A drinking nation-Yes we are!

An anecdote by Philip Kagia

The global economic crisis is affecting not only poor nations but even heavy weights such as the United States of America, Japan, Britain, China, Canada among others, have not been left out. Our own Kenyan economy is not an exception.
The government has confessed it and every citizen in our country is feeling it hard.

Everyday many starve and die out of hunger and the general social life is a mere hopelessness. Never the less, a critical survey at our social behaviors and indeed characters sounds ironical, absurd and un realistic as to match the perceived economic situation.

Many case studies on our general social culture have taken me a back to brand Kenyans as “drinking nation” This notion is heart renting and a matter of great concern as I take more time to watch over the struggling poor Kenyans in a gesture to put food on their tables at the end of the day.

At the crack of dawn every Kenyan is ever on the move, up and down, tirelessly hoping to salvage an opportunity for survival. As busy as a bee and as radical in mind like a holocaust survivor, an ordinary Kenyan and indeed even the noble, struggle to make ends meet. Just like president Kibaki encouraged us- to strive to be a working Nation!

Never the less as the day opens up and the afternoons begin to grow old towards dusk, I move around my home town of Nakuru with a mission to observe the drinking habits of my fellow Kenyans. I have picked Nakuru as a case study to represent the whole country because I have knowledge that what happens here is most likely to be happening there.

It is Kenya here and there whether it is Kisumu,Nairobi, Mombasa, Busia or where ,just name it but anywhere in Kenya, it is Kenya. We share so much in common and so much in the market. What we talk about the economy and what we buy from the market are very similar. In other words we are a nation. In my study however I want to brand Kenya –a drinking nation. So read on to prove me right or wrong but I will speak my mind out!

My humble but dedicated survey begins from the CBD of this Rift Valley province headquarters in an afternoon. Off Kenyatta avenue I start meandering from street to one street to another, spotting and counting and of cause piping in any drinking spot that I recognize. I move on from street to street and within two hours I have combed the whole CBD counted and encountered a great deal of alcohol drinking venues and its revelers.

What I saw, where, and more about it will remain confidential in this narration but I guess any Kenyan can have a rough idea of what I experienced. The only important issue to be noted here is that some hard earned cash was being spent somewhere some place! Lest you forget that Nakuru is in Kenya and so I conclude that at this particular time and moment, some where some place in another or other in Kenya,the same is happening.

As dusk appeals it is time to venture the other side of the town. I hire a motorbike taxi and more from one residential area to another with the same mission and objective. The observation is similar and the conclusion remains the same - some hard earned cash is being spent on alcohol and other drugs in filthy venues! We Kenyans are so adamant to change our social outfits that do not go well with the current economic situation but still cry wolf over the biting economy.

We are not being sincere to decry the bitter economy while we work so hard to spend unnecessarily. From my layman’s understanding the term economy means the ability to plan resources well so as to satisfy needs. Do we as a nation believe that alcohol and other drugs are basic needs to our lives? If yes why? And if not, then why spend our hard earned cash on alcohol and other filthy stuff?

The government indeed has admitted that Kenya seats on a time bomb unless the escalating drinking habits of its citizens is plaid. Government statistics indicate that the Western part of the country followed by Nairobi and Central lead in alcohol consumption.

The reports further reveal that the careless consumption of alcohol derails not only the social standards of Kenyans but also economic endeavors. The point is finally at home-why should we continue to endeavor to be “a drinking nation” while we need the little cash we have to improve our lives?

Educate Kenyans about Law

An opinion By Eric Sindabi
Many Kenyans suffer in justice of many kinds simply because they are ignorant of the provisions of the laws of their country. As a result injustices abound in plenty in our midst where citizens of this country continue to be exploited while they ought to exploit the law in order to improve their lives.

From government services like Police and law enforcement, Courts of law, labor and basic human rights, many Kenyans do not know nor understand their rights thus have remained in the dark.

The police for example exploit innocent and ignorant Kenyans who merely live in fear of jail or being locked up in cells. Many Kenyans suffer police harassment and brutality and extortion simply because the forces take advantage of ignorance of law.

Likewise many Kenyans have continued to be exploited socially or in employment simply because they do not understand or know particular legal provisions in given situations. Thus most have undergone great sufferings while more have failed to achieve their basic rights as citizens of this country.

For example many innocent citizens languish in police cells, jails and others even lose their lives. Those who innocently or by ignorance find themselves on the wrong side of the law lose jobs, careers and even families and their own lives.

It should be a government’s prerogative to ensure that citizens have learnt basic knowledge of the laws that govern their country. The notion that ignorance to law is no defense is a weapon of exploitation but not development nor protection.

In countries especially outside Africa and indeed in a few in our continent where citizens are well abreast with law, law and order abide. In such countries interestingly if not ironically, the governments spend less in the process of maintaining law and order. The citizens are also less taxed in terms of Court fines. Many citizens likewise never spend parts of their lives in jails.

I tend to feel that by keeping Kenyans in the dark about law provisions is a biggest injustice. Why should the government continue using law to exploit its citizens instead of developing the economy and improving lives? Good laws can indeed develop a nation but manipulating negatively is injustice.

