POLITICS: Ministers Reject Posts in Kibaki's Government

Has Kibaki neglected the needs of the people in Western Kenya as Orwa Ojode claims? Ojode neglected the post of Environmental Minister on the basis the there was not enough representation from Nyanza Province. Can this be tied to the fact that Nyanza Province was an 'Orange' (No) region?

Read more here

POLITICS: Kibaki Chooses New Cabinet

President Mwai Kabiki released the names of those he had appointed to his cabinet in an address to the nation on Wednesday, December 7th, 2005.

"...As I said in my statement to you following the results, the people made their decision, which would be honoured by my government.

I am aware that although most voters rejected the proposed draft, the desire for a new constitution is still strong among Kenyans.

My Government is committed to achieving this objective, and will facilitate dialogue and consultations to lay the foundation for a legal framework for a new constitution. I take this opportunity to wish all those appointed the best of luck in their new assignments.

And I wish to remind them that they have been entrusted with a heavy national responsibility, so they must always be guided by the desire to place the nation above self..."

To read the speech, click here

Some of the key posts can be found here

Earthquake felt in Kenya

A tremor (6.8 on the Richter Scale) in Tanzania is felt in several cities in Kenya including Kisumu..

HEALTH: HIV/AIDS Still Prevalent in Western Province

NACC noted in its 2000-2005 HIV/AIDS strategic plan, however, "Successful IEC interventions for behaviour change are complicated by the fact that matters of human sexuality are closely tied to traditional beliefs and cultural practices...

In no other place in Kenya, perhaps, is this demonstrated as strongly as in Nyanza province in western region...

The province - with an average HIV/AIDS infection rate of 14.7 percent - continues to face a crisis and offers a lesson in the role culture and tradition play in the transmission of the HIV virus...

In villages surrounding Kenya's Lake Victoria, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc, awareness levels remain relatively low, traditions that facilitate the transmission of HIV persist, and medical facilities are too far away for many of those desperate for help...

SPORT: Dennis Oliech Reaches Europe

With the four year signing of Dennis Oliech, French Ligue 1 side FC Nantes president Jean-Luc Gripond succeeded in achieving his number one target.

The club had attempted to sign Oliech during the summer transfer window but failed after Oliech’s Qatari Club Al Arabi failed to agree terms despite the player's interest in joining the French side.

POLITICS: President Kibaki Sacks Government

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki moved quickly to reassert his political authority by sacking his government after a humiliating defeat in a referendum on a new constitution.

In an unprecedented move, Kibaki said on Wednesday night he wanted to reorganise and unite his cabinet, which has hardly met in the last three months and has been too divided to pass much-needed reforms.

Analysts said the resounding rejection of the proposed constitution in Monday's historic poll was a vote of no confidence in Kibaki's government and he had no option but to show he still runs the country.

"He had to make sure that people know that he is in charge. People have said they are not satisfied with the pace of reforms because of the infighting in his cabinet," said Arun Devani, chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.

POLITICS: KENYA (and Sagam) SAYS 'NO'

Kenyans have decisively rejected a proposed constitution that was put to a referendum on Monday. A dejected President Mwai Kibaki said in a televised address Tuesday, "This is a giant step towards enhancing democracy. My government will respect the verdict of the people."

According to figures released by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), 3,548,477 people voted against the new constitution (57 percent of those who cast ballots), while 2,532, 918 came out in favour of it.

"This vote has clearly shown that many Kenyans have rejected the proposed constitution," Kibaki said....

PROGRESS REPORT: RABUOR - SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING-26TH OCTOBER 2005

In attendance
1. Ambrose Rachier - Chairman
2. Mr. Goeffrey Ochieng'
3. Mr. Samuel O. Siguru
4. Mr. Walter Odallo
5. Mrs. Regina Opundo
6. Mr. Charles Ooro
7. Mr. George A. Omollo
8. Mr. Ombaka Ogolla
9. Mr. Maurice A. Sogo
10. Mr. Odaga Masime
11. Mr. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao
12. Mr. Owit Ogos
13. Mr. Awiti Nyan'gao

Apologies: -
Eng. A. O. Rogo
Mr. John N. Otiende
Mr. Isaya Omondi Aruwa
Mrs. Margaret Radier
Mr. Edward Achola

The meeting started at 5.55 p.m.with a word of prayer from Mrs. Regina Opundo.
Thereafter the agenda for the day were adopted as follows: -
Perusal of Minutes of last meeting
Matters arising from those minutes
Report on Progress of various development Projects and any new development projects
Arrangement for the Education Harambee of 28th October 2005 at All Saints Cathedral Hall.
AOB
1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT
1.1 Funding
UNESCO
UNESCO experts were still studying the report compiled through UNESCO funding, and there are high hopes that once the report is accepted, UNESCO could consider further funding to the water project.

