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Farmers export dairy goats to DjiboutiBY KAMUNDIA MURIITHI

The fortunes of dairy goat farmers in Kirinyaga County have assumed a lucrative path following an initiative that has linked them to international markets.

PUBLISHERSKUTUS TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 021 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of kirinyaga people

Disruptive politicsKirinyaga County residents are in for a long haul of disruptive politics in the lead-up to August 2017, with the location of county headquarters being at the centre of a developing political storm. STORY ON PAGE 2 >>

STORY ON PAGE 2 >>

Mp Joseph gachoki gitari (kirinyaga Central) and Businessman kabui Mwai. kirinyaga governor Joseph ndathi.

Through a programme by the East African Farmers’ Federa-tion (EAFF), small scale dairy goat farmers can now export their dairy goats to the Djibouti market.

Whereas for many years Kirinyaga has been known as an exporter of fruits and vege-tables, it will be the first time for the agriculturally endowed county to ship livestock as export commodity.

Though for years dairy farm-ing has largely been attributed to rearing dairy cows and despite the reduction in arable land sizes in the county, the ini-tiative will seek to give a new leash of life to goat farmers.

For market, farmers will bring their goats at a specific location where international customers will visit and choose those to buy.

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2 MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By JaMeS MUreithi

Business people are being urged to borrow money through Equitel, the mobile platform of Equity Bank, which offers efficiency and offers cheaper loans.

Already, majority of borrowers through Equitel are business people, said Equity Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. James Mwangi. He said that the small and me-dium scale enterprises (SME) sector is a key market segment for Equitel and now accounts for 72 per cent of the Sh275 bil-lion loan book.

One can register with Equitel mobile banking by visiting any Equity Bank branch or agent. One just needs a func-tioning mobile with the usual sim card. For businesses seeking to cut costs, Equitel of-fers 10% discount every time one tops the airtime directly from the

Dr. Mwangi said that through Equitel, the bank will increase financial literacy amongst entrepreneurs in the micro and small enterprises sector. The plan will be

rolled out in partnership with the Equity Group Foundation

Equity Group Foundation Managing Di-rector Dr. Helen Gichohi noted that Equi-tel which now has grown to 2 million users has the potential to channel the Founda-tion’s financial literacy programme that is aimed at building capacity amongst the group’s core customer base.

“As noted the micro and SME segment is the bank’s key focus area. The greatest opportunity that Equitel has is to scale up micro businesses upwards into bigger businesses by increasing financial literacy. These entrepreneurs will also have access to financial services from Equitel,” said Dr Gichohi at the group’s investor briefing that was held in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Equitel issued Ksh14.1 billion loans in the first quarter of 2016 while the number of customers grew to 2 million.

Equity Group on the other hand report-ed a 20 per cent year on year profit growth for the period ended 31st March 2016.

NEWS

Political storm over headquarters

Farmers export dairy goats to Djibouti

2017 pOLiTicS

Agribiz Consult, a private farm has part-nered with dairy goat farmers in the expor-tation of dairy goats to Djibouti.

The goats aged between 8 to 24 months and comprising of the best milk breed have since been exported to the Horn of Africa nation.

Kirinyaga County Director for Livestock Development, Veterinary and Fisheries Dr. Richard Gichangi said the 45 female goats had to be isolated for a certain period, im-munized and tagged before the export.

He said the sourcing was done in four months from the farmers who had the animals between December last year and March.

“The animals had to be placed under quarantine under the supervision of Dr.

Catherine Malonzi who is our technical person for the purpose,’’ the Director said

The Veterinarian said the animals were also subjected to a series of vaccinations and other veterinary procedures (Inter-national Procedures which apply in the African Continent), to prevent diseases like blue tongue, Foot and Mouth among others.

The animals after twenty one days (‘21) after the last vaccination were issued with a Health Certificate to the exporter by the National Director of Veterinary Services who also issued an Export Movement Per-mit with Dr. Nelson Ojango accompanying the animals aboard a plane to Djibouti,’’ Gichangi said.

He said a feedback was expected from

Ojango once he returned home while farm-ers are also eager to export more due to the high returns.

‘’An animal is fetching up to Sh 20,000 and this is certainly good business to our farmers while the population of the an-imals in the county stands at only 6000,’’ he said.

Gichangi urged farmers to venture into dairy goat farming since even the milk which goes for Sh 120 per liter is in high demand due to its nutritive value while the market is under supplied.

He said the county government has pro-vided a 500 liter pasteurizing tank which the farmers can hardly fill up due to the scarcity of the highly priced commodity.

kirinyaga County director for livestock development, Veterinary and fisheries dr. richard gichangi.

>> Cheaper loanS

Entrepreneurs urged to borrow through Equitel

By Mt. kenya Star teaM

Kirinyaga County residents are in for a long haul of disruptive politics in the lead-up to August 2017, with the location of county headquarters being at the centre of a developing political storm.

For a county that is rated as one of the richest in terms of personal earnings, a wealth of di-versified agriculture produce, and a hardwork-ing population, the cycle of confrontational politics that has faced the county for decades appears to be creeping back.

The consequences are likely to be slowed development, animosity between geographical sections of the county and negative political at-mosphere that will likely give rise to theft of public resources as people are busy engaged in politics, putting the oversight guard down.

Kerugoya vs KutusThe two camps, each supporting either Ku-

tus or Kerugoya for the county headquarters, appear to be ready for a political and legal duel. Political and commercial interests are hardening positions in both camps.

The challenge is however that already, over Sh450 million of public funds has been com-mitted for the construction of the county head-quarters at Kutus, which is half-way complete.

Kutus has pulled in significant amount of new investments, thanks to its being destined as the county headquarters until in April when the law designating Kerugoya as the headquarters was signed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Equity Bank, Family Bank, Fortune Sacco, a supermarket, are among major new invest-ments that have been established here.

People have also bought land in the area

in the anticipation of its growth, planning to build modern residential and commercial properties for expected population increase. The cost of land has gone up as a result.

Kerugoya on the other hand has tradition-ally been the headquarters of Kirinyaga, and is likely to lose a major clout if this role does not continue. It will also mean less human traffic, affecting growth of business in town. Propo-nents however say the town has adequate in-frastructure to temporality accommodate the county headquarters, and there is enough land to build a new office block for the governor.

The earlier gentleman’s agreement in the county that Kerugoya remains the commercial capital of the county, and also host the County Assembly, while Kutus becomes the adminis-trative capital of the county, appears to have been through out of the window.

Who is who?There are three central players in the whole

headquarters saga. On one hand is Governor Joseph Ndathi. Governor Ndathi is credited with sticking to an informal decision made earlier by Kirinyaga residents to have the headquarters in Kutus, and subsequently made the construction of a headquarters at Kutus one of his administration’s priority. He stands to gain or lose politically depending on the final outcome of the location of the headquarters.

“The decision to make Kutus the head-quarters of Kirinyaga County was decided way back in 2011 even before I was elected Governor. This came following consulta-tions with representatives from each con-stituency,” said Governor Ndathi.

He condemned members of parlia-ment and the senate from Kirinyaga for failing to act when the Bill was being debated, and only acting for the public when the Bill was signed into law by the president.

Behind Governor Ndathi are a group

of elders, business people and politicians mainly from Gichugu and Mwea, a number of whom were involved in the 2010/11 consulta-tions to make Kutus the headquarters.

The pro-Kerugoya camp is led by Kirinya-ga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and prominent businessman Kabui Mwai.

MP Gitari, who has expressed his inten-tions to run for governorship in 2017 has op-posed the Kutus headquarters since day one, and has lobbied in parliament to have Keru-goya gazetted as the headquarters, a feat he has achieved.

MP Gitari also allegedly wrote a letter to the Attorney General on Mat, 16th, 2014, asking the office of the AG to consider in the County Amendment Bill that Kutus has no infrastruc-ture like Kerugoya and therefore cannot be the county headquarters.

Mr Kabui says he is in it to ensure that public services are delivered to the public at the lowest possible cost, and this can only be achieved when the county government offices

are in a central place, to avoid the pub-

lic shuttling between Kutus and Kerugoya in search of government services.

Mr Kabui, a respected businessman, has commercial interests in Kerugoya, ranging from hospitality, education and financial ser-vices. He is also an aspiring MP for Kirinyaga Central in 2017.

When President Kenyatta signed the law gazetting Kerugoya, Mr Kabui organized a party to thank the president for the decision.

What they said.MP Gitari said Kerugoya town has tactical

advantage in that various functional govern-ment institutions are located there while its infrastructural development supersedes that of Kutus market.

“The High Court, County Assembly, Level Four Hospital, offices of the County Commis-sioner, Land Registry, and Survey Office, GK Prison and other offices and banks are located in Kerugoya town. This makes it possible for people to multitask in one station when they travel to Kerugoya in need of various services,” he said.

Gitari argued that location of county head-quarters in Kutus would be impractical

and inconvenient to common citizens who might visit the gov-ernor’s office there only to be sent to see a county minister in Kerugoya town.

The MP told the leaders seek-ing to transfer the headquarters to Kutus to note that headquarters should be located where there are other offices that complement one another.

He noted the issue Kutus being centrally located does not come into play arguing that Nairobi is the cap-ital city of Kenya yet the most central place in Kenya is Isiolo.

On the office complex the county government is building in Kutus, MP

Gitari recommended that it should be made part of Kirinyaga University College or be used as a medical training college for Kerugoya Lev-el Four Hospital.

He said the county government acted ille-gally in putting up the complex in Kutus when there was no gazette notice identifying Kutus as the headquarters.

Mr Kabui on the other hand says the process that led to selection of Kutus as the headquarters was flawed. He says it was not balanced because Mwea for instance had 20 delegates instead of 10 required per constit-uency. He says the ten delegates selected by former Gichugu MP Martha Karua, who sup-ported Kerugoya as the headquarters, were replaced in a clandestine manner with 10 delegates through the late Archbishop David Gitari, a proponent of Kutus.

“The process was therefore unfair. The pro-cess had no legal backing. When we went to Sagana to debate about the headquarters, the pro-Kutus delegates ambushed us with de-mand that we had come to vote between Ker-ugoya and Kutus. And since they were many, they carried the day,” said Mr. Kabui.

“But the critical issue is that building the headquarters at Kutus will make it expensive to dispense services. People will spend money to travel between Kutus and Kerugoya instead of being served from a central location,” he said.

He said the county headquarters building should be donated to either Kirirnyaga Uni-versity College or the AHITI Domba to train animal health doctors.

“The governor can set up offices in one of the wings of the former District Commission-er’s office block at Kerugoya and later build an office block at the land where the Town Hall was to be built in Kerugoya,” said Mr Kabui.

the letter allegedly written by Mp gitari to the attorney general requesting that the new law indentify kerugoya as the headquarters.

3MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR ADVERTISEMENT

DAILY NATION | Wednesday April 27, 2016 County | 25

Talks to end border row end in disarrayBY RUTH MBULA

A meeting called to end a boundary dispute between Narok and Kisii counties at Olmelil ended in disarray yes-terday after the parties failed to agree on crucial issues.

A team of surveyors from both devolved units, who worked under heavy security, failed to determine where the boundary is.

The surveyors are now ex-pected to do the work afresh after two weeks.

Yesterday, Interior ministry Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho waded into the issue,

saying the government will make efforts to resolve boundary disputes in the region without using force. “I am aware that most boundaries have issues to the extent of causing bloodshed in some areas.”

Youths from the Gusii and Kipsigis communities have been fighting each other for the past several days, with each group claiming ownership of land along the common border.

The problem started when two neighbours accused each other of trespassing the boundary.

Additional reporting by Nyaboga Kiage

Kisii >

BY ERIC MATARA@ERICM222.EMatara@ke.nationmedia.com

A union has backed calls by senior doctors for county referral hospitals

to be run by the national gov-ernment.

Kenya Medical Practition-ers, Pharmacists and Dentists Union chairman Samuel Oroko said such facilities should be accorded independence and a status similar to Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hos-pital.

“The hospitals should be well equipped and have enough

medical personnel to promote efficient health care in the re-gions,” said Dr Oroko (above).

The union chairman said the hospitals should fall under State corporations as counties have been overwhelmed.

“Running the bigger hospi-tals has become a nightmare for most county governments, which are struggling with provi-sion of health services,” said Dr Oroko, adding that the hospitals needed independent budgets.

Health services in most coun-ties have been found wanting despite the millions of shillings

Union: Reclaim key hospitals from counties Labour leader backs calls by senior doctors for major facilities to be run by national government

Nakuru > Regions accused of failing to run major health institutions

allocated annually.As a result, health experts warn that

Kenya might not attain the Millennium Development Goal of universal and acces-sible health for all.

South Rift Kenya Medical Practitioners Board Secretary-General Davji Atellah said health services had been poorly managed since devolution.

Dr Atellah said hospitals did not have adequate equipment and were under-

staffed. In Nakuru and Baringo counties, health

management has come under scrutiny after an outbreak of influenza killed 39 children.

Experts questioned the leadership of the county executive committee member, Dr Mungai Kabii, and chief officer Samuel Mwaura, in the wake of the outbreak.

In Nandi County, a strike by health workers is now in its second week, with the

public Kapsabet Hospital deserted, leaving desperate patients unattended.

Health workers in Laikipia only resumed work on Monday after a week-long strike.

Top on the list of the health workers’ grievances were delayed or denied pro-motions.

At least 850 health workers, including 400 nurses, had gone on strike in 196 hos-pitals and dispensaries across the county, seriously affecting services.

Ferry ride for tankers Mombasa>> Fuel tankers await their turn on the ferry to across the Likoni channel to the mainland yesterday. Each tanker is charged Sh5,500 for the short trip across the Indian Ocean.

LABAN WALLOGA | NATION

The NYS Youth Empowerment Programme Phase I will bere-launched by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kisii County covering 72 constituencies countrywide on Thursday 28th April, 2016.

4 MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By riChard MUgo

The Kerugoya small and medium enterprise community has formed the Kirinyaga Jua Kali Artisans Association to look into their welfare in the wake of property development which appears to be forcing them out of business.

Most of the artisans who include mechan-ics, small scale wielding and carpentry workshops among others operate on public land or land which they have leased from owners. Others operate on road reserves.

The over 200 artisans are now calling on the government to at least allocate them a piece of land within the town where they can operate in peace.

According to the organization’s chair-man James Mugo, expanding property development in the town has been push-ing them toward the Kaitheri Polytechnic which might bring to an end of their busi-ness if no action is taken.

“The plots we are working on belong to other people most of who have expressed interest to develop their property thus spelling doom to our business,” the Chair-man said.

Mugo who has been in the Jua Kali sec-tor for over 10 years said that the county government ought to set a place where they would carry out business without the fear of being advised to vacate a place in a very short notice.

A carpenter Peter Murimi said that the fear has become prevalent due to the high rate at which the houses are set up.

“The owner of this plot has said that building is starting in the month of May. I have worked here for over four years and we cannot move beyond the politecnique’s fence,” he said.

This is one of the many challenges the newly formed Kirinyaga County Artisan’s or-ganization is expect-ed to address.

The association is also meant to en-courage the members to save as a way to free the small scale business community from the shackles of poverty.

“We had no such an organization to encourage the members to save. This will now extend our life beyond the present we have been living all along,” the Chairman Mugo said.

By Whitney nyaWira

Construction works of Sh19 billion mega dam on River Thiba in Gichugu constituency to boost rice production in Mwea Irrigation

Scheme will start in August, the government has announced. This is however the third time that the national government is giving a timeline for start of construction after the

previous two failed.

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa visited the site on May 12 and announced President Uhuru Kenyatta will launch the construc-tion in August.

Wamalwa said compensation for the 709 farmers whose lands would be affected have been finalised by June. He spoke when he presided over the issuance of the deeds at Ngekenyi Chief’s camp, just about a kilometer away from the proposed dam site.

The project is funded by the Jap-anese Government and being un-dertaken by the National Irrigation Board to end the water shortage at the irrigation scheme and boost food production.

The delay had been cause by the failure of the national government to give a guarantee of Sh6 billion following the rise in cost of the dam from initial Sh13 billion to Sh19 bil-lion.

The project is among the Vision 2030 projects the Jubilee Admin-istration is implementing ahead of the next year’s general elections as contained in its 2013 pre-election manifesto.

Kerugoya jua kali association formed

Thiba dam construction to start in August

NEWS

Tolerance, engagement needed among leaders

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

Cucu celebrates 125 years

>> JUA KALi ASSOciATiON

>> THiBA DAMJua kali Chairman James Mugo.

Minister for Water eugene Wamalwa issues title deeds to farmers who gave their land for the thiba dam. he was accompanied by vairous local leaders.

BRIEF hEREABOUT USMT. KENYA STAR is a monthly newspaper, published and printed by Mt. Kenya Star Publishers Limited.

The newspaper is prepared in the respective counties, but edited and printed in Nairobi.

Our regional headquarters is located in Nairobi, at: Lonak Business Centre, Suite 16 A, 2ND Floor, Kasarani Estate, next to Naivas.

We have correspondents, sales representatives, and distributors in Kiambu, Meru, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, and Nairobi.

To reach us, call: Office Hotline: 0707648755. Other numbers: 0722214261 / 0722792810

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com Website: www.mtkenyastar.com Facebook: facebook.com/kirinyagastar

MANAGING EDITORSteve Mbogo

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERMary Mugo

WRITERSBen Wamae, James Ng’ang’a, Euctycas Muchiri, Alice Muthoni, Kamundia Muriithi, Filex Muriithi, Daniel Gikunda

All counties in Mount Kenya region, except Nyeri and Laikipia are in-volved in destructive political power games which are of no use to the com-mon citizen.

The political waters have been stirred, and while we are not opposed to politicking, there is a need for leaders to first serve the public and then do the politicking when time comes.

The tragedy with the situation in this region is that the political heat is becoming too much, mostly targeted at governors by either the members of parliament or senators. Apparently, they want to oppose the governors come 2017.

While that is within everyone’s constitutional right, there is a time for ev-erything. The trend that is picking up is where leaders sabotage governors’ initiatives, so that he does not get the political millage that would come with successful projects.

What the saboteurs are forgetting is that they are working against the interests of the same people that they will seek votes from. An in any case, there is not leader, worth the respect who will sabotage public good for the sake of selfish political gains.

The people of Mount Kenya region must be alert to these kind of schemes. We are still 14 months to the elections. That is a whole one financial year, when money is planned and implemented. So it is not a period that can be wished away. The elections are far. We need to let the governments that were elected in 2013 to deliver on their promises.

The financial year 2016/2017 is just about to start. This is the last finan-cial year the current governors will serve in their positions. The other year, 2017/2018, they will only serve for a month.

Let us wait for March next year, then we can start to audit the perfor-mance of the governors. The audits will be available in various platforms, including this newspaper. It will be upon you as a voter to make your deci-sion based on the score of your governor, Member of Parliament, Member of the County Assembly, Women Representative or the Senator.

Voters should in future also avoid what is known as ‘suit’ voting. This method, brought by euphoria is destructive to democracy and enables in-competent leaders to get into power. Let us access each person by their leadership qualities, and those who have not held elective positions can be assessed on how they have performed in sectors they have been involved in.

County leaders of the future, from governors to MPs and MCAs, should pursue consultative leadership. The county is one entity and the interests on the county are what the leaders represent. There should therefore be no excuse for fighting each other, over flimsy issues that can be sorted through dialogue.

We need to elect leaders who are progressive. Who are innovative in the projects they chose to invest in. Innovative in income generating activities that they propose to the people. Open minded to engage in dialogue and sharp enough to borrow from global best practices and also seek realistic markets for the produce from our counties. We need leaders who will not only say, but act on the important issue processing and packaging of agro produce for local and export market.

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHERSNYERI TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 021 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of nyeri people

STORY ON PAGES 2 >>

Karatina market works start

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Stalled karatina market at the background. Construction has restarted.

Resuming of construction works at the ultra modern Karatina open air market has rekindled hope among Karatina market traders.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By eUtyCaS MUChiri

Resuming of construction works at the ultra modern Karatina open air market has rekindled hope among Karatina market traders.

This was after the national treasury through the ministry of lands released Shs.178 million for the completion of the market.

The traders hope the construction work that recommenced this May after a new con-tractor took over will end over six years of waiting where traders worked under harsh climatic conditions in the open.

Traders say customers avoid the muddy temporary markets during rainy seasons, a move that has seen them lose their customers to the neighbouring Kirinyaga County mar-kets. The market under construction is along the busy Nairobi-Nyeri highway.

When the MT. KENYA STAR visited the site recently, construction workers from Highpoint Agencies were busy at work after replacing the former contractor Uchumi In-ternational LTD.

According to one of the Karatina Mar-ket Traders Association officials, Michael

Wang’ombe, they were relocated from the market to pave way for its construction back in 2010.

“We expected that the market would have been complete in one or two years as prom-ised but we have since been out of the facility for over six years after the construction work stalled,” said Mr. Wang’ombe adding that now traders are happy that construction workers are currently on site.

“We appeal to both the county and nation-al government to follow-up on the matter and

ensure the work goes on smoothly and the market is completed on time,” he said.

He, however, said as the representative of the market people, they are yet to receive any communication from their leaders among them Mathira Member of Parliament Peter Weru as agreed.

“We had requested our MP to convene a meeting between traders and the contrac-tor so that we can get an assurance that the recommendation contained in the memo-randum we wrote earlier requesting for the

redesigning of the market has been factored,” he said.

The traders were not happy with the earli-er design of the market and had called for the adjustment of the project so that the market can accommodate more traders.

This was after fears emerged that some of the over 2000 traders who earlier operated in the market would be left out of the facility after its completion.

A construction worker however said the market design will be altered to create more space for the traders.

There were also fears that space would have been allocated corruptly after reports that some officials of the defunct Karatina Municipal Council collected bribes from outsiders to influence allocation of outlets in the facility.

Traders who were moved to pave way for the construction of the market moved to two temporally markets in the town which are Pa-koni and Marigiti markets.

Pakoni is a retail market while Marigiti is a wholesale market.

During the ratification of county budget at Dedan Kimathi Stadium recently, Nyeri gov-ernor Nderitu Gachagua promised residents that stalls in all county markets will be allo-cated in a transparent manner.

The governor directed the county sec-retary, Alice Wachira to convene meetings

between traders and county government of-ficials to ensure stall at Karatina market and all other markets in the county that will be taken over by the county government are al-located to traders transparently.

Other markets expected to be occupied by traders soon include Mweiga, Kiandu, Kamakwa, Kiaruhiu and Narumoru among others.

The county government is also expected to benefit greatly from the completion of the facility as it will increase revenue collected by the authority.

About two years ago, Parliamentary Select Committee on Budget chairman, Mutava Musyimi, said the work stalled due to lack of funds.

The market was estimated to cost over Shs. 260 million but the figure was reviewed up-ward to over Shs. 367 million following the alteration of the project design.

Initial reports had it that the market will have 250 square metres of cold storage to enable farmers preserve perishables at a fee until demand for the commodities increase.

The market has a basement and four floors shopping mall on one side that can accom-modate about 3,000 traders, a basement parking that can hold 40 vehicles and Inter-net facilities.

2 NEWS

By eUtyCaS MUChiri

Nyeri County is set to benefit if the proposed Nyeri Eastern bypass is to be constructed in the near future.

The bypass which will be 160 kilometers long starts from Nakuru town to Nyahururu town then to Marua near Nyeri town.

This means the road will join with the Thika Superhigh-way at Marua. The road from Thika was set to start at Ma-kutano at Thika Superhighway to Sagana -Karatina as per earlier government plans.

Recently, technicians from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure from Nairobi who have been on the ground for the last one month earmarked a major bridge which will pass near Madiba Gardens next to Dedan Kimathi University on the way to Marua.

A team leader of the technicians Joseph Maranga pro-posed that six bridges and three foot bridges be built along the 160 Kilometres bypass during the construction.

Maranga said the team is using a sample drilling rig ma-chine to sample soil and rocks where possible bridges should be built.

Once the team completes its work, it will then compile a report which will be forwarded to the Ministry to serve as a guideline for the road contractor who will win the tender to build the road.

However, it is not known when the road construction work will start.

Local leaders and investors have since welcomed the move saying it will be a big boost to the region since it will create more jobs and attract more investors.

By aliCe WaMBUi

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that its services are now available at the newsly opned Huduma Centre in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga County.

KRA has meanwhile advices taxpayers the steps to take when using iTax. The deadline for making all their tax returns is June, 30, 2016.

To ease the process, KRA has come up with an online platform called iTax, a robust system to help you file your tax returns at the comfort of your home or office.

To help taxpayers use the system, the authority has also come up with iTax support centres, which are small branches, located in dif-ferent parts of the country, where you can seek assistance incase you have challenges or questions on filing your tax records. To get assistance, please visit the nearest Huduma Centre

Meanwhile, to make a payment on iTax follow these simple steps.a) Log in to your web portal account through https://itax.kra.go.ke/ b) Select payment registration under the payment drop down menuc) Fill the required details on the payment information page, submit

and download the E-slip.d) Use the PIN as your account number. Make payment via M-PESA

using the Pay bill number 572572 or use the downloaded E-slip as your deposit slip for Bank payments.

Bypass for Nyeri

Construction of Karatina market resumes

KRA at Kerugoya Huduma Centre

>> KARATiNA OpEN AiR MARKET

<< FROM PAGE 1

Stalled karatina market at the background. Construction has restarted.

technicians from the Ministry of transport using the sample drilling rig machine at Madiba gardens near kimathi University.

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Sh120 million budgeted for coffee millsBy eUtyCaS MUChiri

The move will enable the benefiting sub-counties take charge of milling and marketing of their coffee and free themselves from cartels.

Governor Nderitu Gachagua said this in his state of the county address to the Nyeri County Assembly recent-ly.

“Towards this end, a delegation from our four coffee growing Sub-counties visited Denmark in March 2016, with the sponsorship of the Coop Group of Denmark,” he noted.

The delegation’s visit was, with the help of the Danish Group, meant to explore the possibilities of support in the development of a coffee milling plant in the County.

He said his government recognizes the challenge that cartels pose and is determined to work in collaboration with other coffee growing counties, to overcome the challenge.

“On this note, I want to thank the President for setting up a Task Force to look into coffee issues and for an-nouncing a waiver of coffee fees and levies that will translate into a 4 per cent increase in payments to coffee farmers,” noted Gachagua.

The county chief hailed the coffee marketing initiative spearheaded by

his government early in its tenure in office saying it helped increase direct coffee sales from 5 to 45 per cent.

This helped reduce milling losses from 35 to 16 per cent, and operation-al costs from over 20 to 11 per cent at factory level and consequently im-proved farmers’ income to between 15 and 300 per cent.

“We shall not relent in ensuring that our farmers get full benefits from

their coffee,” he noted.The governor said his government

had continued to revitalize agricul-ture extension services to farmers.

County extension officers have since undertaken more than 7,000 farm visits and 592 demonstrations on various agricultural and livestock focusing on topical issues.

“Our Agricultural Training Centre at Wambugu farm is being trans-

formed into a center of excellence for farmers training. We are happy to note that over the last three years, over 28,000 farmers have participated in the field days and specialized farm clinics organized at the center,” stated the governor.

He announced that the irrigation system at the centre was under expan-sion by 2 acres as well as constructing a modern hostel with a capacity of 25 rooms.

The facility will also be used by the county for other training activities and assist in subsidizing the cost of training.

He said his government is also sup-porting community water projects so as to increase accessibility to water for both domestic and irrigation pur-poses.

As a result, he said, several water projects have been initiated through-out the county but mainly in Kieni East and West which are the areas with low water coverage in the coun-ty.

“Some of these projects are now providing services to an additional 4500 households in Kieni East and Kieni West,” he continued.

He announced that there are other ongoing projects which are expected to connect a further 27,250 house-

holds to piped water supply in the near future.

In an effort to increase food pro-duction, the governor said area un-der irrigation has been increased by 2,847 acres benefitting 5,693 house-holds.

“On completion of the on-going projects, 3,496 more acres will be put under irrigation to benefit 6,992 households. We have so far complet-ed 10 irrigation schemes in the coun-ty,” he said.

He said 24 dams and pans have been constructed and rehabilitated with a total capacity of 262,000m3 in a bid to increase water storage ca-pacity in the county.

“In addition, 7 water storage tanks with a total capacity of 1,215 m3 have been constructed at Naromoru, Ndimaini, Gathugu, Warazo/Lusoi, Kiawara, Gitegi and Gathandu,” he enumerated.

“An additional 5 tanks are under implementation this year in Iruri, Birichia, Mwiyogo, Karicheni and Gaaki increasing the storage capac-ity by a further 975 cubic metres. This will ensure an uninterrupted water supply for consumption and irrigation to those areas,” said the governor.

The County Government of Nyeri will set aside Shs. 120 million in the next financial year to procure and set up coffee mills in coffee growing sub-counties.

governor gachagua addressing the media after the county budget ratification event.

ALL AGRICULTURAL STAKE HOLDERS

RE: CALLING FOR NYERI COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS FORUM ON 26TH MAY 2016 AT WAMBUGU ATCAgricultural sector is a fully devolved function to the County Government. In line with this there is need to come up with an all-inclusive strategic plan.Public private partnership (PPP) is enshrined in our new constitution and the farmer is not “owned” by any department /organization. This therefore calls for various play-ers from government, private sector, NGOs and development partners to work together to improve the livelihood of the farmers by ensuring increased productivity and income while ensuring food security.

Informed decision is required to come up with possible solution to emerging challenges and this can only be achieved through synergy.On behalf of Nyeri County Agricultural Sector coordination and Planning committee am pleased to invite you to a one day forum on thursday 26th May 2016 at Wambugu agricultural training Centre (WatC) Nyeri from 8.30 am (WatC is off Nyeri – Karatina road 3 kms from Nyeri town).You have been identified as a major partner in actualizing Nyeri agricultural strategic plan whose strategic issues, objectives, and strategies are attached. Please identify are-as you can partner with the county government in implementing the strategic plan within the various agricultural value chains, particularly in areas of agribusiness, research, services or monitoring and evaluation.

The county Government will provide conference package that includes lunch and teas. Participant will cater for transport and accommodation where necessary.Kindly acknowledge receipt and confirm attendance through email: esagriculture@gmail.com or telephone Mr. Mwangi 0722841136. We are excited about this futuristic event and eagerly look forward to meeting you.Sincerely,

robert thuo MwangiCounty executive Memberagriculture, livestock, fisheries and Cooperative developmentnyeri County p.o Box 29-10100, nyeriCell phone: +254 725 335 939

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT REPUBLIC OF KENYA

INVITATION26TH, MAY, WAMBUGU FARM

MAY 2016

By eUtyCaS MUChiri

The slow pace of hostel development is lagging behind the growth of student population at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

The University’s Council chairman Prof. Dulacha Galgalo in his speech said that from survey, the suitable accommodation in the neighbour-hood can only accommodate 3000 students.

“The pace of growth is not expect-ed to match the requirements of the university which plans to raise the student population to over 10,000 by the year 2019,” he said.

He said the university council is ex-ploring development of more hostels under the Public Private Partnership

(PPP) model to cater for the shortfall.However, he noted that the univer-

sity has no intentions of replacing the private hostel providers but to com-plement their efforts by meeting the shortfall.

This, he said, will enable the univer-sity not to lose its competitiveness for lack of availability of adequate suit-able student accommodation.

The university population current-ly stands at 7000 with about 800 enrolled in the Nairobi CBD (Central Business District) campus while the rest are in the Nyeri campus.

Recently, the university closed its campus in Nyeri town in favour of the main campus.

“This is a phenomenal growth from a population of 500 seven years ago. The growth particularly in the main campus would not have been realized without the supporting facilities thus enabling the university to focus on the core business of providing educa-tion,” he noted.

Noting that DeKUT was still a young university, the chairman said it will continue developing its in-frastructure in order to have the required teaching facilities which in-clude lecture rooms, laboratories and offices.

He appealed to the government to adopt differentiated unit cost of funding on the basis of the relative costs of their programmes, noting that technological and applied sci-ence programmes are relatively more expensive to implement compared to social sciences,

He said this is crucial for to the uni-versity if it is to continue discharging its mandate as a university of technol-ogy without undue financial strain.

This will also enable the institution to remunerate its staff appropriately and maintain good industrial rela-tions.

He appealed to the government to provide more resources to enable the university develop its basic facilities.

“We as university council are grate-ful to the government for the con-tinuing funding for infrastructure development. The focus this year is to complete the other phase of academ-ic block and also build some labs to house equipment for science and en-gineering programmes,” he said.

He stated that the university has embarked on construction of the engineering laboratory annex which should be ready for use in the next quarter of the year.

“We still have ongoing projects and incomplete projects: Construction of Phase II of the academic block, phase III of the Resource centre, which is to house an extension of the univer-sity library, and provide additional labs, lecture rooms and offices; and a multi-purpose hall,” he intoned add-ing that the facilities will support the existing academic programmes.

The university Chancellor Prof. Shellemiah Keya called for more col-laboration between the government and the private sector.

He also called for a contemporary yet flexible curriculm; international research, pedagogy full of impact and development of world class infra-structure and global exposure.

These elements, he said, shall facil-itate the delivery of quality education through qualified staff, using state of the art infrastructure.

The chancellor said postgraduate programmes and research contribute immensely to development of spe-cialization and associated industrial capabilities.

However, he said continuing de-velopment of the postgraduate pro-grammes and research requires more support from the government and expressed satisfaction that the gov-ernment has committed 2 per cent of the national budget to research.

“This is an encouraging develop-ment and we look forward to this being realized,” he observed.

By eUtyCaS MUChiri

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Nyeri County branch, will push for laws that will help improve the atmosphere for doing business in the county.

The county’s KNCCI chairman, Jo-seph Machira, said unfavourable laws can scare away people intending to invest in the area.

He said it is time Nyeri was made a 24 hour economy which he said will improve the county’s economy.

Machira has been in record saying that Nyeri is among few counties in the country that have well-lit streets putting it in a better place for the commencement of 24 hour economy.

He was speaking after his election to head the Nyeri county branch Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the chairman for another five year term.

Ibrahim Ndegwa was elected the vice chairperson, Lucy Waguthi the women representative while Nickson

Wanjau was elected the youth repre-sentative.

The four were elected unopposed

out of the 19 elective posts in an elec-tion held at YMCA hall in Nyeri town recently.

Nyeri prominent businessman, Githinji Kinyanjui, who was elected as the chamber’s patron urged the branch to step up its recruitment drive targeting mostly the youth who have small businesses in the county.

He echoed Machira’s words adding that branch members should be in-volved in making of laws which touch on business matters.

The new patron said KNCCI mem-bers understand the plight of traders better, as opposed to politicians, as they are the ones in business.

“Drafts of such laws should be made by businesspeople who under-stand the business environment in the county well. The county assem-bly should only ratify what has been made to make it law. This will min-imize cases of protests like the ones witnessed in Nyeri few months ago,” he said.

4 MT KENYA STARNEWS

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.

Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

President won’t break the law to resolve IEBC impasse

LAWS

Nyeri chamber to push for better laws

Opportunity becomes for investors to build hostels for Kimathi University

nyeri County knCCi chairman Joseph Machira.

adan dUale

In 1997, then President Daniel arap Moi had the exclusive right to appoint commissioners to the now defunct Electoral Commis-sion of Kenya (ECK); a power he derived from the supreme law.

He however settled for a gentle-man’s agreement with the Oppo-sition allowing them to nominate their representatives to the polls team. Much as Moi was acting out of pressure from the Opposi-tion, the law was on his side. By allowing the Opposition to name representatives, the former Presi-dent was just acting in good faith.

Then in 2006 something dra-matic happened. Then Consti-tutional Affairs minister Martha Karua refused to listen to then Opposition leader Uhuru Ken-yatta when he asked for a con-sultative forum to appoint some commissioners whose terms had expired. Kenyatta was asking for a consultative process in the spirit of the Inter-Party Parliamentary Group (IPPG). Karua would hear none of it, saying there was no law called IPPG. She went ahead to remind Mr Kenyatta that Moi had retired and a new regime was now in power.

She said it was the president’s business to appoint commission-ers. Karua used the same law that was in existence under Moi to ap-point her cronies. Fast forward to the current situation. Remarkable changes have happened. When the Constitution was promulgat-ed in August 2010, it created in-dependent institutions, indepen-dent of even the Presidency, and only answerable to Parliament.

These include the DPP, the Auditor General, the Judiciary, the Inspector General of Police through the National Police Ser-vice Commission, and of course the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). There is a reason the word ‘in-dependent’ is an integral part of IEBC’s name. It means this institution is insulated from the interference from the whims of political players.

The hiring and firing of com-missioners was anchored in the Constitution and Article 251 pro-vides for the procedure on how to do so. These independent com-missions are answerable to Parlia-ment through its committees. For IEBC it is the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee in the National Assembly and in the Senate, the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee chaired by Samuel Chepkong’a and Amos Wako re-spectively.

