RSA RESIDENTS END OF YEAR 2003 MEETING

RABUOR-SINAGA AREA ( RSA), DEVELOPMENT TRUST
RSA RESIDENTS END OF YEAR 2003 MEETING
HELD ON FRIDAY 26/12/2003 AT MR & MRS GEOFFREY OCHIENG'S RESIDENCE AT SINAGA-GEM

In attendance:

1. Mr. Ambrose D. Rachier – Chairman (RSA Development Trust)
2. Eng. A. Okelo Rogo (RSA Development Trust)
3. Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng’ (RSA Development Trust)
4. Mrs. Mary Asiko – Chairperson (RSA Community Water Project)
5. Councillor Onyango Ochieng’ – Marenyo Sub location
6. Mr. Samwel Otieno Oiko – Asst. Chief Marenyo Sub location
7. Mr. Jared O. Awere – Chief Yala Township
8. OCPD Siaya (Mr. Etyang) –invited Guest
9. OCS – Yala (Mr. Otieno) – invited Guest
10. District Officer Yala (Mr. Ayienda) – invited Guest
11. Mr. Ernest Were – Chairman (RSA Community Polytechnic)
12. Mr. Peter Onyango Awuor (Director- RSA Community Fund)
13. Mr. Zack Were Odera (Manager – RSA Community Water Project)
14. Mr. Matthias J. Ochieng’
15. Mr. John Juma Otieno (Manager RSA Community Fund)
16. Dr. Festus Paul Owino
17. Eng. Naphtaly Radier
18. Mr. Eric B. Aweyo
19. Mr. David Ouma Ngolo
20. Mr. Walter Odallo
21. Mr. James O. Adika
22. Mrs. Christine Okwirry
23. Mr. Samwel Osumba Ojwang’
24. Mr. Norbert Amani
25. Mr. Richard Mahodho
26. Mrs. Mary Radier
27. Mrs. Joan Amani
28. Mr. John Onguko Okose
29. Mr. Paul M. O. Anyango (working in USA)
30. Mr. John O. Rachier
31. Mr. Erastus Omole
32. Mr. George Ndege
33. Mr. Kenneth Okwirry
34. Mr. Odera Ojuang’
35. Mr. Francis Odera Ariya
36. Mrs. Monicah Okumu
37. Mr. Abisai Ouma Ogonda
38. Mr. Oyunga Pala
39. Mr. John Otieno
40. Mr. Ben Odera
41. Mr. Cossam Ang’awa
42. Mr. Peter Sijenyi Odera
43. Mr. Harrison Nyagaye
44. Mrs. Margaret Radier
45. Mr. John Ndede Oluoch
46. Mr. Harun Odhiambo
47. Mr. Solomon Omondi Okoth
48. Mr. Maurice Odhiambo
49. Mr. Samwel Waga
50. Mr. Wilson Odwar
51. Mr. James Ochieng’ Orende
52. Mr. Josiah Onyango Okeyo
53. Ms. Hellen A. Abuodha
54. Ms. Margaret Obuoch
55. Eunice Mbogo
56. Mr. Joseph Owino
57. Mr. Joshua Okech Sino
58. Ms. Syprose Adhiambo Obiero
59. Ms. Philister Ochieng’
60. Mr. John Orende Muga
61. Mr. Regionald Oreso
62. Mr. Evans Ngenya
63. Mrs. Jane K. Rogo
64. Mr. Edwin Ogumbo Odera
65. Ms. Therese Ochieng’
66. Ms. Karen Owino
67. Mr. Richard Ombar
68. Mr. Humprey Masime Ohudu
69. Mr. Washington Wanunda
70. Mr. Richard Oloo
71. Ms. Mary Sijenyi
72. Mr. Ronald Rogo
73. Mr. Bon Ouko
74. Mrs. Mary Rachier
75. The Vicar – Sinaga Parish
76. Mrs. Mary Ouma
77. Rev. N. Wachianga
78. Mr. Henry Owit Ogos
79. Mr. Alwala Rogo