The civil society, Parliament and other stakeholders should champion for a civil education to enlighten Kenyans about laws on a wide scope. This will ensure that Kenyans will be fully aware of their rights and reduce the un due exploitation being subjected upon them in the name of law.

For example Kenyans should be well versed with law provisions on issues like; Crime, Child abuse, Human rights, marital status, employment, environment, commercial and government responsibilities. The on-going law reforms, the current parliament and police reforms agenda, hence should look into this matter.

It should for example be the responsibility of the police to carry out civil education on law as they are the law enforcers. Other stake holders like the media, civil society and the Law Society of Kenya apart from the Courts, should take an active role in educating Kenyans about laws of their country on grassroots levels. In any society, law should aim at nurturing good lives while a better nation is where all and sundry perceive fairness but never where many are exploited in the name of law.

Kenya needs competent leaders Not must youthful ones

<
An opinion By Eric Sindabi
I refer to recent provocations and ineptitude plans by a section of leaders in the country of trying to groom a young leader to take over leadership. It should be clear that Kenya lacks visionary leaders and that it is not a young leader who necessarily can close that gap. Corruption and selflessness that sum up to incompetence have no boundaries in leadership.

Any person old or young can lead this country so long as she or he qualifies. The fact that youth are the majority in our country does not mean that they ought to have one of their own in top leadership of the country.

Every Kenyan-from those aging grannies in the village, to the retiring civil servant, the under age, the youth and all other categories of citizens in our country need services from a government. It is therefore irrational and a mere political ploy to try to classify citizens on age brackets. In our country, in fact all classes of people are un- privileged apart from the corrupt politicians and their associates.

The youth and indeed all Kenyans should be wary of these old political tricks that have all along been used to woo them into making election decisions. We will remember for example the infamous Youth for Kanu agenda of 1992 and of late the Vijana Tugutuke of the last general elections. To a highly thinking Kenyan like me I pose to ask; why can’t our leaders seek agendas that aim at uniting all citizens? Why apply divide and rule tactics? Politicians anyway are people who employ dubious means on their way to power and youth of this country have ever been the worst targets and above all the losers. It is high time politicians stopped playing games with the youth and other citizens.

Let us have national leaders (Young or old) but working towards uniting all Kenyans and preaching development agenda for all classes of Kenyans. Anyone can lead so long as she or he serves all Kenyans with dedication.

Those going around advocating for a youthful leader and trying to divide Kenyans on age groups and other social status are simply applying out dated political tactics that will never succeed. They should wake up and learn that majority of Kenyans know what they want- National leaders to serve them in building the economy in a corruption free and un-tribal environment.

To me these people have a hidden agenda and are simply talking about the term “youth” to hoodwink un suspecting Kenyans. There are so many youth development agendas that have been started but have never benefited them. Let these people know that one can only unite sheep that are grazing in a plentiful field but not the hungry scattered all over in the jungle in search of pasture.

Heart breaking tales of IDPs in Nakuru

BY PHILIP KAGIA
The post poll violence tragedy that unfolded in front of us over the past two years tells of painful accounts of irreparable loss. Carving to new street families that depend on well wishers for money, food, clothing and shelter- a personal encounter with one of the street families was heart breaking. As I walk home am approached by two young girls who to my reasoning should be in school.

At first I did not invite them for a show because I thought they were just part of another street gang out there to manipulate me but their case turned out to be different when one of them mentioned that she was an IDP from Nyama Choma camp along Nakuru /Nairobi highway. The solemn mood she posses tells it all so I finally give in to their plea.

The lady introduces her self as Njoki and narrates her story as I quote “sisi tume toka pande ya molo na kwa sasa sisi tu ko hapa nyama choma na hapo kuna shinda ya mavazi, chakula na tunaomba usaidizi wa kila aina …..(We are originally from Molo but for now we are Internally Displaced Persons at Nyama Choma camp.There are untold suffering at the camp and we need clothing, food and other assistance.)

Out of curiosity I ask;kwani Red Cross na Serikali hawa leti chakula na nguo … ? (Aren’t you being supported by the Red Cross and the Government?). She posed with surprise and remarked; … Pole lakini unajua huwa wana leta kidogo nahaitoshi (Sorry but the support is very minimal and we are so many in the camp.)

As I look at her more closely I realize that she is pregnant! Oh God! The emptiness and sympathy I feel is incomparable to no virtue in this world .At the first point I figure out that she is definitely selling out her body to get the money she needs for food and other basic necessities. God forbid!

The tidbit of this story shows how we Kenyans are so short in memory of the events that pre disposed the IDPs scenario. Much goes to the political elite who instead of holding the matter at their shoulders, are busy enjoying the fruits of the post poll violence-the struggle for power, as the ordinary Kenyan desperately cry for justice, while suffering.

The politicians keep on running away from the truth of the matter that the Internally Displaced People are suffering because of their (politicians) selfish gains. Their greed for power aimed at corrupt missions tells of the story of the greedy Hyena or wild dog that favors no situation but the ends to meet by all means the flesh, whether alive or dead,the target.The public coffer is the flesh.