Anybody who wants to oust them is required to send a peti-tion through these committees. As Jubilee, we have issues with some independent institutions but if we want to do anything

about them we must follow the law. So if the agenda of Mr Rai-la’s letter is to tell the President to interfere with the independence of IEBC then he is inviting the President to break the law. The President has no locus standi to send home IEBC commissioners because the commission does not take orders from him. What Raila would then be suggesting in his letter is that the President should undertake a constitutional coup. He wants the President to set aside the law and kick IEBC commissioners out of office. This is untenable.

CORD also needs to be clear on what it wants and stop engaging in double-speak. In occasions that the commission’s decision is fa-vourable to the Opposition, it has hailed the IEBC. Furthermore, the Opposition must stop mak-ing unfounded claims such as the unsavoury allegation that Jubilee has a pact with IEBC commission-ers to rig next year’s elections and offer them plum jobs thereafter. In the same vein, it has charged that Koreans are involved in the planned electoral fraud without giving details. Which Koreans? From South Korea or North Ko-rea? Raila has also sensationally claimed that children are being given IDs in Jubilee strongholds. Again no evidence has been pro-vided. All these point to a coali-tion confronted by utter desper-ation given that their capacity to amount a credible challenge for the presidency has considerably waned.

Raila has already poisoned the electoral environment. His intention seems to be to take the country back to the dark day. The Jubilee government will put its foot firmly down and will not allow this to happen. We support members of the diplomatic corps who have counseled that law and order must prevail in raising questions about electoral archi-tecture. I will be the first person to support a petition brought by CORD in the National Assembly if it has enough grounds incrim-inating the polls team.

Raila seems to have forgotten a key recommendation by retired South African Judge Johann Kriegler who led the indepen-dent review commission into the disputed presidential election of 2007 that the team overseeing the elections must be in office 24 months before elections. He and retired President Mwai Kibaki received the report. Perhaps he needs to reacquaint himself with its content.

(Aden Bare Duale is the Major-ity Leader of the National Assem-bly of Kenya)

OPINION

Nyoro Construction risks delisting

CONT. ON PAGE 2 >>

STORY ON PAGE 2 >>

PUBLISHERSMURANG’A TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 021 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of MUrang’a people

By Beth WaMBUi

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Roads John Mosonik has threatened to blacklist a local contractor who has failed to complete tarmacking the St. Mary’s – Gitugi - Mioro road in Murang’a County within the stipulated time.

The Principal Secretary said the govern-ment may also be forced to issue notice to

terminate the contract awarded to Nyoro Construction Company for doing shoddy work and failing to meet the deadline in tarmacking the 43-kilometre road

Mosonik said some notorious contrac-tors have been frustrating the government efforts to rehabilitate and upgrade roads in the country.

He noted that the government will no longer work with incompetent contractors who are unable to work as expected and end up hindering development.

The Principal Secretary pointed out that the Ministry will evaluate the work that the company has done and may terminate the contract and the work awarded to another company if the company does not satisfy the required threshold.

“Although a part of the road has been tarmacked, the contractor has clearly worked at a snail’s pace that has caused anger among locals,” he said.

Residents have conducted several demonstrations over the slow construction of the road that connects Kiharu and Ma-thioya constituencies.

They have accused the contractor of working with impunity and causing them numerous losses in wasted agricultural produces that get spoiled before reaching the market due to the poor state of the road.

The contractor was awarded the con-tract in 2012 and attracted the attention of the Parliamentary committee on Trans-port, Public works and Human settlements

which toured the area last year.The committee members were however

jeered by the irate locals as they inspected the road, with area MP Clement Wambu-gu being denied a chance to address them after they accused him of conspiring with the contractor to frustrate completion of the road.

Mosonik who was inspecting the road added that his Ministry is in the process of compiling non performing contrac-tors.

“The list will soon be made public and such contractors will never get other contracts from the Kenyan gov-ernment,” he said.

roads principal Secretary John Mosonik.

Firm barred from grabbing Kihiu Mwiri land

The government has stopped a private company from developing land it allegedly acquired illegally in the controversial Kihiu Mwiri farm in Murang’a County.

MAY 2016

By CorreSpondent

The government has stopped a private company from developing land it allegedly acquired illegally in the controversial Kihiu Mwiri farm in Murang’a County. Breeze Investments Limited, a company said to be linked to influential individuals, is accused of colluding with county administration officials to irregularly acquire land registered as LR No. 9214/4.

Correspondence seen by the Mt. Kenya Star from the lands ministry directs Breeze Investments Limited to desist from carrying out any fur-ther developments on the land.

“We are in receipt of a complaint from the official (sic) of Kihiu Mwiri Farmers Company Limited that the above parcel of land was fraudulent-ly and illegally transferred to you without their consent nor knowl-edge,” states a letter signed by R.K Kalama on behalf of the Chief Land Registrar.

“They (Kihiu Mwiri officials) fur-ther allege that while a directive was issued by the President to have the title deed recalled and cancelled, you

have gone ahead to carry out some developments in total disregard of the President’s directive,” the letter further states.

The directive from the lands min-istry comes as the process of issuing title deeds to genuine Kihiu Mwiri shareholders is in its final stages ac-cording to sources in the ministry. How Breeze Investments acquired a title deed even before the titling pro-cess is completed therefore remains a mystery.

Last year in September, President Kenyatta directed that the genuine shareholders of Kihiu Mwiri num-bering 3507 be issued with title deeds to the 1,085 acre piece of land

located in Gatanga sub-county. The directors of Kihiu Mwiri

Farmers Company had earlier writ-ten to the Public Complaints and Resolutions Committee at the Lands ministry complaining of attempts by powerful individuals to grab land be-longing to the genuine shareholders of Kihiu Mwiri. However, the chair-man of the PCRC Tom Namasaka asked the officials to file their com-plaints with the Lands Registrar or the National Land Commission.

“We want to ensure that all genu-ine shareholders get their titles. The genuine shareholders know each other. The question of imposters getting titles should not arise,” said

Phares Njoroge, Chairman of Kihiu Mwiri Farmers Company Limited.

Kihiu Mwiri has been mired in controversy and a spate of unre-solved murders and disappearances of the land buying company’s offi-cials. Police have linked the killings to leadership wrangles and attempts by some officials to illegally allocate land to outsiders.

“Since the government intervened and arrested criminal gangs there has been peace at Kihiu Mwiri. Only some few, corrupt officials want to sneak in influential people who are not genuine shareholders,” added Mwangi.

He noted that in collaboration with Nation-al Construction Authority, the Ministry will ensure all contractors are credited and will be required to show their potential to do a particular work before getting a contract.

The PS said it is worrying that about 40 per cent of local contractors have indicated that they are unable to competitively and efficiently complete awarded contracts.

“The government will only work with contractors who show commitment to de-liver regardless of whether they are local or foreign because our efforts to support local contractors have been frustrated,” Mosonik noted.

Mosonik echoed Transport Cabinet Sec-retary James Macharia’s sentiments that the government will blacklist contractors who fail to efficiently complete their con-tracts.

Macharia said a clique of local contrac-tors who do shoddy work or take too long to complete their designated work are frus-trating the jubilee administration in its bid to deliver on its mandate and bring about development.

The CS who had visited Kigumo constitu-ency to inspect the Makomboki Mairi Gatie road which has been under construction since 2012 said the government has prior-itized enhancement of infrastructure and that failure by contractors to deliver is de-laying its progress.

He added that the jubilee government is unable to embark on new projects while old ones remain unfinished.

He noted that President Uhuru Kenyatta had summoned him and other top officials last November to find out why works were

taking too long to be completed.“We told the President that contractors

were complaining that the debts owed to them by the government were too much as they had amounted to Sh. 26 billion,” Mach-

aria said.He added that the President ordered the

debts paid immediately to enable contrac-tors to continue with their contracts with-out delays.

Macharia said that contractors working with the national government have no ex-cuse for delayed projects saying the govern-ment pays Sh. 1.5 billion every week to clear their debts.

He cited the examples of Lee, Kirinyaga and Nyoro construction companies as some of the companies that have been notorious in delaying projects and doing shoddy jobs and that they may not be awarded more contracts.

He said local contractors have been com-plaining that the government has been awarding some of the major tenders to in-ternational companies yet they are unable to keep up with their pace.

“We may not degazette them but we will not be working with these kinds of contrac-tors in future,” Macharia said.

Residents had complained that construc-tion of the 25 km road had taken too long and was hampering their agricultural activ-ities during rainy seasons.

Residents had last June blocked area MP Jamleck Kamau from leaving his

Makomboki home demanding to get answers on why the contractor, Lee Con-struction company was taking too long to complete it.

The angry residents jeered the company’s managing director Lee Nyachae after he was paraded infront of them by the Cabi-net secretary who made him assure them that he would resume construction after 3 weeks and complete the documents by March next year.

Macharia said it is a shame that in three years, the contractor had only managed to do 15 percent of the Sh. 1.5 billion contract yet he had already been paid Sh. 257 mil-lion.

2 MT KENYA STARNEWS

KiHiU MWiRi

Nyoro Construction risks delisting

roads principal Secretary John Mosonik (Centre) inspecting construction of St. Mary’s-gitugi-Mioro road in Murang’a.

Firm barred from grabbing Kihiu Mwiri land

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Youth Empowerment

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MAY 2016NEWS4

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

By Beth WaMBUi

The elderly people have said they have come out to register for I.Ds after relentless calls by local political and church leaders to ensure they vote in the forth-coming general elec-tions.Anthony Muchemi, a 65 years old man from Kamahuha village in Murang’a South said he could not retrace his birth certificate and that that had locked him from registering for the crucial document for the better part of his adult life.

Speaking to The Star, Muchemi also noted that he has never operated a bank account and that the little money he gets from his one acre farm is kept in his home.

Speaking on Friday while retrieving his leaving certificate from Thaara primary school which he used to register, the joyous Muchemi said he will be proud to participate in elections and vote for leaders of his choice for the first time next year.

Muchemi said the government should not be too strict on the documents required to register to ensure as many people as possible are able to register.

Youth leader Allan Gitau Mburu who was overseeing the registration process in Mar-agua and Gatanga constituencies said it is encouraging that the 12 days drive was able to reach all groups of people in such a short time.

Gitau said too many people had been locked out of the process as they could not produce the documents required to register.

“The fact that the government relaxed the requirements in the registration process en-couraged many people to come out,” he said.

The youth said Maragua is pre-dominant-ly semi-arid which has previously hampered registration as most residents are too busy fending for their families.

He said some people fail to register for the document because they lack information on its importance in their everyday lives and that intensive civic education is needed in rural areas.

Gitau however lauded locals for coming out in large numbers to register for the iden-tity cards saying the document will improve their lives as they will also be able to access bank services.

“The exercise was a success courtesy of the intensive mobilization and sensitization conducted by registration team and offi-cials from the Ministry of Interior led by our County Commissioner Kula Hache,” Gitau said.

Elderly register for IDs in big number

2017 ELEcTiONS

Maragua residents queue at kenol chief’s camp waiting to register for identity cards.

The recently concluded 12 days registration exercise has seen a high number of the elderly come out to register for identification cards in Murang’a County.

The financial aspects of Devolution

iNViTATiON

date: thursday, 26th, 2016Venue: Matenjagwo Stadium

Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA) in collaboration with the County Government of Murang’a and co-hosts Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, Eastern & Southern Africa Dairy Association (ESADA), ACK Church, UNGA FARMCARE LTD, ELGON Kenya ltd, Cooper K- Brands, ISINYA Feeds, KAMEME FM & Agricultural Industry Network (AIN) kindly invites you to a Murang’a County Agri-business Trade Fair to be held at Matenjagwo Stadium Thursday 26th, 2016.

The Chief Guest will be H. E. Hon. Mwangi wa Iria, Governor Murang’a County Government.

please don’t hesitate to contact the undersigned for any clarification:patrick n. kimani, Ceo klpa direct lines: 0722 310 996, 0786 310 996klpakenya@yahoo.com / ceo@klpakenya.org

MURANG’A COUNTY AGRI-BUSINESS TRADE FAIR

By daniel kaMande

The March 2013 Gen-eral Elections saw Kenyans elect the Governors, Senators and County Repre-sentatives. This made

the establishment of devolved Govern-ment a reality as envisioned in the new Constitution. With devolution, Kenya is administratively divided into 47 Coun-ties. Equally, power is transferred from the National Government to County Gov-ernments.

The new Constitution recognizes one of the main objectives and principles of a devolved Government as the right of communities to manage their own af-fairs and further their development. It is expected that this will give the people a sense of identity and self-empowerment. They will feel recognized in their contri-bution to the growth of their own county. However, there is a lot that still needs to be done so that the gains envisioned in the constitution and more so the devolu-tion to be appreciated by all Kenyans.

How will the resources be shared? The new Constitution provides for equitable sharing of national resources. Specifical-ly, the Constitution requires that revenue raised nationally be shared equitably be-tween the National and County Govern-ments. It details a criterion to be followed in vertically determining the equitable shares of both the National and County Governments on the one hand; and hori-zontally among the 47 counties.

The law requires that at least 15% of the national revenue collected by Nation-al Government be shared equally among the 47 counties. Already there is hot de-bate on the allocation of the monies that shall go to the County Governments, with division emerging between the Na-tional Assembly and the Senate on what amount needs to be allocated to the de-volved units.

In addition, the Commission on Reve-nue Allocation (CRA) came up with some indicators that are used to allocate funds to counties. These indicators are popu-lation, poverty levels, county land area, prudential financial management/per-formance index, and fund equalization index. CRA still faces some challenges as some of its allocations are meeting varied reactions from Kenyans.

Will the County Governments have power to raise and spend revenue? The Constitution through taxation section gives County Government power to gen-erate revenue. The Country Government may impose property rates, entertain-ment taxes and any other tax that it is authorized to impose by an Act of Parlia-ment.

In addition, a County Government may borrow with the approval of the County Government’s Assembly and only if the National Government guarantees the loan. Once various taxes have been de-termined they will have to be collected. Before Devolution, the practice was that Local Authorities collected local taxes within their jurisdiction.

Experience indicated that most Lo-cal Authorities had limited capacity to

discharge that function. With the new Constitution, it is still a subject of de-bate whether KRA will collect revenue on behalf of the Counties or whether it shall assist the Counties in building their own capacities to collect their own reve-nue. There has been dispute between the Ministry of Finance and the Transitional Authority over the administration of the revenue of National and County govern-ments.

In the long term, if the County Govern-ments are suppressed leaving the control of finances in the hands of the National Government, then the whole concept of devolution will be defeated. In fact, Coun-ty Governments without the power to control their own finances will be politi-cal and administrative units, negating the whole idea of devolution of the country into counties with more efficient finan-cial management systems.

What will be cost of devolution? The costs attributed to devolution are not new costs. Previously, there were some funds (budget) which were annually earmarked for districts and the Councils. With the new Constitution most of the Districts and the Councils budgeted items are transferred to Counties as the functions are equally transferred. County budget need to reflect this reality. The salaries and remuneration commission need to establish realistic salaries for public of-ficers at County level. For example, the commission may consider providing for allowances, not salaries, for County Offi-cers whose functions will not call for full time commitment.

Would Kenya experience improve-ments in living standards that are as-sociated with devolution? Where it is practiced, devolution has effects on the nationals of the country both directly and indirectly. In the case of UK, devolution saw falling levels of poverty and improv-ing employment rates across the country after ten years of initiation.

In addition, there was improvement of social housing and on social care devolu-tion which resulted in reduction of costs for older people. Every living being with free will and self-movement seeks to find what is best for him and the community. If every individual would have the com-mon good within them, then without doubt we would reap the positive effects of devolution.

Over the years Kenya has witnessed a culture of corruption, poor governance and ethnicity which have resulted in ethnic conflicts. Insecurity is widespread and this has ensured that there is still widespread poverty. Political uncertain-ties, marginalization, excessive waste of natural resources, excessive political in-tolerance, gagging as well as cut-throat political competition have become the order of the day.

With the new Constitution, the de-volved government is a new dawn. It is expected that Kenyans will continue to elect responsible leaders who are devel-opment oriented to govern the devolved Counties.

(The writer is an Economic Expert with Ernst & Young. Email: daniel.kaman-de@ke.ey.com. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Ernst & Young)

OPINION

By fileX MUriithi

Nyeri-based Outspan Hospital has opened a branch in Embu, enabling residents there for have access modern affordable medical services.

During the opening, the Outspan Hospital Executive Director, Dr Macharia Kiruhi ad-vised Kenyans to revert to traditional vege-tables and tubers such as sweet potatoes and arrowroots, cereals and legumes to prevent lifestyle diseases.

Dr Kiruhi said diseases such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart con-

ditions were on the rise especially in Central Kenya and Nairobi regions.

He attributed the diseases to residents’ consumption of junk, processed and refined foods, lack of exercises and stress at family and work places.

“Cases of patients suffering from these lifestyle diseases is on the rise and could be linked to their sedentary lifestyles, chemicals in refined foods and consumption of food with unwanted fats.

Many people are stressed following high cost of living coupled with expensive educa-tion, while many no longer seek solace from churches unlike before,” he said advising them to take meat and alcohol in modera-tion and seek counseling.

The doctor who is a surgeon said many patients turn at the hospital complaining of

backache and joints pain but most are diag-nosed with arthritis.

Speaking during a free medical camp and the official launch of Outspan Hospital, Embu branch, the medic said they extended to Embu in response to the high number of patients from the county who were regularly being referred to the Nyeri based hospital.

Over 1,000 residents received free diagno-sis for various ailments including x-ray, ultra sound, dental services and laboratory. More-over, the hospital gave out drugs worth Sh6 million during the free medical camp.

The surgeon revealed that the hospital intends to establish a level five hospital in the County to complement services offered by the county government as well as set up branches in across the country.

Dr Kiruhi noted that the hospital strives to offer the high quality services at affordable costs hence is classified under NHIF catego-

ry C where the insurer pays part of the cost while the patients offsets the rest. The event that was held on a Saturday was also graced by Embu Governor Martin Wambora.

The coming up of Outspan hospital in Embu County will see many residents treat-ed in the county hence stopping consistent referrals to the Nyeri-based hospital.

According to their mission statement, the hospital which is a private entity aims at de-livering the highest quality healthcare to pa-tients and clients on a daily basis. The hospi-tal operates a 24 hour out and inpatient with a standby highly mobile emergency rescue team.

The hospital also has an extension of Out-span Medical College which offers students a hospital-based training at the hospital.

governor Martin Wambora. runyenjes Mp Cecily Mbarire. kithinji kiragu. Cyrus njiru.

PUBLISHERSEMBU TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 021 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of eMBU people

Embu governor contest in early start

Outspan Hospital opens Embu branchCONT. ON PAGE 2 >>

outspan hospital executive director, dr Macharia kiruhi.

By Whitney nyaWira

Having witnessed the influence and the trappings of power wielded by governors, the aspirants have embarked on rallies, attendance to fundraisers, church functions, door to door visits to increase their visibility.

They are also said to be mobilising financial and human resources in preparation for titanic contest once official campaigns start.

Those in the race include Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire, manage-ment consultant Kithinji Kiragu, psychiatrist Dr Njagi Kumantha, former Transport PS Cyrus Njiru and Nyangi Ndiiriri cultural group chairman Andrew Ireri. Wambora has also declared he will defend his seat.

It is worth noting that all these contestants hail from the Embu community, which has a large population of voters compared to the Mbeere community.

Mbarire, Wambora, Kumantha and Ireri hail from the Runyenjes constituency while the rest of the aspirants are from Manyatta.

“Political alliances determine a lot the person who carries the day. Since all hail from the upper Embu side, the contestant who forms a strong alliance with leaders from the Mbeere side eyeing various seats will have an upper hand,” said political analyst Paul Ndwiga.

The clamour for the highest office in the county is already gen-erating heat with Wambora and Mbarire exchanging bitter words meant to discredit the other. Wambora recently said Mbarire should not vie in her home county as she is married in Teso, Busia County.

Mbarire has severally accused Wambora of having done too little with the over Sh12.8 billion his administration has received as de-volved funds since 2013.

A member of parliament, three professionals and a cultural group elder have trained their sight on the Embu governor’s seat setting them for a fierce battle for votes with the incumbent Governor Martin Wambora.

MAY 2016NEWS2 MT KENYA STAR

EMBU GUBERNATRiAL RAcE

By fileX MUriithi

Embu University College is among the 16 universities that will benefit from Sh13million scientific equipment which is expected to strengthen the quality of the science courses it offers.

The equipment will be donated by Seeding Labs’ 2016 Instrumental Ac-cess programme. The Seeding Labs is a U.S-based non-profit organisation, which makes high quality laboratory equipment and supplies available for university depart-ments.

According to their website, the organisation believe in unleashing the full potential of sci-entists worldwide hoping to fight glob-al diseases, feeding the growing popula-tion and protecting the planet.

“In a world with fewer and fewer borders, internation-al development benefits all of us. We must provide the greatest scientific minds overseas with the tools and training they need to respond to local challenges before they become global crises.

Supporting researchers on the sci-entific frontlines-wherever that may be¬¬-strengthens our entire global community,” a statement in their web-site reads.

A section further reads that, “Seeding Labs works where we are needed most and where we can make the greatest difference. All locations are strategical-ly selected for having limited resources but limitless potential. We channel do-nations of equipment, time, and talent where they will have the greatest global impact.”

For more than a decade now, Seed-ing Labs’ have been on the frontline helping scientists in the developing

world conduct life-changing research on tuberculosis, malaria, water purifi-cation, pesticides among other things.

Dr Romano Mwirichia, a scientist in the department of biological scienc-es the award was a peak of a rigorous screening process in which 67 universi-ties had applied.

He said that the applicants defined details of their departments’ research and the apparatus needed to eliminate barriers to scientific education and in-ventions.

Dr. Mwirichia said Seeding Labs rec-ognised 16 exceptional university de-partments in 11 countries with Embu University College being one of them.

“The winning departments has in-spiring goals, which include advanc-ing cutting-edge research, expanding training opportunities for students and building the infrastructure that

is thriving to a scientific community,” he said.

The equipment will be delivered in July co-incidentally around the same time when the in-stitution is set to receive a charter. Embu Univer-sity College is a constitu-ent college of University of Nairobi.

Scientist Mwirichia noted that the access to quality equipment to

train science students were some of the challenges that the university faced.

He said the institution was on its way to becoming a centre of excellence in practical and hands on training in science courses having also received equipment worth 20,000 euros (Sh2.3million) from a German organisation last year while the university owning funding helped purchase required ac-cessories.

Dr. Mwirichia said they would be in position of offering highest quality courses in microbiology and molecular biology in East African region to post graduate and undergraduate scholars.

“The organisation was delighted to help catalyse research and teaching at the Embu University,” said a letter from Seeding Labs founder and CEO Nina Dudnik.

Seeding Labs has already shipped 87 tons of equipment to 34 universities in 24 countries around the world.

Embu University gets Sh13m laboratory equipment

Embu governor contest in early start

WASTE DiSpOSALgovernor Martin Wambora leads residents in viewing a mordern waste disposal truck that the county governement has bought.

Her supporters accuse Wambo-ra of double speak in foraging into Mbarire’s marriage pointing out that his wife hails from Central Kenya.

Wambora has incumbency to his advantage and is counting on achievements in infrastructure, agri-culture and bringing in investors to endear him to voters.

In his score card, Wambora will count on the tarmacking of the 12.2km Embu-Kibugu road, installa-tion of street lighting, expanding and equipping Embu Level Five Hospital with advanced machines, upgrading roads, among others.

Mbarire’s major strength is the support she receives from Senator Lenny Kivuti, MPs Muriuki Nja-gagau, John Muchiri and Speaker Kariuki Mate and national Jubilee operatives for the seat.

She also counts on her record as becoming the first female MP in Embu after defeating Wambora in the 2007 elections and being the chair of women parliamentarians.

Mbarire said the Sh105 million given to her CDF had enabled the realisation of many projects such as water, education and roads, hence wanted to do the same for the entire county.

“I have brought water to Runyenjes people and women no longer have to troop to rivers to fetch water using containers. I have built schools, im-proved roads and awarded bursa-ries,” she said recently at Runyenjes stadium.

She said her first priority as gover-nor would be to unite the people of Embu and ensure that agriculture pays.

Whereas the two candidates are

popular among residents, their con-test cannot be described as a two horse race.

Kiragu, the chairman Embu Col-lege, who emerged second position in 2013 and contested the results is also another force that is causing rip-ples across the county as he affirms he will try for a second time.

Kiragu who is involved in public service reform strategy for several African countries says his biggest pillar would be creating jobs for the youths and revitalising the agricul-ture sector.

“Joblessness is the biggest prob-lem facing the entire country. The issuing of loans to youths to start businesses has worked to some ex-tent but unemployment is still high. I have a plan that the county and the country can use to assist youths get and create more jobs,” he says.

Kithinji said his leadership will centre on the issues that the ordinary citizens of Embu County face.

He enumerates industrial devel-opment, infrastructural and environ-ment development, quality health services, empowering all to create wealth and resource mobilization, as his development pillars.

His strength lies in the community projects he has volunteered for the community and the fact that he has never been implicated in graft.

He urges residents to elect in in-corrupt leaders who will commit to improving citizen’s welfare instead of enriching themselves.

Kiragu believes Wambora has done the best he can to develop Embu but is of opinion that he (Kiragu) could have achieved more.

Kiragu says his rise from the son of

peasants to an accomplished educa-tionist and entrepreneur were things he does not take for granted there-fore he would give back to society by serving the people.

Former Transport Permanent Secretary Cyrus Njiru entry into the Embu gubernatorial race stiffened the race for the seat as he al so ex-pected to wield a lot of sway.

Dr Njiru who served the coun-try during former President Mwai Kibaki’s second term says he will campaign on a platform of change and uniting the various communities residing in Embu.

He said he had met people in all 20 wards of the county and realised the electorate is dissatisfied that the current leadership has failed them since the development they envis-aged under the devolved system of governance was not a

He said when elected, he would have monumental impact in his line of expertise that is infrastructure, trade and education, as well as deliv-ering in health and agriculture.

Njiru says his leadership would be managerial and service delivery driv-en as opposed to politicking.

“People did not understand the constitution well and ended up vot-ing politicians as governors. They have now realised that was a mis-take. The gubernatorial position re-quires an astute manager with track record and experience in the same,” he said told supporters in Embu town early last month.

Dr Njiru has also not been impli-cated in corruption.

He also has an advantage of hav-ing served in senior positions in Kenya and in the world and would

be taking his experience back home as way of giving back to the society.

He promises to take Embu to a level where everyone would be re-warded according to their hard and honest work.

Dr Njagi Kumantha who was third in 2013 is also in the race and deter-mined to win.

Kumantha who is also the chair Mwariama council of elders has been involved in several communi-ty initiatives revolving around good governance, unity and sensitising on matters of health and education.

He is also the Democratic Party organising secretary and has been popularising the party hoping to pro-vide an avenue for leaders who miss a chance in the Jubilee Party.

If elected he plans to take to an-other level agriculture, health, infra-structure and education.

The latest to join the race is Ireri who as the chair of Nyangi Ndiiriri has been vocal in matters affecting the community.

Ireri says he will contest the gov-ernor’s seat to help address issues facing the community.

“Sometimes people seek help from the government on land and family disputes and are referred to me. As their governor, I would even much more,” he says.

Ireri, an erstwhile supporter of Governor Martin Wambora said he would not support the current coun-ty chief officer’s re-election bid.

Ireri played a key role in Mr Wam-bora’s triumph in a case he had filed at the Court of Appeal, challenging his impeachment.

MAY 2016

BY FILEX MURIITHI

A businessman in Mbeere Sub-County has called upon the government to engage field workers who should advise and mentor Uwezo Fund beneficiaries on the best project to venture in.

He complained of the government failure saying they don’t follow up or question recipients of the funds on the projects they wanted to engage in so as to ensure they utilized the money well.

“The government has done a good thing to introduce Uwezo fund with an aim of economically empowering the youth and women. The provision of the money is a good initiative.

But the problem is that, many of those applying don’t know how to run

businesses they engage in yet they are rushing to get the money. We need field workers to come and see what they are doing and give them tips regarding the project they prefer to venture in,” said Kamau Nyutu, a real estate businessman in Mbeere.

Speaking at Kiamuringa village in Mbeere South when he offered Sh250, 000 to repay the loan for an area group whose project had collapsed, Kamau said there was a need for government to involve implementers of various gov-ernment funds targeting them to ensure they trained the beneficiaries on diverse projects.

If the government will not bring fund implementers on board then many projects would end up failing leaving fund beneficiaries poor as they will not only suffer from a failed project but also would dig deep into their pockets to re-pay the loan.

Women self help group leaders who had attended the function said they were

eager to take the government loans but their projects usually collapsed due to lack of knowhow on them.

Mwitethia women self help group chairperson Njoki Nduma said they bor-rowed Sh250, 000 from Uwezo Fund but the money was lost after their chicken rearing project collapsed. Either, she said there was a need for field workers so as to avoid future loses.

Moreover, Njoki narrated how they were scared of their household good be-ing auctioned after forfeiting repayment.

“We started rearing chicken but they were ravaged by a strange disease and they all died. The members are mainly peasant farmers and couldn’t afford to repay,” she said.

She added most of the about 100 group members from the region, who mainly eke a living as casual labourers aban-doned the group since they could not afford repayment.

“We were in a very desperate situation since we were being asked for the mon-

ey and we didn’t have any. We had only repaid Sh10, 400 and the fund adminis-trators made it clear that we must repay. I was the one being pursued since I was a signatory,” she revealed.

Janerose Rueru, the group vice chair-man said many women didn’t have knowledge on how to run businesses and that is why many startups failed.

“When we received the money, we rushed to buy chicken since we heard it was a worthwhile venture. We thought that it would be as easy as rearing the common free range chicken. We were shocked when they started dying,” she said.

Many people have already benefited from Uwezo funds in Embu County in-cluding Kimbu Wendo Self-help Group that acquired a total of Sh100, 000 last year from the kitty and has proceeding transformed their village through agri-business.

However, many groups complain over the stringent loaning conditions which lead to unsuccessful borrowing.

NEWS 3MT KENYA STARMT KENYA STAR

URiTHi cOOpERATiVE

BY KAMUNDIA MURIITHI

Urithi Housing Cooperative Society will settle over 100 members in their recently acquired virgin and arable land in Gacabari sub-location in Mutuovare location, Mbeere South Sub-County in Embu County.

The society marketing and education committee chairman Gerald Mugo said through Miliki concept, Urithi was striving to ensure that half of its 15,000 members who did not own any plot, got it at less than Sh100,000 in various parts of the county.

“After realizing that half of our members have not acquired any property we came up with the Miliki concept which provide members an opportunity to own land at a cost (less than Sh100,000),” said Mugo.

Mugo was speaking at the 100 acres farm where the society had tak-en those who had purchased plots of 100 x 100 at a cost of 50,000 each to see the land.

The chairman said through Miliki Concept, Urithi had already settled members in Malindi and issued ti-tled deeds.

He said survey and sub-division of

the land had commenced and title deeds will be issued in 3 months.

He urged members to take advan-tage of Miliki Concept to own land

Mutuavare location Chief Julius Njiru said the land had a clean bill of health.

He assured Urithi members that the local administration would pro-tect life and property of every Ken-yan.

He said tere were no land conflicts in the location.

He said the area had piped water

from Embu Water and Sewerage Company.

Urithi project chairman John Chege urged members to promptly pay for their plot and title deed to enable the society process title deed nimbly.

Chege said the Mbeere Project was the first Miliki Initiative in Embu County.

During the tour, members saw Gi-taru and Kiambere Dams.

Meanwhile, Mbeere South MP Mutava Musyimi has called for the

amendment of constitutional provi-sions empowering County Govern-ments to oversee the demarcation of community trust lands.

Rev Musyimi who is a former chairman of parliamentary land committee said as currently provid-ed, governors hold powers to deter-mine allotment of community land trust land, a situation likely to be ex-ploited to further political interests.

Speaking at Kiritiri market during a meeting with residents in regard to the subdivision of 42,000 acres Mwea settlement scheme, he said unless amended through the pending Land Act, this will contin-ue to exacerbate land disputes.

Various councils of elders are each demanding a stake of the land with some insisting that it is their ancestral land and should be sub-divided among the 39 Mbeere community clans.

Mwea Council of elders compris-ing the Kamba community group-ing however insist that they are en-titled to a share of the land as they have lived here for over 50 years since they migrated from Kitui and Machakos Counties.

Thousands of Mwea land resi-dents that attended the meeting said that things will not be well if the Mbeere use that route of cla-nism.

Embu Nyangi Ndiiriri council of elders, Ngome elders and Kikuyu elders have all staked claim to the land.

Urithi Housing acquires land in Mbeere through Miliki concept

Mentor Uwezo Fund beneficiaries - Nyutu

cLASS 1 LApTOpSeducation CS dr fred Matiangi hands over laptops to Standard one students

Businessman kamau nyutu receives a chicken from a cereals farmer at nganduri market in Mbeere South during a fundraiser in aid of Mbeere small scale farmers’ forum. nyutu has been undertaking many community based projects in Mbeere South.

MAY 2016

By fileX MUriithi

But through innovation, a local farmer based in Maciara village in Mukuuri area has arguably brought about a solution to water shortage in fruit farming.

Suleiman Njeru, a Tamarillo farm-er has embraced a technique of grafting red oratia tree tomato sci-on on a local plant widely known as Muthakwa.

“I started growing tree tomato fruits in 2010 but incurred huge losses following water shortage. Although Embu is blessed with many rivers and water sources, only a small percentage of farm-ers access irrigation water,” he notes adding that he has since gotten cure for his tree tomato fruits which are on high demands in Runyenjes.

He adds, “The main crops grown in Embu are tea, coffee, Macadamia and vegetables leav-ing a gap for fruits which are highly needed. The market for Tamarillo fruits is huge locally.”

The father of two says the or-dinary tree tomato plants have

shallow root systems, which are advanced through grafting with a local strong stems like Muthakwa.

An agricultural extension offi-cer says that strength of the stem makes the plant on top to grow faster before pests and diseases accumulate and even before water becomes limited.

“Due to the vigor of Muthakwa stem, plants grow quickly evading pest and disease destruction as well as water shortage triggering to higher yield. Muthakwa-grafted variety does not require a lot of wa-ter because it has taproot that al-lows the plant to get nutrients and water underground,” says David Gitari, an agricultural extension officer in Manyatta.

Conversely, Gitari says graft-ing needs to be done by a profes-sional who is able to differentiate between crops of the same family and species.

Njeru is also in the process of trying a local crop that would as-sist tomatoes beat the harsh dry weather that at times hit the re-gion.

how did he get to know about the red oratia and Muthakwa?

“I was a Red Oratia also known as Tamarillo fruits since 2010 but is started grafting in late 2014 af-ter undergoing losses over water shortages. I visited Wambugu Ag-

ricultural Training Centre in Nyeri and adopted the skills of grafting tree tomato with the indigenous tree,” he reveals.

He embraced the idea and after he got back home, he collected Muthakwa seeds from the near-by Kirimiri forest and prepared more than 1, 000 seedlings which he increases gradually. After two months, he grafted them and in six months time the plants started to bear fruits.

Njeru gets scions for grafting from the hybrid Red Oratia tree to-mato crops he had grown. Howev-er, if he finds a farmer with a new variety he borrows the scions and grafts in the Muthakwa seedlings sandwiched in his half-acre land.

He got Sh10, 000 from the first

harvest pushing him to continue grafting more trees. Either, he says grafting tree tomatoes on Muthak-wa shortens the period the crop was takes to mature and doesn’t require fertilizer and pesticides.

Obed Njamura, another agri-cultural extension officer based in Kyeni division says unlike other varieties of tree tomato, Muthak-wa-grafted tree tomatoes bear fruits all-year round with a single tree producing between 50kg and

85kg in six months if managed well.

The fruits are picked after ev-ery two weeks and can survive for 10 years. Moreover, Njamura says Muthakwa tree tomatoes thrive

in fertile and light soil which is rich in organic matter.

“Usually, Tamarillo plant takes two years to bear fruits. Howev-er, the grafted variety matures in nine months. Besides, it is more resistant to diseases and does well in high altitude and dry areas,” he says.

Njeru, who also sells grafted tree tomato seedlings at Sh100 each, receives farmers in his farm regu-larly who come to learn the skills at a cost of Sh200 per head.

On average he sells an average of 150 seedlings per month though the number increases during the rainy seasons. On the other hand, he sells each kilo of tree tomato fruits at Sh100 per kilo.

By ChriS kirUBi

I went to Mauritius last week. It is a Beautiful country with friendly hard working people. Their beaches are stunning. The nation is

a melting pot of culture. But as I was meeting my hosts, I was amazed by the amount of inter-est that they raised to have me invest in their country. And not just me alone, they are thirsty to have more Kenyans put their money in their country. As the ‘ambassador’ of young people in Kenya, I took time off to draw some lessons that can help us. As the chairman of Brand Kenya, I always look out for opportunities for our moth-erland and I found plenty in Mauritius.

First, the importance of African countries in-vesting in each other cannot be overemphasized. If there is a continent which continues to bubble with untapped potential, it’s undoubtedly Afri-ca. Some of the most coveted resources of the world e.g. minerals, wildlife, culture, a youthful population, among others are found in Africa. It is time for Africa to rise and be a global power-house. But how can we achieve that when we barely trade with each other?