Apologies:
1. Mr. Norman Kimanzu – Regional Coordinator (EA) Viagroforestry Programme
2. The Deputy PPO Nyanza (Mr. Oluoch)
3. The District Commissioner Siaya (Mr. Ogalo)
4. Dr. Khama Rogo (Working in USA)
5. Mr. John Wambia (Working in USA)
6. Mr. Zephaniah Owiro
7. Mr. & Mrs. Isaac N. Okoth
8. Mr. James Okwirry
9. Mr. Phillip Diro
10. Mr. George Oluoch
11. Mrs. Regina Opundo
12. Mr. William Asiko
13. Eng. George Owuor
14. Mr. Gedion Opiyo Rachier
15. Mr. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao


The meeting started at 4.30 p.m. The Chairman welcomed all those present after which Mrs. Joan Amani conducted prayers. Thereafter the Chairman conducted a session of introduction. The Chairman then explained the purpose of the meeting as: -

· Assessment of all RSA Community Development activities during the year 2003.

· Areas of problems, success or weakness and proposed remedial action or improvements.

· Proposed activities for RSA Community Development in the year 2004 and beyond.

· Get together

The RSA Development Trust (RSA – DT) Secretary was then given a forum to present a brief on RSA Development activities that took place during the year 2003. Thereafter Representatives of various Projects implementing Committees/Groups were given a forum to explain their activities for the same year. Comments/questions and general discussion ensued as to the best approach in dealing with various RSA Development Projects.

Presentation and discussions on the projects were generally based on Minutes of RSA Development Trust (RSA-DT) meeting held on 22/11/2003 in Nairobi, and presentation by Representatives of various Projects Groups Committees operating in RSA.

Presentations, discussions and agreed objectives were as herebelow.

1. RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

The Project Chairperson reported that Phase I which is estimated to cost Kshs. 10 million would be completed by March 2004. The Funding was obtained from CDTF (European Union), Lake Victoria Environmental Management, Programme, UNESCO, Kenya Charity Sweepstake, and RSA Residents.

Phase I of the project had connected water supply to various schools, Sagam Hospital, some homes, and 2 No. Community Water Kiosks at Rabuor and Sagam. Works were in hand to connect water to Sinaga Girls Secondary School, Mundhine Village, Lihanda School in addition to homes in Sinaga, Mundhine, Rawa and Ahono. These works should be completed by March 2004, and it is regretted that due to funding shortages the intended extensive supply to Residents in RSA through Community Water Kiosks will not be possible during Phase I implementation. In view of this, the Chairlady requested all RSA Residents, wherever they are, to seek more funding for the Water Project. Phase II of the Water Project, which is estimated to cost about Kshs.12 million will include: -

· Provisions of additional Community Water Supply Kiosks
· Extension of Water Reticulation Network
· Additional Water supply pump at Jordan Springs Water Intake Works
· Additional Water Storage Tanks at Rabuor and Marenyo

The meeting noted the above funding requirements. It agreed that the RSA Community Water Project Committee should consider supply of Water to neighbouring Town Centres, i.e. Luanda on purely commercial basis, only after RSA Residents have received adequate supply on a non-commercial basis.

The Chairlady gave notice that her term of office was expiring by end of December 2003, however she will continue to finalize transactions related to Donor Finances, and Auditing of the Project’s Phase I Accounts, prior to calling RSA Residents Meeting to elect new Project Officials by April 2004. The Chairlady and her team were thanked for a difficult work they have so far carried out in initiating the Project and bringing it to a Phase I completion stage when clean water is already being consumed by some RSA Residents. She was urged to put extra effort, so that as many Residents as possible access clean water by completion of Phase I in March 2004. The meeting requested the Water Project Committee to look into the Water Tariff with a possibility of reducing it, but without denying the Project of minimum Revenue requirement for acceptable sustainability maintenance standards.

The meeting requested all RSA Residents, Friends, and Development Organizations to assist the Project with the urgently required funds for Phase II.