Let the government implement Uhuru Kenyatta ‘s Finance Ministry plan of letting out money from the kind of luxurious and dubious spending by politicians and at least give the Nyama Choma Internaly Displaced Persons and many others who are suffering just because politicians wanted power. Will they have to wait until the undated day to go back home but at the moment we still have to cope with the street beggars who once had a home and worked hard to make ends meet?

Gazette more protected areas

An opinion by Eric Sindabi
Environmentalists have put forward that the continued destruction of the natural resources will not only affect the human life but also the economy. For example global warming is one of the worst effects of environmental degradation that is caused directly by human activities on the natural environment. The results are diverse long term disasters like droughts, floods, and desertification, Tsunami, and disease outbreaks. On the other hand degradation of the natural environment also causes economic downfall.
For example according to a recent report by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Kenya may lose about 300 million natural environment asset if efforts to conserve the Mau are not up held.
The government should provide long term environmental protection plans by gaze ting more protected areas in the country. Some of the areas to be targeted as protected areas should include river basins and other wetland areas apart from forest resources. Parliament and the concerned ministries and government stakeholders in environmental protection should provide guidelines in enacting laws that will ensure that more natural environment areas are gazeted as government protected areas. The laws and policies should criminalize any interference with the areas in any negative ways.
Such laws or policies will ensure that an encroachment in natural areas is diminished. Pollution of rivers and lakes will also be diminished as of deforestation among other environmental destruction activities.
Protecting more natural environment areas can boost eco- tourism and increase natural products like water, fish, fruits, Minerals, and timber products. This can improve the country’s economy and develop the lives of Kenyans.

Visit KIOKO Leather works for:-

Are you fed up with plastic belts?
We have the Solution!!!
Visit KIOKO Leather works for:-
Leather Belts,
Leather Wallets,
Leather Mobile, Porches, Beads, Leather Sandals.
And all Leather works, Leather Dogs Collars etc
(We also take orders for: S/Markets and Wholesalers)
We are situated at Kenyatta Avenue Curios.
For more information contact: 0724361994
And you’ll never regret.

Water Project in Njoro to boost local resources

By Eric Sindabi
The high amount of pressure on land in Mau region encompassing of Njoro division in the west of Nakuru has resulted to the degradation of the local watershed resources.
Research shows that this is caused by insufficient ground water levels which result as for excess harvesting in the region, and which is due to the high populations in the area, as also industry and other water users.

For example, the huge settlement pattern around Egerton university and local communities comprising of over a hundred thousand plus people and livestock all manipulate the local water body.
For example Massive settlements and economic activities along the river around the university and in Njoro town where the river meanders through,are attracted by the expansion of the institute among others, which indeed add to the pressure on Njoro River.
Here, all human, animal, agricutre, business and industrial water needs are all depend ant on Njoro River.

The department of Environment and Natural Resources of Egerton University has nevertheless overtime initiated co-operative initiatives by liaising with other stakeholders locally and internationally in a gesture to providing a sustainable management for the water body.

A recent initiative by the academic centre in collaboration with the Rift Valley Water Services Board (R.V.W.S.B) is set to solve water crisis in Njoro by constructing a dam to boost water harvesting. The project is dabbed; “Njoro-Egerton Water Supply, Sanitation and Conservation Centre".

According to sources, the project is aiming at supplying about 16,000m3 of water a day, to Njoro residents. The project is partly being sponsored by the European Union (E U) and likewise aims at reducing the high poverty level of majority of the locals. The source says, this will be by enabling reliable, affordable and safe water resources to the community.

"The project aims at implementing specific millennium development goals (M.D.G.S) and World Bank summit for sustainable development (W.S.S.D) target on water and sanitation in developing countries"Says a media report at Egerton University.

The dam’s site will be located at a rural setting in the region that is inhabited by low-income earners, with very limited access to safe and reliable water resources. The project, the source added, will mitigate the number of water bone related ailments among residents. Other benefits of the dam will include an increase in water supply for domestic use, Agriculture, livestock, development, industry and institutions.

Thus, the project will foresee to the reduction of the amount of water harvest from Njoro River, cease pressure on the river and the rejuvenation of underground water tables and rivers in Mau, hence conserving the water shed.

Egerton University alone has over twenty boreholes which however are drying up. The varsity is also strategically located along the river, which boost its serene out view and environmental programmes like research and academic activities in Geography, natural resources, zoology and botany. Likewise,the University's fast growing famous Botanic Garden is located on the banks of Njoro river dis tributary.

The continued expansion of the university attracts more students, staff, visitors and investors in the area. This, research reports say, has greatly contributed to the amount of pressure exerted on Njoro River.

An environmental stakeholders research programme called -Sustainable Management of Water Resources (SUMAWA)based at the University reports indicate that the chemical state of the river's water caused by pollution, is a threat to human,livestock and wild life health in the region.

The reports indicate further that the continued human pressure being exerted on local rivers that drain in Lake Nakuru will lower the water level of the Lake thus provide a threat for its extinction.SUMAWA advocates for the conservation of local watershed through educating the locals environmental ethics and protection.The research programme also initiates tapped water projects in local communities to discourage consumption of poluted river water by the locals.