Peace Building around Isinya

By Sheila Ngigi

Albert Einstein once said that Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. And understanding is born out of discussion leading agreement and unity of purpose.

Mr. Jeremiah Ateti, Chairperson of Kajiado Peace Committee

In their course of promoting peace and advocating for peace especially during this election period, the Isinya District Peace Committee is leaving nothing to chance. Residents of Olturoto location in Isinya yesterday gathered at the Chief’s camp in a forum aimed at promoting peace in the location.

Residents of  Olturoto follow proceedings keenly

In attendance was the area District Officer Mr. Ekai, the Chairperson of the Peace Committee, Mr. Jeremiah Ateti and Mr. Muhu, an official of the Peace Committee. The area Chief, various religious leaders, opinion leaders, business men and women and members of the public were all present.

Speeches were given by various speakers as it was an open forum. Both the D.O and the Peace Committee Chairperson underscored the importance of peace and security by urging residents of Olturoto to remain united. Others who echoed these sentiments were the religious leaders who likened these elections to a passing wind which would come and go leaving them as neighbors irrespective of the politicians they supported.

Member of community addresses fellow residents

Mr. Muhu, member of the Peace Committe

Adressing the meeting

The Chairperson informed the residents of the Flame of Peace, a symbolic gesture for all Kenyans to reaffirm their commitment to peace and security during and after this election. The flame which was going round to every county had passed through Isinya a few days back and was a gesture that we should keep peace burning no matter the cost.
The Chairman praised the residents and stated that Kajiado county has enjoyed an amazing peace record even in the wake of the 2007/08 post election violence. The D.O also urged them to maintain that peace and asked the leaders to make peace building a priority.

Mr. Ekai, D.O Isinya

“We should demystify peace, and portray it as the responsibility of all of us-each and every citizen and by so doing demonstrate that it is possible to make peace happen in our Division and beyond”, the D.O said.

Peace, Security and development are viewed as necessary conditions for social stability and the promotion of human security and in their absence, the results usually are severe disruption of social and economic development.

Cooking Without Fuel

By Sheila Ngigi

Ever heard of fireless cooking? That’s right, cooking without fire! Residents of Enkiringiri in Isinya were astounded on learning that one can cook without having to light a fire.

On Thursday, last week, all roads led to Mrs. Grace Tuukuo’s homestead in Enkigirri. A group of 25 ladies had gathered eagerly waiting for the day’s lessons.

All year round, women in Enkigirri are faced with the predicament of lack of firewood. They have to walk many miles to look for firewood or spend considerable amount of money, which is hard to come by, to find fuel for their domestic use. As a result, the mention of a fireless cooker was like music to their ears.

the fireless cooker

The fireless cooker is just a basket woven from reeds and layered with blankets, banana leaves or cloth in the inside. It uses the food’s stored heat to cook it over time. Two cushions are also put on top of the basket covering its mouth completely and this is to ensure no heat escapes from the basket. This is made out of the lining material and should be exactly the width of the basket to seal off the basket leaving no room for heat to escape.

The inside of the basket

Black Polythene wraper used to wrap food to prevent heat loss

The food to cook is first brought to its boiling point using another means; firewood or charcoal, then transfer the food into the fireless cooker.  The food continues to cook slowly and steadily due to the insulation inside (from the blankets or banana leaves stuffed in the blankets) preventing any loss of heat from the cooker.

Ladies take turns to view the cooker

Ladies checking the fireless cooker as facilitator explains

This was an eye opener for the ladies who learnt for the first time how this easy- to- adopt technology could save their money, fuel and time.

The fireless cooker has many advantages which include the following:

It is portable meaning that it and can be carried around easily. Secondly, a fireless cooker can keep food warm for up to 8 hours after it has been heated, and this takes away the need to keep reheating the food after some time. Moreover, watching the stove is unnecessary as it is impossible to burn the food or cause accidents like fires.  Air pollution from smoke is also greatly reduced or health problems related to smoke from firewood and charcoal.

This mode of cooking is sustainable and many development based organizations have been campaigning for its use. One such institution is Practical Action, a close partner of ALIN and REAP East Africa.

http://practicalaction.org/our-work/fireless-cooker

http://reap-eastafrica.org/blogs.info/reap/pdf/UsingAFirelessCooker.pdf

For comments, questions and inquiries on this and other  articles, drop us a line.