I want to urge every African investor, before thinking of putting our money in foreign mar-kets, to invest right here at home. African mar-kets like Kenya and Mauritius are teeming with potential and also offers very handsome rates of return on investment.

Instead of always importing finished prod-ucts that are extracted as raw materials from Africa and processed abroad, Africans can set up value addition industries that can retain the wealth of Africa to benefit Africans. Because as I always say, Africa is poor by choice. In as much as trade bans have been lifted in most African countries, high tariffs remain a significant barri-er to trade in Africa. Closer to home, some coun-tries in East Africa still expect duty charge for imports of East African products. How then will we compete with the world when we compete among ourselves?

Second, there exist travel restrictions in some African countries e.g. it is easier and cheap-er to travel to Dubai than to go to Zanzibar. It takes about four days to apply for a visa to go to South Africa. For Africa to move forward, we must have an open border policy like European countries do.

Could it be that what ails Africa and hampers unity is a lack of trust between countries? We seem to always be in competition with each other instead of complementing each other. Remember the old adage; If you want to walk fast, walk alone but if you want to go far, walk

with others.Third, we are in dire need of a Pan-African

business mentorship program. Why don’t we have different African nationalities offer men-torship to upcoming business leaders from Africa without being limited by borders? The African Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Ini-tiative, as well as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, are making tremendous progress to bridge the gap but we need to scale it up. Other successful business leaders from Africa need to offer their time to mentor other upcoming leaders because what we invest in others inform of mentorship is much more valuable than what we leave behind for them in terms of inheritance.

Fourth, we can study and look at each oth-er’s industries. What can we export and import from one another? There is a lot to learn. Let us make it easier to form bilateral partnerships. We should open the doors and let each other in. Your network is your net worth.

We need to strengthen our working rela-tionship. There are unexploited potential and a ready market for consumption. Mauritius has a long track record of being a leader in several industries like tourism. Can Kenya and Mauri-tius work on a partnership to exchange knowl-edge so that we adopt best practices from one another?

Fifth, the population of Mauritius is like that of Mombasa. At a population of 1.3 million people and a land mass of 2,040 sq. km, their GDP per Capita is at USD 10,000 (upper-Mid-dle income). In comparison, Kenya has a rough estimate of 47 million people (36 times that of Mauritius) and a land mass of 219, 788 sq. km (108 times that of Mauritius) but our GDP per Capita stands at USD 1,245.

Though their economic development over-shadows that of Kenya, there is some light at the end of the tunnel because we have a lot of oppor-tunities to become a greater Nation. Compared to their GDP growth rate which is at slightly 3% PA, Kenya’s at 5.4 % PA in 2015 can easily over-take theirs.

My final advice to young people of Kenya; the amount of money you have in your hands shouldn’t limit the size of your vision. Do not despise humble beginnings, just DREAM BIG. You would rather attempt and fail while doing something than not fail at all by not attempting anything. A ship might be safe at the dock but remember that rough seas make skillful sailors. There are many opportunities beyond Kenya’s borders like in Mauritius, please leave your foot-print there.

NEWS4 MT KENYA STAR

DEVELOPMENT

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

Lessons from Mauritius By fileX MUriithi

A tea-picking baskets factory that also serves as a retail outlet situated in Ndamunge area of Kanja sub-location in Runyenjes can’t pass keen passersby’s eyes.

Occasionally, a visibly short man is joyfully seen spreading out stands and strings which are used as raw materials and are ac-quired from an indigenous tree.

However, one would easily assume the brown objects are normal fire-woods but on a clos-er look they would notice they are all elongated peeled barks from a soft tree and can be easily twisted.

“I have been into this business for the last 39 years and I have an enormous experience. There are four main types of soft trees in this area from which one can get the raw materials. These trees are; local Napier grass, bamboo, Muugu and Mwale trees,”says Peter Mwaniki, the self-made tea-picking baskets manufactur-er.

The baskets which are widely known as Miruru in the area are on demand all year round in the

region although Mwaniki says the business booms during rainy sea-sons and tea-bonus times.

The making of the highly de-manded baskets especially in tea growing regions is a chain process. It starts with the manufacturer looking for raw materials.

Mwaniki who prefers peeled Mwale tree barks over others wakes up early in the morning and guides his feet towards a riv-er, nearby forests or a water-shaft looking for raw materials.

After getting them, he peels the thin outer cover of the rods and puts them on a cool and warm environment to dehydrate before taking them at a makeshift shelter from where he manufactures his products.

He says this type of tree grow mostly near water sources, com-monly at the banks of a river. One should cut a mature Mwale tree branch, peel Minyenje (stands) and Ndigi (strings) from it and spreads them for some minutes before he could start interweaving the raw materials making the baskets.

“Not much heat is needed. In fact, direct sunlight should be avoided at all costs to avoid over-heating and unnecessary breaking of the raw materials. Direct sun-light is required after the hamper is complete to make it firm. This is before making final touches such as binding,” he explains.

The friendly 50-year-old tells us

that his quarter piece of land sits afar from water sources making it hard to find Mwale in his farm.

But, he buys the raw materials from the farmers who have their lands stretched to the rivers and buy the raw materials from them. He says, a fully grown branch of Mwale tree goes for between Sh30 and Sh50 depending with its size.

According to Mwaniki, one branch can complete two medi-um-sized baskets which he sells at Sh200 each. In a day he makes be-tween five to eight medium-sized baskets making at least Sh1, 600 if he sells everything. “There are even some other larger baskets I make and sells them up to Sh800,” he adds.

Mwaniki learned the art of mak-ing the baskets from his class five art and craft teacher who stressed that every pupil had to know how to construct the baskets.

During that that time, however, he thought the teacher was nag-ging and interrupting their leisure time as they aimed at getting jobs into different prominent offices after school. Unknowingly to him, the teacher was preparing him for his today’s career.

“He kept ordering us to repeat making the baskets under pres-

sure. According to him, nobody made it perfectly at any given time. Constructing a tea-picking basket was almost everyday assignment and through it, I became more ex-perienced,” he says constructing a seemingly attractive basket.

Mwaniki who doubles as a farm-er at times prefers to look for farm-hands who help his wife work in their farm as he makes the baskets for his customers which he says they largely support his family.

“I make a minimum of Sh19, 200 per month from the business. This money pays fee for my two children and runs the family,” he affirms revealing that he mostly work on orders placed from across the tea growing areas in the coun-try.

He reveals he can’t be able to meet the high demand of the bas-kets giving out the reason why he trains youngsters on how to make the baskets.

“I have already trained ten peo-ple but only three have ventured into the huge-return raking busi-ness. Currently, I am not teaching anybody. I don’t charge anything,” he says advising young people to venture into such businesses which he assures rakes a lot.

Mwaniki finds wealth in making tea baskets

Tree tomato that use less water to mature

ENTERpRiSE

Mwaniki weving tea basketsat his yard.

Suleiman njeru displays us some of the unripe tamarillo fruits.

PUBLISHERS

We Have Something For You!MeruembunyerikiambulaikipianairobiMurang’akirinyagatharaka-nithi

BY JAMES NG’ANG’A

Six hours of intensive lobbying and persua-sion by the manage-ment board of Kamuthi Housing Society sal-vaged a Sh3 Billion investment from the auctioneer’s hammer.

According to the committee’s report read during their 2016 Annual Gen-eral Meeting (A.G.M.) held at their Head office’s Maziwa Estate, the society had up to Sunday 8th May 2016 to raise Sh 4.7million meant to clear bank loan arrears for the two

loans of Sh 292 million and Sh 401 million, owed to Sidian Bank (For-merly K-Rep) and Co-operative Bank respectively.

Sidian Bank was demanding the company to clear Sh 72 million in arrears for the purchase of their 1,233 Acre-Phase II Project (Buffalo Hills Leisure & Golf Village) while Co-operative Bank wanted a month-ly instalment of Sh 6.4million for the loan they advanced to Kamuthi in order for them to buy their 400 Acre-Phase III Project (Soya Dam Estate).

Chairperson Mr. Bernard Maina said the company was facing serious financial and marketing challenges due to the more than a billion shil-lings worth of liabilities. They owed Sidian Bank Sh 292m, Co-operative Bank 401m and Sh 441m was in-debted to the vender of the Soya

Dam Estate land. These outstanding loans and unpaid debts, he added, had made it very difficult for them to move ahead in the processing of individual members’ title deeds as well as securing potential clients to buy the parcels available for sale in their two projects.

To save their image as a leading co-operative society in the real estate industry, each of the 7,000 members was expected to raise Sh 80,000 within 4 months starting February this year as agreed in their previous Special General Meeting (S.G.M.).

“When we talk about budget es-timates, it is not that we have cash in hand. I therefore plead with you members to pay this money. Sidian Bank has agreed to loan individual members who are unable to raise this amount,” said the chairman.

The company also resolved to dispose of 108 Acres set aside for the Golf Course in Soya Dam Estate to any developer who will develop the same. The chairman also pleaded with the members to restore the management’s ‘borrowing powers’ in a view to enable it run office and to have the current loans and other financial obligations be covered.

Convincing the more than 1,500 members who were present in the meeting was a hard nut to crack and it had to take the management until very late in the evening to achieve this.

Tension was very high especially in the morning hours as there were fears that some people had hired goons to cause chaos in order to

Some of the richest people in the world were born into their wealth. But many of them started with nothing and through hard work and God’s grace, they managed to rise to the very top.

PUBLISHERSThIKA TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 021 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of kiaMBU people

Kamuthi Housing Sacco saved from Sh3b loss

kamuthi housing Cooperative Society Chairman Bernard kungu Maina hands over a title deed to teresiah nduta Chege for kamuthi thika phase 1 project during an earlier meeting.

The story of billionaire Patrick Wainaina

STORY ON PAGE 2 >>

CONT. ON PAGE 2 >>

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

MKU wins drama festival awards

By aleX Maina

It was all rejoicing and celebration for Mount Kenya University after they clinched key awards in the 57th edition of the Kenya National Drama Festival.

The event was held in Meru County between April 5 and 13, under the theme, ‘Enhancing artistic talent for national development.’

The University asserted its reputation as a performing arts’ powerhouse with awards in the Best item on security and community policing, Best Instrumentation (ditto), and Best costume and décor awards were all in their bag.

The institution which was represented by students from Thika Main Campus, Ka-kamega Campus, Eldoret Campus and Na-

kuru Campus emerged the overall winners clinching trophies and certificates in most of the categories.

According to Ruth Mutahi, Director, MKU Institute of Film, Creative and Performing Arts. “It was a repeat of our victory in Nakuru last year; our students have embraced theatre as a key co-curricular activity.”

She further attributed the victory to the diversity of the institution and the readiness of the institution to promote and support cul-tural and co curriculum activities

More than 22 universities and colleges participated in the event organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technol-ogy’s State Department of Basic Education.

The institution has been on the forefront in bringing competition in the drama and arts industry with the competition being even to their individual campuses which has turned to be fruitful not only in the industry but also to the society at large

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Some of the richest people in the world were born into their wealth. But many of them started with nothing and through hard work and God’s grace, they managed to rise to the very top.

Patrick Wainaina, the real brain behind Jun-gle Nuts Company, has done it all out of shear hard work. Wainaina has over the years been able to turn around his fortunes into a suc-cessful entrepreneur through what he refers to as blind faith, hard work and optimism.

“My history starts from the Kenya Nuts Company where I worked as an engineer in 1996. I am a trained mechanical engineer. My boss was a Japanese who was very strict and he taught me a great deal on what the future expects from me,’’ recalls Wainaina.

After resigning from Kenya Nuts, Wainaina headed to the US to study marketing, con-vinced that the trip would unlock his success. In the US, he found himself chasing for suc-cess that seemed beyond his grasp.

After completing his studies, Wainaina em-barked on seeking employment, but nothing was forthcoming. The first job that presented itself was attending to the elderly.

Though it was not his preferred option, he took the job in order to make ends meet. Af-ter working for years, he had not managed to make any enviable savings. Life was becom-ing unbearable and he was getting home-sick.

“I had to cut down my spending and save something to take back home and this trans-lated to Sh300,000,’’ he said.

Before leaving for the US, he had studied the Macadamia market and seen its potential. He had made contact with a number of busi-nessmen involved in the trade.

“When I arrived in Kenya, I rented a small room and bought second hand machinery

and used the remaining amount to pay fac-tory rent for six months. I was left with noth-ing and my dream of owning a business was plunged into darkness,’’ he said.

His entry into the business world was faced with lack of capital to finance his dream and the future looked grim.

“The banks wanted a guarantor and no one wanted to take the liability in case I failed to repay,’’ says Mr Wainaina.

Broke and depressed, he shut down the business and looked for employment.

His turning point was in 2002 when he got a job as a Safaricom manager.

At Safaricom, he joined the company’s Sac-co where he saved Sh20,000 per month.

Five years later, he felt that it was time he reignited his business with his savings. He would double as a manager to his employer and as an entrepreneur before and after work.

He later approached a group of friends and together they formed a group that enabled him get a loan from Faulu Kenya.

He embarked on sourcing for Macadamia nuts from the central region of Kenya.

Five years later, he resigned from Safaricom

and concentrated on managing his young business. His first deal worth Sh400,000 from an American tycoon gave his company a new impetus globally and what followed was immense referrals and endorsements that changed his life completely.

Today, Wainaina is a self-made billionaire whose firm processes macadamia nuts, ca-shew nuts and peanuts. Interestingly, none of his products are consumed locally. The com-pany exports its products to the US, China, and the UK.

“We have taken keen measures to have a respected brand both in Kenya and across the world. A good reputation in the market is the cornerstone of any business,’’ notes Wainaina who is an admirer of former Safaricom chief executive Michael Joseph.

“We plan to expand our footprint to Middle East countries and come up with more prod-ucts that will grace the local supermarkets soon,’’ he added.

He says the global market is immense and comes with many opportunities for sales and brand exposure. He advises businessmen to study the market and understand what the

consumer needs.Jungle Nuts sources Macadamia from

small-scale farmers in Kiambu, Muranga, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kitale, Bun-goma and Taita. One kilogramme retails at between Sh60 and Sh80.

“The economy in nuts is cheap and easy. We normally meet annually and discuss the way to improve the industry,’’ he says.

Top of the list will include Macadamia but-ter and Mac Oil which will supplement salad oil. Also, the Macadamia shells are used to make charcoal that goes by the name Jungle Brickets.

“The charcoal is durable and relatively bet-ter and play an instrumental role in conserv-ing the environment,’’ he explained

Wainaina came into the limelight after he became the overall winner of the Top 100 mid-sized companies survey organised by Na-tion Media Group’s premier business publica-tion the Business Daily in partnership with consultancy firm KPMG.

In 2009 as very many companies were grappling with the global economic crunch, Jungle Nuts posted more than $6 million in turn over.

Jungle Nuts has a network of more than 80,000 farmers and 250 permanent staff.

He has invested Sh40 million on technol-ogy to ensure that nuts are bought e-buying. The produce is weighed right in the field and the data sent to a portable PDA machine which sends the results to a printer.

“We pay the farmers via M-Pesa immedi-ately we buy their produce. This was inspired after witnessing crime incidents in some of the areas we buy our raw materials where farmers were being robbed off,’’ explained Wainaina.

The farmers too cannot be defrauded since the buying price is set from the factory. The company also supplies the farmers with Mac-adamia seeds at a fair price to enhance the quality of the produce.

Smuggling of the nuts from Kenya to China by middlemen has presented the biggest chal-lenge, resulting to farmers losing a lot of mon-

ey as well as leading to deteriorating quality of output. Another challenge involves the high cost of power as the firm’s monthly power bill is at around Sh.1 million.

His background has taught him the poten-tial of youth mentorship.

“We have been a bridge to help other peo-ple realise their dreams and aspirations in life. Success calls for teamwork,’’ he says. The com-pany’s mentorship programme, Jungle Nuts Foundation, aims at driving change based on self-reliance and empowering the community.

Entrepreneurs present their business ideas to the company, which vets and decides whether the idea is to be commercialised or whether the applicant needs to be mentored.

If the idea is prime and viable the individ-ual is offered seed capital after going through a short financial literacy programme. One is expected to repay once the idea bears fruit. One beneficiary of the foundation is Nicholas Njoroge, who runs an enterprise called Alanic Products that makes detergents.

He received Sh1.5 million, which has trans-formed his childhood dream of venturing into self-employment. Today, he supplies his products to supermarkets and shops across the country.

Mr Wainaina’s wife runs a non-governmen-tal organisation called Steps of Mercy that offers rejected and poor elderly people basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing.

“It’s in the spirit of offering help no matter how small it is. My success came from people who saw the potential in me and offered their support. Empathy should be inseparable to humanity,’’ he said.

His advice to budding entrepreneurs: “Val-ue teamwork, live within your means and come up with projects that create employ-ment. “Sometimes it’s better to start small where you learn the ropes of successful busi-nesses and work harder to make it bigger,’’ he says.

(Sections of this story were first published in the Business Daily)

NEWS2pATRicK WAiNAiNA

force the current office bearers out. There erupted some bitter exchange of words between a section of the members and the management, with the irate membership accusing the man-agement of running down the company through misappropri-ation of funds.

“We suspect that there are non-members in our midst who have been brought to this venue to cause chaos. As investors we should not allow anyone put our investment into jeopardy. Even if you have to eject me from office, I wouldn’t want to leave it in bad debts. Please, let us do all that is

possible to salvage our co-operative,” said Maina.

Members shouted him down demanding the return of their company.

“One can never toil in sweat and end up with nothing. We won’t allow Thika people take away what we toiled for years to build. We welcomed you but you have eventually come here to milk us dry. This is our Kamuthi. Thika people should go back and build their own,” shouted one an-gry shareholder.

However, the chairman plead-ed with them and explained to them the risk of failing to honour the bank agreement.

“How will it benefit to lose all what you have toiled for years? Members, let’s appreciate that though we feel aggrieved, let’s not let emotions run down by our investment. I plead with you to agree to pay what you owe the society and also allow the office to retain its ‘power to borrow’,” he said.

Eventually, emotions cooled off and the meeting proceeded though with so many points of orders. The members agreed to support the management and pay their dues as agreed.

They agreed that the company assumes the role of a guarantor to all members to allow them

borrow Sh 80,000 from Sidian Bank to meet their pending ob-ligations to pay Kamuthi co-op-erative. The members too recom-mended the disposal of the 108 Acres meant for a golf course in Phase II so as to raise funds to meet their obligations. They ap-proved to renew their borrowing powers at KSh 1billion to enable the company cover for the cur-rent loans to Co-operative Bank, Sidian Bank and the vendor of the Phase II land.

They also mandated the man-agement committee to pursue an ‘out of court’ settlement for the numerous court cases that faced the society.

The story of billionaire Patrick Wainaina

Kamuthi Housing Sacco saved from Sh3b loss

Macadamia nuts.

<< CONT. ON FOM PG 1

MARCH 2016 ADVERTISEMENT 3MT KENYA STAR

MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION AND PLANNING

STATE DEPARTMENT OF DEVOLUTION

TENDER NOTICEREQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Tender No : MODP/KDSP/01/2015-2016Country : KenyaProject : Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP)

CONSULTING SERVICES- CONSULTING FIRMS

TITLE: ANNUAL COUNTY PERFORMANCE ASSESMENT

The Government of Kenya, together with Development Partners, has developed a National Capacity Building Framework (NCBF) to frame efforts to build capacity around the new devolved governance arrangements. The NCBF covers both national and county capacity. The government is now developing a Medium-Term Implementation program to implement the National Capacity Building Framework.

The Government intends to provide support to counties in Kenya in terms of capacity building, improved systems and procedures and performance-based funding for development investments over a period of 5 years starting from January 2016 under a new Program with the name: Kenya Devolution Support Program (KSDP to be supported by the World Bank. The Program will include the introduction of a Capacity & Performance-Based Grant – named Capacity & Performance Grants (CPG) to counties to provide additional incentives for improved county performance in five core results areas: 1) Public Financial Management (PFM), 2) Human Resource Management (HRM), 3) Planning, and M&E/Accountability, 4) Civic education and participation and 5) Implementation/service delivery progress.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to provide highly professional, objective and credible assessment results of counties’ performance. The assessment will be conducted on a number of indicators (minimum access conditions, minimum performance conditions and performance measures) that will be identified and communicated to counties in advance of the assessment. The indicators will relate to a number of core minimum access conditions (for access to grants), minimum performance conditions and performance measures, which are more qualitative measures for the counties’ performance. The Capacity and Perfor-mance Assessment Manual provides a full overview of the conditions and measures. The results of the MACs, MPCs and PMs will be used to identify counties, which can get access to the grants and the size of these grants. Assessment of the performance measures will also be applied to provide incentives for counties to improve performance identify capacity development gaps and provide lessons learned on areas in needs of attention and support.

The Ministry of Devolution And Planning (State Department of Devolution) now invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the above services by submitting an expression of interest.

Interested and eligible consultants/consortiums is required to submit their application in English language with the following specific information

• Experience in similar assignments • Availability of appropriate key staff to be involved in the assignment • A brief profile of the firm including description of the firm/consortium members, incorporation details, joint venture details etc

Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Ministry’s website : www.devolutionplanning.go.ke or at Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Department, Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution), Cianda House, 4th Floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi, Kenya during office hours (8 am to 5 pm).

• The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the world Bank’s guidelines selection and employment of consultants under IBRD loans and IDA credits and Grants by world bank borrowers January 2011(consultants guidelines setting forth the WB policy on conflict of interest

• Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of joint venture or a sub consultancy to enhance their qualification

• A consultant will be selected in accordance with quality and cost based selection(QCBS) selection method as set out in the consultants guidelines

Expressions of Interest in plain sealed envelopes clearly marked “Expression of Interest for “the Annual Capacity & Performance Assessment (TENDER NO: MODP/KDSP/01/2015-2016) should be addressed to:

Principal Secretary,Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution),

P. O. Box 30004 – 00100.NAIROBI, KENYA

Applications may also be deposited in the Tender Box located at Teleposta Towers, 1st Floor, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi between 0800hrs and 1700hrs (East Africa Time), on or before 3rd June 2016 at 10.00 am (East Africa Time).

Applications will be opened immediately thereafter at the conference room of Teleposta towers on 6th Floor, in the presence of tenderers’ or their representatives who choose to attend.

NB: i. Applications through email shall not be accepted. ii. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Head, Supply Chain Management Services.FOR: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY.

MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION AND PLANNING

STATE DEPARTMENT OF DEVOLUTION

TENDER NOTICEINVITATION FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Tender No : MODP/KDSP/IC/02/2015-2016Country : KenyaProject : Kenya Devolution Support Program-for-Results (KDSP for R)

REVIEW AND VERIFICATION OF COUNTY CAPACITY BUILDING PLANSThe Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution) has received financing from the World Bank towards the Kenya Devolution Support Program-for-Results project (KDSP-for R) and intends to apply part of the proceeds to hire a consultant for review and verification of county capacity building plans.The objectives of the consultancy are • To review all the capacity building plans submitted to MODP by the counties to ensure compliance with the format and guidelines set in the capacity building manual. The consultant will therefore be expected to familiarize himself with the Capacity Building (CB) manual and other manuals already developed for KDSP • The consultant will be expected to submit a report for each county stating the compliance or non compliance of the CB plan with the guidelines set in the CB manual. • The consultant will also be expected to identify areas in the CB plans of counties that do not conform to the capacity building manual.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the program coordinator, the consultants will provide the services as outlined in the detailed terms of reference (TOR), accessible from the Ministry’s website. The Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution) now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above services by submitting a curriculum vitae and Proposal for implementing the assignment.Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Ministry’s website www.devolutionplanning.go.ke or at Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Department, Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution), Cianda House, 4th Floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi, Kenya during office hours (8 am to 5 pm).

APPLICATION PROCESS Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications clearly indicating the tender number which should include the following: • Detailed Curriculum Vitae • Proposal for implementing the assignment And be addressed to,

Principal Secretary,Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution),

P. O. Box 30004 – 00100. | NAIROBI, KENYA

Applications may also be deposited in the Tender Box located at Teleposta Towers, 1st Floor, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi between 0800hrs and 1700hrs (East Africa Time), on or before 20th May, 2016 at 10.00 am (East Africa Time).

Applications will be opened immediately thereafter at the conference room of Teleposta towers on 6th Floor, in the presence of tenderers’ or their representatives who choose to attend.

NB: i. Applications through email shall not be accepted. ii. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Head, Supply Chain Management Services.FOR: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY.

MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION AND PLANNING

STATE DEPARTMENT OF DEVOLUTION

TENDER NOTICEINVITATION FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Tender No : MODP/KDSP/IC/02/2015-2016Country : KenyaProject : Kenya Devolution Support Program-for-Results (KDSP for R)

The Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution) has received financing from the World Bank towards the Kenya Devolution Support Program-for-Results project (KDSP-for R) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consultant services;

1. Public Financial Management Expert 2. Intergovernmental and Fiscal Relations (IGFR) Specialist 3. Capacity Building Expert 4. Procurement Expert 5. Monitoring and Evaluation expert

The above Experts will assist the program coordinator in ensuring the implementation of (KDSP-for R) and the overall coordination of the Project and timely execution of the work plan in their relevant fields. This will include ensuring improved county audits, assessment of county capacity, enhanced provision of policies, systems, guidelines, training modules, and technical assistance that counties require to strengthen their public financial management, human resource management, planning and monitoring and evaluation, and citizen engagement and public participation systems mechanisms. Under the supervision of the program coordinator, the consultants will provide the services as outlined in the detailed terms of reference (TOR), accessible from the Ministry’s website.

The Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution) now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above services by submitting a curriculum vitae and a one page expression of interest. The consultancy service will be for an initial period of 1 year (12 months) with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and work program requirements.

Interested consultants may obtain further information from the Ministry’s website www.devolutionplanning.go.ke or at Capacity Building and Technical Assistance Department, Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution), Cianda House, 4th Floor, Koinange Street, Nairobi, Kenya during office hours (8 am to 5 pm).

Applications in clearly marked envelopes should be addressed toPrincipal Secretary,

Ministry of Devolution and Planning (State Department of Devolution),P. O. Box 30004 – 00100.

NAIROBI, KENYA

Applications may also be deposited in the Tender Box located at Teleposta Towers, 1st Floor, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi between 0800hrs and 1700hrs (East Africa Time), on or before 20th May, 2016 at 10.00 am (East Africa Time).

NB: i. Applications through email shall not be accepted. ii. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Head, Supply Chain Management Services.FOR: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

NEWS4THE KiAMBU FiGHTCOMMENTARY

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

Kiambu needs to act fast on dangerous buildings

Huruma Lessons:

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

There has never been a time when the safety of buildings

in Kenya have fallen un-der severe scrutiny than now especially in the wake of the collapse of a

flat in Huruma, Nairobi County that has so far claimed 53 lives with more people still missing.

The public is concerned about their safe-ty and people are beginning to ask the hard questions about how the construction of some of these buildings were cleared by the officers in the Lands office, surveyors, archi-tects and county government engineers who are all members of some of the professional bodies mandated to ensure public safety in residential and commercial developments.

Why are buildings collapsing in Kenya, a country with an abundance of well trained and experienced architects, quantity survey-ors, structural engineers, real estate manag-ers and urban planners? Poor construction and shoddy work are the two main causes of the collapsing buildings. The problem lies in greed and poor workmanship. Property developers are always in breach of the law while the relevant authorities aren’t enforc-ing the regulations governing the construc-tion of buildings in urban centres.

The biggest blunt of the blame has to be directed at the county government officials who oversee the construction and mainte-nance of the houses in urban centres.

“I think the county government is to blame. Corruption is the reason these build-ings collapse. Corrupt officials often accept bribes in return for building contracts. Con-tractors are therefore forced to cut corners and use poor materials to turn a profit. Build-ings are meant to be inspected every year, but the officers don’t do that,” said Joe, a resident of Makongeni Phase 13.

The Huruma case is a replica of so many constructions that are being done in all ma-jor towns. We have had our own cases of buildings collapsing in Thika for instance.

A spot check around various estates with-in Kiambu County evidently expose the kind of impunity contractors and landowners ex-hibit as most of the technical specifications necessary in building and construction are never adhered to.

The shortage of affordable and decent housing is no doubt one of the biggest prob-lems in rapidly growing urban centres. This is why investors are taking short-cuts in de-veloping houses for residents while those in authorities are busy milking ‘the cow’ at the expense of public safety.

Very many buildings have been erected on unsafe grounds. Others have been built using poor quality materials or are not approved by the construction authorities. The use of low grade cement in construction of house columns for instance is a great cause for the collapse of buildings across the country.

We have witnessed buildings being erect-ed on foundations that have not been done as per the standard, and in other cases, the sub-structure (the walls below ground) lying on hard-core instead of being reinforced con-crete strip footings. We have buildings that have been brought up using poor quality concrete where specifications for good mix were not followed or some houses having no quality reinforcement bars.

By virtual of its proximity and fast growth, Thika Town is the biggest culprit. So many buildings in the town both in the CBD and in

the periphery are disasters in waiting.Popular residential estates like Makongeni,

Kiganjo, Kisii, Nanasi, YMCA/Pilot, Section 2, Witeithie and Ngoingwa are hosts to the big-gest life threatening developments. Greedy and exploitative landlords are accommodat-ing hundreds of thousands of vulnerable peo-ple, some in overcrowded, unregulated and poor quality housing.

The problem? Our professionals and authorities have ab-

dicated their role. County governments can be blamed for placing too many bottlenecks on the way as one plans to put up real estate developments. Their public utilities charge is far more than these developments actually cost, thus doubling the cost of construction.

Kiambu County Government is therefore squarely to blame for the mushrooming sub-standard buildings around its towns, coupled by their weak mechanism in mon-itoring the construction industry after ap-proving building plans. They currently do not have a building master plan which is supposed to ensure that development in our urban centres does not interfere with proper running of these facilities.

Despite our country having the best build-ing plans approval system in Sub-Saharan Africa, the monitoring and enforcement has been a mockery so far, leading to weak build-ings which collapse. This calls for a proper mechanism to ensure that engineers and other professionals involved in construction are subjected to rigorous vetting or an exam-ination before being cleared to put up such structures.

The RemedyThe county government should conduct a comprehensive audit of all buildings with-in their jurisdiction, particularly in the high-density areas. Immediate deployment of adequate planners, architects and engi-neers in all sub-counties should be a priority, so is the proper enforcement of county build-ing and construction by-laws and regulations so as to eliminate illegal construction.

Only professionals with proven ability should be allowed to put up the towering buildings.

We should also seriously consider the op-tion of demolishing all buildings that pose a public safety hazard as a way of preventing future tragedies.

As a long-term measure, the County Gov-ernment of Kiambu must urgently eliminate the bottlenecks that stand in the way of good workmanship, starting with corruption, which has led to the proliferation of unsafe buildings. It must streamline the issuance of title deeds so that land owners have the legal wherewithal to secure all the permits that they need from the government agencies that regulate building and construction.

In the same vein, they must increase the number of inspection officers and if need be retrain those it has hired to examine build-ings under construction to ensure that prob-lems are arrested before they are completed and tenants move in.

Architects, quantity surveyors and engi-neers too have the duty to advice investors against unrealistic projects which stall, de-grade the environment or collapse. Should they fail to do this and the building collapses, stalls or degrades the environment, such ex-perts cannot escape blame.

Unless building industry professionals are governed by professional ethics and refuse to be manipulated by any one, buildings will continue to collapse as people are killed, property destroyed and investors give Kenya a wide berth.

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Since the actualisation of devolution in 2013, the story of Kiambu County has been one of political rivalry, mistrust, active interference, tension and unrealised economic potential. Bad politics have dominated and the economic relationship has simply been trivial despite its potential.

The bad blood between Governor William Kabogo on one hand and a number of county MPs, includ-ing his fiercest rival Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu, has hinged on the performance of Kiambu County.

The county’s troubled political environment has been among the most important threats to its competitiveness. As investors and entrepreneurs seek to tap into existing opportunities in other counties, poverty and extremism continue to stalk Kiambu County due to the political tension and uncertainty caused by this antag-onism.

The rivalry has reduced human capital accumulation, negatively impacting on public investments and development programmes. Even though these tensions have not escalated to serious economic conflict, the county has had trou-ble mobilising any significant in-vestment necessary to catapult it into great economic growth.

It is good to point out here that economic growth and political stability are deeply interconnect-ed. The uncertainty associated with an unfriendly political envi-ronment reduces investment and the speed of economic develop-ment. It substitutes productive domestic investments in favour of consumption and capital flight, thereby leading to a reduction of domestic production.

In areas where leaders are in constant political match-ups like

what we are witnessing in Kiam-bu, their citizens have higher incentives to engage in endless political debates rather than pro-ductive market activities. This has been evident in various places in Kiambu County as well as in so-cial media platforms like the pop-ular Facebook group known as United States of Kiambu. Kiambu people are always engaging in ver-bal outbursts about who belongs to which camp.

Kiambu leaders on the other hand spend their entire sessions trying to please their lobbyists who they use to fight their po-litical battles, leading to a more direct effect of rent-seeking ac-tivities on policy decisions. It is these powerbrokers who decide who gets what funds/bursaries, appointments, tenders and con-tracts in the county government of in the CDF. These are the peo-ple who determine what propa-ganda story line will run and to what effect.

In the midst of all this confu-sion, services to the masses are compromised, corruption within the systems thrives, the intellectu-al thieves have a field day looting public coffers as those contracted to develop public facilities and in-frastructure take advantage of the siege to do sub-standard work. The politicians on their part take advantage of the incertitude they are creating to fraudulently ac-

quire the wealth that they are us-ing to fight each other and what they will use to campaign when push comes to shove.

They say that good leadership is like the light, permeating into every aspect of an institution or business while poor leadership is like the shadow, darkening many areas of the organisation. Poor leadership is misleading and lacks vision. Poor leadership causes huge gaps between strategy and execution. Poor leadership nega-tively impacts every area of busi-ness. Poor leadership survives in intimidation and bullying of those below them into creating human zombies who are just there to cheer their leaders and massage their egos. Poor leadership inhib-its the development of synergy, thus fails to coordinate tasks with-in their jurisdictions and promote an atmosphere that encourages idea sharing and discussion.

The people of Kiambu County are reaping the fruits of making the wrong choices as pertains to their leaders, both in the county (Assembly & Government) as well as in the National Assembly. They are the reason President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is a resident of Kiambu, early this year said that he was ashamed to be associated with the county affairs.

Kiambu County basically lacks team leaders to push the constitu-ents forward to a common objec-

tive. Our leaders lack the foresight to see challenges on the horizon. What we have are rigid lead-ers who are unwilling to do the things required in order for the county and its people to succeed. Ours are intemperate leaders who are incapable of controlling their basic desires, and thus cannot achieve the higher goals of the team; ie the county. Their posi-tion of power is only being used as a tool to satisfy their personal desires.

We are unfortunately being led by callous leaders who are basically destroying any good will that exists amongst the res-idents of our county, leading to a fundamen¬tal breakdown of trust. Kiambu leadership (both levels) has ended up becoming this needless enemy of the people who could otherwise have made valuable contributions to its de-velopment and the growth of its people. Nobody is willing to take risks or put forward new ideas for fear that these leaders will re-act with contempt or scorn. Our leaders have reduced all answers to “Yes or No” rather than explain-ing their reasoning… Leaders who find it a waste of time to find real solutions from their people through intellectual thought.

Over to you the residents of our beloved county.

The cost of Kabogo-Waititu war

kiambu governor William kabogo. kabete Mp ferdinand Waititu.

cLASS 1 LApTOpSiCt Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru during a lesson at ilbisil primary School in kajiado County.

STORY ON PAGES 2 >>

PUBLISHERSMERU TOWN | MAY, 2016 ISSUE 020 www.mtkenyastar.com PRICE: KSh30 for the good of MerU people

Kiraitu pressures Munya to accept

hospital machines

CoUrteSy: BUSineSS dailyThe Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra) has hired an American consultancy to advice on setting up of a system for Sac-cos to lend each other like banks do.

Madison-based Dave Grace & Associates is expected to guide the development of a central liquidity facility to help financial co-operatives meet short-term obligations.

Sasra chief executive John Mwaka said they

target to have it operational by end of this year, saying it will cut saccos’ reliance on expensive bank loans to maintain the regulatory 15 per cent liquidity ratio.

“Informed by experiences in other places such as Canada and the US and contextualising these to Kenya, the consultant is expected to explore and make recommendations on viable options for establishing a central liquidity facil-ity for deposit-taking saccos,” said Mr Mwaka in an interview with the Business Daily.

“The existing credit facilities have exorbitant rates as the lenders do not appreciate the sacco business to tailor-make credit facilities suiting their business,” he said.

Sasra has in the past two years withdrawn the licences of three deposit-taking saccos and placed another under receivership in what was linked to liquidity challenges.

Saccos do not participate in the interbank market and there is currently no central liquid-ity facility tailored to meet the needs of Kenya’s 181 licensed deposit-taking unions, or allow them to lend each other.

