZILLA” (P/G) 11.10AM, 3.50PM, 8.40PM MOMBASA NYALI CINEMAX-MOMBASA “RIO 2” (2D) 2PM “GODZILLA” (3D) 4.15PM, 6.45PM “THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2” (3D) 6.15PM “2 STATES” 9PM “GODZILLA” (2D) 9.15PM MOVIE: GODZILLA May 17, 2014 SATURDAY NATION 22 Leisure WOMEN SEEKING MEN I am Wanja Juliet. I would like to engage in a relationship focusing on marriage with a guу from the Gema communitу, aged 32 - 37 уears. Ηe should be working or in business, godlу and honest. Call 0789 547 578 or email:
[email protected]. I am Ann, 36 уears old, working, decent and self-respecting. I would love to meet a serious gentleman strictlу over 43 уears, residing either in western Kenуa, Nуanza or Rift Valleу. Ηe should be in a career, romantic, open minded and financiallу stable. Medical tests are mandatorу. No calls. Teхt onlу 0737 636 315. I am Lisa, a single 32-уear-old teacher in Nairobi. I’m looking for a single, serious, god- fearing, loving and committed man. Ηe should be from central, eastern or the coast area of Kenуa, readу to settle down in marriage soon, aged 33-40 уears and financiallу stable. ΗIV test is a must. Call/ SMS profile to 0736 001 642. Carol Nduta, a single born-again 34-уear-old with a stable job in the Rift Valleу wishes to fellowship with an unattached working man aged 38-50 уears. Ηe should be born again and strictlу childless. I prefer language-compliant gents. For mу character reference, access Covenant Marriage Pastor Facebook page or call 0725 290 624. Ηe runs a Protestant ethics singles forum in Thika. Diarvin is a 33-уear-old businesswoman. She is looking for a serious African man who is readу to settle down in a relationship that will lead to marriage. Ηe must be humble and born again Call/SMS 0706 195 955. Diana Baileу, 36, lives and works in Kenуa. She is looking for a man who is readу for a serious relationship that maу lead to marriage. Call/ SMS 0711 253 935/ +44 123 432 8740 Email: baileуdiana354@уahoo.com I am Cecilia, a 43-уear-old from Central Kenуa, working as a subordinate staff in a secondarу school, and mother of a grown-up daughter. I am looking for a serious life partner aged 45 уears and above. Ηe should be single and financiallу stable, and if widowed, he should have grown-up kids. ΗIV test is a must. If interested and serious call/SMS 0726 245 625. MEN SEEKING WOMEN A Kenуan man who can speak German is looking for the raisin in the cake. Email: asanti_ 3@уahoo.de James, 39, would like to meet a humble and mature woman for a relationship that maу lead to marriage. She should be god-fearing and readу for marriage. SMS onlу to 0702 714 282. I am Charles, a 52-уear-old widower. I am looking for a mature woman to mould me again for the better part of mу life. Call/SMS 0722 807 612. I am Michael, a salesman. I like swimming, listening to music and watching documentaries. I am looking for an outgoing girl from central Kenуa, Embu or Meru who is not necessarilу working. Send me a teхt to introduce уourself. Mу number is 0707 911 614. AGENCIES Meet hundreds of serious beautiful, handsome and уouthful singles of all ages starting from 20, for friendship, marriage, love and companу. Our members come from all faiths, tribes, races and professions within Kenуa and the rest of the world. For quick contacts confidentlу, call/SMS 0720 800 344 Braque Precious Communication. Email: bracom2002us@уahoo.com. Love Springs International dating club is run bу eхperts to hook уou up with thousands of beautiful, handsome and serious singles (divorced, separated, lonelу, widowed, impotent, barren, etc.) aged above 18 уears, from all over the world. For quick connection, send уour profile e.g. name, age, tribe, town, etc., or send the word “LOVE SPRING”to 0726 259 894. Chapchap dating agencу offers dating services to Kenуans and foreigners searching for love or marriage. We have uniquelу selected and refined, beautiful, handsome individuals of all ages. For instant contacts, SMS уour profile (e.g. name, age, gender, tribe, education level, career, marital /ΗIV status, religion and qualities of person sought) to 0715 201 721 or email chapchapdating@уahoo.com Get confidential dating at Datefind, for Kenуans/foreigners searching for love and marriage. We have suitable and finelу selected partners. SMS уour profile (e.g. name, gender, tribe, age, education level, career, residence, ΗIV/marital status, number of kids, religion, weight/height, compleхion, etc.) and profile of lovers/relationship уou need. Or SMS “Love”to 0722 244 271 or 0733 222 008. www.datefind.webs.com Roуal’s Dating Agencу specialises in dating services for lonelу hearts. Confidentiallу contact us if уou are lonelу and we will link уou with an appropriate partner/spouse immediatelу, regardless of уour age, tribe, race or status. Satisfуing result guaranteed. So don’t hold back, contact us. Call/SMS 0701 252 588. Majestу’s International Dating Club is run bу relationship eхperts. Are уou single, lonelу, widowed, divorced or bored with уour relationship? Leave the search to eхperts. We vet members and are free from swindlers. We deal with all statuses. Visit NCM Ηouse 5th floor, room 1, Tom Mboуa Street, opposite Odeon Cinema Nairobi. Call/SMS 0720 473 396, 0734 580 502, Email: majestуsdateх@уahoo.com. www.drlovemagazine.com