The meeting thanked the Government for providing Technical Officers through Ministry of Water Development to supervise the project construction works. The Government was also thanked for the basic training conducted during year 2003 for the Project Staff and users, again through Ministry of Water Development. It was requested that Ministry of Water Development should allocate more funds for the Project’s Maintenance/Training during the Financial Year 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. Anyone seeking information on water project connection and any other issues related to implementation should go to the Water Project Office at Simbi, where they can get in touch with the Manager, Mr. Zack Were.

The Meeting resolved that RSA Community Water Project Committee should immediately make/follow up of application for funding of Phase II of the Water Project to CDTF, as all criteria necessary for financing of the project under Rural Water Programme are already met by the RSA Residents.

2. ROADS

The meeting was informed that Councillor Ochieng’ was making efforts to access some funds from Local Government to assist in minor repairs of sections from Marenyo-Sinaga-Wang’ Arot – Lihanda and Sagam Mundhine. However it was observed that road conditions in RSA were a poor state of repair. Proper maintenance initiative should be put in place for sections Marenyo – Jina – Sinaga, Sinaga – Wang’Arot – Lihanda, and Jina –Kachola Bridge –Sagam, Sagam – Mundhine and Rabuor Kagutu – Marenyo. Receipt Books for voluntary Kshs.20/- per month per RSA Resident contribution for road repairs in Rabuor – Sinaga Area (RSA) had been printed and delivered for collection within RSA. The RSA Development Trust Treasurer, Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng’ should be contacted for any information on this issue. This Voluntary Fund should be used in making minimal payments for local people volunteering to carry out minor routine patching of village roads in RSA.

The meeting observed with regret that no Constituency Fuel Levy Fund has ever been used in Rabuor – Sinaga Area Roads, despite promises by past and present Gem Constituency Members of Parliament. This is despite the fact that the above listed road sections have always been sent to the Members of Parliament for action.

Rabuor – Sinaga Area roads require more regular maintenance, as compared to other sub locations in Gem, due to relatively high rainfall and hilly topography.

Some participants requested for immediate installation of bumps for speed control at Sagam on main tarmac road (Luanda-Siaya) to reduce accidents. However the DO-Yala explained that local leaders, through DDC, have made several requests for the bumps but the responsible authority for the Road (Ministry of Roads) has not responded.

3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The meeting was informed that Ministry of Energy and Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd is considering applications by RSA Residents made during the last 3 years for power supply to various premises.

4. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The meeting thanked the former PC Nyanza (Mr. W. K. Ndolo) and the DC- Siaya (Mr. W. Ogalo) for introducing an NGO Group (Viagroforestry Project) to assist Tree Planting/Industry and Environmental Improvement in RSA. The concept of Tree Planting for Economic/Environmental purpose is now being introduced in RSA. The NGO has already supplied seeds (these may be collected from Mrs. Jane Rogo) to be planted immediately in individual premises seedbeds. The NGO’s Technical Staff will be resident in RSA as from January 2004 to give extension services on seeds/ seedling husbandry to RSA Residents. Through this programme, suitable trees for livestock fodder, fruits/food, firewood. timber, soil fertility and environmental protection will be planted and grown in Rabuor-Sinaga Area. This should improve food productivity and earn cash for RSA Residents in sales. All schools, Womem/Youth Groups and Churches should be centres of action in this endeavour. The local schools Headmasters/Headmistresses, Councillor and Assistant Chief were requested to take a leading role by example on the issue. It was observed with concern that due to wanton cutting of vegetation, RSA which was well covered by trees is now bare and rivers/springs disappearing. Moreover firewood is now to be purchased at unaffordable price by Residents.

The Meeting requested ICRAF, which has a station about 7kms from RSA to also give assistance in Agro forestry services at RSA. ICRAF has been requested on several occasions in the past to assist but no response has been received. Mr. Philip Diro who works at Pan African Paper Mills, and is from RSA was thanked for his past assistance to Agro forestry in supplying good seedlings. He was kindly requested to continue assisting RSA in this regard.

5. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

This is a sector that touched hearts of many participants at the meeting. No substational improvement is being noticed in crops/livestock husbandry, as a result of which RSA is still seriously food deficient; despite adequate rainfall, available/suitable land, adequate manpower and expertise. In fact even production of indigenous crops which our grandparents used to produce in plenty is reducing, i.e. millet, cassava, sweet, potatoes, bananas etc. It was further regretted that despite a major road traffic passing through RSA, which facilitate marketing of perishable goods as far as Nairobi and Mombasa, the RSA Residents are not taking any advantage to sell fruits and vegetables. The local Chief, assistant Chief, Marenyo Councillor, Youth/Women Groups and all Headmasters/Headmistresses in RSA were requested to take lead in developing. Agricultural potential/awareness in the RSA. It was reported that suitable seeds/livestock resistant to local pests are available from the nearby Agricultural Research Institutions. Moreover, Government Agricultural/Veterinary Extension Officers are available at Yala Divisional Centre to assist. The DO-Yala, Mr. George Ogola, Mr. Ben Aweyo and Mr. Gedion Opiyo Rachier were requested to follow up this issue urgently with vigour. RSA is capable within one year to produce enough grain, vegetables, eggs, milk, sweet potatoes and bananas for local consumption and sale. A local women Group “Yaw Pachi” was commended for their effort in dairy farming development. All milk produce is being bought locally and support should be given to them in getting additional heifers.

Local successful Dairy Farmers like Dr. Festo Owino and Mr. Norbert Amani were requested to assist others to come up, so that RSA becomes a major producer of milk/milk products to Siaya Towns as soon as possible.

6. SECURITY IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The Meeting observed and agreed that security in RSA is every Resident’s responsibility. Any strange happenings or strange person encountered by RSA Residents must be reported immediately to the Assistant Chief and the local Police Post for investigation. Moreover the Asst. Chief must see to it that each village has a “Vigilante” Group for daily patrol. “Vigilante” are local Residents who volunteer to provide security services to the community with the Police, but under command of the Assistant Chief. The Assistant Chief was told that he has not put adequate effort in establishing necessary “Vigilante” Groups, and it was only Sinaga Group that is working effectively. He undertook to immediately improve “Vigilante” Groups services in villages, like Sagam, Ahono, Rawa, Marenyo and Rabuor. The DO-Yala undertook to follow up this issue. The meeting agreed that the RSA Residents, on voluntary basis, should assist any Vigilante Group that is effectively working with basic equipment like raincoats, torches/batteries, boots etc. The OCPD Siaya addressed the meeting on security performance for RSA that includes increasing security personnel for Sinaga Police Post and Rabuor Police Patrol Base. More equipment like Radios will be provided to RSA as soon as they become available. The OCPD Siaya thanked RSA Residents for putting up premises for Sinaga Police Post and Rabuor Police Patrol Base. The meeting thanked the PPO-Nyanza and OCPD-Siaya together with all their staff for their effort in improving security in RSA, despite shortage of manpower and equipment. The meeting raised about kshs.3500/- to facilitate immediate provision of hard (timber) office furniture at Sinaga Police Post. The officer In-Charge (Sinaga Police Post) and the RSA-DT Treasurer (Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng’) were requested to get a local RSA carpenter to make suitable furniture as soon possible.

The meeting requested the OCPD-Siaya to make a request to the PPO-Nyanza for upgrading of Sinaga Police Post to a Police Station as soon as possible, in view of large area covered, together with the security sensitive route of (Luanda-Siaya) Road, and Provincial boarder situation along Rabuor-Marenyo Road.


7. EDUCATION FOR BRIGHT CHILDREN WITH PROBLEMS IN RSA ON SCHOOL FEES

The meeting observed and appreciated grave situation facing RSA Residents with large number of orphans, mainly as a result of HIV/Aids pandemic. Every Resident is to spare something for Education of many orphans. RSA-DT has tried its best to assist in the past but is unable to cope. A Sub Committee set up by RSA-DT under Mr. Walter Odallo has made efforts to raise funds/resources for Education assistance. However this effort is like a drop in the ocean.