An overnight and short-term lending facility for Saccos is likely to hit the earnings of com-mercial banks.

Sasra is banking on the facility to arrest temporal liquidity shocks and imbalances by having credit unions with excess cash lend to

those in need.The Sacco central liquidity facility will also

help inform monetary policy decisions and complement the interbank market as an effec-tive guide in pricing loans, savings, mortgages, futures, options and swaps.

Sasra rules require deposit-taking co-opera-tives to file a liquidity statement report at the end of every month detailing the liquid assets as well as the balance of liquid liabilities.

Mr Mwaka said the consultant will help Sasra prepare a policy paper guiding the estab-lishment, operations of the borrowing window and propose necessary legal amendments to current laws to house this innovation.

Dave Grace & Associates will also explore the possibilities of having Sasra directly fund Saccos through a discount window modelled along that of the Central Bank of Kenya.

“The target is to have policy proposal in this year’s budget speech,” Sasra said.

The Kenyan Sacco sector’s loan book grew nearly a fifth to hit Sh228.5 billion as at Decem-ber 2014. A total of 3.01 million Kenyans belong to credit unions. Deposit-taking co-operatives held assets worth Sh301.5 billion and custom-er deposits totaling Sh205.9 billion in the year under review.

Saccos to borrow from each otherMeru Senator kiraitu Murungi. igembe South Mp Mithika linturi. Meru governor peter Munya.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By JaMeS MUtWiri

The war against cancer in Meru got a boost after a charity group carried out a two-day free screening exercise

Medical experts examined those who turned up for the initiative by the Faraja Cancer Trust in conjunction with Nakumatt and the African Cancer Foundation (ACF).

Patient Support Manager Phillip Odiyo said Kenyans should go for regular screen-ing to beat breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

Mr Odiyo said early detection of cancer has the highest cure rate. The official not-ed the organization will continue to edu-cate Kenyans on the importance of routine screening for breast cancer.

“We strongly advocate for people to come for the screening. Other than screening, the sessions will educate the public on ways of recognizing and responding to possible warning signs. Such awareness will have a great positive impact on reducing the late stage diagnosis of the disease,” Mr Odiyo

ssaid in a presser.Statistics show that Meru records one

of the highest numbers of cases cancers in the country. The main public hospital–Meru General Hospital serves over 400 cancer patients in a month drawn from Mt Kenya East and upper Eastern regions.

Health executive William Muraah wel-comed other stakeholders to create aware-ness about the disease.

“We are committed to working with pri-vate partners to help create awareness and reduce the number of cancer cases in Meru and we are glad that private and not-for-profit entities are complementing state ef-forts in the fight against cancer,” he said.

Recently, Meru Governor’s Wife Phoebe Munya who is also undertaking a similar ini-tiative aimed at reducing cancer cases called on the government to take advantage of its partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increase access to radiotherapy treatment in Kenya.

IAEA works with Member States and other partners to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Kenya became a member of IAEA in 1965.

“Though IAEA has a lot of potential in

helping alleviate cancer patients’ suffering, we are yet to make maximum use of the agency as a country. PACT provides radia-tion therapy among other services by devel-oping and equipping health facilities.

“There is need for health stakeholders to move in and help Kenyans benefit from this intervention,” said.Mrs Munya who runs the Cancer Voices programme.

PACT, which was established in 2004, assists low and medium income member States to develop and implement their radi-ation medicine capacities within a national cancer control programme.

The agency also runs the Virtual Univer-sity for Cancer Control (VUCCnet) to pro-vide training in cancer control for African medics.

In 2013, IAEA upgraded the KNH ra-diotherapy centre and helped expand ra-diotherapy services to the second public referral hospital in Eldoret under a national

technical cooperation project. Statistics show that breast cancer is the

most common in the Meru at 26 per cent, throat (25 per cent), cervical (13 per cent), prostrate (12 per cent), liver (11 per cent), stomach (7 per cent) and lymph nodes can-cer at six per cent.

Through Programme of Action for Can-cer Therapy (PACT), IAEA has been sup-porting low and medium income countries by assessing the cancer situation and needs, making radiotherapy accessible, promoting cancer control training and developing glob-al partnerships.

Mrs Munya noted that Kenya is actively engaged with the IAEA in development of nuclear power hence the need to expand their partnership in the health sector.

She also asked men to turn up for the ex-ercise saying: “Many men are hiding from the free screening being offered because of societal values and others shy away.”

His sentiments were echoed by Mr Mun-ya when he launching the Governor’s Gen-der Round Table Women’s’ Forumat Meru Polytechnic.

NEWS2

Meru makes steps in conference tourism

By aleX Maina

Meru governor Peter Munya has thanked investors for helping nurture the economic growth of the county through conference tourism.

Mr Munya said after successfully hosting the Kenyan National Drama Festivals, the Third Annual devolution conference and the Kenya Veterinary Association scientific conference, Meru can now host any event of international repute.

The town renowned for miraa also host-ed the International Ameru Festival and

the Sauti Sol Die in Africa Campaign. Businessmen smiled all the way to the

bank after making a kill during the three events. He said was happy that residents had reaped big during the third annual na-tional devolution forum.

The devolution conference attracted about 6,000 delegates while the drama festival was attended by over 50,000 par-ticipants.

Local hotels were booked to capacity de-spite increasing prices, some threefold, taxi operators, boda bodas, clothes sellers and other traders also reported of huge sales.

Members of the oldest profession were also not left behind as they cashed on the guests during these events.

By JaMeS MUtWiri

Governor Peter Munya has bowed to pressure from local leaders led by Senator Kiraitu Murungi to accept the medical equipment machines that will enable residents access specialized medical services and reduce their spending on expensive medical diagnosis.

The medical equipment will be installed at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital and Nyambene Level Four Hospital.

Munya, who doubles as the Chairman of the Council of Governors has been one of the major critics of the government project, de-spite it being transformational in equipping Kenya hospitals with the right equipment. His predecessor at the Council of Governors, Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto, has also been opposed to the project, in what is largely seen as unnecessary chest-thumbing politics.

It is not clear why Munya had rejected the equipment, yet they are for the good of pub-lic, which has been unable to access improved medical services. Munya’s action would have meant condemning the lives of some resi-dents in Meru who would be unable to access

such facilities. Although Meru County Health Executive

William Muraah had rejected the installa-tion of equipment at the dialysis unit since the county had recently bought new ones, it is an open knowledge that the more of such equipment that are available for the use by the public, the better.

The equipment is leased by County Gov-ernments under what is known as Managed Equipment Service Programme (MES). MES was initiated by the National and County gov-

ernments with the objective of equipping two hospitals in each County with varied special-ized medical equipment, in order to increase their reach for every Kenyan at an affordable rate. MES is designed to cover six key areas namely; dialysis, emergency, maternal-child health, basic and advanced surgery, critical care and imaging services. To address these areas, the equipment were placed under sev-en Lots or categories; Theatre, Sterilization, Laboratory, Dialysis (Renal), Intensive Care Unit and radiology which covers imaging

(X-ray).For the case of Meru, the Chairman of the

MES Programme Morang’a Morekwe said the equipment will be ready for use in the next three months. “After lengthy discussions, we settled on the two hospitals which will be of help to the community,” said Mr Morekwe.

Munya sounded reconciliatory, asking counties facing similar hitches to embrace dialogue and find long-term solutions so that Kenyans can benefit from improved health care facilities.

This was a departed from his statement in June last year, when he said the Council of Governors (CoG) will not accept the Sh38 bil-lion medical equipment leased by the nation-al government, citing inadequate information on the terms and conditions.

“Note that we have bought, not leased the equipment. Among equipment they want to bring to us are dialysis machines, but we already have five such machines from Ger-many, and not the Chinese ones we are being offered,” Mr Munya said. The main vendor of the machines is General Electric, an American company in collaboration with others from different countries.

Senator Kiraitu Murungi has however been pilling pressure of Munya to accept the med-ical equipment and stop the side shows with the national government for the same of res-idents.

Murungi was supported by MPs Mithi-ka Linturi (Igembe South), Rahim Dawood

(Imenti North) and Joseph M’Eruaki (Igembe North), and Woman Representative Florence Kajuju.

“We shall not sit and watch our people suf-fer and die of cancer and diabetes just to sat-isfy the bloated ego of Governor Munya. We shall take very bold steps to ensure the equip-ment is delivered to Meru Level 5 Hospital as agreed between the Ministry and the Meru County Government,” the leaders said in the statement.

The statement by the leaders read in part: “We have learnt with shock and disbelief, that despite the very high incidence and death of our people through non communicable diseases especially Cancer and Diabetes, the Governor of Meru, Peter Munya, has frus-trated all efforts by the Ministry of Health, to install modern theatre equipment, surgical instruments, renal unit equipment, an ICU fa-cility, and radiology equipment in Meru level 5, referral and training hospital.”

“Consequently the people of Meru stand to lose medical equipment worth Sh460 mil-lion leased for Meru level 5 hospital by the national government. The people of Meru will continue to incur huge financial costs of treatment and management of cancer and dialysis at Kenyatta General Hospital, private hospitals in Nairobi and in India, not to men-tion thousands of the poor Merus, who will continue to suffer and die in pain at home for lack of access to these medical services.”

MUNYA UNDER pRESSURE

Kiraitu pressures Munya to accept hospital machines

Cancer ravages Meru as residents urged to go for regular check up

Meru governor peter Munya.

a patient undergoes cancer screening in Meru.

kakamega Boys high School performing ‘the Cross’ during the kenya national drama festival at the finalists concert in Meru School.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

BY EGADWA MUDOGA

Kenya Tea Development Agency Management Services Limited (KTDA-MS) and IFC, a mem-ber of the World Bank Group, have launched a new Kshs420 million initiative to improve yields and income for tea farmers in Kenya. The initiative focuses on training farmers on crop nutrition, soil management and business skills.

Through the initiative, IFC and KTDA (MS) will conduct soil and leaf testing, and formulate the most appropriate fertilizer blends to help farmers maximize their tea yields. Farmers will also receive training on financial management

to effectively manage their farms and their in-comes. IFC will work with KTDA on managing their wood fuel supply, helping the company move to renewable energy sources.

Kenya is the third largest tea producer in the world, and the tea industry supports livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers. KTDA oper-ates 67 tea processing factories across the coun-try, sourcing green leaf from 560,000 farmers, who are shareholders in their respective facto-ries, which in turn own KTDA Holdings Limited.

“KTDA (MS) is pleased to sign this new part-nership with IFC, one of our long-term partners. The project will increase productivity of our

smallholder farmers through improved fertilizer and tea nutritional management. The partner-ship will also empower our farmers to manage their income efficiently, thereby helping them make informed decisions on how to save and invest their money,” Lerionka Tiampati, KTDA Holdings Group CEO, said.

Tania Lozansky, IFC Head of Advisory for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services said, “IFC and KTDA will use innovative soil testing and sustainable forestry techniques to boost yields and increase revenues for tea farmers in Kenya. IFC is committed to supporting com-panies like KTDA, which have the potential to

improve living standards and reduce poverty for rural farmers.”

The new initiative continues a long-stand-ing partnership between IFC and KTDA, which began in 2012, when IFC first invested in the company’s expansion. In 2016, IFC made another loan of $55 million to finance seven small hydro-power plants to power KTDA’s tea factories.

The funding from IFC has been made possible by the Government of Japan through the Com-prehensive Japan/IFC Trust Fund - Tokyo Inter-national Conference on African Development (TICAD) window.

ADVERTORIAL 3RUpiNGAzi HYDRO pOWER

BY EGADWA MUDOGA

Nine contractors visited the proposed site for Rupingazi Small Hydro Power that will supply power to Kathangariri, Mungania, and Rukuriri tea factories. The visit was done in early May.

Rupingazi small hydro power project, to be jointly run by the three factories in Embu county and KTDA Power Company (KTPC), is estimat-ed to cost about KES900 million and will produce 1.8 MW. The project is aimed at reducing the cost of energy, which accounts for about 30% of the total factory cost of production. The surplus power will be sold to the na-tional grid.

Speaking today during the project site visit, KTDA Board Member and Director Zone six Mr Samuel Ireri said the project will not only reduce

costs of energy but also provide employment opportunities for the local community. He added that the

project will also enhance sustainable development of the community by promoting local investment and an

improved business environment, thereby improving the local econ-omy. Kathangariri, Mungania, and Rukuriri tea factories serve about 26,000 small-holder tea farmers.

The project, a joint venture between tea factories and KTPC, will see each party contribute funds for the project completion. The factories have already com-mitted to provide 35 percent of the project cost as agreed during a Joint Zonal Directors meeting held at Mungania tea factory on 5th February 2016, when indi-vidual factory companies signed resolutions on how to raise the equity balances. The remaining 65 percent cost will be financed by a loan component.

The project is set to be commis-sioned on December 2018. Rup-ingazi power project is one of the several power projects that KTDA has invested in a bid to reduce energy costs. Other power proj-ects include Gura, Iraru, Chania, North Mathioya, Lower Nyamin-di, Nyambunde and South Mara.

BY EGADWA MUDOGA

To mark the 2016 World Water Day, the KTDA Foundation and Taylors of Harrogate provided 62 water tanks, worth Kshs. 5,377,141 million, which will be donated to schools and health facilities in tea growing regions to provide clean water for the rural communities.

Commenting on this noble dona-tion, KTDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lerionka Tiampati said that improving the livelihoods of small scale tea growers is a key objective for KTDA and through the Foun-dation, a subsidiary of KTDA Hold-ings, many initiatives have been launched to address health and en-vironmental needs for the farmers.

The tanks will be donated to 47

primary and secondary schools and five health centres around the catchment areas and will benefit more than 40,000 pupils.

Mr. Tiampati said KTDA is col-laborating with various stakehold-ers and key partners to achieve these objectives and he expressly thanked Taylors of Harrogate for supporting the water project which he noted will positively impact the lives of recipient com-munities.

Taylors of Harrogate is current-ly supporting the Foundation by sponsoring 30 needy but bright students from tea growing areas to advance their studies in high school; establishing tree nurseries in Nyansiongo, Momul and Tegat Tea Factories; as well as partly sponsoring the construction of a dispensary near Kionyo Tea Fac-tory.

In Kionyo, 12 schools are ear-marked for the donation, 5 in Kapkoros, 17 in Imenti and 13 in Ngere. The water tanks have a ca-pacity of between 8,000 liters and 10,000 liters.

KTDA Foundation and Taylors of Harrogate donate water tanks worth Sh5.37 Million

ktpC civil engineer, luke Mburu (second right) and engineers from the prequalified firms review the design of rupingazi Small hydro power project that will power rukuriri, kathangariri and Mungania tea factories. the 1.8 MW project is aimed at reducing the cost of energy for the factories in the long run.

(from left) Mr. Samson Miencha, general Manager, tea Machinery and engineering Company (teMeC), flora asinatu, acting ktda foundation Manager, Mr. ndiga kithae, kenya tea development agency – holdings group head, Corporate affairs and Mr egadwa Mudoga, ktda (h) Manager - Corporate affairs, flag off trucks delivering tanks worth ksh 5.37 million. to mark the world water day, the tanks were donated to schools and dispensaries in tea growing zones to provide easy access to clean water.. the project is a joint partnership between ktda foundation and taylors of harrogate, a key tea buyer.

KTDA-MANAGED FACTORIES LEAD IN ENERGY COST REDUCTIONBy Correspondent

Three KTDA-managed factories - Gianchore, Kiru and Gitugi - are the recipients of top honours at the prestigious Energy Management Awards (EMA). With energy constituting more than 30% of production costs in tea factories, the wins are a demonstration of

KTDA’s commitment to increase smallholder farmers’ income through cost reduction.

Gianchore Tea Factory, located in the fertile Kisii Highlands, garnered two prizes in two categories: 1st Runners up (Electricity Savings Energy Category - Large Consumer Category) and Runners up (Best New Entrant Category).

Gitugi and Kiru Tea Factories, which lie along the slopes of the majestic Aberdare Ranges, emerged Winner and 1st Runners Up respectively in the Best Energy Management - Tea Sector Category.

KTDA Management Services recently signed a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to strengthen its biomass fuel supply chain, as well as to support the expansion of KTDA’s wood fuel programme. With a target of 40,000 acres, KTDA-managed factories have acquired 19,000 acres, out of which 12,000 acres have been planted.

To further reduce reliance on grid electricity, KTDA Holdings has invested in a subsidiary - KTDA Power - whose focus in on generating power through renewable sources. The company runs a hydropower plant at Imenti Tea Factory which supplies sustainable power to the factory. Surplus power is sold to the national grid, allowing the factory’s shareholders, who are the tea farmers, to earn extra income. KTDA Power is currently completing works on two power stations - Gura and Chania - which will be commissioned soon and is currently engaged in four (4) other projects across the country.

The Agency continues to invest in research and innovation that will not only aff ord it greater energy savings but also increase value to its shareholders.

KTDA managers display trophies won during the Energy Management Awards Gala. From left: Daniel Kanja, Margaret Gachinga, Rosemary Karimi, John Mwenda, Virginia Chege, Hillary Rono, Josiah Ndegwa and Egadwa Mudoga.

KTDA-H Group CEO, Lerionka Tiampati with Tania Lozansky, IFC Global Head, Manufacturing Agribusiness and Services Advisory, and His Excellency Tatsushi Terada, Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, at the signing of a KES420 million partnership aimed at improving yields and income for tea farmers in Kenya.

The factories have instituted vibrant energy management committees that oversee energy conservation measures, which include conducting regular energy audits, ensuring strict adherence to an energy policy, optimising natural lighting in the tea withering processes and reduction of electricity use.

The factories also train their staff on energy effi ciency and conservation while conducting awareness programmes on the need for energy conservation.

To further increase farmers’ earning through reducing the cost of energy, the Agency is currently engaged in a number of initiatives, including the up scaling of its innovative wood fuel programme. This programme involves establishing tree nurseries in every factory for its wood fuel needs. The seedlings are also distributed to the community to support conservation eff orts.

ktda-Managed factories lead in energy cost reduction

KTDA partners with IFC to Boost Yields and Income for Kenyan Tea Farmers

BY EGADWA MUDOGA

Contractors visit Rupingazi Small Hydro Power site in Embu County

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By JaMeS MUtWiri

Kenyans on social media reacted with fury after a Meru Court issued a warrant of arrest against Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho.

Meru High Court Justice Francis Gikonyo while issuing the warrant of arrest noted that Mr Kibicho has a tendency of disobeying court or-ders and summons requesting him to appear to answer to the alleged contempt of court charges against him.

Mr Kibicho is accused of dis-obeying a court order restraining him and his staff from the minis-try from raiding a liquor manufac-turing company during the crack-down to end illegal brews.

Under the hashtag #Istandwith-Kibicho that was trending on Fri-day and Saturday, Facebook and Twitter users said the court should revise its ruling on the matter and allow the principal secretary to continue with the war against il-licit brews.

“Yes! The war is being won but the Courts want to reverse it! #IstandwithPSKibicho,” said @Muhahami on twitter.

The user added that some brew-ers have been using bottles of ren-kown alcohol brands to package the bootleg liquor.

@paulinenjoroge said: “Illicit brew must be dealt with and crim-inals should stop running to court to obtain orders. #Istandwith-PSKibicho.”

In a statement that seemed ad-dressed to Chief Justice Willy Mu-tunga Jack Otieno Rumo tweeting as @jackarumo said “@WMutun-ga Kenyan lives matter bwana CJ, Judiciary should be on the fore in

fighting illicit brews.”@PolycarpHinga tweeted, “Judi-

cial activism will not deter the war on illicit brews brews, #Istandwith-PSKibicho”.

For some people however, they felt the law should its take its course.

Kimathi Njebi said, “Let every man be charged in court of law for broken law. Every broken law has an equal charge #StopBlamingMu-tunga #IstandwithPSKibicho.”

Josphat Koech tweeting as @Giftedzoom wondered, “Will we in Jubilee rebuke CORD if they dis-obey court orders and storm the IEBC offices? #IstandwithPSKibi-cho

In March, Mr Kibicho sacked a chief and seven assistants in Meru County for condoning the manu-facture and consumption of illicit brews in their areas.

He also promoted Ntakira chief John Mwenda and his deputy.

The PS who spoke at Majengo slums where he had supervised the destroying of illicit brews warned that the government would not hesitate to continue firing admin-istrators who continue to abet the sale of the killer brews in their ar-eas.He hit out at the Judiciary for frustrating the ministry’s efforts to rid the country of illicit brews.

In December 16, 2015 Hakim Commercial Agencies filed a suit in a Chuka court, seeking to make the court issue an injunction order restraining the PS and his officers from harassing the petitioner.

The petitioner also asked the court to stop the PS from interfer-ing with the company’s business of manufacturing the alcoholic drinks.

The company which is located along Ikuu-Kabati Road in Chu-

ka Igamba Ng’ombe Sub County, manufactures Opaque Beer.

The court allowed the applica-tion filed by the brewer’s lawyer Ashford Riungu.

On January 20, 2016 Justice Al-fred Mabea of Chuka High Court issued an order lasting for a period of 60 days. The PS was served with the orders. The court extended the orders for 45 more days on March 9.However on the same day that the court extended the order, Mr Kibicho is said to have led a team of administrators and police who confiscated alcoholic drinks from the company and arrested the proprietor Mr Albert Gitari who was later booked at Embu Police Station.

However, Justice Mabea dis-qualified himself from hearing the petition and referred the file to Meru high court for hearing and disposal by the court.

Mr Kibicho was summoned to appear at Meru high court on March 31 for the hearing of the pe-tition but he did not turn up.

He also disobeyed a second sum-mon issued for him to appear in court on April 21.

Justice Gikonyo rejected an application filed by Mr Kibicho’s lawyer pleading with the court to grant his client two more weeks.

“It is evident that the PS has per-fected the art of disobeying court orders. This is because of his re-peated disobedience to the court. A state officer must uphold the law and respect the constitution he has sworn to protect. I am not convinced that he failed to appear in court due to an official duty and it is hereby ordered that the Inspector General of police arrest and present the PS In court” ruled Justice Gikonyo.

NEWS4cOMMUNiTY LiBRARYCOMMENTARY

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS.Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.

Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

Revamped NYS first step in youth economy

By SiCily kariUki

A revamped second phase of the Youth Empower-ment Programme has been

launched. This marked the resump-tion of the work that had been sus-pended as tighter controls and bet-ter governance measures were put in place.

This phase is spread out in 72 constituencies. After a pilot phase, this stage has three distinct fea-tures: First, we have embarked on completing all work suspended during the pilot phase.

Secondly, we have adopted a new business model focusing on high impact interventions. These inter-ventions feed into the government’s national priorities on infrastruc-ture, water, and environment.

Thirdly, we have developed a youth empowerment model dubbed The Big-Push Strategy. This is an end-to-end model that starts with youth regimentation into sav-ings groups of 15 each. The groups will be collected into saccos of 225 youths.

Each constituency will have at least four saccos and these will be the drivers of youth economic em-powerment on the ground. Already, we have 147 operational saccos and we expect to increase this number to 236 by the end of May.

Enterprise and sustainability models have also been designed under this strategy. The idea is to have youth enterprises linked to markets, credit, and business liter-acy programmes. This model is de-signed to provide sustainability and potential to birth a youth economy.

If properly exploited, the poten-tial of a youth economy can be a major instrument to confront Ken-ya’s high unemployment rate.

We are aware that Kenya’s youth, who form 35 per cent of the coun-

try’s population, have suffered the highest unemployment rate, at 67 per cent.

The situation is compounded by the fact that more than a million young people enter the labour mar-ket every year without any skills, with either only primary or second-ary school education.

With hundreds of thousands more completing college every year, it means the government has to be creative in addressing the needs of young people.

Even when employment oppor-tunities are created, the youth face many challenges to get them. These include competition due to limited employment opportunities and huge numbers of job seekers, lack of requisite skills due to mismatch of college-acquired skills and in-dustry expectations, poor access to information on available opportu-nities, gender and cultural biases, ethnicity and corruption, inequi-table geographical distribution of jobs, and limited career guidance.

ConStrainSt to eMployMent

These challenges can be catego-rised into the supply and demand constraints to employment. Often, policy makers and practitioners are tempted to treat these two sides of the labour market as distinct and the related constraints as requiring disparate interventions. Indeed, in some circumstances, the solutions may be different.

Efforts have been made in the past to create jobs, such as tax incentives to attract foreign investors to set up shop in the country and also to encourage manufacturers to set up factories away from major cities to improve the distribution of job op-portunities.

The Youth Empowerment Pro-gramme is built around the NYS five-point vision encompassing paramilitary training and service regimentation, national service and youth re-socialisation, social trans-formation and vocational training, enterprise and youth economy, and bankable institutional architecture.

Those who graduated recently have been deployed to 72 constitu-encies to kick-start the new phase. They are expected to “disciple” the youth in local communities. Pay-ments to the community youth, including their mandatory daily savings, have also been placed on an automated platform.

The solid steps towards the youth economy begin now.

Ms Kariuki is the Cabinet secretary, Min-istry Of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs. @KariukiSicily.

egadWa MUdoga

KTDA Foundation recently launched a community library at Gitugi Tea Factory - one of the 67-KTDA managed factories. The library is located within the factory compound, in a building that previously housed an old disused staff canteen. After thorough refurbishing works, the building was transformed into a state-of-the-art library, complete with books, furniture and Wi-Fi.

The establishment of this library was made possible through the support of Gitugi Tea Factory, Tay-lors of Harrogate, Fairtrade Foun-dation, the International Book Project and the Kenya Literature Bureau.

The library will empower the Gitugi community to improve

the quality of their lives through access to information and knowl-edge. With greater access to books, the library will also help students perform better in their examinations.

Under its Education pillar, KTDA Foundation together with other partners have set up two

other community libraries in tea catchment areas to promote ac-cess to information and a reading culture. These libraries are locat-ed at Thaita, Kirinyaga County and Imenti, Meru County. Along-side construction, the Foundation has facilitated the stocking of books in these libraries.

KTDA Foundation believes that education is an integral part of life that facilitates self development, links academics to industry and provides solutions to world prob-lems, and will continue support-ing efforts to establish communi-ty libraries in tea catchment areas.

KTDA Foundation launches Gitugi Community Library

Storm over warrant to arrest PS Kibicho

othaya Mp Mary Wambui signs visitors book after she officially opened the gitugi Community library in nyeri County on april 22, 2016. looking on is ktda-h Chairman, Mr. peter kanyago (right), gitugi tea factory Board Chairman Mr. peter Mwangi and factory Unit Manager, Ms. Virginia Chege. the library is aimed at promoting a reading culture in the community.

interior pS karanja kibicho in Meru where he fired six chiefs for allow manufacture and sale of illicit brews

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR NEWS 5

THE NATIONAL TREASURY

tender notiCe

The National Treasury invites sealed Tenders from eligible candidates for the provision of Motor

Vehicle Fleet Management Solution for the leased vehicles as follows;

Interested eligible Candidates may obtain further information from and inspect the tender documents at the national treasury, treasury Building, harambee avenue 6th floor, room 601 during normal working hours.

A complete set of tender documents may be downloaded by interested candidates free of charge at supplier.treasury.go.ke OR http://treasury.go.ke and those who have downloaded the document from the website must forward their particulars immediately for recording and any further

clarif cations and addenda to procurement@treasury.go.ke.

Prices quoted should be inclusive of all taxes and delivery costs, must be expressed in Kenya Shillings and shall remain valid for a period of 120 days

from the closing date of the tender.

Completed Tender Documents enclosed in plain sealed envelopes, marked with the Tender Number addressed to

principal Secretary,the national treasury,p.o. Box 30007 nairobi

and be deposited in the Tender Box provided at The National Treasury, Treasury Building, Harambee Avenue 6th floor and be received on or be-

fore thursday, 19th May, 2016 at 10.00 am

Tenders will be opened immediately thereafter in the presence of the Tenderers or their Representatives who choose to attend the opening at The National Treasury, Treasury Building, 6th Floor Conference Room on

Thursday 19th May, 2016 at 10.30

head, SUpply Chain ManageMent SerViCeSfor: prinCipal SeCretary

PROVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLE FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

TENDER NO: TNT/019/2015 – 2016

lot description no. of vehicles

I Provision of fleet management solution –support services for Phase II

1,500

II Provision of fleet management solution for Phase III 500

HEALTH

By JaMeS MUtWiri

Nurses in Meru County called off a strike hours after announcing they had boycotted work.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Secretary General Seth Pa-nyako suspended the strike after the county government promised to ad-dress grievances over promotions and salaries within 30 days.

“In view of the steps taken by the county government to address your concerns, I do hereby suspend the strike to pave way for the implemen-tation of the content. I wish to direct KNUN branch secretary to inform his members to resume duty immediate-ly as the government implements the agreed issues,” Mr Panyako said in a statement.

In a letter dated May 8, 2016, Health Executive Dr William Muraah said: “I had a meeting with the union leader-ship and there is common agreement that a lot of ground has been covered and that staff matters shall constantly evolve and require regular audit and objective commitment to address them.”

Through their branch officials, the nurses had issued a strike notice over the county government’s failure to im-plement a return to work agreement signed on September 2015 after a two-week strike.

The medical workers 10-point griev-ances included salary delays, lack of promotions, lack of hardship and transfer allowances, poor working conditions, lack of annual increments and punitive transfers.

Recently, Health Executive Dr Wil-liam Muraah and a team led by Man-aged Equipment Service Programme

chairman Morang’a Morekwe were seen exchanging words during an inspection tour of the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to de-termine if Managed Equipment Ser-vice would be installed at the hospital.

The county government bought medical equipment before the gov-ernment announced the multi-million programme.

Eventually, it was agreed that some of the leased medical equipment be installed MTRH and others at Nyam-bene Level Four Hospital.

Mr Morekwe said the equipment will be ready for use in the next three months after installation.

Mr Munya asked other counties facing similar hitches to embrace di-alogue and find long tern solutions so that Kenyans can benefit with im-proved health care.

“I would encourage discussions be-tween counties and the national gov-ernment to solve problems affecting the installation of the equipment,” he said.

During the Third Devolution Con-ference in Meru, it was revealed that more medical workers have been em-ployed by the county governments.

Mr Munya said the increase in hu-man resources from 9816 nurses to 15,000 is proof of what the counties have done in the health sector.

“Medical Expenditure procurement has also increased by 40 percent ac-cording to governors. These are hard statistics from the Kenya National Health Demographic Survey that was done by national government and not the counties.

“There has been sensationalizing of localized problems by the media. If there is a small problem somewhere it should be addressed,” he said.

“These milestones have not been without challenges. We still insist that the amount to be fund counties should be anchored in the law,” he said.

County bosses also asked the min-istry of Health to explain how Sh22.5 billion set aside in the 2016/2017 bud-get for strategic interventions would be disbursed and to which counties.

“We need to know how such money will be managed and who the benefi-ciaries will be,” said Kisumu County boss Jack Ranguma.

Mr Ranguma is also the Council of Governors Health Committee Chair-man.

Nurses call for continuous dialogue for salary

nurses in Meru: nurses in most counties have threatened or either gone for strike because of welfare issues.

Elephants cause havoc in Lower ImentiBy JaMeS MUtWiri

Earth’s largest land mammals are having a rough time at a little-known village in Meru County.

Elephants straying from the Lower Imenti Forest into Kithoka village, a rich agricultural village and a hu-man-wildlife conflict are being killed through live electric fences that sur-rounds many farms.

For Kithoka residents, jumbos have more value when dead than alive. Ele-phants have caused the most damage to this farming Ameru community and aroused angry and deadly reations.

Residents say maize, which is the staple crop in the area, is too much for elephants to resist. The scale of the problem has forced farmers to be more creative and they developed a risky solution that does not only pose danger to the elephants, but also to themselves.

After the elephants knocked down and disabled the Kenya Wildlife Ser-

vice solar fence, locals have resulted to the use of live wire electric fences whose voltage is much higher and le-thal. The electricity is tapped from a socket in the farmers’ houses directly to the farm.

These electric fences consists of a combination of wire and make-shift insulators. But they lack, energizers, a component that converts power to pulses and push them down the elec-tric fence line thus inducing direct shock to any living being that comes into contact with it.

At least four elephants have been killed this year after bumping into the low-slung high-tension cables, with the latest one dying of shock this month.

In all cases, hundreds of locals armed with crude weapons descended on and slaughtered an elephant that had been electrocuted by a live fence surrounding one of the farms.

Locals say the attacks are forcing them to rush to their homes before dusk lest they fall victims to the herds of elephants that regularly come call-ing.

But the same fence poses grave dan-ger to the locals when Purity Karimi died after touching the fence.

According to KWS Meru Deputy Warden Daniel Rono, about six cases of human deaths have been reported since 2014 to 2017. About 70 cases of injuries were reported in the same period.

But the human-wildlife conflict could soon be over with the construc-tion of a new and more comprehen-sive electric fence.

However, the residents may have

to continue contending with the ele-phants due to a pending court case in which some residents argue that the forest line has encroached onto their land.

The KWS, the Kenya Forest Service, Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, Mt Kenya Trust and other partners are putting up the eight-strand tight-lock wire-mesh fence.

Areas to be covered by the fence area Kithoka, Ruiri, Nchoroiboro, Nkun-ga and Kibirichia. Others are Mpuri, Mwanika, Gankere and Nchiru.

The North Imenti and Buuri con-stituencies Constituency Development Funds (CDF) kitties have contributed Sh9 million each towards the con-struction of the fence.

Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood asked the county government to also set aside funds to help mitigate the conflict.

Mr Nicholas Mugambi, the chair-man of the fencing committee exuded confidence that once complete, the problem will end.

Villagers hold elephents hostage after they destroyed crops.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

BY KIRAITU MURUNGI

All eyes were on Meru in April as it hosted the Third Annual Devolution Conference.

Governors, MCAs, delegates and other in-vited guests trooped to the event that was held at the Meru polytechnic.

Chief Justice Will Mutunga, Namibia Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa graced the event as well as ministers from Rwanda and Burundi.

However, a majority of Senators and MPs boycoitted the event accusing the governors of noncooperation.

Governors said that devolution had transformed the country in the last three years but noted that a lot still need to be done and many challenges overcome for the people to reap full benefits of devolved governance.

President Uhuru Kenyatta did not attend the event but was represented by Devolu-tion CS Mwangi Kiunjuri said the devolved system is a success.

“Time, they say, is a healer; I have discov-ered that it is also a revealer. In time, lies masquerading as truths are found out; in time, we discover that we can do things we had only imagined. Let’s be clear: Kenyans struggled for decades for the new constitu-tion, and the devolution under it, which we now enjoy.

We are the beneficiaries of great strug-gles; we must guard their fruits,” the Presi-dent said. The head of State said devolution has brought money and services closer to Kenyans.

“By the time the 2016/17 financial year rolls round, a trillion shillings will have been transferred to the 47 county govern-ments. As we speak, roads, health and transport have been very substantially devolved. County governments now make crucial decisions about the health of their

people, the roads on which they travel, the taxes they pay and so on.” The president said in a speech read by Mr Kiunjuri.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga who at-tended the conference on the last day said counties had made tremendous and un-imaginable impact.

“The number of doctors has increased from about 3,000 three years ago to over 4,500 today. Even the national government cannot deny that health care services were in shambles when counties took them over. Everywhere there were very few hospitals and no drugs, no bedding and beds. Some counties were able to construct and equip up to 20 hospitals, dispensaries and health centres within the first year.

“Ambulance services are now taken for granted in parts of the country where none existed for the last fifty years,” he said.

Deputy President William Ruto asked governors to stop unnecessary wrangles and instead work in harmony with the national government for the benefit of the country.

Mr Ruto noted the constitution provides that governments at both levels are distinct and inter-dependent and shall conduct their mutual relations on the basis of con-sultation and cooperation.

Despite constitutional clarity on most issues, institutional stakeholders have been at odds with each other, particularly because of functions, mandates and even resources. We have witnessed these contes-tations between the national government and county governments, the Senate and National Assembly, county executives and county assemblies, county governments and Senate and the various independent bodies with a mandate in devolution.

“The contestation though a normal pro-cess of repositioning in a transition, can at times be misconstrued for instability and confusion. This is in appreciation that al-though disputes may be unavoidable, the trick is how to resolve them, through con-

NEWS6

KiRAiTU MURUNGi

My Theory of Development: Putting People FirstFor me development means nothing more and nothing less than the development of human beings, the development of the people; the men, women and children. I am a firm believer in a people driven development.

Meaningful development can only be real-ized if people are empowered to generate their own incomes so that they can lift their own incomes and lift their living standards.

Throughout my political career, I have fought against economic oppression, ex-ploitation and impoverishment of the people of Kenya.

I believe that our fundamental human values and dignities have been crudely torn away by poverty.

At the core of my development efforts is the fundamental underpinning of freedom, dignity and welfare of individual human be-ings. My clarion call to the people has been that the role of leaders at all levels is a facil-itatory one.

I have encouraged and supported farmers to diversify crop production including soya beans, upland rice, bananas and Macada-mia.

I have encouraged increased production, value addition through processing of agri-cultural produce and markets development.