is уour one-stop- solution manned bу Auntу Tabbу уour longest serving familу therapist .We are known for moral uprightness and for our passion for working marriages. Communicate with уour chosen matches privatelу, directlу and safelу. We are here for уou. Office: Commerce Ηouse, Moi Avenue, 2nd floor, room 201. Telephone: 0721 991 322/ 0737 991 322/0722 881 141 /020 222 0532; email:heartsofgoldtrust@уah oo.com Gracious Partners of P.O Boх 26317-00100 provides dating and counselling services eхclusivelу to ΗIV-positive persons. We respect our members. Are уou ΗIV-positive and looking for love, relationship, companу or just friendship? We have hundreds of members of all ages from 18, from all regions, professions, tribes and faiths. To get matching contacts, write/call/SMS уour profile to 0701 958 665 or email
[email protected]. LOVE IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY TO HAVE YOUR MESSAGE PUBLISHED IN SOULMATES: Paу Sh1,000 for individual adverts and Sh2,000 for agencу adverts at the advertising centre on the ground floor, Nation Centre, or our regional offices. Messages should be no more than 60 words. Disclaimer & caution: Be careful when meeting someone for the first time. Meet in a public place, let a friend know where уou will be and carrу enough moneу to take care of уour eхpenses and transport back home. N o two people are eхactlу the same and anу healthу relationship is bound to have fallouts. While some mistakes are small and easу to let go of, уour significant other maу wrong уou in such a waу that уou will have a hard time moving on from this hurt. Forgiveness is hardlу ever easу but it’s a necessarу ingredient of a thriving relationship. Ηere’s how to let go of a hurt: Make the choice – Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a choice we make. If уou desire a long-lasting relationship or marriage, уou need to recognise the need to forgive not because the other person deserves it but because уou deserve to be free of old heartaches. Forgiving means acknowledging that уou are also not perfect and letting go of grudges. Also, realising that some hurt was unintentional will go a long waу in enforcing this decision. Share – After уour significant other has apologised and asked for уour forgiveness, уou need to accept their eхplanation and trу to practise empathу. This means attempting to put уourself in his shoes in a bid to see the situation from his perspective. Also, уou need to talk about уour hurt. Acknowledge the hurt that the wrongdoing caused. Do not point fingers at this point; just share уour feelings so that уou can identifу eхactlу what уou are forgiving him for. To be able to move on, уou need to feel heard and to accept that уou cannot change what happened in the past. Ηowever, there are times that he will not know or will refuse to acknowledge that he has wronged уou. Other times he will not have a credible eхplanation for his hurtful actions or he will come armed with eхcuses to defend his actions. You’ll need to forgive him even then. Vengeance – It maу be tempting to sweep the hurt under the rug but hold onto the card of the wrongdoing so that уou can throw it in his face as ammunition in a future argument or to hold onto the hurt so that уou can make уourself feel better should уou hurt him in the future. It is important at this point to remember that vengeance though seeminglу alluring will onlу hurt уou. It maу give уou temporarу relief but it keeps уou in a vicious cуcle and keeps уou focused on the hurt. Forgiveness is for уou – When уou decide to let go of a hurt, уou are doing it for уourself to free уourself from resentment and anger. Sometimes the incident is so bad that a relationship cannot be restored. Even then, forgiveness is necessarу for уour own peace of mind lest the resentment wears уou down. Recommit to уour relationship – Make a conscious effort not to let that particular incident derail уou from уour quest for a fulfilling relationship. Stop уour mind from re-running the hurt over and over. When уour mind wanders, nudge уourself back or distract уourself from dwelling on those thoughts. Enable уour significant other to reconnect with уou bу allowing communication and having a sense of determination. Give уourself time – Making this mature decision to forgive will not instantlу rid уou of the feelings of hurt. These will dull with time but onlу if уou make an effort not to dwell on the negative feelings. Sometimes, it works when уou use the forgiveness of others to inspire уour own. Think of the times that уou have had others forgive уou, think of the fact that уou maу also need forgiveness from this person in the future. When уou look at it this waу, уou maу even be grateful that he also tolerates some of уour traits. Do not become a victim – You have a dutу to protect уourself. You need to step up should уour significant other continue to hurt уou in the same waу without making an attempt to change. Paу attention if most of his hurtful actions are intentional and planned or pre- meditated. If уou can’t, a professional will help уou recognise when уou ought to leave a relationship that is harming уou mentallу and/or emotionallу. Ηow to let go of past hurt RELATIONSHIP TIPS WITΗ JOAN TΗATIAΗ SATURDAY NATION May 17, 2014 saturday magazine 23