The RSA-DT has a special Bank Account as below into which any individual or Groups (locally and Overseas) may deposit funds to assist Education of the orphans. Moreover all those involved with HIV/Aids programme are also requested to assist RSA Orphans School Fees cause.

Account Name: RSA Development Trust
Bank: Commercial Bank of Africa
Branch: Mama Ngina Street – Nairobi
Account Number: 5 – 154857003

All RSA Residents now working outside Kenya were particularly requested to answer to this call.

8. ACQUISITION OF PLOTS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES WITHIN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The Meeting considered this issue and agreed that all RSA Residents should consider donating or offering at concessionary price plots for Community Services. This is what our parents and grand parents used to do, and that is why we now have schools, Health facilities and churches; some of which are already overdue for extension. In this regard the late Mr. Isaac Okwirry family was commended for offering a site on which Sinaga Police Post has been built. The family of Mzee Daudi Odera was also thanked for offering a site for construction of Rabuor Police Patrol Base premises.

9. EXTERNAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The Meeting agreed that it is responsibility of every RSA to identify and follow up any possible source of External Resource support to RSA Development. Those RSA Natives now resident outside Kenya should particularly be in fore front in this regard; RSA activities are posted on Website and they should update themselves as necessary: -
-(http://www developmentgateway.org/node/166897/)

The RSA-DT Chairman, Mr. Ambrose Rachier, had sourced about 3 qualified personnel from foreign Peace Corps to immediately reside in RSA and assist various Community Development Programmes. All he requires are volunteers to offer reasonable accommodations within village set up at Sinaga, Rawa/Sagam, Mundhine, Rabuor/Ahono. Any volunteers should contact the Chairman for inspection of the accommodation as soon as possible.

Mr. John Wambia, Dr. Khama O. Rogo, and Mrs. (Dr) Lucy N. Rogo who are based in Washington were highly commended for their continued support to RSA Community development programmes Mr. Paul M. Anyango who is based in USA and was present at the meeting was also commended for supporting home programme; he was requested to continue in this effort. Mrs. Margaret Radier was requested to follow up an RSA Education Programme that she had intended to set up through Netherland’s support.

It was observed with great appreciation that Mrs. (Dr) Lucy N. Rogo had arranged delivery of 2 No. Consignment of clothes through “Yaw Pachi” Women Group to assist orphaned children in RSA. She was requested to continue in the same spirit.

10. RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (MICROFINANCE) COMMUNITY FUND

The RSA Community Fund is a Bank service started about 2 years ago by the RSA Community with a Banking premise at Sagam to assist development in Business, Farming and any other Entrepreneurship within RSA, and Nyanza/Western Provinces at large. It specializes in providing credit to small scale Entrepreneurship in Rural Kenya areas. The RSA Community Fund operations received high recommendation at the meeting for giving much needed support to RSA Small Scale Entrepreneurship efficiently, and within affordable manner. The Fund offers full External Banking Services through an Account at the Kenya Commercial Bank as below;

RSA Community Fund
Account Number 132 129 358
Kenya Commercial Bank – Kisumu West (Luanda Branch)



The RSA Community Fund Address:

RSA Community Fund
P.O. Box 719
LUANDA (KENYA)

In his report to the meeting, Mr. Peter Onyango Awuor (Director) emphasized the need for more capital to enable the Fund meet increased Credit demands for Micro-Enterprises within Siaya District (Nyanza Province) and all the way in Vihiga District (Western Province). The RSA Community Fund Capital base can be increased through purchase of as many shares as possible (each share costs Kshs.300/- where the first one require an additional Kshs.60/- for a Pass Book) Any one or organization from any part of the world is invited purchase shares which is a Commercial Investment giving dividends. The Director reported that operations at the Fund has been very successful with over 90% Loan repayment recorded. Percentage growth of the fund in terms of membership and capital is about 96% since inception 2 years ago. Total savings by December 2003 was about Kshs.1.3 million and Credit provided was about Kshs. 1.1 million. The District Commissioner Siaya and various Development Bodies were requested to channel their financial deposits and Community Support Programme Funds through RSA Community Fund to increase its Capital. Already there are some local teachers who are receiving their salaries through RSA Community Fund, and those receiving pensions were advised to channel them through the Fund in order to avoid costly travel and commission charges in large Financial Institutions.