I have facilitated the initiation of various irrigation projects to enhance utilisation of land for agricultural use.

I have not only been a role model in ed-ucation through my education credentials and authorship, but also a lead facilitator in overall development of education. I have mobilised and facilitated the formation of South Imenti Sustainable Education Fund (SISEF), an education endowment fund, Kiraitu Murungi Foundation and other ed-ucation initiatives to supplement the various central government programs in education.

I believe that the role of a leader is to pro-vide an enabling environment for the people to develop themselves.

My message is that, “We are all nailed on the cross of poverty; we are the only people who will take ourselves out of that cross”.

To me the core business of any leader is merely a catalyst to channel the social en-ergies of the people towards their own de-velopment. It is on this basis that I support only those projects initiated by the people themselves.

I have strived to change the way of think-ing of the people from being perpetually complaining victims to being positive agents of change themselves.

I believe in the people. I will never impose my will on the people. It has to come from them; it has to be done by them; and they must own it.

I believe that agriculture is the centre of gravity of the development. I must empha-size that the real challenge for the people in this country is to reduce poverty levels and increase their income generating ca-pabilities. “We cannot talk about poverty reduction without talking about agriculture. Agriculture is about production and savings. We have to work hard to improve our ag-ricultural production. We have to improve our marketing systems for the benefit of the farmer. This is the only way we can develop and get out of poverty.”

I have done a lot to improve agricultural production and marketing, so as to raise the incomes of the farmers. I have supported streamlining the management of coffee co-operative societies, including the Meru Cen-tral Farmers Union.

I have worked to ensure writing off debts of farmers in various financial institutions and I was also instrumental in the establish-ment of the Coffee Development Fund.

I have also supported the improvement of management of dairy sector through Meru Central Farmers Union and the KCC.

In 2003, I prepared a comprehensive road maintenance and improvement program. As the MP for South Imenti, I established the

South Imenti Constituency Roads Commit-tee, the first of its kind in Kenya. The com-mittee is charged with the responsibility of identifying the road projects, mobilizing the resources and coordinating the various ac-tors in road development projects.

I have immensely supported development of education through various programs. These include; South Imenti Sustainable Ed-ucation Fund (SISEF) which was set up with assistance from Kenya Community Develop-ment Foundation (KCDF); Kiraitu Murungi Foundation and encouraging competition by sponsoring prize-giving days.

I have worked extremely hard to make sure that there is a campus college in every district of the Meru County making uni-versity education cheaper and closer to the people.

I place great emphasis on the overriding need to take health particularly preventive health education, seriously. You simply can-not attain development with sickly, dying or dead people. I am working tirelessly to en-sure supply of medicine and rehabilitation of health centers and dispensaries.

To achieve meaningful development, we have to change the attitudes and behavior of our people. We have to convert our people from victims to agents of change.

Meru devolution conference a successDEVOLUTiON cONFERENcE

its ideas sharing time during the devolution Conference held in Meru in april.

sultation and cooperation,” Mr Ruto said in a speech read on his behalf by Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa at the close conference.

At the end of the three day event, delegates passed 18 res-olutions seeking to entrench devolution and hand over all devolved functions to county governments.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, who is also the Coun-cil of Governors’ vice-chairman

read the resolutions.On health, they said they

wanted the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (Kemsa) to be transformed to an inter-county entity since it purchases drugs for counties.

“We resolve that long-term devolution sustainability framework and mechanisms should be established.” the res-olution document read.

The conference also wants the Inter-governmental Re-

lations Technical Committee (IGRTC) strengthened to per-form its functions and com-plete the remaining functions of the Transitional Authority.

Other resolutions made are for national and county gov-ernments to increase funding for ICT and align civic educa-tion and public participation in counties with that of the national government.

By the time the 2016/17 financial year rolls round, a trillion shillings will have been transferred to the 47 county governments. As we speak, roads, health and transport have been very substantially devolved.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR ADVERTISEMENT 7

MINISTRY OF LAND, HOUSING & URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

(TO BE FILLED IN QUAD RUPLI CATE)

MINI STRY OF LAND, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVE LOPMENT

YREPUBLIC OF KEN A

APPLICATION FOR: Land Rent Clearance Certifi cate Consent to Transfer/Lease/Charge

Valuation For Stamp Duty (Select all that apply)

PROPERTY OWNER DETAILS

Property Owner(s) Full Name: ………………..………….…………………………………………….……….

National ID Number: …...………….….…… PIN Number: …..………………….…….………………....

Postal Address: …………….…..………….… Code: ………………………Town: ………………...….…..

Mobile Number: ……………………………… E-Mail Address……………………………………….…….

BUYER DETAILS

Buyer(s) Full Name: ………………..……………………………………….……………….…………………...

National ID Number: …...………….….…… PIN Number: …..………………….……………….…….....

Postal Address: …………….…..………….… Code: ………………………Town: ………………...….…..

Mobile Number: ……………………………… E-mail Address: ……………………………………….……

ADVOCATE DETAILS

Name of Advocate/agency:………………………………………………………………………..….…….……

Postal Address: …………….…..………….… Code: ………………………Town: ………………...….….

Mobile Number: ……………………………… E-mail Address: ……………………………………….…..

Offi cial stamp of Firm/Agency: ………………………………………………………………………….……..

PROPERTY DETAILS

LR No/Block Number: ……………………………….……………………Area: ………………………………

Location: ………………………….……Road: ……………………………..Estate: ……….………….……….

Rent: …………………………………….Term………………………………..From………….………….…….

Status of land: Developed Undeveloped

Nature of development: …………………………………………………………………...………

Interest passing: Freehold Leasehold

Whole or Part of Interest: …………………………………………………………………………

Value Submitted by Parties: …………………… Date of Transfer: …………………………..

…………………............................................................ ………………………… …………………………Signature of Property Owner/Advocate/Agent Date

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Application Received By:

Name: ………………………………Sign: …………………………..Date: ………………………..............................

Application Dispatched By:

Name: ………………………………Sign: ………………………….Date: ………………………...............................

RENT DEPARTMENT

Received By: …………………..…………Sign: ……………………………...Date: ……………….………................

Dispatched By: ……………….….……….Sign………………………………Date…………….……………...............

CONSENT DEPARTMENT

Received By: …………………..…………Sign: ……………………………...Date: ……………….………...............

Dispatched By: ……………….….……….Sign: ………………………………Date: ………….……………..............

Consent Fee Receipt Number: ……………………….……..…………………………………...................................

Consent Issued/ Not Issued: …………………………………………………………………………...........................

STAMP DUTY

Received By: ……………………..………Sign: ……………………………Date: ………………………….................

FOR: COLLECTOR OF STAMP DUTY Date: …………..……...............................

Valuer’s comments:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Valuer (name): ……………………….Signature: …………………………....

Date: …………………………….........

Dispatched By: ………………….….………Sign: …………………………………Date: …………….……...............

Under the Kenya Business Environment Improvement Program, the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise Development to ensure that our services and processes are as simple and convenient as possible. The Process of Registering Property has been reviewed and improved. Henceforth,

members of the public who wish to transfer property can apply for land rent clearance certifi cates; consent to transfer/lease/charge and stamp duty valuation at once, using the new simplifi ed and integrated application form below. With this one form, applicants are now able to apply for the previous multiple services simultaneously.

Applicants will be required to have the following supporting documents as you submit this new application. For All Applications:

Duly fi lled application form in quadruplicate•

Land Rent Clearance Certifi cate:Complete copy of title• Copy of deed plan• Evidence of full payment of outstanding rent (LRT2 deposit forms, Pay-in-slips and most recent • Rent Clearance Certifi cate)

Consent to Transfer/ Lease/ Charge:Receipt of consent fee payment• Letter from advocate applying for consent to transfer/ lease/ charge• Certifi ed copy of current search•

Valuation for Stamp Duty:Property route sketch map• Certifi ed copy of a current search• Original transfer document• Duly fi lled Stamp Duty declaration, assessment form and pay-in-slip• Complete copy of title•

Prof. Jacob T.Kaimenyi, PhD, FICD, EGHCabinet Secretary Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

PUBLISHERSfor the good of MerU people

BY JAMES MUTWIRI

With rapid technological developments and ease of access to the internet in the country, the need to protect early adopters of technology has become dire with every waking day.

This was the discussion that took center stage in Meru County as Communications Authority of Kenya in conjunction with the Meru County Government held its Kikao Kikuu Forum at Meru Polytechnic.

Speaking at the forum, Commu-nications Authority of Kenya (CA) Chairman Ngene Gituku said the Authority in collaboration with key stakeholders, is seeking to develop mechanisms that will ad-dress matters pertaining to Child Online Protection.

“Over 25% of the country’s inter-net users are made up of unsuper-vised children between the ages of 12 and 17 years. With the upsurge in use of mobile telephony and other hand held devices, children

are exposed to an increasing num-ber of online predators. We must therefore partner not only with the community but also with industry players to build a protective mech-anism that will ensure safe and ap-propriate use of internet. ” he said.

“CA has been undertaking sen-sitization campaigns on the need to protect children online. We are now moving into the next phase to facilitate structures that will help safeguard children on the net here in Kenya. Apart from Regulations, we will initiate clear frameworks for internet use and channels that can help track and respond to matters on online child protec-tion. This is role that calls for the involvement of Government, par-ents, education practitioners, reli-

gious leaders and all stakehold-ers so as to fight cybercrimes.” he added.

Communication Authority of Kenya launched its initial Child Online Protection Campaign dubbed ‘BE THE COP’ in Au-gust 2014; in collaboration with various stakeholders including United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Plan International, Department of Children Ser-

vices, Google, GSMA and local mo-bile service providers; Safaricom, Airtel and Orange.

Following the launch, CA exe-cuted a three-month media and awareness campaign in line with the key messages; Risks and vul-nerabilities faced by children and youth online; Tips on how to pro-tect the children and youths from online related risks; Guide for chil-dren and youth on safe internet usage.

Endorsing the move by CA to uphold cyber security and child online protection Meru county boss Peter Munya said his govern-ment welcomed initiatives such as the one by CA to ensure that coun-ties not only get connectivity and quality ICT services but also make certain that they are working to provide online protection as well.

“Like any facet of ICT devel-opment, child online protection

must be a collaborative process. Therefore, my government will be seeking to boost our own capacity through grassroots driven initia-tives” he stated.

“Open discourse and communi-ty based initiatives have in the past been successful in bringing people together to fight insecurity. Thus it is only wise to adopt the same approach to tackle online security,” the governor said.

Some of the initiatives that have already been put in place in re-sponse to child online protection in Kenya include reporting mech-anisms by CA and other stakehold-ers.

For example, Childline Kenya manages the national Child Help Line (CHL) 116, a 24-hr national emergency helpline for children in difficult circumstances or those in need of counseling.

It also provides public educa-tion programs on child rights and child protection through com-munity awareness, media events, school & community outreach ses-sions & parenting education.

Communication Authority through its Chukua Hatua initia-tive and The Kenya Computer In-cident Response Team (KE-CIRT) Coordination Centre, both collab-orate in creating awareness on cyber security best practice.

Authority seeks to strengthen online child protection

Models are all smiles during the Communications authority kikao kikuu event in Meru.

This was revealed during a recent inspection tour by Confederation of African Football secretary-general Hicham El Amrani and Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa.

The stadium is currently undergoing a massive renovation through funding by the county government.

FKF and CAF delegations have been in-specting various stadiums in the country ahead of Chan games. They include Moi Stadium in Kisumu, Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo and Mombasa.

Presently, only Safaricom Stadium Kasara-ni meet the required standards to host such a tournament.

“We are here to see what has been done and what is expected to be done in order to use the facility for the Chan games. The sta-dium, however, was not done with the view of hosting such a tournament but we want the county to ensure the facility meets the re-quired standards,” Mr Mwendwa said.

“I am happy to see the progress made at Kinoru stadium in terms of preparing the field. In June this year, we will revisit all the soccer pitches and select the best four to be used for the tournament,” said the FKF boss.

Meru governor Peter Munya praised CAF’s interest in selecting Kinoru to host the tour-

nament’s matches.“Now that we have known the require-

ments, we will ensure we meet the required standards for its consideration,” said Gover-nor Munya.

Mr El Amrani said they were happy with Kenya’s preparations ahead of Africa Nation-al Championship 2018.

He said security, four dressing rooms, good drainage system and quality playing surface are some of the requirements needed in all the hosting stadiums.

“This is the first visit but we will do at least 10 visits to the four selected venues as 16 teams are expected to participate,” he said.

Kinoru which is undergoing a Sh200 mil-lion facelift is expected to be completed in the next two months giving 10-time Kenya Premier League champions Tusker FC to reclaim the grounds as their home ground.

Tusker FC’s relocated from the renowned stadium to pave way for its renovations.

The county has also announced plans to increase funding to speed up the stadium’s

rehabilitation. Roads and Infrastructure ex-ecutive Newton Itobi said they will increase budgetary allocation this coming financial year.

Contractor Dishon Sitandi said the stadi-um is 90 per cent of the stadium is ready and by July, the pitch will be ready for the event.

“The major challenge was to make the playing ground which we have finished and already planted grass.

“We had not known the requirement and that why we need to work with football Kenya Federation officials for us to meet the standards,” he said.

The Africa Nations Championship is a bi-annual football competition consisting 16 national teams whose players feature in their home country leagues.

In 2014, Gor Mahia registered a complaint with the Kenyan Premier League over the poor state of Meru’s Kinoru Stadium that hosted their Top Eight semi-final match against Tusker.

The team said the stadium did not meet the minimum requirements to host a match of that magnitude, citing a sub-standard playing surface.

However, Tusker FC, whose home ground is Kinoru Stadium, won the match 1-0. And in July the same year, Tusker FC reverted to

the Ruaraka grounds for their home matches following the closure of the stadium for six months for renovation.

The facelift was to be undertaken in two phases at an estimated cost of Sh200 million. A police station is part of the project to en-hance security during matches.

A gym, restaurant and retail shops are also being set up in the stadium. Conferenc-ing facilities will also be available at the sta-dium according to Mr Munya.

K’Ogallo’s concerns came at a time when the county government announced plans to position itself as the home of sports by reno-vating the stadium at a cost of Sh200 million.

“There was a bit of delay at the beginning because of budgetary procedures and the rains which interrupted the initial take off in the construction. But I can now say that the progress is steady and our target is to be through and host the African champion-ships,” he said.

Meru to host 2018 Africa Cup of Nations

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Meru’s Kinoru Stadium could be one of Kenya’s stadiums to host the 2018 the 2018 Africa Nation Championship (Chan) if all goes well.

an architectural impression of what kinoru Stadium will look like after renovation.By JaMeS MUtWiri

The County Assembly wants those who approved the payment of Sh2 million for a case filed by miraa farmers in the United Kingdom to pay back the amount.

A report adopted by the Select Committee on Public Accounts and Investments (PAIC) on the Auditors General’s review of financial opera-tions of the executive in 2013/2014, says the payment made to Kurauka and Company Advocates was “ille-gal”.

But Kurauka and Company Ad-vocates has denied receiving the amount from the Meru County government saying the money was paid directly to Dass Solicitors in UK.

PAIC chairman Daniel Kiogora said the money was never approved by the county assembly.

“The law firm was not represent-ing Meru County government and therefor did not have the moral right to be paid directly,”Mr Kiogo-

ra, who is Abotoguchi West MCA said.

Nominated MCA Alhaji Mwen-dia said there were records indi-cating that the legal firm charged Sh600, 000 for its services in the Miraa case.

Antubochiu Ward MCA Henry Mworia said it was not clear wheth-er the Sh2 million was spent in the case since leaders and farmers had raised money through a fundraiser that was attended by Deputy Presi-dent William Ruto.

But in a statement, Lawyer Hen-ry Kurauka wants the assembly to provide evidence that his firm re-ceived the said amount.

“We wish to state that Kurauka and Company Advocates were not paid Sh2 million as alleged by Meru MCAs. The allegations are baseless, malicious, unfounded and tanta-mount to cheap propaganda.

“The Meru County Assembly should up its game and avoid cheap political propaganda. The said Dass Solicitors were introduced to farm-ers by Senator Kiraitu Murungi,”

“Kurauka and Company advo-cates are yet to be paid Sh11 million for excellent legal services they have rendered to miraa farmers and traders in multiple cases,” he said

Last month, a delegation from Meru region visited State House where President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the Fund and assented to the Bill that recognises miraa as a cash crop.

The government also allocated Sh1 billion to cushion miraa farm-ers from the ban of the commodity from the European market. The deccision followed pressure from Meru leaders who demanded ac-tion after the cash crop was banned in the UK and Netherlands two years ago.

But unlike growers of other crops, miraa producers have no formal grouping like a coopera-tive. Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju has assured miraa farmers that a taskforce to look into their plight will be formed soon.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga also visited Meru County and said

he held talks with Tanzania Pres-ident John Pombe Magufuli and a Bill is in Tanzania’s Parliament to allow miraa trade in neighbouring Tanzania.

Mr Odinga and Meru ODM lead-ers blamed the Jubilee administra-tion through Nacada for branding miraa a drug leading to its ban in Europe and that the Kenyatta ad-ministration has failed to use diplo-matic muscle to regain the market.

Muguka farmers from neigh-bourng Embu have also demanded a share of the Sh1 billion saying they should not be discriminated against as they face similar challenges like miraa farmers.

Muguka is a species of miraa grown in the drier parts of Embu in Mbeere area.

But as stakes for farmers in-crease with the Sh1 billion fund allocation, a section of leaders want the stimulant banned altogether.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi and his Jomvu counterpart, Badi Twalib recently asked Mombasa governor Hassan Joho to ban khat, saying it is destroying the lives of hundreds of youths and marriages.

They say Mombasa has many idle youth who are still in their most productive age adding that khat is contributing to increased insecurity and poverty in the area.

Assembly seeks refund of Sh2m paid for Miraa case

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

Thika-based Shree Jain Youth League has announced plans to put up a Ksh500 mil-lion fully fledged hospital in Thika Town, subject to the availability of at least 5 acres of land.

This was revealed by Mr. Rajan Shah, a board Trustee member, on the opening day of the Free Shah Eye and ENT Camp at Chania Girls High School.

Rajan said that the hospital is intended to be a non-profit making hospital that will generally be targeting the poor and the less privileged in the society.

“We have set aside about Sh. 150m-200m to put up the first phase of the project, ba-sically be fully-fledged eye and ENT hospi-tal that will target poor people who cannot afford the costs of treatment in the regular hospitals. Our charges will be quite mini-mal so as to benefit as many needy persons as possible. Our only challenge is the avail-ability of land,” said Raj.

He added that they had engaged both the Kiambu Government and the area MP

Alice Ng’ang’a to try and work out a solu-tion to the acquisition of such land.

Concerning the camp, Raj revealed that this being their 37th Camp, the communi-ty had planned to screen 20,000 cases, op-erate on about 600-700 cases and provide 5,000 pieces of reading glasses during the 10 days.

Last year, the camp attended 19,000 cases.

Eleven (11) volunteer doctors, six (6) eye and five (5) ENT specialists had travelled from India to come and assist in this out-reach screening programme.

They had cases from far and wide where they went out of their way to provide trans-port and boarding facilities to patients from Kisumu, Siaya, Kitui and Makueni County.

Among the cases they were handling in-cluded simple operations for raptured ears, cleft lips among others. Majority of these cases would otherwise have costed these patients between Ksh. 20,000 and 100,000 in the regular hospitals.

“The large number of people visiting the camp is an indicator that we have a very big population suffering at home for lack of financial ability to access medical atten-tion in our hospitals. We can only do little to help the situation. This then calls for the government, both national and county, to partner with people like us to see to it that we increase the reach to these cases. We are also appealing to our own Kenyan doctors to volunteer in such programmes as part of their community involvement in giving back to the society,” said Raj.

Shree Jain Youth League is also involved in other community programmes such as paying bursaries to needy students and buying wheelchairs to assist the physically challenged. In December 2015, they hand-ed over an abolition block to Chania Girls High School that was worth Ksh. 3 million.

The few patients we talked to at the camp were very grateful to the organisers adding that were it not for them, they would have lived with their ailments with-out medical attention due to lack of funds.

NEWS 5BUDGET

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

The County Governments Bud-get Implementation Review Re-port for July to December 2015 reveals that Kiambu County spent Sh2.7billion in recurrent expenditure and only Sh975 mil-lion on development projects. Sh131 million was spent on do-mestic and foreign travel in the first six months of this financial year. The report tabled in the National Assembly also shows that Kiambu collected Sh1.05 billion in revenue.

In their County Fiscal Strat-egy Paper (CFSP) 2016, Kiam-bu blamed the low absorption rates to the delay in the release of funds by the national govern-ment and challenges with reve-nue collections. The delay, the paper says, led to disruption of the activities of county that com-promised service delivery and jeopardised development spend-ing considering that the non-dis-cretionary county expenditures like personnel emoluments which are recurrent in nature take precedence in government planning and spending.

As of January 2016, the Coun-ty had already spent sh4.7 billion equivalent to 40% of the total budget for FY 2015/16.

Going by the allocations in the Budget Policy Statement (BPS), the county projects to get an equitable share of sh8.9 billion from the National Gov-ernment for the FY 2016/17 con-stituting of equitable share and conditional grants in addition to its own projected sh3 billion revenue collection, totaling to sh11.9 billion.

Out of this projected income, a whooping sh.8 billion (67%) has been budgeted for recurrent expenditures with the wage bill consuming wage sh4.74 billion.

The overall development ex-penditure for FY 2016/17 will be sh3.9 billion, accounting for merely 33% of the overall county budget.

However, Kiambu has en-sured that they have restricted their budget to their projected income to fully finance it with-out a deficit.

The county intends to have an efficient and effective rev-enue administration system which will ensure that it meets its revenue target. They also plan to strengthen the enforce-ment and completion of admin-istrative reforms that include the automation of systems and expansion of the revenue base to net in property rates and con-solidation of revenues for ease of administration and collection.

PRIORITY AREAS:

In Trade, Industry, Tourism and Cooperatives Development,

the county has set aside sh398 million for the construction of Boda Boda Sheds, model kiosks in urban areas, enhancing sup-port of Advisory services offered to entrepreneurs or MSMEs, developing tourist/heritage and cultural centres, marketing of tourist/heritage/cultural cen-tres, constructing shelters for Jua Kali, capacity building and human resource development to ensure proper implementation of projects.

Sh642 million has been allo-cated to Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock department to create an enabling environment through development of ap-propriate legal and regulatory framework, construct more fish ponds and promotion of fish farming, enhance facilitation for bulk milk coolers and pasteur-izers in all sub counties, diver-sification and expansion of the strategic animal feed reserves to include hay and commercial feeds, increase area of land un-der irrigation, enhance animal genetics, embryo transfer and vaccine production, manage-ment and control of strategic pests and diseases, and to in-crease aqua-culture productivity through technology develop-ment and innovations, selective breeding, extension services and capacity building.

In Youth, Sports and Com-munications, sh518 million is set to be spent. The priority areas will include expanding reach of Biashara Fund beneficiaries to over 5,000, mapping and exe-cution of youth empowerment strategies, developing, upgrad-ing and managing of sports facil-

ities, identifying and nurturing talent, promotion of leagues and tournaments, operationalisa-tion of a Sports Academy to nur-ture top level skills development of sports men and women from ward level countywide as well as capacity building of sports administrators, instructors and coaches, designing, implement-ing and evaluating of athlete development plan, deepening strategies on information, com-munication, publicity and me-dia relations, public relations, events management, digital and social media management, cus-tomer care and branding.

REVENUE REFORMS:

So as to expand its revenue base, Kiambu County plans among other things, to ensure that all loopholes that lead to revenue leakages are sealed and that all fees, charges and levies due to the County are paid. Ad-ditionally, new properties are being brought into the system through vibrant enforcement mechanisms.

It will leverage its assets to make them income generating by converting public houses that sit on high value land into high value assets. This will be through their upgrading to quality housing that can gener-ate income to the county at the market rate.

Revenue enhancement will also be achieved through up-grading public markets by in-cluding constructions of higher quality shops that can generate rents to the county.

Insights into Kiambu County 2016-17 budget

Mr. rajan Shah and a colleague.

Shree Jain community to build Sh500m hospital in Thika

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

Bidco Africa has started constructing a Sh4 bil-lion beverage plant on a piece of land off the Thi-ka-Garissa highway in Thika Town to produce and bottle non-carbonated still drinks, carbonated soft drinks and water.The new plant is expected to improve Thika pro-file as one of the manufacturing hubs in Kenya.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) funded factory, whose planned commissioning is mid next year, is part of a Sh20 billion expansion blueprint that will see Bidco go into other manu-facturing streams as it seeks to grow its business four-fold from the present Sh50.5 billion annual turnover.

“The groundbreaking for the beverage factory happened in February but actual construction started early this month,” said Bidco chief execu-tive Vimal Shah in an interview.

“We had hoped to that the plant would be op-erational by the end of this year but some regula-tory hurdles have forced us to move that target to around June of next year.”

Bidco’s beverages factory will have two process-ing lines — each with a capacity to produce 24,000 bottles per hour.

A separate plant will produce about 100 million plastic bottles per year.

The estimated annual production capacity of the soft drinks plant is 50 million litres to be split among the different product lines such as energy, sports drinks, and smoothies (with and without milk).

Other products will include carbonated soft drinks and non-carbonated still drinks such as iced tea, coffees and bottled water.

Bidco currently manufactures edible oils, cook-ing fats, soaps, baking powder, animal feeds and detergents.

The firm, which was founded in 1970 as a gar-ments factory, controls more than 60% of the cooking fat and 54% of the cooking oil market in Kenya.

Mr Shah is now ready to do battle with sea-soned beverage manufacturers such as Coca Cola, East African Breweries Limited, Pepsi, and Del Monte who have over the years cemented their positions locally.

The company’s entry into the soft drinks mar-ket will also turn the firm into a competitor of lo-cal ready-to-drink juice makers like Kevian Kenya (of Peek n’ Peel and Afia brands) and water bottlers such as Crown Beverages (Keringet).

Bidco is seeking to expand its business dramat-ically by launching new brands in the fast-moving consumer goods space.

FEBRUARY 2016MT KENYA STARNEWS6

THiKA pOLicE

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

National Police Service (NPS) has unveiled a newly painted Thika Police Station, courtesy of Africa Spirits Limited. The partnership between NPS and Africa Spirits Ltd, a Thika-Based alcohol manufacturing company, has given the station a new look complete with a new coat of paint, water connections to the lavatories, renovation of offices, repair of the water tanks among other repairs.

Speaking while presiding over the event, Director of Inspections, Assis-tant Inspector General Miriam Muli invited other private organisations to borrow a leaf and partner with their local police stations. This she noted, would go a long way in promoting community policing and improving the relationship between the police and local communities.

“We appreciate what Africa Spirits Limited has done to this station and we are extending our call to other private companies to partner with us in helping renovate our stations as part of their corporate social respon-sibility projects,” said Ms Muli.

Police officers all over the country have been living in deplorable con-ditions, a matter the Office of the inspector general says is being dealt

with.“The police department has been

facing housing challenges in almost every station over the years, a matter that the Inspector General and the government is seriously looking into. Thika is far much better than other stations in the country,” she said.

She added that recently about 300 housing units were leased for officers in Nairobi and more projects are being done to improve the police welfare.

“A residential flat is almost com-

plete here and more houses are be-ing erected all over the country,” said Ms Muli.

While thanking the organisation, Ms. Muli urged police officers to take good care of renovated establish-ments by maintaining them proper-ly. She also urged them to reciprocate by ensuring that they offered quality service to the public.

Antony Kagiri, the Corporate Af-fairs Manager of Africa Spirits Limit-ed, noted that their organisation was at the forefront in promoting lasting Private-Public partnerships especial-ly with the police.

He noted that the Police Service was one of their key stakeholders and that they were committed to painting and renovating four other police stations across the country.

“Our organisation has noted the great strides made by police in secur-ing our businesses and commercial establishments and we will recipro-cate that gesture by giving police sta-tions a new look,” said Kagiri.

The company injected Sh. 3million into the project that started last year with Embakasi Police Division later Thika Police Division before proceed-ing to Narok, Athi River and Kiandu-tu Administration Police post in the near future.

“Our initial budget was Sh. 3mil-lion but we shall have to review it up-wards to about Sh. 5million so as to enable us meet the identified needs. We are happy that the officers in this station now have a better working environment that we believe will enhance their service delivery to the citizens of this region,” said Kagiri.

The first phase of the refurbish-ment works was launched last year by the Inspector General of Police Mr. Joseph Boinnet.

Present at the function were the Kiambu County Commander Mr. James Mugera, OCPD Thika West Mr. Erastus Muthamia, officials from Africa Spirits Ltd among others.

Thika Police Station gets face-lift

Bidco starts Sh4b soda, juice plant

Thika land grabbers to surrender titles

thika police chiefs.

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

Thika West Deputy County Commissioner Tom Anjere has put on notice all those who have grabbed public utility land and those with illegal titles deeds saying that they will face the full force of the law.

He said that his office was working with Kiambu County Government to reclaim riparian land, wetlands, road reserves and other public utility lands adding that before anyone put up any houses, they should involve the county government and ensure their plans have been approved.

“Those who are not willing to respect the environment, to respect the planning; they should consider their days numbered. We are not going to think about what you have done on any space if it is a threat to the environment and does not comply with planning regulations,” he said.

The DCC said this in Mabati Hall, Thika Sub-County Stadium on Monday where he chaired the district’s joint security meeting. He add-ed that within the next two weeks, all estates should have formed their own Estate Associations that will oversee their own hygiene, security and such illegal developments.

“All public utility lands in this area will be documented, thus all illicit titles will be revoked. I ask you as the residents to be very vigilant to help the authorities fight this vice. The Estate Associations will be of great help to monitor security and all other illicit activities in our resi-dential areas,” said the DCC.

These Estate Associations will help authorities in collecting relevant data necessary for better service delivery.

“These Estate Associations will help list down all public and private utilities within their jurisdiction, identify the owners of undeveloped land so as to curb land grabbing as well as help clear unwanted bushes and maintain hygiene within the estates. They will also have the duty to organise on how to secure their estates, say by enclosing them in walls to allow only one or two entry and exit points from the estate,” he said.

He said that they were in the process of devolving security into the sub locational level so as to enhance monitoring and control of security matters.

He appealed to the officials of ‘Nyumba Kumi’, community policing, Peace Committee and elders to be tipping the authorities on illegal ac-tivities and suspicious characters so that they can assist them serve the wananchi better.

The DCC warned bodaboda operators that there would be a major crack down if at all these operators did nothing to flash out criminal elements amongst them.

He said that starting from Thursday this week, Thika West District will hold a series of meetings with the people in an effort to re-align its sub-locational and locational boundaries after Juja was hived off Thika West.

On Thursday, his team will be in Biashara Location at 10am and Ma-kongeni at 2pm to collect public views on the boundaries. On Monday, the team will be in Kariminu Location.

Speaking in the same venue, Thika OCPD Erastus Muthamia said that crime in the area had gone down save for a few cases which he said that police were looking into. He asked wananchi to cooperate with the police and assist the police serve them better.

He noted that the town had in recent times had an influx of ‘choko-ras’ and beggars who he suspected were being transported from else-where and dump to the town by disreputable and dishonest people out to fleece the public through these beggars.

Thika District Administration Police Commander Mr. Ombonyo asked wananchi to report all rogue officers to their superiors so that they could assist security organs serve them better.

The police department has been facing housing challenges in almost every station over the years, a matter that the Inspector General and the government is seriously looking into. Thika is far much better than other stations in the country.

Bidco Vimal Shah Ceo Bidco africa.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR NEWS 7

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

In Kenya and Africa at large, small scale farming is a way of life full of challenges but equally full of huge opportunities. The unprecedented population surge in Kenya has led to high rate of unemployment and depletion of land and natural resources. Many families are struggling to make ends meet.

The depletion of farm land has caused harsh economic times with most house-holds in urban setups nowadays depend-ing on less than a ¼-acre plots to meet their daily needs.

It is for this reason that Kiambu Sub-County Livestock Officer Margaret Gathoni advised Kiambu residents to bet-ter utilise their land through sustainable agricultural methods.

“One of the best opportunities for small-scale farmers can be through in-

digenous poultry production. Rearing kienyeji chicken is cheap, less labourious and have high returns. They not only pro-duce quality meat but also have a ready market,” she said.

She added that indigenous chicken farming dominated the poultry farming of the country with about 90% of the pop-ulation in Kenya keeping small flocks of chickens in free range.

“This type of farming is very flexible and requires very little space. Our people need to exploit this opportunity because it offers quick returns to the farmers in relatively simple ways of managing them,” said Gathoni.

She added that kienyeji rearing was one sure way to eradicate poverty and an opportunity for self-employment, becom-ing self-reliant and responsible members of the community.

In this way, she said, there would be reduced cases of social ills as many more people especially the youth will be able to earn their living genuinely. The economic standard and quality of life of the resident of Kiambu County will hence improve as they can produce their organic food and earn some cash from the project.

“Nairobi and Kiambu County actu-ally has a shortage of kienyeji eggs and chickens. Our poultry farmers have con-

firmed there is high demand for eggs and chicken and they are unable to meet the demand as a result of few farmers ven-turing in modern poultry farming. Most of our poultry farmers just rear less than 10 chickens for domestic use. Our rural farmers hardly sell or slaughter their chicken except during festival seasons or when an important guest visits. So, the few who rear more chickens are unable to satisfy the ever-increasing market,” she said.

To address the shortage, she encour-ages Kiambu youth to venture into this business so as to free themselves from the yoke of poverty and joblessness.

“It was apparent the youth cannot not continue complaining forever or feel sor-ry for themselves. Wriggling your way out of financial quagmire remains your only feasible solution. With a starting capital of Ksh. 1,500 you can buy two hens, a cock and some eggs and start your free-range rearing project,” said Gathoni.

She advised them that they could raise their chickens in a semi-intensive system with an area measuring 8X10 meters in-side a wire mesh enclosure 8ft high. The poultry house can be constructed using locally available materials.

She said that the birds can spend most of the day within the restricted area and are only allowed to move outside for an

hour a day to scavenge, an inborn trait. This system, she said, makes it easy to manage the chickens, requires a low level of labour and enables the farmer to con-trol any loss of eggs as well as mortality rates and pests and diseases. They will also get ample time to do other chores.

The chicken manure can be applied to the garden to boost the soil fertility and grow vegetables like kale (sukumawiki) to sell for human consumption and as a sup-plementary feed for the chickens. Grow-ing the kale and vegetables together is an example of the perfect symbiosis between animals and plants that far too often is avoided in today’s agricultural practices.

To achieve optimum production, the farmer can also feed their birds with high-nutrition feeds including kale, mill-ing waste, green grass, kitchen waste, sunflowers, cereals, and omena-fish meal and kienyeji mash, a local home-made feed. While scavenging in the evening, the birds go for insects, wild seeds, and maggots, as well as ticks from around the cows’ pen, acting as a biological pest control.

She promised the county’s assistance in organising seminars in partnership with the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) on how to rear chicken and seek-ing for readily available markets.

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Among the projects that had benefitted included the reha-bilitation of Banana-Ndende-ru Road for 226million, the improvement of Ruiru-Thika NMG Facilities (144m), the re-habilitation of Gitaru-Ndum-buini Road (326m), The reha-bilitation and improvement of Ruiru-Hospital Road (233m0, construction of access roads to Kikuyu Railway Station (270m)

and the construction of access roads to Limuru Railway Sta-tion (132m)

Other projects that in prog-ress and those that are ear-marked to start very soon in-clude the construction of Juja circuit roads and access roads to Juja Railway Station (395m) and construction and rehabil-itation of access roads to the Thika Railway Station (168m).

The project has also seen the installation of 315 street lights

complete with street lighting poles and 77 security flood lights (220m), construction of the 5billion Ruiru and Juja sew-erage system (almost complete) and the delivery of modern fire engines and related capacity programmes.

In addition, the county will benefit from the construction of modern markets and bus parks, solid waste management and the establishment of physical address system in Kiambu and Thika.

“These projects are part of the Nairobi Metropolitan 2030 Strategy that is centred on enhancing mobility and connectivity through effective transportation. It has seen im-provements in the highways ca-pacity, by-passes developments and the development of priority road networks. The new roads components focuses on areas in need of roads,” said Kaimenyi.

Among those department that contributed heavily in these developments included The National government, The Kenya National Highway Au-thority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Rural Roads Authority (KURA) and the County Government of

Kiambu.Prof. Kaimenyi said that there

was a need for the authorities to address the indiscriminate civic irresponsibility such as throw-ing rubbish on the roads, spill-age of sewerage and water on these roads and overloading on the part of transit companies. He also said roadside traders that their behavior made these roads insecure and very difficult to navigate.

The other group of people that Kaimenyi singled out as possible threats to these de-velopments were those who vandalised the equipment and signs on the roads.

He sent a very stern warning that all those responsible for these ills that their days were numbered.

On 10 May 2012, the World Bank approved Ksh. 27.89 billion (USD 330 million) in funding for the Nairobi Metro-politan Services Improvement Project (NaMSIP).

