Thursday, June 01, 2006

Wangari Maathai awarded

On Monday, 3rd April 2006, Hon. Prof. Wangari Maathai was awarded the French Légion d'Honneur in Paris.

The ceremony was organised and conducted in her honour by the French Minister of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Mme. Nelly Olin, at the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development in Paris 7.

The ceremony was attended by HE Hubert Fournier, the French Ambassador to Kenya, HE Raychelle Awuor Omamo, the Kenyan Ambassador to France, French officials and a number of Kenyans living in France.

Eva Rogo Lévénez was present and provided us with photos of the ceremony.

RABUOR – SINAGA AREA (RSA) DEVELOPMENT TRUST (RSA-DT) MEETING HELD 22ND APRIL 2005 REINSURANCE PLAZA – NAIROBI

In attendance
1. Walter Odallo- Acting Chairman
2. Evans O. Siguru – Acting Secretary
3. Samuel O. Siguru – Partly attended
4. Regina Opundo
5. Margaret Ooko
6. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao
7. Ezekiel Odhiambo Ohando
8. Godfrey Omolle

Apologies: -

1. Ambrose Rachier
2. Margaret Radier
3. Christine Okwirry
4. Eng. Apollo Rogo
5. Ouma Ojenge
6. Nelson Rogo
7. Charles Ooro
8. George Apiyo Omolo
9. Geoffrey Ochieng’
10. Odaga Masime

The meeting started at 11.15 p.m. with a word of prayer from the 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
• General Membership Development Agenda projects
• RSA Welfare Club
• AOB

1. RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA) COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

1.1 Funding

UNESCO

A comprehensive report had been compiled and the report magazines already circulating, the secretary, is working on the concern raised about more copies being availed to the members on with the magazine in circulation, possibilities of more funding is expected in various development projects within RSA. Eng. Rogo would report in the next meeting about acquisition of more copies to the RSA members.

LAKE VICTORIA WATER SERVICES BOARD (LVSWSB)

The above organization funded the RSA Water Project Phase II. The 1st tranche of the funding had already been exhausted and 2nd tranche was still awaited from the same. The Water Committee is fully in charge of handling the funds and they are accountable to all that is going on in the ground

LAKE VICTORIA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (LVEMP)

The RSA Water Project Committee together with the RSA Local Secretariat were still reminded in the meeting to peruse and possibility of funding from the above. There are possibilities that with a through follow-up on the funding a result could be achieved on the same.

1.2 PROGRESS

The concerns noted in the distribution and the local RSA office and the Water committee would address the routing of water. The 2nd tranche that is still awaited should be able to address issues with vandalism that has resulted in disruption of supply to Sinaga areas. Those affected in Sinaga were also reminded to communicate to the Water Committee on their problems.

2. ROADS

The secretary Eng. Rogo reported having discussed with the Local MP and the MP had raised the issue with Rabuor-Kagutu-Yala Road that had been used as a diversion. Funds had already been allocated to DRC for the repairs of this road and as soon as the rain stops, the DRC would initiate the repairs to this road that has been a concern to RSA.

The meeting raised Kshs.100/- from Goddfrey Omolle towards the Road Levy Fund.
3. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY FOR RSA

As had earlier been reported, the slow progress of this project continues to raise questions. The KPLC had not started the final phase of Phase II and residents are very concerned. The trust has continued perusing the KPLC for the immediate completion of the work being that the materials have been lying on site.

Members whom were not to benefit from the second phase were encouraged to apply commercially being that the installation has phased to be cheaper and easier.

4. TREE PLANTING IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA

Tree planting being a very important practice that has never been taken seriously, members were reminded to take the matter seriously and lead by example. An earlier suggestion of a tree-planting day should also be speeded up such that institutions and the areas along the road can be planted with trees to improve the environment. The chairman and Secretary to organize for the tree-planting day in RSA when the rains are sill on.

5. SECURITY IN RABUOR SINAGA AREA (RSA)

Security is still a matter of great concern to RSA. The Chairman Mr. Rachier was reminded to keep Mary Angawa on toes as regards the Gazettement of the Police Patrol Bases in the area. He was also requested to follow up on any other possible avenue as this may improve the security situation when the Gazettement is done.