The meeting requested all RSA Natives resident elsewhere or outside Kenya to channel their personal money for rural family support/development through RSA Community Fund for convenience and lower Bank costs, while at the same time assisting to increase RSA Community Fund base Capital to alleviate poverty in Western Kenya Rural Region.

The meeting noted with pleasure that the RSA Community Fund has printed 2004 Calendars, which are available at Kshs.30/- per calendar. All should buy at least one as a way of support to the RSA Community Fund.

11. PROPOSED RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC

Mr. Ernest Were, the Chairman – RSA Community Polytechnic Committee thanked all RSA Residents and friends for raising about Kshs.160, 000/- to kick start the Polytechnic launching arrangements. He reported that his committee was working to finalise site acquisition, fence off the site, put simple suitable structures, provide syllabus/stationery and recruit local voluntary/instructors initially in tailoring and carpentry. This is to facilitate launching of the RSA Community Polytechnic by February 2004 as had been agreed earlier. The meeting was happy with the proposals, however they urged the Committee to ascertain that this deadline for February 2004 is strictly met, as there are many young people in RSA of primary/secondary school education who lack any skill for self employment; moreover there are no jobs for them in the current/future economy and they could get bad influence through idleness. The meeting, in short notified Mr. Were that commencement of the Polytechnic is very urgent. There are skilled masons/carpenters locally as well as plenty of building materials, in timber, stone, burned bricks etc with relating cheap labour in RSA to facilitate implantation of the Committee’s proposals within the Funds at hand. All that is required is careful planning coordination and full support by RSA Residents, the local Chief/Asst. Chief, Marenyo Councillor and the DO-Yala.

It was observed with gratitude that the DO-Yala and DC-Siaya have pledged full support for the proposed RSA Community Polytechnic. The meeting kindly requested the DC-Siaya and DO-Yala to look around for any possible support to the Polytechnic in form of equipment/tools for training i.e. Tailoring machines and carpentry tools; whether new or used. Any possible support by the Government or any NGO Groups in this regard was also requested through the DO-Yala and DC-Siaya. On the other hand, RSA Residents were requested to volunteer labour money and materials as soon as possible to assist the Polytechnic in putting up the urgently required premises.

The RSA Natives and their friends within Kenya and outside Kenya were requested to seek any possible support to the Polytechnic as soon as possible.

The RSA Community Polytechnic Project is duly registered by the Government and has a Bank Account. The Project Chairman, Mr. Ernest Were Onyiego, may be contacted through Water Office at Simbi for more information.

The meeting resolved that the RSA Community Polytechnic Committee should as soon as possible apply for assistance to possible Donor Organizations i.e. UNESCO, UNDP, CDTF, SIDA, JICA, DANIDA, World Bank, CIDA etc. However the meeting reaffirmed that the launching date for RSA Community Polytechnic must be February 2004, even if this is done in a small scale.

12. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The meeting observed with regret that todate Mobile Telephone Network for some zones in RSA, particularly Sinaga, is very poor. The meeting requested Ouma Ojenge or any other RSA Native with useful contacts to request Kencell and/or Safaricom to enhance their transmission within RSA as soon as possible.

The meeting further observed that although Telkom Kenya has put in substantial equipment investments for the proposed Sagam Fixed Line Telephone Exchange during the last 3 years, no services are being offered todate. Facilities like Sagam Community Hospital, Marenyo Health Centre, Mundhine Health Centre, Sinaga Police Post, Rabuor Police Patrol Base, Sagam Secondary School, Sinaga Girls Secondary School, Rabuor Trading Centre, Simbi Trading Centre, Sinaga Trading Centre and Lihanda Primary School should at least have one telephone booth each. The demand is quite high even if individual premises connections extended. Moreover issues of Health and Security are vital and related facilities should be connected by telephone as a matter of priority. However Telkom Kenya has not indicated any date for commissioning their services, despite the fact that already an overhead cable is installed from Maseno to Sagam, a premise for Exchange Equipment housing has been on lease for the last 3 years, Exchange Equipment is lying in Kisumu and 3-Phase power supply has been connected to the Exchange Equipment housing. The District Commissioner -Siaya was requested to seek the PC-Nyanza intervention in this matter, so that the overdue fixed telephone line services may be availed to RSA as soon as possible.

13. PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

The meeting observed with deep regret that although Siaya District (with RSA included) has one of the highest rate of HIV/AIDS pandemic infection in Kenya, no support todate has been seen in RSA in form of Awareness Campaign, Medicines, School Fees,or Feeding Support for HIV/AIDS related orphans/widows/widowers. There are a lot of statement in News Media as to billion of shillings helping rural Kenya on HIV/Aids epidemic but this, for some reason, does not trickle down to RSA.

The meeting was informed that Residents, on some occasions, see brief cased persons in villages claiming to “give support” for HIV/Aids victims but nothing comes to effect.

The DO-Yala pointed out that there are persons claiming to represent Aids NGO Support Groups but most of them are conmen.

The meeting requested the DO-Yala, DC-Siaya and local Member of Parliament for Gem to assist in a many HIV/Aids victims in RSA in their long suffering. They require urgent assistance in: -

(i) Medicines for opportunistic ailments i.e. malaria, TB etc.
(ii) Antiretroviral
(iii) School Fees for Orphans
(iv) Food staff and clothing for orphanages already started by local Women Groups on self-help basis.
(v) Awareness Education Programmes
(vi) Setting up of a VCT Centre at Sagam Community Hospital. Currently there is only one VCT Centre in the whole of Siaya District located about 30 kms from RSA.

Rabuor Sinaga Area (RSA) already has facilities/institutions through which the above support could be channeled: -

· RSA Community Bank for payment of School Fees to orphans.
· Local Primary and Secondary Schools for orphans’ education
· Sagam Community Hospital with necessary personnel and equipment to provide Treatment/Storage of Drugs Qualified Counselling Staff etc.
· Orphanages for support/accommodation of Aids/HIV victims.
· Trained persons who can assist Awareness Campaign Programms.
· Duly constituted Women/Youth/Church Groups through which assistance can reach any local Aid/HIV victims. These groups are headed by persons literate enough to compile reports and fully account for their activities.
· A VCT Centre is urgently required at Sagam Community Hospital to cater for the most a densely populated part of Siaya District and the neighbours in Vihiga District. Todate there is only one VCT Centre in the whole of Siaya District.

The Meeting instructed the Local Assist. Chief, Area Councillor and Local Women Groups to consult and compile a Data for RSA persons who are HIV/Aids victims, including orphans/widows/widowers, in detail for urgent further action by Mr. Ambrose Rachier and Dr. K. O. Rogo. The Data should have names, ages, occupation, whether male/female, health status whether any support has been received etc. This Data will also be very useful to Government bodies, NGO’s and even possible overseas support organizations.

It is not possible to solicit support for RSA HIV/Aids victims without knowing the extent of suffering through a comprehensively prepared data; and this report should therefore be compiled very urgently. The RSA –DT Chairman, Mr. Ambrose Rachier, promised to do his best together with Mr. Oyunga Pala to get some support to RSA HIV/Aids victims as soon as possible.

The local voluntary groups i.e. SCOPE; “Yaw Pachi” were commended for using their meager resources to set up orphanages and feeding Programess for HIV/Aids Victims in RSA. The DO-Yala observed that these are the groups that should be assisted but unfortunately fast talking conmen seem to attract more attention of HIV/Aids Support Groups in Siaya District.

14. INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER RSA TRUST MEMBERS/RSA
RESIDENTS AGAINST UNFORSEEN DISASTERS

The meeting observed and agreed that in their current situation it is essential the RSA Residents have access to Insurance Services as a protection against unforeseen disasters i.e. burglaries, medical fees, school fees, fire hazards, life, last respect (funeral expenses) etc. There were several enquiries on Insurance policies, particularly on Last Respect, whereby on payment of Kshs.1250/- annually Kshs.100, 000/- is immediately paid to the beneficiary for funeral expenses in case of death of an Insured. There is an age limit of 65 years for the Insured.

