Good Governance in a Democratic Society

By Regina Nyokabi

Good governance entails the upholding of democratic principles where all must be heard in turn. It ensures that the voice of the disadvantaged, such as the poor, is given an opportunity to be heard.  All citizens regardless of their color, religion, sex, age or political persuasion have equal rights, unlike in Kenya where the voice of its people is not even heard and put into consideration .The poor are instead oppressed, their land grabbed and then they are stuffed into unfriendly environment with poor health and public facilities like schools, police stations, making the place amount to a slum. We even have a lot of displaced individuals who are suffering in their camps from hunger and harsh weather conditions like floods and strong winds, while those responsibly assigned to cater for them are looting the resources to help this needy people for their own selfish gains.

A good government ensures that the need of its people are prioritized and addressed without favorism. It must be seen to be the greatest advocate of social responsibility. It should shield its people from vices such as injustice, nepotism, greed, corruption, inefficiency and neglect. Here in “uhuru” land, the government prioritizes their own interests and if they will consider its people, they base it with favorism which reflects on tribalism, racial and gender discrimination thus its people suffer from the vices of moral misconduct.

A good government recognizes that its people are its most important resource and invests in them. It does this by facilitating provision of resources to meet human basic needs such as shelter, food, health, and education, contrary to Kenya where members of the government use public  money to serve their interest ;money which is supposed to run various projects for the benefit of its people.

A good government must have a vision for the future; It must invest in the youth and involve them in different activities such a government also recognizes the importance of the family unit as a source of governance and development. Kenya goes wrong after abandoning the youth who are the future to their own devices. The government here does not involve the youth in beneficial activities thus the youth end up in drugs, immorality, lawlessness or join militia groups.

In good governance, there is recognition of the roles of both men and women and tries to make use of their capabilities for the good of the society. It ensures that both participates in decision making and gets access to and control over resources. It should ensure a balance in votes using appropriate measures by considering gender, ethnicity, religion, age, socio-economic standing and disablement. Gender discrimination is the core issue in the government circulation in Kenya. Rooted in our traditions, the girl child is deprived of her rights to education, inheritance and leadership while the boy child is prioritized and given almost everything. The whole concept has ruled in Kenya’s governance where they believe a woman can’t lead or rule men in particular. That makes me believe that most of our African men are very proud and their ego high, what they need is to get off their high horse. Women are denied a chance in leadership with an excuse that they are generally weak and they should submit to the rule of the male gender a concept borrowed from the domestic family unit.

Good governance has no room for selfish use of public resources to benefit one or a small group of individuals. The people responsible should use public resources without wastage. They should report what they do honestly and the report should be available for the public to see. The government officials here; ranging from the smallest governors, the husbands, from the family unit, all the way to the National Finance Minister, have created room for their selfish use of resources to their own benefit. How the Finance Minister is used is their secret. Making them a bunch of thieves who resources and leave treasuries empty and ruined. That’s why civil servants organize strikes and carry out demonstrations for an increment in their wages and Mr. Finance  Minister is like; “we don’t have money so you better resume to your respective duties,” Yet the government ministers and members of parliament request an increment on their bounty salaries and the idea is passed  almost immediately.

 As a parting shot, good governance should show a high level of concern, among its people and high level of networking linkages and efficient communication among its organs. Kenya’s government should learn that freedom and justice reassure people that they are well governed.

Farmers form a marketing organization

Dennis Kipkirui

Farmers in Laikipia County met on Tuesday to chat ways of marketing their produce to improve their livelihood. The meeting was prompted by a maize marketing problem that has hit the County for many years and hampers improvement of their livelihood. Laikipia is currently harvesting their maize and already the prices are sinking low due to influx of brokers.

In a meeting held at the DO’s office Sipili they agreed to form a farmer marketing organization to help them market their produce. The organization dubbed Laikipia Produce and Marketing Organization is primarily tasked with bulking and marketing produce on behalf of the farmers. Members will also get other benefits that include credit services using warehouse receipting system where they will access funds as they wait to sell their produce in a favorable market.

The meeting held on Tuesday was a follow-up on one held a forth-night ago. Earlier one hundred farmers had met and formed the organization affiliated to Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN). The meeting was attended by different players in the agriculture sector. Participants evaluated several reasons that had made many groups to collapse after successful formation.

One major problem identified was leadership. Mr. Joseph Chege, Co-operatives Officer challenged those who have led different groups for a long time with no tangible results to resign. “If you have been leading a group and members are not satisfied by your results. It will be honorable for you to resign. The more you cling on to power the more you create mistrust among your subjects.” He also asked them to desist from using short-cuts to become rich. Many farmers had confessed to rushing to making quick and costly decisions. A case was mentioned of a highly hyped mushroom project t once started in the area. The project saw many people abandon their activities and start mushroom farming which later evaporated to thin air.

 The farmers were also challenged to develop their own strategic plans that will include the lifespan of their group, objectives of the group and their outcomes within a given period. This will help change the lives   of most farmers in Laikipia who have been troubled by the low income they get from their produce.