Kenya kicked off an ambi-tious Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan for Twelve (12) Towns forming the 4 Clus-ters within Nairobi Metropoli-tan Region in Kenya was meant

to serve as the framework for the growth and development of each town for the next 10 years.

This project aimed at strengthening urban services and infrastructure within the Nairobi Metropolitan Region for an estimated 1.5 million ur-ban residents. The project was developed to help steer Kenya towards the path of becoming a middle-income country – one of the goals of Nairobi Metro 2030. It was geared towards the re-de-velopment of the Nairobi Met-ropolitan Region into a world class, state of the art sustainable urban Railway City.

This is a premier urban de-velopment project in the heart of Nairobi Region that will create an inter-modal hub for metropolitan commuter rail traffic, as well as other planned urban public transport includ-ing Bus Rapid Transit, other potential Mass Rapid Transit, such as light rail, motorised and non-motorised transport, while ensuring integration with the spatial structure of the Central Business District and surround-ing areas.

The project began in 2014 by offering institutional reform and planning assistance to each of the fifteen local authorities within the Nairobi Metropol-itan Region and improving government infrastructure and services.

Kiambu gets Sh1.7b metropolitan fund

Kienyanji chicken seen enriching youth

lands CS prof. Jacob kaimenyi.

KiAMBU METROpiLiTAN FUND

Kiambu County has done road networks to the tune of Ksh. 1.7 billion under the World Bank funded Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project (NaMSIP). This was revealed by the Cabinet Secretary Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi when commissioning the construction of Ruiru circuit roads.

kiambu Biashara fund is a revolving fund for financing small and medium scale enterprises that are youth driven. to get more insights about the fund, we spoke to County Minister for youth affairs, Sports and Communication Machel Waikenda.

KIAMBU BIASHARA FUND

Q What is the objective of kiambu Biashara fund?

The objective of the fund is to transform the lives of the residents of Kiambu. There are many residents that are entrepreneurs with existing or new businesses without adequate funding to support those businesses. The fund is meant to enhance the economy of the county by empowering the youth, women and PWDs to establish and expand their businesses.

how much is the fund worth?

Currently the fund is worth Sh250 million that was approved

by the county assembly for disbursement.

how is the fund funded?

The fund is funded from the County Government allocation that we receive for the Youth Affairs, Sports and Communica-tions department. This is a revolving fund that relies on fund-ing from the county government to sustain itself.

does it led to individuals or groups or both?

The fund lends to individuals with a maximum of Sh100,000 to individuals, and to groups with a maximum of Sh500,000.

What is the maximum/minimum amount of loan lenders can get?

There is no minimum amount but lenders can get anywhere from 6 months on average to three years to pay off the loan.

What sort of security are members required to give?

Generally there is no security required other than the asset. The fund focuses on asset financing and we do not give out cash. The asset secures the loan.

What has been the impact of the fund so far?

The impact of the fund has been huge, as we have disbursed Sh120 million so far to approximately 2000 residents that have benefitted from the funding. We have reached many more with over 10,000 residents trained when the launched the fund and from the numerous capacity building programs that we conduct. So far we have received over 30,000 applica-tion forms that we are processing. As you can see, the impact has been good.

in Meru, the government has some up with a micro-finance body, is this fund likely to take that form in future?

The end goal of the fund is to be a microfinance body but with the initial target of focusing on impacting lives at the local level. We are committed to transform lives with the fund and this was the first fund launched by a county government.

how do you ensure that people who borrow from the fund have the capacity to implement what the applied for? any form of training for instance for new business starters?

Any new beneficiary must go through training before they re-ceive the fund. Additionally, we do not hand out cash, rather we focus on asset financing. This ensures that the funds are used for the intended purpose. Also before we disburse, we go through an elaborate due diligence process that involves visiting the business/group in their area of business and the credit reference bureaus.

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

PUBLISHERSfor the good of kiaMBU people

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

Mount Kenya University and China University of Petroleum (East China) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see the two institutions develop a joint scientific and technological research projects.

By JaMeS ng’ang’a.

Anthony Muli from NFDK said that the donations included assorted items such as sewing machines, carpentry, salon and barbershop equipment, wheelchairs, and so forth. He said that the programme was meant to benefit everyone but was limited to their sh. 60million annual budget.

“To benefit from the programme, one can acquire the official of application for assistance forms from any Provin-cial Administration or Department of Social Services offices in the Republic of Kenya or download these forms online from the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya’s website,” said Muli.

Speaking while overseeing the deliv-ery of assorted donations to beneficia-ries Thika West Deputy County com-missioner Tom Anjere said that there was need for a paradigm shift from the way affairs were conducted, especially when it came to how the disabled were assisted.

“As a district, we are going to work with the political leadership in the area and the Kenya Association of Manu-facturers (KAM) to run a crash pro-gramme to ensure that we get rid of all the disabled persons from the streets. We are not just going to remove them from the streets, but we are also going to empower them so that they can do something meaningful for themselves. That is something that we are very very committed in doing,” said Anjere.

He assured the residents that within the next two weeks, the streets of Thika will be free from the beggars. He said

that they intended to start a campaign to discourage people from going out begging for alms.

He said that for this to succeed, he was going to involve all the stakehold-ers, especially the leaders and KAM, who will supplement what the govern-ment and NFDK are doing.

His office was in the process of cre-ating a forum where all stakeholders in the district could compare notes and identify those who had already bene-fitted from any of these programmes. To achieve this, his office was planning to carry out a census of the number of disabled persons within the district so as avoid duplication of allocation. This

will ensure that once one benefitted from any of these aids, they gave way to others.

All the 40 beneficiaries were in praise of the programme saying that it had empowered them by ‘giving them the feet to walk’.

“Am very thankful to the govern-ment for this equipment. It will enable me to start my own kinyozi business which will earn me and my family my daily bread. Before I have been strug-gling to make ends meet. Since I have a background in shaving people’s hair, this donation is a big boost to me,” said one beneficiary who did not want to be mentioned by name.

Catherine Waithera from Maraba in Witeithie Location, was all smiles. She advised those begging in the streets to seek other alternatives such as the one they were benefiting from so as to discount the notion that disability is inability.

“Begging degrades us. It makes people to look down on us and in con-tempt. So, please look for something you can do,” she said.

Donations to Individuals usually pro-vides them with physical equipment and not cash grants/loans.

The main thrust of this project is to provide empowerment to persons with disabilities by providing them with a vehicle with which to realise their economic potential and thus fostering self-reliance as opposed to a culture of depending on other members of society for basic livelihood. The project also encourages sustainable growth of en-terprises started for individuals, so that one does not feel limited to a certain ceiling in terms of self-actualisation.

In their Rehabilitative empowerment programme, beneficiaries are provided with various rehabilitative aids and ap-pliances that help to alleviate the spe-cial circumstances that persons with disabilities find themselves faced with and therefore unable to fit into society and compete on an equal footing with other members of society. Once provid-ed with these, an individual will be able to integrate and adopt better to society and its every-day rigours that do not favour anybody on account of disability or any other disadvantage.

A gift for the Thika West’s disabled40 People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Thika West District have benefitted from Ksh 857,000 worth of equipment and wheelchairs from the National Fund For The Disabled of Kenya (NFDK).

MKU partners with China University of Petroleum

The MoU will also see them ex-pand scholarly ties, facilitate aca-demic co-operation and promote mutual understanding. The two universities will also exchange curriculum as well as a student and research personnel exchange programme.

“This MoU promises a bright future for our students and facul-

ty. As you are aware, Kenya, and indeed Africa is replete with nat-ural resources but lacks enough manpower to tap these resources,” said MKU Chairman Dr. Simon Gicharu.

The Dean, College of Interna-tional Education at CUP Dr, Feng-chi Luan, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese university.

Speaking during the signing cer-emony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stan-ley Waudo said that empowering local communities by improving the knowledge base has always been one of the university’s key drivers.

MKU is the largest private uni-versity in East and Central Africa, both in terms of infrastructure and student population. One of its stra-tegic campuses is located in the oil-rich Northern Western region of Turkana. Anglo-Irish firm Tullow Oil, which is drilling for oil in the area says there is as much as one billion barrels in deposits.

China University of Petroleum (East China) and its sister univer-sity, in Beijing are considered to be the best universities in petroleum related studies in China. The uni-versity was founded in 1953, as Beijing Petroleum Institute.

Meanwhile, Waudo has said that guided by the University Quality policy to support Community Ser-vice, MKU has scheduled a free ca-reer day and mentorship program in all its campuses and centres on 10th May 2016 starting at 9:00am.

“We cordially invite all form four leavers, youth, parents and the general public for free advice to widen their career opportunities, scope and to explore the wide –

range of academic and profession-al courses which are offered at the University, said Waudo.

He added that the institution offered various flexible modes of study in the regular, short-term (evening and weekend classes) programmes and also e-learning.

The main campus will hold the event at indoor games arena next to Chancellor’s Tower.

Kisii Campus has already held a public lecture on the role of teach-ers in the African society. The lec-ture, hosted at the serene Gesonso location in the outskirts of Kisii town, was attended by Prof. Wau-do, among other key officials from Mount Kenya University.

Later, the Vice-Chancellor paid a courtesy call on Kisii County Governor, Hon. James Ongwae at his office in Kisii town. He was accompanied by Campus Direc-tor, Prof. Tom Nyamache, and Deputy Directors Dr. Nyakwara and Dr. Nderitu. They deliberat-ed on several issues among them, creating a cordial working rela-tionship between the university and the County Government, and investing more on Health Science academic programmes so as to boost the health sector within the County.

MT. KENYA FOUNDATiON

Mr. humphrey Mwangi, kenya tea packers (ketepa) head of Sales and distribution, presents cheque worth Sh1.5 million to dr. lucina koyio, Chair of governing Council - the Mater hospital. the funds will go toward sponsoring the Mater heart run 2016 to be held in nairobi, kisumu, Mombasa, Machakos, Mumias and nyeri on 21st May 2016.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR NEWS 5

BY FILEX MURIITHI

At the heart of Runyenjes town lies a water company that purifies and packs bottled water dubbed Cool Breeze, a product which is growing in popularity in Mount Kenya region.

The company is owned by a seemingly tall and slender man who was once a casual labourer, digging pit latrines for villagers at a pay of Sh10 per foot to sustain his fam-ily. He also owns several storeyed buildings in the town.

Although John Murithi is among the few business people who majorly control economy of Runyenjes town, his story is an indicative of the proverbial grass-to-grace tale. A man who started with noth-ing moving through heckles of life to own properties.

However, he credits the success in his business life to blessings from the highest God. Murithi, who admits that the way to his current status has not been even, also considers his business venture as a spiri-tual call.

He notes that passion, resilience, hard work and determination are his main core values in the business life. Murithi has a belief that if one wants to become rich and own properties, he must take care of a shilling.

He advises, “Respect and take care of a shilling and a thousand will care for itself. Through this believe of caring for the shil-ling one easily owns property.”

Murithi who hails from Kang’ondu vil-lage in Runyenjes central ward completed his education in standard eight. He could not proceed with the secondary education because his father was a cripple and his mother was unable to provide fees because she had no job.

“We were ten children and my mother could not provide everything. This made us do any work available in the village. With my brother, we devotedly looked for labour-intensive ventures from people farms. Mostly, we were commissioned to dig pit latrines for villagers, a job that was flouted by many,” he explains.

By that time, pit latrines diggers were paid Sh10 per foot but today, the pay has increased to between Sh150 to Sh250 de-pending on where it is dug. Digging it in

the rocky areas is expensive.He dug latrines for two years and when

the work minimised, he was employed as a casual worker in Kiviuvi coffee factory located to the East of Embu County for another year. This was in 1990.

“When coffee produce went low, I was among those who lost job. During the one year I worked there, however, I managed to save some money which paid my fees when I joined driving and mechanic cours-es in Kerugoya town, Kirinyaga County,” he reveals.

After going through the courses which took six months, Murithi returned home and secured a job at a combined wholesale and retail shop in the same town following friend’s endorsement.

His work, he says was to offload Lorries that brought stock before he was elevated to a level where he would sell and sort or-ders from the retail shop customers within the town.

“I worked very hard because I knew my hard work would get me out of the murk. I arrived at the shop before everybody else and went across the town sorting orders from retail shop customers despite my meagre salary of only Sh300 per month though the pay increased with Sh50 per month,” he evokes.

“My boss appreciated my hard work and helped me to start a small shop in Gi-tare market of Embu County. I had saved Sh6, 000 by then. I worked closely with him as he gave me goods on credit to pay later,” he tells us saying he started distrib-uting soda while here.

He consistently worked hard and found himself purchasing an old lorry in 2001 and ventured into timber selling venture. In 2011, Murithi started the cool breeze

water company after he understood water was still a menace in Runyenjes town. The town also has no sewerage system.

The businessman who manages his venture with wife Nancy Wanja distributes his packed water across Mt. Kenya region but Meru and Embu regions offer him the largest market. He is also the sole supplier of the important commodity to the town dwellers since few people are connected to piped water in Runyenjes.

“I also distribute water in the whole town for usage. When the ministry of health and KEBS visited the site, where I source water, they rated my water the best in the region,” he says smiling adding that his main customers are schools, dispensa-ries and churches amid others.

Murithi says his major challenge is poor roads within the town which provides his major market. Every day, he delivers be-tween 4, 000 and 7, 000 litres but hopes to increase his customers within and outside Mount Kenya region.

“The poor streets of the town make things hard especially during rainy sea-sons. I am not saying it to only ease my distribution business but also for other farmers who bring their produce in the market,” he says.

To address this challenge, however, the county government started tarmacking the streets of Runyenjes town last year but it has not completed.

Murithi is popularly known for his soda distribution business which he started back in late 1990s and does it until today. Through his ventures, he has been able to create permanent jobs for more than 60 young people who are paid on daily, week-ly or monthly basis depending to individ-ual’s wish.

How toilet digger built a trading empire

John Murithi with his wife nancy at their soda distribution premises in runyenjes town.

iNSpiRATiON

BY FILEX MURIITHI

When MT. KENYA STAR vis-its, we find James Ruthuku tour-ing his cabbage farm, changing water sprinklers from one place to the other. He holds the pipe to water the cabbages grown at the edges of his farm so as to avoid wastage of the important commodity.

“Using a sprinkler at the edg-es of the farm would see water splashing to my adjacent neigh-bors’ farm and they may not be in need of it. This may also lead to conflicts,” says Ruthuku.

Ruthuku has been a mixed famer who majors in grow-ing cabbage for the last seven years. But before venturing into cabbage farming, he was a Miraa farmer who uprooted the bushes after heeding to a call by Nthagaiya Catholic priest, Fr Bernard Njeru who warns against growing of the stimulant saying it is harmful.

Other than heeding to the cleric’s call, Ruthuku reveals that Miraa prices falls to the lowest level during rainy season since a kilo that goes for Sh1, 000 during dry season is sold at Sh100 during rainy seasons.

“During the onset of the rains through the offset, Miraa prices go down. The crop can’t be eat-en in the family as a meal unlike banana and cabbages which can be eaten in case they miss mar-ket,” he observes.

Since the switch, Nyaga who grows his cabbages in Kiamuvia village of Kawanjara sub-loca-tion, Runyenjes constituency admits he fetches good money compared to the time he was growing Miraa.

However, he advises that if one wants to make a kill out of cabbage farming he/ she must be keen on timing since high or low farm returns depends on when you harvest and to whom you sell.

“If you harvest cabbages during rainy periods, you are likely to lose. During rainy pe-riod, there are many vegetables in the farms. You will likely sell

them at a throw away prices. Cabbages also go bad during rainy seasons,” he says revealing there is a need for timing.

Ruthuku, who works in his two-acre farm with his wife Al-ice Waruguru, grows Queen F1 type of cabbage because it yields medium-sized cabbages.

He has timed to be harvesting his cabbages barely a month and a half prior to the onset of rain-fall. He says, during this period, cabbages fetch good money.

Together with some other 314 farmers in the area, they invest-ed Sh96, 000 each to enroll into Ena Multi-purpose Irrigation plan, a project that instilled ir-rigation water into their farms.

He reveals that cabbages require enough water and that is why he invested this amount to be con-nected. This is when Ruthuku ventured fully into commercial cabbage and banana farming.

“I started uprooting Miraa bushes gradually replacing them with banana stems after irrigation water was connected into my farm in 2010. I have used window method to grow bananas so that I can include cabbages, which I dearly love. I have grown bananas chiefly to assist in controlling soil erosion,” he reveals.

Njeru adds that Queen F1 type is not hard but soft when cooked. “It is also sweet com-pared to other types of cabbages giving the reason why it attracts high demand in the market. This variety produces medium size cabbages that are liked by vendors attracting more buyers.”

Ruthuku who has 2, 000 cab-bage stems in his farm sells his cabbage on wholesale to cab-bage vendors in Runyenjes mar-ket and Kang’ethia in Ena at an average cost of Sh20 and Sh30 per piece regardless of the size.

Last season, Ruthuku sold cabbages worth Sh105, 000 that he used to pay school fees for his two children and sorting other family needs. He plants his cabbages at a spacing of 21 by 21 inches although he notes planting spacing depends on the variety of cabbage grown.

John Njeru, a cabbage ven-dor in Runyenjes Market, Embu County says buyers like medi-um-sized cabbages.

“If you buy huge cabbages, the vehicle you use to transport will carry a limited number at a time hence pay transportation fee regularly depending on the number of times it will ferry and if you buy small cabbages, you will be at a loss because they are cut at the same price from the farm,” Njeru tells the press.

Alex Kinyua, an agricultur-al officer based in Runyenjes sub-county says for better har-vest, one should be keen enough on the diseases and the pests which affect cabbage yields.

“Bacteria soft rot is one of the most common diseases that af-fect cabbages amid other crops. The farmers should however be diligent enough. However, there is need for regular spraying. For optimum yields, cabbages need a lot of water, manure and regu-lar spraying,” he says.

Ruthuku finds cabbages profitable than miraa

ruthuku waters cabbages at his farm in kiamuvia village, embu County

MAY 2016MT KENYA STARNEWS6

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION,SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

addendUM

This follows specific procurement notice whichappeared in the Standard and the Daily Nation

newspapers respectively on 25th February, 2016relating to tenders no. iCB/MoeSt/tVet/phaSe

ii/3/2015-2016 to tender no.iCB/MoeSt/tVet/phaSe ii/35/2015-2016.

The closing date has been changed to 19th May, 2016at 10.00 a.m. local time. All other factors remain thesame. Bidders are advised to pick the addendum

relating to the tenders at the Project offices at TelepostaTowers 24th floor Room 2409 during working hours.

KENNETH MWANGIFor: PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

re: gok/adB SUpport for tVet proJeCtphaSe ii

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

BY FILEX MURIITHI

Although he is confined on a wheelchair, Morris Gakuru moves slowly across keenly scrutinizing blossoming of his numerous seedlings his quarter farm at Kamiu village of Mbeti North Ward in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County.

Young Gakuru, however, is not at the farm always. The day’s weather pat-tern directs him on where to be and at what time unlike many other farmers who work in all weather.

“I only come here when it is not raining. And if the rains starts, I call for a taxi vehicle immediately to take me back home three kilometers from here,” says the 30-year-old and Namor Horticultures farm proprietor.

The father of one has already gone through eleven operations since last year’s robbery attack that left him al-most dead.

Gakuru recalls date 28th January 2015 when robbers broke into his home and hacked him using machet-es leaving him unconscious before fleeing with some valuables.

Either, he says the unfortunate inci-dent changed his life completely. The affable man reveals that the robbery incident took place after he sold his first batch of seedlings.

“That day I had sold my first lot of seedlings. However, I did know that through my hard work I had become an enemy of the people who forcefully snatched my toil. I was dangerously hacked opening my route to the Embu level five hospital and later Chogoria and Kijabe referral hospitals respec-tively,” he recalls in pain.

After he stabilized in Embu level five, Gakuru was transferred to Chog-oria and admitted for two months. Here, he underwent six surgeries

while in and out of the hospital.But after months of travelling to

Chogoria hospital for follow-ups, it was discovered that both limbs had developed infection and was referred to Kijabe hospital where he under-went five other surgeries and travels until today for follow-ups.

He has already spent close to Sh2m on treatment since the day of the in-cident. He gets the funding from his Seedling Empire and friends.

Before venturing into his prosper-ous seedlings venture, Gakuru was a casual laborer at a construction site near his home area receiving at least Sh150 per day.

Through the job, however, he met a friend who works at the Kenya Agri-cultural Research Institute (Kari) who taught him to graft seedlings.

“Through the friend too, I used to visit the institute. However, one day a seedling buyer came at the offices to buy. But they had not grafted enough making them source for extra seed-lings from individual farmers. I was impressed and thought if I grafted my own seedlings, I could have supplied them,” he reveals.

He had saved some Sh2, 000 from mjengo payments which he used to

buy pieces of plastic papers and soil from the construction sites in Novem-ber 2012. The next step was to collect local mango seedlings from neighbor-hoods.

Gakuru collected 2, 000 seeds, grew and grafted them. And after barely four months, a customer came and bought all his mango seedlings at Sh100 each hence pocketing some cool Sh200, 000.

“I could not believe my eyes. Al-though I was attacked following the sale, I did not despair. My family members contributed some other Sh3, 000 for me and I continued with my business,” he says.

Today, Gakuru has 250, 000 tree seedlings at his farm with 150, 000 macadamia saplings. The seedlings comprise of Mangoes, avocadoes, passion fruits, lemon and paw paws among others.

He sells each grafted seedling at Sh100 but increases the cost of Mac-adamia tree seedlings to Sh350 each. He also sells apples at Sh150 each. In a good day he can sell more than 500 seedlings.

Young Gakuru admits that the proj-ect is worth a try and especially by the youngsters who believe there are no jobs.

Through the venture he has provid-ed permanent jobs for eight employ-ees who prepare the seedbeds, grow the seeds and graft under surveillance of Mr. Gakuru.

Esther Wanja and Joseline Mukami who have worked in Gakuru’s venture for the longest time says they have learned a lot in starting and managing such ventures.

Facing a major challenge of health risks, Gakuru who dropped out of school in form two following lack of school fees credits the venture saying it has supported him much in funding for his hospital bill and other family needs.

“It has also created jobs for sev-eral youths,” he says adding that he also trains farmers on grafting free of charge when they find him at the farm.

Shot by robbers, excels in selling seedlings transforming

Morris Gakuru assists one of his workers to place mango seedling.

I only come here when it is not raining. And if the rains starts, I call for a taxi vehicle immediately to take me back home three kilometers from here.Gakuru

iNSpiRATiON

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

Mav

ingo

: FEATURE 7

QTell us about E-town pictures?

It is a company dealing with photogra-phy, video production and digital arts. Based in Embu town.

What do you mean by digital

arts?

Digital arts is very wide but basically it using computer software like Adobe Photoshop to come up with a piece of art.

Did you study the skills?

Yes. I have a diploma in video and film production from Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.

How long have you been in busi-ness?

3 years.

What did you want to be when growing up?A doctor.

What is your greatest achieve-ment so far?Winning an award on a documentary I directed about cyber bulling called “Untamed media” while still in college.

Who do you look up to?Locally Osborne Macharia. Internation-ally Aaron nice.

What your take about many peo-ple not recognizing the people behind the cameras?It really feels bad but I always have my logo on all my projects. Photography is a career should be respected. It calls for sacrifice and hard work.

What are the challenges you face?The right machines for the job are ex-pensive. Sometimes clients run away with my money since mostly the job agreement is verbal.

Where do you see yourself in five years?Running a successful photography and video studio

Your last words?Thanks very much to all those who support E-town pictures and we will continue working together.

E-town Pictures is a growing brand

I left bank job for love or art - MuthoniBY FILEX MURIITHI

Armed with a pencil, rubber, paint and blushes, Rita Muthoni Nyaga broadcasts her artistic abilities attracting tens of people daily at her outlet situated at Royal Arcade building in Embu town.

At29, Muthoni is an outstanding fe-male artist who has not only sells her art work in Embu but also in Nairo-bi, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Tharaka Nithi among other counties

She produces several types of art-works which, include paintings, por-trait drawing, signboard writing and modelling.

Her startling works keeps her busy as she is frequently contracted by different companies among other individuals to draw their portraits and sign-write for their business premises.

The youthful lady did not know that she was on the way to her future career when she drew different items during break times in school.

“I drew cars, people, buildings and animals among other things for fun. At times, my classmates admired my drawings which I ended up giving them for free. I didn’t know I was slowly by slowly perfecting my to-day’s career,” she says.

Muthoni who hails from Manyatta area of Embu County, completed her high school in 2004 and immediate-

ly enrolled for computer packages course that took six months.

After successfully completing the course, the affable lady joined Embu College for a diploma in business studies until in 2007 when she joined Daystar University for a Degree course in Procurement and logistics supply management.

She graduated in 2011 and imme-diately secured a job as Procurement and logistics supply management of-ficer with the K-Rep bank.

But in 2014 February, Muthoni felt that her abilities were not fully exploited and she left the office job to venture into art.

The next step was to join her old friend, an artist whom they worked with in Nairobi before she (Muthoni) relocated to Embu town in January 2015.

She invested Sh100, 000 to start her current work. “I used this money to pay for rent, bought some paints, blushes, plywood, nails, hummer, canvas, printing papers, a desktop computer and a small printer.

With the computer, I also design and print clothes, banners and wed-ding and business cards among oth-er printouts,” she says. Judging with how she is frequently contacted for the job, it is apparent that Muthoni has outshone many artists in the area.

She says at times, she does not have to look at an original object when drawing it. If she is attracted or loves something, may it be an animal or an object; she draws it perfectly without looking at its original state.

“I have never seen a giraffe live. I only saw it on television and because

I believe in myself, I decided to draw it. I have also drawn other wild an-imals such as lion and a leopard but I sold them last week,” she says fine-touching a giraffe at her working desk.

Muthoni reveals to the press that she doesn’t like writing messages on her drawings unless on special re-quests by her clients.

“The reason as to why I don’t write messages on the drawings is because I want people and clients to see the beauty and humanity in my work. I don’t them to see negative life from the drawings.

Mark you, what appears to me as negative, may appear to someone else as positive. This makes me to omit messages on my work giving it a different viewpoint from my clients who in turn purchase,” she explains.

She sells each piece of her work at between Sh200 to Sh5, 000 depend-ing with its size and material used. Either, she draws a portrait at Sh3, 500.

Muthoni says a single drawing may take her between four hours to four days to draw depending on the size, colours and the purpose-as in, what she wants clients to learn out of it.

She advises young people and es-pecially girls to work on their talents since they are currently taking people far.

“I would like to tell everyone and especially the feminine gender that there is something in you that is not in anyone else. Before you leave the earth, make sure you have contribut-ed something. This is the reason you were born,” she notes.

ARTIST: rita Muthoni nyaga busy at her work station in royal arcade uilding.

BY FILEX MURIITHI

The Kenyan 2007/08 post-election violence (PEV) left many people dead and other victims desperate without a fathom of what future holds for them.

Post-election victims thrive in Mbeere

But a group in Mbeere South, amal-gamated by a virtue of being victims of the same came together for a solution. Their move paid off as today, almost each one of them owns at least a piece of land.

Eight years down the line, the group which was formed in mid 2008 and registered as a Community Based Organization (CBO) in 2013 has not only helped members own properties but also improved Mbeere people livelihoods through agribusiness and value addition for effective market sustainability under One Village One Product program (OVOP).

“Four members of the group were in Kiambu during the PEV and were affected. However, they organized to-gether with other 12 members from the place who resolved to relocate and form a self-help group in Mbeere

which is today, the Vulnerable United against Poverty (VUAP), the CBO,” says Mary Njeri, the CBO’s Chairperson saying they started with the contribu-tion of Sh200 per member.

VUAP which is the umbrella group for Mavuria Youth for change, Kombo Munyiri Agricultural, Blessed Moth-ers, Umoja Agribusiness and Kari-mari disability self-help groups has 26 members drawn from all the sub-groups in 13 villages.

The CBO has between two and three members from every subgroup depending with the number of mem-bers each subcategory has.

Njeri says their main aim was to bring the landless, vulnerable and the extreme poor together to purchase joint lands. However, they have extend-ed their boundaries and started to im-

CONTiNuEd ON BACK PG >>

Mrs Mairu feeds a goat at their Kiamukuyu farm.

Donata Murugi, the Sacco manager said increase of the members has been inspired by the numerous re-ferrals made by satisfied customers who encourage new members to join the eight-year-old Sacco follow-ing their new and customer-satisfy-ing products.

“This growth has also been en-couraged by the recent partnership with the sister organization Focus Realtors Housing which has boost-ed membership and the member deposits,” Murugi said adding by the end of this year, the Sacco expects to have registered over 1, 365 new members.

In November last year, the Sacco launched three new prod-ucts which the manag-er says have greatly boosted the new member enrol-ments.

She said, “The Pata Membership pole pole, Pata shares pole pole and the Pata Sham-ba pole pole loan products launched last year have greatly increased the number of new customers. The products see mem-bers and other potential non-mem-bers getting plots, membership and shares easily.”

Beneficiaries of the products, however, pay the plot loans at a maximum of four years and enjoy one interest-free year. But for mem-bers to benefit from these products, they must have saved with the Sacco for a minimum of three months.

Linus Murithi, the Focus Realtors Sacco chairman said with the help of their sister organization, focus realtors housing co-op society, Sacco members have been able to receive quality and satisfying services.

“Through the new products, members were are also able to join focus realtors housing and purchase more shares in the same through our Sacco comfortably,” Murithi said.

He noted that after introduction of the three loan products and partnering with their second arm, the Sacco had experienced an over-whelming loan application which was caused by members who ap-

plied for the loans to further their developments.

“The management, however, strived to ensure that those mem-bers who had applied for the loans were facilitated to avoid disruption of their development programs,” he revealed reminding their mission statement which out-show as an organization that mobilize savings and give affordable credit, cultivate and uplift members livelihood as well as enlightening members with an aim of borrowing for economic thrift.

The two who spoke during the Sacco’s eighth annual gener-al meeting said launching of the

subordinate firm had enhanced their cus-

tomer services. They promised

to unveil new p r o d u c t s which will see more customers benefiting from their services and

be served as per their wish-

es.Speaking during

Winas Sacco annual general meeting in February this year, CIC insurance Group CEO Tom Gitogo lauded the idea of diversification saying, “Saccos should not solely rely on income from lending to customers. They should diversify in various businesses to withstand the current Sacco unbending com-petition and boost profitability.”

Gitogo noted that in 2015, com-panies had issued profit warnings with part of it being limited diversi-fication particularly in investment income.

“Saccos can also venture in real estates or still set up company subsidiaries that go into other ventures to surmount stiff compe-tition,” Gitogo said advising Saccos to diversify professionally, observe integrity and corporate governance as well as consult experts especially in areas they consider best to ven-ture in.

The Focus Realtors’ company housing firm has a major aim of empowering society and members to acquire land for development and at affordable prices.

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

PUBLISHERSfor the good of eMBU people

By Whitney nyaWira

When the entrepreneurial bug bit her, she decided to resign from the comfort of formal employment, and today she is happy for the decision she made.

The married mother of four left her job as a secretary at Kithunguriri sec-ondary school in 2003 and topped up her savings using a loan from a micro-finance organisation to get adequate capital to start her first business.

“While in employment, I would buy shoes at Sh600 per pair in Nairobi and sell to teachers and villagers at Sh1,000 making a profit of Sh400. I realised that when I sold 10 pairs in a single day I would have made a profit of Sh4,000, which was more than my salary of Sh3,000,” she narrates.

With that realisation she saved mon-ey for six months and her husband Al-bert John Njiru added her some money to start a hotel business in Embu town.

The business did not pick up because of dishonest employees who capitalised on stealing from her to the extent of “selling all mandazi and preparing more then lying it had not been bought”.

This was worsened by her inability to put constant inspection since she lived in her rural home where she had to pre-pare children for school then commute to town daily.

She decided to close the hotel busi-ness and open up clothes shop cum a grocery store at Kiriari market using Sh35,000 worth of savings.

The clothes business thrived and in three months’ time she closed the gro-cery.

“I decided to expand my business and resolved to be buying stock in Eastleigh in Nairobi. I approached my husband and my sister and they each gave me Sh20,000 to boost my capital,” she says.

Resilience in business is critical as she found out because the woman who showed her clothing emporiums in Nairobi took her to just one shop and she had to navigate on her own to other shops for more clothes variety and big-ger discounts.

When her boutique business stabi-lised within a year’s time, she realised she needed a bigger stock to increase her stock hence her sales and earnings.

The microfinance she visited ad-vanced her Sh50,000 using her title deed as collateral.

She invested the loan into the busi-ness and repaid it within six months.

When she later sought another loan of Sh100,000 from the same organisa-

tion they declined citing it was above their limit.

“For the next two years I operated my business without any additional credit and was able to pay the bills and make profit. When the need came to expand the business further, I went to Winas Sacco, which had in the past advanced money to my husband and they treated him well,” she says.

In November 2013, she applied for Sh500,000 loan from Winas Sacco us-ing her shares of Sh135,000 and referees and was advanced the secured loan.

“I timed the loan with a time when tea farmers were about to receive their bonus. I put more stocks and sales soared. I was to repay Sh26,000 per month after a two months grace period, but I decided to be paying Sh30,000,” she narrates.

After paying for one year, the business was so good that she also cleared the

balance in a single repayment!Winas Sacco CEO David Kariuki says

her repayment impressed the manage-ment and they asked her to take anoth-er loan but she declined until a need would arise.

In October this year, Ms Gitiri re-ceived a Sh300,000 loan from the same Sacco in anticipation for this year’s tea bonus.

For her, the months of November, De-cember and January are the most lucra-tive since the rural economy roars with the injection of tea bonus and coffee pay out money.

At such times she makes a mod-est profit of between Sh40,000 and Sh50,000 which is a big difference from what she was paid in employment, which by today wouldn’t have exceeded Sh13,000.

“I would business people, especially women and youths not to fear taking loans. However I would urge them to di-vert the money to other uses,” she says.

Ms Gitiri plans to venture into matatu business once she is through repaying her current loan.

She prefers credit from Saccos to bank loans and laments that the latter’s interest rates are too high and they give little room for negotiations.

Ms Gitiri who has attended training on management of small businesses organised by Growth Oriented Women Enterprises urges women to attend such courses to learn to run their ventures profitably.

How Rose used Winas Sacco loan to expand business Rose Gitiri runs one of the biggest clothes shop, Rojo Boutique, in Kiriari market, Embu County meeting the clothing needs of hundreds of residents because she stocks nearly all the items they require.

Winas Sacco Ceo david kariuki speaks to rose gitiri, a businesswoman during a visit to gitiri’s rojo Boutique in kiriari market in embu County.

Post-election victims thrive in Mbeere

Focus Realtors Sacco records 38 percent membership growth

By fileX MUriithi

Focus Realtors Sacco has recorded a 38 percent membership growth in the first quarter of this year. In December 2015, the Sacco had 553 members growing to 894 in three month’s time.

prove food security through training local farmers on the best crops that thrive in the area due to unreliability of the rainfall.

Evelyn Mairu, the VUAP secretary says the CBO through the period it has been in existence, it has sought collabo-ration with the ministry of Agriculture who assist in training farmers the qual-ity farming trainings, networking and support of assorted seeds and trees.

“We are also collaborating with the department of industrialization in the County for implementation of OVOP and also we closely work with the Iri-amurai catholic parish who majorly assists us if need be,” she says.

Initiative self help groups in the re-gion have also joined hands with VUAP for comprehensive agriculture, existing resource mobilization and environmen-tal change in the County.

Onesmus Njeru, a Mbeere South res-ident and a beneficiary of VUAP train-ings regarding bee keeping says the CBO has also been empowering youth and women groups to access the gov-ernment allocation funds for economic empowerment.

Through this empowerment, VUAP ensures that are assisted in order to ac-complish one of the vision 2030 pillars of economic, social and political for sus-tainable development goals.

They envision improving the vul-nerable communities’ economy by en-lightening rural/urban development through agribusiness farming as their major priority for poverty reduction.

The CBO which has already brought on board over 500 farmers through the small self help groups, targets 1, 500 farmers in the sub-county through OVOP for value addition and market access this year.

The CBO has already acquired

5O acres of land at different areas of Mbeere south where the members have agreed to farm as a joint project for quality agribusiness farming and value addition.

In the farm situated at Kiamukuyu area in Kiritiri, the group members grow Cassava, cow peas, sorghum, groundnuts, green grams wheat and sweet potatoes which after harvesting, they mix and mill producing their flour dubbed SELDAM NUTRI flour for por-ridge. In a week they can sell 50 kilos of the flour with each going for Sh200.

Apart from crop farming and pro-ducing the flour, the CBO has also started keeping dairy goats that result from the cross breed of German Alpine bulks with the traditional doers as well as KENBRO chicks.

Mairu says they are in the process of training Mbeere community to keep quality and quantity products at a small space rather than grazing large flock

of goats and cows that at times bring conflict to the neighboring causing low production.

However, the CBO faces a major challenge of unreliable rainfall, lack of resources such as equipment machin-eries, electricity and water connection.