The Meeting was informed that the RSA Community Bank Manager could give explanation on this Insurances Policy, and infact policies can be serviced through the Bank. However for more detailed explanation Mr. Nelson Rogo may be contacted on Tel. 0722-366315.

15. WOMEN AND YOUTH GROUPS DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RABUOR-SINAGA AREA (RSA)

Mrs. Jane Rogo gave a report on a Women Group (Yaw Pachi) activities, which impressed the meeting.

The Group is an example of self-initiative, which ought to be emulated by other Women groups, Youth groups and even men groups (if such a group were ever to be formed)

“Yaw Pachi” Group is duly registered and has a Bank Account. It has duly elected officials, and through its own initiative has attracted some support from Kenya and abroad.

Through UNDP support they received Dairy Cows, which have all survived and produced calves that will soon be given to other members of “Yaw Pachi” Group.

The Group is currently a major supplier of milk within RSA and will soon surpass local demand; at which stage they will approach the DO-Yala to assist them acquire a milk cooler.

“Yaw Pachi” Group Leader, Mrs. Jane K. Rogo, is ready to hand out certified seeds/seedling to any RSA Residents for trees producing fruits, timber, firewood, increasing soil fertility and livestock fodder.

The meeting requested “Yaw Pachi” Group to share their knowledge and experience with other Women /Youth groups in RSA. However, this also depends on initiatives of these other Groups to learn from “Yaw Pachi”

The meeting further urged the RSA Youth to form Groups as demonstrated by “Yaw Pachi” so that they may benefit in livestock husbandry, crop husbandry, poultry keeping, crafts, beekeeping, cattle/goats dairy agro forestry, vegetables, games/creative etc. These are endeavours that will keep them health physically, mentally and financially instead of waiting for jobs in towns centres, which jobs are now very scarce.

Moreover the local RSA Community Fund can give them the necessary capital if they show willingness to dirty their hands and start in a modest away.

There is inexhaustible market for eggs, milk products, vegetables, timber products, poultry, fruits etc both within RSA and cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The road traffic going through RSA daily to these cities can provide convenient and affordable means to market the Youth Groups produce.

The meeting advised Youth against setting un unrealistically high targets which cannot be achieved. They were further advised to be ready to dirty their hands and avoid white-collar job mentality. Instead they should be practical and avoid unnecessary seminars/workshops, which do not directly improve their soci-economic status.

The Meeting was of the view that Youth Groups have a very high potential for success in view of their energy, creativity, good level of education. What they require now is to form working groups with resourceful leadership to be duly registered and start dealing with down to earth issues.



18. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

· The Chairman RSA-DT called on all schools in RSA to be the centres of action and excellence as regards all issues of development targeting i.e. agriculture, agro forestry etc. so that the rest of RSA may learn.

· Venue for Year 2004 end of year RSA Meeting is to be agreed at a later date.

· The meeting thanked Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Ochieng’ of Sinaga for accepting to provide a venue, entertainment by Kochieng’ Children, delicious food/drinks hospitality and safety to all RSA Residents who were present in a beautiful home.

· The Chairman gave notice that election for RSA-DT office bearers should be due by end of year 2004, and those interested should start campaigning.

· The meeting resolved that beginning end of Year 2004, the RSA Youth should organize Games and Community Support Activities Annually. RSA Residents are willing to support them when action is seen, even in a small scale.

· The Chairman thanked the Government of Kenya for support given in various sectors to RSA. This was clearly indicated by the interest on RSA by the PC-Nyanza, PPO-Nyanza, Deputy PPO- Nyanza, DC-Siaya, OCPD-Siaya, DO-Yala and OCS-Yala.

19. DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next RSA Development Trust Meeting is to be held on Saturday 7th February 2004 in Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor, Rachier & Co. Advocates Offices at 10.30 a.m. All RSA-DT Members are requested to attend in time.