ICT Training Testimonies

By Sheila Ngigi

Every so often, ICT has been regarded as a luxury that is utilized only by those who are educated and the wealthy or living in urban areas.

This opinion particularly holds water for people living in rural areas, due to their high illiteracy levels, lack of opportunities to access training, and many household chores that burdens them denying them the time to acquire these skills and knowledge. For instance, in Maasai land, many find themselves restricted to searching for pasture for their livestock or looking for water. Though facing extreme climatic conditions, residents of Isinya and its environs have been keen to take advantage of the ongoing ICT training at the Isinya Maarifa Center.

The following testimonies bear witness to the way this Maarifa center is impacting on the lives of Isinya residents:

Mr. Stephen Tipanko, a focal group member candidly explained what the skills he gained have enabled him to do. “From the moment I learnt how to use a computer, my life has completely changed. I was appointed Chief of Oloosidan Location and my skills gave me an advantage over the other candidates during the appointment,” he says. Mr. Tipanko has also been appointed in various committees in this area namely WRUA (Water Resource Uses Association) and COCOON (Conflict & Cooperation on Natural Resources). “I can now type and print minutes of committee meetings and whenever meetings are called through email, I am never left in the dark like before.”

Mr. Tipanko receiving his certificate

Mr. Moses Leir, the chairperson of the Focal Group at the Maarifa center is another beneficiary of the service. He is vying for the position of County representative of Kaputiei North and successfully clinched the ODM party ticket. “Computer skills are very necessary for anyone who desires to be a leader and this Center has given these skills not only to me but to the whole community,” he says. Another political aspirant and leader is Mr. Julius Ntayia, who has been a Councilor of Kaputiei North ward before. “This training has been a great blessing to the Maasai community,” Mr. Ntayia says.

 Mr. Salonik Nchoke, Dickson Miimi, Carolyn Mumo and Steven Ntoika are all pastors who have successfully completed the ICT training. “Pastors need to be informed and through the internet, I can now network with other pastors all over the world. This way, my flock can be served by a person who is informed,” says Mrs. Mumo.

Ms. Mumo receivescertificate from Mr. Ng'otiek

 Government officials like ministry officials and teachers have also benefited from these services. Mr Eric Omondi from the ministry of Livestock Development and Mr. Charles Karanja and Thiong’o Kibandi of the ministry of Agriculture are so grateful for the chance to learn. “We are now able to research online and organize materials to use during field work,” Mr. Thiong’o adds.

Mr.Phineas Mutavi, Mary Nguuro, Elizabeth Kaliti, Ursula Tororey, Enock Omenyo, Ruth Kinyita, Peris Njuguna, Susan Wambui and Silvia John are all teachers who have all benefited from the training. “Using these skills, I now can type assessments for my students besides finding teaching additional teaching material online, it is just wonderful having so much information,” says Madam Tororey. “I also encourage my students to visit the Maarifa center and research on the assignments I give them,” adds Mr. Omenyo.

Mr. Moses Kago is in the Police force as a special agent to the District Commissioner, Isinya District. He beat all odds to find time to study at the Maarifa Center.  “I took special interest in the programme because I knew the importance of computer skills in today’s world. Now I am able to browse through the internet, and communicate with my bosses and colleagues via the internet. I am so grateful to the Center for such and opportunity,” he says.

Mr. Noah

The most recent beneficiaries have been the successful IEBC candidates. Janet Muriet, Jennifer Moikai and Naomi Nailantei say that were it not for the ICT skills they had acquired at the Maarifa, they would not have passed the interview. “When I heard that ICT skills were the most important qualification, I was confident to apply and the results were just as I expected,” says Jennifer.

Our request is to all Isinya residents to come out in large numbers and take advantage of all the resources and services at the Maarifa. They should also take interest to learn and make the best use of the skills and knowledge acquired to better their lives and those in their community.

Students show their certificates

students of Isinya Boys are also beneficiaries of the training

Successful students proudly display certificates

BAKING USING SORGHUM FLOUR, LADIES IN ISINYA LEARN

By Sheila Ngigi

The continuing partnership between ALIN and Practical Action, an international NGO that has rolled up its sleeves and declared war on poverty in developing nations, has brought numerous advantages and lessons to the people of Isinya. 