6. EDUCATION OF BRIGHT CHILDREN IN RSA WITH PROBLEMS IN RAISING SCHOOL FEES

The treasurer Mr. Geoffrey Ochieng’ had earlier reported having released a Cheques totaling Kshs.68, 000/- to those who applied for fees. The meeting still emphasized that all those who did not meet the education harambee target of Kshs.3000/- should top up their balances as show below: -

No. Name Contribution Balance
1. Ambrose Rachier 5000/- Nil
2. Walter Odallo 3000/- Nil
3. Samuel O. Siguru 3000/- Nil
4. Ombaka Ogola 3000/- Nil
5. Geoffrey Ochieng’ 3000/ Nil
6. Ochieng’ Owiro 4000/- Nil
7. John Ngonge Otiende 2000/- 1000/-
8. Regina Opundo 1000/- 2000/-
9. Godfrey Nyandera Abwao 1000/- 2000/-
10. Charles Ooro 1000/- 2000/-
11. Nelson Rogo Nil 3000/-
12. George Oluoch Nil 3000/-
13. Bon Ouko Nil 3000/-
14. Margaret Radier 1000/- 2000/-
15. Christine Okwirry 1000/- 2000/-
16. Godfrey Omole Nil 3000/-
17. Owit Ogos 2000/- 1000/-
18. George Apiyo Omollo 2000/- 1000/-

The earlier suggestion about the NCCK funding of the Education should also be perused in the sense that a few students can be assisted through that.

Regina Opundo thanked the entire RSA Committee for having considered her daughter ‘s application for sponsorship and she encouraged the spirit such that more students can be assisted pay school fees.

7. ACQUISITION OF PLOT FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

The need for acquiring more plots for community Services was raising as days moved on. The meeting reminded those with ideas of plots that could be purchased, donated or be leased for community services to come up clear on them and pass over the information to the trust. The Chairman and Secretary should report in the next meeting about the plot acquired in Sinaga.

8. RABUOR SINAGA AREA COMMUNITY FUND
(MICRO FINANCE)

The fund is reported to be doing well and offering good services to the peasants within RSA. The meeting encouraged those who have not opened A/C with the community Fund to do that as a gesture of support to the fund.

The fund board has however requested that the micro-finance bill be interpreted to them such that they can be able to understand its effect on the operation of the Community Fund. They requested the Chairman Mr. Rachier to take the imitative and advice the Board accordingly on the effect on the bill to the community fund.

The community fund as a link A/c at KCB as below: -

RSA Community Fund
A/C No. 132 129 358
KCB – Kisumu West (Luanda Branch)
P O Box 719 LUANDA
TEL: 057 351504

9. RSA COMMUNITY POLYTECHNIC (MINDHINE)

The RSA Community Polytechnic has been under construction courtesy of CDF. The position has not been very clear when the CDF funded block would be ready but the work has been going on. The RSA Development Trust Secretary was at the site of the polytechnic on 7th April 2006 when the Local MP visited, though he was not in the meeting to give a briefing on the same. He will be able to report in the next meeting on the progress so far. The meeting also felt that with a representation in the committee, the RSA DT would be able to be getting briefings in every meeting that the Development trust holds in Nairobi.
The RSA

10. RSA CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP (RSA – CDG)

The meeting raised concerns with the Editorials that are produced with the above group. It came out clearly that the Community Trust has not circulated to the members, as had been the case earlier. The group was reminded to circulate copies to the Trust for information on the ground.

11. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES IN RSA

Fixed line telephone facility was available to all RSA Residents who have the interest in the installation. The Kisumu Telkom offices have been very supportive on this and those interested were asked to liaise with the Kisumu Office. The follow-up to the poor Safaricom receptions in RSA area is still on and the secretary Eng. Rogo and Mr. Ouma Ojenge would be in the position to report any development so far in the next meeting.

12. INSURANCE POLICY COVER FOR RSA – DT MEMBERS

All those who had not paid the renewal premium for the RSA group cover were asked to get in touch with Nelson Rogo who is the agent for the group cover. The renewal sum is Kshs.1550 and a few members have already paid for the cover renewal.

13. PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF RSA COORDINATION OFFICE

The proposal to establish a co-coordinating office has not been realized due to limitation of resources. The members have been urged to volunteer towards running the secretariat before a proper structure is put in place.