 It is projected that if farmers take this new mode of marketing seriously they will have better ways of marketing their produce plus a better profit in-return. Ultimately, there will be a tremendous change in their livelihood.

Agony of a family after son’s disappearance

By Maryanne Wangare

He has been away for the last 5 years, last seen towards the General Election. He is being traced in the eve of another General Election. He never voted because he had just applied for the Identity Card and could not wait to have it save for the waiting card he left with. His kinsmen later collected the vital document ironically to help in tracing him.

Shadrack Foiyo Kiptanui being traced

Shadrack Foiyo Kiptanui, 28 disappeared in July 2007and has never been seen nor heard of since then. His disappearance has remained a constant heartache to the family and his ageing parents. Mr. Samwel Kiptanui, 73 and Mrs. Rachel Muthoni, 70 have never heard of their son since he left their home-stead in search of a job. The parents who are recovering from the effects of post-election violence after being displaced in Keringet, Nakuru County and sought refuge in Laikipia are still in awe of their son’s disappearance. 

When they visited Laikipia Rural Voices (LRV), offices seeking for help, the only form of identity for their son is an old photograph and a new Identity Card collected on behalf of their son which was issued in Ng’arua. Shadrack, appears to be 5 feet tall with a light complexion in the photograph. 

The lad is said to have dropped in class eight and opted for menial jobs. He initially worked in a wholesale shop in Karandi. He is said to have also worked in Kamuru both in Laikipia County. 

Efforts to trace him have hit a snag. He last called in 2010 using somebody else’s phone and claimed to be in Garissa. When the owner of the phone was contacted he denied knowledge of the person being sought.

The last born son and the ninth child in Kiptanui’s family of eleven children have caused more jitters with worries of youth initially recruited by the Al-Shabbab militia group being wiped out by Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia. 

LRV is asking members of the public to pass any information regarding the whereabouts of Shadrack Kiptanui to help his family unravel the mystery.

Multi-million airstrip project raise eyebrows

By James Maina

About one mile off Kinamba-Sipili –Maralal Road lies an old airstrip which was last used in 1960s.It seats on a 5 ha piece of land. The landing strip is just along the road and is frequently used by vehicles as an alternative route considering the poor state of the main road. Not many people know the function and relevance of this facility.  Very few ever witnessed its utility. For the few who ever saw it functioning they only have very glimpse memories of former colonial masters and politicians using it.

Landing strip under rehabilitation currently being used as alternative road.

Recently, the airstrip has been rehabilitated. It is said that the work was done through the funding by Laikipia West CDF, a region under Hon. Nderitu Mureithi. The rehabilitation was launched on August 2012 & over 15 million Kenya shillings were dedicated to this project.

The project has however raised eyebrows in the area. Many people are questioning the timing and funding of the project. LRV found out that there is general dissatisfaction among the residents. They question why the project had to be revived towards a general election. Was there a plan in the first place to use CDF in the project? Who is the contractor and when was tender was advertised?

Mr. Ware Mania a farmer hailing nearby told LRV that he woke up one morning only to see an excavator busy moving the earth. No project billboard was ever erected as this has been the formality. “The contractor himself is not known to us yet we should know’’, said Mr. Ware. He pointed out a case of the rehabilitation of Nyahururu-Ndindika road. “The ministry of roads through Kenya Highways Authority (KenHa) called for tenders and was won by Equaline Suppliers & cont.ltd. We are surprised with this one drawing money from CDF kitty.”           

Windsock in the landing strip

An investigation done by LRV revealed mixed signals from residents of the larger Ng’arua area. Some saw it as a noble development activity in the region. They said that the area can now access air-transport and make them market their produce easily.

 Others are still of the view that this was another white elephant meant to fleece tax payers off their money. According to Mr. Kabuchia, a local businessman in Kinamba town, residents in Ng’arua have not yet reached such high levels of using air-transport since many are low-class and middle class citizens.  “For now they need better and meaningful development activities like putting tarmac on Sipili-Kinamba road. This is mockery of the highest order,” quipped Mr. Kabuchia.

FAO and Ministry of Agriculture fetes Maarifa Centre

By Joseph Kanyi

Ngarua Maarifa Centre has been awarded a certificate of recognition for their efforts that contribute to food security in Kenya. The recognition came from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Republic of Kenya.

Residents of Laikipia West District joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Food Day on 16th October. The Centre together with other stakeholders had ensured the success of the day. Residents converged in Sipili stadium to discuss ways of enhancing food security in the district. This year’s theme was: Agricultural cooperatives: key to feeding the world. The theme was chosen in line with United Nations’ declaration of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.

Chief-Guest visits one of the stands to mark WFD 

A gathering of around two hundred and twenty people attended the meeting, which was presided over by Laikipia West District Commissioner represented by senior D.O Henry Katana. There were a number of twenty-six stands of different categories ranging from government departments, NGOs and those from individuals.

The ceremony started by visiting of the stands and planting of ceremonial trees. Later the guests were treated to an entertainment from the surrounding schools and from individual groups. Poems and songs they had a common theme of integrity and cooperation. They emphasized on peace and unity without which famine will devour and consume the country.