The ladies in Narasa and Nasaru Ntoyie Women’s Groups had only praises for the venture that has seen them trained on various topics. The topics range from farming, health to home economics. “I had no idea that sorghum flour can make such sweet cakes not to mention bake breads and scones!” says Grace Tuuko, a member of Narasa.

Before the training, when the trainer asked what the ladies did with their sorghum harvests, they unanimously replied that they made porridge and sold the rest of it, only to be informed that the same flour can also be used to bake even more nutritious cakes and breads and scones.

M.s Loise the facilitator illustrating during training

 With funds and assistance from Practical Action & ALIN, the ladies were taken through the whole process of preparing the cakes, bread and scones; from the recipe to the preparation and mixing the ingredients till the final product. To say the least, the enthusiasm in their eyes told it all, the ladies knew that with this knowledge, their lives would never be the same again.

Ladies Listen keenly as they are taught

Because one group, Narasa Women’s Group, had already been taken through, the cake baking process, the follow up involved them preparing a similar cake as trained and bring it for icing. And sure enough, the group did not disappoint. This illustrated their determination and desire to learn and acquire new skills.

Bread baked during training

Cake baked during the training

They were later taken through the icing process of icing the cake. All along, they used locally available materials most of which the ladies brought from their homes.

Mrs. Loise Gakuru of the Ministry of Agriculture, who facilitated the training and says "it is important that people learn the uses of indigenous cereals because they are very nutritious and will provide essential nutrients for you and your families". 

The Internet certainly empowering people of Isinya

If you have been taking keen interest in the development progress of our nation, then you are well aware of the increased interest in the ICT sector and the passionate exploration of the opportunities that it can offer to us today.

In this modern age, the role of technology in improving the lives of the people cannot be underestimated. More people especially in the rural areas are increasingly embracing ICT and this can be seen through the numbers coming at our Maarifa Center for ICT training and other computer services.

Even in the heart of Maasailand; in Enkirrinkiri, Olturoto, Nalepo or in Inkiito, ICT is steadily penetrating. And such is the power of the internet! A Maasai livestock farmer sparing two hours of precious time that could be used to search for pasture; a political candidate vying for the seat of Member of Parliament finds time amidst all the hustle and bustle of his campaigns to get ICT training and a lady defying her husband’s orders by coming to get ICT training.

Amazingly, social media or web 2.0, as others refer to it is the new platform through which knowledge is being rapidly generated, exchanged, stored, retrieved and disseminated. Through the power of social media, friendships are developed, good people are connected with good causes, and funds and awareness are raised for various causes.

More people now visiting the Center seek assistance to open Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo, Twitter, LinkedIn accounts amongst others.

Users at the Maarifa Center

But overall, it is fascinating to see the level of ambition the people of Isinya have, young and old alike – despite their backgrounds and harsh conditions they face, they know that exposure to ICT has and continues to expand their horizons.But most importantly; these people have the right attitude. A sense of unity and common purpose: because in spite of all these, ICT is bringing them together, and providing them with a 21^st Century digital identity, African and ICT literate.

They have embraced a mindset where failure and difficulty is not the end of the story but a learning opportunity for those thought to be forgotten!

Simply  inspiring!

JAMHURI DAY CELEBRATIONS

By Sheila Ngigi

Beats of the police rendition were heard all over Isinya town once again as the men and women, in their dazzling uniform, marched towards Isinya Boys Secondary School. This was to mark the 49^th Jamhuri Day, since President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta took over the instruments of State from the jaded colonial administration.

While the president and others were at Nyayo Stadium, here at Isinya, the day  was marked with pomp and colour at the Isinya Boys Secondary school. The function was officiated by the District Commissioner, Isinya and other government officials, including; the District Officers, OCPD Isinya, OCS, Chiefs, and sub-chiefs. Also present were district heads of all sectors; IEBC, education, health, development, agriculture, water and irrigation services, cooperatives among others. Isinya residents had come out in large numbers to witness and celebrate the 49^th year since their beloved country became a republic. Men and women, old and young alike left their jobs and businesses, spared a few hours to listen to their leaders. They braved the scorching sun and its accompanying thirst for the love of Kenya, patriotism.