Those in the meeting contributed as below:

Godfrey Nyandera Abwao 50.00
Walter Odallo 50.00
George Apiyo Omollo 50.00
Margaret Ooko 100.00
Regina Opundo 50.00
Ezekiel Ohando 30.00
Total 330.00


14. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN RSA

The concern raised by the Trust that youth have not been active in the development Agenda has raised eyebrows amongst the youth. They are in touch and are willing to take serious farming activities, in the area with the advantage of the millennium project that has covered RSA areas. The youth are in the process of establishing a working structure that would bring them together to enable them take-leading roles in the development Agenda for the area.

The meeting still encouraged the need for collective responsibility among the youth to enhance faster growth in the area.

15. RSA WELFARE CLUB

No Name Membership paid Share paid
1. Eng. Rogo 100.00 1500.00
2. Regina Opundo 100.00 1000.00
3. John Otiende 100.00 500.00
4. Charles Ooro 100.00 1000.00
5. Geoffrey Ochieng’ 1000.00
6. Samuel O. Siguru 1000.00
7. Margaret Radier 100.00 1500.00
8. Ambrose Rachier 100.00 1000.00
9. Godfrey Abwao 500.00
10. Nelson Rogo 1000.00
11 Paul Gol 100.00 500.00
12. George Apiyo Omol 500.00
13. Ouma Ojenge 500.00
14. Godfrey Omolle 100.00 1000.00
15. Maritha Nyandera 100.00
16. Jane Nyandera 100.00
1000.00 12,500.00
Membership 1,000.00
13,500.00


The meeting was informed that Regina Opundo bought Kshs.1000/- Kengen Shares on behalf of the club and Samuel Siguru as had earlier been arranged.

In the meeting the RSA Welfare club got 2 new members.

1. Maritha Nyandera 100.00
2. Jane Nyandera 100.00
3. Godfrey Omolle 100.00
Total 300.00

The following members also contributed towards the RSA Welfare Club Shares.

1. Eng. Apollo Rogo 500/-
2. Godfrey Omolle 1000/-

The Welfare Club encouraged monthly contributions for faster mobilization of resources to allow the Club invests in more shares at Nairobi Stock Exchange.

The officials of the Welfare Club are: -

1. Chairman – Walter Odallo
2. Secretary – Ouma Ojenge
3. Treasurer – Regina Opundo

AOB

(i) Sale of DVD & VHS

All those who had not paid for the DVD or the VHS were reminded to bridge up the deficit by paying up. So far more members have shown willingness to buy and the secretary bought 2 No VHS for the area MP and the Polytechnic Committee.

1. Zephania Owiro 800 Pd Siguru
2. Margaret Radier 800 Pd Siguru
3. William Asiko 1300 Pd Eng. Rogo
4. Mary Asiko 1300 Pd Eng. Rogo
5. Ouma Ojenge 1300
6. Jully Merab 1300
7. David Oduor Oluoch 1300
8. UNESCO 1300
9. Water (LVWSB) 1300
10. Regina Opundo 800
11. Geoffrey Ochieng 800
12. George Apiyo Omollo 1300
9. Geoffrey Nyandera Abwao 1300
10. Ezekiel O. Ohando 800
11. John Otiende 1300
12. Odage Masime 800
13. Godfrey Omolle 1300
14. Margaret Radier 1300
15. Walter Odallo 1300
16. Ambrose Rachier 1300
17. Eng. Okello Rogo 1300


(ii) RSA Welfare Club

Members are still encouraged to buy shares with the club to open up individual members growth in investments.

(iii) Mrs. Margaret Ooko invited RSA members to her husband’s 2nd death anniversary to be held on 29/4/06 at her home in Mutumbu.
(iv) Regina Opundo thanked the Education Committee for having been allocated funds for her daughter’s fees.
(v) Margaret Ooko wanted to know about malaria seedlings that are being provided for plantation within RSA region and the information can be availed in the next meeting.

There being no other business the meeting ended at 11.45 a.m. by a word of prayers from Mrs. Ooko

16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next RSA meeting will be Saturday 27th May 2006 starting at 10.00 a.m. Venue, Reinsurance Plaza 7th Floor (Rachier & Amollo Advocates Offices) Nairobi.