They also face a challenge of poor road network for transportation reach-ing the farmers for raw materials as well as taking the final products to the market.

“Reaching to final processes of our products is time consuming as we do everything manually. There is also a high risk of contamination for a lot of physical labour is used. We have poor sanitation following lack of clean wa-ter,” she discloses.

However, VUAP is optimistic that construction of the proposed Rupin-gazi mega water Dam by the nation-al government will highly boost their projects.

<< CONTiNuEd FROM PG 7

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR 5ADVERTISEMENT

MAY 2016MT KENYA STARNEWS6

BY ALICE MUTHONI

Kiharu MP Irung’u Kang’ata says he is confident that President Uhuru Kenyatta will act on the recommendations that will be presented by the coffee task force that collected views from across the coffee growing regions.

“I have confidence that the recom-mendations presented to the pres-ident will be acted upon,” he said. “The president has already acted on the interim recommendations, by removing some of the coffee licenc-es,” he added.

During the State of the Nation ad-dress this year in March, President

Kenyatta waived, “with immediate effect,” coffee licensing fees and lev-ies in an effort to improve the live-lihoods of farmers and to make the sector more lucrative.

President Kenyatta has also di-rected the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Treasury and Attorney General to undertake a review of tea and sugar levies. He said he expects the waiving of coffee licensing fees and levies to boost the earnings of farmers by four percent.

In the same month, the president had constituted a taskforce to iden-tify the factors ailing Kenya’s previ-ously flourishing coffee sector. Pro-fessor Joseph Kieyah was appointed to chair the taskforce with the assis-tance of Agriculture Principal Secre-tary Richard Lesiyampe.

Earlier, the MP had sponsored a Bill in parliament that would set the minimum price guarantee for both

tea and coffee. The Bill proposed that coffee farmers are allowed to sell their produce at the farm gate to societies rather than wait for pay-ments after milling and selling of the processed beans.

“The intention is to have a price guarantee that will motivate farm-ers to continue tending the crops. This is the only way we can rescue the sector,” Mr Kang’ata. “It will also revolutionise the coffee sector given that farmers will get their pay upon delivery.”

The Bill seeks to have a fund that will be used to pay the farmers in case the international prices col-lapse below the guaranteed mini-mum returns.

“The proposed amendment will provide incentives to the coffee and tea farmers so as to boost their pro-duction and in turn increase their returns,” says part of the bill.MP

Kangata said the next step will be to sponsor a motion in parliament to review the Crops Act in order to leg-islate Guaranteed Minimum Return for farmers.

“This will help to caution farmers from price fluctuations,” he said. He said prices for farm produce should be regulated by the ministry.

At the constituency level, the MP said his priority is to ensure that all the people of Kiharu have access to clean drinking water. The MP says he has already started and in some parts completed clean drinking wa-ter projects in Mugoiri, Gaturi, Mbiri and Murandia.

He said that rehabilitation works for the Gikindu Irrigation projects are also ongoing. He is also proving leadership in the rehabilitation of several roads in the constituency.

Kang’ata confident of coffee reforms

A youth produces hydro power using household material

KiHARU

BY BETH WAMBUI

A 24 years old man from Kahindu-ini village in Mathioya sub county, Murang’a county has become the pride of his village after inventing hydro power using locally available material.

John Magiro Wangari started producing electricity from Gondo river using house hold materials including old bicycle parts when he was in Mihuti secondary school.

Magiro has used Sh60,000 so far from well-wishers and his savings to produce over 300 kilo volts power which he has used to light up more

than 72 homes in his village. With no prior knowledge of power

production and installation, and with very little assistance from his teachers, Magiro painstakingly worked on the project for years, at first only managing to produce enough power for his family.

He tapped water from River Gondo and using an old bicycle rim, an old chaff cutter part and a conveyor belt from an old chaff cutter to make a turbine, a gear box and a generator, the zealous youth was able to produce power.

Since his childhood, Magiro says he had a dream to generate power for do-mestic use and to him this was a great achievement.

“I had this idea for a long time and when I joined form one and learnt a few basics on power production, I im-mediately embarked on the idea,” said Magiro.

The irony of the achievement is that Magiro scored an average of ‘E’ in his ex-aminations especially in Physics where he got the knowledge to produce the hydro-electric power.

Magiro scored a “D” in his Kenya Cer-tificate of Secondary Education exam-inations in 2013.

“The fact that I did very badly in my examinations did not hinder me from achieving my dreams,” he says.

He says he has never suffered any power blackout since he began his mini hydro-electric power plant by raising Sh6, 000 from his mother and selling some goats and rabbits he had kept at home.

For the poles, he cut down some old trees from his mother’s com-

pound and used thin zinc wires to transport power to

the house about 300 me-tres away from the river.

Using old metal parts, he has made some spe-cial climbing shoes to go up the high poles when necessary.Magiro also did wiring in

his house, his mother’s house

and his neighbours homes by himself and improvised a cut-out point to con-trol the flow of the current in case of a power surge and used old jerry cans as insulators.

He however says financial constrains have hindered him from purchasing bigger and better equipments to enable him produce more electricity to light up more homes in his neighborhood.

The confident youth says he began experimenting power generation while in standard four using a bicycle dynamo and developed an obsession to generate power.

Magiro was once taken to a special school after he failed to grasp anything in school and says he has ambitions to make an electric car and many other ‘inventions’ which he believes will turn his life around.

Magiro has also invented a way of charging mobile phones using torch batteries, which he says could be useful to people travelling to places without electricity.

Villagers have expressed admiration for the young man saying it is amazing how Magiro was able to come up with such a venture yet he was very poor ac-ademically.

They say Magiro serves as an example to other students with such talents add-ing that the project is a breakthrough and an encouragement to other stu-dents to become more innovative.

The residents said so many talented youths end up being frustrated in life as they lack support to realize their full po-tential and achieve their dreams.

John Magiro Wangari shows off some of the tools he used to produce hyddro power when he was in form four at Mihuti Secondary school in Mathioya.

kiharu Mp irungu kang’ata.

KENGEMA - KENYA

FUJiAN pROViNcE - cHiNA

tea tea farmers prepare their tea for sale at Mutunguru tea bying centre in kangema.

farmers pick tea in China fujian province. tea plantations in the city of Wuyishan occupy over 9,866 hectares earning Sh24.3 billion a year.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Residents of Githingiri Estate near Thika Sports Club in Gatanga Constituency of Murang’a County are a worried lot following rise in residential burglary and petty crimes in the recent times.

On Sunday, the latest victims whose homes were raided the previous night told the press that they were living in fear following a spate of robberies in the last few weeks and blamed the soaring crime on ‘insiders’. They said that the culprits knew the geography of the area so well that they operated in incognito and then had the loot ferried on bodabodas and tuktuks.

“We were asleep in the house when we heard some noises outside our house. Upon peeping through the window, I saw

some dark images in the compound and screamed for help. As we were getting out to confront them, we realised that they had tried to break into their house,” said Mama Kimemia.

The thieves ran away as the neigh-bours woke up to answer the distress call. It was when these people went to the goat shed that they realised six of them had already being killed and they were in the process of slaughtering them when they were heard.

“When we got to the goat shed, we found six goats had already been killed and they had started slaughtering one of them. We found the knife they were us-ing just next to the feeding trough,” said Mama Kimemia.

The victims lamented of the rise in the cases of insecurity saying that in a spate of one week, more than three homesteads had fallen victim to these criminals.

“On Thursday they were at my neigh-bour’s house, Wednesday they were in this other homestead and we have been reporting the same to the AP Camp in the area, but every time they tell us that they

are investigating,” she added.Caroline Wanjiku, another victim of

these criminals said that on Wednesday night, she lost valuables and electron-ics of unknown value when the thieves broke into her house.

“It was around midnight when they came to my house and stole all my electronic devises. It is as though these people are spraying their victims with anesthetic that render (someone) uncon-scious because we never heard anything only to wake up in the morning to find that they were victims of robbery,” said Wanjiku.

“Even though we don’t know exactly where these people are coming from, we believe that this is an inside job because they seem to the area so well and easily escape when they suspect that they have been heard,” she added.

“I am very scared now because if at all a person is so daring to break into your home, it means that they are even ready to kill,” said Wanjiku.

Lawrence Wanjau Karanja is another victim who has lost valuables too.

The day before yesterday, a similar in-cident happened in the nearby Kahai-ni shopping centre in Kandara Sub-County where ten goats were killed in a same manner and slaughtered. It is alleged that there has been a syndicate that was involving butchers in the larger Kandara and Thika region who are preying on people’s livestock and sending emissar-ies to steal, slaughter and run away with the meat, leaving behind what they felt would be evidence that could lead to their arrest.

All of these victims were unanimous that security in the area was wanting. They called on the authorities to increase surveillance and weed out suspecting characters in the neighbourhood. They also called on the residents to embrace the spirit of ‘Nyumba Kumi’ so as to en-hance security amongst themselves.

“I am calling on the police to beef up on security because these people are just within and they will still do it again and again until they are apprehended,” said Wanjiku.

NEWS 7

By JaMeS ng’ang’a

Led by their interim chairper-son Mr. Kennedy Wanyoike, the group whose members were drawn from all wards in Gatan-ga made a declaration that if the current leadership failed to respond to their petition, they would mobilise the residents to demonstrate against them and

demand service delivery.“We are going to petition both

the county government and our area MP seeking for answers to the challenges and programmes falling within their dockets. This time we are not begging for the service. We are not begging for the completion of pending projects. We are demanding for them because it is our right as

taxpayers,” said Wanyoike.They said that as the con-

sumers and the funders of these projects, they were not interest-ed with the political or ideolog-ical differences by their leaders. All they were demanding for was service delivery regardless of whether the work was under the national or devolved gov-ernment.

“We don’t care what project belongs to which government. If it is a road, all ‘Wanjiku’ wants is its completion,” he said.

He sighted road projects in both Mitumbiri and Kakuzi, Kirwara health Centre whose construction had stalled, Kin-yangi and Gitiri Dispensaries which lack medical personnel,

Under what they refered to as “Gatanga-1 Declaration” the group resolved to go round col-lecting signatures from Gatanga residents that they will use to demand for quality service de-livery within their constituency as well as demanding for an authentic public participation in the decision making of the issues that affected the county.

They declared that they would no longer keep quiet

as public money was misap-propriated, misused in ‘white elephants’ that were meant to benefit the implementers or sit down and watch elected lead-ers and their cronies use public funds in projects that were not a priority to the larger commu-nity.

Joseph Mwaniki, a member of this group, said that their caucus supported the develop-ment agenda of the Jubilee Gov-ernment. It was for this reason, he said, that they had thought it wise to unite the people of Gatanga so as to build a united front that could be exploited to demand for substantial services and opportunities from both levels of government.

“Today, the 1st day of May, we have resolved to stay united and use our unity to demand from the two levels of govern-ments, what rightfully belongs to the people of Gatanga,” said Mwaniki.

Jubilee Gatanga Chapter was formed early this year as a WhatsApp group that was geared towards bringing togeth-er opinion leaders from the area that subscribed to the Jubilee Government ideologies. Their mission was to bring positive change to Gatanga politics and development.

The group is geared towards encouraging Gatanga people especially the youth to par-

ticipate in political processes so as to raise a generation of transformative and value driven leaders. The initiative plans to engage the community in trans-formative political leadership and democratic governance. They plan to play a role in governance as well as creating awareness that will bring about a new political culture in Gatan-ga Constituency and Murang’a County in general.

Through various platforms such as the social media, they aim to mobilise their people and encourage them to take their rightful place in the devel-opment and political processes of their wards, constituency, county and the country.

Rifts among the leadership of Murang’a County has been evident that have even seen a section of MCAs moving a mo-tion to impeach their governor. There has always been allega-tions of lack of accountability in the management and use of county resources.

Leaders from various quar-ters have kept on asking their political leaders to put aside their egos and agree to ac-commodate one another for the sake of their people. This initiative is seen as one way of creating a truce in the county that may result in moving it for-ward as regards to development projects.

Jubilee Gatanga Chapter demands for development

Insecurity threatens investments in lower Murang’a

gatange jubilee delegates during their meeting.

JUBiLE GATANGA cHApTER

Opinion leaders from the vast Gatanga Constituency have put on notice Murang’a County Government led by Mwangi Wa-Iria and the area MP Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njuguna to either to fix the problems facing their constituents or soon face the wrath of a disillusioned electorate

pictures of Joseph gichure Wanjeri, a third year student who went missing at karatina University.

By Beth WaMBUi

A family from Kangema constituency Murang’a County is appealing for help to find one of their kin who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

22 years old Joseph Gichure Wanjeri who is a third year Educa-tion Science student at Karatina University vanished without a trace late last month(April).

His friends have said that they had spent the previous day before he disappeared revising for exams and were surprised when he failed to sit for the paper.

They said when he failed to turn up at the exam hall, they got concerned afterwards went to look for him in and notified the institution’s management when they did not find him who then informed the parents.

They however noted Gichure had become withdrawn since the beginning of the semester and appeared stressed but that he refused to open up on what was bothering him.

According to his father Simon Mwangi, the family learnt of his disappearance from his colleagues who called home to en-quire if he was home after he missed an exam.

He said that they have made efforts to look for him every-where including hospitals, morgues to no avail but they are still hoping to find him safe.

The university Vice Chancellor Professor Muchai Muchiri who visited the family said that the missing 3rd year student’s absence was noted on April 22nd after he missed end of 6th semester examination.

Prof Muchiri said that the student was residing in a hostel 500 metres outside the university and upon realizing that he was missing they tried to reach him with no avail.

He said when they visited his room, the door was locked but there a pair of shoes had been left right outside and some clothes had been soaked in a bucket indicating that he may not have intended to be away for long.

He said at the moment there is little the university can do as students are sitting for their examinations but added that they are awaiting the outcome of the search that has been launched by local police.

Muchai said they are very cautious on the security of their students saying they always urge their students to live in hostels that have been officially approved by the school.

The case has been reported to Karatina divisional headquar-ters police station with the Criminal Intelligence Department taking up the matter and they are appealing to anybody with information of his whereabouts to inform the police.

appeal for missing karatina University

student

MISSING PERSON

By Beth WaMBUi

Residents of Kigumo Sub County have pleaded with the government to consider constructing the 11.8 kilometres northern collector tunnel that is meant to boost water supply to Nairobi County in a less productive area.

By Beth WaMBUi

The leaders including governor Mwan-gi wa Iria, senator Kembi Gitura and Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau all con-verged at Gakira village where five fam-ilies were displaced by a landslide that occurred April 26.

The three have been embroiled in endless fights on the running of the county government with governor Wa Iria blaming the two for his woes.

Wa Iria has been arrested by the Eth-ics and Anti-corruption Commission detectives twice, with the first arrest happening on January last year over allegations of providing false informa-tion to the commission before the 2013 general elections in corruption declara-tion forms.

The second time Wa Iria was arrest-ed at Aga Khan Hospital where he had gone to visit an ailing MCA on February this year over allegations of inciting his supporters to rough up EACC detec-tives who had raided his Gatanga home this January.

Wa Iria publicly blamed Kamau who has ambitions to vie for the governor seat for the arrests saying the MP was trying to humiliate him after failing to compete with his development record.

Senator Kembi on his part has been very vocal accusing the governor of cor-ruption and misappropriation of pub-lic funds and using insulting language against other leaders.

When the tragedy occurred, the three however joined hundreds of Kigumo residents to search for an 80 years old woman who vanished after the land-slide occurred and is believed to have been swept away by the landslide.

The three later held a meeting at Mariira Agricultural Training Institute where they agreed that a committee headed by area Deputy County Com-missioner Moses Mbaruku will spear-head efforts to assist the affected fam-ilies.

The committee constitutes repre-

sentatives from the offices of the three political leaders and the county disaster management committee.

In a show of unity that shocked many including their supporters, the leaders also agreed that the families will be hosted at the Training Institute as a solution is made on whether they would be relocated.

The county government provided three bulldozers to help clear the de-bris at the landslide site but were later withdrawn after they started sinking in the mud.

Mbaruku said seven other homes in the area have been identified as needy as their houses have developed cracks and that the families may require to be relocated before they collapse.

“The road leading to the village will also need to be diverted 500 metres away from the landslide site as it has developed fault lines and may,” Mba-ruku added.

Statehouse donated a total of Sh. 900,000 to the five families to help them restart their lives.

The government also donated 5 bags of maize, 3 bags of rice, 2 bags of beans and 2 kilos of cooking oil and 50 iron sheets to the families before a lasting

solution to help them is made.The members of the five families

who said their children’s education may be disrupted by the displacement.

They said they have lost everything including school uniform and their livestock and will be unable to support their families.

“My source of livelihood was my tea farm which has been swept away and I do not know where to start rebuilding my life,” said David Mwangi, one of the displaced people and son to the miss-ing granny.

Mwangi said a total of 15 school going children are being housed at the centre as the families await both national and county governments to relocate them.

Landslide: Murang’a leaders united by a tragedyPolitical leaders from Murang’a County put aside their differences to rescue families that were affected by a landslide in Kigumo.

a landslide that claimed the life of an 86 years old woman at gakira village in kigumo sub county.

a sign post indicating that athi Water Services Board has started construction of the northern Collector tunnel at Makomboki in kigumo.

Mt. kenya Star report

MFamilies living in the upper parts of Murang’a county have been urged to take caution as rains intensify to avoid landslides.

The County director of meteorolo-gy Paul Murage has urged residents to be observant and relocate from their homes when they notice fault lines in their farms.

This is after two families had parts of their farms swept away and their tea bushes destroyed by landslides in Kandara sub county.

According to the director landslides occurred following heavy rains that Murage confirmed that no casualties were reported although over 400 tea bushes were swept away in the two incidences that occurred in Mukuria and Rwathe villages.

The director also added that a fam-ily in Gitugu village in Kangema sub county has been advised to vacate

their home as soon as possible after their house developed deep cracks.

“Their home has now been charac-terized by cracks that cut across their compound which show that a land-slide may occur at any time,” Murage said.

Heho village in Kigumo, he said, has also seen tens of families affect-ed after a rain storm uprooted trees and bananas that fell on some of their houses.

Murage urged locals to ensure they harvest trees growing near their hous-es as the intensity of rains continues to increase to avoid accidents.

This occurred as efforts to look for an 86 years old woman who was swept away by a landslide at Gakira in Kigumo go on.

The woman disappeared two weeks ago when her home was swept away by the landslide that occurred in the evening as she was in her farm.

The landslide displaced five fami-

lies which are now being accommo-dated at Mariira Agricultural Training Institute as a more permanent solu-tion to relocate them is deliberated by a committee that is being led by area Deputy County Commissioner Moses

Mbaruku.Murage noted that the search for

the woman has been hampered by heavy rainfall that is being experi-enced in the area with excavators that had been dispatched to the site to clear the rubble started sinking and were withdrawn.

He said it is paramout for fami-lies living in landslides prone areas to seek temporary shelters until the rains subside.

“Tuthu area in Kangema sub coun-ty has received the highest rainfall in the county with daily measurements soaring up to 79.3 milimetres,” he said.

“More Landslides in the prone ar-eas in upper Sub-Counties of Kange-ma, Mathioya, Kahuro Kigumo, are still likely to occur especially during the first month of May and people are urged to be on the look out to avoid loss of lives,” he added.

Families living in upper parts of Murang’a County urged to be cautious during the rainy season

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

PUBLISHERSfor the good of MUrang’apeople

Murang’a residents reject Nairobi water

project

The residents of Makomboki vil-lage have said that the tunnel will disrupt their lives economically as the area is very rich agriculturally and produces tea.

They said the tunnel which has been in discussion among local leaders since last year will be over 200 metres deep and risks drying up the area if interferes with the aquifer.

Led by environmental activist Sammy Ndubi, the residents won-dered why the government did not consider constructing the tunnel downstream in less productive areas.

The 3 metres wide tunnel that is being funded by the world bank at a cost of Sh. 6 billion is expected to channel 142,000 cubic metres of water into Ndaka-ini dam from rivers Irati, Maragua and Gitigie.

They claimed the 12 Kilometer long may trigger ground move-ment in the landslide prone area and interfere with ground water which will affect residents in lower parts of the county.

The residents complained that they stand to gain nothing from the tunnel that is a project of the Athi water services board.

Ndubi said Athi water services board has started constructing the tunnel even before stakeholders have agreed on the way forward.

He also said that there is an ap-peal in high court lodged by a local engineer Kuria Mwangi blocking the construction of the tunnel.

He claimed that the company has violated an agreement to com-pensate locals with sh. 1.6 million for every acre of land affected by the tunnel and instead started pay-ing Sh. 600,000.

“Only a few people have accept-

ed the compensation money as the rest of us have rejected it,” Ndubi said.

Ndubi cited the example of two homes where the company had started constructions but left the homes after they disagreed on compensation after destroying their crops.

“Why are they forcing a project that we have rejected on to us to better the lives of the people of Nairobi as they disrupt ours,” Ndu-bi wondered.

He also asked why the water company had chosen to ignore a report by a technical committee that was constituted early last year to conduct a survey on the effects of the tunnel.

The report that was tabled in the county assembly last June called for stoppage of the tunnel pending a review of its master plan and design.

The report also recommended that Nairobi County should find al-ternative sources of water and put in place measures to ensure there is efficient water usage.

“The continuing northwards en-croachment of rivers in Murang’a for water supply to Nairobi is not sustainable. Both present and fu-ture extractions will critically alter the environment and water flow to the detriment of residents,” the report reads in part.

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia on his part said his ministry had engaged local leaders in consulta-tions to deal with challenges that arose.

“Consultations on the tunnel are ongoing to ensure that all parties are on board before construction begins,” he said.

a landslide that claimed the life of an 86 years old woman at gakira village in kigumo sub county. / the upper caption is: political rivals governor Mwangi Wa iria and kigumo Mp Jamleck kamau in show of unity as they comforted landslide victims.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR ADVERTISEMENT 5

BY VIVIAN JEBET@vivianbevahvrono@ke.nationmedia.com

Three more herders in Isiolo have handed in their illegal firearms

for registration.This comes two weeks

after Ngarema MCA Peter Losu surrendered his G3 rifle for registration.

The herders from West Lo-cation surrendered two G3s, an AK47 and 66 rounds of ammunition to County Com-missioner George Natembeya yesterday.

Mr Natembeya appealed to other herders to follow suit.

Returned to ownerHe said despite presenting

their firearms a month after the expiry of a government dead-line, the herders had shown a good example to the rest.

He said no herder will be arrested while handing in a firearm.

The administrator said the firearms will be registered and returned to their owners.

He said the government would not only register the firearms but also service them.

“This will help the govern-ment to control firearms that are in the hands of the wrong people,” Mr Natembeya, who is

also the county security team chairman, said.

“Already, five firearms have been registered in Isiolo. We call upon other herders to come forward,” added Mr Natembeya.

He also directed chiefs and their assistants to encourage herders and villagers to sur-render their weapons.

“Handlers of the firearms may be asked to reinforce secu-rity officers’ efforts to protect lives and property whenever necessary,” he added.

Mr Natembeya told the herders not to misuse the guns, saying they should only be used to protect lives and property.

Residents of Daaba, Old-onyiro, Kipsing, Ngaremara, Kinna, Garba Tulla, Loruko and Kula- Mawe locations were urged to register their guns to reduce crime in the county.

In February, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery or-dered herders to register their illegal firearms before a major disarmament exercise.

More herders now give up illegal gunsThree hand over G3 rifles and an AK47 to county commissioner

Isiolo > Nkaissery warning heeded

Handlers of the firearms may be asked to reinforce

security officers’ efforts to protect lives

and property whenever necessary”County Commissioner George Natembeya

Catering for residentsNandi>> A man roasts maize and potatoes near Marikiti market in Mombasa on Tuesday night. The maize and potatoes are a delicacy for the people of Mvita in the evenings.

LABAN WALLOGA | NATION

Mung’aro disowns group that invaded farmBY KAZUNGU SAMUEL

Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro has distanced him-self from any involvement with a group of more than 1,000 locals who have invaded a private farm, sub-divided it and have been living there for three weeks now.

Mr Mung’aro told the Nation that he was aware that some

locals in Kibarani had been living on the 450-acre land which belongs to the Millen-nium Management Company, but was quick to add that the matter was being handled by security agencies.

However, he said the land was not among cases under investigation by the National Assembly Committee on land in Kilifi County.

The team was investigat-ing a land dispute in Kibarani between the locals and Pwani University.

“The other land issue we are finalising is the John Keen land in the expansive Kibarani Set-tlement Scheme in which the locals will soon be issued with title deeds,” he said

He spoke even as the locals vowed to stay on the land until

they are given the land they said was rightful theirs. The Organis-ing secretary of a group calling itself Kibarani Ward Progres-sive Association (KIWAPA) Ali Khamis said their stand is well known and that they will not be intimidated to leave the land.

“We are currently setting up structures and we shall not move until the government gives us this land,’’ he said.

Kilifi>

The NYS Youth Empowerment Programme Phase I will bere-launched by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kisii County covering 72 constituencies countrywide on Thursday 28th April, 2016.

24 | County Thursday April 28, 2016 | DAILY NATION

BY JULIUS MWANGI

Biashara Sacco will open a branch in Thika as it seeks to bring its services closer to the members and expand its customer base across the country.

Biashara Sacco Chairman Jo-seph Njamuku also informed the members that the Sacco is still in discussion with long term lend-

ers to get long term mortgage financing. This will help it lend money to buy or build houses for its members.

The chairman announced that the Sacco has established part-

nership with Family Bank. “Our members will be able to directly deposit cash in any Family Bank branch across the county to their FOSA accounts in Biashara Sac-co,” said Mr Njamuku.

He also announced that in or-der to continue reducing loan de-fault by customers, the Sacco has applied to join Credit Reference Bureau where it will forward the names of the defaulters of more than three months.

“This will help eliminate loanee behavior of avoiding mak-ing loan payments in our Sacco. It will curb issuing loans to mem-

bers who are already in default in other institutions,” he added.

Biashara Sacco is celebrating 10 years since the start of its FOSA operations. During the Annual General Meeting, the chairman announced that the Sacco’s total assets had increased from SH624 million in 2014 to Sh791 million in 2015 while the amount of loans borrowed rose from Sh505 million in 2014 to Sh672 million in 2015. The num-ber of customers also grew from 41,205 in 2014 to 48,306 in 2015. The Sacco paid one of the highest dividends in the county, at 14%.

BY EUTYCAS MUCHIRI

Kennedy Thiong’o Thumari moves from one farm to the other buying hass avocado fruits. You may think that, just like other traders, he intends to deliver the fresh fruits to the market for sale.

But the 23-year-old young man does not do so before first adding value to the fruits in his cottage industry in Nyeri Town. He ex-tracts avocado oil from them maximizing his profits.

After completing his Diploma course in aeronautical engineering at the East Afri-can School of Aviation in 2014, Thiong’o intended to start his own manufacturing company.

Initially, he planned to make herbal juice from tamarind but later changed his mind and opted for avocado processing.

But when he started the venture early

last year, he realized that it was not an easy undertaking for a person who had no the vaguest idea on how to go about it.

But where there is will, there is way. Through the help of one of his uncle who has a wealth of experience in extraction of oil from various plant products and re-search in the internet, Thiong’o was ready to face the challenge.

“I did my first experiment but the results were not that pleasant as I had expect-ed and was in the verge of losing hope. I shelved the idea and put the half processed product away and concentrated on other things,” he says.

But after several weeks, he stumbled on the abandoned half processed product, then a delicacy for rats, when he was clean-ing his room. He spread it on the sun and to his surprise, it didn’t change colour.

This observation gave him the resolve to continue with the experiment and after sometime, his efforts bore fruit. He was able to extract oil using a machine. The machine was also made locally with the help of the same uncle.

“I successfully extracted about two tea-spoonful of oil from the avocado which I used to fry some food. But the taste was unpleasant presenting me with another challenge of improving the oil which I also managed to,” he notes.

Between August and November last year, he had managed to process 20 litres of avo-cado oil and since then the young engineer says he has never purchased cooking oil.

Thiong’o whose product has been sat-isfied by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is able to make one litre of oil from approximately 16 kilos of avocado fruits. He buys the fruits directly from farmers at a farm gate price of Shs.2 and sells the oil as a beauty product between Shs. 3,000 and 4,000 per litre depending on grade.

Assuming five avocados add up to a kilo and he buys it at about Shs. 10, it means the farmer is capable of making over Shs. 200

FEBRUARY 2016MT KENYA STARSTATE OF ThE COUNTY 6

Sh4,000 for a litre of avocado oil

Biashara Sacco to open branch in Thika, pays 16% dividend

Taifa Sacco to continue business support

STATE OF THE cOUNTY

Gachagua’s promise of goodies for Nyeri residentsBY EUTYCAS MUCHIRI

An investor has already been identified for the implementation of a Shs. 10 billion solar energy project at Kiamariga in Nyeri County in a bid to tap renewable energy.

Governor Nderitu Gachagua says the proj-ect will help create jobs for the youth while the prospective investor has agreed to help in lighting up of 200 trading centers in the county.

The governor said his government will also be undertaking feasibility studies on wind energy in Belleview in the next finan-cial year.

“These sources while supplementing our current supply of hydropower is a demon-stration of our commitment in supporting the country’s agenda of increasing renew-able and clean energy sources,” said the gov-ernor in his state of the county address to the County Assembly recently.

On education, the governor said the coun-ty government is progressively improving the physical infrastructure in a bid to make Early Childhood Development Education ac-

cessible to all while at the same time ensur-ing the availability of the required resource materials.

He said eight polytechnics have been iden-tified as centers of excellence, within existing ones, for special support and specified their specialized areas of training.

He, however, said all other existing Youth Polytechnics will continue to be supported and strengthened.

“We have rebranded all of them as our technical training centers. We are just about to embark on the training of the Boards of Management of these institu-tions, followed by enhanced investments in their physical infrastructure and provi-sion of training materials,” he noted.

He observed that the country needs a core mass of skilled technical manpow-er if it is to move the economy forward.

He announced that support has been extended to the broad education sector through setting up of a County Bursary Scheme dubbed the ‘Elimu Fund’.

The Fund will help bright and needy children from poor backgrounds, main-ly those in secondary schools and colleges, with fees to further their education.

“We firmly believe that no student should fail to proceed with education purely on account of lack of fees. We have this year allocated Shs. 90 million to the Fund to be disbursed to the deserving cases before June

2016,” he announced.The fund will be expected to benefit over

10,000 students and will cater for full spon-sorship to benefiting students throughout their secondary school education.

“The Fund has the necessary structures and guidelines to ensure its prudent man-agement, including full transparency of its operations and accountability by all those concerned, right down to the ward level,” he intoned.

The County Elimu Fund Board and all the 30 ward management committees have already been inaugurated, trained and ap-plications for bursaries processed through a full participatory exercise that will culmi-nate with the disbursements of funds.

Noting that Nyeri will be the first Kenya Government Agency to develop a Virtual One Stop Shop that will be launched in May 2016, Gachagua said the facility which will be a joint initiative with the World Bank will provide Nyeri residents with a wide scope of business services.

The services will include Enterprise Devel-opment Fund, KRA services, business regis-tration, building permits and other related services.

“It will also be accessible worldwide as a source of information on investment oppor-tunities and county products,” he said.

Towards business development, he said an initial Shs. 30 million have been allocated to

be availed to traders at a reducing balance interest rate of 3 per cent.

Shs.16 million has also been issued as soft loans to 187 traders in the county from a Joint Loans Board that the county govern-ment inherited from the National Govern-ment.

“Our wage bill remains high at 52.9 per cent of the total budget and 66.7 per cent of the recurrent budget owing to the staff we inherited from the previous system. This has limited the available funds for development projects,” he said.

“This is an untenable situation and we hope to seriously rationalize on our staff capacity and focus more on training of the existing staff,” he continued.

As a result of the financial constraints, he said, revenue collection activities will be tightened up. The county collected Shs. 432 million in the 2013/14 financial year, record-ed a rise to Shs. 680 million in the 2014/15 financial year and to Shs 499,220,410 as of today in the 2015/16 financial year.

“Though we hope to realize a higher reve-nue collection level this year than in the past two years, this will still be far below our tar-get of Shs. 996,008,066. It is for this reason, that going forward, we hope to automate our revenue collection and tighten up all reve-nue collection streams,” he observed.

aVoCado: kennedy thiong’o displays refined pure avocado oil packed in 50millilitre bottles.

CONTiNuEd ON BACK PG >>

BY ALEX WERU

Taifa Sacco has said it will increase funding to its members in order to assist them grow their enterprises and farming ventures as part of supporting entrepreneurship.

Taifa Sacco CEO Samuel Ngugi the Sacco’s commitment to funding entrepreneurs is what made it win the SME of the Year Award (SMOYA) award among others in human resource, innovation and knowl-edge management, and information tech-

nology.The Sacco is also investing in a cashless

money transfer system in partnership with Visa and Mastercard. The Sacco has a cheque payment system in partnership with Family Bank, offering business cus-tomers a peace of mind and options in payment.

The Sacco has also established Taifa

Bima Agency, to ensure that its members are protected against various risks. Some of the products offered include Business Insurance Cover, Personals Accident Poli-cy, Livestock Insurance Cover, and Motor Insurance Cover

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

BY EUTYCAS MUCHIRI

The County Government of Nyeri is putting up a County Drugs Store to ensure there is a strategic drugs reserve at all times.

This will ensure that the county hos-pitals will not experience stock-outs at any given time.

Governor Ndiritu Gachagua said the store is expected to be completed and operational by August 2016.

“We have progressively increased our investment in medicines and supplies even though still below our annual requirement to meet our desired service standards. No major stock outs of essential medicines have been experienced,” said the gov-ernor.

The county government spent Shs. 143 million in the 2013/14 financial yea and Shs. 223.4 million in 2014/15 on medical supplies.

In the current year, it spent about Shs.200 million and plans to scale up the investment in the 2016/17 finan-cial year.

“Immediately on coming to Of-fice, we embarked on an ambitious program of improving access and quality of health care and sanitation services to the people of Nyeri. We take pride in the fact that we have registered reasonable success across the various levels of care in the coun-ty health system,” said the governor.

He said 251 Community Health Units have been established at the community level of care, covering all sub-locations in the county.

The units, he said are supported by 2,510 Community Health Volun-teers (CHVs) trained on control of Non Communicable Diseases. The CHVs also offer reproductive health and family planning services.

Non Communicable diseases ac-count for the major cause of mor-bidity and mortality in the county. The government also provided blood pressure machines and glucometers to each of the 251 Community Health Units.

“In the current year, 24,454 Nyeri residents were screened for hyper-tension and blood sugar. Notably, 14 per cent of those screened had elevated blood pressure while 4.5 per cent had elevated sugar confirming the fact that non-communicable dis-eases continue to be a rising burden in our county,” said the governor.

He named other investments in hospital care in Sub-County hospi-tals and the County Referral Hospi-

tal as the renovation and equipping of theatres at Nyeri County Referral and Mukurwe-ini Hospitals.

Others are Installation of modern radiology equipment (MRI, Mam-mogram, OPG machine, Digital X-Ray and Dental X –Ray) at the Re-ferral facility.

He said the investments have greatly contributed to improving ef-ficiency and effectiveness of diagnos-tic and surgical services.

Currently, the government, he said, is undertaking works to im-prove capacity of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Renal and Dialy-sis Unit at the Referral Hospital.

“To enable access to the 10 dialysis machines installed at County Refer-ral Hospital, we have subsidized the cost of the service from Shs. 8,000 as applicable at KNH (Kenyatta Na-tional Hospital) to Shs. 5,500 per session for cash paying patients and Shs. 3,000 for NHIF card holders,” he intoned.

“The renovation of our Dental Unit, with an additional state of the art dental laboratory, is at an advanced stage and we expect to operationalize it by the end of this financial year,” he continued.

He announced that the govern-ment has hired an additional 15 medical officers, 2 dentists and a consultant radiologist.

He added that a recruitment exer-cise is currently being undertaken to

fill 150 positions by end of June 2016 to address the critical workforce gaps in several cadres with nursing staff accounting for the majority of this workforce.

“We continue to build the capaci-ty of our staff through training and over 40 of our health staff have been facilitated to undertake in-service training for various specialties. To keep our staff motivated, we are cur-rently addressing the outstanding staff promotions,” he stated.

He said the mobile clinic services; supported under the Beyond Zero initiative has been boosting service provision especially in areas that have had some access challenges.

In the last one year, 39,338 cli-ents benefited from various services amongst them HIV counseling and testing, cervical cancer screening and treatment of minor ailments

through Beyond Zero clinic. On sanitation services, he said the

government enhanced its capacity through investing in a refuse truck.

It has also been engaging women and youth groups in waste manage-ment and initiating procurement of a landfill for disposal of refuse.

“Tonnage of refuse handled through the 3 county dumpsites has increased from 11,557 tonnes in 2014 to over 21,000 tonnes being handled currently,” he said.

“Our teams sweep approximately 126,960 meters on a monthly basis and have de-silted 25,775 meters of storm drain in the current year. To further augment our capacity, we have procured two additional refuse trucks and we are awaiting their de-livery,” he continued.