Mr. Nderitu, DO1 Isinya,,Master of Ceremony 

Aspiring candidates contesting for the various political positions were also not left out but recognized the function as a platform to preach peace, campaign and push for their. They urged Isinya residents to register as voters in large numbers as it was their right to vote. Candidates urged them to vote wisely for development minded leaders, and not along tribal lines.

Mr. Leir,  a focal group member and aspiring councillor

Government officials painstakingly gave details of what their offices were doing to ensure Isinya residents were well. Water has been a major problem affecting this community and the officer in charge of water promised to look into it and gave account of grants that the government has given to drill boreholes and lay pipes for water installation. 

"Though we have had the challenge of inadequate water as a district, serikali imejitolea kwendelea kuitataua shida hii kila uchao. (the government is committed to solving this issue)".

Mr. Ntayia, another aspiring candidate

 Insecurity in Majengo area of Isinya has been on the increase lately. The OCPD Isinya promised to increase the number of patrols in the area to boost security. “Please cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious elements because these criminals live amongst you,” he urged the residents. 












Kajiado East Constituency IEBC coordinator, Ms. Jennifer, urged the residents to register as voters as deadline looms and to maintain peace throughout the campaign and election period.

She gave shocking statistics that with only 7 days to go, less than half of Kajiado County had not yet registered as voters. She urged residents to do so before it was too late. 

Ms. Jennifer addressing the gathering

The District Commissioner, Mr. Hassan Bule, clad in his majestic official attire looked his best. After taking the podium and greeting the gathering, the DC set out to deliver the President’s speech in Kiswahili. *I must say, all were awed by his mastery of the national language*.

Mr. Hassan Bule, DC Isinya reading the President's speech

In his speech, he enumerated the country’s various development achievements in the last 10 years which, he said, have laid the foundation for the economic, social and political transformation of the country. In this regard, he urged Kenyans to take advantage of the remaining time and register as voters in order to elect leaders the country requires to move forward. 

"Registering to vote will enable you to carry out your civic duty of electing your leaders. You will also be choosing the policies by which you will be governed. Thus, registering to vote will enable you to participate in strengthening our democracy”.

 He exhorted Kenyans to respect the rule of law which is the foundation of the current and future developments even as they enjoyed the freedoms of speech and association enshrined in the Constitution. He also called upon the residents to promote peace and unity. “We should be free to disagree and hold divergent opinions but as we do so, we must remain both peaceful and united”, he said.

The DC’s final remarks resounded the president’s speech, he said, “It is better to sweat while keeping peace than to be bleeding in war. Let us keep peace and shun those who try to divide us along ethnic lines.”

And we were not disappointed… there was a soda and a plateful of meat, pilau and vegetables for all present! It was a surely a beautiful Jamhuri day.

ALIN and Practical Action join hands against poverty

By Sheila Ngigi


Practical Action is an international NGO that uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries.

They are interested in finding out what people are doing and then help them to do it better. Practical Action, through technology, has continued to enable poor communities build on their skills and knowledge to produce sustainable and practical solutions that will transform their lives and protect the world around them.

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvZtDaC

Practical Action further provides high quality independent research and professional advice to clients including Governments, International Development Agencies, NGOs and private sector entities for the purpose of poverty reduction in countries in Africa, Asia and South America. They operate in two main strategic areas of technology and development: Rural and Urban Infrastructure and Increasing Enterprise Opportunities and Access to Markets

Just like ALIN, Practical Action has energy and climate change issues in the core of their programmes.  They provide practical power i.e., renewable, locally-sourced sustainable energy solutions which help lift people out of poverty leading to better access to education and other basic services, improvement of health and wellbeing, especially for women and children.

Practical Action Eastern Africa Regional Office has been delivering technology as its niche in the region for over 25 years and throughout the period, they have leveraged best practices learnt that yield high impact.

They also have two arms through which they scale up their operations and models from their work and that of others: Practical Action Consulting through which they replicate knowledge generated from their programmes outside their operational areas to others; and
Practical Answers, a demand-driven free-of-charge service, provides customised information and knowledge products to individual enquirers through different media and formats.

Using this second arm, ALIN and Practical Action have collaborated to provide Practical answers to help farmers through the Maarifa Centers. This will be through the Practical Answers Project that will run from November 2012 to April 2013.

We, at Isinya are delighted to benefit from this noble cause not once but twice!