LAKE VICTORIA WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)
The Lake Victoria South Water Service Board senior staff attended the RSA Community Water Project Phase II launching ceremony on 19/10/05 at Sagam Primary School. The ceremony was to commence the second phase of the water project that is funded by the National Water Trust Fund (KNWTF). They will finance the second phase to the tune of Kshs.8.6 million that will enable putting up of more water kiosks, additional pumping unit at Jordan and improve general water services to the RSA. Those who attended the ceremony included Engineers & technical staff from the Ministry of Water Resources, RSA Community Water Project chairperson with her team, the DO Yala, the Chief, Assistant Chief Marenyo Sub location and also in attendance was RSA D.T. Secretary Eng. A. O. Rogo.

LAKE VICTORIA SOURTH WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)
RSA Community Water Project Committee should urgently follow-up from LVEMP as they had previously supported the project and they are still willing to do so. LVEMP offices and contacts are now based in Kisumu and RSA Water Committee should have no problem in directly following up this issue.

1.2 PROGRESS
The work on phase II of the project has already started and RSA Community Water Committee is directly supervising and co-ordinating this activities. The committee has set out priorities and should be able to work closely with the Ministry of Water staffs that are the technical advisers for the project.

2. ROADS
Roads in RSA are deteriorating very fat due to lack of routine maintenance. The RSA-DT members and RSA Residents are requested be more serious on the Road Levy Voluntary funds which are collected monthly. At the same time CDF and DRC are being perused to provide more funding for RSA Roads Network.
&n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; &n bsp; 3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA

The RSA-DT is actively following up the KPLC for the full completion of RSA (Phase II) Rural Electrification project and the implementation of Marenyo "Jirani" Electrification Scheme. The next meeting should be able to report effectively on this after further consultations with KPLC staffers.

3. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA
There has been no much activities in these sectors, the RSA-DT members with Agricultural & Veterinary background should rise to the occasion and give something back to their community. There is a possibility for UNDP support in the provision of milk cooling/processing facility at Sagam. However this can only happen if followed up with UNDP offices in Nairobi. RSA DT members were also challenged to look for other avenues towards funding for the milk plant, which should include sourcing for an investor who could be interested in putting up a plant and help do the marketing for the milk produced locally.

4. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)
Security has not improved and there are still cases of livestock & house burglaries. The RSA-DT Chairman Mr. Rachier is vigorously following up on the Gazettement of Sinaga Police base, Sagam A.P. Base and proposed Rabuor Patrol Base. He had done a write up to Lady Justice Angawa for possible discussions with the Police Commissioner. He would report on any progress in the next meeting.

5. EDUCATION OF BRIGHT CHILDREN IN RSA WITH PROBLEMS IN RAISING SCHOOL FEES
The above formed the main Agenda in the meeting in view of the harambee that was to be held on 28/10/05. RSA-DT members gave out contributions towards the harambee as below: -

No. Name Contributions
1. Ambrose Rachier 5000.00
2. Walter Odallo Ojwang' 3000.00
3. Samuel Otieno Siguru 3000.00
4. Ombaka Ogolla 3000.00
5. Geoffrey Ochieng' 3000.00
6 Henry Owit Ogos 3000.00 (cheque)
7. George Apiyo Omollo 2000.00
8. John Ngonga Otiende 2000.00
9. Regina Opundo 1000.00
10. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao 1000.00
Sub Total 26,000.00
Sei 1,500.00
Total 27,500.00

6. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
The meeting emphasized the need for more plots for community services. The one acquired at Sinaga was still a concern in that the transaction had not been completed though an official letter had been delivered to Ernest Were to give the position on what should be done for the transaction to be completed. The RSA-DT members felt that the land should be transferred as a matter of urgency to allow for any project allocation on it.

7. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND (MICRO FINANCE)
The meeting sent an appeal to members of RSA who had not opened an account at the community Fund to do so as it was one way of alleviating poverty in the area. The fund needs to be supported fully because it offers small loans to the residents which intern makes them meet their small peasant business financial needs. Any funding towards the Community Fund would be welcomed and members were encouraged to look for possible funding.

8. RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC (MINDHINE)
Following the delay in completion of the CDF funded block at the polytechnic site. The meeting discussed at length of the way forward for this institutions, it was finally decided that the RSA-DT Chairman Mr. Rachier should urgently organize for an harambee at the Polytechnic site to enable to raise funds to put up a separate block thus RSA-DT Block at the polytechnic. The RSA-DT Block when put up would allow for the opening of the institution by early 2006 as had earlier been projected by the RSA-DT. As for the CDF Block, the Polytechnic Committee will handle with the relevant CDF organ though the speed is very low. The Polytechnic Committee was also reminded to be forwarding their periodical reports to the umbrella RSA-DT meetings.

9. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA - CDG)
The group that produces "Community Times" newsletters, had produces the 3rd Edition of Community Times that sold like hot cakes. There is however outsiders who have expressed willingness to be put on the subscription list. Mr. Sanya from Nyawara residing in Nairobi is one of those interested. Mr. J. M. Okinda should therefore take the challenge and get Mr. Sanya to see how he can subscribe to the newsletter.

10. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA
It was reported that line are available to RSA residents though they are not following up on these lines from Telecom personnel at Kisumu. The RSA-DT secretary Eng. Rogo discussed with a senior Telkom staff in Kisumu who told him that line are available to RSA residents who are interested in fixing telephone lines. RSA-DT members who applied were advised to follow up with Kisumu Telkom offices.

11. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA - DT MEMBERS
All the RSA-DT members were encouraged to join the group scheme. The annual premium for the cover is Kshs.1550/-.

12. PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RSA COORDINATION OFFICE
This was a matter that has always appeared in the minutes but has never been given the seriousness it deserves. The meeting was informed by the Treasurer that Mr. Otieno Siguru who is the Assistant Secretary has been spending his own money in preparation and circulation of the minutes. It was therefore decided that the next meeting should discuss on how to foot the expenses for running RSA-DT affairs.

13. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA
The meeting encouraged the youth to take part in serious income generating programmes to uplift their living standards. They were equally asked to take advantage of the RSA Community Fund that could advance them money inform of loans to carry out farming and business activities.

14. END OF YEAR GET TOGETHER PARTY
There was need for the hosting of the get together party at the end of the year. The meeting asked for voluntary offers in hosting the party and Mr. Nyandera Abwao accepted to host the party at his home in Ahono Village. The meeting welcome contributions to the host towards the expenses for hosting to the party and the next meeting will take pledges towards footing the host expenses.

15. AOB
(i) Contributions towards RSA Community Harambee pledge was updated as below with a pledge from Dr. Khama Rogo of Kshs.3000/-.

1. Previous collections 3,100.00
2. 23/01/05 2,800.00
3. 21/05/05 4,500.00
4. 25/06/05 3,100.00
5. 23/07/05 1,900.00
6. 28/08/05 1,600.00
7. 30/10/05 1,000.00 (Cheque)
8. 30/10/05 200.00
Total 18,200.00

Pledges pending collection (Harambee)
1. Nelson Rogo 500.00
2. Elly Nyadwe 400.00
4. Regina Opundo 200.00
5. Charles Ooro 1000.00
6. J. M. Okinda 500.00
7. Charles J. Otieno 500.00
8. George Oluoch 500.00
9. Opiyo Obare 1000.00
10. Collins Masime 500.00
11. Florence Odera 1000.00
12. Lenny Ruvaga 1000.00
13. George A. Omollo 500.00
14. Dr.Khama Rogo 3000.00
Total pledges 10,600.00

The meeting emphasized the need for urgent payment by those who pledged contributions to assist work at the polytechnic that which is now stalled.
i) KTN cover on development projects that was already aired on news was a positive exposure for RSA Development. The chairman Mr. Rachier made arrangements for full record of the coverage on diskettes, DVD and VHS which is estimated to cost about Kshs.26, 000/-. The Chairman had already paid Kshs.6000/-, leaving a balance of Kshs.20, 000/-. The copies of the diskettes, DVD and VHS will be sold to RSA-DT members at a reasonable price when they are out.

ii) Mr. Charles Ooro offered free services of photocopying the RSA-DT minutes on monthly basis to reduce the cost of running the office.

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next RSA meeting will be Saturday 26th November 2005 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.