The guest dwelled on importance of agricultural co-operation in feeding the world. He stressed the need for different farmer groups to come together to avert hunger crisis in the country. He also explained the critical role that peace and security plays in fostering agricultural sector. He urged the residents to live in harmony to enable the district chat meaningful development.

Pupils entertaining guests at WFD celebrations

In addition to that, the D.O called upon the individuals to make strong cooperation that will raise food production. He also said that the main tool in fighting economy crash is agriculture. If people will turn to agriculture the economic crisis will be something of the past. With cooperatives, farmers are able to voice their concerns and produce. And they are able to find markets for their produce. He also added that well improvised machines would easily reach small-scale farmers if they will be in these cooperatives.

The D.O also campaigned against HIV/AIDs. He said that this is the greatest enemy of food production. He therefore alerted the residents to be much careful of this deadly disease. To this, he said that after getting their dues they should spend them wisely.

The chief-guest also read the speech from the Director General of Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Below is the full speech:

Message of the Director-General of FAO, José Graziano da Silva

The theme of this year’s World Food Day is Agricultural cooperatives: key to feeding the world.

This theme was chosen to highlight the many, concrete ways in which agricultural cooperatives

and producer organizations help to provide food security, generate employment, and lift people

out of poverty. For FAO and its partners, agricultural cooperatives are natural allies in the fight

against hunger and extreme poverty. Their importance has also been acknowledged through

the United Nations’ declaration of 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives.

Over the three decades of decline in national investments in agriculture and official development

assistance, millions of small producers have struggled to respond and to cope with variability

and crises in climate, markets, and prices. Since the food crisis of 2007-8 many countries have

renewed their commitment to eradicating hunger in the world and improving livelihoods. But in

some cases, concrete political, programme and financial support are lagging behind verbal

commitments.

The opportunity that the food price spikes of 2007-2008 might have provided as a pathway out

of poverty for small producers was not realized.

Every day, small producers around the world continue to face constraints that keep them from

reaping the benefits of their labour and contributing to food security not only for themselves but

for all through active participation in markets. However, poor infrastructure and limited access to

services and information, productive assets and markets, as well as poor representation in

decision making processes, mean that this potential is not realized.

Evidence shows that those strong cooperatives and producer organizations are able to

overcome these constraints and to mitigate the negative effects of food and other crises.

Strong producer organizations have helped to fill a void. They have been able to overcome

market and policy constraints by providing their members’ access to a range of assets and

services. For instance, they can reduce costs to farmers by allowing them to purchase in groups

and benefit from better retail prices of agricultural inputs. They also make it possible for

members to voice their concerns and interests – and to play a role in decision and policy making

processes.

There are numerous examples of strong and inclusive organizations that foster collective action

among people who depend on farming, fishing, forestry, livestock and related employment for

their livelihoods. These organizations operate at the community, national or international level,

working to combine the economic and social goals of their members.

It has been said repeatedly that we have the means to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. What

is needed is the establishment of an enabling environment that allows small producers to take

full advantage of available opportunities. Strong cooperatives and producer organizations are

an essential part of that enabling environment.

FAO supports member governments in helping cooperatives and producer organizations to

thrive, by developing adequate policies, legal frameworks, economic incentives, and forums for

dialogue on policy making. In addition, FAO generates evidence, knowledge and good practice

that supports the emergence of more self reliant, inclusive, gender- equitable, and market

oriented producer organizations and cooperatives.

FAO, together with UN and other partners, including the Committee for the Promotion and

Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and the Rome based agencies, will continue to

strengthen and support cooperatives, as key stakeholders, to open the door to new

opportunities and to achieve our common goal of a more food secure and sustainable world.

Baby dumped in plastic bag found

By Dennis Kipkirui

A new-born baby was found dumped in a thicket beside a road hours after birth on Friday afternoon.  The girl child who was inside a nylon bag in Mugiko area along Sipili-Kinamba road was found by two women who were passing by. She was rushed to Sipili Maternity and Nursing Home where it is reported that she received care and is now in stable condition. She will spend few days in the hospital while awaiting her eventual transfer to Nyahururu District Hospital. 

The child is currently in custody of the local provincial administration and the Children's Officer. A man-hunt has been launched to nab the mother of the child.

The incident has attracted condemnation from the local administration and church leaders in equal measure. Church leaders have called on the society to re-think on the core societal values. They pleaded with the residents to avoid habits that jeopardize human life and always acknowledge that life is sacred. In a sermon by Mrs. Catherine Njihia at Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church, she urged the congregation to evaluate themselves and live up to the calling of preserving human life to avoid incidences such as one witnessed in Sipili. Catherine likened the child with the biblical baby Moses who was rescued by an Egyptian lady after her mother hid her in a swamp to avert his death. She said the child is destined to be a great person like Moses.

In another incident, a power blackout has hit a section of Sipili centre. The blackout has brought to a halt operations in one of the busiest sections of the centre. It is alleged that one of the transformers has malfunctioned. They are appalled by the lack of quick response from the giant company. The business community is asking Kenya Power to restore normalcy to allow them continue with their activities.