Health services consume one third of the total county budget.

xxxx

Nyeri to set up a County Drugs Store

residents undergo a free medical check-up in a past free medical camp organized by the county government of nyeri.

7MINISTRY OF hEALTh

APA, AutoXpress, launch Kenya’s first tyre damage guarantee

BY ALEX MWAI

AutoXpress Limited in partnership with APA Insurance has launched the XtraSure Tyre Damage Guarantee.

This product will protect the vehicle owner from paying for any unwarrant-ed repairs or unplanned replacement of tyres damaged by road hazards.

These include but are not limited to rocks, broken glass, nails, kerbs and potholes.

XtraSure Tyre Damage Guarantee (XS TDG) covers passenger and SUV tyres that are purchased and fitted at any AutoXpress Fitment Centre across Kenya, provided that the vehicle that the tyres are fitted on is used for private or personal use.

“When you buy your tyres from AutoXpress, whatever happens to them, your fault or not, we’ll fix or replace them. We will sort out anything from kerb damages, rips, punctures or glass cuts. You only pay for the tread you have used. This guarantee comes with any tyre brand purchased from AutoXpress countrywide. It is free of charge for the first year and can be extended for a second year at a charge of 3% of the value of the initial purchase price of your tyres,” said Sandeep Shah, AutoXpress Limited Man-aging Director.

Equity Bank helps Nyeri County go Cashless

BY DAVID MUCHIRI

Equity Bank has assisted Nyeri County implement a cashless reve-nue collection system. The system can now collect various fees such as parking, land rates, business permits, market stall fees through electronic payment. Its benefits include stronger accountability for funds collected and effective cost reduction thanks to a fully elec-tronic process.People in Nyeri can now save time: instead of waiting in long queues, they can pay the County fees from the area of operations without wasting time commuting.

The system has been deployed with collaboration of Equity Bank partners Ingenico Group and a Tracom.

In fact, County agents, equipped with Ingenico wireless smart ter-minals with a specific Revenue Col-lection application, can now simply collect payments when arriving at the business premises.

“We selected Ingenico Group and its local partner Tracom as

they have shown a strong expertise in providing innovative solutions to strengthen cashless payment behaviors,” explained Andrew Wakahiu, General Manager-Agen-cy Banking, Equity Bank. “This Revenue Collection program has been successful because it relies on a technology that is both simple and secure. No more paperwork, complex processes or cash manage-ment issues in the agent network; it’s a real game changer for the County administration.”

“We are proud to be Equity Bank’s partner on this governmen-tal program,” commented Luciano Cavazzana, Eastern Europe & Afri-ca Managing Director for Ingenico Group. “We are demonstrating that our technology is not limited to tra-ditional payment but is open to a wide range of new opportunities. Through this initiative, Tracom and Ingenico Group addressed admin-istrative challenges by providing a quick and convenient fees collec-tion solution to better anchor cash-less habits in Kenyans’ daily lives.”

ashok Shah (left) the Md of apa insurance Sandeep Shah, the Md of autoXpress when they launched the XtraSure tyre damage guarantee.

MT. KENYA FOUNDATiON

Some of the Senior officials and sponsors of the Mt. kenya foundation, during youth trianing meting in nyeri. the group seeks to contribute positively to youth transformation in the county.

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

PUBLISHERSfor the good of nyeri people

BY EUTYCAS MUCHIRI

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) has seen the first group of undergraduates graduate in Criminology and Security Management.

Other pragrammes where undergraduates graduated for the first time are in Industry Chemistry, Geospatial Information Science and Business Administration.

The university Vice Chancellor Prof. Ndirangu Kioni said the Bachellor of Sci-ence in Criminology and Security Manage-ment programme is currently benefiting from partnership with the Kenya National Police Service, Korean Police Agency and the Korean Police University.

Prof. Kioni was speaking during the uni-versity’s 4th graduation event held at the institution’s graduation square recently.

Expounding on the new development af-ter the event, Prof. Mathew Mwangi Theu-ri, the dean School of Business Manage-ment and Economics, said the programme in Criminology and Security Management will contribute in enhancing security of Kenyans.

Since the university started training security officers in 2013, it has enrolled 720 police officers in the programme out of whom 136 of various ranks graduated during the event.

“Eventually we are going to contribute more to the security of the nation. Our programme is based on the three pillars of vision 2030 where we talk of the social, economic and political pillars. Ours comes in under the social pillar whereby we are committed in ensuring that Kenyans are safe as they develop this nation,” noted Prof. Mwangi.

He said by bringing in the police force and the military into the programme, the country will get qualified security officers who can handle the Kenyan population which has become very educated.

He said the programme will also contrib-ute in the ethical dimension of Kenyan po-

lice officers where they are associated with corruption and other uncouth behaviours.

He expressed hope that training the offi-cers will change not only the attitude of the

people they serve, but also that (attitude) of the police officers in their day today work.

“As we train Bachellor of science in var-ious option like the option in forensic sci-ence, computer among others, we hope that by September this year, we will be able to launch the masters programmes in the same programme so that we can have the police and military officers getting masters and PHDs,” he said.

He said the programme will enhance po-lice efficiency not only in investigations but also in prosecutions.

The computer programme will be of great use as most crimes are committed through the cyber and the computer sys-tems.

Professor Kioni while reading his speech enumerated other successes by the univer-sity since it became a fully fledged univer-sity about five years ago.

The vice chancellor said the university has recorded an improvement in global ranking of universities after first appearing

in 2013. It has since shown improvement in the webometric radar since 2013.

Global webometric ranking has become a popular tool around the world for mea-suring universities performance.

The university, he said, hardly appeared in the radar four years ago.

“In 2013 we appeared in the maps and was ranked number 293, last year we went to position 164 and in January we were at position 155 in Africa. By any measure, this is a rapid rise and a good performance, more so in view of the fact that DeKUT is mainly in technological programmes where publications and research requires more resources,” he noted.

He expressed optimism that the uni-versity will get to the top 100 in Africa by steadily increasing its research outputs and improving the staff profiles.

He named other accolades received by the learning institution in the last one year indicative of improvement in performance as for instance the emergence of the uni-versity as position one in the country on the use of ICT in delivery of its academic programmes.

This was per a research conducted by Kenya Education Network.

“Our students are also now increasingly winning top positions in a range of fields,” he stated.

He said the university continues to ex-plore ways of expanding opportunities for the young minds and particularly for their creativity and entrepreneurship. As a re-sult, its incubation activities at the DeHUB , the Dedan Kimathi Innovation Hub, have been expanded and consolidated.

He added that this has seen some 17 startup companies being nurtured to a lev-el where they successfully operate as com-mercial entities. most of them are based on ICT.

He said the university is developing a framework of expanding this to cover other fields which may involve manufacturing which will give an opportunity for devel-opment of some patents into commercially available consumer products.

During the event, 1495 students graduat-ed with degrees, diplomas and certificates in various fields. The number was an in-crease from last year’s 1274 graduands.

DeKUT’s graduates first criminology students

kimathi University chancellor prof. Shellemiah keya (left) and the university Vice Chancellor prof. ndirangu kioni (right) leave the graduation square.

The university Vice Chancellor Prof. Ndirangu Kioni said the Bachellor of Science in Criminology and Security Management programme is currently benefiting from partnership with the Kenya National Police Service, Korean Police Agency and the Korean Police University.

Gatemu Housing Cooperative Society records higher profitsBY EUTYCAS MUCHIRI

Gatemu Housing Cooperative Society recorded a Shs. 1.8 million increase in its earnings which translates to over 39.5 per cent.

The money derived from rent and other society’s income rose from Shs. 4.49 million in 2014 to Shs. 6.2 million in 2015.

Shares contributions increased by more than Shs.1 million during the year. The increase was as a result of the housing society’s move to raise its maximum share contributions from 60,000 to 100,000 per society member.

“This process is proceeding well as we have collected over one million during the past year and I am urging those who have not started to raise their shares contri-butions to do so in order to make our society stronger,” said the cooperative chairman Mr. Herman Nderitu King’ori.

The chairman was speaking during the society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Nyeri YMCA (Young Men Christian Association) hall recently.

However, only 29 members out of close to 1000 had contributed and the total contribution is expected to shoot up significantly if other members follow suit.

But most of the shareholders said the amount to be earned by members as dividends for the last year will determine whether they will top up their shares or not.

The chairman announced that the society has also purchased a plot worth Shs. 2.1 million at Kangemi near Kangemi Matatu Terminus.

“As you had authorized this board to look for a prime plot within Nyeri town or outside Nyeri, I am now glad to report to you that we have bought a plot at Kangemi just near the Kangemi Matatu Terminus and we are hoping to start construction work soon,” said the chair-man.

According to the last year’s AGM minutes, members of the housing society had given its management com-mittee member a green light to purchase the plot.

Though the society reviewed its borrowing power from Shs.15 million to 20 million, it has no intention of borrowing to develop the new plot.

The chairman said the plot will be developed using the Shs. 40,000 increase in shares. Members proposed to buy one more plot and embark on construction of the new one simultaneously. The second plot according to members should also be in a prime area.

Gatemu Housing Cooperative Society which has share capital base of over 27million was formed by pyrethrum growers from Tetu in Nyeri County before the collapse of the cash crop sector which was later replaced with tea and coffee due to poor prices of the produce.

Nyeri County is rated as one of the counties with the best soil and climatic conditions for pyrethrum grow-ing but the sector collapsed years ago

It was noted that most of the founding members are very old and ailing to top up their shares or even bother to follow the day to day running of the society affairs, others are deceased while some sold their shares.

The chairman, therefore, advised family members of the deceased to agree amicably on who among them should take over shares of deceased members.

They should also seek a confirmation note from their area assistant chiefs in a bid to prevent family wrangles during issuance of the society’s dividends and other benefits.

The society owns three buildings one in Nyeri town and one each in Nanyuki and Narumoru respectively.

Last year, the houses generated total income of Shs. 7.6 million.

Sh4,000 for a litre of avocado oil

from a kilo of avocado.He has divided his oil into various grades with

the best grades going for Shs. 4,000 and 3,000 per litre.

He currently sells the oil as cosmetic product which is already in high demand. The processed oil has a shelf life of several years if well packaged.

For oil sold as cosmetic, he packages it in 50 milliliter bottles which he sells at Shs. 150 to 200 per bottle and plans for packaging edible avocado oil for distribution in supermarket and shops are underway.

“My ultimate goal is to produce enough oil for both local and export markets which I believe will rake in good returns. I have already received an order for the supply of about 400 litres weekly by an avocado exporting company,” he intones.

He explains that he ensure that the fruits ac-quired are of high quality. They are washed and may be kept to ripen or used while still raw before being pressed by the machine to extract oil. Noth-ing is wasted including out cover and seed.

The machine during processing separates the pulp from the juicy substance which is left to settle before the oil can be filtered. However, he says if processed after ripening the fruits produces a su-perior grade which he sells as extra virgin avocado oil while those processed while raw produces a lower grade of oil which he sells as virgin avocado oil. He is exploring ways of making use of the avocado waste that remains after oil extraction, for production of cooking fuel such as briquettes, biogas as well as animal feeds.

“I am currently in the process of manufacturing

a machine capable of producing more than 200 litres of oil in a day so as to meet the increasing demand. The machine will be up and running in a months time,” he asserts.

The machine he is using at present is manual and can only produce about 20 litres in a day.

His other future plan is to produce a product of spiced avocado oil that can be added in food as a spice. Avocado is a fruit widely consumed because of its high nutritional value. It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, has higher percentage of protein com-pared to other fruits, contain essential vitamins and minerals and many other benefits.

When the oil is used for hair and skin health through application, Thiong’o says it restores skin texture, removes dandruff and flattens wrinkles on aging skin.

<< CONTiNuEd FROM K PG 6

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR

BY KAMUNDIA MURIITHI

Binngwa Sacco has announced that plans to start an investment wing, which will enable the members in-vest in land, houses and many other

assets are at advanced stage.Bingwa Sacco Chairman Cyrus Kabira the

investment wing is part of the Saccos efforts to diversify operations hence more income for members.

“Our new strategic plan will guide our ex-pansion in the next five years. One of it is the diversification to start an investment wing so that we increase the value we give to our mem-bers,” said Mr. Kabira.

The investment wing will enable members to acquire assets which they can use, like land or house, or which can be held to gain value and sold later at a profit. It means that in addition to dividends generated from the mainstream Sacco activities, members will get more divi-dend from the investment company.

Speaking to the media at Kerugoya, Mr. Kabira said this year they have already paid their members 14 percent dividends from the S117 million the Sacco made as profit last year.

Mr. Kabira said the Sacco will continue work-ing with the County Government of Kirinya-ga, following a partnership signed earlier that enables the Sacco to collect revenue for the government, through ABC Bank.

He said future expansion will be through buying of plots to build branches, rather than

leasing the building where the branch is es-tablished, because some building owners have become dishonest and are hiking rent fees without in unfair manner.

He said the Sacco was stable with a reserve fund of Sh837 million and had the Sacco Soci-eties Regulatory Authority (SASRA), renewing their permit to continue operations.

Mr. Kabira said the society continues to reg-ister good performance and notable growth despite the technological, economic and en-vironmental challenges.

The official said the society membership has also risen from 111,449, in 2014 to 122,810 last year, a 10% growth adding that the sacco was now open to even non tea growers.

Bingwa Sacco Chief Executive Officer Jane Mugo urged members to continue supporting their society which will serve them even better with the expanded capacity.

She announced that the Sacco has now in-sured all loans taken by the members, at 2% of the loan value, so that incase of death of the borrower, the Sacco is compensated for the serviced loan balance by the insurance. “This way, we shall ensure that our Sacco remains financially strong,” she said.

ADVERTORIAL 5

Bingwa Sacco investment wing to create more wealth for members

BINGWA SACCO

Bingwa Ceo Jane Mugo.

Invest in land, houses and many other assets

Bingwa Chairman Cyrus kabira.

GATiTU TEA FAcTORY SiTE ViSiT MARURUMO BRiDGE

Senator daniel karaba and engineers inspect the site of the proposed gatitu tea factory, to be built by the nyayo tea Zones authority in ngariama Ward, gichugu. the Senator lobbied for the project that is expected to create employment.

Senator daniel karaba witnesses delivery of materials and briefing by engineers on the construction of Marurumo bridge in thiba, Mwea. the Senator successful lobbied for the project from the national government.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STARNEWS6

By kaMUndia MUriithi

Farmers in Kirinyaga County have protested the drastic fall of the price of macadamia this season.

Macadamia processing firms and middlemen are offering Sh45 to Sh60 per kilogram up from highs of be-tween Sh100 to Sh150 last season and the previous years.

The farmers have appealed to the county government to shield them from big tumbles in prices by enact-ing a law setting up the minimum price of a kilogram of macadamia at Sh100, as the ultimate solution to problems facing macadamia farming.

The farmers from various locations that we spoke to said low macadamia prices was a big blow to them since the crop was their major source of income.

“Farmers are demoralised by the low returns from Macadamia. The government must protect us since we turned to macadamia when cof-fee prices tumbled and have no other crop to rely on. We need money to ed-ucate our children and develop our-selves,” said Eston Murimi, a farmer from Mukinduri in Kirinyaga County.

Geoffrey Mwangi a farmer from Kianyaga area said cartels in the mac-adamia value chain were employing underhand tactics to ensure prices

remain low so that they can multiply their profit margins.

He said only the government has the capacity to deal a blow to the car-tels to avoid further exploitation of macadamia farmers.

He called for the liberalisation of the market to ensure every processor can buy the nuts from farmers and guarantee market for the crop.

Experts however attribute the low macadamia nut prices, in Kirinyaga and Embu Counties which are lead-ing producers of nuts, to an interna-tional glut that has caused oversupply of the crop to the global market.

According to Salesio Kimaru, bumper macadamia nut harvests in Costa Rica, Brazil, Kenya and other large scale producers of the crop had completely saturated the market,

therefore creating low demand and consequently causing prices to drop.

He said the demands for higher prices with the current global over-production would see the crop in Kenya lacking interested buyers and consequently county governments should not be blamed.

He said that the macadamia nut pricing issue was currently an in-ternational problem that even the National Government might face tre-mendous difficulty trying to address, because international buyers will always rush to countries with lower prices if Kenya overpriced the crop.

Kimaru however acknowledged the rise of the number of macadamia brokers and mushrooming of cartels that seek to fleece farmers by setting extra low prices.

The price of a kilogram of macada-mia nuts has dipped from an average of Sh150 earlier in the year to a pal-try Sh50, causing widespread outcry from farmers who are calling on both the National and County Gov-ernments to intervene and arrest the falling prices.

Meanwhile, farmers are set to ben-efit from a Sh4.8 million grain facility constructed by the county govern-ment at Kiaga.

The Kiaga Grain storage facility will be commissioned next month to provide a place for farmers to dry their cereals this help contain pre and post-harvest losses.

Agriculture Chief Officer John Gachingiri said maize and other grains which are harvested during the cold months of July and August tend to rot either in farms or stores.

“This is because the optimum re-quired moisture content cannot be realised during that period. At such times pests thrive and multiply in large numbers as they destroy the mature grain on the farms or stores leading to losses,” he said.

Gachingiri said the county govern-ment will continue to train farmers on appropriate technologies to cush-ion them against pre and post-har-vest losses.

He said the department of agricul-ture is spearheading the training and surveillance on migratory and other pests.

Farmers protest fall in macadamia prices “I built my school from tomato sales” – Kariuki

>> MAcADAMiA pRicES

Macadamia nuts.

By kaMUndia MUriithi

The vibrant horticultural sector in Kirinyaga County has seen the fortunes of industrious farmers who grow tomatoes change for the better.

tomato ; John kariuki thiaka (in red polo shirt) and his farm workers at his tomato farm at karia, kirinyaga central.

One of the most successful farm-ers is former teacher John Kariuki Thiaka who took early retirement to concentrate on tomato farming.

A short distance from Karia shopping centre as one travels from Kerugoya to Kutus, one cannot miss the tens of tomatoes packed in boxes ready for the market.

On both sides of the road, acres of tomato plants stand out as farm-ers work on the crop and among them is Kariuki who confesses he has a passion for tomato farming.

He fell in love with tomatoes af-ter growing the crop on his father’s land in 1979 when he was a Stan-dard Seven pupil.

From the 108 stems of money maker tomato variety he farmed, Kariuki earned quite a tidy amount then in just four months, a fete no other boy in Karia area had accom-plished.

While in secondary school and while training at St Marks Kigari Teacher’s College, Embu County he was not able to cultivate tomatoes.

But on graduating in 1989, Kari-uiki started farming part time and tried to integrate modern practices in tomato farming even as he jug-gled his duties as a teacher.

By 2000 he was making quite a tidy sum from tomato farming and decided to start a private primary school, Precious Complex Academy based in Karia township and with a branch in Ngaru.

Being a Teachers Service Com-mission employee he would quali-fy for loans and use the money in tomato farming, then channel the profits to building school infra-structure.

“Every time I made profit I would build a classroom. Over time I have built school infrastructure and my school did its first KCPE last year. I also bought land in Ngaru and started another school there in 2013,” he says barely able to conceal his smiles of triumph.

In 2013 he quit his job as a teach-er at Kiamiciri Primary School to concentrate full time on tomato farming, against the advice of Kariuki of many risk-averse family members.

The 55-year-old has no regrets for taking early retirement considering that the year preceding his resigna-tion, he had grown tomatoes on an

acre piece of land and earned Sh1.2million during the long rains and Sh950,000 during the short rains.

His cost of production stood at about Sh200,000 per season meaning he had made a profit of 1,750,000 that year.

“My salary as a teacher had grossed to just Sh30,000. That was not even adequate to educate my children; two at Mt Kenya Univer-sity and another in Form One,” he says.

Interestingly after working as a teacher for 25 years, he was paid Sh947,000 as his retirement pack-age yet at the same time he had just made Sh950,000 in four months from growing tomatoes!

He takes pride in introducing growing of tomato seedlings in polythene paper bags instead of open nursery in Kirinyaga County between 1990 and 1992, a practice that has been adopted widely.

“Seedlings grown in polythene bags mature faster and produce more since there is less disturbance of their root stock in transplanting them to farm compared to those in open nursery, which are uprooted then replanted and take time to blossom,” he says.

Kariuki is only too well aware that success in tomato farming does not come easy but is the prod-uct of commitment, hardwork, tim-ing and extensive capital outlays.

“To be successful in tomato farming you must be ready to work in dirt, wade in mud and practically do any other job that your workers will do. You cannot afford to dele-gate supervision if you want money in tomatoes. I ensure my tomato plants get what they deserve even before they demand it,” he tips.

Last season he grew tomatoes in one and half acre piece land and sold them at Sh1.6 million earning a profit of over Sh1 million in just four months.

On January he planted his most tomatoes totalling three acres and he expects to have pocketed a profit of about Sh3 million after selling them this month.

Kariuki farms on rented land which he hires at Sh10,000 per acre per season.

He prefers renting to buying land so that his money is freed to invest in his schools.

iNViTATiON

KIRINYAGA OPEN DAY AND NIGHT CONSORTIUMemail: kirinyagaopen@gmail.com Mobile:0712689269

the 1st annual kirinyaga open day forum and night scheduled for Saturday, 28th of May 2016 at Nice Digital Hotel, Mwea, in Kirinyaga County at 9.00 AM. the forum has been organized by youths of kirinyaga County represented by a consortium of

Springs youth empowerment, training, Coaching & Mentoring (tCM) africa and keijei entertainment in collaboration with other key stake holders in kirinyaga County. the organizations have handled training and event management engagements for over 7 years.

the kirinyaga day forum aims to empower youths and residents at large through training on entrepreneurship, leadership skills and how to discover one’s talent as well as brand oneself to earn a living from talent. the forum on 28th May will sensitize on youth and

Uwezo funds, dangers of drugs and substance abuse, entrepreneurship and road safety awareness.

FORTUNE SAccO LAiNiSHA SAccO

fortune Sacco Chairman Wilfred Mwangi and Ceo amoskimotho consult during the annual general meeting at kerugoya.

lainisha Sacco Chairman Simon kamau addressing members during the agM in Mwea. he highlighted the successes the Sacco has made in 2015 and called on members to continue with the overwhelming support.

MAY 2016MT KENYA STAR NEWS 7

Good news for French Beans farmers

>> FORTUNE iN cHicKEN

By kaMUndia MUriithi

After he completed his course in Information Technology, Ceasar Macharia was hopeful he would get a job in Nairobi soon, but the “tarmacking” did not bear fruits and he had to eke a living from casual work.

Frustrated at the turn of events, the 26-year-old returned home in Mutuan-jogu, Kibingoti area, Kirinyaga County to venture into poultry farming.

In November 2014, using the money he had saved he built chicken houses, coops

and a hatchery betting his hopes on it.He read widely and was empowered

that if he stuck to best practices in poultry management as well as innovated and im-provised on making feeds and equipment to save costs, he would receive decent re-turns.

Since a major proportion of cost in poultry farming ends up in feeds, Mach-aria makes own cheap feed in addition to using locally available plants and crops as bio-warfare against diseases.

He bought seven trays of eggs of Kari Kienyenji from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Naiva-sha and took them to a hatchery at Ke-nol where he was to pay Sh21 for every hatched egg.

“About 50 percent of the eggs did not hatch. I let the hatchery rear them for me

for a month as I build my capacity to keep the chicks. On transporting them some 41 chicks died,” he says.

His home area has no electricity so he has to innovate.

Macharia bought an earthenware jiko that would provide heat and a lamp where he put paraffin mixed with diesel to aug-ment heat and provide light.

“Diesel is viscous so when mixed with paraffin in the ratio of 1:2 it lasts longer hence saving on costs. The jiko uses char-coal of about Sh40 per night and if it con-sumes all charcoal it still retains heat that would last till the morning,” he says.

Currently he has over 100 breeders re-maining and their laying is at 70 percent.

He sells an egg at Sh20 and day old chick at Sh70.

The young man also some 80 eggs in his solar powered incubator.

He says his business is moving in the right direction, pointing out that he makes some money every day and the profit keeps rising.

Macharia cuts cost of feeding by breed-ing worms. This is done putting rabbit feaces mixed with urine in a vermicom-posting bin and in about five days the worms develop which he feed to chicken.

He also releases his chicken to the com-pound to browse for food and only gives commercial feed to supplement.

He also rears rabbits and sells a 5kg one at Sh3,000.

He is working on increasing his flock to 1,000 chickens, in addition to keeping more rabbits and some dairy cows. As a disease prevention mechanism, he vacci-nates his birds and adheres strictly to vac-cination schedule.

Information Technology graduate finds fortune in chicken farming

COURTESY: BUSINESS DAILY

The UK-based supermarket giant Tesco is set to ease its rules on what sort of green (French) beans it will import from Kenya in a move expected to cut waste by nearly a fifth.

The retailer says its new initiative will save 135 tonnes of edible fine bean crop from going to waste each year and should ease the burden facing Kenyan growers trying to produce beans to a specifically small-size range.

“In the case of Kenyan fine bean grow-ers we have overhauled the ordering pro-cess. This means the beans can be sent straight to our distribution centres, cut-ting time out of the supply chain and pro-viding customers with a fresher product,” said Tesco Commercial Director for fresh food Matt Simister.

Until recently, Kenyan growers were required to deliver fine beans within a specific size range and to trim them be-fore being packed and shipped to the UK. This move was originally made as a con-venience measure to help customers, but after listening to them Tesco found they’d

prefer the beans uncut.So as part of an ongoing review of its

food sourcing policy, Tesco has widened the length specifications and stopped the trimming procedure, resulting in the huge saving of previously wasted stuff.

“This new partnership with our grow-ers in Kenya is a great example of how we are delivering on that promise to custom-ers while also ensuring we prevent food that could be eaten, going to waste.

“Our overall aim is to use as much of the edible crop as possible. In some cases, we believe that our specifications—such as with the fine beans—can be widened to accommodate more of the crop. “If there is a surplus, we will work with suppliers to find an outlet – for example, by connect-ing our growers with our fresh and frozen suppliers for it to be used in foods such as ready meals,” said Simister.

As a result of the new measures being adopted, 15 per cent of the bean will no longer go to waste. A spokesman for Te-sco – which used to operate a number of chains in Kenya until 2007 – was unable to give an exact figure for the amount of beans the company imported from Kenya each year but did say that the bean mar-ket was worth nearly £40 million to Ken-yan farmers each year.

Kenya makes up 60 per cent of the world-wide total of imported green beans. The UK supermarket says it is also re-structuring the way it orders from suppli-

ers in Kenya.“We’ve also improved how we forecast

and order to help producers cut down on waste by only growing and harvesting what is required,” Matt Simister said.

Meet the tomato, butternut queenBy kaMUndia MUriithi

Many young people have ventured to self-employment in the agribusiness industry as a source of their livelihood.

french Beans.

Ceaser Macharia at his chicken farm.

Young women have not been left behind as they too have discarded the percep-tion that one must wait for formal em-ployment to make it in life.

One such person is Ann Wangui, 26, who has blazed the trail among young women that from the fertile soils of Gat-uto area in Kirinyaga Central sub-coun-ty is buried treasures for those who go the extra mile to work hard and smart.

Wangui grows tomatoes and butter-nuts in addition to rearing five dairy goats, an undertaking she describes as lucrative and equally fulfilling.

She was introduced to tomato farm-ing by her husband Simon Kimere im-mediately she got married to him three years ago.

Her romance with tomato farming blossomed the moment the tomato they grew with her husband in three-quar-ters an acre in the first year of marriage hit the market at a time of low supply and they raked in over Sh500,000 in profits.

“I fell in love with tomato farming be-cause after just three months of hard la-bour and high expenses, one is reward-ed handsomely. Even if I were to move into another income generating activity, I will never abandon tomato farming,” she confesses.

After farming tomatoes jointly with her husband the subsequent seasons, Wangui had learnt the ropes in success-ful farming of the crop and today cul-tivates them alone while her husband concentrates on marketing.

“He sells the tomato from our farm directly to the traders at the market thus eliminating middlemen and we make more money. He also buys toma-toes from farmers in other parts of Ki-rinyaga and sells them at Kagio market,” she says.

Last season Wangui farmed an acre of tomatoes and made a profit of Sh300,000.

This season she has grown half an acre of tomatoes which is set to mature at the end of May.

A box of tomato currently fetches Sh5,000 but may fluctuate when her tomato hit the market due to forces of demand and supply.

She farmed lesser tomatoes this sea-son in a bid to exercise crop rotation which is a bio method of fighting pests and diseases.

“I rotate my tomatoes with maize. The maize provides feeds for our goats and a bull which in turn provide ma-nure for the tomatoes. They comple-

ment one another making our farming easier,” explains Wangui.

And from proceeds of tomatoes, the couple has bought a maize sheller, which they move into various neigh-bourhoods during maize harvesting times and charge Sh100 to shell a bag of maize.

From the tomatoes in her farm, Wan-gui expects to make sales of Sh500,000 while her expenses averaged around Sh50,000.

“Farming half an acre of tomato would ordinarily cost over Sh100,000 but we keep our expenses low by using own manure instead of buying. We use our bull and cart to fetch water from River Isakimango. We use the water in tomato nursery and to transplant and water our young tomatoes until it rains. We largely utilise our own labour,” she says.

Wangui says together with her hus-band they are set on buying a parcel of land and leasing several others to plant even more tomatoes.

Already they have hired a piece of land in Kagio where they grow but-ternuts, which also fetches them good money.

From her five dairy goats, one pro-duces two litres, another one litre and the rest about half a litre each.

She sells the milk at Sh100 per litre as market for goat milk is readily available.

She describes goat farming as easiest since in most cases they are tethered on open fields and browse with minimal supervision.

Wangui has advice to young women: “Life depends on how you take it. There

is money in horticulture and when you work hard you will surely earn money. You must work hard and

smart to get what you want

in life”.

BY KAMUNDIA MURIITHI

Few women are known to give their motherly love generously to their step-children but not so for Eunice Wairimu.

Wairimu, 30, has become a model of the perfect step-mother after she enthusiasti-cally took over caring of her late co-wife’s three mentally challenged children.

When she got married to Peter Warui 10 years ago, he had just lost his wife and had been left with the challenging task of taking care of his two mentally disturbed sons and daughter.

Warui, a peasant farmer in his three-quarters of an acre farm in Kiaum-bui village, Kirinyaga East sub-county could not have thought of a better com-panion than Wairimu after the demise of his first wife.

Though he shared a mud house with his three children and barely got enough to feed them, Wairimu quickly adjusted herself to her marital home and became a mother and close friend to his children.

The couple still lives in the same mud house with their mentally ill children who include: Agata Wanjiku, 30, Sebastian Gachonde, 28 and Charles Murimi, 27.

Wairimu also has her own three chil-dren while Wanjiku also has a son who incidentally is also mentally challenged.

Immediately Wairimu moved into Warui’s homestead, the couple earned their livelihood from casual jobs in their neighbour’s farms.

But it was not easy for them because of low pay and lack of job on some days hence before long they stretched their hands to seek for help elsewhere.

“The mentally ill children do not work so we have to provide everything for them. We usually till other people’s lands but when we do not get jobs I am forced to go to Embu town to beg for money with which to feed the big family,” says Wairimu.

Wairimu recalls the first three years of their marriage as blissful as they were able to feed the family without struggling too

much. However that changed on the fourth

year, after a neighbour known to them raped Wanjiku and impregnated her.

She gave birth to a mentally challenged child but the man did not take responsi-bility.

“When the man learnt that we want-ed to report the incident to the police, he threatened to harm us and because of fear we did not. He has never helped us but I took the child as my own and helped her own mother to take care of him,” says Wairimu.

Neighbours talk positively of Wairimu saying that every coin she gets she directs it to buying food and other essentials for her family.

Anthony Ndwiga, a resident of Embu town, described her as a determined wom-an who does not shy from seeking for help from whichever quarters.

Warui says he loves his mentally ill chil-dren because even though they do not do any work, they do not cause any trouble and they usually obey instructions given.

“All of them were born with mental

problems. Murimi had problems walk-ing but we took him to Embu Provincial General Hospital for a therapy and he now walks though with slight difficulties,” says Warui.

He said when the children were young he enrolled them at Kiaumbui Primary School but the teachers were unable to handle them and they advised him to take them to a special school in Kerugoya town, which he was unable to.

“None of them has gone through for-mal education. They can’t even tell their names though they respond when they are called,” says Warui.

The couple has appealed for help to start an income generating activity to help them feed the family.

The couple can be reached on 0702863608 or 0726484008.

MT. KENYA STAR newspaper is published monthly by MT. KENYA STAR PUBLISHERS. Office Hotline: 0707648755 Other Contacts: 0722214261 / 0722792810.Email: editor@mtkenyastar.com

Meet the gracious woman who cares for mentally ill step-children

peter Warui family that requires your support.

PUBLISHERSfor the good of kirinyaga people

When Wairimu got married to Peter Warui 10 years ago, he had just lost his wife and had been left with the challenging task of taking care of his two mentally disturbed sons and daughter.

He doubles as financial consultant in the city, a successful farmer at home

is clean to forestall diseases and especially diarrhoea, which can cause piglets mortality.

Mutiga says they clean pigsties daily and disinfect them twice in a week to forestall spread of diseases.

The pigsties are constructed in a way that provides a place for feeding and adequate sleeping for a sow.

Towards one end some metal bars ensures only very young piglets can enter inside thus shielding them from injuries that could arise if their mother was to lie on them.

The pigsty also has common rooms for weaned pig-lets where they are kept according to their ages to pre-vent fighting and reduce competition in eating.

When not feeding, pigs nibble on several chains hanged from rafters of the pigsties; a tactic meant to keep them busy instead of nibbling on timber and wall damaging them.

The farm has only one male for mating all the fe-males but it is changed after some years to prevent inbreeding.

Mutiga says they plan to start artificial insemination of pigs.

The farm sells piglets aged three months at Sh3,500, a seven-month, medium-sized male that is about to serve at between Sh20,000 and Sh25,000 and a preg-nant gilt at Sh35,000.

A well fed pig can attain a weight of 50kgs in five months’ time, according to Mutiga.

“Pigs are easy to rear once a farmer has done it the first time. They are profitable and market is readily available. We sell mainly in the local market at Sh320 per kilogramme of live pig and once in a while to Farm-ers Choice in large scale,” reveals Mutiga.

They farm projects to have increased the number of hogs to between 800 and 1,000 in the next five years.

Dairy cows farming is another profitable undertak-ing by the farm which has 36 herds of pedigree cattle of which 15 are currently producing milk, two are about to give birth, some are at their dry period while the others are calves.

The cows produce between 280 and 300 litres of milk daily that is sold at the farm’s milk bar opposite Muk-induri primary school as fresh milk or value added into yogurt or mala.

Mutiga, they sell the excess milk to Kirinyaga Farm-ers Dairy Society in Kerugoya town.

They sell a litre of milk at the dairy at Sh33 but the same volume fetches Sh100 when they sell as yogurt or mala at their milk bar.

The highest producing cow gives 30 litres every day while Mutiga says they have been improving their cows using pedigree imported semen hence expect the in calf heifers to produce more.

They sell a pedigree heifer aged eight months at Sh70,000 and an in calf Friesian heifer served with se-men from best artificial insemination bulls in the world at Sh300,000.

The farm also has a flock of dairy goats rearing sanen, Kenyan alpine and toggenburg breeds.

In the poultry section, the farm rears over 1,500 chicken and hundreds of pigeons, quails, turkey, goose and ornamental birds.

With 10,000 stems of coffee where 2,000 are mature, the farm last season produced 40,000kgs which they sold in a neighbouring cooperative society.

Mutiga discloses they are in the process of buying a high capacity coffee milling machinery so that they can start milling own coffee which they project have reached harvest of 200,000kgs in the next two years.

BY KAMUNDIA MURIITHI

Residents living along River Nya-mindi in Mwea are having sleep-less nights due to fear of attacks from wildlife animals after three hippopotamuses were spotted in the area recently.

They are also counting losses after the huge water animals de-stroyed their crops and fear some people may face hunger.

They have called on the gov-ernment to intervene by ensuring the hippos are prevented from straying into people’s farms and to compensate the affected ones.

Jamleck muriithi, a youth lead-er in Matandara village, asked the Kenya Wildlife Services to chase away the animals and ensure they are restrained from encroaching on human settlements.

“The hippos have destroyed our crops. They have eaten our maize, pepper, tomatoes and arrowroots. We live in fear and our children cannot even go to school at Mathangauta early in the morn-ing,” said Muriithi.

Women in the village said they were at risk of being attacked since it was the first time they had seen a hippo and initially thought

it was a cow.A boy who thought the hippo

was a cow that had strayed into their farm was almost mauled when he moved closer to it were it for an old man who warned him and they fled.

The residents reported seeing three hippos; one at Scheme, another at Kiriko and at South Ngariama.

Human-wildlife conflicts have been reported in other parts of the county where elephants, mon-keys and other animals stray into settled areas, damage crops and put lives to risk.

>> MWea

Fear grips residents as hippos destroy crops

<< CONTiNuEd FROM PG 6