Photo: RSADT committee members receiving donation of a computer for the village Microfinance Bank from Future Kids, a local NGO.

POLITICS: Too Close To Home

An eight-year-old schoolboy was among three people killed as riots broke out when the Banana campaign went to Kisumu town...

We would like to express our condolences for the victims of the riots in Kisumu City on October 29th, 2005. Our prayers go out to their families.

In the period that is leading to the referendum vote on Kenya's constitution, we must exercise caution and realize that nothing is attained through violence. A message is never sent through such actions but lives are always lost.

Click here to read more on the developments stemming from the killings in Kisumu City.

DEVELOPMENT: Kenya Reveals Poorest Regions

A report entitled 'Geographic Dimensions of Well-Being in Kenya: Who and Where Are The Poor' was released by the Kenyan Government this week. The report was conducted in conjunction with the World Bank.

The report maps poverty and inequality at the constituency level and gives poverty estimates for each administrative district, division, location and sub-location.
Nationally, 14.4 million Kenyans are now officially described as poor. Of them, 3.2 million live in Rift Valley; Nyanza has 2.7 million; Eastern 2.6 million; Western 2 million; Coast 1.4 million; Central 1.1 million; Nairobi 874,058; and North Eastern 507,305....

Click here to see the section of the report on Nyanza Province (PDF file).

EDUCATION: Kenya Sees Improvement

Kenya has seen an improvement in primary school level education with increased numbers of students and a decrease of drop out rates.
Are these changes also reflected in schools in the Sagam region?

POLITICS: SAGAM SAYS 'NO'

Attempts by Information Minister Raphael Tuju to campaign for a Yes vote in Nyanza were disrupted for the fourth day when he ran into a hostile crowd near Kisumu.....

While the noted article depicts the events in Rabuor, Nyondo, there was also word of similar events that occured in Sagam Village on October 26th. Minister Tuju arrived at Sagam Primary School on Wednesday via helicopter and was met with hostility by the residents of Sagam. Just like their counterparts in Rabuor, the people of Sagam and the neighbouring region support the Orange camp ('No' vote)in regards to the Constitutional referendum. An opinion poll released last week put the 'No' camp 10 percentage points ahead of the 'Yes' camp in the run-up to the November 21 vote.

EDUCATION: KCSE Secondary Exams Begin

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (KCSE) level examinations have begun. These examinations will mark the end of the current KCSE syllabus. We wish the students at Sagam Mixed Secondary and Sinaga Girls High School all the best in their examinations...

Photo: Students at Sinaga Girls High School

DEVELOPMENT: GSK to Boost HIV/Aids Healthcare

Multinational drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a multimillion-dollar programme to improve HIV/AIDS treatment at 60 facilities in Kenya...

Photo: Sagam Hospital offers VCT services

Training HIV/AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa

Interesting article on an effort to improve the lives of HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia...

SAGAM PICTORIAL

Photos:

From the top: Members of the Yaw Pachi Women's group during a walk through the village; A typical homestead in the village; Sinaga Girls High School students during a performance; Customers wait at the local bank; Man hauls produce on his bicycle (a major means of transportation of goods in the village) after a hard day's work; A young man digging a trench as part of his contribution to the water project; Collection of water; District Commissioner and chiefs addressing a meeting in the village; Rotarians visit Sagam Hospital; One of the many streams flowing through the village; Sagam Mixed Secondary School students relaxing during a break.

"Women break new ground in rural media"

"Women break new ground in rural media"

Any potential application to Sagam?

North Carolina and Kenya

North Carolina and Kenya

I do not know this person, but it seemed to be worth adding here. He seems to have done some very good things and I will try to reach him.

"Success in Haiti - one program at a time"

"Success in Haiti - one program at a time"

This article from the Christian Science Monitor, dealing with a successful program in Haiti, may be of interest to the Sagam community.

Investment Policy Review

Investment Policy Review

This is an advance copy of the UNCTAD - United Nations Conference on Trade and Development - report on Kenya.

When I see something like this 126 page report, I wonder how all of us can do a better job of relating it to Sagam. Surely, there must be a way to make this more relevant and meaningful? And, most important, a way for the Sagam community, constructively, to voice its various opinions.

There is no easy way to solve this problem, but the technology is at least making it easier to get to material like this and to share it with others. Now we need to learn better how to offer our views to people who are willing to listen. That is a challenge every community in the world now faces, and few are better positioned than is Sagam to show the world how to make it happen!